Class Book: ;^ HISTORY ^ OF HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, TOGETHER WITH AN OUTLINE HISTORY OF THE STATE, DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. SUustratetr, By TH. GREGG CHICAGO: CHAS. C. CHAPMAN & CO. 1880. I- 5^1 7// y t re{ BLAKELT, BROWN & MARSH, PRINTERS, ISS * '57 DEARBORN ST., CHICAGO. BOUND BY DONOHUE & HENNEBERRY, 105 & IC9 MADISON STREET., CHICAGO. EDITOE'S PEEFACE. John Buntan, in his " Apology" for writing a Book, says : For having now my method by the end, Still as I pull'd it came; and so I penn'd It down, until at last it came to be, For length and breadth, the bigness which you see. And then, when it was written, and on submitting the question of its publication to friends : , Some said, John, print it; others said, Not so. Some said, it might do good ; others said. No. And after hearing their counsel : At last I thought, since you are thus divided, I print it will, and so the case decided. The undersigned has about the same apology for writing this book, which he styles a History of Hancock County. There is this difference, however, that instead of " having his method by the end," he found it to have neither end nor middle; and that though the work " came to the bigness that you see," he could have found enough material to have made a book of twice its size. From the beginning it has been a work from which he has expected more pleasure than profit; and if he has succeeded in making it credita- ble as a contribution to the great volume of Illinois history, he is amply satisfied. And now at the close, no one can see and regret its imperfections more than himself. He can see errors of omission and commis- sion, and realize that many important things have been left unnoticed, while less important ones have found place. Yet he urges that, to a certain extent, this is unavoidable in a work compiled from so man}"- diverse materials. If one cannot describe with exactness what has happened under his own observation, he cannot be ex- pected to state with absolute certainty events which transpired through a period of half a century, facts obtained through a thou- sand sources. He leaves the work in the hands of an appreciating EDITOK S PREFACE. and generous public, — not hoping by the mention of these things, to avert or disarm criticism. It would be wrong to close without acknowledging his indebted- ness to his publishers, whose timely and efficient aid has contributed 80 greatly to its value and success. He has also been placed under obligations by numerous friends all over the county, who have cheered him and aided him in various ways. He has been espe- cially aided by the gentlemen of the Hancock press — all of them, — and by the kind and courteous county officials and assistants; and he hereby extends to them and to all others his grateful thanks. Th. Gre&g. CONTENTS. HISTORY OF IL.L.IKOIS. MOUND-BUILDERS 17 INDIANS 21 Illinois Confe leracy. .. 2:^ Starved Bock 23 Sacs aud Foxes 24 Miluners and Customs. 37 Single-handed Combat with Indians 29 BARLY DISCOVERIES.. 31 Nicholas Perrot 31 Joliet and Marquette... 31 LaSalle'e Explorations 33 Great Battle oi tho Illi- nois 34 Tonti Safe at Green Bay 41 LaSalle'sAssassination 43 FRENCH OCCUPATION. 44 First Settlements 44 The Mississi pi Com- pany 45 ENGLISH RULE 47 Gen. Clarke's Exploits 51 ILLINOIS 55 County (if Illinois 55 NORTHWESTERN TER- RITORY 55 Ordinance of 1787 56 St. Clair Governor of N. W. Territory 59 CHAPTER I. PHYSICAL FEATURES, ETC 191 Geology 192 Building Stone 199 Potters' Clay 200 Coal 200 Hancock Mounds 200 Natural Productions 202 CHAPTER II, PIONEERS AND PIO- NEER LIFE 204 CHAPTER III. THE ADVANCE GUARD 210 CHAPTER IV. THE FIRST OFFICIALS 215 First Grand Jurors 219 First Petit Jurors 223 CHAPTER V. ORGANIZATION AND FIRST PROCEED- INGS 229 Court Seals 234 Delinquent Tax List. . . 235 County-Seat (Question. 2.35 A Relic of Slavery 238 The Circuit Court 2.39 The Probate Court 241 CHAPTER VI. THE MORMON PERIOD 242 Introductory Remarks. 242 Origin of Mormonism.. 247 TheTestimonyol Three Witnesses 249 An Inquiry: The Book of Mormon 250 What the Neighbors Say 254 Mrs. (Spanlding) Davi- son's Story 259 Extracts and Opinions 265 The Gold Plates 270 59 ILLINOIS TERRITORY. WAR OF 1812— THE OUT- BREAK 59 Massacre of Fort Dear- born 60 Expeditions up the Mis- sissippi 71 ILLINOIS AS A STATE.. 74 Organization 74 Derivation of the name "Illinois" 77 State Bank 78 LaFayette's Visit 79 Grammar and Cook Contrasted '82 INDIAN TROUBLES.... 83 Winnebago War 83 BLACK HAWK WAR. ... 84 Stillman"8 Run 87 Battle of Bad Ax 90 Black Hawk Captured. 91 Biographical Sketch of _ Black Hawk 92 FROM 18:34 TO 1842 95 Internal Improvements 95 Illinoi- and Michigan Canal 97 Martvr for Liberty .... 98 PRAIRllE PIRATES 102 HISTORY OF HAISCOCH COUNTY Dr. John C. Bennett,.. 273 'Ihe Call to Zion 276 Theft Denounced 278 Quarrels among the Chiefs 28:i Further Requisitions. . 288 Further Attempts at Prosecution 290 Excitement atNauvoo 295 The "Expositor" Ex- posed 296 "Nauvoo Neighbor" . 303 Smith's Proclamation. 318 The Atonement 319 How it was done — The Killing of the Smiths 324 Before Indictment and Trial 326 Trials and Acquittals. . 328 Struggle for the Succes- sion 331 Strang's Four Wit- nesses 332 More Violence and Bloodshed 336 Murder of Col. Daven- port 338 The Beginning of the End 342 The Exodus Begun 344 War Impending 347 The Battle and Result. 349 Nauvoo Charter and Ordinances 354 The Kinderhook Plates 360 "Sons of Dan." 361 Beasts in the Land of Promise 361 William W. Phelps 361 The Titles of the Twelve ;362 The Prophet as a Lin- guist 362 John D. Lee 364 The " Revelations."... :i64 Polygamy 365 Temperance Clause 366 A TolerationOrdinauce 366 The Mansion House. .. 367 Egyptian Hieroglyph Ics The Temple The Nauvoo House MORMON WAR 104 MEXICAN WAR 118 Battle of Buena Vista. 119 THE WAR FOR THE UNION 125 States Seceding 126 The Fall of Sumter. .. 127 Call for Troops Prompt- ly Answered 128 The War Ended— The Union Restored 137 Schedule of Regiments 138 DUELS 141 DRESS AND MANNERS, 149 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF ILLINOIS 1154 AGRICULTURE 155 GOVERNORS OF ILLI- NOIS 15T Lieutenant Governors. 160 State Officials 161 U. S. Senators 162 Representatives in Con- 165 gress 165 CHICAGO 170 The Great Fire 172 Commerce of Chicago. 173 STATES OF THE UNION IH 367 368 James C. Brewster 368 A Story from Sten- house 371 Col. Thomas Geddes' Statement 372 Mrs. Eliza R. Wells.... 372 The Carthage Greys. . . 372 Parley P. Pratt as a Prophet 373 The Baptismal Font. . . 373 Incidents of the Burn- ing 374 Mormon Methods 374 Gov. Ford's Inaccura- cies 375 The Prophet a Land Speculator 375 The Re -organized Church 376 Conclusion 377 CHAPTER VII. FORTS JOHNSON AND EDWARDS 379 CHAPTER VIII. BIOGRAPHICAL — Black Hawk 382 Hancock PERS CHAPTER IX. N E W S P A- 386 CHAPTER X, WEATHER PHENOM- ENA 399 Deep Snow 399 Storm of 1836 400 Tornado, June, 1838... 400 High Waters 401 The Basco Tornado. . . . 401 July 4, 1873 408 Winter of 1836-'7 409 CHAPTER XI. THE JUDICIARY 410 CHAPTER XII. THE HANCOCK BAR.... 413 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXII. OLD LANDMARKS 473 CHAPTER XXIII. HANCOCK IN THE RE- BELLION 476 Ruth; A Poem of the Rebellion 493 CHAPTER XXIV. MISCELLANEOUS 500 La Moine River 500 Amzi Doolittle 500 Some Pontoosuc Pio- neers 500 Spelling Schools 501 The Lost Child 502 Jumping Claims 504 Pioneer Life 504 The Windmill 505 The First Two - Story Frame ,506 The First Murder 506 Sons of Temperance. . . 507 Mormon Trail 507 The Deserters ,507 LU8US NATURAE 508 Gangrene and Quinine 508 A Miscalculation.. .. 508 Spillmau's Fort 509 CENSUS OF 1880 1 IliliUSTRATIONS. C, R.-I. & P. R. R. Depot. 99 Eye and Ear Infirmary 111 Deaf and Dumb Institute.. 115 Scene on Fox River 121 Lincoln Monument 137 Asylum for Feeble Minded 143 Southern Normal Univer- sity 151 Central Insane Hospital... 167 l»ORTKAlTS. Hoffman, E.S 477 Hurdle, John N 893 Ilowd, Joel 8.33 James, A.J... 459 Johnson, James T 657 Manier, W. H 703 Manifold, J. E 423 Maynard, L. C 315 McGaw, S. P 567 McGiuiiis, D 621 Mead, S B 513 Mendenhall, B 935 J'attersor, \Vm A 693 Peyton, John 753 Pitt, John 823 Place, Jas. P 843 CHAPTER XIII. ANECDOTAL 430 CHAPTER XIV. U. G. R. R 430 CHAPTER XV. KELIGIOUS PROGRESS 433 CHAPTER XVI. EDUCATIONAL 435 CHAPTER XVII. THE POOR 444 CHAPTER XVIII. ELECTION RETURNS.. 447 CHAPTER XIX. PIONEERS' ASSOCIA- TION 463 CHAPTER XX. MISCELLANEOUS STA- TISTICS 468 CHAPTER X^I. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZA- TION 471 First Court House — Fron- tispiece Map of Hancock County.. 14-15 Starved Rock 25 An Iroquois Chief 37 Old Fort Dearborn 61 Old Kinzie House 65 Pontiac 69 Black Hawk 85 Brant, Hezekiah 873 -Bride, Samuel 333 Browning, G. M 603 Brumback, T. B 297 Carey, M. 8 733 Corey, V. B 549 Clark, Gen. George R 49 Duffy, A 675 Duvall, B.F 853 Bwell.J. S 863 Ferris, S. G 207 Gill, Charles F 883 Gillham, John 405 Gittings, James 369 Hamilton, A 713 Hammond, A. C 639 Harter, Joseph 531 DIGEST OF STATE L.AW Trust Deeds 1008 Liens 1008 Bill of Sale 1010 Days of Grace 1011 Limitation of Action 1011 Receipts 1012 Exemptions from Forced Sales 1012 Laws 989 Jurisdiction of Courts.. .. 989 County Courts 990 Commissioner of High- ways 990 Fences : 992 Drainage 994 Trespass of Stock 994 Estrays 995 Horses 996 Marks and Brands 997 Articles of Agreement. . . 997 Notes 998 Judgment Note 999 Interest 999 Wills 1001 Descent 1005 Deeds 1006 Mortagages & Trust Deeds 1007 Landlords and Tenants. .. 1013 Criminal Law 1016 Taxes 1018 Subscription 1019 Contract for Personal Ser- vices 1020 Newspaper Libel 1021 Tender 1021 Drunkenness 1023 Marriage Contract 1024 School Months 1026 CHAPTER XXV. TOWNSHIP HISTORIES: Appanoose 949 Augusta 510 BearCreek 608 Carthage 687- Chili 530 Dallas 929,937 Durham 918,975 Fountain Green 819, 973 Hancock 673 Harmony 593 Lallarpe 892 Montebello 790 Nauvoo 955 Pilot Grove 841 Pontoosuc 929,931 Prairie. 771 Rock Creek '861 Rocky Run 573 Sonora 881 St. Alban's 548 St. Mary's 578,974 Walker 565,970- Warsaw 637,653 Wilcox 637,643 Wythe 635 CHAPTER XXVI. THE CRIMINAL REC- ORD 977 CHAPTER XXVII. HANCOCK RAILWAYS 98B Industrial University.. 167 The Crib 176 Court- House 190 Mormon Temple 261 Old Jail 279 Kinderhook Plates 360 Carthage College 437 Mississippi Bridge 983 .Quinby, Jesse B 743 Randolph, James M 723 Khca, James 818 Sharp, Thomas C 387 Smith, Joseph 343 Stark, James 225 St. Clair, Gen. Arthur. ... 101 Tressler, D. L 441 Turuey, S. T 763 Walker, George 351 Walker, H. IVL 783 Walton, Fred 793 Walton, Wesley 585 Weakley, Peter E 495 Wilcox, L. L 803 Williams, W.C 773 S. Infants 1036 Adoption of Children 1027 Church Organization 1027 (iame 1028 Millers 1030 Paupers 1030 Public and Private Con- veyances 1032 Wagers and Stakeholders. 1083 Sunday ... 1034 Definition of Commercial Terms 1034 Legal Weights and Meas- ures 1034 Bees 1037 Dogs 1037 Cruelty to Animals 1038 Names 1038 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. FORMER OCCUPANTS. MOUND-BUILDERS. The numerous and well-authenticated accounts of antiquities found in various parts of our country, clearly demonstrate that a people civilized, and even highly cultivated, occupied the broad surface of our continent before its possession by the present In- dians; but the date of their rule of the Western World is so re- mote that all traces of their history, their progress and decay, lie buried in deepest obscurity. Nature, at the time the first Euro- peans came, had asserted her original dominion over the earth ; the forests were all in their full luxuriance, the growth of many cen- turies; and naught existed to point out who and what they w^ere who formerly lived, and loved, and labored, and died, on the conti- nent of America. This pre-historic race is known as the Mound- Builders, from the numerous large mounds of earth-works left by them. The remains of the works of this people form the most in- teresting class of antiquities discovered in the United States. Their character can be but partially gleaned from the internal evidences and the peculiarities of the only remains left, — the mounds. They consist of remains of what were apparently villages, altars, temples, idols, cemeteries, monuments, camps, fortifications, pleasure grounds, etc., etc. Their habitations must have been tents, struc- tures of wood, or other perishable material; otherwise their remains would be numerous. If the Mound-Builders were not the ancestors of the Indians, who were they'^ The oblivion which has closed over them is so complete that only conjecture can be given in answer to the question. Those who do not believe in the common parentage of mankind contend that they were an indigenous race of the West- ern hemisphere; others, with more plausibility, think they came from the East, and imagine they can see coincidences in the religion of the Hindoos and Southern Tartars and the supposed theology of 18 HISTOKT OF ILLINOIS. the Mound-Builders. They were, no doubt, idolators, and it has been conjectured that the sun was the object of their adoration. The mounds were generally built in a situation affording a view of the risino-sun: when enclosed in walls their gateways were toward the east ; the caves in which their dead were occasionally buried always opened in the same direction; whenever a mound was partially en- closed by a semi-circular pavement, it was on the east side ; when bodies were buried in graves, as was frequently the case, they were laid in a direction east and west; and, finally, medals have been found representing the sun and his rays of light. At what period they came to this country, is likewise a matter of speculation. From the comparatively rude state of the arts among them, it has been inferred that the time was very remote. Their axes were of stone. Their raiment, judging from fragments which have been discovered, consisted of the bark of trees, interwoven with feathers; and their military works were such as a people would erect who had just passed to the pastoral state of society from that dependent alone upon hunting and fishing. The mounds and other ancient earth-works constructed by this people are far more abundant than generally supposed, from the fact that while some are quite large, the greater part of them are small and inconspicuous. Along nearly all our water courses that are large enough to be navigated with a canoe, the mounds are almost invariably found, covering the base points and headlands of the bluffs which border the narrower valleys ; so that when one finds him- self in such positions as to command the grandest views for river scenery, he may almost always discover that he is .standing upon, or in close proximity to, some one or more of these traces of the labors of an ancient people. GALENA MOUNDS. On the top of the high bluffs that skirt the west bank of the Mis- sissippi, about two and a half miles from Galena, are a number of these silent monuments of a pre-historic age. The spot is one of surpassing beauty. From that point may be obtained a view of a portion of three States, — Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. A hundred feet below, at the foot of the perpendicular cliffs, the trains of the Illinois Central Railroad thunder around the curve, the portage is in full view, and the " Father of Waters," with its numerous bayous HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 19 and islands, sketches a grand pamorama for miles above and below. Here, probably thousands of years ago, a race of men now extinct, and unknown even in the traditions of the Indians who inhabited that section for centuries before the discovery of America by Colum- bus, built these strangely wonderful and enigmatical mounds. At this point these mounds are circular and conical in form. The larg- est one is at least forty feet in diameter at the base, and not less than fifteen feet high, even yet, after it has been beaten by the storms of many centuries. On its top stands the large stump of an oak tree that was cut down about fifty years ago, and its annual rings indicate a growth of at least 200 years. One of the most singular earth- works in the State was found on the top of a ridge near the east bank of the Sinsinawa creek in the lead region. It resembled some huge animal, the head, ears, nose, legs and tail, and general outline of which being as perfect as if made by men versed in modern art. The ridge on which it was situated stands on the prairie, 300 yards wide, 100 feet in height, and rounded on the top by a deep deposit of clay. Centrally, along the line of its summit, and thrown up in the form of an embankment three feet high, extended the outline of a quadruped measuring 250 feet from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail, and having a width of IS feet at the center of the body. The head was 35 feet in length, the ears 10 feet, legs 60 and tail 75. The curvature in both the fore and hind legs was natural to an animal lying on its side. The general outline of the figure most nearly resembled the extinct animal known to geologists as the Megathe- rium. The question naturally arises. By whom and for what pur- pose was this earth figure raised? Some have conjectured that numbers of this now extinct animal lived and roamed over the prai- ries of Illinois when the Mound-Builders first made their appearance on the upper part of the Mississippi Yalley, and that their wonder and admiration, excited by the colossal dimensions of these huge creatures, found some expression in the erection of this figure. The bones of some similar gigantic animals were exhumed on this stream about three miles from the same place, LARGE CITIES. Mr. Breckenridge, who examined the antiquities of the Western country in 1817, speaking of the mounds in the American Bottom, says: "The great number and extremely large size of some of 20 IIISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. them may be regarded as furnishing, with other circumstances, evidences of their antiquity. I have sometimes been induced to think that at the period when they were constructed there was a population liere as numerous as that which once animated the borders of the Nile or Euphrates, or of Mexico. The most num- erous, as well as considerable, of these remains are found in pre- cisely those parts of the country where the traces of a numerous population might be looked for, namely, from the mouth of the Ohio on the east side of the Mississippi, to the Illinois river, and on the west from the St. Francis to the Missouri. I am perfectly satisfied that cities similar to those of ancient Mexico, of several hundred thousand souls, have existed in this country." It must be admitted that whatever the uses of these mounds — whether as dwellings or burial places — these silent monuments were built, and the race who built them vanished from the face of the earth, ages before the Indians occupied the land, but their date must probably forever baffle human skill and ingenuity. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish the places of sepulture raised by the Mound-Builders from the more modern graves of the Indians. The tombs of the former were in general larger than those of the latter, and were used as receptacles for a greater number of bodies, and contained relics of art, evincing a higher degree of civ- ilization than that attained by the Indians. The ancient earth- works of the Mound-Builders have occasionally been appropriated as burial places by the Indians, but the skeletons of the latter may be distinguished from the osteological remains of the former by their greater stature. What finally became of the Mound-Builders is another query which has been extensively discussed. The fact that their works extend into Mexico and Peru has induced the belief that it was their posterity that dwelt in these countries when they were first visited by the Spaniards. The Mexican and Peruvian works, with the exception of their greater magnitude, are similar. Relics com- mon to all of them have been occasionally found, and it is believed that the religious uses which they subserved were the same. If, indeed, the Mexicans and Peruvians were the progeny of the more ancient Mound-Builders, Spanish rapacity for gold was the cause of their overthrow and final extermination, A thousand other queries naturally arise respecting these nations HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 21 wliich now repose under the ground, but the most searching investi- gation can give us ouly vagae speculations for answers. No histo- rian has preserved the names of their mighty chieftains, or given an account of their exploits, and even tradition is silent respecting them. INDIA]S"S. Following the Mound-Builders as inhabitants of North America, were, as it is supposed, the people who reared the magnificeut cities the ruins of which are found in Central America. This peo- ple was far more civilized and advanced in the arts than were the Mound-Builders. The cities built by them, judging from the ruins of broken columns, fallen arches and crumbling walls of temples, palaces and pyramids, which in some places for miles bestrew the ground, must have been of great extent, magnificent and very pop- ulous. "When we consider the vast period of time necessary to erect Buch colossal structures, and, again, the time required to reduce them to their present ruined state, we can conceive something of their antiquity. These cities must have been old when many of the ancient cities of the Orient were being built. The third race inhabiting "North America, distinct from the former two in every particular, is the present Indians. They were, when visited by the early discoverers, without cultivation, refinement or literature, and far behind the Mound-Builders in the knowledge of the arts. The question of their origin has long interested archosologists, and is the most difficult they have been called upon to answer. Of their predecessors the Indian tribes knew nothing; they even had no traditions respecting them. It is quite certain that they were the successors of a race which had entirely passed away ages before the discovery of the New World. One hypothesis is that the American Indians are an original race indigenous to the Western hemisphere. Tliose who entertain this view think their peculiarities of physical structure preclude the possibility of a common parentage with the rest of mankind. Prominent among those distinctive traits is the hair, which in the red man is round, in the white man oval, and in the black man fiat. A more common supposition, however, is that they are a derivative race, and sprang from one or more of the ancient peoples of Asia. In the absence of all authentic history, and when even tradition is 22 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. wanting, any attempt to point out the particular location of their origin must prove unsatisfactory. Though the exact place of origin may never be known, yet the striking coincidence of physical organization between the Oriental type of mankind and the Indians point unmistakably to some part of Asia as the place whence they emigrated, which was originally peopled to a great extent by the children of Shem. In this connection it has been claimed that the meeting of the Europeans, Indians and Africans on the continent of America, is the fulfillment of a prophecy as recorded in Gen- esis ix. 27: "God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem ; and Canaan shall Ibe his servant." Assuming the theory to be true that the Indian tribes are of Shemitic origin, they were met on this continent in the fifteenth century by the Japhetic race, after the two stocks had passed around the globe by directly different routes. A few years afterward the Hamitic branch of the human family were brought from the coast of Africa. During the occupancy of the continent by the three distinct races, the children of Japheth have grown and prospered, while the called and not voluntary sons of Ham have endured a servitude in the wider stretching valleys of the tents of Shem. When Christopher Columbus had finally succeeded in demon- strating the trutli of his theory that by sailing westward from Eu- rope land would be discovered, landing on the Island of Bermuda he supposed he had reached the East Indies. This was an error, but it led to the adoption of the name of " Indians " for the inhab- itants of the Island and the main land of America, by which name the red men of America have ever since been known. Of the several great branches of North American Indians the only ones entitled to consideration in Illinois history are the Algon- quins and Iroquois. At the time of the discovery of America the foriner occupied the Atlantic seaboard, while the home of the Iroquois was as an island in this vast area of Algonquin popula- tion. The latter great nation spread over a vast territory, and various tribes of Algonquin lineage sprung up over the country, adopting, in time, distinct tribal customs and laws. An almost continuous warfare was carried on between tribes; but later, on the entrance of the white man into their beloved homes, every foot of territory was fiercely disputed by the confederacy of many neighboring tribes. The Algonquins formed the most extensive alliance to resist the encroachment of the whites, especially the English. Such was the HISTORY OF ILLINIOS. 23 nature of King Philip's war. This King, with his Algonquin braves, spread terror and desolation throughout New England."With the Algouquins as the controlling spirit, a ct)nfederacy of conti- nental proportions was the result, embracing in its alliance the tribes of every name and lineage from the Korthern lakes to the gulf. Pontiac, having breathed into them his implacable hate of the English intruders, ordered the conflict to commence, and all the British colonies trembled before the desolating fury of Indian vengeance. ILLINOIS CONFEDERACY. The Illinois confederacy, the various tribes of which comprised most of the Indians of Illinois at one time, was composed of five tribes: the Tamaroas, Michigans, Kaskaskias, Cahokas, and Peorias. The Illinois, Miamis and Delawares were of the same stock. As early as 1670 the priest Father Marquette mentions frequent visits made by individuals of this confederacy to the missionary station at St. Esprit, near the western extremity of Lake Superior. At that time they lived west of the Mississippi, in eight villages, whither they had been driven from the shores of Lake Michigan by the Iroquois. Shortly afterward they began to return to their old hunting ground, and most of them finally settled in Illinois. Joliet and Marquette, in 1GY3, met with a band of them on their famous voyage of discovery down the Mississippi. They wer? treated with the greatest hospitality by the principal chief. On their return voyage up the Illinois river they stopped at the principal town of the confederacy, situated on the banks of the river seven miles below the present town of Ottawa. It was then called Kas- kaskia. Marquette returned to the village in 1675 and established the mission of the Immaculate Conception, the oldest in Illinois. When, in 1679, LaSalle visited the town, it had greatly increaseci numbering 460 lodges, and at the annual assembly of the difterent tribes, from 6,000 to 8,000 souls. In common with other western tribes, they became involved in the conspirac}' of Pontiac, although displaying no very great warlike spirit. Pontiac lost his life by the hands of one of the braves of the Illinois tribe, which so enraged the nations that had followed him as their leader that they fell upon the Illinois to avenge his death, and almost annihilated them. STARVED ROCK. Tradition states that a band of this tribe, in order to escape the general slaughter, took refuge upon the high rock on the Illinois 24 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. river since known as Starved Rock. Nature has made this one of the most formidable military fortresses in the world. From the waters which wash fts base it rises to an altitude of 125 feet. Three of its sides it is impossible to scale, while the one next to the land may be climbed with difficulty. From its summit, almost as inac- cessible as an eagle's nest, the valley of the Illinois is seen as a landscape of exquisite beauty. The river near by struggles between a number of wooded islands, while further below it quietly meanders through vast meadows till it disappears like a thread of light in the dim distance. On the summit of this rock the Illinois were besieged by a superior force of the Pottawatoraies whom the great strength of their natural fortress enabled them to keep at bay. Hunger and thirst, however, soon accomplished what the enemy was unable to effect. Surrounded by a relentless foe, without food or water, they took a last look at their beautiful hunting grounds, and with true Indian fortitude lay down and died from starvation. Years afterward their bones were seen whitening in that place. At the beginning of the present century the remnants of this once powerful confederacy were forced into a small compass around Kaskaskia. A few years later they emigrated to the Southwest, and in 1850 they were in Indian Territory, and numbered but 84 persons. SACS AND F0XB8, The Sacs and Foxes, who figured most conspicuously in the later history of Illinois, inhabited the northwestern portion of the State. By long residence together and intermarriage they had substan- tially become one people. Drake, in his "Life of Black Hawk," speaks of these tribes as follows : " The Sacs and Foxes fought their way from the waters of the St. Lawrence to Green Bay, and after reaching that place, not only sustained themselves against hostile tribes, but were the most active and courageous in the subjugation, or rather the extermination, of the numerous and powerful Illinois confederacy. They had many wars, offensive and defensive, with the Sioux, the Pawnees, the Osages, and other tribes, some of which are ranked among the most fierce and ferocious warriors of the whole continent; and it does not appear that in these conflicts, run- ning through a long period of years, thej' were found wanting in this, the greatest of all savage virtues. In the late war with Great Britain, a party of the Sacs and Foxes fought under the British HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 27 standard as a matter of choice; and in the recent contest between a fragment of these tribes and the United States, although defeated and literally cut to pieces b}'' an overwhelming force, it is very questionable whether their reputation as braves would suffer by a comparison with that of their victors. It is believed that a careful review of their history, from the period when they tirst established themselves on the waters of the Mississippi down to the present time, will lead the inquirer to the conclusion that the Sacs and Foxes were truly a courageous people, shrewd, politic, and enter- prising, with no more ferocity and treachery of character than is common among the tribes by whom they were surrounded," These tribes at the time of the Black Hawk "War were divided into twenty families, twelve of which were Sacs and eight Foxes. The follow- ing were other prominent tribes occupying Illinois: the Kickapoos, Shawnees, Mascoulins, Piaukishaws, Pottawatomies, Chippewas, and Ottawas. MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. The art of hunting not only supplied the Indian with food, but, like that of war, was a means of gratifying his love of distinction. The male children, as soon as they acquired sufficient age and strength, were furnished with a bow and arrow and taught to shoot birds and other small game. Success in killing large quadrupeds required years of careful study and practice, and the art was as sedulously inculcated in the minds of the rising generation as are the elements of reading, writing and arithmetic in the common schools of civilized communities. The mazes of the forest and the dense, tall grass of the prairies were the best fields for the exercise of the hunter's skill. No feet could be impressed in the yieldino- soil but that the tracks were the objects of the most searching scrutiny, and revealed at a glance the animal that made them, the direction it was pursuing, and the time that had elapsed since it had passed. In a forest country he selected the valleys, because they were most frequently the resort of game. The most easily taken, perhaps, of all the animals of the chase was the deer. It is endowed with a curiosity which prompts it to stop in its flight and look back at the approaching hunter, who always avails himself of this opportunity to let fly the fatal arrow. Their general councils were composed of the chiefs and old men. When in council, they usually sat in concentric circles around the 28 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. speaker, and each individual, notwithstanding the fiery passions that rankled within, preserved an exterior as immovable as if cast in bronze. Before commencing business a person appeared with the sacred pipe, and another with fire to kindle it. After being lighted, it was first presented to heaven, secondly to the earth, thirdly to the presiding spirit, and lastly the several councilors, each of whom took a whiff. Tliese formalities were observed with as close exactness as state etiquette in civilized courts. The dwellings of the Indians were of the simplest and rudest character. On some pleasant spot by the bank of a river, or near an ever-running spring, they raised their groups of wigwams, con- structed of the bark of trees, and easily taken down and removed to another spot. The dwelling-places of the chiefs were sometimes more spacious, and constructed with greater care, but of the same materials. Skins taken in the chase served them for repose. Though principally dependent upon hunting and fishing, the uncertain supply from those sources led them to cultivate small patches of corn. Every family did everything necessary within itself, commerce, or an interchange of articles, being almost unknown to them. In cases of dispute and dissension, each Indian relied upon himself for retaliation. Blood for blood was the rule, and the relatives of the slain man were bound to obtain bloody revenge for his death. This principle gave rise, as a matter of course, to innumerable and bitter feuds, and wars of extermination where such were possible. War, indeed, rather than peace, was the Indian's glory and delight, — war, not conducted as civilization, but war where individual skill, endurance, gallantr}^ and cruelty were prime requisites. For such a purpose as revenge the Indian would make great sacrifices, and display a patience and perseverance truly heroic; but when the excitement was over, he sank back into a listless, un- occupied, well-nigh useless savage. During the intervals of his more exciting pursuits, the Indian employed his time in decorating his person with all the refinement of paint and feathers, and in the manufacture of his arms and of canoes. These were constructed of bark, and so light that they could easilj' be carried on the shoulder from stream to stream. His amusements were the war-dance, ath- letic games, the narration of his exploits, and listening to the ora- tory of the chiefs; but during long periods of such existence he remained in a state of torpor, gazing listlessly upon the trees of the forests and the clouds that sailed above them; and this vacancy HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 29 imprinted an habitual gravity, and even melancholy, upon his gen- eral deportment. The main labor and drudgery of Indian communities fell upon the women. The planting, tending and gathering of the crops, making mats and baskets, carrying burdens, — in fact, all things of the kind were performed by them, thus making their condition but little better than that of slaves. Marriage was merely a matter of bargain and sale, the husband giving presents to the father of the bride. In general they had but few children. They were sub- jected to many and severe attacks of sickness, and at times famine and pestilence swept away whole tribes. SINGLE-HANDED COMBAT WITH INDIANS. The most desperate single-handed combat with Indians ever fought on the soil of Illinois was that of Tom Iliggins, August 21, 1814. Higgins was 25 years old, of a muscular and compact build, not tall, but strong and active. In danger he possessed a quick and discerning judgment, and was without fear. lie was a member of Journey's rangers, consisting of eleven men, stationed at Hill's Fort, eight miles southwest of the present Greenville, Put- nam county. Discovering Indian signs near the fort, the company, early the following morning, started on the trail. They had not gone far before they were in an ambuscade of a larger party. At the first fire their commander. Journey, and three men fell, and six reti'eated to the fort; but Higgins stopped to "have another pull at the red-skins," and, taking deliberate aim at a straggling savage, shot him down. Higgins' horse had been wounded at the first fire, as he supposed, mortally. Coming to, he was about to effect his escape, when the familiar voice of Burgess hailed him from the long grass, ",Tom, don't leave me." Iliggins told him to come along, but Burgess replied that his leg was smashed. Hig- gins attempted to raise him on his horse, but the animal took fright and ran away. Iliggins then directed Burgess to limp off as well as he could; and by crawling through the grass he reached the fort while the former loaded his gun and remained behind to protect him against the pursuing enemy. When Burgess was well out of tlie way, Iliggins took another route, which led by a small thicket, to throw any wandering enemy off the trail. Here he was con- fronted by three savages ap])roaching. He ran to a little ravine near for shelter, but in the effort discovered for the first time that 30 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. he was badly wounded in the leg. He was closely pressed by the largest, a powerful Indian, who lodged a ball in his thigh. He fell, but instantly rose again, only, however, to draw the fire of the other two, and again fell wounded. The Indians now advanced upon him with their tomahawks and scalping knives; but as he presented his gun first at one, then at another, from his place in the ravine, each wavered in his purpose. Neither party had time to load, and the large Indian, supposing finally that Higgins' gun was empty, rushed forward with uplifted tomahawk and a yell; but as he came near enough, was shot down. At this the others raised the war-whoop, and rushed upon the wounded Higgins, and now a hand-to-hand conflict ensued. They darted at him with their knives time and again, inflicting many ghastly flesh-wounds, which bled profusely. One of the assailants threw his tomahawk at him with such pre- cision as to sever his ear and lay bare liis skull, knocking him down. They now rushed in on him, but he kicked them ofl", and grasping one of their spears thrust at him, was raised up by it. He quickly seized his gun, and by a powerful blow crushed in the skull of one, but broke his rifle. His remaining antagonist still kept up the con- test, making thrusts with his knife at the bleeding and exhausted Higgins, which he parried with his broken gun as well as he could. Most of this desperate engagement was in plain view of the fort; but the rangers, having been in one ambuscade, saw in this fight only a ruse to draw out the balance of the garrison. But a Mrs. Pursely, residing at the fort, no longer able to see so brave a man contend for his life unaided, seized a gun, mounted a horse, and started to his rescue. At this the men took courage and hastened along. The Indian, seeing aid coming, fled. Higgins, being near- ly hacked to pieces, fainted from loss of blood. He was carried to the fort. There being no surgeon, his comrades cut two balls from his flesh; others remained in. For days his life was despaired of; but by tender nursing he ultimately regained his health, although badly crippled. He resided in Fayette county for many years after, and died in 1829, HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 31 EARLY DISCOVERIES NICHOLAS PERROT. The first white man who ever set foot on the soil embraced within the boundary of the present populous State of Illinois was Nich- olas Perrot, a Frenchman. He was sent to Chicago in the year 1671 by M. Talon, Intendant of Canada, for the purpose of inviting the Western Indians to a great peace convention to be held at Green Bay. This convention had for its chief object the promulgation of a plan for the discovery of the Mississippi river. This great river had been discovered by De Soto, the Spanish explorer, nearly one hundred and fifty years previously, but his nation left the country a wilderness, without further exploration or settlement within its borders, in which condition it remained until the river was dis- covered by Joliet and Marquette in 1673. It was deemed a wise policy to secure, as far as possible, the friendship and co-operation of the Indians, far and near, before venturing upon an enterprise which their hostility might render disastrous. Thus the great con- vention was called. JOLIET AND MARQUETTE. Although Perrot was the first European to visit Illinois, he was not the first to make any important discoveries. This was left for Joliet and Marquette, which they accomplished two years thereafter. The former, Louis Joliet, was born at Quebec in 161:5. He was educated for the clerical profession, but he abandoned it to engage in the fur trade. His companion. Father Jacques Mai'- quette, was a native of France, born in 1637. He was a Jesuit priest by education, and a man of simple faith and great zeal and devotion in extending: the Roman Catholic religion among: the In- dians. He was sent to America in 1666 as a missionary. To con- vert the Indians he penetrated the wilderness a thousand miles in advance of civilization, and by his kind attention in their alfiic- tions he won their affections and made them his lasting friends. There were others, however, who visited Illinois even prior to the famous exploration of Joliet and Marquette. In 1672 the Jesuit 32 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. missionaries, Fathers Claude Alloiiez and Claude Dablon, bore the standard of the Cross from their mission at Green Bay through western Wisconsin and northern Illinois. According to the pre-arranged plan referred to above, at the Jes- uit mission on the Strait of Mackinaw, Joliet joined Marquette, and with five other Frenchmen and a simple outfit the daring ex- plorers on the ITtli of May, 1673, set out on their perilous voyage to discover the Mississippi. Coasting along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, they entered Green Bay, and passed thence up Fox river and Lake Winnebago to a village of the Muscatines and Miamis, where great interest was taken in the expedition by the natives. With guides they proceeded down the river. Arriving at the portage, they soon carried their light canoes and scanty bag- gage to the Wisconsin, about three miles distant. Their guides now refused to accompany them further, and endeavored, by re- citing the dangers incident to the voyage, to induce them to return. They stated that huge demons dwelt in the great river, whose voices could be heard a long distance, and who engulfed in the raging waters all who came within their reach. They also represented that if any of them should escape the dangers of the river, fierce tribes of Indians dwelt upon its banks ready to complete the work of de- struction. They proceeded on their journey, however, and on the 17th of June pushed their frail barks on the bosom of the stately Mississippi, down which they smoothly glided for nearly a hundred miles. Here Joliet and Marquette, leaving their canoes in charge of their men, went on the western shore, where they discovered an Indian village, and were kindly treated. They journeyed on down the unknown river, passing the mouth of the Illinois, then run- ning into the current of the muddy Missouri, and afterward the waters of the Ohio joined with them on their journey southward. Near the mouth of the Arkansas they discovered Indians who showed signs of hostility; but when Marquette's mission of peace was made known to them, they were kindly received. After pro- ceeding up the Arkansas a short distance, at the advice of the natives they turned their faces northward to retrace their steps. Af- ter several weeks of hard toil they readied the Illinois, up which stream they proceeded to Lake Michigan. Following the western shore of the lake, they entered Green Bay the latter part of Sep- tember, having traveled a distance of 2,500 miles. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 33 On his way up the Illinois, Marquette visited the Kaskaskias, near what is now Utica, in LaSalle county. The following year he returned and established among them the mission of the Im- maculate Virgin Mary. This was the last act of his life. He died in Michigan, May 18, 1675. lasalle's explorations. The first French occupation of Illinois was effected by LaSalle, in 1680. Having constructed a vessel, the "Griffin," above the falls of Niagara, he sailed to Green Bay, and passed thence in canoe to the mouth of the St. Joseph river, by which and the Kan- kakee he reached the Illinois in January, 1680; and on the 3d he entered the expansion of the river now called Peoria lake. Here, at the lower end of the lake, on its eastern bank, now in Tazewell county, he erected Fort Crevecoeur, The place where this ancient fort stood ma}' still be seen just below the outlet of Peoria lake. It had, however, but a temporary existence. From this point LaSalle determined, at that time, to descend the Mississippi to its mouth. This he did not do, however, until two years later. Returning to Fort Frontenac for the purpose of getting material with which to rig his vessel, he left the fort at Peoria in charge of his lieutenant, Henri Tonti, an Italian, who had lost one of his hands by the explosion of a grenade in the Sicilian wars. Tonti had with him fifteen men, most of whom disliked LaSalle, and were ripe for a revolt the first opportunity. Two men who had, previous to LaSalle's departure, been sent to look for the " Griffin " now returned and reported that the vessel was lost and that Fort Frontenac was in the hands of LaSalle's creditors. This disheartening intelligence had the effect to enkindle a spirit of mutiny among the garrison. Tonti had no sooner left the fort, with a few men, to fortify what was afterward known as Starved Hock, than the garrison at the fort refused longer to submit to authority. They destroyed the fort, seized the ammunition, provisions, and other portables of value, and fled. Only two of their number remained true. These hast- ened to apprise Tonti of what had occurred. He thereupon sent four of the men with him to inform LaSalle. Thus was Tonti in the midst of treacherous savages, with only five men, two of whom were the friars Ribourde and Membre. With these he iramediatel}' returned to the fort, collected what tools had not been destroyed, and conveyed them to the great town of the Illinois Indians. 34: HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. By this voluntary display of confidence he hoped to remove the jealousy created in the minds of the Illinois by the enemies of La- Salle. Here he awaited, unmolested, the return of LaSalle. GREAT BATTLE OF THE ILLINOIS. Neither Tonti nor his wild associates suspected that hordes of Iro- quois were gathering preparatory to rushing down upon their country and reducing it to an uninhabited waste. Already these liell-hounds of the wilderness had destroyed the Hurons, Eries, and other natives on the lakes, and were now directing their attention to the Illinois for new victims. Five hundred Iroquois warriors set out for the home of the Illinois. All was fancied security and idle repose in the great town of this tribe, as the enemy stealthily approached. Suddenly as a clap of thunder from a cloudless sky the listless inhabitants were awakened from their lethargy. A Shawnee Indian, on his return home after a visit to the Illinois, first discovered the invaders. To save his friends from the im- pending danger, he hurriedly returned and apprised them of the coming enemy. This intelligence spread with lightning rapidity over the town, and each wigwam disgorged its boisterous and as- tounded inmates. Women snatched their children, and in a delirium of fi'ight wandered aimlessly about, rending the air with their screams. The men, more self-possessed, seized their arms ready for the coming fray. Tonti, long an object of suspicion, was soon surrounded by an angry crowd of warriors, who accused him of be- ing an emissary of the enemy. His inability to defend himself properly, in consequence of not fully understanding their language left them still inclined to believe him guilty, and they seized his effects from the fort and threw them into the river. The women and children were sent down the river for safety, and the warriors, not exceeding four hundred, as most of their young men were off hunting, returned to the village. Along the shores of the river they kindled huge bonfires, and spent the entire night in greasing their bodies, painting their faces, and performing the war-dance, to prepare for the approaching enemy. At early dawn the scouts who had been sent out returned, closely followed by the Iroquois, The scouts had seen a chief arrayed in French costume, and re- ported their suspicions that LaSalle was in the camp of the enemy, and Tonti again became an object of jealousy. A concourse of wildly gesticulating savages immediately gathered about him, de- HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 36 manding his life, and nothing saved him from their uplifted weap- ons but a promise that he and his men would go with them to meet the enemy. .With their suspicions partly lulled, they hurriedly crossed the river and met the foe, when both commenced firing. Tonti, seeing that the Illinois were outnumbered and likely to be defeated, determined, at the imminent risk of liis life, to stay the fight by an attempt at mediation. Presuming on the treaty of peace then existing between the French and Iroquois, he exchanged his gun for a belt of wampum and advanced to meet the savao-e multitude, attended by three companions, who, being unnecessarily ex})osed to danger, were dismissed, and he proceeded alone. A short walk brought him in the midst of a pack of yelping devils, writhing and distorted with fiendish rage, and impatient to shed his blood. As the result of his swarthy Italian complexion and half-savage costume, he was at first taken for an Indian, and before the mistake was discovered a young warrior approached and stabbed at his heart. Fortunately the blade was turned aside by coming in contact with a rib, yet a large flesh wound was inflicted, which bled profusely. At this juncture a chief discovered his true char- acter, and he was led to the rear and efforts were made to staun.ch his wound. When sufficiently recovered, he declared the Illinois were under the protection of the French', and demanded, in consid- eration of the treaty between the latter and the Iroquois, that they should be suffered to remain without further molestation. Durino- this conference a young warrior snatched Tonti's hat, and, fleeino- with it to the front, held it aloft on the end of his gun in view of the Illinois. The latter, judging that Tonti had been killed, renewed the fight with great vigor. Simultaneously, intelHo-ence was brought to the Iroquois that Frenchmen were assisting their enemies in the fight, when the contest over Tonti was renewed with redoubled fury. Some declared that he should be immediately put to death, while others, friendly to LaSalle, with equal earnest- ness demanded that he should be set at liberty. During their clamorous debate, his hair was several times lifted by a liuo-e sav- age who stood at his back with a scalping knife ready for execution. Tonti at length turned the current of the angry controversy in his favor, by stating that the Illinois were 1,200 strong, and that there were 60 Frenchmen at the village ready to assist them. This state- ment obtained at least a partial credence, and his tormentors now 36 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. determined to use liim as an instrument to delude the Illinois with a pretended truce. The old warriors, therefore, advanced to the front and ordered the firing to cease, while Tonti, dizzy from the loss of blood, was furnished with an emblem of peace and sent staggering across the plain to rejoin the Illinois. The two friars who had just returned from a distant hut, whither they had repaired for prayer and meditation, were the first to meet him and bless God for what they regarded as a miraculous deliverance. With the assurance brought by Tonti, the Illinois re-crossed the river to their lodges, followed by the enemy as far as the opposite bank. Not long after, large numbers of the latter, under the pretext of hunting, also crossed the river and hung in threatening groups about the town. These hostile indications, and the well-known disregard which the Iroquois had always evinced for their pledges, soon convinced the Illinois that their only safety was in flight, "With this conviction they set fire to their village, and while the vast volume of flames and smoke diverted the attention of the enemy, they quietly dropped down the river to join their women and children. As soon as the flames would permit, the Iroquois entrenched themselves on the site of the vil- lage. Tonti and his men were ordered by the suspicious savages to leave their hut and take up their abode in the fort. At first the Iroquois were much elated at the discomfiture of the Illinois, but when two days afterward they discovered them recon- noitering their intrenchments, their courage greatly subsided. With fear they recalled the exaggerations of Tonti respecting their numbers, and concluded to send him with a hostage to make over- tures of peace. He and his hostage were received with delight by the Illinois, who readily assented to the proposal which he brought, and in turn sent back with him a hostage to the Iroquois. On his return to the fort his life was again placed in jeopardy, and the treaty was with great difficulty ratified. The young and inexpe- rienced Illinois hostage betrayed to his crafty interviewers the nu- merical weakness of his tribe, and the savages immediately rushed upon Tonti, and charged him with having deprived them of the spoils and honors of victory. It now required all the tact of which he was master to escape. After much difficulty however, the treaty was con- cluded, but the savages, to show their contempt for it, immediately commenced constructing canoes in which to descend the river and attack the Illinois. AN IROQUOIS CHIEF. IIISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 39 FRENCHMEN DRIVEN AWAY. Tonti managed to apprise the latter of their designs, and he and Membre were soon after summoned to attend a council of the Iro- quois, who still labored under a wholesome fear of Count Frontenac, and disliking to attack the Illinois in the presence of the French, they thought to try to induce them to leave the country. At the assembling of the council, six packages of beaver skins were intro- duced, and the savage orator, presenting them separately to Tonti, explained the nature ofeacli. "The first two," said he, "were to de- clare that the children of Count Frontenac, that is, the Illinois, should not be eaten; the next was a plaster to heal the wounds of Tonti; the next was oil wlierewith to anoint him and Membre, that they might not be fatigued in traveling; the next proclaimed that the sun was bright; and the sixth and last required them to decamp and go home." At the mention of going home, Tonti demanded of them when they intended to set the example by leaving the Illinois in the peaceable possession of their country, which they had so unjustly in- vaded. The council grew boisterous and angry at the idea that they should be demanded to do what they required of the French, and some of its members, forgetting their previous pledge, declared that they would "eat Illinois flesh before they departed." Tonti, in imitation of the Indians' manner of expressing scorn, indignantly kicked away the presents of fur, saying, since they intended to de- vour the children of Frontenac with cannibal ferocity, he would not accept their gifts. This stern rebuke resulted in the expulsion of Tonti and his companion from the council, and the next day the chiefs ordered them to leave the country. Tonti had now, at the great peril of his life, tried every expedient to prevent the slaughter of the Illinois. There was little to be ac- complished by longer remaining in the country, and as longer delay might imperil the lives of his own men, he determined to depart, not knowing where or when he would be able to rejoin LaSalle. With this object in view, the party, consisting of six persons, embarked in canoes, which soon proved leaky, and they were compelled to land for the purpose of making repairs. While thus employed, Father Ili- bourde, attracted l^y.the beauty of the surrounding landscape, wan- dered forth among the groves for meditation and prayer. Kot return- ing in due time, Tonti became alarmed, and started with a coinpan- 40 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. ion to ascertain the cause of the long delay. They soon discovered tracks of Indians, by whom it was supposed he had been seized, and guns were tired to direct his return, in case he was alive. Seeing nothing of him during the day, at night they built fires along the bank of the river and retired to the opposite side, to see who might approach them. Near midnight a number of Indians were seen flitting about the light, by whom, no doubt, had been made the tracks seen the previous day. It was afterward learned that they were a band of Kickapoos, who had for several days been hovering about the camp of the Iroquois in quest of scalps. They had fell in with the inoffensive old friar and scalped him. Thus, in the 65th year of his age, the only heir to a wealthy Burgundian house per- ished under the war-club of the savages for whose salvation he had renounced ease and affluence. INHUMAN BUTCHERY. During this tragedy a far more revolting one was being enacted in the great town of Illinois. The Iroquois were tearing open the graves of the dead, and wreaking their vengeance upon the bodies made hideous hy putrefaction. At this desecration, it is said, they even ate portions of the dead bodies, while subjecting them to every indignity that brutal hate could inflict. Still unsated by their hell- ish brutalities, and now unrestrained by the presence of the French, they started in pursuit of the retreating Illinois, Day after day they and the opposing forces moved in compact array down the river, neither being able to gain any adv^antage over the other. At length the Iroquois obtained by falsehood that which number and prowess denied them. They gave out that their object was to pos- sess the country, not by destroying, but by driving out its present inhabitants. Deceived by this false statement, the Illinois separa- ted, some descending the Mis"sissippi and others crossing to the western shore. The Tamaroas, more credulous than the rest, re- mained near the mouth of the Illinois, and were suddenly attacked by an overwhelming force of the enemy. The men fled in dismay, and the women and children, to the number of 700, fell into the hands of the ferocious enemy. Then fallowed the tortures, butch- eries and burnings which only the infuriated and imbruted Iroquois could perpetrate. LaSalle on his return discovered the half-charred bodies of women and children still bound to the stakes where they had suffered all the torments hellish hate could devise. In addition HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 41 to those who had been burnt, the mangled bodies of women and children thickly covered the ground, many of which bore marks of brutality too horrid for record. After the ravenous horde had sufficiently glutted their greed for carnage, they retired from the country. The Illinois returned and rebuilt their town. TONTI SAFE AT GREEN BAY. After the death of Ribourde, Tonti and his men again resumed their journey. Soon again their craft became disabled, when they abandoned it and started on foot for Lake Michigan. Their supply of provisions soon became exhausted, and they were compelled to subsist in a great measure on roots and herbs. One of their companions wandered off in search of game, and lost his way, and several days elapsed before he rejoined them. In his absence he was without flints and bullets, yet contrived to shoot some turkeys by using slugs cut from a pewter porringer and a tire- brand to discharge his gun. Tonti fell sick of a fever and greatly retarded the progress of the march. IS^earing Green Bay, the cold increased and the means of subsistence decreased and the party would have perished had they not found a few ears of corn and some froz- en squashes in the fields of a deserted village. Near the close of November they had reached the Pottawatomies, who warmly greet- ed them. Their chief was an ardent admirer of the French, and was accustomed to say: " There were but three great captains in the world, — himself, Tonti and LaSalle." For the above account of Tonti's encounter with the Iroquois, we are indebted to Davidson and Stuve's History of Illinois. lasalle's return. LaSalle returned to Peoria only to meet the hideous picture of devastation. Tonti had escaped, but LaSalle knew not wiiither. Pass- ing down the lake in search of him and his men, LaSalle discov- ered that the fort had been destroyed ; but the vessel which he had partly constructed was still on the stocks, and but slightly injured. After further fruitless search he fastened to a tree a painting repre- senting himself and party sitting in a canoe and bearing a pipe of peace, and to the painting attached a letter addressed to Tonti. LaSalle was born in France in 1643, of wealthy parentage, and edu- cated in a college of the Jesuits, from which he separated and came to Canada, a poor man, in 1G66. He was a man of daring genius, 42 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. and outstripped all his competitors in exploits of travel and com- merce with the Indians. He was granted a large tract of land at LaChine, where he established himself in the fur trade. In 1669 he visited the headquarters of the great Iroquois confederac3% at Onondaga, New York, and, obtaining guides, explored the Ohio river to the falls at Louisville. For many years previous, it must be remembered, missionaries and traders were obliged to make their way to the J^orthwest through Canada on account of the fierce hostility of the Iroquois along the lower lakes and Niagara river, which entirely' closed this latter route to the upper lakes. They carried on their commerce chiefly by canoes, paddling them through Ottawa river to Lake Nipissing, carrying them across the portage to French river, and descending that to Lake Huron. This being the route by which they reached the Northwest, we have an explana- tion of the fact that all the earliest Jesuit missions were established in the neighborhood of the upper lakes. LaSalle conceived the grand idea of opening the route by Niagara river and the lower lakes to Canada commerce by sail vessels, connecting it with the navigation of the Mississippi, and thus opening a magnificent water communication from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mex- ico. This truly grand and comprehensive purpose seems to have animated him in his wonderful achievements, and the matchless difliculties and hardships he surmounted. As the first step in the accomplishment of this object he established himself on Lake Ontario, and built and garrisoned Fort Frontenac, the site of the present city of Kingston, Canada. Here he obtained a grant of land from the French crown, and a body of troops, by which he repulsed the Iroquois and opened passage to Niagara Falls. Hav- ing by this masterly stroke made it safe to attempt a hitherto untried expedition, his next step, as we have seen, was to build a ship with which to sail the lakes. He was successful in this under- taking, though his ultimate purpose was defeated by a strange com- bination of untoward circumstances. The Jesuits evidently hated LaSalle and plotted against him, because he had abandoned them and united with a rival order. The fur traders were also jealous of his success in opening new channels of commerce. While they were plodding with their bark canoes through the Ottawa, he was con- structing sailing vessels to command the trade of the lakes and the Mississippi. These great plans excited the jealousy and envy of HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 43 small traders, introduced treason and revolt into the ranks of bis men, and finally led to the foul assassination by which his great achievements were permanently ended. lasalle's assassijstation. Again visiting the Illinois in the year 1682, LaSalle de- scended the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. He erected a standard upon which he inscribed the arms of France, and took formal possession of the whole valley of this mighty river in the name of Louis XIY., then reigning, and in honor of whom he named the country Louisiana. LaSalle then returned to France, was appointed Governor, and returned with a fleet of immigrants for the purpose of planting a colony in Illinois. They arrived in due time in the Gulf of Mexico, but failing to find the mouth of the Missis- sippi, up .which they intended to sail, his supply ship, with the immigrants, was driven ashore and wrecked on Matagorda Bay. "With the fragments of the vessel he constructed rude huts and stockades on the shore for the protection of his followers, calling the post Fort St. Louis. He then made a trip into New Mexico in search of silver mines, but, meeting with disappointment, returned to find his colony reduced to forty souls. He then resolved to travel on foot to Illinois. With some twenty of his men they filed out of their fort on the 12th of January, 1687, and after the part- ing, — which was one of sighs, of tears, and of embraces, all seeming intuitively to know that they should see each other no more, — they started on their disastrous journey. Two of the party, Du Haut and Leotot, when on a hunting expedition in company with a nephew of LaSalle, assassinated liim while asleep. The long absence of his nephew caused LaSalle to go in search of him. On approaching the murderers of his nephew, they fired upon him, kill- ing him instantly. They then despoiled the body of its clothing, and left it to be devoured by the wild beasts of the forest. Thus, at the age of 43, perished one whose exploits have so greatly enriched the history of the New AYorld. To estimate aright the marvels of his patient fortitude, one must follow on his track through the vast scene of his interminable journeyings, those thou- sands of weary miles of forest, marsh and river, where, again and again, in the bitterness of bafiled striving, the untiring pilgrim pushed onward toward the goal he never was to attain. America owes him an enduring memory; for in this masculine figure, cas^ 44 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. in iron, she sees the heroic pioneer who guided her to the possession of her richest heritage. Tonti, who had been stationed at the fort on the Illinois, learning of LaSalle's unsuccessful voyage, immediately started down the Mississippi to his relief. Reaching the Gulf, he found no traces of the colony. He then returned, leaving some of his men at the moutli of the Arkansas. These were discovered by the remnant of LaSalle's followers, who guided them to the fort on the Illinois, where they reported that LaSalle was in Mexico. The little band left at Fort St. Louis were finally destroyed by the Indians, and the murderers of LaSalle were shot. Thus ends the sad chapter of Eobert Cavalier de LaSalle's exploration. FRENCH OCCUPATION". FIKST SETTLEMENTS. The first mission in Illinois, as we have already seen, was com- menced by Marquette in April, 16T5. He called the religious society which he established the " Mission of the Immaculate Con- ception," and the town Kaskaskia. The first military occupation of the country was at Fort Crevecoeur, erected in 1680; but there is no evidence that a settlement was commenced there, or at Peoria, on the lake above, at that early date. The first settlement of which there is any authentic account was commenced with the building of Fort St. Louis on the Illinois river in 1682; but this was soon abandoned. The oldest permanent settlement, not only in Illinois, but in the val- ley of the Mississippi, is at Kaskaskia, situated six miles above the mouth of the Kaskaskia river. This was settled in 1690 by the removal of the mission from old Kaskaskia, or Ft. St. Louis, on the Illinois river. Cahokia was settled about the same time. The reason for the removal of the old Kaskaskia settlement and mission, was probably because the dangerous and difiicult route by Lake Michigan and the Chicago portage had been almost abandoned, and travelers and traders traveled down and up the Mississippi by the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. It was removed to the vicinity of the Mississippi in order to be in the line of travel from Canada to Louisiana, that is, the lower part of it, for it was all Louisiana then south of the lakes. Illinois came into possession of the French in 1682, and was a dependency of Canada and a part of Louisiana. During the period of French rule in Louisiana, the population HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 45 probably never exceeded ten thousand. To the year 1730 the fol- lowing five distinct settlements were made in the territory of Illinois, numbering, in population, 140 French families, about 600 "converted " Indians, and many traders; Cahokia, near the mouth of Cahokia creek and about five miles below the present city of St. Louis; St. Philip, about forty-five miles below Cahokia; Fort Chartres, twelve miles above Kaskaskia; Kaskaskia, situated on the Kaskaskia river six miles above its confluence with the Mississippi, and Prairie du Rocher, near Fort Chartres. Fort Charti-es was built under the direction of the Mississippi Company in 171S, and was for a time the headquarters of the military commandants of the district of Illinois, and the most impregnable fortress in JSIorth America. It was also the center of wealth and fashion in the West. For about eighty years the French retained peaceable possession of Illinois. Their amiable disposition and tact of ingratiating them- selves with the Indians enabled them to escape almost entirely the broils which weakened and destroyed other colonies. Whether exploring remote rivers or traversing hunting grounds in pursuit of game, in the social circle or as participants in the religious exer- cises of the church, the red men became their associates and were treated with the kindness and consideration of brothers. For more than a hundred years peace between the white man and the red was unbroken, and when at last this reign of harmony terminated it was not caused by the conciliatory Frenchman, but by tlie blunt and sturdy Anglo-Saxon. During this century, or until the coun- try was occupied by the English, no regular court was ever held. When, in 1765, the country passed into the hands of the English, many of the French, rather than submit to a change in their insti- tutions, preferred to leave their homes and seek a new abode. There are, however, at the present time a few remnants of the old French stock in the State, who still retain to a great extent the ancient habits and customs of their fathers. THE MISSISSIPPI COMPANY. During the earliest period of French occupation of this country, M. Tonti, LaSalle's attendant, was commander-in-chief of all the territory embraced between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico, and extending east and west of the Mississippi as far as his ambition or imagination pleased to allow. He spent twenty-one 3^earB in estab- lishing forts and organizing the first settlements of Illinois, Sep- 46 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. tember 14, 1712, the French government granted a monopoly of all the trade and commerce of the country to M. Crozat, a wealthy merchant of Paris, who established a trading company in Illinois, and it was by this means that the early settlements became perma- nent and others established. Crozat surrendered his charter in 1717, and the Company of the West, better known as the Missis- sippi Company, was organized, to aid and assist the banking system of John Law, the most famous speculator of modern times, and perhaps at one time the wealthiest private individual the world has ever known; but his treasure was transitory. Under the Company of the West a branch was organized called the Company of St. Philip's, for the purpose of working the rich silver mines sup- posed to be in Illinois, and Philip Renault v/as appointed as its agent. In 1719 he sailed from France with two hundred miners, laborers and mechanics. During 1719 the Company of the West was by royal order united with the Royal Company of the Indies, and had the influence and support of the crown, who was deluded by the belief that immense wealth would flow into the empty treas- ury of France. This gigantic scheme, one of the most extensive and wonderful bubbles ever blown up to astonish, deceive and ruin thousands of people, was set in operation by the fertile brain of John Law. Law was born in Scotland in 1671, and so rapid had been his career that at the age of twenty-three he was a " bankrupt, an adulterer, a murderer and an exiled outlaw." But he possessed great financial ability, and by his agreeable and attractive manners, and his enthusiastic advocacy of his schemes, he succeeded in inflaming the imagination of the mercurial Frenchmen, whose greed for gain led them to adopt any plans for obtaining wealth. Law arrived in Paris with two and a half millions of francs, which he had gained at the gambling table, just at the right time. Louis XIV. had just died and left as a legacy empty coflers and an immense public debt. Every thing and everybody was taxed to the last penny to pay even the interest. All the sources of in- dustry were dried up; the very wind which M^afted the barks of commerce seemed to have died away under the pressure of the time; trade stood still; the merchant, the trader, the artificer, once flourishing in afiluence, were transformed into clamorous beggars. The life-blood that animated the kingdom was stagnated in all its arteries, and the danger of an awful crisis became such that HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 47 the nation was on the verge of bankruptcy. At this critical junc- ture John Law arrived and proposed his grand scheme of the Mississippi Company; 200,000 shares of stock at 500 livres each were at first issued. This sokl readily and great profits were realized. More stock was issued, speculation became rife, the fever seized everybody, and the wildest speculating frenzy pervaded the whole nation. Illinois was thought to contain vast and rich mines of minerals. Kaskaskia, then scarcely more than the settlement of a few savages, was spoken of as an emporium of the most extensive traffic, and as rivaling some of the cities of Europe in refinement, fashion and religious culture. Law was in the zenith of his glory, and the people in the zenith of their infatuation. The high and the low, the rich and the poor, were at once filled with visions of untold wealth, and every age, set, rank and condition were buying and selling stocks. Law issued stock again and again, and readily sold until 2,235,000,000 livres were in circulation, equaling about $i50,000,000. While confidence lasted an impetus was given to trade never before known. An illusory policy everywhere prevailed, and so dazzled the eye that none could see in the horizon the dark cloud announc- ing the approaching storm. Law at the time was the most influ- ential man in Europe. His house was beset from morning till night with eager applicants for stock. Dukes, marquises and counts, with their wives and daughters, waited for hours in the street below his door. Finding his residence too small, he changed it for the Place Yendome, whither the crowd followed him, and the spacious square had the appearance of a public market. The boule- vards and public gardens were forsaken, and the Place Vendome became the most fashionable place in Paris; and he was unable to wait upon even one-tenth part of his applicants. The bubble burst after a few years, scattering ruin and distress in every direction. Law, a short time previous the most popular man in Europe, fled to Brussels, and in 1729 died in Venice, in obscurity and poverty. ENGLISH KULE. As early as 1750 there could be perceived the first throes of the revolution, which gave a new master and new institutions to Illi- nois. France claimed the whole valley of the Mississippi, and Eng- land the right to extend her possessions westward as far as she might desire. Through colonial controversies the two mother 48 HISTOKT OF ILLINOIS. countries were precipitated into a bloody war within the Nortli« western Territory, George Wasliington firing the first gun of tlie military struggle which resulted in the overthrow of the French not only in Illinois but in North America. The French evinced a determination to retain control of the territory bordering the Oliio and Mississippi from Canada to the Gulf, and so long as the En- glish colonies were confined to the sea-coast there was little reason for controversy. As the English, however, became acquaintcjd with this beautiful and fertile portion of our country, they not only learned the value of the vast territory, but also resolved to set up a counter claim to the soil. The French established numerous mili- tary and trading posts from the frontiers of Canada to New Or- leans, and in order to establish also their claims to jurisdiction over the country they carved the lilies of France on the forest trees, or sunk plates of metal in the ground. These measures did not, however, deter the English from going on with their explorations; and though neither party resorted to arms, yet the conflict was gathering, and it was only a question of time when the storm should burst upon the frontier settlement. The French based their claims upon discoveries, the English on grants of territory extending from ocean to ocean, but neither party paid the least attention to the prior claims of the Indians. From this posi- tion of affairs, it was evident that actual collision between the contending parties would not much longer be deferred. The En- glish Government, in anticipation of a war, urged the Governor of Virginia to lose no time in building two forts, which were equipped by arms from England. The French anticipated the English and gathered a considerable force to defend their possessions. The Governor determined to send a messenger to the nearest, French post and demand an explanation. This resolution of the Governor brought into the history of our country for the first time the man of all others whom America most loves to'Jionor, namely, George Washington. He was chosen, although not yet twenty-one years of age, as the one to perform this delicate and difficult mission. With five companions he set out on Nov. 10, 1753, and after a per- ilous journey returned Jan. 6, 1754. The struggle commenced and continued long, and was bloody and fierce; but on the lOth of Octo- ber, 1765, the ensign of France was replaced on the ramparts of Fort Chartres by the flag of Great Britain. This fort M^as the GEN. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK. HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 51 depot of supplies and the place of rendezvous for the united forces of the French. At this time the colonies of the Atlantic seaboard were assembled in preliminary congress at New York, dreaming of liberty and independence for the continent; and "Washington, who led the expedition against the French for the English king, in less than ten years was commanding the forces opposed to the English tyrant. Illinois, besides being constructively a part of Florida for over one hundred years, during which time no Spaniard set foot upon her soil or rested his eyes upon her beautiful plains, for nearly ninety years had been in the actual occupation of the French, their puny settlements slumbering quietly in colonial dependence on the distant waters of the Kaskaskia, Illinois and Wabash. GEN. CLAEk's exploits. The Northwest Territory was now entirely under English rule, and on the breaking out of the Revolutionary war the British held every post of importance in the West. While the colonists of the East were maintaining a fierce struggle with the armies of England, their western frontiers were ravaged by merciless butcheries of In- dian warfare. The jealousy of the savage was aroused to action by the rapid extension of American settlement westward and the im- proper influence exerted by a number of military posts garrisoned by British troops. To prevent indiscriminate slaughters arising froin these causes, Illinois became the theater of some of the most daring exploits connected with American history. The hero of the achieve- ments by which this beautiful land was snatched as a gem from the British Crown, was George Rogers Clark, of Yirginia. He had closely watched the movements of the British throughout the Northwest, and understood their whole plan; he also knew the Indians were not unanimously in accord with the English, and therefore was convinced that if the British could be defeated and expelled from the Northwest, the natives might be easily awed into neutrality. Having convinced himself that the enterprise against the Illinois settlement might easily succeed, he repaired to the cap- ital of Virginia, arriving Nov. 5, 1777. While he was on his way, fortunately, Burgoyne was defeated (Oct. 17), and the spirits of the colonists were thereby greatly encouraged. Patrick Henry was Governor of Yirginia, and at once entered heartily into Clark's plans. After satisfying the Virginia leaders of the feasibility of his project, he received two sets of instructions, — one secret, the 52 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. other open. The latter authorized him to enlist seven companies to go to Kentucky, and serve three months after their arrival in the West. The secret order authorized him to arm these troops, to procure his powder and lead of General Hand at Pittsburg, and to proceed at once to subjugate the country. HE TAKES KASE:ASKIA. "With these instructions Col. Clark repaired to Pittsburg, choos- ing rather to raise his men west of the mountains, as he well knew all were needed in the colonies in the conflict there. He sent Col. W. B. Smith to Holstein and Captains Helm and Bowman to other localities to enlist men ; but none of them succeeded in rais- ing the required number. The settlers in these parts were afraid to leave their own firesides exposed to a vigilant foe, and but few could be induced to join the expedition. With these companies and several private volunteers Clark commenced his descent of the Ohio, which he navigated as far as the falls, where he took posses- sion of and fortified Corn Island, a small island between the present cities of Louisville, Ky., and New Albany, Ind. Here, after having completed his arrangements and announced to the men their real destination, he left a small garrison; and on the 24th of June, dur- ing a total eclipse of the sun, which to tliem augured no good, they floated down the river. His plan was to go by water as far as Fort Massac, and thence march direct to Kaskaskia. Here he intended to surprise the garrison, and after its capture go to Cahokia, then to Yincennes, and lastly to Detroit. Should he fail, he intended to march directly to the Mississippi river and cross it into the Spanish country. Before his start he received good items of information: one that an alliance had been formed between France and the United States, and the other that the Indians throughout the Illinois country and the inhabitants at the various frontier posts had been led by the British to believe that the " Long Knives," or Yirginians, were the most fierce, bloodthirsty and cruel savages that ever scalped a foe. With this impression on their minds, Clark saw that proper management would cause them to submit at once from fear, if surprised, and then from gratitude would become friendly, if treated with unexpected lenity. The march to Kaskaskia was made through a hot July sun, they arriving on the evening of the 4th of July, 1778. They captured the fort near the village and soon after the village itself, by surprise, and without the loss of HI8T0EY OF ILLINOIS. 53 a single man and without killing any of the enemy. After suffi- ciently working on the fears of the natives, Clark told therfi they were at perfect liberty to worship as they pleased, and to take whichever side of the great conflict they would; also he would pro- tect them against any barbarity from British or Indian foe. This had the desired effect; and the inhabitants, so unexpectedly and so gratefully surprised by the unlooked-for turn of affairs, at once swore allegiance to the American arms; and when Clark desired to go to Cahokia on the 6th of July, they accompanied him, and through their influence the inhabitants of the place surrendered and gladly placed themselves under his protection. In the person of M. Gibault, priest of Kaskaskia, Clark found a powerful ally and generous friend. Clark saw that, to retain pos- session of the Northwest and treat successfully with the Indians, he must establish a government for the colonies he had taken. St. Vin- cent, the post next in importance to Detroit, remained yet to be taken before the Mississippi valley was conquered. M. Gibault told him that he would alone, by persuasion, lead Yincennes to throw off its connection with England. Clark gladly accepted this offer, and July 14th, in company with a fellow-townsman, Gibault started on his mission of peace. On the 1st of August he returned with the cheerful intelligence that everything was peaceably ad- justed at A'incennes in favor of the Americans. During the inter- val, Col. Clark established his courts, placed garrisons at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, successfully re-enlisted his men, and sent word to have a fort (which proved the germ of Louisville) erected at the falls of the Ohio. While the American commander was thus negotiating with the Indians, Hamilton, the British Governor of Detroit, heard of Clark's invasion, and was greatly incensed because the country which he had in charge should be wrested from him by a few ragged militia. He therefore hurriedly collected a force, marched by way of the Wabash, and appeared before the fort at Vincennes. The inhabi- tants made an effort to defend the town, and when Hamilton's forces arrived. Captain Helm and a man named Henry were the only Americans in the fort. These men had been sent by Clark. The latter charged a cannon and placed it in the open gateway, and the Captain stood by it with a lighted match and cried out, as Ham- ilton came in hailing distance, "Halt!" The British officer, not 54 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. knowing the strengtli of the garrison, stopped, and demanded the surrender of the fort. Helm exclaimed, " No man shall enter here till I know the terms." Hamilton responded, " You shall have the honors of war." The entire garrison consisted of one officer and one private. VINCENNES CAPTURED. On taking Kaskaskia, Clark made a prisoner of Rocheblave, commander of the place, and got possession of all his written instructions for the conduct of the war. From these papers he received important information respecting the plans of Col. Ham- ilton, Governor at Detroit, who was intending to make a vigorous and concerted attack upon the frontier. After arriving at Yiu- cennes, however, he gave up his intended campaign for the winter, and trusting to his distance from danger and to the difficulty of approaching him, sent off his Indian warriors to prevent troops from coming down the Ohio, and to annoy the Americans in all ways. Thus he sat quietly down to pass the winter with only about eighty soldiers, but secure, as he thought, from molestation. But he evidently did not realize the character of the men with whom he was contending. Clark, although he could muster only one hundred and thirty men, determined to take advantage of Hamilton's weakness and security, and attack him as the only means of saving himself; for unless he captured Hamilton, Hamilton would capture him. Accordingly, about the beginning of February, 1779, he dispatched a small galley which he had fitted out, mounted with two four-pounders and four swivels and manned with a company of soldiers, and carrying stores for his men, with orders to force her way up the "Wabash, to take her station a few miles below Yincennes, and to allow no person to pass her. He himself marched with his little band, and spent six- teen days in traversing the country from Kaskaskia to Yincennes^ passing with incredible fatigue through woods and marshes. He was fiv^e days in crossing the bottom lands of the AYabash; and for five miles was frequently up to the breast in water. After over- coming difficulties which had been thought insurmountable, he appeared before the place and completely surprised it. The inhab- itants readily submitted, but Hamilton at first defended himself in the fort. Next day, however, he surrendered himself and his gar- rison prisoners-of-war. By his activity in encouraging the hostili- ties of the Indians and by the revolting enormities perpetrated by HIBTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 55 those savages, Hamilton had rendered himself so obnoxious that he was thrown in prison and put in irons. Daring his command of the British frontier posts he oflered prizes to the Indians for all the scalps of the Americans they would bring him, and earned in con- sequence thereof the title, "Hair-Bujer General," by which he was ever afterward known. The services of Clark proved of essential advantage to his coun- trymen. They disconcerted the plans of Hamilton, and not only saved the western frontier from depredations by the savages, but also greatly cooled the ardor of the Indians for carrying on a contest in which they were not likely to be the gainers. Had it not been for this small army, a union of all the tribes from Maine to Georgia against the colonies might have been effected, and the whole current of our history changed. ILLmOIS. COUNTY OF ILLINOIS. In October, 1778, after the successful campaign of Col. Clark, the assembly of Virginia erected the conquered country, embracing all the territory northwest of the Ohio river, into the County of Illi- nois, which was doubtless the largest county in the world, exceeding in its dimensions the whole of Great Britian and Ireland, To speak more definitely, it contained the territory now embraced in the great States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. On the 12th of December, 1778, John Todd was appointed Lieutenant- Commandant of this county by Patrick Henry, then Governor of Virginia, and accordingly, also, the first of Illinois County. NORTHWESTEKN TEKRITORY. Illinois continued to form a part of Virginia until March 1, 1784, when that State ceded all the territory north of the Ohio to the United States, Immediately the general Government proceeded to establish a form of government for the settlers in the territories thus ceded. This form continued until the passage of the ordi- nance of 1787, for the government of the Northwestern Terri- tory. No man can study the secret history of this ordinance and not feel that Providence was guiding with sleepless eye the des- 56 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. tinies of these unborn States. American legislation has never achieved anything more admirable, as an internal government, than this comprehensive ordinance. Its provisions concerning the distribution of property, the principles of civil and religious liberty which it laid at the foundation of the communities since established, and the efficient and simple organization by which it created the first machinery of civil society, are worthy of all the praise that has ever been given them. ^ ORDINANCE OF 1787. This ordinance has a marvelous and interesting history. Con- siderable controversy has been indulged in as to who is entitled to the credit for framing it. This belongs, undoubtedly, to Kathan Dane; and to Rufus King and Timothy Pickering belong the credit for suggesting the proviso contained in it against slavery, and also for aids to religion and knowledge, and for assuring for- ever the common use, without charge, of the great national high- ways of the Mississippi, the St. Lawrence and their tributaries to alfthe citizens of the United States. To Thomas Jefferson is also due much credit, as some features of this ordinance were embraced in his ordinance of 1784. But the part taken by each in the long, laborious and eventful struggle which had so glorious a consum- mation in the ordinance, consecrating forever, by one imprescript- ible and unchangeable monument, the very heart of our country to Freedom, Knowledge, and Union, will forever honor the names of those illustrious statesmen. Mr. Jefferson had vainly tried to secure a system of government for the Northwestern Territory. He was an emancipationist and favored the exclusion of slavery from the territory, but the South voted him down every time he proposed a measure of this nature. In 1787, as late as July 10, an organizing act without the anti- slavery clause was pending. This concession to the South was expected to carry it. Congress was in session in New York. On July 6, Rev. Manasseh Cutler, of Massachusetts, came into New York to lobby on the Northwestern Territory. Everything seemed to fall into his hands. Events were ripe. The state of the public credit, the growing of Southern prejudice, the basis of his .mission, his personal character, all combined to complete one of those sudden and marvelous revolutions of public sentiment that HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 57 once in five or ten centuries are seen to sweep over a country like the breath of the Ahnighty. Cutler vras a graduate of Yale. He had studied and taken de- grees in the three learned professions, medicine, law, and divinity. He had published a scientific examination of the plants of New England. As a scientist in America his name stood second only to that of Franklin Ke was a courtly gentleman of the old style, a man of commanding presence and of inviting face. The Southern members said they had never seen such a gentleman in the North. He came representing a Massachusetts company that desired to purchase a tract of land, now included in Ohio, for the purpose of planting a colony. It was a speculation. Government money was worth eighteen cents on the dollar. This company had collected enough to purchase 1,500,000 acres of land. Other speculators in New York made Dr. Cutler their agent, which enabled him to represent a demand for 5,500,000 acres. As this would reduce the national debt, ai:d Jefferson's policy was to provide for the public credit, it presented a good opportunity to do something. Massachusetts then owned the territory of Maine, which she was crowding on the market. She was opposed to opening the North- western region. This fired the zeal of Virginia. The South caught the inspiration, and all exalted Dr. Cutler. The entire South ral- lied around him. Massachusetts could not vote against him, be- cause many of the constituents of her members were interested personally in the Western speculation. Thus Cutler, making friends in the South, and doubtless using all the arts of the lobby, was enabled to command the situation. True to deeper convic- tions, he dictated one of the most compact and finished documents of wise statesmanship that has ever adorned any human law book. He borrowed from Jefferson the term "Articles of Compact," which preceding the federal constitution, rose into the most sacred char- acter. He then followed very closely the constitution of Massa- chusetts, adopted three years before. Its most prominent points were: 1. The exclusion of slavery from the territory forever. 2. Provision for public schools, giving one township for a semi- nary and every section numbered 16 in each township; tliat is, one thirty-sixth of all the land for public schools. 3. A provision prohibiting the adoption of any constitution or 58 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. the enactment of any law that should nullify pre-existing contracts. Beit forever remembered that this compact declared that "re- ligion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good govern- ment and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of edu- cation shall always be encouraged." Dr. Cutler planted himself on this platform and would not yield. Giving his unqualified dec- laration that it was that or nothing, — that unless they could make the land desirable they did not want it, — he took his horse and buggy and started for the constitutional convention at Philadelphia. On July 13, 1787, the bill was put upon its passage, and was unani- mously adopted. Thus the great States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, a vast empire, were consecrated to free- dom, intelligence, and morality. Thus the great heart of the nation was prepared to save the union of States, for it was this act that was the salvation of the republic and the destruction of slavery. Soon the South saw their great blunder and tried to have the compact repealed. In 1803 Congress referred it to a committee, of which John Kandolph was chairman. He reported that this ordinance was a compact and opposed repeal. Thus it stood, a rock in the way of the on-rushing sea of slavery. SYMPATHY WITH SLAVERY. With all this timely aid it was, however, a most desperate and protracted struggle to keep the soil of Illinois sacred to freedom. It was the natural battle-field for the irrepressible conflict. In the southern end of the State slavery preceded the compact. It ex- isted among the old French settlers, and was hard to eradicate. That portion was also settled from the slave States, and this popu- lation brought their laws, customs, and institutions with them, A stream of population from the North poured into the northern part of the State. These sections misunderstood and hated each other perfectly. The Southerners regarded the Yankees as a skinning, tricky, penurious race of peddlers, tilling the country with tinware, brass clocks, and wooden nutmegs. The Northerner thought of the Southerner as a lean, lank, lazy creature, burrowing in a hut, and rioting in whisky, dirt, and ignorance. These causes aided in making the struggle long and bitter. So strong was the sympathy with slavery that, in spite of the ordinance of 1787, and in spite of the deed of cession, it was determined to allow the old French set- tlers to retain their slaves. Planters from the slave States might HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 59 bring their slaves if they would give them an opportunity to choose freedom or years of service and bondage for their cliildren till they should become thirty years of age. If they chose freedom they must leave the State within sixty days, or be sold as fugitives. Servants were whipped for offenses for which white men were fined. Each lash paid forty cents of the fine. A negro ten miles from home without a pass was whipped. Tliese famous laws were im- ported from the slave States, just as the laws for the inspection of flax and wool were imported when there was neither in the State. ST. CLAIR, GOVERNOR OF NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. On October 5, 1787, Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair was, by Congress, elected Governor of this vast territory. St. Clair was born in Scot- land and emigrated to America in 1756. He served in the French and English war, and was major general in the Revolution. In 1786 he was elected to Congress and chosen President of that body. ILLINOIS TERRITORY. After the division of the Northwestern Territory Illinois became one of the counties of the Territory of Indiana, from which it was separated by an act of Congress Feb. 3, 1S09, forming the Territory of Illinois, with a population estimated at 9,000, and then included the present State of Wisconsin, It was divided, at the time, into two counties, — St. Clair and Randolph. John Boyle, of Ken- tucky, was appointed Governor, by the President, James Madison, but declining, Ninian Edwards, of the same State, was then appointed and served with distinction; and after the organization of Illinois as a State he served in the same capacity, being its third Governor. WAR OF 1812. THE OUTBREAK. For some years previous to the war between the United States and England in 1812, considerable trouble was experienced with the Indians. Marauding bands of savages would attack small settle- ments and inhumanly butcher all the inhabitants, and mutilate their dead bodies. To protect themselves, the settlers organized companies of rangers, and erected block houses and stockades in every settlement. The largest, strongest and best one of these was Fort Russell, near the present village of Edwardsville. This stockade 60 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. wa8 made the main rendezvous for troops and military stores, and Gov. Edwards, who during the perilous times of 1812, when Indian hostilities threatened on every hand, assumed command of the Illi- nois forces, established his headquarters at this place. The Indians were incited to many of these depredations by English emissaries, who for years continued their dastardly work of " setting the red men, like dogs, upon the whites." In the summer of 1811 a peace convention was held with the Pottawatomies at Peoria, when they promised that peace should prevail; but their promises were soon broken. Tecumseh, the great warrior, and fit successor of Pontiac, started in the spring of 1811, to arouse the Southern Indians to war against the whites. The pur- pose of this chieftain was well known to Gov. Harrison, of Indiana Territory, who determined during Tecumseh's absence to strike and disperse the hostile forces collected at Tippecanoe. This he success- fully did on Nov. 7, winning the sobriquet of " Tippecanoe," by which he was afterwards commonly known. Several peace councils were held, at which the Indians promised good behavior, but only to deceive the whites. Almost all the savages of the Northwest were thoroughly stirred up and did not desire peace. The British agents at various points, in anticipation of a war with the United States, sought to enlist the lavor of the savages by distributing to them large supplies of arms, ammunition and other goods. The English continued their insults to our flag upon the high seas, and their government refusing to relinquish its offensive course, all hopes of peace and safe commercial relations were abandoned, and Congress, on the 19th of June, 1812, formally declared war against Great Britain. In Illinois the threatened Indian troubles had already caused a more thorough organization of the militia and greater protection by the erection of forts. As intimated, the In- dians took the war-path long before the declaration of hostilities between the two civilized nations, committing great depredations, the most atrocious of wliich was the MASSACRE AT FORT DEARBORN. During the war of 1812 between the United States and England, the greatest, as well as the most revolting, massacre of whites that ever occurred in Illinois, was perpetrated by the Pottawatomie In- dians, at Fort Dearborn. This fort was built by the Government, in 1804, on the south side of the Chicago river, and was garrisoned HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 61 by 54 men under command of Capt. Nathan Heald, assisted by Lieutenant Helm and Ensign Ronan; Dr. Yoorliees, surgeon. The residents at the post at that time were the wives of oihcers Heald and Helm and a few of the soldiers, Mr. Kinzie and his family, and a few Canadians. The soldiers and Mr. Kinzie were on the most friendly terms with the Pottawatomies and Winnebagoes, the prin- cipal tribes around them. On the Yth of August, 1812, arrived the order from Gen. Hull, at Detroit, to evacuate Fort Dearborn, and distribute all United States property to the Indians. Chicago was so deep in the wilderness OLD FORT DEARBORN. that this was the first intimation the garrison received of the dec- laration of war made on the 19th of June. The Indian chief who brought the dispatch advised Capt. Heald not to evacuate, and that if he should decide to do so, it be done immediately, and by forced marches elude the concentration of the savages before the news could be circulated among them. To this most excellent ad- vice the Captain gave no heed, but on the 12th held a council with 62 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. the Indians, apprising them of the orders received, and offering a liberal reward for an escort of Pottawatomies to Fort Wayne. The Indians, with many professions of friendship, assented to all he proposed, and promised all he required. The remaining officers re- fused to join in the council, for thej had been informed that treach- ery was designed, — that the Indians intended to murder those in the council, and then destroy those in the fort. The port holes were open, displaying cannons pointing directly upon the council. This action, it is supposed, prevented a massacre at that time. Mr. Kinzie, who knew the Indians well, begged Capt. Heald not to confide in their promises, or distribute the arms and ammu- nitions among them, for it would only put power in their hands to destroy the whites. This argument, true and excellent in itself, was now certainly inopportune, and would only incense the treach- erous foe. But the Captain resolved to follow it, and accordingly on the night of the 13th, after the distribution of the other property, the arms were broken, and the barrels of whisky, of which there was a large quantity, were rolled quietly through the sally-port, their heads knocked in and their contents emptied into the river. On that night the lurking red-skins crept near the fort and discovered the destruction of the promised booty going on within. The next morn- ing the powder was seen floating on the surface of the river, and the Indians asserted that such an abundance of " fire-water" had been emptied into the river as to make it taste " groggy." Many of them drank of it freely. On the 14:th the desponding garrison was somewhat cheered by the arrival of Capt. Wells, with 15 friendly Miamis. Capt. Wells heard at Fort Wayne of the order to evacuate Fort Dearborn, and knowing the hostile intentions oi the Indians, made a rapid march through the wilderness to protect, if possible, his niece, Mrs. Heald, and the officers and the garrison from certain destruction. But he came too late. Every means for its defense had been destroyed the night before, and arrangements were made for leaving the fort on the following morning. The fatal morning of the 16th at length dawned brightly on the world. The sun shone in unclouded splendor upon the glassy waters of Lake Michigan. At 9 a. m., the party moved out of the south- ern gate of the fort, in military array. The band, feeling the solem- nity of the occasion, struck up the Dead March in Saul. Capt. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 63 Wells, with his face blackened after the manner of the Indians, led the advance guard at the head of his friendly Mianiis, the garrison with loaded arms, the baggage wagons with the sick, and the women and children following, while the Pottawatomie Indians, about 500 in number, who had pledged their honor to escort the whites in eafety to Fort Wayne, brought up the rear. The party took the road along the lake shore. On reaching the range of sand-hills separating the beach from the prairie, about one mile and a half- from the fort, the Indians defiled to the right into the praii'ie, bring ing the sand-hills between them and the whites. This divergence was scarcely effected when Capt. Wells, who had kept in advance with his Indians, rode furiously back and exclaimed, " They are about to attack us. Form instantly and charge upon them!" These words were scarcely uttered before a volley of balls from Indian muskets was poured in upon them. The troops were hastily formed into line, and charged up the bank. One veteran of 70 fell as they ascended. The Indians were driven back to the prairie, and then the battle was waged by 54 soldiers, 12 civilians, and three or four women — the cowardly Miarais having fled at the outset — against 500 Indian warriors. The whites behaved gallantly, and sold their lives dearly. They fought desperately until two-thirds of their number were slain; the remaining 27 surrendered. And now the most sickening and heart-rending butchery of this calam- itous day was committed by a young savage, who assailed one of the baggage wagons containing 12 children, every one of which fell beneath his murderous tomahawk. When Capt. Wells, who with the others had become prisoner, beheld this scene at a distance, he exclaimed in a tone loud enough to be heard by the savages, " If this be your game, I can kill too;" and turning his horse, started for the place where the Indians had left their squaws and children. The Indians hotly pursued, but he avoided their deadly bullets for a time. Soon his horse was killed and he severely wounded. With a yell the young braves rushed to make him their prisoner and re- serve him for torture. But an enraged warrior stabbed him in the back, and he fell dead. His heart was afterwards taken out, cut in pieces and distributed among the tribes. Billy Caldwell, a half- breed Wyandot, well-known in Chicago long afterward, buried his remains the next day. Wells street in Chicago, perpetuates his memory. 64: HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. In this fearful combat women bore a conspicuous part. A wife of one of the soldiers, who had frequently heard that the Indians subjected their prisoners to tortures worse than death, resolved not to be taken alive, and continued fighting until she was literally cut to pieces. Mrs. Heald was an excellent equestrian, and an expert in the use of the rifle. She fought bravely, receiving several wounds. Though faint from loss of blood, she managed to keep in her saddle. A savage raised his tomahawk to kill her, when she looked him full in the face, and with a sweet smile and gentle voice said, in his own language, " Surely you will not kill a squaw." The arm of of the savage fell, and the life of this heroic woman was saved. Mrs. Helm had an encounter with a stalwart Indian, who attempted to tomahawk her. Springing to one side, she received the glancing blow on her shoulder, and at the same time she seized the savage round the neck and endeavored to get his scalping-knife which hung in a sheath at his breast. While she was thus struggling, she was dragged from his grasp by another and an older Indian. The latter bore her, struggling and resisting, to the lake and plunged her in. She soon perceived it was not his intention to drown her, because he held her in such a position as to keep her head out of the water. She recognized him to be a celebrated chief called Black Partridge. When the tiring ceased she was conducted up the sand-bank. SLAUGHTER OF PRISONERS. The prisoners were taken back to the Indian camp, when a new scene of horror was enacted. The wounded not being included in the terms of the surrender, as it was interpreted by the Indians, and the British general, Proctor, having offered a liberal bounty for American scalps, nearly all the wounded were killed and scalped, and the price of the trophies was afterwards paid by the British general. In the stipulation of surrender, Capt. Heald had not particularly mentioned the wounded. These helpless sufferers, on reaching the Indian camp, were therefore regarded by the brutal savages as fit subjects upon which to display their cruelty and satisfy their desire for blood. Referring to the terrible butchery of the prisoners, in an account given by Mrs. Helm, she says: "An old squaw, infuriated by the loss of friends or excited by the sanguin- ary scenes around her, seemed possessed of demoniac fury. She seized a stable-fork and assaulted one miserable victim, who lay HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 65 groaning and writhing in the agonies of his wounds, aggravated by the scorching beams of the sun. With a delicacy of feeling, scarcely to have been expected under such circumstances, Wan-bee-nee-wan stretched a mat across two poles, between me and this dreadful scene. I was thus spared, in some degree, a view of its horrors, although I could not entirely close my ears to the cries of the sufferer. The following night live more of the wounded prisoners were toma- hawked." KINZIE FAMILY SAVED. That evening, about sundown, a council of chiefs was held to decide the fate of the prisoners, and it was agreed to deliver them OLD KINZIE HOUSE. to the British commander at Detroit. After dark, many warriors from a distance came into camp, who were thirsting for blood, and were determined to murder the prisoners regardless of the terms of surrender. Black Partridge, with a few of his friends, surrounded Kinzie's house to protect the inmates from the tomahawks of the bloodthirsty savages. Soon a band of hostile warriors rushed by them into the house, and stood with tomahawks and scalping-knives, awaiting tlie signal from their chief to commence the work of death. QQ HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. Black Partridge said to Mrs. Kiiizie: "We are doing everything in our power to save yon, but all is now lost; you and your friends, together with all the prisoners of the camp, will now be slain." At that moment a canoe was heard approaching the shore, when Black Partridge ran down to the river, trying in the darkness to make out the new comers, and at the same time shouted, "Who are you?" In the bow of the approaching canoe stood a tall, manly personage, with a rifle in his hand. He jumped ashore exclaiming, " I am Sau-ga-nash." "Then make all speed to the house; our friends are in danger, and you only can save them." It was Billy Caldwell, the half-breed Wyandot. He hurried forward, entered the house with a resolute step, deliberately removed his accouterments, placed his rifle behind the door, and saluted the Indians: " How now, my friends! a good day to you. I was told there were enemies here, but am glad to find only friends." Diverted by the coolness of his manner, they were ashamed to avow their murderous purpose, and simply asked for some cotton goods to wrap their dead, for burial. And thus, by his presence of mind, Caldwell averted the murder of the Kinzie family and the prisoners. The latter, with their wives and children, were dispersed among the Pottawatomie tribes along the Illinois, Rock and Wabash rivers, and some to Milwaukee. The most of them were ransomed at Detroit the following spring. A part of them, however, remained in captivity another year. EXPEDITION AGAINST THE INDIANS. By the middle of August, through the disgraceful surrender of Gen. Hull, at Detroit, and the evacuation of Fort Dearborn and iliassacre of its garrison, the British and Indians were in possession of the whole Northwest. The savages, emboldened by their successes, penetrated deeper into the settlements, committing great depre- dations. The activity and success of the enemy aroused the people to a realization of the great danger their homes and families were in. Gov. Edwards collected a force of 350 men at Camp Russell, and Capt. Russell came from Yincennes w4th about 50 more. Being officered and equipped, they proceeded about the middle of October on horseback, carrying with them 20 days' rations, to Peoria. Capt. Craig was sent with two boats up the Illinois, with provisions and tools to build a fort. The little army proceeded to Peoria Lake, where was located a Pottawatomie village. They arrived late HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 67 at night, within a few miles of the village, without their presence being known to the Indians. Four men were sent out that night to reconnoiter the position of the village. The four brave men who volunteered for this perilous service were Thomas Carlin (after- ward Governor), and Robert, Stephen and Davis Whiteside. They proceeded to the village, and explored it and the approaches to it thoroughly, without starting an Indian or provoking the bark of a dog. The low lands between the Indian village and the troops were covered with a rank growth of tall grass, so highland dense as to readily conceal an Indian on horseback, until within a few feet of him. The ground had become still more yielding by recent rains, rendering it almost impassable by mounted men. To prevent de- tection, the soldiers had camped without lighting the usual camp- fires. The men lay down in their cold and cheerless camp, with many misgivings. They well remembered how the skulking sav- ages fell upon Harrison's men at Tippecanoe during the night. To add to their fears, a gun in the hands of a soldier was carelessly discharged, raising great consternation in the camp. AN INDI^m KILLED. Through a dense fog which prevailed the following morning, the army took up its line of march for tlie Indian town, Capt. Judy with his corps of spies in advance. In the tall grass they came up with an Indian and his squaw, both mounted. The Indian wanted to surrender, but Judy observed that he "did not leave home to take prisoners," and instantly shot one of them. With the blood streaming from his mouth and nose, and in his agony " singing the death song," the dying Indian raised his gun, shot and mortally wounded a Mr. Wright, and in a few minutes expired. Many guns were immediately discharged at the other Indian, not then known to be a squaw, all of which missed her. Badly scared, and her hus- band killed by her side, tlie agonizing wails of the squaw were heart-rending. She was taken prisoner, and afterwards restored to her nation. TOWN BURNED. On nearing the town a general charge was made, the Indians fleeing to the interior wilderness. Some of their warriors made a stand, when a sharp engagement occurred, but the Indians were routed. In their flight they left behind all their winter's store of 68 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. provisions, which was taken, and their town burned. Some Indian children were found who had been left in 1 he hurried flight, also some disabled adults, one of whom was in a starving condition and with a voracious appetite partook of the bread given him. He is said to have been killed bj a cowardly trooper straggling behind, after the main army had resumed its retrograde march, who wanted to be able to boast that he had killed an Indian. About the time Gov. Edwards started with his little band against the Indians, Gen. Hopkins, with 2,000 Kentucky riflemen, left Vincennes to cross the prairies of Illinois and destroy the Indian villages along the Illinois river. Edwards, with his rangers, ex- pected to act in concert with Gen. Hopkins' riflemen. After marching 80 or 90 miles into the enemy's country, Gen. Hopkins' men became dissatisfied, and on Oct. 20 the entire army turned and retreated homeward before even a foe had been met. After the victory of the Illinois rangers they heard nothing of Gen. Hopkins and his 2,000 mounted Kentucky riflemen ; and apprehensive that a large force of warriors would be speedily collected, it was -deemed prudent not to protract their stay, and accordingly the retrograde march was commenced the very day of the attack. PEORIA BURNED. The force of Capt. Craig, in charge of the provision boats, was not idle during this time. They proceeded to Peoria, where they were fired on by ten Indians during the night, who immediately fled. Capt. Craig discovered, at daylight, their tracks leading up into the French town. He inquired of the French their where- abouts, who denied all knowledge of them, and said they " had heard or seen nothing; " but he took the entire number prisoners, burned and destroyed Peoria, and bore the captured inhabitants away on his boats to a point below the present city of Alton, where he landed and left them in the woods, — men, women, and children, — in the inclement month of November, without shelter, and without food other than the slender stores they had themselves gathered up before their departure. They found their way to St. Louis in an almost starving condition. The burning of Peoria and taking its inhabitants prisoners, on the mere suspicion that they sympathized with the Indians, was generally regarded as a needless, if not wanton, act of military power. PONTIAC. THE OTTAWA CHIEF. HISTOET OF ILLINOIS. Tl SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST THE INDIANS. In the early part of 1813, the country was put in as good defense as the sparse popuhition admitted. In spite of the precaution taken, numerous depredations and murders were committed by the In- dians, which again aroused the whites, and another expedition was sent against the foe, who had collected in large numbers in and around Peoria. This army was composed of about 900 men, collect- ed from both Illinois and Missouri, and under command of Gen. Howard. They marched across the broad prairies of Illinois to Peoria, where there was a small stockade in charge of United States troops. Two days previously the Indians made an attack on the fort, but were repulsed. Being in the enemy's country, knowing their stealthy habits, and the troops at no time observing a high de- gree of discipline, many unnecessary night alarms occurred, yet the enemy were far away. The army marched up the lake to Chili- cothe, burning on its way two deserted villages. At the present site of Peoria the troops remained in camp several weeks. While there they built a fort, which they named in honor of Gen, George Rogers Clark, who with his brave Virginians wrested Illinois from the English during the Revolutionary struggle. This fort was de- stroyed by fire in 1818. It gave a name to Peoria which it wore for several years. After the building of Fort Crevecoeur, in 1680, Peo- ria lake was very familiar to Western travel and history; but there is no authentic account of a permanent European settlement there until 1778, when Laville de Meiliet, named after its founder, was started. Owing to the quality of the water and its greater salu- brity, the location was changed to the present site of Peoria, and by 1796 the old had been entirely abandoned for the new village. After its destruction in 1812 it was not settled again until 1819, and then by American pioneers, though in 1813 Fort Clark was built there. EXPEDITION UP THE MISSISSIPPI. The second campaign against the Indians at Peoria closed with- out an engagement, or even a sight of the enemy, yet great was the benefit derived from it. It showed to the Indians the power and resources of his white foe. Still the calendar of the horrible deeds of butchery of the following year is long and bloody. A joint ex- pedition again moved against the Indians in 1814, under Gov. 72 HISTOKT OF ILLINOIS. Clark of Missouri. This time they went up the Mississippi in barges, Prairie du Ohien being the point of destination. There tliey found a small garrison of British troops, which, however, soon fled, as did the inhabitants, leaving Clark in full possession. He im- mediately set to work and erected Fort Shelby. The Governor returned to St. Louis, leaving his men in peaceable possession of the place, but a large force of British and Indians came down upon them, and the entire garrison surrendered. In tlie mean time Gen. Howard sent 108 men to strengthen the garrison. Of this number Q6 were Illinois rangers, under Capts. Rector and Itiggs, who oc- cupied two boats. The remainder were with Lieut. Campbell. A DESPERATE FIGHT. At Rock Island Campbell was warned to turn back, as an attack was contemplated. The other boats passed on up the river and were some two miles ahead when Campbell's barge was struck by a strong gale which forced it against a small island near the Illinois shore. Thinking it best to lie to till the wind abated, sentinels were stationed while the men went ashore to cook breakfast. At this time a large number of Indians on the main shore under Black Hawk commenced an attack. The savages in canoes passed rapidly to the island, and with a war-whoop rushed upon the men, who retreated and sought refuge in the barge. A battle of brisk musketry now ensued between the few regulars aboard the stranded barge and the hordes of Indians under cover of trees on the island, with severe loss to the former. Meanwhile Capt. Rector and Riggs, ahead with their barges, seeing the smoke of battle, attempted to return ; but in the strong gale Riggs' boat became unmanageable and was stranded on the rapids. Rector, to avoid a similar disaster, let go his anchor. The rangers, however, opened with good aim and telling effect upon the savages. The unequal combat having raged for some time and about closing, the commander's barge, with many wounded and several dead on board, — anions: the former of whom, very badly, was Campbell himself, — was discovered to be on fire. Now Rector and his brave Illinois rangers, comprehending the horrid situation, performed, without delay, as cool and heroic a deed — and did it well — as ever imperiled the life of mortal man. In the howling gale, in full view of hundreds of infuriated savages, and within range of their rifles, they deliberately raised anchor. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 7B liglitened their barge by casting overboard quantities of provisions, and guided it with the utmost labor down the swift current, to the windward of the burning barge, and under the galling fire of the enemy rescued all the survivors, and removed the wounded and dying to their vessel. This was a deed of noble daring and as heroic as any performed during the war in the "West. Rector hur- ried with his over-crowded vessel to St. Louis. It was now feared that Riggs and his company were captured and sacrificed by the savages. His vessel, which was strong and well armed, was for a time surrounded by the Indians, but the whites on the inside were well sheltered. The wind becoming allayed in the evening, the boat, under cover of the night, glided safely down the river without the loss of a single man. STILL ANOTHER EXPEDITION. Notwithstanding the disastrous termination of the two expedi- tions already sent out, during the year 1814, still another was pro- jected. It was under Maj. Zachary Taylor, afterward President. Rector and Whiteside, with the Illinoisan, were in command of boats. The expedition passed Rock Island unmolested, when it was learned the country was not only swarming with Indians, but that the English were there in command with a detachment of regu- lars and artillery. The advanced boats in command of Rector, White- side and Hempstead, turned about and began to descend the rapids, fighting with great gallantry the hordes of the enemy, who were pouring their fire into them from the shore at every step. ]N"ear the mouth of Rock river Maj. Taylor anchored his fleet out in the Mississippi. During the night the English planted a battery of six pieces down at the water's edge, to sink or disable the boats, and filled the islands wnth red-skins to butcher the whites, who might, unarmed, seek refuge there. But in this scheme they were frustrated. In the morning Taylor ordered all the force, except 20 boatmen on each vessel, to the upper island to dislodge the enemy. The order was executed with great gallantry, the island scoured, many of the savages killed, and the rest driven to the lower island. In the meantime the British cannon told with effect upon the fleet. The men rushed back and the boats were dropped down the stream out of range of the cannon. Capt. Rector was now ordered with his company to make a sortie on the lower island, which he did, 74 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. driving the Indians back among the willows ; but they being re-in- forced, in turn hurled Rector back upon the sand-beach. A council of officers called by Taylor had by this time decided that their force was too small to contend with the enemy, who outnumbered them tliree to one, and the boats were in full retreat down the river. As Rector attempted to get under way his boat grounded, and the savages, with demoniac yells, surrounded it, when a most desperate hand-to-hand conflict ensued. The gallant ranger, Samuel Whiteside, observing the imminent peril of his brave Illinois comrade, went immediately to his rescue, who but for his timely aid would undoubtedly have been overpowered, with all* his force, and murdered. Thus ended the last, like the two previous expeditions up the Mississippi during the war of 1812, in defeat and disaster. The enemy was in undisputed posession of all the country north of the Illinois river, and the prospects respecting those territories boded nothing but gloom. With the approach of winter, however, Indian depredations ceased to be committed, and the peace of Ghent, Dec. 24, 1814, closed the war. ILLINOIS AS A STATE. * OKGANIZATION. In January of 1818 the Territorial Legislature forwarded to Nathaniel Pope, delegate in Congress from Illinois, a petition pray- ing for admission into the national Union as a State. On April 18th of the same year Congress passed the enabling act, and Dec. 3, after the State government had been organized and Gov. Bond had signed the Constitution, Congress by a resolution declared Illi- nois to be "one of the United States of America, and admitted into the Union on an equal footing with the original States in all respects." The ordinance of 1787 declared that there should be at least three States carved out of the Northwestern Territory. The boundaries of the three, Oliio, Indiana and Illinois, were fixed by this law. Congress reserved the power, however, of forming two other States out of the territory which lies north of an east and west line drawn through the southern boundary of Lake Michigan. It was generally conceded that this line would be the northern boundary of Illinois ; HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 75 but as this would give the State no coast on Lake Michigan; and rob her of the port of Chicago and the northern terminus of the Illinois & Michigan canal which was then contemplated, Judge Pope had the northern boundary moved fifty miles further north. BOUNDARY CHANGED. Not only is Illinois indebted to Nathaniel Pope for the port where now enter and depart more vessels during the year than in any other port in the world, for the northern terminus of the Illinois & Michigan canal, and for the lead mines at Galena, but the nation, the undivided Union, is largely indebted to him for its perpetuity. It was he, — his foresight, statesmanship and energy, — that bound our confederated Union with bands of iron that can never be broken. The geographical position of Illinois, with her hundreds of miles of water-courses, is such as to make her the key to the grand arch of Northern and Southern States. Extending from the great chain of lakes on the north, with snow and ice of the arctic region, to the cotton-fields of Tennessee ; peopled, as it is, by almost all races, classes and conditions of the human family ; guided by the various and diversified political, agricultural, religious and educational teachings common to both North and South, — Illinois can control, and has controlled, the destinies of our united and beloved republic. Pope seemingly foresaw that a struggle to dissolve the Union would be made. With a prophetic eye he looked down the stream of time for a half century and saw the great conflict between the South and North, caused by a determination to dissolve the confederation of States; and to preserve the Union, he gave to Illinois a lake coast. Gov. Ford, in his History of Illinois, written in 1847, while speaking of this change of boundary and its influence upon our nation, says: "What, then, was the duty of the national Government? Illinois was certain to be a great State, with any boundaries which that Government could give. Its great extent of territory, its unrivaled fertility of soil and capacity for sustaining a dense population, together with its commanding position, would in course of time give the new State a very controlling influence with her sister States situated upon the Western rivers, either in sustaining tho federal Union as it is, or in dissolving it and establishing new gov- ernments. If left entirely upon the waters of these great rivers, it 76 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. was plain that, in case of tlireatened disruption, the interest of the new State would be to join a Southern and Western confederacy; but if a large portion of it could be made dependent upon the com- merce and navigation of the great northern lakes, connected as they are with the Eastern States, a rival interest would be created to check the wish for a "Western and Southern confederacy. "It therefore became the duty of the national Government not only to make Illinois strong, but to raise an interest inclining and binding her to the Eastern and Northern portions of the Union. This could be done only through an interest in the lakes. At that time the commerce on the lakes was small, but its increase was con- fidently expected, and, indeed, it has exceeded all anticipations, and is yet only in its infancy. To accomplish this object eflectually, it was not only necessary to give to Illinois the port of Chicago and a route for the canal, but a considerable coast on Lake Michigan, with a country back of it sufficiently extensive to contain a popu- lation capable of exerting a decided influence upon the councils of the State. " There would, therefore, be a large commerce of the north, west- ern and central portion of the State afloat on the lakes, for it was then foreseen that the canal would be made; and this alone M'ould be like turning one of the many mouths of the Mississippi into Lake Michigan at Chicago. A very large commerce of the center and south would be found both upon the lakes and rivers. Asso- ciations in business, in interest, and of friendship would be formed, both with the JSTorth and the South. A State thus situated, having such a decided interest in the commerce, and in the preservation of the whole confederacy, can never consent to disunion; for the Union cannot be dissolved without a division and disruption of the State itself. These views, urged by Judge Pope, obtained the unquali- fied assent of the statesmen of 1S18. " These fiicts and views are worthy to be recorded in history as a standing and perpetual call upon lUinoisans of every age to remember the great trust which has been reposed in them, as the peculiar champions and guardians of the Union by the great men and patriot sages who adorned and governed this country in the earlier and better days of the Republic." During the dark and trying days of the Eebellion, well did she remember this sacred trust, to protect which two hundred thousand HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 77 of her sons went to the bloody field of battle, crowning their arms with the laurels of war, and keeping inviolate the solemn obliga- tions bequeathed to them by their fathers. FIRST CONSTITUTION. In July and August of 1818 a convention was held at Kaskaskia for the purpose of drafting a constitution. This constitution was not submitted to a vote of the people for their approval or rejection, it being well known that they would approve it. It was about the first organic law of any State in the Union to abolish imprisonment for debt. The first election under the constitution was held on the third Thursday and the two succeeding days in September, 1818. Shadrach Bond was elected Governor, and Pierre Menard Lieuten- ant Governor. Their term of olfice extended four years. At this time che State was divided into fifteen counties, the population being about 40,000. Of this number by far the larger portion were from the Southern States. The salary of the Governor was $1,000, while that of the Treasurer was $500. The Legislature re-enacted, ver- batim, the Territorial Code, the penalties of which were unneces- sarily severe. Whipping, stocks and pillory were used for minor offenses, and for arson, rape, horse-stealing, etc., death by hanging was the penalty. These laws, however, were modified in 1821. The Legislature first convened at Kaskaskia, the ancient seat of empire for more than one hundred and fifty years, both for the French and Americans. Provisions were made, however, for the removal of the seat of government by this Legislature. A place in the wilderness on the Kaskaskia river was selected and named Vandalia. From Yandalia it was removed to Springfield in the year 1837. DERIVATION OF THE NAME ILLINOIS. The name of this beautiful "Prairie State" is derived from mini, an Indian word signifying superior men. It has a French termination, and is a symbol of the manner in which the two races, the French and Indians, were intermixed during the early history of the country. The appellation was no doubt well applied to the primitive inhabitants of the soil, whose prowess in savage warfare long withstood the combined attacks of the fierce Iroquois on the one side, and the no less savage and relentless Sacs and Foxes on the other. The Illinois were once a powerful confederacy, occupying the most beautiful and fertile region in the great valley of the 78 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. Mississippi, which their enemies coveted and struggled long and hard to wrest from them. By the fortunes of war they were dimin- ished in number and finally destroyed. " Starved Rock," on the Illinois river, according to tradition, commemorates their last trag- edy, where, it is said, the entire tribe starved rather than surrender. The low cognomen of " Sucker," as applied to Illinoisans, is said to have had its origin at the Galena lead mines. In an early day, when these extensive mines were being worked, men would run up the Mississippi river in steamboats in the spring, work the lead mines, and in the fall return, thus establishing, as was supposed, a sim- ilitude between their migratory habits and those of the fishy tribe called "Suckers." For this reason the Illinoisans have ever since been distinguished by the epithet " Suckers." Those who stayed at the mines over winter were mostly from Wisconsin, and were called " Badgers." One spring the Missourians poured into the mines in such numbers that the State was said to have taken a puke, and the ofiensive appellation of " Pukes " was afterward applied to all Missourians. The southern part of the State, known as " Egypt," received this appellation because, being older, better settled and cultivated, grain was had in greater abundance than in the central and northern por- tion, and the immigrants of this region, after the manner of the children of Israel, went "thither to buy and to bring from thence that they might live and not die." STATE BANK. The Legislature, during the latter years of territorial existence, granted charters to several banks. The result was that paper money became very abundant, times flush, and credit unlimited; and every- body invested to the utmost limit of his credit, with confident expectation of realizing a handsome advance before the expiration of his credit, from the throng of immigrants then pouring into the country. By 1819 it became apparent that a day of reckoning would approach before their dreams of fortune could be realized. Banks everywhere began to waver, paper money became depreci- ated, and gold and silver driven out of the country. The Legisla- ture sought to bolster up the times by incorporating the " Bank of Illinois," which, with several branches, was created by the ses- sion of 1821. This bank, being wholly supported by the credit of the State, was to issue one, two, three, five, ten and twenty-dollar HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 79 notes. It was the duty of the bank to advance, upon personal prop- erty, money to the amount of $100, and a larger amount upon real estate. All taxes and public salaries could be paid in such bills; and if a creditor refused to take them, he had to wait three years longer before he could collect his debt. The people imagined that simply because the government had issued the notes, they would remain at par; and although this evidently could not be the case, they were yet so infatuated with their project as actually to request the United States government to receive them in payment for their public lands! Although there were not wanting men who, like John McLean, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, fore- saw the dangers and evils likely to arise from the creation of such a bank, by far the greater part of the people were in favor of it. The new bank was therefore started. The new issue of bills by the bank of course only aggravated the evil, heretofore so grievously felt, of the absence of specie, so that the people ■were soon com- pelled to cut their bills in halves and quarters, in order to make small change in trade. Finally the paper currency so rapidly depre- ciated that three dollars in these bills were considered worth only one in specie, and the State not only did not increase its revenue, but lost full two-thirds of it, and expended three times the amount required to pay the expenses of the State government. Lafayette's visit. In the spring of 1825 the brave and generous LaFayette visited Illinois, accepting the earnest invitation of the General Assembly, and an affectionately written letter of Gov. Cole's, who had formed his personal acquaintance in France in 1817. The General in reply said: " It has been my eager desire, and it is now my earnest inten- tion, to visit the Western States, and particularly the State of Illi- nois. The feelings which your distant welcome could not fail to excite have increased that patriotic eagerness to admire on that blessed spot the happy and rapid results of republican institutions, public and domestic virtues. I shall, after the 22d of February (anniversary day), leave here for a journey to the Southern States, and from New Orleans to the Western States, so as to return to Boston on the 14th of June, when the corner-stone of the Bunker Hill monument is to be laid, — a ceremony sacred to the whole Union and in which I have been engaged to act a peculiar and honorable part." 80 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. General LaFayette and suite, attended bj a large delegation of prominent citizens of Missouri, made a visit by the steamer Natch- ez to the ancient town of Kaskaskia. Tso military parade was attempted, but a multitude of patriotic citizens made him welcome. A reception was held. Gov. Cole delivering a glowing address of welcome. During the progress of a grand ball held that night, a very interesting interview took place between the honored General and an Indian squaw whose father had served under him in the Hevolutionary war. The squaw, learning that the great white chief was to be at Kaskaskia on that night, had ridden all day, from early dawn till sometime in the night, from her distant home, to see the man whose name had been so often on her father's tongue, and with which she was so familiar. In identification of her claim to his distinguished acquaintance, she brought with her an old, worn letter which the General had written to her father, and which the Indian chief had preserved with great care, and finally bequeathed on his death-bed to his daughter as the most precious legacy he had to leave her. By 12 o'clock at night Gen. LaFayette returned to his boat and started South. The boat was chartered by the State. EA.RLT GOVERNORS. In the year 1822 the term of ofiice of the first Governor, Shadrach Bond, expired. Two parties sprung up at this time, — one favorable, the other hostile, to the introduction of slavery, each proposing a candidate of its own for Governor. Both parties worked hard to secure the election of their respective candidates ; but the people at large decided, as they ever have been at heart, in favor of a free State. Edward Coles, an anti-slavery man, was elected, although a majority of the Legislature were opposed to him. The subject of principal interest during his administration was to make Illinois a slave State. The greatest effort was made in 1824, and the propo- sition was defeated at the polls by a majority of 1,800. The aggre- gate vote polled was 11,612, being about 6,000 larger than at the previous State election. African slaves were first introduced into Illinois in 1Y20 by Renault, a Frenchman. Senator Duncan, afterward Governor, presented to the Legisla- ture of 1824-5 a bill for the support of schools by a public tax; and William S. Hamilton presented another bill requiring a tax to be HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 81 used for the purpose of constructing and repairing tlie roads, — both of which bills passed and became laws. But although these laws conferred an incalculable benetit upon the public, the very name of a tax was so odious to the people that, rather than pay a tax of the smallest possible amount, they preferred working as they formerly did, five days during the year on the roads, and would allow their children to grow up without any instruction at all. Consequently both laws were abolished in 1826. In the year 1826 the office of Governor became again vacant. Ninian Edwards, Adolphus F. Hubbard and Thomas C. Sloe were candidates. Edwards, though the successful candidate, had made himself many enemies by urging strict inquiries to be made into the corruption of the State bank, so that liad it not been for his talents and noble personal appearance, he would most probably not have been elected. Hubbard was a man of but little personal merit. Of him tradition has preserved, among other curious sayings, a speech on a bill granting a bounty on wolf-scalps. This speech, delivered before the Legislature, is as follows: "Mr. Speaker, I rise before the question is put on this bill, to say a word for my constit- uents. Mr. Speaker, I have never seen a wolf. I cannot say that I am very well acquainted with the nature and habits of wolves. Mr. Speaker, I have said that I had never seen a wolf; but now I remember that once on a time, as Judge Brown and I were riding across the Bonpas prairie, we looked over the prairie about three miles, and Judge Brown said, ' Hubbard, look! there goes a wolf; ' and I looked, and I looked, and I looked, and I said, ' Judge, where?' and he said, 'There!' And I looked again, and this time in the edge of a hazel thicket, about three miles across the prairie, I think I saw the wolf's tail. Mr. Speaker, if I did not see a wolf that time, I think I never saw one; but I have heard much, and read more, about this animal. I have studied his natural history. "By the bye, history is divided into two parts. There is first the history of the fabulous; and secondly, of the non-fabulous, or unknown age. Mr. Speaker, from all these sources of information I learn that the wolf is a very noxious animal ; that he goes prowl- ing about, seeking something to devour; that he rises up in the dead and secret hours of night, when all nature reposes in silent oblivion, and then commits the most terrible devastation upon the rising generation of hogs and sheep. 82 IlISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. " Mr. Speaker, I have done; and I return mj thanks to the house for tlieir kind attention to mj remarks." Guv. Edwards was a large and well-made man, with a noble, jDrincelj appearance. Of him Gov. Ford says: "He never con- descended to the common low art of electioneering. "Whenever he went out among the people he arrayed himself in the style of a gentleman of the olden time, dressed in fine broadcloth, with short breeches, long stockings, and high, fair-topped boots; was drawn in a fine carriage driven by a negro; and for success he relied upon his speeches, which were delivered in great pomp and in style of diffuse and florid eloquence. "When he was inaugurated in 1826, he appeared before the General Assembly wearing a golden-laced cloak, and with great pomp pronounced his first message to the houses of the Legislature." GKAMMAR AND COOK CONTRASTED. Demagogism had an early development. One John Grammar, who was elected to the Territorial Legislature in 1816, and held the position for about twenty years, invented the policy of opposing every new thing, saying, ''If it succeeds, no one will ask who voted against it: if it proves a failure, he could quote its record." When first honored with a seat in the Assembly, it is said that lie lacked the apparel necessarj'- for a member of the Legislature, and in order to procure them he and his sons gathered a large quantity of hazel-nuts, which were taken to the Ohio Saline and sold for cloth to make a coat and pantaloons. The cloth was the blue strouding commonly used by the Indians. The neighboring women assembled to make up the garments; the cloth was measured every way, — across, lengthwise, and from corner to corner,— and still was found to be scant. It was at last con- cluded to make a very short, bob-tailed coat and a long pair of leg- gins, which being finished, Mr. Grammar started for the State capital. In sharp contrast with Grammar was the character of D. P. Cook, in honor of whom Cook county was named. Such was his transparent integritv and remarkable ability that his will was almost the law of the State. In Congress, a young man and from a poor State, he was made Chairman of the Ways and Means Com- mittee. He was pre-eminent for standing by his committee, regard- less of consequences. It was his integrity that elected John Quincy HISTOKT OF ILLINOIS. 83 Adams to the Presidency. There were four candidates in 1824, Jackson, Clay, Crawford and Adams. There being no choice by the people, the election was thrown into the House. It was so bal- anced that it turned on his vote, and that he cast for Adams, elect- ing him. He then came home to face the wrath of the Jackson party in Illinois. The first mail route in the State was established in 1S05. This was from Yincennes to Cahokia. In 1S24 there was a direct mail route from Yandalia to Springfield. The first route from the central part of the State to Chicago was established in 1S32, from Shelby- ville. The difliciilties and dangers encountered by the early mail carriers, in time of Indian troubles, were very serious. The bravery and ingenious devices of Harry Milton are mentioned with special commendation. When a boy, in 1S12, he conveyed the mail on a wild French pony from Shawneetown to St. Louis, over swollen streams and through the enemy's country. So infrequent and irregular were the communications by mail a great part of the time, that to-day, even the remotest part of the United States is unable to appreciate it by example. The first newspaper published in Illinois was the Illinois Herald^ established at Kaskaskia by Mathew Duncan. There is some va- riance as to the exact time of its establishment. Gov. Reynolds claimed it was started in 1809. Wm. H. Brown, afterwards its editor, gives the date as 1S14. In 1S31 the criminal code was first adapted to penitentiary pun- ishment, ever since which time the old system of whipping and pillory for the punishment of criminals has been disused. There was no legal rate of interest till 1830. Previously the rate often reached as high as 150 per cent., but was usually 50 per cent. Then it was reduced to 12, then to 10, and lastly to 8 per cent. INDIAX TROUBLES. WINXEBAGO WAR. The Indians, who for some years were on peaceful terms with the whites, became troublesome in 1827. The Wiunebagoes, Sacs and Foxes and other tribes had been at war for more than a hun- dred years. In the summer of 1827 a war party of the "Winnebasroes surprised a party of Chippewas and kilkd eight of them. Four 84 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. of the murderers were arrested and delivered to the Chippewas, bj whom they were immediately shot. This was the first irritation of the Wimiebagoes. Red Bird, a chief of this tribe, in order to avenge the execution of the four warriors of his own people, attacked the Chippewas, but was defeated; and being determined to satisfy his thirst for revenge by some means, surprised and killed several white men. Upon receiving intelligence of these murders, the whites who were working the lead mines in the vicinity of Galena formed a body of volunteers, and, re-inforced by a company of United States troops, marched into the country of the Winnebagoes. To save their nation from the miseries of war, Red Bird and six other men of his nation voluntarily surrendered themselves. Some of the number were executed, some of them imprisoned and destined, like Red Bird, ingloriously to pine away within the narrow confines of a jail, when formerly the vast forests had proven too limited for them. JOHN REYNOLDS ELECTED GOVERNOE. In August, 1830, another gubernatorial election was held. The candidates were William Kinney, then Lieutenant Governor, and John Reynolds, formerly an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, both Jackson Democrats. The opposition brought forward no can- didate, as they were in a helpless minority. Reynolds was the successful candidate, and under his administration was the famous BLACK HAWK WAR. In the year of 1804 a treaty was concluded between the United States and the chiefs of the Sac and Fox nations. One old chief of the Sacs, however, called Black Hawk, who had fought with great bravery in the service of Great Britain during the war of 1812, had always taken exceptions to this treaty, pronouncing it void. In 1831 he established himself, with a chosen band of warriors, upon the dis- puted territory, ordering the whites to leave the country at once. The settlers complaining, Gov. Reynolds dispatched Gen. Gaines, with a company of regulars and 1,500 volunteers, to the scene of action. Taking the Indians by surprise, the troops burnt their villages and forced them to conclude a treaty, by which they ceded all lands east of the Mississippi, and agreed to remain on the western side of the river. Necessity forced the proud spirit of Black Hawk into submission, which made him more than ever determined to be BLACK HAWK. THE SAC CHIEF. HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 87 avenged upoi: his enemies. Having rallied around him the warlike braves of the Sac; and Fox nations, he crossed the Mississippi in the spring of 1S32. Upon hearing of the invasion, Gov. Reynolds hastily collecte'^ a body of 1,800 volunteers, placing them under the command oi ±5rig-Gen. Samuel Whiteside. stillman's kun. The army marched to the Mississippi, and having reduced to ashes the Indian village known as ''Prophet's Town," proceeded for several miles up the river to Dixon, to join the regular forces under Gen. Atkinson. They found at Dixon two companies of volunteers, who, sighing for glory, were dispatched to reconnoiter the enemy. They advanced under command of Maj. Stillman, to a creek afterwards called "Stillman's run;" and while encamping there saw a party of mounted Indians at the distance of a mile. Several of Stillman's party mounted their horses and charged the Indians, killing three of them; but, attacked by the main body under Black Hawk, they were routed, and by their precipitate flight spread such a panic through the camp that the wliole company ran off to Dixon as fast as their legs could carrv them. On their arrival it was found that there had been eleven killed. The party came straggling into camp all night long, four or five at a time, each squad positive that all who were left behind were massacred. It is said that a big, tall Kentuckian, with a loud voice, who was a colonel of the militia but a private w^ith Stillman, upon his arrival in camo gave to Gen. "Whiteside and the wondering multi- tude the follovrdng glowing and bombastic account of the battle: "Sirs," said he, "our detachment was encamped among some scat- tering timber on the north side of Old Man's creek, with the prairie from the north gently sloping down to our encampment. It was just after twilight, in the gloaming of the evening, when we dis- covered Black Hawk's army coming down upon us in solid column; they displayed in the form of a crescent upon the brow of the prai- rie, and such accuracy and precision of military movements were never witnessed oy man; they were equal to tlie best troops of Wellington in Spain. ^ have said that the Indians came down in solid columns, and displayed in tlie form of a crescent; and what was most wonderful, tliere were large squares of cavalry resting rtpon the points of the curve, which squares were supported again by 88 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. other columns fifteen deep, extending back through the woods and over a swamp three-quarters of a mile, which again rested on the main bodj^ of Black Hawk's army bivouacked upon the banks of the Kisliwakee. It was a terrible and a glorious sight to see the tawny warriors as they rode along our flanks attempting to outflank us, with the glittering moonbeams glistening from their polished blades and burnished spears. It was a sight well calculated to strike con- sternation in the stoutest and boldest heart; and accordingly our men soon began to break in small squads, for tall timber. In a very little time the rout became general, the Indians were soon upon our flauks and threatened the destruction of our entire detach- ment. About this time Maj. Stillman, Col. Stephenson, Maj. Perkins, Capt. Adams, Mr. Ilackelton, and myself, with some others, threw ourselves into the rear to rally the fugitives and pro- tect the retreat. But in a short time all my companions fell bravely fighting hajid-to-hand with the savage enemy, and I alone was left upon the field of battle. About this time I discovered not far to the left a corps of horsemen which seemed to be in tolerable order. I immediately deployed to the left, when, leaning down and placing my body in a recumbent posture upon the mane of my horse so as to bring the heads of the horsemen between my eye and the horizon, I discovered by the light of the moon that they were gentlemen who did not wear hats, by which token I knew they were no friends of mine. I therefore made a retrogade movement and recovered my position, where I remained some time meditating what further I could do in the service of my country, M'lien a ran- dom ball came whistling by my ear and plainly whispered to me, ' Stranger, you have no further business here.' Upon hearing this I followed the example of my companions in arms, and broke for tall timber, and the way I ran was not a little." For a long time afterward Maj. Stillnan and his men were sub- jects of ridicule and merriment, which was as undeserving as their expedition was disastrous. Stillman's defeat spread consternation throughout the State and nation. The number of Indians M-as greatly exaggerated, and the name of Black Hawk carried with it associations of great military talent, savage cunning and cruelty. ASSAULT ON APPLE RIVER FORT. A regiment sent to spy out the country between Galena and Rock Island was surprised by a party of seventy Indians, and was on the HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 89 point of being thrown into disorder when Gen. Whiteside, then serving as a private, shouted out that he would shoot the first man who should turn his back to the enemy. Order being restored, the battle began. At its very outset Gen. Whiteside shot the leader of the Indians, who thereupon commenced a hasty retreat. In June, 1832, Black Hawk, with a band of 150 warriors, attack- ed the Apple Eiver Fort, near Galena, defended by 25 men. This fort, a mere palisade of logs, was erected to afford protection to the miners. For fifteen consecutive hours the garrison had to sustain the assault of the savage enemy ; but knowing very well that no quarter would be given them, they fought with such fury and des- peration that the Indians, after losing many of their best warriors, were compelled to retreat. Another party of eleven Indians murdered two men near Fort Hamilton. They were afterwards overtaken by a company of twenty men and every one of them was killed. KOCK BIVER EXPEDITION. A new regiment, under the command of Gen. Atkinson, assem- bled on the banks of the Illinois in the latter part of Jmie. Maj. Dement, with a small party, was sent out to reconnoittr the move- ments of a large body of Indians, whose endeavors to surround him made it advisable for him to retire. Upon hearing of this engage- ment. Gen. Atkinson sent a detachment to intercept the Indians, while he with the main body of his army, moved north to meet the Indians under Black Hawk. They moved slowly and cautiously through the country, passed through Turtle village, and marched lip along Eock river. On their arrival news was brought of the discovery of the main trail of the Indians. Considerable search was made, but they were unable to discover any vestige of Indians save two who had shot two soldiers the day previous. Hearing that Black Hawk was encamped on Rock river, at the Manitou village, they resolved at once to advance upon the enemy; but in the execution of their design they met with opposition from their officers and men. The officers of Gen. Henry handed to him a written protest; but he, a man equal to any emergency, ordered the officers to be arrested and escorted to Gen. Atkinson. Within a few minutes after the stern order was given, the officers all collected around the General's quarters, many of them with tears in their 90 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. eyes, pledging themselves that if forgiven they vrould return to duty and never do the like again. The General rescinded the order, and they at once resumed duty. THE BATTLE OF BAD-AXE, Gen. Henry marched on the 15th of July in pursuit of the Indians, reaching Kock river after three days' journey, where he learned Black Hawk was encamped further up the river. On July 19th the troops were ordered to commence their march. After having made fifty miles, they were overtaken by a terrible thunder- storm which lasted all night. Xotliiug cooled, however, in their courage and zeal, they marched again fifty miles the next day, encamping near the place where the Indians had encamped the night before. Hurrying along as fast as they could, the infantry keeping up an equal pace with the mounted force, the troops on the morning of the 21st crossed the river connecting two of the four lakes, by which the Indians had been endeavoring to escape. They found, on their way, the ground strewn with kettles and articles of bagg-age, which the haste of their retreat had obliged the Indians to throw away. The troops, inspired with new ardor, advanced so rapidly that at noon they fell in with the rear guard of the Indians. Those who closely pursued them were saluted with a sudden fire of musketry by a body of Indians who had concealed them- selves in the high grass of the prairie. A most desperate charge was made upon the Indians, who, unable to resist, retreated obliquely, in order to out-flank the volunteers on the right; but the latter charged the Indians in their ambush, and expelled them from their thickets at the point of the bayonet, and dispersed them. Night set in and the battle ended, having cost the Indians 6S of their bravest men, while the loss of the Illinoisans amounted to but one killed and S wounded. Soon after this battle Gens. Atkinson and Henry joined their forces and pursued the Indians. Gen. Henry struck the main trail, left his horses behind, formed an advance guard of eight men, and marched forward upon their trail. "When these eight men came within sight of the river, they were suddenly fired upon and five of them killed, the remaining three maintaining their ground till Gen. Henry came up. Then the Indians, charged upon with the bayonet, fell back upon their main force. The battle now HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 91 became general; the Indians fought with desperate valor, but were furiously assailed by the volunteers with their bayonets, cutting many of the Indians to pieces and driving the rest into the river. Those who escaped from being drowned took refuge on an island. On hearing the frequent discharge of musketry, indicating a general engagement, Gen. Atkinson abandoned the pursuit of the twenty Indians under Black Hawk himself, and hurried to the scene of action, where he arrived too late to take part in the battle. He immediately forded the river with his troops, the water reaching up to their necks, and landed on the island where the Indians had secreted themselves. The soldiers rushed upon the Indians, killed several of them, took others prisoner, and chased the rest into the river, where they were either drowned or shot before reaching the opposite shore. Thus ended the battle, the Indians losing 300 besides 50 prisoners; the whites but 17 killed and 12 wounded. INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE. Many painful incidents occurred during this battle. A Sac woman, the sister of a warrior of some notoriety, found herself in the thickest of the fight, but at length succeeded in reaching the river, when, keeping her infant child safe in its blankets by means of her teeth, she plunged into the water, seized the tail of a horse with her hands whose rider was swimming the stream, and was drawn safely across. A young squaw during the battle was stand- ing in the grass a short distance from the American line, holding her child — a little girl of four years — in her arms. In this posi- tion a ball struck the right arm of the child, shattering the bone, and passed into the breast of the young mother, instantly killing her. She fell upon the child and confined it to the ground till the Indians were driven from that part of the field. Gen. Anderson, of the United States army, hearing its cries, went to the spot, took it from under the dead body and carried it to the surgeon to have its wound dressed. The arm was amputated, and during the oper- ation the half-starved child did not cry, but sat quietly eating a hard piece of biscuit. It was sent to Prairie du Chien, where it entirely recovered. BLACK HAWK CAPTURED. Black Hawk, with his twenty braves, retreated up the Wisconsin, river. The "Winnebagoes, desirous of securing the friendship of S2 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. the whites, went in pursuit and captured and delivered them to Gen. Street, the United States Indian agent. Among the prisoners were the son of Black Hawk and the prophet of the tribe. These with Black Hawk were taken to Washington, D. C, and soon con- signed as prisoners at Fortress Monroe. At the interview Black Hawk had with the President, he closed his speech delivered on the occasion in the following words: " We did not expect to conquer the whites. They have too many houses, too many men. I took up the hatchet, for my part, to revenge injuries which my people could no longer endure. Had I borne them longer without striking, my people would have said, ' Black Hawk is a woman; he is too old to be a chief; he is no Sac' These reflections caused me to raise the war-whoop. I say no more. It is known to you. Keokuk once was here; you took him by the hand, and when he wished to return to his home, you were willing. Black Hawk expects, like Keokuk, he shall be permitted to return too." BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCH OF BLACK HAWK. Black Hawk, or Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, was born in the prin- cipal Sac village, near the junction of Rock river with tlie Missis- sippi, in the year 1767. His father's name was Py-e-sa. Black Hawk early distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of fifteen was permitted to paint, and was ranked among the braves. About the year 1783 he went on an expedition against the enemies of his nation, the Osages, one of whom he killed and scalped; and for this deed of Indian bravery he was permitted to join in the scalp dance. Three or four years afterward he, at the head of two hundred braves, went on another expedition against the Osages, to avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to his own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce battle ensued in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. The Sacs lost only about nineteen warriors. He next attacked the Cherokees for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them near the present city of St. Louis his father was slain, and Black Hawk, taking possession of the " Medicine Bag," at once announced him- self chief of the Sac nation. He had now conquered the Cherokees, and about the year 1800, at the head of five hundred Sacs and Foxes and a hundred lowas, he waged war against the Osage HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 93 nation, and subdued it. For two years he battled successfully with other Indian tribes, all of which he conquered. The year following the treaty at St. Louis, in 1804, the United States Government erected a fort near the head of Des Moines Rapids, called Fort Edwards. This seemed to enrage Black Hawk, who at once determined to capture Fort Madison, standing on the west side of the Mississippi, above the mouth of the Des Moines. The fort was garrisoned by about fifty men. Here he was defeated. The difficulties with the British Government arose about this time, and the war of 1812 followed. That government, extending aid to the Western Indians, induced them to remain hostile to the Ameri- cans. In August, 1812, Black Hawk, at the head of about five hundred braves, started to join the British forces at Detroit, passing on his way the site of Chicago, where the famous Fort Dearborn massacre had a few days before been perpetrated. Of his con- nection with the British but little is known. In the early part of 1815, the Indians west of the Mississippi ■were notified that peace had been declared between the United States and England, and nearly all hostilities had ceased. Black Hawk did not sign any treaty, however, until May of the following year. From the time of signing this treaty, in 1816, until the breaking out of the Black Hawk war, he and his band passed their time in the common pursuits of Indian life. Ten years before the commencement of this war, the Sac and Fox Indians were urged to move to the west of the Mississippi, All were agreed, save the band known as the British Band, of which Black Hawk was leader. He strongly objected to the removal, and was induced to comply only after being threatened by the Govern- ment. This action, and various others on the part of the white settlers, provoked Black Hawk and his band to attempt the capture of his native village, now occupied by the whites. The war fol- lowed. He and his actions were undoubtedly misunderstood, and had his wishes been complied with at the beginning of the struggle, much bloodshed would have been prevented. BLACK HAWK SET AT LIBERTY. By order of the President, Black Hawk and his companions, who were in confinement at Fortress Monroe, were set free on the 4th day of June, 1833. Before leaving the fort Black Hawk 94 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. made the following farewell speech to the commander, which is not only eloquent but shows that within his chest of steel there beat a heart keenly alive to the emotions of gratitude: " Brother, I have come on my own part, and in behalf of my companions, to bid you farewell. Our great father has at length been pleased to permit us to return to our hunting grounds. We have buried the tomahawk, and the sound of the rifle hereafter will only bring death to the deer and the buflalo. Brothers, you have treated the red man very kindly. Tour squaws have made them presents, and you have given them plenty to eat and drink. The memory of your friendship will remain till the Great Spirit says it is time for Black Hawk to sing his death song. Brother, your houses are as numerous as the leaves on the trees, and jcnr young warriors like the sands upon the shore of the big lake that rolls . before us. The red man has but few houses and few warriors, but the red man has a heart which throbs as warmly as the heart of his white brother. The Great Spirit has given us our hunting grounds, and the skin of the deer which we kill there is his favorite, for its color is white, and this is the emblem of peace. This hunting dress and these feathers of the eagle are white. Accept them, my brother. I have given one like this to the White Otter. Accept it as a memorial of Black Hawk. When he is far away this will serve to remind you of him. May the Great Spirit bless you and your children. Farewell." After their release from prison they were conducted, in charge of Major Garland, through some of the principal cities, that thev might witness the power of the United States and learn their own inability to cope with them in war. Great multitudes flocked to see them wherever they were taken, and the attention paid them rendered their progress through the country a triumphal procession, instead of the transportation of prisoners b}' an officer. At Rock Island the prisoners were given their liberty, amid great and impressive ceremony. In 1838 Black Hawk built him a dvvellino- near Des Moines, Iowa, and furnished it after the manner of the whites, and engaged in agricultural pursuits and hunting and fishino". Here, with his wife, to whom he was greatly attached, he passed the few remaining days of his life. To his credit, it may be said that Black Hawk remained true to his wife, and served her HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 95 with a devotion uncommon among Indians, living with her up- ward of fortv years. BLACK hawk's DE.VTH ATJD BTI"KIAL. At all times when Black Hawk visited the whites he was received with marked attention. lie was an honored guest at the old settlers' re-union in Lee county, Illinois, at some of their meetings and received many tokens of esteem. In September, 183S, while on his way to Eock Island to receive his annuity from the Government, he contracted a severe cold which resulted in a fatal attack of bilious fever, and terminated his life October 3. After his death, he was dressed in the uniform presented to him by the President while in Washington. He was buried in a grave six feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. The body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture upon a seat constructed for the purpose. On his left side the cane given him by Henry Clay was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon it. Thus, after a long, adventurous and shifting life, Black Hawk was gathered to his fathers. FEOM 1834 TO 1842. INTERNAL IJIPROVEMENTS. Ko sooner was the Black Hawk war concluded than settlers began rapidly to pour into the northern part of Illinois, now free from Indian depredations. Chicago, from a trading post, had grown into a commercial center, and was rapidly coming into prominence. At the general election in IS 34 Joseph Duncan was chosen Governor, by a handsome majority. His principal opponent was ex-Lieutenant Governor Kinney. A reckless and uncontrollable desire for internal public improvements seized the minds of the people. In his message to the Legislature, in 1835, Gov. Duncan said: " When we look abroad and see the extensive lines of inter- communication penetrating almost every section of our sister States; when we see the canal boat and the locomotive bearinor with seem- ing triumph the rich productions of the interior to the rivers, lakes and ocean, almost annihilating time, burthen and space, what patriot bosom does not beat high with a laudable ambition to give Illinois her full share of those advautasres which are adorninsr her 96 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. sister States, and which a magnificent Providence seems to invite by a wonderful adaptation of our whole country to such improve- ments?" STUPENDOUS SYSTEM OF IMPROVEMENTS INAUGURATED. The Legislature responded to the ardent words of the Governor, and enacted a system of internal improvements without a parallel in the grandeur of its conception. They ordered the construction of 1,300 miles of railroad, crossing the State in all directions. This was surpassed by the river and canal improvements. There were a few counties not touched by railroad, or river or canal, and they were to be comforted and compensated by the free distribution of $200,000 among them. To inflate this balloon beyond credence, it was ordered that work should commence on both ends of each of these railroads and rivers, and at each river-crossing, all at the same time. This provision, which has been called the crowning folly of the entire system, was the result of those jealous combinations ema- nating from the fear that advantages might accrue to one section over another in the commencement and completion of the works. "We can appreciate better, perhaps, the magnitude of this grand system by reviewing a few figures. The debt authorized for these improvements in the first instance was $10,230,000. But this, as it was soon found, was based upon estimates at least too low by half. This, as we readily see, committed the State to a liability of over $20,000,000, equivalent to $200,000,000, at the present time, with over ten times the population and more than ten times the wealth. Such stupendous undertakings by the State naturally engendered the fever of speculation among individuals. That particular form known as the town-lot fever assumed the malignant type at first in Chicago, from whence it spead over the entire State and adjoining States. It was an epidemic. It cut up men's farms without regard to locality, and cut up the purses of the purchasers without regard to consequences. It was estimated that building lots enough were sold in Indiana alone to accommodate every citizen then in the United States. Chicago, which in 1S30 was a small trading-post, had within a few years grown into a city. This was the starting point of the wonderful and marvelous career of that city. Improvements, HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 97 unsurpassed by individual efforts iu the annals of the world, were then begun and have been maintained to tliis day. Thougli visited by the terrible fire fiend and the accumulations of years swept away in a night, yet she has arisen, and to-day is the best built city in tlie world. Keports of the rapid advance of property' in Chicago spread to the East, and thousands poured into her borders, bringing money, enterprise and industry. Every ship that left her port carried with it maps of splendidly situated towns and additions, and every vessel that returned was laden with immigrants. It was said at the time that the staple articles of Illinois export were town plots, and that there was danger of crowding the State with towns to the exclusion of land for agriculture. ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. The Illinois and Michigan canal again received attention. This enterprise is one of the most important in the early development of Illinois, on account of its magnitude and cost, and forming as it does the connecting link between the great chain of lakes and the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Gov. Bond, the first Governor, recommended in his first message the building of the canal. In 1821 the Legislature appropriated $10,000 for surveying the route. This work was performed by two young men, who estimated the cost at $600,000 or $700,000. It cost, however, when completed, $8,000,000. In 1825 a law was passed to incorporate the Canal Company, but no stock was sold. In 1826, upon the solicitation of Daniel P. Cook, Congressman from this State, Congress gave 800,000 acres of land on the line of the work. In 1828 commis- sioners were appointed, and work commenced with a new survey and new estimates. In 1834—5 the work was again pushed forward, and continued until 1848, when it was completed. PANIC — REPUDIATION ADVOCATED. Bonds of the State were recklessly disposed of both in the East and in Europe. "Work was commenced on various lines of railroad, but none were ever completed. On the Northern Cross Railroad, from Meredosia east eight miles, the first locomotive that ever turned a wheel in the great valley of the Mississippi, was run. The date of this remarkable event was Nov. 8, 1838. Large suras of money were being expended with no assurance of a revenue. 98 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. and consequently, in 1840, the Legislature repealed the improve- ment laws passed three years previously, not, however, until the State had accumulated a debt of nearly $15,000,000. Thus fell, after a short but eventful life, by the hands of its creator, the most stupendous, extravagant and almost ruinous folly of a grand sys- tem of internal improvements that any civil community, perhaps, ever engaged in. The State banks failed, specie was scarce, an enormous debt was accumulated, the interest of which could not be paid, people were disappointed in the accumulation of wealth, and real estate was worthless. All this had a tendency to create a desire to throw off the heavy burden of State debt by repudiation. This was boldly advocated by some leading men. The fair fame and name, however, of the State was not tarnished by repudiation. Men, true, honest, and able, were placed at the head of affairs; and though the hours were dark and gloomy, and the times most try- ing, yet our grand old State was brought through and prospered, until to-day, after the expenditure of millions for public improve- ments and for carrying on the late war, slie has, at present, a debt of only about $300,000. MARTYR FOR LIBERTY. The year 1837 is memorable for the death of the first martyr for liberty, and the abolishment of American slavery, in the State. Elijah P. Lovejoy was shot by a mob in Alton, on the night of the Yth of November of that year. lie was at the time editor of the Alton Ohserver, and advocated anti-slavery principles in its .columns. For this practice three of his presses had been destroyed. On the arrival of the fourth the tragedy occurred which cost him his life. In anticipation of its arrival a series of meetings were held in which the friends of freedom and of slavery were represented. The object was to effect a compromise, but it was one in which liberty was to make concessions to oppression. In a speech made at one of these meetings, Lovejoy said: "Mr. Chairman, what have I to compromise? If freely to forgive those who have so greatly injured me; if to pray for their temporal and eternal happiness; if Btill to wish for the prosperity of your city and State, notwith- standing the indignities I have suffered in them, — if this be the compromise intended, then do I willingly make it. I do not admit that it is the business of any body of men to say whether I shall nrSTORY OF ILLINOIS. 101 or shall not publish a paper in this city. That right was given to me by my Creator, and is solemnly guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and of this State. But if by compromise is meant that 1 shall cease from that which duty requires of me, I cannot make it, and the reason is, that I fear God more than man. It is also a very different question, whether 1 shall, voluntarily or at the request of my friends, yield up my position, or whether I shall forsake it at the hands of a mob. The former I am ready at all times to do when circumstances require it, as I will never put my personal wishes or interests in competition with the cause of that Master whose minister I. am. But the latter, be assured I never will do. You have, as lawyers say, made a false issue. There are no two parties between whom there can be a compromise. I plant myself down on my unquestionable rights, and the ques- tion to be decided is, whether I shall be protected in those rights. You may hang me, as the mob hung the individuals at Vicksburg; you may burn me at the stake, as they did old Mcintosh at St. Louis; or, you may tar and feather me, or throw me into the Mis- sissippi as you have threatened to do; but you cannot disgrace me. I, and I alone, can disgrace myself, and the deepest of all disgrace would be at a time like this to deny my Maker by forsaking his cause. He died for me, and I were most unworthy to bear his name should I refuse, if need be, to die for him.''^ Not long afterward Mr. Lovejoy was shot. His brother Owen, being pres- ent on the occasion, kneeled down on the spot beside the corpse, and sent up to God, in the hearing of that very mob, one of the most eloquent prayers ever listened to by mortal ear. He was bold enough to pray to God to take signal vengeance on the infernal institution of slaver}', and he then and there dedicated his life to the work of overthrowing it, and hoped to see the day when slavery existed no more in this nation. He died, March 24, 1864, nearly three months after the Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln took effect. Thus he lived to see his most earnest and devout prayer answered. But few men in the nation rendered bet- ter service in overthrowing the institution of slavery than Elijah P. and Owen Lovejoy. CARLIN ELECTED GOVERNOR. Thomas Carlin, Democrat, was elected Governor in 1838, over Cyrus Edwards, Whig. In 1842 Adam W. Snyder was nominated 102 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. for Governor on the Democratic ticket, but died before election. Thomas Ford was placed in nomination, and was elected, ex-Gov- ernor Duncan being his opponent. PEAIPJE PIRATES. The northern part of the State also had its mob experiences, but of an entirely different nature from the one just recounted. There has always hovered around the frontier of civilization bold, desper- ate men, who prey upon the unprotected settlers rather than gain a livelihood by honest toil. Theft, robbery and murder were car- ried on by regularly organized bands in Ogle, Lee, Winnebago and DeKalb counties. The leaders of these gangs of cut-throats were among the first settlers of that portion of the State, and conse- quently had the choice of location. Among the most prominent of the leaders were John Driscoll, William and David, his sons; John Brodie and three of his sons; Samuel Aikens and three of his sons; "William K. Bridge and Norton B. Boyce. These were the representative characters, those who planned and controlled the movements of the combination, concealed them when danger threatened, nursed them when sick, rested them when worn by fatigue and forced marches, furnished hiding places for their stolen booty, shared in the spoils, and, under cover of darkness and intricate and devious ways of travel, known only to themselves and subordinates, transferred stolen horses from station to station; for it came to be known as a well-established fact that they had stations, and agents, and v/atchmen scattered throughout the coun- try at convenient distances, and signals and pass-words to assist and govern them in all their nefarious transactions. Oo-le county, particularly, seemed to be a favorite and chosen field for the operations of these outlaws, who could not be convicted for their crimes. By getting some of their number on the juries, by producing hosts of witnesses to sustain their defense by per- jured evidence, and by changing the venue from one county to another, and by continuances from term to term, they nearly always managed to be acquitted. At last these depredations became too common for longer endurance ; patience ceased to be a virtue, and determined desperation seized the minds of honest men, and they resolved that if there were no statute laws that could protect them HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 103 against the ravages of thieves, robbers and counterfeiters, they would protect themselves. It was a desperate resolve, and desper- ately and bloodily executed. BURNING OF OGLE COUNTY COURT-HOUSE. At the Spring term of court, 1841, seven of the " Pirates of the Prairie," as they were called, were confined in the Ogle county jail to await trial. Preparatory to holding court, the judge and lawyers assembled at Oregon in their new court-house, which had just been completed. Near it stood the county jail in which were the prisoners. The " Pirates " assembled Sunday night and set the court-house on fire, in the hope that as the prisoners would have to be removed from the jail, they might, in the hurry and confusion of the people in attending to the fire, make their escape. The whole population were awakened that dark and stormy night, to see their new court edifice enwrapped in flames. Although the building was entirely consumed, none of the prisoners escaped. Three of them were tried, convicted and sent to the penitentiary for a year. They had, however, contrived to get one of their num- ber on the jury, who would not agree to a verdict until threatened to be lynched. The others obtained a change of venue and were not convicted, and finally they all broke jail and escaped. Thus it was that the law was inadequate to the protection of the people. The best citizens held a meeting and entered into a solemn compact with each other to rid the country of the desperadoes that infested it. They were regularly organized and known as " Regu- lators." They resolved to notify all suspected parties to leave the country within a given time; if they did not comply, they would be severely dealt with. Their first victim was a man named Hurl, who was suspected of having stolen his neighbor's horse. He was ordered to strip, his hands were tied, when thirty-six lashes of a raw-hide were applied to his bare back. The next was a man named Daggett, formerly a Baptist preacher. He was sentenced to receive five hundred lashes on his bare back. He was stripped, and all was ready, when his beautiful daughter rushed into the midst of the men, begging for mercy for her father. Her appeals, with Daggett's promise to leave the country immediately, secured his release. That night, new crimes having been discovered, he was taken out and whipped, after which he left the country, never again to be heard from. 104: HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. The friends and comrades of the men who had been whipped were fearfully enraged, and swore eternal and bloody vengeance. Eighty of them assembled one night soon after, and laid plans to visit "White Rock and murder every man, woman and child in that hamlet. They started on this bloody mission, but were prevailed upon by one of their number to disband. Their coming, however, had been anticipated, and every man and boy in the town was armed to protect himself and his family. CAMPBELL KILLED THE MUEDEREKS SHOT. John Campbell, Captain of the '' Regulators," received a letter from "William Driscoll, filled with most direful threats, — not only threatening Campbell's life, but the life of any one who should oppose their murderous, thieving operations. Soon after the re- ceipt of this letter, two hundred of the "■ Regulators " marched to DriscoU's and ordered him to leave the count}' within twenty days, but he refused to comply with the order. One Sunday evening, just after this, Campbell was shot down in his own door-yard by David Driscoll. He fell in the arms of his wife, at which time Taylor Driscoll raised his rifle and pointed it toward her, but low- ered it without firing. News of this terrible crime spread like wild-fire. The very air was filled with threats and vengeance, and nothing but the lives of the murderous gang would pay the penalty. Old John Driscoll was arrested, was told to bid his family good-bye, and then with his son went out to his death. The "Regulators," numbering 111, formed a large circle, and gave the Driseolls a fair hearing. They were found guilty, and the ''Regulators" divided into two "death divisions," — one, consisting of fifty-six, with rifles dispatched the father, the other fifty-five riddled and shattered the body of the son with balls from as many guns. The measures thus inaugu- rated to free the country from the dominion of outlaws was a last desperate resort, and proved eftectual. MORMON "WAR. In x\pril, 1S40, the "Latter-Day Saints," or Mormons, came in large numbers to Illinois and purchased a tract of land on the east side of the Mississippi river, about ten miles above Keokuk. Here they commenced building the city of Kauvoo. A more picturesque or eligible site for a city could not have been selected. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 105 The origin, rapid development and prosperity of this religious Beet are the most remarkable and instructive historical events of the present century. That an obscure individual, without money, education, or respectability, should persuade hundreds of thousands of people to believe him inspired of God, and cause a book, con- temptible as a literary production, to be received as a continuation of the sacred revelation, appears almost incredible; yet in less than half a century, the disciples of this obscure individual have in- creased to hundreds of thousands ; have founded a State in the dis- tant wilderness, and compelled the Government of the United States to practically recognize them as an independent people. THE FOUNDER OF MOEMONISM. The founder of Mormonism was Joseph Smith, a native of Ver- mont, who emigrated while quite young with his father's family to western New York. Here his youth was spent in idle, vagabond life, roaming the woods, dreaming of buried treasures, and in en- deavoring to learn the art of finding them by the twisting of a forked stick in his hands, or by looking through enchanted stones. Both he and his father became famous as " water wizards," always ready to point out the spot where wells might be dug and water found. Such was the character of the young profligate when he made the acquaintance of Sidney Rigdon, a person of considerable talent and information, who had conceived the design of founding a new religion. A religious romance, written by Mr. Spaulding, a Presbyterian preacher of Ohio, then dead, suggested the idea, and finding in Smith the requisite duplicity and cunning to reduce it to practice, it was agreed that he should act as prophet; and the two devised a story that gold plates had been found buried in the earth containing a record inscribed on them in unknown characters, which, when deciphered by tlie power of inspiration, gave the his- tory of the ten lost tribes of Israel. OKIGIN OF THE SECT. This sect had its origin near the village of Palmyra, X. Y., about the year 1830. It increased by slow degrees for a year or two, during which time the " Book of Mormon " was first printed. Smith, the leader and pretended Prophet, then by " revelation " induced 106 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. his few followers to emigrate to Kirtland in Ohio, — which was to be the New Jerusalem, and where a temple was to be built. Here they increased considerably in numbers; and here a costly temple was begun, but never finished. Here, also, some manufacturing enterprises were entered into; and Smith and Rigdon, as president and cashier, established a bank, known as the " Kirtland Safety Bank." Believers flocked around them ; but their intercourse with their "Gentile" neighbors was not cordial; the bank broke; and another revelation conveniently came to Smith that the Zion should be built up in Northwestern Missouri. Emigration to the border was accordingly ordered, and three dififerent settlements made there, one succeeding the others, and three " revealed " Zions began to be built. In Missouri, the troubles between them and their neighbors finally culminated in open hostilities; and after a series of conflicts with mobs, and with the State militia, the whole band of Mormons was expelled from the State. This was in the winter of 1838-9. They took the nearest route to Illinois, and landed at Quincy, after much suff'ering and in great destitution. In Illinois they were treated with great kindness and consideration — their story of " persecution for opinion's sake " being generously credited by the people. In the spring of 1844 Joe Smith announced himself as a candi- date for President of the United States. He caused himself to be anointed king and priest, instituted the " Danite band," and gave out that it was impossible for a woman to get to heaven except as the wife of a Mormon elder. Hence the elders might marry as many women as he pleased. This was the origin of polygamy. In Illinois they remained till the end of 1846 — a period of eight years; during which time they increased largely in numbers, and built lip a city of 10 or 12 thousand inhabitants. But the same class of difficulties sprung up here between them and their neigh- bors as elsewhere; and after a series of troubles, during which a press was destroyed and the Prophet and his brother killed, they were again violently expelled. This time they decided to take a westward course, the purpose being to locate perhaps on the Pa- cific coast, or in some less remote region among the Rocky Moun- tains. GEN. ARTHUR ST. CLAIR. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 109 THE MORMONS REACH SALT LAKE. The fugitives proceeded westward, taking the road through Mis- souri, but were forcibly ejected from that State aud compelled to move indirectly through Iowa. After innumerable hardships the advance guard reached the Missouri river at Council Bluffs, when a United States officer presented a requisition for 500 men to serve in the war with Mexico. Compliance with this order so diminished their number of effective men that the expedition was again delayed, and the remainder, consisting mostly of old men, women and chil- dren, hastily prepared habitations for winter. Their rudely con- structed tents were hardly completed before winter set in with great severity, the bleak prairies being incessantly swept by piercing winds. "While here, cholera, fever and other diseases, aggravated by the previous hardships, the want of comfortable quarters and medical treatment, hurried many of them to premature graves. Under the influence of religious fervor and fanaticism they looked death in the face with cheerfulness and resignation, and even exhib- ited a gayety which manifested itself in music and dancing during the saddest hours of this sad winter. At length welcome spring made its appearance, and by April they were again organized for the journey; a pioneer party, consisting of Brigham Young and 140 others, was sent in advance to locate a home for the colonists. On the 21st of July, 1847, a day memora- ble in Mormon annals, the van-guard reached the valley of the great Salt Lake, having been directed thither, according to their accounts, by the hand of the Almighty. Here, in a distant wilder- ness, midway between the East and the Pacific, and at that time a thousand miles from the utmost verge of civilization, they com- menced preparations for founding a colony which has since grown into a mighty empire. [For a complete history of this people during their sojourn in Illinois, the reader is referred to future chapters in this book, in its County History.] 110 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. THE SLAYERY QUESTION. Few people are aware of the long continued and persistent efforts of the people of the Northwest Territory to introduce slavery. In point of fact, it was introduced, and for a long time existed, under both the Territorial and State governments. Renault, an ad- venturer from France, landed at St. Domingo and procured 500 slaves, which he brought to Illinois and settled at St. Phillips, about the year 1720 — 43 years before the treaty ceding it to Great Britain. These slaves, with their progeny, were held by the French settlers until the country passed under British rule, and were secured to them by the terms of the treaty, and afterward con- firmed to them by the Colony of Virginia and by the ordinance of 1787. The French monarch, by edict, regulated the traffic in negro slaves; and it is worthy of note that the provisions of these ordi- nances were more humane and merciful than many of the enact- ments of the slave States a hundred years later. They provided tliat the slaves should be baptized and instructed in the Roman Catholic religion; that infirm slaves shall be maintained by the master; that they shall be treated kindly; that husband and wife and minor children shall not be separated. The ordinance of 1787 provided that there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servi- tude in the said Territory, etc. In 1800 there were in Indiana and Illinois 133 slaves; in 1810 Illinois alone had 168; in 1820, 917, and in 1830, 746. But a large portion of the leading spirits in the Territory were dissatisfied with the provision of the ordinance excluding slavery, and made many attempts to have it repealed. As early as 1796 Congress was petitioned to repeal or suspend that provision of the ordinance. In 1802 Gov. Harrison and a convention of delegates memorialized Congress to the same effect. The subject was refer- red to a special committee, and in 1803 Mr. Randolph, of Virginia, reported adverse to the prayer of the petitioners. The subject came up again in 1804, and again in 1807, when it received its quietus, by a final report against the change. Several court de- cisions have settled the status of slavery under the ordinance. Failing in these efforts, resort was had to indenture, by which slaves held abroad could be brought to Illinois and indentured for HI8T0BT OF ILLINOIS. ' 113 99 years! Gov. Edwards was a pro-slavery man, and as Governor vetoed legislative acts repealing some of these slavery laws. So among the first questions to agitate the people of the new State after its admission into the Union, was the ever-present question of slavery. Failing to procure its introduction through the repeal of the ordinance of 1787, a concerted and determined eifort was now resolved upon, to reach the desired end by an alter- ation of the Constitution in a sovereign State capacity. On August 20, 1821, the Missouri compromise bill having passed Congress, Missouri was admitted into the Union as a slave StatC^ Immediately a large emigration set in to that State from the slave States on the seaboard. The route lay chiefly through the southern end of Illinois. Many of these emigrants belonged to the richer and more intelligent class, and they passed through Illinois with their human chattels to seek homes in the new lands of Missouri, where they could hold them undisturbed. This was irritating to the slavery element of the State. They disliked to see the wealthy man pass through and carry his wealth to aid in building up another CDmmunity, while the poor man, who brought no riches with him, remained among them. This untoward state of affairs added increased desire for the introduction of slavery. They would adopt measures to make Illinois a slave State, notwithstanding the compact that was to stand forever unalterable. This sentiment gradually gained ground as the time approached for the election of members of the Legislature of 1822-3. The plan was to call a convention to change the constitution, provision' for which must be made by the Legislature. The election of mem- bers turned largely upon this question. The Legislature met, when it was found that the Senate had the requisite two-thirds in favor of a convention, but the other house had a majority less than two-thirds, and on a joint ballot the slavery men would lack one vote. But fortune favored the scheme. Our county of Pike was luckily in a condition to carry them through the difficulty. She had a contested seat in the lower branch. The contestants were *To the Illinois Senators, Messrs. Thomas and Edwards, belong the credit or discredit, whichever it may be, of originating that celebrated colnpromise meas- ure, it having been moved in the Senate by Mr. Thomas as a compromise between the two contending parties in that memorable contest. 114 HISTORY OF ILLINOJS. Nicholas Hanson and John Shaw. The slavery men desired to re-elect Jesse B. Thomas, a pro-slaverj man, to the United States Senate. Hanson would vote for him, and the contested seat was given to him, and by his vote Thomas was returned to the Senate. But Hanson would vote against a convention; so the contested seat question was re-considered, Hanson unseated, and with Sliaw's vote the convention question was carried. It will thus be seen that political trickery is not entirely an invention of the present day. But the people were yet to be heard from. In August, 1824, the election took place. The vote stood as given below: Total vote cast 11,764 For a convention ^ 4,965 Against convention , , . . 6,799 Majority against 1,834 This was one of the most exciting and well fought political bat- tles in which the people of Illinois were engaged. The writer of this, then a boy in a distant State, well remembers the intense feeling manifested throughout the Union in the result of the con- test. At the beginning, the prospect looked highly favorable for the success of the measure. The leading advocates of a convention were bold and defiant; and it cannot be denied that they num- bered in their ranks a majority of the most prominent men of the State. They counted both the United States Senators, ex-Gov. Ninian Edwards — liimself a host — and Judge Thomas, an active and able politician. They also had in^ their ranks Gov. Bond, Lieut.-Gov. Kinney, Elias K. Kane, formerly Member of Congress, and nearly all the Judges, State and Federal — Brown, Phillips, John and Thomas Reynolds, McRoberts and Smith. Governor Coles, Judge Lockwood, and Congressman Daniel P. Cook, headed the opposition. Coles was a Yirginian, and had manumitted his slaves in Illinois. But one of the most untiring and effective workers and organizers in tlieir ranks was Eev. John M. Peck, a Baptist minister from New England, afterward editor of the Watchman^ at Rock Spring, and author of several valuable historical works. There were live newspapers then in Illinois. Of these, three were in the interest of freedom, the Edwardsville Spectator^ edited by Hboper Warren; the Shawneetown Gazette^ conducted by Henry Eddy, and one at Vandalia, conducted by Wm. H. Brown . HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 117 and David Blackwell. The two advocating a convention were located at Kaskaskia and Edwardsville. Thus these rej^eated attempts to repeal, or annul the sixth sec- tion of the ordinance of 1787, were frustrated — first, by the action of the nation's best statesmen in Congress ; and lastly, by the good sense of tlie people themselves. Hancock had a few voters at that day — August, 1824 ; but probably none two years before, when the contested election case occurred. It may be that the officers and soldiers stationed at Fort Edwards exercised the privilege of voting. If so, we find no record of it in Pike county. And if so, their vote may have had a greater weight than they knew, in determining that agitating question for the State. LITERARY MEN". Among the most prominent literary men of the early daj'S in. Illinois, may be mentioned Judge James Hail, a Piiiladelphian, who came to the State in 1818. He settled at Shawneetown, and soon became associate editor with Henry Eddy of the Gazette. He afterwards originated the Illinois Magazine at Vandalia, which he conducted with ability, and which he, about 1834, removed to Cincinnati, under the title of Western Monthly Magazine. Judge Hall was a voluminous writer, and contributed to the literature of the West many M^orks of fiction and border histories, among which was a "Life of Gen. Harrison.'" Gov. John Reynolds was a writer of considerable note in his time. He contributed many border sketches to the literature of the day, and also an interesting volume of the history of his " Own Times," which abounds in incidents, reminiscences and character- istic sketches of the prominent men of the State. John Russell, of Bluft'dale, was another literarv man among the pioneers. He was a Yerinonter by birth; was a quiet and retired farmer on the bluffs of the Illinois river, in Greene county. He was a frequent contributor to Hall's and other periodicals, and afterward edited a pa])er in Greene county. Mr. Russell devoted much attention to French literature and manners in the Missis- sippi valley, spending several years as a teacher among them in Louisiana. Some of his sketches have gone into the standard Bcliool books of the countrv. 118 niSTOKY or Illinois. These three, with Kev. Johu M. Peck, and the editors of the pjipers heretofore inentined, may be ranked as tlic chief literary men in the State in its earlier days. There were others perhaps eqnally able, whose names do not now occur to us. CONSTITUTIONS. The Constitution under which the State was admitted into the Union in 181S, remained in force until 1848, when a new one was adopted, which did away with many of the most objectionable features of the former. Tliis continued in force until August, 1870, when the present one went into effect. Under these three Constitutions, and the laws enacted in accord- ance therewith, — some of them unsound, ill-digested and impolitic, — the State has in sixty-two years made nnparalleled advancement in population and material and moral power. Note her popula- tion : In 1800, its population was about 3,000. In 1810, it had increased to 12,283. On its admission into the Union in 1818, it was estimated at 45,000. By the census of 1830, it had gone above 157,000. In 1840, it had advanced to 474,000. By the' census of 1870, it shows the enormous number of 2,529,- 410 souls. It now contains an estimated population of over three viillions of peoj)2e. Three thousand in 1800; three millions in 1880 — less than eighty years! Such is American, such is "Western progress; such the advance of free principles, guided by free thought on free Boil! MEXICAN WAR During the month of May, 1846, the President called for four regiments of volunteers from Illinois for the Mexican war. This was no sooner known in the State than nine regiments, numbering 8,370 men, answered the call, though only four of them, amounting to 3,720 men, could be taken. These regiments, as well as their officers, were everywhere foremost in the American ranks, and dis- HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 119 tinguislied themselves by their matchless valor in the bloodiest battles of the war. Veterans never fought more noblj and effect- ively than did the volunteers from Illinois. At the bloody battle of Buena Yista they crowned their lives — many their death — with the laurels of war. Never did armies contend more bravely, determinedly and stubbornly than the American and Mexican forces at this famous battle; and as Illinois troops were ever in the van and on the blood- iest portions of the field, we believe a short sketch of the part they took in the fierce contest is due them, and will be read with no lit- tle interest. BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. General Santa Anna, with his army of 20,000, poured into the valley of Aqua N ueva early on the morning of the 22d of February, hoping to surprise our army, consisting of about 5,000 men, under Gen. Taylor and which had retreated to the " Narrows." They were hotly pursued by the Mexicans who, before attacking, sent Gen. Taylor a flag of truce demanding a surrender, and assuring him that if he refused he would be cut to pieces; but the demand was promptly refused. At this the enemy opened fire, and the con- flict began. In honor of the day the watchword with our soldiers was, " The memory of "Washington." An irregular fire was kept up all day, and at night both armies bivouacked on the field, resting on their arms. Santa Anna that night made a spirited address to his men, and the stirring strains of his own band till late in the night were distinctly heard by our troops; but at last silence fell over the hosts that were to contend unto death in that narrow pass on the morrow. Early on the following morning the battle was resumed, and con- tinued without intermission until nightfall. The solid columns of the enemy were hurled against our forces all day long, but were met and held in check by the unerring fire of our musketry and ar- tillery. A portion of Gen. Lane's division was driven back by the enemy under Gen. Lombardini, who, joined by Gen. Pacheco's divis- ion, poured upon the main plateau in so formidable numbers as to appear irresistible. BRAVERY OF THE SECOND ILLINOIS. At this time the 2d Illinois, under Col. Bissell, with a squadron of cavalry and a few pieces of artillery came handsomely into action 120 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. and gallantlj received the concentrated fire of the enemy, which they returned with deliberate aim and terrible eifect; every dis- charge of the artillery seemed to tear a bloody path through the heavy columns of enemy. Says a writer: "The rapid mus- ketry of the gallant troops from Illinois poured a storm of lead into their serried ranks, which literally strewed the ground with the dead and dying." But, notwithstanding his losses, the enemy steadily advanced until our gallant regiment received fire from three sides. Still they maintained their position for a time with unflinching firmness against that immense host. At length, per- ceiving the danger of being entirely surrounded, it was determined to fall back to a ravine. Col. Bissel, with the coolness of ordinary^*', drill, ordered the signal " cease firing " to be made; he then with the same deliberation gave the command, "' Face to the rear, Bat- talion, about face; forward march," which was executed with the regularity of veterans to a point beyond the peril of being out- flanked. Again, in obedience to command these brave men halted- faced about, and under a murderous tempest of bullets from the foe, resumed their well-directed fire. The conduct of no troops could have been more admirable; and, too, until that day they had never been under fire, when, within less than half an hour eighty of their comrades dropped by their sides. How difierent from the Arkansas regiment, which were ordered to the plateau, but after delivering their first volley gave way and dispersed. SADDEST EVENT OF THE BATTLE. But now we have to relate the saddest, and, for Illinois, the most mournful, event of that battle-worn day. We take the account from Colton's History of the battle of Buena Yista, "As the enemy on our left was moving in retreat along the head of the Plateau, our artillery was advanced until within range, and opened a heavy fire upon him, while Cols. Hardin, Bissell and McKee, with their Illinois and Kentucky troops, dashed gallantly forward in hot pur- suit. A powerful reserve of the Mexican army was then just emerging from the ravine, where it had been organized, and advanced on the plateau, opposite the head of the southernmost gorge. Those who were giving way rallied quickly upon it; w^hen the whole force, thus increased to over 12,000 men, came forward in a perfect blaze of fire. It was a single column, composed of the best soldiers of the republic, having for its advanced battalions the SCE^E ON FOX lUVEli. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 123 veteran regiments. The Kentucky and Illinois troops were soon obliged to give ground before it and seek the shelter of the second gorge. The enemy pressed on, arriving opposite the head of the second gorge. One-half of the column suddenly enveloped it, while the other half pressed on across the plateau, having for the moment nothing to resist them but the three guns in their front. The por- tion that was immediately opposed to the Kentucky and Illinois troops, ran down along each side of the gorge, in which they had sought shelter, and also circled around its head, leaving no possible way of escape for thain except by its mouth, which opened upon the road. Its sides, which were steep, — at least an angle of 45 degrees, — were covered with loose pebbles and stones, and con- verged to a point at the bottom. Do\vn there were our poor fel- lows, nearly three regiments of them (1st and 2d Illinois and 2d Kentucky), with but little opportunity to load or fire a gun, being hardly able to keep their feet. Above the whole edge of the gorge, all the way around, was darkened by the serried masses of the enemy, and was bristling with muskets directed on the crowd beneath. It was no time to pause. Those who were not immedi- ately shot down rushed on toward the road, their number growing less and less as they went, Kentuckians and lUinoisans, officers and men, all mixed np in confusion, and all pressing on over the loose pebbles and rolling stones of those shelving, precipitous banks, and having lines and lines of the enemy firing down from each side and rear as they went. Just then the enemy's cavalry, which had gone to the left of the reserve, had come over the spur that divides the mouth of the second gorge from that of the third, and were now closing up the only door through which there was the least shadow of a chance for their lives. Many of those ahead endeavored to force their way out, but few succeeded. The lancers were fully six to one, and their lung weapons were already reeking with blood. It was at this time that those M'ho were still back in that dreadful gorge heard, above the din of the musketry and the sliouts of the enemy around them, the roar of Washington's Bat- tery. No music could have been more grateful to their ears. A moment only, and the whole opening, where the lancers were busy, rang with the repeated explosions of spherical-case shot. They gave M'ay. The gate, as it were, was clear, and out upon the road a stream of our poor fellows issued. They ran panting down 124 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. toward the battery, and directly under the fight of iron then pas- sing over their heads, into the retreatinej eavah'j. Hardin, McKee, Clay, Willis, Zabriskie, Houghton — but why go on? It would be a sad task indeed to name over all who fell during this twenty minutes' slaughter. The whole gorge, from the plateau to its mouth, was strewed with our dead. All dead! No wounded there — not a man; for the infantry had rushed down the sides and com- pleted the work with the bayonet." VICTOKY FOR OUR ARMY. The artillery on the plateau stubbornly maintained its position, The remnants of the 1st and 2d Illinois regiments, after issuing from the fated gorge, were formed and again brought into action, the former, after the fall of the noble Hardin, under Lieut. Col. Weatherford, the latter under Bissell. The enemy brought forth reinforcements and a brisk artillery duel was kept up; but gradually, as the shades of night began to cover the earth, the rattle of mus- ketry slackened, and when the pall of night was thrown over that bloody field it ceased altogether. Each army, after the fierce and long struggle, occupied much the same position as it did in the morning. However, early on the following morning, the glad tidings were heralded amidst our army that the enemy had retreated, thus again crowning the American banners with victory. OTHER HONORED NAMES OF THIS WAR. Other bright names from Illinois that shine as stars in thigi war are those of Shields, Baker, Harris and Cofiee, which are indissolubly connected with the glorious capture of Yera Cruz and the not less famous storming of Cerro Gordo. In this latter action, when, after the valiant Gen. Shields had been placed hors de combat, the command of his force, consisting of three regiments, devoled upon Col. Baker. This ofiicer, with his men, stormed with unheard-of prowess the last stronghold of the Mexicans, sweeping everything before them. Sucli indeed were the intrepid valor and daring courage exhibited by Illinois volunteers during the Mexican war that their deeds should live in the memory of their countrymen until those latest times when the very name of America shall have been forgotten. 125 THE WAR FOR THE UNIOK. On the fourth day of March, 1861, after the most exciting and momentous political campaign known in the history of this country, Abraham Lincohi — America's martyred President — was inaugu- rated Chief Magistrate of the United States. This fierce contest was principally sectional, and as the announcement was flashed over the telegraph wires that the Republican Presidential candidate had been elected, it was hailed by the South as a justifiable pretext for dissolving the Union. Said Jeiferson Davis in a speech at Jackson, Miss., prior to the election, "If an abolitionist be chosen Presi- dent of the United States you will have presented to you the question whether you will permit the government to pass into the hands of your avowed and implacable enemies. Without pausing for an answer, I will state my own position to be that such a result would be a species of revolution by which the purpose of the Government would be destroyed, and the obser- vances of its mere forms entitled to no respect. In that event, in such manner as should be most expedient, I should deem it your duty to provide for your safety outside of the Union." Said another Southern politician, when speaking on the same sub- ject, " We shall fire the Southern heart, instruct the Southern mind, give courage to each, and at the proper moment, by one organized, concerted action, we can precipitate the Cotton States into a revolution." To disrupt the Union and form a government which recognized the absolute supremacy of the white population and the perpetual bondage of the black was what they deemed freedom from the galling yoke of a Republican administration. ABRAHAM LINCOLN DID NOT SEEK THE PRESIDENCY. Hon. R. W. Miles, of Knox county, sat on the floor by the side of Abraham Lincoln in the Library-room of the Capitol, in Spring- field, at the secret caucus meeting, held in January, 1859, when Mr. Lincoln's name was first spoken of in caucus as candidate for President. When a gentleman, in making a short speech, said, " We are going to bring Abraham Lincoln out as a candidate for President," Mr. Lincoln at once arose to his feet, and exclaimed, "For God's sake, let me alone! I have suffered enough!" This was soon after he had been defeated in the Legislature for United States Senate by Stephen A. Douglas, and only those who are 126 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. intimate with that important and unparalleled contest can appre- ciate the full force and meaning of these exj^ressive words of the martyred President. They were spontaneous, and prove beyond a shadow of doubt that Abraham Lincoln did not seek the high posi- tion of President. Nor did he use any trickery or chicanery to obtain it. But his expressed wish was not to be complied with; our beloved country needed a savior and a martyr, and Fate had decreed that he should be the victim. After Mr. Lincoln was elected President, Mr. Miles sent him an eagle's quill, with which the chief magistrate wrote his first inaugural address. The letter written by Mr. Miles to the President, and sent with the quill, which was two feet in length, is such a jewel of eloquence and prophecy that it should be given a place in history: Persifer, December 21, 1860. Hon. a. Lincoln : Dear Sir : — Please accept the eagle quill I promised y^^^- 1^7 the hand of our Representative, A. A. Smith. The bird from whose wing the quill was taken, was shot by John F. Dillon, in Persifer township, Knox Co., Ills., in Feb., 1857 Hav- ing heard that James Buchanan was furnished with an eagle quill to write his Inaugural with, and believing that in 18G0, a Republican would be elected to take liis place, I determined to save this quill and present it to the fortunate man, wdio- €ver he might be. Reports tell us that the bird which furnished Buchanan's quill was a captured bird,— tit emblem of the man that used it ; but the bird from which this quill was taken, yielded the quill only with his life,— fit emblem of the man who is expected to use it, for true Republicans believe that you would not think life worth the keeping after the surrender of principle. Great difficulties surround you ; traitors to their country have threatened your life ; and should you be called upon to surrender it at the post of duty, your memory will live for- ever in the heart of every freeman ; and that is a grander monument than can be ■built of brick or marl^le. "For if hearts may not our memories keep, Oblivion haste each vestige sweep, And let our memories end.'' Yours Truly, R. W. Miles. STATES SECEDING. At the time of President Lincoln's accession to power, several members of the Union claimed they had withdrawn from it, and styling themselves the '' Confederate States of America," organ- ized a separate government. The house was indeed divided against itself, but it should not fall, nor should it long continue divided, was the hearty, determined response of every loyal heart in the nation. The accursed institution of human slavery was the primary cause for this dissolution of the American Union. Doubtless other agencies served to intensify the hostile feel- ings which existed between the Korthern and Southern portions HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 127 of our country, but tlieir remote origin could be traced to this great national evil. Had Lincoln's jjredecessor put forth a timely, ener- getic effort, he might have prevented tlie bloody war our nation was called to pass through. On the other hand every aid was given the rebels; every advantage and all the power of the Government was placed at their disposal, and when Illinois' honest son took the reins of the Kepublic he found Buchanan had been a traitor to his trust, and given over to the South all available means of war. THE FALL OF SUMTER. On the 12th day of April, 1861, the rebels, who for weeks had been erecting their batteries upon the shore, after demanding of Major Anderson a surrender, opened fire upon Fort Sumter. For thirty-four hours an incessant cannonading was continued; the fort was being seriously injured; provisions were almost gone, and Major Anderson was compelled to haul down the stars and stripes. That dear old flag which had seldom been lowered to a foreign foe by rebel hands was now trailed in the dust. The first blow of the terrible conflict which summoned vast armies into the field, and moistened the soil of a nation in fraternal blood and tears, had been struck. The gauntlet thus thrown down by the attack on Sumter by the traitors of the South was accepted — not, however, in the spirit with which insolence meets insolence — but with a firm, determined spirit of patriotism and love of country. Tiie duty of the President was plain under the constitution and the laws, and above and beyond all, the people from whom all political power is derived, demanded the suppression of the Kebellion, and stood ready to sustain the authority of their representative and executive officers. Promptly did the new President issue a proclamation calling for his countrymen to join with him to defend their homes and their country, and vindicate her honor. This call was made April 14, two days after Sumter was first fired upon, and was for 75,000 men. On the 15th, the same day he was notified, Gov. Yates issued his proclamation convening the Legislature. He also ordered the organization of six regiments. Troops were in abund- ance, and the call was no sooner made than filled. Patriotism thrilled and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm, the workshop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college, the school-house,— every calling offered its best men, their lives and their fortunes, in defense of the Government's honor and unity. 128 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. Bitter words spoken, in moments of political heat were forgotten 3,nd forgiven, and joining hands in a common cause, they repeated 'the oath of America's soldier-statesman: " By the Great Eternal^ the Union must and shall he jpreservedy The honor, the very- life and glory of the nation was committed to the stern arbitrament of the sword, and soon the tramp of armed men, the clash of musketry and the heavy boom of artillery reverberated throughout the continent; rivers of blood saddened by tears of mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and sweethearts flowed from the lakes to the gulf, but a nation was saved. The sacrifice was great, but the Union was preserved. CALL FOR TROOPS PROMPTLY ANSWERED. Simultaneously with the call for troops by the President, enlist- ments commenced in this State, and within ten days 10,000 volunteers offered service, and the sum of $1,000,000 was tendered by patriotic citizens. Of the volunteers who offered their services, only six regiments could be accepted under the quota of the State, But the time soon came when there was a place and a musket for every man. The six regiments raised were designated by numbers commencing with seven, as a mark of respect for the six regiments which had served in the Mexican war. Another call was antici- pated, and the Legislature authorized ten additional regiments to be organized. Over two hundred companies were immediately raised from which were selected the required number. J^o sooner was this done than the President made another call for troops, six regiments were again our proportion, although by earnest solicita- tion the remaining four were accepted. There were a large number of men with a patriotic desire to enter the service who were denied this privilege. Many of them wept, while others joined regiments from other States. In May, June and July seventeen regiments of infantry and five of cavalry were raised, and in the latter month, when the President issued his first call for 500,000 volunteers, Illinois tendered thirteen regiments of infantry and three of cavalry, and so anxious were her sons to have the Rebellion crushed that the number could have been increased by thousands. At the close of 1861 Illinois had sent to the field nearly 50,000 men, and had 17,000 in camp .awaiting marching orders, thus exceeding her full quota by 15,000. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 129 A VAST ARMY RAISED IN ELEVEN DATS. In July and August of 1862 the President called for 600,000 men — our quota of which was 52,296 — and gave until August 18 as the limits in which the number might be raised by volunteering, after which a draft would be ordered. The State had already fur- nished 17,000 in excess of her quota, and it was first thought this number would be deducted from the present requisition, but that could not be done. But thirteen days were granted to enlist this vast army, which had to come from tlie farmers and mechanics. The former were in the midst of harvest, but, inspired by love of country, over 50,000 of them left their harvests ungathered, their tools and their benches, the plows in their furrows, turning their backs on their homes, and before eleven days had expired the demands of the Government were met and both quotas filled. The war went on, and call followed call, until it began to look as if there would not be men enough in all the Free States to crush out and subdue the monstrous war traitors had inaugurated. But to every call for either men or money there was a willing and ready response. And it is a boast of the people that, had the supply of men fallen short, there were women brave enough, daring enough, patriotic enough, to have offered themselves as sacrifices on their country's altar. On the 21st of December, 186i, the last call for troops was made. It was for 300,000. In consequence of an im- perfect enrollment of the men subject to military duty, it became evident, ere this call was made, that Illinois was furnishing thous- ands of men more than what her quota would have been, had it been correct. So glaring had this disproportion become, that under this call the quota of some districts exceeded the number of able-bodied men in them. A GENERAL SUMMARY. Following this sketch we give a schedule of all the volunteer troops organized from this State, from the commencement to the close of the war. It is taken from the Adjutant General's report. The number of the regiment, name of original Colonel, call under which recruited, date of organization and muster into the United States' service, place of muster, and aggregate strength of each organization, from whicli we find that Illinois put into her one hun- dred and eighty regiments 256,000 men, and into the United States 130 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. armj, through other States, enough to swell the number to 290,000. This far exceeds all the soldiers of the Federal Government in all the war of the Revolution. Her total years of service were over 600,000. She enrolled men from eighteen to forty-five years of age, when the law of Congress in 1S64 — the test time — only asked for those from twenty to forty-five. Her enrollments were otherwise excessive. Her people wanted to go, and did not take the pains to correct the enrollment ; thus the basis of fixing the quota was too great, and the quota itself, at least in the trying time, was far abov^e any other State. The demand on some counties, as Monroe, for example, took every able-bodied man in the county, and then did not have enough to fill the quota. Moreover, Illinois sent 20,844: men for one hundred days, for whom no credit was asked. She gave to the country 73,000 years of service above all calls. "With one-thirteenth of the population of the loyal States, she sent regu- larly one-tenth of all the soldiers, and in the perils of the closing calls, when patriots were few and weary, she sent one-eighth of all that were called for by her loved and honored son in the White House. Of the brave boys Illinois sent to the front, there were killed in action, 5, 8SS; died of wounds, 3,032; of disease, 19,496; in prison, 967; lost at sea, 205; aggregate, 29,58S. As upon every field and upon every page of the history of this war, Illinois bore her part of the suffering in the prison-pens of the South. More than 800 names make up the awful column of Illinois' brave sons who died in the rebel prison of Andersonville, Ga. "Who can measure or imagine the atrocities which would be laid before the world were the panorama of sufterings and terrible trials of these gallant men but half unfolded to view? But this can never be done until new words of horror are invented, and new arts dis- covered by which demoniacal fiendishness can be portrayed, and the intensest anguish of the human soul in ten thousand forms be painted. Ko troops ever fought more heroically, stubbornly, and with bet- ter efi'ect, than did the boys from the "Prairie State." At Pea Eidge, Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, luka, Corinth, Stone River, Holly Springs, Jackson, Yicksburg, Chicamauga, Lookout Moun- tain, Murfreesboro, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Chattanooga, and on every other field where the clash of arms was heard, her sons were foremost. HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 131 CAPTURE OF THE ST. LOUIS ARSENAL. Illinois was almost destitute of firearms at the beginning of the conflict, and none could be procured in the East. The traitorous Floyd had turned over to the South 300,000 arms, leaving most arsenals in the North empty. Gov. Yates, however, received an order on the St. Louis arsenal for 10,000 muskets, which he put in the hands of Captain Stokes, of Chicago. Several unsuccessful attempts were made by the Captain to pass through the large crowd of rebels which had gathered around the arsenal, suspecting an attempt to move the arms would be made. He at last succeeded in gaining admission to the arsenal, but was informed by the com- mander that the slightest attempt to move the arms would be dis- covered and bring an infuriated mob upon the garrison. This fear was well founded, for tlie following day Gov. Jackson ordered 2,000 armed men from Jefferson City down to capture the arsenal. Capt. Stokes telegraphed to Alton for a steamer to descend the river, and about midnight land opposite the arsenal, and proceeding to the same place with 700 men of the 7th Illinois, commenced loading the vessel. To divert attention from his real purpose, he had 500 guns placed upon a different boat. As designed, this movement was discovered by the rabble, and the shouts and excitement upon their seizure drew most of the crowd from the arsenal. Capt. Stokes not only took all the guns his requisition called for, but emptied the arsenal. When all was .ready, and the signal given to start, it was found that the immense weight had bound the bow of the boat to a rock, but after a few moments' delay the boat fell away from the shore and floated into deep water. "Which way?" said Capt. Mitchell, of the steamer. ''Straight in the regular channel to Alton," replied Capt. Siokes. "What if we are attacked?" said Capt. Mitchell. " Then we will fight," was the reply of Capt. Stokes. "What if we are overpowered?" said Mitchell. " Run the boat to the deepest part of the river and sink her," replied Stokes. "I'll do it," was the heroic answer of Mitchell, and away they went past the secession battery, past the St. Louis levee, and in the regular channel on to Alton. When they touched the landing, Capt. Stokes, fearing pursuit, ran to the market house and rang the fire bell. The citizens came flocking pell-mell to the river, and soon men, women and children were tugging away at that vessel load of arms, which they soon had deposited in freight cars and off to Springfield. 132 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS, ^ LIBEKALITY AS WELL AS PATRIOTISM. The people were liberal as well as patriotic; and while the men were busy enlisting, organizing and equipping companies, the ladies were no less active, and the noble, generous work performed by their tender, loving hands deserves mention along with the bravery, devotion and patriotism of their brothers upon the Southern fields of carnage. The continued need of money to obtain the comforts and neces- saries for the sick and wounded of our army suggested to the loyal women of the North many and various devices for the raising of funds. Every city, town and village had its fair, festival, picnic, excursion, concert, which netted more or less to the cause of hospital relief, according to the population of the place and the amount of energy and patriotism displayed on such occasions. Especially was this characteristic of our own fair State, and scarcely a hamlet within its borders which did not send something from its stores to hospital or battlefield, and in the larger towns and cities were well -organized soldiers' aid societies, working systematically and continuously from the beginning of the war till its close. The great State Fair held in Chicago in May, 1865, netted $250,000. Homes for traveling soldiers were established all over the State, in which were furnished lodging for 600,000 men, and meals valued at $2,500,000. Food, clothing, medicine, hospital delicacies, reading matter, and thousands of other articles, were sent to the boys at the front. MESSAGES OF LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT. Letters, messages of love and encouragement, were sent by noble women from many counties of the State to encourage the brave sons and brothers in the South. Below we give a copy of a printed letter sent from Knox county to the "boys in blue," as showing the feelings of the women of the l^orth. It was headed, " From the Women of Knox County to Their Brothers in the Field." It was a noble, soul-inspiring message, and kindled anew the intensest love for home, country, and a determination to crown the stars and stripes with victory : " You have gone out from our homes, but not from our hearts. Never for one moment are you forgotten. Through weary march and deadly conflict our prayers have ever followed you; your sufferings are our sufferings, your victories our great joy. HI8T0KY OF ILLINOIS. 133 " If there be one of you who knows not the dear home ties, for whom no mother prays, no sister watches, to him especially we speak. Let him feel that thougli he may not have one mother he has many; he is the adopted child and brother of all our hearts. ]^ot one of you is beyond the reach of onr sympathies; no picket- station so lonely that it is not enveloped in the halo of our prayers. " During all the long, dark months since our country called you from us, your courage, your patient endurance, your fidelity, have awakened our keenest interest, and we have longed to give you an expression of that interest. "By the alacrity with which you sprang to arms, by the valor with which those arms have been wielded, you have placed our State in the front ranks; you have made her worthy to be the home of our noble President. For thus sustaining the honor of our State, dear to us as life, we thank you. " Of your courage we need not speak. Fort Donelson, Pea Eidge, Shiloh, Stone River, Yicksburg, speak with blood-bathed lips of your heroism. The Army of the Southwest fights beneath no defeat-shadowed banner; to it, under God, the nation looks for deliverance. "But we, as women, have other cause for thanks. "We will not speak of the debt we owe the defenders of our Government; that blood-sealed bond no words can cancel. But wc are your debtors in a way not often recognized. You have aroused us from the aimlessness into which too many of our lives had drifted, and have infused into those lives a noble pathos. "We could not dream our time away while our brothers were dying for us. Even your suffer- ings have worked together for our good, by inciting us to labor for their alleviation, thus giving us a work worthy of our womanhood. Everything that we have been permitted to do for your comfort has filled our lives so much the fuller of all that makes life valua- ble. You have thus been the means of developing in us a nobler type of womanhood than without the example of your heroism we could ever have attained. For this our whole lives, made purer and nobler by the discipline, will thank you. *'This war will leave none of us as it found us. We cannot buffet the raging wave and escape all trace of the salt sea's fuam. Toward better or toward worse we are hurried with fearful 134 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. haste. If we at home feel this, what must it be to you! Our hearts throb with agony when we think of you wounded, suffering, dying; but the thought of no physical pain touches us half so deeply as the thought of the temptations which surround you. We could better give you up to die on the battle-field, true to your God and to your country, than to have you return to us with blasted, blackened souls. When temptations assail fiercely, you must let the thought that your mothers are praying for strength enable you to overcome them. But fighting for a worthy cause worthily ennobles one; herein is our confidence that you will return better men than you went away. " By all that is noble in your manhood ; by all that is true in our womanhood; by all that is grand in patriotism; by all that is sacred in religion, we adjure you to be faitliful to yourselves, to us, to your country, and to your God. l^ever were men permitted to fight in a cause more worthy of their blood. Were you fighting for mere conquest, or glory, we could not give you up; but to sus- tain a jyrinciple, the greatest to which human lips have ever given utterance, even your dear lives are not too costly a sacrifice. Let that principle, the corner-stone of our independence, be crushed, and we are all slaves. Like the Suliote mothers, we might well clasp our children in our arms and leap down to death. "To the stern arbitrament of the sword is now committed the honor, the very life of this nation. You fight not for yourselves alone; the eyes of the whole world are on you; and if you fail our Nation's death-wail will echo through all coming ages, moaning a requiem over the lost hopes of oppressed humanity. But you will not fail, so sure as there is a God in Heaven. He never meant this richest argosy of the nations, freighted with the fears of all the world's t}Tants, with the hopes of all its oppressed ones, to flounder in darkness and death. Disasters may come, as they have come, but tliey will only be, as they have been, ministers of good. Each one has led the nation upward to a higher plane, from whence it has seen with a clearer eye. Success could not attend us at the West so long as we scorned the help of the black hand, which alone had power to open the gate of redemption; the God of battles would not vouchsafe a victory at the East till the very foot- prints of a McClellan were washed out in blood. "But now all things seem ready; we have accepted the aid of HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 135 that hand; those footsteps are obliterated. In his own good time we feel that God will give us the victory. Till that hour comes we bid you fight on. Though we have not attained that heroism, or decision, which enables us togweyou up without a struggle, which can prevent our giving tears for your hlood, though many of us must own our hearts desolate till you return, still we bid you stay and fight for our country, till from this fierce baptism of blood she shall be raised complete; the dust shaken from her garments puri- fied, a new Memnon singing in the great Godlight." Sherman's march to the sea. On the 15th of November, 1864, after the destruction of Atlanta, and the railroads behind him, Sherman, with his army, began his march to the sea-coast. The almost breathless anxiety with which his progress was watched by the loyal hearts of the nation, and the trembling apprehension with which it was regarded by all who hoped for rebel success, indicated this as one of the most remark- able events of the war; and so it proved. Of Sherman's army, 45 regiments of infantry, three companies of artillery, and one of cavalry were from this State. Lincoln answered all rumors of Sherman's defeat with, " It is impossible; there is a mighty sight of fight in 100,000 Western men." Illinois soldiers brought home 300 battle flags. The first United States flag that floated over Richmond was an Illinois flag. She sent messengers and nurses to every fleld and hospital to care for her sick and wounded sons. Illinois gave the country the great general of the war, U. S. Grant. character of ABRAHAM LINCOLN. One other name from Illinois comes up in all minds, embalmed in all hearts, that must have the supreme place in this sketch of our glory and of our nation's [honor: that name is Abraham Lincoln. The analysis of Mr. Lincoln's character is diflicult on account of its symmetry. In this age we look with admiration at his uncompromising honesty; and well we may, for this saved us. Thousands throughout the length and breadth of our country, who knew him only as "Honest Old Abe," voted for him on that account; and wisely did they choose, for no other man could have carried us through the fearful night of war. When his plans were too vast for our comprehension, and his faith in the cause too sub- 136 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. lime for our participation ; when it was all night about us, and all dread before us, and all sad and desolate behind us; when not one ray shone upon our cause; when traitors were haughty and exult- ant at the South, and fierce and blasphemous at the North; when the loyal men seemed almost in the minority; when the stoutest heart quailed, the bravest cheek paled; when generals were defeat- ing each other for place, and contractois were leeching out the very heart's blood of the republic; when everything else had failed us, we looked at this calm, patient man standing like a rock in the storm, and said, " Mr. Lincoln is honest, and we can trust him still" Holding to this single point with the energy of faith and despair, we held together, and under God he brought us through to victory. His practical wisdom made him the wonder of all lands. With such certainty did Mr. Lincoln follow causes to their ultimate effects, that his foresight of contingencies seemed almost prophetic. He is radiant with all the great virtues, and his memory will shed a glory upon this age that will fill the eyes of men as they look into history. Other men have excelled him in some points; but, taken at all points, he stands head and shoulders above every other man of 6,000 years. An administrator, he saved the nation in the perils of unparalleled civil war; a statesman, he justified his measures by their success; a philanthropist, he gave liberty to one race and salvation to another; a moralist, he bowed from the sum- mit of human power to the foot of the cross; a mediator, he exer- cised mercy under the most absolute obedience to law; a leader, he was no partisan; a commander, he was untainted with blood; a ruler in desperate times, he was unsullied with crime; a man, he has left no word of passion, no thought of malice, no trick of craft, no act of jealousy, no purpose of selfish ambition. Thus perfected, without a model and without a peer, he was dropped into these troubled years to adorn and embellish all that is good and all that is great in our humanity, and to present to all coming time the representative of the divine idea of free government. It is not too much to say that away down in the future, wlien the republic has fallen from its niche in the wall of time; when the great war itself shall have faded out in the distance like a mist on the horizon; when the Anglo-Saxon shall be spoken only by the tongue of the stranger, then the generations looking tliis way shall see the great President as the supreme figure in this vortex of history. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 137 THE WAE ENDED — THE UNION KESTOEED. The rebellion was ended with the surrender of Lee and his army, and Johnson and his command in April, 1865. Our armies at the time were up to their maximum strength, never so formidable, never so invincible; and, until recruiting ceased by order of Sec- retary Stanton, were daily strengthening. The necessity, however, LINCOLN MONUMENT AT SPRINGFIELD. for SO vast and formidable immbers ceased with the disbanding of the rebel forces, which had for more than four years disputed the supremacy of the Government over its domain. And now the joyful and welcome news was to be borne to the victorious legions that their work was ended in triumph, and they were to be per- mitted "to see homes and friends once more." 138 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, ScHBDXJLB— Showing statement of volunteer troops organized within the State, and sent to the fleld, commencing April, 1861, and ending December ol, 1S65, with number of regiment, name of original commanding othcer, date of organization and muster into United States' service, place of muster, and the aggregate strength of each organization. INFANTRY. Commanding officer at organiza tion. May 24, 1861. May 25, 1801. May 24, 1861. May 28, 1861 Col. John Cook " Richard J. Oglesby.. . " Eleazer A. Paine " Jas. D. Morgan " W. H. L. Wallace... . " John McArthur " John B. Wyman " John M . Palmer " Tho8. J.Turner " Robert F. Smith " Leonard F. Ross " Michael K. Lawler " John B. Turchin " Chas. C. Marsh " Ulysses S.Grant " Henry Dougherty " Jas. A. Mulligan " Fredericli Ilecker " Wm. N. Coler " John M. Loomis " Nap. B. Buford , " A.K.Johnson " Jas. S. Kearden " Philip B. Fouke jSept. 30, 1861. " John A. Logan Sept. 8, 1801.. Dec. 31, 1861. Aug. 15, 1861. Sept. r, 1861. Date of organization and muster into the United States service. July 2.5, 1861. June V\ 1861. June 15, 1861. June 25, 1861. June 18, 1861. July 8, 1861. Get. 31, 18t;i. Aug. 3, 1861 . July2T, 1861. John Logan Chas. E. llovev Edward N. Kirk Gus. A. Smith Nich. Greusel Julius White Wm. P. Carlin Austin Li?ht Steph. G. Hicks Isaac C. Piigh Wm.A. Webb.. Julius Raith Chas. Noblesdorff . . . John E. Smith John A. Davis John Bryuer Isham N. Ilaynie Wm. R.Morrison... Moses M. Bane G. W. Cumming Isaac G. Wilson W. H. W. Cushman. Thos. W. Hams David Stuart Robert Kirkham — Silas D. Baldwin.... Wm. F. Lvnch P. Sidney Post Silas C. "Toler Jacob Fry James M. True Francis Mora Lt. Col. D. D. Williams.. Col. Daniel Cameron .... Patrick E. Burke Rosell M. Hough Elias Stuart Jos. H. Tucker O. T. Reeves Othniel Gilbert Sept. 23, 1861 Sept. 18,1361 Aug. 15, 1861. .. December, 1861... Aug. 10, 1861 Aug, 9. 1861 Sept. 17, 1861 Dec. 16,1861 Sept. 13, 1861 Dec. 26, 1''61 Dec. 28, 1861 Oct. 1. 1861 Nov. 18,1861 Dec. 31, 1861 Sept. 12, 1861 Dec. '61, Feb. '62.. Nov. 19, 1861 March. 1862 Feb. 18,1862 Oct. 31, 1861 Feb. 27, 1862 Dec. 26, 1861 Dec. 24, 1861 August. 1861 Feb. 17, 1862 March 7,1862.... April 10,1862 Dec. 31, 1862. Mavis, 1862. April. 1862... Juno 13, 1862. June 20, 1862. June 14, 1862. Julv4, 1862.. July 26, 1862. Place where mustered into the United Statei service. Cairo, Illinois. Dixon Jacksonville. Freeport Quiucy Peoria Anna Joliet . . . Mattoon... Belleville. Chicago.. . Chicago... Camp Butler. Camp Camp Camp Camp Camp Camp Camp Butler. Butler. Butler. Butler. Butler. Butler. Butler. .Aurora Chicago Camp Butler... Chicago Salem.. Decatur Chicago Camp^Butler. .. Chicago Galeua Camp Butler... Peoria Camp Butler... Camp Butler, . Quincy Camp "Douglas. Geneva , Ottawa Anna Camp Douglas Shawneetown .. Camp Douglas. Camp Douglas St. Louis, Mo.. Anna . Carrollton Anna Anna Camp Butler Camp Douglas. St. Loui'i, Mo.. Camp Douglas. Camp Butler.. . Camp Douglas. Camp Butler.. . Camp Douglas. P»9 Vci- 174T 185* 1265 1759 1384 1675 1113 2015 2028 183.9 1259 2043 1095 1817 1266 1164 1982 989 1083 1602 1193 1939 1547 1878 1973 1711 1660 1558 1012 1593 1157 1388. 1807 1277 1211 1824 1902 1512 1716 2015 2051 1874 1482 1761 1550 1519 1434 1720 1287 1180 1754 2202 1762 1647 1385 1730 1228 1624 1684 1694 979 889 912 1006 940 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 139 ScHEDtTLE — Showing statement of volunteer troops orcjanizcd within the State, and pent to the field, commencing April, 1861, and endinj^ December 31, 1865, with number of regiment, name of ori^innl commanding officer, date of organization and muster into United States' service, place of muBler, and the aggregate etreugth of each orgauizalion. INFANTRY. 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 IO4 IO5 106 IO7 IOr 109 lib 111 112 113 Commanding ofBcer at organiza tion. Col. Frederick A. Starring., " Jas. P. Jaquess " Jason Marsh " George Kyan " Alouzo W. Mack " David P. Grier " W. 11. Bcnnison '• Lyman Guinnip " Thos. G. Allen " .lau. J. Dollins.. " Frederick Uecker " AbncrC. Harding •' Louis IL Waters " Robert S. Moore " David D. Irons " John E. Whiting " F. T. Sherman ■' John Christopher " Timothy O'Mera " Henry M. Day •' Smith D. Atkins '■ Ilolden Putnam '■ Wm. W. Orme '■ Lawr'n S. Church " ThoB. E. Champion. ... F. S. Rutherford. Date of organization and muster into the United States service. Aug. 21,1862... Sept. 4, 1862... Sept. 2, 1862. . Aug. 22, 1862. ♦Sept. 3, 1862. Sept. 1, 1862... Aug. 28, 1862.. Aug. 25, 1862... Aug. 26, 186a.. Aug. 21, 1862.. Sept. 1, 1862.. Aug. 27, 1882. Sept 22, 1862. Aug. 27, 1862.. *Ang. 25. 186.;. Nov. 22, 1862.. Sept. 8, 1862.. Sept. 4,1862... Oct. 13, 1862... Aug. 20, 1862.. Sept. 4,1862... Sept. 6, 1862.. Sept. 8, 1802. J. J. Funkhouscr Sept. 3, li-02 G. W. K. Bailey Fred. A. Bartleson. ChaH. II. Fox Wm. McMurtry Amos C. Babcock.. Absalom B. Moore.. Daniel Dustin Robert B. Latham.. Thomas Snell John Warner Alex. J. Nimmo Thos. 8. Casey James S. Martin.... T.J. Henderson Geo. B. Iloge 114| ■' James W. Judy 115 " JesHO IL Moore lie " Nathan II.Tupper.. 117 " Risden M. Moore... 118 " John G. Fonda 119 " Thos. .J. Kenney 120 " George W. -McKeaig 121 Never organized 122 Col. John I. Rinaker...: 123 " James Moore 124 " Thomas J. Sloan.... 125 " Oscar P. Harmon. . . 126 " Jonathan Richmond 127 " John Van.\rman 128 " Robert M. Hudley... 129 " George P. Smith 130 " Nathaniel Niles 1-31 " George W. Neeley.. 132 " Thomas C. Pickett. m " Thad. Phillips 1-34 " W. W McChesney... 135 " Johns. Wolfe Aug. 26, 1862. Aug. 30, 1862. Sept. 2, 1862.. Oct, 2, 1862. . . Aug. 27, 1862. Sept. 2, 1862. Sept. 17, 1862. Sept. 4,1862.. Aug. 28, 1862. Sept. 11, 1861. Sept. 18, 1862. Sept. 12, 1862. Oct. 1,1862... Sept. 18, 1862. Sept. 13, 1S62. Sept. 30, 1862.. Sept. 19, 1862.. Nov 29, m;2. Oct. 7, 1862... Oct. 29, 1862... Sept. 4, 1862.. Sept. 6 1862 . Sept. 10. 1862. Sept. 4, 1862.. *Sept. 5, 1862. Dec 18, 1862.. Sept. 8, 1862.. Oct. 25. 1865.. Nov. 13, 1862.. Tunel, 1864... May 31, 1864... June 6,1864.. Place where mustered into the United States service. Camp Douglas Camp Butler Rockford Dixon Kankakee Peoria. ., Quiucy Danville Ccntralia Anna Camp Butler Monmouth Quincy , Peoria , Peoria Shawneetown , ('amp Douglas , Camp Douglas. Camp Douglas Camp Butler Rockford Princeton and Chicago... Bloomington, Rockford Rockford Camp Butler Ccntralia Florence, Pike Co., Joliet .Jacksonville Knoxville peoria Ottawa ( hicago Lincoln Camp Butler Peoria Anna Anna Salem Peoria Camp Douglas CampButler Camp Butler Decatur Camp Butler CampButler guincy amp Butler Carlinville..,.. Mattoon Cam J) Butler... Danville Chicago Camp Douglas. Camp Butler.. . Pontiac Camp But'er. .. Camp Massac. . Camp Fry Camp Butler. Camp Fry Mattoon S-B -1 s ^ »5 3 1471 968 989 987 1110 1051 102)i 974 92S 1187 961 1286 956 959 993 994 907 938 1041 1265 1036 1091 1427 1206 108^ 107S 936 921 911 998 917 977 1001 1097 944 927 967 873 994 1095 1258 990 960 952 995 1101 952 844 1050 1130 933 998 957 866 1011 932 880 853 851 878 852 140 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. Schedule — Showing statement of volunteer troops organized within the State, and sent to the field, commencing April, 1861, and ending December 31, 1865, with number of regiment, name of original commanding officer, date of organization and muster into United States' service, place of muster, and the aggregate strength of each organization. INFANTRY^ a p Commanding officer at organiza- tion. Date of organization and muster into the United States service. Place where mustered into the United States service. > r-p* ISfi Col. Fred. A. Johns.. June 1, 1864 842 137 " John Wood June 5, 1864 . 849 138 " J.W.Goodwin June 21, 1864 835 139 " Peter Davidson June 1,1864.. . 878 140 '• L.H.Whitney June 18 18&4 Camp Butler Elgin 871 842 141 " Stephen Bronson " Rollin V. Anliney " Dudley C. Smith " Cyrus Hall " George W. Lackey Junel6i 1B64 149 June 18, 1864 851 143 June 11,1864 Mattoon Alton, Ills 865 144 Oct. 21, 1864 1159 880 1056 145 June 9, 1864 14f) " Henry H. Dean •' Hiram F. Sickles Sept. 20,1864 Camp Butler Chicago 147 Feb. 18, 1865 Feb. 11, 1865 1047 917 148 " Horace H. Wilsie 149 " Wm. C. Kueffner 983 l.'O " George W. Keener Feb. 14, 1865 Feb. 25, 1865 Feb. 18, 1865 933 Til " French B. Woodall 970 159. " F.D.Stephenson 945 153 " Stephen Bronson Feb. 27, 1865 1076 154 " McLean F.Wood " Gustavus A. Smith " Alfred F. Smith Feb. 22, 1865. . . . 994 155 Feb. 28. 1865 929 156 March 9, 1865 Chicago 975 " J.W.Wilson Dec. 1, 1861 985 903 Capt. John Curtis June 21, 1864 Camp Butler Camp Butler 91 '■ Simon J. Stookey JunelS, 18&4 90 " James Steele Chicago 86 CAVALRY. Col. Thomas A. Marshall.. .. " Silas Noble " Eugene A. Carr " T.Lyle Dickey , " John J. Updegraff " Thomas H. Cavanaugh. " Wm. Pitt Kellogg " J ohn F. Farnsworth. . . . " Albert G. Brackett " James A. Barrett " Robert G. IngersoU.. .. " ArnoVoss " Joseph W. Bell " Horace Capron " Warren Stewart •' Christian Thielman " John L. Beveridge June, 1861 Aug. 34, " .. Sept. 21, " Sept. 30, " December " Nov., '61, Jan., '6a. August, '61 Sept. 18, '61 Oct. 26, '61 Nov. 25, '61 Dec. 20, '61 Dec, '61, Feb., '62.. Jan. 7, '63 Organized Dec. 25, '63. Jan. and April, '63. . . . Jan. 28, '64 Bloomington... Camp Butler... Camp Butler... Ottawa Camp Butler... Camp Butler... Camp Butler... St. Charles.. .. Camp Douglas. Camp Butler... Peoria Camp Butler. . Camp Douglas. Peoria ... Camp Butler.. . Camp Butler... St. Charles 1306 1861 2183 1656 1669 2248 228-i 2412 2619 1934 2:363 2174 1759 1565 1473 1463 1247 FIRST REGIMENT— ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTILLERY. Co: A B O D E F G H I K L M Field Capt. and Staflf. C. M. Willard Ezra Taylor C. Haughtaling Edward McAllister. A. C. Waterhouse. . John T. Cheney . . . Arthur O'Leary Axel Silversparr Edward Bouton A. Franklin John Rourke John B.Miller Recruits Oct. 31, Jan. 14, Dec. 19, Feb. 25, Feb. 28 Feb. 20 Feb. 15, Jan. 9, Feb. 22 Aug. 13 1861. •63. . . '61... •63.. ,'63.. '63.. '63. . . 62. . . . , '62.. , '63 Chicago Chicago Ottawa Ptaiufield Chicago Camp Butler. . Cairo Chicago , Chicago Shawneetown Chicago Chicago , 7 168 204 175 141 148 159 113 147 169 96 153 1.54 883 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 141 Schedule— Showing statement of volunteer troops organized within the State, and sent to the field, commencing April, 1861, and ending December 31, 1865, with number of regiment, name of original commanding officer, date of organization and muster into United States eervice, place of muster, and the aggregate strength of each organization. LIGHT ARTILLERY. > o Commanding officer at organiza- Date of organization and Place where mustered tion. muster into the United into the United States States service. service. II TO' SECOND REGIMENT— ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTILLERY. Capt, Peter Davidson Riley Madison Caleb Hopkins Jasper M. Dresser. . . . Adolph Schwartz John W. Powell .... Charles J. Stolbrand. Andrew Steinbeck. . . Charles W, Keith. .. Benjamin F. Rogers. William H. Bolton... John C. Phillips Field and Staff Recruits Aug. 17, 1861. June 20, '61.. . Aug. 5, '61.... Dec. 17, '61... Feb. 1, '62..... Dec. 11, '61*... Dec. 31, '61.,.. Feb. 28, '62. June 6, '62. Peoria Springfield Cairo Cairo Cairo Cape Girardeau, Mo., Camp Butler Camp Butler. Camp Butler Camp Butler Chicago Chicago 116 127 154 117 136 190 108 115 107 108 145 100 10 1171 INDEPENDENT BATTERIES. Board of Trade Springfield Mercantile Elgin Coggswell's... Henshaw's — Bridges' Colvin's Busteed's Capt. James S. Stokes. . .' Thomas F. Vaughn Charles G. Cooley George W. Renwick. . . William Coggswell Ed. C. Henshaw Lyman Bridges John H. Colvin July 31, 1862. Aug. 21, '62.. Aug. 29, '63.. Nov. 15, '62.. Sept. 23, '61.. Oct. 15. '62. . . Jan. 1, '62.... Oct. 10, '63. . . Chicago Camp Butler. . . Chicago Elgin Camp Douglas. Ottawa Chicago Chicago Chicago 258 199 270 242 221 196 252 91 127 RECAPITULATION. Infantry 185,941 Cavalry 32,082 Artillery 7,277 DUELS. The code of chivalry so common among Southern gentlemen and so frequently brought into use in settling personal differences has also been called to settle the " affairs of honor " in our own State, however, but few times, and those iu the earlier days. Several attempts at duels have occurred ; before the disputants met in mortal combat the differences were amicably and satisfactorily settled; honor was maintained without the sacrifice of life. In 1810 a law was adopted to suppress the practice of dueling. This law held the fatal result of dueling to be murder, and, as it was intended, had the effect of making it odious and dishonorable. Prior to the constitution of 1848, parties would evade the law by 142 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. goin^ beyond the jurisdiction of the State to engage in their con- tests of honor. At that time thej incorporated in the Constitution an oath of office, which was so broad as to cover the whole world. Any person who had ever fought a duel, ever sent or accepted a challenge or acted the part of second was disfrancliised from holding office, even of minor importance. After this went into effect, no other duel or attempt at a duel has been engaged in witliin the State of Illinois, save those fought by parties living outside of the State, who came here to settle their personal differences. THE FIEST DUEL, The first duel fought within the boundaries of this great State was between two young military officers, one of the French and the other of the English army, in the year 1765. It was at the time the British troops came to take possession of Fort Chartres, and a woman was the cause of it. The affair occurred early Sunday morning, near the old fort. They fought with swords, and in the combat one sacrificed his life. BOND AND JONES. In 1809 the next duel occurred and was bloodless of itself, but out of it grew a quarrel which resulted in the assassination of one of the contestants. The principals were Shadrach Bond, the first Governor, and Rice Jones, a bright young lawyer, who became quite a politician and the leader of his party. A personal difference arose between the two, which to settle, the parties met for mortal combat on an island in the Mississippi. The weapons selected were hair- trigger pistols. After taking their position Jones' weapon was prematurely discharged. Bond's second, Dunlap, now claimed that according to the code Bond had the right to the next fire. But Bond would not take so great advantage of his opponent, and said it was an accident and would not fire. Such noble conduct touched the generous nature of Jones, and the difficulty was at once amicably settled. Dunlap, however, bore a deadly hatred for Jones, and one day while he was standing in the street in Kaskaskia, conversing with a lady, he crept up behind him and shot him dead in his tracks. Dunlap successfully escaped to Texas, EECTOR AND BAETON. In 1812 the bloody code again brought two young men to the field of honor. They were Thomas Rector, a son of Capt. Stephen HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 145 Rector who bore such a noble part in the war of 1S12, and Joshua Barton. They had espoused the quarrel of older brothers. The affair occurred on Bloody Island, in the Mississippi, but in the limits of Illinois. This place was frequented so often by Missou- rians to settle personal difficulties, that it received the name of Bloody Island. Barton fell in this conflict. STEWART AND BENNETT. In 1819 occurred the first duel fought after the admission of the State into the Union. This took place in St. Clair county between Alphonso Stewart and William Bennett. It was intended to be a sham duel, to turn ridicule against Bennett, the challenging party* Stewart was in the secret but Bennett was left to believe it a reality. Their guns were loaded with blank cartridges. Bennett, suspecting a trick, put a ball into his gun without the knowledge of his seconds. The word "fire" was given, and Stewart fell mortally wounded. Bennett made his escape but was subsequently captured, convicted of murder and suffered the penalty of the law by hanging. PEARSON AND BAKEK. In 1840 a personal difference arose between two State Senators, Judge Pearson and E. D. Baker. The latter, smarting under the epithet of "falsehood," threatened to chastise Pearson in the public streets, by a " fist fight." Pearson declined making a "blackguard'' of himself but intimated a readiness to fight as gentlemen, accord- ing to the code of honor. The affair, however, was carried no further. HARDIN AND DODGE. The exciting debates in the Legislature in 1S40-'41 were often bitter in personal "slings," and threats of combats were not infrequent. During these debates, in one of the speeches by the Hon. J. J. Hardin, Hon. A. P. Dodge thought he discovered a personal insult, took exceptions, and an " affair" seemed imminent. The controversy was referred to friends, however, and amicably settled. m'cLERNAND and SMITH. Hon. John A. McClernand, a member of the House, in a speech delivered during the same session made charges against the Whig Judges of the Supreme Court. Tliis brought a note from Judge 146 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. T. W. Smith, by the hands of Ids "friend'' Dr. Merriman, to McClernand. This was construed as a challenge, and promptly accepted, naming the place of meeting to be Missouri; time, early; the weapons, rifles; and distance, 40 paces. At this critical junc- ture, the Attorney General had a warrant issued against the Judge, whereupon he was arrested and placed under bonds to keep the peace. Thus ended this attempt to vindicate injured honor. LINCOLN AND SHIELDS. During the hard times subsequent to the failure of the State and other banks, in 1842, specie became scarce while State money was plentiful, but worthless. The State officers thereupon demanded specie payment for taxes. This was bitterly opposed, and so fiercely contested that the collection of taxes was suspended. During the period of the greatest indignation toward the State officials, under the nom de 2:)lume of " Rebecca," Abraham Lincoln had an article published in the Sangamo Journal, entitled " Lost Township." In this article, written in the form of a dialogue, the officers of the State were roughly handled, and especially Auditor Shields. The name of the author was demaded from the editor by Mr. Shields, who was very indignant over the manner in which he was treated. ' The name of Abraham Lincoln was given as the author. It is claimed by some of his biographers, however, that the article was prepared by a lady, and that when the name of the author was demanded, in a spirit of gallantry, Mr. Lincoln gave his name. In company with Gen. Whiteside, Gen. Shields pur- sued Lincoln to Tremont, Tazewell county, where he was in attend- ance upon the court, and immediately sent him a note "requiring a full, positive and absolute retraction of all oflensive allusions " made to him in relation to his "private character and standing as a man, or an apology for the insult conveyed." Lincoln had been forewarned, however, for William Butler and Dr. Merriman, of Springfield, had become acquainted with Shields' intentions and by riding all night arrived at Tremont ahead of Shields and informed Lincoln what he might expect. Lincoln answered Shields' note, refusing to offer any explanation, on the grounds that Shields' note assumed the fact of his (Lincoln's) authorship of the article, and not pointing out what the offensive part was, and accompanying the same with threats as to consequences. Mr. Shields answered this, disavowing all intention to menace; inquired if he was the author, HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 147 asked a retraction of that portion relating to his private character. Mr. Lincohi, still technical, returned this note with the verbal statement " that there could be no farther negotiations until the first note was withdrawn." At this Shields named Gen. White- side as his " friend," when Lincoln reported Dr. Merriman as his "friend." These gentlemen secretly pledged themselves to agree upon some amicable terms, and compel their principals to accept them. The four went to Springfield, when Lincoln left for Jack- sonville, leaving the following instructions to guide his friend, Di-. Merriman: " In case Whiteside shall signify a wish to adjust this affair with- out further difficulty, let him know that if the present papers be withdrawn and a note from Mr. Shields, asking to know if I am the author of the articles of which he complains, and asking that I shall make him gentlemanly satisfaction, if I am the author, and this without menace or dictation as to what that satisfaction shall be, a pledge is made that the following answer shall be given: I did write the "Lost Township" letter which appeared in the Journal of the 2d inst., but had no participation, in any form, in any other article alluding to you. I wrote that wholly for iiolitical effect. I had no intention of injuring your personal or private character or standing, as a man or gentleman ; and I did not then think, and do not now thiuk, that that article could produce or has pro- duced that effect against you; and, had I anticipated such an effect, would have foreborne to write it. And I will add that your conduct toward me, so far as I know, had always been gentlemanly, and that I had no personal pique against you, and no cause for any. " If this should be done, I leave it to you to manage what shall and what shall not be published. If nothing like this is done, the preliminaries of the fight are to be: " 1st. Weapons. — Cavalry broad swords of the largest size, pre- cisely equal in all respects, and such as are now used by the cavalry company at Jacksonville. "■ 2d, Position. — A plank ten feet long and from nine to twelve inches broad, to be firmly fixed on edge, on the ground, as a line between us which neither is to pass his foot over on forfeit of iiis life. Next a line drawn on the ground on either side of said plank, and parallel with it, each at the distance of the whole length of the sword, and three feet additional from the plank; and tlie passing of his own such line by either party during the fight, shall be deemed a surrender of the contest. 148 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. "3d. Time. — On Thursday evening at 5 o'clock, if you can get it so; but in no case to be at a greater distance of time than Friday evening at 5 o'clock. "4th. Place. — "Within three miles of Alton, on the opposite side of the river, the particular spot to be agreed on by you. " Any preliminary details coming within the above rules, you are at liberty to make at your discretion, but you are in no case to swerve from these rules, or pass beyond their limits." The position of the contestants, as prescribed by Lincoln, seems to have been such as both would have been free from coming in contact with the sword of the other, and the first impression is that it is nothing more than one of Lincoln's jokes. He possessed very long arms, however, and could reach his adversary at the stipulated distance. Not being amicably arranged, all parties repaired to the field of combat in Missouri. Gen. Hardin and Dr. English, as mutual friends of both Lincoln and Shields, arrived in the meantime, and after much correspondence at their earnest solicitation the affair was satisfactorily arranged, Lincoln making a statement similar to the one above referred to. SHIELDS AND BUTLER. William Butler, one of Lincoln's seconds, was dissatisfied with the bloodless termination of the Lincoln-Shields affair, and wrote an account of it for the Sangamo Journal. This article reflected dis- creditably upon both the principals engaged in that controversy. Shields replied by the hands of his friend Gren. Whiteside, in a curt, menacing note, which was promptly accepted as a challenge by Butler, and the inevitable Dr. Merriman named as his friend, who submitted the following as preliminaries of the fight: Time. — Sunrise on the following morning. ? Place. — Col. Allen's farm (about one mile north of State House.) Weapons. — Rifles. Dista7hce. — One hundred yards. The parties to stand with their right sides toward each other — the rifles to be held in both hands horizontally and cocked, arms extended downwards. Neither party to move his person or his rifle after being placed, before the word fire. The signal to be: "Are you ready? Fire! one — two — three 1" about a second of HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 149 time intervening between each word. Neither party to fire before the word " fire," nor after the word " three." Gen. Whiteside, in language curt and abrupt, addressed a note to Dr. Merriman declining to accept the terms. Gen. Shields, how- ever, addressed another note to Butler, explaining the feelings of his second, and offering to go out to a lonely place on the prairie to figlit, where there would be no danger of being interrupted; or, if that did not suit, he would meet him on his own conditions, when and where he pleased. Butler claimed the afiair was closed and declined the proposition. WHITESIDE AND MERKIMAN. Now Gen. Whiteside and Dr. Merriman, who several times had acted in the capacity of friends or seconds, were to handle the deadly weapons as principals. While second in the Shields-Butler JiasGO, White&'idQ declined the terms proposed by Butler, in curt and abrupt language, stating that tlie place of combat could not be dictated to him, for it was as much his right as Merriman's, who, if he was a gentleman, would recognize and concede it. To this Merriman replied by the hands of Capt. Lincoln. It will be remembered that Merriman had acted in the same capacity for Lin- coln. Whiteside then wrote to Merriman, asking to meet him at St. Louis, when he would hear from him further. To this Merri- man replied, denying his right to name place, but offered to meet in Louisiana, Mo. • This Whiteside would not agree to, but later signified his desire to meet him there, but the affair being closed, the doctor declined to re-open it. PRATT AND CAMPBELL. These two gentlemen were members of the Constitutional Con- vention of 1847, and both from Jo Davies county. A dispute arose which ended in a challenge to meet on the field of honor. They both repaired to St. Louis, but the authorities gaining knowledge of their bloody intentions, had both parties arrested, which ended this " affair." ■ DRESS AND MANNERS. The dress, habits, etc., of a people throw so much light upon their conditions and limitations that in order better to show the circum- stances surrounding the people of the State, we will give a short 150 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. exposition of the manner of life of our Illinois people at different epochs. The Indians themselves are credited by Charlevoix vs^ith being "very laborious," — raising poultry, spinning the wool of the buffalo and manufacturing garments therefrom. These must have been, hovs/^ever, more than usually favorable representatives of their race. " The working and voyaging dress of the French masses," says Reynolds, " was simple and primitive. The French were like the lilies of the valley (the Old Ranger was not always exact in his quotations), — they neither spun nor wove any of their clothing, but purchased it from the merchants. The white blanket coat, known as the capot, was the universal and eternal coat for the winter with the masses, A cape was made of it that could be raised over the head in cold weather. " In the house, and in good weather, it hung behind, a cape to the blanket coat. The reason that I know these coats so well is, that I have worn many in my youth, and a working man never wore a better garment Dressed deer-skins and blue cloth were worn commonly in the winter for pantaloons. The blue handkerchief and the deer-skin moccasins covered the head and feet generally of the French Creoles. In 1800, scarcely a man thought himself clothed unless he had a belt tied around his blanket coat, and on one side was hung the dressed skin of a pole-cat, tilled with tobacco, pipe, flint and steel. On the other side was fastened, under the belt, the the butcher-knife. A Creole in this dress felt like Tarn O'Shanter filled with usquebaugh; he could face the devil. Checked calico shirts were then common, but in winter flannel was frequently worn. In the summer the laboring men and the voyagers often took their shirts off in hard work and hot weather, and turned out the naked back to the air and sun." " Among the Americans," he adds, " home-made wool hats were the 'Common wear. Fur hats were not common, and scarcely a boot was seen. The covering of the feet in winter was chiefly moccasins made of deer-skins, and shoe packs of tanned leather. Some wore shoes, but not common in very early times. In the summer the greater portion of the young people, male and female, and many of the old, went barefoot. The substantial and universal outside wear was the blue linsey hunting-shirt. This is an excellent garment, and I have never felt so happy and healthy since I laid it off. It is ^^ll'*""'IM,, L II .11.111.11 .III I. ,i,ill, ,| I JjJ |,||l|l|llg^^^^^^^^^^ HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 153 made of wide sleeves, open before, with ample size so as to envelop the body almost twice around. Sometimes it had a large cape, which answers well to save the shoulders from the rain. A belt is mostly used to keep the garment close around the person, and, nevertlieless, there is nothing tight about it to hamper the body. It is often fringed, and at times the fringe is composed of red, and other gay colors. The belt, frequently, is sewed to the hunting-shirt. The vest was mostly made of striped linsey. The colors v/ere made often with alum, copperas and madder, boiled with the bark of trees, in such a manner and proportions as the old ladies prescribed. The pantaloons of the masses were generally made of deer-skin and linsey. Course blue cloth was sometimes made into pantaloons. " Linsey, neat and tine, manufactured at home, composed generally the outside garments of the females as well as the males. The ladies had linsey colored and woven to suit their fancy. A bonnet, composed of calico, or some gay goods, was -worn on the head when they were in the open air. Jewelry on the pioneer ladies was uncommon; a gold ring was an ornament not often seen." In 1820 a change of dress began to take place, and before 1830, according to Ford, most of the pioneer costume had disappeared. "The blue linsey hunting-shirt, with red or white fringe, had given place to the cloth coat. [Jeans would be more like the fact.] The raccoon cap, with the tail of the animal dangling down behind, had been thrown aside for hats of wool or fur. Boots and shoes had supplied the deer-skin moccasins; and the leather breeches, strapped tight around the ankle, had disappeared before unmentionables of a more modern material. The female sex had made still greater pro. gress in dress. The old sort of cotton or woolen frocks, spun, woven and made with their own fair hands, and striped and cross-barred with blue dye and turkey red, had given place to gowns of silk and calico. The feet, before in a state of nudity, now charmed in shoes of calf-skin or slippers of kid; and the head, formerly unbonneted, but covered with a cotton handkerchief, now displayed the charms of the female face under many forms of bonnets of straw, silk and leghorn. The young ladies, instead of walking a mile or two to church on Sunday, carrying their shoes and stockings in their hands until within a hundred yards of the place of worship, as formerly, now came forth arrayed complete in all the pride of dress, mounted on fine horses and attended by their male admirers." 154 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. ) The last half century has doubtless witnessed clianges quite as great as those set forth by our Illinois historian. The chronicler of to-day, looking back to the golden days of 1830 to 1840, and comparing them with the present, must be struck with the tendency of an almost monotonous uniformity in dress and manners that comes from the easy inter-communication afforded by steamer, rail- way, telegraph and newspaper. Home manufacturers have been driven from the household by the lower-priced fabrics of distant mills. The Kentucky jeans, and the copperas-colored clothing of home manufacture, so familiar a few years ago, have given place to tlie cassimeres and cloths of noted factories. The ready-made- clothing stores, like a touch of nature, made the whole world kin- and may drape the charcoal man in a dress-coat and a stove-pipe hat. The prints and silks of England and France give a variety of choice, and an assortment of colors and shades such as the pioneer women could hardly have dreamed of. Godey, and Demorest, and Harper's Bazar are found in our modern farm-houses, and the latest fashions of Paris are not uncommon. PHYSICAL FEATUKES OF ILLINOIS. In area the State has 55,410 square miles of territory. It is about 150 miles wide and 400 miles long, stretching in latitude from Maine to North Carolina. The climate varies from Portland to Eichmond. It favors every product of the continent, including the tropics, with less than half a dozen exceptions. It produces every great food of the world except bananas and rice. It is hardly too much to say that it is the inost productive spot known to civil- ization. With the soil full of bread and the earth full of minerals; with an upper surface of food and an under layer of fuel; with per- fect natural drainage, and abundant springs, and streams, and navi- gable rivers; half way between the forests of the North and the fruits of the South; within a day's ride of the great deposits of iron, coal, copper, lead and zinc; and containing and controlling the great grain, cattle, pork and lumber markets of the world, it is not strange that Illinois has the advantage of position. There are no mountains in Illinois; in the southern as well as in the northern part of the State there are a few hills; near the banks of the Illinois, Mississippi, and several other rivers, the ground is HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 155 elevated, forming the so-called bluffs, on which at the present day may be found, unetfaced by the hand of Time, the marks and traces left by the water which was formerly much higher; whence it may be safe to conclude that, where now the fertile prairies of Illinois extend, and the rich soil of the country yields its golden harvests, must have been a vast sheet of water, the mud deposited by which formed the soil, thus accounting for the present great fertility of the country. Illinois is a garden 400 miles long and 150 miles wide. Its soil is chiefly a black, sandy loam, from 6 inches to 60 feet thick. About the old French towns it has yielded corn for a century and a half without rest or help. She leads all other States in the number of acres actually under plow. Her mineral wealth is scarcely second to her agricultural power. She has coal, iron, lead, zinc, copper, many varieties of building stone, marble, fire clay, cuma clay, common brick clay, sand of all kinds, gravel, mineral paint, — in fact, everything needed for a high civilization. AGEICULTUEE. If any State of the Union is adapted for agriculture, and the other branches of rural economy relating thereto, such as the raising of cattle and the culture of fruit trees, it is pre-eminently Illinois. Her extremely fertile prairies recompense the farmer at less trouble and expense than he would be obliged to incur elsewhere, in order to obtain the same results. Her rich soil, adapted by nature for immediate culture, only awaits the plow and the seed in order to mature, within a few months, a most bountiful harvest. A review of statistics will be quite interesting to the reader, as well as valuable, as showing the enormous quantities of the various cereals produced in our prairie State: In 1876 there was raised in the State 130,000,000 of bushels of corn, — twice as much as any other State, and one-sixth of all the corn raised in the United States. It would take 375,000 cars to transport this vast amount of corn 1o market, which would make 15,000 trains of 25 cars each. She harvested 2,747,000 tons of hay, nearly one- tenth of all the hay in the Republic. It is not generally appreciated, but it is true, that the hay crop of the country is worth more than the cotton crop. The hay of Illinois equals the cotton of Louisiana- 166 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. Go to Charleston, S. C, aud see them peddling handfuls of hay or grass, almost as a curiosity, as we regard Chinese gods or the cryo- lite of Greenland; drink your coffee and condensed milk; and walk back from the coast for many a league through the sand and burs till you get up into the better atmosphere of the mountains, with- out seeing a waving meadow or a grazing herd; then you will begin to appreciate the meadows of tlie Prairie State. The value of her farm implements was, in 1876, $211,000,000, and the value of live stock was only second to New York. The same year she had 25,000,000 hogs, and packed 2,113,845, about one-half of all that were packed in the United States. She marketed $57,000,000 worth of slaughtered animals, — more than any other State, and a seventh of all the States. Illinois excels all other States in miles of railroads and in miles of postal service, and in money orders sold per annum, and in the amount of lumber sold. Illinois was only second in many important matters, taking the reports of 1876. This sample list comprises a few of the more important: Permanent school fund; total income for educational purposes; number of publishers of books, maps, papers, etc.; value of farm products and implements, and of live stock; in tons of coal mined. The shipping of Illinois was only second to l!^ew York. Out of one port during the business hours of the season of navigation she sent forth a vessel every nine minutes. This did not include canal- boats, which went one every five minutes. No wonder she was only second in number of bankers or in phy- sicians and surgeons. She was third in colleges, teachers and schools ; also in cattle, lead, hay, flax, sorghum and beeswax. She was fourth in population, in children enrolled in public schools, in law schools, in butter, potatoes and carriages. She was fifth in value of real and personal property, in theologi- cal seminaries, and colleges exclusively for women, in milk sold, and in boots and shoes manufactured, and in book-binding. She was only seventh in the production of wood, while she was the twelfth in area. Surely that was well done for the Prairie State. She then had, in 1876, much more wood and growing timber than she had thirty years before. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 157 A few leading industries will justify emphasis. She manufactured $205,000,000 worth of goods, which placed her well up toward New York and Pennsylvania. The number of her manufacturing establishments increased from 1860 to 1870, 300 per cent. ; capital employed increased 350 per cent.; and the amount of product in- creased 400 per cent. She issued 5,500,000 copies of commercial and financial newspapers, being only second to New York. She had 6,759 miles of railroad, then leading all other States, worth $636,- 458,000, using 3,245 engines, and 67,712 cars, making a train long enouo-h to cover one-tenth of the entire roads of the State. Iler stations were only five miles apart. She carried, in 1876, 15,795,- 000 passengers an average of 36^ miles, or equal to taking her entire population twice across the State. More than two-thirds of her land was within five miles of a railroad, and less than two per cent, was more than fifteen miles away The State has a large financial interest in the Illinois Central railroad. The road was incorporated m 1850, and the State gave each alternate section for six miles on each side, and doubled the price of the remaining land, so keeping herself good. The road received 2,595,000 acres of land, and paid to the State one-seventh of the gross receipts. The State received in 1877, $350,000, and had received up to that year in all about $7,000,000. It was prac- tically the people's road, and it had a most able and gentlemanly manao-eraent. Add to the above amount the annual receipts from the canal, $111,000, and a large per cent, of the State tax was pro- vided fore GOYERNOKSOF ILLINOIS. Shadrach Bond— W&s, the first Governor of Illinois. He was a native of Maryland and born in 1773; was raised on a farm; re- ceived a common English education, and came to Illinois in 1794 He served as a delegate in Congress from 1811 to 1815, where he procured the right of pre-emption of public land. He was elected Governor in 1818; was beaten for Congress in 1824 by Daniel P. Cook. He died at Kaskaskia, April 11, 1830. Edward Coles— Wd^^ born Dec. 15, 1786, in Virginia. His father was a slave-holder; gave his son a collegiate education, and left to him a large number of slaves. These he liberated, giving each head of a family 160 acres of land and a considerable sum of money. 158 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. He was President Madison's private secretary'. He came to Illinois in 1819, was elected Governor in 1822, on the anti-slavery ticket; moved to Philadelphia in 1833, and died in 1868. Ninian Edimrds. — In 1809, on the formation of the Territory of Illinois, Mr. Edwards was appointed Governor, which position he retained until the organization of the State, when he was sent to the United States Senate. He was elected Governor in 1826. He was a native of Maryland and born in 1775; received a collegiate education; was Chief Justice of Kentucky, and a Kepublican in politics. John Reynolds — Was born in Pennsylvania in 1788, and came with his parents to Illinois in 1800, and in 1830 was elected Gov- ernor on the Democratic ticket, and afterwards served three terras in Congress. He received a classical education, yet was not polished. He was an ultra Democrat; attended the Charleston Convention in 1860, and urged the seizure of United States arsenals by the South. He died in 1865 at Belleville, childless. Josej>li Duncan. — In 1834 Joseph Duncan was elected Governor by the Whigs, although formerly a Democrat. He had previously served four terms in Congress. He was born in Kentucky in 1794; had but a limited education; served with distinction in the war of 1812; conducted the campaign of 1832 against Black Hawk. He came to Illinois when quite young. Thomas Carlin — Was elected as a Democrat in 1838. He had but a meager education ; held many minor offices, and was active both in the war of 1812 and the Black Hawk war. He was born in Kentucky in 1789; came to Illinois in 1812, and died at Carrollton, Feb. 11, 1852. Thomas T'ord—WsiS born in Pennsylvania in the year 1800; was brought by his widowed mother to Missouri in 1804, and shortly afterwards to Illinois. He received a good education, studied law; was elected four times Judge, twice as Circuit Judge, Judge of Chicago and Judge of Supreme Court. He was elected Governor by the Democratic party in 1842; wrote his history of Illinois in 1847 and died in 1850. Augustus C. French— Was, born in New Hampshire in 1808; was admitted to the bar in 1831, and shortly afterwards moved to Illinois when in 1846 he was elected Governor. On the adoption of the Constitution of 1848 he was again chosen, serving until 1853. He was a Democrat in politics. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. J 59 Joel A. Matteson — Was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1808. His father was a fanner, and gave his son only a common school education. He first entered upon active life as a small tradesman, but subsequently became a large contractor and manufacturer. He was a heavy contractor in building the Canal. He was elected Gov- ernor in 1852 upon the Democratic ticket. William H. Bissell — "Was elected by the Republican party in 1856, He had previously served two terms in Congress; was colonel in the Mexican war and has held minor official positions. He was born in JSTew York State in 1811; received a common educa- tion; came to Illinois early in life and engaged in the medical pro- fession. This he changed for the law and became a n(5ted orator, and the standard bearer of the Republican party in Illinois. He died in 1860 while Governor. Richard Yates — "The war Governor of Illinois," was born in Warsaw, Ky., in 1818; came to Illinois in 1831: served two terms in Congress; in 1860 was elected Governor, and in 1865 United States Senator. He was a college graduate, and read law under J. J. Hardin. He rapidly rose in his chosen profession and charmed the people with oratory. He filled the gubernatorial chair during the trying days of the Rebellion, and by his energy and devotion won the title of " War Governor." He became addicted to strong drink, and died a drunkard. Riohard J. Ogleshy — Was born in 1821:, in Kentucky; an orphan at the age of eight, came to Illinois when only 12 years old. *He was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade; worked some at farming and read law occasionally. He enlisted in the Mexican War and was chosen First Lieutenant. After his returii he aarain took up the law, but during the gold fever of 1849 went to Califor- nia; soon returned, and, in 1852, entered upon his illustrious political career. He raised the second regiment in the State, to suppress the Rebellion, and for gallantry was promoted to Major General. In 1861 he was elected Governor, and re-elected in 1872, and resigned for a seat in the United States Senate. He is a staunch Republican and resides at Decatur. Shelby M. Cullom — Was born in Kentucky in 1828; studied law, was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice of his profession in 1848; was elected to the State Legislature in 1856, and again in 1860. Served ou the war commission at Cairo, 1862, 160 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. and was a member of the 39th, 40th and 41st Congress, in all of which he served with credit to his State. He was again elected to the State Legislature in 1872, aad re-elected in 1874, and was elected Governor of Illinois in 1876, which office he still holds, and has administered with marked ability. LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS. Pierre Menard — Was the first Lieut. Gov. of Illinois. He was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1767, He came to Illinois in 1790 where he engaged in the Indian trade and became wealthy. He died in 1844. Menard county was named in his honor. Adolphus F . Hubbard — Was elected Lieut. Gov. in 1822. Four years later he ran for Governor against Edwards, but was beaten. William, Kinney — Was elected in 1826. He was a Baptist clergyman; was born in Kentucky in 1781 and came to Illinois in 1793. Zadoch Casey — Although on the opposition ticket to Governor Reynolds, the successful Gubernatorial candidate, yet Casey was elected Lieut. Gov. in 1830. He subsequently served several terms in Congress. Alexander M. Jenkins — Was elected on ticket with Gov. Duncan in 1834 by a handsome majority. S, H. Anderson — Lieut. Gov. under Gov. Cariin, was chosen in 1838. He was a native of Tennessee. Johii Moore — Was born in England in 1793; came to Illinois in 1830; was elected Lieut. Gov. in 1842. He won the name of " Honest John Moore." Joseph B. Wells — Was chosen with Gov. French at his first election m 1846. William McMurtry. — In 1848 when Gov. French was again chosen Governor, William McMurtry of Knox county, was elected Lieut, Governor, Gustavus P. Koerner — Was elected in 1852. He was born in Germany in 1809. At the age of 22 came to Illinois. In 1872 he was a candidate for Governor on Liberal ticket, but was defeated. John Wood — Was elected in 1856, and on the death of Gov. Bissell became Governor. Francis A. Hoffman — Was chosen with Gov. Yates in 1860. He was born in Prussia in 1822, and came to Illinois in 1840. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 161 William Bross — Was born in New Jersey, came to Illinois in 1848, was elected to office in 1864. John Dougherty — Was elected in 1868. John L. Beveredge — Was chosen Lieut. Gov. in 1872. In 1873 Oglesby was elected to the U, S. Senate when Beveridge became Governor. Andrew Shuman — Was elected Nov. 7, 1876, and is the present incumbent. SUPERINTENDENT OP PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. Ninian W. Edwards 1854-56 W. H. Powell 1857-58 Newton Bateman 185&-76 Samuel M. Etter 1876 ATTORNEY GENERALS. Daniel P. Cook 1819 William Hears 1820 Samuel D. Lockwood 1821-22 James Turney 1823-28 George Forquer 1829-32 James Semple .1833-34 Nmian E.Edwards .1834-35 Jesse B. Thomas, Jr 1835 Walter B. Scates 1836 Asher F. Linder 1837 Geo. W. Olney 1838 Wickliflfe Kitchell 1839 Josiah Lamborn 1841-43 James A. McDougall 1843-46 David B. Campbell 1846 [Office abolished and re-created in 1867] Robert G. Ingersoll 18G7-68 Washington Bushnell 1869-72 James K. Edsall 1873-79 TREASURERS. John Thomas 1818-19 R. K. McLaughlin 1819-22 Ebner Field 1823-26 James Hall 1827-30 John Dement 1831-36 Charles Gregory 1836 John D. Whiteside 1837-40 M. Carpenter 1841-48 John Moore 1848-56 James Miller 1857-60 William Butler 1861-63 Alexander Starne 1863-64 James H. Beveridge 1865-66 George W. Smith 1867-68 Erastus N. Bates 1869-73 Edward Rutz 1873-75 Thomas S. Ridgeway 1876-77 Edward Rutz 1878-79 SECRETARIES OF STATE. Elias K. Kane 1818-22 Samuel D. Lockwood 1832-23 David Blackwell 1823-24 Morris Birkbeck 1824 George Forquer 1825-28 Alexander P. Field 1829-40 Stephen A. Douglas 1840 Lyman Trumbull 1841-43 Thompson Campbell 1843-46 Horace S. Cooley 1846-49 David L. Gregg 1850-53 Alexander Starne 1853-56 Ozias M. Hatch 1857-60 Sharon Tyndale 1865-68 Edward Rummel 1869-73 George H. Harlow 1873-79 162 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. AUDITORS. Elijah C. Berry 1818-31 Thompson Campbell 1846 I. T. B. Stapp 1831-35 Jesao K. Dubois 1857-64 Levi Davis 1835-40 Oiliu II. Miner 1865-68 James Shields 1841-43 Charles E. Lippencott 1869-76 W. L. D. Ewing 1843-45 Thompson B. Needles 1877-79 UNITED STATES SENATORS. Ninian Edwards. — On the organization of the State in 1S18, Edwards, the popuhir Territorial Governor, was chosen Senator for the short term, and in 1819 re-elected for full term. Jesse B. Thomas — One of the federal judges during the entire Territorial existence was chosen Senator on organization of the State, and re-elected in 1823, and served till 1829. John McLean — In 1824 Edwards resigned, and McLean was elected to till his unexpired term. He was born in North Carolina in 1791, and came to Illinois in 1815; served one terra in Congress, and in 1829 was elected to the U. S. Senate, but the following year died. He is said to have been the most gifted man of his period in Illinois. Elias Kent Kane— ^2.% elected Nov. 30, 1824, for the term be- e-innincf March 4, 1825. In 1830 he was re-elected, but died before the expiration of his term. He was a native of New York, and in 1814 came to Illinois. He was first Secretary of State, and after- wards State Senator. David Jeuiett Baker— Wa& appointed to fill the unexpired term of John McLean, in 1830, Nov. 12, but the Legislature refused to endorse the choice. Baker was a native of Connecticut, born in 1792, and died in Alton in 18G9. John M. Rohinson. — Instead of Baker, the Governor's appointee, the Legislature chose Robinson, and in 1834 lie was re-elected. In 1843 was elected Supreme Judge of the State, but within two months died. He was a native of Kentucky, and came to Illinois while quite young. William, L. D. Kwing-Wo.Q elected in 1835, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Kane. He was a Kentuckian. Richard M. Young— W&s elected in 1836, and held his seat from March 4, 1837, to March 4, 1843, a full term. He was a HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 163 native of Kentucky; was Circuit Judge before his election to the Senate, and Supreme Judge in 1842. He died in an insane asylum at Washington. Samuel McRoberts — The first native Illinoisian ever elevated to the high ofiice of U. S. Senator from this State, was born in 1799, and died in 1843 on his return home from "Washington. He was elected Circuit Judge in 1824, and March 4, 1841, took his seat in the U. S. Senate. Sidneij Breese — Was elected to the U. S. Senate, Dec. 17, 1842, and served a full term. He was born in Oneida county, N. Y. He was Major in the Black Hawk war; Circuit Judge, and in 1841 was elected Supreme Judge, He served a full term in the U. S. Senate, beginning March 4, 1843, after which he was elected to the Legislature, again Circuit Judge, and, in 1857, to the Supreme Court, which position he held until his death in 1878. James Semple — Was the successor of Samuel McRoberts, and was appointed by Gov. Ford in 1843. He was afterwards elected Judge of the Supreme Court. Stephen A. Douglas — Was elected Dec. 14, 1846. He had pre- viously served three terms as Congressman. He became his own successor in 1853 and again in 1859. From his first entrance in the Senate he was acknowledged the peer of Clay, Webster and Cal- houn, with whom he served his first term. His famous contest with Abraham Lincoln for the Senate in 1858 is the most memor- able in the annals of our country. It was called the battle of the giants, and resulted in Douglas' election to the Senate, and Lincoln to the Presidency. He was born in Brandon, Vermont, April 23, 1813, and came to Illinois in 1833, and died in 1861. He was appointed Secretary of State by Gov, Carlin in 1840, and shortly afterward to the Supreme Bencli. James Shields — Was elected and assumed his seat in the U. S. Senate in 1849, March 4. He was born in Ireland in 1810, came to the United States in 1827. He served in the Mexican army, was elected Senator from Wisconsin, and in 1879 from Missouri for a short term. Lyman Trumbull — Took his seat in the d, S. Senate March 4, 1855, and became his own successor in 1861. He had previously served one term in the Lower House of Congress, and served on the Supreme Bench. He was born in Connecticut; studied law 164 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. and came to Illinois early in life, where for years he was actively engaged in politics. He resides in Chicago. Ormll H. Browning — "Was appointed U. S. Senator in 1861, to fill the seat made vacant by the death of Stephen A. Douglas, until a Senator could be regularly elected. Mr. Browning was born in Harrison county, Kentucky; was admitted to the bar in 1831, and settled in Quincy, Illinois, where he engaged in the practice of law, and was instrumental, with his friend, Abraham Lincoln, in form- ing the Republican party of Illinois at the Bloomington Conven- tion. He entered Johnson's cabinet as Secretary of the Interior, and in March, 1868, was designated by the President to perform the duties of Attorney General, in addition to his own, as Secretary of the Interior Department. William A. Richardson — Was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1863, to fill the unexpired term of his friend, Stephen A Douglas. He was born in Fayette county, Ky., about 1810, studied law, and settled in Illinois; served as captain in the Mexican War, and, on the battle-field of Buena Yista, was promoted for bravery, by a unanimous vote of his regiment. He served in the Lower House of Congress from 1847 to 1856, continually. Richard Yates — Was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1865, serv- ing a full term of six years. He died in St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 27, 1873. Joh7i A. Logan— Wb.^ elected to the U. S. Senate in 1871. He was born in Jackson county, 111., Feb. 9, 1826, received a common school education, and enlisted as a private in the Mexican War, where he rose to the rank of Regimental, Quartermaster. On returning home he studied law, and came to the bar in 1852; was elected in 1858 a Representative to the 36th Congress and re-elected to the 37th Congress, resigning in 1861 to take part in the sup- pression of the Rebellion; served as Colonel and subsequently as a Major General, and commanded, with distinction, the armies of the Tennessee. He was again elected to the U. S. Senate in 1879 for six years. David Davis — Was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1877 for a term of six years. He was born in Cecil county, Md., March 9, 1815, graduated at Kenyon College, Ohio, studied law, and removed to Illinois in 1835; was admitted to the bar and settled in Blooming- ton, where he has since resided and amassed a large fortune. He HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 166 was for many years tlie intimate friend and associate of Abraham Lincoln, rode the circuit with him each year, and after Lincoln's election to the Presidency, was appointed by him to fill the position of Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. FIFTEENTH CONGRESS. NINETEENTH CONGRESS. John McLean 1818 Daniel P. Cook 1825-36 SIXTEENTH CONGRESS. TWENTIETH CONGRESS. Daniel P. Cook 1819-20 Joseph Duncan 1827-28 SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS. TWENTY-FIRST CONGRESS. Daniel P. Cook 1821-22 Joseph Duncan 1829-30 EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS. TWENTY-SECOND CONGRESS. Daniel P. Cook 1823-24 Joseph Duncan 1831-33 TWENTY-THIRD CONGRESS. Joseph Duncan 1833-34 Zadock Casey 1833-34 TWENTY-FOURTH CONGRESS. Zadock Casey 1835-36 William L. May 1835-36 John Reynolds 1835-36 TWENTT-PIPTH CONGRESS. Zadock Casey 1837-38 William L. May 1837-38 John Reynolds 1837-38 TWENTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. Zadock Casey 1839-40 John T. Stuart 1839-40 John Reynolds 1839-40 TWENTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. Zadock Casey 1841-42 John T. Stuart 1841-43 John Reynolds 1841-42 TWENTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS. Robert Smith 1843-44 Joseph P. Hoge 1843-44 Orlando B. Finklin 1843-44 John J. Hardin 1843-44 Stephen A. Douglas 1843-44 John Wentworth 1843-44 John A. McClernand 1843^4 TWENTY-NINTH CONGRESS. Robert Smith 1845-40 Joseph P. Hoge 1845-46 Stephen A. Douglas 1845-40 John A. McClernand 1845^6 Orlando B. Finklin 1845-40 John Wentworth 1845-46 John J. Hardin 1845 THIRTIETH CONGRESS. John Wentworth 1817-48 Orlando B. Finklin 1847-48 Thomas J. Turner 1847 Robert Smith 1847^8 Abraham Lincoln 1847-48 William A. Richardson 1847-48 John A. McClernand 1847-48 166 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. THIRTY-FIRST CONGRESS. John A. McClernand 1849-50 Edward D. Baker 1849-50 John Wentworth :. .1849-50 William H. Bissell 1849-50 Timothy R. Young 1849-50 Thomas L. Harris 1849 William A. Richardson 1849-50 THIRTY-SECOND CONGRESS. William A. Richardson. 1851-53 Richard Yates 1851-52 Thompson Campbell . .1851-52 Richard S. Maloney 1851-52 Orlando B. Finklin. 1851-52 Willis 1851-52 John Wentworth 1851-52 William H. Bissell 1851-52 THIRTV-THIRD CONGRESS. William H. Bissell. 1853-54 Thompson Campbell 1853-54 John C. Allen 1853-54 James Knox 1853-54 Willis 1853-54 Jesse O. Norton 1853-54 Elihu B. Washburne 1853-54 William A. Richardson 1863-54 Richard Yates • .1853-54 THIRTY-FOURTH CONGRESS. Elihu B. Washburne 1855-56 Samuel S. Marshall 1855-56 Lyman Trumbull 1855-56 J. L. D. Morrison 1855-56 James H. Woodworth 1855-56 John C. Allen 1855-56 James Knox 1855-56 Jesse O. Norton 1855-56 Thompson Campbell 1855-56 William A. Richardson 1855-56 THIRTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. Elihu B. Washburne .1857-58 Samuel S. Marshall 1857-58 Charles D. Hodges 1857-58 Isaac N. Morris 1857-58 William Kellogg 1857-58 Aaron Shaw 1857-58 Thompson Campbell 1857-58 Robert Smith 1857-58 John F. Farnsworth 1857-58 Thomas L. Harris 1857-58 Owen Lovejoy 1857-58 THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. Elihu B. Washburne 1859-60 John F. Farnsworth 1859-60 John A.Logan 1859-60 Philip B. Fouke 1859-60 Owen Lovejoy 1859-60 Thomas L. Harris 1859-60 John A. McClernand... 1859-60 William' Kellogg 1859-60 Isaac N Morris 1859-60 James C. Robinson 1859-60 THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. Elihu B. Washburne 1861-62 Isaac N. Arnold. 1861-62 James C. Robinson 1861-62 Philip B. Fouke 1861-62 John A. Logan 1861-62 William Kellogg 1861-62 Owen Lovejoy 1861-63 Anthony L. Knapp 1861-63 John A. McClernand 1861-62 William A. Richardson 1861-62 THIRTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS. Elihu B. Washburne 1863-64 William J. Allen 1863-64 Jesse O. Norton 1863-64 Isaac N. Arnold 1863-64 James C. Robinson 1863-64 John R. Eden 1863-64 CENTRAL HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE, JACKSONVILLB. B«K&li.-£(. ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY, CHAMPAIGN-FOUNDED BY THE STATE, ENDOWED BY CONGRESS. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 169 Lewis "W. Ross 1863-64 John T. Stuart 1863-64 Owen Lovejoy 1863-64 "William R. Morrison 1863-64 John C. Allen 1863-64 John F. Farnsworth 1863-64 Charles W. Morris 1863-64 Eben C. IngersoU 1863-64 Antaony L. Knapp 1863-64 THIRTY-NINTn CONGRESS. Elihu B. "Washburne 1865-66 Anthony B. Thornton 1865-66 John Wentworth 1865-66 Abner C. Hardin 1865-66 Eben C. IngersoU 1865-66 Barton C. Cook 1865-66 Shelby M. Cullom 1865-66 John F. Farnsworth 1865-66 Jehu Baker 1865-66 Henry P. H. Bromwell 1865-66 Andrew Z. Kuykandall 1865-66 Samuel S. Marshall 1865-66 Samuel W. Moulton 1865-66 Lewis W. Ross 1865-66 FORTIETH CONGRESS. Elihu B. Washburne 1867-68 Abner C. Hardin 1867-68 Eben C. IngersoU 1867-68 Norman B. Judd 1867-68 Albert G. Burr 1867-68 Burton C. Cook 1867-68 Shelby M. Oullom 1867-68 John F. Farnsworth 1867-68 Jehu Baker 1867-68 Henry P. H. Bromwell 1867-68 John A. Logan , 1867-68 Samuel S. Marshall 1867-68 Green B. Raum 1867-68 Lewis W. Ross 1867-68 FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS. Norman B. Judd 1869-70 John F. Farnsworth 1869-70 H. C. Burchard 1869-70 John B. Hawley 1869-70 Eben C IngersoU 1869-70 Shelby M. Cullom 1869-70 Thomas W. McNeely 1869-70 Albert G. Burr 1869-70 Samuel S. Marshall 1869-70 John B. Hay 1869-70 Burton C. Cook 1869-70 John M. Crebs. .1869-70 Jesse H. Moore 1869-70 John A. Logan 1869-70 FORTY-SECOND CONGRESS. Charles B. Farwell 1871-73 John F. Farnsworth. 1871-72 Horatio C. Burchard 1871-72 John B. Hawley 1871-72 Bradford N. Stevens 1871-72 Henry Snapp 1871-72 James C Robinson 1871-72 Thomas W. McNeely 1871-72 Edward Y. Rice 1871-73 Samuel S. Marshall 1871-72 John B. Hay 1871-72 John M. Crebs 1871-72 Jesse H. Moore 1871-72 John S. Beveredge 1871-72 FORTY-THIRD CONGRESS. John B. Rice 1873-74 Jasper D. Ward 1873-74 Charles B. Farwell 1873-74 Stephen A. Hurlbut 1873-74 Horatio C. Burchard 1873-74 John B. Hawley 1873-74 Franklin Corwin 1873-74 Robert M. Knapp 1873-74 James C. Robinson 1873-74 John B. McNulta 1873-74 Joseph G. Cannon 1873-74 John R. Eden 1873-74 James S. Martin 1873-74 William R. Morrison 1873-74 170 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, Greenbnry L. Fort 1873-74 Granville Barrere 1873-74 William H. Ray 1873-74 FOKTY-FOURTH CONGRESS, Bernard G. Caulfield 1875-76 Carter H. Harrison 1875-76 Charles B. Farwell 1875-76 Stephen A. Hurlbut 1875-76 Horatio C. Burchard 1875-76 Thomas J. Henderson 1875-76 Alexander Campbell 1875-76 Greenbury L. Fort 1875-76 Richard H. Whiting 1875-76 John C. Bagby 1875-76 PORTy-FIFTH William Aldrich 1877-78 Carter H. Harrison 1877-78 Lorenzo Brentano : 1877-78 William Lathrop 1877-78 Horatio C. Burchard 1877-78 Thomas J. Henderson 1877-78 Philip C. Hayes 1877-78 Greenbury L.^Fort 1877-78 Thomas A. Boyd 1877-78 Benjamin F. Marsh 1877-78 FORTY-SIXTH CONGRESS Isaac Clements 1873-74 Samuel S. Marshall 1873-74 Scott Wike 1875-76 William M. Springer 1875-76 Adlai E. Stevenson 1875-76 Joseph G. Cannon 1875-76 John R. Eden 1875-7ft W. A. J. Sparks 1875-76 William R. Morrison .1875-7& William Hartzell 1875-76 William B. Anderson 1875-76 CONGRESS. Robert M. Kncipp 1877-78 William M. Springer 1877-78 Thomas F. Tipton 1877-78 Joseph G. Cannon 1877-78 John R. Eden 1877-78 W. A. J. Sparks 1877-78 William R. Morrison 1877-78 William Hartzell 1877-78 Richard W. Townshend 1877-78 William Aldrich 1879-80 George R. Davis 1879-80 Hiram Barber 1879-80 John C. Sherwin 1879-80 R. M. A. Hawk 1879-80 Thomas J. Henderson 1879-80 Philip C. Hayes 1879-80 Greenbury L. Fort 1879-80 Thomas A. Boyd 1879-80 Benjamin F. Marsh 1879-80 James W. Singleton 1879-80' William M. Springer 1879-80 A. E. Stevenson 1879-80 Joseph G. Cannon 1879-80 Albert P. Forsythe 1879-80 W. A. J. Sparks 1879-80 William R. Morrison 1879-80 John R. Thomas 1879-80 R. W. Townshend 1879-80 CHICAGO. While we cannot, in the brief space we have, give more than a meager sketch of such a city as Chicago, yet we feel the history of the State would be incomplete without speaking of its metropolis, the most wonderful city on the globe. In comparing Chicago as it was a few years since with Chicago of to-dav, we behold a chancre whose veritable existence we should HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 171 be inclined to doubt were it not a stern, indisputable fact. Eapid as is the customary development of places and things in the United States, the growth of Chicago and her trade stands without a parallel. The city is situated on the west shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Chicago river. It lies 14 feet above the lake, having been raised to that grade entirely by the energy of its citizens, its site having originally been on a dead level with the water of the lake. The city extends north and south along the lake about ten miles, and westward on the prairie from the lake five or six miles, embrac- ing an area of over 40 square miles. It is divided by the river into three distinct parts, known as the North, West and South Divisions, or "Sides," by which they are popularly and commonly known. These are connected by 33 bridges and two tunnels. The first settlement of Chicago was made in 1804, during which year Fort Dearborn was built. At tlie close of 1830 Chicago con- tained 12 houses, with a population of about 100. The town was organized in 1833, and incorporated as a city in 1837. The first frame building was erected in 1832, and the first brick house in 1833. The first vessel entered the harbor June 11, 1834; and at the first official census, taken July 1, 1837, the entire population was found to be 4,170. In 1850 the population had increased to 29,963; in 1860, to 112,172; in 1870, 298,977; and, according to the customary mode of reckoning from the number of names in the City Directory, the population of 1879 is over 500,000. Nicholas Perrot, a Frenchman, was the first white man to visit the site of Chicago. This he did in 1671, at the instigation of M. Toulon, Governor of Canada. He was sent to invite the Western Indians to a convention at Green Bay. It has been often remarked that the first white man who became a resident of Chicaofo was a negro. His name was Jean Baptiste Pointe au Sable, a mulatto from the West Indies. He settled there in 1796 and built a rude cabin on the north bank of the main river, and laid claim to a tract of land surrounding it. He disappeared from the scene, and his claim was "jumped" by a Frenchman named Le Mai, who commenced trad- ing with the Indians. A few years later he sold out to John Kin- zie, who was then an Indian trader in the country about St. Joseph, Mich., and agent for the American Fur Company, which had traded at Chicago with the Indians for some time; and thi& 1Y2 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. fact had, probably more than any other, to do with the determina- tion of the Government to establish a fort there. The Indians were growing numerous in that region, being attracted by the facilities for selling their wares, as well as being pressed northward by the tide of emigration setting in from the south. It was judged necessary to have some force near that point to keep them in check, as well as to protect the trading interests. Mr. Kinzie moved his family there the same year Fort Dearborn was builtj and converted the Jean Baptiste cabin into a tasteful dwelling. For about eight years things moved along smoothly. The garri- son was quiet, and the traders prosperous. Then the United States became involved in trouble with Great Britain. The Indians took the war-path long before the declaration of hostilities between the civilized nations, committinsj great depredations, the most atro- cious of which was the massacre of Fort Dearborn, an account of which may be found in this volume under the heading of " The War of 1812." THE GREAT FIRE. From the year 1840 the onward march of the city of Chicago to the date of the great fire is well known. To recount its marvel- ous growth in population, wealth, internal resources and improve- ments and everything else that goes to make up a mighty city, would consume more space than we could devote, however interest- ing it might be. Its progress astonished the world, and its citizens stood almost appalled at the work of their own hands. She was happy, prosperous and great when time brought that terrible Octo- ber night (Oct. 9, 1871) and with it the great fire, memorable as ihe greatest fire ever occurring on earth. The sensation conveyed to the spectator of this unparalleled event, either through the eye, the ear, or other senses or sympathies, cannot be adequately described, and any attempt to do it but shows the poverty of lan- guage. Asa spectacle it was beyond doubt the grandest as well as the most appalling ever offered to mortal eyes. From any elevated standpoint the appearance was that of a vast ocean of flame, sweeping in mile-long billows and breakers over the doomed city. Added to the spectacular elements of the Cspnflagration — the intense and lurid light, the sea of red and black, and the spires and pyramids of flame shooting into the heavens — was its constant and HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 173 terrible roar, drowning even the voices of the shrieking multitude; and ever and anon — for a while as often as every half-minute — resounded far and wide the rapid detonations of explosions, or fall- ing walls. In short, all sights and sounds which terrify the weak and unnerve the strong abounded. But they were only the accom- paniment which the orchestra of nature were furnishing to the terrible tragedy there being enacted. The total area burned over, including streets, was three and a third square miles. The number of buildings destroyed was 17,450 ; persons rendered homeless, 98,500 ; persons killed, about 200. Not including depreciation of real estate, or loss of business, it is estimated that the total loss occasioned by the fire was $190,000,000, of which but $44,000,000 was recovered on insur- ance. The business of the city was interrupted but a short time; and in a year after the fire a large part of the burned district was rebuilt, and at present there is scarcely a trace of the terrible dis- aster, save in the improved character of the new buildings over those destroyed, and the general better appearance of the city — now the finest, in an architectural sense, in the world. One of the features of this great city worthy of mention is the Exposition, held annually. The smouldering ruins were yet smok- ing when the Exposition Building was erected, only ninety days being consumed in its construction. The accompanying engrav- ing of the building, the main part of which is 1,000 feet long, will give an idea of its magnitude. COMMEKCE OF CHICAGO. The trade of Chicago is co-extensive with the world. Every- where, in every country and in every port, the trade-marks of her merchants are seen. Everywhere, Chicago stands prominently identified with the commerce of the continent. A few years ago, grain was carted to the place in wagons; now more than 10,000 miles of railroad, with thousands of trains heavily ladened with the products of the land center there. The cash value of the produce handled during the year 1878 was $220,000,000, and its aggregate weight was 7,000,000 tons, or would make 700,000 car loads. Divided into trains, it would make 28,000 long, heavily ladened freight trains, wending their way from all parts of the United States toward our great metropolis. These trains, arranged in one con- 174 HISTOBY OF ILLINOIS. tinuous line, would stretch from London across the broad Atlantic to New York and on across our continent to San Francisco. In regard to the grain, lumber and stock trade, Chicago has sur- passed all rivals, and, indeed, not only is without a peer but excels any three or four cities in the world in these branches. Of grain, the vast quantity of 134,851,193 bushels was received during the year 1878. This was about two-fifths more than ever received before in one year. It took 13,000 long freight trains to carry it from the fields of the Northwest to Chicago. This would make a continuous train that would reach across the continent from New York to San Francisco. Speaking more in detail, we have of the various cereals received during the year, 62,783,577 bushels of corn, 29,901,220 bushels of wheat, 18,251,529 bushels of oats, 133,981,104 pounds of seed. The last item alone would fill about 7,000 freight cars. The lumber received during the year 1878 was, 1,171,364,000 feet, exceeded only in 1872, the year after the great fire. This vast amount of lumber would require 195,000 freight cars to transport it. It would build a fence, four boards high, four and one-half times around the globe. In the stock trade for the year 1878, the figures assume propor- tions almost incredible. They are, however, from reliable and trustworthy sources, and must be accepted as authentic. There were received during the year, 6,339,656 hogs, being 2,000,000 more than ever received before in one year. It required 129,916 stock cars to transport this vast number of hogs from the farms of the West and Northwest to the stock yards of Chicago. These hogs arranged in single file, would form a connecting link between Chicago and Pekin, China. Of the large number of hogs received, five millions of them were slaughtered in Chicago. The aggregate amount of product manu- factured from these hogs was 918,000,000 pounds. The capacity of the houses engaged in slaughtering operations in Chicago is 60,000 hogs daily. The number of hands employed in these houses is from 6,000 to 8,000. The number of packages required in which to market the year's product is enormously large, aggregating 500,- 000 barrels, 800,000 tierces and 650,000 boxes. There has been within the stock j^ards of the city, during the year 1878, 1,036,066 cattle. These were gathered from the plains HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 175 of Oregon, "Wyoming and Utah, and the grazing regions of Texas, as well as from all the Southern, "Western and Northwestern States and Territories and from the East as far as Ohio. If these cattle were driven from Chicago southward, in single file, through the United States, Mexico, and the Central American States into South America, the foremost could graze on the plains of Brazil, ere the last one had passed the limits of the great city. Not only does Chicago attract to its great market the products of a continent, but from it is distributed throughout the world manu- factured goods. Every vessel and every train headed toward that city are heavily ladened with the crude products of the farm, of the forests, or of the bowels of the earth, and every ship that leaves her docks and every train that flies from her limits are filled with manufactured articles. These goods not only find their way all over our own country but into Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, Mexico, and the Islands of the sea; indeed, every nook and corner of the globe, where there is a demand for her goods, her merchants are ready to supply. The wholesale trade for the year 1878 reached enormous fiorures, aggregating $280,000,000. Divided among the leading lines, we find there were sold of dry goods, $95,000,000 worth. The trade in groceries amounted to $66,000,000; hardware, $20,000,000; boots and shoes, $24,000,000; clothing, $17,000,000; carpets, $8,000,000; millinery, $7,000,000; hats and caps, $6,000,000; leather, $8,000,- 000; drugs, $6,000,000; jewelry, $1,500,000; musical instruments, $2,300,000. Chicago sold over $5,000,000 worth of fruit during the year, and for the same time her fish trade amounted to $1,100,- 000, and her oyster trade $1,500,000. The candy and other con- fectionery trade amounted to $1,531,900. This would fill all the Christmas stockings in the United States. In 1852, the commerce of the city reached the hopeful sum of $20,000,000; since then, the annual sales of one firm amount to that much. In 1870, it reached $400,000,000, and in 1878 it had grown so rapidly that the trade of the city amounted during that year to $650,000,000. Her manufacturing interests have likewise grown. In 1878, her manufactories employed in the neighborhood of 75,000 operators. The products manufactured during the year were valued at $230,000,000. In reviewing the shipping interests of Chicago, we find it equally enormous. So considerable, indeed, is the 176 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. commercial navy of Chicago, that in the seasons of navigation, one vessel sails every nine minutes during the business hours; add to this the canal-boats that leave, one every five minutes during the same time, and you will see something of the magnitude of her shipping. More vessels arrive and depart from this port during the season than enter or leave any other port in the world. In 1831, the mail system was condensed into a half-breed, who went on foot to Niles, Mich,, once in two weeks, and bror.ght back what papers and news he could find. As late as 1846, there was often but one mail a week. A post-office was established in Chicago in 1833, and the postmaster nailed up old boot legs upon one side of his shop to serve as boxes. It has since grown to be the largest receiving office in the United States. In 1844, the quagmires in the streets were first pontooned by plank roads. The wooden-block pavement appeared in 1857. In 1840, water was delivered by peddlers, in carts or by hand. Then a twenty-five horse power engine pushed it through hollow or bored logs along the streets till 1854, when it was introduced into the houses by new works. The first fire-engine was used in 1835, and the first steam fire-engine in 1859, Gas was utilized for lighting the city in 1850. The Young Men's Christian Association was organized in 1858. Street cars commenced running in 1854. The Museum was opened in 1863. The alarm telegraph adopted in 1864. The opera-house built in 1865. The telephone introduced in 1878. One of the most thoroughly interesting engineering exploits of the city is the tunnels and water-works system, the grandest and most unique of any in the world; and the closest analysis fails to detect any impurities in the water furnished. The first tunnel is five feet two inches in diameter and two miles long, and can deliver 50,000,000 gallons per day. The second tunnel is seven feet in diameter and six miles long, running four miles under the city, and can deliver 100,000,000 gallons per day. This water is distributed through 410 miles of water mains. Chicago river is tunneled for the passage of pedestrians and vehi- cles from the South to the West and JXorth divisions. There is no grand scenery about Chicago except the two seas, one of water, the other of prairie. Nevertheless, there is a spirit about it, a push, a breadth, a power, that soon makes it a place never to HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 177 be forsaken. Chicago is in the field almost alone, to handle the wealth of one-fourth of the territory of this great republic. The Atlantic sea-coast divides its margins between Portland, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Savannah, but Chicago has a dozen empires casting their treasures into her lap. On a bed of coal that can run all the machinery of the world for 500 centuries; in a garden that can feed the race by the thousand years; at the head of the lakes that give her a temperature as a summer resort equaled by no great city in the land; with a climate that insures the health of her citizens; surrounded by all the great deposits of natural wealth in mines and forests and herds, Chicago is the wonder of to-day, and will be the city of the future. STATES OF THE UNION. THEIR SETTLEMENT, ORIGIN OF NAME AND MEANING, COGNOMEN, MOT- TOES, ADMISSION INTO THE UNION, POPULATION, AREA, NUMBER OF SOLDIERS FURNISHED DURING THE REBELLION, NUMBER OF REPRE- SENTATIVES IN CONGRESS, PRESENT GOVERNORS, ETC., ETC., ETC. Alabama. — This State was first explored by LaSalle in 1684, and settled by the French at Mobile in 1711, and admitted as a State in 1817. Its name is Indian, and means " Here we rest," Has no motto. Population in 1860,964,201; in 1870,996,992. Furnished 2,576 soldiers for the Union army. Area 50,722 square miles. Montgomery is the capital. Has 8 Representatives and 10 Presi- dential electors. Rufus W. Cobb is Governor; salary, $3,000; politics. Democratic. Length of term, 2 years. Arkansas — Became a State in 1836. Population in 1860, 435,- 450; in 1870,484,471. Area 52,198 square miles. Little Rock, capital. Its motto is Regnant Populi — " The people rule." It has the Indian name of its principal river. Is called the " Bear State." Furnished 8,289 soldiers. She is entitled to 4 members in Congress? and 6 electoral votes. Governor, W. R.Miller, Democrat; salary, $3,500; term, 2 years. California — Has a Greek motto. Eureka., which means " I have found it." It derived its name from the bay forming the peninsula of Lower California, and was first applied by Cortez. It was first visited by the Spania^ ,3 i\ 1542, and by the celebrated English 178 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. navigator, Sir Francis Drake, in 1578. In 1846 Fremont took possession of it, defeating the Mexicans, in the name of the United States, and it was admitted as a State in 1850. Its gold mines from 1868 to 1878 produced over $800,000,000. Area 188,982 square miles. Fopuhition in 1860, 379,994. In 1870, 560,247. She gave to defend the Union 15,225 soldiers. Sacramento is the capital. Has 4 Representatives in Congress. Is entitled to 6 Presidential electors. Present Governor is William Irwin, a Democrat; term, 4 years; salary, $6,000. Colorado — Contains 106,475 square miles, and had a population in 1860 of 34,277, and in 1870, 39,864. She furnished 4,903 soldiers. Was admitted as a State in 1876. It has a Latin motto, Nil sine Numine, which means, " Nothing can be done without divine aid." It was named from its river. Denver is the capital. Has 1 member in Congress, and 3 electors. T. W. Pitkin is Gov- ernor; salary, $3,000; term, 2 years; politics, Eepublican. Connecticut — Qui transtulit sustinet, " He who brought us over sustains us," is her motto. It was named from the Indian Quon- ch-ta-Cut, signifying "Long River." It is called the "Nutmeg State." Area 4,674 square miles. Population 1860, 460,147; in 1870, 537,454. Gave to the Union army 55,755 soldiers. Hart- ford is the capital. Has 4 Representatives in Congress, and is entitled to 6 Presidential electors. Salary of Governor $2,000; term, 2 years. Delaware.-r-^^ Liberty and Independence," is the motto of this State. It was named after Lord De La Ware, an English states- man, and is called, " The Blue Hen," and the " Diamond State." It was first settled by the Swedes in 1638. It was one of the original thirteen States. Has an area of 2,120 square miles. Population in 1860, 112,216; in 1870, 125,016. She sent to the front to defend the Union, 12,265 soldiers. Dover is the capital. Has but 1 mem- ber in Congress; entitled to 3 Presidential electors. John W. Hall, Democrat, is Governor; salary, $2,000; term, 2 years. Florida — Was discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1512, on Easter Sunday, called by the Spaniards, Pascua Florida, which, with the variety and beauty of the flowers at this early season caused him to name it Florida — which means in Spanish, flowery. Its motto is, " In God we trust." It was admitted into the Union in 1845. It has an area of 59,268 square miles. Population in 1860, 140,424; in HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 179 1870, 187,756. Its capital is Tallahassee. Has 2 members in Con- gress. Has 4 Presidential electors. George F. Drew, Democrat, Governor; term, 4 years; salary, $3,500. Georgia — Owes its name to George 11. , of England, who first established a colony there in 1732. Its motto is, " Wisdom, justice and moderation." It was one of the original States. Population in 1860, 1,057,280; 1870, 1,184,109. Capital, Atlanta. Area 58, OuO square miles. Has 9 Representatives in Congress, and 11 Presidential electors. Her Governor is A. H. Colquitt, Democrat; term, 4 years; salary, $4,000. Illinois — Motto, "State Sovereignty, National Union." Name derived from the Indian word, Illini, meaning, superior men. It is called the ''Prairie State," and its inhabitants, "Suckers." Was lirst explored by the French in 1673, and admitted into the Union in 1818. Area 55,410 square miles. Population, in 1860 1,711,951; in 1870, 2,539,871. She sent to the front to defend the Union, 258,162 soldiers. Capital, Springfield. Has 19 members in Congress, and 21 Presidential electors. Shelby M. CuUom, Repub. lican, is Governor; elected for 4 years; salary, $6,000. Indiana — Is called "Hoosier State." Was explored in 1682, and admitted as a State in 1816. Its name was suggested by its numerous Indian population. Area 33,809 square miles. Popu- lation in 1860, 1,350,428; in 1870, 1,680,637. She put into the Federal army, 194,363 men. Capital, Indianapolis. lias 13 mem- bers in Congress, and 15 Presidential electors. J. D. Williams, Governor, Democrat; salary, $3,000; term, 4 year. Iowa — Is an Indian name and means "This is the land." Its motto is, "Our liberties we prize, our. rights we will maintain." It is called the "Hawk Eye State." It was first visited by Marquette and Joliet in 1673; settled by New Englanders in 1833, and admitted into the Union in 1846. Des Moines is the capital. It has an area of 55,045, and a population in 1860 of 674,913, and in 1870 of 1,191,802, She sent to defend the Government, 75,793 soldiers. Has 9 members in Congress; 11 Presidential electors. John H. Gear, Republican, is Governor; salary, $2,500; term, 2years. • Kansas — Was admitted into the Union in 1861, making the thirty-fourth State. Its motto is Ad astra per aspera^ " To the stars through difficulties." Its name means, " Smoky water," and 180 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. is derived from one of her rivers. Area 78,841 square miles. Population in 1860, 107,209; in 1870 was 362,812. She furnished 20,095 soldiers. Capital is Topeka. Has 3 Representatives in Con- gress, and 5 Presidential electors. John P, St. John, Governor; politics, Republican; salary, $3,000; term, 2 years.' Kentucky — Is the Indian name for "At the head of the rivers." Its motto is, " United we stand, divided we fall." The sobriquet of "dark and bloody ground " is applied to this State. It was first settled in 1769, and admitted in 1792 as the fifteenth State. Area 37,680. Population in 1860, 1,155,684; in 1870, 1,321,000. She put into the Federal army 75,285 soldiers. Capital, Frankfort. Has 10 members in Congress ; 12 Electors. J. B. McCreary, Democrat, is Governor; salary, $5,000 ; term, 4 years. Louisiana — Was called after Louis XIY,, who at one time owned that section of the country. Its motto is " Union and Con- fidence." It is called "The Creole State." It was visited by La Salle in 1684, and admitted into the Union in 1812, making the eighteenth State.- Population in 1860, 708,002; in 1870,732,731. Area 46,431 square miles. She put into the Federal army 5,224 soldiers. Capital, New Orleans. Has 6 Representatives and 8 Electors. F. T. Nichols, Governor, Democrat; salary, $8,000; term, 4 years. Maine. — This State was called after the province of Maine in France, in compliment of Queen Henrietta of England, who owned that province. Its motto is Dirigo., meaning " I direct." It is called "The Pine Tree State." It was settled by the English in 1625. It was admitted as a State in 1820. Area 31,766 square miles. Population in 1860, 628,279; in 1870, 626,463; 69,738 sol- diers went from this State. Has 5 members in Congress, and 7 Electors. Selden Conner, Republican, Governor; term, 1 year; salary, $2,500. Maryland — Was named after Henrietta Maria, Queen of Charles I. of England. It has a Latin motto, Crecite et multiplica- miniy meaning " Increase and Multiply." It was settled in 1634, and was one of the original thirteen States. It has an area of 11,- 124 square miles. Population in 1860 was 687,049; in 1870, 780,- 806. This State furnished 46,053 soldiers. Capital, Annapolis. Has 6 Representatives, and 8 Presidential electors. J. H. Carroll, Democrat, Governor; salary, $4,500; term, 4 years. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 181 Massachusetts — Is tlie Indian for " The country around the great hills," It is called the " Bay State," from its numerous bays. Its motto is Ense petit placidam sub lihertate quietem^ " By the sword she seeks placid rest in liberty." It was settled in 1620 at Plymouth by English Puritans. It was one of the original thirteen States, and was the first to take up arms against the English during the Kevolution. Area 7,800 square miles. Population in 1860, 1,231,- 066 ; in 1870, 1,457,351. She gave to the Union army 146,467 sol- diers. Boston is the capital. Has 11 Representatives in Con- gress, and 13 Presidential electors. Thomas Talbot, Republican, is Governor; salary, $5,000; term, 1 year. Michigan — Latin motto, Luehor, and Si qucBris i)enins%dain amcBnam circumspice, '' I will defend "—" If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you." The name is a contraction of two Indian words meaning "Great Lake." It was early explored by Jesuit missionaries, and in 1837 was admitted into the Union. It is known as the " Wolverine State." It contains 66,243 square miles. In 1860 it had a population of 749,173; in 1870, 1,184,059. She furnished 88,111 soldiers. Capital, Lansing. Has 9 Repre- sentatives and 11 Presidential electors. C. M. Croswell is Gov- ernor; politics. Republican; salary, $1,000; term, 2 years. Minnesota— Is an Indian name, meaning " Cloudy Water." It has a French motto, VEtoile dii Word — " The Star of the North." It was visited in 1680 by La Salle, settled in 1846, and admitted into the Union in 1858. It contains 83,531 square miles. In 1860 had a population of 172,023; in 1870, 439,511. She gave to the Union army 24;002 soldiers. St. Paul is the capital. Has 3 mem- bers in Congress, 5 Presidential electors. Governor, J. S. Pills- bury. Republican; salary, $3,000; term, 2 years. Mississippi — Is an Indian name, meaning " Long River," and the State is named from the " Father of Waters." The State was first explored by De Sota in 1541; settled by the French at Natchez in 1716, and was admitted into the Union in 1817. It has an area of 47,156 square miles. Population in 1860, 791,305; in 1870,827,- 922. She gave to suppress the Rebellion 545 soldiers. Jackson is the capital. Has 6 representatives in Congress, and 8 Presidential electors. J. M. Stone is Governor, Democrat; salary, $4,000; term, 4 years. Missouri — Is derived from the Indian word " muddy," which 182 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. more properly applies to the river that flows through it. Its motto is Salus populi suprema lex esto^ " Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law." The State was first settled by the French near Jefferson City in 1719, and in 1821 was admitted into the Union. It has an area of 67,380 square miles, equal to 43,123,200 acres. It had a population in 1860 of 1,182,012; in 1870, 1,721,- 000. She gave to defend the Union 108,162 soldiers. Capital, Jefferson City. Its inhabitants are known by the offensive eogno- man of " Pukes." Has 13 representatives in Congress, and 15 Presidential electors. J. S. Phelps is Governor; politics, Demo- cratic; salary, $5,000; term, ■! years. Nebraska — Has f^r its motto, " Equality before the law." Its name is derived from one of its rivers, meaning " broad and shal- low, or low." It was admitted into the Union in 1867. Its capital is Lincoln. It had a population in 1860 of 28,841, and in 1870, 123,993, and in 1875,246,280. It has an area of 75,995 square miles. She furnished to defend the Union 3,157 soldiers. Has but 1 Kepresentative and 3 Presidential electors. A. Nance, Repub- lican, is Governor; salary, $2,500; term, 2 years. Nevada — " The Snowy Land " derived its name from the Span- ish. Its motto is Latin, Volens et potens^ and means " willing and able." It was settled in 1850, and admitted into the Union in 1864. Capital, Carson City. Its population in 1860 was 6,857; in 1870 it was 42,491. It has an area of 112,090 square miles. She furnished 1,080 soldiers to suppress the Rebellion. Has 1 Rep- resentative and 3 Electors. Governor, J. H. Kinkhead, Republican; salary, $6,000 ; term, 4 years. Neio Hampsldre — Was first settled at Dover by the English in 1623. Was one of the original States. Has no motto. It is named from Hampshii-e county in England. It also bears the name of " The Old Granite State." It has an area of 9;280 miles, which equals 9,239,200 acres. It had a population in 1 860 of 326,- 073, and in 1870 of 318,300. She increased the Union array with 33,913 soldiers. Concord is the capital. Has 3 Representatives and 5 Presidential electors. N. Head, Republican, Governor; salary, $1,000; term, 1 year. New Jersey — Was named in honor of the Island of Jersey in the British channel. Its motto is " Liberty and Independence." It was first settled at Bergen by the Swedes in 1624. It is one of the orig- HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 183 inal thirteen States. It has an area of 8,320 square miles, or 5,324,- 800 acres. Population in 1860 was 672,035 ; in 1870 it was 906,096. She put into the Federal army 75,315 soldiers. Capital, Trenton. Has 7 Representatives and 9 Presidential electors. Governor, George B. McClelland, Democrat; salary, $5,000; term, 3 years. New York. — The " Empire State " was named by the Duke of York, afterward King James II. of England. It has a Latin motto. Excelsior., which means " Still Higher." It was first settled by the Dutch in 1614 at Manhattan. It has an area of 47,000 square miles, or 30,080,000 acres. The population in 1860 was 3,880,735 ; in 1870 it was 4,332,759. It is one of the original thirteen States. Capital is Albany. It gave to defend our Government 445,959 men. Has 33 members in Congress, and 35 Presidential electors. Governor, L. Robinson, Democrat; salary, $10,000; term, 3 years. North Carolina — "Was named after Charles IX., King of Prance. It is called " The Old North," or " The Turpentine State." It was first visited in 1524 by a Florentine navigator, sent out by Francis I., King of France. It was settled at Albemarle in 1663. It was one of the original thirteen States. It has an area of 50,704 square miles, equal to 32,450,560 acres. It had in 1860 a population of 992,622, and in 1870, 1,071,361. Raleigh is the capital. She furnished 3,156 soldiers to put down the Rebellion. Has 8 mem- bers in Congress, and is entitled to 10 Presidential electors. Z. B. Vance, Democrat, is Governor; salary, $5,000; term, 4 years. Ohio — Took its name from the river on its Southern boundary, and means " Beautiful." Its motto is Im'perium in Iniperio — "An Empire in an Empire." It was first permanently settled in 1788 at Marietta by New Englanders. It was admitted as a State in 1803. Its capital is Columbus. It contains 39,964 square miles, or 25,576,960 acres. Population in 1860, 2,339,511; in 1870 it had 2,665,260. She sent to the front during the Rebellion 310,- 654 soldiers. Has 20 Representatives, and 22 Presidential electors. Governor, R. M. Bishop, Democrat; salary, $4,000; term, 2 years. Oregon — Owes its Indian name to its principal river. Its motto is Alis volat fropriis — "She flics with her own wings. " It was first visited by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century. It was set- tled by the English in 1813, and admitted into the Union in 1859. Its capital is Salem. It has an area of 95,274 square miles, equal to 60,975,360 acres. It had in 1860 a population of 52,465; in 184 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS, 1870, 90,922. She furnished 1,810 soldiers. She is entitled to 1 member in Congress, and 3 Presidential electors. W. W". Thayer, Republican, is Governor; salary, $1,500 ; terra, 4 years. Pennsylvania. — This is the "Keystone State," and means "Penn's Woods," and was so called after "William Penn, its original owner. Its motto is, " Yirtue, liberty and independence." A colony was established by Penn in 1682. The State was one of the original thirtee;n. It has an area of 46,000 square miles, equaling 29,440,- 000 acres. It had in 1860 a population of 2,906,215; and in 1870, 3,515,993. She gave to suppress the Rebellion, 338,155. Harris- burg is the capital. Has 27 Representatives and 29 electors. H. M.Hoyt, is Governor; salary, $10,000; politics. Republican; term of office, 3 years. Rhode Island. — This, the smallest of the States, owes its name to the Island of Rhodes in the Mediterranean, which domain it is said to greatly resemble. Its motto is " Hope," and it is familiarly called, "Little Rhody." It was settled by Roger Williams in 1636. It was one of the original thirteen States. It has an area of 1,306 square miles, or 835,840 acres. Its population in 1860 numbered 174,620; in 1870, 217,356. She gave to defend the Union, 23,248. Its capitals are Providence and Newport. Has 2 Representatives, and 4 Presidential electors. C. Vanzandt is Governor; politics, Republican; salary, $1,000; term, 1 year. South Carolina. — The Palmetto State wears the Latin name of Charles IX., of France (Carolus). Its motto is Latin, Animis opihusque parati, " Ready in will and deed." The first permanent settlement was made at Port Royal in 1670, where the French Huguenots had failed three-quarters of a century before to found a settlement. It is one of the original thirteen States. Its capital is Columbia. It has an area of 29,385 square miles, or 18,806,400 acres, with a population in 1860 of 703,708; in 1870, 728,000. Has 5 Representatives in Congress, and is entitled to 7 Presidential electors. Salary of Governor, $3,500; term, 2 years. Tennessee— Iq the Indian name for the " River of the Bend," i. e, the Mississippi, which forms its western boundary. She is called "The Big Bend State." Her motto is, " Agriculture, Commerce." It was settled in 1757, and admitted into the Union in 1796, mak- ing the sixteenth State, or the third admitted after the Revolution- ary War— Yermont being the first, and Kentucky the second. It HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 185 has an area of 45,600 S(|iuire miles, or 29,184,000 acres. In 1860 its population numbered 1,109,801, and in 1870, 1,257,983. She furnished 31,092 soldiers to suppress the Rebellion. Nashville is the capital. Has 10 Representatives, and 12 Presidential electors. Governor, A. S. Marks, Democrat; salary, $4,000; term, 2 years. Texas — Is the American word for the Mexican name by which all that section of the country was known before it was ceded to the United States. It is known as " The Lone Star State." The first set- tlement was made by LaSalle in 1685. After the independence of Mexico in 1822, it remained a Mexican Province until 1836, when it gained its independence, and in 1845 was admitted into the Union. It has an area of 237,504 square miles, equal to 152,002,- 560 acres. Its population in 1860 was 604,215; in 1870, 818,579. She gave to put down the Rebelion 1,965 soldiers. Capital, Austin. Has 6 Representatives, and 8 Presidential electors. Governor, O. M. Roberts, Democrat; salary, $5,000; term, 2 years. Yermont — Bears the French name of her mountains Verde Mont "Green Mountains." Its motto is "Freedom and Unity." It was settled in 1731, and admitted into the Union in 1791. Area 10,212 square miles. Population in 1860, 315,098 ; in 1870, 330,551- She gave to defend the Government, 33,272 soldiers. Capital, Mont- pelier. Has 3 Representatives, and 5 electors. Governor, H. Fair- banks, Republican; term, 2 years; salary, $1,000. Virginia. — The Old Dominion, as this State is called, is the oldest of the States. It was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth, the " Virgin Queen," in whose reign Sir Walter Raleigh made his first attempt to colonize that region. Its motto is Sic semper tyrannis, " So always with tyrants." It was first settled at James- town, in 1607, by the English, being the first settlement in the United States. It is one of original thirteen States, and had before its division in 1862, 61,352 square miles, but at present contains but 38,352 square miles, equal to 24,545,280 acres. The population in 1860 amounted to 1,596,318, and in 1870 it was 1,224,830. Rich- mond is the capital. Has 9 Representatives, and 11 electors. Gov- ernor, F. W. M. Halliday, Democrat; salary, $5,500; term, 4 years. West Virginia. — l^lotto, 31 ontani semper liberi, " Mountaineers are always free." This is the only State ever formed, under the Constitution, by the division of an organized State. This was done in 1862, and in 1863 was admitted into the Union. It lias an area of 186 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 23,000 square miles, or 14,720,000 acres. The population in 1860 was 376,000; in 1870 it numbered 445,616. She furnished 32,003. Capital, Wheeling. Has 3 Representatives in Congress, and is entitled to 5 Presidential electors. The Governor is H. M. Mathews, Democrat; term, 4 years; salary, $2,700. Wisconsin — Is an Indian name, and means "Wild-rushing channel." Its motto, Civitatas successit harbarum, " The civilized man succeeds the barbarous." It is called " The Badger State." The State was visited by the French explorers in 1665, and a settle- ment was made in 1669 at Green Bay. It was admitted into the Union in 1848. It has an area of 52,924 square miles, equal to 34,511,360 acres. In 1860 its population numbered 775,881; in 1870, 1,055,167. Madison is the capital. She furnished for the Union army 91,021 soldiers. Has 8 members in Congress, and is entitled to 10 Presidential electors. The Governor is W. E. Smith; politics. Republican; salary, $5,000; term, 2 years. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 187 ILLINOIS INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND DUMB. The first class of unfortunates to attract the notice of the legis- lature were the deaf mutes. The act establishing the institution for the education of these unfortunates was approved by Gov. Carlin, Feb. 23, 1839, the asylum to be located at Jacksonville. The original building, afterward called the south wing, was begun in 1842, and completed in 1849, at a cost of about $25,000. A small portion of the building was ready for occupancy in 1846, and on the 26th day of January, of that year, the Institution was formally opened, with Mr. Thomas Officer as principal. The first term opened with but four pupils, which has increased from year to year, until the average attendance at the present time is about 250. ILLINOIS INSTITUTE FOR THE INSANE. In response to an appeal from the eminent philanthropist. Miss D. L. Dix, an act establishing the Illinois Hospital for the Insane, was approved by Gov. French, March 1, 1847. Nine trustees were appointed, with power to select a site, purchase land, and erect buildings to accommodate 250 patients. On the 1st of May the board agreed upon a site, 1^ miles from the court-house in Jacksonville. In 1851 two wards in the east wing were ready for occupancy, and the first patient was admitted Nov. 3, 1851. In 1869 the General Assembly passed two acts creating the northern asylum for the insane, and the southern asylum for the insane, which was approved by Gov. Palmer, April 16, 1869. Elgin was selected as a location for the former, and Anna for the latter. The estimated capacity of the three asylums is 1,200 patients. In addition to the State institu- tions for the insane, there are three other asylums for their benefit, one in Cook county, which will accommodate about 400 patients, and two private institutions, one at Batavia, and one at Jack- sonville. ASYLUM FOR FEEBLE-MINDED. The experimental school for feeble-minded children, the first institution of its kind in the North-west, was created by an act approved, Feb. 15, 1865. It was an outgrowth of the institution for deaf and dumb, to which idiots are frequently sent, under a mistaken impression on the part of parents, that their silence results from inability to hear. The selection of a site for the ISS IIISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. building was intrusted to seven commissioners, who, in July, 1S75, agreed upon the town of Lincoln. The building was begun in 1ST5, and completed three j-ears later, at a cost of $154,209. The average attendance in 1878 was 22-1. THE CHICAGO CHARITABLE EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. The association for founding this institution was organized in May, 1858, and Pearson street, Chicago, selected for the erection of the building. In 1865 the legislature granted the institution a special charter, and two years later made an appropriation of §5,000 a year for its maintenance, and in 1871 received it into the circle of State institutions; thereupon the name was changed by the substitution of the word Illinois for Chicago. The building was swept away by the great fire of 1871, and three years later the present building was completed, at a cost of $12,813. THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS NORMAL UNIVERSITY' Is located at Carbondale. 'This University was opened in 1874, and occupies one of the finest school edifices in the United States. It includes, besides a normal department proper, a preparatory department and a model school. The model school is of an elementary grade; the preparatory department is of the grade of a hiffh school, with a course of three rears. The normal course of four years embraces two courses, a classical and a scientific course; both make the study of the English language and literature quite prominent. THE ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY', Located at Urbana, was chartered in 1867. It has a corps of twen- ty-five instructors, including professors, lecturers and assistants. and has an attendance of over 400 pupils. It comprises four colleges (1) Agriculture, (2) Engineering, (3) Natural Science, (4) Literature and Science. These colleges embrace twelve subor- dinate schools and courses of instruction, in which are taught domestic science and art, commerce, military science, wood engrav- ing, printing, telegraphy, photographing and designing. This insti- tution is endowed with the national land grant, and the amount of its productive fund is about $320,000. The value of its grounds, l)uildings, etc., is about $640,000. It is well supplied with appara- tus, and has a library of over 10,000 volumes. HI OF mtu COITI, CHAPTER I. PHYSICAL FEATURES, GEOLOGY AND NATURAL PRODUCTIONS. Hancock County is situated about forty miles north of the center of the State, on its west line, and within what is known as the "Military Bounty Land Tract." It is bounded on the south by Adams county, to which it was attached from 1825 to 1829, east by McDonough and Schuyler, north by Henderson, and west by the Mississippi r^ver, which separated it from Clarke county, Missouri, and Lee county, Iowa, and constitutes about two-fifths of its whole' boundary. It lies between forty degrees and ten minutes and forty ' degrees and forty minutes north latitude; and between thirteen degrees and thirty-five minutes and fourteen degrees and five min- utes west longitude from Washington. It is thirty miles long from north to south, and on an average of twenty-four" miles wide from east to west — its northern line measuring just twelve miles to its intersection with the Mississippi, while its southern measures a little oyer thirty miles. Its western line, following the meander- ings of the river, measures about forty-five miles. _ The county includes sixteen whole congressional townships and eight fractional ones (the eight being about equal to five and a quarter whole ones), subdivided into 769 square miles, or sections, containing about 492,160 acres. The central portion of the county is composed of one grand prai- rie, bordered on the west by the wooded blutts of the Mississippi, and east and south by the timber lands skirting the margins of Crooked and Bear creeks, and their numerous tributaries. The Burlington branch of the C, B. &. Q. Railroad passing through the county from Dallas City to the southwest corner of section 35, three north, seven west, cuts it into two nearly equal ])arts; while an east and west line, following theT., W. & W. Railroad to Carthage, thence east through the center of Carthage and Han- cock townships, would divide it into nearly equal portions in the other direction. The east half of the county contains the most woodland, being intersected by the many streams tributary to 192 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Crooked creek. Most of the woodlands bordering on Bear creek and branches are in t]ie west half. Of the four subdivisions above named, it would be very hard to tell which is the better portion. Each has some advantages, per- haps lacking in the others. The people of Augusta and St. Mary's have been in the habit of claiming superiority for their townships. The same may be said of La Harpe and Fountain Green. And, while it is true that no better soil and fairer country can be found than is contained in the townships named, we confess to have wit- nessed about Nauvoo, and in Sonora, Montebello, Walker and other western townships, country not a whit behind them in fertility and beauty. The eastern tier of townships is better adapted to wheat; but the prairie portions will out-do them in the production of corn and hay. GEOLOGY. Professor Worthen's " Geology of Illinois," pages 327-349, vol. i. contains an exhaustive report on the geology of Hancock county. Applying to him for leave to make extracts therefrom for use in this history, he very generously forwarded the following, written expressly for our use, for which he has our thanks, and which the reader will find very instructive and interesting: The geological formations to be found in this county consist ol the usual surface deposits called drifts some sixty feet or more of the lower coal measures, and the St. Louis and Keokuk divisions of the lower carboniferous limestones. The lowest or fundamental rock outcropping in the country is the Keokuck limestone, which forms the main portion of the river blutfs from the south line ot Henderson county to Warsaw, and ap- pears also in occasional outcrops along the base of the bluifs from Warsaw to the south line of the county. It is also found on the lower courses of most of the small streams in the northwestern por- tion of the county, as well as on Crooked creek north and north- west of Plymouth. The Keokuk limestone may usually be recognized as forming two well marked divisions. The upper portion, ranging in thickness from thirty to forty feet, consists of a bluish gray or ash-colored calcareo-argillaceous shale, passing locally into thin bedded lime- stone, and contains the globular silicious bodies known under the familiar name of geodes, and is hence called the geode bed. Many of these geodes are solid globes of quartz, with an outer crust of chalcedony, the interior being composed of crystalline quartz. Others are hollow spheres, the outer crust consisting of crystalline quartz and chalcedony, while the internal cavity is coated with various crystallized minerals, of which quartz is by far the most common, and more rarely with calcite, dolomite, zinc-blende, iron pyrites, and aragonite, forming very beautiful and interesting HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 193 cabinet specimens of these minerals. In the vicinity of Niota, geodes are occasionally found with the internal cavity filled with liquid petroleum, or hardened asphaltum. As early as 1840 or '41, a collection of geodes was made in the vicinity of Montebello, by Mr. Catlin of Philadelphia, and ship- ped to that city to enrich the cabinets of the Eastern States; and since that time hundreds of tons have been collected and shipped from this count}', until choice specimens are now comparatively rare, and difficult to obtain. The lower division of the Keokuk formation consists of gray limestone, rather coarse grained and sub-crystalline, partly in heavy beds ranging from one to three feet in thickness, and partly in thinner shaly beds, with intercalated layers of chert, or impure flint. The latter is the prevailing character of the lower part of this division, and it forms the bed rock of the Mississippi river along the Des Moines rapids from Keokuk to Nauvoo. The thickness of the lower division of the Keokuk group is from sixty to seventy feet, and the entire thickness of the whole in this county is about one hundred feet. The lower division, to which the name Keokuk limestone moi'e properly belongs, affords a very good building-stone for dry walls, and also a fair quality of stone for the lime-kiln, though for the latter purpose the compact fine grained limestone of the overlying St. Louis group is to be preferred. The Mormon temple at Nauvoo was built entirely of this limestone quarried in the vicinity of that city, and the custom- houses at Dubncpie, Iowa, and Galena, 111,, and the postoffice build- ing in Springfield are all built of this limestone quarried in the vicinity of Nauvoo and Hamilton. All the work in dressed and cut stone for the Mormon temple, even to the carved oxen on whose backs the baptismal font rested, was furnished from the Nauvoo quarries. When this limestone is exposed to the continued action of frost and moistiire, it splits into irregular layers along the lines of bed- ding, and hence is unfit for bridge abutments, culverts, and all similar purposes, where it would be constantly exposed to these adverse infiuences. The Keokuk limestone is entirely of marine origin, as is fully proven by the great numbers of marine fossils that it contains, and the solid limestone strata were once beds of calcareous sediment in the bed of the ocean, at a period so remote that we can now form no correct estimate of its probable date. Some of the strata are composed entirely of the remains of organic beings, with barely enough of inorganic matter to cement the mass into a solid rock, and to the paleyntologist who desires to know something about the forms of life pertaining to the carboniferous age, it affords an ex- ceedingly varied and interesting field. The fossils that abound in this limestone consist for the most part of crinoids, or lily-like animals, corals, bryozoans, mollusks, and the teeth and spines of fishes. The carboniferous fishes were 194 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. mostly cartilaojinous, like the shark and sturgeon of the present day, and as flesh never petrifies, and they possessed no bony skele- ton, only their teeth and honj spines have been preserved as me- morials of their existence. The lish remains, although occasionally to be found throughout the whole extent of the limestone, are far more abundant in certain layers, where the}- are sometimes found in large numbers within a very limited space. Two of these "fish beds " occur in the vicinity of Warsaw and Hamilton, one just below the geode bed, and the other in 'the clierty limestones below the quarry rock, and in what has been called the division beds, which separate the Keokuk from the Burlington limestone below. The color of these fish reniains is usually brown or sometimes nearly black, and the contrast they exhibit with the light gray color of the rock enables the collector to readily detect them M-ithout a close examination of their structure, which is also quite distinct from that of an}^ other fossils to be found in this formation. Inter-stratified with the limestone beds, there are layers of clay or clay shale, varying in thickness from half an inch to two feet or more. These have resulted from the introduction of a muddy sed- iment into the ocean, which in some cases suddenly entombed the living animals that inliabited its waters, and in these clay partings, the crinoids and delicate bryozoans are found in their most perfect state of preservation. They secreted a calcareous skeleton like the coral, and occasionally these may be found in the soft shale or im- printed on the surfaces of the limestone in such a perfect state of preservation that the original form and structure of the animal can be readily determined. One of the most common forms of bryozoans in the Keokuk lime- stone is the screw-shaped fossil known as the Archimedes, and the frequency of its occurrence in this limestone gave it the name of Archimedes limestone, by which it was designated by Dr. D. D. Owen and some others of the earlier geologists. Subsequently it was found that similar forms were found in the Warsaw division of the St. Louis group as well as in the Chester limestones, another division of the lower carboniferous series, and hence the name of Archimedes limestone had to be abandoned, as applicable to any single division of the series. The crinoids were so abundant in the ocean sediments out of which these limestones have been formed, that some of the thickest of the limestone strata are composed almost entirely of their re- mains, and hence the name crinoidal, or encrinital limestone has been applied to it. The crinoidal layers usually have a crystalline structure, and some of them receive a high polish, and when varie- gated in color form a handsome and valuable marble. Overlying the geode bed we find the St. Louis limestone, which, like the Keokuk group, may be separated into two well marked divisions, the lower consisting of magnesian limestone, overlaid by blue shales with thin and irregular beds of coarse gray limestone, the latter capped with a bed of calcareous sandstone, and an upper HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 195 divisioji composed of fine-grained, compact brecciated limestone. The lower division ranges from 30 to 40 feet in thickness, and the upper from 10 to 30. Tliis group forms the upper portion of the river bluffs throughout the county, and is also found on nearly all the small streams in the central and western portions, and the tributaries, as well as the main course of Crooked creek, in the nortiieastern part of the county. The brecciated division forms the base, or fundamental rock, on which the coal measures rest, and hence it forms a well marked horizontal limit, below which coal is never found. Isolated out- crops of coal are found resting upon it, however, in almost all parts of the county, even as far west as the bluffs of the Mississippi river at Nauvoo, on Waggoner's creek near Montebello, and at several other points to the westward of the present boundary of the Illinois coal field, but such outliers are of little or no value for coal-mining purposes. The magnesian limestone that is found at the base of the lower division of the St. Louis group ranges in thickness hi this county from six to ten feet, and affords the best material for foundation walls, bridge abutments and culverts that can be obtained in this portion of the State. The Sonora quarries furnished the foundation stone for the new capitol building at Springfield, as well as the ma- terial for the abutments of the bridge, and the locks on the canal at Keokuk, and the rock has given universal satisfaction where strength and durability were the main qualities demanded. It is not a hand- some stone for outside walls, not coloring evenly on exposure, and liable to be stained by the oxidation of the iron pyrites with which the rock is more or less impregnated. But it hardens on exposure and does not split when subjected to the combined action of frost and water. Below Warsaw the magnesian limestone is from ten to twelve feet thick, and is rather lighter colored and freer from pyrites than at the Sonora quarries. The blue shales and thin-bedded limestones above the magnesian bed abound in fossils in the vicinity of Warsaw, and hence the name of "■ Warsaw beds " has been applied to the lower division of the St. Louis group. The largest species of Archimedes known, the A. Wortheni, described and figured by Prof. Hall in the first report on the geology of Iowa, belongs to this geological horizon, and is found more abundant in the vicinity of Warsaw than elsewhere. Specimens have been found as much as eighteen inches in length, and when living, with its delicate, lace-like expansion extending from six to eight inches on either side of the screw-shaped axis, they must have formed living organisms of rare interest. This, with a half dozen or more of other species of bryozoans to be fjund in these shales at Warsaw, has made the locality quite noted with the amateur col- lectors of fossils, and the locality is now well nigh exhausted. Above these fossiliferous beds, there is a bed of calcareous sandstone at Warsaw about six feet in thickness, some of which lies in thin layers suitable for flags, and partly in strata from one foot to eigh- 196 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. teen inches in thickness. This rock cuts freely and is an excellent stone for caps and sills. The upper division of the St. Louis group is a fine-grained brec- ciated limestone, concretionary in structure and a nearly pure car- bonate of lime in its composition, and hence furnishes the best ma- terial for the lime-kiln to be found in the county. It is from ten to thirty feet in thickness and forms the bed rock over a large portion of the county, though it was probably at one time covered by the shales and sandstones of the lower coal measures, which were sub- sequently removed by denuding agencies, leaving the solid lime- stone as a floor over which the drift clays were subsequently depos- ited. This limestone is characterized by three species of fossil corals, one of which, the Lithostrotion mamillare is usually sili- cious, and weathers out of the limestone in consideirable masses, and is called "petrified honeycomb," or "wasps' nests," by those who are unaware of its true character and origin. An excellent material for macadamizing roads as well as limestone for the lime- kiln is furnished by this division of the St. Louis group wherever its outcrop occurs. Coal Measures. — In the southeastern portion of the county, em- bracing an area of three or four townships, and extending north to the vicinity of Plymouth, the sandstone and shales of the coal- measures are found, embracing a thickness of fifty to sixty feet or more, and include the horizon of the two lower seams of coal. At the base of the coal measures there is usually a coarse sandstone which sometimes encloses pebbles and becomes a true conglomerate. It is variable in thickness, but usually ranges from five to twenty feet in this portion of the State. Above the conglomerate there is either a few feet of sandy shale, or if this is absent, the fire clay of the lower coal seam, or coal No. 1, reckoning from the bottom of the formation upward. This seam is usually too thin where it has been found in this county, to be of any great value for the produc- tion of coal, yielding furthermore an article of inferior quality. In thickness it ranges from six to eighteen inches, but the coal is some- times replaced entirely with bituminous shale. Between this lower coal and the one above it, or No. 2, there is nsually from ten to twenty feet of shale, the lower part of which is bituminous, and forms the roof to the lower seam, while at the top it passes into the dark-colored fire clay of No. 2. This upper seam is about two feet in thickness, but it is not regularly developed, and like the lower seam, is liable to run into bituminous shale. It was worked at an early day on Williams creek, in the vicinity of Pu- laski, to supply the local demand for coal, but since the completion of the C., B. & Q. railroad through this portion of the county, the mines have been generally abandoned. Above No. 2 there is a variable thickness of shale and sandstone, probably nowhere exceed- ing twenty-five or thirty feet, which forms tlie uppermost beds of the coal formation in this county. HISTORY OF UANCOCK COUNTY, 197 The surface deposits, or "drift," as the loose material that over- lies the bed rock of the country is usually called, consists of a yel- lowish brown clay at the top, forming the subsoil, then drab and ash-colored clays with gravel and boulders, passing downward into a compact blue clay or " hard pan," the whole ranging from forty to sixty feet or more in thickness. Below the " hard pan," a black peaty soil is frequently met with containing leaves and branches, and sometimes the trunks of trees of considerable size. This has been named " the forest bed," and has been found to extend over a large area in this State, being frequently encountered in sinking wells, or in coal shafts, sometimes at a depth of more than a hun- dred feet below the surface. It probably represents the surface soil that existed anterior to what is called the "drift" or "glacial" period, and produced the trees whose trunks are so freqiiently en- countered in sinking wells through the drift clays. JBelow the "forest bed" there is usually a few feet in thickness of quick-sand or stratified clay, resting directly upon the bed rock of the country. The boulders of the drift are mostly of foreign origin, and have come from the metamorphic rocks of the Lake Superior region, the transporting agencies being floating ice, when the present sur- face of nearly the whole of the Northwestern States was submerged beneath the ocean. In the vicinity of the river bluffs, the drift deposits have been sifted and changed by the action of water currents, forming what is called " altered or modified " drift. In the cut on Main street in the city of Warsaw, the following section of modified drift may be seen, which will serve to show the general character of the drift deposits after they have been subjected to these modifying influences: Ft. In. Ft. In. 1. Surface soil 1 5. Blue sandy clay 2 6 2. Ash-colorcd and brown marly 6. Fine gravel and clay 2 6 clay (loess) 9 7. Yellow sand 2 3. Brown drift clay 8 8. Gravel and boulders 8 4. Brown sand partly stratified 8 9. Blue clay (exposed) 4 The loess caps the river blufts throughout the county, and gives character to the soil wherever it is found. The timbered lands skirting the river blufts are underlaid usually by the loess, and the soil is extremely well adapted to the cultivation of fruit, as well as wheat, oats and clover, and under a judicious system of rotation, will yield fair crops of corn. The soil upon the prairies is usually a black, or chocolate-brown loamy clay, rather retentive of moisture from the cohesive char- acter of the subsoil, but when sufiiciently rolling to give a free surface drainage, it is very productive. There is however a consid- erable area of flat prairie land in the county, that can only be made to produce the best results of cultivation by a systematic course of underdraining, which can be readily accomplished now, under the drainage law, recently enacted by the thirty-first General Assembly. 198 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Below Warsaw, and extending thence to the Adams county line, there is a belt of bottom land, from one to three miles in width, now being redeemed from the annual overflow of the river, and destined to become, under a proper system of levee improvement, the most productive corn land in the county. We copy the following from the " Geology of Illinois," by Mr Worthen : " The soil upon the prairie land is usually a deep black loam, with a brown clay subsoil. On the ridges that skirt the stream's the soil is usually a chocolate- brown, loamy clay, becoming locally light brown or yellow, on the slopes of the'^hills", from the predom- inant character of the subsoil. The timber on these ridges consists for the most part of black and white oak and hickory, with an undergrowth of red-bud, sassafras and hazel. On the more level portions of the timbered uplands we lind, in addition to these, elm, linden, wild cherry and honey locust. The soil on the lands where the last named varieties of timber are found is fully equal, in its productiv^e capacity, to that of the prairies, while that on the oak ridges is comparatively thin. In the southwest portion of the county there is a wide belt of alluvial bottom skirting the Missis- sippi river, commencing at the city of Warsaw and extending to the south line of the county, with an average width of about three miles. A part of this bottom is prairie, and a part is covered with a heavy growth of timber, consisting of cottonwood, sycamore, red and slippery elm, black and white walnut, ash, hackberry, honey locust, pecan, persimmon, pawpaw^, coffee-nut, white maple, red birch, linden and mulberry, and the common varieties of oak, and shell-bark and pig-nut hickory. The greater portion of this bot- tom is susceptible of cultivation, and possesses a sandy soil that is not surpassed, in its productive capacities, by any other portion of the county. It is subject to overflow, however, during seasons of extraordinary high water, and those who cultivate these lands must calculate on a partial, if not a total, loss of their crops once in about seven years. " Springs are not abundant in this county, but are occasionally found at the base of the river bluft's and in the valleys of the small streams. Some of these are chalybeate, and contain, in addition to the iron, both sulphur and magnesia. Good wells are usually obtained on the uplands at depths varying from twenty to forty feet. The surface deposits of this county comprise the usual sub- divisions of the quaternary system, and attain an aggregate thick- ness of about seventy-five feet. All "the uplands are covered by accumulations of drift, varying in thickness from twenty to sixty feet or more. This usually consists of a bed of blue clay or hard pan at the bottom of variable thickness,which is overlaid by brown clays, with gravel and boulders of waterworn rock of various sizes. Sometimes there are thin beds of sand in the brown clays, that pre- sent a stratified appearance, and serve as channels to the under- ground streams of water." HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 199 And in regard to these " boulders," such objects of curiosity and speculation all over the county, scattered not only along the bluffs and river shore, but standing isolated and alone, away in the prai- ries, the Report has the following wonderful statement: " A large portion of the material composing the drift deposits has been transported from a distance, and many of the bonlders are derived from the metamorphic strata of Lake Superior, several hun- dred miles from the spot where they are found. Many of these boulders are of great size and many tons weight, and must have re- quired a mighty force to transport tliem to their present position. One of these may be seen at the foot of the bluff's between Nauvoo and Apyjanoose, composed of the metamorphic rock of the North- west, which is nearly twenty feet in diameter. The power required to wrench such a mass of rock from its native bed and transport it, for hundreds of miles, with a force sufficient to obliterate all its angles, is inconceivably great; but hero is the boulder of granite, nearly five hundred miles, as the crow flies, from the nearest known ontcrop of this kind of rock, giving unmistakable evidence that such a result has. been accomplished. Several specimens of native cop- per have been found in the drift deposits of this county, which, from their appearance, leave no doubt that they have been trans- ported from the copper region of Lake Superior." Of its economical geology, from the Report we glean the following: ^'Building Stone. — Hancock county is well supplied with good building stone, and there is, perhaps, no natural resource of this portion of the State that is so lightlj- appreciated at the present time in proportion to its intrinsic value as this. * * * The middle division of the Keokuk group will afford the greatest amount, as well as the finest quality, of building stone, and where this is easily accessible, no better material need be looked for. It is generally even textured, dresses well, and is well adapted for all the ordinary uses to which a building stone is applied. It is also tolerably even bedded, and affords strata thick enough for all the ordinar>^ require- ments of architecture. Some of the beds are susceptible of a fine polish, and may be used as an ornamental stone. It outcrops on all the small streams in the western part of the county, as well as in the river bluffs throughout the county, except in the vicinity of Warsaw, and for a distance of five miles below, where, by an undu- lation of the dip, it is carried below the surface with the exception of a few feet of the upper layers. It appears again, however, on Rocky run, six miles below Warsaw, forming bluffs on that creek twenty feet or more in height. In the eastern part of the county it outcrops on Brunce's creek, north of Plymouth, and Crooked creek, in the vicinity of St. Mary's. " The arenaceous and magnesian beds of the St. Louis group will also furnish a building stone but little inferior in quality, and quite equal in durability, to tliat afforded by the Keokuk limestone. * * * !North of Warsaw, its out crop is generally high up in the bluffs, or on the small streams that intersect them, and in the in- 200 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. terior of the county it will be found on all the principal creeks that intersect the limestones immediately below the coal measures." " Potter's Clay. — The under-clays of the coal seams are almost the only clays in the State used for the manufacture of potter's ware, and are the only ones from which a good article of fire- brick has been made. The under-clay below the lower coal seam on William's creek, in the southeastern part of the county, is about three feet thick, and appears to be of good quality, suitable either for potter's ware or fire-brick. There are probably many localities in the eastern part of the county where this clay may be found equal in quantity and quality to that of the locality above named. Beds of soft material like this are seldom well exposed by natural causes, and are best seen by artificial cuts through the strata with which they are associated. The coal seams will always serve as a guide to those in search of these clays." Coal. — The supply of bituminous coal in this county is quite limited. And the Report concludes, that our people will mainly have to rely upon more favored districts. HANCOCK MOUNDS. There are numerous mounds throughout Hancock county, as in many other sections of the State and the whole Mississippi valley. They are found chiefly on the blufls bordering the river and the smaller streams. In some instances they are in the open prairie, but most of them are in the timbered lands, and often covered with large trees. They are mostly small, of .various sizes and elevations, from a few feet in height up to 15 or 20, and from 10 to 40 or 50 feet in diameter. It is vary rarely that one is found in this county to exceed these measurements. We know of but two exceptions. One of these is the Gittings Mound in the north part of the county, and though possessing all the characteristics of the smaller ones, covers nearly a section of land, and is perhaps fifty or more feet high. Mr. Gittings' iarm lies on it, and it is without doubt a mere natural elevation of the prairie. The other is what is known as the " Big Mound " in Appanoose township. This mound is situated about seven miles east of Nauvoo, and in the open prairie. On the east, south and west of it, the prairie is quite level for several miles, but on the north it is approached by the broken timbered lands skirting the river bluffs. We are not aware that any accurate measurement of this mound has ever been made; but from the best observation we could make, by standing on its top, and also on the prairie at its base, we judge it to be not less than 40 to 50 feet high, while it is about one-fourth of a mile in diameter. It belongs to the estate of the late Amos Davis, and he chose it for the site of his fine residence, which occupies its summit. The barn, stables and other out-buildings, besides two or three fine orchards, are also located on the mound. HISTORY OF HANCOCE COUNTY. 201 Excavations have been made into numbers of these mounds, and in most instances human skeletons have been found, together with various art utensils, such as knives, tomahawks, stone axes, beads, pottery articles, etc. This fact has led to the conclusion that these mound formations have been selected as places for the burial of their dead, by some people occupying the country before us. Who were those people? We think the answer is plain. We hear much talk and read much newspaper comment about the " Mound- Builders." This term we believe to be a misnomer. Because a people have chosen these places as receptacles for their dead, it does not follow that they built them for that purpose, or that they built them at all. The Indian tribes who have just preceded us are doubtless the people who have so used these mounds. Indeed we know that they have done so. The writer of this has himself seen them in several instances thus depositing their dead. But who ever saw or heard of these aborigines building mounds? They find them already built, by the same Almight}- hand that built the mountains and the hills and prairies. Besides, North America hae been known to civilization for nearly 400 years, and the people first discovered here were as incapable of erecting these mounds as those just now passing away. And who supposes that human bones will remain at a depth of a few feet from the surface, for so long a period, without undergoing decomposition? If the remains of Powhattan and King Philip can be found intact at this date, then it will do to guess that the bones found in these mounds have been deposited there by a race of men anterior to the people known as North American Indians. We are sustained in this view of the subject by many high authorities. Rev. John M. Peck, a writer of sound judgment and extensive observation, in his "Gazetteer of Illinois," after referring to some of the large mounds in the Missis- sippi valley, says: " These large mounds are of the same shape and proportions as the smaller ones. Who supposes these to be the works of human art? Who will place these among the antiquities of a country? If any one will account for the formation of these stupendous works of nature, in a country of unquestionably diluvial formation, there are men who make no pretensions to the rank of western anti- quarians, who will account for the smaller ones, of a few feet eleva- tion, without the aid of an extinguished race of men. Until further evidence of their being the work of men's hands, I shall class them among the natural cariosities of the country." This opinion of the origin of these mounds is also maintained by Prof. Worthen, in his report on Madison county. — [See Geol. Sur. of 111., vol. i. p. 314.] We should not omit to mention that, in digging the well for Mr. Davis on the summit of the Appanoose mound, a piece of timber, said to be a species of cedar, was found at a depth of 30 feet from the surface. Many similar discoveries have, however, been made in other places where no mounds exist. 202 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. * But there is indisputable evidence that this country has at one time, how remote it is impossible to tell, been inhabited by a race of people far superior to the Indians found here by the Euro- pean discoverers. There are remains, both within and without these mounds, that go to prove this fact; remains that could not have been left by these savage tribes, but must have belonged to a cultivated and enlightened people. That this is so, none of these ■writers will gainsay; yet we do not see that its admission has any bearing on the question of the origin of these mounds. NATURAL PRODUCTIONS. Under this head we group together the productions of the ani- mal and vegetable kingdoms. Of the animal, the buffalo, once so common all over the western prairies, has entirely disappeared. Indeed, it is doubtful if one of the species has been seen in the county by any of its pioneers. The same may be said of the elk. Bears, though not common, have occasionally been seen and taken; but have now forsaken us. AVild-cats were quite plenty in the early days, and almost all the old pioneers have wild-cat stories to tell. Wolves, the black and gray, formerly abounded, and the bounty on scalps still draws money from the county treasury. They find retreats among the fastnesses of Bear and Crooked creeks. The little prairie wolves, — so numerous 40 years ago, and whose laugh-like bark awoke the echoes of the night, around the farm houses, and even in the village streets, like the still smaller prairie dogs — have tied before the tramp of civilization. Panthers have been seen, and killed, and to-day one of these animals, or some- thing else, produces an occasional scare in the neighborhood. That " same old coon," the opossum, the mink, and the skunk still abound, as many settlers can testify; an occasional fox is seen; but the beaver, badger and otter have disappeared. Wood-chucks and musk-rats still find holes, and a variety of squirrels tempt the sportsman's shot. Deer, so numerous 40 years ago, are now very scarce, and many a pioneer longs for the "saddle of venison" he once procured so cheap!}'-, and so richly enjoyed. Hawks abound, and crows, and owls; but the turkey-buzzard has taken himself ofi:'. Wild turkeys are sometimes seen, but are wilder than " the law allows," and are seldom taken. Grouse, or prairie chickens, and quails are not near so numerous as formerly. Wild geese, brant and several species of ducks frequent the rivers and sloughs. Numerous varieties of fish frequent the streams. Rat- tle-snakes still are found now and then; also the black snake, and a few others; and turtles, toads and bullfrogs creep, hop and croak upon the land and in the ponds. The principal forest growths of the county, are the several species of oak, hickory, walnut, butternut, ash, maple, elm, mulberry, Cot- tonwood, black-jack, pawpaw, sassafras, willow, hazel, blackberry, raspberry, and numerous other plants and trees. ., ..^ HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 203 The prairie orrass, with its thousand and one gorgeous and beau- tiful flowers, which waved their tali stems to the breeze or nestled in little tufts upon the sod, — "Fitting floor For this magnificeut temple of the sky — With flowers whose glory and whose multitude Eival the constellations! " These, all these, have gone — given place to the fields of waving grain, the rustling corn and the timoth}'^ and clover meadow. In recurring to those early days of prairie green and bloom, one can almost wish them back again; they were such a glory and a joy; such a boundless, magnificent, waving, rolling sea of beauty. This in bright summer; but ah! let winter's storms and snows come — and right here we close the picture and the chapter. 204 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. CHAPTER II. PIONEERS AND PIONEER LIFE. How did people live in the pioneer davs? — is a question which the youth of to-day may Nvell ask. In 1S17, it is said the first steamboat, the Gen. Pike, ascended the Mississippi above St. Louis. Previous to that period, all merchandise and provisions, except of home product, had to be brought to Illinois by way of Xew Orleans, in keel-boats." cordelled " up the current by strong muscular force, — a trip from the settlements to that city and back, occupying about six months' time; or they had to be conveyed across the mountains from the seaboard cities to Pittsburgh or Wheeling, and floated down the Ohio in "' broad-horns." Salt was procured in small quantities from Kanawha and about Shawnee- town; but tea, coffee, spices, sugar, and the thousand and one arti- cles which now constitute the food of the inhabitants, were seldom seen; or if seen, were procured for extreme occasions only, and at great expense, by the wealthy. Buckskin moccasins and breeches, and rabbit and coon-skin caps were the common wear of the men; while wife and children were generally but meagerly enveloped in fabrics made from flax at home, or coarse cottons obtained from abroad at high prices. The residences of the pioneers were chiefly log cabins; the most primitive ones always built without other tool than an ax, and perhaps an auger, and containing from top to bottom neither nail nor glass; hinges they had to the doors, made of stout timber, and locks in the form of a peg or wooden bar. The pioneers of Hancock, as of most other sections of the West in those early days, were generally poor men, who sought the country with a view of making homes for themselves and children. Some of them, it may be said, were merely hunters, and came for the purpose of getting away from civilization, and to find plenty of game. These, usually, as neighbors began to settle near, pulled up and went furtlier on. But he who came with a view of locating a permanent home, brought in most cases a family with him, and a meager supply of indispensable utensils and tools, with which to begin life in the wilderness. For very evident reasons, they gen- erally made their homes in or contiguous to timber. Their cabins were to be built, and in the quickest time possible; water without digging was to be found there; and shelter was affbrded for such stock as they possessed. Such few utensils as could well be brought in a two-horse wagon, with the family, or in many cases in a one-horse cart, were all they HISTORY OF JIANCOCK COUNTY. 205 could aftord; a cow or two, and perhaps a yoke of oxen; an ax, a few other simple tools, and the inevitable gun (rifle generally) con- stituted the " plunder " with which many a now and long since independent citizen l)egan life as a pioneer in Hancock county. Once located, the first thing to do was to construct a shelter for himself and family, in tlie meantime living in the wagon as they had traveled, or under the shelter of a tent.^ It was the work of but a few daj's to erect a log cabin, with a clapboard roof and without a floor, into which the family and property could be stored, safe from storms and wild beasts. Some came in parties of three or four or more, built their rude dwellings, and perhaps planted a small patch of grain; then I'eturned for their families. The construction of one of these primitive houses ivould be a curiosity to the denizen of the city now, though to most people throughout the AVest not very remarkable. Many of them have been built and occupied for years — comfortable abodes, too, for intelligent and happy families, — without a nail or a bit of iron in their make-up. Some of the best men our State and county have known — Judges, Governors, Senators, Generals, — have been born and reared in these rude structures. A few of them, now old and dilapidated, and fast approaching their end, like their earliest occupants, are yet to be seen in our midst; some, reconstructed, doing duty as smoke-houses, pig-pens or corn-cribs; others standing silent and deserted, in their desolation. Their owners, those that are left of them, have long since transferred their goods and chat- tels to more costly and pretentious ediflces. The ax has been the principal tool in the path of American civil- ization. It has always- preceded the plow. In preparing the home, it has ever been the pioneer tool in the hands of the pioneer man ; and with it, and with no other, he can fashion a home not to be despised. With it the trees are felled and cut into proper lengths for the hut; with it alone the clapboard roofs can be made; with it the puncheons for a door and the floor. But the tools really needed, though not always attainable, were, first, the ax, then a saw, an auger, a frow, and a drawing-knife. With these, and with- out many of them, under the guidance of a strong will, and wielded by a strong arm, the wilderness of Illinois has been dotted with happy homes, that would defy the rains of summer and the snows and storms of winter. But there is another and often a mournful side to the picture of pioneer life. The rains and storms come sometimes before siielter can be provided. Sickness overtakes the pioneer or his family. Away in the wilderness — away from kindred or sympathizing friends — beyond reach of medicines or kindly help — no comforts — perhaps unsuitable food — the wife, the child — another and another droop and die, and in the gloom and desolation are consigned to their lonely graves. No neighborly hand near to place the sod or strew a flower; no kindly voice to offer comfort. It is on this pic- 206 ' HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. tnre of pioneer life that we would ask the reader to drop a tear. Pioneer mother ! Sad and disconsolate in thj drearj^ cabin, thy loved one lying asleep in death before thee, soon to be hid from thy loving embrace and care, to thee we drop a tear to-day. Pioneer FATHER ! the partner of thy joys and sorrows stretched on a bed of pain and sickness, or, perhaps, enveloped in her death shroud; chil- dren helpless and needing a mother's kindly care; money gone, crops failing, neighbors far away; a gloomy future before thee, — TO thee we heave a sigh in this, our day of prosperity and richer enjoyments. As before stated, the first settlers in this prairie country always selected locations in or near to timber. Graduall}-, a new comer, disregarding the practice and the advice of his predecessors, would work his way into the prairie a mile or two and erect his cabin. The results emboldened others to follow his example; and now, after forty or fifty years of trial, all that broad tract known of old as the "Hancock Prairie," embracing two-thirds of the county, is en- closed into farms, and the only vacant land in the county is in the timber ! Comparing the settlements of the county as between the eastern and western sides, there is a wide difterence observable. In the west, most of the earliest settlers are gone, having " pulled stakes " and removed perhaps to greener pastures. They had settled mostly on the bluft' lands near the river, or on the river shore; and lived b}'- hunting and fishing, and by following river occupations. The broad prairie lying east and south of them was abroad waste, useful only as pastures for deer and other game. Those on the eastern side of the county came mostly a few years later; and finding the timber and prairie lands more evenly dis- tributed and more convenient for farms, took up lands and settled to stay, and they did; and numbers of them yet remain in the county. Divide it evenly by a north and south line, and the east- ern half will count probably two permanent settlers of the period previous to L840, to "the western side's one. There is another marked diflference between the two sections. While in the eastern part we will see many of the best farms still fenced with the old-fashioned Yirginia rail fence, the growth of the forests nearby; in the west side such fences are rarely seen, except- ing along or near the river bluffs. The great prairie between, set- tled and occupied more recently, and since the introduction of pine lumber, is generally enclosed with boards, or with the more recent Osage orange line fence. The latter is largely used; and in con- nection with the barbed wire, will constitute the fence of the future. To the lug cabins of the early days, many pioneers who now occupy fine mansions, with their many modern improvements, look back with a feeling of kindness akin to regret. They remember the happy hours they have passed in them; the many days and nights of enjoyment amid friends and neighbors, they have lived in these rude and rough, but comfortable homes. To be sure, their .h ih/^ ^'. ^t«Y^^J- CARTHAGE. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 209 exteriors were rough and uninviting, and their interiors anj^thing but ornamental. But there the babes were born and nurtured, perhaps mourned in death. There the lioliest of human of affec- tions were centered, and there the ever-changing scenes of life's drama were enacted. Those only who have had the experience can tell of the comforts and enjoyments that may be realized in these rude homes of the West. Let the log cabins of the pioneers be remembered with reverence ! 14 CHAPTEE III. THE ADVANCE GUARD. Who the first man was to settle within the limits of the county of Hancock, after the most diligent inquiry we have been unable to ascertain. When Illinois became a member of the Union in 1818, the county of Madison with eight or ten others had been formed. Out of Madison, Pike was formed in 1821, and in 1825 several counties were formed from the latter, among which were Adams and Han- cock — the latter being attached to Adams until such time as its population would justify a separate organization. Whether there was at the date of the State's admission a single white inhabitant, other than the garrison at Fort Edwards and its attachees, within the limits of the county, may never be known. The Frenchman named hereafter, it seems resided among the Sacs and Foxes, on the site of Quincy, as long ago as the year 1811; and it is probable that others were settled in the vicinity of Forts John- son and Edwards. There were French here at date of organization, but we have no knowledge of them beyond that fact. There was a garrison at Fort Edwards from the date of its erec- tion in 1814 to 1824, when it was abandoned ; and it is reasonable to conclude that it would draw traders and settlers around it. But all those around it when it was vacated are now gone. We have the fact that when Adams was separated from Pike in 1825, there were in Hancock certain residents, some of whose names we have been able to obtain ; and also that before this event, certain Hancock people are mentioned in the records of Pike county. Fort Edwards was made a voting place by the Adams County Court in 1825, and included the whole of Hancock county. The following extract from a " History of Quincy," by Henry i^sbury, Esq., will come in place here. It is from the Quincy Tr%'ofDec. 31, 1874: " 1811 — Bauvet, a French trader, had a trading-post here. Was supposed to have been killed by Indians, "1813 — An Indian village of the Sauk tribe here. " 1813 — Two regiments of mounted rangers, from Missouri and Illinois, commanded by Gen. Howard, passed over the present site of Quincy and destroyed the village, the Indians having decamped." Of this expedition, Davidson & Stave's "History of Illinois" says: "The march was continued up the Mississippi. On the present site of Quincy they passed a recently deserted camp and village, (210) HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 211 supposed to have contained 1,000 Sac warriors. At a point called the 'Two Rivers,' they struck out eastward and across the high prairies to the Illinois, which was reached near the mouth of Spoon river." "Who can now tell the location of the point called the "Two Kivers?" The expedition was against the hostile Indians on and about Peoria lake, and had set out from Camp Russell, in Madison county. From said " History of Qnincy " we obtain tlie following further facts : "1819 — Willard Keyes, who afterward built the second house in Quincy, floated past on a raft, but did not land. " 1820 — The Western £^nterprise, the first steamboat on the Mississippi river as far up as this place, and which landed here, " 1824 — JohnWood filed a notice, in the Edwardsville Spectator^ of application for a new count}'. " 1825, Aug. 17 — The (Adams) County Commissioners borrowed $600 of Rnssell Farnham to purchase original town site. "1825— The first Circuit Court was held Oct. 31, 1825; John York Sawyer, Judge; Henr}'^ H. Snow, Clerk." On the jury lists for this first term ofcourtin Adams county,we find the names of the following Hancock county citizens, to-wit: Mor- rill Marston, Lewis Kinney, Luther Whitney, Hezeki ah Spillma n, Curtis Caldwell, Peter Williams and Benjamin llcJN itt. The first county court held in Pike, after separation from Madi- son in 1821, was held at Cole's Grove, near Gilead (now in Calhoun county). We notice that James W. Whitney, the "Lord Coke" of the Quincy and Hancock bar afterward, was appointed its Clerk. At its session of June 5, 1821, Daniel Shinn, John Shaw and John W. Smith, were appointed to view and locate a road from Ferguson's Ferry, on the Illinois river, to Fort Edwards, on the .Mississippi river; and it was "Ordered, That all that part of the Fort Edwards road lying north of the north line of section 27, township 6 south, range 5 west, compose the fourth district of said road, and that John Wood, (ex-Lieut.-Gov.) be appointed superintendent of that district, and to have control of all the hands living within three miles each side of the road." June 6, 1821 — "Ordered, That the militia of the county be or- ganized into a regiment, etc., and that all north of tlie base line be and compose the Third Company District" (this included Hancock county). July 6, 1821 — "Ordered, That the report of the Commissioners to view and lay out a road * * * through Cole's Grove to Fort Edwards, be accepted as far as the north line of section 27, town 6 south, 5 west; that being as far as said Commissoners were able to proceed, owincj to the excessive vegetation; and it is further ordered (time extended) until after the vegetation, shall he destroy- ed hy frost ^^'' etc. Nothing further concerning this part of the county till December 6,1824: "Ordered, That all the part of the Fort Edwards road 212 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. between Bear creek and Fort Edwards, be and compose the 8th district of said road, and that Samuel Groshong be appointed Supervisor." And on March 7, 1825 — " Ordered, That a ferry license be grant- ed to Peter Williams to keep a ferry across the Mississippi river at Fort Edwards, on his paying a tax of five dollars besides the Clerk's fees; and that the following rates of ferriage be established, to-wit: "For a single person, $ .25 Every Dearborn wagon, $ .50 For a single horse, 25 Other four-wheeled carriages,. . . 1.00 Head of cattle over 1 year old, . . .25 Two-wheeled carriage, 75 Hog, sheep, or goat, 0Q}4 Every cwt. of dead lumber, 0634'" This was the first legalized ferry ever established within the limits of Hancock county. The last entry is in relation to the Fort Edwards road again, April 27, 1825: " Ordered, That Levi Hadley, John Wood, and Willard Keyes be, and they are hereby appointed Commissioners to survey and locate that part of the Fort Edwards road, commencing at a point above Mill creek and continuing on to Fort Edwards on the bluffs, or where they think the best ground; provided, that said Com- missioners will perform said service gratuitously and without ex- pense to the county."''^ The first session of the Adams County Court was held at Quincy, at the house of Willard Keyes, on Monday, the 4th of July, 1825; Peter Journey, Willard Keyes, and Levi Wells, Commissioners; Henry H. Snow, Clerk. At regular September term grand jurors were ordered summon- ed, and we find the following residents of this county: Morrill Marston, Lewis Kinney, Luther Whitney, and Benj. McNitt; and of the petit jurors: Hezek iah S pillman and Peter Williams. Nov. 9, 1825 — "Ordered, That the attached part of this county be set off into an election precinct, to be called Fort Edwards pre- cinct, and that all elections for civil ofiicers be held at the house of Lewis Kinney in said precinct ; Lewis Kinney, Luther Whitney and Peter Williams, Judges of Election." Dec. 6, 1825 — Jeremiah Hose, John Wood and Henry H. Snow were appointed to view a road leading" east to intersect Fort Ed- wards road, laid out in June, 1825, by Pike county. Luther Whitney, Lewis Kinney and Truman Streeter, appointed to view a road from Bear creek (where the viewers appointed by Pike county left off) to Fort Edwards. Dec. 15, 1825 — " Ordered, That Luther Whitney be appointed Supervisor of all roads from Bear creek to Fort Edwards, and that he have charge of all hands between said points." * For the foregoing extracts from the records of Pike county we are indebted to W. B. Grimes, Esq., the gentlemanly Deputy County Clerk, at Pittsfield. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 213 March 6, 182G — The following were established aa tavern rates in the count}'^ of Adams, including Hancock: For each meal | .35 Wine per bottle $100 Lodgina: per night 12i^ Gin " ' " 18^ Halt'pint whisky 12}/^ Single horse feed 12)^ " French brandy 37J^ Horse feed per night, with fod- " rum 18^ der and grain 25 " wine 37,1^ June 5, 1826 — Lewis C. R. Hamilton appeared in open court, and entered as a matter of record, the emancipation of a certain negro boy named Buck, born the 16th day of December, 181Y, — and entered into bond for his maintenance as the law requires. Peter Williams appointed Constable. Peter "Williams, Jerry Hill and Luther Whitney, appointed Judges of Election in Fort Edwards precinct. Dec.6, 1826 — Hezekiah Spillman, Peter Williams, James White, Russell Farnham, Morrill Marston, Lewis Kinney, Luther Whit- ney, Benjamin McNitt, John Waggoner, and Curtis Caldwell (all of Hancock), on jury lists. Sept. 4, 1826— Luther Whitney a duly elected County Commis- sioner. Sept. 6 — Ordered, That the Sheriff be authorized and required to have the court-house (log cabin 22 x 18, costing $185) suitably pre- pared for the reception and accommodation of the next Circuit Court; that he provide a suitable place for the Judge's seat — to be nine feet long and platform one foot high — four 10-feet benches, and two 7-feet ditto, and a temporary table for the use of the bar. License granted to Russell Farnham as a non-resident peddler for one year, for $10 and Clerk's fees. March 5, 1827 — On the application of Wesley Williams, ordered, that a certificate of good moral character be granted him, for the purpose of obtaining a license to practice law in this State. James White, Peter Williams, and Luther Whitney, appointed to view and stake a road from Fort Edwards to the head of the rapids of the Des Moines — a road from thence to tiie settlement on Crooked creek in township 6 north, 5 west, and thence to Fort Edwards. Said viewers reported to dispense with the road from the head of rapids to Crooked creek and thence to Fort Edwards, and say: "■ We set out from Fort Edwards a southeast direction, and turned a north direction as soon as we could get around the brakes, thence througli prairies and timber a north direction, until we got oppo- site the rapids, thence we went a course a little north of west to the head of said rapids," March 31, 1827 — Wesley Williams was unanimously appointed Treasurer of Adams county. Sept. 5, 1827 — Wesley Williams appointed (afterward substi- tuted by Levi Wells) to draw the revenue of Adams county from the State Treasury, conditioned to "exchange it for specie, at not less than 70 cents to the dollar." 214 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 1828 — James White elected a Co.untj Commissioner. John Harding, John Gregg, John Clark, Hugh White, Henrj Nichols, John E.. Wilcox, Robert Wallace, Edsou Whitney, Daniel Cren- shaw, William Flint, and Andrew Yance (of Hancock) appear as jurors. Sept. 14, 1829 — [Hancock organized] and " Charles Holmes appointed Treasurer, to fill vacancy occasioned by the removal of Wesley Williams from the county." FROM RECORDS OF ADAMS CIRCUIT COURT. " To the Cleric of Adams county — Greeting: " Please to take notice that I have appointed the fifth Monday in October next for holding the Circuit Court in and for the county of Adams and State of Illinois. Given under my hand at Atlas, this 28th day of May, 1825. J. Y. Sawyer, Judge of the First Judicial Circuit." Court held as per order: Present — John York Sawyer, Judge; Henry H. Snow, Clerk; Levi Hadley, Sherifi*; John Turney, Att. Gen . pro tern. Next term, Oct. 19, 1826 — Sawyer, Judge; Jonathan II. Pugh, on behalf of Attorney General. May 29, 1827 — Samuel D. Lockwood, Judge: Wm. Thomas, Prosecutor j^rc tem. Oct. 28, 1828 — Lockwood, Judge; Wm. Young appointed to prosecute.* " The first trip ever made by a steamboat from St. Louis as high up as Galena, by private enterprise, was made in the spring of 182T, by Capt. James May, with the steamer Shamrock. Steamboats had been employed by the Government some three years previously, to carry military stores and soldiers to Forts Armstrong, Crawford and Snelling." — [Charles Negus, hefore Van Buren {Iowa) Pioneers.] * For these extracts from Adams county records, aud for numerous other favors, we are indebted to Gen. E. B. Hamilton, of the Quincy Bar. • CHAPTER lY. THE FIRST OFFICIALS. Judge Young's order for organizing the county of Hancock was issued in the summer of 1829, and it recited that the county was represented to contain a population of 350 persons, the number fixed by law to enable it to maintain a separate existence. Count- ing one to five of population, would give it seventy adult male citi- zens. At the first session of the County Commissioners' Court, there were sixty men selected to serve as jurors in the Circuit Court, twenty-four for the grand and thirty-six for the petit jury. There had been five men elected to county oflices (three County Commis- sioners a Sherifi" and a Coroner,) and the Board of Commissioners had appointed its clerk. There were thus sixty-six men named as residents of the county in the month of August, 1829. These facts present some points of inquiry which we have been at some trouble to investigate. Did it require all the adult male citizens to put the county machinery in motion ? And if there were left any other eligible citizens, who were they ? The inquiry has shown the fact that there were residing in the county, at the date of its organization, not only enough male adults to meet the requirements, but a few more; that there were certainly not less than seventy, perhaps seventj'-five ; and that the county without doubt could honestly claim the requisite population. The matter is of little importance now, except as it presents the curious fact, that full thirteen-fourteenths of the eligible citizens of the county were pressed into active service the first year of its exist- ence. Again, what of all those sixty or seventy men whose names ap- pear upon our county's records of fifty years ago ? Whence came they? and when? and what has become of them? As pioneers, as the first emigrants to, and settlers in this county, then a wilderness, now past the semi-centennial year of its existence, and peopled with nearly 50,000 human beings, they are deserving of more than usual notice. But a remarkable and solemn fact is developed: Of those sixty- six pioneers, who were first called to serve the county in a civil ca- pacity, and who began to shape its destiny, not one now remains in the county ! and one only is known to be living at this date, Janu- ary 1, 1880 ! That one is Isaac 11. Camvbkll, of St. Francisville, Mo., one of the grand jurors, and first County Treasurer. We have called them " pioneers " and " settlers. " Pioneers they certainly were, but a large number of them can scarcely be (215) 216 PIISTORT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. called settlers; for we find tliat many of them left the county at an early day, to pioneer, and perhaps to settle in still newer locali- ties. More than one (as will be seen) left the county for the county's good; some left it to make homes and grow up with the country elsewhere; while still others remained to be good citizens and do further service, and died regretted. After much labor and inquiry, we have been able to gather in- formation concerning many of these, which we present in the order in which they are named on the records, beginning with TRE OFFICIALS. Richard M. Young — "Who occupied the bench of the Fifth Judi- cial Circuit at the time Hancock was organized, and whose duty it was made by law to issue the order for organization, was a native of Kentucky, and was an early settler in the State. He was ap- pointed to the Judgeship in 1828, and resided at Galena, but after- ward settled in Quincy. His circuit embraced all the counties between the Illinois river and Galena, and east to Chicago. In 1837 he was elected by the Legislature to the U. S. Senate, and after his term of service had expired, was appointed by President Polk to be Commissioner of the General Land Ofiice. Henry Asbury, Esq., of Quincy, in his " Sketches of the Bench and Bar," published in the Quincy Whig, says of Judge Young: "Judge Young resided here for many years. He was a gentle- man in all his aspects — not perhaps the most profound of our judges and lawyers, but for his day and time, and in the absence of modern facilities and great libraries, his attainments were of such a character as to command for his memory our high respect. He was an honest man, and died in poverty at Washington city some years ago, though he had been Judge of the Supreme and Circuit Courts' in Illinois, a Senator in Congress, and Commissioner of the General Land Office. His open-handed generosity left him poor in his old age." Judge Young's term on the circuit lasted eight or nine years. The first sessions of his courts were held at private houses on the rapids, afterward in the log cabin court-house in Carthage, in which the bench was a splint-bottomed chair, the lawyers, juries and clients occupying the slab benches. Dignified and courteous in his demeanor, on and oflf the Bench, we believe that it can be truly said, that no one of his many suc- cessors ever gave more general satisfaction to the people, or carried with him in his retirement more of their sincere respect, than did Judge Young. George Y. Cutler — Was one of the three to whom Judge Young addressed his order, and was consequently one of the judges of the first election. He was a popular man, as he received fifty votes of less than sixty cast for Commissioners, with six candidates running. Concerning Mr. C, we can obtain but little information. He resided at" the head of the rapids, where he sold goods; was a HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNT!'. 217 whole-souled, genial man — a native of one of the New England States. He died about 1834, and his estate stands sixth of entry on the Probate records, under date of Sept. 1, 183-t-. How long he had been in the county is not ascertained. "Cutler's Grave," sur- rounded b}' a wall of stone, is still an object of note, near the bank of the Mississippi at Nauvoo. Henry Nichols — One of the first County Commissioners — having received 37 votes — came to the count}" at an early day, date not known ; neither do we learn the State of his nativity. He settled in Rocky Run township, where he continued to reside until about 25 years ago, when he removed to Wisconsin, where he was lately residing, in a green old age, and in excellent health. He was mar- ried to Miss Delia, the daughter of Luther Whitney, and sister to Sheriff Edson and Horace B. Whitney. His son, Luther, resides at the same place in Wisconsin. Judge Nichols was a man highly esteemed by his neighbors, was an active and prominent participator in public aftairs, and was fre- quenth' honored with offices of trust in the county. James White. — Captain White was a juror for Adams county in the first year of its existence (1825), and received thirty-one votes at the first election in Hancock, electing him by one majority over Major Morrill Marston. Capt. White was born in Ohio, whence he emigrated to Missouri Territory in 1818, three years before it became a State. In 1824 — or, perhaps, 1823 — he came to reside and trade with the Sac and Fox Indians, who at that time had a large village of some 400 or 500 lodges at the head of the rapids, where Nauvoo now stands. In 1824, the treaty was made with those Indians by the general Government, by which they relin- quished their lands on this side of the river. Capt. AVhite, wishing to obtain possession of the site of their village, for the payment of 200 sacks of corn, induced them to vacate in his favor — when they loaded their loik-ke-ujjs and other " plunder " into their '' dug-outs" and paddled across to the Iowa shore. On the vacated spot, Mr. White opened out a farm ; but his chief occupation during the remainder of his life — or until the business was superseded by steamboats — was that of keel-boating on the Mississippi. In this business he was assisted by his two sons, Alexander and Hugh, and by his future son-in-law, Isaac Newton Waggoner. Ilis old resi- dence stood on the bank of the river, near where the Nauvoo House now stands. He died June, 1837. His son, Alexander, survived him only a few months — died October, 1837. The son Hugh for many years resided near the old place, and followed the business of steamboat piloting, and was widely known between St. Louis and Galena. AVilliam, the third son, died early. Alexander Wliite in his later years was engaged in merchandis- ing. He was a candidate for Sheriff at the first election, but was beaten by Elson Whitney. — This gentleman received 31 votes, to Mr. White's 22. He was the son of Luther Whitney, one of the per- 218 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. sons to whom Judge Young's order was addressed. He afterward resided on a farm nine miles below Warsaw, in Rockv Run town- ship. He was re-elected to the office of Sherilf for several terms, Mr. White being his competitor on two or three occasions. Mr. Whitney was an active politician of the Whig school, and an efficient and capable officer. In the difficulties between the old citi- zens and Mormons he took an active part. He was married to a daughter of Charles Hill, and sister of the late Davis Hill, of Rocky Run. Mr. Whitney removed with his family to Leaven- worth, Kansas, some 20 or 25 years ago, and died ten or a dozen years since. Robert Wallace — Was elected Coroner without opposition. That he resided somewhere along the rapids, is all that we can learn of him. He left the county at an early period. John Johnson. — This gentleman was chosen the first County Sur- veyor, not by election, but by appointment from the Governor, having been recommended to that position by the County Commis- sioners at their first session. He was also on the first grand jury list. Mr. J. resided at Riverside, and was appointed Postmaster at Montebello by President Jackson, an office which he held till his death, Dec. 31, 1836. Of his nativity or early life little is known. Wesley Williams. — At the first session of the County Commission- ers'Court Mr. Williams was chosen Clerk to the Board ; and afterward, when Judge Young opened the first Circuit Court, in October of the same year, he was appointed Circuit Clerk. These two positions he held for several years, besides several others to which he was subsequently appointed; and with what fidelity and correct- ness, the early records of the county will abundantly show. No man among the pioneers of Hancock county was better known than he in its earlier days ; and no one, perhaps, among them all did more to shape its destinies. Mr. Williams M'as a resident of Quincy several years, and held offices of trust there — that of Treasurer of Adams county the year previous to the separation. On the organization of Hancock, he resigned and removed to this county, and was appointed to the clerkship here. He was a lawyer by profession, though he never engaged in general practice in this county, his official duties re- quiring his undivided attention. Previous to the removal of the county-seat to Carthage, he was Clerk ot both the Circuit and County Commissioners' Courts, and also Judge of Probate, and after removal to Carthage he was appointed Postmaster, a position he held for several years. His son, Samuel Otho Williams, a young man of excellent clerical ability, assisted him in his official duties, and was at one time for a short period Circuit Clerk by appoint- ment. He was married to a Miss Baldwin, of Carthage, and died two or three years later. Wesley Williams was one of three brothers, all lawyers by profes- sion, natives of Kentucky, who came to Quincy and settled about 1825 or 1826. Archibald, elsewhere referred to in these pages, HISTORY OF HxVXCOOK COUWTY. 219 remained in Adams coi.nty, but became eminent as a jurist, and had an extensive practice throughout the Circuit and the State. Robert R. and Wesley settled in this county about the same period. Of the former but little is known, as he died at an earl}' day. Wesley Williams was born in Lincoln county, Ky., ]\rarch 24, 1792, and died at Fountain Green, May 12, 1870, aged 78 years, 1 montli and IS days, lie was married in Bourbon county, Ky., on April 2, IS 16, to Miss Elizabeth Ayres, from whom he was divorced in this county (she never residing west with him). He was again married to lliith Scobey, June 9, 1S31. Three sons and two daughters were the fruits of these marriages — Eli. 11., now residing at Carthage, Samuel Otho, before mentioned, and Wesley C, residing in Prairie township, and Isabel (Spangler) of Fountain Green, and Kate (present name unknown). AVesley C. is said to have been the first child born in Carthage. Isaac R. Camphell. — This name closes the list of county officials in 1S29. Mr. C. was the first Treasurer of the county, not by elec- tion, but by appointment of the County Commissioners' Court. He remained in the county for only a few years, and finally settled at St. Francisville, Mo., where he is still living at the date of this present writing, at an advanced age, the only living representative of Hancock's first officials, and probably the only remaining one of her sixty jurymen of fifty years ago. We notice among the early marriage licenses granted in the county, one (the 9tb) to Isaac R. Campbell and Emily Davis, cere- mony performed by Luther AVhitney, Esq, FIRST GRAND JURORS. The following are the names of first panel of grand jurors selected by the County Commissioners' Court, with such account of them as we have been able to obtain, viz: Daniel Crenshaw — Resided in what is now Rocky Run town- ship. Died in 1831. His estate stands third on the probate records for settlement, under date of October, 1831. Some of his descend- ants (or relatives), we believe, are still residents of that township. L^ither Whitney. — This gentleman, with his sons, Edson and and Horace B., came to this county at an early period — exact date not ascertained, but he was here while the county was a part of Pike. He resided in Montebello township. His name appears on the jury list of botii Pike and Adams counties; and he held the office of County Commissioner in Adams in 1826. Mr. Whitney was a native of Vermont, but removed to Kentucky at an early da}', thence to Missouri, thence to Hancock county. He lived only a few years after organization. He served also in the capacity of Justice of the Peace, and was a prominent man in many re- spects, though we obtain but little of his career. Morrill Marston. — Major Marston was one of the officers at FortEdwards, and, at the time of the abandonment of the fort, was 220 HISTORY OF HAKCOCK COUNTY. • court-martialed, we believe for intemperance. He settled in the county a short distance below the fort, near the Calamus spring, where he opened a farm. He was a native of Rockingham county, New Hampshire. His name also occurs on the Pike and Adams jury lists. Major Marston was a very intemperate man, and died in a fit of intemperance by drowning, as was supposed — having been found in a shallow slough between the fort and his residence. His estate stands first of entry on the records of the Probate Court, under date of March, 1831. He had no relatives or heirs in the county at time of his death, and his estate was put into the hands of administra- tors ad interim, and finally administered by his brother, David. Marston, who came west for the purpose. John Clark — Resided in the vicinity of Fort Edwards, and was one of a family of three brothers, all of whom resided in this vicinity, and still have relatives here. John Clark died many years ago. Leonard L. Ahney. — Resided near the Calamus spring below Fort Edwards. His name appears in the list of candidates for County Commissioner in 1832, and in 1833 ho was an acting Justice of the Peace. Philip Malette — One of the early Frenchmen, resided in the vicinit}' of the fort. The early Circuit Court records show a divorce case between him and his wife. He left the county soon afterward, and nothing further is known of him. , William Clarh — Brother to John Clark, left the county at a very early day. Thomas Payne — Resided near Calamus spring. Was said to be descended from Spanish or French parents, and was from Yin- cennes, Indiana. Left in early times. John Johnson. — See p. 218. JohJi Harding — Resided in the Bear creek region, not far from the present village of Chili. The three Hardings named in these lists must have been among the earliest, if not the very first, set- tlers in the south part of the county. The name of John Harding appears as one of the jurors while the county was attached to Adams, in 1827. He sold the farm on which he resided, adjoining the town of Chili, to Elisha "Worrell, Esq., in 1835, and removed to parts unknown. William F«nc'(3— Son-in-law to Luther Whitney, resided on the river near Montebello. Hazen Bedell — A New Englander, resided at Montebello, and was the first Postmaster at that place, appointed under President Jackson's administration in 1830; was also a Justice of the Peace in 1831. Mr. Bedell died about the beginning of 1835, leaving a widow and three children, all of whom afterward went to Warsaw to reside. The eldest son, Edward A., was for many years an active business man in that place. During the Mormon difiiculties he took an active part as a " peace man," and was one of the most UISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 221 prominent of that class designated as " Jack-Mornion.'-\" lie re- ceived the apjiointment of Indian Agent to Utah, and died in 1854, soon after his appointment. The second son, Lucien, studied medicine and went west. The daughter was the lately deceased widow of Samuel W. Brown, formerly of Warsaw. JoTin Waggonner — Was perhaps the first settler at Riverside. He settled there in 1824. He had previously been one of the pioneers in the settlement of the city of Cincinnati, there being a tradition in the family that he built the first cabin in that city. This is probably a mistake, as the Cincinnati Historical Society records the fact and gives a list of the names of some 30 or 40 first emigrants to that place (then called Losantiville) in a body from Maysville, Kentucky, and Mr. Waggonner's name does not appear in the list. At the time of his settlement in this county his fam- ily consisted of four sons, — Isaac Newton, Price, Henry Clinton, and Seth. A sketch of the eldest will be found elsewhere in these pages. Price and Henry C. both became steamboat engineers, and went to St. Louis to reside; now both deceased. Seth died at the age of 18. The father died at Riverside in 1839, and his re- mains lie buried in the old and neglected Montebello cemetery, on the high blufl' overlooking the rapids, and not far from the res- idence of the family. James Miller — Resided somewhere along the rapids; place of nativity or other antecedents unknown. Emigrated to Warren county about 1832, thence to Texas, and finally to Oregon. Davidson Hihbard. — This gentleman resided on the blufi" just below Commerce, where he had a farm, part of which was finally swallowed up by the encroachments of the city of Nauvoo. For the main portion of the account which follows, we are indebted to his grand-son, Wm. D. Hibbard, Esq., of Nauvoo. The exact date of Mr. Hibbard' s emigration to the county is not recollected. He was born in New Hampshire in ITSG, and married in Maine, in 1816, to Miss Sarali Tilton. They were the parents of five chil- dren, — one son and four daughters. He remained on the place where he settled until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1852, in the 67th year of his age. His widow is yet living (1879) at the advanced age of 86, but has been an invalid for several years. There was but one other white family within several miles, when Mr. Hibbard first settled in the county, which was that of Captain James White, heretofore mentioned. For a number of years they were compelled to go to Crooked creek in Schuyler county, to mill. There were many Indians in the neighborhood (Sacs and Foxes), with whom he dealt and maintained uninterrupted friend- ship. He was well acquainted with Black Hawk and Keokuk, both of whom were present at a double wedding of his two daugh- ters, one of them marrying a son of Capt. White, and the other a Mr, Waggonner. At the time of the coming of the Mormons to Nauvoo, Mr. Hibbard was in a prosperous condition, and suffered much from 222 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. the depredations of the thieves associated witli that sect, as they stole almost all the movable property he had; at one time even driving off a drove of fat hogs he had fed for market; and so adroitly did they execute their work, that not a trace of them could be discovered. Mr. Hibbard was ingenious and enterprising, and was an efficient vrorkman in either wood or stone; could make almost anything from a violin to a wagon, and thus did he appear to be well fitted for a frontiersman, lie built the first stone house that was put up in Nauvoo, which is still standing, the masonry being apparently as good as when built. Mr. II. was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was highly respected by the members of his lodge, as he was by all who knew him; and the old settlers who knew him yet respect his memory and speak of his virtues and intelligence. At the time of his death he was possessed of considerable property. Dewey. — Nothing to be known of him, not even his full name. On the probate books, however, we find the name of Joseph Dewey, deceased, under date of December, 1834. Sarmiel Gooch — Kesidence somewhere along the rapids — re- jnoved in early times to some point north of Carthage, and after- wards to Fort' Madison, Iowa, where he made a claim. Died about 1832. John Reed — Resided in what is now Appanoose township. Gone. His name appears twice on the jury lists for the next year — 1830. Edward White. — Mr. White resided on the Mississippi, above Commerce, in Appanoose township. In the earlier years he was engaged with Capt. James White in his keel-boating business, and afterward, in 1832, in connection with his son-in-law, Mr. Amzi Doolittle, established a ferry, crossing the river at or near Fort Madison, and in July, 1836, laid out the town of Appanoose. Of his antecedents little is known, excepting that he came from Ohio. Hugh Wilso7i. — From his son, Mr. James Wilson, a respected citizen of Sonora township, we gather the following particulars of the life of this, one of tlie early settlers of the county. A Ken- tuckian by birth, he had resided some time in Tennessee, where he married a Miss Susan Skiles, before he came to Illinois. He re- moved with his family to Schuyler county in 1825, and to Hancock in 1827, and settled near the head of the rapids. The log cabin he built for his residence was about the third or fourth one in that vicinity. Mr. W. only remained in the county for a few years; in 1833 removed across the Mississippi to the vicinity of Fort Madison, which was then a part of Michigan. There he resided till his death in 1847 or '48. Some of his children still reside in that vicinity. Mrs. Wilson died about ten years after her husband. The story of Mr. Wilson's experieace on the prairie during the great storm of 1830, in which his neighbor and companion met such a tragical fate, will be found on another page. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT. 223 FIRST PETIT JURORS. Horace B. Whitney — Wa^ the son of Luther Whitney, and brother to Sheriff Whitney. Died in 1835, as appears on records of Pro- bate Court of June in that 3'ear. John R. Wilcox. — This gentleman was a Major among the offi- cers at the fort, and settled at the place after the fort was evacuated in 1824. For further particulars concerning him, see biography of his son, Dr. Lewis Wilcox, of Warsaw. Edward Robertson. — No account of this juror can be obtained. His name also appears on the jury list for the spring term of 1830, and then disappears from the records, as he doubtless did from the county. Samuel Brierly. — AVas married to a daughter of Dr. Isaac Gal- land, and was for a time associated with the Doctor in selling goods at Commerce. About 1840 he removed to the other side of the river. James Brierly. — An elder brother to the above had emigrated to the Half-Breed tract, across the river, previous to 1837, and resided at that date about four miles below Fort Des Moines (now Montrose). He was a candidate and elected once, if not oftener, to the Territorial Legislature. The}'' botli left Lee county 25 or 30 years ago, and settled in Buchanan county. Mo. There James became an active Union man, and was elected as such to the Missouri Legislature. The other died some years since in or near St. Joseph. Thomas, a younger brother, went into steamboating on the Mis- souri, became rich, ran a packet between St. Louis and St. Joseph; and finally, with a fine boat of which he was one-third owner, ran the blockade during the Rebellion to join the rebels; the boat was finally burnt in the Yazoo river, to prevent her falling into the hands of the Union troops; and he, reduced to poverty, died at the south. Rohert Harding. — A relative, as supposed of John Harding, one of the grand jurors. As was also Aaron Harding — And all resided in the same vicinity. Green Harding, a present resident there, is a relative of the family, to whom we made application for information, but without success. Richard Chaney — Resided near the mouth of the stream known as Chaney creek, and from whom it derived its name. Mr. Chaney was said to have been a native of Prince George's county, Mary- land, born in sight of the "Federal city." The date of his emi- gration to the county is not known. About 1833 he removed to, and settled in Fort Madison, and was among its earliest inhabitants. Has since kept a hotel at Iowa city. Benjamin T. Tangate — Resided in the vicinity of Chaney creek, and removed up the Des Moines river as early as 1836. He took out the second marriage license and was married to Deborah Flint, another early settler, October 17, 1829. George W. Harjper — Resided on the rapids at Montebello, near where the Conorresfational Church now stands. His name stands on •224: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. both jury lists for 1S30. He is said to have emigrated "West about 1S34, by some of the old settlers; while others think he was the Harper who met his fate iu compauv with Hugh "Wilson in the great snow storm. (See another chapter.) Chai'les Eobison — "Was born iu "Western Xew York about 1773. He came West in 1S23 to the "Wabash country; thence to Sangamon countv, where he remained till the spring or summer of 1S29. when he came to Hancock county and settled at the month of Larry's creek, near the line between Montebello and Sonora townships. At this place he continued to reside until the Mormon period, when he left the State, settling at West Point, Lee county, la. There he continued to reside till his death. Mr. Eobison was a minister, we believe, of the Baptist Church, and labored in that field with good acceptance among the people, to whom he became widely known. He had several children; one son, Chauncey, now resides in Appanoose. One or more of the sons joined the Mormons and went away with them to Salt Lake. His daughter, Eliza, was the legal wife of Gen. Daniel H. Wells, one of the chief magnates now of Salt Lake, but from whom she separated and refused to go with him, because he declined to renounce the Spiritual "Wife doctrine, at that time being inculcated at Xauvoo. He is stated to have supplied her place, however, with several others. She now resides in Burlington, Iowa. Patrick Jfojnt. — -In this name, the generally correct Clerk, "Williams, has made a mistake, as there was no PatncTc among the the pioneer Motfits of the county. James, John and Thomas were the three Moffits who originally settled in the vicinity of "\'enus, at the head of the rapids. James and John (distant relatives of the present James, junior, now residing in Sonora, from whom we obtain this information), were born in Ireland, county of Sligo, and came to America about ISIS, single men. They located at an early day in Madison county, near Alton, but soon afterwards went to the lead mines near Galena, then the great center of attraction and speculation at the AVest. From the lead mines they went back East, to Central Xew York, and after a stay of a year or two, returned to Illinois and settled on the rapids, in what is now Sonora township. The lands on which they settled were afterward purchased when they came into market, at the Quincy land-ofiice. This settlement was made about 1827 or '2S. James died Sept. IS, 1S6S; John had died many years before. That the above-named Patrick Moffit was intended f)r one of these, is the more evident trom the fact that the name occurs no where else in the early records; while James and John both appear on the jury lists for each term in 1S30. Thomas, the third of the trio, did not come to the county till 1S30. Williajn Wallace — Resided on the place on the i-apids bluff, below Venus, afterwards occupied by Roger Hibbard. He soon left for Warren county. Enoch Hankins — (not Saiokins, as printed in some of the ^'dyrLCO QF^di-cA/ AUGUSTA HISTORY OF HA>-COCK COUNTY. 227 sketches of the county) — Was one of those who ** left his conntrj for his country's good." being the individual who has the reputation ofbein? Hancock coantr's nrst murderer.' He stands charged with killing a Mr. Moore, during court, on the rapids, in 1832. Resided in what is now Sonora township, and was an emigrant trom Ohio. He was arrested, and there being no jail in thecountv, he was taken to Quincy for imprisonment. There he broke jail, and was never more heard of. Abm/i'-im Moore — The victim of Hankin's murder, resided on the rapids. Cause of the murder, an old grudge: said to have been neighbors in Ohio. Asa Beed — Resided near the head of the rapids, as some citizens remember, but nothing more can be learned of him. WiUiam Hint — Ditto, and ditto. Probably a relative of Deborah Flint. Peter WiUiams — Resided near Fort Edwards, and was without donbt one of Hancock's very earliest settlers. He was here when it was a part of Pike, and was licensed to keep a ferry at the fort by the Pike authorities in 1S25. A correspondent informs us that Mr. Williams stated to him that he resided at the fort when the first steamboat ascended the river [doubtful], and that ~ he thought the destroying angel had come " — not one of the " Destroying Angels " that were afterward so notorious at Xauvoo. What the year was we are not able to say. We have heard Mr. W, mentioned as a minister of the gospel, but whether attadied to any denomi- nation we cannot say. In 1S3^ he. with others, made claims in Fort Madison, Iowa; and in 1S33. says our correspondent, *'his cabin and that of Rich- ard Cbaney, with the two chimneys of the old fort, were the imp«t>Tem«its of Fort Madison.'' X^PiiW Yan JSurl'Ioe — Resided nearTenus: no further aeeonnt of him, excepting that there was a Tan Burkloe riding in the nei^borfaood after the Mormons came. Amai DooUttle. — At the time of his deadi, vhich oeeurred in 1S7S. Mr. D. was the only remaining membo- of Uie first jnries, and the last man but one of the 66 men who set the wfaeds of government in motion in the eonnty. He was an aii^ve bnsineaB man during the whole period of more than half a century o^ cl*il- ixation. He was a native of Madison eonnty. X. Y.. and was :<.n: Jane 16, 1S0S. He came to this county in 1S27, ftom Sehuyier, where, and in SanganMHi, he had resided about six jeua, haTing emio;Tated to the State at the age of IS. 1&. Doolittle^s first wife was a danghter of Mr. Edward White, her^ofore maitioned in this list of jarcMS. Sie died in ISIa, and in 1S46 he was married again to Mis. Sarah M. Walbfie, who is still living. In S^4nnber. IS^ Mr. D.. in eonjniielion with his fether-in-law, was liemsed to establish a ferrr at Appa- noose, and in JnlT,lS36,the samepartieB laid o«t die town erf" Appa- noose, named after an Indian diirf wdl known at that tnacL It is remembtfed that a steam fenr-boat belonnng to this eompaaj was disabled in a stonn, or in the iee, near i^anToo^ ^"^1 ^ *^ 15 228 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Mormon period, and left over night; the next day, on going to it, its owners found it stripped of everything that could be carried away — even to the lighter parts of its machinery stolen. Hezekiah Spillman. — This gentleman was also an Adams county juryman in 1825. At what time he came to the county, or where from, we cannot ascertain. He died many years ago. He resided at what was known as Spillman's Landing, on the Mississippi, in the north part of the county. Michard Dunn. — This gentleman was son-in-law to Mr. Hugh Wilson, and, it is supposed, left the county at the same time, and died at or near Fort Madison. Yaples — As entered on the jury list^ was John Yaple, a native of New York, who resided at or near where Pontoosuc now stands. From his native State he emigrated to Ohio, thence to Morgan county, 111., and thence to Hancock. He died about 1842, on his way to Texas. Messrs. White and Doolittle, Hezekiah Spillman and Mr. Yaple were probably four of the earliest settlers in the count}^, above the head of the rapids. Warren, born in Morgan, and James M. and Oscar, born in Hancock, ai'e his three sons. Mrs. Warren Yaple, residing near Adrian, in Rock Ci*eek town- ship, from whom we obtain these facts, relates the following inci- dent, as occurring soon after settling in this county: The Indians were plentiful in those days along the river; and one day a squaw brought her own pappoose to the Yaple cabin, and taking the white child from its cradle unobserved, deposited her own in its place, and was making off with it. The exchange was discovered in time; she was followed, and each babe restored to its rightful mother. On being (piestioned as to her reasons fordoing it, she said she wanted a white pappoose! Samuel Bell — Was a resident somewhere along the rapids, was with Capt. White in the keel-boating, and is believed to have died of cholera about 1832. Noali W. Payne — A brother to Thomas Payne, and a resident in the vicinity of the fort. Lewis — Given name even not ascertained, resided on the rapids, and is supposed to have also gone, with the many others, over to the "New Purchase." lieuben Brattan, John Sykes, Abijah Wilson, Abdiel Parsons, Charles Smith, Nathaniel Kennedy, John Campbell, Ralph Raburn, Thomas Safly, Arthur Parrin, Joseph P. Punyear, — eleven others belonging to the first juries, — we cannot trace. Some of them, are remembered by old settlers, but whence the}^ came or what be- came of them is left to conjecture. The foregoing includes all the names of citizens of the county that appear on the records as residents at date of organization, August 4, 1829. That there were a few others has been made evi- dent in the course of our inquiries; although for a time it seemed pretty certain that all the adult males had been pressed into active service at the very fii-st session of the County Commissioners' Court. Such of those not named in these lists, as can be ascer- tained, will be noticed hereafter. \ CHAPTER V. ORGANIZATION AND FIRST PROCEEDINGS. On June 15, 1829, Judge Young issued the following order, viz; STATE OF ILLINOIS, FrPTH Judicial Circuit. Whereas, It has been represented to me, the undersigned, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois, north of the Illinois river, that the citi- zens of Hancock countj^ in said State, are desirous that the same should be organized with as little delay as possible, and it appearing to my satisfaction that the said county contains three hundred and fifty inhabitants and upward ; I do hereby, in pursuance of the powers vested in me, by virtue of the ninth and eleventh sections of the act entitled "An act forming new counties out of the counties of Pike and Fulton, and the attuched parts thereof," approved 13th January, 182.5, order, direct and appoint that an election be held in some conven- ient house in Fort Edwards, in the said county of Hancock, on the first Monday in August next, and to continue for one day only, for the following named officers, to-wit: Three CouLty Commissioners, one SheritT, and one Coroner, to serve, when elected and qualified, in and for the said county of Hancock; and I do hereby nominate and appoint Luther Whitnej'-, James White and George Y. Cutler Judges of said Election, whose duty it shall be to give twenty days' notice of said election, by jDOsting up copies of this order, with such other notice of the same as they may deem necessary, in eight of the most public places in said county, distributing them as near as practicable among the principal settlements of the county, to the end that all persons concerned may have due notice. The election to be viva voce, and conducted in all respects as near as maybe in conformity with the laws now in force respecting elections; and the result thereof, when ascer- tained, to be fairly and legibly made out, certified, and returned to the proper department, that commissions may issue without delay, to such persons as may be entitled thereto. And lastly, it is ordered, that Circuit Courts be held in and for the said county of Hancock, on the third Mondays in June, and fourth Mondays in October, at such place as may ]je selected by the County Commissioners of said county, until other regulations shall be made by law, or different times shall be appointed by the Judge of said Court. Given under my hand and seal at Quincy, in the county of Adams, [L S.] this fifteenth day of June, A. D. 1829, and of the Independence of the United States the fifty-third. RICHARD M. YOUNG, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois, north of the Illinois river. In pursuance of the foregoing order an election was held at Fort Edwards on the day named, being the third of August, with the following result: The Commissioners named in the order, acting as Judges, with Davidson Hibbard and John R. Wilcox as Clerks, (229) 230 • HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY. For County Commissioner — George Y. Cutler received 50 votes- Henry Nichols 37 " James White 31 " Morrill Marston 30 " Peter Williams 10 " Hazen Bedell 9 " For Sheriff — Edson Whitney had 31 " Alexander White 23 " For Coroner — Robert Wallace had 35 " The next day the County Commissioners elect met at the same place and organized, when the following proceedings were had, as appears upon record: STATE OF ILLINOIS, ) Hancock County, f At a County Commissioners' Court held in and for said county, at a special term at Fort Edwards in said county, on the fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine. Present, James White, George Y. Cutler, and Henry Nichols, Commissioners. Ordered, That Wesley Williams be appointed Clerk of this Court, temporarily, until superseded by a permanent appointment to that office; who thereupon came into Court, was sworn according to law, and entered upon the duties of said appointment. Ordered, That Isaac R. Campbell be appointed Treasurer of the county, and that he give bond and security according to law, in the sum of one thousand dol- lars. The Court proceeded to lay off and divide the county into districts for the elec- tion of Justices of the Peace and Constables, whereupon it is— Ordered, That all that part of the county lying between the north line of Adams county, and the line dividing townships four and five north, be erected into a dis- trict, to be known and designated as district No. 1, and that elections for Justices of the Peace and Constables be held at the house of Henry Nichols, in said dis- trict and that Luther Whitney, Henry Nichols and John Clark, be appointed Judges of Election therein. All that portion of the county lying between the south line of townships five north, and the north line of said townships, be erected into a district known and ' designated as district No. 2, and that elections therein be held at the house now occupied by William Vance, and that Hazen Bedell, Charles Robison, and John Waggonner, be appointed Judges of Election. All that portion of the county lying north of the township line between town- ships five and six north, and the north boundary of the county, be erected into a district to be known and designated as district No. 3, and that elections be held therein at the store of Alexander White, and that Davidson Hibbard, Peter Wil- liams and Edward White be appointed judges of Election therein. Ordered, That the following named persons be summoned to attend Circuit Court of this county at the October term, to serve as grand jurors, to wit: Daniel Crenshaw, Thomas Payne, James Miller, Luther Whitney, John Sikes, Davidson Hibbard, Morrill Marston, John Johnson, — — Dewey, John Clark, John Harding, Samuel Gooch, Leonard L. Abney, Wm. Vance, John Reed, Philip Malette, Hazen Bedell, Isaac R. Campbell, Wm. Clark, John Waggonner, Edward White, Reuben Brattan, Robert Wallace, Hugh Wilson— 24. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 231 Ordered, That the following named persons he summoned to attend the Circuit Court of the county, at the October term ensuing, to serve as petit jurors, viz.: Horace B. Whitney, Charles Rohison, Asa Reed, John R. Wilcox, Charles Smith, William Flint, Edward Robertson, Patrick Moffit, Peter Williams, Samuel Brierly, William Wallace, Daniel Van Burkloe, James Brierly, Nathaniel Kennedy, Amzi Doolittle, Robert Harding, John Campbell, Hezekiah Spillman, Aaron Harding, Ralph Raborn, Richard Dunn, Abijah Wilson, Thomas Sofly, Yaples, Abdiel Parsons, Enoch Hankins, Samuel Bell, Richard Chancy, Arthur Parvin, Noah W. Payne, Benjamin T. Tungate, Abraham Moore, Joseph P. Puryear, George W. Harper, Alexander White, Lewis— 36. On reading and filing the petition of a number of the citizens of the county, recommending John Johnson as a suitable person to fill the oflice of Surveyor of this county, it is — Ordered, That he be recommended and nominated to the Executive of the State, to be commissioned Survej'or of this coi;nty. Ordered, That until otherwise directed, the courts of this county shall be held at the house of James White, at or near the head of the Lower rapids. Ordered, That John Tillson, Jr., be authorized and empowered to obtain from the Auditor of Public Accounts of this State, a warrant on the treasury for the sum of $350, the amount of the revenue due this county from said State treasury for the year 1829 ; and the Auditor of Public Accounts is hereby requested to issue his warrant accordingly. Ordered, That the Clerk of this Court make out a certified copy of the foregoing order, and enclose it to John Tillson, Jr., at Hillsboro, Montgomery county, in this State, advising him to obtain a warrant, and forward it to Tillson & Holmes in Quincy, subject to the further order of this Court, and to advise this Court of its being so forwarded. On motion of Wesley Williams, it is — Ordered, That the Clerk of this Court be permitted to hold his othce at or near the house of Hazen Bedell, near the foot of the lower rapids, for the present, if he chooses. Ordered, That the Clerk of this Court be required to copy the proceedings of the court, into the records of this Court, when provided, and also to copy the order issued by the Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court north of the Illinois river, in relation to the organization of this county. Ordered, That Court adjourn till Court in course. Henry Nicjiols, James White, Geo. Y. Cutler. "We copy the foregoing proceedings of the first County Commis- sioners' Court, in full, verbatim from the records. They are ex- ceedingly interesting for many reasons: First, they supply us with the names of nearly all the resident adult citizens in August of the year it was ushered into existence as an independent corporate com- munity. From the location of the several voting places fixed by the Court, we have evidence that the settlements were mainly on the west side, along the river from Rocky run to Spillman's Landing; none in the central portion. Three of the jury — the Ilardings — resided on the head waters of Bear creek, near the line of Adams. Fort Edwards, near the foot, and the little village of Venus at the head of the rapids, seem to have been fifty years ago the chief cen- ters of population and business. The Court held another, its regular, session in December, at the house of Commissioner AVhito. At this session only TTenry Nichols 232 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. and Mr. White were present. A subdivision of the county for general election purposes was made, as follows: The upper dis- trict to embrace all that portion of the county lying north of a line running through the center of townships five north; place of vot- ing, house of James AVhitc; Judges of Election, Peter "Williams, Andrew Yance and James Miller. Louder 2)recinct^ all south of said line, with place of voting at house of Henry Nichols; Judges, John E.. Wilcox, Luther Whitney and John Shewey. At this session was presented the first petition for a ferry license. It asked that Luther Whitney and William Yance be authorized to establish a ferry across the Mississippi river on or opposite the southwest quarter of section 18, five north, eight west. License was ordered on condition that they pay into the county treasury the sum of one dollar, and the following ferry rates were fixed by the Court: For crossing a mau and horse $1.00 A footman 50 Wagon and team 3.00 Cart and team.' 3.50 Single horse 25 Each head of cattle 35 Each hog, sheep or goat 13J^ This ferry was located about two miles above the present site of Hamilton, at the place now occupied by Mr. C. F. Darnell, then the residence of the petitioners Whitney and Yance. The property passed into other hands, and was for many years known as the Montebello House. At this term was also granted the first tavern license — to Alex- ander White, at his store in said county (head of the rapids), and that he enter into bond and paj' two dollars tax on said license. Again John Tillson was asked to aid the county in procuring the revenue of ^350 due from the State treasury for 1830. Road surveys were ordered as follows: 1. Commencing at the termination of a road lieretofoi'e viewed, thence to the north line of the county; 2. Commencing where the line dividing townships six and seven north strikes the Mississippi river, running in an east direction through the settlement on Crooked creek to the east boun- dary of the county; and 3. Commencing at some convenient point on the last named road, and running in a direction to strike the Mississippi river near the residence of Hezekiah Spillman. Edward White, Hugh Wilson and Jolm Bi-ewer, viewers. This " settlement on Crooked creek " must at that date have been quite limited, as we can learn of but two resident families in that region in 1830, that of Mr. Brewer, above mentioned, and Mr. TJte Perkins, near Fountain Green. At this term, also, the first county orders were issued, numbering one to sixteen, inclusive, for the aggregate sum of $62.50, chiefiyin payment of ofticial services. The foregoing closes the oflicial record of the County Court dur- ing the first five months of its existence. Within that period the HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 233 little craft has weighed anchor and set sail on her uncertain voyage. Her principal officer, Clerk Williams, was a man of some previous experience; the others had seen little service of the kind. Yet they conducted the affairs of the craft reasonably well; and through all the changes and vicissitudes, the tempests and calms of half a cen- tury, she still rides the waves. At the March term, 1830, Wesley Williams was regularly appointed Clerk, to continue "during good behavior," and required to^ive bond in one thousand dollars. In that day it was deemed expedient to fix the rates at which hotel-keepers should entertain the public; but whether for mere uniformity's sake, or because they were suspected of extortion, does not appear. Thus the County Board established the rates of fare for the guidance of the one " tavern " in the county, thus: Each meal of victuals 25 cents. Lodging, per night 12% " Keeping a horse 25 " Half pint of whisky 12i^ " Half pint of rum, gin, brandy or wine ... 25 " Single horse feed 12)^ " At the March term, 1830, the taxation of the people began; and, whatever else may have been remitted, as time progressed, that has gone on steadily for fifty years. We quote: Ordered, That an ad valoremtuxhe levied on the value of the following described property, to wit: On horses, geldings, mares, mules and asses, stock in trade, wagons, carts, pleasure-carriages, clocks, watches, with their appendages, and cattle; and the County Treasurer is ordered to assess the foregoing kinds of per- sonal property according to their value, at the rate of one half per centum. Another session was held in June, at which it was — Ordered, That the sum of $45 be approjiriated for the purchase of a suitable press' books and stationery, for the use of the Clerks' offices of this county. But the Board took care that the Clerk should not rnn away with so large a sum of public money; for before receiving it he was required to enter into bonds with the Treasurer. it seems there was now (June, 1830) sufficient population in the eastern ■|)ortions of this county to justify two new election districts; one was established embracing townships six and seven north, and ranges five and six west, called the Crooked Creek district; elec- tions to be held at the house of IJte Perkins, with John Brewer, Thomas Brewer, and Henry Donohoe, as Judges; and another em- bracing townships three, four and five north, ranges five, six and seven west, to be called Bear creek district; elections at the house of John Harding, with John Harding, Robert P, Thurman and Robert Harding, Judges. The first of these included the present townships of La Ilarpe, Fountain Green, Pilot Grove and Durham; the other included Augusta, St. Mary's, Chili, Harmony, Bear Creek and St. Albans. The following are the jury lists selected at the June term, 1830: 234 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. GRAND JURY. John Johnson, Sr., William Wallace, Andrew Vance, Squire D. Ensley, Arthur Parvin, Daniel V. Burkloe, George W. Harper, Hugh Wilson, Edward White, James Moffitt, John M. Forrest, John Johnson, Jr., David Long, Enoch Ilankins, Ute Perkins, Rezin Bailey, John Waggonuer, John Brewer, Abraham Moore, William Flint, Curtis Caldwell, John Harding— 23. PETIT JURY. Charles Eobison, Peter Williams, John Clark, John Moffitt, Amzi Doolittle, Lawsou Hood, Edward Long, Hezekiah Spillman, Edward Robertson, William Southard, John Ritchie, William Clark, Thomas Solly, Thomas Brewer, Robert P. Thurman, George Wilson, Henry Donohoe, Joseph Dewey, John Reed, Thomas Palmer, Nathan Kennedy, Alexander White, Morrill Marston, Charles D. Hill— 24. At the September term, Mr. Campbell being abont to remove from the county resigned the office of Treasurer, and George Y Cutler was appointed his successor. Mr. Campbell rendered the following account in delivering up the office: Treasurer of Hancock county, Dr. State Revenue for 1829 $262.50 Tax on Tavern License — Alex. White, 2 . 00 I.R.Campbell 2.00 Cr. By county orders redeemed to this time, including allowance for taking lis's of taxable property for 1830, of $12.00, and the sura of $4.82%, commission on redeeming county orders $257.93% Leaving a balance of $ 8 . 563:^ To State revenue for 1830, in Illinois State paper, $350.00. The revenue due from the State for 1829, we have seen, was $350; whether its reduction to $262.50 was due to depreciation in State Bank bills, or some other cause, does not appear. The Treas- urer's bill for assessing the county was $12 — cheap enough. But then he was allowed $4.82f commission, which gave him the large sum of sixteen — nearly seventeen — dollars, for his year's services. Continuing with the proceedings of the County Board: March Term, 1830 — Ordered, That Court hereafter be held at Clerk's office, head of the rapids, instead of house of James White. COURT-SEALS Were ordered as follows: Ordered, That the device of the official seal of this Court be as follows: On the circle the words " Hancock County Commrs'. Court," with the word " Illinois " through the middle, and on one side of said word engraved a plow, and on the other a steamboat; and that the following be the device of the official seal of the Circuit Court, to- wit: '"■ Hancock Circuit Court" engraved on the circle, and in the middle the rising sun with the figures " 1829." HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 235 Isaac R. Campbell and Luther Whitney, each licensed to keep tavern— bonds $100 each, tax $2.00. Jury lists selected at September term, 1830: Geo. Y. Cutler, Robt. Wallace, Ralph Raborn, James Wood, Win. D. Hickerson, Wilsou Turner, James Miller, John Reynolds, GRAND JURY. James W. Brattle, Wm. Mattox, Sam'l Gooch, John Reed, Richard Dunn, Benjamin Mudd, John Day, PETIT .JURY. John Moffitt, James Moffitt, John Robison, Chaunccy Robison, Richard Chaney, Ralph Parsons, Geo. W. Harper, John Johnson, Beriah Doolittle, Edward Shipley, Leonard L. Abney, Wm. H. Peavy, Arthur Morgan, Reuben P. Thurman, Robert R. Williams— 33. Edward White. Isham Cochran, Lewis Peyton, Daniel Crenshaw, John Waggonner, Joseph Dewey, James Lincoln, Amzi Doolittle — 24. Pierce Atchison, Alexander White, PeterWilliams, David Coon, John Gregg, Wm. Wallace, Thomas Long, Hugh Wilson, New ferry license — to Richard Chaney, at mouth of Chaney creek; and another, to Andrew Vance (renewal), at section 18. Dec. term, 1830 — Tavern license to Russell Farnham at Fort Edwards, and one to James White at the head of the rapids. Ferry license, June, 1831, to John R. Wilcox, on northwest of nine, four, nine; bond $100, tax $1.00. Rates of ferriage some- what reduced, Under this date we find an order fixing merchants' license at $5.00 each. County Commissioners' Court this year held at Montebello, at home of Hazen Bedell. DELINQUENT TAX LIST. Newspaper publishers in the county, had there been any, would not likely, as now, have contended for the tax lists in the primitive days. The delinquent list returned by Edson Whitney, Sheriff, to the County Commissioners' court, for the tax of 1830, amounted to the sum of four dollars and forty cents, all told! COUNTY- SKAT QUESTION. The question as to where and how the county-seat shall be located, seems to have agitated the public mind soon after organization; and there seems, as in most cases of the kind, to have been two or more projects advocated — one to locate on the river at Fort Ed- wards, and the other at a point at or near the center. It has not transpired that any very considerable warmth was manifested in favor of either ])roposition; but the action of the County Board proves that both were considered. An effort was made, as will appear, to secure the fort fraction for that purpose, but failefl. Had 236 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. it succeeded, and the county-seat located there, and maintained at that point, there can be little doubt but there would now be there, instead of a little city of 4,000 or 5,000 inhabitants, one of four times that population. At the December term, 1830, an order was passed by the Commissioners requesting Senators and Representa- tives in the Legislature to procure the appointment of Commis- sioners to locate the seat of justice for the county; and another inquiring of the General Land-office at Washington, whether Han- cock county can be permitted to locate her county-seat on the fractional quarter-section on which Fort Edwards is situated. We do not lind of record any reply from the land department, but pre- sume the right was denied; for under proceedings of March term, 1831, the Board took action looking to a central location. George Y. Cutler, Luther Whitney and John Johnson, being appointed a committee to ascertain the geographical center of the county, and make report of situation, etc., at next meeting of the Board. We don't find any report from the committee, or an}'^ further action on the subject, until the following: " William Gillham and Scott Riggs, two of the Commissioners appointed to locate a permanent seat of justice, made the following report, to-wit: STATE OF ILLINOIS, ) ^r . <,i 1833 Hancock County, i ^^^'^*' '-^' ^^'-''^• We, the undersigned, Commissioners appointed by the General Assembly for the i)urpose of locating the seat of justice in the county of Hancock, have taken a general view of said county, viewing the present population and the prospect of the future, — believe it to be just and equitable to locate said seat of justice on township live north, range six west, section nineteen, northwest quarter, and the most eligible site on that quarter, which we have shown to the County Commis- sioners. And we further say that the above described spot shall be the seat of justice for said county of Hancock, and the name shall be Carthage. Given under our hand this 21st day of March, 1833. WM. GILLHAM, [l. s.] SCOTT RIGGS. [l. s.] And so the matter was settled; and at the same session the report was ordered to be certiiied to the Register of the General Land- office at Quincy, and tliat the county of Hancock claims pre- emption on the northwest quarter of section nineteen, five north, range six west, — and then ordered that the County Commissioners' Court be thereafter held at Carthage, the county-seat. Accordingly, on the 2d of April, 1833, a special term of the Commissioners' Court was held at the new county-seat, at the house of Thomas Brewer. It had previously been held " all along shore" on the rapids, from Fort Edwards at the foot, to the house of James White at the head, with two or three intervening points about Montebello. Now it is to cease its wanderings, and remain perma- nently at Carthage. Here the Board ordered that John Johnson, County Surveyor, be employed to lay otf the town of Carthage into lots, to be done by May first, and that he be paid out of the sales for his services. And also that a sale of lots, to take place on the first Monday in June, on a credit of six, twelve, and eighteen months, be adver- tised for three weeks in the Sangaiiio Journal. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 237 And at another special term, held at the house of Weslej Williams, on June 3. Thomas PI. Owen was appointed a Com- missioner to contract lor building a temporary court-house, to be completed before August 25. This cabin court-house was built by John M. Forrest, under direction of Mr. Owen; written notices posted first at Venus and Fort Edw^ards. Can find no record of cost or dimensions; was probably about 16 by 24 feet. The regular term of the Board was held in the court-house, Sept. 2, 1833. This court-house was a log-cabin situated south of the Square, about where the jail now stands. It was built of round, unhewed logs, with a clapboard roof, held on by poles; had a puncheon floor and slab benches for seats. Its door was in the north side, and it was adorned with at least two glass windows. On the south side was a platform raised about a foot from the floor, on which was placed a splint-bottomed chair, as a seat for his honor, while administering the law. This "court-house" was also used, by permission of the authorities, for a school and for Sunday preaching, and for public meetings of ditferent character. Most of the early sermons, by ministers of the various denominations, were preached in this building. Its clapboard roof was not the best protection against the weather; for in its "latter days," it is in the memorj^ of a lady who in it taught some ot the young Carthagenians "how to shoot," that in time of a hard shower, her pupils had to seek for dry places on the floor. In this building the County Commissioners' Court held sessions, and Judges Young, Lott and Ralston held their Circuit Courts from 1833 to 1839. As early as 1836 action began to be taken towards the erection of a more commodious court-house. At the term March 10 of that year, the Board appointed a commission, consisting of Michael Rickard, Sidney H. Little, and John F. Charles, to advertise and contract for the erection of a new court-house, and authorized a premium of $25 for the best plan. And at June term, 1839, the new building was finished and ffiven in charge of the Sheriff" for the use of the county. Moses Stevens was contractor and builder; cost about $10,000. This building was the west portion of the court-house as it now stands. First tavern license granted in Carthage, Sept., 1833, to Louis Masquerier; also license to sell goods. Dec. 5, 1834 — County purchased of M. Kickard, north of town, two acres of land for a burying-ground. Benjamin F. Marsh's bond as School Commissioner increased to $40,000, March, 1836; afterwards, Sept., 1838, increased to $75,000. Afterward, same term, removed from office, to which action lie took an appeal to the Circuit Court. Sept. 6. 1837 — New official seals adopted. For the County Court: on the circle the words, " Hancock County Commissioners' Court," in the middle a spread eagle, tlie word "Illinois" below. Seal of Circuit Court: in the circle, the words "Hancock Circuit Court," a sheaf of wheat in the center, " Illinois " underneath. 238 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Under date of Sept., 1838 — We notice a tavern license issued to Jesse W. Bell, at Plymouth, a business in which he has since been continuouslj engaged for more than forty years. Special term, 1838— A re-survey of the town of Carthage ordered; survey made by James W. Brattle, and old one vacated by act of Legislature. Dec. 1839 — Walter Bagby appointed School Commissioner, and declined; Malcolm McGregor appointed in his place; bond, $12,000. And at the March term, 1841, Walter Bagby appointed again, to fill vacancy occasioned by death of Mr. McGregor; bond $50,000. Special term, March, 1839 — Proposals for a jail ordered; and in 1841, built and received by the county. This building became historic, as the place where the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith, and his brother, Hyrum, were killed, and two of their associates wounded, on the 27th of June, 1844. It was situated northwest from the court-house about 400 yards, and at that time quite out of town. It was built of stone, two stories high, the lower portion being occupied as a residence by the jailor, and the upper for the prisoners, to which access was had by steps on the south end toward the town. Windows were on the east and west sides. The building still stands, reconstructed with additions, the property and residence of ex-Treasurer Browning. A RELIC OF SLAVERY. Among the many relics of the " peculiar institution " scattered all over the State of Illinois, is the following, which we copy ver- batim from the records of the County Commissioners' Court, under date of Dec. 18, 1832. There may possibly be other similar entries, but, if so, we failed to observe them. Similar entries exist in Adams county, and we presume in most of the counties in the State. ' Jane Buckner, a free woman of color, produced in open Court a'transcript of the record of the County Court of Nicholas county, in the State of Kentucky, as evidence of her freedom, and also of her children, which was read and ordered to be recorded, and is in the words and figures following, to- wit: STATE OF KENTUCKY, [ Nicholas County. i April Court, 1814. An inslrument of writing from under the hand and seal of Samuel Buckner, emancipating and setting at libertj^ sundry negro slaves therein mentioned, was produced in open court, and acknowledged by said Samuel Buckner, and ordered to be recorded, to wit : " Know all men by these presents, That I, Samuel Buckner. of the county of Nicholas and commonwealth of Kentucky, for divers good causes moving me thereunto, do by these presents, and in pursuance of the Act of the General Assem- bly in such case made and provided, free and emancipate lorever the follow- ing negro slaves, my property: — Jane, a negro woman about thirty years of age; George, about eight years of age ; Will Ditto, about five years of age ; Thornton, about three years old, and Leiois, one year and six months old. All of which iietrrnfs, [, 1he snid Samuel B^ck•'e^ do by these presents as aforesaid, free and HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 239 emancipate from my service, and my heirs, and all other persons whatsoever, cSiS aid slaves, through, i3y or under me.-to take effect from the d«le of these presents^ As witness my hand and seal th.s 25th c^ay^of^ ApnUSU.^^ ^^ ^^ And thereupon the said Samuel Backner came into court and entered into bond in the penalty of one thousand dollars, conditioned according to law, which bond is ordered to be recorded, and is in the following words, to wit : "Know all men by the these presents, etc., etc. See Bonds filed, marked A Whereupon it is ordered that said negro slaves named Jane, peorge Will Thornton and Lewis, as aforesaid, be set free, and they are hereby declared ^'^'flffe'w "HugTerSk of the County Court for the county aforesaid, do certify that the foregoing copies are true transcripts of tlie records of said court In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, at Ellisville, this 13th day of August, 1814. •" Andrew J. Hughes. Clerk of Nicholas County Court." And SO Jane Bnckner, a " free woman " of Kentucky, emigratin^^ with her four children to the free State of Illinois, as evidence that she is free, was compelled to procure and bring with her the tore- going long testimonial, and have it recorded among the archives of the county, lest the " heirs or other persons claiming them, or the authorities, under the "black laws," should sieze and remand them again to slavery. THE CIKCUIT COURT. "We turn now to the Circuit Court record : STATE OF ILLINOIS, >g^^ At a Cireuit'court commenced and held in and for tlie county of Hancock and state of Illinois, at the house of James White, Esq., at the head of the lower or Des I^^oines rapids, the place appointed by the f^^^^ty Commissioners' Court ^^^^ said county for holding of the Circuit Courts, this 27th day of October, A. D 183J, ?he Court h'aving been adjourned from yesterday to the hour of nine o'clock, by the Sheriff of this county, in pursuance of law. Present: ., t r " •' -RicnAiiJiM.YoviiG, Ctrcint Judge. Wesley Williams, Clerk. Edson Whitney, Sheriff. Ordered That the order heretofore made on the loth daj; of June, A. D. 1829, for the organization of said county of Hancock, togeiher with the oi-^^f^^^eguhit ing the times of holding th-; Circuit Court in sai.l county, be spread upon the records ot this Court, which said orders are in the words and figures following, to-wit: [Here follow the orders heretofore given.] ^ Next follow the bonds of Edson Whitney, Sheriff, and Robert Wallace, Coroner elect, with oaths of othce, and bond ot Wesley Williams, Clerk; and a parcel of rules of practice to the number of thirtv-two,— all as in the County Court records and those ot the Probate"'Court,in the neat and i)lain hand-writing ot Mr. WiUiams, the competent Clerk. It does not appear of record that there was any Prosecuting Attorney present at this first term of Court; but at the June terra following (1830) George Logan was appointed Prosecutor ^r tetn. -James H. Stewart. Calvin A. Warren. ■George Edmunds, pro tern. Calvin A. Warren. George Edmunds, pro tern. ■C. A. Warren. Wesley H. Manier, pro tern. V. A. Warren. -Bryant F. Peterson. -William G. Ewing. -Bryant F Peterson. William E. Mason. Oct., 1829— Wesley AVilliams. May, 1845— David E. Head. May, 1841 — Sam'lO. Williams.proiew. Mar., 1857— Squire R. Davis. May, 1842— Jacob C. Davis. Mar., 1865— Melancton S. Carey. May, 1843— Jacob B. Backenstos. Mar., 1873— Andrew J. Davis. It will be perceived that during the fifty years since organization, his honor, Judge Sibley, held the office of Judge for nearly half the period — almost as long a time as the remaining fourteen. Of prosecutors there have been eighteen, including several pro tern. appointments — none of whom held office for a long period. Of Circuit Clerks there have been eight only: Williams, the first, holding the office by appointment for a period of about twelve years. David E. Head held it, by appointment and election, for about the same length of time. S. R. Davis and M. S. Carey each held it for a period of eight years, and A. J. Davis' term will expire at the end of another eight j'^ears' service. The first civil cause docketed was " Jolm R. Wilcox, assignee of Peter Kinney, Complainant, vs. Nathan Kennedy, Defendant, on appeal from Justice's Court." The first criminal cause on docket is: " Th.e People of the State of Illinois m. Isaac Galland, Indictment for Perjur}'-, from Schuyler county," wliich was continued and subsequently dismissed. We shall not follow this Circuit Court record any further in this place. There have no doubt been many interesting and important HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 241 civil causes tried in our courts, arscued by tlie eminent counsel practicing at our bar; but our limits will not allow reference to them. The important murder cases and other criminal causes will be found in future chapters of this book. THE PROBATE COURT. The first Court of Probate for the county of Hancock was held on the 4th of January, 1830, Wesley AVilliams, Judge. ^ At this and also at the subsequent term in February, no business was transacted. At the March terra, 1831, the estate of Major Morrill Marston was entered for probate, and John Clark and Robert R. Williams appointed administrators, with orders to sell personal property on April 18, and rent the farm till March 1, 1832; Jacob Lewis, John Dedman, and Dempsey Hood being named as appraisers. April 4, 1831— The olficial seal was ordered : " On the outer circle the words 'Hancock Court of Probate;' the word ' Illinois' through the middle; above it two orphans embracing each other, and under- neath a loaf of bread." At this terra the estate of Andrew Yance was entered for probate. June terra, 1831, John K Wilcox, being a creditor, was appointed administrator of Morrill Marston, deceased; but at the September term following, David Marston, of Rockingham county, N". H., brother of deceased, appearing, was appointed administrator, and Wilcox removed. The following entries of estates occur in their order: John Shook, Sr.— Sept., 1831. Daniel Crenshaw — Oct., 1831. Almon S. Foot— 1832. George Y. Cutler— Sept., 1834. Henry Wedding— Sept., 1834. Oliver Felt— Sept., 1834. Preston H. Houston — Sept., 1834. Josiah Smith— Nov., 1834. Joseph Dewey— Nov., 1834. Henry Butler- Dec, 1834. Thomas O'Neal— Dec, 1834. Hazen Bedell— Feb., 1835. Thomas Crabtree— March, 1835. William C. Hawley— April, 1835. Horace B. Whitney— June, 1835. James White— Jan , 1837. Alexander White— Jan., 1837. .John Johnson— Jan., 1837. Agrippa Wells— Sept., 1837. Lewis Chamberlain — Dec, 1837. John Gordon— July, 1839. James M. Wells— July, 1839. CHAPTER YI. THE MORMON PERIOD. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS, When at Mecca, in Arabia, about the close of the sixth century, Mahomet, the founder of Islamism, began his career, he was doubt- less honest in his purposes, which were to modify and improve tlie idolatrous worship of his people. But he was an enthusiast and a fanatic. His efforts met first with neglect and contumely, then with opposition and violence. Enemies increased around him, and he was compelled to flee his native city to save his life; and hence- forward he was a changed man. Revenge and ambition became his ruling passions. The character and career of this great leader have sometimes been compared with those of the pretended Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith; but the contrast is so great as to afford but very slight resemblance. When Joseph Smith began his career at Pal- myra, New York, his motives were not honest, nor was he prompted by either revenge or ambition. His feeble imagination had not yet grasped at anything beyond a mere toying with mysterious things, by which he hoped, if anything, to earn a living without honest labor. It is evident that at firsl; he had no higher or more ambitious purpose in view. He was one of those indolent and illiterate young men to be found in all communities, who, dissatis- fied with their lot, have embraced the pernicious doctrine contained in the phrase " The world owes me a living." Fortune, luck, chance, deception, jugglery, any or all of these that would aid him to obtain that living he was ready to employ. Hence we find him at an early age trying his skill at little tricks to impose on the credulity of his associates. As he grew older, searching for lost treasure became one of his favorite employments; for was it not. better to obtain the golden millions from the nooks and crevices of the earth, in which Kidd and the pirates and robbers had hid them, and live in splendor, than it was to obtain a small competency by the slow and uncertain processes of honest labor? And as he pro- gressed from one wild scheme to another, new light began to dawn upon his mind, till accident threw Rigdon and "The Manuscript Pound " in his way. Then it was that the idea of a new sect, a new creed, a new play upon popular ignorance and credulity, and consequent place and power and fortune, was gradually developed and boldly and persistently carried forward. i^^^^-^i:^^^ EISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 245 It is the purpose in these pages to give not only a true and faith- ful history of Mormonism as it existed in Hancock county for eicrlit or nine years, but to go back to its beginnings and investigate the claims of its founders. We say founders^ because all who knew Joseph Smith, the so-called prophet, can bear testimony that he was not, without help, capable of building up the structure to the shape and consequence it assumed. Ignorant and unlettered as he was he managed to draw to him a few men of greater mental capacity than his own, through wliose combined efforts his and their crude purposes were gradually brought into shape. Mormonism had its birth and incipient growth in Western J^Tew York; it gained strength and acquaintance with the world in Northern Ohio; it increased to a considerable magnitude in North- west Missouri. But it was broken and weakened there in its con- tests with its neighbors and the authorities. After a few years of arrogant pretension and active proselytism, it met with a similar fate in Illinois, and also lost its daring leader. When left to itself in the wilderness of Utah, it developed into what it now is, an uglv and troublesome excrescence upon the body politic. When the little band of " Latter- Day Saints," as they called themselves, landed in Illinois, in the winter of 1838-9, they were poor and disheartened, and many of them were objects of charity. Their troubles in Missouri had brought them into notice. They were thought to have been persecuted for opinion's sake; and when they crossed the Mississippi at Quincy, they received much sympa- thy and material aid from the people of that city and Adams county; and afterward as they passed up into Hancock, the same kindness and consideration were shown them. Their jDrophet and his chief adviser, Sidney Rigdon, were yet in durance at Liberty, Mo., and their principal men scattered, some as refugees from Missouri wrath, and some as missionaries to the Gentile world. Such were the Mormons and such Mormonism when thej^ first became a reality to the peoj)le of Hancock county and the State of Illinois. At that time there was a little village on the river shore, where Nauvoo now stands, called Commerce, with but a few houses. Below was the farm of Hugh White, and out northeast on the hill, where the temple since stood, was the farm of Daniel H. Wells, another old settler, who, after growing rich by the sale of his lands to the new-comers, joined the Church, and finally left with the rest for Salt Lake, where he has since become a leader high in authority among them. Alongside of this village of Commerce lay the lots and squares, and streets and parks of Commerce City — o. paper town which, a few months before, had been ushered into existence by a brace of Eastern speculators. Opposite, across the Mississippi, in the then Territory of Iowa, stood the barracks of the old fort Des Moines, but lately vacated by the U. S. Dragoons and occupied by a few settlers. Here was also the land-office of the New York half-breed land company. The 16 246 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. village of Keokuk, on the same side and twelve miles below, also on the half-breed lands, had but a few inhabitants, while Fort Madison, above, had a somewhat larger population. In Hancock county was Warsaw, eighteen miles below, with a population of, say, 300; Carthage, the county seat had not so many; Augusta, St, Mary's Plymouth, Fountain Green, La Harpe, Chili, and a few others, had been laid out (chiefly m 1836), and contained each a few families, and were in the midst of young and fast grow- ing settlements. There "was no newspaper in the county; The Car- thagenian, at Carthage, had, in 1836-7, a sickly existence, and had now "gone where the woodbine twineth." The population of the county was probably 6,000; by the census of 1840 it was 10,000, including the then Mormon emigrants. Such was the status of Hancock county and its neighborhood when the Mormon exodus from Missouri began. That people crossed directly eastward to Quinc}', in Illinois, through JN^orth Missouri, as the nearest and best route to a place of safety. Their leader was yet in jail, but he, somehow escaping, soon made his appearance among them, and at once began operations for planting a " new stake," and gathering his followers around him. The first intention was to settle on the half-breed lands in Iowa, to which Smith had been invited through correspondence with Dr. Isaac Galland before leaving Missouri. Dr. G. had interest in those lands, and also resided and held some interest at Commerce. For various reasons, chief of which was imperfect title, the negotiation as to the half-breed lands fell through, and the main body of the Mormons remained in Hancock county, though numbers had already settled on the other side of the river. In September, 1839, the city of !Nauvoo was laid out and named, its proprietors being Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith and George W. Robinson. Afterward, down to May, 1843, as many as fifteen additions had been made to it by different parties, including one in 1840 by Daniel H. Wells, embracing part of his farm. The whole of the two farms named, including a portion of Mr. Davidson Hibbard's, and much additional land, was finally in- cluded within the limits of the fast rising city. The name "Nauvoo" w'as said by its projectors to be Hebrew for " pleasant land." Whether this be true, we leave for linguists to determine, but the site of the city is certainly one of the most pleas- ant and beautiful in the West. It is presumed, however, that Smith and Eigdon knew about as much of Hebrew as they did of the ''Reformed Egyptian" (whatever that may be), in which the "Book of Mormon " is said to have been written on the golden plates. All the important movements of this people from the beginning, as well as some very unimportant ones, had been directed by pro- fessed revelation from heaven, through Joseph Smith, their " proph- et, seer and revelator." There had been revelations before, as will appear hereafter, that these " Latter-Day Saints" were to enter in and enjoy promised lands, first in Ohio at Kirtland, then at two HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 247 or three different places in Missouri . And now the way was open for a new revelation; and it came, under the sanction of a "Thus saith the Lord," that this "pleasant land" was the "promised land," to be henceforth occupied by the scattered saints. And the command went out to all the world, and summoned them hither; and hither they came as fast as proselytes could be made and cir- cumstances would permit. A monthl}^ paper called the Times and Seasons was started, to be the organ. Revelations were multi- plied, as occasion demanded, and promulgated through the organ and from the stand. A city began to be built. The sounds of industry were heard on every hand. For whatever may be said of the Mormon people in other respects, it is true that the great body of them were hard-working, frugal and industrious citizens. Is it any wonder, then, that in view of all these circumstances, these people and their prophet and leader should attract attention? The war in Missouri; their sufferings there and during their flight, in an inclement season; their cry of oppression, so industriously repeated, and the sympathy created in their behalf, had drawn pub- lic attention to them over the whole country. ORIGIN OF MORMONISM. But what of this man, Joseph Smith, and tliese people, his pro- fessed disciples and followers? He claimed to be a holy man, a prophet of God, a seer and revelator; a chosen minister of the Most High, for the acconj])lishment of a grand and divine purpose. And yet he was killed — slain by the hand of violence! And these peo- ple who followed him and believed in his mission, claim that he died a martyr to the cause of righteousness! Concerning him and his history and claims, there are two theo- ries, neither of which may be true; and if neither be true, one must be infamously and blasphemously false. The story told by himself and accepted as true by his followers, is as given below, and pur- ports to be in his own words, contributed for publication in a "History of the Religious Denominations of the United States," published in Philadelphia, and is orthodox Mormon history: "I was born in the town of Sharon, AVindsor county, Yt., on the 23d of December, 1805. AVhen ten years old my parents removed to Palmyra, N. Y., where we resided about four years, and from thence we removed to the town of Manchester, a distance of six miles. "My father was a farmer, and taught me tlie art of husbandr3\ When about 14 years of age, I began to reflect upon the importance of being prepared for a future state, and upon inquiring the place of salvation; I found there was a great clash in religious sentiment; if I went to one society they referred me to one place, and another 'to another, each one pointing to his own particular creed as the summum honurn of perfection. Considering that all could not be right, and that God could not be the author of so much confusion, 248 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUN'IT. I determined to investigate the subject more fully, believing that if God had a Church it would not be split up into factions, and that if He taught one society to worship one way, and administer in one set of ordinancese, he would not teach another principles which were diametrically opposed. Believing the word of God, I had con- fidence in the declaration of James: ' If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.' " I retired to a secret place in a grove, and began to call upon the Lord. While fervently engaged in supplication, my mind was taken away from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was enwrapt in a heavenly vision and saw two glorious personages who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness, sur- rounded by a brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noonday. They told me that all the religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of God as His Church and kingdom. And I was expressly commanded ' to go not after them,' at the same time receiving a promise that the fulness of the gospel should at some future time be made known unto me. "On the evening of the 21st of September, A. D. 1823, while I was praying unto God and endeavoring to exercise faith in the precious promises of scripture, on a sudden a light, like that of day only of a far purer and more glorious appearance and brightness, burst into the room; indeed, the first sight was as though the house was filled with consuming fire. The appearance produced a shock that affected the whole body. In a moment, a personage stood before me surrounded with a glory yet greater than that with which I was already surrounded. This messenger proclaimed himself to be an angel of God, sent to bring the joyful tidings that the covenant which God made with ancient Israel was at hand to be fulfilled; that the preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was speedily to commence; that the time was at hand for the gospel, in all its fullness, to be preached in power unto all nations, that the people might be prepared lor the millennial reign. " I was informed that I was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God to bring about some of His purposes in this glorious dispensation. " I was informed also concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country, and shown who they were and from whence they came; — a brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, govern- ments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people, was made known unto me. I was also told where there were deposited some plates, on which was engraved an abridgment of the records of the ancient prophets that had existed on this continent. The angel appeared to me three times the same night, and unfolded the same things. After having received many visits from the angel of God, unfolding the majesty and glory of the events that should transpire HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 249 in the last days, on the 22d of September, A. D. 1827, the angel of the Lord delivered the record into my hands, "These records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of gold; each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long, and not quite so thick as common tin. They were filled with engrav- ings in Egyptian characters, and bonnd together in a volume as the leaves of a book, with three rings running through the whole. The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed. The characters in the unsealed part were small and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction, and much skill in the art of engraving. With the records was found a curious instrument, which the ancients called ' Urim and Thummim,' which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim on a bow fastened to a breastplate. " Through the medium of the ' Urim and Thummim' I translated the record, by the gift and power of God." The foregoing is the story of his life to the finding of the Golden Plates, in what is since called "Mormon Hill," in the town of Manchester, near Palmyra, N. Y. Corroborative of his statement is tlie testimony of elev^en witnesses, to be found prefixed to all edi- tions of the Book of Mormon, as follows: THE TESTIMONY OF THEEE WITNESSES. Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come, that we, through the grace of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamauites, his brethren, and also of the people of Jared, which came from the tower of which hath been spoken ; and we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for His voice hath declared it unto us ; whereof we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of men. And we declare witli words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bare record that these things are true; and it is marvelous in our eyes; nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it ; wherefore, to be obedient unto the command- ments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment seat of Christ, and sliall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the 'honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen. (Signed), Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, Martin Harris. And also the Teitimon>/ of Eight Witnesses. Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, unto whom this work shall come, that Joseph Smith, Jr., the author and proprietor of this work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which hath the appear- ance of gold; anda8 many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engravings tliereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this, we bear record, with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we 250 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. have seen and hefted, and know of a surety, that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen ; and we lie not, God bearing witness of it. (Signed), Christian Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jr, Hiram Pac4e, Joseph Smith, Sr., Htrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith. Late editions of the book make these eight witnesses testify of Smith as the "translator" of the work, instead of the "author and proprietor," as in the foregoing certificate. A copy issued at Piano, 111., from the press of young Joseph Smith's reorganized Church,' now before us, perpetuates this change, and also corrects a number of errors in grammar. It is further claimed by Mormon adherents that the book con- tains internal evidence of its genuineness, proving how much men can difier; for all others than Mormons can see in it numer- ous internal evidences of a fraudulent character. The second, theory in regard to the origin of the Book of Mor- mon, is that it was written as a mere romance by Kev. Solomon Spaiilding, a Presbyterian minister of Northern Ohio; that it some- how fell into the hands of Rigdon and Smith, and was by them diverted to its present purpose. It is however believed by many that Smith and his co-workers in iniquity manufactured the whole thing themselves, and out of whole cloth. Yet the peoi)le about Palmyra, many of them still living, who were cognizant of the facts as they occurred, and who knew the Sujiths and the eleven witnesses well, assure us, in recent correspondence, that the Spaulding story is undoubtedly true. AN INQUIRY. The first questions likely to be asked b}' one unacquainted with any of the facts, would l)e. What matters it whether Spaulding wrote the story or not, either as a romance or as a veritable history; or whether Smith and Rigdon -wrote it? What is its character? What does it purport to be? The following is its title in full: " THE BOOK OF MORMON ; an account Arritten by the hand of Mormon, upon plates taken from the plates of Nephi; wherefore it is an abridgment of the record of the people of !Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, written to the Lamanites, which are a remnant of the house of Israel, and also to Jew and Gentile; written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and revelation: written and sealed np and hid unto the Lord, "that they might not be destroyed; to come forth by the gift and power of God, unto the interpretation thereof; sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 251 to come forth in due time by the way of the Gentiles; the interpre- tation thereof by the gift of God, and an abridgment taken from the book of Ether. " xVlso, which is a record of the people of Jared, which were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to heaven; which is to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel how great things the Lord had done for their fathers, and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever; and also to the convincing of Jews and Gentiles that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself to all nations. " And now, if there be fault, it be the mistake of men; wherefore condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless before the judgment seat of Christ. " By Joseph Smith, Junior, Author and Proprietor." In late editions, instead of " By Joseph Smith, Jr., author and proprietor," the title is simply signed "Moroni." In regard to the claims set up by Smith and his eleven witnesses, there are several things to be considered before we take their state- yients as true. 1. The importance and value of the so-called revelation; 2. The means used; and 3. The character of the agents employed. How any person with a well-balanced mind can see anything in the book worthy of being styled a revelation from God to man, sur- passeth understanding. Its purport and aim no man can gather from the "confounding of language," in its title; but in turning over its pages we find it to be a pretended history of the early inhabitants of this continent; that they are represented to be the descendants of some of the tribes of Israel; or, as the book of Ether has it, of the people dispersed at the tower; that they somehow got to this country in "eight barges;'' and that after multitudinous and terrible wars, they were, like the Kilkenny cats, nearly used up; and that the Indian tribes are the tails that were left. What possible diflerence can it make to the human family, in a soul-saving point of view, whether the story is true or false? Had the general idea been eliminated into good English by one who had a well-balanced mind, and not by one who had eaten of the insane root That takes the reason prisoner, it might have made a volume of pleasant reading, if nothing more; and were there any facts of co-incident history to verify it, it might even approach the dignity of an historical treatise. But why men should be required to believ6 it, is a mystery. And why these " Records " should be thus preserved and handed down through various hands, "servants of the Lord " (Mormon, Moroni, Keplii, Ether, and a lot of others), and finally " sealed up " and deposited in a hill in New York, for fourteen centuries, is another mystery. And then the character of the agents employed by the Almighty 252 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. to bring these things to light and usher them to the world! If that is the Lord's work, trnly " the ways of the Lord are past finding out." There are so many silly things throughout the work that it is hard to speak of it seriously. They abound, but we can only make room for a few. Turn to page 504, book of Ether [Piano edition], and learn how America was peopled, and also obtain some valuable ideas of ship-building and navigating the seas: And the Lord said, Go to work and build after the manner of barges which ye have hitherto built. And it came to pa^^s that the brother of .Tared did go to work, and also his brethren, and built barges after the manner which they had built, according to the instructions of the Lord. And they were small, and they were light upon the water, even unto the lightness of a fowl upon the water: and they were' built after a manner that they .were exceedingly tight, even that they would hold water like unto a dish ; and the sides thereof were tight, like unto a dish; and the bottom thereof was tight, like unto a dish; and the ends thereof were peaked; and the top thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the length thereof was the length of a tree; and the door thereof, when it was shut, was tight like unto a dish. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared cried unto the Lord, saying, O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me. And, behold, O Lord, in them is no light: whither shall we steer ? And also we shall perish, lor in them we cannot breathe, save it be the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish. And hie Lord said unto the brother of Jared, Behold, thou shalt make a hole in the top thereof, and also in the bottom thereof; and wlien thou shalt sutler for air, thou shalt unstop the hole thereof, and receive air. And if it so be, that the water come in upon thee, behold, ye shall stop the hole thereof, that ye may not perish in the flood. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did so, according as the Lord had commanded. And he cried again unto the Lord, saying, O Lord, behold I have done even as thou hast commanded me ; and I have prepared the vessels for my people, and, behold, there is no light in them. Behold, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness V And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared, What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your V€ssels '? For, behold, ye cannot have windows, for they will be dashed in pieces; neither shall ye take tire with you, for ye shall not go by the light of fire; for, behold, ye shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea; for the mountain waves shall dash upon you. Nevertheless, I will bring you up again out of the depths of the sea; for the winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods have I sent forth. * * * A.nd it came to pass that the brother of Jared (now the number of vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount which they called mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did niolten out of a rock sixteen small stones ; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass ; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord, saying, O Lord, * * * touch these stones with thy fingers, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea. * * * ^.nd the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones, one by one, with his finger. * * * For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared the stones, which the brother of Jared had carried up into the mount, the brother of Jared came down out of the mount, and he did put forth the stones into the vessels which were prepared, one in each end thereof ; and behold, they did give light unto the vessels tliereof. And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness. And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast, or animal, or fowl, that they should carry with them, — and it came to pass that when they had done all these things, 'hey got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending them- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 253 selves unto the Lord 'their God. And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, toward the promised land ; and thus they were tossed upon the wave of the sea before the wind. And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and al.so the great and terrible tempests, which were caused by the fierceness of the wind. And It came to pass that when they were buried in the deeji, there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were light like unto the ark of Noah. * * * And no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them ; and they did have light con- tinuall}', whether it was above th*^ water or under the water. * * * And thus they were driven forth three hundred and forty and four days upon the water; and they did laud upon the shore of the promised land. Let us imagine these eight wonderfully planned vessels, on their adventurous voyage, — all built alike, light like a fowl, long as a tree, tight like a dish, all provided with holes in bottom and top, and all lighted with those transparent stones which the brother of Jared '• did molten " out of a rock, — they all start together before the wind — a furious wind, — and after a little voyage of only three hundred and forty-four days, land together, without so much as one being lost! No monster of the deep hurt them; no whale marred them! Sometimes engulfed beneath the mountain wave, the ever-watchful brother of Jared is ready, plug in hand, to stop the holes; and when rising to the surface, as the whales do to spout, he is ever on the alert to give his crew and passengers another snift' of air! And now Jiaving them safely landed on the shore of this prom- ised land, let us turn to page 530 of this same prophet Ether, and learn some of the deeds of their descendants here. War seems to have been the main business and pastime of these people through all the long centuries of their existence in their Western home. But here is an account of one of the greatest battles ever fought since the world began. Talk of the wars of Napoleon, of the Cfesars, of Alexander; they are nothing compared to the struggles between those two great heroes, Shiz and Ooriantumr. These were the chiefs of the two contending parties at one time. The}^ had already fought till Ooriantumr computed he had lost " two millions, of mighty men and also their wives and children." If Shiz had lost as many, the computation would reach from fifteen to twenty millions of souls. And now they are real mad^ and are going at it in earnest: And it came to pass that when they were all gathered together, every one to the army which he would, with their wives and their children, both men, women and children being armed with weapons of war, having shields and breast-plates and head-plates, and being clothed after the manner of war, they did march forth, one against another to battle. Men, women and children, all armed and panoplied, going forth to battle! And it proved a nine-days battle, at that; for "on the morrow " they went at it again, and the next, to the sixth day, when the historian makes a count, and finds " they had all fallen by the sword, save it were fifty and two of the people of Corian. 254 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. tumr, and sixty and nine of the people of Shiz." Then again, at the end of this day Shiz had 32 left and Coriantumr 27. The next day it was fight and flight; but on the morrow, which was the ninth, after a fierce and day-long struggle, only the generals Shiz and Coriantumr w^ere left. And they were about as good as dead, for Shiz fainted with the loss of blood. And it came to pass that when Coriantumr had leaned upon his sword, that he rested a little, he smote off the head of Shiz. And it came to pass that after he had smote off the head of Shiz, that Shiz raised up his hands and fell ; and after that he had struggled for breath, he died. And it came to pass that Coriantumr fell to the earth, and became as if he had no life. And so ended the battle and tliat story. Messages from heaven, indeed!! Such are some of the records, which Mormon, and Moroni, and Nephi, and Ether, and a lot of others are said to have written and preserved in Cnmorah Hill, New York, and which Joseph Smith was commissioned by an angel to dig up and translate for the sal- vation of the world! And the plates, too, must be hid away again by the angel. O, why could not at least those translated ones have been retained, and exhibited to, and " hefted " by an unbelieving world? They might have been at least as convincing as the unsup- ported testimony of Oliver Cowdery and the Whitraers and Smiths. But, after all, the whole question turns upon human credulity, for rejection or acceptance. To speak phrenologically, those people whose heads have the organ of Marvelousness excessively devel- oped will perhaps believe the story, though the heavens should fall. WHAT THE NEIGHBORS SAY. We turn now to find what their neighbors say of Smith and his co-workers. In 1807 appeared from the press of D. Appleton & Co. a work entitled, "Origin, Kise and Progress of Mormonism," by Pomeroy Tucker, Palmyra, JST. Y. This book is written by one whose residence was at Palmyra when this Mormon imposture began; who was personally well acquainted with all the Smith family, and with Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and most of their earlier adherents; who, at the time the "Book of Mormon" first made its appearance, was editor of the paper on the press of which said book was printed; who did much of tiie proof-reading on the book, and had many interviews with these men. Of the truth and general correctness of the statements contained in this book of Mr. Tucker's, we have the attestations of numbers of honored living witnesses about Palmyra; and not only that, but • that it represents the beginnings of that folly, as known to all the old citizens of Palmyra and the region around it. The name of Thurlow Weed is of national fame. He resided at Rochester during the progress of these events, and was acquainted with some, if not all, the actors therein. He says: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 255 New York, June 1, 1867. Dear Sm.— 1 have been so constantly occupied that I really did not get time to say how much I was interested in your history of Mormonism. I have long hopecl that some person with person^d knowledge of the origin of this great delu- sion, who saw it as I did, when it was " no bigger than a man's hand," and who has the couraire and capacity to tell the whole truth, would undertake the task. 1 read enough of your manuscript to be conlideut that you have discharged this duty faithfully. The character you have given "Joe Smith,'' his family and asso- ciates, corresponds with what I have often heard from the old citizens of Palmyra. Such a work is wanted, and no one but a writer personally and familiarly acquainted with the false prophet and his sun-oundings could have written it. Truly yours, Thurlow Weed. The testimony of the eleven witnesses to the book of Mormon,^ or of eleven hundred like them, impeached and branded as most of them have since been by Smith liimself, will not weii^h an atom in the scale with that bronajht in Tucker's book, substantiated as it is by so many living witnesses and facts. Smith says in his biograph.y, that his father was a farmer, and " taught him the art of husbandry." Tucker says that while in Palmyra the family subsisted on the profits of a " cake and beer shop,'' and that while out on the "farm" afterward, "the larger proportion of the time of the Smiths was spent in hunting and fishing, trapping muskrats [mush-rats was the word they used), digging out wood-chucks from their holes, and idly lounging around the' stores and shops in the village.'' Further, that " the family were popularly regarded as an illiterate, whisky-drinking, shiftless, irreligious race of jieople;" "Joe, as he was always called, being unanimously voted the laziest and most worthless of the genera- tion," "noted only for his indolent and vagabondish character, and his habits of exaggeration and untruthfulness." His father called him the ''■gemis of the family," and he was; for after a while he got to be a tolerable reader, and delighted in such high-toned works as "Kidd, the Pirate;" though he afterward took to reading the Bible and attending protracted meetings, once even joining a Methodist class, but was soon "let oft"." But the story how he passed on from reading Kidd to reading the Bible; from digging potatoes, for which he had no taste and had been poorly " in- structed," to digging for buried treasure, for which he had a pen- chant, inspired by Kidd; and from digging for treasure to proph- esying, is too long to tell in these pages. It is told in the book before'us with great particularity and much sincerity. Suflice it to say that he finally succeeded in making a few ignorant persons believe that there was "something" in his pretensions. Numerous diggings for treasure Avere engaged in. Smith in the meantime sitting by directing the work. But nothing ever was found, the "devil" generally interfering just in time to prevent it from fall- ing into their hands. In these searchings for treasure, and other divinations, he used a little white stone, held in his hat; probably one of the identical stones used by Jared and his brother in light- ing their barges across the sea. 256 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. We quote one of these money-digging incidents from Tucker, p. 32: A single instance of Smith's style of conducting tliese money-diggings will suf- fice for the whole series, and also serve to illustrate his low cunning, and show the strange infatuation of the persons who yielded to his unprincipled designs. Assuming his accustomed air of mystery on one of these occasions, and pretend- incr to see by his miraculous stone exactly where the sought-for chest of money had lodged in its subterranean transits, Smith g-ave out the revi'latiou that a " black sheep '' would be required as a sacrificial offering upon the enchanted ground, before entering upon the work of exhumation. He l;uew that his kind- hearted neighbor, William Stafibrd, who was a listener to his plausible story, a respectable "farmer m comfortable worldly circumstances, possessed a fine black wether, intended for division between his family use and the village market; and Smith knew, moreover, that frt'Sh meat was a rarity in his father's home, where he lived. 'The scheme succeeded completely. It was arranged that Mr. Stafford should invest the wether as his stock in the speculation, the avails of which were to be ecjuitably shared among the company engaged in it. At the approach of the appointed hour at night, the" digging fraternity, with lanterns and the fattened sheep for the sacrifice were conducted by Smith to the place where the treasure was to be obtained. There Smith described a circle upon the ground around the buried chest, where the blood of the animal was to be shed as the necessary condi- tion of his power to secure the glittering gold. As usual, not a word was to be spoken during the ceremony, nor until after the prize was brought forth. All things being thus in readiness, the throat of the sheep was cut by one of the party, according to previous instructions, the poor animal made to pour out its own blood around the circle, and the excavation entered upon in a vigorous and solemn manner. In this case the digging was continued about three hours, when the "devil" again frustrated the plan exacily iu the same way as on the repeated trials before ! In the meantime, the elder Smith, aided by one of the junior sons, liad withdrawn the sacrificial carcass and reduced its flesh to mutton for his family use. , We cite a case of conversion, to show the extent that liuman cre- dulity can^o. Calvin Stoddard was a citizen whose mind was ever on the watch for the miraculous, and he also became impressed, and thought there '' might l)e " something in these pretended revela- tions; and yet he •'"didn't know." Among the many Governors sent out to govern Utah, our readers will probably recall the name of Hon, Stephen S, Harding, of Indiana. In iiis youth he was a fun-loving young man, with a keen sense of the ludicrous, and re- sided at Macedon, a vilhige in the vicinity of Palmyra. Knowing Stoddard's proclivities, and bent on fun, he concluded to liave some at his expense. So he repaired one dark night at midnight to Stod- dard's liouse, and knocking him awake, called out in as unearthly a tone as he could assume, — " Cal-vin Stod-dard! Cal-vin Stod- dard! the an-gel of the Lord com-mands that he-fore an-o-ther go-ing down of the su?i thou shalt go forth among the jpeo-jple and preacli the Gos-pel of We-phi, or thy wife shall he a widow, thy chil-dren orjphans, and thy ash-es scat-ter-ed to the four toinds of heaven?'' Young Harding remained long enough to hear Calvin out and on his knees proinising to obey the divine command, and then he " cut and run." And'Calvin did obey it; was around the next day telling of the miraculous visitation; joined the new Church; came with the band to the West; was at Nauvoo, and, we believe, died in this countv. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 257 CLAIMS FURTHER CONSIDERED. As to the golden plates, and what became of them, no human being has ever professed to have seen them, except the eleven wit- nesses. The story is that they were hid away again by the angel, for what purpose we are left to guess; perhaps to be revealed again in another age, when another tit man makes his appearance on the earth to receive and translate them. Can any reasonable man fail to reach the conclusion that Oliver Cowdery, David AVhitmer, Martin Harris, and the other eight, were liars and perjurors? It is a hard thing to believe of a fellow-being, but easier, far easier, than to believe such a story, told for such a purpose. The world is full of bad men; and that these men were of that class, we have other than '' Gentile " testimony. Martin Harris was denounced by the prophet Smith himself, in the ''Elders' Journal'''' of August, 1838, as " a liar and swindler;" and in the " Times and Seasons^'' at Nauvoo, volume I, he denounces both Cowdery and Whitmer in unsparing terms. It may be mentioned here that all three of them, at different periods, have renounced Morjnonism; though it is claimed, with what truth we cannot say, that they all returned again to the fold.^ Cowdery and Harris are both dead; Whitmer was lately living at Richmond, Missouri, near the scene of their former troubles. He is said to have in his possession the original manuscript of the " Book of Mormon," in the handwriting of Oliver Cowdery. AVho, then, was the real author of the " Book of Mormon?" We have felt inclined to reject the Spaulding story, for it seemed incredible that a college-bred Christian minister could be the author of such an ill-conceived " confusion of language " and ideas. But the proof is clear that Rev. Spaulding did write a book of similar import, which was left in manuscript at his death in 1816, and was entitled "Manuscript Found." How it came into the hands of Smith and Rigdon may never be known; one story being that the latter obtained it, or a copy of it, from the office of a book publisher in Pittsburg, where it had been left for publication; and another, that at a late day it was stolen from the widow. That Spaulding, though educated, was weak and visionary, is evident. Had he succeeded in procuring the publication of the book, he certainly would have lost in literary reputation; but it might have cut off the chance for a senseless and base imposition, lS«d one will deny that it is entirely competent for an individual to take "Manuscript Found," "The Mysteries of Udolpho," the " Last of the Mohicans," or any other book he may choose, and make it the basis of a religious creed; and from it form articles of faith on which to originate and build up a sect. Some of the sects * Siuce writing Ibe above we have conversed witli a gentleman who knew Cowdery well in Tillin, Ohio, since leaving the Mormons. He says Cowdery confessed to him thai when he signed the "Testimony of the Three Witnesses," he " was not one of the best men in the world,"'— using" his own expression. 258 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. of the day, other than the Mormon, had their origin in a no more reputable manner. And there is no law to prevent people from attachino: themsel\"es to such sects and ransackino; the world for proselytes. So, had Smith and Rigdon written or stolen " Manu- script Found," and built upon it a creed, claiming no supernatural agency in the matter, and had been able to induce a sect to rally around it, no one could complain. It could only have excited rid- icule and contempt. But when they claim it as a God-given message; that Smith is God's chosen one to communicate it to the world; that the angels of heaven were its bearers to him; and that those who fail to receive it on his ipse dixit are to be eternally lost; and these eleven witnesses testify that they know these things to be true, it puts quite another aspect upon the matter. The article of the Mormon creed which requires them all to con- gregate together in the "NewZion," and claims all who are not be- lievers as enemies — Gentiles who were ultimately to be cut off — is the rock on which the}^ were wrecked in Ohio, in Missoviri and in Illinois, and which will wreck them as long as it remains. The theory that they are the chosen people of God, who are to come in and possess the land for an inheritance, so industriously preached from the beginning, is an aggressive one. No people outside of '• Zion " can be expected to relish it. It cannot fail to embroil any people with their neighbors. Though it may be put forth in a fig- urative sense (which we are compelled to say was seldom the case), the ignorant and simple followers were always prone to interpret it literally. It was that, and not persecution for opinion's sake, that worked their ruin in Northern Ohio; it was that, and not persecu- tion for opinion's sake, wdiich drove them from Missouri; it was that, and not persecution, that caused the death of the Smiths in Carthage jail and drove the deluded followers into the wilderness. This very essence of their creed is a challenge — a continual menace everywhere. We do not say there was no wrong done against them in all these places. Far from it. There was much wrong done against them everywhere ; and yet that policy of their leader which brought them all to one '* Zion," was the great source of Smith's power and influence. It was meat and bread, and fine clothes, and riotous living, and honor and emolument to him, and to Rigdon and the rest of the leaders. Without it, he and they could only have been priests — and poor ones at that — or humble members of an humble sect; and that was not the purpose. With it he was an autocrat, a king; and they were his dukes and lords and nobles. It is not at all probable that in the beginning of his career. Smith had any thought of founding a religious sect. His only aim was to see how far he could dupe a few idle and worthless associates. His success emboldened him to try still further arts, and make them inure to his own pecuniary benefit. The result, no doubt, astonished him ; and as his influence in that direction increased, his ambition became awakened, and he dimly saw the road to advancement open- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 259 ing before him. What would have been his course, and what he might have achieved, had not Rigdon and the " Manuscript Found " fallen in his waj, it is hard to guess. But the presumption is that, had it not been for this circumstance, the world would never have heard of the Prophet Smith, or been cursed with the delusion of Mormonism. The following narration, from tlie pen of Mrs. Matilda Davison, the widow of Rev. Solomon Spaulding, was published in the Bos- ton liecorder in 1839. It gives so clear an account of the origin of the book, and is told with such apparent sincerity and truthful- ness, that we are forced to accept it as true. We are well aware that the Mormons deny the story — deny that Rigdon was ever a printer in the office of Mr. Patterson at Pittsburg — and claim that it is a fabrication of their enemies. But that such a work was written by Mr. Spaulding is incontestable; that it was read fre- quently to his neighbors and friends, and left in manuscript at his death, is equally clear. The only break in the chain is that miss- ing link which places it in the hands of Rigdon and Smith. MRS. (spaulding) DAVISON's STORY. Mrs. Davison's story is as follows: "Learning recently that Mormonism has found its way into a Church in Massachusetts, and has impregnated some of its members with its gross delusions, so that excommunication has become necessary, I am determined to delay no longer doing what I can to strip the mask from this mon- ster of sin, and to lay open this pit of abominations. Rev. Solo- mon Spaulding, to whom I was united in marriage in early life, was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and was distinguished for a lively imagination and great fondness for history. At the time of our marriage he resided in Cherry Valley, N. Y. From this place we removed to New Salem, Ashtabula county, O., sometimes called Conneaut, as it is situated upon Conneaut creek. Shortly after our removal to this place, his health sunk, and he was laid aside from active labors. In the town of New Salem there are numerous mounds and forts, supposed by many to be the dilapi- dated dwellings and fortifications of a race now extinct. These ancient relics arrest the attention of the new settlers, and become objects of research for the curious. Numerous implements were found, and other articles, evincing great skill in the arts. Mr. Spaulding being an educated man, passionately fond of history, took a lively interest in these developments of antiquity; and in order to beguile the hours of retirement, and furnish employment for his lively imagination, he conceived the idea of giving an his- torical sketch of this long lost race. Their extreme antiquity, of course, would lead him to write in the most ancient style, and as the Old Testament is the most ancient book in the world, he imi- tated its style as nearly as possible. " His sole object in writing this historical romance was to amuse himself and neighbors. This was about the year 1812. Hull's 260 • HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. surrender at Detroit occurred near the same time, and I recollect the date well from that circumstance. As he proij,Tessed in his narrative, the neighbors would come in from time to time to hear portions read, and a great interest in the work was excited among them. It claimed to have been written by one of the lost nation, and to have been recovered from the earth, and assumed the title of ' Manuscript Found.' The neighbors would often iuipiire how ]\[r. S. progressed in deci]>hering ' the manuscript.' and when he had a sufficient portion prepared he would inform them, aiul they would assemble to hear it read. He was enabled, from his actjuaint- ance with the classics and ancient history, to introduce many sin- gular names, which were particularly noticed by the people and could be easily recognized by tUem. Mr. Solomon Spaulding had a brother, ]\[r. John Spaulding, residing in the place at the time, who was perfectly tamiliar with this work, and repeatedly heard the whole of it read. From New Salem he removed to Pittsburg, Pa. Here Mr. S. found an acquaintance and friend in the person of Mr. Patterson, an editor of a newspaper. He exhibited his man- uscript to Mr. P., who was very much pleased with, and borrowed it for perusal. He retained it a long time, and informed Mr. S. that if he would make out a title-page and preface he would pub- lish it, and it might be a source of profit. This Mr. S. refused to do, for reasons I cannot now state. " Sidney Rigdon, who has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, was at this time connected with the printing-office of Mr. Patterson, as is well known in that region, and as Rigdon h.ini- self has frequently stated. Here he had ample opportunity to be- come acquainted with Mr. Spaulding's manuscript, and to copy it if he chose. It was a matter of notoriety and interest to all who were connected with the printing establishment. At length the manuscript was returned to its author, and soon after we removed to Amity, Washington county, Pa., where Mr. Spalding deceased in 181(3. The manuscript then fell into my hands and was care- fully preserved. It has frequently been examined by my daughter, Mrs. McKenstry, of Monson, Mass., with whom I now reside, and b}^ other friends. After the " Book of Mormon ' came out, a copy of it was taken to New Salem, the place of Mr. Spaulding's former res- idence, and the very place where the ' Manuscript Found ' was written. " A woman preacher appointed a meeting there (New Salem), and in the meeting read and repeated copious extracts from the ' Book of Mormon.' The historical part was immediately recognized by all the older inhabitants as the identical work of Mr. Spaulding, in which they had been so deeply interested years before. Mr. John Spaulding was present, who is an eminently pious man, and recognized perfectly the work of his brother. He was amazed and affiicted, that it should have been perverted to so wicked a purpose. His grief found vent in a flood of tears, and he arose on the spot and expressed in the meeting his deep sorrow and regret that the THE NAUVO O, TEMPLE HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 263 writings of his sainted brother should be used for a purpose so vile and shocking. The excitement in i^ew Salem became so great that the inhabitants had a meeting, and deputed Dr. Fhilastus Hurl- but, one of their number, to repair to tliis place, and to obtain from me the original manuscript of Mr. S. for the purpose of com- paring it with the Mormon Bible, to satisfy their own minds, and to prevent their friends and others from embracing an error so delusive. This was in the year 1834. Dr. Hurlbut brought with him an introduction and request for the manuscript, signed by Messrs. Henry Lake, Aaron Wriglit, and others, with all whom I was acquainted, as they were my neighbors when I resided in New Salem. I am sure that nothing could have given my husband more pain, were he living, than the use which has been made of his work. "The air of antiquity which was throw^n about the composition, doubtless suggested the idea of converting it to purposes of delu- sion. Thus an historical romance, with the addition of a few pious expressions, and extracts from the sacred scriptures, has been con- strued into a New Bible, and palmed ,ofF upon a company of poor deluded fanatics, as divine. I have given the previous brief nar- ration, that this work of deception and wickedness may be searched to the foundation, and its author exposed to the contempt and exe- cration he so justly deserves. Matilda Davison." A. Ely, D. D., Pastor Congregational Church, and D. R. Austin, Principal of Monson Academy, Mass., certify to the good character of Mrs. (Spaulding) Davison, under date of April 1, 1839. The " Book of Mormon" was printed at Palmyra in the summer of 1830 — Martin Harris mortgaging his farm for the pajnnent. This act, with others in regard to the matter, caused such " unpleasantness " between him and his letter half, as to lead to final separation. Mr. Harris afterwards married the widow of the celebrated Morgan, of Anti-Masonic fame, and resided with her at Nauvoo. The book was printed at the office of the Wayne Sentinel^ at Palmyra, of which Mr. Tucker was editor, the type-setting being done by Mr. John H. Gilbert, now a worthy citizen of that place. A great error, we think, was committed by the printers in this matter. In submitting the manuscript, Smith and liis helpers insisted that no alteration from copy in any manner was to be made; but the printer having charge of the job found the manu- script to be in such an imperfect condition, that he objected to the arrangement, and was allowed to correct its " many errors of syn- tax, orthogi'aphy, punctuation, capitalizing, paragraphing, etc." This was wrong; it should have been printed verhatiin. A work " from heaven" should not have been changed in any particular. A Church organization was also attempted the same year. The most conspicuous names among these earliest members were Cowdery and Harris, the Whitmers and Smiths. We find also 17 l» 264 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. that of Orrin Rockwell, the parent, we believe, of the celebrated " O. P." of Danite Band memory. Previous to this Rigdon was not known among them, though it is believed he had been an occasional visitor at Smith's for a year. He now appeared as the iirst Mormon preacher. His first sermon was preached at Palmyra, but it was so coolly received that no public attempt at proselytism was ever again made_^at that place. Kirtland, Ohio, was soon, chosen by "revelation" as the place for building up the newZion, and hither all the " Saints" were required to congregate. Active work was commenced ; Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt and others were sent out to preach, and many were converted, who made their way to Kirtland; and in a short time over one hundred had joined th-em. Here Smith had divers revelations, of which the following may be regarded as chief, as laying the founda- tion of his temporal power. It was a bold stroke, but it was meekly accepted by his followers: In answer to the question, O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou requirest of the properties for a tithing. Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my church of Zion, for the building of mine house, and for the lajnng of the foundations of Zion, and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the presidency of my Church; and this shall be the beginning of the yearly tithing of my people ; and after that, those who have been thus tithecl shall pa}^ one-tenth of their interest annually, and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord. Verily, I say unto you, it shall come to pass that all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you. How much of one's property was to be called " surplus property" the Lord did not inform them; so it was left for Smith to decide. This was to begin with, and one-tenth annually was to follow. Among the rest, it was to ])6 devoted to " paying the debts of the presidency of the Church." With the funds thus abundantly pro- vided by revelation, milling and merchandising were entered into, and after a time the " Kirtland Safety Society Bank" was estab- lished, on the " wild-cat" plan, and for a period everything went on swimmingly. But the '• We-are-the-Elect " style of preaching and practice, was distasteful to the unbelievers around Kirtland, and difficulties arose. So a new commandment was requisite, and one was forth- coming, that Independence, Missouri, was to be the place for the city of Zion. An embassy was sent, a spot for the temple indi- cated, and numbers flocked to the new " stake," though Smith and a portion remained behind. A temple had already been begun at Kirtland, to cost fifty thousand dollars. But matters at that place grew worse and worse; the mill and the store ceased operations; and the "safety" bank bills, having been freely circu- lated, became depreciated and came flowing in for redemption. To stop this tide. Smith resorted to this stratagem. We copy from the " Latter-Day Sainfs Messenger and Advooate^''^ at Kirtland, for August, 1837: ^?^ HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 265 Caution. — To the brethren and friends of the Church of Latter-Day Saints: I am disposed to say a word relative to the bills of the Kirtland Safety Society Bank. I hereby warn them to beware of speculators, renegades, and gamblers, who are duping the unsuspectmg and unwary by palming upon them those bills, which are of no worth here. I discountenance and disapprove of all such practices. I know them to be detrimental to the best interests of society, as well as to the principles of religion. Joseph Smith, Jr. Cool, for a president of a bank! Kirtland was now declared to be only a branch of Zion, the main body bein^ at Independence. Here much the same policy was pursued, bringino^ disaster. The same thing occurred at two or three other points in that State afterward — each time planting a new Zion, and beginning the erection of a temple; till tinallj, in the fall and winter of 1838, they were expelled from the State. EXTRACTS AND OriNIONS. Among the numerous books on Mormonism, perhaps the most curious one is, " The Rocky Mountain Saints: a History of the Mormons,"- -by T. B. H. Stenhouse, and issued by the Appletons in 1873. Its author claims to have been for twentj^-five years a Mormon Elder and Missionary, and editor of the Salt Lake Daily Telegrajyh. He was an Englishman, and, from the encomiums passed upon Orson Pratt, we take it he was connected by that gen- tleman during his successful missionary efforts in England. His work contains some of the most terrible accusations and statements against the Salt Lake Mormon leaders; and yet, strange to say, he professes to believe that they are honest and good men! ! Of course, it would not do to acknowledge that he had been for 25 years intimately associated with rogues and villains. How he manages to reconcile his opinions with his statements, will be seen in some of the extracts which we quote. Though not among them till after the death of the prophet, he had made himself familiar with his history and has much to say regarding him. He says: The Mormon organization is thorough and complete. It permeates every position and condition of life, and controls and governs everything from the cradle to the grave, [p. G. Again: Summed up, Mormonism demands perfect submission — total dethronement of individuality— blmd obedience. There is no middle path. [p. 11. Of the Spaulding story, he writes: Those who accept such statements as the true solution of this book (the " Book of Mormon ") must necessarilj^ conclude that Joseph! Smith was a deliberate falsifier and impostor. There is no avoiding this. * * * The most incisive writer on this subject — John Hyde, formerly an Elder in the church — unhesitatingly announces this as his own conclusion. His "Analysis of the Book of Mormon and its Internal Evidences," is a masterly work to which no Mormon Elder has ever attempted a reply, [p. 545. But while the author frankly admits the unanswerable jand powerful arguments of jNIr. Hyde, he dissents from his conclusions — that Joseph Smith was a willful impostor, [p. 546. 266 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY . That is, Hyde makes "unanswerable" arguments, to which Stenhouse dissents! And here is another: To the author's mind, Joseph is still defensible against the charge of willful imposture. It does not seem possible that he could have borne up through his whole life of persecution, and have lived and died maintaining the truth of his story, if the book had been a fraud. Let us look a little into the force of this argument: Joseph Smith died at about the age of forty years — only fourteen years after the promulgation of the "Book of Mormon;" certainly less than twenty years after he could have had any thought of such an imposture. Not a very long period for a man to run a career of infamy. The criminal records of the world abound with cases where grey-haired old men have carried forward their schemes of imposture and other villainies, inchiding rapine and murder, and never relented. John Hyde had been in a position to know, and likely did know, of the truth whereof he wrote. To insist that there were deliberate imposture and deliberate falsehood at the origin of Mormouism, is to challenge the veracity and honesty of the himdreds and thousands of persons who accept the faith and who testify that they know of its truth. — [p. 553. Not so; it is only to " challenge the veracity and honesty" of Smith and his eleven witnesses, with a few others, who have been in a position to know whether the claim was true or false. And is it not more reasonable and rational to believe a dozen or score of men to be blasphemers and liars, than to believe that the Almighty would resort to such ridiculous and silly means to reveal great truths to men — truths on which their soul's salvation depends? That Joseph Smith was, in these experiences (clairvoyance) one of the most remarkable men that ever lived, those outside of Mormonism altogether, who knew him intimately, testify. — [p. 551. No people who knew him intimately ever testified to any such thing. Besides, this is an after apology. "While he was living and in the height of his glory and fame, no one ever thought of claim- ing any unusual mental quality for him — clairvoyant or otherwise. The charges made against him (the prophet Smith) of being an " indolent, worthless youug vagabond," are in all probability somewhat exaggerated, for it is hardly possible that the vast energy and benevolence of his after-life could have developed from any such roots. — [p. 14. Stenhouse, p. 520, quotes approvingly from a correspondent, in which the writer says: Joseph Smith was no more and no less than a " spirit medium," — more im- pressional than clairvoyant or clairaudient. Being the first of the age operated upon by spiritual power, he was very crude in his conceptions, both of the char- acter and modus operancH of spiritual communications, and gave them all the weight of divine revelations, while they were really no more than the opinions of the spirits of men who had once lived on the earth. Is not this the veriest bosh in the world? The opinions of departed spirits would not likely cause him to believe that he had found golden plates, worth $1.5,000 in the market, when he had HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 267 not; that he was daily translating them, and submitting his trans- lations to his friends, when he was doing no such thing; — and these departed spirits would hardly make the eleven witnesses believe they were handling and "hefting" these valuable golden plates, when there were no such plates to heft and handle. No ; the whole story of the origin of Mormonism is either true or false; and how much more reasonable to account for it on that theory, than to ran- sack the unseen and the unknown world for a theory to make its founder an honest but deluded man. Delusion there certainly was, and still is; but it is the delusion of the followers and believers of the blasphemous story. No theory of delusion can apply to his case and the cases of his co-workers. Our author has cited cases of delusion in the world's history, in proof; but where there has been one case of delusion approaching this in character, there have been a thousand of brilliant and successful rascality, many of them transcending this in enormity. And so, of Brigham Young, one author says, page 460: That Brigham Youug is by his natural instincts, a bad man, or that his Apostles or his Bishops are men of blood, is not true. Here and there among them a mali- cious man is met with, but apart from religion, the ruling men in Utah would be considered good citizens in any community. Let the scenes of the Mountain Meadow massacre, the dastardly killing of the Parrishes at Springville, and the heart-rending assas- sination of the seceding prophet, Morris and his followers, answer this statement. True, it has not been shown that Brigham actually gave the orders for the commission of these demoniacal crimes, so strongly depicted by Stenhouse himself; yet that he was an acces- sory before and after the fact, is as clear as sunlight. The whole life of Brigham Young in Utah has been a standing attestation that he could have looked with complacency on and seen their little Jor- dan running with blood, if that blood was from the veins of Gentile unbelievers; or he could find some sanction for its shedding in one of Smith's or his own pretended revelations, or for the successful up-building of the priesthood, "Apart from religion," these "Apostles and Bishops " would be good citizens in any community! What is "religion?" Apart from a system which recj^uires a blind, unquestioning obedience to a priesthood, and an entire and absolute abnegation of conscience and of self, and surrounded and restrained by the conservative influences of society and law, they might have been passive and peaceful, but not " good " citizens. To place one's self of his own free will and choice, in a position to do evil, is an essential ingredient of a had citizen. So, in respect to the character of John D. Lee, the " scape-goat" who was executed for his share in the Mountain Meadow massacre, as one has depicted it: "Lee is a good, kind-hearted fellow, who would share his last biscuit with a fellow traveler on the plains, but at the next instant, if Brigham Yoimg said so, he would cut that fellow traveler's throat." Such is the system taught in Utah, was taught in less horrid perfection in Nauvoo, in Missouri, in Kirtland 268 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. and away back in Palmyra. Ah! but it is the system and not the men, urge these apologists, to which these monstrous evils are to be attributed. True; but who, if not the men who originated and up- hold it, are responsible for the system? The Mormons as a people are not justly chargeable with the wrong-doing which, has been ascribed to them. There are bad men among them, dangerously bad men, who have committed outrages and damning deeds which would disgrace any community. But these deeds were perpetrated hy the few ; the masses were sin- cere and devoted to their conceptions of right and truth, as the whole course ot their lives and eventful history abundantly proves. This has been the united test- imony of all the ■' Gentiles " who have lived among them. The errors of the past life of the people, whether in their treatment of apostates or in their hostility to the nation, are attributable to the system and to the men who direct the public mind. Men and women who, for a religious faith, voluntarily abandon the homes of childhood and rend asunder the hallowed ties of familj- and friends — as Mormon converts do in all parts of the world — traversing oceans and plains, and sufiering privations incident to creating new homes in a barren waste, are not persons devoid of the qualities of good citizens. — [Stenhouse, p. 7. The foregoing, while partly true, is yet in a sense extremeh" false. That a large portion of the rank and file of the ]\I«»rmon brotherhood are ''sincere and devoted to their conceptions of riglit and truth," M'ill not be denied; yet another large portion of them joined the ranks caring little for ''right and truth," so that they could improve their worldly condition in a land said to be " flow- ing with milk and honey," and where the Gentile was soon to be brought into subjection. These, it will not be claimed, possessed the qualities of good citizens. Audit may well be questioned if the sincerely honest ones were not really the more " dangerous" in the hands of the few^ bad men, whose behests were to them as the word of God. Take for example the Mountain Meadow massacre, or the slaughter of the seceding Morrisites. These *• damning " deeds were not perpetrated alone by the bad leaders; they were done in all their atrocity by men who were " devoted to their con- ceptions of right and truth," — inspired by the vindictive fanati- cism of the leaders; and that is the system to which our author attributes the " errors " ofMormonismI Errors, indeed I Which is to be most dreaded in a community, — the few bad men who 07'det' and direct, or the many "sincere and devoted," who execute the damning deeds of midnight or open-day assassination and pillage? In referring to the character of Smith, Stenhouse in another place gives us the following, p. 158: The poor farm laborer merges in the preacher, the preacher becomes a trans- lator, a prophet, a seer, a revelator, a banker, an editor, a mayor, a lieutenant-gen- eral, a candidate for the Presidency of the world's greatest republic, and last of all, though not the least difficult of his achievements, he becomes the husband of many wives. This variety of work accomplished within the short space of four- teen 'years, exhibits a fertility of brain and a reckless activity, which stamps Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, as one of earth's most remarkable men. All this seems very remarkable and real until submitted to the touchstone uf truth — until we call things by their right names. Not one half of these was he ever in realitij. AVe have already HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 269 shown that he was not a fanner. A preacher? instead, he was onlv a rude, foul-mouthed declaimer and blasphemer; a trans- lator? instead, he was notoriously incapable of even interpret- ing his own native tongue; a prophet? a seer? a revelator? in each and all an arrant pretender and failure; a banker? on the money bestowed upon him by his dupes, he and his asso- ciates did establish what they called a bank, but its disgraceful ending showed that it deserved any other name; an editor? only b}' having his name at the head of a paper, his subordinates doing "the work; a mayor? he did liold the title under the city charter, but it was really an office of king and high priest. The title of lieutenant-general was bestowed on him by the charter, but it was one unknown to the Constitution or laws of the State or nation. A candidate for the Presidency? any man can proclaim liimself such, but that does not invest it with the dignity of fact. x\nd as to the last, — that of being the husband of many wives, — the laws of the country decide. A "variety of work," truly; but all centered in one grand scheme of imposture — the suc- cess of which has been truly remarkable, both under him and his successors; but which does not stamp either him or them as of '' earth's most remarkable men." His character in youth, as described by Tucker, is no doubt correct — a character just suited to the foundation for snch a struct- ure as his life proved to be. Tucker sa3's, p. 16: From the age of twelve to twenty years he is distinctly remembered as a dull-eyed, flaxen-hairedr prevaricating boy, noted ooly for his indolent and vagabondisb char- acter, and his habits of exaggeration and untruthfulness. * * * He could utter the most palpable exaggeration or marvelous absurdity with the utmost apparent gravity. He nevertheless evidenced the rapid development of a thinking, plodding, evil-brewing mental composition, largely given to inventions of low cunning, schemes of mischief and deception, and false and mysterious pretensions. In his moral phrenology, the professor might have marked the organ of secretiveness as very large, and that of conscientiousness '" omitted." Stenhonse, in his charity for the prophet and his cashier, Eig- don, as bankers, concludes that they did not contemplate a deliber- ate swindle, in the matter of the Kirtland bank. lie says such a conclusion " would be very inharmonious with their life and programme at that period." And 3'et he gives this statement in regard to it, on tlie authority of a Pittsburg banker. Those bankers, having been induced to receive the Kirtland money, found themselves one day with considerable of it on hand, and a rumor on the air that the bank had become shaky. So they despatched an agent with a lot of its bills for redemption. Rigdon was aston- ished at their assurance; coolly told him that their notes had been put out as a circulating medium for public accommodation! that they redeemed nothing I that the Pittsburgers had not been asked to take their paper I and compared them to the money- changers who liad been scourged out of the temple at Jerusalem! ^ 270 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. THE GOLD PLATES were said to liave been seven by eight inches in size, about the thickness of common tin, and that they were fastened together at one side by rings, making a book about six inches thick. This would make a solid gold block of nearlj 300 cubic inches ; worth, say fifteen to eighteen thousand dollars. Who will believe that so much treasure in hand, no matter what may have been engraved thereon, would not have been too tempting a bait for those men to resist; and that they would not have found some way to circum- vent the angel, rather than have them again hid from sight? Such a mine of wealth, in those days, and to such men, would have been a bonanza worth fighting angels and "devils " for. MORMONISM IN HANCOCK COUNTY, RESUMED. "We resume now the thread of Mormon history in Hancock county. The first great error committed by the people of the county, was in accepting too readily the Mormon story of persecution. It was continually wrung in "their ears, and believed as often as asserted. The Mormon people were among us, many of them in distress and in need of our sympathy and aid; while the " Missouri ruffians " were at a distance; — and that was before the age of railroads and telegraphs and fast mails. Another great wrong grew out of party spirit. The two politi- cal parties, Democrat and Whig, were nearly equally divided in the county, and a great presidential election was approaching. It was soon seen that Mr. Smith's influence would control the Mor- mon vote ; and that that vote, if thrown one way, would decide all political contests in the county. Hence, it was only natural that both parties sought to attach the Mormons to their interests. In August, 1S39, the election did not turn on party politics, and not many of the new comers being voters, the result was much as before, — candidates of both parties were elected. During the summer and fall of 1839, many who had crossed the river at Quincy wended their way up to the new Zion; many others stopped with their families in Adams and the lower end of Hancock, wherever they could find an empty hut or place for tem- porary sojourn. In September the city of Nauvoo was laid out. It embraced a large portion of the two small fractional townships six and seven north, range nine west, lying in the bend of the river, at the head of the rapids, and extended over into the township on the south. In view of their distressed condition when theyreached Quincy, large contributions were made for them by the citizens, and also in Hancock county. The then small city of Quincy contributed some thousands of dollars. These contributions were made in money, clothing, provisions, or any thing to relieve distress. It soon began to be loudly urged that Missouri was in duty HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 271 bound to make good the losses incurred by the refugees; and prep- arations were made by the chiefs at ISTauvoo to press their claims upon the national authorities at AVashington. During the fall, the prophet, with two of his chiefs, Rigdon and Colonel Higbee, repaired to Washington to lay the matter before Congress and President Van Buren. They carried with them a large number of certificates reciting losses sustained by the brethren in Missouri, made out in due form and sworn to, with the county seal attaclied. Hon. John T. Stuart, member of Congress from this District — a Whig — undertook to present the matter to the House, and Henry Clay was appealed to to lay it before the Senate. They also applied to the President and to Mr. Calhoun. The latter bluntly informed them that the General Government had no autliority in the prem- ises. No redress was obtained, either through Congress or the President; and they returned to Nauvoo, highly incensed against the President and his administration. One great object, however, had been attained — a national notoriety. At this date, Robert Lucas a former Governor of Ohio, was Governor of Iowa Territory. He was appealed to for a letter, and he kindly forwarded the following: Iowa TEERrroEY, Jan. 4, 1840. Sir : — You informed me that a committee of Mormons are about to applj- to Con- gress of the United States for an investigation on the cause of their expiilsion from the State of ^lissouri, and to ask of tlie General Government remimeration for the losses sustained by them in consequence of such expulsion, and ask me to state my opinion of ^'the character and general conduct of these people while they resided in the State of Ohio ; and also the conduct and general report of those who have settled in the Territory of Iowa since their expulsion from the State of ]\Iissoim. In compliance with }'om" request, I will state that I have had but little personal acquaintance with them. I know that there was a community of them in the northern part of the State of Ohio, and while I resided in the State they were generally con- sidered an industrious, inoffensive people ; and I have no recollection of ever having heard in that State of their being charged with violating the laws of the country. Since their expulsion from Missom-i, a portion of them, about one hundred fam- ilies, have settled in Lee county, Iowa Territory, and are generally considered indus- trious, inoffensive and worth}- citizens. Very respectfully yours, Robert Lucas, Gov. of Iowa Ter. A. Ripley. A great Conference of the Church was held at Nauvoo on the 6-9th of April, 1840, at which it was said there were several thou- sand persons present. At this meeting Orson Hyde and John E. Page were commissioned to visit the Jews in Europe, and at Con- stantinople and Jerusalem. At this Conference, Smith gave an account of liis reception and doings at "Washington, in which he was very severe upon President Yan Buren. The Conference also passed a series of resolutions, thanking the people of Illinois for their kind and generous conduct; the Illinois delegation in Con- gress for tiieir course; and Governors Carlin of Illinois and Lucas of Iowa fur their sympathy, aid and protection. It is stated that while in Missouri Mr. Smith had been an adher- ent of the Democratic party; but his treatment there, with this rebuff at Washington, prepared the way for throwing his support 27- HISTOKT OF nAX(X^CK COUNTY. to the AVhitjs. In the smunier ot' 1S40 it eanie to bo irenerally be- lieved that Siuoh was his intention; and as he had several hundred votes now at his control, it became a matter of concern with candi- dates to secure his favor. Hence, those of both parties frequently visited Xauvoo, hopiiii^ to receive some pledge or to obtain some siijn of support for the coming election in August. And these sio;ns were in turn vouchsafed to them all; all were allowed to go away with high hopes, to relate to their friends in other sections the certainty of success. It will be remembered that this campaign of 16i0 was distin- guished as the "log c^biu and hard cider" campaign, in which the AVhigs held many large and enthusiastic meetinofs in favor of Gen. Harrison for President. About the last of March one of these mass meetings was held at Carthage, at which nominations were made for the county. The ticket put in the tield was an unexcep- tionable one, viz.: for County Commissioner. Samuel Comer, of Carthaire: for Sheritf. "Wm. D. Abernethy, of Augusta; for Coro- ner, Harmon T. AVilson, of Carthage: and for Ixepresentative, Martin Hopkins, of Fountain Gi*een. The ticket was well i-eceived by the people, ard was placed at the head of the Wi^fem World, the AVhig paper at AVarsaw, where it remained until the 2!2d of July, the election to take place early in August. In the WorM of that date, the "Important Announcement" Mas made that Mr. Hopkins had withdrawn, and that Hr. John F. Ciiarles, of Car- thage, had been selected in his place. And what was the reason for this change — the purpose of a party in thus setting aside a capable and good man and substituting another in his place? Simply this: the autocrat at ]Sauvoo had declared he wouldn't support him I Such was party subserviency. And it is not strange that Smith used the power of which he fouiui himself so fully possessed. Tiie result was, that the whole Whig ticket was elected by an average majority of about 4^00 votes. No sooner had tiiese people settled amongst us than they com- menced those petty acts of stealing and other depreciations upon property whicli wore charged ag}\inst them everywheiv, and which were su annoying to their neighbors ami provocative of hostility. It M-ili not do to charge that\\ll these ottenses were committed by Mormons; some of them were doubtless by otliers on their credit; but it is clear that the prophet had among his followers a larg-e number who interpreted literally his teachings that the pro]v erty of ths Gentiles rightfully belongeii to the Saints, and pr.acti- cally carried out the precept. * It is also a notable fact that while openly professing a desire to punish all otienses, tlie leaders and members generally would screen and protect the guilty. These depredations had been going on more or less for a year, when an ev»Mit occurred on tiie river below Warsaw which ci-eated great excitement. A citizen found in his vicinity a depot of stolen goods, a considerable portion of which had been taken from a store in Tulh-. Miss-Miri, a few miles further down. Some citizens of HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. *273 that place came over and claimed part of the sjoods, and took them away; and tinding ;?ome Mormons in the river bottom hunting horses, canght them and took them to Missonri, where they were tied to trees and severely beaten. It is claimed that they confessed the theft, but this is not certain. This outrage created a great sensation at Xauvoo, and throughout the county. A large public meeting was held and strong resolutions passed. Shortly after- ward, some four or live citizens of Tully, found on this side of the river, were arrested and brought before Daniel II. "Wells. Esq., of Xauvoo, for examiuatioi), and upon a hearing discharged. Mr. Sidney H. Little. "Whig Senator, was employed in the prosecution. An envoy was sent by Gov. Carlin to Jetferson City, it was stated, to demand the delivery of the Tully culprits, and he returned to Quincy stating that they would be given up. But a day or two alterward a couple of officers arrived in Quincy i^Gov. Carlin resided in that city), armed with a requisition from Gov. Boggs, of Missonri, for Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, as fugitives from justice in tliat State. So far as now remembered neither of these demands was complied with. DR. .TOHN C. BENNETT. During the summer or fall of 1S4<3, a new star rose upon the horizon at ^>auvoo, and shed its light upon the city and people for a year or two, and then disappeared. This was no less a personage than Dr. John C. Bennett, a man, though small in stature, yet large, extremely large, in his own estimation. About the first of October he was baptized into the Mormon faith, and at once was taken into the confidence of the prophet, and assigned a high rank among the leaders. Gov. Ford's notice of this individual is so tersely written, and so well accords with the public opinion, that we give it in his own language. He says: This Bennett was pn>bably the greatest scanip in the Western countrr. I have made panicular inqviirios concerning him. and have traced him in several phices, in which he has hvevilH?fore he had joined the Mormons.— in Ohio. Indiana, and Illinois. — and he vrjv? even-where accoimted the same delv^uched. unprincipled and profligate character. He was a man of some httle talent, and had the confidence of the 5lor- mons. and particularly that of their leaders. [Hist. III., p. 263. To Dr. Bennett was entrusted the duty of procuring from the Legislature such charters as they required. Accordingly, at the session of 1S-1<)-41. he repaired to Springfield to lobby for that purpose. His task was an easy one; botli parties in that body vy- ing with ea3h other to obey his behests. He returned about the fiKt of January, having secured three charters — one for the "City of Xauvoo,'' one for the " University of the City of Xauvoo," and a third for the " Xauvo<"> Legion." To Senator Little of Hancock county, and to Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, then Secretary of State, it is said he was mainly indebted for the liberal and extraordinary provisions contained in these charters, though they passed both bouses without opposition, and were read only by their titles. 274 HISTORY OF HANCOCK CCUXTY. This act (the three charters were all contained in one act) created a " City," a "University," and a '"Military Legion," represented respectively by a '" City Council," a " Board of Trustees," and a ''Court Martial," each of which was invested with legislative, judicial and executive powers, the right to *' enact, establish, ordain and execute all laws and ordinances not repugnant to the Constitu- tion of the United States or of this State." Xo proviso appears in the act, guarding against infringement of the laws of either State or United States. That very usual proviso in charters seems to have been purposely omitted: for it will be found, on examination, that in all other charters granted at that session of the General Assembly, the laics as well as the Constit>itio7is,^re included in the provisos. And yet, as in all probability the charters were the work of Bennett himself, the omission may have been accidental on the part of our legislators. AVe hope, for the fair fame of the honored dead, who were instrumental in procuring these charters, that it was so. Yet it is a no less painful fact, that the Judiciary Com- mittee, the members generally, and the Governor who signed the bill, omitted the performance of a plain duty. But this omissi"on was not perhaps the worst feature of the act. All three of the charters seem to have been contrived to give the Mormons a system of government as far as possible independent of the rest of the State. Another provision, having the same pur- pose, was afterward added to the charter, by way of amendment, passed as a rider to a road law. It provided that '* any citizen of Hancock county, may. by voluntary enrollment, attach himself to the Xauvoo Legion, with all the privileges which appertain to that independent military body." The etfect of this, it will readily be seen, was to bring all those brethren who resided out of the city, in various parts of the county, into the legion, and under the same military control. On the 3d of February, ISil, the city of Xauvoo was organized under its charter, with Dr. Bennett as its first Mayor. The legion and the university were orgt^nized about the same time, with Smith as Lieutenant-General and Bennett as Major-General of the legion. James Kelley, A. M., '' an alumnus of t'rinity College, Dublin," was chosen Chancellor oi^ the university. This last named, we think, never occupied the position. One of the first acts ot' the City Council was to pass a vote s»f thanks to the State Government for favors conferred, and to the citizens of Quincy for the kindness shown them when driven from Missouri. The legion was furnished with State arms by Gen. Bennett, who, we omitted to state, had been appointed Quarter- Master General the year before by Gover- nor Carlin. Mr. Douglas, who had at the late legislative session been elected a Judge of the Supreme Court, and assigned to circuit duty, held a court in Hancock county early in May. One of his first acts was to appoint Major General Bennet to the ofiice of Master in Chan- cery. This act of indiscretion met with unqualified condemnation HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 275 by people of all parties. It was rebuked by the "Warsaw Signal (then the only paper in the county outside of Nauvoo), chiefly for the reasons that the appointee was a comparative stranger in the county and State, and that the mass of the people had no confidence in him. In the same issue of that paper was an editorial stating that a rumor existed that the newly arrived emigrants from Eng- land were dissatisfied with aftairs at Xauvoo, but that Mr, Rigdon had given assurance that the rumor was false. The Signal contin- ued as follows: But this is no concern of ours. While on the subject, however, we will notice an accusation which has been made against us — that of having, for political etfect, flattered the Mormons. This is not true. We have occasionally noticed their doings, but not with any such design. We believe they have the same rights as other religious bodies possess, and ought to be protected in the just and proper exercise of those rights. We do not believe in persecution for opinion's sake. But whenever they," as a people, step beyond the proper sphere of a religious denomination, and become a political body, as many of our citizens are beginning to apprehend will be the case, then this press stands pledged to take a stand against them. On religious questions it is and shall remain neutral ; but it is boimd to oppose the concentration of political power in a religious body, or in the hands of a few individuals. We copy the foregoing for two reasons: first, because it expresses the feeling that pervaded the public mini throughout the county at that time, without regard to party distinctions; and, secondly, in order to show in what spirit it was received by the prophet. Soon afterward the following note was received by Mr. Sharp through the mail; Nao-oo, III., May 26, ISil. 3Ir. Sharp, Editor of the Warsaw Signal: Sir— You will discontinue my paper: its contents are calculated to pollute me. And to patronize that filthy sheet, that tissue of lies, that sink of iniquity, is dis- graceful to any moral man. Yours, with utter contempt. Joseph Ssirrn. P. S. — Please publish the above in your contemptible paper. On June 5th. Mr. Smith, being in Quincy, was arrested on a war- rant from the Governor, under a requisition from tha Governor of Missouri. A writ of habeas coi'pus was at once sued out before Calvin A. "NVarren, Esq., Master in Chancery for Adams county. But Judge Douglas happened to be in the city, and he ordered that the prisoner should be taken before him at Monmouth, where his court was to sit on the following Monday. This was done, and after a hearing Smith was discharged on the ground that the writ had once been returned before it was served, and was functus ojfi- cio. There was a strong suspicion among the people, and the charge was pretty freely made that this arrest on a defective writ, and dis- charge, was all concocted for political effect. Of this we know of no existing proof. On the 6th of April, the imposing ceremony of laying the corner stone of the temple was performed at Xauvoo, in presence of a multitude of people, supposed to number seven to ten thousand. The legion was ont in full force, amounting to over 6^ Before me, John C. Bennett, Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, personally came Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly called Mormons), who, being duly swoni according to law, deposeth mid saith, that he has never directly or indirectly encouraged the purloining of property, or taught the doctrine of stealing, or any other evil practice, and that all such vile and unlaw- 18 282 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. ful acts will ever receive his unqualified and unreserved disapproval, and the most vigorous opposition of the Church over which he presides, and further this deponent saith not. Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Sworn to, and subscribed before me, at my office in the City of Nauvoo, this 39th day of November, Anno Domini, 1841. John C. Benxett, ]\Iaj'or of the City of Nauvoo." Now, it is to be hoped that none will hereafter be so reckless as to state that I. or the church to which I belong, approve of thieving, but that all the friends of law and order will join in ferreting out thieves wherever and whenever they may be fomid, and assist in bringing them to that condign punishment which such infamous crimes so richly merit. Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Daj' Saints. And now the Legion is after the thieves: CouKT Martial. City of Nal'VOo, III., Nov. 30, 1841. To Brevet-Ma j. -Gen. Wilson Law: — We, the undersigned, members of the Gen- eral Court Martial, detailed by you on the order of Lt.-Gen. Smith, through Maj.- Gen. Bennett, for the trial of David Smith and Joseph Holbrook, officers of the Nauvoo Legion, charged with theft, and being accessory thereto, are of the opinion that they are guilty of the charges preferred against them, and our imauimbus decision is that they be cashiered, and their names be stricken from the rank roll. Witness against David Smith — Hazen Kimball. Witnesses against Joseph Holbrook — B. Young and W. Richards. Hyrum Smith, Brev.-Maj.-Gen., President of the Court. Wm. Law, Brev.-Maj.-Gen. C. C. Rich, Brig. Gen. 2d Cohort. H. McFall, Adj. Gen. Daniel H. Wells, Com. Gen. S. Bext, Col. 3d Reg. 3d Cohort. T. Billings, Col. 1st Reg. 3d Cohort. J. T. Barnett, Capt. 3d Co. 1st Reg. 3d Ct. Members of the Comt. To Mqj. Gen. Bennett: — I approve of the above decision, and sulimit it to you for your action on the case. Wilson Law, Brev.-Maj.-Gen. To Lt.-Gen. Smith:— The General Court-Martial detailed for the trial of David Smith and Joseph Holbrook, officers of the Nauvoo Legion, have made the above report to me, and asked my concm-rence in the same, which, under the circum- stances, can not be withheld : it is, therefore, submitted to you for your final approval or disapproval. John C. Bennett, Maj.-Gen. Approved: Joseph Smith, Lt.-Gen. About the first of April, 1842, a weekly paper was establislied at Nauvoo, under the editorial management of the " Patriarch " William Smith, a brother to the prophet. This new sheet was entitled The Wasp, from which we are to infer that it M^as regarded as a stinger by its conductor ; but for illiterate and vul- gar abuse and sillj nonsense, it has never been excelled perhaps in the State. The prophet in his youth had been pronounced the " genus " of the family, so " Bill Smith," as he was always called, was generally regarded as the fool of the family. Nevertheless, he had sense enough to aspire to political honors, and he was placed on the fusion ticket for one of the members of the Legislature and elected. IIISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 283 Late in 1S41, the Democratic part}^ in State Convention, had nominated Hon. Adam W. Sn^^der for Governor; ex-Governor Joseph Dnncan being the candidate of the Wliigs. But Mr. Snyder died, and Judge Ford was nominated to take his place. Early in 1842, the prophet issued a proclamation enjoining his fol- lowers to sup^wrt the Democratic nominees. Yet still, it was policy to divide and distract the anti-Mormon party in the county. This party held a convention, and placed a ticket in the field, as follows, selected from each of the political parties, viz: For Senator— Wm. H. Roosevelt. For Representatives — Wesley Williams, Edson Whitney. For Sheriff— Stephen H. Tyler. For County Gomrnissionev — John J. Brent. For School Commissioner — Wm. D. Abernetliy. For Coroner — Benjamin Avise. Notwithstanding the proclamation, many political aspirants of both parties, believing they could secure the Mormon vote, were induced to run as independent candidates; but the result was the election of all the regular Democratic nominees by majorities of 800 to 1,000 votes. The official vote will be found elsewhere. The following is the county ticket elected: Sennior — Jacob Cimningham Davis. Representatives — Thomas H. Owen, William Smith. Sheriff'— Wm. H. Backenstos. County Commissioner — John T. Barnett. School Comm issioner — Franklin J. Bartlett. Coroner — George W. Stigall. QUARREL AMONG THE CHIEFS. During the summer of 1842, a quarrel sprung up between the two great leaders in Nauvoo, — Lieutenant-General Joseph Smith and Major-General John C. Bennett. The causes of this quarrel were never fully known to the public, but are believed to have originated in jealousy. The city, though large and rapidly grow- ing, was not large enough for them both. Bennett had fast risen to power and greatness, through the munificence of the State Gov- ernment and the favoritism of the Mormon people; and his ambi- tion demanded a greater share of the honoi'S and profits than the prophet was willing to yield him. Though, from the published articles on the subject from both sides, it looks as though there may have been a woman or two in it. As they had been close friends before, so now they became vindictive and bitter enemies. But, as was usual. Smith held the reins of power. The Lieutenant- General out-generaled the Major-General with the masses, and the latter was compelled to leave the city. He who had, within the year or two, held many of the most important offices in the city government, legion and university, was expelled — or he seceded — and began at once to expose the wrongs 'and wickedness perpe- 284 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. trated amon^ them. Several other leaders, and prominent men at the same time, manifested a rebellions spirit — among the rest, Sid- ney Kigdon, Orson Pratt, George W. Robinson, the Higbees, Wil- liam Marks, etc. The power of the prophet restrained all these, however, and Bennett alone w'as tnrned over to the bnff'eting^ ot Satan. Bennett at once left the city, and from Carthage and other points began a series of letters in the Sangamo Journal, the Whig organ at Springfield. These letters w^ere widely read and com- mented on. They are interesting for many reasons. 1. They exhibit in strong light the character of Bennett himself. 2. Whether he is to be regarded as worthy of full credence or not, they portray the workings of that semi-theocratic system which pre- vailed at Nanvoo; and 3. They give ns an idea of the sort of people he had been associating with, and the motives which actuated them and him. As literary productions they are weak and in bad taste; but w^e tliink a portion is worthy of introduction here. We copy from his letter, dated — "Carthage, Hancock Co., July 3, 1843. To the Editor of the Journal: I am now in tliis place to attend to some of my official duties as IMaster in Chan- cery, and having some leisui-e time, I shall proceed with my history of Joe Smith and the Saints. It is my determination to state facts, and such facts as will arouse the public indignation, if there is yet virtue and corn-age left in man— for we are exhorted to be enterprising and courageous — but the hea^t and false prophet (Joe Smith) shall tremble in the days of his captivity like an aspen leaf in the wil- derness. The " Lord's annointed," as Joe is called, must be washed in the laver of the law, until his polluted carcass and corrupt soul be purified by fire. And to begin : 1st. The Duresse.— On the 17th day of May, A. D. 1843, Joe Smith requested to see me alone in the preparation room of* the Nauvoo Lodge, U. D. , on some important business. We entered, and he locked the door, put the key in his pocket, and drew a pistol on me and said : ' ' The peace of my family requires that you should sign an affidavit, and make a statement before the next City Council, on the 19th, exonerating me from all participation whatever, either directly or indirectly, in word or deed, in the spiritual wife doctrine, or private intercourse with females in gen- eral; and if you do not do it, with apparent cheerfulness, I will make cat-fish bait of you, or deliver you to the Danites for execution to-night ; for my dignity and piu-ity must and shall be maintained before the public, even at the expense of life. Will you do it, or die?" I replied that he had better procure some other person, or persons, to do so, as there were a plenty who could cto it, in truth. "No," said he, "that will not do ; for it is known that you are well acquainted with all my private acts, better than any other man ; and it is in your power to save me or damn me ; and as you have now withdrawn from the Church in an honorable manner, over my own signatm-e, a privilege never gi-anted to any other person, you must and shall place it out of your power to injm-e me or the Chm-ch. Do it, or the Mississippi is yoiu- portion: will you do it ? " I remarked that it was a hard case, and that I would leave peaceably, and without any public exposition, if he would excuse me. He replied : "I tell you, as I was once told, ' Your die is cast, your fate is fixed, your doom is sealed,' if you refuse. Will you do it, or die ? " I remarked that I would, mader the circumstances, but that it was hard to take the advantage of an unarmed man. " If you tell that pub- licly," said he, "death is your portion— remember the Danites!'''' He then unlocked the door, we went into the room below, and I gave the affidavit as subscribed before Alderman Wells (who was then doiu'r business in the lower room), and made the statement required before the City Council on the 19th. I was not aware, until Smi- day last, that any other person was apprised of the fact of the threat of murder, but on that day Col.^Franci-5 M. Higbee told me, in the presence of Geo. W. Robinson, IIISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 285 that if it came to tlie worst, he was in possession of a secret that would open the ej'es of the people, and that he would tile his affidavit if necessar}- ; but he would not tell nie what the secret was. Gen. Robinson, however, informed me afterwards that it was a knowledge of Joe's threats of murder. On the 30th of June, 1842, I called upon Col. Higbee for his affidavit, which was taken before Ctcu. Hiram Kimball, an Alderman of the city, and is in the following words, to-wit : "STATE OF ILLINOIS,), Hancock County, j" " Personall}' appeared before me, Hiram Kimball, an Alderman of the city of Nauvoo, Francis j\I. Higbee, who, being dulj' sworn according to law, deposeth and sayeth, that Joseph Smith told him that John C. Bennett could lie easily put aside or'ch'owued, and no person would be the wiser for it, and that it ought to be attended to ; and he further remarked, that the sooner this was done, the better for the Church, fearing, as he said, that Bennett would make some disclosures prejudicial to said Smith. This was about the time of Bennett's withdrawal from the Church, or a short time before ; and further this deponent saith not. Feancis M. Higbee. Sworn to and subscribed, this 30th day of June, A. D. 1843. Hiram Kimball, Alderman." My affidavit and statement, under Duresse, were published in the Nauvoo Wasp of the 25th of June, 1842. Is it not high time that this band of murderers should be made to feel the just penalty of the law? It is certainlj' a most alarming state of society when men are above the reach of law, and free to perpetrate the blackest crimes of cruelty and oppression. All this in a land of boasted freedom! Great God! where is the arm of power? Where is libert}^ and the rights of man? Arise, }'e officers of justice, and assert the majestj' of your insulted laws. Let the sound of the clarion give the alarm ! and horsemen and chariots will tell the storj^, until one stone shall not be left upon another, or a vestige of iniquity and crime to pollute the goodly land. 2d. Tlie Fulfillment of Propheci/. — In 1841, Joe Smith predicted or prophe- sied, in a public congregation in Nauvoo, that Lilburn W. Boggs, ex-Governor of Missouri, should die by violent hands within one year. From one to two months prior to the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs, Mr. O. P. Rockwell left Nauvoo for parts unknown to the citizens at large. I was then on terms of close intimacy with Joe Smith, and asked him where Rockwell had gone. ' ' Gone ?" said he — ' 'gone TO FULFILL PROPHECY !" Rockwcll returned to Nauvoo the day before the report of the assassination readied there, and the Nauvoo Waap remarkied : "It yet remains to be known who did the noble deed." Rockwell remarked to a person now in Nau- voo, and whose name I forbear to mention for the present, from motives of prudence and safety of the person, but which shall be forthcoming in due time, that he had " been all over upper Missouri, and all al)out where Boggs lives ;" and this was com- municated to me by that person before I withch'ew from the Church, and we had con- siderable conversation upon that daring act. Rockwell is a Danite. Joe's imblic mem- ory is very treacherous on this subject, I presume; but his pr/'vutemcmory is so good he keeps a guard around his house every night, with the State cannon and a full supply of small arms, for the protection of his person against any attempted arrest. He like- wise requested me to write to Gov. Carlin for his protection, which I agreed to do; arid accordingly did, asking the Governor whether he would be protected from any illegal act of violence ; to which the Governor replied that all citizens should receive equal protection, but that he knew of no privileged man, or order of men, and that the dignit}' of the State should be preserved according to the strict letter of the Con- stitution and the laws. This letter I refused to .show to Joe, as open hostilities had commenced between us ; and lie accordingly detailed a court-martial to try me for treason against the citizens of the State of Illinois ! I ! This C^ourt I regarded as ille- gal, and treated it with that utter contempt which such an assemblage of inferior officers will always receive iit my hands. Now, I call upon Col. Francis M. Higbee to come out and tell what he told Gen. RoVniison and mj'self, in relation to the mur- der of a certain pri.soner in Missouri. Col. Higbee, do not fear to tell the dreadful storj- ; tell exactly how Joe had the murder done up, and what part he ordered you to take in the aifair, but which you did not take. Tell it as Robinson knows it, and as you told me, and do not fear. Gov. Reynolds will make another demand, and Joe shall be delivered over. I will visit Missouri and tell the tlreatlful story. Let the call be made, and the laws shall be executed. 286 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. " 3d. My Late Visit to Spring-field.— On my arrival in Carthage, I found, as all the citizens well know, that I was followed by Mr. O. P. Rockwell, a Danite, who, on his arrival late iu the night, made strict inquiries as to where I was : liis ostensible business was to put a letter in the post office ! ! but judge ye the real design. I was prepared for the gentleman, and he approached me not ; but another swift rider, Capt. John D. Parker, another Danite, followed me to Springfield, to carry a letter to Dr. Helm ; but he had another object, and you may well suppose what it was. I told Capt. Parker that I was aware of his object, but I feared him not. At Virginia, in Cass county, on my retm-n, Parker met me again, and I called the attention of the stage ch-iver to him, who thereupon put two additional balls into his pistol, and then informed me he was ready for him or any other person having the same object in view. 3Iany of the Dauites have been around me in Nauvoo, for the purpose of secret murder, in order to save the arch-impostor Joe from public infamy. , 4th. Mrs. Sarah M. Pratt, wife of Professor Orson Pratt, of the University of Nauvoo. — Joe Smith stated to me at an early day in the history of that city, that he intended to make that amiable and accomplished lady one of his spiritual wives, for the Lord had given her to him; and he requested me to assist him in consummating his hellish pm-poscs; but I told him that I would not do it; that she had been much abused and neglected by the Church during the absence of her husbaiul in Europe, and that if the Lord had given her to him he must attend to it himself. ' ' I will do it," said he, "for there is no harm in it if her husband should never find it out." I called upon Mrs. Pratt and told her that Joe contemplated an attack upon her virtue, ' ' in the name of the Lord," and that she must prepare to repulse him in so infamous an assault. She replied : "Joseph can ,not be such a man; I can not believe it until I know it for myself, or have it from his own lips; he can not be so corrupt." "Well," I replied, "you will see, unless he changes his mind." Accordingly in a few days Joe proposed to me to go to Ramus witli him. I consented to go, and we started from the house about four o'clock, p. m., rode into the prairie a few miles, and returned to the house of Capt. John T. Barnett, in Nauvoo, about dark, where we put up the horse with Barnett's permsssion. He, Joe, pretended we were looking for thieves. We then proceeded to the house where Mrs. Pratt resided, and Joe commenced discom-se as follows: "Sister Pratt, the Lord has given you to me as one of my spiritual wives. I have the blessings of Jacob granted me, as he granted holy men of old, and I have long looked upon you with favor, and hope you will not deny me." She replied: "I care not for the blessings of Jacob, audi believe no such revelations; neither will I consent under any circumstances. I have one good husband, and that is enough for me." Joe could not come it! He then went ofE to see Miss , at the house of Mrs. Sherman. He remained with her an hour or two, and then returned to Barnett's, harnessed our horse, started for Ramus, and arrived at Carthage at early breakfast. We then went to Ramus, and returned to Carthage that night, and put up at the house of Esq. Comer. Next day we returned to Nauvoo. I called on ]Mrs. Pratt and asked her what she thought of Joseph. She replied: "He is a bad man, beyond a doubt." Mrs. Pratt, in a conversation with Mrs. Goddard, wife of Stephen H. Goddard, said: "Sister Goddard, Joseph is a corrupt man; I know it, for he made an attempt upon me." Three times afterward he tried to convince ]Mrs. Pratt of the propriety of his doctrine, and she at last told him : "Joseph, if you ever attempt anything of this kind with me again, I will tell Mr. Pratt on his return home; I will certainly do it." Joe replied, "Sister Pratt, I hope you will not expose me; if I am to suffer, all suffer; so do not expose me. Will you agree not to do so?" "If," said she, "you will never insult me again, I will not expose you, unless strong circumstances require it." "Well, Sister Pratt," says Joe, "as you have refused me, it becomes sin, unless sacrifice is offered;" and turning to me, he said, "General, if you are my friend, I wish you to procure a lamb, and have it slain, and sprinkle the door-posts and the gate with its blood, and take the kidneys and the entrails and offer them upon an altar of twelve stones that have not been touched with a hammer, as a burnt offering, and it will save me and my priesthood. Will you do it?" "I will," I replied. So I prociu-ed the lamb from Capt. John T. Barnett,* and it was slain by Lieut. Stephen H. Goddard, and I offered the kidneys and entrails a sacrifice for Joe, as he desired; and Joe said, "All is now safe: the destroying angel will pass over without harming * We have the authority of Capt. Barnett for the statement that Benrett's story is true, so far ai to the procuring of a lamb from him. The lamb was obtainRd by Bennett. The Captaiu wondering what he desisrced doing with if. ('a* t. R. now re-^ide- :ir (Ja'' s'MUtj, 111. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 287 any of us." Time passed on in apparent friendsliip, until Joe grossly insulted Mrs. Pratt again, after her husband had returned home, l)y approacliiug and kissing her. This highly offended her, and she told Mr. Pratt, who was much enraged, and went and told Joe never to offer an insult of the like again. Joe replied: "I clid not desire to kiss her; Bennett made me do it." Joe, you can't come it! Mrs. Pratt is far above yom- foul and polluted breath, your calumny and detraction. I now appeal to Mrs. Pratt, if tliis is not true to the very letter. Just speak out boldly. 5th. Miss Xdjicy liiridoa, daughter of Sidney Rigdon, Esq. — [A story of a simi- lar attempt on^Miss Rigdon, in which General Bennett and Col. F. M. Higbee inter- fere, and she is saved.] *************** 7th. I will now append my own affidavit : STATE OF ILLINOIS, >_ Hancock County. j" **' Personally appeared before me, Samuel Marshall, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, John C. Bennett, who, being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that the affidavit taken before Esquire Wells, on the 17th of May, and the statement before the City Comicil of Nauvoo, on the 19th, as published in the Wdiij) of [the 2.5th of June, 1842, are false, and were taken under durcasp, as stated in this letter * * * John C. Bennett. Sworn to and subscribed, this 3d day of July, 1842. Samuel Marshall, J. P. [l. s.] Bennett's third letter to the Sangamo Journal is devoted largely to an expose of Smith's action as trustee for the Church, and in taking the benefit of the bankrupt law. He concludes as follows: Come out, gentlemen, and renounce and denounce Joseph Smith, that soul-damn- ing impostor. Come out now, or bow down and lick the dust, worship at his shrine, and chain your fate to the wheels of damnation and the car of iniquity. The issue is made up; it can not be averted ; and I pray God that the "bitter cup may not pass." You all, with Francis M. Higbee, Geo. W. Robinson, Chauncey L. Higbee, Henry Marks, and hundreds of others, know that I have told the unvarnished truth, and the people at large will believe me, though I have not yet told half the dreadful story ! Come out from among the imgodly, and be ye separate. Gen. Robinson writes mider date of July 3d : Joe says to the people : " Look out ! look out ! These men, I will venture to say, will come out ou me with all their power, and say and do all they can to put me down ; but do not believe one word of their cm-sed lies ; for I know I am a prophet." Yes, and Pratt, and Rigdon, and Roljinson, and the Higbees, and the Marks, and hundreds of others, know you to be a liar, Joe; and Pratt and others have told you so in the face of open day. You lied in the name of the Lord ! Re- member that, you base blasphemer ! remember that and weep ! Look at your black catalogue of crimes, yom- seductions in the name of your ]Maker, your robberies, and your mm-ders! Why, Satan blushes to behold so corrupt and loathsome a mortal, — one whose daring deeds of crime so far smpass hell's darkest councils, as to hide the sable Prince in impenetrable darkness forever. * * * I am going over to Missouri to have Joe taken to justice; and then I am going to New York to publish a l)ook to be called " The History of the Saints," in which I shall tell most of the actings and doings at Nauvoo for the last two years — of most of their great men, and some of their great women, too. So, look out for ])reakers. We shall have full disclosures, if the Danites don't catch me ; they are after me like prowling wolves, by Joe's special orders. In haste, Yours respectfully, John C. Bennett. An apology may seem necessary for occupying so much of our space with this man's braggadocio letters; but it should be remem- bered that he was for more than a year the second man in position in the city and in the Church ; that he had during that time the full confidence of the prophet and liis people; and more, that he v/as an officer by appointment of the Governor of the State and a Judge of 28S IIISTOKY OF HANCOCK COU^'TY. the Circuit Court. That he M'as a weak man and a knave, his own conduct and expose abundantly prove; and it is left for the public to decide how far his statements are to be relied on. Notwith- standing his urgent appeals, he failed to carry with him the men to whom thev were made; though it is to be noted that, within the next two years, they all, or nearly all, seceded from the Church, and by their course brought about the events which ended in the prophet's death. We have been utterly unable to obtain possession of the Wasp, the Nauvoo paper of that period. The Mormon side in the con- troversy, it is remembered, was not left behind in the use of "names" and invective. Su that about the proper conclusion for the outside public to adopt, was to believe both sides — a conclusion which time has onl}^ strengthened. FURTHER REQUISITIONS. In August of this year a new demand was made for both Smith and Kockwell, and sent to Gov. Carlin, at Quincy, who issued a warrant for their arrest, which was placed in the hands of an ofticer during the week after the election. He repaired to Nauvoo, and on Monday, the 8th, made the arrests without difiiculty. The prisoners were immediately taken on a writ of haheas corpus issued by the Municipal Court, brought before that body and at once dis- charged. The officer insisting that the Court had no jurisdiction, and that the discharge was illegal, it was agreed by Smith, that if the writ should be returned to the Governor, with the indorsement that the prisoners had been discharged b}' the Municipal Council, he would hold himself in readiness to obey, if the Governor should again send for him. The officer hereupon returned to Quincy, but was dispatched back hy the Executive with orders to re-arrest at all hazards. In tlie meantime Smith had taken legal counsel,. and when the officer returned had disappeared. It is believed that he was hid in the city. The name of Rockwell seems somehoM' to have been dropped. AVhy no eflbrt was ever made to procure Rockwell, who was clearly amenable to the laws of Missouri, is not well understood. "We find an ordinance of the City Council, dated the Sth of August, the day of the arrest, but whether passed in anticipation of that event, or subsequent to it, and to guard against the future, does not appear. It is evident, however, that whether discharged by virtue of it, or before its passage, the discharge was in any case flagrantly illegal. — [For this ordinance see sub-head, " Charter and Ordinances, further on."] Gov. Ford says: As I before said. Gov. Carlin, in 1842, had issued his warrant for the ari-est of Joe Smith, the prophet, as a fugitive from justice in Missouri. This warrant had never been executed, and was still outstanding when I came into office. The Mormons were desirous of having the cause of arrest legally tested in the Federal Court. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 289 Upon their application a duplicate warrant was issued in the winter of 1842-3, and ])laeed in the hands of tlie Sheriff of Sangamon county. Upon tliis Joe Smith came to Springfield and surren- dered himself a prisoner. A writ of habeas corpus was obtained from Judge Pope of the Federal Court, and Smith was discharged." —[Ford's Hist. Ill, p. 314. As much controversy has been had in regard to the discharge from this arrest l)y Judge Pope, it is proper that we should give the basis of the arrest, and the Judge's reasons for the discharge of the prisoner. The following are the official papers in the case: STATE OF :\riSSOURI, >_ County of Jackson, j" This day personally appeared before me, Samuel Weston, a Justice of the Peace within and forthe county of Jackson, the subscriber, Lilburn W. Bogies, whobeingduly swoni, doth depose and say, that on thenight of theOthdayof May, 18fe, while sitting iu his dwelling in the town of Independence, in the county of Jackson, he was shot with intent to kill, and that his life was despaired of for several daj's : and that he believes, and has good reason to believe, from evidence and information now in his possession, that Joseph Smith, commonly called the 3Iormon prophet, was accessory before the fact of the intended murder ; and that the said Joseph Smith is a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois; and that the said deponent hereby applies to the Governor of the State of iVIissouri to make a demand on the Governor of the State of Illinois, to deliver the said Joseph Smith, commonly called the Mormon prophet, to some person authorized to receive and convey him to the State and county aforesaid, there to be dealt with according to law. Lilburn W. Boggs. Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 20th day of July, 1842. Samuel Weston, J. P. Tlie- Governor of the State of Missouri to the Governor of the State of Illinois — Greeting : Whereas, It appears by the annexed document, which is hereby certified to be authentic, that one Joseph Smith is a fugitive from justice, charged with being accessory before the fact, to an assault with intent to kill, made by one O. P. Rock- • well, on Lilburn W. Boggs, in this State; and it is represented to the Executive Department of this State, lias fled to the State of Illinois; Now, therefore, I, Thomas Reynolds, Governor of the said State of Missouri, by virtue of the authority in me vested by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do by these presents, demand the surrender and delivery of the said Joseph Smith to Edward R. Ford, who is hereby appointed as the agent to receive -the said Joseph Smith on the part of the State. In testimony, etc. The People of the State of Illinois to the Sheriff of Sanf/amon county — Greeting: Whereas, It has been made known to meby the Executive authority of the State of Missouri, that one Joseph Smith stands charged by the affidavit of one Lilburn W. Boggs, made on the 20th day of July, 1842, at the 'county of Jackson in the State of Missouri, before Samuel AVcston, a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Jackson aforesaid, with being accessory before the fact to an a.ssault with intent to kill, made by one O. P. Rockwell on Lilburn W. Boggs, on the night of the 6th day of ]\Iay. 1842, at the county of Jackson, in said State of Mis.souri, and that the said Joseph Smith had fled from the justice of said State and taken refuge in the State of Illinois : Now, therefore, I, Thomas Ford, Governor of the State of Illinois, pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the United States, and of this State, do hereby command you to arrest and apprehend the said Joseph Smith, if he be found within tlie limits of the State aforesaid, and cause him to be safely kept and delivered to the custody of Edward \\. Ford, who has been duly constituted the agent of the said State of Missouri to receive said fugitive from the justice of said State, he paying all fees and charges for the arrest and apjirehension of said Joseph Smith, and make due return to the Executive Department of this State, the manner in which this writ may be executed. In testimony whereof, etc. 290 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. And now, at the distance of over a third of a century from these events, and regarding these writs and the facts in the light of reason and common sense, it seems liiie mere boys' play that these chief magistrates and officials were engaged in, or, worse still, that they were purposely and wickedly issuing writs they knew to be defective, in order to avoid the responsibility resting upon them as conservators of the peace and supporters of the law's majesty. The writs were illegal and wrong : first, because if Joseph Smith did send Orrin P. Rockwell to Missouri to kill Gov. Boggs (and that he did, we believe, is almost the universal verdict), — if he did, his crime was not against the State of Missouri, but the State of Illinois, where he resided and was a citizen, and by Illinois laws and courts must he be tried and punished. Secondly, ex-Gov. Boggs' affidavit plainly charges that Smith is a " resident or citizen of the State of Illinois;" and hence, for Gov. Reynolds in his requisition, and Gov. Ford in his writ of arrest, to say that he had "fled from the justice of the State of Missouri," were palpable and unwarranted perversions of fact, not only as stated by Boggs, but as they all knew it to exist. So, it is fair to presume that these officials knew, and that the prophet knew before he submitted himself as a prisoner at Springfield — as well as we know now — that Judge Pope was bound to discharge him. And he did dis- charge him, chiefly on the grounds above stated, in these words: The Court can alone regard the facts as set forth in the affidavit of Boggs, as having any legal existence. The mis-recitals and over-statements in the requisition and warrant are not supported by oath, and can not be received as evident;e to deprive a citizen of his liberty, and transport him to a foreign State for trial. For these reasons, Smith must be discharged. FURTHER ^^TTEMPTS AT PROSECUTION. In the year 1843 it was not deemed expedient, nor was it possible to keep up the Anti-Mormon organization. The Whig politicians had hopes of securing the Mormon vote, or at least of dividing it in favor of their candidates. Smith had been released from arrest by Judge Pope, a Whig judge, and his case had been ably argued by Whig lawyers. The Democrats equally desired a party organ- ization, and expected to retain the vote because they had heretofore secured it, and saw no reason for a change. The AVarsaw Mesmge had succeeded the Signal, under charge of Gregg and Patch — the latter its political editor, who strongly favored distinct Whig organization and a full Whig local ticket. On the lOtli of Maj', at a Whig convention at Rock Island, in which the Mormons were represented, Cyrus Walker, of Macomb, was unanimously nominated as the Whig candidate for Congress. Joseph P. Hoge, of Galena, was about the same time nominated by the Democrats for the same office. This, the Fifth Congres- sional District, embraced the fifteen counties of Jo Daviess, Carroll, Stephenson, Winnebago, Ogle, Whiteside, Rock Island, Mercer, Warren, IIen(ler~(;n, Alr-Do!!on:i;h, Stark, Fee, Knox and Hancock. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 291 The two candidates were representative men of their respective parties, and personally popular. Mr. Walker was an old lawj^er of distinction in the State, and regarded as the -peer of the leading lawyers at the capital. Hoge was a yonnger and newer man, but was talented, energetic, and a good stump speaker. He had never been in any way identified with the Mormons, residing in a county remote from them in the district. Walker was supposed to be in good favor with them, and had once or twice acted as counsel for the Prophet. Soon after the nominations, the campaign of the district began with great vigor. To make a thorough canvass in so large a district, it required a great deal of time and a great amount of physical energy, it being necessary to address the people in at least three or four, and often eight to ten, places in a county. Irrespective of the Mormon vote, there was a decided Whig majority in the district, and the probabilities were strongly in favor of the success of the Whig candidate. But the "irrepressible conflict" between Missouri and the Mormon prophet, was not j-et at an end. True to his threat, Gen. Bennett had gone to that State and succeeded in procuring another indictment against his enemy, and another requisition. Ford's History states that this indictment and requisition were against both Smith and Hockwell for the attempt upon the life of ex-Gov. Boggs. But Mr. Southwick, one of Smith's Dixon attorneys, in a statement made to the Message of July 15, says it was against Smith alone, for " treason against the government of Missouri." As no after attempt was made to arrest Kockwell, the latter statement is prob- ably the correct one. On the requisition Gov. Ford issued his warrant for Smith's arrest, and placed it in the hands of Harmon T. Wilson, of Carthage, a deput}' Sheriff, with instructions to serve it and place the prisoner in the hands of Joseph H. Reynolds, the agent of Missouri. Learning that Smith and his wife were on a visit to her relatives at Palestine Grove, in Lee county, Illinois, toward the northern part of the district, and about 1.50 miles from Nauvoo, they quietly repaired thither, found him at the house of his friend, arrested him, and placing him in a carriage, started by way of Dixon, the county- seat. Here the prisoner was allowed to consult with lawyers, who procured for him a writ of haheas corpus from the Master in Chancery in said county. This writ was made returnable before Judge Caton, at Ottawa, in whose circuit they were. This placed the officers as prisoners in tlie hands of the Sheriff of Lee county. The morning following tliey started for Ottawa, distant about forty miles, and after traveling tln-ee-fourths of the distance, were informed that Judge Catun was temporarily out of the State, when they returned to Dixon. Before starting for Ottawa, Smith had commenced suit in the Lee Court for false imprisonment against Reynolds and Wilson; and being unable to procure bail, thov were held in the custody of 292 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. the Sheriff. Against this arrest tliey also procured a writ oi habeas corpus^ returnable before Judge Young, at Quincy, — and this writ was also placed in the hands of the Slieriff. After the return to Dixon, Smith procured another writ of liaheas corpus (as a substi- tute for the first one), returnable before the " nearest tribunal in the Fifth Judicial Circuity authorized to hea,r and determine lorits of habeas corpus.^^ The Fifth Judicial Circuit embraced Quincj (the residence of Judge Young), and also Nauvoo, with a Munici- pal Court, claiming the right to hear and determine writs of habeas corpiLS. These proceedings completely turned the tables upon the officers. Instead of Smith as their prisoner, they found themselves under arrest and unable to give bail, with Smith really a free man; the fiat had already gone forth that he would be discharged; for was not the Nauvoo Municipal Court y^s^/^^jr than the court of Judge Young, at Quincy? and was not Smith himself Mayor of the city and presiding officer of that Court? Smith's arrest was made on Thursday, the 23d of June, and on Monday, the 26th, the cavalcade, " consisting of Reynolds, Wilson and Smith; Messrs. Walker, Southwick and Patrick, the counsel of Smith; McKa}', a guard employed by Reynolds to guard Smith; Sanger, the owner of the stage coach that took them; McComsey, the driver of one of the teams employed; Ross, the driver of the stage coach; Mason, attorney for Reynolds and Wilson; Wasson, a relative of the wife of Smith; Montgomery, son-in-law of Walker; and Mr. Campbell, Sheriff of Lee county — all started from Dixon southward in the direction of JNfauvoo and Quincy. Where were they going, and what were they going for? The officer had in his pocket two writs of habeas corpits, directing him to carry the persons therein named, one to Judge Young, at Quincy, the other to any authorized court in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, to hear and determine on habeas corpus. It is not too severe a judg- ment to say, that all five of those legal gentlemen well knew that the place where those writs were properly returnable, was Judge Young's court. Instead, they traveled directly to Nauvoo. The conclusion is irresistible, that when that second writ was obtained, the purpose was to carry them before that nondescript tribunal. We have, indeed, the testimony of one of the attorneys to that effect. Mr. Southwick says: "No threat or intimidation was used by an}' person whatever, to induce Mr. Campbell, the Sheriff" of Lee county, to go to Nauvoo with Reynolds; and Mr. Campbell well knew before starting from Dixon, that it was the determina- tion of the whole company to go to JSTauvoo, he particularly con- senting to the same. The stage was also chartered to go to Nauvoo. Smith stated before leaving Dixon, that he shoidd sub- mit to the law, and appeared desirous to do so^ {/ /) '• Smith pledged his word," continues Mr. Southwick's state- ment, " previous to his arrival in Nauvoo, that Reynolds should not be harmed;" and he was not. He and Wilson were even HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 293 invited to dine with the prophet at his house, which they did, and were introduced to his family! " In the afternoon of the day of said arrival, a writ of haheas corpus (still another!) was issued by the Municipal Court of the city of Nauvoo, directed to Keynolds, rec[uiring him to bring before said Court the body of said Smith; which he accordingly did, objecting, however, to the same, that said Court had no jurisdiction of the case. " Of course he did; and the next sentence shows that there was still a lingering qualm of conscience on the part of counsel. J\lr. Southwick continues: "The counsel of Smith, however, appeared to entertain a different opinion as to the jurisdiction of said Court, and the examination was had before them and Smith discharged upon the merits of the case, and upon the substantial defects in the warrant." Let us here recall the clause in the city charter in relation to writs of habeas corpus. The following is the whole of it: "The Municipal Court shall have power to grant writs of haheas corpus in all cases arising under the ordinances of the City Council.''^ When Smith was arrrested it so happened that both Walker and Hoge were in the vicinity of Dixon canvassing the district. In addition to the two Dixon attorneys. Smith sent for and engaged Walker. This gentleman left his appointments, and, as we have seen, rode with the cavalcade to Nauvoo, and, it is said, there made a three-hours speech in favor of Smith's discharge by the Munici- pal Court, and contending for its jurisdiction. Gov. Ford, in his history, states that both he and Hoge, from the public stand in Nauvoo, afterwards declared their belief in the existence of the power claimed by the Court. Being thus signally baftied, the Missouri agent applied to Gov. Ford for a military force to enable him to retake Smith; and Mr. Walker, as Smith's attorney, repaired to Springfield to resist the application. The Governor declined to grant Reynolds' recjuest, and the matter was dropped. Thus ended another move, and the last one, in the interesting game of " Demand and Discharge" which the chief executives of two great States had been for two or three years playing. It is funny to note how differently the two interested parties tell the incidents of this arrest. If either be true, it was dramatic in the extreme. The Times and Seasons of July 1, 1843, thus tells it: While he (Smith) was there (at his wife's sister's residence, 12 miles from Dixon), a Mr. J. H. Reynolds, Sheriff of Jackson county, Mo. (so he says), and ISIr. Harmon Wilson, of Carthage, arrived at Dixon, professing to be JNIormon preachers ; from thence they proceeded to ]\Ir. Wasson's, at whose house Sir. Smith was staying. They found Mr. Smitli outside the door, and accosted him in a very uncouth, ungen- tlemanly manner, quite in keeping, however, with the common practice of Missou- rians. The following is as near the conversation as we can gather ; Reynolds and his coadjutor, Wilson, both stepi^cd up at a time to Mr. Sniiiii. with their pistols cocked, and witliout showing any writ or serving any process, 3Ir. Reynolds, with 294: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. his pistol cocked at Mr. Smith's breast, cried out "G — dd — n you, if you stir I'll shoot— G—d d— n you ! be still, or I'll shoot, by G— d." " What is the meaning of this ?" interrogated Mr. Smith. " I'll show you the meaning, by G — d; and if you stir one inch I'll shoot you, G — d d — n you." " I am not afraid of your shooting," answered Mr. Smith. "I am not afraid to die." He then bared his breast and said, "Shoot away; I have endured so much of oppression I am weary of life, and kill me if you please. I am a strong man, however, and with my own natural weapons could soon level ' both of you ; but if you have any legal process to serve, I am at all times subject to law, and shall not offer resistance." "G—d d — n you, if you say another word, we'U shoot you, by G — d." " Shoot away," answered Mr. S. ; " I am not afraid of your pistols." They then hm-ried him off to a carriage they had, and without serving any process were for hurrying him off without letting him see or bid farewell to his family or friends. Mr. Smith then said : "Gentlemen, if you have any legal process, I wish to obtain a writ of habeas corpus,'''' and was answered : " G — d d — n you, you shan't have one." ]\Ir. Smith saw a friend of liis passing, and said : ' ' These men are kidnapping me, and I want a writ of habeas corpus to deliver mj'self out of their hands." This friend immediately proceededjo Dixon, whence the Sheriff also proceeded full speed. The account goes on to say, that, arriving at Dixon, they put up at a hotel where Reynolds continued very abusive of Smith, and refused to let him see or converse with a lawyer, so mucJi so that the bystanders interfered, when he relented, and did allow him to consult with two attorneys. This story differs greatly from the one told by Wilson. We have heard it from his own lips; and knowing him as we did for many years'previous to his death, can not but believe his statement to have been substantially true. He stated that he and Reynolds drove in their carriage to the residence of Mr. Wasson, alighted and hitched their team, and stepping to the front door, inquired for Mr, Smith. The answer was very unsatisfactory, but that he was not there. They took seats, however, — Reynolds in the doorway, and Wilson on the step outside, — and entered into conversation. While thus engaged, Wilson, who had a view of the stairway, saw Emma, the prophet's wife, hastily cross the hall at the head of the stairs. This con- vinced him that they were on the right track. The conversation continued a little longer, but Wilson was becoming excited and uneasy. Rising from his seat, he made a step or two to the corner of the house, and casting his eye along the side of the building, was astonished to see, off in an open field one or two hundred yards, the object of their search, running towards a piece of woods some distance away. On the impulse of the moment, and without bidding good-bye to the household, or explaining to Reynolds, he gave a whoop, and started in pursuit, leaving his companion to bring up the rear. The pursuers, being lighter in weight and nimbler of foot, gained upon the pursued. So he resorted to strategy. He was nearing an old building, uninhabited, but at the side of which was a well, IIISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 295 and near by a lot of clothes spread over some grass and weeds to dr}'. It was evident that Smith had been making tor the forest beyond; Init on arriving at tlie building, Wilson conld nowhere see the fugitive. He certainly had not had time to reach the woods, nor could he be seen about the building. Giving a hurried glance at the surroundings, — taking in the cabin, the weeds, the drying bed-clothes, — an idea struck him, and the next moment he saw a pair of boots partly protruding from beneath some bedding on the weeds, By this time Reynolds was close at hand; but, in his excite- ment, and without waiting to see if there was a man in the boots, or who that man miglit be, Wilson sprang upon the blanket and called on Reynolds to come on. The man in the boots soon emerged from beneath, and stood before them as their prisoner, and in great trepidation assured them of his surrender. In due time he was placed in the carriage, and they started on their journey — a journey ludicrous in its beginning, but disastrous to them in the end. These are the two stories of the arrest — rather conflicting; we leave them with the reader. EXCITEMENT AT NAUVOO. While these things were transpiring up north, tremendous excite- ment existed at Nauvoo and over Hancock county. As soon as possible after the arrest, the news thereof had been sent to the city by swift messenger, and quick preparations were made for their prophet's rescue. But it was not known what route to Missouri would be taken by the ofiicers with their prisoner. It was conject- ured that they might drive eastward, and take steamer at the nearest point on the Illinois river; or that they might aim to put him on board a St. Louis steamer at Rock Island ; or that he might be taken in by-ways across the country. All these contingencies were provided for. The little steamer Ariel, owned and employed at Nauvoo, was armed, it was said, with a cannon or two, and manned, and despatched down the Mississippi to intercept them in or at the mouth of the Illinois river. At the same time squads of horsemen were sent out on the various roads toward Dixon. The delay, as we have seen, at that place, gave time for numbers of these horse- men to be a considerable distance on their way north before the party of prisoners and lawyers had left for Nauvoo; and during the journey it was met by many of them, who turned and escorted their chief back to the city. These events occurred during the latter part of June and the first days of July; and it was some time before Mr. Walker was ready to resume his canvass. His conduct, as well as that of Mr. Hoge, was the occasion of much comment throughout the district, and many Whigs were liighly indignant. It is believed th'at Smith had intended in good faith to throw the Mormon vote to Mr. 296 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Walker; but the dissatisfaction of the "Whigs in part, and for the reason that Reynold's application to the Governor for a force to aid him in retaking Smith was still held in terrorem over him, he changed his policy. Ford himself states that a friend of his, in his absence and in his name, had pledged to a Mormon emissary, Back- enstos, that if they wonld vote the Democratic ticket, the force should not be sent. — [p. 31T. The Governor's statement of what occurred at Nauvoo in regard to the matter so nearly accords with what we learned from other sources, that we give it in his own words: A great meeting was called of several thousand Mormons, on Saturday before the election. Hyrum Smith, patriarch in the Mormon Church and brother to the prophet, appeared in this great assemby, and there solemnly announced to the people that God had revealed to him that the Mormons must support Mr. Hoge, the Democratic candidate. William Law, another great leader of tlie Mormons, next appeared, and denied that the Lord had made any such revelation. He stated that to his certain knowledge the prophet Joseph was in favor of Mr. Walker, and that the prophet was more likely to know the mind of the Lord on the subject than the patriarch. Hyrum Smith again repeated his revelation, with a greater tone of authority. But the people remained in doubt until the next day, being Sunday, when Joe liimself appeared before the assembly. He there stated that "he himself" was in favor of Mr. Walker, and intended to vote for him ; that he would not influence any voter in giving his vote ; that he considered it a mean business for him or any other man to attempt to dictate to the people who they should support in elections; that he had heard his brother Hyrum had received a revelation from the Lord on the subject; that for his part he did not much believe in revelations on the subject of elections; but brother HjTum was a man of truth; he had known brother Hyrum intimately ever since he was a boy, and he had never known him to tell a lie. If brother Hyrum said he had received such a revelation, he had no doubt it was a fact. When the Lord speaks, let all tihe earth be silent. That settled it. The election occurred on the next day. It is believed the prophet did, with a few others, vote for Walker, in the face of the revelation; but the body of his followers voted for Hoge, giving him 2,088 votes to Walker's 733 in the county, and beating him in the district by 455 votes. This change of position at Nauvoo was not known in Adams county till after the election; so Mr. O. H. Browning, the Whig candidate in that district, received the Mormon vote there. To Mr, Walker and his friends, and the Whig party generally, this result was the more aggravating from the fact that it was made quite evident that by a straightforward, honest and independent course, thus securing a full and enthusiastic Whig support, he could have been elected with the Mormon vote solid against him. THE " EXPOSITOR " EXPOSED. The conduct of politicians and political parties, during the cam- paign of 1843, gave a new impulse to the Anti-Mormon sentiment, aud measures to prevent their recurrence began at once to be taken. The election full}' developed the fact that, although two or three good men had been chosen to county offices — men not objec- tionable to the great body of the old citizens — yet practically the i * fj ..■^^ ST Marys Tp. ^yt HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 299 wliole county was at the feet of the prophet. Four of the officials elected were Mormons, and one of them, James Adams, was not even a citizen of the county. At tlie time of his election as Pro- bate Judge, he held the same office in Sangamon county; having joined the Church and being about to settle in Nauvoo, he was placed upon the ticket liere and elected. Mr. Adams died within a month after his election, when at a special election to fill the vacancy, David Greenleaf, an old settler Demociat was chosen in his place. An effijrt to reorganize the Anti-Mormon party was decided on. Accordingly a public meeting was called at the county seat on the 7th of September, at which a central and other committees were appointed, and other steps taken toward a permanent organization. Among the resolutions passed was one — which we now think objectionable, and should have been omitted — requesting the Gov- ernor of Missouri to make another demand for Smith, and pledg- ing aid in the execution of the writ. In the meantime difficulties were frequently occurring between the parties at various points in the county and at Nauvoo, which tended to keep alive the excitement. Numerous acts of tj'ramiy were perpetrated by the prophet on citizens of the county, and even on his own followers; and heavy fines were inflicted at his instance, for no punishable offense, by tlie Municipal Court, or by himself as Mayor and presiding officer of the Court. If he commit- ted an offense against an individual, which rendered him liable, he had an easy way of escaping, which was to procure an arrest by some of his tools, have an ex paHe hearing, and get discharged; then, if an officer called upon him, he was coolly informed that he was too late! One of the most conspicuous of these outrages was perpetrated on Mr. Alexander Sympson, of Carthage, a well-known and prom- inent Anti-Mormon, about the beginning of IS-i-i. This case so fully sets forth the man and his methods, that we give it in Mr. Sympson's own words: To the Editor of the TFar.svao Message : Dear Sir : — Through the cohiinns of your journal I wish to make a full and fair statement of an occurrence with myself and the JNIormon prophet at Nauvoo. I beg your indulgence while I give the particulars, as I wish it to go to the world in its true colors. On the 17th day of last month, I was waited on by Mr. Roundy, of Nauvoo, at Mr. Davis' store, of that place, with a request to go immediately to see the prophet at his o\\ni house, as he had some important business with me. I asked him if he knew what was wanting. He said he did not. I went with him to see what the prophet wanted. On arriving there we were told that he had gone to his farm in the country. lie then requested me to go [and see a Mr. Phelps, who was his clerk ; he in all probability could tell what was wanting. On seeing Phelps, he could tell nothing about tiie biisiness I was sent for. I went with him to the Steamboat Hotel, where I board ; got my dinner, and was returning to my business in Dr. II. D. Fos- ter's ollice, near tlie temple. On my way I was again met by tiiisMr. Uoundy, who informed me that the prf)phet had left the business with a Col. Dunham to attend to, and that he was at the ollice waiting for me, and wished me to call and see him innnediately. I again asked if he knew what was wanted. He assured me did not know. We went to the office ; Dimham was not there ; after waiting and looking 19 300 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. for Dunham about one hour, I told him I could stay no longer. Said he, ' ' Wait a few minutes longer ; I have sent for Dmiham, and I see the man I sent running across the street T he no doubt sees him, and will be here with him in a few min- utes." Accordingly I waited some 20 or 30 minutes ; they did not appear, and I told him I must leave ; that he might tell Dunham he could tind me in Dr. Foster's office any time that evening. I was in the act of leaving, when he said, "If you can not stay any longer, I must inform you that I must detain j'ou on behalf of the people of the State oi Illinois." I asked him why he did not tell me so at first, and not trifle with me in that way ; and ' ' Where is j^om* authoritj', and what am I detained for ?" He replied, that he had no precept — that he was a police officer — and by the ordinances of the city he could take me as well without as with a pre- cept ; and that I was accused of an attempt to murder and rob a ]\Ir. Badham, who resides some five or six miles from the citj% on the Carthage road, and that the prophet (Ma^'or) had told him that morning to arrest me. I asked who made the complaint. He said if he was at Esq. Johnson's office he could tell. We went to Esq. Johnson's office (it was now 3 o'clock p. m.) and asked for the papers. He, Johnson, showed me a blank affidavit and warrant, and said he got word to make out those papers this morning, and a jNIr. Dunham had just left the office to find a man that would swear to it ; and if he could not find him, he would return and swear to it himself. I remarked that "If Dunham could hire a man to swear to a d — d lie, he would do so ; if not he would do it liimself." By this time there had several called to see the ivisoner. I spoke freely about their proceedings, and the power usurped by the prophet, which did not relish so well. The prophet was brought to set matters right. He told me why he had me apprehended ; that he had been told I was the man, and he thought it his duty as Mayor to have me tried ; and that they had a right to take a man without a writ in that city ; and said he : " Mr. Sympson, you know I am a man that keeps nothing back. Mr. Badham has seen you, and says that you are the identical man that stabbed and robbed him, and sent me word to have you apprehended ; which I have done." I was held in duress till seven o'clock, or a little after that time. Neither Dunham nor the man he went after had yet retm-ned. The prophet. Smith, then made affi- davit that he really believed I was the man who stabbed and robbed IVIi-. Badliam, on or about the 10th of December last. The warrant was issued and served at half- past seven, p. m. We then went to trial. R. D. Foster, Esq., was called to assist Esq. Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Badham were sworn in behalf of the State. Mr. Badham was examined first : Question. Would you Iviiow the man, if you were to see him, that stabbed and robbed you? Answer. I would. C. L. Higbee, Esq., pointed me out to him, and asked: Is that the man? Ans. No, nor nothing like him. I then asked him if he had ever seen me before. He said he had no recollection of ever having seen me. I asked him if he had sent the prophet word that he had seen me, and that I was the man who had committed the act, and he wanted me apprehended, ^fyw. I never did. Mrs. Badham testified that I was not the man, and did not resemble him in the least. His Holiness, the prophet, came next, and requested to tell his story without any questions being asked. After he got tlu-ough, I remarked to the Court that I wanted to propound a few questions to the witness. Leave was granted. Q. Have you the smallest particle of belief whatever, at this time, that I am the man who committed the act with which I am charged ? Ans. No, sir; I have not now, and I never had. Q. Why did you swear it in your affidavit ? A. I did not. I replied: "You did, sir." The affidavit was then read, and he too plainly saw that it did not agree with his evidence in the case. Said he, extending his hand towards Esq. Jolmson, who had just read the affidavit, "Give me that paper." The Court hesitated. He asked for it again ; he said it was couched in stronger language than he had intended to swear to. Mr. Higbee, my attorney, said he hoped the Com-t would not give it up ; that it was part of the record, and that Smith had no right to it. Smith then said he had not sworn to it; that he had signed it, but the oath was not administered to him. (This is with him and his justice. Esquire Johnson.) Smith went on to say that what HISTORY OF UANCOCK COUNTY. 301 he had done was to befriend me— that he knew I would be honorably acquitted, and that I would stand fairer than ever I did. (The Lord deliver me from such friends !) I was now discharged by the magistrates. Alexander Stmpson. Gen. Bennett's expose mentioned several parties by name, as being disaffected toward the prophet. These, it is believed, never became heartily reconciled, though they refused to " come out," when so strongly urged by the General. Some of these were Sid- ney Rigdon, Bishop Marks, Geo. W. Robinson, William and Wil- son Law, Dr. Ptobert D. and Charles A, Foster, and Francis M. and Chauncey L. lligbee; also a Sylvester Emmons, an attorney at law, who was'^a member of the City Council, but was said to have never been a member of the Church. None of these had ever been fully in the prophet's confidence since the secession of Bennett; and the breach was daily widening between them. The conduct of young Higbee, as we have seen in the case of Sympson, in daring to defend a man charged by the prophet with crime, was of itself enough to doom him to that person's displeasure. Dr. Foster had been elected School Commissioner by Mormon votes, probably as an inducement to keep him quiet. During the winter and spring of 1844, the breach had widened to the extent of organizing a new Church, and [ one' was instituted in April or May, with William Law as its President, but who dis- claimed any prophetic attainments. It was also decided to estab- lish a newspaper in the city, as their organ, and with which to fight the prophet. Accordingly, in May a printing press and mate- rials arrived by steamer from St. Louis, and were landed and hauled iato the city and set up without molestation. Of course, these events caused great excitement, not only in the city among the faithful, but over the whole county. Evidently a crisis was approaching. The lion was being bearded. In the meantime the habeas co7yus was not inactive. In May, Mr. Francis M. Higbee, one of the seceders, commenced against the prophet a civil action for slander, in the Hancock Circuit Court, on which a capias was issued. On this being served by the Sheriff, instead of entering bail for his appearance, as usual, Smith obtained a writ of habeas corpics from the City Court, and was set at liberty. About the same time, one Jeremiah Smith, an Iowa defaulter to the U. S. Government, fled to the city for refuge, was arrested by the U. S. Marshal, and twice released in the same way, the Court rendering a judgment for costs against the Lnited States ! The May term of the Hancock Circuit Court commenced its session at Carthage on the 20th. At this Court several cases against Smith were disposed of, as follows: Alexander Sympson vs. Joseph Smith, for false imprisonment; change of venue to Adams county. F. M. Higbee, complainant, for slander; C. A. Foster, complainant, for false imprisonment; and A. Davis, complainant, for trespass, to the county of McDonough. In addition to the four above named civil actions, two indictments were found against him by the grand jury — one for adultery, and one 302 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. for perjury. To the ejreat surprise of all, on the Monday following^ the prophet appeared in Court and demanded trial on the last named indictment. The prosecutor not being ready, a continu- ance was entered to the next term. In the meantime the seceders were not idle. Law boldly denounced the prophet from the stand in the city; while the others were busy among the people in and out of the city. The proF - pectus for the newspaper was circulated extensively, and received with much comment. Its title was to be the Kauvoo Expos- itor^ and its purposes, as set forth in the prospectus, were the Unconditional Repeal of the City Charter — To Correct the Abuses of the Unit Power — To Advocate Disobedience to Political Reve- lations, — in short, to oppose the prophet Smith, and correct the abuses of which he was claimed to be the cause. The paper was issued under date of June 7th. It had for its editor Sylvester Emmons, and the names of William Law, "Wilson Law, Charles Ivins, Francis M. Iligbee, Chauncey L. Higbee, Robert D. Foster and Charles A, Foster, as its publishers. In a literary point of view, it exhibited no decided talent. It had evi- dently been prepared in hurry and excitement, and with no attempt at artistic arrangement. About half of its reading matter was selected. Of its original contents, five or six columns were occu- pied with a "Preamble, Resolutions and Affidavits of the Seceders from the Church at Nauvoo," giving reasons for their action, and making charges against Smith and his adherents. A number of editorial articles followed, couched in strong language, but not remarkable for ability or point. The confessed aim and purpose of this sheet were to expose the enormities practiced by the prophet and his followers at Nauvoo. And from the statements and proofs adduced, and from corrobo- rative facts, making all due allowance for exaggeration, we are com- pelled to accept most of them as true. Yet we can not but remem- ber that while they were showing Joseph Smith to have been a desperately bad man, they were, to put it in as mild a way as pos- sible, adding little to their own characters, inasmuch as for years they had been his supporters and defenders, and (having been in his confidence) must have known long before that he was a cheat and a fraud, and that all his pretensions to religion and sanctity were false. And now that he and they had quarreled; that their personal right had been trampled upon, that the sanctity of their homes had been invaded, they rebelled and sought to put him down. Better late than never, and better from questionable motives than not at all, however. Sidney Rigdon, who, taking their statements to be true, had more reason than any to come out and denounce the prophet, still refused, till after the prophet's death, and Brigham and the Twelve had thrown him overboard. Did Rigdon know of Smith's vil- lainies, after fifteen years' association with him? These seceders gave countenance to Joseph II. Jackson, in his exposures, — a new- niSTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 303 comer, who, as he says, had only l)een in Smith's confidence a little while; and Jackson published that Smith had acknowledged to him tliat he Avas a counterfeiter, that he had instigated murder, and that the Mormon bible and golden plates were frauds. Is it more likely that Jackson would have gained the prophet's confidence than they? But the life of the Exjyosiior was a short one. This number was its initial and final one. It was issued on Friday, the Ttli of June, 1S44, and on Saturday, the Sth, the City Council was in session, considering what should be done about it. They deliberated all da}^ and all day Monday, and at 6 o'clock in the evening passed a resolution declaring it a nuisance, and instructing the Mayor to cause it to he abated, which he did about eight the same evening. The Kauvoo N^eighhor had succeeded the Wasj). We have before us an extra of that paper, containing a certified copy of the pro- ceedings of Council on this occasion. It is due to them that their side of the controversy should be given, and this extra fully sets forth the reasons for their action. Besides, it should be preserved for all time to come, as a curiosity in legal proceedings, and as illustrating to future law-makers the nature of a nuisance, and its proper mode of treatment. Though long, it is worthy of a place here, and we copy it entire, only correcting its typography: NAUVOO NEIGHBOR— EXTRA. Monday Morning, June 17, 1S44. To the PuUic : '• As a soft breeze in a hot day mellows the air, so does the simple truth calm the feelings of the irritated, and so we proceed to give the proceedings of the City Council relating to the removal of the Nauvoo Expositor as a nuisance. AVe have been robbed, mobbed and plundered with impunity some two or three times, and as every heart is more apt to know its own sorrows, the people of Nauvoo had ample reason, when such characters as the proprietors and abet- tors of the l^a.\\\oo Kcpositor\>Yo\edi to be before the City Council, to be* alarmed for their safety. The men avIio got up the press were constantly engaged in resisting the authority or threatening something. If they were fined an appeal was taken, but the slander went on ; and when the paper came, the course and the plan to destroy tlie city was marked out. The destruction of the Cit}' Charter and the ruin of the saints was the all commanding topic. Our lives, our city, our Charter and our characters are just as sacred, just as dear and just as good as other people's; and wliile no friendly arm has been extended from the demolition of our press in Jackson county, Missouri, witliout law, to this ]n"esent day, the City Council, with all the law of nuisance, from Blackstone down to the Springfield Charter, knowing that if they exceeded the law of the land, a higher court would regulate the proceedings — abated the Nauvoo Expositor. 304 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. " The proceedings of the Council show, as sketched, that there was cause of alarm. The people when they reflect will at once say that the feelings and rights of men ought to be respected. All persons otherwise, and, without recourse to justice, mercy or humanity, to come out with inflammatory publications, destructive resolutions, or more especially extermination, shows a want of feeling, and a want of respect, and a want of religious toleration that honorable men will deprecate among Americans, as they would the pestilence, famine, or horrors of war. It can not be that the people are so lost to virtue as to coolly go to murdering men, women, and children. No. Candor and common sense forbid it. For the Neiglibor. " Me. Editor : — In your last week's 2:>aper I proposed giving your readers an account of the proceedings of the City Council, but time forbids any thing more than a brief synopsis of the proceedings of the Municipality of the City of Nauvoo, relative to the destruction of the press and fixtures of the Nauvoo Expositor. " City Council, Regular Session, ) June 8th, 1844. \ " In connection with other business, as stated in last week's paper, the Mayor remarked that he believed it generally the case, that when a man goes to law, he has an unjust cause and wants to go before some one who wants business, and that he had very lew cases on his docket, and referring to councilor Emmons, editor of the Nauvoo Expositor., suggested the propriety of first purging the City Council; and referring to the character of the paper and pro- prietors, called up Theodore Turley, a mechanic, who, being sworn, said that the Laws (Wm. and Wilson) had brought bogus dies to him to fix. " Councilor Hyrum Smith inquired what good Foster, and his brother, and the Higbees, and Laws had ever done; while his brother Joseph was under arrest, from the Missouri persecution, the Laws and Foster would have been rode on a rail, if he had not stepped forward to prevent it, on account of their oppressing the poor. "Mayor said while he was under arrest by writ from Gov, Carlin, "Wm. Law pursued him for $40.00 he was owing Law, and it took the last expense money he had to pay it. ''Councilor H. Smith referred to J. H. Jackson's coming to this city, etc. Mayor said Wm. Law had off'ered Jackson $500.00 to kill him. " Councilor H. Smith continued Jackson, told him, he (Jackson) meant to have his daughter; and threatened him if he made any resistance. Jackson related to him a dream; that Joseph and Hyrum were opposed to him, but that he would execute his purposes; that Jackson had laid a plan with four or five persons to kidnap his daughter, and threatened to shoot any one that should come near, after he had got her into the skiff"; that Jackson was HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 305 engaged in trying to make bogus, which was his principal business, — referred to the revelation read to the High Council of the Church, which has caused so much talk about a multiplicity of wives; that said revelation was in answer to a question concerning things which transpired in former days, and had no reference to the present time; that when sick, Wm. Law confessed to him that he had been ' guilt}' of adultery,' and ' was not fit to live,' and had 'sinned against his own soul,' etc., and inquired who was Judge Emmons. When he came here he had scarce two shirts to his back, but he had been dandled by the authorities of the city, etc., and was now editor of the Nauvoo Kcjyositor, and his right-hand man Francis M. Higbee, who had confessed to him that he had * "Washington Peck sworn: — Said soon after Joseph 11. Jackson came here, he came to witness to borrow money, which witness loaned him, and took some jewelry as security. Soon after, a man from across the river came after the jewelry; Jackson had stolen the jewelry from him. At another time, wanted to get money of witness; asked witness if he would do any thing dislionorable to get a living. Witness said he would not. Jackson said witness was a damned fool, for he could get a living a deal easier than he was then doing by making bogus, and some men high in the Church were engaged in the business. Witness asked if it was Joseph. ' No,' said Jackson, '1 dare not tell it to Joseph.' Witness understood him the Laws were engaged in it. Jackson said he would be the death of witness, if he ever went to Joseph or any one else to tell what he had said. '' Ordered by the Council that Sylvester Emmons be suspended until his case could be investigated for slandering the City Council; that the Recorder notify him of his suspension, and that his case would come up for investigation at the next regular session of the Council. [The order is in the hands of the Marshal.] " Councilor J. Taylor said that Councilor Emmons helped to make the ordinances of the city, and had never lifted his voice against them in the Council, and was now trying to destroy the ordinances and the charter. "Lorenzo Wasson, sworn : — Said Joseph 11. Jackson told witness that bogus-making was going on in the city; but it was too damned small business. Wanted witness to help him to procure money, for the General (Smith) was afraid to go into it, and with $500 he could get an engraving for bills on the bank of Missouri, and one on the State of New York, and could make money; said many times witness did not know him; believed the General had been telling witness something. 'God damn him, if he has I will kill him,' — swore he would kill any man that should prove a traitor to him. Jackson said if he could get a company of men to suit him, he would go into the frontiers and live by highway robber}^; had got sick of the world. "Mayor suggested that the Council pass an ordinance to prevent 306 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. misrepresentation and libelous publications, and conspiracies against the peace of the city; and referring to the reports that Dr. Foster had set afloat, said he had never made any proposals to Foster to come back to the Church. Foster proposed to come back; came to Mayor's house and wanted a private interview; had some conversation with Foster in the Hall, in presence of several gentle- men, on the 7tli inst.; oft'ered to meet him aad have an interview in presence of friends, three or four to be selected by each part}", which Foster agreed to; and went to bring his friends for the inter- view, and the next notice he had of him was the following letter: '"June 7, 1814. '"To Gen. J. Smith: " '■Sir — I have consulted my friends in relation to your proposals of settlements, and they as well as myself are of the opinion that your conduct and that of .your unworth}^ unprincipled clan is so base that it would be morally wrong and detract from the dignity of gentlemen to hold any conference with you. The repeated in- sults and abuses, I, as well as my friends, have suffered from your unlawful course towards us demands honorable resentment. We are resolved to make this our motto; nothing on our part has been done to provoke your anger, but have done all things as become men; you have trampled upon everything we hold dear and sacred, you have set all law at deliance and profaned the name of the Most High to carry out your damnable purposes, and I have nothing more to fear from you than you have ah-eady threatened; and I as well as my friends will stay here and maintain and magnity the law as long as we stay; and we are resolved never to leave until we sell or exchange our property that we have here. The proposals made by your agent, Dimick Huntington, as well as the threats you sent to intimidate me, I disdain and despise as I do their unhallowed author. The rights of my family and my friends demand at my hand a refusal of all your offers; we are united in virtue and truth, and we set hell at detiance and all her agents. Adieu. " 'K D. Foster. '''Gen. J.Smith: "Mayor continued: — And when Foster left his house, he went to a slioe shop on the hill and reported that ' Joseph said to him if he would come back he would give him Law's place in the Church and a hat full of specie.' "Lucien Woodworth sworn: — Said that the conversation as stated by the Mayor was correct; was at the Mansion June 7th when Dr. Foster rode up and inquired if Gen. Smith was at home. Dr. Fos- ter went into the house; witness followed. Dr. Foster was there, tlie General and others looking at some specimens of penman- ship ; something was said respecting a conversation at that time between the General and Doctor. Gen. Smith observed to Foster, if he had a conversation he would want others present. The Doctor HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 307 said he would have a word with hiin by himself, aud went into the hall. Witness went to the door that he might see and hear what was passing. Tliey still continued to talk on the subject of a con- versation that they might have afterwards with others present, whom Mr. Smith might choose and Foster might choose. Foster left, and went for them that he said he wanted ]-»resent, and would return soon with them; thinks he heard all the cdnversation ; heard nothing about Gen. Smith's making any offers to Foster to settle; was present all the time. Dimick Huntington said he had seen Foster and talked with him. " Mayor said he wished it distinctl}^ understood that he knew nothing about Dimick Huntington going to see Foster. "Woodworth said he sent Dimick Huntington to Foster, and Joseph knew nothing about it. "Councilor H. Smith said Dimick Huntington came to him on the 7th inst., and said he had had an interview with Dr. Foster, and thonght he was about ready to come back, and a word from him to Joseph would bring it about. " Mayor said the conduct of such men and such papers are cal- culated to destroy the peace of the city, and it is not safe that such things should exist, on account of the mob spirit which they tend to produce; be had made the statements he had, and called the witnesses to prepare the Council to act in the case. " Emmons was blackguarded out of Philadelphia, and dubbed with the title of Judge (as he had understood from the citizens of Phila- delphia), was poor, and Mayor helped him to cloth for a coat before he went away last fall, and he labored all winter to get the post- oftice from Mr. Iligdon (as informed). " Mayor referred to a writing from Dr. Goforth, showing that the Laws presented the communication from the 'Female lielief So- ciety,' in the Nauvoo Neighhor^ to Dr. Goforth, «5 the hone of con- tention^ and said, 'If God ever spake by any man, it will not be five years before this city is in ashes and we in our graves, unless we go to Oregon, California, or some other place, if the city does not put down everything which tends to mobocracy, and put down their murderers, bogus-makers and scoundrels;' all the sorrow he ever had in his family has arisen through the influence of Wm. Law. " C. H. Smith spoke in relation to the Laws, Fosters, Higbees, editor of the Signal^ etc., and of the importance of suppressing that spirit which has driven us from Missouri, etc. ; that he would go in for an effective ordinance. "Mayor said at the time Gov. Carlin was pursuing him with his writs, Wm. Law came to his house with a band of Missourians, for the purpose of betraying him; came to his gate, and was prevented by Daniel Cairns, wlio was set to watch. Law came within his gate and called Maj^or, and the Mayor reproved Law for coming at that time of night, with a company of strangers. " Daniel Cairns sworn : — Said that about 10 o'clock at night a boat came up the river, with al)out a dozen men. Wm. Law came to 308 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. the ^ate with them, witness on guard. Stopped them. Law called Joseph to the door and wanted an interview. Joseph said, ' Bro. Law, yon know better than to come here at this hour of the night;' and Law retired. Next morning Law wrote a letter to apologize, which witness heard read, which was written apparently to screen himself from the censure of a conspiracy, and the letter betrayed a conspiracy on the face of it, "Adjourned at half-past 6 P. M. till Monday, 10th, at 10 o'clock A. M. "adjourned session. "June 10th, 10 o'clock A. M. "Alderman Harris presiding. " Mayor referred to Dr. Foster, and again read his letter of the 7th inst. (as before quoted.) " Cyrus Hills, a stranger, sworn: — Said one day last week, be- lieved^ it Wednesday, a gentleman whom witness did not know came into the sitting-room of the Nauvoo Mansion, and requested the Hon. Mayor to step aside, he wanted to speak with him. Mayor stepped through the door into the entry by 'the foot of the stairs, and the Gen. (Mayor) asked him what"^he wished. Foster, as wit- ness learned since was the gentleman's name, said he wanted some conversation on some business witness did not understand at the time. The Gen. refused to go any farther, and said he would have no conversation in private; what should be said should be in public; and told Foster if he would choose three or four men, he would meet him with the same number of men, among whom was his brother Hyrum, and they would have a cool and calm investiga- tion of the subject, and by his making a proper satisfaction, things ■ should be honorably adjusted. Witness judged from the manner in which Foster expressed himself that he agreed to the Mayor's proposals, and would meet him the same day, in presence of friends. Heard no proposals made by Mayor to Foster for settlement, heard nothing about any offers of dollars, or money, or any other offer except those mentioned before; nothing said about Wm. Law; was within hearing of the parties at the time conversation was going on. "O, P. Eockwell sworn: — Some day last week, said Dr. Faster rode up to the ISTauvoo Mansion and went in; witness went in, and found the Mayor and Dr. Foster in conversation. Gen. Smith was naming the men he would have present, among whom was Hyrum Smith, Wra. Marks, Lucien Woodworth and Peter Hawes, and Dr, Foster had leave to call an equal number of his friends, as wit- ness understood, for the purpose of having an interview on some matters in conversation. _ " The doctor's brother was proposed ; Gen. said he had no objec- tions; w^anted him present. "Dr. Foster started, saying he would be back shortly. Before Dr. F. left, the men whom Gen. Smith had named to be present at the conversation were sent for. HI8T0KY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 309 " Cross-examined, — Witness went into the house as Mayor and Dr. Foster were coming out of the bar-room into the hall; nothing said by the Mayor to Dr. Foster about his coming back; made no offer to Foster about a settlenaent. " Mayor said the first thing that occurred when he stepped into the hall with Foster, was that he wanted to assassinate him; he saw something sliining below his vest; Mayor put his finger on it and said, ' What is tJiatf Foster replied, ^ It is my pistol^'' and immediately took out the pistol and showed it openly, and wanted the Mayor to go with him Alone. Mayor said he would not go alone. Mayor never saw the pistol before; had a hook on its side, to hang on his waistcoat. "Andrew L. Lamaraux sworn: — Said that in 1839 or '40, while President Joseph Smith, Elder Kigdon, Judge liigbee, O. P. Rockwell and Dr. R. D. Foster, on their way to Washington, called at witness' house in Dayton,'Ohio; the evening w^as spent very agreeably, except some dissatisfaction on the part of certain females with regard to the conduct of Dr. Foster. On their return from Washington, witness informed President Smith of Foster's conduct. President Smith said he had frequently reproved Foster for such conduct, and he had promised to do better, and told wit- ness to reprove Foster if he saw anything out of the way. That evening Foster refused to join the company, and walked through the town till about 8 o'clock, when he came in and interrupted President Smith, who was expounding some passages of scriptures, and changed the conversation. Soon after the company was invited to Mr. Brown's at the next door, whither they all repaired. While at Mr. Brown's, conversation going on, and the room much crowded. Dr. Foster and one of the hidies he had paid so much attention to befoi'e, took their seats in one corner of the room. Witness heard her state to Dr. Foster that she supposed she had been en ceinte for some time back, but had been disappointed, and supposed it was on account of her weakness, and wanted Foster to prescribe something for her. Foster said he could do it for her, and dro])ped his hand to her feet, and began to raise it, she gave him a slight push and threw herself close to the wall. " Pie laid his hand on her knee, and whispered so low that witness could not hear. Next morning witness went in while Foster and others were at breakfast, and related what he had seen. Foster denied it. President Smith told him not to deny it, for he saw it himself and was ashamed of it. Foster confessed it was true, and promised to reform. " Peter Hawes sworn.: — Said that he had come to Nauvoo before the Laws and brought considerable property; it was a short time after the Church had been driven out of Missouri, and had arrived in this place. The families having been robbed of all in Missouri were in a starving condition. By the counsel of the Presidency, witness converted his funds to feeding the poor, bringing in meat and flour, etc., and while thus engaged drew upon the Laws, who 310 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. were at that time engaged in merchandise, to the amount of some six hundred dollars, which, on account of expenditure for the poor, he was not able to pay, to within some YO or SO dollars, whicli the\' pressed him for as soon as they wanted it, although he offered them good property at considerable less than the market value. As witness was obliged to leave the city on Church business for a little season, Wm. Law threatened and intimidated witness' family during his absence for the pay. "Dr. Foster made a public dinner on the 4th of July. Witness was obliged to be absent, and deposited meat, flour, etc., withAVm. Law, to give to the poor at that dinner, and Law handed it out as his own private property. "Witness carried a load of wheat to Law's mill to be ground. Law would not grind it only to give a certain quantity of flour in return by weight. Law used up the flour, promising from time to time he would refund it. As wit- ness was about to start on a mission to the South, with valise in hand, saw Law before his door, talking with Llyrnm Smith; called on Law and told him he was going away, and his family wanted the flour: Law promised on the honor of a gentleman and a saint, his family shoultl have the flour when they wanted. " Councilor H. Smith said he recollected the time and circum- stance. " Hawes said when he returned, found his family must have starved if they had not borrowed money to get food somewhere else — could not get it of Law. And Law was preaching jm/ie- tualify, PUNCTUALITY, PUiN'OTUALITy, as the whole drift of his discourses to the saints; and abusing them himself all the time, and grinding the poor. "Mayor said if he had a City Council who felt as he did, the establishment (referring to the Nauvoo Expositor) would be a nuisance before night; and he then read an editorial from the Nauvoo Expositor. Lie then asked, ' Who ever said a word against Judge Emmons until he has attacked this Council, or even against Joseph H. Jackson or the Laws, until they came out against the city? Here is a paper (Nauvoo Expositor') that is exciting our enemies abroad. Joseph H. Jackson has been proved a murderer before this Council.' He declared the paper a nui- sance, a greater nuisance than a dead carcass. They make a crimi- nality for a man to have a wife on the earth, while he has one in heaven, according to the keys of the holy Priesthood; and he then read a statement of William Law's from the Expositor.^ where the truth of God was transformed into a lie concerning this thing. He then read several statements of Austin Cowles in t\\Q Expositor concerning a private interview, and said he never had anj' private conversation with Austin Cowles on these subjects; that he preached on the stand from the Bible, showing the order in ancient days, having nothing to do with the present times. AVhat the opposition party want, is to raise a mob on us and take the spoil from us, as they did in Missouri. He said it was as much as he HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 311 could do to keep his clerk, Thompson, from publishing the proceed- ings of the Laws, and causing the people to rise up against them, Said he would rather die to-morrow and have the thing smashed, than live and have it go on, for it was exciting the spirit of moboc- racy among the people and bringing death and destruction upon us. "Peter Hawes recalled a circumstance, which he had forgotten to mention, concerning a Mr. Smith who came from England and soon after died. The children had no one to protect them; there was one girl 16 or 17 years old and a younger sister. AVitness took these girls into his family out of pity. AVilson Law, then Major-General of the JNauvoo Legion, was familiar with the eldest daughter. AYitness cautioned the girl. Wilson was soon there again and went out in the evening with the girl, wlio, when charged by witness's wife, confessed that Wilson Law had seduced her. Wilson told her he could not keep her. The girl w^ept, made much ado, and many promises. Witness told her if she would do right she might stay; but she did not keep her promise. Wilson came again and she went out with him. Witness required her to leave his house. " Mayor said certain women came to complain to his wife, that they had caugiit AVilson Law with the girl on the floor at Mr; Ilawes' in the night. " Councilor C. H. Smith proceeded to show the falsehood of Austin Cowles in the Expositor^ in relation to the revelation referred to, that it was in reference to former days, and not the present time, as related by Cowles. '' Mayor said he had never preached the revelation in private, as lie had in public; had not taught it to the anointed in the Church in private, which statement many present confirmed, that on inquiring concerning the passage in the resurrection concerning 'they neither marry nor are given in marriage,' etc., he received for answer, ' Men in this life must marry in view of eternity, otherwise they must remain as angels, or be single in heaven, which was the amount of the revelation referred to; ' and the Mayor spoke at considerable length in explanation of this principle and was willing for one to subscribe his name, to declare the Ex2)Ositor and whole ostablishment a nuisance. 2 o'clock P. M. "The Clerk of the Council bore testimony to the good character antl high standing of Mr. Smith and his family, whose daughter was seduced by Wilson Law, as stated by the last witness before the morning Council; that Mrs. Smith died near the mouth of the Mississippi, and the father and eldest daughter died soon after their arrival in this place; and that the seduction of such a youth- ful, fatherless and innocent creature by such a man in high stand- ing as the Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion was one of the darkest, damndest and foulest deeds on record. 312 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. " Councilor Hyrnm Smith concurred in the remarks made by the clerk concerning the excellent character of Mr. Smith and his family. " Mayor said the Constitution did not authorize the press to publish libels, and proposed that the Council make some provision for putting down the Nauvoo Expositor. " Councilor Hyrura Smith called for a prospectus of the Expos- itor. " Councilor Phelps read article 8, section 1, Constitution of Illinois. " Mayor called for the Charter. " Tlie Clerk read the prospectus of the Nauvoo Expositor. "Mayor read the statements of Francis M. Higbee from the Expositor aud asked, 'Is it not treasonable against all chartered rights and privileges, and against the peace and happiness of the city?' "•Councilor H. Smith was in favor of declaring the Exjyositor o, nuisance. "Councilor Taylor said no city on earth would bear such slan and he would not bear it, and was decidedly in favor of active measures. "Mayor made a statement of what Wm. Law said before the City Council under oath, that he was a friend to the Mayor, etc., etc., and asked if there were any present who recollected his statement, when scores responded, Yes! "Councilor Hunter was one of the grand jury; said "Wm. Law stated before the grand jury that he did not say to the Council that he was Joseph's friend. " Councilor Taylor continued: ' Wilson Law was President of this Council during the passage of many ordinances, and referred to the Pecords. Wm. Law and Emmons were members of the Council; and Emmons has never objected to any ordinance while in the Council; but has been more like a cipher, and is now become editor of a libelous paper, and is trying to destroy our charter and ordinances.' " He then read from the Constitution of the United States on the freedom of the press, and said, ' We are willing they should pub- lish the truth; but it is unlawful to publish libels; the Expositor is a nuisance and stinks in the nose of every honest man.' "Mayor read from Illinois Constitution, article 8, section 2, touching the responsibility of the press for its Constitutional liberty. " Councilor Stiles said a nuisance was any thing that disturbs the peace of a community, and read Blackstone on Private Wrongs, vol. ii, page 4; and the whole community has to rest under the stigma of these falsehoods, referring to the Expository and if we can prevent the issuing of any more slanderous communications, he would go in for it. It is right for this community to show a HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 313 proper resentment, and lie would go in for suppressing all further communications of the kind. "Councilor H. Smith believed the best way was to smash the press and ' pi ' the type. "Councilor Johnson concurred w^ith the Councilor who had spoken. "Alderman Bennett referred to the statement of the Expositor concerning the Municipal Court in the case of Jeremiah Smith as a libel, and considered the paper a public nuisance. " Councilor Warrington considered his a peculiar situation, as he did not belong to any Church or any party; thought it might be considered rather harsh for the Council to declare the paper a nuisance, and proposed giving a few days' limitation and assessing a fine of $3,000 for every libel, and if they would not cease pub- lishing libels, to declare it a nuisance, and said the statutes made a provision for a fine of $500. " Mayor replied that they threatened to shoot him when at Car- thage, and the women and others dare not go to Carthage to pros- ecute; and read a libel from the Expositor concerning the impris- onment of Jeremiah Smith. "Councilor H. Smith spoke of the Warsaw Signal and disap- proved its libelous course. " Mayor remarked he was sorry to have one dissenting voice in declaring the Expositor a nuisance. " Councilor Warrington did not mean to be understood to go against the proposition; but would not be in haste in declaring it a nuisance. "Councilor H. Smith referred to the mortgages and property of the proprietors of the Expositor and thought there would be little chance of collecting damages for libels. "Alderman E. Smith considered there was but one course to pursue; that the proprietors were out of the reach of the law; that our course was to put an end to the thing at once; believed, by what he had heard, that if the city did not do it, others would. " Councilor Hunter believed it to be a nuisance; referred to the opinion of Judge Pope on habeas corpms^ and spoke in favor of the charter, etc.; asked Francis M. Higbee before the grand jury if he was not the man he saw at Joseph's house making professions of friendship; Higbee said he was not [hundreds know this state- ment to be false] ; he also asked R. D. Foster if he did not state before hundreds of people that he believed Joseph to be a propliet; ' No,' said Foster. They were under oath when they said it. [Many hundreds of people are witness to this perjury.] " Alderman Spencer accorded with the views expressed, that the Nauvoo Expositor is a nuisance; did not consider it wise to give them time to trumpet a thousand lies. Their property could not pay for it; if we pass only a fine or imprisonment, have we any con- fidence that they will desists None at all! AVe have found these men covenant-breakers with God! with their wives! ! etc. Have 314 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. we any hope of their doing better? Their characters have gone be- fore them; shall they be suffered to go on, and bring a mob upon US and mujder our women and children, and burn our beautiful city? No! I had rather my blood would be spilled at once, and would like to have the press removed as soon as the ordinance would allow, and wish the matter might be put into the hands of the Mayor, and everybody stand by him in the execution of his duties, and hush every murmur. " Councilor Levi Kichards said he had felt deeply on this sub- ject, and concurred fully in the view General Smith had 'expressed of it this day;' thought it unnecessary to repeat what the Council perfectly understood; considered private interest as nothing in com- parison*^with the public good. Every time a line was formed in the far West he was there, for what? To defend it against just such scoundrels and influence as the Nauvoo Expositor and its support- ers were directly calculated to bring against us again. Considered the doings of the Council this day of immense moment, not to this city alone, but to the whole world; would go in to put a stop to the thing at once; let it be thrown out of this city, and the responsi- bility of countenancing such a press be taken off our shoulders and fall on the State if corrupt enough to sustain it. " Councilor Phineas Richards said that he had not forgotten the transactions at Haun's Mills, and that he recollected that his son, George Spencer, then lay in the well referred to, on the day pre- vious, without a winding-sheet, shroud, or coffin. He said he could not sit still when he saw the same spirit raging in this place; he considered the publication of the Expositor as much murderous at heart as David was before the death of Uriah. Was for making a short work of it; was prepared to take his stand by the Mayor, and whatever he proposes, would stand by him to the last. The quicker it is stopped the better. " Councilor Phelps had investigated the Constitution, Charter, and laws; the power to declare that office a nuisance is granted to us, in the Springfield charter, and a resolution declaring it a nuisance is all that is required. "John Birney sworn: — Said Francis M. Higbee and Wm. Law declared they had commenced their operations and would carry them out, law or no law. "Stephen Markham sworn: — Said that Francis M. Higbee said the interest of this city is done the moment a hand is laid on their press. " Councilor Phelps continued, and referred to Wilson Law in destroying the character of a child, an orphan child, who had the charge of another child. "Warren Smith sworn: — Said F. M. Higbee came to him and proposed to have him go in as a partner in making bogus money. Higbee said he would not work for a living; that witness might go in with him if he would advance fifty dollars, and showed him (witness) a half dollar he said was made in his dies. f% » \ /^A- La Ha/rpe Tp. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 3lY "Councilor Phelps continued, and said he felt deeper this day than ever he felt before, and wanted to know, by ' Yes,' if there were any present who wanted to avenge the blood of that innocent female who had been seduced by the then Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion, Wilson Law, when ' Yes ' resounded from every quarter of the house. He then referred to the tea plot at Boston, and asked if anybody's rights were taken away witli that trans- action, and 'Are we offering, or have we offered to take away the rights of any one these two days?' {N'ofJ! resounded from every quarter.) lie then referred also to Law's grinding the poor during the scarcity of grain, while the poor had nothing but themselves to grind; and spoke at great length in support of active measures to put down iniquity and suppress the spirit of mobocracy. " Alderman Harris spoke from the chair, and expressed his feelings that the press ought to be demolished. " The following resolution was then read and passed unanimously, with the exception of Councilor Warrington: Resolved, By the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, that the printing office from whence issues the Nauvoo Expositor is a public nuisance, and also all of said Nauvoo ExpontorH which may be or exist in said establishment; and| the Mayor is instructed to cause said printing establishment and papers to be renioved without delay, in such manner as he shall direct. Passed June 10th, 1844. Geo. W. Harris, Prest. pro tern. W. Richards, Recorder. 6 o'clock, p. m., Council adjourned. This certifies that the foregoing i^ a true and correct synopsis of the proceedings of the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, on the 8th and 10th days of June, 1844, in relation to the Nauvoo Expositor and proprietors, as taken from the minutes of said Council. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, [l. s.] and the corporation seal, at Nauvoo, this 17th day of June, 1844. WiLLAED Richards, Recorder and Clerk of the City Council. The following order was immediately issued by the Mayor: STATE OF ILLINOIS, I City of Nauvoo. ) To tlie Mdj'fthal of Hoid Gity^ Greeting: YoH are hereby commanded to destroy the printing press from whence issues the Nauvoo Exjyositor, and pi the type of said printing establishment in the street, and burn all the Expositors and libelous hand-bills found in said establishment; and if resistance be offered to your execution of this order, by the owners or others, demolish the house, and if any one threatens you, or the Mayor, or the officers of the City, arrest those who threaten you and fail not to execute this order without delay and make due return hereon. By order of the City Council. Joseph Smith, Mayor. Marshal's return — The within named press and type is destroyed and pied according to order, on this 10th day of June, 1844, at about 8 o'clock, p. m. J. P. Green, C. M. Headquarters Nauvoo Legion,) June 10, 1844. y To Jonathan Diinhom, luiimj Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion: You are hereby commanded to hold the 'Nauvoo Legion in readiness, forthwith to execute the City ordinances, and especially to remove the printing establishment 20 318 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. of the Nauvoo E.rposito)-. and this you arc required to do at sight, vuidcr the penalty of the laws; provided the IMarshal shall require it, and need j'our services. Joseph Smith, Lieut. -General Nauvoo Legion. PROCLAMATION. Mayor's Offick, Nauvoo, June 16, 1S41:. " As there are a nmtiber of statetnents in circulation which have for their object tlie injury of the 'Latter-Day Saints,' all of which are false, and prompted by black-hearted villians, I therefore deem it my duty to disabuse the public mind in regard to them, and to give a plain statement of facts which have taken place in the citv within a few days past, and which has brought upon us the displeasure of the unprincipled and the uninformed, and seems to afford an opportunity to our enemies to unite and arouse themselves to mob; and already they have commenced their hellish operations by driving a few defenseless Mormons from their houses and homes ill the vicinity of Warsaw and Carthage. " A short time since a press was started in this city which iiad for its object the destruction of the institutions of the city, both civil and religious; its proprietors are a set of unprincipled scoun- drels, who attempted in every conceivable way to defame the char- acter of the most virtuous of our community, and change cur peaceful and prosperous city into a place as evil and polluted as their own black hearts. To rid the city of a paper so filthy and pesti- lential as this, becomes the duty of every good citizen who loves good order and morality; a complaint was made before the City Council, and after a full and impartial investigation it was voted, without one dissenting voice, a public nuisance, and to be imme- diately destroyed; the peace and happiness of the place demanded it, the virtue of our wives and daughters demanded, and our con- sciences demanded it at our hands as conservators of the public peace. That we acted right in this matter we have the assurance of one of the ablest expounders of the laws of England, viz.: Black- stone, the (constitution of the State of Illinois, and our own chartered rights. If then our charter gives us the power to decide what shall be a nuisance and cause it to be removed, where is the offense? What law is violated? If then no law has been violated, why this ridiculous excitement and bandying with lawless ruffians to destroy the happiness of a people whose religious motto is 'peace and goodwill toward all men?' " Our city is infested with a set of blacklegs, counterfeiters and debauchees, and that the proprietors of this press were of that class, the minutes of the Municipal Court fully testify, and in ridding our young and flourishing city of such characters, we are abused by not only villainous demagogues, but by some who, from their station and influence in society, ought rather to raise than depress the standard of human excellence. We have no disturbance or excitement among us, save what is made by the thousand and one idle rumors afloat in the country. Every one is protected in his HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 319 person and property, and but few cities of a population of twenty thousand people, in the United States, hath less of dissipation or vice of any kind, than the city of Nauvoo. "Of the correctness of our conduct in this affair, we appeal to every high Court in the State, and to its ordeal we are willing to appear at any time that His Excellency, Governor Ford, shall please to call us before it. I therefore, in behalf of the Municipal Court of Nauvoo, warn the lawless not to be precipitate in any interfer- ence in our affairs, for as sure as there is a God in Israel we shall ride triumphant over all oppression. "Joseph Smith, Mayor." It was stated at the time, that the brothers, Joseph and Hyrum-, were occasionally, during the two da^^s' discussion in the Council, highly excited, and indulged in violent language. The former is reported to have vehemently exclaimed: " If you will not stick by me, and wade to your knees hi hlood^ for my sake, you unay go toJi — I and he d — take the prisoners and run them into Missouri — was as far as any pur- pose went, until they reached the door of the jail. There they were met with resistance — with fight; a defense certainly to have been expected; and it ended in death. It has been stated that tw.o or three of the mobbers were wounded and carried away. We know not whether this is so. This "Book of Daniels," referred to above, was such a curiosity in itself, and contained so many wonderful statements, that we should be glad to copy it entire as a specimen of the literature and truthfulness of the times. It was put forth by one AVm. M. Dan- iels, a good-for-nothing youth, whom no one ever heai'd of before or since, who says that he was among the AV^arsaw troo]^s, and at the jail wlu;ii the deed was done, and that afterward he was M-arned in a dream that he must go and join the Saints, and publish his knowledge to the world, in order to further the ends of justice. lie accordingly went to Nauvoa, and, with the assistance of a typo there, 326 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. his book was ushered to the world. But we must content ourselves with a very short extract. He says that on the way to Carthage, after being disbanded, the Warsaw troops concocted the plan of killing the Smiths; that Sharp, and Grover, and Davis, and others, openly boasted of it along the road; that they sent a squad of men on ahead, to confer with the Carthage Greys; that a portion of the latter came out to meet them with a proposition, which was agreed upon; that the Greys stood and looked on while the killing was going on, etc., etc. He says, that after Joseph fell to the ground — A fellow six feet tall and upward, holding a pewter flute in his hands, bare- headed and bare-footed, having on nothing but his pants and shirt, with his sleeves rolled above his elbows, and his pants rolled above his knees, picked him up instantly and set him up on the south side of the well curb, situated three or fom- feet from the building. As the ruffian sprang over the fence to Gen. Smith, and while he was in tlie act of picking him up, he said : "This is old Jo; I know him. I know you, old Jo. Damn you ! You are the man that had my daddy shot." The reason of his talking in this way, I suppose, was that he wished to pass himself to Gen. Smith as being the sou of Gov. Boggs. * * * Four of the ruffians who stood in front of Col. Williams, about eight feet east of the curb, were ordered by Williams to fire. They raised their muskets and the fire was simultaneous. * * * After the breath had left his body, the person I have previously described, who had passed as the son of Gov. Boggs, caught up a bowie knife for the purpose of cutting off his head. The knife was raised ready to strike, when a light, so strange, so bright and sudden, flashed between him and the corpse, that he and the four men who had shot him were struck with terror and consternation. Their muskets fell from their hands, and they stood like marble, not having power to move a single limb. They were about to be left, when Col. Williams, who had also beheld and been terrified at the light, shouted out to the men, "For God's sake, come and carry away these men !" They were obliged to carry them awaj^ as they were as helpless as though they were dead. This light was something like a flash of lightning, and was so much brighter than the day, tliat after it had passed, it left a slight darkness like a tAvilight. Daniels further states tliat when it became known that he was going to be a witness against the accused, and the nature of his testimony became public, the sum of $2,500 was offered him to leave the State; this failing, efforts were made to put him ont ot the way by violence! BEFORE INDICTMENT AND TRIAL. During the summer and fall (lS4i), after the death of the lead- ers, great dissatisfaction and trouble existed at Nauvoo, growing mainly out of the struggle for tlie succession. Kigdon and his adherents were at work against Brigham Young and the rest of the Twelve. Many of the rank and file were becoming lukewarm, and were quietly leaving the city; at the same time numbers were retiring from the Mormon settlements in other parts of the county, some locating in the city, and others scattering to other counties, and in doing so were stealing liberally from the Gentiles. To add to the excitement a Grand Military Encampment was called to be held at Warsaw on the 2d of October. This call was cii-culated i^ handbill, and was dated 27th Sept., signed by Col. Williams, Major Aldrich, and a number of officers of independent companies in the neighborhood of Warsaw. We are assured that this movement aetuallv intended nothing HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 327 beyond what was expressed in the call, bat it gave great uneasiness to the Mormons and their friends. They saw in it something more than a peaceful military display; and it soon became magni- fied into a great wolf hunt, in which the wolves hunted were to be Mormons in sheep's clothing. The excitement spread, and the Governor was appealed to for protection. His Excellency, ever ready to believe any thing prejudicial to the old citizens, in this case allowed himself to be imposed upon, and without proper inquiry, decided to send an expedition with troops into the county. A proclamation was accordingly issued, calling for volunteers (2,500 required), and after a delay of several days a force of about 450 men was marched into Hancock, the whole under command of Col. John J. Hardin, accompanied bv the Governor himself. The two Quincy companies were sent directly to Nauvoo, by way of the river. Peoj)le were reluctant to volunteer, believing that the Gov- erno'* was engaged in an unnecessary and uncalled-for enterprise. Some days previous to the call for troops, Murra}' McConnell, Esq., of Jacksonville, had been sent into the county, to Carthage and J^anvoo; and the result was that Messrs. Williams and Sharp of Warsaw, and the Laws and Fosters of Rock Island, with Joseph H. Jackson, were selected as examples for arrest, and writs for them were accordingly issued by Aaron Johnson, a Nauvoo Justice of the Peace. These writs, excepting as to Col. Williams, were served ; but all refused to go to JNTauvoo for hearing, and no attempt was made to take them there. After a delay of a day or two at Carthage, the Governor's army ■was marched to Kauvoo on the 27th, and encamped about a mile and a half below the city near the Mississippi. On the 2Sth the Xauvoo Legion was paraded for review. From Nauvoo the troops were ordered to Warsaw, where they arrived on the 29th, and encamped in the suburbs. As the troops approached the town, the men apprehending arrest, with some of their friends, quietly repaired across the river to Alexandria. Knowing this fact, Gov. Ford chartered a keel-boat at Montebello, and had it secretly dropped down to the vicinity of Warsaw; intending to use it that night in kidnapping the men from Missouri, and bringing them to the Illinois side. But during the afternoon Cols. Hardin and Baker visited the Missouri side, and had a conference with the accused. An agreement was entered into by wdiich Williams and Sharp (Jackson being sick) agreed to give themselves up on con- dition that they be taken before Judge Thomas for examination, with some other conditions as to bail, etc. The writ was accord- ingly read to them, and afterwards, with Col. Baker, escorted by Quincy troops, they were sliipped to Quincy in quest o'" the Judge. Here, after waiting two days, and no prosecuting witnesses a]>pear- ing, they entered into voluntary recognizance to appear at next term of Court, and were set at liberty; thus leaving the whole mat- ter as it was previous to the Governor's expedition. 328 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. All this occurred just previous to the October term of Court, at which the indictments were found. Mention has been made of Joseph H. Jackson . Mr. J. was an adven- turer of fine appearance and gentlemanly manners, who appeared in the county during the troubles; went to ISTauvoo and became quite intimate with the prophet and the leaders; afterwards turned against them, went to "Warsaw and published a pamphlet claiming to be an exposure of Mormonism and the evil purposes and prac- tices of its chiefs. This pamphlet made many serious charges against Smith and his adherents — charges of murder and conspir- acy, of counterfeiting, debauchery, spiritual-wifsry, etc. ; and claimed that he had gone among them with the sole view of ingratiating himself and then exposing them. His expose was of much the same character as that of General Bennett. As in the case of the latter, much of his statement was corroborated by cir- cumstances, and much lacked confirmation. The equivocal position in which he stood, it is proper to say, tended to lessen the confi- dence of the public in his statements, and his little book made but slight impression. The Mormons charged that he was an adven- turer of the worst class, and came there to practice his trade of counterfeiting, etc., and quarrelled with the prophet and the authorities because he was detected and exposed. TRIALS AND ACQUITTALS. At the October term, 1844, of the Hancock Circuit Court — present, Jesse B. Thomas, Judge; William Elliott, Prosecuting Attorney; Jacob B. Backenstos, Clerk, and Gen. Minor R. Dem- ing, Sheriff. The following composed the Grand Jury: Abrain Lincoln, Thomas Gilmore, James Reynolds, Benj. Warrington, Thomas J. Graham, Reuben H. Loomis, Wm. M. Owens, Samuel Scott, Ebenezer Rand, James Ward, Thomas Brawuer, Samuel Ramsey, Ralph Gorrell, Thomas H. Owen, Brant Agnert, David Thompson, Martin Yetter, John J. Hickok. William Smith, Abram Golden, E. A. Bedell, and Geo. Walker, excused for cause. Samuel Marshall refused to serve, and fined tS.OO. The Court began its session on Monday, the 21st. There had been rumors indus- triously circulated that the old citizens intended to rally and interpose obstacles in the way of the Coiu-t, and considerable anxietj^ was felt. The Judge in his charge to the Grand Jury alluded to this rum or, and said he was glad to see thafno such demon- strations were being made. He charged them to do their duty in the cases likely to come before them, and leave the consequences. His charge gave general satis- faction. There was a rumor that a lot of Mormons and Indians were encamped near town, and this rumor occasioned considerable uneasiness. Orders were issued to investi- gate. The facts turned out to be that a number of Mormons had come down from Nauvoo to attend Court, and had gone into camp to save expense. As to the Indians, it was ascertained that a company of them had gone tlu-ough the county, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 329 on their way to Iowa, for some purpose not known ; but the two facts had no con- nection with each other. On Tuesday the Grand Jury began their work, and on Saturday al^out noon, they brought into Court two bills of indictment against nine individuals; one for the murder of Joseph Smith, and the other for the murder of his brotlier Ilyrum. Tlie persons indicted were as follows: Levi Williams, Jacob C. Davis, Mark Aldrich, Thos. C Sharp, William Voras, John Wills, Wm. N. Grover, Gallaher and Allen. Murray McConnell, Esq., of Jacksonville, by special .-ippointment of the Governor, was present, assisting Mr. Elliott in the prosecution. Messrs. Bushnell and Johnson of Quincy and Calvin A. Warren, and perhaps others, appeared for defendants. Immediately on announcement of the indictments, most of the defendants appeared, and asked for an immediate trial. This Mr. McConnell objected to on the ground of not being ready. His witnesses before the Grand Jury had departed without being recognized, and besides, Mr. Elliott had gone. It was finally agreed that the causes be postponed until next term, and that no aiputs should issue from the Clerk in the interim, if the defendants would pledge them- selves to appear at the time agreed on — a compact which was afterward violated by the prosecution. Subpcenas were asked for by the prosecution for between thirty and forty witnesses, among whom wereWm. M. Daniels and Brackenberry, the two miracle men, and John Taylor, Mrs. Emma Smith, and Governor Ford. On May 19, 1845, Court again met in special term at Carthage — present, Richard M. Young, Judge; James 11. Ralston, Prosecuting Attorney; David E. Head, Clerk; and M. R. Deming, Sheriff! The cause of The People vs. Williams et al. coming up, Messrs. Williams, Davis, Aldrich, Sharp and Grover appeared, and were admitted to bail on personal recognizance in the sum of $5,000 jointly and severall3\ Josiali Lam born, of Jacksonville, as Assist- ant Prosecutor; and Wm. A. Richardson, O. H. Browning, Calvin A. Warren, Archibald AVilliams, O. C. Skinner and Thos. Morri- son for defendants. Motion of defendants to quash the array of jurors for first week, on account of supposed prejudice of County Commissioners, who selected them, and of the Sheriff and deputies, was sustained. Also, motion for the appointment of elisors for the same cause, and absence of Coroner from the county. The array was set aside, and Thomas H. Owen and Wm. D. Abernethy appointed elisors for the case. These gentlemen had a thankless and arduous duty to perform. Usually it is not hard to find men willing to sit on juries; in this case but few were willing to try the experiment of going to Court, with the almost certainty of being rejected by one or the other party; and the position was not an enviable one, if taken. Kinety-six men were summoned and brought into Court before the requisite panel of twelve was full. The following are the names of the jurors chosen: Jesse GrifBtts, Jonathan Foy, Joseph Jones, Solomon J. HiU, Wm. Robertson, James Gittings, Wm. Smith, F. M. Walton, Joseph Massey, Jabez A. Beebe, Silas Griffitts, Gilmore Callison. The trial lasted till the 30th, when the jury was instructed by the Court, and, after a deliberation of several hours, returned a verdict of Not Guilt If. 330 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. • Instructions to the jury had been asked by both parties. The following, among a list of nine asked by defendants' counsel, were given, and probably had most influence on the verdict: That where the evidence is circumstantial, admitting all to be proven which the evidence tends to prove, if then the jmy can make anj' supposition consistent with tlie facts, by which the murder might have been committed without the agencj^ of the defendants, it will be their duty to make that supposition, and find defendants not guilty. That in making up their verdict, they will exclude from their consideration all that was said by Daniels, Brackenberry, and Miss Graham. [Witnesses.] That whenever the probability is of a definite and limited nature, whether in the proportion of 100 to 1 or of 1,000 to 1, or any ratio, is immaterial, it cannot be safely made the ground of conviction; for to act upon it in any case would be to decide that for tlie sake of convicting many criminals, the life of one innocent man might be sacrificed. — [Staekie, 508. Same defendants, for murder of Hyrum Smith, were required to enter into recognizance of $5,000 each (with 14 sureties) to the June term, 1845. At said term case was called, and Elliott and Lainborn not answering, the cause was dismissed for want of pros- ecution, and defendants discharged. It has been the custom for sensational writers to treat this trial and verdict as farcical and an outrage. One of these writers. Col. John Haj, now of the State Department at Washington, though then a mere boy, was jet raised in the county, and had within his reach correct sources of information. In the Atlantic Monthly for Dec, 1869, he has a lengthy article, abounding in extravagant and sensational statements and surmises, among which we quote only the following: "The case was closed. There was not a man on the jury, in the Court, in the county, that did not know the defendants had done the murder. But it was not proven, and the verdict of Not Guilty was right in law." Here is a iiing at the jury, the Judge, and people; and we ven- ture to characterize it as extremely unjust. We know the writer intended to perpetrate no wrong. He was too intimately con- nected with some of the accused — indeed, with all concerned — to desire them wrong; but he aimed to produce a readable story for the Atlantic^ which he did, though at the expense of candor and justice. Another fling at the jury was equallj' nnjust: " The elisors presented ninety-six men before twelve were found ignorant enough and indiflerent enough to act as jurors." Some of those men we knew — not all; and we know that they, instead of being " ignorant and indiflerent," were men of intelli- gence, probity and worth. There were some circumstances connected with those cases, not generall}'^ known, that tend to show how difficult it was to find out the guilty ones. The Mormons had had one John C. Elliott arrested and bound over, charged with the offense; they had also had writs for the Laws, and Fosters, and Higbees, at Rock Island, under the same charge. And when the Grand Jury was in session, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 331 the names of some sixty individuals were presented by tlie prose- cution for indictment. One of those sixty has informed us that he since learned that he narrowly escaped indictment, although, being one of the Warsaw men, he returned immediately home after dis- bandment, and had no knowledge of the affair till after it was over. It has since transpired that the Grand Jury voted on the whole sixty together at the first, and failing of an indictment, struck off ten and voted again, and so on until the last nine were reached, when the indictment carried. It has also been ascertained that the Grand Jury found bills against the nine, some as principals and some as accessories solely on the testimony of the three witnesses whose testimony on the trial the Court instructed the petit jury to disregard. From all these facts it is verj' easy to say .that a murder had been committed; that somebody had done the deed. But to say that among the Elliotts, Laws, and Fosters, and Iligbees, and long list of men charged, those five or six who were on trial had done it, and the jury, and Court, and everybody else knew it, is saying A GKEAT DEAL. STRUGGLE FOR THE SUCCESSION. If anything were needed to convince one of the fully and wicked- ness of Mormonism, it is to be found in the quarrels and conten- tions of the leaders. During the prophet's lifetime he was contin- ually at variance with one or more of his former followers and trusted associates; denouncing and excommunicating them one month, and the next taking them back to his embrace and confi- dence. Cowdery, Harris, Whitmer, Rigdon, Phelps, "Williams, and many others, had been sent by his maledictions to " buffet with Satan for a thousand years;" and long before their time was out, taken back again and the malediction removed. So, after his death, a great struggle began for the possession of the mantle that had fallen from his shoulders. The grief at his death was genuine on the part of the main body; but on the part of the few, its bitterness was assuaged by the hope of assuming his place and honors. Rigdon, who had the best right — having furnished the principal brain supply for the concern at its origin — was soon sent back to Pittsburg with a flea in his ear. He had made the inexcusable and unlucky mistake of moving to carry the delusion back to the East. Young, wiser and more discerning, adopted the idea of following the setting sun; and he succeeded in overcoming all opposition. Absent when the prophet was killed, he hastened home, and quietly but firmly began to gather the reins of government about him — one by one securing the co-operation of his associates — till, before they knew it, he was supreme dictator, and they the pliant tools of his wall. William, the patriarch (all the Smiths, we believe, had been patriarchs), the only male member left of the family, also hurried to Nauvoo, to advance his claims. But he was vacillating and 332 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. weak, and sadly lacking in the traits requisite for a leader; and lie fell into the meshes of the others, and quietly settled down into the business of dispensino^ " patriarclial blessings" for pay; and the organ urged the brethren and sisters to patronize him. But the pay being insufficient, or for some other cause, he again became troublesome — flew off at a tangent — quarrelled with and denounced the Twelve — and finally went and joined James Y. Strang in Wisconsin. But after the leaders had left for the West, thinking there might be a chance again, he came back to Nauvoo, and tried to prevent the remnant from following Young into the wilderness. Failing again, he, Rigdon and Strang organized a trinity which drew off a great many of the faithful. Whether Strang had ever been with tliem at Nauvoo, we do not know. The first we hear of him is at a place he called Voree, in Wisconsin, where he tried the old game of finding plates, claimed the prophet's mantle by will from the prophet himself, got up revelations, issued a small monthly paper, and for a time made some noise in the Mor- mon world. The following illustrates his method of plate finding: Strang's four witnesses. On the 13th clay of September, 1845, we, Aaron Smith, Jirah B. Wheelan, James M. Van Nostrand, and Edward Whitcomb, assembled at the call of James J. Strang, who is by us and many others approved as a prophet and seer of God. He proceeded to inform us that it had been revealed to him in a vision that an account of an ancient people was buried in a hill south of White river bridge, near the east line, of Walworth county, and leading us to an oak tree about one foot in diameter, told us that we would find it enclosed in a case of rude earthen- ware under that tree e.t a depth of about three feet; requested us to dig it up, and charged us to examine the ground, that we should know we were not imposed upon, and that it had not been buried since the tree grew. The tree was sur- rounded by a sward of deeply rooted grass, such as is usually found in the open- ings, and upon the most critical examination we could not discover any indication that it had ever been cut through or distunjed. We then dug up the tree, and continued to dig to the depth of about three feet, where we found a case of slightly baked clay containing three plates of brass. On one side of one is a landscape view of the south end of Gardner's prairie, and the range of hills where they were dug. On another, is a man with a crown on his head and a scepter in his hand; above is an eye before an upright line; below the sun and moon surrounded by twelve stars; at the bottom are twelve large stars from three of which pillars arise, and closely interspersed with them are seven very small stars. The other four sides are very closely covered with, what appear to be alphabetic characters, but in a language of which we have no knowledge. The case was found imbedded in indurated clay so closely fitting that it broke in taking out, and the eartli below the soil was so hard as to be dug with difficulty, even with a pick-ax. Over the case was found a flat stone about one foot wide each way and three inches thick, which appeared to have undergone the action of fire, and fell in pieces after a few minutes' exposure to the air. The digging extended in the clay about eighteen inches, there being two kinds of earth of difterent color and appearance above it. We examined as we dug all the way with the utmost care, and we say, with utmost confidence, that no part of the earth through which we dug exhibited any sign or indication that it had been moved or disturbed at any time previous. The roots of the tree stuck down very closely on every side, extending below the case, and closely interwoven with roots from other trees. None of them had been broken or cut away. No clay is found in the country like that of which this case is made. In fine, we found an alphabetic and pictorial record, carefully cased up, buried deep in the earth, covered with a flat stone, with an oak tree one foot in diameter Q:y^^i^'y^-(>U'i^ iiJj^ 336 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. MORE VIOLENCE AND BLOODSHED. If the year 18-M was one of blood, that of 1845 was more bloody still. Excitement and violence prevailed during a great part ot the year. We have seen that Gen. Minor R. Deming M-as elected Sheriff ot the connty in August, 1844, and Jacob B. Backenstos and Almon "W. Babbitt members of the Legislature, by Mormon votes. More objectionable men to the Anti-Mormon citizens could scarcely have been found in the county. Gen. Deming was an officer of militia, and a citizen previously in no way identitied with the Mormon fraternity. He had resided on a farm some miles out of Carthage; was well educated and capable, and we think he was conscientious in his endeavors to do right. But he was extremel}' conservative in his respect for law and order. He was also conceited and self- willed, and had "an itching palm " for office, and the best way to obtain this was to ingratiate himself with the Mormon leaders. Mr. Backenstos was a new-comer into the county, imported, it was said, b}^ Judge Douglas from Sangamon, to take the office ot Circuit Clerk, which he had held for some time previous to his election to the Legislature. Babbitt was a Mormon lawj^er. He was expected to obey the behests of the Mormon leaders, of course. As the others obtained favor with the Mormons, they incurred the hatred and distrust of the other citizens of the county. As before stated, the agreement entered into that no arrests should be made of the parties indicted for killing the Smiths, was violated on the part of the prosecution, and frequent attempts were made by the Sheriff and his deputies to arrest some of them, during the winter. J. C. Davis, one of them, was State Senator. At the opening of the Legislative session he took his seat in that body. During the winter he was arrested at Springfield by an officer from Hancock countj, but was ordered released by resolution of the Senate. During the session a move was made to repeal the Nauvoo char- ters, and after discussion in the House was passed, January 21, 1845, by a vote of 76 to 3G. It subsequently passed the Senate. Messrs. Backenstos and Babbitt both made speeches against the repeal, the former taking occasion to violently denounce the old citizens of the county. For this speech, and his otherwise vindic- tive and objectionable course, a demonstration was made in the spring after his return, to drive him from the county. He soon afterward obtained an appointment through Congressman Hoge, to an office in the lead mines, and subsequently was made a Captain in the forces sent to the Mexican war. During the winter and spring, as a result of the unsettled state of affairs in Nauvoo, and the consequent hard times, there was an unusual amount of stealing done, not only in the city, but in other parts of the county. It extended to Adams, Henderson, and other adjoining counties. In Adams, where arrests could be made, there HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 337 were as many as eif^lit Mormons in jail at one time. In the city, the two parties, Tvvelveites and liigdonites, stole from each other; while in the country the Gentiles were the chief sufferers. This became so insupportable that public meetings were held at many points to devise means of })rotection and redress. Township com- mittees were appointed to collect statistics of these thefts, which was done, and many of them published, footing up hundreds of dollars in various townships. Some of these reports were no doubt exaggerated; but as many must have been omitted, it is safe to say that the totals fell short of the truth. Of course, it was not proven that all these depredations were committed by Mormons, and proba- bly were not. The charge has often been made that stealing was done on Mormon credit, which is in itself an admission against them; but that a vast percentage of it was done by them alone, all circumstances go to show. And events which transpired this year, show that they had among them some who did not hesitate at robbery and murder, as well as theft and burglary. On Saturday night, May 10, 18-15, a horrible murder was com- mitted near the town of Franklin, in Lee Co., Iowa, on the persons of John Miller, a Menonite German minister from Pennsylvania, and his s?5n-in-law, Leiza. The latter was not killed, but died of his wounds afterward. The locality is about ten or twelve miles from Nauvoo, and the murderers, three in number, were traced to that city. Their names were William Hodge, Stephen Hodge, and Thomas Brown. The Hodges were arrested on the 13th and conveyed to the Iowa penitentiary at Fort Madison, for safe keep- ing. On the 15th they were indicted by the Grand Jury at West Point, and on the 21st were arraigned for trial. They asked for a change of venue, and the cause was certified to DesMoines county. On the 21st of June they were put upon their trial at Burlington. They were defended by two eminent Burlington attorneys, J. C. Hall and F. D. Mills, assisted by George Edmunds, of iSTauvoo. The trial lasted about a week. Mason, District Judge, then sen- tenced them to be hung on the 15th of July. They were so executed. A peculiar cap worn by one of the murderers, and which he lost at the house of the murder, led to their arrest. They were traced to Nauvoo, and found at the house of their brother, Amos Hodge, in the suburbs. They were taken before Aaron Johnson, a Justice of the Peace, for examination, where they were defended by Almon W. Babbitt. Babbitt himself was afterward^murdered mysteriously in Utah, while U. S. District Attorney. On the night of the 23d of June, Irvin Hodge, brother to the accused, was assassinated in Nauvoo, while on his way home from a visit to them at Burlington. He had, it is said, endeavored to induce Brigham Young to send and have his brothers rescued from jail, and failing, was free in denouncing him for the neglect. But little notice was taken of this last murder in Nauvoo. The father of the Hodges was allowed to visit them before their execution, 33S HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. from his confinement in the Alton penitentiary, where he was under sentence for larceny. The patriarch Wm. Smith, in a letter to the Sangamo Journal^ dated Sept. 24, 18i6, says of the Hodges: " Irvin Hodge was mur- dered within twelve feet of Brigham Young's door. Amos Hodge was murdered, it is said, between Montrose and Nashville, Iowa, by Brigham Young's guard, who pretended to escort him out of Nauvoo for his safety, under cover of women's clothes, who then pretended that he had run away." And again: "If Mr. Amos Hodge, the father of the young Hodges, will call and see me, I can tell him the names of persons that will put him on the track of the men who murdered his sons." In an affidavit for witnesses to prove an alibi^ the Hodges claimed to rely on the testimony of six or eight named witnesses residing in Nauvoo, and upon John Long, Aaron Long, and Judge Fox, who they said resided in St. Louis. These names will long be remembered in the annals of crime in the West, as the parties who perpetrated THE MURDER OF COL. DAVENPORT, at his home on Rock Island, on the 4th of July, just after the con- viction of the Hodges. This murder was perpetrated in broad daylight, while all the family but the old Colonel were absent at a celebration on the main land. He was an aged and quite infirm man, and was quietly sitting at his house reading a paper, when he was attacked by the robbers. Rising to approach the door, at which he heard a noise, it was pushed open, and three men entered, one of whom at once discharged a pistol at him, the ball entering his thigh. He was then dragged through a hall, and up the stairs, to a closet containing his safe, which they compelled him to open. After obtaining the contents, and money from his bureau drawers, they left him, still tied upon his bed, in which condition he was afterward found by persons passing. Surgical aid was procured, and he was revived sufiiciently to describe the assassins and the circumstances, but he died about ten o'clock that night. Fifteen hundred dollars reward for the murderer was offered by George L. Davenport, his son; and John Long, Aaron Long and Granville Young were finally arrested and hung for the offense; Judge Fox was arrested and allowed to escape, while one Birch, a daring desperado, said to have been connected with the Danite Band, was implicated and arrested, but escaped by turning State's evidence. About the same time numerous acts of robbery and burglary were committed in Lee county, opposite, and along the river, traceable in almost all cases, to a gang that had their head- quarters in Nauvoo. EVENTS IN HANCOCK COUNTY. But while these acts of violence were being perpetrated out of the county, a most lamentable tragedy was enacted at home. On HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 339 Tuesday, June 24, 1845, an altercation occurred between Dr. Samuel Marshall, County Clerk, and the Sherifl" of the county, General Deming, which resulted in the death of the former at the hands of the latter. The difficulty arose in regard to some mistake in official business. Dr. M. was a very exact and punctual man in all his affairs, and he expected others to be equally so, and the General's apparent carelessness in the matter in dispute irritated him. A scuffle ensued, in the midst of which Gen. Deming drew a pistol and shot his antagonist. The aifair was a very unfortu- nate one, as it resulted in the death of a most estimable citizen and public officer, and added to the excitement already existing in the county. A little self-control and moderation on the part of both, and the conflict might have been avoided. Dr. Marshall was a strong Anti-Mormon in his feelings and principles, and had the full confidence of the party; yet he resolutely refused to sanction any of their unlawful proceedings. He was one of that small number who believed it better to suffer all the ills of Mormonism, rather than resort to illegal and violent measures for redress. Gen. Deming was at once taken into custody by the Coroner, and a jury of inquest summoned. The jury returned a verdict of " Murder without sufficient cause or provocation." This occurred on the day set for the special term of Court for the trial of the persons charged with the murder of Hyrum Smith, The Court opened about five in the afternoon, and two hours after the tragedy Deming was brought into Court, and stated that he was desirous to have a Grand Jury impaneled for the investigation of this case. The Court ordered the Coroner to summon a Grand Jury by the next morning. The accused then inquired if there was no process by which he might be admitted to bail during the pendency of the investigation, to which the Court gave a negative answer. On Wednesday morning a jury was impaneled, and charged by the Court, and at three in the afternoon brought into Court a bill for murder, with counts for manslaughter. It was stated that the vote stood in the jurj- room 16 to 3. A motion was made by Deming's counsel to admit him to bail, and after hearing he was admitted to bail in the sum of $5,000. Bail was given and he was discharged from custody. Mr. Deming resigned the office of Sheriff', and an election was ordered to fill the vacancy, to take place August 11th, resulting in the election of J. B. Backenstos by tlie following vote: Backen- stos, 2,334; John Scott, 750; scattering, 11. Mr. D. was never brought to trial. He was stricken with con- gestive fever, no doubt brought on or aggravated by excitement, and died on the 10th of September, and was buried in Quincy by his brother's side. And now it becomes our painful duty to chronicle a series of events which transpired in the county, — acts which had no warrant in law or order, and which cannot be reconciled witli any correct principles of ren=oning. and which we then thor.ght, and still 340 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. think, were condemned by every consideration looking to good government; acts which had for their object, and which finally resulted in, the forcible expulsion of the Mormon people from the county. The disorders at I^auvoo, tiie vast amount of stealing and other depredations upon property, the murders in Iowa and elsewhere, and the consequent feeling of fear and insecurity every- where, brought the people to a state of recklessness. On the night of Sept. 9th, a public meeting of Anti-Mormons was being held in a school-house at Green Plains, for some purpose, when it was fired upon by parties in the bush. It was at once resolved to begin the expulsion of the Mormons from the settle- ment known as Morley-Town. This resolve was put into execu- tion; on Wednesday night two Mormon cabins were burned, and the inmates notified to leave the settlement. For a week the burning continued until the whole of Morley-Town was in ashes, with many other residences in the Bear Creek region and that of Green Plains. In all it is stated that as many as 100 or 125 houses were burned, and their occupants driven ofi". These pro- ceedings created intense excitement all over the county. Sheriff Backenstos endeavored to raise ajyosse among the old citizens to suppress the disturbances, but failed. He therefore issued a proc- lamation dated at Green Plains on the 13th, calling on the rioters to desist, and upon the posse comitatus of the county to assist him. Pie also stated that it was his policy to have the Mormons remain quiet, but that 2,000 men held themselves in readiness in Nauvoo to come to his aid when necessary. On the 16th Lieut. Franklin A. Worrell was killed while passing from Carthage to Warsaw, by Backenstos, or some oih.i's, posse, and on the ITtli Samuel McBrat- ney was killed among the burners at Bear Creek, by the posse. Lieut. Worrell (of the Carthage Greys) was in no way connected with the burners, and had nothing to do with the prevailing dis- turbances. In company with eight other men, he was passing on the road from Carthage to Warsaw, with the view of ascertaining the facts as to the disturbances at Green Plains. Three of these men, Worrell and two others, were on horseback; the others were in a buggy and a two-horse wagon, the wagon also contain- ing the arms of the company. As they came in sight of the road leading toward Nauvoo, and which they would cross at right angles, they discovered a man riding up tliat road. Not knowing him, and seeing he was coming from the direction of the burning, the}'^ hurried on to intercept him at the crossing, hoping to gain information. He then drove more rapidly, apparently to cross before they could come up. They hurried on, the three horsemen in the lead. As they neared the brow of a ravine he had crossed, and when they came in sight, he was seen standing near his buggy, and at the same moment a shot was fired from near him, which struck Worrell. He nor his associates had made no demonstra- tions of violence; but now seeing or believing it to be Backenstos and \\\& posse, immediately wheeled their horses and rode toward HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 341 the wagon and buggy which were approaching. Mr. Worrell soon fell from his horse, was picked up, placed in the wagon and driven to Warsaw; but died on the way. Backenstos and the notorious O. P. Rockwell were both subse- quently indicted for the murder of Worrell, and both acquitted, the former under trial by change of venue at Peoria, and the latter at Galena. Who was the actually guilty party may never be known. We have lately been informed from Salt Lake that Rockwell did the deed, under order of the Sheriff, which is probably the case. The Sheriff's Proclamation No. 2 would lead to this conclusion. He says, in his usual style of exaggeration: " I discovered an armed body of some 20 or more men on the Warsaw and Carthage road, two or three miles east of me, going toward Warsaw. I watched them, and on discovering that four men of the force mounted on horses, left the main body, apparently to strike a point in advance of me, with all the speed of their horses, and finding that they were in pursuit of me, I put the whip to my horse ; as 1 was trav- eling in a buggy, they taking a near cut evidently gained on me, The chase lasted for a distance of about two miles, when I for- tunately overtook three men with teams. I immediately informed them that armed men were pursuing me, evidently to take my life; I summoned them as a jyosse to aid me in resisting them. I dismounted and took a position in the road, pistol in hand. I commanded them (the mobbers) to stop, when one of them held his musket in a shooting attitude; whereupon one of my posse fired, and, it is believed, took effect on one of the lawless banditti." Admitting this statement to be an honest one from his stand- point — which is not at all likely — it only illustrates how easily the fears and excitements of an individual can change peaceable citi- zens into "lawless banditti." It is, furthermore, quite certain that had Lieut. Worrell and his companions known who it was they were following, he would have been permitted to go his way un- molested. The Sheriff says that he ordered his pos^e to take the burners prisoners, if practicable, if not, to fire on them. How well this order was ol)eyed the killing of McBratney will show. He was pursued, with others, by a crowd of men on horseback; was over- taken and shot in the back, and while down was hacked and bay- oneted in numerous places. His horse was slow, and he could have easily been taken prisoner alive. It is proper to state that the Mormons and their friends have charged the firing on the school-house at Green Plains to have been a sham previously arranged l)y the mol)bers to create a sympathy in their favor. This has been denied; whether true or not, we do not know. The Sheriff, failing to raise a posse outside of i^^auvoo, was obliged to resort to his " 2,000 armed men " there, to carry out his purposes. He obtained such force as he desired, and soon succeeded in scattering the burners. He now carried things in the county 342 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. with a high hand. Exactly what his object was is not known, but on the evening of the 19th of September, the Sheriff, at the head of several hundred men, rode into Carthage after sundown, sur- rounded the place, and ordered all the citizens who could be found to be arrested and taken to headquarters at the court-house. He said he was in quest of criminals. After roughly handling many of them, and searching their houses for arms, most of them were set at liberty. In the morning, the posse, excepting about fift}', left town, the fifty remaining, as he said, to protect the town. Thej' re- tained possession of the court-house till the arrival of Gen. Hardin and his State troops, who gave them immediate leave of absence. These disturbances and excesses, as on a former occasion, of course, called for executive interference, and accordingly Gov. Ford again sent a detachment of volunteers into the county, and again under command of Gen. John J. Hardin. The General wasaccom- panied as adviser, by J. A. ' McDougal, Attorney-General of the State, and also by Judge S. A. Douglas and Major W. B. Warren. On the 27th of September, Gen. Hardin issued a highly merito- rious proclamation to the people of the county, enjoining them to be peaceable and to obey the laws and the constituted authorities. In conjunction with his advisers he at once entered into correspond- ence with the authorities of the Mormon Church at Nauvoo, which resulted in the Mormons agreeing to leave the State in the spring. THE BEGINNING OF THE END. In the meantime a meeting of representatives of nine counties contiguous to Hancock had been called to meet at Carthage on the first and second days of October (Hancock county being excluded), to take into consideration the state of affairs. The convention was organized as follows, viz: Isaac N. Morris, Esq., of Adams, Pres- ident; Col. Wm. Ross, of Pike, Gen. James McCallen, of Warren, and John Kirk, Esq., of McDonough, Yice-Presidents; and Alva Wheeler, of Knox, Geo. Pobinson, of Schuyler, and Wm. H. Ben- neson, of Adams, Secretaries. Fifty-eight delegates were reported from the counties of Adams, Brown, Henderson, McDonough, Pike, Schuyler, Warren, Marquette and Knox. On motion of O. H. Browning, of Adams, a committee of three from each county was appointed to prepare a preamble and resolutions expressive of the sense of the convention. Mr. Browning, in behalf of the committee, reported a preamble and series of resolutions, of which we find room for only two, as giving the sense of the convention on the points mentioned. Resolved, That it is the settled and deliberate convictiou of this coaventioa that it is now too late to attempt the settlement of the difficulties in Hancock county upon any other basis than that of the removal of the Mormons from the State; and we therefore accept, and respectfully recommend to the people of the sur- rounding couDties to accept the proposition made by the Mormons to remove from the State next spring, and to wait with patience the time appointed for removal. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 343 Resolved, That we utterly repudiate the impudent assertion so often and so con- stantly put forth hy the Mormons, that they are pehsecuted for ihgiiteousness' SAKE. We do not believe them to he a persecuted people. We know that they are not; hut that whatever grievances they may suffer are the necessary and legitimate consequences of their illegal, wicked and dishonest acts. The action of this convention, composed as it was of leading and representative men from the neighboring counties, and from both the political parties, had a beneficial effect njjon the public mind; and no doubt satisfied many that the conclusions to which it arrived were only such as would give peace and prosperity to our distracted county. And the Mormons also accepted the conclu- sions as inevitable, and earnestlj' prepared to act accordingly. The opinion expressed in the last of the resolutions quoted, is as much as the most ardent Anti-Mormon could ask, and should forever shut the mouths of those Mormon apologists, who have regarded them as a persecuted people, only needing to be let alone. As the basis for the subsequent action of both parties, the cor- respondence alluded to is here reproduced: NAm-oo, Oct. 1, 1845. To the First President and Council of the Church at Nauvoo : Having had a free and full conversation with you this day, in reference to your proposed removal from this countj% together with the members of your Church, we have to request you to submit the facts and intentions stated to us in said con- versation to writing, in order that we may lay them before the Governor and people of the State. We hope that by so doing it will have a tendency to allay the excitement at jDresent existing in the public mind. We have the honor to subscribe ourselves, respectfully yours, etc , John J. Hardin, S. A. Douglas, AV. B. Warren, J. A. McDouGAL. NAm-oo, Oct. 1, 1845. To Oen. John J. Hardin, W. B. Warren, S. A. Douglas and J. A. McDougal : Messrs: — In reply to your letter of this date, requesting us to " submit the facts and intentions stated by us to writing, in order that you may lay them before the Governor and people of tlie State," we would refer you to our communication of the 24th ultimo, to the " Quincy Committee," etc., a copj- of which is herewith inclosed. In addition to this, we would say, that we had commenced making arrange- ments to remove from this county previous to the recent disturbances; that we now have four companies organized of one hundred families each, and six more companies now organizing of the same number each, preparatory to removal. That one thousand families, including the Twelve, the High Council, the Trust- ees and general authorities of the Church, are fully deteruiined to remove in the .spring, independent of the contingency of selling our property, and that this com- pany will comprise from live to six thousand souls. That the Church, as a body, desires to remove with us, and will, it sales can be effected, so as to raise the necessary means. That the organization of the Church we represent is such, that there never can exist but one head or presidency at any one time, and all good members wish to be with the organization ; and all are determined to remove to some distant point where we shall neither infringe or be infringed upon, so soon as time and means will permit. That we have some hundreds of farms and some two thousand or more houses for sale in this city and county, and we request all good citizens to assist in the disposal of our property. That we do not expect to find purchasers for our Temple and other public build- ings; but we are willing to rent them to a respectable community who may inhabit the city. 344 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. That we wish it distinctly understood, that, although we may not find purchasers for our propertjr, we will not sacrifice or give it away, or suffer it illegally to be wrested from us. That we do not intend to sow any wheat this fail, and should we all sell we shall not put in any more crops of any description. That as soon as practicable we will appoint committees for this city, La Harpe, Macedonia, Bear Creek, and all necessary places in the county, to give informa- tion to purchasers. That if these testimonies are not sufficient to satisfy any people that we are in earnest, we will soon give them a sign that cannot be mistaken — we loill leave them ! In behalf of the Council, respectfully yours, etc., Brigham Young, Pres. WiLLARD Richards, Clerk. The communication to the Qitincy committee was of similar import to the above, but referred particularly and in eloquent terms to their sufferinr. in sending my word to the kings and people of the earth. * * * i ij.^ve seen the work he hath done, which I accept, if he continue, and will crown him with blessings and great glory. Aiid again, it is my will that my servant LjTuan Wright should continue in preaching for Zion, etc. And agtiiu. my servant GJeorge Miller is without guile: I seal upon his head the office of a bishoprick. Let my servant George, and my servant Lyman, and my servant John Snider aud others, build a house unto my name, such an one as my servant Joseph shall show uuto them, upon the place which he shall show imto theiii also. And it shall l>e for a house of boanling, a house that stnmgt^rs may come from afar to lodge therein: therefoi-e let it be a gooii house, worthy of all acceptation, that the weary traveler may find health aud Siifety while he shall contemplate the word of the Lord, and the corner-stone I have app^nnted for Zion, This house shall l>e a healthy habitation, if it be built unto my name, and if the Governor which shall be appointed uuto it shall not sutfer any pollution to c\ime upon it. It shall be holy, or the Lonl yoiu- G*xi will not dwell "therein. And again, verily I say unto you, let all my saints fn.">m afar, and send ye s^^ift messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and sjjy unto them, come ye, with all your gold and your silver, and your precious stones, and with all yoiu- antiquities: and ■^^"ith all who have knowledgeof antiquities, that will come, may come, aud bringthelvx- tree and the fir-tree and the pine-tree, together with all the precious trees of the earth: and with irvm. and with copper, and with brass, and with zinc, and with all your precious things of the e;u-th, and build a house to my name for the Most High to dweU therein, etc. * * * HISTOKY UF ilAXCoOK 0«>LN"TV. 3G5 And now I say luito yovi. lis pertaiuiuir to my Ixxinling house, which I have com- mandeii you to build for the Ixviniing of strangers, let it be built unto my name, ;uid let my name be nameii ujx^n it. and let my servant J«.^seph and liis house have place therein fn.nn generation to generation. * * * Therefore, let my servant Joseph and his seeil after him. have place in that house from generation to generation, for- ever and ever, saith the Lord, and let the name of that house be caHed the Xauvoo House. * * * Let my servant Isaac Galland put stock in that house, for I, the Lord loveth him for the work he hath done, and will forgive all his sins, etc. * * * And let my servant William Law pay stock in that house for himself and his seed after him, etc. * * * And ag-ain. verily I sjiy unto you. if my sers-ant Sidney will serve me. and l>e a counselor unto my servant Ji.>seph. let hini arise and stand in the office of his calling, and humble himself l>efore me. * * * Verily I sjiv unto vou, even now, if he will hearkei; to my voice it shall lie well with him. POLYGAMY. Wlio inav be entitled to the intamy of iiitrodiiciiii; polvgainv as part of the system of Morinonism is not positively known to* the outside world. It is a question on whieli tlie saints themselves disagree. That it was instituted and practiced sometime before it was publicly acknowledgeii is certain. It nee<.ls no argument to prove that it is a direct and flagrant violation of law throughout all Christendom, the bane of the social system, destructive of the best influences of home and the family circle, and an outrage upon civilized society. It has not one ennobling and humanizing feature; and could have only been engrafted into their system and practiced for the most debasing and lustful purposes. But no people, no set of men and women, however well-meaning they may be, have a right to shield themselves from just punishment for such prac- tices, under cover of a religious creed. And it is a wonder and a shame, that more determined eflorts have not been made by the constituted authorities to put an end to these illegal practices. It is now claimed that the system has been so long in operation, that to break it up would cause great injury to many innocent persons. It is a principle of law. that one shall not take advantage of his own wrong; and besides, every one is presume*.! to know the law. These pretended revelators, while claiming the sanction of heaven to cover their selfish purposes, knew that the law and the morality of the country were against them, and that their so-called revelation was an infamous and blasphemous falsehood. Religious creed, too often used as a cloak for sin. cannot be permitted to shield its wearer from the consequences of crime. That Joseph Stuith ever advocated or encouraged polygamy, as a branch of the creed, is nuw strenuously denieii by the followers of his son, of the re-organized branch. They justly denounce it with all the rest of Christendom; and they quote strong proof from his writings and from the Book of Mormon, that he set his tace against it. The Salt Lake Mormons as flatly assert that he was its author and introducer. We think the new branch will have hard work to convince the world, — as they cerPainly have not convinced us, — that the prophet was innocent of this outrage. He may not in his day have fully incorporated it into his creed and taught it to his 366 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. followers in public; but we think there is indubitable evidence that he was its originator. Who, without his sanction, had a right to broach such a thing, and preach it, by degrees and parcels, as was done in his life-time and in his chosen city? And how came it to be so fully established so soon after his death, that it had become a sweet morsel in the creed of the leaders, at the time they left for the West two years afterward, so sweet a morsel that it divided man and wife ? In his life- time it liad not reached the dignity of title it has since, ^ow, it is '' Polygamy " (and didn't Solomon and David and Abraham, and all the patriarchs practice polygamy?). Then it was " Spiritual- wifery," a sort of clandestine, sneaking system of concubinage, with an I- would-if-I-dare effort to adopt it, and an I-do-and-I-don't acceptance ; but with a crushing public denial and denunciation. All who remember the days of Mormon- ism in this county and are conversant with its workings, know that this is the way in which polygamy became a constituent of its creed and a chief pillar in its system. Had the main body remained here it would have been " spiritual-wifery " still, most probably — denied to the outside world, and practiced in the harems of the leaders. Before they left it was the accepted creed of the governing class; and we know of one legal wife of a prominent man among them, who refused to go with him, and did not, because he would not agree to forego the anticipated delights of the system in the wilder- ness; while others generally went, by force of circumstances, though their best natures as women cried out against the unnatural dogma. The Salt Lake people now publish a revelation which they assert was delivered by the prophet before his death, in which this doc- trine is promulgated. The reorganized branch here claim this to be a forgery; whether justly or not, we leave the reader to decide. John Taylor is now and has ever been a prominent leader at Salt Lake; while here, and after the prophet's death, we believe throughout, he was editor of both the Mormon papers. The files of those sheets show that he was continually denying the doctrine, and ridiculing it as an invention of their enemies. If said revela- tion had been genuine, as now claimed, Taylor must have known it; and what can be said of his and their truthfulness? TEMPERANCE CLAUSE. The Act to incorporate the " Kauvoo House Association " con- tained one clause which can be recommended to all similar asso- ciations: Sec. 9. It is moreovet established as a perpetual rule of said house, to be observed by all persons who may keep or occupy the same, that spirituous liquors of every description are prohibited, and that such liquors shall never be vended as a beverage, or introduced into common use in said house. A TOLERATION ORDINANCE. The following ordinance was flourished in the Nauvoo papers, without date, as proof of the tolerant spirit prevailing there: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTi'. 367 AN ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. Sec. 1. Be it Ordained by the City Council of tlie city of Nauvoo, Tliat tlie Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Latter-Day Saints, Quakers, Epis- copalians, Uuiversalists, Unitarians, Mohammedans, and all other religious sects and denominations whatever, shall have free toleration and equal privileges in this city ; and should any person be guilty of ridiculing, abusing, or otherwise depreciating another in consequence of his religion, or of disturbing or interrupting anj' religious meeting, within the limits of this city, he shall, on conviction thereof before the Mayor or Municipal Court, be considered a disturber of the public peace, and fined in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, or imprisoned not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of said Mayor or Court. The foregoing was paraded as proof of the extremely liberal spirit prevailing in the city; and yet it will be perceived that it empowers the Maj'^or to line a man five hundred dollars and imprison him six months, for merely speaking in depreciation of the Mormon religion ! THE MANSION HOUSE, which many have confounded with the Nauvoo House, was a neat frame building situated some hundreds of yards from the river, and was in all the prophet's after years his residence and home, and where he dispensed hospitality and good cheer to friends and visitors. It was a hotel, and was opened with great ostentation on the 3d of October, 1843, on which occasion a large crowd sat down to the table. The following is one of the volunteer toasts passed : "Resolved, That Gen. Joseph Smith, whether we view him as a Prophet at the head of the Church; a General at the head of the Legion ; a Mayor at the head of the City Council, or as a Landlord at the head of his table, has few equals and no superiors." EGYPTIAN HIEROGLYPHICS. Prof. Caswell, of Kemper College, near St. Lotiis, told the follow- ing story: He paid a visit to Nauvoo and the Mormon prophet, and had in his possession a Greek psalter of great age — one that had been in his family several hundred years. Why he took it to Nau- voo does not appear; but some of the brethren saw it, and insisted that he should giv^e Ijrother Joseph a chance of translating it. The professor consented, and the l)ook was handed over. The spirit of prophecy — the same as in the days of the golden plates — descended upon Joseph, and he said, " This book I pronounce to be a Dic- tionary of Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics." THE TEMPLE is said to have cost in labor and money over a million of dollars. It may be possible, and is very probable, that contributions to that amount were made to it, but that it cost that much to build it, few will believe. Half that sum would be am])le to build a much more costly edifice to-da}'; and in the three or four years in which it was being erected, labor was cheap and all the necessaries of life remark- ably low. Wlieat was quoted in the county markets at forty to 368 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. sixty cents; corn, 20; flour, $4.00, and pork, $2.00. If a million of dollars were contributed by the faithful for the temple fund, it is easy to ^uess where at least half the sum was expended. THE NAUVOO HOUSE was never half finished during the prophet's life-time, and was never occupied by him or any one. It stood, one of its wings under roof, but the walls of the main building unfinished, an imposing struc- ture, until long since the prophet had met his fate, and his follow- ers had located in the wilderness. It was left or somehow passed to the ownership of the widow and her second husband, Major Bid- amon, and has recently been fitted up and kept by them as a hotel. The location is most beautiful and commanding, being on the slop- ing and rocky bank of the Mississippi, facing southward at the curve of the river, and about 150 yards from the water's edge. The work upon this building was never prosecuted by the faith- ful with the same zeal as that upon the temple. While the contri- butions flowed in freely for the temple, those for the hotel lagged; and it took much hard begging to keep the latter going forward. At the April conference, 1841, President Smith said: " It is neces- sary that this conference give importance to the Nauvoo House. A prejudice exists against building the Nauvoo House, in favor of the Lord's House, and the conference are required to give stress to the building of the Nauvoo House. This is the most important matter for the time being; for there is no place in this city where men of wealth and character and influence from abroad can go to repose themselves, and it is necessary we should have such a place." So the Times and Seasons^ under date of Nov. 15, 1841, in an editorial says: "Let us not forget that we have another house also to build in this place, even the Nauvoo House; and which is as important to us as the temple; inasmu chas great things are depend- ing upon that house, and it is commanded us of God.'' JAMES C. BREWSTER. This was an ambitious young man, who resided in Springfield 111., and a member of the Church. He claimed to be gifted with the spirit of prophecy, and issued a pamphlet in which he put forth his claims. But this was not allowed. He was dealt with, and the organ, Dec. 1, 1842, admonishes the brethren against him, quoting from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants: " But behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this Church, excepting my ser- vant Joseph Smith, junior, for he receiveth them even as Moses," etc. So Mr. Brewster was squelched. But this command must have been afterward abrogated in favor of brother Hyrum ; for we find him declaring a revelation in the 'election of 1843, in favor of Hoge for Congress; and the prophet vouched that " brother Hyrum never told a lie." ^ La Harpe Tp. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 371 A STORY FROM STENHOCTSE. " It is stated that on leaving Nauvoo for Cartilage, he said: ' I am going like a himb to the slaughter, but I am calm as a summer morning. I have a conscience void of oftense toward God and toward all men. I shall die innocent, and it shall jet be said of me, "He was murdered in cold blood.'" " — [Doctrine and Cove- nants, p. 335. Stenhouse says: Notwithstanding tliis apparent readiness to meet death, and the deep and clear divine impressions claimed to have been iniparted to the prophet of his forthcoming end, it is understood that lie managed to send from prison a communication to the Mormon otticers in military command at Nauvoo, to bring with all possible dispatch a portion of the Legion to protect him from treachery and from that assassination which he had then so much cause to apprehend. This military commander put the prophet's communication into his pocket and gave no heed to the call for help. No one was acquainted with the contents of the paper, and the officer was therefore, he presumed, safe in disregarding it. After the prophet's death, by some accident or other, this communication was lost, and picked up on the street and read. The intelligence that Joseph had called for aid, and none had been rendered him, was soon bruited among the Saints, and excited then* deepest indignation, as they were not only ready to march at a moment's notice, but were eager for the opportiinity. Some time afterward, when all was quiet, this "coward and traitor," as some of the Mormons called him, or "fool and idiot," as others said, was sent on a mission to the Western frontiei's, accompanied by a faithful elder. While traveling alone with his companion he fell ill and died, it is said of dysentery! His companion buried him. Pucje 164, Note. If the foregoing statement is true, it reveals a fact which we have never heard from any other source. The whole story bears the semblance of truth; and from the narrator's twenty-five years' connection with the priesthood afterward, it is evident he had every facility to learn the truth. It was always accounted a wonder that the Legion did not make some demonstration while their leaders were in jail, either to protect or release them. That they did not, we have attributed to their reliance upon the prophet's previous good luck. This story, taken in connection with the admission of Gov. Ford, that he, too, contem])lated a rescue, presents a very important suggestion: whether the disobedience of the officer of the Legion did not frustrate a rescue, and the consequent massacre of the guards and citizens. The belief has always been general, that had not the murders been perpetrated as they were by the mob, the affair would soon have terminated in a bloody encounter by an attack from the other side. This belief cannot be ofi'ered as an excuse for the murders, but it does excuse the people of Carth- age and the Greys for the feverish a])prehension under which they labored, and which their vacillating and excitable Governor blamed them so severely for. AVho that I^egion commander was, thus alluded to in the quotation, and who died afterward of dysentery (the italics are Stenhouse's own) we are unable to state. The italics suggest a popular Mormon mode of dealing with ofienders. 23 372 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. COL. THOMAS GEDDEs' STATEMHNT, We have shown from his own admission, that Gov, Ford was willing to connive at the escape of the Smiths, notwithstanding his virtuous indignation at the citizens for suspecting him. We shall now show that, notwithstanding his devotion to law and order, he did, what was asserted at the time, counsel the violent expulsion of the Mormons from the State. Col. Thomas Geddes, then still residing at Fountain Green in this county, and at the time of the troubles in command of a portion of the troops at Carthage, has recently made us this statement, of which he says his recollection is clear: " While the Smiths were in jail, I "went to the jail in company with Gov. Ford, and there we conversed with them for some time, the burden of Smith's talk being that they were only acting in self-defense, and only wanted to be let alone. After leaving the jail, and while returning from it, the Governor and I had still further conversation about the subject matter. After some time the Governor exclaimed, ' O, it's all nonsense; 3'ou will have to drive these Mormons out yet!' I then said, ' If we undertake that. Governor, when the proper time comes, will you interfere?' 'No, I will not,' said he; then, after a pause, adding, ' until you are through.'" MRS. ELIZA R. WELLS, wife of the now General Daniel H. Wells, one of the dignitaries at Salt Lake, was a daughter of Rev. Charles Rohison. She now resides at Burlington, Iowa. On the authority of her brother, Chauncey Robison, of Appanoose, we have the statement that when the Mormons left for the Far West, Mrs. Wells refused to go with her husband because he would not consent to confine him- self to one wife — which he refused to do. She had never joined the Church. Thus they were separated and divorceds, he remain- ing behind, and he following the fortunes of the Brighamites, with whom he was then and has since remained in high authority. This fact tends to show that polygamy was a cherished institution with the leaders before they left Kauvoo. THE CARTHAGE GREYS. A good deal was said by Gov. Ford and in the Mormon papers, about the insubordination of the Carthage Greys toward Gen. Deming, while the Smiths were in custody. From a gentleman who was a member of that company, we have procured the follow- ing statement of the facts, as near as he can recollect them. It seems that after the McDonough regiment had been disbanded and were about to return home, they expressed a desire to see the prisoners. The wish was reasonable, and as the easiest mode of gratifying it, they were drawn up in line, and Gen. Deming, with the two prisoners, one on each arm, and the Greys as an escort, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 373 passed along the line of the troops, Deming introducing them as " Gen. Joseph Smith," and "Gen. Hyrum Smith, of the Naiivoo Legion." The Greys, not aware that this was done at the request, of the McDonongh men, and not satisfied to be made an escort to such a display, exhibited signs of dissatisfaction, and finally gave vent to their feelings by hisses and groans. As a punishment for this ofiense, they were afterward ordered under arrest. In the mean time there was great excitement in the company. As a detachment of the troops was being detailed for the purpose of putting the General's order into execution, the officer in command of the Greys addressed them a few words, and then said, " Boys, will you submit to an arrest for so trifling an offense?" "No!" was the unanimous response. "Then load your pieces with ball!" was his sullen order. In the mean time some explanations had been made, which permitted Gen. Deming to countermand the order for arrest, and the Greys were quietly marched to their encampment. PARLEY p. PRATT AS A PROPHET. , In 1838 Parley P. Pratt was engaged in a controversy with LaRoy Sunderland, editor of Zion^s WatchTnan, an Eastern paper. During the controversy, Mr. Pratt was seized with the spirit of prophecy, and poured forth the following: " Within ten years from now the people of this country who are not Mormons will be entirely subdued by the Latter-Day Saints, or swept from the face of the earth; and if this prediction fails, then you may know the 'Book of Mormon' is not true." It has now been forty-two years since this prediction was uttered, and Pratt himself, and the prophet, and Rigdon, and Young, have been "swept from the face of the earth." So we have Pratt's own testimony to the falsity of the Book of Mormon. Mr. Pratt mis- took his own intense fanaticism for the voice of the Lord, — a mistake which many men wiser than he have made before him. THE BAPTISMAL FONT, in the temple at Nauvoo, was in itself a curiosity, and a fit accompaniment to the building. It was first constructed of wood, but this being deemed not sufficiently durable, was taken away, and anotlier built of stone. It rested on the backs of twelve stone oxen of colossal size — four abreast at the sides, and two at each end, standing back to back. The oxen had the appearance of being sunk in the floor half-way to their knees, and the font rested on their shoulders, their horns, heads, necks and shoulders being exposed to view outside. The font itself was of immense size — 18 teet long, eight feet wide, and four feet deep. It thus stood about eight feet high, from the top of its rim to the floor. It was placed in the basement, or first story of the building — an object of great curiosity and comment to all stranger visitors. 374 HISTORY OF HAXCOCK COUNTY. IXCIDEXTS OF THE BUEXIN'G. From a very respectable old gentleman who was an eve-witness of some of the honse-burning operations in the fall of 1S45. we have the following statement received from him verballv durinor the last year. He says that for snch lawless and ontrageons acts, they were done in snch a qniet and orderlv manner as to be aston- ishing. He resided not far from some of the houses that were burned ; and hearing what was going on, he mounted his horse and rode to where the work whs in progress. There seemed to be a company of 25 or 30 men engaged — mostly, as he thought, Warsaw clerks, though he only knew a portion. They were commanded, he thinks, by a man from the north part of the county, whose name he could not recollect. The burning began at what is now Tioga — then called Morley- town, or Yelrome, in Walker township — and continued on up to Green Plains. The last house burnt in that section of the countv, was the one they were at when attacked by the Mormon jH\*5t^ under Sheritf Backenstos, and where McBratney was killed. The houses burnt were mostly log cabins of not much value, though some pretty good dwellings were included. The manner was to go to the house and warn the inmates out — that they were going to burn it. Usually there would be no show of resistance; but all hands, burners and all, would proceed to take out the goods and place them out of danger. When the goods were all securely removed, the torch would be applied, and the house consumed. Then on to another. We are not aware that a correct count was ever made of the number thus burned: but our inform- ant states that there were probably 70 or SO. Some accounts have placed it as high as 125. As an evidence of the coolness and good temper in which this work was done, our informant relates the following, to which he says he was an eye-witness. While the burners were engaged in burning a certain house, a young woman belonging to the family, standing and looking on, felt an inclination to smoke, and asked one of the burners for some tobacco. Having none himself, he pointed to one of his comrades and said he would give her some. She approachei^l the other; he unconcernedly put his hand in his pocket, handed her the tobacco, from which she took what she wanted, and handed it back; when he went on with the work in hand, and the young woman proceedevi to smoke I MORMON METHODS. I. R. Tull, Esq.. of Pontoosue, gives us the following items, as illustrating Mormon methods: "I often went with produce to 2sauvoo; and it mattei^ed little what kind it was, so it was some- thing people could live on; and if at any time my stuff was dull sale, I would go to the committee rooms, and could always trade it off for something. They had almost every conceivable thing, from HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTT. 376 all kinds of implements and men's and women's clothing down to babv clothes and trinkets, which had been deposited bv the owners as tithing, or for the benefit of the temple.'' Again he says: "In the fall of 1S43 I went to Xauvoo to bnv calves, and called on a blind man who had one to sell. I bought his calf, and being curious to learn his history, went in and saw his wife, with two little twin infants iji a cradle, and great destitution. He told me that he had a nice home in Massachusetts, which gave them a gtK>d support. But one of the Mormon elders preachinor iu that country called on him and told him if he would sell out and go to Xauvoo, the prophet would open his eyes and restore his sight. And he sold out. and had come to the city, and had spent all his means, and was now iu great need. I asked why the prophet did not open his eyes. He replied that Joseph had informed him that he could not open his eyes until the temple was finished, and then when the temple was finished he would open them, and he should see better than before I And he believed, and was waiting patiently for the last stroke to be made on the temple." And again, of this same poor family: "After this interview, when in Xauvoo I otten took them something, and the blind man's wife seemed to think I was one of the Saints. One day I inquired how they were getting along. She told me they had been getting along finely; that there was a company formed to go out on the prairie and butcher cattle to get beef for the destitute, and they had been well supplied until about a \veek ago: but brother was mean enough to tell on them, and now they dare not go out any more to kill beef on the prairie, and ' what to do we don't know.' '' GOT. ford's IXACCUKACIES. As a specimen of Gov. Ford's general inaccuracy of statement in regard to our difliculties. we mention tlie following: He says in his History of Illinois, p. 319, or "Walker and Hoge's canvass: •• Mr. Hoge received about o.OCK) votes in !Nauvoo, and was elected by 600 or 800 majority.'' The facts are: the vote for Hoge through- out the whole county, including regular Democrats and Mormons outside the city, was just 2,0SS, and he was elected by 4:65 majority in the district. THE PROPHET A LAND SPECCLATOR. The prophet was quite a speculator in lands and town lots, in and about Xauvoo. Of course, he desired a monopoly of the busi- ness. One of his methods was to keep the following notice stand- ing in the Neighbor: To £iiii';ra:itg and Laiter-Day Saints GtutrnUy: I. feel it my duty to say to the brethren generally, and especially thoee who are emigrating to this' place." that there is in the hands of the trustees in trust, a large quantity of lands, both in the city and adjoining townships in this county, which is 376 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. for sale, some of whichibelongs to the Church and is designed for the l:)enefit of the poor, and also to liquidate debts owing by the Church, for which the trustee in trust is responsible. Some, also, is land which has been consecrated for the building of the Temple and the Nauvoo House. If the brethi'en who move in here and want an inheritance, will buy their lands of the trustees in trust, they will therebj^ benefit the poor, the Temple, and the Nauvoo House, and even then onl}^ be doing that which is their duty, and which I know, by considerable experience, will be vastlj^ for their benefit and satisfaction in days to come. Let all the brethren, therefore, when they move into Nauvoo, consult Presi- dent Joseph Smith, the trustee, etc., and purchase their lands of him; and I am bold to say that God will bless them, and they will hereafter be glad they did so. We hold ourselves ready at any time to wait upon the brethren and show them the lands belonging to the Churcli, and Temple, etc., and can be found any day, either at President Joseph Smith's bar-room or the Temple Recorder's office at the Temple. Nauvoo, Dec. 16, 1843. W. Clayton, Clerk. THE KE-OKGANIZED CHURCH. In concluding this history of the Mormon Era in Hancock county, it will not be out of place to refer to Joseph Smith, junior, who, it is known, is building up a sect which he denominates the " Keorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints." (While he was about it he might have reorganized the phraseology of its title to advantage.) At the time of the exodus from Nauvoo Joseph was a mere child, and with his mother and the rest of the family remained behind; she not choosing to relinquish a competence and a home here, for the uncertain honors and the certain privations of a sojourn in the new promised land. In this she acted wisely ; but by doing so she greatly thwarted the purposes of the leaders. It was their ambition to carry with them the widow, and above all, the 3'oung son of their martyred leader. For years afterward they adhered to this darling scheme, and many efiorts were made to induce the youth to join them. Embassies were sent to him, and glowing representations made ; but to no purpose. His ever- watchful mother and his own disinclination proved effective against all their solicitations and blandishments. Joseph grew up to be a sober, temperate, and steady young man, and with a fair reputation among his neighbors. We never heard that he aspired to any extra share of holiness, or to the pos- session of any miraculous gifts; or pretended to have had any special call from heaven, for the course he has seen proper to pursue. Nor do we know just at what time or in what manner he under- took his work of reorganization. Strange as it may seem, we must infer that he believes in the divine mission of his father and the truth ol'his claims; as he makes these in effect the basis of his work. This reorganized Church is based on the " Book of Mormon," the " Book of Doctrines and Covenants," and other works common to Utah Mormonisra; but it totally rejects the polygamy features of the Utah creed. We are not able to perceive any other marked features of difference either in creed or form. The practice of the new Church, however, has been widely different. Instead of call- ing all the believers together to one " Zion," or " New Jerusalem," HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 377 the building of one magnificent temple, and the pampering of a domineering and infallible priesthood, as under the old system, the new organization thus far has allowed its members the freedom of choice as to where they may make their homes and pursue the business of life. Consequently here and there through the States, societies are springing up, churches being erected, and regular worship carried on, much as is done by societies of other denomi- nations. There are several of these reorganized Churches in this county. And why not? Joseph Smith has just as good a right to head a sect as any man has, and to build up a creed and ransack the country for proselytes. And he has a right to base his creed on Spaulding's Manuscript Found or Esop's Fables^ if h$ so choose. That is a right to which no man or set of men has a monopoly. And so long as he will continue in what seems to be his present course and policy, and avoid the rocks on which his father went down — and which are sooner or later to be the destruc- tion of Utah Mormonism — while we ma}'- not respect his judg- ment or wish him God-speed, no man can desire him evil. While Methodism, Presbyteriauism, Quakerism, or any other form of Christianity can live and be at peace even with Paganism, no so-called Gentile people in a land of light and liberty can quietl}^ dwell side by side with Mormonism, as it existed of yore under the dynasty of Smith, the elder, in this county, and since under Brigham Young in Utah. Under them it was eternally aggressive upon the rights, the consciences, the property of their neighbors. " This land is for the home of the Saints — This prop- erty you call your own, is consecrated to their use and the service of the Lord — Your blood is as water, to be poured out upon the earth, for the unbeliever shall be utterly destroj'ed," — is now and has been from the beginning, the teaching from their temples and the burden of their songs. And should this reorgauizer (" Presi- dent," we believe he calls himself) ever fall into this fatal and wicked error, it will as certainly bring to him disaster, as it did to his predecessors who adopted it. Whatever may be in the future for Utah Mormonism, it looks as if the reorganized branch might take and hold a respectable place among the religious sects of the day, could but the facts of its ori- gin and the character of its founders be effaced from memory. CONCLUSION. And we now close our account of the Mormons and Mormon history in Hancock county and the State of Illinois. Much more we are compelled for want of room to omit. We believe, however, that we have brought together in tliese preceding chapters, a moi-e complete and reliable statement of Mormon affairs, during their eight years' sojourn in this county, than can elsewhere be found, or that has ever before been given to the public. And, in conclusion, we beg to be indulged in a few reflections. It would seem that no one can take the trouble to acquaint himself 378 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, With Joseph Smitli's character and career, as seen in the lio-ht of history and truth, and not know that he was a very bad man— a hypocrite a blasphemer, a knave. And yet hundreds and thousands believe otherwise, that he was a holy man, a saint and a martyr to the truth Such is the difference in men. And while we are torced to believe that he was as before stated, we are also compelled to conclude that many of his professed followers and believers were equally guilty— were, in truth, not his dupes, but his tools. That while he was takm^^ care of number one, and rioting in luxury and debauchery, they were doing the same thing, as his aiders and abet- tors. His own talents could never have secured for him the posi- tion and notoriety he obtained; but to Sidney Rigdon, Parley P Pratt, Brigham Young, and scores of others, whom Ms interests and their interests drew around him, he was largely indebted for his success. They submitted to be managed by him, because their in- terest lay in submission. Beyond these and around them, supporting, feeding, paraperino-, and ready to fight for them, rallied a host of others, of many crradS ot character, sincere, devout, ignorant, willing and unwilling dupes, to whose sustaining power the sect owes its life. They furnish the bonds that hold the rotten system together. CHAPTER yil. FORTS JOHNSON AND EDWARDS. In Andreas' " Illustrated Historical Atlas of Hancock county," published in 1S74, we find the following: About the beginning of the eighteenth century, the French built Fort Johnson at this place (Warsa'^)." It stood on the point of bluif near where Albers' mill now stands. In the middle of the eighteenth centurj-, dming the trouble between the French and English, it was abandoned, because of an expected attack from the latter, via the Great Lakes. In tne latter part of the eighteenth century. Fort Ed- wards, named after Gov. Edwards, of Illinois, was built by Capt. (afterwards Presi- dent) Zachary Taylor. It stood on the bluff at the foot of Claj^ street, and was aban- doned in 1825, and afterward used by the fur company. It would be difficult to jumble together a dozen lines of " history " containing more palpable errors than are to be found in the fore- going. First, the eighteenth century began in 1701, now 180 years ago, only 30 or 40 years after the discovery of the Nortliwes- tern country by the French. Secondly, had the French built Fort Johnson at that early day, they would not likely have named it after the killer of Tecumseh, who flourished more than a hundred years afterward. Thirdly, " It was abandoned about the middle of the eighteenth century," sixty-three years before it was actually built. And, FourtJily, Fort Edwards was built by Capt. Zach. Taylor, and named after Gov. Edwards, in the latter part of the eighteenth century, while Zach. Taylor and Ninian Edwards were both in their infancy! Not wishing to record history by guess, we addressed a note of inquiry to the War Department, and received the following in reply : "W.vR Depaktment, WAsniNCxTON City, ) Sept. 7, 1878. } Sir: — In regard to the history of old Forts Johnson and Edwards, which were situated in Hancock countj', Illinois, information coacerning which was desired in your letter of the 27th ultimo, I have the honor to state that the onh' data in possession of this Department regarding Fort Edwards, is that it was established about the year 1814, and abandoned in July, 182-4, per general order No. 30, from the Adjutant-General's office, June 11, 1824, at which date it was garrisoned by Company F, Fifth Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Gideon Low, Fifth Infantry. There is nothing of record here regarding Fort Johnson. Very respectfully, your obedient servani, Geo. W. McCkary, Secretary of War. Thomas Gregg, Esq., Hamilton, 111. ORDER NO. 36. Adjutant-General's Office, Western Department, ) Louisville, Ky., 11th June, 1824. \ The position of Fort Edwards, 111., will forthwith be evacuated, and its garri- son (excepting a faithful non-commissioned officer and six privates, who will be (379) 380 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. left for the preservation of the public property, and the crop at present standing) be removed to Fort Armstrong. Assistant Surgeon McMillan will, on the receipt of this order, report by letter to the Surgeon-General for orders, as to his present station, and will accompany the garrison at Fort Edwards to Fort Armstrong, where he is required as a witness before the Court to be convened at that post, for the trial of Brevet-Major Mars- ton, of the Fifth Infantry. The Quartermaster's Department will furnish the necessary facilities for the most prompt execution of this order. By order of Major-General Scott. H. Smith, Lt. and Aid-de-Camp. The foregoing is to be taken as conclusive as to Fort Edwards, but it settles nothing regarding Fort Johnson. Recourse must be had, then, to the history of the times. This we have searched until we feel sure that the mystery is explained, and conclude that the two forts were built within a few months of each other, in 1814. Peck's " Annals of the West," second edition, St. Louis, 1850, on page 744, says: A detachment under command of Major Taylor left Cape au Gris on the 23rd of August, 1814, in bdats, for the Indian town at Eock river. The detachment consisted of 334 men, officers and privates. A report from the commanding officer to Gen. Howard, dated from Fort Madison, Sept. 6, and published in the Missouri Gazette of the 17th, gives the details of the expedition. The expedition met with a superior force at Rock Island, were repulsed and fell back. The report says: I then determined to drop down the river to the Des Moines without delay, as some of the officers of the Rangers informed me their men were short of provis- ions, and execute the principal object of the expedition, in erecting a fort to com- mand the river. Fort ^Johnson (says the Annals), a rough stockade with block-houses of round logs, was then erected, on the present site of the town ot Warsaw, opposite the mouth of the Des Moines. Then, on pa^je 746, the Annals continues: Fort Madison, after sustaining repeated attacks from the Indians, was evacuated and burnt. And in the month of October the people of St. Louis were astounded vrith the intelligence that the troops stationed at Fort Johnson had burnt the block- houses, destroyed the works, and retreated down the river to Cape au Gris. The officers in command (Maj. Taylor having previously left that post), reported they were out of provisions and could not sustain the position. That there was no fort between Cape au Gris and Fort Madison previous to 1814, is proven by several circumstances. In the sev- eral expeditions made up the river before that time, mention is made of the Des Moines river and rapids, but no mention of a fort till Madison is reached. Again, about 1813, Gov. Edwards fur- nished the "War Department with a long table of distances from Prairie du Chien down, in which Madison, tlie head of the rapids, the foot of the rapids, Des Moines river, are all named, but noth- ing about a fort. And so we conclude, and so state, as veritable history, that, instead of having been built one hundred and eighty years ago by HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNXr. 381 the French, and named Johnson^ that fort was erected during our war with Great Britain, bj our own soldiery and by command of our own Government, in 18J4:; and that Fort Edwards ^a.^ also built and occupied the same year, after the destruction of the former, and named after the Governor of Illinois Territory; and that Capt. Zachary Taylor, afterward President of the United States, was the builder of them both. CHAPTER YIII. BIOGRAPHICAL. MUCK-AH-TAH-MISH-E-KA-AH-KE-AK. Referring to the foregoing State History, page S-i, for a general account of the Black Hawk war, we deem a more particular account of that noted cliieftain proper in this place. Many of the citizens of Hancock county' were more or less engaged in that struggle, or interested in it from its proximity to them; and besides, there was a tradition that he was born within tlie limits of the county, upon Camp creek. For this there was probably no good foundation. That Black Hawk was a man of genius and bravery cannot be denied. He fought, and fought bravely, for what he deemed his rights. But when, at the battle of Bad- Axe, he was conquered and made prisoner, his spirit was broken, and he yielded to inexorable fate. He was carried a prisoner to Washington, and on a tour through the Eastern States, and then returned to his tribe beyond the Mississippi, with presents and an admonition. That tour of itself, showing him the vast power and resources of the people with whom he had been contending, w^as sufficient to convince him of the lutility of war as a means of redressing his wrongs, and he buried the hatchet forever. He mingled with liis tribe more as an humble follower than as a warlike chief. And when passing about among the whites, his deportment was always quiet and resigned. He acted as a deposed chief might be presumed to act, whose spirit was broken and whose will had ceased to be law. Tlie writer of this first met Black Hawk in 1837, at Fort Des Moines, now Montrose. He was usually accompanied by his wife, and they were always treated with attention and respect by those wiiites upon whom they called. More than once have Black Hawk and his well-behaved squaw sat at our table; and while the two women would chat freely over their tea, talking "Greek" to each other, the "chiefs " were compelled perforce to maintain respectful silence. These tea-parties are remembered with as much pleasure a? though the entertained had been a duke and duchess. Black Hawk in those days usually wore a black hat and a white blanket, and took no pride in triidvets and feathers. Keokuk, whom he hated, and whose hate was returned, seldom appeared in public without being decked out in fanciful stj^le. He was portly and made an imposing appearance. These joint tribes were then settled up the Des Moines river, and their chief villages were, we believe, near where the city of Des Moines now stands. (382) HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 383 But the old chieftain's career as a brave and a warrior had closed, and it was soon to close as a man. He, whose seal ping- knife and tomahawk had gleamed in the face of many a foe, whose war-whoop had wakened the echoes of the night from the Missouri to the Wisconsin, and whose martial shout had sent defiance and threat across the Father of Waters, was soon to take his departure to the far-off hunting grounds prepared for him by the great Manitoul He died on the banks of the Des Moines river, in what is now the county of Davis. At this day, and among a people so familiar with him and his career, it will he hard to assign him his true place in history. His abilities as a commander and leader were doubtless inferior to those of Philip, of Pokonoket, orPowhattan; his talent for strategy and his energy of purpose were excelled by those of Tecumseli; his oratory, of which little has been handed down to us, very likely fell short of that of Logan; but his name on history's page will stand along with these, and serve with theirs "to point a moral and adorn a tale." We have been unable to fix with absolute certainty, the date of the old chief's death, or of his age at the time. Gov. Ford, in his History of Illinois, gives his age at eighty, and places his death on the 3d of October, 1840. We should have called him at least ten years younger. It is stated that he had been aid de-camp to Tecumseh, in the war of 1812-'15. A correspondent of the Keosauqua Republican states his death to have occurred in 1837; Mr. Wm. Garrett, an old resident of Burlington, places it in 1838, or '39; while Mr. James H. Jordan, of Davis county, who resided near and owned the land on which Black Hawk resided at his death, claims that it occurred in Sept., 1838. His remains were not buried, but deposited in usual Indian style above ground. Previous to his death he requested to be buried on the spot where he had held his last council with the lowas, near by, which was complied with. He was dressed in a full suit of regimentals, frock coat with gold epaulettes, a cocked hat, sword and belt and spear cane. Fastened about him were three large medals — one presented him by Gen. Jackson, one by President Madison, and one by the British. The body was placed on puncheons at an angle of 30 or 40 degrees, and covered with puncheons like a house roof. The whole was sur- rounded by a strong palisade of posts. The remains were afterwards stolen and carried away, but recovered by the Governor of Iowa, and placed in the Museum of the Historical Society at Burlington, where they were destroyed by fire. Mr. J. H. Lawton, of Plymouth, tells the following anecdote of Black Hawk: About 1837 or '38, he .was employed by Mr. Hiram Kimball, who had a store at Commerce, to clerk while Mr. K. went East. He had been instructed to keep a good watch over the 384 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Indians when they came about the store, and to call in an old settler there to interpret for him when necessary. One day Black Hawk, among others, came in. The old warrior lingered around for some time, and finally pointed to a book lying upon the desk, an account book used in the store. The clerk, sup- posing he wished to examine it, took it and began to show him its construction, etc.; but the chief shook his head: that was not what was wanted. He took it, turned over the leaves, and pointed to the entries. Concluding finally that he wanted to refer to them, the clerk turned leaf by leaf, till he came to an entry against Black Hawk himself — such and such articles charged, amounting to so many dollars and cents. He was now understood; figuring up the amount, the clerk communicated it to him in some way, when the old chief pulled out the exact sum and paid it. When this was done, he motioned to have tlie account balanced, which was done, and he went away satisfied. The articles had been purchased and the entries made months before. The transaction showed not only an honesty of purpose, but good credit and a good memory on the part of the old chief. Henry Asbury, Esq., of Quincy, furnishes the following: " I met (at Burlington in 1835) the Indian chief Black Hawk, who, through an interpreter, told me that for a time when a child he resided with his parents at the point where Quincy now stands. " Whilst standing on the bank of the river conversing with the chief, the steamboat Warrio?' passed up the river without landing. Black Hawk manifested whilst looking at the boat, great anger and displeasure; and went on to say that the day before, or a short time before the battle of the Bad-Axe, this same steamboat Wan'io?' came up to a point where his warriors were collected in their retreat — that he sent a white flag to the shore for tlie purpose of offering a surrender — and that the flag was fired on from the boat. That he wanted in good faith to surrender, and would have done so, if permitted; and that the subsequent massacre of his people might have been thus avoided. " He knew the name of the captain — Throckmorton — and called him ' Che-wal-i-ki Che-mo-ko-mon.^ [Bad White Man.] " Black Hawk was a very extraordinary Indian; rather under size, yet he was compactly built; possessing the most pleasant face and features I ever saw in an Indian. In manner grave, dignified, and polite. He looked less the savage than any Indian I have ever seen." Another correspondent, Col. J. C. Walsh, of Maryland, says: '' I have often heard the old chieftain, Muck-ah-tah-mish-e-ka- ah-ki-ak or Black Hawk, make the same assertion he did to Mr. Asbury, namely, that he desired to surrender at the battle of the Bad- Axe, but that his white flag was fired on. *' Black Hawk and his family, — Moh-ioah-e-quah, his wife, iTaA- she-us-kiik and Sam-e-sah^ his sons, and Nan-ne-sah^ his daughter, HISTORY OJF HANCOCK COUNTY. 385 were remarkable for their high-toned deportment in every partic- ular. Nah-she-us-knk, when I first knew him, was witliout excep- tion the finest formed man I ever saw; about six feet two inches in height, with limbs of most symmetrical mold, he was a striking counterpart of the Apollo Belvidere, and his manners were as graceful and polished as any courtier's. I have often remarked that he was truly one of nature's noblemen. One rare trait he possessed, and that was, he never made use of whisky or tobacco, " M}' recollections of this Indian family are of the most pleasing character, and I shall never forget the kindness and hospitality with which I was invariably treated by them. Often has l)een the time, that, coming to their lodge hungry and sorely tired, after a day's hunt, that 1 have thought the boiled corn and deer meat which Moh-wah-e- quail (wolf woman) would set before me, was a feast fit for a king; and the soft skins and warm Mackinaw blankets that she would spread for my bed, was a couch on which had it been eider down my repose could not have been more pro- found and undisturbed. And I felt as safe in the rude wik-ke-up of the Indian chief in the depths of the forest, surrounded by those of his band who remained loyal to him, as if I had been resting in the guest chamber of the mansion of the proudest in the land." CHAPTER IX. HANCOCK NEWSPAPERS. If any county in Illinois can count a larger list of unfortunate newspaper enterprises than Hancock, we pity the people thereof and shed tears in behalf of the projectors and publishers. In June, 1S36, now 44 years ago, the writer of this printed at Carthage the first newspaper ever issued in the county. It was called The Carthagenian^ and was owned by a company of citi- zens. After a precarious existence of less than a year, it was pur- chased by Dr. Isaac Galland, one of the proprietors, and removed to Fort Des Moines, Wisconsin Territory, now Montrose, Iowa, its editor-printer going with it. There the new paper was called the Western Adventurer. A short sketch of the newspaper press at that day will not be out of place here. The whole vast region north of Palmyra, Mo., and reaching to the Pacific ocean, was without a newspaper, with the exception of one at Dubuque and one just commenced at Bur- lington. At St. Louis, Chambers & Knapp published the Missouri Republican.^ with Nathaniel Paschal for its editor, then the lead- ing Whig paper west of the Ohio. There was also the St. Louis Argus., a Democratic paper. Elijah P. Lovejoy about that time began the Observer., a religious and anti-slavery paper, and for which he was killed by a mob at Alton, having removed his press to that city. Rev. John M. Peck, a stalwart Baptist minister, well known in that day as a pioneer and historian, was publishing at Rock Spring in this State, and afterward at St. Louis, the Western Watohman. At Springfield, Simeon Francis was conducting the Sangamo Jo%irnal\; and at Jacksonville was the Illinois Patriot., by James G. Edwards, and the Illinois Spectator., by Mr. Brooks, father of the late Austin Brooks, of the (^w\wQ.y Herald., and John P. Brooks, one of our former State Superintendents of Public Instruction. These were soon discontinued or changed. Mr. Brooks removed elsewhere, and Mr. Edwards emigrated to Iowa, took the press of the Adventurer^ and established the Fort Madison Patriot., which he afterward transferred to Burlington and named the Hawkeye. About the same date Samuel H. Davis, of the Wheeling (Va.) Gazette., came to Peoria and established The Register, which he conducted with ability and success until his death. " Long John " Wentworth had a year or two before located at Chicago and issued The Democrat, though two or three other papers had previously (386) ^^/■'J^'^ ^ ^' HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 389 been published in that embryo city. At Quincy, Judge Richard M. Young had published the Bounty Land Register^ which was about that date suspended or merged into the Quincy Argus^ by John H. Petit. Near the same date was also commenced the Quincy Whig, by Mr. S. M. Bartlett, or Bartlett & Sullivan. There were papers at Vandalia, then the State capital, at Shaw- neetown, and a few other points in the south end of the State. One at Alton was begun by Judge Baillhache, formerly of Colum- bus, Ohio, called the Alton Telegraph, and was long a leading Whig paper in that section. Rushville, being an old town, may have had a paper, but its title, if so, is not recollected. The old cit}'^ of Galena must not be forgotten — that capital of the lead mine region — so long on the confines of civilization. Of course it had one, if not two papers anterior to the Black Hawk war. James G. Clark, Secretary and afterward Governor of Iowa Territory, commenced the Wisconsin TerritoHal Gazette, at Bel- mont, on the east side of the river; and on the division of the Ter- ritory, i-emoved it down to Burlington, and named it Iowa Terri- torial Gazette. Keokuk was then but just named, still widely known as " The Point," and had no paper for years afterward. Des Moines, Iowa City, Omaha, Kansas City, Council Bluffs, and all that string of cities to the Pacific, were nowhere. San Francisco, at the GoMen Gate, from whose port the auriferous stream has of later years been pouring to enrich the world, was but an unknown Mexican town. From a list of the newspapers in Illinois, compiled from the Alton Telegrajjh in 1857, we find that the number was just twenty- seven, all told. Previous to 1836 the people of the county were chiefly supplied with r\Qv,'?r^2i^eY&hy i\\Q Missouri JRepublioan, the Sangamo Jour- nal, the Bounty Land Register, and the St. Louis Argus, to which may be added the Watohman, which was received in a good many Baptist families. After the suspension of The Carthagenian the county was with- out a paper until the fall of 1839, when the Mormons settled in it, and the Times and Seasons was issued at Nauvoo, by Ebenezer Robinson and Don Carlos Smith, the youngest brother of the prophet. Its first issue was dated Nov., 1839. It was a small sixteen-page monthly, and was designed for the organ of the Mor- mon Church: terms $1.00 per annum. This paper continued to be published (semi-monthly, at $2.00 after the first year) during the stay of that people in the county, under several editors and pub- lishers, among whom are remembered, besides its originators, the prophet himself, Frederic G. Williams, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, W. W. Phelps, and others. The circulation of this paper is unknown, but being a Church organ, it is supposed to have gone into the thousands. About the year 1842, Patriarch AVilliam Smith, another brother to the prophet, established a small weekly paper called The Wasp, 24 390 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. and continued it for some months, when it was merged into a larger and more respectable paper, entitled the Nauvoo IHeiglibor. This was conducted, we believe, through the wliole period of its exist- ence, in whole or in part, by John Taylor, one of the Twelve. It was the secular organ of the Mormon body, and was continued till about the time of the exodus to the far West, These three were the only Mormon publications issued in the county. They were conducted with a great deal of zeal, but carried the marks of incompetency and illiteracy on every page. In the spring of 1840, Daniel K. White, editor and publisher of the Pittsburg Gazette^ at the instance of his brother-ij-law, Daniel S. Witter, of the Warsaw steam flouring mill, was induced to bring a press there and commence the publication of a paper, which, he called the Western World. It was a six-column weekly, at $2.00 per year. At the end of six months he retired, selling his estab- lishment to Thomas C. Sharp, Esq., and James Gamble, a journey- man printer. These gentlemen at the end of the first year changed its title to Warsaw Signal., a name which continued in Warsaw through various tribulations and changes, with short intervals of i-est, for a period of about thirteerj years. In 1843 the office came into the hands of Messrs. Gregg & Patch, (Th. Gregg, Wm. Y. Patch) w^ho for a year or so issued the War- saw Message, a Whig paper. Again, in February, 1844, the office reverted to Mr. Sharp, who, sometimes alone and sometimes with a partner, continued to publish it until the close of the Mormon war in 1847, which terminated his connection with the Signal. It t])en passed over to Gregg & Miller, and continued in their hands till 1850, when it was sold to James McKee, of the ISTauvoo Patriot, who established the Warsaw Commercial Journal, a Democratic paper. Mr. Gregg afterwards procured an old press and material and revived the Signal in Aug., 1851, there being then for a time two papers in Warsaw. In the fail of 1853, Mr. Sharp again decided to enter the edito- rial held ; the Signal office and ])atronage were transferred to him, and with a new press and types he began the AVarsaw Express., which he issued with fair success, for about flfteen mouths, and then sold to Mr. G. G. Galloway, Mr. S. continuing to conduct it to the close of the year. Soon after the issue of the Express, Mr. McKee also sold out his Commercial Journal concern to Dr. Ran- kin, who removed it to La Harpe; and thus originated the first newspaper in that ambitious town. The name of this paper was the Hancoch Democrat. Just how long the enterprise lasted we cannot say; but only a few months, when Weslej^ H. Manier, Esq., of Carthage, purchased the materials, and in conjunction with Mr. Thaddeus Clarke, issued the Carthage Republican, Jan., 1854. These gentlemen continued it till October of the same year; it being an "independent" paper, price $2.00 per annum. Then it passed into the hands of G. M. Child, Esq., by whom it HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 391 was transformed into an intensely Democratic sheet, and so con- ducted by liim for several years. In Aug., 1861, Robert W. McClaugliry, Esq., fresh from Monmouth College, with his brother-in-law, t)r. A. J. Griffith, purchased the Rejniblican and changed its character, supporting ardently the measures of the Government in pulling down the Kebellion. In Aug., 1862, Mr. McClaughry enlisted in the arm}' and Dr. G. sold the Republican to J. M. Davidson, Esq., who, on Oct. 8th, 1863, issued his initial number, and has since continued as owner and editor to supply articles for every issue, with the exception perhaps of one or two numbers. Mr. D. is a native of Illinois; was born May 22, 1828, near Edwardsville, in Madison county. In 1845-6, in company with Charles McDowell, he published the Fulton Gazette at Lewistown; in 1855 established the Fulton Democrat at Lewistown, running it until 1858; then sold it to his brother, Wm. T. Davidson. In 1859-60-61, he published the Squatter Sovereign at Havana, in Mason county. During the session of the Legislature of 1858-9, Mr. D. was Legislative corre- spondent of the St. Louis Hepuhlican and Chicago Times. During his more than sixteen years' continuous labor on the Rej^ublican (Democratic paper) Mr. D. has been faithfully devoted to his party and unremitting in efforts to advance its interests; has been energetic and zealous in building up his busi- ness; a hard worker, a ready writer; and has succeeded in making the Reiniblican one of the best Democratic journals in the Mili- tary Tract. But we can not follow these many newspaper enterprises and changes in the order of their dates; so we fall back upon Mr. Sharp, he being the oldest editor and publisher now in the county. During the dark days of the Rebellion, in the winter of 1863-4, the several Union Leagues in the county, feeling the necessity of maintaining a firm Union paper in their midst, induced Mr. Sharp to undertake the enterprise. He accordingly purchased back the Express office of Mr. McKee (the paper haying been discon- tinued and materials sold to him), and issued the Hancock New Era in 'April, 1864, which he continued for fifteen months, till after the close of the war. Having been elected County Judge in November, 1865, he removed to Carthage, where, after his four years' term expired, he obtained the Gazette^ which with one year's exception has been under his management, as a Republican paper. Mr. Sharp's editorial career has extended over a period of more than twenty years in all, since he assumed the management of the Western World\ and his labors have covered not only the most exciting and perilous times in the county's history, but also periods most difficult and disastrous to newspaper enterprises. Without instituting comparisons, it is no injustice to others to say that Mr. Sharp and Mr. Davidson are the strongest and most forcible writers of Hancock's editorial fraternity. Occupying as they do responsible positions at the county-seat, their papers have "392 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. become the acknowledged organs of their respective parties, and their influence is felt accordingly. They may be set down as the veterans of the press in Hancock. May they acquire a compe- tence from their arduous labors, and live long to enjoy it! We turn to Nauvoo again: Early in 1846, while the Mormons were preparing for their journey into the wilderness, the Hanoook Eagle^ a Democratic paper, was established there in the interest of the Mormons and their adherents. It was conducted by Dr. Wil- liam E. Matlack, a Philadelphian. Dr. M. was a well educated, classical scholar, a graduate of Princeton, had traveled extensively in Europe and Asia, and had been editorially engaged, with Horace Greeley on the New Yorker. This information is obtained from an editorial notice of his death in The Eagle., which occurred July 28, 1846, in the 34:th year of his age. The Eagle was now ofiered for sale, and fell into the hands of Samuel Slocum, and a paper entitled the New Citizen was the result. During the winter of 1846-7, Mr. S. employed Dr. Isaac Gal land as its editor. The Citizen was Anti-Mormonish, and, as its name implied, was devoted to the interests of the new citizens who were taking the place of the emi- grating Mormons. As the Doctor had been one of the prophet's baptized adherents and his private secretary and agent, it was thought he needed a little watching on the part of Slocum and his friends. So, one day, an editorial article appeared in proof sheet, which was of such a character as to " bounce " the Doctor from his tripod. The paper was then for a period conducted by the foreman, John S. Winter, Esq., for several years since manager and editor of the Knoxville Journal., and present County Clerk of Knox county. 111. We know nothing of the circulation of the Citizen — it could not have been large — but we are informed that its exchange list was immense for a country paper, amounting to several hun- dreds. In the fall of 184T, James McKee published in that city the Nauvoo Patriot, a Democratic paper. In 1850, he removed to Warsaw, and it is believed the Patriot office went into the hands of the Icarian Community. About the beginning of 1851, that colony began the issue of the Icarian Review, printed half in English and half in French. It was under the editorial charge of M. Etienne Cabet, their venerable and talented leader. They also published the Popular Tribune, under another editor whose name is not now remembered. The Community broke up and the paper was discon- tinued. July 24, 1858, two young men, Gregg & Lambert, started the Nauvoo Democratic Press. It remained in their hands but a few months, when Messrs. Yates, Chapman, Bauer & Swartz took the concern. Finally Mr. Yates took it and employed Mr. Grove, a school-teacher, to conduct it. After Mr. G., it was conducted by Mr. Abraham Yates, son of the proprietor, until his death in 1860. Henceforward until 1873, we believe Nauvoo was without a news- paper. On November 14th of that year, Messrs. Kramer and HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 393 Thomas began the publication of the Nauvoo Independent. It remained in their hands bat -14: weeks, when it was purchased by Hamilton k, I^elson (Dr. K. B. Hamilton and Joseph Nelson), in whose hands it remained one year, when Dr. H. retired, and Mr. Nelson remained its sole proprietor. It is now in its seventh year and still under his care, with a fair prospect of continuance, a use- ful "independent," two dollars, 8-column folio. Star of Dallas^ was the first newspaper in Dallas City, by Fran- cis Ashton, in the spring of 1859. In the fall it was removed to La Harpe and back again in two weeks. In the summer of 1860 it passed into the hands of Mr. Trueblood, who advocated the election of Judge Douglas to the Presidency. It died May, 1861. December, 1869, G. M. Child, of the Hancock Democrat^ at Car- thage, removed his paper to Dallas, where he continued to issue it until his death in 1872. It was a Ycolumn folio, at $1.50 per year. At his death it was discontinued for a time, but revived in the winter of 1872-3, by Mr. J. F. Taylor, his son-in-law, but it was not long lived. Attempts were made to re-establish it; and we find that in the winter of 1875-6, Messrs. Mason & Murphy were print- ing a paper there — \\\q' Advocate — which in June, 1876, passed into the hands of Mr. Walter B. Loring, who had been an apprentice and journeyman with Mr. Child.. At a subsequent date, Mr. Penn Harris, of Chicago, opened out in Dallas City with an 8-page 64- column sheet; but it proved to be too big a boom, and was sus- pended after two numbers. It was called the Sucker State^ date not remembered. W. C. Brown issued for a few months the Dallas City Monitor, which, we believe, was the latest efibrt until April 6, 1878, Mr. E. H. Thomas, formerly of the Nauvoo Independent, started the Dallas City JVews, a 7-column folio. It is still pub- lished under the same management, a live paper, and independent as to politics, and seems to be enjoying a fair patronage, likely to maintain a longer and more prosperous career than most of its pre- decessors. Augusta has not been without its several newspaper enterprises. The first venture of the kind there was made in the summer of 1856, by L. S. Grove & Son. Mr. G. had been a school-teacher in various places in the county, and striking Augusta, concluded to try his hand on a newspaper. It was called the Augusta Weekly Times. It ran about one year. The Augusta Home Banner was started about Dec. 1, 1864, by W. P. Campbell, editor and proprietor. He was succeeded in about a year b}^ W. R. Carr, who continued the Banner about two years probably. Mr Carr is now a Methodist preacher at Rushville, 111. The Augusta Herald was begun Aug. 2, 1878, by Mr. Henry E. Allen, who emigrated from Knox Co., 111., where he had been conducting the Abingdon Knoxonian. The Herald was a good local paper, and seemed to be managed with considerable tact and skill; yet Mr. Allen left it in about a year, transferring it to Mr, Silas Robinson, by whom it was continued till early in 1880. 394 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. In March, 1880, Mr. R. removed his press to Warsaw, where he began and is now publishing the Warsaw Democrat^ an S-page Democratic sheet (as its title indicates) at $2 per year. Mr. R. also published, for a month in AVarsaw, a little dail}', called the Itidependent. The Augusta Mail is just started by Mr. Garrison. From Augusta to Plymouth is but five miles by rail, up the C, B. & Q. " If Augusta can start a paper and fail, why can not we also start one and succeed?" thought the citizens of the rival town. So, one day in the spring of 1857, the writer of this, then at Warsaw, was invited to come to P. and take an interest in, and charge of, a paper the\' were going to issue there. He declined, but offered to conduct it for a salary. His offer was accepted, a company formed, press purchased, and the Plymouth Locomotive was put upon the road. He published it till iS^ovember, then begged to be released, when it passed to otlier parties, and finally gave up the ghost the next year. The press and materials were sold to a publisher at Carthage. Plynwuth then remained without a newspaper for about eighteen years, when in Jan., 1877, Mr. E. A. Hail, of JNIacomb, brought a press there and issued the Plvmouth Advocate. He continued it till Aug. 30, 1878, when he sold to Post & Bell (W. A. Post, Jesse W. Bell, Jr.). By these gentlemen — Post succeeded by W. S. Hendricks, as editor — the Advocate was continued until April 24, 1879, when it was stopped, and the press transferred to Clayton, 111. Again, June 26, 1879, Mr. Charles K. Bassett, of the Abingdon HegisteVy brought another press to Plymouth and began the publi- cation of the Plymouth Phonograph. It began as a Democratic paper, but has changed to neutrality. INLr. B. is the youngest editor in the county, having just now reached his majority. Should he be able to sustain a paper in Plymouth, which he seems likely to do, it can hardly be ascribed to his youth and inexperience. Returning again to Warsaw: During the summer of 1844, a small paper, called the Hancock Democrat, was printed at the Signal office for Mr. E. A. Bedell. Its purpose was to advocate the claims of Jacob C. Davis for Congress; but he failing of a nomination, the paper was discontinued after four issues. In 1853-4 a strong temperance wave swept over Illinois and the county of Hancock, and in Jan., 1854, a small monthly sheet was begun at the Express oflice by Mr. Gregg, called the Temperance Crusader. In a few montlis this paper reached a circulation of 1,700 copies, mainly through the agency of the Sons of Temper- ance. But it came to an untimely end. In an evil hour, an ofier to merge with a similar sheet in Chicago was accepted, the united paper to be issued from that city. The Crusader subscription list was sent on; but for a year nothing could be heard from the paper or its publisher, wlien it was learned that- he had gone East and abandoned the enterprise. The list was gone, and the paper could not be revived. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 395 About 185G or '7, W. K. Davison, a ])liciiomcii:iI \)v\utG\\hanui(/ inoyiey, struck Warsaw in his vvan(ierin<>-8, and conclu(lc in which he was associated with Mr. John T. Morton. But in 1859 he returned again to Oquawka, and resumed the editorship of the Plaindealer. He was, of course, a very decided advocate of Mr. Lincoln's elec- tion to the Presidency, and received from him the appointment of Postmaster of Oquawka. But at the breaking out of the Rebellion, he was the first man in the place of his residence to volunteer in the army, where he became Captain of Company D, of the Tenth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with Morgan as its Col- onel. Ile-eidisting at the close of the three months' service, he was appointed Major of the same (Tenth) Regiment in which he made the Kentucky campaign with General McClernand. In May, 1862, he became an Adjutant-deneral upon the staff of (Jen- eral Ross, but was soon after compelled to resign on account of the 396 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. state of'his health, remaining as an invalid for some months at his home in Oquawka. In 1863 he made an excursion to California, and 1864 found him in Nevada, where, besides editing a paper, the Carson Independent^ he became a member of the Convention which formed the Constitution of that State. The year 1866 found him again in Quincy, in this State, as editor of" the Whig and Republican^ and in the following year he removed to this place and bought the Record^ the title of which he soon changed to that of the Warsaw Bulletin^ which he continued to edit until the time of his death." At Mr. Dallam's death the paper was left in the hands of his widow and young son?. These — first Frank M., and latterly " Phil," — have conducted the Bulletin ever since with good success. It now stands in the front rank among the country papers ; in size, excel- lence of workmanship, and character of its editorials, second to but few of them. The Bulletin is a pronounced Republican, 9-column folio, at $2.00 a year. About the beginning of 1877, Mr. J. M. Faris came to Warsaw from Pike county, and established a Democratic paper, to which he gave the old name of Hancock Democrat. Mr. Faris was in bad health the whole period of his stay in the county, and he was compelled to give up the business. His estab- lishment was purchased by George P. W^alkerand Cortez Maxwell, Esqs., and continued (Mr. Walker retiring after a few months) till the fall of 1879, when it was discontinued. The Democrat was an 8-column folio sheet, neatly printed, at $2.00 per annum. At La^Harpe, after the demise of Dr. Rankin's Democrat, Mr. Henry King, a young son of J. ^Y. King, Esq., with Frank Nash, published the Star of the West. This was about 1858 or 1859; and afterward, in 1866 or 1867, James L. King published the Home I^ews. How long these papers continued we are not advised, but only for short periods. In November, 1874, Mr. H. G. Rising began to issue the La Harpe Leader, and before the close of a volume left it in the hands of L. S. Cogswell, Esq., who changed it to the La Harper in October, 1875. In his hands it continued over two years, when he transferred it to J. C. Coulson, Esq., who issued his first number dated April 5, 1878. Mr. C. is a son of Dr. Coulson, an early settler, and we believe is a native of the county. He is still at the helm of the La Harper, industriously devoting himself to the interests of his pleasant little city, and has succeeded in building up a fair patronage. His paper seems to be popular with the people; it is decidedly a local journal, and is now in its fifth volume. It is a 5-column quarto. In the spring of 18§8, after leaving the Plymouth Locomotive^ Mr. Gregg established, at Hamilton, the Hamilton Representative^ a 6-column folio. This continued two or three years, till it suc- cumbed to the hard times of the war. Again, in May, 1873, he published the Dollar Monthly, changed to Rural Messenger, Jan- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 397 nary 1, 1870, and suspended April, 1877. It was a large 16-page sheet, and was devoted principally to literary and rural affairs. This brings us back to the county-seat, where we began, and where the first news sheet was floated upon the prairie breezes of Hancock county, 44 years ago. The summer it was issued the grass was knee high over the public square, with paths here and there across to the few business houses. The wild deer sniffed the morning air in the suburbs, and the bowlings and barkings of the little prairie coyotes awoke the echoes of the night. The town had perhaps 100 inhabitants, all told; the county, say, 3,000. After the suspension of the Carthagenian, the place was without a paper for ten or twelve years, or more. But to omit none, we should mention that in the fall of 1836, a small campaign sheet was issued from the office of the Oarthagenian^ called The Echo, under the management of Walter Bagley, Esq., intended to advo- cate the election of Gen. Harrison to the Presidency. Only a few numbers were issued. The next venture there, we believe, was made by Mr. Thaddeus Clarke, of Macomb; but the date is not recollected, neither can we recall the name of the paper, but believe it was I^exos- Letter. This must have been a few years before his connection with Mr. Manier on the RepubliGan. In the spring of 1860 Mr. James K. Magie, from the Oquawka Plaindealer, came to Carthage and established the Carthage Tran- script. How long this paper continued we have not at hand the means of knowing, but it was succeeded by the Carthage Gazette, in the hands of Mr. Fowler, afterward associated with Mr. Noble L. Prentis, and by them conducted with spirit and tact till about 1869 or '70, when it passed to its present proprietor. The Gazette is now in its 15th year. We must not leave out of the list the little college monthly, named the Carthaginian (with an t instead of an e in its third syllable, which its erudite editors claim is the correct orthography'). It is a handsome octavo, issued from the office of the Republican, scholarly, spicy, under the management of the Faculty and literary societies of Carthage College. We have now srone through the list as well as the means at hand will permit, but very probably not without some errors, lo enu- merate: At Carthage we have had the Carthagenian, Echo, JSfews- Letter{?), Transcript, Republican, Democrat, Gazette, Carthagin- ian — 8. At Nauvoo — Times and Seasons, Wasp, Expositor, Neighbor, Eagle, New Citizen, Icarian Review, Popular Tribune, Demo- cratic Press, Independent — 10. At Warsaw — Western World, Signal, Message, Commercial Journal, Democrat, Express, Crusader, New Era, Bulletin, Piib- Uc Record, Democrat 2d, Warsaio Democrat and Independent — 13. 398 HISTOUY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. At La Harpe— The Democrat, Star of the West, Home News, Leader, La Harjyer—b. At Auii^nsta — Times, LLome Banner, Llerald — 3. At Dallas Q'xiy — Star of Dallas, Democrat, Advocate, Sucker State, Monitor, News — 6. At Plymouth — Locomotive, Advocate, Phonograph — 3. At Hamilton — Re^presentative, Dollar Monthly, Rural Messen- ger — 3. Grand total, 51. Ov^er half a hundred; one for every year of the county's exist- ence. To enumerate the fortunes made in these enterprises would be an easy task. To count the absolute and the partial failures would be a little more difficult. There haye been reasons for these failures, chief of which has been ambition — ambition of individ- uals to be at the ])ead of a press, and ambition of rising villages to sport a newspaper. None of these first publications but' were begun too soon, before there was sufficient population and business to sustain them. And yet, having induced men to embark in these enterprises, it was the duty and the interest of the towns to sustain them. A newspaper failure in a rising village is a disaster not only to the person managing it, but also to the communit}'. It has taken a long chapter to tell the story of these newspaper ventures, — the births, growths, suspensions, resurrections, failures and final flickerings of newspaper life in Hancock during its first half century. The budding hopes blasted, the air-castles over- turned, little fortunes consumed, debts incurred, mortgages fore- closed and Sheriif's writs executed, nobody may know, and nobody cares. The career of that Cincinnati Franklin Press, the first one brought to Warsaw, was a remarkable one, and of itself tells a story of newspaper adventure and failure. It has truly been on all sides in politics. It first served the Whigs with White and the World; next Neutrality with Sharp and the Signal j then again a Whig under Gregg & Patch in the Message,' then it breathed fire and Anti-Mormonism with Sharp again in the Signal; then with Gregg & Miller a Neutral; then with McKee a Democratic organ in the CommerclaUoarnnl; then with Rankin at La Harpe, a Democrat, then to Manier & Co. at Carthage, an Independent; then to Child, a Democrat and an opposer of the war; then to Griffith & McClaughy, a War Democrat; and finally, it rests from its wanderings and polit- ical labors in a quiet nook in the Republican office, a doer of all work, after 40 years of active service; and in all this time it has not been out of the county. It may truly be called a Hancock institution. CHAPTER X. WEATHER PHENOMENA. The year 1811 is far enough back to go in search of liistorical incidents connected with Hancock county; and what we have to record of that year, concerns alike the whole Mississippi Valley. That was a year long to he remembered. The first steamboat to traverse the Ohio and Mississippi rivers — the " New Orleans " — was launched at Pittsburg in the summer of that year, and made her trip to New Orleans, scaring the aborigines along the rivers out of their seven senses. Arrived in the vicinity of New Madrid, the terrible earthquake occurred, which rocked the waters of the river, sunk large tracts of land, partially destroyed the town and came very near putting an end to the first experiment of steam navigation in the AVest. To increase the dismay caused by the earthquake, a fiery comet was seen coursing through the heav- ens, exhibiting an immense and gorgeous length of tail — the sup- posed harbinger of disaster to the astonished inhabitants. But the earliest date w^e can reach with safety, in regard to weather phenomena in Hancock county, is that of the memorable DEEP SNOW, so well recollected by all living in this region in 1830-31. That win- ter marks an epoch in the history of Hancock and all the Military Tract and indeed, throughout a large portion of the great North- west. What its limits were we are unable to say, but they were extensive. To recount the sufterings caused by it would fill vol- umes. Those who were caught unprepared — as many always are, especially in a new country — were put to great extremes for the means of sustaining life till spring. Fire-wood, generally near at hand, could be reached by dint of hard labor. I3ut the difficulty was in procuring provisions. Wild game and the product of the cornfields was the main dependence of the settlers. In most instances, the corn had not been gathered. It became a herculean labor, first to find it, as it lay imbedded in the snow, and then to procure it, and when procured, how was it to be got to the mills and returned in meal? Travel, for the greater part of the winter, was almost entirely suspended, it being impossible to go but a few rods in a day, with the best of teams. A great deal of stock died, from suffering in the snow, and from want of food. Game died in great numbers in the woods; or if alive, could not be found, and if occasionally found, was easily caught, but so poor as to be fre- quently unfit for food. (399) 400 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. But the greatest suffering, perhaps, was in those instances where people were caught away from home and out in the storm. Some of these instances of peril are reported in other portions of this book. The snow began to fall on the 29th of December, 1830, and continued almost incessantly for three days. The average depth was about four feet, with drifts in all the ravines and low places, sometimes twenty and thirty feet deep. What few fences there were had been entirely covered; roads, of which there were but few, were obliterated. The New Year of 1831 was ushered in upon a canopy of universal whiteness. The snow remained on the ground till spring, and as the winter advanced and a crust began to form, the difficulties of travel increased. All remember the deep snow of 1830-31. STORM OF 1836. The next to mention is the remarkable storm and " sudden freeze " of Dec. 20, 1836. This we describe as experienced at Carthage. Other accounts from otlier places somewhat diifer. The night had been warm, and in the morning a soft rain was falling, which continued till seven or eight o'clock. Then thew^eather began to grow colder, a slight wind began to blow from the west and afterward from the northwest, every moment increasing in violence. The rain ceased, but soon was succeeded by sleet, and by ten o'clock there was a continuous and violent gale blowing, driving before it a body of line round sleet, as hard as ice, and so cutting that it could not be faced. The soft ground was soon frozen hard, its uneven spaces filled with the sleet, till it became as hard and almost as smooth as ice, making travel very difficult. It continued all day and long into the night, the gale and sleet and cold unabated, and at times coming with increased violence. How low the mercury fell we can not now remember, but there was within the twenty hours of the storm a change of not less than sixty or seventy degrees of temperature. People who were so unfortunate as to be caught out in the storm suffered intensely. Frozen ears, frozen feet and hands were numerous, and numbers over the country were frozen to death. One man was frozen to death between Carthage and Commerce, while on his way with an ox team. His comrade barely escaped with his life. The Illinois river froze over in an incredibly short period of time. TORNADO, JUNE, 1838. A correspondent in the north gives us the following: In the month of June, 1838, a terrible tornado passed over the north part of the county. The storm-cloud commenced gathering west of the Mississippi, and by one o'clock had assumed a formidable, black and angry appearance. Crossing the river near Fort Madi- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 401 son, it started in an easterly direction. Then the clouds assumed the appearance of large inverted funnels, three in number. Clear- ing the bluff timber, it struck the earth near the west line of 7-7, about midway of the township. Then it presented an appearance at once awful, and grand to behold. The weeds and grass of the prairie were literally torn up by the roots. Continuing east, with a noise like a thousand thunders, it struck the young settlement of Pilot Grove. Huge trees were uprooted and broken like pipe- stems, and log houses were blown down. In one of the houses an old lady by the name of Sears was killed. A new frame-house that had just been built, was taken from its foundation, carried several rods and set down again, without receiving any material injury. Three persons were killed in the vicinity of Pilot Grove. Some cattle and horses were killed and missing. The tornado continued on througli the timber east of Joseph Lionberger's mill, completely destroying every tree and bush in its path. It finally spent itself over in the bluffs of the Illinois river. For many years afterward, the track of this fearful tornado was visible, and the dire effects of its fury to be seen. HIGH WATERS. We are unable to give all the years in which the Mississippi rose to unusual height, but those of 1835, 1844, 1851 and 1853, are particularly remembered. In each'of those years the water covered the whole valley from bluff to bluff, with slight exceptions, all the way from Lake Pepin to St. Louis, making a broad expanse of water from two and three to seven miles wide. At "Warsaw, and between that and Lima lake, the whole of that rich and valuable bottom land, now attempted to be reclaimed, was overflowed to a depth of several feet; while on the opposite side it extended to the sand ridge five miles away, leaving Alexandria from four to eight feet under water. The year 1836 — the year of our first acquaintance with the river — the water was also high, and there have been several seasons of high water since — dates not now remembered. These annual over- flows are known as the "June rise," because they occur in June on the lower Mississippi; here they generally reach the maximum by the middle of May, and are often on the decline before the begin- ning of June. But it will be observed that the " Father of Waters " is, by slow degrees gradually diminishing in volume; these high stages becom- ing less frequent, and its low stages in the autumn months more marked. THE BASCO TORKADO. The tornado which passed through Bear Creek township on the evening of July 3, 1873, was not only very destructive, but was attended with peculiar characteristics. There had been wind and 402 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. heavy rain all over the middle and southern portions of the countj during the day, but the tornado proper began about three miles west of Basco, and held an easterly course towards Bentley, where it became less violent. It was, without doubt, accompanied by fire, as parties who were in it remember a sensation of heat, and some say, a smell of sulphur. Those who witnessed it from Basco, rep- resent it as sublime and terrible : a smoky, blue-colored cloud, rolling forward at great speed, emitting flames at intervals, and carrying destruction in its path. Houses, barns, farm imple- ments, horses, cattle, trees, fences, and human beings, were carried bodily into the air and deposited chiefly outside of the tornado's path. The total width of the hurricane was only about a quarter of a mile, while the tornado proper was only a few rods wide. It so happened that but few residences lay directly in its path, hence the destruction of life and propert}'^ was not very great. A full account of this terrific tornado, and the destruction it occasioned, was published in the Carthage Republican of the 16th, from the pen of its editor, J. M. Davidson, Esq. The incidents narrated in it are so remarkable, and so well authenticated, that we copy almost entire, omitting only the least important portions: "Arriving at the village of Basco by the morning train, the writer was taken in kindly charge by Esquire Crow, a venerable and good citizen of the village, who procured a horse and buggy, and, without unnecessary delay, we were on the road to Booz's place, where the tornado seems to have made its first appearance in the township. " Mr. Booz's residence was a log house consisting of a story and a half, with a frame lean-to kitchen on the north. Between four and five rods to the north of the house was a large, new frame barn. East of the house, from 8 to 10 rods, was a fine growth of young timber, most of the trees being from 5 to 7 inches in diameter. So much for the situation, Mr. Booz was in the house when his oldest son, 18 years old, came running in and cried out excitedly: 'Father, come out here and see what this is!' Mr. Booz ran out and saw a dense cloud that looked like smoke rolling furiously toward the house, and the air was very hot and smelled like sulphur. He ran into the house, shut the doors and got his wife, children and himself into the cellar just in time to hear the whole upper part of the house go ofi" with a crash. The concussion was so great as to tumble over the milk pans in the cellar and shake the cellar walls terribly. He says: 'The whole house was lifted about one foot from the foundation on the west side, but fell back again.' The storm lasted less than five minutes and then he came out of the cellar to witness a scene of destruction that fairly paralyzed him. The upper half of his house was gone; his kitchen and smoke house nowhere to be seen ; nothing left of his fine new stable but a few foundation posts and a pile of manure, and the pretty grove of timber twisted and broken into indescrib- ably fantastic shapes. In the stable were three horses, a threshing HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 403 machine, a cultivator and other tools and about live tons of haj. A new wagon stood close to the stable. None of these were now to be seen: all were swept away. One of tlie horses was carried into the timber and fell into the top of a young hickory tree and from thence to the ground where it was found dead next morning.. Another horse was evidently carried over the house into the road, and seemed not to have been badly hurt. The other was carried in an opposite direction, and landed in a meadow without injury. The broken remnants of Mr. Booz's wagon, cultivator, and parts of the barn were found scattered through the timber and beyond. Some remnants are not found yet. The most of a heavy iron cultivator was found in Sanderson's meadow, 100 rods east! It is stated that Mr. Wm. Damron, who was some half mile north of tlie tornado, saw Mr. Booz's stable lifted into the air 200 feet, that it whirled around rapidly and finally fell to pieces and was blown off into the timber. Seventy-live apple-trees were torn out by the roots and carried across fields ; posts five feet long on which the barn sat were pulled out of the ground in which they had been set nearly four feet! Two cows and calves were carried fully 100 yards into an adjoining meadow, all more or less injured. "We have been more particular in describing the destruction at Booz's place bec-ause it will answer for a faithful description in general, if not in detail, of the remarkable effects of the tornado throughout its entire path. "East of Booz's, about a quarter, or a little more, was a hewn log house belonging to Mr. W. C. Baldwin and occupied by How- land SteiFy and wife as renters. This house, and the barn adjoin- ing it, were blown to pieces, the logs carried hundreds of feet into an adjoining meadow. The floor only of the house was left. They said there had been a stable near by, but we don't believe it! " When the tornado approached, Mr. Steffy undertook to secure the door, but in an instant he was hurled 50 feet toward the road, the house taking another direction. After the storm passed he searched for his wife and found her lying composedly behind a locust stump in Sanderson's meadow with the logs of their house piled all around her! Mr. and Mrs. Steffy were both severely hurt, but able to pick their way through fallen timber and accumulated rubbish to Mr. Booz's place, and aftersvard to some neighbor's who had better accomodations! Sanderson's meadow, immediately east of Steffy's, was thickly strewn withdebris, timber, parts of wagons, household goods, dead pigs and chickens, wearing apparel, etc. The next place struck by the tornado was that of John Sanderson, north of east from Steffy's half a mile or more. Here the destruc- tion was as complete as if the premises had been rained with gun- powder. Not one stick of timber in either house or stable was left in its original position ; even the rocks at the corners were thrown out of their places, and there was not enough timber of any kind left within a hundred yards — either of house or barn — to build a smoke house! The house and barn seem to have been carried up into the 40i HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. air, broken to pieces and scattered about by the wliirlwind,while the contents of the dwelling, including Mrs. Sanderson and her two smaller children, were blown in a direct line south from 500 to 1000 feet. Broken bedsteads, tables, chairs, cooking- stoves and other furniture, together with remnants of clothing, etc., were blown in fragments in a straight line south through the meadow just as if the house had been carried up into tlie air, and when the floor fell out an under current had driven the family and contents in the direction we have named. The fence south of the house, which was not wholly blown down, was, on the day of our visit, festooned with remnants of wearing appearel, bed clothing, etc. Concerning Mr. Sanderson's whereabouts or escape, there seems to be some confu- sion. That gentleman told us that when the storm came on him he was in the yard west of the house. His oldest child, a little girl 8 years old, was with him. They fell down, or were blown down, on the ground. When the storm passed over, himself and little girl went round and ronnd the fallen rubbish calling for mother and the little children, but getting no response, he said he thought his wife and children had been blown away olf, and so he went over to Mr. John Elder's, three-quarters of a mile distant, to get assistance. We learn, however, that Mrs. Elder tirmh' believes that Mr. Sanderson and child were blown over half that distance by the storm, as he could not have reached her house so quickly other- wise after the destruction of his house, which she witnessed. Dr. Hill, Mr. Tanner and others, of Basco, who were watching the tor- nado, saw Sanderson's house and barn rise in the air and go to pieces. The first named gentlemen at once mounted their horses and rode at full speed towards the scene of destruction. Others followed quickly. Search for the family was immediately insti- tuted, and within five minutes Dr. Hill found Mrs. Sanderson about TO steps south of the house, lying with her youngest child in her arms. Every particle of her clothing except a remnant of an under garment was stripped from the poor woman, and that was wrapped tightly across her shoulders and under her arms. Dr. Hill threw his coat over her until remnants of bed-clothing could be picked up to wrap around her. The woman was conscious, and begged to have her head raised, which was done. The little child in her arms added its pitiful wail to the heart-rending scene. Mrs. Sanderson was found to be terribly bruised and mangled on every part of her body except on her bosom and arms, which were protected by the little child. The child was covered with blood, and yet, singularly enough, seems not to have been noticeably hurt. Mrs. Sanderson's right leg was crushed to a jelly between the knee and ankle. There was a deep gash near the small of her back, and one of her hips was literally impaled with splinters. Two rods distant her second little girl was found dead, with a terrible gash across her forehead. Not far ofl' was found the little boy, aged three years, with both legs broken, one of them twice. ' The woman and children were '^ ^^^1 1^2^ WILCOX T.R HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 407 conveyed careful!}^ totheBasco House and medical assistance sum- moned. Two or tliree days later Mrs. Sanderson was delivered of a still-born infant that had evidently been crushed to death in the mother's terrible ordeal with the storm. " About one-quarter of a mile, or a little less, south and five or six rods east of Sanderson's was the two-stor}'' frame dwellinjy owned by Doty and Donaldson, and occupied by Robert Donaldson and wife. On the approach of the tornado Mr. Donaldson ran out into the orchard south of the house, calling to his wife to follow him. Mrs. D. preferred, however, to take the risks in the house, and tried to close the door. In an instant the house was swept away, carrying her with it. She was shortly afterwards found some rods to the northeast of the house in the midst of a wi*eck of broken joist, timber, boards and pulverized household furniture. That she was not killed was a miracle. Her only serious injury was a partially fractured ankle. " It will be remembered that the Sanderson house, some fifty rods or more to the north of Donaldson's, was blown almost directly south, while the Donaldson house was blown to the northeast — a remarkable evidence of the erratic pranks of the wind. Neverthe- less, a large and high pile of stove wood-close to Donaldson's house was apparently not in the least disturbed, although the orchard still south of it was badly torn up. North of the house a small barn and a threshing machine, were torn all to pieces and the remnants scat- tered over the fields. " North of Donaldson's some distance, the tornado tore through a thick hedge fence, taking it out by the roots for several rods. The adjacent portions of the hedge were withered and killed as if by a flame of fire passing rapidly through it. Further on, Mr. John Elder's barn received a gentle hint that it was not in the right place; and moving it a few feet and turning it around, the tornado passed on to the Hufi" farm. " Here was an excellent two-story frame house, and a good barn. Mr. Huff" was absent. Mrs. Hufi', her three children, and two nieces were in or about the house. Mrs. Huff says her oldest son, a lad of 14, first observed the coming storm and its threatening character, and advised his mother and the children to get into the cellar, which all did at once except Mrs. Huff, who proceeded quickly to fasten the doors and windows. This done, she ran partly up a stairway on the west side of the house where there was a window. She saw the tornado strike the stable which was two or three rods distant, and lift it whirling in the air. She then ran into the cellar, and in an instant the kitchen and whole upjjer part of the house was blown away. The family escaped without injury. The wreck at this place was complete. " Rohrer's house and barn were next assailed. The house, a brick structure, lost one of its gables and was badly wrecked. The barn was demolished. Thence taking a northerly course the tornado struck Judge Skinner's l)arn, a large structure, which it carried off 25 40S HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. the foundation and completely demolished, killing two horses and a cow, and destroyinj^ a wagon and a number of agricultural imple- ments. '"John Huri^s house and barn, on the township line, were next attacked and blown to pieces. Mrs. Hulf escaped with a painful hurt. A description of the devastation at other points will answer for the scene here. Nothing hardly was left but kindling wood, and that scattered up and down the road and through the adjacent lields. "'' The tornado next made its appearance, a short distance north and east of Bentley, greatly damaging the respective premises of Dr. James and Mr. L. Simmons, the particulars of which were given in our last issue. "At Basco numbers of citizens saw the approach of the tornado from the northwest. From its peculiar appearance most of them supposed it was a large fire. That notion was quickly dispelled as it approached nearer, and when the barn and dwelling of Mr. San- derson were seen to rise and whirl high up in air. The same spectators saw in a moment afterwards the Donaldson house dis- appear as if by magic. The whirlwind looked like a dense cloud of purplish-gray smoke, and seemed to be tilled with innumerable objects whirling and tossing in every direction. Flames of tire were observed by many to shoot through the rolling mass of clond; and those who were momentarily within the influence of the rush of wind, declare that the air was as hot as a furnace. Some aver tliat the air was strongly impregnated with the odor of burning brimstone! others that it smelled like scorched rags, and, as tending to confirm the impression of extraordinary heat, there were found pieces of shingles and boards that were scorched as if from sudden exposure to powerful heat. The hedge fence referred to elsewhere in tliis article, seems to have been literally roasted adjacent to the gap torn out by the storm," JULY 4:, IS 73. The storm of the next day was also very severe all over the county. It occurred about seven and eight in the morning. At Carthage it was very disastrous, utterly ruining one wing of the public school building, and damaging the structure to the amount of 8-^^,000. The roof of the west side of the Carthage College building was blown off", and the structure otherwise greatly dam- aged. Other buildings were blown down, and not less than 100 chimneys blown away. At Bentley much damage was done, many chimneys demolished, and several roofs blown off. At Bowen the fine public school edifice was demolished, and much injury done to other property. At Augusta the steeple of the Presbyterian church was pros- trated, and the roof of the building blown off". The steeple of the HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 409 Christian church was also demolished, and the building moved from its foundation. Lines of freight cars on the railroad track were overturned. At Plymouth a freight car was started down the road, afterwards followed by an engine and brought back. At West Point a large frame house owned by Dr. Cheney was blown to pieces, also the grocery store of Funks 3 Masquerier — We had almost forgotten the learned, the eccentric, communistic Masqiierier. French in his origin, he had imbibed the theories of the French philosophy, and came West to disseminate them, and practice law. In this last he met with indiJferent success; in the other, had he lived on another planet where human nature was not in the ascendant (if there be such an one) he might have succeeded better. He was a theorist only; had no practical ability with which to buffet the world's selfishness. He had resided in Quincy; in 1S36 he was in Carthage, but soon went back to New York. Thomas Foixi — ^Of Gov. Ford we have so much to say in other chapters that little must suffice here. He was a Prosecuting Attorney for the Circuit in the early years of the county. As such there are few who remember him. He attended Court here only a few times, often enough, as he states in his History of Illinois, to conclude that the people here were a "hard set." Mr. Asbnry, of Quincy, speaks of him thus kindly: " All agree that Tom Ford was a bright, conscientious and just man. In 1S33, when the cholera was raging in Quincy, he was here and stood his ground and helped the sick, like a man." Win. A. Richardson. — Why he was always called "Dick" Rich- ardson we never knew. He resided at Rushville, and had consid- erable practice in this county. Like his friend Douglas, Col. Richardson was best known as a politician. He was at one time Prosecutinor Attornev for this Circuit. He was not distinguished as HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 415 a mere lawyer, though his sturdy, hard sense and experience, rather than study, made him successful. As an officer in the Mexican war he was brave and acquired distinction. After his return home it was that he became famous, not only in his district but in the House of Representatives and the Senate at Washington, as a poli- tician. He was born in Kentucky, and died in Qnincy on Dec. 27, 1875. Archibald 'Williams. — This " Xestor of the Bar " in the Military Tract was a Kentuckian, and settled in Quincy as early as 1825 or '26, where he continued to reside and practice his profession many years, acquiring a very high reputation. He had not an extensive practice in this county, but was often called to take part in cases of great magnitude; and his management was always such as to gain him a wider and more enduring fame. He was not an orator, in tiie common acceptation of the term; but his direct, plain and earnest reasoning always made an impression on a court or jury. He talked to convince; never aimed at rhetoric, or descended to vul- garity or abuse. He served for a short period as U. S. Attorney for the District of Illinois, and was appointed by his friend Presi- dent Lincoln, Judge of the U. S. District Court in Kansas. He died Sept. 21, 1863 (we believe in Kansas), and his remains sleep in Woodland cemetery, in the city he had so long made his home, and where he had established an enduring fame. Charles Gilman. — Mr. Oilman was better known as a law- reporter than as a lawyer, had a good education, line literary taste and acquirements, and industrious habits. His reports have become standard publications. His practice was limited in this county, but as a partner with Mr. Sharp, for a period, he became somewhat known to our citizens. He was from Maine, resided, and died in Quincy, of cholera, about the year 1848. Edward D. Baker — A resident of Springfield and a compatriot with Murray McConnell, John C. Calhoun, the Edwardses, Abraham Lincoln and others, and possessed finally of a national fame, " JNed Baker," may be classed as belonging to our Bar. His appearance at our Courts was not frequent; yet when he did appear, the occa- sion was sure to be an important one. Mr. Baker may justly be ranked as among the finest orators the country has produced. His speeches made in the Carthage court-house have been among the ablest and most impressive ever made there. He possessed all the natural gifts of an orator, an easy flow of language, a good imagi- nation, an attractive and graceful manner and an earnest honesty of purpose. He went in command of a regiment to the Mexican war, and achieved distinction at Cerro Gordo, removed thence to the Pacific coast, wiiere he became a U. S. Senator from Oregon. In the Sen- ate he stood high as a statesman and an orator. He resigned to take a position in the Union army, and laid down his life for his adopted country at Ball's Bluff". Oen. Baker was by birth an Eng- lishman, and was raised in Adams countv, Illinois. 416 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Nehemidh Bushnell. — Of the many attorneys who have practiced at the Hancock Bar, no one has gone to the Bar beyond, leaving a brighter fame and a purer reputation, perhaps, than Neheraiah Bushnelh To Mr. Henry Asburj's '' Sketches of Bench and Bar," reference to which has been heretofore made, are we indebted for a portion of what follows, in regard to Mr, Bushnell. He came to Quincy in 1887, and entered into a law partnership with Mr. Browning, whicli was only terminated by the death of the former. He was a New Englander, a graduate of Yale College and a highly educated and finished gentleman. Mr. B. was fond of books, was one of the best read men' in the State and had accumulated a most valuable library. " Perhaps Illinois never held a more modest and unassuming really great man than Bushnell; and per- haps few, if any, really intellectually stronger men than he." Mr. B. was a very pleasant speaker, though not what the world calls an orator. His manner was graceful, dignified and earnest. " It has been alleged that he was too exhaustive and difi'use in argument, and in the production of his authorities." This is true, and it was nearly the only fault that could be found with the matter or manner of his addresses to Court or jury. " Perhaps no two lawyers ever lived better suited as law partners than Browning and Bushnell;" and we state but a well-known fact when we add that, perhaps, no partner was ever remembered with a kindlier feeling. Mr. Bush- nell was an active worker in behalf of the Quincy & Galesburg railroad, the city of Bushnell, on said road, being named in his honor. Gyrus Walker. — For ability as a lawyer, and for persistence and force in the prosecution of a case, there were no superiors at the Hancock Bar to Cyrus Walker. He had been a successful practi- tioner in Kentucky, and was a man of middle age when he settled at Macomb. He had a good deal of practice in the " hard " cases, not only in this, but in other counties in the Circuit and out of it. "He was very strong in criminal cases, both on the side of the people, and in the defense. When Cyrus Walker was thoroughly aroused, and in dead earnest, with a determination to win the verdict from the jury, he was as terrible as an army with banners." William Elliott — Was a citizen of Fulton county, and was Pros- ecuting Attorney here for some eight years, embracing the period of our Mormon difficulties. He was regarded as a lawyer of medium ability, but not an eloquent orator. In the celebrated trials growing out of Mormon affairs, he usually had associated with him in the prosecution lawj'ers of more decided reputation. He afterward served as Quarter-Master in a volunteer regiment in the Mexican war, and died at home soon after the war was over. George G. Dixon — Was a Quincy lawyer who sometimes — not often— practiced at our Court. He was from New York, where he had previously practiced; was a well-educated and well-read lawyer, and withal a good speaker, though he never became popular with our people. He removed to Keokuk, Iowa, where he died some Tears affo. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 417 Robert S. Blackwell. — Genial "Bob Blackwell," admired and esteemed by all who knew him. Residing- in Rushville, he was a frequent practitioner at our Bar. Urbane, companionable, witty, lively, generous, he soon gained a position among our lawyers, and might have made — did make — a shining light in our midst. Some of his speeches, while Prosecuting Attorney, it is remembered, were among the ablest ever made in our Court, and compared favorably with those of his opponents, among whom we may name Browning, AValker and others. Mr. Blackwell was evidently a rising man when he left our Courts and 'settled in Chicago, in a broader field of usefulness, where he died several years ago. Mr. B. had a most remarkable memory, was always ready with his authorities, quot- ing book and page with the greatest facility. Jackson Grimshaw — Of Pike, afterward of Qnincy, was for many years well known in our county and had considerable prac- tice at our bar. He was always regarded as a strong lawyer and able to cope with the best. Mr. Asbury says of him: ''Mr. Grim- shaw possessed an active, perceptive and vigorous mind, was well grounded in the law, and was pre-eminently strong before a jury in any and every case where an analysis of the testimony and motives of witnesses might be brought into view. A prevaricating witness or a mean defendant had to suffer from his terrible denuncia- tions. Mr. G. w^ould not pander to a mean prejudice in Court or jury, and his most scathing comments and denunciations only fell where he felt that the right, the lienor and the virtue of the case was on the side he represented." But Mr. Grimshaw was, perhaps, best known to our people as a stump orator, having been on several occasions before the people of the District in that capacity, either as a candidate or a volunteer in aid of his party. Almeron Wheat — Was a Quincy attorney, an able lawyer, who years ago had considerable practice in this county. "Whether still living we are unable to state. The same may be said of N. Johnson — Excepting that he died a number of years ago. Mr. J. was an active meinber of the " Peace Committee of 100 " from Quincy, during the last Mormon troubles, and through his influence and skill probably the destruction of much life and property was averted. William IT. Roosevelt — Was a scion of a rich family in -New York city. He settled in Warsaw^ about 1836 or 'Y, and acquired large interests there. His practice at the Bar was merely nominal, being better known as a politician, a trader and land speculator. He was intimately identified with the interests of Warsaw, and labored hard to advance her prosperity. He was genial, good- natured, high-minded and held many honorable positions. He was several times a candidate for the Legislature, and was elected to that position in 1858. His death occurred soon after the com- mencement of the Rebellion, , Malcolm McGregor — Was a New Yorker, who came to Warsaw about the same time with Mr. Roosevelt; was also a Democratic 41 S HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. politician ; was a candidate for the Legislature in 1S40, but defeated by Dr. Charles. In 1839 he had been elected to the office of Probate Judge; was afterward appointed by the County Com- missioners to the responsible position of School Commissioner, and died while holding the office. Thomas Mor^i'ison. — This gentleman was 'a Tennesseean, and settled in Warsaw about the year IS 42 or 1S43 ; afterward resided in Carthage. He was a good lawyer, though he never obtained a large practice. He was a politician of the Whig school, and was elected to the Legislature in 1846. His death occurred not long afterward. Messrs. Roosevelt, McGregor and Morrison were brothers-in-law — married to the Misses Wells, sisters of James M. Wells, one of the Warsaw proprietors. Henry Stephens — Was a New Yorker, and is said to have read law in the otfice of Millard Fillmore. He settled in Warsaw about 1S40, and arose to the rank of Brigadier-General in the Militia. Gen. S. was not an able lawyer, neither was he an orator, yet by his industry, energy and methodical habits, he attained to con- siderable practice. Sterling P. Delaiio — Was raised in Hancock county in the vicinity of AVarsaw. He studied with Browning and Bushnell, of Quincy, and entered into practice in that city with Messrs. Buckley and Macy. He enli>^ted in the army, and was elected Captain of a company of cavalry. He was unfortunately wounded by a pistol ball accidentally discharged in the hands of his First Lieutenant, Catlin, which lodged in the spine and proved mortal. He died at his home in Quincy after mouths of extreme suflerinof. Mr. Delano's career as a lawyer was short but honorable. He was greatly esteemed by the members of the Bar, and died regretted. We are not aware that he had practice at the Hancock Bar. but as a Hancock boy this notice is due to his memory. Of the Hancock attorneys now living away, we can recall the names of Jason H. Sherman, Jacob C. Davis, William C. Wagley, N. AV. Bliss, George W. Batchelder. and Robt. W. McKinney. Of old attorneys, non-residents of the county, and who formerly practiced at this Bar, we mention Hon. Orville H. Browning, Hon. James W. Singleton and Calvin A. Warren, Esq., all of Quincy, and all now venerable in age. And we must not omit to mention the younger attorney, who though a Quincy man and a citizen there, is a native of Hancock county— Gen. Elisha B. Hamilton. PRESENT BAK. Of the present members of the bar in Hancock county, it does not become us to speak, only to name them. A number are elderly men of established legal reputations, who have long been in prac- tice among us and are growing gray in the service. Perhaps a majority are young men, who have yet, in a great degree, their reputations and fortunes to make. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 419 Residents at the county-seat are: Bryant T. Scofield, Thomas C. Sharp, Wesley H. Manier, Bryant F. Peterson, John M. Ferris, John B. Risse, Wni. E. Mason, Wm. Baird, George J. Rogers, T. J. Scofield, Apollos W. O'llara, T. C. Griffitts, George Edmnnds, David Maok, Henry W. Draper, Wra. C. Hooker, Hiram G. Ferris, O. F. Berry, John D. Miller, M. P. Berry, Charles J. Scofield, J. J. Williams, Samuel H. Benson, W. B. Mclntyre, Mr. Shinn. At Warsaw: John W. Marsh, John H, Finley, Edward E. Lane, George P. Walker, Wm. N. Grover, Benj. F. Marsh, P. W. Plantz, Cortez Maxwell, R. L. McDou^al. At Augusta: W. H. Mead, Nelson Comfort, B. P. Hewitt, Joab Green. At La Harpe: Cornelius C. Preston, S. W. King, J. H. Hungate. At Nauvoo: Milton M. Morrill, Adam Swartz,"William D. Hib- bard. At Plymouth: L. G. Reid. At Dallas City: B. F. Newton. At Hamilton : Thomas Ruggles. CHAPTEK XIII ANECDOTAL. In this chapter we collect together numerous incidents, anec- dotes and occurrences, without reference to the order of their dates. Some of them were overlooked in the regular course, and some have come to light as we have progressed with our work. When Sheriff Deming was in Warsaw looking for the defendants in the Smith murder cases, he was treated very shabbily. He put up for the night, and when he started to leave in the morning, he found that some ruffian had shaved his horse's mane and tail. He mounted him, however, and started to leave. Coming to where some citizens were standing, he halted, and remarked: "My horse got into bad company last night." " Most generally is, I reckon," retorted one of the by-standers. The General rode on, thinking it unnecessary to parley with such a crowd. Here is a story told of a certain Rushville attorney. We don't give his name because we really have forgotten it, but no matter. He practiced at the Hancock Bar, or at any rate attended Courts here for that purpose. But, if the truth must be told — and there is where the joke comes in — he practiced also at the bar of Charley Main's grocery. It was in the early days, when Courts were held in the log cabin south of the square. But early as it was, there had been a circus perambulating the country, and one had exhib- ited a few days before on the square, and left its ring in the soil. So one night after a parcel of attorneys and others had been " indulging " at Main's, our Rushville friend started to go to his hotel alone. Coming to the circus ring, he took the track and fol- lowed it round and round for some time, till others coming along, asked what he was doing. "Doing!" replied he; "I'm going home; but I didn't know this town was so big. I've been half an hour on my way, and I've passed ever so many houses just like that over there," The next day the story got out, and the lawyers had a high time over it. We believe it was Sidney Little's sugges- tion that he was going to be candidate for Judge, and loas only ■practicing how to run the circuit. Christopher E. Yates tells us this story — and it must be true — that " once upon a time," about 1834; during Court, a certain jury (430) HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 421 got " hung " under a cottonwood tree not far from the court-house which liad been appropriated for a jury room. Mr. Constable Duff had been deputed to watch them, and make them hang together. But the case was a knotty one, and they couldn't agree. One of them, becoming tired and saucy, said he was going home, and started. Duff told him he could not go without first whipping him. At it they went, and Duff whipped him into obedience. But still they could not agree upon a verdict. Again the refrac- tory man began to rebel, and go home he would. Duff' was again under the necessity of whipping him in; and thus kept him until a verdict was rendered. Jesse B. Winn, a citizen of Carthage, had a mule that strangely enough died a natural death, during the session of one of these early Courts. Tlie fact caused great comment among the lawyers. Among them was one from Quinc}^ a native of Kentucky^ who had no business at the town; but his associates started the story that he came to attend the mule case; that it was good law in Kentucky that a mule never died, and their associate came especially to investigate the reason why the law was not equally good in Illinois. The attorney decided that the mule in qustion had lost his hray^ and consequently had to give up the g-gho-o-st! J. H. Lawton, of Plymouth, tells a story of this same Winn mule, and his mate. Traveling once from Warsaw to Carthage, and near where Elvaston now stands, he found these mules hitched to a wagon load of corn, stuck fast in the mud, and no owner to be seen. He had stalled, and had gone off to town for help. An idea seized Lawton ; truth was, the mules had not been well fed. So he took an armful of corn from the load and laid it on the ground a little way from the mud-hole, before the mules, when they quietly walked out with the load, up to the corn, and he left them eating. The morning after the murder of the Smiths, Gen. Deming gave Mr. Joshua C. Hobert authority to collect all the men he could find in town and guard the place. Tie did so, and at breakfast time had mustered thirteen men, all told. Among the countrymen who came in during the day was Mark Phelps — everybody knows Mark. He was mustered into the company, a musket put into his hands, and ordered to guard in a certain district. This he did to perfec- tion. Another countryman, Mr. Thomas M., came along, and was about to start for home. This Mark forbid ; he couldn't go until he had first obtained a pass from Gen. Deming. Plobert came along and found them in a high state of excitement. "Shall I shoot him?" exclaimed Mark, ready to execute military orders. 422 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. H. told him he had better not, but succeeded in persuading the refractory Tom to go and get a pass from the General. At Fountain Green, at the store of C. C. Tyler, we were shown the journal belonging to the firm of Tyler & McClaughey (Stephen H. Tyler and Matthew McClaughey) doing business as merchants in 1844, in that place — both now deceased. In it is a memorandum in the hand-writing of 0. 0. Tyler's father, then the bookkeeper, in the following words: " This night, at five o'clock P. M., Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, his brother, were mobbed and shot at Carthage, 111." Dated June 27, 1844. Whose was the boot with a foot in it, found in the woods a mile or two from the village of St. Mary's, a quarter of a century or so ago? Or, rather, whose foot was in it? — not so much matter about the boot. That is one of the questions which has never been solved to the satisfaction of the people in that vicinity. There was likely a dark deed committed in connection with that boot and foot, which " somebody " could explain. Many were the guesses and surmises; but that is all. They were said to have been found in the vicinity of the Northern Cross R. R. track, which was then building, or had just been built. Who was that "somebody "? Several glass beads attached to a ribbon or piece of cloth were, in the early days, found up in the forks of a tree, in St. Mary's township, by hunters. How did those beads get there, and what were they there for? are questions the people frequently ask. Two theories are suggested; one, that they were ornaments about some Indian, who died or was killed near there, and that the beads were carried into the tree by bird or beast, in devouring the dead body. Another is, that after his death, his remains were suspended up in the tree, after an Indian custom of disposing of dead bodies, sometimes practiced by them. The old settlers about Carthage used to tell the following good one on a certain young mail-carrier in the olden time. An old gentleman in the county, well known, and who has held many honorable positions, had the contract for carrying the mail east from Carthage to Rushville. On the route, distant from any post- office, resided a farmer to whom the nearest P. M. had been in the habit of sending his papers by the hand of the carrier, outside of the mail. One day the contractor being sick, his son was put on to go the trip. As he passed the house of the farmer alluded to, he sf/'> ^J^c-^^^ZJ^ ^ i^^^>^^^r^lZrtfC^ Durham Tp. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNT!'. 425 was hailed — " Say, have you brought my papers to-day?" " 1 don't know; I'll see," replied the sagacious youth; and jumping from his horse, he took the mail bag and began to fumble at the lock; then feeling in his pockets, he exclaimed, "Blame that Postmaster! he's forgot to give me the key!" NEAR NEIGHBORS. Allen Melton, of Plymouth, tells the following: "Soon after the arrival of his company to settle, they had occa- sion to use a crops-cut saw and a frow, to make clap-boards for a cabin. Hearing that Mr. Phillips, a few miles below, had the articles, he was called on by them and asked if he could lend the articles. He replied that he could; but at present another neigh- bor had them, Mr. Ebenezer Kand, who resided at Camp Point, 25 miles away. Mr. E.. was accordingly interviewed and the tools obtained." A military muster and election in the early days of Carthage, is thus described by one who was there: There was to be an election of officers'and a parade and drill that day, and all the warlike people were in town, and the groceries had plenty of whisky on hand for the occasion. The crowd had been brought together on the public square — a goodly number — and the electioneering began. The two principal candidates for Captain were a Mr. Howard and a Mr. Perkins. The respective merits of the two men were being dis- cussed, when Howard called out, "All who wish to belong to Captain Howard's company come over to the grocery and take a drink! " Nearly all started. Perkins tried the same experiment, but he was too late; the boys were already drinking Howard's whisky. " No use, boys," said he to the few around him; " let's go over and make it unanimous." And they went. So, through the list, the crowd each time drinking at the successful man's expense. Perkins, failing of the Captaincy, was, by way of soothing his feelings, chosen First Lieutenant. After election, they went out on the square and tried to drill. But it was poor work. "Shoulder arms!" they could not, for they had none to shoulder. "Right about face! " always turned them the wrong way. But when the oflBcer, giving it up in despair, shouted, " All who belong to Capt. Howard's company come and drink; forward, march !" they reached the grocery with alacrity, if not in good order. And tlie election and muster were over. It is not generally known that the township of St. Mary's — four north, five west — has no military bounty land in it. The reason for this is said to have been, that when the grant was made to the 26 426 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. soldiers the survey of that township had not been completed, or was in some way defective, and hence was excluded from the grant. The survey was finished at a later day. Hence all the settlers in that township came into possession of their homesteads through entry at the Qnincy Land-oflSce, and there are fewer controverted titles there than in other parts of the county. Mr. Yalincourt Van Ausdal, of the "Point," though never a citizen on this side, was often at Fort Edwards, and had much inter- course with our people. He sa.js, he came to the Point with his brother-in-law, Stillwell, to trade with the Indians, and had permits from Government, At the time of the Black Hawk war, during the scare, the women and children were taken down to the fort, while the men remained on guard. The American Fur Company then had a station at the Point. Mr. V. assisted often to ferry people across the river. In answer as to how they got wagons and teams across m those days, he replied: "They were taken across on two ' duo--outs,' lashed together just near enough for two wheels to stand in each; and the horses were swam across at another trip, the men in the canoes guiding them." In that way, wagon, horses, family and " plunder" were got across in safety. Mr, V. remem- bers the following steamboats on the river before the Black Hawk war: Indiana, Mexico, William Wallace, Josephine, and Warrior. Bear stories are always in order; so here is one of the Carthage bear: "A bar! a bar! take the children in! a bar! " rang out one afternoon in the fall of ISoo, from the stentorian lungs of Mr. , a North Carolinian, as he sprang down from a building on which he was at work, and ran toward his home on the south side. And sure enough there was a large bear, pursued by a couple of horsemen and a lot of dogs, who" had chased it from the Big- Meadow, a few miles south of town. Of course the sight of a bear in the street was an occasion for alarm, and " a bear! a bear! " was re-echoed from house to house through the village. The animal had been chased so long that he was quite tired, and now being closely pressed he made for a pond of water that stood in the ravine southeast of the public square. Here he lay for some time in the water, while men and boys were gathered around pelting him with clubs and stones, and wUli all the dogs in town snarling and barking around him. Xow and then a luckless cur, encouraged by the men, would approach too near, and get a hug and a clawing for his temerity, that would send him off limping and howling. At length Bruiii spied a cottonwood tree that stood a short distance away, and running to it, climbed it up to a fork, where he found a good resting place. In the meantime a gun had been brought, but it took several shots from the excited crowd to bring him down. As he fell tumbling and crashing through the dead branches, the forty-seven dogs aronnd conchided that their time had come, and ran yelping and howling from the scene. And so HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 427 the trophy was won. As all had had a hand iii the slaughter, or had at least been spectators, it was decided. that the carcass should be divided, giving all a taste of bear meat. And the Carthage bear story is told even unto this day. And here is another — a bear that was not a bear: In dividing up the aforesaid bear, among others, Mr. John H. Lawton, then in his teens, obtained one of the paws. This he kept about as a relic for some months. In the early spring he had occasion to pass on foot from Montebello to Fort Edwards, along the river road. In doing so he was surprised and alarmed at discovering a bear track in the snow, at a point near where the Hamilton depot now stands. He hurried on to the fort and informed Mr. James Gregg, then resid- ing there, of his discovery, " But are you sure it was a bear track?" inquired Mr. Gregg. " Of course I am. Haven't I had one of the paws of the Carthage bear at our house all winter? and I reckon I know a bear track by this time." Well, a bear hunt was just the sport for Gregg, and procuring a companion and trusty riiies, with Lawton for a guide, they started for the chase. A walk of five miles or so brought them to the place where the bear tracks had been seen. Lawton triumphantly pointed them out, and said, "There! isn't that a bear track?" Gregg looked, examined it more closely, and " Humph! Squaw! " with a laugh that made the woods resound, was the answer he gave. The early settlers of Hancock and adjoining counties were much subject to the prevalent diseases of fever and ague ; and during the fall months, and often far into the winter, many of the citizens of all ages would take their turn at the " shakes," as the disease was called. Sometimes whole families would be stricken down with it; yet a death very seldom occurred. A doctor relates that on one occasion he visited a large cabin, the residence of an early settler, on business. He wrapped at the door for admission, and receiving no answer, he pushed it open, and on looking about, counted ten persons, old and young, big and little, some on beds and some on the floor — all shaking with the ague. On inquiring of them if they needed anything, the old man replied, between shakes, that he g-g-g-uessed t-t-t-hat if they h-li-ad s-s-ome q-q-q-ui-nine, and the h-house w-wouldn't f-f-fall down, they w-would g-get along," It is needless to add that the kind doctor furnished the needed remedy, and got them on their feet again. Hon. Thomas H. Owen was a man well remembered by old citi- zens of the county. Besides being a minister of the gos])el, he was a strong politician, and a popular one at that, for he was several -428 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. times elected to the Legislature. His friends tell the following good joke on him; and if they tell it, there is no harm in recording it here. Once/' when traveling in the north part of the county on an electioneering tour, he saw a man as he supposed some half mile away in a field; and not wishing to pass any one without giving his views, he hitched his horse to the fence and struck out on foot to speak to him. He had quite nearly approached the object, before he discovered it to be a " scare-crow," placed there to frighten the birds away. He didn't secure a vote on that occasion, but he thought the joke too good to keep. Samuel Gordon, Esq., of Montebello, tells the following: "In the month of May, 1832, on one pleasant afternoon, while the inhabitants of Montebello were quietly pusruing their usual voca- tions, some one happened to look across the river and spied a large fleet of canoes quietly floating down the current, and not a person to be seen. It was at once surmised that the fleet was loaded with hostile Indians, intending to land below town, and on the return of darkness destroy the settlement. The alarm was quickly spread, and a council convened to determine upon the best plan to be pur- sued. It was soon decided to fortify the court-house, as a place of safety for the women and children of the neighborhood. All hands went energetically to work, and by dark the windows and doors of the court room, which was about 20 feet square, were secured by thick oak shutters, and the women, children and other valuables were gathered into the fort. The veterans of the war of 1812, and of the Indian wars subse- quent thereto, collected and organized to defend their homes and little ones from the dreaded attack of a savage foe. They were armed with a great variety of weapons known to a knew country. Guards were stationed, and the small force at hand was posted to the best advantage, to ward ofi" the expected assault. The hours of the night came to an end at last, when it was ascer- tained that the supposed savages were only a lot of half-breeds on their way down to the Point (now known as Keokuk) on a trading expedition. Among the pioneers who participated in the heroic defense of the town may be mentioned Major Bedell, as General-in-chief; Capt. A. P. Cochran, Samuel Steele, Cyrus Felt, John Gordon, William Yance, John Waggonner, John Cochran, Sr., John Coch- ran, Jr., and perhaps others. To our old friend, Elisha Worrell, Esq., of Chili, we are indebted for the following incident, illustrating the neighborly kindness that prevailed among the pioneers of an early day. The deep snow which fell in 1S30-'31 caught some of the settlers with a scant sup- HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 429 ply of provisions; indeed, abont all of them were in that predica- ment. One, however, had plenty — John Harding, who was one of the first settlers in the neighborhood, and whose name appears on the first jury list. He had a number of fat hogs, one of which he would kill at a time, and hitching his horse to it would mount and make the circuit of the neighborhood, di'aggingit through the snow and allowing each family to cut off according to their necessities. "Was not that obeying the divine injunction under difficulties? %^ ^1; A^ CHAPTER XIY U. tr. R. R., Which in the anti-slaverj vernacnhir means the Under -Ground Bail Boad. As Hancock county lies in a direct line between the South and Her Majesty's Dominion of Canada, one or more lines of this road was early established through it, on which considerable transportation of sable freight was effected. Conductors resided all along the line from the Mississippi to Detroit; and several had homes in this county, chieli}' about Augusta, Round Prairie, and other eastern neighborhoods. These conductors wore no insignia of office, but knew each other as if by intuition. They were generally intelligent and sharp- witted men, could tell a white sheep from a black one on the darkest night, and would make their way through a dense forest or trackles's prairie, with no better guide than the north star or the moss on the sides of trees. Xow that the days of slavery are over, and they can do so with perfect safety, these men love to rehearse the stories of their ex- ploits on those U. G. trains. And they do so with as much gusto as if they had not been engaged in breaking the Constitution of their country all to flinders. It is of no use now to argue with them; they are as incorrigible as they were before secretive and adventurous. So we just tell their stories as told to us, leaving the matter with their consciences. One. of these conductors wh».> resided, and yet does, in a south- eastern township, furnishes us with the following, as part of his experience in that kind of railroading, which we give as nearly as we can in his own words: " In the winter of 1843-4 I commenced my first experience in this country, having previously acted as conductor in Xorthern Ohio for ten years, I met father I in the winter of '43-'4, in town. He asked me to come up to his house after dinner, which I did. Went to the barn, and climbed up over the girt- beam, and found two colored men. I asked them if they were steering for Canada. They said, * Yes, Sahl' I told them it was acold, desolate country. The oldest one replied that he knew it, as this was his seventh trip from Missouri there as pilot. This time he came back for his wife. He said, ' I could not get her, so I have brought my youngest brother.' " I was interested in his case at once, and forwarded them to the next station. To show that he ffot through all right, I was in (430y HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 431 Detroit in November of 1S48, and stepped into a barber's shop to get shaved. I asked the barber if he knew anything about Ben- jamin and James Penne}'. He said ' No,' I saw by their looks that they did. So I said, ' Boys, you needn't be afraid of me; I am an old stager; I helped those boys along on their trip.' The barber then told me that Benjamin, the eldest one, caught a severe cold while on that trip, and died of consumption the next summer; the younger, James, is at school in Chatham, getting a good edu- cation. Hearing this, I felt fully paid for my trouble in helping them to escape from slavery. "'The next December I was wakened by a rap on the door about two o'clock at night. I opened it, and found three snuare-built black men, with a friend of mine from Adams county, i took them in, and while my wife was preparing breakfast, they showed me their passes to go where they chose from Christmas till New Years. I asked the boys if they were not taking a rather enlarged view of those passes. They thought perhaps they were. Before sunrise they were guided on to the next station in safety. The next I heard of them they were in Farmington, Fulton county, at Deacon B 's. The deacon took a copy of their passes in a memorandum book. Within a week, three slave-hunters came along. They inquired of a drayman if he had heard of any runa- way slaves. He told them he had not seen any, but if any had been there, Deacon B would probably know about them. They went over to the deacon's, and. inquired of him. He told them: 'Yes, there were three boys stayed here a few nights ago.' By re- ferring to the memorandum it was proven that they were the owners of the runaways, their names being on the passes. " This happened about dark, and the deacon kindly invited them to stay all night with him, which two of them did, the other one returning to the hotel. During the evening, the three daughters of the deacon entertained the strangers with songs and music on the melodeon. One of the girls was quite fleshy. The evening passed very pleasantly, and in the morning the strangers ofl:ered to pay for their lodging, which the deacon refused, saying that the black boys stayed without paying, and they were welcome to do the same, adding, that should they return that way, he would like them to* stop and tell him what luck they had. On their way to town they met the third gentleman, who had spent the night in town. They, of course, stopped to talk of how they had been entertained, not thinking they were overheard by the deacon's hired man, who happened to be behind the hedge. The two said to the one, 'If these are the kind of men that are helping our boys to escape, there is no use in hunting them any more, and I feel rather ashamed of the business, anyway. I Ijelieve if I should meet Jerry on the street, I should tell him to go ahead.' They all started back to Missouri. " At that time there were slaves at every house, in every kitchen, dining room, and barn, about home. These men, of course, often 432 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. told of their experience in hunting the slaves in Illinois, and were as often overheard, until, by their own story, they described the country so well, even to the deacon's daughters, that many of the blacks determined to undertake the trip for themselves. Some time after this, there came a rap on the deacon's window one night, and on getting up he found several colored men, and one of them asked, ' Is dis de place where de fat gal plays on de 'lodeon?' He replied that it was, and took them in, fed them, and saw them to the next station. From Farmington it was considered quite safe to travel on by daylight. " At another time I was going to Quincy with a load of cheese, probably in 1S52. Between Bear creek and Mendou, I met a covered carriage with the curtains down. As it passed me I recog- nized the near horse as having stayed at my place but a short time before, and suspected what might be inside. I said, 'Hold on; I want to see what you have got.' The driver never saw me in the day-time but knew my voice and stopped. His passengers were badly scared. He said he was steering for my house, but now should go to Rev, K's. I told him K. had gone to Galesburg. So he struck for Round Prairie and stopped, rart of the load was a colored woman with a little boy, two years old. Before the next morning she gave birth to another boy. Physicians in that country were all pro-slavery; but there were mothers in Israel willing to minister to her wants. She remained there a few days and then moved on to Canada. '' These are but a few of the many instances in which we lent our aid to the U. G. R. R., and which we never regretted." ^--^^ CHAPTER XV. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. The difficulty of obtaining reliable data in regard to religious work and Church organization among the new settlers of a country, will at once be seen to be very great. Many of the older pioneers who were most engaged in this work, have passed away, and people are not apt to keep a record of these things. Hence, from what we have been able to gather, we are indebted, first, to citi- zens in the various neighborhoods who have responded to our inquiries as well as their memories served them ; and, secondly, to a few ministers, and otiicers of Churches, who have kindly given us statements from official records. But there has been great want of interest in this matter over the county. I^umerous applications to officers and leading members of the various denominations have elicited no response; and thereby we have been compelled to rely alone upon such meager sources of information as we could other- wise control. If, then, some portions of the county should seem to be overlooked, or some denominations neglected, they may know where the blame belongs, and ask themselves, Have toe done our own duty in this matter? At this day it may be impossible to state the date of the first religious services in the county. There having been settlers about the fort and along the river as early as 1824 and 1825, it might be supposed that religious observances were begun near those dates. "We can hear of none, however, until two or three years after organi- zation of the county. Peter Williams, who seems to have been a very early settler along the river, we have heard mentioned as a " preacher on his own hook;" and that we take to mean that he was subordinate to no Church or religious organization, and that he preached when he felt like it. At how early a date this feeling influenced him is not known. It is fair to presume, too, that most of the earlier preachers and exhorters were similarly circumstanced with Mr. Williams in that regard, being remote from Church organizations and authorities. Social worship was a matter of spontaneous work. The exhorter would send word around a given neighborhood that he would preach on such a day (usually Sunday afternoon) at a certain point; and the few who were so fortunate as to have received the notice would attend. These meetings were first held in some grove or shady nook, perhajis on the bank of the river; and there, standing around or sitting on the grass, the hardy and sun-browned pioneer, with wife and children, would listen to the unpretentious, but often impassioned and eloquent, sermon, and (433) 4r34 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COU^'TY. sing the liymns given out with earnest, if not melodious, voices. And from these groves doubtless there ascended to heaven as accept- able worsliip as ever went up from the costliest and most splendid temple in tlie land. The groves were practically the first temples among the pioneers. The groves were God's fii-st temples. Ere man learned To hew the shaft and lay the architrave, And spread the roof ahoVe them ; ere he framed The lofty vault to gather and roll back The sound of anthems; iu the darkling wood, Amid the cool and silence, he knelt down And otiered to the Mightiest solemn thanks And supplication. No deep-toned bell sounded to call the worshipers together; no stately carriage drew them to the place; no rustling silks or shining jewels, or "love of a bonnet," or six-buttoned gloves, or patent-leather boots, or soft beaver, adorned the persons of the wealthiest in the congregation. An ox-wagon, perhaps a cart drawn by one pony; or on horseback, with wife on pillion be- hind, — or more frequently on foot, and often barefoot, — was the common way of ''going to church"' in those primitive da3-s. And the minister's salary — ah ! he had nowhere but to heaven to look for his reward. After these grove meetings, and frequently coeval with them, came the services at the log cabins of the pioneers. Still later, services were held and Sabbath-schools instituted, in rude log- cabin scli.ool-houses, that gradually appeared here and there in the more populous settlements. Later still, a plain building without cupola or spire or bell would be erected, sometimes to be used by two or three denominations, but oftener exclusively for the use of one. To-day every town and village has its one, two or more handsome church edifices, and almost every neighborhood in every township, its frame or brick house of worship for the various Christian denominations, many of them with settled pastors, reg- ular worship and well-appointed Sunday-schools, Besides ]\Ir. Williams, the earliest of these ministers and elders we can mention as being engaged in religious work in various parts of the county, are the following: Rev. Charles Robison, residing on the rapids; Elders Joseph Hatchett and Samuel Knox, at Green Plains; Rev. TVm. McCoy, Rev. Peter Boven, Revs. Yan Horn and Ralston, Rev. Henry Summers and the famous Pe- ter Cartwright, in the southeast; and Elders John Logan, Thos. H. Owen and Bradley, along the east line. About 1S33, Rev, John Lawton, of New Hampshire, a Congregational minister, was sent out to Carthage by the Home Missionary Society, and he preached and assisted in organizing Churches in difterent parts of the county. Further particulars of local religious work will be noticed under the head of townships. CHAPTER XYI. EDUCATIONAL. lu a new country* and among pioneers, is not the place where prosperous colleges and seminaries, or even higli schools, are usually found. Hence common schools, and, in many instances, very "com- mon" ones at that, were the best means of education in Hancock county in the early days. These, so far as we have been able to report them, will be mentioned in another chapter under the head of Township Histories. "We shall here group together notices of a few efforts made in the direction of higher education begun in the county, — only the last mentioned of which has been attended with much success. CARTHAGE FEMALE SEMINARY. The first educational enterprise begun in Hancock county was that known as the " Carthage Female High School and Teachers' Seminary." AVith Rev. Thomas H. Owen in the Senate and Mark Aldrich in the House of Representatives, a charter was passed through the Legislature, and approved Feb. 15, 1837, incorporating an institution under the above name, and to be located 'within one mile of Carthage. Rev. John Lawtou was mainly instrumental in getting up and perfecting the bill. By the charter the institution was to be made open to the pupils of all denominations, and no pro- fession of religious faith was to be required. Liberty was also given the Board of Trustees to introduce a system of manual labor, when- ever they deemed it best. The following named citizens of the county were the corporators mentioned in the charter: Sidney H. Little, David W. Mathews, Samuel Marshall, Benjamin F. Marsh, Thomas H. Owen, Mark Aldrich, John Lawton, Samuel M. Newhall, Walter Bagby, Thomas Gregg, Ellis Hughes, Homer Brown, E. D. Vandervoort, David Greenleaf, Michael Rickard, Valentine Wilson, Wesley Williams, Julius A. Reed, Ero Chandler and Cyrus Felt. These twenty corporators were carefully selected from the various sects and shades of religious opinion. !No action was taken under the charter till 1841. In August of that year, a meeting of the trustees was held at Warsaw, at which an organization was effected, with Mr. Marsh as president, and Mr. Gregg, secretary. Rev. Lawton, then in New Hampshire, was appointed a general agent to solicit funds. Robert Miller and Rev. B. F. Morris were elected to fill vacancies occasioned by the deaths of Mr. Little and Mr. (435) 436 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Kewhall. At a subsequent meeting, held also at Warsaw, on Sept. 1, 1842, a letter was presented announcing the death of Mr. Lawton, at Hillsborough, ]^. H., and that he had obtained in money, notes, books, etc., donations to the amount of about $1,100. These sub- scriptions were afterward returned to the donors by his adminis- trator. At this meeting George Kockwell, John D. Mellen and Geo. A. Chittenden were elected trustees, in place of Dr. Marshall, resigned, and Messrs. Yandervoort and Eeed, removed from the county. No subsequent action was ever taken. At this writing but four of the twenty-five corporators named in the bill are now living; viz., Chandler, Greenleaf, Rockwell and Gregg. WARSAW UNIVERSITY. In the summer of 1840, we believe, under a charter from the State, an institution of learning was attempted at Warsaw, which was also to contain a medical department. Rev. Gideon B. Perry, D. D., was chosen its president, and a quasi preparatory depart- ment was set in motion in connection with the common school, while one or two protessors stood ready to act whenever the way was opened and the pupils appeared. A commencement day was appointed, and President Perry de- livered an inaugural address; but commencement proved also to be its ending, and the Warsaw University ceased to exist. LA HARPE SEMINARY. We come down now to a much later period. In or about 1876, the Protestant Methodist Church Conference conceived the plan of establishing a seminary of learning somewhere within its bounds. Consultations were held with the citizens of La Harpe, and it was finally agreed that if the citizens would raise the necessary funds for the ground and the building, the Conference would endow the institution. The citizens, with commendable pride and zeal, went to work and raised the sum of $15,000, and put up a neat and com- modious edifice; but the Conference had counted too fast; the endowment money could not be raised, and the project fell through. The citizens now found themselves with the building on their hands, covered by a mechanic's lien to the extent of about $5,000. Thus matters stood till some time last year, when James Gittings, Esq., a wealthy farmer in the township, redeemed the building, and through the exertions of the citizens established a private school, under charge of Prof. Cassell, of Adrian College, Michigan. The school bids fair to become a success. It was opened Sept, 3, 1879, under the following instructors: Literary Department, I. W. Cassell and Edgar Hurdle; Department of Music, Miss E. Beal; Department of Painting and Drawing, Miss Ada Shriver. CARTHAGE COLLEGE, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 439 The seminary building is laro-e and commodious, being one of the best buildings for school purposes in the State. It has an at- tendance of 75 scholars, and the facilities for instruction are amply provided for, and the corps of teachers sufficiently large to supply all the requirements of the several departments. CARTHAGE COLLEGE. ' It had long been felt that an institution of learning of high grade was necessary to the best interests of the rapidly growing Lutheran Church in the West. Several efforts had been made to establish such an institution, but without permanent success. The different Lutheran Synods in Illinois, and the one in Iowa, in con- nection with the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States, assured of the need of union and co-operation in the work of establishing n college, called an Edu- cational Convention to meet at Dixon, Illinois, August 31, 1869. There were represented at that convention the Evangelical Lu- theran Synod of Northern Illinois, of Central Illinois, of Southern Illinois and of Iowa. The meeting was characterized by great har- mony of sentiment and earnestness of purpose. It was resolved to secure a location, and to proceed at once to establish a college of high grade. To carry this resolution into eftect, a committee, consisting of three persons from each synod represented, was appointed. On the 29th of the following Decem- ber this Commission met at Carthage to deliberate and to receive bids for the proposed college. Numerous competing towns pre- sented inducements, but the fairest and most liberal offer was made by Carthage and Hancock county. They agreed to erect suitable buildings, on the condition that the Lutheran Church would provide the endowment. A local Board of Trustees was immediately constituted, of which James M. Randolph, M. D., was elected President, and David E. Head, Esq., was made Secre- tary. Prominent in this movement were 11. W. Draper, B. F. Scofield, R. W. McClaughry, A. J. Griffith, Boyd Braden, and other well-known citizens of Carthage and Hancock county. In the summer of 1870 the local Board began the erection of the fine college building situated in the northeastern margin of the town, on a beautiful plat of ground containing seven acres. The corner-stone was laid on "Wednesday, May 10, 1871, in presence of an immense assemblage of people, drawn together from the neighboring counties. The building, 85x65 feet, and four stories high, was completed in the autumn of 1872, at a cost of nearly thirty-five thousand dollars. Since that time eight acres of land have been added to the campus, and the whole ornamented with trees and shrubbery. Two large dormitories were erected in 1873, and a president's house was purchased in 1874. The cost of the buildings and grounds was nearly fifty thousand dollars. The educational work of the institution was begun September 440 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 5, 18T0, in a rented hall in town, bj Prof. L. F. M. Easterday, A.M., who had been Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in the Illinois State University. In the autumn of 1871, the school was transferred to the college building. During the first two years Prof. Easterday was assisted by Rev. C. Kuhl, who taught German. The school increased so rapidly in numbers in the second year, that it was deemed wise to provide a larger corps of instructors for the immediate future. This was done on the third day of April, 1872, by the election of Rev. D. L. Tressler, A.M.", of Lena, Illinois, as Professor of Ancient languages, and of Rev. J. D. Severinghaus, A.M., as Professor of the German language and other branches of study. Mr. Tressler accepted the position and began his work the following September; but Mr. Severinghaus having declined the call. Rev. 0. Kuhl was continued as instructor in German, and Mr. G. W. Fraser was made tutor in the Prepara- tory Department. The school still rapidly increasing in numbers, it became necessar}^ to organize a college Faculty. Accordingly, on the twenty-sixth day of February, 1873, Prof. D. L. Tressler, A.M., was elected President; Prof. L.F. M. Easterday, A.M., was continued as Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy; Rev. J. W. Richard, A.M., of Empire, Illinois, was called to the chair of the Latin language and of Historj^, and Mr. F. R. Feitshans, A.M., was elected to the chair of the Greek and German languages. Mr. Feitshans having declined the position, Mr. E. S. Breiden- baugh, who had passed through a course of scientific study at Yale College, was called to the chair of the Physical and Natural Sciences. Prof. Breidenbaugh withdrew about the first of January, 1874, on account of failing health. The Faculty, as first constituted, consisted of Rev. D. L. Tressler, A.M., President; L. F. M. Easterday, A.M., Professer of Mathe- matics and Astronomy; Rev. J. "W. Richard, A.M., Professor of the Latin language and of History; E. S. Breidenbaugh, A.M., Professor of the Physical and Natural Sciences, with Mr. W. S. Cress as tutor, and Mr. J. M. Helfrich, teacher of Music and instructor in German. --' In May, 1874, Mr. E. F. Bartholomew, A.M., was called to fill the chair vacated by the resignation of Prof Breidenbaugh. Dur- ing the summer of 1875, Rev. E. F. Giese, A.M., was called to the chair of the Greek and German languages. In 1876, Rev. John Brubaker, A.M., was made Professor of the English language and Literature. It is proper also to state that Mr. P. M. Fasold served from 1875 to 1880 as tutor, and Mr. E. C. Hughes in the same capacity during the academic year of 1879-'80. On the 20th of February, 1880, the College was called to mourn the loss of Rev. D. L. Tressler, Pli. D., who for seven years had filled the office of President. He died at Carthage after a brief illness, lamented by a large circle of friends who esteemed him for his many excellent qualities of head and heart. •^SVGeoE.Pennc:; i,!'^^ HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 443 The Faculty of Carthage College is now (May, 1880) constituted as follows : Rev. H. L. Wiles, D. D., President elect, and Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy. L. F. M. Easterday, A. M., Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy. Rev. J. W. Richard, A. M., Professor of the Latin Language and of Histor3\ Rev. E. F. Bartholomew, A. M., Professor of the Physical and Natural Sciences. Rev. E. F. Giese, A. M., Professor of the Greek and German Languages. Rev. John Brubaker, A. M., Professor of the English Language and Literature. P. M. Fasold, A. M., Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Latin. The institution has had connected with it, from the opening of the preparatory school in September, 1870, to the first of May, 1880, eight hundred and sixty-four students. Of this number, sixty-four have been graduated, the majority of whom have either entered the learned professions or are engaged in teaching. The career of the College has been one of great prosperity. By dint of liard labor and persevering effort on the part of the Faculty, and through the devotion of its friends, Carthage College has attained a high posi- tion among the educational institutions of the State, and may justly be regarded as the pride and ornament of Hancock county. 27 CHAPTER XVII. THE POOR. The care and maintenance of the poor — the most sacred duty that can devolve on human government, next to that of providing that there shall be no poor — has cost Hancock county large sums annually. This has been owing not so much to the great number requiring aid, as to the want of system in applying it. In the ear- lier history of the county this duty was performed in an imperfect and slovenlj' manner, by donations from the public funds ; and while many were allowed to suffer others not so much in need were too freely supplied. At length a farm was purchased and a plain frame building put up for the accommodation of the county's paupers; and the system adopted of letting the farm and the keeping and maintenance of the poor to the lowest bidder. This system in its very nature offered a premium to injustice; and it is not saying too much to assert that under it these unfortunates never have received and never will re- ceive that kind care and attention their condition requires. As a rule, perhaps, their keepers liave been ordinarily kind and humane; but human nature will assert itself, and self-interest thwart men's best intentions and instincts. In May, 1859, a committee of the Board of Supervisors reported the cost of the poor farm and house, to date, as follows: house, $3,000; barn, $800; fencing, $500; breaking ground, $250; inci- dentals, $ 350; total, $1,900; claims and allowances for the past nine years, $11,000; total cost, $15,900. The farm consists of 114 acres, with a small timber tract north of town. At a little later date, the poor-house committee of the Board recommended an order to submit to the vote of the people the question of selling out the concern, and remanding the keeping of the poor back to the townships. The recommendation was not acted on, but the fact shows that the business was conducted in an unsatisfactory manner. As the number of paupers increased, it became more and more manifest that the building was too small and too poorly arranged, and the means at command of the keeper too limited, for their proper accommodation. Much dissatisfaction was felt among the people; and at length. May 6, 1873, the committee declared the poor-house a " disgrace to the county, and unfit for the purpose.'^ The Board took measures at once to prepare for the erection of an additional building. The chief cause of complaint was in the use (444) HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 445 of a small building known as the " Mad House," in which the idiotic and insane were conlined, and which was declared to be ill- ventilated and in every wa^' unlit for the purpose. The new '' Mad House," or Insane Asylum, was built in 1874, and together with the original frame structure, furnishes ample accommodations for the unfortunates of all classes, and for the family of the superintendent. An Act of the General Assembly, approved March 23, 1874, revis- ing the pauper laws, conferred on the county Boards power to prescribe rules and regulations for the care of the poor, which have had very beneficial effects in sj'stematizing the work. At the next May special session of the Board of Supervisors, a well-digested set of rules was presented by Mr. W. H. Manier, and adopted. These rules are important, and a synopsis of them is given below, to show the present methods and workings of the system: 1. All poor persons, who from infirmity, idiocy, lunacy, or other unavoidable cause are unable to earn a living, may become a county charge. 2. Six months' actual residence in the county requisite, next pre- ceding the application. 3. The following exceptions provided for: partial abilit}- to earn a livelihood or assistance from other sources, temporary inabil- ity, extreme danger of removal, contagious disease; in such cases the parties may receive aid in their respective townships, under charge of the overseer of the poor. 4. A non-resident may be supported for the time being, or sent to the count}^ where he belongs. 5. Overseers of the poor in the townships to keep full and accu- rate accounts of their doings, and make annual report to the Board of Supervisors; otherwise no bill allowed. 6. Physicians' bills and bills for supplies to be allowed only on properly authorized conditions. 7. Providing for enforcement of penalties. 8. The keeper to receive no person without a written order from the overseer of the township, giving name, age, nativity, and cause, properl}' authenticated. This law, with the regulations adopted by the Board, together with the ample accommodations provided and careful contracts w^ith superintendents, have resulted in the more humane treat- ment of the insane, idiotic and poor people committed to our charge, and more economical and systematic administration of pauper affairs; and it is believed that the pauper management in the county is giving reasonal)le satisfaction to the people. Still, there is doubtless great room for improvement. The first and great aim in the care and management of paupers, should be to restore them to health and to the society of home and friends; to make them healthy, hajipy and self-supporting members of the body politic. And the surest and safest way to bring about such results is to give them wholesome food, proper clothing and such 446 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. healthful employment as they are capable of. Many of them be- come objects of public charge from a lack of proper physical and moral training, and these should be among the first remedies ap- plied. Hence it is not every man that is fit for a superintendent of the poor. And in the management of the farm, too, care should be taken that suitable occupations should be provided for those able to work. And we know of no more suitable employments among out-door labors, than that of growing and caring for the varieties of small fruits. The county poor-farm, should, therefore, have not only a well-kept orchard of apple, peach and pear, but an ample supply of raspberry, blackberry, curi'ant, gooseberry, grape and strawberry plants, and the product of these would not only furnish to the keeper's family and those under his charge an abundance of the best health-preserving food, but would add a large item on the right side of the account current. To this out-door work some light mechanical employments might be added to advantage, for in-door employment of those physically unfit for out-door labors. We believe this suggestion as to the growing and use of orchard and garden fruits on the poor-farm, is one of much more impor- tance than is generally supposed. There is no doubt but their free production and use would materially les&en the doctor bills of the institution; and their moral influence would be worthy of consid- eration. CHAPTER XYIII. OFFICIAL VOTES OF HANCOCK COUNTY FROM ORGANIZATION TO JAN. 1, 1880. FIRST ELECTION HELD AT FOKT EDWAKDS, ON MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1829. For County Commissioners. George Y. Cutler had (votes). . .50 Henry Nichols 37 James Wliite 31 Morrill Marston 30 Peter Williams 10 Hazen Bedell 9 For Sheriff. Edson Whitney 31 9 Alexander White 23 For Coroner. Robert Wallace 35 ELECTION 1880. Oovernor. John Reynolds 49 1 William Kinnej'^ 48 Lieut. Qo.ernor. Rigdon B. Slocombe 40 3 Zauoc Casey 37 Representative. Joel Wrisht 29 Benjamin V. Teal 61 32 Darius Vanderventer 5 ELECTION 1831. Congress. Joseph Duncan 47 23 Sidney Breese 24 James Turney 16 Edward Coles 7 Alexander P. Field 1 At this Election the county was vided into five voting districts. No. 1 gave votes 21 " 16 , " 27 , " 19 , " 12 No. 2 gave. No. 3 gave Crooked Creek gave. Bear Creek gave di- No record found of any other returns. ELECTION 1832. Congress. Joseph Duncan 150 110 Jonathan H. Pugh 40 County Commissioners. John Johnson 50 Thomas H. Owen 45 Mark Alcbich 35 James Lincoln 30 James White 27 Leonard L. Abney 22 Sheriff. Edson Whitney 85 1 Alexander White 84 Coroner. Davidson Hibbard 84 65 John Cochran 19 Presidential Electors. Andrew Jackson 42 3 Henry Clay -39 ELECTION 1833. [No returns on file.] ELECTION 1834. Oovernor. Joseph Duncan 289 244 William Kinney 45 Ilobt. IMcLaughlin 22 Lieut. Oovernor. Wm. B. Archer 101 James Evans 163 62 A. W. Jenkins 35 Congress. Benjamin Mills 175 1 William L. May 174 Representative. Wm. Ross 174 Thomas H. Owen 128 Wm. G. Flood 66 James H. Ralston. . . 60 Isaac Galland 204 30 John Kirkpatrick 19 (447) 44:8 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Sheriff. Edson Whitney 199 101 Jacob Grewell 98 John Inghram 40 Coroner. Alexander Kirk 97 10 Rodolphus Townley 87 Jesse HacUey 48 Charles G. Woodworth 51 ELECTION 1835. Recorder. Wesley Williams 202 78 Walter Bagby 124 Cyrus Felt 109 Surveyor. James W. Brattle 151 20 Beuj. Edringtou 131 Adolphus Allen 53 ELECTION 1836. Congress. William L.May 316 ^ John T. Stuart 290 Senator. Thomas. H. Owen 390 270 Wm. P. Richards 78 Isaac Gallaud 120 Representative. Mark Aldrich 279 3 David W. Mathews 276 Valentine Wilson 36 James W. Woods 18 Sheriff. Edson Wliitney 387 171 Jacob Grewell -v 216 Coroner. Daniel A. Fullerton 369 214 Alexander Kirk 155 County Commissioners. Michael Rickard 341 Richard Cannon 301 Henry Nichols 285 John Dedman 284 Nathl. Frampton 144 Edward Bryant 123 David Greenleaf 97 Austin Pennock 52 Jabez A. Beebe 36 JoelCatlin 30 Laliord Totten 5 ELECTION 1837. County Clerk. Sidney H. Little 560 476 Homer Brown 84 Probate Judge. Elam S. Freeman 464 294 Daniel Prentis 170 Treasurer. Edward F. Chittenden 379 118 Walter Bagby 261 ELECTION 1838. Governor. Cyi-us Edwards 633 197 Thomas Carlin 436 Lieut. Governor. Wm. H. Davidson 630 247 Stinson Anderson 383 Congress. John T. Stuart 629 171 Stephen A. Douglas 458 Senator. Sidney H. Little 699 312 Thomas H. Owen 387 Representative. Mark Aldrich 578 234 Wm. H. Roosevelt 344 8amuel Lee 93 Sheriff'. Daniel A. Fullerton 393 103 Edson Whitney 120 Harmon T. Wilson 290 John D. Callison 119 Erastus H. Derby 41 Lemuel Mussetter 87 Coroner. John Ratliff 184 John R. Nichols 243 Geo. W. Thatcher 251 8 Nathaniel Frampton 114 County Clerk. Samuel Marshall 472 9 Malcolm 3IcGregor 463 Charles Robison 109 County Commissioners. George Coulson 380 JolnrMcAuley 579 Elisha Worrell 279 William Hunter 354 Austin Pennock 256 Artois Hamilton 205 Treasurer. Sylvester Thompson 626 62S John Haggard 4 ELECTION 1839. County Commissioners. JohnMcAuley 583 294 Abram I. Chittenden 289 Recorder. Chauncey Robison 425 141 Wesley WiUiams 284 John F. Charles 271 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 449 Survei/or. John Wilson Williams 711 Probate Judge. Malcolm McGregor 651 639 Charles Turner 12 Treasurer. Sylvester Thompson 545 186 Geo. W. Thatcher 359 County Clerk. Samuel Marshall 745 ELECTION 1840. Itepresentatice. John F. Charles 1042 373 Malcolm jMcGregor 669 Sheriff. Wm. D. Abernethy 995 272 Edmund G. Haggard 723 County Commissioner. Samuel Comer 1155 597 Joel Weston 558 Coroner. Harmon T. Wilson 1057 431 Geo. W. Stigall 626 President. W. H. Harrison 1352 728 Martin Van Buren 624 [The name of Abraham Lincoln, a Harrison Elector, was di-opped by about 200 Mormon voters, and that of James H. Ralston, his opponent, substituted. With that exception, the Mormons gen- erally voted the Whig ticket.] ELECTION 1841. Congress. Jolm T. Stuart 1201 678 James H. Ralston 523 County Commissioner. Robert Miller 800 24 Jolm T. Barnett 776 EUsha Worrell 30 School Commissioner. Richard Wilton 852 4 Walter Bagby 848 ELECTION 1842. Oovernor. Thomas Ford 1748 1037 Joseph Duncan 711 Lieut. Governor. John Moore 1742 1055 Wm. H. Henderson 687 Senator. Jacob C. Davis 1530 910 Wm. H. Roosevelt 620 Jolm F Charles 167 Representatives. Thomas H. Owen 1603 William Smith (Patriarch). . .1459 Wesley Williams 502 Edson Whitney 540 David W. Mathews.-. 258 William Darnell 190 Sheriff\ Wm. H. Backenstos 1493 604 Stephen H. Tvler 789 George A. Chittenden 120 School Commissioner. Franklin J. Bartlett 1596 791 Wm. D. Abernethy 805 County Commissioner. John T. Barnett 1540 973 John J. Brent 567 James Porter 167 Coroner. Geo. W. Stigall 1595 1314 James A. McCause 281 Benjamin Avise 231 ELECTION 1843. Congress. Joseph P. Hoge 2088 1355 Cyrus Walker 733 County Clerk. Geo. W. Thatcher 1522 600 Sylvester Enimans 922 Franklin J. Bartlett 86 Recorder. Chauncey Robison 1430 214 Jolm A. Forgeus 1216 School Commissioner. Robert D. Foster 1553 688 Benjamin Avise 865 rrobate Judge. James Adams 1604 575 Ebenezer Rand 1029 County Commissioner. Andrew H. Perkins 1641 1111 Artois Hamilton 530 Charles C. Main 425 Treasurer. John P. Haggard 2114 1493 James W. Brattle 622 Surveyor. John Wilson Williams 2007 1365 Alanson Ripley 642 Mr. Adams, Probate Judge elect, died soon after election, and a special election to fill vacancy was held in September, with the following result : David Greenleaf 945 598 Ebenezer Rand 347 450 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. ELECTION 1844. Congi-ess. Joseph P. Hose 3251 1549 Martin P. Sweet 703 Representatives. Jacob B. Backenstos 1809 Almou "\V. Babbitt 1773 Onias C. Skinner 1080 JoelCatlin 886 Edward A. BedeU 73 County Commissioner. Georse Coulson 1830 998 Franklin J. Bartlett 833 Sherif. Mnor R. Deniing 1911 1040 Edson Whitney 871 Coroner. Daniel H. Wells 1838 971 David R. Green 867 President. James K. Polk 3399 1653 Henry Clay 747 ELECTION 1845. County Commissioner. George Walker 2336 2104 Scattering — No opp 133 School Commissioner. Chaimcey Robison 2353 2317 Scattering — No opp 35 Treasurer. Ethil B. Rose 3333 2180 Scattering — No opp 53 Two weeks later a special election was held to fill vacancy in office of Sheriff, occasioned by death of Minor R. Deni- ine, as follows : Jacob B. Backenstos 3334 1584 John Scott 750 ELECTION 1846. Governor. Aueustus C. French 1448 629 Thos. M. Kilpatrick 819 Lieut Governor. Joseph B. Wells 1417 597 Katnaniel G. Wilcox 830 Congress. Thomas J. Turner 1466 673 James Knox 793 Senator. Jacob C. Davis 1304 347 Wm. H. Roosevelt 957 Representaticts. Thomas Morrison 1298 James Stark 1283 Wm. Darnell 891 Samuel W. Brown 873 Sheriff. Melgar Couchman 1278 39 1 Mark Aldrich 887 Samuel Fleming 78 Coroner. Wm. S Moore 1333 448 David Bell 875 Treasurer and Assessor. James W. Brattle 1292 418 John P. Haggard 874 County Commissioners. Frederic Walton 1331 Dimiel N. Bainter 1332 James M. Renshaw 1348 Uriah Dodd 878 Jonathan Lamb 873 Nathan Prentice 871 To Amend Constitution. For Convention 1804 1319 Against " 485 SPECIAL ELECTION, OCT., 1846. Recorder. Robt. F. Smith 276 63 John Carlin 157 Thomas C. Sharp 313 SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL, 1847. Delegates to Const. Convention. Charles Choate 1129 Robert Miller 871 Thomas C Sharp 767 Thomas Geddes 723 Wm. S. Moore 710 Stephen H. Tvler 673 Hurlburt P. Griswold 653 Jacob C. Davis 544 Joseph Siblev 590 Joseph Hatchett 38 GENERAL ELECTION, 1847. County Comtnissioner. James M. Renshaw 1491 Probate Judge. David Greenleaf 843 285 Jonathan Berry 5-57 Recorder. John Carlin 832 137 Robt. F. Smith 68-5 Clerk of Cotnmissioners'' Court. Geo. W. Thatcher 832 Chas. C. Stevens 277 Adolphus Cherrill 163 Henrv- R. Chittenden 98 Wm. D. Abernethy 57 Claiborne Winston 73 School Commissioner. Michael Eickard 986 738 Jason H. Sherman 248 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 451 Treasurer. Wm. G. Yetter 788 123 James W. Brattle 665 Surveyor. John Wilson Williams 1257 SPECIAL ELECTION 1848. New Constitution. For Adoption 1157 874 Rejection 224 For Art. in relation to Colored Persons 1101 851 Against do 250 For Art. in relation to Two- Mill Tax 769 195 Against do 574 GENERAL ELECTION 1848. Governor. Aug. C. French 1195 256 Pierre Menard 939 Chas. V.Dyer 6 Lieut. Governor. Wm. McMurtry 1177 231 J. L. D. Morrison 946 Henry H. Snow 10 Secretary of State. Horace G. Cooley 1178 1172 L. C. Paine Frier 6 Auditor of State. Thomas H Campbell 1191 1185 Benj.E. Viel 6 State Treasurer. Milton Carpenter 1187 1181 Moses Pettingill ^ 6 Congress. * Joseph B. Wells 1134 124 Edward D. Baker 1010 Jos. B. Call 9 Senator. Azro Patterson 1158 247 William Gittings 911 Hepresentatives. Stephen H. Tyler 1166 George Walker 1106 Benjamin Bacon 1003 John J. Brent 855 Sheriff. Wm. A. Patterson 1024 WillardGay 1098 74 Coroner. John W. Owen 776 John R. Williams 1103 327 County Commissioners. Warren Miller 1068 Calvin Cole 1253 V. E. Remington 801 John Harris 989 President. Taylor and Filmore 1087 7 Cass and Butler 1074 Van Buren (Free Soil) 67 SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL, 1849. [For Sheriff, to fill vacancy, vice Wil- lard Gay, deceased.] Melgar Couchman 995 560 John R. Williams 435 GENERAL ELECTION 1849. UNDER NEW CONSTITUTION. County Judge. ISIelgar Couchman 1107 255 David Greenleaf 852 Associate Justices. Robert Miller 1092 Milton M. Morrill 863 Joseph W. Nudd 831 Calvin Cole 816 County Clerk. Wm. W. Steele 868 274 Geo. W. Thatcher 594 Thos. S. Brockman 499 Treasurer and Assessor. Adolphus Cherrill 926 47 Robt. F. Smith 879 Michael Barnes 127 School Commissioner. Michael Rickard 1059 139 David Mack 920 Sheriff. JohnCarlin 999 14 Alex. W. Stevenson. 985 Surveyor. John G. Fonda 1991 For Township Organization . .1247 765 Against " " .. 482 For removal Co. Seat to Warsaw 561 Against " " " 1167 606 GENERAL ELECTION, 1850. Congress. IMartiii P. Sweet 552 Thompson Campbell 729 277 Senator. Henry Stephens 507 Jacob C.Davis 682 175 Representative. Benjamin Bacon 557 Leonard T. Ferris 555 John Carlin 663 Joseph Sibley 689 Sheriff. Wm. A. Patterson 758 257 Jeremiah Smith 501 452 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Goronev. John S. Johnson 542 William Houck 710 168 State Treasurer. John Knox 633 John S. Moore 733 200 ELECTION MA\^ 1851. Judge. Fifteenth Judicial District. Onias C. Skinner 782 Prosending Attorney. James H. Stewart 290 Milton M. Jlorrill 292 2 William C. Wagley ' 169 GENERAL ELECTION, 1851. Treaaurer. Adolphus Cherrill 507 112 Kobt. F. Smith 395 School Commissioner. John M. Ferris 462 86 Ebenezer Rand 376 S. W. King 49 Surrcyor- John G.Fonda 892 Coroner. Byrum Ballard 431 69 John S. Johnson 362 B. Whitfield 45 For the Bank Law 486 81 Against " " 405 SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL, 1852. For Township Organization . . . 542 Against " " ...606 64 GENERAL ELECTION, 1852. President. Franklin Pierce 1466 180 Winfield Scott 1286 Free Soil 34 Governor. Joel A. IMattison 1472 184 Edwin B. Webb . 1288 D. A. Knowltou 18 Lieutenant Governor. Gustavus P. Koerner 1470 180 J. L. D. jMorrison 1290 Philo Carpenter 18 State Auditor. Thomas H. Campbell 1471 180 Charles Betts 1291 E.J.Smith 18 Secretary of State. Alexander Starne 1461 . 172 Buckner S. IMorris 1289 ' Erastus Wright 18 State Treasurer. John Moore ,..1462 163 Francis Arenz 1299 Wm. Pettingell 2 Congress. Wm. A. Richardson 1466 143 Orville H. Browning 1323 Eepresentatives. David Gochenor 1500 92 Joseph Sibley 1408 Wm. N. Grover 1296 William Smith 1301 State's Attorney. .Calvin A. Warren 1555 352 James H. Stewart 1203 Circuit Clerk David E. Head 1514 309 Thomas C. Sharp 1205 SJierijf. James Irwin 1330 Benjamin J. Welch 1411 81 Coroner. John B. Robbius 1343 36 1 Wm. B. Hanson 1183 Amendment to Constitiition. Adopt 730 Reject 795 65 SPECIAL EJ^ECTION, MARCH, 1853- For township organization . . . .1077 718 Against " " 359 SPECIAL ELECTION, MAY, 1853. For subscription of $60,000 to capital stock of Mississippi & Wabash R. R 1454 For sub. of #30,000 to War- saw & Rockford R.R 1406 For sub. flO, 000 to Warsaw and Aug. Plank Road Co 944 GENERAL ELECTION, 1853. County Judge. John M. Ferris 1559 1494 William Smith 65 Associate Justices. Wm. S. Moore 1138 Jesse Duffield 1125 Wm. S. DuflHeld 624 David Crow 599 John Bauer 64 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 453 County Clerk. Claiborne Winston 998 283 C. C. Sympson 716 John Wilson 183 Treasurer. Wm. A. Patterson 1326 979 Adolphus C'herrill 347 School Commintiioner. John S. Spangler 1599 Surveyor. Warren Miller 1780 Coroner. J. E. Roberts 1126 540 H. C. Brj^ant 586 GENERAL ELECTION, 1854. State Treasurer. John Moore. ... 1392 89 James 3Iiller 1303 Congress. Wm. A. Richardson 1349 1003 Archibald Williams 347 Senate. Jacob C. Davis 1311 48 Allen Persinger 1363 Representative. George Walker 1381 314 Amos H. Worthen 1167 Sheriff. Squire R. Davis 1665 664 Jonathan Simmons 1001 ELECTION, JUNE, 1855. Circuit Jvdge. Joseph Sibley 1076 George Edmunds 815 John^W. Marsh 1330 154 Supreme Judge. Onias C. Skinner 1802 383 Stephen T. Logan 1419 Cleric Supreme Court. Wm. A. Tumey 1796 429 Stephen A. Comeau 1367 For prohibition 1135 Against 1957 822 ELECTION, SEPT., 1855— R.R. ST'K. Proposition to Subscribe ^200,000 in M. & W. and W. & W. Railroads— $100,000 in each. For subscription 1975 422 Against .... 553 Toicnship Vote on Above. Toicnship. For. Aga'st. Augusta 173^ St. Mary's 8 101 Ft. Green 217 9 La Ilarpe H 129 Dm-liam 36 22. Pontoosuc 116 26 Appanoose 69 3 Nauvoo 259 Sonora 54 11 Montebcllo 44 IS Wjthe 97 Walker, 44 St. Albans 30 14 Chili 21 Harmony 9 38- Carthage 244 1 Pilot Grove 80 Prairie 37 Bear Creek 71 2. Warsaw 516 Rocky Run 43 Totals 1975 55a REGULAR ELECTION, NOV., 1855. School Commissioner. John S. Spangler 449 37 John S. Johnson 413 Surveyor. WarrenMiller 830 Treasttrer. Wm. A. Patterson 531 187 Robert Lincoln 344 GENERAL ELECTION, 1856. President. James Buchanan 2011 891 John C. Fremont 1120 Millard Fillmore 998 Governor. Wm. A. Richardson 2018 635 Wm. H. Bissell 1383 Buckner S. Morris 786 Lieutenant Governor. Richard J. Hamilton 2015 685 John Wood 1330 Parmenas Boiid 718 Secretary of State. Wm. II. Snyder 2008 72a O. M. Hatch 1285 Wm. H. Young 807 State Auditor. Sam'l K. Casey 2008 71& Jesse K. DuBois 1292 Hiram Barber 804 State Treasurer. John Moore 2011 James Miller 2091 80 454 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Supt. Public Instruction. John H. St. Mathews 2015 725 Wm. H. PoweU 1290 Ezra Jenkins 806 Congress — Long Teiin. Isaac N. Morris 1980 263 Jackson Grimshaw 1717 Congress — To Ml vacancy. Jacob C. Davis 2047 662 ThomasC. Sharp 1385 Jas. B. Kyle 630 Prosecuting Attorney. Calvin A. Warren 2078 516 Sterling P. Delano 1562 Senator. Hiram Rose 2070 786 Wm. D. Henderson 1284 David Ellis 678 Representative. Wm. Tyler 2106 848 Oeorge M. Berry 1258 Thomas McLellan 675 Clerk Circuit Court. Squire R. Davis .2095 674 Coleman C. Sympson 1421 Oiles C. Hawley 562 Sheriff. Benj. Y. N. Clarkson 2034 764 William Shaffer 1270 Thomas D. Crumpton 737 Coroner. Henry Mull 1991 719 Thomas Duff 1272 Wm. S. Garthwalte 780 For Convention 439 9 Against " 430 GENERAL ELECTION, 1857. County Judge. John M. Ferris 1031 630 Robt. W. McKinney 401 County Clerk. Francis M. Corby 1140 861 John S. Johnson 279 Treasurer. Wm. A. Patterson 1100 811 Alouzo P. Blair 289 A.J.Blair 49 Surveyor. Warren Miller 1004 594 Piuckney D. Simmons 410 School Commissioner. AsaN. Hawley 1865 675 Thomas Gregg 390 ELECTION, JUNE, 1858. Justice Supreme Court. Pincknev H. Walker 339 292 Chas. H: Constable. 47 Scattering 30 GENERAL ELECTION, 1858. State Treasurer. Wm. B. Fondey 2385 353 James Miller 2032 John Dougherty 52 Supt. Public Instruction. Aug. C. French 2386 357 Newton Bateman 2029 John Reynolds 55 Congress. Isaac N. ]\Iorris 2234 180 Jackson Grimshaw 2054 Jacob C. Davis 172 Senator. John P. Richmond 2340 309 John C. Bagby 2031 Wm. C. Wagley 101 Representative. Wm. H.Roosevelt 2389 357 George Rockwell 2032 Wm. F. Frazee 44 Sheriff'. Wm. R. Hamihon 2309 254 Thomas Logan 2055 John S. Cox 62 Corotier. NeillO. McKay 2383 361 John K. Allen 2022 GENERAL ELECTION, 1859. County Treasurer. Claiborne Winston 1082 C. Homer Mellen 1377 295 School Commissioner. Asa N. Hawley 1224 George W. Batchelder 1240 16 Surveyor. George T. Beers 1162 Mathew Waldenmej-er 1272 110 GENERAL ELECTION, 1860. President. Douglas and Johnson 3063 389 Lincoln and Hamlin 2674 Bell and Everett 121 Breckemidge and Lane 31 Governor. James C. Allen 3082 363 Richard Yates 2719 John W. Chickering 21 Thos. H.Hope 28 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 455 Lieutenant Ooternor. Lewis W. Ross 3058 362 Francis \. Hoffman 2696 Henry C. Blackburn 109 Thomas Snell 27 Secretary of State. Georcre H. CampbeU 3056 358 Ozias M. Hatch 2098 James 3Iunroe ^ . 108 B. F. Burk 27 Stdte Auditor. Bernard ^Vmtzen 3056 358 Jesse K. Dubois 2698 James D. Smith 108 Harry H.Smith 27 Trea»urer. Hugh :Maher 3060 368 Wm. Butler 2692 Jonathan Stamper 105 Wm. H. Gather 27 Supt. Public Instruction. Edward R. Roe 3055 a53 Newton Bateman 2702 J. D. Snow 106 John H.Dennis 27 Congress. Wm. A. Richardson 3109 372 Benjamin M. Prentiss 2737 Prosecuting Attorney. Calvin A. Warren 3070 315 Benjamin F. Marsh 2755 Representatite. Wm. H. Rollosson 3099 367 Samuel Mourning 2732 Clerk Circuit Court. Squire R. Davis 3149 435 John Warren 2714 Sheriff. Melanctou S. Carey 3139 411 Robert Lincoln 2728 Coroner. Wm. L. Bennett 3101 397 James H. Moore 2704 For Convention 2229 265 Against " 1964 For Instruction 1079 144 Against " 935 ELECTION, JUNE, 1861. Circuit JuiJfje. Joseph Sibley 1002 Judfje Supreme Court. Wm. A.Tumey 1013 REGULAR ELECTION, NOV., 1861. Delegate to Convention. Milton M. Morrill 2112 301 Marsena M. Hooten 1 1811 County Judge. Dennis Smith 2048 317 David Greenleaf 1831 County Clerk. Francis M. Corby 2129 299 Peter Baker 1830 Treasurer. Benjamin Warren 2111 277 William Bray 1834 Scfujol Commissioner. WUUam Scott 2020 114 George W. Batchelder 1906 SurteyoT. Jacob Rich 2080 264 Warren Miller 1816 For the Banking Law 366 Against " " 3183 2817 ELECTION, JU'NE, 1862. Constitution and Articles. For Adoption 2842 833 Against " 2009 Art. "Banks and Currency:' For 2817 976 Against 1841 Sec. 1, of Art. ''Negroes arul Mulottoes." For 3704 2938 Against 766 Sec. 2d of Art. " N. and if." For 4515 4476 Asrainst 39 Sec. 3d of Art. "iV. and AC For 4202 4049 Against 153 Congressional Apportionment. For 2870 1085 Against 1785 GENT:RAL ELECTION, NOV., 1862. State Treasurer. Alexander Stame 2844 1324 Wm. Butler 1520 Supt. Public Instruction. John P. Brooks 2844 1324 Newton Bateman 1520 Congress — State at Large. James C. Allen 2846 1330 E. C. Ingersoll 1516 Congress — Foixrth District. Charles M. Harris 28-54 1342 Charles B. Lawrence 1512 456 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Senate. Brj-ant T. Scofield 2815 1301 Harrison Dills 1514 Representative. Milton M. Morrill 2842 1340 Elisha Worrell 1502 Sheriff. Robert Incrhram 2842 1322 James BrDodge 1520 Coroner. James Booth 2828 1331 D. J. Beebe 1497 GENERAL ELECTION, 1863. County Treasurer. B. Y. N. Clarkson 2275 ■George W. Miller 2321 46 School Commisnion-er. William Scott 2285 Oeorge W. Batchelder 2312 27 Surveyor. ' Jacob Rich 2290 Joshua C. Berry 2303 13 GENERAL ELECTION, 1864. Prestiddnt. Lincoln and Johnson 2654 McClellan and Pendleton 2929 275 Governor. Richard J. Oulesby 2671 James C. Robinson 2932 261 Lieutenant Governor. William Bross 2670 .«. Corning Judd 2932 262 Secretary of State. Sharon Tyndale 2670 William Jf. Tumey 2932 262 Auditor. O. H. Minor 2670 John Hise : 2932 262 Treasui'er. James H. Beveridge 2670 Alexander Starne 2933 263 Slept. Public Instruction. Newton Bateman 2673 John P. Brooks 2932 259 Congress — State at Large. S. W. Moulton 2672 James C Allen 2931 259 Congress — District Abner C. Harding 2671 Charles M. Harris 2935 264 Representative. David Mack 2669 M. M. Morrill 2933 264 Prosecuting Attorney. Edward E. Lane 2657 Bryant F. Peterson 2939 282 Sheriff. John H. Allen ". 2665 Wm. C. Cason 2905 260 Coroner. Caleb Saunders 2664 John Dornseif 2929 265 Clerk Circuit Court- Robt. W. McClaughry 2643 Melancton S. Carey 2957 314 GENERAL ELECTION, 1865. County Judge. Thomas C. Sharp 2601 283 Dennis Smith 2408 County Clerk. Robt. W. McClauffhry 2659 201 Francis M. Corbj-^ 2458 Treasurer. John Gibbs 2691 258 James M. Bro^vning 2433 School Commissioner. George W. Batchelder 2716 323 John R. McGinnis 2393 Surveyor. Samuel Mourning '. 2695 281 Jacob D. Stroup 2414 For Township Organization. .3507 2526 Against " " . . 981 For Appropriation to Capt. Miller's Company 158 Against 4269 4111 Congress — State at Large. John A. Logan 32ST 56 T. Lyle Dickey 3231 Congress — District. Abner C. Harding 32S8 56 John S. Thompson 3232 State Treasurer. Geo. W. Smith 3291 59 Jesse J. Phillips 3232 Sup)t. Pub. Instruction. Newton Bateman 3297 66 JohnM.Crebs 3231 Senator. Thomas G. Black 3292 56 Sam'l R. Chittenden 3236 Representative. John G. Fonda 3268 27 George Edmunds 3241 Sheriff. Jeptha S. Dillon ,. .3290 74 Wm. L. Simons 3216 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, 457 Coroner. Daniel Glasuer 8312 95 Martin Heise 3317 ELECTION, JUNE, 1867. Judge Fifteenth Jud. Circuit. Joseph Sibley 1785 119 John W. Marsh 16G6 Judge Supreme Court. Pincknoy H. Walter 1775 95 Charles Emerson 1680 CUrk Supreme Court. Wm. A. Tnruey 1771 89 John M. Snj'der 1682 GENERAL ELECTION 1867. County Treasurer. John Gibbs 2677 James M. Browning 3044 367 Surveyor. Samuel Mourning 2699 Henry D. Fonda 3002 303 GENERAL ELECTION, 1868. President. H. Seymour 3687 91 U. S. Grant 3596 Goveimoi'. John R. Eden 3697 104 John M. Palmer 3593 Lieut. Governor. Wm. H. Van Epps 3696 103 John Dougherty 3593 Secretary of State. Oustavus Van Hoorebeke . . . .3696 105 Edward Rummel 3591 Auditor. John R. Shannon 3696 106 Chas. E. Lippincott 3590 Treasurer. Jesse J. Phillips 3696 104 Erastus N. Bates 3592 Attorney General. Robert E. Williams 3696 105 Washington Bushnell 3591 Penitentiary Comriiissioners. John W. Connctt 3696 Wm. ]\I. Garrard 3696 Calnsh Zarley 3696 Robt. E. Logan 3591 Andrew Shuman 3591 John Reid 3591 Congress — State at Large. Wm. W. O'Brien 3693 108 John A. Logan 3585 2984 John B. Risse 3230 246 County Clerk. Robt. W. McClaughry 3074 George J. Rogers 3353 279 County Treasurer. John H. Finley 2932 James M. Browning 3278 346 Superintendent of Schools. Geo. W. Batchelder 2841 William Griffin 3286 445 Surveyor. M. Waldenmeyer 2997 JohnG. Fonda 3175 178 SPECIAL ELECTION, JULY, 1870. For Adoption Constitution . . . 1716 402 Against " ...1314 For Railroad Section 2259 1487 Against " 772 For Art. Entitled "Counties " . 2235 1440 Against " " ... 795 For Art. "Warehouses " 2299 1565 Against " 734 For Three-Fifths Vote to re- move County Seat 2123 1219 Against 904 For Section Relating to Illinois Central R.R 2666 2300 Airainst " 366 458 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. For Sec. "Minority Rep.".. .1924 816 Against " " ...1108 For Section relating to Muni- cipal Subscription to Rail- roads or Private Corpora- tions 2252 1473 Against 779 For Sec. relating to Canal. ..2296 1588 Against " "... 708 GENERAL ELECTIO^^, 1870. Congress at Large. Wm. B. Anderson 2860 295 John A. Logan .2565 State Treasurer. Charles Ridgeley 2866 304 Erastus N. Bates 2562 Superintendent Public Instruction. Charles Feinse 2870 313 Newton Bateman 2557 Penitentiary Commissioners. — Long Term. Francis T. Sherman 2866 300 Elmer Washburn 2566 Short Term. Thomas Redmond 2864 297 Caspar Butz 2567 Congress. P. L. Cable 2888 370 John B. Hawley 2518 Senators. Jesse C. Williams. '. 2876 339 Wm. H. Mead 2537 Jas. H. Richardson 2865 302 Rezin H. Downing 2563 Representatives. Lemuel Mussetter 2904 Milton M. Morrill 2843 L. Smith Cogswell 2521 Ebenezer Huse 2500 Sheriff. John D. Stevens 2817 212 Jeptha S. Dillon 2605 Coroner. Benjamin F. Duvall 2859 300 James E. Morrison 2559 GENERAL ELECTION, 1871. Congress at Large. Samuel S. Hays 2636 598 John L. Beveridge 2038 County Treasurer. James M. Browning 2801 913 Wm. A. Patterson 1888 Surveyor. John J. WooUey 2665 638 Joshua C. Berry 2027 GENERAL ELECTION, 1872. Presideritial. Horace Greeley 3328 187 U. S. Grant 3141 Chas. O'Conor 59 Governor. Richard J. Oglesby 3099 Gustavus Koerner 3584 485 Benjamin G. Wright 25 Sidney Breese 8 Lieut. Governor. John L. Beveridge 3141 John C. Black 3557 41G D. S. Starr 33 Secretary of State. George H. Harlow 3143 Edward Rummel 3549 406 Ethan Sutton 33 Auditor. Chas. E. Lippincott 3145 Daniel O'Hara 3550 405 O. H. Westerman 33 Attorney General. James K. Edsall 3147 John V. Eustice 3550 403 George A. Meech 33 Treasurer. Edward Rutz 3144 Chas. H. Lanphier 3546 403 Henry West 33 Congress. Wm. H.Ray 3116 Wm. H. Neece 3622 506 Board of Equalization. D. D. Parry 3126 Asaph C. Hammond 3496 370 Clerk Supreme Court. Emanuel C. Hamberger 3154 David A. Brown 3539 385 Senator. Cornelius C. Preston 3111 Benj amin Warren 3607 496 Representatives. ■ Edward E. Lane 5180 David Rankin 4398 James Stark 5115 Wm. Scott 5432 Prosecuting Attorney. Robert W. McKinney 3261 Bryant F. Peterson 3428 167 Circuit Clerk. John D. Hamilton 3074 Andrew J. Davis 3649 575 Sheriff. Aquilla Dougherty. 3230 John D. Stevens 3435 205 rV 4^w"' ^K^' \ ■•a j#^' •^^^^ LA H AR P E TP. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 461 Coroner. James W. Madison 3137 Harrison H. Barnes 3540 403 Domestic Animals Running at Large. For 3902 Against 1471 431 ELECTION, JUNE, 1873. Circuit Judge. Joseph Siblev ...1287 John H. Williams 1610 323 GENERAL ELECTION, 1873. County Judge. John B. Risse 2974 1205 Thomas Ruggles 1709 County Clerk. George J. Rogers 3029 1317 Charles C. Tyler 1712 Superintendent of Schools. William Griffin 2989 1483 Mrs. E. E. Mayall 1506 Treasurer. Peter Frey 2542 403 Peter Kaiser 2139 For Township Organization. 2952 1902 Against " " ..1050 GENERAL ELECTION, 1874. State Treasurer. Thos. S. Ridseway 1848 Charles Carroll 2399 551 David Gore 204 Superintendent Public Instruction. Wm. B. Powell 1853 S. M. Elter 1930 77 Samuel Etter 629 Congress. Henderson Ritchie 1837 John C. Bagby 2398 561 Hepi'esentatives. Edward E. Lane 3294 David Rankin 2847 Wellington Janney 4323 Paul D. Salter 2081 Dennis Smith 864 Sheriff. Caleb C. Cochran 1576 Cornelius T. Cannon 2652 1076 John Jackson 223 Coroner. Jesse B. Qiiinby 1732 Benj. F. Duvall 2394 662 J.R.Miller 269 GENERAL ELECTION 1875. . County Treasurer. Peter Frey 1694 679 John Martin 1015 28 Surveyor. J. R. McGinnis 1198 John G. Fonda 1501 303 ELECTION, JUNE, 1876. Judge Supreme Court. Pinckney H. Walker 829 GENERAL ELECTION, 1876. President. Hayes and Wheeler 3496 Tilden and Hendricks 4207 711 Governor. Shelby M. Cullora 3521 Lewis Steward 4227 706 Lieut. Governor. Andrew Shuman 3504 Archibald A. Glenn 4269 765 Jas. H. Pickrell 38 Secretary of State. George H. Harlow 3504 Stephen Y. Thornton 4209 705 Massena M. Hooten 38 Auditor. Thos. B. Needles 3504 John Hise 4246 742 State Treasurer. Edward Rutz 3505 George Gundlack 4210 705 Henry Toctspen 36 Attorney General. Jas. K. Edsall 3505 Edmund Lynch 4210 705 Winfield S. Coy 35 Congress. Benjamin F. Marsh 3497 John H. Hungate 4176 679 Board of Equalization. James S. Boice. 3507 Robt. J. Cabeen- 4242 735 Senator. Thomas J. Maxwell 3516 William Scott 4169 653 Representatives. Edward E. Lane 5216 Charles F. Gill ,5314 George P. Walker ; . . .6669 John J. Reaburn 5880 Prosecuting Attorney. William Baird 3623 William E. Mason. o. 4097 474 »^ Circuit Clerk. Thomas C. Sharp 3519 Andrew J. Davis 4196 677 Sheriff'. John Helfrich 3760 Cornelius T. Cannon 3926 160 462 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Coroner- William Bnnser 3o'2G Beuj. F. Duvall 4191 665 SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL 1877. For Sheep, Goats and Swine runniiia: at lartre 2029 Against.:.. .. ': 2141 112 ELECTION, AUGUST, 1877. Judge Si.rth Judicial District. Simeon P. Sbope 880 778 Geoi-ffe Edmunds 102 Willfam Monk 40 "Wesley H. 3Iauier 38 Scattering 30 GENERAL ELECTION, 1877. Cou/iti/ Judge. John B. Risse 4970 Caunti/ Clerk. John R. Newton 2805 413 L.S. Cogswell 2392 Superiittendent of Schools. Samuel W. Layton 2637 110 Frank C Crane 2537 Treasurer. Joseph Hartman 2559 11 John Fletcher 2548 Coronet'. B Fordham 2774 360 John Bray 2414 For $531,712.18 Appropriation to New State House 1004 Against 3122 2058 For Horses, Mules, Asses and Cattle running at large 1311 122 Against 1 189 SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL 1878. For Domestic Animals runnins: at lar-re 2440 1227 Against 1219 For paving "Witness fees in Criminal Cases 2880 2587 Against 493 GENERAL ELECTION, 1878. State Treasurer. John C. Smith 2786 Edward L. Conkrite 3420 640 E. N. Bates 045 Sujyennteitdent Public Instruction. James P. Slade... 2779 Samuel M. Etter 3439 660 F.M.Hall 645 Clerk Supreme Court. Mervin B. Converse 2801 Ethan A. Sniveley 3412 611 T. "W. S. Kidd 641 Clerk Appellate Cotirt. MontravilleM. Duncan 2777 Georse W. Jones 3429 652 C. E.^Schotl" 044 Congress. Benjamin F. Mixrsh 2880 Delbs P. Phelps 3302 482 A. J. Streeter 014 Representatives. Charles F. Gill 3918 Brooks R. Hamilton 45973^ John J. Reaburu 5044 Thomas B. Brumback 50164 George F. Cotton 1969 Sheriff. Robert ^L Duffy 2858 "Wm. P. Damrou 3354 496 Albertine Huckins 586 Coroner. Eli W. Bennett 2763 Ernest D. Morrill 3430 667 Joseph C. Knott 621 Surveyor. Joshua C. Berry 2784 John I. Spence 3403 619 John H. H. Horney 627 For xVmendment Sec. 31, Art. 4, Constitution 5890 5405 Against 491 ELECTION JUNE, 1879. Judge 6th Judicial District. Joseph C. Thompson 1098 Chauncev L. Higbee 2121 Simeon P. Shope 2046 John H. "Williams 1385 GENERAL ELECTION, 1879. County Treasurer. Joseph Hartm;m 2182 James Corbin 2209 27 "William Bray 226 Surveyor. John I. Spence 3166 3 Joshua C. Berry 2164 Edward A. Gilchrist 255 CHAPTER XIX. PIONEERS' ASSOCIATION. After discussion and consultation among the old settlers of Han- cock county during the winter and spring of 1869, it was resolved to hold a meeting at the county seat for the purpose of effecting an organization of the pioneers of the county. A call was accordingly issued in all the county papers, signed by a number of old settlers, asking their fellow pioneers to meet in convention at the court- house in Carthage, on the 15th day of June next (1869). Accordingly a large meeting was held, and organized by electing Judge David Greenleaf to the chair, with a number of vice presi- dents and secretaries. On taking the chair the president introduced Hon. Orville H. Browning, of Quincy, w^ho had been invited to address the meeting. Mr. Browning's remarks were so apposite to the occasion, and in- teresting, as illustrating early times in the county, that we make no apolog}" for quoting them freely in this place. We copy from a report made for the Carthage Gazette^ by Mr. Noble Prentis, one of its editors. Mr. B. said: " He was reluctant to call himself an old man, but was certain he was an old citizen. He attended the first Court in the county held at Montebello, when there were but two villages within the limits of the county, one of them Montebello, the other Yen us, on the present site of Nauvoo. He remembered that at that session Venus was a contestant for the county seat. Of the lawyers he met at that Court every one had passed away from earth, and of the officers of the Court, his venerable friend, Wesley Williams (here present), was the sole survivor. At that time he himself was a young lawyer, having left his native State of Kentucky two weeks after the completion of his legal studies, and removed to Quincy, the only place he had ever called home, amid a people to whom he was indebted for all the prosperity he had enjoyed in life. When he first travelled the road from Quincy to Montebello, there were no houses or anything apjiroaching a settlement, save at Whitney's Grove and Fort Edwards. No Carthage, no La Harpe, no Fountain Green, no Warsaw then. Between Montebello and Crooked creek, on the road to McDonongh county, there were no houses. The country, though uninhabited, was not a wilder- ness or a desert; it was the green, billowy, sunlit, beautiful prairie, left solitary because the people at that day believed the o|)en country would never be settled. The northern half of the State was almost uninhabited; the flourishing cities of Quincy, Galena, (4G3) 464: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. and Chicago — that miracle of a citj — were all included in one Judicial Circuit, presided over bj one Judge who had less than halt the business brought before Judge Siblej in his Circuit of two counties. "Mr. Browning gave a graphic description of the lawyers of that day riding the Circuit on horseback with the inevitable saddle-bags, containing the 'other' shirt, a meager supply of corn dodgers, and occasionally (perhaps frequently) a bottle of Bourbon. Sometimes these legal pilgrims found shelter in the cabin of some friendly Indian, or spread their blankets on the prairie and slept with the clouds for a covering, or the stars for a canopy. "He remembered attending the first Court held at Cathagfe. The temple of justice at that day was a log cabin of limited dimen- sions roofed with clapboards. The Bench and Bar boarded with a family at the edge of the timber, near the subsequent residence of Mr. JBaldwin. The ' hotel ' of Carthage was a sort of rail pen twelve feet square, tlie provisions and M'hisky being dealt out through the cracks to the outsiders. The site of the present court-house was a frog-pond, and \'et this unpromising beginning had culminated in the present city of Carthage, one of the neatest and pleasantest vil- lages he had ever visited." A touching scene was enacted during this meeting. The pres- entation of a beautiful bouquet prepared by the ladies of Carthage, was made by the hand of Major R. AV. McClaughry to the vener- able Wesley Williams, the first County Clerk. Mr. W. was taken by surprise, rose to his feet and attempted a reply, but was so over- come with emotion that he could only utter his simple thanks. A constitution was adopted, providing for a permanent organiza- tion, with David Green leaf for President, a Yice President for each township, David E. Head, Treasurer, and Thomas Gregg and Wm. F. Barnes, Secretaries. Subsequent meetings were held annually, as follows: At Carthage, Aug. 1, ISTO. David .Greeiileaf presiding; Thomas Gregg, Secretary. Mr. Sharp delivered the annual address. At Warsaw, Sept. 7, 1S71 Mr. Greenleaf in the chair; Thomas Gregg, Secretary. Wm. X. Grover, Esq., of Warsaw, delivered the annual address. At Carthage, Aug 8, 1ST2. President, David Greenleaf; Secre- tary, Thomas Gregg. Dr. William Booze, of Hancock township, delivered the annual address, and Miss Mary Saflbrd, of Hamilton, recited a lengthy poem. At Carthage,' Sept. 4, 1ST3, Ebeuezer Rand, Esq., of Carthage, presiding; Thomas Gregg, Secretary. Annual address delivered by Hiram G. Ferris, Esq., of Carthage. At Dallas City, Sept. 10, 1874. President, Judge John M. Fer- ris, of Carthage; Thomas Gregg, Secretary. Annual address deliv- ered by Hon. Augustus C. Dodge, of Burlington. At Hamilton, Sept. 23 and 24, 1875. Hiram G. Ferris, Esq., of Carthage, President the 23d; John Harris, Esq., of Walker, on the HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 465 24t]i; ThoHias Gregg, Secretary. President Ferris delivered tlie amiiial address. Mrs. Pollard, of Keokuk (Kate Harrington), reci- ted an original poem. At Warsaw, July 4, 1S76, John S. Joluison, E6(|., Vice President, presiding; George D. Gates. Secretary'. A failure; adjourned to Se])teniber and another failure. 1877 and 1878 no annual meetings held. At Warsaw, Aug. 5, 1879. Col. John M. Ferris, presiding; Lemuel Mussetter, Esq., of Warsaw, Secretary. Hon. O. II. Brown- ing, of Quincy, and Maj. Robert W. McUlaughry, of Joliet, deliv- ered annual addresses. A number of the annual addresses were reported by the editors of the Carthage papers, and recorded by the Secretary among the proceedings of the Association. All of them were worthy of a place here, but want of space forbids. We will, however, quote extracts from two of those addresses; the lirst for the suggestion it contains, from the address of Mr. Sharp in 1870. He said: " But, friends, these reunions can be made soyrces of knowledge as well as of social enjoyment; and I now suggest that we to-day amend the title of the association. Let it be hereafter known as the 'Hancock Count)^ Pioneers' Association and Historical Soci- ety.' Hancock county lias a history worth writing and worth preserving. Enough of its early settlers still survive to furnish the necessar}' facts concerning the early settlements. Here, at the annual reunions, let these facts be gathered and recorded in the archives of the society. Let the files of all the newspapers pub- lished in the county, that can be obtained, be preserved. Let the society obtain, if possible, from the county, a room for the deposit of all documents which pertain to or throw light upon the history of the county, and let our Pioneers' Association and Historical Society preserve and transmit these to posterity. Now is the time to act in the matter. The period is fast approaching when death, which in the last year has materially thinned the ranks of the early settlers, will have called the last one to his long home. This should urge us to act promptly in this matter, AYhile many yet live, from whose memories important historical data in reference to the earliest settlements of the county can be obtained, we should make a record of the interesting events that occurred in the days of our pioneer settlement." Mr. Sharp's suggestion was not acted upon. From Mr. Grover's address at the September meeting, 1871, we also make an extract, principally because of its description of Warsaw and the county as late as 1837. Mr. G rover said: " When the Black Hawk war broke out, the population of the county was still ver}' small and thinly scattered; and many of the settlers left the county for awhile. There were no actual depreda- tions here by the Indians; l>ut there was, perhaps, just reason for a])prehensions of danger. Fort Edwards was then standing upon that point, within a hundred yards of this square. It had been 466 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. abandoned some years before, as a military post, but the buildings were then in possession of Col. Farnhara, an agent of the Govern- ment, and by his permission a number of men and a few families concluded to take shelter and protect themselves, if necessary. Among these were Col. Farnham himself, Mark Aldrich and his wife, Isham Cochrane and his wife, and, I think, James M. Wells. Other names 1 have not been able to learn. Among them was an Indian woman who was married to a white man; and it is stated that she stood in more fear of an attack from Indians than any of the pale-faced women in the fort. " At the close of this war, Mr. Cochrane saw Gen. Scott with his troops pass down the river with Black Hawk and other prisoners in irons. Most of the scattered settlers soon came back, but some never returned. From this date population flowed in more rapidly for a few years. Villages began to spring up, and settlements became quite numerous in the skirts of the timber; but even as late as my first coming to the county, there were very few settle- ments in our large prairies. I have a distinct recollection of the appearance of the country from Carthage to Warsaw in 1837. Coming west from Carthage, the first house reached was then owned by Wm. A. Patterson. It was a small one, and, I think, was unfinished and unoccupied. It was five miles from Carthage. There was a small field enclosed, then sown to buckwheat, and in full blossom. The next was the Chapman place, now known as the Comer place. There was an unfinished house and small enclos- ure. The next places improved were the farms of Benjamin F. Marsh and Gotham Clark, side by side. This brought us to the edge of what was then generally called the ' Warsaw timber.' From thence to Warsaw we passed Truman Hosford's, Bartholo- mew Slattery 's, the Yinj^ard farm (the latter now a part of Warsaw) and Mark Aldrich's, and from thence down a winding road through small timber and hazel bush, to Andrew Monroe's (where Elliott's store now stands). At this point we got upon Main street, and passed a little frame building they used as a meeting house, and three other one-story frame houses of a single room each, on the south side, one used by James Chittenden as a saddler shop, one by Samuel W. Brown and Wm. Mcllhenny, as a tailor shop, the other by Smith Robbins, as a sort of fancy grocery. On the other side of the street was a two-story frame house, unfinished, erected by R. L. Robertson. This brought us to the ' Warsaw House,' then kept by mine host, 'Old man Newberry,' as the boarders irreverently called him ; and here I slept my first night in a house after five months' railroad exploration. I do not think there were then in all our large prairies a hundred improvements a mile distant from timber. The few roads across the prairies followed the most favorable ground for settlement, regardless of section lines; and in some directions you might travel for hours without seeing a house or enclosure. If the direction of the beaten road did not suit, you had full liberty of taking short and direct cuts to your journey's end." HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 467 The record kept by the Secretary contains the names of perhaps a thousand pioneers of the county, with nativity and date of emi- gration. We subjoin a few of the earlier ones: 1831— John Atchison, Ireland. 1831— Frederic Loring, N. II. 1829— David Ayres, Ireland. 1826— A. A. Perkins, Tenn. 1830— James W. Brattle, Mass. 1832— Wm. Pike and sous, Ky. 1831— Jabez A. Beebe, Conn. 1829 — Chauncey Robison, N. Y- 1829— Joseph Caldwell, Ky. 1830— A. G. Rose, Ind. 1830 — Isham Cochran, Ky. 1830 — Benjamin Royse. 1828 — Theophilus Crenshaw, Illinois. 1831 — Alexander Saylors, 111. 1831— Charles L. Cochran, Maine. 1824 — Isaac N. Waggonner, Ohio. 1826— Amzi Doolittle, N. Y. 1827— James Wilson, Ky. 1830- Cyrus Felt, N. H. 1829— Wesley Williams, Ky. 1831— Samuel Gordon, N. H. 1831— Robt. W. White, Va. 1832 — Constantine Kremer, Prussia. CHAPTER XX. MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS. MARRIAGE LICENSES. First marriage license issued Sept. 25, 1829, James Miller to Yerdilia Harper; cereinony performed Sept. 28, by Rev. Charles. Robison. Below are dates of a few others, with names of a few parties: 2d. Benjamin T. Tungate (one of the first jurors) to Deborah Flint, Oct. 17; joined by Rev. C. Robison. 6th. Thomas Bremer to Nancy Smith, July 22, 1830, by James Miller, Esq. 9th. Isaac R. Campbell (first County Treasurer) to Emily Davis, by Luther Whitney, Esq. 11th. Wesley Williams, Esq. (County Clerk, etc.), to Ruth Scobe}^ by James Miller, Esq. 13tli. Baptista Blondeau to Spawsey Grandbois, by Hazen Bedell, Esq., Aug., 1831. lOtli. Joshua Palen to Archange St. Jean Laperchere, by Wesley Williams, Judge of Probate, July 19, 1832. Amos Van JSTorsdall to Louise Muir (daughter of Dr. Muir, of Fort Edwards, whose wife was a half-breed), April 4, 1833, by Leonard L. Abney, Esq. Isaac Newton Waggonner to Mary White, Dec, 1835, by David- son Hibbard, Esq. Number of licenses issued to Jan., 1830 3 To Jan., 1835 „ 56 To Jan., 1840 342 To Jan. 1850 1519 To Jan., 1860 3624 Total No. to Jan., 1880 10082 Of course the above do not include the numerous " Gretna Green " marriages of Hancock citizens; nor yet that indefinite number solemnized under city ordinance at Nauvoo in Mormon times, in which license was not required and returns were directed to be made to the City Recorder. (468j HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 469 EDUCATIONAL STATISTICS. To Samuel "W. Layton, Esq., Siiperiutendent of Schools for Hancock county, we are indebted for the following: No. of school districts in the county January 1, 1880. . 190 No. of school-houses 185 No. of teachers employed, about 250 Proportion males in winter, about 75 per cent Females in summer, about 75 per cent No. of children between ages of 6 and 21 years, in 1879 13,421 Total receipts for the year ending June 30, 1879 $91,876 94 Total Expenditures . . .' 70,813 16 Sixteenth Section School Lands in all the townships sold. SIXTH CENSUS. The only census returns to be found of record in the County Clerk's office is the printed volume containing the U. S. census for 1840. We make some extracts to show the difference between Hancock county forty years ago and now. The one item of silk cocoons will hardly be reported in the census of 1880. In Hancock comity — White males 5135 White females 4762 Colored persons 15 Total 9912 No. of Persons Agricultural Products Engaged in Agriculture 1791 Bushels Oats 120768 Commerce 15 Bushels Rye 394 Manufactures and Trades 380 Bushels Buckwheat 1812 Navigation 4 Bushels Corn 2598 .'») Learned Professions and Engineers 34 Pounds Wool 8890 Revolutionary Pensioners 2 Bushels Potatoes 28984 Deaf and Dumb 7 Tons Hay 2845 Blind 5 Pounds Tobacco 1910 Insane 2 Pounds Cocoons 36 Can not read and write — over 20 . . 205 Products of Dairy sold $455 Agricultural Products. Products of Orchard sold $855 Horses and Mules 1761 No. of Grist Mills 7 Neat Cattle 4717 No. of Saw Mills 12 Sheep 2451 No. of Oil Mills 1 Swine 10671 Gallons Wine 8 Bushels Wheat 10675 Printing Offices 2 PLACES OF HOLDING COURTS IN HANCOCK COUNTY SINCE ORGANIZATION. Aug., 1829 — Special at Fort Edwards. Dec, 1829 — At house of James "White. Mar., 1880— Same place. June, 1830 — At Clerk's office in Yenus. Dec, 1830 and March and June, 1831— At James White's, Sept., 1831— At Clerk's office at llazen Bedell's. Dec, 1831— At Montebello. Mar., 1832— At Bedell's. 470 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. June, 1832 — At "court-house" in Montebello.* Sept., 1832— Same place. Dec, 1832— At H. Bedell's. Mar., 1833— At Luther Whitney's, in Montebello. April, 1833 — At house of Thomas Brewer, in Carthage. Sept., 1833 — At log-cabin court-house in Carthage. ♦The term "court-house," used above, we take to mean simply the building in which the courts were held. There was no building erected for that purpose at Montebello. CHAPTER XXI. TOWNyniP ORGANIZATION. The Township Organization Act, entitled " An Act to Provide for Township and County Organization," under which any county may organize whenever a majority of the votes of such county at any general election shall so determine, was passed by the Legis- lature and approved Feb. 12, 1849. Accordingly the question of " Township Organization" or '' No Organization" was submitted at the annual election, on the 6th of Nov. 1849, and return made to George W. Thatcher, County Clerk, and by him canvassed on the 7th, in conjunction with Michael Rickard and David Greenleaf, Justices of the Peace. We give the vote by precincts in full, as matter for future reference: Precincts For Against Aus;usta 65 29 St. llary's 121 15 Fountain Green 123 62 Camp Creek 92 4 Appanoose 51 2 Pilot Grove Rejected Nauvoo 121 4 Montebello 29 8 Commerce 94 41 LaHarpe 149 Warsaw 90 133 Green Plains 95 11 Rocky Run 55 4 Bear Creek 74 7 Chili 42 42 Carthage 48 120 Totals 1247 482 The County Court appointed Mathew McClaughry, John G. Fonda and George Edmunds as commissioners to lay off and divide said county into townships, in accordance with law; and on the 26tli day of Febrnary, 1850, they filed their report as follows: 1. Augusta township, to embrace townsltip 3 north, 5 west. 2. S*t. Mary's — 4 north, 5 west, and south half of 5-5. 3. Fountain Green — 6 north, 5 west, and north half of 5-5. 4. La Ilarpe — Y north, 5 west. 5. Chili — 3 north, 6 west, and south half of 4-6. 6. Carthage — 5 north, 6 west, north half of 4-6 and east half of 5-7. . 7. Pilot Grove — 6 nortli, 6 west, and east half of 6-7. 8. Durham — 7 north, 6 west. 9. St. Albans — 3 north, 7 west. 10. Bear Creek — 4 north, 7 west. (471) 472 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 11. Pontoosuc — 7 north, 7 west. 12. "Walker — 3 north, 8 west. 18. AYythe— J: north, 8 west. 14. Montebello — 5 north, 8 west, fraction 5-9 and west half of 5-7. 15. Sonora — 6 north, 8 west, and west half of 6-7. 16. Appanoose — 7 north, 8 west. 17. Rocky Run — 3 north, 9 west, and fraction 3-10. 18. Warsaw — i north, 9 w^est. 19. IMauvoo — 6 north, 9 west, and 7-9. On the first Tuesday in April, 1850, the election for township oflBcers was held, and County Clerk Win. W. Steele called a meeting of the Board of Supervisors to be held at Carthage on Monday, Aug. 12, 1850. Board met, and the following members answered to their names: Augusta — James Stark, Bear Creek — Almore Thompson, St. Maiy's— Wm. Darnell, Wythe — Slocum Woolley, Chili— Gilmore Callison, Montebello — Robt. F. Smith, Carthage —James A.Winston, Appanoose — Jas. A. McCanee, Pilot Grove — Saml. Richey, Nauvoo — James Irving, St. Albans— Alex. McDonald, Sonora— J. J. Gardner.. Bill of Commissioners to lay ofi" the townships, at $5.00 each, and $3.50 to Mr. Fonda, additional, for making plat of the county, presented. Board voted members an allowance of $1.50 per day each for services. At next session in November, the following additional members elect appeared and took their seats: Lemuel Mussetter, Warsaw; John Banks, Rocky Run; Joseph Kidson, Pontoosuc; and Stephen H. Tyler, Fountain Green. On September 12, 1854, Prairie township was set oflT from Carthage and Montebello, embracing the whole of township 5 north, 7 west. And at the same time Harmony was set off from Chili and Carthage, embracing the whole of 4 north and 6 west. On April 27, 1855, Hancock township was established from St. Mary's and Fountain Green, embracing the whole of 5 north, 5 west; and Rock Creek was established from Pilot Grove and Sonora, embracing the whole of 6 north 7 west. Nov. 15, 1855, Wilcox townsiiip was established, embracing all of Warsaw town- ship, 4 north 9 west, excepting the city of Warsaw, which is !na(ie a separate township. In 1860 Dallas was set ofi' from Pontoosuc, and at a later date, March, 1876, on petition of residents, that portion of Prairie township embraced in sections 13 and 24, the south half of section 12 and the north half of section 25 — three sections in all — was detatched and annexed to Carthage township. This includes the two depots and all that population in their vicinitv. CHAPTER XXII. OLD LAND-MARKS. Tlie old is continually passing away. Among the old land-marks and old things that have passed and are passing away may be mentioned the following: Head of the Rapids. — This cannot be said to be passing awa}^; but the term as a designation of a settlement is now seldom used, though once very common as a name for that early settlement in the county now occupied by Nauvoo. Foot of the Rapids — Embraced all that country opposite ''The Point," from Fort Edwards to Chaney creek, or the Montebello House. Fort Johnson — The remains of an old stockade fort, on the high bluff south of Albers' mill, in Warsaw. Fort Edioards — A fort that was still standing and occupied by settlers as late as 1845. For history of these forts see chapter YII. Yenus — Was a postoffice only, and the first established in the county. It was at the head of the rapids, in the midst of the oldest settlement in the county, excepting Fort Edwards. Who WHS its first postmaster we have not learned. Montehello. — This was the name of the oldest town in the county. It was laid out in 1832, by Luther Whitney and William Yance. It for many years was the business center for the settlers along the rapids, and a place where many goods have been sold. As a town or place of business, it is now unknown, and its name has been transferred to the township in which it lies. Green Plains — Was once quite a famous locality in the county, now unknown. It embraced parts of what are now Wythe, Walker, AYilcox and Rocky Run townships, the postoffice for which was at Col. Levi Williams'. Golden''s Point — Was a point of timber projecting into the prairie on the borders of Lary's creek, in Sonora township, named from Abram Golden, a settler there at an early day. Spillman'e Landing — The point on the river in the north part of the county, near the residence of Mr. Hezekiah Spillman, and where he kept a ferry, and a woodyard for steamboats. He was a settler of 1825. Round Prairie — A designation by which a rich prairie settle- ment was known in the early days, lying partly in Hancock and partly in Schuyler and McDonough counties. It was bounded noi-th, east, and west by the waters of Crooked creek and (473) 474 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. branches, and South by Williams' creek, and had Plymouth for its business center. Oliver's Settlement — Was that early settlement in the southeast of the county around Pnlaski, and had its name from Alexander Oliver, its earliest settler. FmnTclin — Was the name of the postoffice and settlement about La Ilarpe until 1836, when William Smith and Marvin Trjon laid out the town, and gave it the name of the French adventurer. Joe Duncan — Was a town laid out in the years of town mania by Robert Miller, David W. Mathews and Isaac N. Morris. It was near the southeast corner of Fountain Green township. It soon died a natural death. Ex-Gov. Duncan was at that time a speculator in town lots, and it is stated that it received its name, Joe Duncan, because he refused to take stock in it. Mathews and Miller sold goods there for a short period. Cutler''s Orouve — At Commerce, the place where George Y. Cut- ler, one of the first county Commissioners, was buried, enclosed by a stone wall, still standing. Half-way House — A little frame building erected about 1834, and occupied by one Chapman, at the place now owned and occupied by Mrs. Samuel Comer, just west ofElvaston, and on the War- saw and Carthage road. Prerdis' Shanty — A shanty built near the line of the Warsaw & Peoria Railroad, soon after the State entered upon its magnifi- cent scheme of internal improvements, Mr. Daniel Prentis, now of Fountain Green, had a contract for grading, and to accommo- date his hands erected a shanty there. The shanty remained there many years, and was a point well known to travellers. Kock Island Trail — An old road that led from Quincy and beyond to Rock Island and Galena lead mines, from point to point in the prairie. In this county it ran from Green Plains to Golden's Point, thence to othei- points north. It crossed the W. & P. Railroad at Prentis' shanty, two or three miles east of Ham- ilton. Commerce — A town at the head of the rapids, laid out in 1834 by Joseph B. Teas and Alexander White. It, with its successor, Commerce City — Laid out in 1836, and designed to be the town of the West, was finally swallowed by the Mormon city of Nauvoo. Des Moines City — Laid out in 1837, by Dr. Adolphus Allen, on the Mississippi, about two miles above Montebello. It died a natural death in its infancy. Hartford — Was laid out in 1837, by James M. Campbell, on section 5, 7 n., 7 w., in the north part of the county. It also died in infanc3\ Mechanicsville — As its name indicates, was designed for a man- ufacturing village, and for a time bid fair to realize the expecta- tions of its proprietor. It was laid out in 1842 by Alanson Lyon, near the northwest corner of Augusta township. The manufacture HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 475 of wagons, carriages, and agricultural implements was entered into and carried on for a time; but for some cause the enterprise failed, and the town exists only in name. Ramus — Was a Mormon town, laid out in 1840 by Wm. "Wightman, and settled largely by the Mormons, having at one time 400 or 500 inhabitants. It was sometimes called Macedonia. It is now AVebster. Yelrome — Was the name given by its proprietor, Isaac Morley {as attorney for Joseph Smith), to the Mormon town, in the town- ship of Walker, laid out in 1844. It generally was known by the name ot Morley-Town. It was principally burnt out during the trouble in 1845. It is now Tiosra. CHAPTER XXIII. HANCOCK IN THE REBELLION. The news of Sumter aroused the people of Hancock as well as the rest of the State and the Union. All — no, not all — for there were a few traitors, and rebel sympathizers, even in Hancock county; but a large majority of the bone and sinew of the county, felt that the Flag of the Union must be sustained. And in response to the various calls of President Lincoln for troops, the county sent more than two thousand men to the field, out of a population of about 27,000 in 1860. The exact number it is impossible to tell. Even the Adjutant-General's reports, while giving the names of all the officers and men mustered into the several regiments, fail in many instances to credit the place ot their residence. Besides, many volunteered and served in organi- zations belonging to other States; while many drafted and bounty men were scattered widely through the arm}', as the convenience and necessities of the service required. As will be shown here- after, about 1,800 are known and accounted for; and the inference is fair that the unknown would number into the hundreds. Taking the regiments "in the order of their number, we begin with THE 16th infantry. This was principally recruited in the counties of Hancock, Adams and McDonough; organized at Quincy, May 24, 1861. Robert F. Smith, of Hamilton, was elected Colonel; at the close of his term re-enlisted as veteran, and was promoted Brev. Brig.- Gen. March 13, 1865. Lieut.-Colonel, James B. Cahill, Carthage; term expired Dec. 25, 1861-. Adjutant, Charles D. Kerr, Hamil- ton; term expired April 5, 1865; re-enlisted, and promoted Colo- nel July 3, 1865, and not mustered. Adjutant, John S. Schenck, Fountani Green, May 29, 1865; mustered July 8, 1865. Quarter- master L. L. King, La Harpe, June 30, 1862; mustered out June 29, 1865. First Asst. Surgeon, A. L. Ritchey, Hamilton; pro- moted to Surgeon of 10th Regt. Nov. 20,.1864. Second Asst. Sur- geon, Jacob Thrush, Dallas City; resigned Sept. 30, 1864. Company Officers— Co. D. — Capt., James B. Cahill, Carthage, May 4, 1861; promoted Lt.-Col. Isaac Davis, Carthage, Sept. 3, 1862; term expired Dec. 31, 1864. Wm. Sommerville, Carthage, Dec. 31, 1864; honorably discharged May 9, 1865. First Lieut., Jas. B. Cahill, May 4, 1861; promoted. Wesley Clowse, Carthage, May 14, 1861; resigned Dec. 7, 1861. Isaac Davis, Carthage, (476) sJr' '^' M>\ ' \ ^.^^Uzr^. ytoc^^ ST A LEAN S TP. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 479 Dec. 7, 1S61; promoted. Wm. Sominerville, Carthage, Sept. 3, 1S62; promoted. John T. Welcli, Hamilton, May 27, 1865. Second Lieut., Wesley Clowse, Carthao-e, May 24,1861; promoted. Benj. r. Marsh, Warsaw, May 24, 1861; resigned Aug. 8, 1861. Isaac Davis, Carthage, Oct. 13, 1861; promoted. Wm. Sommerville, Carthage, Dec. 7,1861; promoted. Wm. Conyers, Warsaw, Sept. 3, 1862; honorably discharged May 15, 1865. James M. Welch, Carthage, July 3, 1865; not mustered. Co. I. — Captain, Smith Johnson, Dallas City, May 9, 1861; term expired Nov. 11, 1864. First Lieut., Stedman Hatch, Pon- toosuc. May 9, 1861; promoted Captain of Co. G. Wm. A. How- ard, Dallas* April 12, 1864; killed in battle May 10, 1864. Daniel Glassner, Dallas, May 19, 1864; promoted Captain, Morrison Walliner, Nov, 11, 1864. Second Lieut., Robert Pattison, Dallas, May 9, 1861; promoted to Co, of Subs. July 6, 1864. This county furnished for the 16th Regiment, 200 men of the rank and file, mostly in Companies D and L HISTORY OF THP: SIXTEENTH REGIMENT. The 16th luft. Ills. Yols. was mustered into the service at Quincy under the Ten Regiment Act, May 24, 1861, by Captain T. G. Pitcher, U. S. A. June 12, 1861, moved to Grand river as railroad guard; July 10, force was attacked by 1,600 mounted rebels, but held position until arrival of reinforcements, when the enemy fled. On 16th lost two men killed and two wounded at Caldwell's Station. August 20, moved under Gen. Hurlburt to Kirksville, and in pursuit of Gen. Green, arriving at Honeywell Sept. 1. Sept. 10, ordered to St. Joe; on the 14th, together with the 3d Iowa, had a skirmish at Platte City; 17th, returned to St, Joe. Jan, 27, 1862, ordered to Bird's Point, Mo. March 3, ordered to New Madrid, where they were attached to the army of the Missis- sippi, 2d Brigade, Col. James D, Morgan; First Div. Brig.-Gen., A, E. Paine. Evening of the 12th of March, the 10th and 16th Ills, were thrown forward and erected a line of earthworks, mount- ing four heavy guns within half a mile of the enemy's w'orks. March 13, the battle of New Madrid was fought, the 16tli support- ing the siege ornns. April 7tli, were landed on the opposite side of the river with the 10th Ills., and followed the retreating enemy to Tipton ville, Tenn., where it captured 5,000 ])risoners and a large amount of artillery, small arms and ammunition. April 9, returned to New Madrid; 13th, embarked for Osceola, Ark.; 17th, embarked for Hamburg, Tenn., where it arrived on the 22d. Participated in the siege of Corinth. After evacuation ]nirsued the retreating enemy to Boon- ville; June 12, returned and encamped at Big Spring. July 20, moved to Tuscumbia; 29tli, crossed the Tenn. at Florence, Ala. Sept. 15, arrived at Nashville, after a 17 days' march, with continual 29 480 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. guerrilla fighting. Our loss, one killed and five wounded, includ- ing Capt. Rowe. In Dec, 1863, the regiment veteranized, and on the opening of the campaign of 1864 was ordered to the vicinity of Atlanta, Ga., where it participated in the siege andjcapture of that strong-hold, Col. Smith commanding a brigade. After the reduction of Atlanta, and Sherman had cut loose from the Army of the Tennessee, the 16th joined in the celebrated March to the Sea, arriving at Savan- nah about Christmas. Upon the occupation of Savannah, Col. Smith was made Military Governor. In the spring of 1865, the 16th continued its march through the Carolinas and Virginia, par- ticipating in all the important battles, and arrived at Washington, D. C, in time to take part in the Grand Review. Mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 8, 1865; arrived at Camp Butler July 10, for final payment and discharge. 28th. — Co. D of the 28th had 21 privates, mostly from Augusta, St. Mary's and La Harpe. 32d. — Co. B, Wm. J. Pierce, of Carthage, Captain, Sept. 4, 1861; resigned Aug. 31, 1862. Second Lieut. Christian G. Long, Car- thage, April 25, 1865; promoted to First Lieut. Aug. 2, 1865. About 28 privates from Montebello and Carthage. 34th. — Five privates from Montebello. 36th — Fourteen privates from Augusta,St Mary's and St. Alban's. 43d. — Co. F, 6 privates from Nauvoo. 46th. — Co. D, 8 privates from Montebello and Augusta. THE 50th regiment. Co. F.—Wm. B. Snyder, Dallas City, Captain, Sept. 12, 1861; resigned Jan. 19, 1863. Charles D. Fee, Second Lieutenant, June 10, 1862; promoted First Lieutenant Nov. 15, 1862; promoted Cap. tain Jan. 19, 1863; discharged Sept. 15, 1864. Alfred L. Martin Dallas City, Captain, June 14, 1865, First Lieutenant, Charles J. May, Warsaw, Sept. 12, 1861; resigned April 27, 1862. Second Lieu- tenant, C. M. Harris, Dallas City, Sept 12, 1861 ; promoted First Lieutenant April 27, 1862; resigned June 20, 1862. Joseph M. Morgan, Warsaw, First Lieutenant, June 14, 1865. Wm. S. Weak- ley, Warsaw, Second Lieutenant, Nov. 15, 1862; resigned Sept. 15, 1864: Thomas Stewart, Dallas City, Second Lieutenant, July 10, 1865; not mustered. Co. G. — Selah W. King, La Harpe, First Lieutenant, Sept 12, 1861; promoted Captain Dec. 12, 1861; resigned Sept. 15, 1864. In the 50th Regiment there were 88 privates from this county, from about ten different townships. 53d. — Had 17 privates from Hancock county. 57th. — Co. I, Edward D. Hazzard, Plymouth, Second Lieutenant, Feb. 13, 1863; promoted First Lieutenant July 12, 1864; promoted Captain July 1, 1865; not mustered. Co. K, Edward Gallagher, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 481 Hamilton, Captain, April 1, 1865. In Co. K, 27 privates from St. Mary's. 61th. — From Fountain Green, 5 privates. 65th. — As re-organized Co. A had 10 privates from this county. 71st. — Co. E, 7 privates from St. Mary's. 72d. — Co. G, 8 privates from St. Mary's. Co. H, 10 privates from Augusta. 73d. — Co. H, 3 from Hancock township. 75th. — Co. E, one from Montebello. THE 78th regiment. First Assistant Surgeon, Elisha S. Mclntire, of Dallas City, Sept. 1, 1862; resigned March 25, 1863. Second Assistant Surgeon, Wm. H. Githens, Hamilton, May 14, 1863; promoted to First Assistant Surgeon Aug. 7, 1863. Co. i>.— Robert M. Black, Carthage, Captain, Sept. 1, 1862; killed in action Sept. 1, 1804. First Lieutenant, John B. Worrell, Chili, Sept. 1, 1862; promoted to Captain Sept. 1, 1864. Second Lieutenant, Isaac N. Kinchloe, Breckenridge, Sept. 1, 1862; re- signed July 16, 1863; Samuel W. Puntenny, Montebello, July 16, 1863; discharged Jan. 10, 1865. Co. H. — John K. Allen, Dallas City, Captain, Sept. 1, 1862; re- signed March 30, 1864. First Lieutenant, George T. Beers, Pon- toosuc, Sept. 1, 1862; promoted to Captain March 30, 1864; killed in battle March 19, 1865. Thomas M. Scott, Dallas City, Captain. May 19, 1865; not mustered. John Gibbs, Dallas City, First Lieu- tenant, May 19, 1865; in hospital at the mustering out of the regiment. This county furnished 160 men to the 78th Regiment, as fol- lows: Co. A, 4; Co. B, 2; Co. D, 73; Co. H, 81. history of the 78th regiment. Organized at Quincy by Col. "Wm. H. Benneson, and mustered into service Sept. 1, 1862. Ordered to Louisville; arrived on the 22d, and was assigned to 2d Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the Ohio. On the 23d was assigned to 39th Brigade, 12th Division. October 1st was detached and assigned to Gen. Boyle; marched to Shepardville, Kentucky, October 5, to guard railroad bridge. Oc- tober 14 was stationed at Lebanon Branch railroad bridge, guarding bridges and stations. 'Mustered out June 7, 1865, at Washington, D. C, and arrived at Chicago June 12, for pay and discharge. 83d. — Co. A, one private from La Harpe. 84th. — Co. C, 9 from La Harpe, Fountain Green and Augusta. 86th. — Had 30 privates from this county,— 4 from St. Mary's and 26 from La Harpe. 89th. — Recruited 11 privates from Augusta. 99th. — Had 10 privates from Augusta, and one from Montebello. 482 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. THE 118th REGIMENT. Col., John G. Fonda, "Warsaw, Nov., 1862; promoted Brevet Brig.-Gen. June 27, 1865; mustered out Oct. 1, 1865. Lieut. -Col., J. G. Fonda; promoted to Col. Thomas Log-an, Hamilton, Lt.-Cro- moted to First Lieut. March 28, 1863; promoted to Captain Nov. 14,1863. Wm. H. Odell, Carthage, First Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862; resigned Feb. 27, 1863. ElishaB. Hamilton, Carthage, First Lieut. , No v\ 14, 1863. James Sample, Carthage, Second Lieut. , March 28, 1863; honorably discharged Dec. i, 1863. Joseph Gill, Rainie, Second Lieut., April 11, 1865. Co. ^.—Arthur W. Marsh, Wythe, Captain, Nov. 7, 1862; killed Nov. 11, 1863, near Grand Caton bayou, while in command of the regiment. Ephraim Grubb, Montebello, First Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862; resigned Feb. 19, 1863, on account of ill health. A. W. Robinson, Wythe, Second Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862; promoted First HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 483 Lieut. Feb. 19, 1863; promoted to Captain Nov. 11, 1863. Jeptha S. Dillon, Wjthe, Second Lieut., Feb. 19, 1863; promoted First Lieut. Xov. 11,1863. George B. Safford, Montebello, April 11, 1865. Co. D.—ll. M. Sleater, Carthacre, Feb. 19, 1863; promoted First Lieut. Nov. 12, 1863; promoted Adjutant March 22, 1864. Co. E.—Z. S. Allen, Warsaw, First Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862; promoted to Captain Dec. 24, 1862; resigned Aug. 7, 1863. Wm. H. Berry- man, Warsaw, Captain, Aug. 7, 1863; mustered out Oct. 1, 1865. David Turner, Warsaw, First Lieut., Dec. 24, 1862. W. S. Lem- ley, Warsaw, Second Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862; resigned Feb. 19, 1863. Thomas A. Worthen, Warsaw, Feb. 19, 1863; honorably dis- charged May 15, 1865. Albert H. Fuller, Warsaw, Oct. 1, 1865; Dot mustered. Co. E.—YqWx G. Mourning, Bear Creek, Captain, Nov. 7, 1862; resigned Oct. 21, 1863. Calender Rohrbough, Bear Creek, Second Lieut., Nov. 7, 1802; promoted to First Lieut. Feb. 19, 1863; pro- moted Captain Oct. 21, 1863. Kice C. Williams, Rocky Run, First Lieut., Nov. 7, 1862; resigned Feb. 19, 1863. Levi B. Moore, Bear Creek, Second Lieut., Feb. 19, 1863; promoted Oct. 21, 1863; honorably discharged Aug. 14, 1865. A. J. Stroup, Rocky Run, First Lieut., Sept. 2, 1865; not mustered. Wm. II. Cole, St. Mary's, Second Lieut, Oct. 1, 1865. Co. Z— Wm. M. Cole, Elvaston, May 23, 1865. HISTOKY OF THE 118tH REGIMENT. Came into service under the call of July 2, 1862; organized Aug., 1862; Cos. A, B, C, E, and H, in Hancock. At Camp Butler to the 8th Sept., and placed on duty guarding Confederate prisoners; mustered into service Nov. 7, by Captain Washington. At Butler till Dec. 1st, when it left for the field by rail to Alton, and embarked for Memphis, arriving Dec. 11. On 20th left with Sherman for Yicksburg; arrived at Vazoo river Dec. 26, and participated in the engagement at Chickasaw Bluffs. Re-embarked and arrived at Arkansas Post, Jan, 9, 1863, and took part in the fight and the capture of that place, on the 10-1 1th of Jan., capturing 8,000 prisoners. Returned to Young's Point, remaining till March 9; moved to Milliken's Bend, where it remained till April 2, when it left on the expedition against Vicksburg, forming a part of Gen. Osterhaus' Division. Participated in the battle of Thompson's Hill May 1, 1863, which lasted 16 hours, against an enemy well posted and three times our own numbers. Li this bloody contest we had over 100 killed and 500 wounded; rebel loss twice that number. Encamped on the field of battle, the rebels retreating toward Vicksburo;. At Champion Ilills met the enemy again. The ground was so broken that it rendered artillery almost useless, and it was with- drawn. The rebels had (;0,000 men in tlie fight; the Union force less than 40,000. After a long and bloody conflict, a charge was 4S4 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, made along the line, when the rebels gave way and fled toward Vicksburg; 6,000 prisoners and 29 cannon the result of this victory; loss in killed and wounded was heavy, Rebel loss, 1,500; Union loss, about 800, Among the killed were Capt. A, "W. Geddes and Lieut. Thomas B, White, of Fountain Green. The next morning, May IT, the rebels M^ere again encountered at Black River Bridge, 12 miles east of Vicksburg, well fortified. A charge was made, resulting ia the capture of their works, 17 brass cannon, 5,000 prisoners and a large amount of stores. On the 19th Yicksburg was closely invested; 22d, an attempt to carry the works by storm, but unsuccessful. Among the killed in this charge was Joseph H, Gate, of Hamilton, July 4, the place surrendered, Kemoved on duty to Black River Bridge; July 6 ordered to Jackson with General Sherman. Participated in the fight at Jack- son; 10th to 17th on a raid to Brook Haven to cut the railroad and destroy army stores. August 14, 13th Army Corps ordered to the Department of the Gulf, At Carrollton Aug. 16; Sept, 5, on a raid to Western Louisiana; 4th October, ordered to Algiers and mounted; left for the front October 11; at Yermillionville Oct, 14; at Opelousas Oct. 23. Engagement near Washington Oct. 24; took part in severe battle of Grand Canton Nov, 3; Kov, 11, battle near Yermillionville; in this battle Capt, A, W, Marsh, of Wythe, was killed. To New Iberia Nov, 15; severe skirmish near Yer- raillion bayou, in which 78 prisoners were captured. Ordered to Port Hudson, arriving Jan, 7, 1864; remained to July 3, scouting almost daily; had many sharp skirmishes, often capturing prison- ers. Removed to Baton Rouge, remained till Sept, 4; participated in Gen, Lee's raids to Liberty and Brook Haven, Left Baton Rogue Nov, 27 with Gen, Davidson's expedition to West Pascagoula; returned bj'^ New Orleans Dec. 27. Winter and spring 1864-'5, the regiment was engaged in scouting, picket- ing, etc. May 22 dismounted, and from that time the regiment was employed in provost duty in Baton Rouge, to Oct. 1, 1865, when it was mustered out. Arrived at Camp Butler Oct. 13, for final pay and discharge. 119th. — Had 44 men from Hancock county, of whom 35 were from Augusta, 124th,— Co. C, 5 recruits from St. Mary's. 137th. — Had 43, mostly from Warsaw, 13Sth, — Had 10 men from Carthage, 148th. — Had 3 men from Carthage. 151st. — Had 21, mostly from Pontoosuc, 155th. — From Warsaw and St. Mary's, 10 men. SECOND CAYALBY. Major Benj. F. Marsh, Warsaw, Aug. 30, 1862; promoted Lieut,- Colonel May 3, 1864; promoted Colonel Aug, 29, 1865; not mus- tered. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 485 Company Officers. — Co, G, Benjamin F. Marsh, Cap tain, Aug. 24, 1861; promoted Major. John G. Weakley, Warsaw, Second Lieut., Dec. 27, 1861; promoted First Lieut. March 12, 1862; promoted Captain Dec. 31, 1862; died Sept. 28, 1864. John G. Fonda, War- saw, First Lieut., Aug. 24, 1861; resigned Dec. 27, 1861. Thomas Logan, Hamilton, Second Lieut., Aug. 24, 1861; proinoted First Lieut. Dec. 27, 1861; transferred to 12th Cavalry. William H. Williams, Carthage, Second Lieut., March 12, 1862; promoted First Lieut. Dec. 31, 1862; resigned May 11, 1864. George M. Prentice, Fountain Green, First Lieut., May 11, 1864. James M. Foy, Foun- tain Green, Second Lieut., Dec. 31, 1862; resigned May 18, 1864. Miles H. Day, Fountain Green, Second Lieut., May 18, 1864. Co. L. — James K. Catlin, Augusta, First Lieut., Aug 24, 1861; promoted Adjutant, Plancock county furnished 150 men for the Second Cavalry, as follows: Cartilage, 56; Fountain Green, 25; La Harpe, 23; Monte- bello, 9; scattering, 37. THE 12th cavalry. John G. Fonda, Warsaw, Major, March 8, 1862; mustered out for promotion. Co. I. — Jesse C, Rogers, Durham, Second Lieutenant, Jan. 22, 1864; promoted to First Lieutenant May 17, 1865. Hancock county had 53 men in this regiment; the 14th Cavalry, 3 men from this county; 16th Cavalry, 15 men; 2d Kegiment Artillery, 24 men from Hancock, As far as the war records go to show, it appears that 1,797 officers and men were in the service from the county of Hancock, distributed among the several townships as follows: Prairie, 33; Rock Creek, 13; Dallas, 107; Pontoosuc, 46; Walker, 30; Wythe, 65; Montebello, 165; Sonora, 25; Appanoose, 6; Rocky Run, 26; Wilcox, 4; Warsaw, 203; JSTauvoo, 27; Augusta, 153; St. Mary's, 108; Hancock, 36; Fountain Green, 132; La Harpe, 143; Chili, 33; Harmony, 7; Carthage, 238; Pilot Grove, 70; Dur- ham, 34; St. Alban's, 32; Bear Creek, 41; scattering, 30. The lists doubtless do injustice to some of the townships. Many names are given and not credited to any county, while others are reported as from Hancock county only; no township mentioned. Besides, it is known that four companies of the 7th Mo. Cavalry, known as the BLACK HAW^K REGIMENT, were recruited in Hancock county: — Co. B, Captain Bredett, at Augusta; Co. E, Captain Rockwell, Warsaw; Co. F, Captain Miller, Carthage; and Co, G, Captain Martin, St. Mary's. This would add, perhaps, 300 men to those four townships, and those adjoining them. The record of three of those companies we have been unable to obtain, but tliroucfh the kindness of Lieut. A. E. Boude, of Car- 486 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. thage, we obtain a sketch of the organization of Co. F, and the service of the regiment in the field. The company was ofiicered as follows: Thomas C, Miller, Carthage, Captain; James C. McQuary, Carthage, First Lieutenant; A. E, JBonde, Carthage, Second Lieutenant; George P, Brown, John Sommerville, Philander Powell, Jackson F. Perry, James N, Herbert, George Abbott, Edward J, Doran, Miron C. Chafiee, Wm. Hudkins, Sergeants; John B. Donley, "Wm. E. Hill, Andrew Rymer, Benj. Robinson, Edward Stifiies, Hiram Tennyhill, Corporals; James D. Burnam, John F. Clokey, Blacksmiths; Wm, T. Waggoner, John C. West- brook, Patrick Gannon, Buglers; and 67 privates. The regiment was first known as the Northeast Mo. Cav., Col. Wm, Bishop commanding, then as the Black Hawk Cav., and was finally numbered the 7th Mo. Cav,, and Col. Daniel Huston, of the regular armj^ placed in command. The Hancock companies were enlisted in the fall of 1861 for three years. The regiment was stationed at Macon City during the winter of 1861-''2; moved to Lexington in the spring, holding that portion of the State. The battle of Lone Jack was fought Aug. 16, in which five companies of our regiment took part, sufiering severely. In the fall it joined the Army of the Frontier at Springfield, Mo., Gen. Schofield commanding, taking active part in all the move- ments which culminated in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., Dec, 7, 1862, in which the rebel army was completely defeated and broken up. During the winter the regiment returned to Missouri, moving eastward across tiie southern portion of the State, in time to check-mate one of Gen. Price's raids. July, 1863, found us part of the Cavalry Division under Gen, Davidson leaving Arcadia for the South, passing through Southeast Missouri to the St. Francis river in Arkansas, down that stream to the vicinity Helena, where the Division formed the advance of the 7th Army Corps upon Little Rock, which place was taken on the 10th of September, 1863. The 7tli was made patrol guard for the city, the Lieutenant- Colonel being appointed Provost Marshal, January, 186-1, ordered to Pine Bluff, one of the outposts of the army, where it was kept constantly employed in scouting and picketing. On April 25, 1864, occurred the battle uf Mark's Mills, Ar- kansas, in which 120 of the regiment were engaged, 60 of whom were either killed, wounded or captured. The regiment lost a great many men during the summer, from the malarial diseases peculiar to the country; at one time but 60 men could be found fit for duty, and not an officer, A number of the men, having re-en- listed, went home on their veteran furlough during the summer, and the term of service of many others expired during the sum- mer and fall. The veterans and recruits were consolidated with the First Missouri Cavalry, remained until spring of 1865, when all were mustered out of service, the war being over. Of the Captains of the Hancock companies. Captain Berdett HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 487 was promoted Major, and was killed in battle of Prairie Grove ; Captain Martin was killed in the vicinity of Little Rock, by bushwhackers, and Captain Miller was mustered out on account of disability July 23, 1863. LIST OF CASUALTIES - jj among Hancock soldiers in the service of the United States dur- ing tTie Rebellion, collated from the Adjutant-General's reports and other sources. In the 16M Infantry: Co. D. — Sergeant Oscar Dickinson, ot Hamilton, wounded at Caldwell Station, Mo., Aug. 16, 1861; died September 1; Corporal George O. Felt, Hamilton, killed at same time and place; John McGovern, Hamilton, killed at Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 17, 1864; Clarence C. Pitchey, Hamilton, died December 15. 1861. Henry A. Fortna, Montebello, died May 4, 1865, of wounds; Jewett White, Carthage, died June 20, 1862. Philo C. White, Montebello, killed at Bentonville, N. C, March 20, 1865. Co. /.—Adam Bird, Dallas, killed at St. Joe, Mo., Sep- tember 25, 1861; T. Ashton, Dallas, died September 12, 1861; F. Dolby, Dallas, killed at Buzzard's Roost, Ga., May 9, 1864; Thos. H. Duffield, Dallas, killed at Bentonville, N. C, March 20, 1865; Frank A. Humilke, Warsaw, died of wounds May 12, 1864; Geo. W. Lauthlin, Dallas, died January 16, 1864; John Martin, Dallas, died June 30, 1864, of wounds; John Purtle, Dallas, died May 1, 1865; M. Wellover, Dallas, died August 20,1864; Joseph Burger, I^auvoo, died July 28, 1864; C. W. Pershin, Dallas, died July 20, 1864. In the Z2d Infantry: Co. ^.—-Joseph Robertson, Carthage, died at Camp Butler, Nov. 3, 1861; Dearborn P. French, Hamil- ton, died at Memphis, Tenn., February 26, 1863; Thomas Swigel- son, Hamilton, killed at Hatchie river, October 6, 1863; J. S. Hickman, Carthage, died at Wilmington, N. C, March 23, 1865. In the 4:Qt]i Infantry, Co. D. — Geo. AV. Manning, Hamilton, died of wounds at Keokuk, August 21, 1863. In the hOth Infantry, Co. F. — John W. Alexander, Dallas, died of wounds, Oct. 22, 1862; Ebon Barker, Wythe, died at Quincy; Barnes R. McKaig, Pontoosuc, died at St. Louis, of wounds; Oliver G. Rauck, Nauvoo, killed at Allatona, Ga., Oct. 6, 1864. Co. O. — Jacob Landers, La Harpe, died at Clarksville, Tenn., March 14, 1862/ David Barnes, La Harpe, died April 16, 1862; Wm. Bray, La Harpe, killed at Rome, Ga., Sept. 2, 1864; G. W. Kirkpatrick, Prairie, died at Newbern, N. C, April 5, 1865. In the bith Infantry: Co. I. — M. j\[. Hendrickson, Plymouth, killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62; James Barnes, St. Mary's, died at Pittsburg, Tenn., Dec. 19, '62; W. T. Lawrence, Plymouth, died at Athens, Ala., April 3, '64. In the QUh Infantry: Co. D. — John W. Savage, Fountain Green, died at Rome, Ga., June, '64. In the l%th Infantry: Co. i>.— John L. Bell, Plymouth, died 488 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. at Louisville, Ky., Feb. 3, '63; L. C. Barton, Plymouth, died June 26, '64, of wounds; John Carroll, Carthao-e, killed at Chicka- mauga, Sept. 26, '63; W. H. Crott«, Chili, "died Aug. 11, '64, of wounds; Wm. S. Davis, Hamilton, died Sept. 17, '64, of wounds at Atlanta, Ga,; Daniel G. Hawkins, St. Mary's, died at Louisville, Ky., May 12, '63; Jeremiah M. Stuart. Hamilton, killed at Big Shanty, Ga., June 16, '64; Albert Wallace, Hamilton, killed at Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 1, '64. Co. B.—Wm. J. L. Ward, Dallas, died at Xashville, Tenn., Feb. 28, '63; "Wm. J. Thomas, Durham, killed at Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 1, '64; Joseph Beerman, Dallas, died Sept. 20, '63; Joseph Coke, Dallas, died at Nashville, Tenn., March 7, '63; C. H. Dolbert, Dallas, killed at Chickamauga Sept. 20, '63; Martin Ellis, Dallas, died near Nashville Feb. 7, '63; Solomon Huff, Durham, died at Franklin, Tenn., May 9, '63; Albert Lincoln, Durham, died at Franklin, Tenn., May 9, '63; S. L. Lhornidlen, Dallas, died at Goldsboro, N. C, March 30, '65, of wounds; John W. Pate, Dallas, died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 7, '63; Thomas Robinson, Pontoosuc, died of wounds, Sept. 2, '64. In the SSth Infantry: Co. F. — Thomas A. Cassingham, La Harpe, killed at Mission Ridge, Nov. 25, '63; B. Duplaucy, La Harpe, killed at Perry ville, Ky., Oct. 8, '62; Newton B. Filson Carthage, died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 20, '64; Andrew Hutch- inson, La Harpe, killed at Mission Ridge Nov. 25, '63; Thomas Norris, La Harpe, died at Annapolis, Md., Feb. 24, '63. In the S9th Infantry: Co. A. — John Butlers, Augusta, died at Anderson ville prison, Sept. 14, '64; No. of grave, 8,776; J. J. Ferguson, Augusta, died at Danville, Ky., Oct. 15, '62; Enoch D. T. Sharpe, Augusta, died at Andersonville prison, June 13, '64; No. of grave, 1,899. In the W%th Infantry: Co. A. — Hiram Chamberlain, Fountain Green, died at Carrollton, La., Oct. 16, '63; Marcus Alton, Foun- tain Green, died at Island No. 10 June 5, '63; Thomas Bramley, Fountain Green, died at Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 23, '62; Richard B. Brandon, Fountain Green, died at Milliken's Bend, La., March 15, '63; Otis E. Brunson, Fountain Green, died at Mempliis, Tenn., Dec. 28, '62; Andrew Bright, Hancock, died in Louisiana, May 2, '63; John Conner, Fountain Green, died at Port Hudson, La., Feb. 26, '64; George W. Glass, Fountain Green, died at Young's Point, La., March 13, '63; John N. Harrell, Fountain Green, died at Ben- ton Barracks, Mo., July 2, '63; David Line, Hancock, died at Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 31, '62; George Lathrop, Fountain Green, died at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., Jan. 28, '63; Robert Riggs, Foun- tain Green, died at St. Louis, March 26, '63; J. C. Roberts, Foun- tain Green, died at Camp Butler, Nov. 30, '62; Jesse W". Roberts, Fountain Green, died on steamer Di Yernon, Jan. 19, '63; Alex- ander Wright, Fountain Green, died at New Orleans, Sept. 11, '63. Co. B. — Sergt. David Sholl, Carthage, died of wounds, May 9, '63; Sergt. Samuel Davis, died at St. Louis, Aug. 18, '63; David HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 489 Bayles, Bear Creek, died at Meuiphis, Tenn., Dec. 19, 62; M. BaVles, Plarmony, died Dec. 9, '62; Marion Bayles, Bear Creek, died April 26, '65; Wm. M. Grisham, Pilot Grove, killed at Thompson's Hill, Miss., May 1,' 63; F. M. Kcyoier, Rock Creek, killed at Vicksbur^ May 22, '63; Thomas Mix, Carthage, killed at Redwood, La., Aug. 25, '64; John L. Symonds, Prairie, died in camp at Black River Bridge, Miss., Dec. 19, '62; Wm. Sleater, Carthage, died at Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 19, '62; Edwin C. Stevens, Montebello, died of wounds received at 1 azoo Landing, Miss., Jan. 6, '63; George J. Weir, Carthage, died Jan. 21, '63; Francis Warner, Fountain Green, died at Mound City, III., Jan. 4, '63; Geo. W. Delano, Carthage, died Oct. 11, '64; Wm. A. Miner, Carthage, died Aug. 1, '64. ■ ^r-n-i , Co (7.— Sergt. Henry Moore, Hamilton, died at Milliken s Bend, La., June 27, '63; Frank Benner, Sonora, died at Baton Rouo-e, La., Feb. 5, '65; Frank J. Barker, Wythe, died at Milli- ken's Bend, La., April 22, '63; Samuel Bechtold, Nauvoo, died on hospital boat, April 18, '63; Wm. T. Curtis, Hamilton, died at Keokuk, Aug. 11, '63; Joseph H. Gate, Hamilton, killed at Vicks- buro- Miss., May 22, '63; Henry Chandler, Wilcox, killed at WaSiington, La., Oct. 24, '63; Joseph Ferguson, Wythe, died at Baton Rouge, Jan. 18, '65; James McFadden, Wythe, died on hospital boat, Jan. 22, '63; Henry Moore, Hamilton, died at St. Louis March 31, '63; Calvin Newcomb, Hamilton, died at Port Hudson, La., Feb. 21, '64; John Poole, Wythe, died at Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 5, '63; Casper Sharts, Hamilton, died at Mound City, 111., Jan. 19,'63;Henry J. Trussell, Hamilton, died at St. Louis, Mo., May 10,'63; Henry Teigen, Sonora, died at Louisiana, Oct. 18, '64; Patrick Welch, Hamilton, died while a prisoner of war at Jackson, Miss., March 13, '63; Geo. McClintock, St. Alban's,died Jan. 30, '63. Samuel M. Crawford, Walker, died at Keokuk, Feb. 22, '65. Cq ^.—Sergt. Wm. H. Masgan, Warsaw, died at Port Hudson, La Aug 9, '64, of wounds; G. AV. Bankson, Warsaw, killed on Yazoo river, Jan. 2, '63; Wm. M. Silsby, Warsaw, died July 24, '63 atMilliken's Bend, La.; David L. Smith, Nauvoo, died of wounds received at Thompson's Hill, Miss., July 9, '63; Henry Weddincr, Harmony, died at Baton Rouge, La., Feb. 16, '65; Co. (?!— Provine Burch, La Harpe, died at Memphis, Dec. 20, '62; Alexander Spiker, La Harpe, died at Milliken's Bend, June 19 '63. 'Co. iz— Corp. Thomas Kerr, Wythe, died at Milliken's Bend, Marcii 13 '63, of wounds; Christopher Allen, Walker, died at Keokuk, Oct. 12, '63; Charles Allen, Walker, died atMilliken's Bend March 21, '63; Alexander Bennett, Rocky Run, died on hospital boat, Dec. 18, '62; W. P. Brown, Wythe, died Sept. 14, C. Lilley, Chili,' died at Memphis, Dec. 25, '62; Wm. Marshall, St. Mary's, died at Memphis, Dec. 31, '62; Martin H. Messick, Walker, 490 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. died at New Orleans, Nov. 13, '63; Andrew J. Polite, St. Mary's, died Feb. 11, '65; Austin Rhodes, Bear Creek, died at Carrollton, La., Oct. 24, '63; T. S. Staley, Rocky Run, died at Bruinsburg, Miss., May 16, '63, of w^ounds; Wm. Farlev, Warsaw, died March L7, '65. Co. I. — George W. Newkirk, Hancock, died at Alton, 111., June 30, '65. Co. R. — Geo. "VV. Bloyd. Hancock Co., died at Memphis, Jan. 9, '63; James Mesacor, LaHarpe, died at Memphis, Feb. 19, '63. In the ll^th Infantry: Co. G. — John A. Archer, Warsaw, died at Red River Landing, La., May 20, '64, w^ounds. Co. K. — Thomas Clifton, Augusta, killed at Yellow bayou, La., May 18, '64; Wm. Jump, died of wounds at Jefferson Barracks, June 3, '64. In the V61th Infantry: Co. A. — John A, Davenport, Warsaw, died at Memphis, Aug. 26, '64; John Hubbard, Augusta, died Sept. 12, '64. In the \^%th Infantry: Co. B. — E. H. Patterson, Pilot Grove, died at Quincy, 111., Feb. 10, '65. Co. G. — W. H. Roseberry, Carthage, Feb. 11, 'Co. In the \o\st Infantry: Co. D. — I. D. Clark, P.Mitoosuc, died at Dal ton, Ga. April 3, '65. In'^d Cavalry: Co. G. — James Comstock, LaHarpe, killed in action at Holly Springs, Miss., Dec. 20, '62; Ed. C. Simms, Foun- tain Green, died at Paducah, Ky., Dec. IS, '61; John Mack, Elvas- ton, died of wounds, June 30, '63; Wra. A. Payne, Chili, died at New Orleans, March, '64; Jc>hn N. Parker, Fountain Green, died at Bolivar, Tenn., Sept. 12, '62; Isaac B. Ritter, Carthage, killed by a mob at home, June 9, '63;' Benj. L. Scott, Hamilton, died at Metropolis, 111.; Eli Sporry, LaHarpe, died at Keokuk, March 30, '64, of wounds; James Blackburn, Carthage, died at Bolivar, Tenn., Jan. 14, '62 ; Hiram E. Neal, Carthage, died Jan. 14, '63, of wounds. In the \^th Cavalry: Co. G. — John Ellis, Hancock Co., died of wounds received at Gettysburg; George Minor, Bear Creek, killed at Upperville, Ya., June 21, '63; Orlando Aleshire, Carthage, died at Napoleon ville, La., June 26, '64; F. Crow, Bear Creek, died at Baltimore, Md., July 13, '63. Co. M. — Joseph Hasse, Pontoosuc, died at New Orleans, May 21, '64; Josiah Matlock, Durham, diedat New Orleans, June 3, '64; James Phelps, Hancock Co., died at Donaldson ville. La., Oct. 7, '64; Gideon Thompson, Durham, died at New Orleans, June 18, '64. In the 14:th Cavalry: Co. A. — Zeno Hillard, Hancock Co., died at Wilmington, N. C, March 23, '65. In the 16th Cavalry: Co. I — Robert H. Durand, Warsaw, died at Andersonville, Ga., July 31, '64; John Little, Warsaw, killed in action at Jonesville, Ya., Jan. 3, '64; Clark Reed, Warsaw, died at Augusta, Ga., April 1, '64. Co. K. — James B. Ellis, Augusta, died at Savannah, Ga., Oct 26, '64. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 491 In the Ind Jiegt. Artillery: Co. H. — Win. Ward, Dallas, died at Fort Donelson, Mav 30, '63; Marquis Avery, Augusta, died at Camp Butler, 111., April 30, '64. MISCELLANEOUS. Milton Brawner, Warsaw, Captain Co. A, Ttli Mo. Cav., promoted to Major and Colonel; died at home, Dec, 16, 1866. Joseph Brawner, Warsaw, 1st Lieut. Co. K., 8th Mo. Inft., died in La Harpe, '76; Charles CooHdge, Warsaw, Lieut. Col. .50th 111, luft, Suro-eon in the field and Examining Surgeon this district, died in 1870; Wm. Brawner, Warsaw, 1st Lieut. 2d Iowa, killed at battle of Shiloli; Malcolm Andrews, Warsaw, 7th Mo. Cav., killed at battle of Lone Jack, Mo.; Thaddeus Ketchum, Warsaw, 7th Mo. Cav., killed at battle of Lone Jack; John Walther, Captain and Pastor Ger. M. E. Ch., Warsaw, killed at Pittsburg Landing; Dr. Wm. A. Russell, Hamilton, Capt. Co. F, 10th Mo., killed at battle of Mission Ridge; Joseph Lloyd, Hamilton, 10th Mo., wounded at Mission Ridge, afterward killed at home; Geo. White, Hamilton, killed at bat1;le of Jackson, Miss. ; Elijah T. Swigert, Hamilton, died in hospital in Hermann, Mo., '61 ; Ernst Fleisback, Warsaw, 7th Mo. Cav., died at Macon, Mo.; Ernst Hazelstrange, Warsaw, 7th Mo. Cav., killed at Lone Jack; James H. Creese, Warsaw, died at Little Rock, Ark.; Henry Brasche, Warsaw, 8th Mo., died in service; Dr. Wm. English, Warsaw, Captain of supply boat on river, captured by .enemy and held several months prisoner, died at home; Jonathan J. Smith, Quartermaster 137th 111., killed at Memphis, Tenn., Aug., 21, '64. When the draft was about coming, one " Jerry Scrog-gs," not having the fear of it before him, ])ublished in the local paper the following jeu cf esprit: THE DRAFT. O, dou't you see the draft is coming, boj'S? And sure there's no use now in running, boys! O, not a bit — 0, not a whit Of use is tliere at all in running, boys. All ye Smiths, from Charles to Fred; All ye Browns, from A to Zed ; Omen Quinn and Patrick Flynu Ned O'Bryan, IMichael Ryan,— Just skin your eye, and dou't j'ou cry — For sure enough the draft is coming, boys. . Uncle Sam — bless his soul ! — is calling, boys ! Don't you hear ? 'Tis Sam-u-el that's calling, boys ! And not a -vvhit — never a bit Will you stand back wIumi Sam is calling, boys. All 3'e Clarks and all j'c llowells, All ye Thompsons, all ye Powells, All ye Rivers, Fords and Floods, All ye Forests, Groves and Woods, Be ye ready — ever ready — To answer to the call of Samuel, boys. 492 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. The country's banner high is waving, boys ! ' The country's life is worthy saving, boys! Far in the sky that flag must fly, And ever there you'll keep it waving, boj'S ! All ye Delaplains and Dillons, All ye McNultys and McMillans, All the Austins and Adairs, All the Butlers and the Blairs, Gerard Nollen, Patrick Dolan, William Fields and Jimmy Shields, — Keep — keep your eye up to the sky, And keep that flag forever waving, boys ! Dec. 25, 1863. Jerry Scroggs. ~Ho apology is offered for writing — and none for publishing in this connection — the following, written during the dark days of lS6i: EUTH; A POEM OF THE REBELLION, £i/ Thomas Gregg. To hose who recognize in the lessons of the Past and the tokens of the Present, promise of a glorious Future for our beloved country, and especially to those heart stricken ones who mourn the sacrifices laid upon the Coimtry's Altar, this humble tribute is respectfully inscribed. I. Grandma Ruth, in her easy chair, Sat plying her needles bright, While by her side lay Harry, the pet. In the taper's cheerful light. And each to her evening task, there bent. Were Sarah, and Jane, and Sue — These, father and mother, John and James, Composed that household true. Without, the broken clouds drove past, Beneath a moon-lit skj"- ; And giant shadows, in phantom forms, Stalked through the forest by. At intervals the big drops fell, A-patteriug on the pane, Borne on the tempest's fitful blast — The chilling April rain. Grandma sat humming a good old tune, And still her needles plied ; " Poor boy ! " she said, as the little form Lay sleeping at her side. Her thoughts had flown to far-oft" scenes, Full many a year before, When she, a little bright-eyed girl, Dwelt on Potomac's shore. And so she hummed her olden tune, — The hymn that long before She had sung so oft in the old church choir, On that remembered shore. She hummed away, and the stitches flew, The needles faster plied, — " Poor boy I I wonder if he'll ever know How his great-grandpa died ! " / HISTORY OF IIANCOOK COUNTY. 493 And then upon hi r \vrinkh»d hands Her i.fiid sht- srcntly leant, And a silvi r lock, from out lier cap, In shining wavelets l)ent. For-fotten, in her spacious lap, Her worlv neglected lay ; Her thoughts were busy with the scenes Of her early childhood's day. Her home, her friends,— the present, all, — Had faded from her sight ; These, with their dear realities. Had taken wings iu flight. The dead of eighty years before In magic column stood ; * ^ The deeds of eighty j^ears rolled on. In a tumultuous flood. The scenes of eighty years ago — The hamlet by the main, The grass-plot and the old school-house, Rose to her sight again. And, oh ! her childhood's early home, How vividly it came ! The well, the grove, the rippling rill, — The same, ah ! still the same ! Still in that home in loveliness, Each form transfigured stood; The mother, in her modest robes — The beautiful, the good. The sister's easy, gentle grace. The brother's manly form, The father, idol of her heart, The babe, with lip so warm. She thought of him, her father dear, Her glory and her pride ; How, at his country's call he went, And for his country died ! And those after years of agony, Of penury anil of pain. Now, in her second childhood's hour. She lived all o'er again. She stood with him on ])attle-fields Stained red with human gore. And with him trod, through wintry blasts. Full many an ice-bound shore ; She marched with him, for weary months, On many a hard cami>aign, With bleeding feet and sun-burnt brow, Through storm, and snow, and rain ! On Bunker's Heights with him she stood, And then at Bennington ; With him his battles nobly fought, With him his victories won! On Saratoga's gory plain At Princeton's well-fought field, She .saw the foeman bite tlie dust, Slie saw the foeman yield! 494 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. She saw again that brother bold, When captured by the foe ; She saw that sister's flowing tears — . That mother's deepest woe ; Because he would not bend the knee, And Freedom's cause denj^ — Because he would not to King-Craft bow They led him forth to die ! That father once again appeared, As, when at even-tide, The battle's bloody contest o'er, Down near the brooklet's side They found him— dead, aud stitT, and pale From many a ghastly wound His blood had tiown in livid streams, And crimsoned o'er the ground. II. Thus grandma sat but, hark ! a sound ! The cannon's deep-toned roar Breaks in upon their solitude. And swells along the shore ! The News of Sumter! — like a shock, Has startled all the land! The Deed of Sumter! black and foul! Has nerved each Freeman's hand 1 Full long the Southern breeze had borne Defiance on its wings. And loyal hearts full long been filled With grave imaginings. One thought now fills each patriot breast, One impulse fires each soul — The desolating scourge of war Must o'er the traitor roll ! "Go forth!" the aged woman spoke — Her grandsons at her side; " Go forth !" 't was in just such a cause JNIy good old father died ! Gird on your armor, boj-s, and go ! Be valiant in the fight ; Your Country calls her loyal sons To Battle for The Right ! " That flag, which nearly fourscore years. Has floated o'er the land. Must not lie trailing in the dust. By coward traitors' hand ! Go, boys ! and bear that banner high ! Your Country's call obey! The blood of Revolutionary sires Must show itself to-day!" And there went out unnumbered hosts — Poured forth stout-hearted men From every sunny hillside home — From every mountain glen. And, marshalled on a hundred fields, Were heroes marching on ; And bristling bayonets flashed their light Beneath each morning sun. Fiji's ,'-?»%'-;■ "^-i" ■«*' O^r &^Pfp^C^ HANCOCKTp. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 497 From wlR're Peuobscot pours his flood, By Saco's rushing tide — From Susquehanna's fertile vales, Where Hudson's waters glide; — From Mississippi's sounding shore. From Ohio's placid wave, — Rushed forth a thousand valiant bands, The Nation's life to save ! With sword and musket, lance and steel. They gird them for the fight; They go, in Heaven's name, to wage The Battle of the Right! , They go to teacli the traitor hordes The majesty of law! They go — and at their martial tread The Nations stand in awe ! The plow is left to rust its share — The reaper lieth still ; Uncared, the cattle rove the fields, And silent stands the mill ; And peaceful skies look down from where The smoke of steamer rose. And plain, and vale, and hillside home. Lie wrapped in deep repose. III. Three years have past ! and Grandma's form Is bowing to the grave ; And James and John, those stalwart boys, Sleep 'neath Kanawha's wave; And thousand true hearts, such as theirs Have poured their richest blood To mmgle with the Hatter as sands. Or tinge Tal'hatchie's flood. And on a hundred battle plains Dead corpses bleeding lie, And maimed and sickened foemen writhe Beneath the arching sky. And twice ten thousand widowed wives Are left to mourn their fate ; And thrice ten thousand happy homes Are rendered desolate! And War, the Demon, drives his car O'er plain, and hill, and dale ; And Carnage gluts his thirst for blood In many a sunny vale. And Wrong, and Hate, and Treason, still Their flaunting flag furl wide; And bold Defiance, blind with rage, Strikes out on every side ! But God, who sends the earthquake's shock, The tempest's fiery wrath. And bids the dread sirocco bring Destruction in its path, — Will rule the Evil still for Good, And heal the Nation's woe ! Lo! now against the curtained East, See ! See ! the Promise-Bow ! 30 498 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. IV. Grandma, as iu that April night, Sits by tlie cliimney place ; And, as before, her wrinlvled hands Still shield her aged face. She musing sits. But visions now Of future prospects rise ; Turned from the past with grief away. She scans the coming skies. She musing sits. For her no more • Potomac's waters run — No more for her the Blue Ridge peaks Smile 'neath the morning sun. No more the strife of Shiloh's light — The blood at Malvern Hill,— Or carnage on a hundred fields, Her mind with horrors fill. But far away, on Time's broad sea. The opening years uprise; Whose rolling waves, in vistas clear, Blend with th' encircling skies. The vistas sweep around— expand, The shadows roll away. The golden tints of morning burst Into effulgent day. A vast expanse looms up to view From Equatorial sea. And from Atlantic's surge, to where Pacific's waves roll free ; O'er plain and mountain, lake and vale, O'er pebbly-margined river, The beams of Peace triumphant smile, And Freedom's sunbeams quiver! No more the wail of woe is heard. No more the clank of chain ; No more the dusky bondmen bow Beneath their load of pain. No more the traitor dares to act A parricidal part, Nor reaches forth his bloody hand, To strike the Nation's heart ! But plenty, joy, and love, abound ! Schools, churches, cities, rise I The hum of industry ascends, And echoes through the skies! And Max stands forth, at length, redeemed From power of brother Man ; And Equal Rights is writ anew, In God's Eternal Plan ! HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 499 CONCLUSION. When the Rebellion began, no one expected it to be of long con- tinuance. Even President Lincoln seemed to hold the prevalent opinion that the 75,000 men first called for would be ample to put it down. And they would have been amply sufficient had all who were not engaged in it been true to their country and their flag. Had it been realized that it would require more than a million of men and a sacrifice of two hundred thousand lives to subdue it, the whole people would have stood aghast with horror; and had these results been foreseen, it surely would' never have been begun. But now. after the lapse of years, we are enabled to comprehend the causes for its long continuance. We can now more fully realize that, though inaugurated by the violence and fraud of the few, against the wishes and sober judgment of the many, it was the aid and support it received elsewhere, coupled with the " fire in the rear" that raged '• all along the line," that contributed largely to its four years' duration. Hancock county stood abreast with her sisters in furnishing the complement of men required, in answer to the various calls for vol- unteers; yet it cannot be concealed that she, too, contained citizens whose sympathies were with the /Stripes and Bars. This fact was made more apparent toward the close of the struggle, during the dark daj's of 1864. And while stern justice demands that these things should be made matters of history, we shrink from the task of recording them, preferring that the sea of oblivion shall hide them, and unwilling to cast even a pebble into the watei^s whose troubles have subsided. \je. it enough that the Stars and Stripes still wave. AVe would, if we could, record the many patriotic eftbrts of our people to furnish supplies to the soldiers in hospital and field, and the many noble acts of self-sacrifice to that end. Suffice it to say, that the citizens all over the county vied with each other to aid in the cause, and thousands upon thousands were contributed in pro- visions, clothing and money, for that purpose, and sent to the front. Great credit is due to the noble women everywhere, for their eiforts; and man}' thanks and many a prayer went up trom the "boys" in hospital and camp in behalf of their sisters and friends at home. Lo, these things, are they not all written in the great book of human account! We must not omit to state that, after several efforts to pass orders in behalf of drafted and substitute men and tiieir families, one was finally passed and put into effect, appropriating $120,000 for that purpose, and disbursed by an agent in depreciated county orders. CHAPTER XXiy. MISCELLANEOUS. LA MOINE RIVER. Crooked creek, in the east part of the county, is on some of the old maps called La Moine river, — said to signify River of the Monk. Wliether the name had the same or a similar origin with that of the Des Moines river, which empties into the Mississippi opposite Fort Edwards, we are unable to say. And of the origin of its name there are two statements; which is the correct one might require even a learned Frenchman to decide. One is, that the name is an abbreviation of Moin^onas., a tribe of Indians who inhabited the country. xlnother, that the French term La Riviere des Moines., is a translation of Ke-ish-shaxv-qua' s sepo, the river of the man who lives alone; such a man having been found on its banks many moons ago, when the Sacs and Foxes settled there. This the French pioneers interpreted as the river of the monk. ANECDOTE OF AMZI DOOLITTLE. A correspondent tells the following story : " Mr. Doolittle was a thorough -going, energetic man, yet kind-hearted and true. But he was a most inveterate, profane swearer. An incident is told about him that illustrates this habit. He was at Quincy attend- ing to some business, and as usual, was letting off a string of oaths at every other breath. A man, who was in an adjoining room, hearing Mr. Doolittle going on, and the door being partly open, ob- served in Mr. D.'s hearing that he beat any person swearing he ever heard, except one man, and that was Amzi Doolittle, of Appa- noose. This, of course, was a poser to Mr. D., and on his way home he reflected on the matter and decided to turn over a new leaf, which he did, and subsequently joined the Baptist Church." SOME PONTOOSUC PIONEERS. Thomas Harris — Settled in seven north, seven west, in 1833; was a native of Kentucky. Horse thieves sometimes prowled around, and occasionally got off with a good jme. Mrs. Harris owned two very fine mares, and several attempts had been made by a well- known bad man, who lived in the woods on the river bluff, but had failed. However, one dark night he concluded he must have one of the mares. Mr. Harris had taken the precaution to tie them (500) HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 501 close to Lis cabin door, but this did not deter the thief from trying to stampede them. The liorses making an effort to l)reak away, waked the owner, and he rushed out, rifle in hand, and tired at random. He then tied them close to the door and lay down to sleep again. But the ardor of the rascal did not abate. Waiting till near two o'clock, he once more crept up, and began to untie the horses, but they received him with a snort. This time Mr. Harris was fully aroused, and seizing his gun, he aimed a blow at the persistent thief, which sent him away howling through the woods. His horses were molested no more. Mr. Harris has now reached the ripe old age of 84, in good health, and bids fair to be a centenarian. Johnson C. Clarh — Was a native of Indiana; emigrated to this count}' in 1S32. During the Indian troubles he settled on section 10, 7 n, 7 w; was the husband of two wives, by whom he had eleven children each — 22 in all ! He was appointed b}' the War Department to build a block house or small fort at Spillman's Landing (now Pontoosuc), and in the discharge of this duty he was assisted by Hezekiah Spillman and Andrew Deboneyer. Mr. Clark, who wasa man of courage, would mount the fort, swing his old while hat, cheer for Gen. Jackson, and curse the red-skins; then down into the trench again, would work away with pick and shovel, throwing up breast- works; all the while telling the men they must work or the red-skins would get their hair. Mr. Clark lived to the advanced age of 85. Elijah Pease — Emigrated from Ohio in 1834, and settled in the timber near Mr. Harris. He was of the old Baptist school, some- times known as the '' Iron Jackets," and was noted for his honesty and fair dealing. So much did this trait mark his character that he was known as " honest old Elijah." An incident occurred dur- ing the latter period of his life which characterizes that trait of his nature. He was owing a man in Adams county the sum of $11, or, at least, supposed he was. The hard times of 1837 prevented him from discharging the debt at the time it was due; but as soon as he got enough money together, he called on Esq. Mendenhall, then living five miles distant, and requested him to take the money and pay the man, Mr. M. being in the habit of attending the land sales at Quincy. Mr. M. took the money, but on his visit to Quincy could learn nothing of the man anywhere in the county. The money was returned to Mr. P., who expressed sincere regret, but the man could never be found. SPELLING SCHOOLS had their day, or nights, among the early settlers. Common schools were yet scarce in the sparsely settled sections; but the hardy men and women of toil were ever ready to make up for any lack of improvement. So, in a circuit of ten or tifteen miles, the few young men and women would assemble in the wintertime, once 602 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. or twice a week, at a designated house, and spend a few hours at spelling, words given either from a small dictionary or Webster's old spelling-book. This was an amusement of a three-fold benefit. First, it was instructive; second, it served to pass away the long winter nights, and to vary the monotony of frontier life; and, third, it served as an auxiliary to courting by the young folks, and the laying of plans for future business in that direction. The youth of to-day know little of the luxury of sparking in the winter time, by a huge hickory-wood fire, in a one-story, one-room log cabin, with nine children sprawling around watching, and the old woman quietly knitting, and the old man quietly nodding, with one eye open, in the chimney corners. Things are sadly changed now! THE LOST CHILD. Every county, almost every neighborhood, has a story of a lost child. Here is one from the blufis of Camp creek: Early in the spring of 1835. Michael Hildebrand removed from near Quincy and settled on the Camp creek bluffs, near the farm now owned and occupied by O. S, Avery. The country was wild, and settlers were few and far between. The dusky form of the red man was frequently seen, and ferocious wild beasts were plenty. Mr. H. cleared a patch of ground, fenced it in and put up a log cabin near a spring some 80 rods from his little field. He had planted his patch in corn, potatoes, pumpkins, etc., and as the autumn days drew nigh, it furnished him and his small family of three children with roasting ears and the various kinds of vegetables for the table. Several times Mrs. Hildebrand would take her eldest daughter, then six years old, and go to the field to get supplies for the table; little Sarah, or "Sallie," as she was called, thus learned the way to the field. One day, whilst her mother was very busy about her household duties, little Sallie, who was playing in the yard, took it into her head to go to the field for roasting ears. No sooner had she con- ceived the idea than she put it in execution. Starting to the field alone and unnoticed by her mother, she arrived there, plucked a green cucumber and an ear of corn, and started on her return, but missed her way, and became lost in the woods and underbrush. Mrs. H. did not miss her little one for some time, thinking all the time she was playing in the yard with her trinkets. On going to the door, and not seeing her. she began calling her by name. Not receiving any answer, she hurried around the house and yard, exam- ining tiie play-house and accustomed haunts of the little girl, but still no response. At this the mother became very much alarmed, calling frantically for her dear child. The cries of alarm reached the ears of her husband, who was at work in the woods not far away. Coming to her at once, and learning the facts, both parents joined in the search for the child. Every nook and corner was rigidly searched. By this time the cries and callings of the dis- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. "503 tracted parents were heard by a neighbor passing by. Comincy to their assistance, and learning the facte, he immediately set off to call the few settlers around the country. The child was missed about ten o'clock a., m., and by night quite a number of settlers were searchinij tlnvtugh the woods for the lost one; but no tidings or signs conld be had. A brief consultation was held, and it was decided to continue the search through the night, with lanterns and torches, while two or three, on good horses, should carry the news to the nearest settlers, and ask their aid. The general conclusion was, that the child liad been either carried off by some savage beast, or by Indians. It was very distressing to see the j>oor parents call for their lost one. The Tuother had called and rambled through the woods, until she fell to the ground from mere exhaustion. Although tenderly urged and cared for by the neighboring women, she would not sit down and take rest. As the night wore on, a slight rain came on; then it was that the agony of the mother was unbounded — " My child ! my poor child ! in this rain, — every drop of Avhich pierces my heart like a dagger !" The women in attendance urged her to shut the door and keep the chill air out. "No!" she replied, "open wide the door; place a bright light on the table; open the window; perhaps my child may see the light and come to it." But the child was too far away to see any light. Toward the dawn of day the mother seemed to despair of finding her child, and gradually sunk under it. Her cries became low moanings and mutterings. Frequently she would call her darling to her, and then endeavor to lull it to sleep in her arras; and then she would start up with a wild cry of '' O, where is my child ! Have you found my child ?" The sturdy pioneers kept up the search all night long, but with no success. Morning at length dawned, and with it came a hun- dred or more of men to join in the search. The men who had gone out to tell the news traveled hard and all night, sparing not their horses, and by morning a circuit of thirty miles had been alarmed. The trusty rifle was the companion of the pioneer in those days; and no one was often away from home without his shot-pouch, powder horn and tried firelock. Another consultation was held at seven o'clock, and a plan of search agreed upon b}' the company. Many expressed their fears that, if found at all, the child would be dead. It was agreed to make a more thorough search of the corn patch, and then the woods around. On examination, some little prints of the child's feet were seen, as though coming out of the plowed ground. This trail was taken up, but soon lost again. It was agreed tliat if she was found a gun was to be fired. The search went on until the sun had nearly attained its meridian, when a shot was heard nearly a mile off"; then another, and another, was "fired. This, then, was the signal for the finding of the child. It was found! The mother knew the signal; but 604: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. whether her child was dead or alive, she knew not; her asfony and suspense were too much, and she sank to the earth in a swoon. About a mile from the house the little one was found. She was first seen b}^ one of the hunters, sitting on a log, eating away at her roasting ear. She had been lying down beside the log on a bed of leaves. When found she had a wild and haggard look, and started off tb evade the man who found her. She was tree from any harm, and only complained of a little hunger. Gradually the joyful news was conveyed to the mother; but the shock was so great to her system, that for manj^ months she suffered severely. Those sun-browned, hardy pioneers gathered around the parents and child, grasping each other by the hand; while the big tears rolled down their cheeks, as they expressed their joy to Mr. Hilde- brand and his wife, and to one another. Every one must take the little one and caress it! The father and mother would cry and laugh by turns. And finally when leaving for their homes, each would press the hands of parent and child, and with a fervent "God Bless you! " and a tear of gratitude, mount their horses and ride away, JUMPING CLAIMS. To a correspondent we are indebted for the following: On one occasion, a settler had made a claim on Camp creek, and put up a good hewed-log house, and lived in it during the summer; but as winter approached, and some of his family being sick and provision scarce, he went back to the older settlement where subsistence could be had in plenty. During the winter his improvement attracted the greedy eye of a speculator, who "jumped the claim" by moving into the empty house. This was looked upon by the settlers as a violation of the rules of frontier honesty. A deputation of them accordingly waited on the jumper of the claim and notified liim to leave. But this he refused to do, and declared his intention of going to Quincy to enter the land, it then being in the market. The first owner had returned to the claim and demanded possession, but all in vain. Finally, as the land sales drew on, the jumper, to seen re matters, as he thought, threw the roof off, after taking his family out and putting them in a tent, and proceeded to Quincy to enter the land. This was done in order to prevent any one from moving into the house. But on returning from the land sales, not a vestige of the house remained! Everything had been qnietlj' removed by the settlers. The same writer closes with the following description of PIONEEK LIFE. Mr. B. Mendenhall,of Dallas City, says: "The writer of this was a small boy in those days, and he has sat at the log fires of the early settlers (the fire-place occupying nearly the entire end of a cabin), and listened with eager delight to the stories of the pioneers, as they gathered around the hearth on winter nights, and recounted HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 505 to one another the hardships, toils and dangers encountered, in order to gain a foothold in the Western wilds. '* Over the "linge tire-place hung the trusty rifle, on the prongs of the sturdy buck-horns. The well-tilled shot-bag, made of the skin of some wild animal, generally the raccoon or fox, hung by the rifle. In one corner was the meal sack, accompanied by the tin grater. If the former failed, resort was had to the latter, which never failed. Overhead were long strings of golden-colored pump- kins, cut in rings and hung up to dry. Generally the ])umpkin was interspersed with quantities of dried venison steaks. A barrel ot honey was almost always found in the cabin of the settler. " Frequently, as the meal sack would become low, the anxious housewife w'ould state the fact to the husband, and a new supply would be looked after. But many times supplies could not be had, as the mills were so few and far awa}'. So, to lengthen out the meal, the housewife would steam the dried pumpkin, and mixing it with the meal in equal parts, bake it into bread. It was good and palatable, and kept huno;er away. "People enjoyed themselves in those days, but they have passed away, and with them the early settlers also. One by one at first, and then by twos and threes, they have passed away and are at rest. But few remain. Occasionally a white-haired sire remains, a living monument of the hardy frontier settler, waiting and watching with an eye of faith, when he, too, will be called on to join his companions in that home beyond the skies, where all is joy and peace. " The younger ones are pressing on, filling their places in the great drama of human life. But the eagerness to obtain wealth and position has eftaced from these young ones manj' of the noble and generous traits of character that were prominent in their fathers." THE WINDMILL. Among the objects of interest well remembered by all the old citizens of the county was the unfinished windmill, which stood on the southeast of Carthage, on the southwest ten acres of the quarter section on which the college is located. It was originated by Rev. John Lawton, elsewhere named in these pages, who, in conjunction Avith E. D. Vandervoort, a mechanic, undertook its erection about 1835 or '^6. Of its plan we know but little, but remember that it was a high and strong frame, in the center ot which rose an immense shaft, to which were attached a number of 16-foot wings. Shortly after its erection a storm of wind blew down some of the wings, and otherwise injured it. About the same time Mr. V. was crippled in the machinery. This accident, coupled with the fact that their funds and credit were about exhausted, determined the firm to abandon it. It stood in that unfinished condition for several years, it and the dome of the new court-house being the two first objects visible on approaching the 506 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. town. After Mr. Lawton's death in 1842 it was taken down and sold. THE FIRST TWO -STORY FRAME. Mr. Samuel Gordon says: "I well recollect the excitement inci- dent to the raising of the first two-story frame house in the county. It was in the month of June, A. D. 1832, when the enterprising proprietor, Mr. Luther Whitney, conceiving the idea of enlarging his accommodations for the comfort of his guests of the Monte- bello House, projected a two-story frame, 20 by 50 feet. A raid upon the forest was made for the necessary material, and according to the notions of the day the timber must be about three times the size now used. Consequently the frame was very heavy. When everything was ready, all tlie inhabitants for ten miles around were invited to the raising. The timbers were fastened to- gether broad side at a time. The first side was carried up without difticultv; but the second bent was much more formidable. When about one-third the way up, matters came to a stand-still, and the utmost exertions of all engaged could not gain an inch. The sit- uation had become extremely critical, the great iLanger being ot losing control, and the frame falling back and killing or crippling all below. Just as all were about giving up in despair, the "buss" happened to think that there were a dozen or so of women in the house near by, and perhaps their strength might help him out of the difliculty. Their aid was invoked, and promptly responded to, and by the united efforts of' the whole west half of the county, the frame was raised and finished, and to-day stands as a monument ot the past, and also as the oldest frame building in the county." THE FIRST MURDER. To Mr. Gordon we are also indebted for the particulars of the first murder in the county, which we have failed to obtain else- where: "The first murder committed in the county was in the summer of 1832. The parties were Enoch Hankins and Abram Moore. It seems that they had been neighbors in Ohio, and had an old grudge not settled. On the fatal day they were both in the court room, rather the worse for liquor, when the quarrel was renewed. Moore being almost twice the size and strength of Hankins, gathered hold of him and threw him head first out of doors, the floor being several feet above the ground. The fall was a hard one. Hankins was so enraged tliat he took out his knife, opened it, but put it back into his pocket, and returned into the court room. Moore seeing him back again, made the second attempt to throw him out, whereupon Hankins drew out his knife and inflicted a fatal wouud, which caused Moore's death in 24 hours. Hankins was arrested, and bound over for his appearance to Court. Not being able to give bond, and there being no jail in the county, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 507 he was taken to Quinc}'^ for safe keeping, Adams county having a log jail. Hankins, after a few months in jail got tired of such close quarters; so one night he dug through the wall and cleared himself for Texas. The family of Moore offered a reward of $500, the county $500, and Gov. Reynolds $200; but Hankins was never caught." SONS or TEMPERANCE. About the year 1846 or 'T, a temperance wave struck Hancock county, and resulted in the organization of a number of Divisions of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance. Of the Sons there were about a dozen Divisions in the county, one at each of the towns and villages. The total nuiiSber of members could not be told, as they were liable to so many changes. The Division at Warsaw initiated nearly 500 members, during the period of about eight years that it existed ; and Divisions at other points had nearly as many. But these institutions in time ceased to be beneficial, and passed away, none we believe now existing in the county, though the order still exists. MORMON TRAIL. It seems that a portion of the Mormon brotherhood had an intro- duction to Hancock county four or five j-ears before they settled at Nauvoo. There is, or was, not long since, a well-beaten, but grass- grown, track through the southeastern section of the county, known as the Mormon Trail, made by that people when on their passage from Ohio to the promised land in Missouri, in 1833 or '34. It entered the county from Schuyler, and crossed the prairie between Plj'mouth and Augusta, in the direction of Quiucy, that being the objective point on the Mississippi river. So that, in coming from Missouri to this county in 1838-'9, in pursuance of a later revela- tion, they were onl}' taking the " back track " over a road some ot them had traveled years before. THE DESERTERS. To John R. Tull, Esq., of Fruitland, we are indebted for a good many incidents of personal and county history. Here is one ot them, which occurred the first summer of his residence in the county: "'On a Friday night, near the middle of June, there was a tap on my cabin door ; I opened it, and there stood two men of suspicious appearance, with guns in their hands. They begged to come in ; I let them in, and they asked for something to eat, saying they had been without food for nearly two days. By close ques- tioning they told me they were deserters from the U. S. barracks at the head of the rapids, and that they were so cruelly treated by the ofiicer in command they could stand it no longer. I gave them of our little store of provisions. The next morning they begged to remain over Sunday, and they would work for me to pay for SOS HISTORY OF HANCOCK COrXTT, tlieir board. I consented. But on Snnday one of them discovered a company of Indians at a distance, and, supposing they were sent out from the fort on their trail, they both got into the cabin as quickly as possible, got their guns, and secreted themselves, declaring they would not be taken alive. I went out to watch the movements of the Indians, and. if possible, to divert their attention on eastward. They did not. however, attempt to enter, but. after looking around a little, passevi on. to our great relief. On Monday morning one of the men saw a man riding rapidly in the direction of where he was, and supposing him to be one of the officers of the barracks, both deserters broke for the brush, and made their escape, leaving their guns and bundles behind. About a month afterward they returned, got their guns and bundles, and I have never seen them since." LTJSUS XATURJE. Dr. G. gives this item as occurring in his practice in this county: A woman on whom he was called to attend professionally, gave birth to a monster child. It had two well-formed heads, joined at the shoulders: four arms, and three legs — a more i*emarkable I asm tuituriB than the Siamese twins. The cliild was alive, but died in the delivery. GASGREXE AND QUIXIXE. Speaking of medical cases, we may mention one as having occurred near the eastern line of the county many years ago. A man had two tingei's cut otf by a circular saw. He was living in a malarial district, and, at the time of the accident, was fiill of malaria. He was neglio^ent of the wound, until it became extremely painful and swollen, and g:\ngrene had set »in. and the arm was gangreuevl nearly to the shoulder. Several physicians were called, and while a majority said amputation of the arm was all that could save his life, another said Xo, claiming that it would not stop the gangrene, and that he could be cured by other means. He was allowed to pursue his own plan. He resorted to quinine. "With a knife he cut away all the g:\ngrenous tiesh clean, and filled the wound full of quinine, giving, at the same time, copious doses inter- nally. And that, too, when quinine was quoted at six dolhvrs an ounce. The patient recovered, retaining K'kth his arms. A MISOALCrLATIOX. An old settler relates the following story in the history of Appa- noose. About the time it was laid out by Messrs. "White and Doo- little, a man fn.uu Kentucky ottered them ^.000 for two blocks on the river at the upper end. and would obligate himself to put up large tlouring and lumber mills. This otfer the short-sighted pro- prietors i-efused. but wanted $t>.000, which he refused to give, and went away. It can be now seen that they would have done well to have made him a free gift of the blocks, on the condition tliat he would thus improve them. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 509 SPILLMA.N S FORT. During the scare of the Black Hawk war, Mr. Hezekiah Spill- man was authorized to build a fort or block-house, near his place, tor the protection of the inhabitants. The house was built of large logs, twenty or twenty-tive feet long, knotched up solidly, and ten or twelve feet high, and then with longer logs projecting two or three feet over. The whole was covered with a heavy clap- board roof. All around, above and below, were port holes, to open or close as necessity required. This building was enclosed all around, some twenty-tive or thirty feet distant, with a stockade of logs set in the ground. CHAPTER XXIY. TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. In this most important chapter of the history ol Hancock county, we wive the respective history of townships, with short biographical sketches of their leading citizens. At the close of the introductory portion we give a list of supervisors, clerks, assessors and collectors, as complete as we could obtain from the records. Each officer is credited with the year in which he was elected, and many were re- elected for successive years. For want of full returns the list doubtless contains errors. AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP. Congressional, or surveyed, township nnmber three north and range nnmber five west of the fourth principal meridian (usually written 3 n. 5 w., or 3-5 for short) is named Augusta, after the handsome and ambitious little city within its borders. The town- ship is about one-third timbei-ed land, the rest prairie; the timber skirting the head waters of Pantlier creek in the northwest, Flowercreek near the center, and William's creek near the south line. Augusta contains much valuable land and many fine farms. Many of its settlers are farmers of tlie first class — emigrants from the East and South, who came to the county to make permanent homes for themselves and their families. The first settlers we can learn of in this township (and we cannot pretend to name them all, or in the order of their coming) were Alexander Oliver, Jesse and Shelton Phillips, Dr. Adolphus Allen, Benjamin Gould, Christopher E. Yates, George Sadler, Isaac Pidgeon, Solomon Stanley (these two last Quakers), Joel Catlin, Wm. D. Abernethy, Dr. Samuel B. Mead, Horace Mead, Alfred Mead and Jonathan Mead (the father died aged 87), James Bow- man, P. P. Jones, Roger Ireland, Thomas Trimble, Thomas Rice, David H. Rice, John Wilson, P. P. Newcomb, Wm. Dexter, Wm. M. Dexter, Emsley Jackson, George W. Ilawley, Benjamin Bacon, Alfred Skinner, Silas Griffith, John Jackson, George Jackson and E. S. Austin. A number of these left the county again, while manj^ of the more aged ones have gone to their reward. Mr. Oliver settled over the line, in Adams county, but his land was in Hancock. He came in August preceding the "deep snow" (1S30). He purchased his supply of provisions for the winter in Rushville, just before the snow, and was not able to get them home (510) HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 511 till March, consequently hominy was the main support of himself, wife, and ei<^lit children durin<^ the winter. His stock suflfered severely, and he had to cut down bass-wood trees to keep his cattle from starvinered as being the manufacturer of the primitiv^e mills for grinding corn, in use in those early days. He is not known to have ever patented it, so that any one is still at liberty to construct one for himself. We describe it for the benefit of our readers and for posterity. The mill was constructed in this wise : A boulder of proper size was ob- tained from Flower creek, or at any other creek, and made as level and flat as possible. It was then placed on top of a sawed log set endwise, or on a rude frame made for the purpose. This was then surmounted by another boulder of similar construction, set face to face, and these composed the upper and the nether millstones. They were held in place by a pivot in center, and made to turn as easily as ])ossible. A hole was drilled in the upper stone near to one edge, into which a handle would be placed for turning it. The regular price for one of these mills was two dollars and a half. Dr. Mead came to Augusta in 1833; his father and brothers still later. He thinks he was, perhaps, the second practicing phy- sician in the county. Dr. Isaac Galland being before him at River- side, while Dr. John F. Charles came a little later to Carthage. See biography of Dr. Mead on a sub8e(j[uent page. In 1834 a ])OstofRce was established at Augusta, W. D. i\.bernethy being the first postmaster. Elder Thomas H. Owen was con- tractor and carried the mail on route from Rushville to Carthage on horseback once a week. Dr. Mead was postmaster from 1840 to 1857. In August or September, 1833, occurred the first burial in Au- gusta cemetery, the remains of Mr. John Anderson. The first wedding that took place in the township, says Mr. Gould (and he is supposed to know), was that of Mr. Benjamin Gould and Miss Rebecca J. Jones, on Christmas Day, 1833, Christopher E. Yates, P^sq., performing the, ceremony. " No cards." The first 4th-of-July celebration in Augusta took ] dace in the beautiful "Round Grove," which has since disappeared. This was in 1839 or 1840. Orator of the day, William N. Grover, Esq., of Warsaw. 512 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Miss Rath Bateman, sister to State Superintendent Bateman, tanajlit the first school in 1835. AVhat was known in the early days as "Round Prairie," em- braced a portion of Augusta township, a part of St. Marj^'s, and the adjoining portions of McDonough and Schuyler counties. This section, as a unit, ranks among the earliest settlements in the south part of the county, and embraces much beautiful country and many fine farms. It does not include the town of Augusta, and just how far it extends in other directions is not strictly de- fined. Like the "Great West," its borders are indefinite. Mr. Phillips, Mr. Yates, Dr. Allen, Mr. Bowman, Mr. Solomon Stan- ley and Mr. Pidgeon are. perhaps the very first settlers in that part of Round Prairie belonging to Augusta. Flour creek, now more properly written Floioei\ is said to have received its name from the following circumstance : In the spring of 1834, Mr. Pruitt and Mr. Box, of St. Mary's, were re- turning from the Brooklyn mill with their grists one Sunday eve- ning, when the "creek was up," crossing at the ford south of Plym- outh with their ox team, a large and well-tilled sack oi jlour was swept out of their wagon by the deep and rapid stream and supposed to be lost, but on the Wednesday following it was fished out, well preserved and in good order, except a thin crust next the sack — so saith the "oldest inhaj)itant," Mr. Allen Melton. — Young'' s Hist. Hound Prairie. Plow Panther creek obtained its title we can only guess; but a feir presumption is, that animals of that name existed, or were supposed to exist, in its woods. On William's creek, south of the town, are coal veins, which have supplied considerable quantities of coal for local use. But the vein is thin, and the cost of obtaining it too great; and that article is now chiefly supplied from abroad by rail. The town of Augusta was laid out by Joel Catlin, Wm. D. Abernethy and Samuel B. Mead, Feb., 1836, and surveyed by James W, Brattle. Mr. Brattle was an early surveyor and an early settler in the county, now residing at Macomb, in a green old age. And right here we must tell an incident concerning him, related by Mr. Lawton, of Augusta township. Mr. B., old as he is, has not forgotten the business of his younger days; and so, a year or two ago, Mr, L. had him re-establish some lines he had run 30 or 40 years ago. While so engaged, a young man of the vicinity came along, who did not know Mr. Brattle. The young man was asked if he knew who had planted a certain stake. He replied, "I don't know unless it was old Jimmy Brattle." "This is Mr. Brattle," said Lawton. The young man looked at him again : "I mean old man Brattle." Augusta also contains the village of Pulaski, named for the patriot Polish count. It was laid out in 1836 by Alexander Oliver, Wm. McCready and Benjamin Bacon. Its growth has been very slow. ^, ^.cM.^^^ AUGUSTA HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 515 Mecliaiiicsville, laid out in 1842, by Alansoii Lyon, was also in this township. It was designed for a manulacturing center, and for a time bid fair to be a town of importance. But for some cause (probably the death of Mr. Lyon) it failed, and it is now one of the forgotten towns. Mr. Benjamin Gould, to whose reminiscences, in the Augusta Herald we are much indebted, says: '' On the 22d of Feb., I.s33, I celebrated Washington's birth-day by hauling logs for the first house ever built in the city of Augusta." Then he and Henry Abernethy kept " bach" in it. The same summer he put up the log house in which the first religious services were held. Both these buildings we believe are still standing, forlorn looking as a candidate who has been left out. In the severe storm of July 4, 1873, the Christian church at Augusta was moved from its foundation and the spire blown down. The Presbyterian church had its spire also blown off with part of the roof, and a number of other buildings blown down. ]So one hurt. The first grist-mill in the township was established in 1833, by John "Wilson; run b}' horse-power, Tlie venerable P. P. Newcomb, born in Mass., 1804, and raised in Vt., came to Rushville 1830, to Augusta^ 1836. The Rebellion dealt hard with this aged gentleman's family. Two sons went into the army; the eldest, Wilbur Fiske, was wounded at the assault on Vicksburg under Grant, on 22d of June, and died 31st of June, on board the hospital boat J. C. AVood, at Memphis. The second, William L., was wounded Nov. 30. 1864, at Franklin, Tenn. ; was brought home and died 14th Jan., 1865; and his mother, Mrs. Ann (Munson) Newcomb died six days afterward from virus in dress- ing his wounds. Dr. Adolphus Allen removed to Riverside and died many years ago; Mr. Yates to Nauvoo, still living: at an advanced age. Pid- geon went to Salem, Iowa; Stanley back to N. C. The elder Mead and his sons Horace and Alfred, we believe are all deceased. So are Messrs. Dexter, Ilawley, Ireland and Skinner. The latter w'as for many years one of the most active business men in the county. Mr. Bacon was a leading and honored citizen, resident at Pulaski, died much regretted many years since. There are many other respected and honored pioneers of Au- gusta township, some of tiiem still living, whom we would be glad to mention, if space would warrant. But a history of Augusta would not be complete that failed to name Eliphalet Strong Austin, the genuine, true-ljlue, whole-souled, musical Free-soiler, from the land of wooden nutmegs. Born in 1809, liis parents removed to Ashtabula, O., in 1811, and in 1843 Strong came to Augusta. Was always an ardent Whig; assisted in organizing the Republican ])arty, and it is his boast to-day that he hesitated not to accept position as conductor on the U. G. R. R., and that no train under his care ever jumped the track or met with a smash-up. 31 516 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Mr. A. married Miss. Julia W. Hawley, in Northern Ohio, also from Conn. They have several children residing "out West;" and it was while on a lengthy visit to these a few years ago, that Mrs. A. manfully marched up to the polls in Wyoming with other women, and deposited a ballot for the right. Perhaps she is the one solitary woman in Hancock connty who has ever exercised the elective franchise. KELIGIOUS PROGRESS. We have mentioned that Mr. Gould put up the log house in which the first religious exercises were held. Mr. Gr. mentions the first Sunday-school, in which Mr. Oliver was Superintendent, but does not gives its date. It seems to have been previous to the summer of 1834. The Presbyterian Church was organized July 28, 1834, by Rev. Cyrus L. Watson, of Rushville at that time ; Rev. Reuben K. McKoy, of Clayton, now deceased; Dr. Blackburn, of Kentucky, was present, and probably Rev. John Lawton, of Car- thage. The members then received were nine, viz.: Alexander Denny, deceased 1868; Mrs. Elizabeth Denny, deceased 1837; Phebe W. Candee, lately living in St. Louis, over 80; Samuel B. Mead; Arietta Mead, deceased 1865; Evelina M. xibernethy, now of Nebraska; Benjamin Gould, Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar, who soon afterward left the place. The first sermons preached in Augusta township were probably by Revs. Wm. McCoy, Ralston, Boren and YanHorn; Father Cartwright a little later, and Rev. Lawton about 1834-7. The Christian Church at Augusta was organized in 1843, at Mr. Gould's residence; James Stark and B. Gould, Elders; E. G. Browning, Deacon. First membership, Benjamin and Rebecca Gould, James and Mary Stark, William and Mary Ann Dron, Mrs. Cynthia Jones, Mrs. Nancy Tarr, Mrs. Mary Craig, and Hiram Jones. In 1851 the church building in Augusta was erected and dedicated. New building erected about 1870. Present member- ship about 230. The M. E. organization was first in Pulaski; removed'to Augusta in 1849. Held first meetings 'in school-houses. First church erect- ed about 1856. New brick erected five or six years ago. Names of members at organization in town, by Rev. Halton: David Rice, class leader; Samuel Parrott and wife Mary; Thomas Leach and wife Dorcas Ann; Mrs. Sophronia Sullivan, Mrs. Elizabeth Ken- nedy and David Rice and wife Clarinda. There is also a United Brethren Church near the southwest corner of the township, of which we have no particulars. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. As a portion of the history of Augusta township, we give bio- graphical sketches of pioneer and leading citizens, believing such personal mention forms the better part of local history. Those HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 517 whose lives have made history deserve special mention in a work of this natui'e. T. E. Antrim was born, in Loojan county, Ohio, March 15, 1828. In IStW: he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he has contin- ued to work to the present time. He owns one lot with dwelling, and one lot with shop in Augusta; has held the office of Justice of the Peace eight years, and Town Trustee three years. Was married in this county in 1850 to Elizabeth J. Saunders, a native of Ohio, born in 1832; they have had 6 children, 3 of whom are living, George, Orlando and Ada. In politics Mr. A. is a Republican, and in religion a Freethinker. E. S. Attstifi was born in Connecticut April 27, 1809, and came to this county in 1843; was married in Ohio in 1835 to Julia R. Hawley, born in Ohio in 1807, and they have 3 children, — Julia E. , Eugene S. and Lida J. Mr. A. has been Constable ten years, was through the Mormon war, and is a member of the Con- gregational Church. Mrs. A. is a Presbyterian. A. E. Bacon, farmer, P. O., Augusta; owns 150 acres of land worth, $50 per acre, on sec. 14. He is a son of Benjamin and Lois (Everetts) Bacon, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Connecticut. He was born in 1811 in Yermont, and was raised on a farm ; was in the mercantile business six years, and came to this count}^ in 1857; was married in Vermont, in 1838, to Abigail Rowker, a native of Vermont, and born in 1815. They have these children : Anna E., Eleanor E., Hiram E., Carrie R. Mr. B. has been Justice of the Peace two terms; is a Universalist and a Democrat. Benjamin F . Bacon^ farmer, sec. 36; P. O., Augusta; owns 180 acres of land worth S50 per acre; is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Bacon, both of French descent; he was born in Missouri, Feb. 27, 1832, and came with his parents to this county in 1885; was married in Adams county, this State, in 1871, to Mahala J. Gordon, a native of ]New York, born in 1836; they have 2 chil- dren, Fi-anklin and Mary L. Mr. B. is a'member of the M. E. Church and is a Republican. Nixon Balfour^ farmer, sec. 26; is a native of North Carolina, born in 1826; came to this State in 1835, settling in Adams county, and came to this county in 1870. He was married in Adams county in 1848, to Keziah Robbins, who was born in 1826, and they have had 12 children, 8 of whom are living; James H., Andrew M., Theodore S., Mary E., Xellie D., Anna E., Minnie I. and Jennie E. Mr. B. is handling some fine horses. A. J. Boma,n^ farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Plymouth; owns 159 acres of land, worth $35 per acre; was born in this county in 1840 and was raised on a farm ; in 1860 he married Elizabeth C. Cooper, a native of this county, born in 1843, and they have 5 living children — Jennie and Jessie E. (twins), Marion W., Rosie E., Myrtie A. Two are deceased. Mr. B. has been School Director; is a member of the M. E. Church and is a Democrat. 518 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. B. B. Boman, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., Auo^usta; son of James and Arcade (Sturgis) Boman, and was born in this connty in 1S37. He lives on a farm and owns 160 acres of land, worth $35 per acre. He was married in this county in 1867, to Mary Stark, born in this county in 184.6. Mr. B. had but little property to commence with, but by industry and economy has acquired a good competence. In politics he is a Democrat. E. K. Boman^ farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Plymouth; is a son of James and Arcade (Sturgis) Boman. He was born in this county April 13, 1826, and was the eldest of 11 children; was married in this county in 1852 to Mary Wade, who was born in Tennessee in 1834, and they are the parents of 8 children — AUie, Fannie H., Henry C, Paul K., Edward H., Benjamin P., Kittie F. and Ira 1^. Mr, B, has been School Director and Road Commissioner; was in the Mormon war; is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Christian Church. James Boman, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Plymouth; is a native of Georgia, born August 10, 1803: came to this State in 1815 and to this county in 183-J:. In 1825 he was married, in Sangamon county, to Arcade Sturgis, a native of North Carolina, born Feb- ruary 28, 1802; they are the parents of 11 children — Ezekiel C, John R,, William S., Melinda J., Rebecca J., James B,, R. M., Benjamin R., A. J., Margaret A. and Arcade E. Mr. B. was in the Mormon war. He owns 70 acres of land, belongs to the M. E. Church, is a Democrat and is one of the old and honored citizens of Hancock county. George W. Campbell was born in Schuyler county. 111., in 1852. He is the namesake of his father, who died in 1865; his mother is at present the wife of Squire Gould, of Adams county, 111. Her maiden name was Esther Harney, and she married Mr. Gould in 1876. Mr, C. was educated in the common schools of Augusta, and resides on section 30, September 6, 1873, he married Elizabeth Worman, and they are members of the United Brethren Church. His father was of German descent. He is a farmer and a Democrat. Joltn H. Catlin, farmer and stock-dealer, son of Joseph and Calista (Hawley) Catlin, was born in Georgia in 1821, and is of English descent. The first of the name of Catlin in America is Thomas Catlin, of Hartford, Connecticut, who came to America in 1687. John H. came with his father's family to this State in 1832, and he now lives on the same farm where his father settled. He owns 800 acres of fine land, worth $50 per acre. He was first married in this county in 1845 to Lydia Hawley, born in Ohio in 1823 and died in 1860. They had 3 children: Allie S„ wife of James Stark, Camelia, and Nettie, wife of Benjamin Crane, of Augusta. In 1861 he married Alice E. A.dams, a native of New York, born in 1829. Mr. Catlin has held the oflice of Justice of the Peace four years; helped lay out the town of Augusta, and was on the first School Board, He is one of the most extensive HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 519 Stock-dealers in Hancock county. Is a Republican, and himself and wife belong to the Presliyterian Church. Wiho7i Chambers, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Augusta; owns 75 acres of land, worth $50 per acre. He is a native of ISTorth Carolina, and was born in 1S04. He came from Tennessee to this county in 1844; in 1825 he married Elizabeth Ridings, a native of North Carolina, born in 1802, and raised in Tennessee. They are the parents of 9 children — John M., James R., Joel R., Martha J., Laura, Emily, and Susan. Two are deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Baptist Church. Benjamin B. Crain^ dry-goods merchant and clothier, is a son of William and Harriet (Tongue) Crain, who came to this county in 1834. He was born in Schuyler county, this State, in 1851, and has been in business in Augusta since 1878, where he commands a large trade. He was married June 1, 1877, to Nettie A. Catlin, a native of this county, and they have one child, Lydia R., born June 18, 1S78. Alexander Denny ^ deceased, was a native of North Carolina, and came to this county in 1833. In 1822 he was married in Bond county, this State, to Elizabeth Gilmer, who was born in Kentucky in 1805 and died in 1837. They had 6 children — John, Henry, Brown, Lee, Mary, and Robert. In 1839 Mr. Denny married Sarah Allen, born in New York in 1812, and they had 4 children, one daughter and 3 sons. Mrs. Denny died in 1851, and in 1852 Mr. D. married Margaret S. Denny, who was born in North Caro- lina in 1809, and they had une child, Hiram F. Mr. D. was a Republican, and at the time of his death owned 160 acres of land. G. N. Edioards was born in Nebraska in 185G, and is a son of George and Mary Edwards, both of English descent. He came to this county in 1866. and in 1880, in Schuyler county, he married Fanny Pearce, a native of North Carolina. He owns 20 acres of land in Pulaski, with dwelling house, — also a coal bank or shaft, which takes up as many as 200 bushels per day, and this generally sells at seven cents per bushel; the coal is of excellent quality. Mr. E is a Republican. P. O., Augusta. David Ellis, physician and surgeon, was born in Kentucky in 1826; came to this county in 1852 and settled in Augusta. In 1847 he commenced the study of medicine, and graduated in 1852; he was married in Kentucky in 1855 to Elizabeth T. Fisher, who was born in Kentucky in 1833, and they have 6 children, James P.. Mary (wife of Richard Valentine, of Ky.) John, David and an infant. One is deceased. The Doctor owns 160 acres of fine farm land, and one lot with dwelling. He is liberal in his relig- ious views. J. P . Fosdyck, carpenter and joiner, was born in New York in 1829, and came to this county in 1857; was married in New York in 1850 to Abigail McCann, also a native of New York. They have 8 children. Mr. F. owns three lots, one with dwell- ing and one with shop. He is a Freemason and a Republican. 530 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. James Garwood, farmer, sec. 11; owns 240 acres of land, worth §35 per acre. He was born in this State in 1S48, and came to this county in 1860; was married in 1876 to Mary McClain, who was born in this county in IS 50, and they have 2 children — Mabel, born June IT, 1878, and Jennie, born 1880. Mr. G. is a member of the Christian Church and a Democrat. P. O., Au- gusta. G. W. Hawley, deceased, was born in Ohio in 1806, and came to this county in 1833, settling in Augusta. He built the first store-house, and bought and sold the first dry goods . brought to Augusta. Mr. H. was first married in Ohio to Julia W. Sale, born in Connecticut, and died in 1834. They had 2 children, one lir- ing — Edgar E. In 1855 he again married, in Connecticut, Mary F. C. Chapman, born in 1810. At the time of liis death, which occurred in 1873, Mr: Hawley owned 120 acres of fine farm land; the widow lives on the old homestead. He was an industrious man and a good citizen. £. P. Heioitt, attorney at law, was born in Ohio in 1818, and came to this county in 1864. He \vas married in Ohio in 1837, to Esther McLain, also a native of Ohio, born in 1818, and they have had 6 children, 4 of whom are living. Mr. Hewitt has held the office of Circuit Judge for nine years. He is a Master Mason, and owns one lot with dwelling. O- Morton, veterinary physician and surgeon, is a native ot Ohio, born in 1840, and is son of Silas and Virginia Horton, both natives of Ohio. Nov. 6, 1865, he married, in Fulton county, Lf^u- setta Shayga, also a native of Ohio, born in 1842; they have one child, ^Belle. The Doctor settled in Augusta in 1875, where he has since practiced his profession, commanding an extensive patronage. He is a Democrat. Johnson Irwin, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Augusta; was born in Ohio in 1818, and came to this county with his parents in 1837. His father was William and his mother Mary (Johnston) Irwin, both natives of Ohio, the former of Irish and the latter of Scotch descent. In 1857 he married Sallie A. Tucker, born in 1834, and they have 3 children — Jennie, Whitney L. and Joseph M. He was in the Mormon war and is a Democrat. J. R. Kelly, physician and surgeon, is a native of this State, born in 1847. In 1872 he graduated at the Michigan University, and commenced the practice of medicine in Kensington, Adams count}'-, this State, and in 1878 settled in Augusta, where he has since had a large and successful practice. He was married in Adams county in 1873, to Maggie E. Richardson, born in that county in 1855, and they have 3 children — Helen F., Melvina C. and Mabel. Jacob Klejpper, keeper of sale, liver}' and feed stable, was born in Schuyler county, this State, in 18S5, and came to this county in 1874. He was married in Putnam county in June, 1859, to Cynthia Alvin, who was born in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Klepper have 3 chil- dren, Nancy R., Asenath and Clyde. He owns two lots, one with HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 521 dwelling and one with stable. He keeps a full supply of horses and buggies. He belongs to the M. E. Church, and is a Free- mason. John H. Lmvton, born in Vermont, Feb. 22, 1819. lu 1820 his parents removed to Hillsboro, X. H., and took the promising youth along. Went to school at three years, until 11 years old; then went to Boston for three years. In 1834 his father brought him to Ohio, and entered him at Oberlin College. It only took him three months to finish his education there, when he left and worked his way. back to Boston, his father being in the West. In the spring of 1835 his father returned, and in the fall brought John with him to Carthage. Here his labors were multifarious; worked about town, helped get out the timber for the windmill, did the circular work on the first number of the Carthagenian. In the fall of 1836 went to New Orleans, and spent the winter shell- ing corn; summer of '37 back in Carthage; clerked some in Mat- thew's store; painted some for Homer Brown. Next six years were spent in Carthage, Warsaw, Commerce, St. Mary's, Montebello and New Orleans, clerking, painting, driving stage, blacksmithing, act- ing Constable, etc., etc. June, 1845, Mr. L. went East, where, at New Salem, Mass., on April 15, 1847, he was married to Miss Hannah N. Felton, a native of that place, born Oct. 13, 1819. They are the parents of 4 children, all living. Lived at Plymouth during the past 24 years, where he was P. M. about five years. Mr. Lawton claims that there is but one man now residing in Carthage — C. S. Hamilton — who was there when became. Williarii E. H. Lemon^ physician and surgeon, was born in Pennsylvania in 1848. He commenced the practice of medicine in this State, in Jacksonvile, in 1868, and graduated in 1871; he settled in Augusta in 1877, where he commands a good practice. He was married in this county to Adel A. Gordon-, daughter of George and Louisa Gordon, both natives of New York they have 5 children, 3 liv- ing — William. Frederick and Bertha. The Doctor owns one lot,with dwelling and oflice. He is a Methodist and a Republican. Edvmrd A. Lyon, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 8; P. O., Augusta; was born in Vermont in 1824, and was reared a farmer, which occupation he has always followed. His father, Alanson Lyon, was a native of Massachusetts and of English descent; his mother Harriet (Parrell) Lyon was also a native of Massachusetts and of Welsh descent. Mr. L. married in this county, in 1852, Julia II, Blandin, daughter of Joseph and Asenath Blandin ; she was born in 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon are the parents of 8 chil- dren — Alice, wife of O. J. Colton, of Galesburg, Edward B., Charles A., George H., Willis L., Frederick, Mary and Albert. Mr. L. has been Road Commissioner, owns 380 acres of tine farm land.isaPresb3'terian and a Republican. His father,Alanson L^'on, laid out Blandinsville.McDonough county, in 1838, and established a wagon factory where he employed 24 liands, manufacturing 400 522 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. wagons annually for several years. He made four trips to California, and finally died there in 1858. A. B. Jlattheuis^ farmer, sec. 8 ; P. O., Augusta; was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1817; was married in Parke county, Indiana, in 1838, to Emily Davis, a native of that State, born in 1818 and died in 18-11. They had 3 children — one living. In 18-12 he married Diana Kalley, a native of Indiana, born in 1828, and they have 9 children. Mr. M. owns 190 acres of land, and is one of the old and honored citizens of Hancock county. Anthony MoGuilvery, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Augusta; son of Alexander and Prudence McGuilvery, the former of Scotch and the latter of German descent. He was born in 1818, in Ohio, and was raised on a farm. At the age of 18 he learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at it for 15 years. He came to this county in 1855, and was married in Indiana in 1849 to Sarah E. Johnson, who was born in Virginia in 1825, and is a daughter of Lemuel and Permelia Johnson, natives of Virginia, and of English descent. They have 3 children — Melvina (wife of Alfred Stuart of this tp.); Katie, born in 1852; and William, born in 1854. Mr. McG. has been Commissioner of Highways, and owns 136 acres of land; he belongs to the M. E. Church, and is a Republican. D}\ Satnuel B. Mead — The parents of this gentleman were Jonathan Mead, born August 24, 1769, and Martha (Barnum) Mead, whom he married in 1798. She was a daughter of Dr. Samuel Barnum, of Korth Salem, New York, and died in June, 1812, leaving 4 sons and 3 daughters, our subject being the eldest, and was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, Oct. 18, 1799. A few days before her death her youngest son, Alfred, was born. He came to Augusta in 1836, but now resides in Colusa, Cal. Tiie eldest daughter, Caroline, born early in 1801, now resides in Colorado. Jonathan Mead wa? married to his second wife, whose name was Betsey Bradley, of Greenfield, Conn., in 1817, b_y whom he had one son and two daughters. The second wife died at Augusta, this county, June 26, 1847, aged 65 years. Jonathan Mead died at Augusta September 11, 1851, aged 82 years and 22 days. He came to Augusta to live early in June, 1S37. Dr. Samuel B. Mead lived on his father's farm until about 15 years of age, receiving, during this time, a common.-school educa- tion. He then received a collegiate course and graduated at Yale College, JSTew Haven, Conn., in 1820. He studied medicine and received his diploma to practice from the same college, Feb. 25-, 1S24. He emigrated to Illinois in the spring of 1833, living a short time at Rushville; the following August he came to Hancock county and located at Augusta, then called " Oliver's Settlement," and Commenced the practice of his profession, which he continued till 1860, commanding an extensive practice. He was next to the first regular ph3'sician that practiced medicine in this count3^ In 1833 Dr. Isaac Galland was said to be the only practicing physician In the county, and probably was the first. In 1834 Dr. John F. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 523 Charles settled in Carthage. On Dr. Mead's arrival at "Oliver's Settlement," now Augusta, he immediately selected a site for a dwelling; first had a well dug and engaged a hewed log-cabin built; this was in July. It was finished in August, and he moved into it, with his family. It was the first cabin built on the site of Au- gusta. In February, 1S36, the town was laid out by the proprie- tors, William D. Abernethy, Joel Catlin and Dr. S. B. Mead. Oc- tober 1, 183J:, Dr. Mead was appointed " Surgeon Mate" in the regiment of militia for Hancock cuunty, by Dr. Isaac Galland, Colonel; September 12, 1840, he was appointed Postmaster at Au- gusta; Nov. 14, 1S40, took charge of the same and continued as Postmaster until Feb. 2, 1S57. He received the first mail carried by railroad into Augusta, Feb. 6, 1S56. He has kept meteorological observations for the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D. C, nearly since its beginning — till it turned them over to the War Department, and he still keeps them. He has many years devoted much time to the study of botany, and has discovered several inter- esting plants. As a botanist he has a world-wide reputation, fre- quently receiving letters from Europe and other distant places, asking for information in matters pertaining to plants, etc. Several plants are named after him. Dr. Mead was married to Arietta Purdy Jan. 9, 1822, daughter of Ebenezer Purdy, Esq., of Xorth Salem, AYestchester county,N. Y. She was born July 27, 1804. They had 6 children. Only one is now living, Mrs, Velia Bredett, of Augusta. Mrs. Mead died May 7, 1865. April IS, 1866, the Doctor married his present wife, whose name was Martha Putnam, of Putnam, Ohio, and whose father was a nephew of Gen. Rufus Putnam, the founder of Ma- rietta, Ohio. They had one child, Ora Mead, born Aug. 23, 1868. The Doctor is still living at Augusta, very pleasantly and comfort- ably situated, and is respected and honored by all. Although now nearly 81 years of age, he is still active, with his meiital faculties unimpaired, and is prepared to enjoy life for many years to come; that it may be so is the wish of many friends. His portrait is found in this volume. William H. Meacl^ attorney at law, is a son of Horace and Mary B. Mead, both natives of Conn., where he was born July 10, 1839. He commenced the study of the law in 1861, and was admitted to the Bar in 1862, and has been practicing up to the present time, commanding a good patronage. He was married in this county in 1862, to Ann \ . Bacon, a native of Yermont, born in 1841, and they are the parents of 7 children — Mary Y., Millie B., Charlie, Allie A., John A., Nellie and Jennie. Mr. M. owns one lot with dwelling, and 185 acres of farm land, worth $.50 per acre. He has been Supervisor of his township ten years; Yillage Trustee fifteen years; is a member of the A. O. U. W. and I. O. M. A. He is a Presbyterian. ^. H. C. Newcomh^ farmer and stock-raiser, is a son of P. P. and Sarah A. (Munson) Newcomb, the former anative of Massachu- 52i HISTORY OF HAjSTCOCK COUNTY. setts and the latter of Vermont. He was born in 1829, and in 1860 he married Sarah E. Gordon, a native of ISTew York, born in 181:0. Mr. ]Sr. owns 220 acres of land in this tp., and 240 in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb are the parents of 4 children, John E., Sarah A,, Susan and Martha. Mr. N. makes the raising of fine horses a specialty, having some very fine and fast trotting horses, and also pacing horses. He is one of the solid and influential men of his county. P. P. Netocorah was born in this count}' January 1.5, 1834, and is a son of P. F. and Sarah (Munson) Newcomb, natives of Ver- mont. He came with his parents to this county in 1830, first settling in Schuyler county, and in Augusta in 1836. He is at present engaged in the lumber trade, also keeps a good stock of agricultural implements on hand, and deals in grain. He has taught several terms of school, has been Supervisor of his tp. four years, and belongs to the Masonic order. He was married in this county, Jan. 15, 1869, to Mercy Compton, a native of this county, born in 1841. They are the parents of 4 children, James C, AllaH., Mary C. and Helen. Mr. N. is a Kepublican. P. O., Augusta. Samuel Pickens^ farmer section 35; P. O., Augusta; is one of the most extensive farmers in this tp. He owns 700 acres of land, and was at one time an extensive cattle, horse and mule dealer. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and came to this county in 1850, where he still resides. In 1839 he married Nancy Steele, and they have 9 children, William A., Mary E., George W,, Jehu P., Allen S., Arthur A., Edward J., Margaret J. and Amelia E. Mr. P. is a Democrat, TF". J . Pitney^ Justice of the Peace and Collector, was born in 1824 and raised on a farm; was married in Ohio in 1846 to Anna Pichard, a native of Ohio, and they have had T children, 3 of whom are living, Frank B., Florence T. and Wilborn E. Mr. P. has been Justice of the Peace 14 years; he owns 30 acres of land joining Augusta, and one lot with dwelling, and five other lots. He is a member of the M. E. Church and a Eepublican. James Stark was born in the town and parish Auchter- muchty, Fifeshire, Scotland, about 1817. Parents were James and Jessie(Dron) Stark, both natives of the same place in Scotland, When his mother died, his father came to the United States, in 1837, locating in Hancock county, where he died, aged about 42. Our subject came to America in 1836, locating at Jacksonville, 111., and afterward at this place. In 1838 he was married to Miss Mary York, who was born in 1820, in Kentucky, a daughter of Newman I'ork. Of this marriage were born James W., John N., Ellen M. (now the wife of D. P. Cofi'man, of Augusta, this county), and Mary J. In 1842 the subject of this sketch first came to Hancock county, locating at Augusta, where he immediately established himself in the mercantile business, and may be classed among the very first \ HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 525 merchants who sold goods at that place; has continued to carry on a mercantile business at Angusta from the date of his first estab- lishment in 1S42 until the present time, without intermission. The style of the firm is now J. & G. Stark, his brother George being the partner. They now carry on an average a $6,000 stock of general goods, and employ four clerks. Our subject had but very little of this world's goods on arriving in America, but with that indomitable pluck and perseverance which is a characteristic of his countrj'men he set to work to make a competence for himself and posterity, and with nothing but his hands and a fair education to start with, his success has been complete. He is the owner of one of the pleasantest residences in Augusta, in which he lives with his family, and has some 640 acres of fine farm lauds in the vicinity. Mr. Stark is a member of the Christian Church, of which he has been an Eider, or preacher, for nearh" 40 years, and is now acting in that capacity each alternate Sabbath in Augusta. Mr. S. has served as Supervisor eight or ten years in Augusta tp. He was elected to the Illinois Legislature in 1846-'7 on the Anti-Mormon ticket, in which capacity he served with honor to himself and the general satisfaction of his constituents. Since the organization ot the Republican party he has acted with them. He served as Presidential Elector of this district in 1S60, when President Lincoln was elected. He has taken a decided and active part in political affairs, having ''stumped" the county on several occasions in the interests of Kepublicanism. As one of Hancock county's pioneer citizens and an honorable, upright, Christian gentleman, we give Mr. Stark's portrait. Some 11 years since Mr. S., in companj- with his wife and daughter, made the tour of Europe, visiting his native country (Scotland) on the round. The trip occupied some six months. Again, in 1876, he visited his native place, making a five months' visit, accompanied by his wife and daughter. James R. Stark^ farmer, was born in this county in 1852, and w^as married in this county in 1872 to Sophronia Sullivan, also a native of Hancock county, born in 1852. They have 2 living children, Carroll and Jessie. Clyde is deceased. They live on the old homestead on sec. 3. Mr. S. is a member of the Christian Church and is a Pepublican. W. L. Stochton, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Augusta; was born in Kentucky in 1818 and emigrated to Morgan county. 111., where he married in 1849, Miss Frances A. AVhite, who was born in Ken- tucky in 1828. They have 6 living children — Mary, wife of F. J. Holt, of this tp., Josephine, Charles E., James B., George C, and Allen L. Two are deceased. The removal of the family to Hancock county was in 1804. Mr. S. is a Mason and an Odd Fellow; a member of the Christian Church and a Democrat. William Sullivan,, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Augusta; was born in ISew Jersey in 1817, and is a son of Benjamin and Bacliel Sul- livan, both of Irish descent. He was raised on a farm, and he has 526 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. ' followed farming through life. He was married in Schuyler county, this State, in 1842, to Jane Mahuran, who was born in Vermont in 1820, and died in 185Y. They had 3 children— Sallie, wife ot John Stewart, of this tp. ; Sophronia,- wife of James R. Stark; and Mary, wife of William McOlure. In 1859 he married Mary Tucker, born in Virginia in 1827, and they have one child, George F., born in 1861. Mr. S. owns 170 acres of fine farm land. He was in Carthage the day Joe Smith was killed. He is a Republican. S. G. Swanson, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Augusta; was born in Sweden in 1845, and came to this county in 1860. In 1875 he mar- ried Anna Hillock, of Wisconsin, daughter of Nelson and Emma (Powell) Hillock, and they have one child, Lewella, born Jul}' 3, 1877. Ml-, S. owns 160 acres of fine farm land, is a member of the A. O. U. W., and also of the Lutheran Church. The father ot Mrs. S. was one of the pioneers of this county, having settled here in 1835, and he was all through the Mormon war. Her mother was born in 1811, and is still living. D. H. Swisegood, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Augusta; was born in North Carolina in 1822 and came to this county in 1846. He was married in Schuyler county in 1847, to Anna C. llaynes, a native of North Carolina, and born in 1823. They arc the parents ot 9 children, of whom 6 are living — John T., Liuiretta, Cornelia A., wife of Joseph Ogle; Lida, George P. and Thomas. Three infants are deceased. Mr. S. is a Mason and a Democrat. Samttel Tarr, farmer and stock dealer, is a son of John and Re- becca Tarr, natives of Virginia and of German descent. He was born in 1813 in Ohio, and came to this county in 1862, settling in Augusta. He was married in Ohio in 1833, to Nancy Hollenshead, also a native of Ohio and born in 1813, of French descent. Mr. and Mrs. Tarr are the parents of 6 children — Mandana B., wife of Robert Ruys, of Iowa; Pinckney, John, Lemira, wife of Robert Johnson, of Iowa; George and Mary A. Mr. T. is a Democrat. Thomas C. Thornton^ farmer; P. O., Augusta; was born in North Carolina in 1824, and has followed farming through life. He came to this county in 1858; was married in Precise county, N. C, in 1845, to Rachel Smith, born in N. C. in 1820 and died in 1876. They had 9 children — Oliver C, Martha A., Jacob B., Cleopatra, John H., Sanford V., Lona M. and Victoria, deceased. In 1878 he married again. He came to this county in 1858, where he now owns 60 aci'es of good farm land. He belongs to the M. E. Church, is a Freemason, and a Democrat. Ellas E. Wade., farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Plymouth; was born in Pennsylvania in 1832; was married in this county in 1862 to Mar- garet N. Bowen, who was born in this county in 1842 and died in 1875. They had 3 children — James, Nancy and Martha. In 1878 Mr. W. married Harriet Richards, born in Indiana in 1853. They have had one child, an infant, deceased. Mr. W. owns 100 acres of good land. Robert T. Wade., farmer and stock dealer, sec. 2 ; owns 400 acres HISTORY OF irANCOCK COUNTY. 527 of land, worth $40 per acre. He was born in Schuyler county, this State, in 1838. In 1859 he was married in this county, to Mary Fowler, also a native of Schuyler county, born in 1837, and they have 7 children — Sarah, Celestia, George, Mar}-, David, Rol)ert and Ethel. Mr. Wade deals extensively in hogs and cattle, buying and shipping them. He is a Democrat. Frederick M. Walton. — This pioneer, of whom a portrait is given in this volume from a photo taken at the age of 65 years, was a native of Mason county, Ky., where he was born Jan. 9. 1809. He was a son of William and Barbara Walton, both- natives of Kentucky, and of German and Welsh descent. The subject of this sketch was raised in the occupation of a farmer, which he success- fully followed through life. He came to this county in 1835, set- tling on sec. 3, in Augusta tp., where he remained until his death, April 9, 1880. Mr. Walton was married in Mason county, Ky., in 1831, to Emily Rice, also a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of Ezekiel and Fann}' (Garnett) Rice, both natives of Virginia, and of German ancestry. From this union there were 8 children, 6 ot whom are living. Their names are Wesley and John, born in Kentucky, Frances, Matilda, Wm. C, Simeon M. and Malvina, who died aged 2^ years, and Moses S., who died aged about 18 years. All those living are settled in life and holding highly respectable positions in society. Mr. Walton had but little means; but pos- sessing in an eminent degree a high order of intelligence, strict in- tegrity and industry, he accumulated a large property, owning at one time about 1,000 acres of land, the most of which he had distrib- uted among his children during his life, leaving the homestead of some 200 acres at his death. On this place his widow now resides with her youngest son, Simeon M. In his younger days, Mr. F. M. AValton participated quite actively in public affairs, and was on various occasions elected to local offices of trust and responsibility, which he tilled with honor to himself and fidelity to the public. He was an honest, conscientious man, an excellent neighbor, and a true husband and father, in every sense a good citizen and respected by all who knew him. His remains were laid in the family burial place upon the home farm in Augusta tp. He was a member of the Baptist Church. His funeral was conducted by Elder McCor- mick, of the Missionary Baptist Church, of Plymouth, assisted by the venerable Joseph Batts, now in his 91st j'ear, who knew him when a boy in Kentucky. John Walton, farmer and stock dealer; P. O., Plymouth; was born in Kentucky in 1834. He owns 200 acres of land worth 840 per acre. He was married in this county in 1805 to Mary Fowler, a native of Connecticut, born in 181-5; they are the ])arents of 6 children, — Ruth L., Moses S., Frederick W., Hugh A., MaryE. and Fanny A. Mr. W. is an influential farmer, a member of the Baptist Church and a Mason. George Watt, retired merchant, was born in Scotland in 1816, and came to this county in 1841, settling in Nauvoo, and came to 528, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Augusta in 1865. He was married in Scotland in 1835 to Mary McAndrew, born in 1812f. They have had 7 children, 6 ot whom are living, — Margaret, wife of Oliver Gay, of Quincj'-; George, Charles, Mary A., wife of John Easterday; Bird and Josephine, wife of Thomas Roina; Samuel is deceased. Mr. W. has been Postmaster and has filled other offices. He is a Dem- ocrat. Henry Welborn, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Augusta; was born in North Carolina in 1817, and is a son of Samuel and Catharine (Clinard) Welborn, both natives of North Carolina. He came to this county in 1850, and is an influential citizen. He has always followed farming, owns 150 acres of farm land. He was first mar- ried in North Carolina in 184:9, to Phoebe Haney, born in that State in 1826 and died in 1850. They had one child, Julia, wife of Thomas Garwood, of this tp. Mr. W. then married Lucinda Bodenhammer, a native of this State, born in 1832 and died in 1855, leaving one child, John; in 1856 he married Alice Harrison, born in Indiana in 1817. Mr. W. has been Road Commissioner one term, is a Freemason and a Democrat. ^. B. West, butcher, son of Solomon and Harriet (Bichnoll) West, both of English descent, was born in Pennsylvania in 1844; came to this county in 1857, and settled in Augusta. He was married in Schuyler county, this State, in 1866, to Alice Melvin, a native of tliis State, born in 1846, and they are the parents of 5 children, — Harriet, Earl, Edith, Solomon and William. He owns 10 acres of land joining Augusta, two lots, one with house and. one with shop. He served in the late war and was in several hard-fought battles; was in Andersonville prison. Daniel Ds Worma/i, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Augusta, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1828, where he was married in 1848 to Catha- rine Myers, also a native of that State, born in 1830 and died in 1869. They had 7 children, — Lawrence, Elizabeth, John, George, Abra- ham, Mary and Catharine. In 1870 he was married in Pennsyl- vania to Mary A. Strowfer, born in Pennsylvania in 1829, and they have one child, Ada. Mr. W. is a member of the United Brethren Church and a Republican. Albert L. Yates, deceased, was born in New York in 1828, and died in 1865. He was married in this county in 1849 to Mary M. Saunders, and they have 6 living children, — Mary C, wife of Elias Agnew; Christopher E., Charles H., Gracie C, Carrie B,, and Everett L. Mr. Yates had but little to commence life with, but by industry, perseverance and economy he accumulated consid- erable property. He owned 500 acres of land. His widow lives .on the old homestead on sec. 14. Henry A. Young, harness-maker, on the west side of Main street, Augusta, is a son of Col well and Mary Young, both of Eng- lish descent. He was born in Virginia, January 27, 1820. At the age of 14 he learned the harness trade, which he has since followed. Pie came to Augusta in 1844, was married in New York in 1840, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 529 to Abigail D. Graw, born in N*ew Tork in 1S22 and died in 1852. They had 5 children; 2 are livins^, — Henry W. and Mary E. The deceased are Julia Susan^and Abigail. Dec. 29, 1853, Mr. Young married Mary A. Van Brunt, a native of 'New York, born in 1828, and their children are Alexander, Alnilda, Julia, C )lwell, Benja- min and George. Mr. Young has been School Director and Trustee ; has been President of the Town Board, and High Priest of the Eoyal Arch Masons. Is a Christian and a Republican. Owns three lots with dwelling and one lot with shop ; keeps a good stock of harness on hand. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. Here is a schedule of the principal town officers of Augusta township since its organization, as fully as the returns enabled us to compile: SUPERVISORS, James Stark 1850 .James Stark 1876 P. P. Newcomb 1861 P. P. Newcomb 1877 Wm. H. Mead 18G5 H. L. Beard 1880 Andrew J. Winfleld 1874 CLERKS. Giles Hawley 1858 E. W. Wood 1871 I. B. Leach 1861 Ell Gillett 1874 William Cassaday 186-5 W. H. Watson 1877 A. B. Crooks 1866 I. B. Leach 1880 Jas. C. Beitholflf 1869 ASSESSORS. Giles Hawley ;1858 E. P. Hawley 1868 J.R. Combs 1861 A. G. Bacon 1870 B.J.Long 1863 E. P. Hawley 1871 J. C. Bertholf 1863 John W. Browninc 1874 J. A. Dexter 18(i4 E. P. Hawley. .. .7. 1875 F. M. Kinsey 1865 John Avery 1876 Wm. Rowland 1866 E. P. Hawley 1880 Wm. J. Pitney 1867 COLLECTORS. Benjamin Bacon 1858 Robert Booker 1875 E. P. Hawley 1861 A.J. Winfield 1876 Henry A. Young isr.8 D. "E. Belden 1877 W. J. Pitney 1864 Wm. McGilvery 1877 A. J. Winfield 1866 Abner Mnrpby 1878 A. L.Weed 1867 D.J. Kniss 1879 Wm. C. Cassaday 1873 A. J. Winfield 1880 I. B. Leach 1874 CHILI TOWNSHIP. Township 3-6 received its much-mispronounced name from the little village of Chili, near its southwest corner. This village was laid out by Elisha Worrell, Esq., one of its early and much respected pioneers, in the year 1836. The township is composed mainly of prairie land, though the head waters of Bear and Panther creeks supply it with some small bodies of wood land. Considerable of it is rather flat prairie, while other portions are rolling and well drained. It contains much valuable farm land, and a large proportion of well-improved and productive farms. This township is settled by an intelligent and enterprising class of emigrants from many of the States of the Union. Its only villages are Chili, before mentioned, and Bowen, of later origin, built on the line of the Toledo, Wabash & Western Rail- road. These towns are both in the midst of thriving communities. The former has grown but little and begins to show age, and prob- ably contains no greater population than it did twenty years ago. Bowen was laid out in 1863 by Mr. Peter C. Bowen, from whom it derives its name. It is six miles due west from Augusta, and about fourteen southeast from the county seat. The postoffice was established in Chili when Amos Kendall was • Postmaster-General, Moses Stevens, postmabter, and Elisha Worrell assistant, and performing the duties. After liim came George N. Crowley, then Alfred T. Dickinson for a year or so, then Mr. Crowley again for several years, then J. Clarkson Caine for a year or two, then Mr. Crowley again, who still holds the oflice, having 'held it for from thirty to thirty-five years — one of the oldest postmasters in the county. Among the earlier settlers in this township we ma}' mention Stephen Owen, Sr., and his sons Ainsley, John L., B. C, Archi- bald C, Isaac and William, who were immigrants of 1831 ; William Pike and his sons John, Thomas, William aud James, who were settlers of 1832; Joseph Stevens and his sons John, George, Joseph and Frank, 1833; S. Garner and Evan Bettisworth and his sons David, Charles and Evan, Jr., in 1833. Then we have among those whose date of settlement we cannot exactly fix, the names of Rev. Joseph Worrell, David F. Parker, and his son Samuel C. Parker; Wm. Sullivan, Stephen Tripp, John Wilhite, Joseph Harter, David Todd, Alpha Forsythe, John and James Prutz- man, Zachariah, Henry, David and Woods, and Geo. 'N. Crowley. There may be others whose settlement in the township was as early as some of these, but whose names we cannot now recall. Many of these pioneers are since deceased; others have removed (530) .^iS^iS'?''^., ■,;jfi>^- % (^^—x/a CHILI T.P. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 533 from the township to make homes elsewhere, while a few of the vonno-er class, with here and there a white head among them, remain, RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. Of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Revs. Oliver, Elliott and Griggs are remembered as being among the earliest. The date of their ministry is not fixed. Meetings were held in houses of members, or in such school-houses as were in existence. Rev. Peter Cartwright, so well known everywhere, is remembered as having held services there in early days. The histoiy of the M. E. Church in Chili, other than as above, we have failed to obtain. Concerning the Presbyterian we have been more successful. To Mrr J. Clarkson Caine, deacon in said hurch, Cwe are indebted for the following sketch of its historj^: " In 1S41 Rev. Joseph Buffington came and preached here and at Woodville, in Adams county, where there was a Congregational Church organized (he wasXew School Presl)yterian). During his stay here there was a brick house of worship built of 20 by 30 feet, then supposed to be large enough to accommodate the place for some time; this was in 1843. " In January, 1847, Rev. Edward HoUister, assisted by Rev. Warren Nichols, organized a Church here, called the First Presby- terian Church of Chili, consisting of the following named persons: Levi "Weldin, John Slater, David F. Parker, Samuel C. Parker, Stephen A. Eckley, George J. Weldin, Jonathan W. Todd, David G. Todd, Joseph C. Caine, Eliza AVeldin, Jemima Todd, Mary T. Hollister, Tryphena Ilolden, Elizabeth Eckley, Sarah E. Todd, Mary A. Caine, Mary T. Hollister, 2d, Emily G. Hollister, Eliza J. Dee, Eleanor Howell, and Sarah Ann Worrell, and soon after, Elisha Worrell. " In May, 1847, Daniel F. Parker was chosen an Elder. Rev. E. Hollister continued to preach here until Dec, 1850. The Church was then supplied with occasional preaching by Rev. Henry Aber- nethy till 1857. Rev. Joseph Worrell took charge of it at that date, and continued till April, 1868, when Rev. James T. Bliss took charge, and continued with it till 1870. In 1872 Rev. John C. Wagaman came and preached for the ])eople till Sept., 1877. ''In 1878 Rev. Bloomfield Wall took charge of the Church, and is its present supply." JElders. — John Mills and Joseph C. Caine, 1857; Wm. Kennedy, 1855; David G. Todd, 1860; Alex Cochran, 1879. The Society used the little brick house till 1867, when a much larger frame was built, and is still in use. In Bowen there is a Congregational and also a Methodist Episco- pal Church; both been built since the town was begun in 1863. We have no data concerning them. Up in the northwest corner of the township is a Church belong- ing to the Second Adventist denomination, and in which they wor- ship. No statistics of this congregation obtained. 32 534 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. PERSONAL SKETCHES. We refrain from dwelling longer on the general history of the township, or any of its villages, choosing rather to devote the space to giving personal sketches of the more prominent citizens, believ- ing such sketches are of equal importance and afford greater interest. E. W. Bennett^ farmer, was born in Vermont in 1819, the son of Oliver and Mary (Rice) Bennett, natives of Yermont, and of English descent. He was educated at the academy at Waterford, Penn.; spent his early life in teaching; in 1843 he married Mary Pratt, and of their 3 children 2 are living: E. J. and Mary L. Mrs. B. is a member of the Presbyterian Church in CUiili. Mr. W's father moved from Yermont to Pennsylvania, and in 1856 E. W. came West and settled near Lawrence, Kan.; in about six years he came to Fulton county. 111., and in 1863 to Hancock county, settling at Chili; while in Kansas he was robbed by the border ruffians. He is a Republican, has been Commissioner of Highways, Justice of the Peace in Chili tp, 10 or 12 years. He owns SO acres of land joining Chili and 40 near Bowensburg, and has been successful as a farmer; he has a nice herd of short-horn and other cattle and raises large-size Berkshire swine. Fraiiklin Carlln, farmer, sec. 18; P.O., West Point; was born in Maryland Oct. 27, 1844, son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Hughes) Carlin, natives of Maryland, and of French descent; received his education in the common schools; Jan. 5, 1868, he married Hannah Brian, and they have one son and two daughters. She is a member of the M. E. Church in Chili; he is a Republican. He came from Maryland to Illinois in 1865, settling near Columbus, Adams county, where he worked on a farm by the month till he was married; after that he rented a farm; he came to Hancock county in 1876, locating on sec. 18, this tp., where he owns a farm,and has been moderately successful. He is now serving his second term as School Trustee, and is a Justice of the Peace. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. H, 8th Md. Inft., and was discharged August 27, 1863. Elijah Crossland^ farmer and butcher, sec. 14; P.O., Bowen; was born in Fayette county. Pa., in 1821, the son of Elijah and Catharine (Smith) Crossland, natives of Maryland, father of English descent and mother of German. In 1850 he married Margaret Strickler, and they have had 6 sons and 2 daughters, all of whom are living. Mrs. C. died Dec. 10, 1871, a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. C. came to Illinois in 1862, settling in Adams county, where he followed farming, and in 1869 he came to this county, settling in Chili, where he owns two farms. He is really one of the neatest farmers in the county. In politics he is a Republican. Richard Eells, farmer, sec. 24; P.O., Bowen; was born in Adams county, 111., in 1837, the son of William E. and Eliza (Bester) Eells, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 535 natives of Connecticut, and of English ancestry. Dec. 11, 1860, he married Susan Gabriel,, and the}' have 5 children living. She is a luetnber of the M. E. Church, and he is a Republican, and has been School Director and Trustee and Road Commissioner, He came to this county in 1862, and now has 284 acres of farming land. He has made all that he now owns since 1863, except a team ; he buys and ships hogs; has run a threshing-machine 18 years, and at present owns and runs a steam thresher; he ran the first steam thresher ever operated in this part of the county; he has also been selling agricultural implements in Bowen. S. E. Elliott^ farmer, was born in Union tp., Butler county, O., in 1816, the son of C. and Elizabeth (Enyart) Elliott,natives of the Empire State; Mr. E's grandfather settled in Butler county, O., in 1801. The subject of this sketch has been successful as a farmer, but at present has sold all of his farming land, retaining a neat and substantial residence in Chili. In 1867 he married Catharine Newland, and they have a son and a daughter. Mrs. E. is a Pres- byterian, and Mr. E. is a Republican. Shivered Garner, farmer, sec. 3; P. 0., Denver; was born in Morgan county, -111., Feb. 1, 1832, son of William and Sarah (Robertson) Garner; father was born in 1794, in the South, has lived in Illinois nearly half a century; can see to read without spectacles, walks almost erect, retaining the soldier step which he learned in the war of 1812; in that war he served a year with the Rangers; he has spent the most of his useful life as a farmer, and is now the oldest man living in Chili tp. His son Shiveral has also been a successful farmer, owning at present 285 acres of land, 45 ot which is timber. At the age of 24 he married Miss Cynthia A. Jackson, and they have had 9 children, 7 of whom are living. He and his wife are both members of the M. E. Church, and in politics he is a Republican. He has been School Director several terms in the district where he now lives. T. N. Gillis, farmer; residence, Bowen; was born in East Ten- nessee in 1835, the son of John and Mary (Register) Gillis, the former a native of Virginia, and of English descent, and the latter of Delaware, of Irish descent; received his education in the com- mon schools of Iowa; in 1859 he married Miss R. E. Haworth, and their children are William T. and Ella May. He emigrated to Adams county. 111., in 1858, and into this county in 1864, settling northwest of Bowen; for four years he kept a general store at Denver, and in 1870 he moved it to Bowen. Pie and his brother bought the mill in Bowen, ran it two years, sold out, and went to traveling. At the present time he is dealing in grain, and enjo^'ing fair success. He has 55 acres of good land. He is a Republican, and while at Denver he was Postmaster; is also a member of the M. E. Church. John M. Graham, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Bowen; was born in Ohio March 16, 1833, the son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Meekens) Graham, the former of Irish descent, and the latter of 536 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Scottish, and born in Ohio. In 1858 he married Sarilda E. Stewart, and of their 2 children Emma is living, wh(j was born Dec. 27, 1860, and was married in 1877, to Alvin Sf'.ott, a farmer in this county. Mrs. G. is a member of the Adventist Church. Mr. G. is a Democrat, has been a School Director nine 3'ears, and School Trustee three _years. He came to Illinois in 1851, settling in Adams county; in 1853 he came to this county, settling on sec. 19, Augusta tp.; thence in 1863 he moved to section 17. Chili tp. He has 160 acres of good land and is entirely out of debt. He is a public-spirited man, believes in modern enterprises and scientific farming, employing intelligent help. JoJin Griffitts, grain and stock-raiser, sec. 14; P. O., Bowen; was born March 4, 1S30, son of William and Mary (Cain) GrifRtts, natives of Teniiessee, father of Prussian descent, and mother of German ; he received no education; was brought by his parents to this county when only one year old. Oct. 15, 1865, he married Amanda Ilopson, and of their 3 children 2 are living. Mr. G. was present in 1843 when the first threshing-machine was started in Hancock county by Mr. Robison; it was a " chaff-piler."' Mr. G. also owned and ran the first thresher in Chili tp., in 1850, and he continued business with it for 11 years. In 1844 he helped to run the first reaper he ever saw. He has made all he owns by his own exertions, having had to run in debt for his first machine. He has split more rails than Mr. Lincoln ever did. Mr. G. is a Democrat, and is now School Director. He owns 250 acres of land, which he fenced and improved when there was no improved laud joining him. J. V. Harter, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Denver; was born in Yir- ginia in 1829, the son of Christian and Orpah (Wilson) Harter, natives of Virginia, father of German and mother of Irish ancestry; was educated in the common schools of this county; in May, 1852, he married Barbara Ann Summers, and of their 9 children 7 are boys. Mr. Harter's emigration to this county was in 1835, and he has lived here ever since, except that he ran a saw-raill in Wiscon- sin a short time, and a grist-mill in Iowa; and he also kept store three years. When he first came to St. Mary's Prairie there was nothing to ripple that tall grass besides the wind, and now and then a deer's tail could be seen above the grass sailing along. Mr. Harter started with 100 acres of land, but he has now 480 acres. He has the best stock-farm in the county. jSTear the center of his farm is a natural curiosity in the shape of an ever-living spring, which occasionally sends up bubbles of sulphureted hydrogen gas, that can be lighted with a match. In politics Mr. H. is a Democrat. Joaeyh Harter. farmer, sec. 6; P. O.. Denver; was born in Franklin county, Va., May 9, 1809, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Young) Harter, natives of the same county, and of German descent. The Harters first settled in Maryland, and the Youngs were early settlers in Virginia; one of the latter was a Captain under General Washington in the war of the Revolution. Joseph's father came to HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 537 this county about 183-i or 1835, settling in St. Mary's tp., where he followed farming; he died in 1S56, aged about SO years, a mem- ber of the old Baptist Church. His wife died in 1865, a member of the same Church; thev are both buried on the old farm. In 1833 Mr. Joseph Harter married Susannah Dodd, a native of Vir- ginia and a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Dodd, probably of English descent. Sixteen years after his marriage he sold out everything except two span of horses and some household goods, and, with them and his family of a wife and 8 children, emi- grated to this county, arriving late in the fall of 1849, and he rented a quarter of land east of Warsaw, which he worked the following season; in 1850 he bought the northeast quarter of sec. 6, this tp,; on the south part of this quarter there was a log house about IS feet square and nearh'two stories high; into this building he moved his famih" in 1851, and here they lived eight or ten years, making some additions to the building; in 1857 Mr. II. built his present resi- dence, of brick, 20 by 40, two stories high, and the L 14 by 24 feet, with good barns and outbuildings. The old homestead now consists of 720 acres of fine land, and Mr. H. has about 150 acres in other places. He came to this county with a property of only $1,500; he is now one of the most prosperous and extensive farmers in the connty. In politics he is a Jacksonian Democrat; and although taking considerable interest in political matters, he has never allowed himself to run for office. Himself and wife are members of the old Baptist Church, and have been for many years. Mr. H. has always been liberal in his contributions to the support of relig- ion and education, probably more than his proportion. Children — George; Mary, dec; Caleb, who died in California at the age of 27; Henry. Sarah, Joseph, Harvey, Alverda, Isaac Foster, who is prac- ticing medicine in Illinois near Burlington, Iowa; Ballard; William, who died in infancy; and Leander Douglass. The first 8 were born in Virginia, and were brought by their parents in emigration to this county; and the last 4 were born in this county. We give Mr. Harter's portrait in this volume. William Herring^ farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Denver; was born in Brown county. 111., Dec. 7, 1835, the son of John C. and Lucinda (Rush) Herring, father a native of Alabama and of Irish ancestry, and mother a native of Kentucky and of German and English de- scent; received his education in thecommon schools of Brown county and Perry, Pike Co.; April 22, 1860, he married Rachel Ingram; their 3 children, Nelson, Mary F. and Harvey, are all living. Mr. and Mrs, H. are members of the Adventist Church, which meets at the Antioch liouse of w'orship, in Chili; and Mr. II. is a Democrat. Pie came to Hancock count}' in February, 1865, and now owns 130 acres ol l?Tid, besides seven shares of the home place, amounting to 184^ acres Joseph Ivins, nurseryman in Bowen, was born in Butler county O., in 1828. and is the son of Daniel and Theodocia (Cuberla) Ivins, natives of Kew Jersey; he received his education principally in 538 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Franklin College, Indiana; in 1859 he married Hetty Fordyce, and of their 7 children 6 are living, 3 of each sex. He and wife are members of the M. E. Chnrch, and he is a Democrat. He came to this count}' in 1855, stopping in La Harpe a short time, and then went to Basco, and in 1862 to Boweu and engaged in raising Osage orange hedge plants, but has extended his business to that of a gen- eral nursery, in which he is successful; he has more orders this year than he can supply. He seldom employs an agent. Samuel H. Kelley, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., AYest Point; was born in Adams county, 111., in 181:7. The eldest son of Joseph and Jane (Seaton) Kelley, natives of Kentucky, father of Irish and German ancestry, and mother of English; father was a farmer all his life. The subject of this sketch received his education in tlie common schools, and at the graded schools at Cam]) Point, 111. Dec. 4, 1873, he married Clara E. Truitt, a native of Kentucky, and a good cook. Of their 3 children these 2 are living, Eden Irene, born Jan. 8, 1875, and Warren Ebert, May 8, 1879. Mr. Kelley is a member of the Christian Church, and his wife ot the M. E. Church; in politics he is a Republican. He came to Hancock county in 1876, and he now owns 80 acres of land on sec. 18, Chili tp. A. T. King., farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Bowen; was born in Ohio in 1836, and is the son of William and Mary (Boude) King, the former a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. King was in the dry-goods business four years in Ohio. In 1850 he married Miss T. W. Pome- roy, who is a member of the Congregational Chnrch. He is a Republican. Hecame to this county in 1851, settled in St. Albans tp., and in 1853 in Chili tp. Oct. 10, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 10th Mo. Inf., and was transferred to Co. C, where he served nearly two years, when he was commissioned Captain in the 50th U. S.C. T., and was mustered out March 25, 1865, at Vicksburg. In 1877-'8 he kept hotel in Keokuk. He now has a farm of 65 acres. Wdliam S . LinUy physician, sec. 21; P. O., Bowen; was born in Ohio in 1829, and is the son of John and Nancy (Gant) Linn, father a native of Pennsylvania, and mother of North Carolina. He received his education in the common school in Adams county, 111., and his medical education at Iowa Universitj^, where he gradu- ated in 1852; after practicing one year in Adams county he came to Chili, but since 1868 he has been on sec. 21, where he owns 230 acres of land. In 1855 he married Mary Ann Smith, and they have 4 children living. Mrs. L. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The Doctor is a Republican, and as a physician has an extensive practice. Wilford W. Manlove., was born in Knox count}'. 111., April 4, 1841, and is the son of J. H. and Susan (Cecil) Manlove; father a native of North Carolina, and mother of Kentucky, and both of French ancestry; attended school but three months in his life, and is a self-made man. Nov. 10, 1871, he married Sarah Waggoner, and they have 2 boys, Lawrence L. and George S., about eight and HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 539 seven years of age respectively. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the M. E. Chnrch. and he is a Republican. Mr. M. came to Hancock county in 18G7, settling on sec. 29. Aug. 14, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 78th 111. Yol. Inf., under Captain Black, of Carthage, and was discharged May 18, 18G5. He was teamster the first year, and after that was in all the battles. A brother of his was killed at Kenesaw Mountain. He was in the same Co. William B. Marvel^ farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Bowen; was born in Delaware in 1836; the son of Thomas J. and Sally Ann (Broad- way) Marvel; attended Middletown Seminary in Delaware. In 1864 he married Mary Powell, and of their 7 children 6 are living. He came to this county in 1865, and now owns 280 acres. He is a Democrat, and both himself and wife are Presbyterians. Dr. Arch. E. Mo Neil was born near Goshen, Clermont county, Ohio, in October, 1827, son of Arthur McNeil, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., who was a descendant of a Scotch High- lander t'f the same name and a leader in the Rebellion of 1745, of the house of Stuart against the British Crown. The Doctor's mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Boyer, was a native of Wash- ington county, Md., and of German parents. They emigrated in 1811 to Ohio and settled in the then small town of Cincinnati, later, in 1828, locating in the town of Goshen, Clermont Co., Ohio, where they engaged in mercantile pursuits till accumulated years obliged them to retire from active life. They were ardent followers of John Wesley in their religious beliefs and forms of worship, as are all their children save the subject of this sketch. Their family consisted of 9 children, 4 boys and 5 girls, 7 of whom are now living, viz: Dr. A. B. McNeil, Columbus, Adams Co., 111., aged 70; Rev. M. M. McNeil, Bowensburg, 111., aged 68; Mrs. Eliza- beth Brunson, Bowensburg. 111., aged 65; Mrs. Matilda Myers, New Hartford, Pike Co., 111., aged 59 years; Mrs. Permelia Hall, Barry, Pike Co., 111., aged 57; Dr. Arclu E. McNeil, aged 52 years; and David F. McNeil, Esq., Bowensburg, 111., aged 47 years; Mrs. Susan Bell dying Dec. 1844, aged 27, mother of 4 children, all living, the other and 9th child dying in infancy. In later years the parents abandoned all domestic pursuits and came to Illinois, spending their last days visiting and enjoying the society' and loving attentions of their children. The mother died July 3, 1865, and the father the following April at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Matilda Myers, in the ripeness and fruition of a well-spent life, and with an abiding assurance, through faith in the written promises of their God, of eternal life and ha])piness. Dr. McNeil was educated in thfe common schools of Ohio and at a private select school under the management of one Prof. Gains, nearGoshen, Ohio. Began the study of medicine in 1846 with one Dr. Isaac N. Thacker, and completed a collegiate medical course of lectures spring of 1850, at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio. AVas the recipient also of the honorary degree of medicine from the faculty of the Iowa Medical College, at Keokuk, Iowa, 540 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. February, A. D. 1868. Has been twice married: First at Dayton, Ohio, September 22, 1849. to Miss Martha A. Deal, a native of "West Charleston, Miami county, Ohio, and who died October 20 1867. Of this marriage there were born 3 children, 2 boys and one girl, only one of which, viz., George E. McNeil, born July 20, 1856, at New Hartford, Pike county. 111., is now living. Was married the second time Nov. 11, 1868, at Keokuk, Iowa, to Miss Mary E. Hutchinson of that city, and a native of Washington, AVashington county, Penn. Of this marriage there are 4 children, one girl and 3 boys, all living. The Doctor began the practice of his profession the spring of 1850 in the place of his nativity, and October, 1858, moved to Adams county. 111. The following year, July 22, settled at New Hartford, in Pike county, this State, where he practiced medicine successfully up to Septem- ber, 1862, when he enlisted in the 99th Regt. Inf'try Yols., and at the organization of the regiment was chosen by the unanimous voice of both men and officers, and subsequently commissioned by Gov. Richard Yates, a Surgeon of the regiment, in which capacity he labored zealously and acquitted himself with credit, as the sub- joined highly complimentary expressions of his associates plainly indicate, until from physical disabilit}' he was forced to leave the service : COPY OF EXPEES8I0NS OF COMKADES. 14th Division, Hospital of the 13th Army Corps of Miss., IN REAR ViCKSBURG, JUNE 4tH, 1863, Arch E. McNeil, M. D-, Senior Assistant Surgeon, 99th Megt., III. Vol: Infantry. Dear Sir: — It is with pleasure I hand you the enclosed resolution. It was the promptings of friends and Surgeons who appreciate your worth. You leave vis with the I'cspect and confidence of every Surgeon belonging to the Division, as well as their regrets. Hoping to hear of your restoration to health, I am your sin- cere friend, ' WM. H. WHITE, Surg. 23d Iowa Infantry and Chairman Division Operating Board of Surgeons. (RESOLUTION.) Hospital 14th Division, 13th Army Corps, rear Vicksburg, June 4, 1803. Having learned that our associate. Arch. E. McNeil, Senior Assistant Surgeon of the 99tli Regt. Infantry Vols., owing to cause beyond his control, finds it necessary to leave the arm\', therefore. Resolved, That we consider him a gentleman of fine feelings, of noljle sympathies, a true friend and one of the most accomplished surgeons and physicians iu the army. That we deeply regret his departure, and his loss to the department. H. P. Strong, Medical Director. Wm. H. White, Suro.'^Sd Infantry, Iowa. Geo. p. Rex, Surg. 33d Regt. 111. Vol. Infantry. Alfred B. Lee, Asst Surg. 22d Iowa Infantry. Wm. L. Orr, Surg. 21st Iowa Infantry. J. H. Ledlie, Surg. 99th Regt. 111. Infantry. Henry T. Antis, Asst. Surg. 33d 111. Infantry. O. Peabody, Surg. 23d Iowa Infantry. Edwin May, Senior Asst. Surg. 33d 111. Infantry. J. W. BiGELOW, Senior Asst. Surg, in charge of 8th and 18th Indiana Vol. Infantry. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 541 After the Doctor's return to civil life in 1865, he moved to Han- cock county and purchased the farm originally settled by Peter C. Bowen and a part of the original town of Bowensburg, where he now resides, and is engaged in the mixed pursuits of agriculture, medi- cine and milling with a fair average of success. For the benelit of his health in 1S71 he moved to Greenwood county, Kansas. There he engaged in agriculture and stock culture,but after four years' expe- rience, with unsatisfactory results, returned to his former home in this county. In 1848 became a member of the order of Masons. In 1875 a member of Odd Fellows. Of his own choice is not now affiliated with either order. Is not a member of any religious or2:anization. Thinks for himself on all subjects. In politics is now and ever has been intensely Republican. Prides himself on his early abolition proclivities. Began voting in the interest of humanity as against organized oppression under color of law, and is still voting that way. Was a candidate in 1864 on the Republi- can ticket for the Legislature from the Legislative district composed of the counties of Pike and Green of this State, and though not elected was beaten by a smaller majority than any one on the ticket. In 1874 was again made a candidate for the Republican party ot Greenwood county, Kansas, for the Legislature, but withdrew his name, and refused to suifer himself voted for by the people, because the nominating convention passed a resolution instructing him how to vote on certain local issues. In all matters of general interest for the public good, he is ever full of ardent zeal. To this pecul- iarity of character, the!present very elegant and commodious school building of the town of Bowensburg, in which is now taught one of the best of graded district schools, may very justly be cliarged, as the volumes of abuse and hard words of the tax-payers toward him at the annual period for collecting taxes would testify, while the debt incurred for the building and its beautiful decorative sur- roundings were being liquidated. Chief among the business insti- tutions of the town of B. is the Excelsior Flouring Mills, which, though erected a dozen years ago, ever fell short of its intended mission in the interest of the public or benetit of proprietors, till since recently it was purchased by the Doctor, and by dint of his energy and native ingenuousness , has been improved and modern- ized till it is now the pride of the owner and is rapidly becoming the subject of praise and patronage from the people of a large region of surrounding countr}'. The Doctor is the owner of one of the best improved farms in this neighborhood, and in the highest state of cultivation. Is also owner of considerable town property of value; also quite a body of wild land in Greenwood county, Kansas. His untiring industry and perseverance, progressive and aggress- ive spirit in anything he undertakes, makes him a most valuable factor in the realm of a citizen. M. McNeall^ carpenter, mercliant, etc.. Chili, was born in Ohio in 1812, the son of A. and Elizabeth (Boyer) McNeall, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and the latter of 542 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, Maryland, of German ancestry. Mr. McNeall has followed several vocations successfully, but has liad the misfortnne to break up, paying, however, every cent of his indebtedness. In 1S33 he mar- ried Elizabeth Brown, and of their 8 children 5 are living and are married, the daughter living near Blandinsville. Mr. M. has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1824; has been an exhorter and preacher 45 years. His wife is also a member of the same Church. He came to this county in 1864, and was agent at the railroad depot 13 years; was known as 'the "railroad preacher." In 1866 he started a furniture store in Bowen. Besides the store he owns 258 acres of land, a substantial residence, and other town property. His son, however, is part owner of the land. Mr. McN. is a Democrat, and has acted as justice of the Peace, Police Magis- trate, School Director and Supervisor. James W. Iforris, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Chili; was born in Bal- timore county, Md., Feb. 17, 1840, the son of Walter W. and Cath- erine (Stabler) Ills orris, father a native of Maryland, and mother ot Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Dec. 2, 1875, he married Elizabeth Sterrett, daughter of R. C. Sterrett, a native of Maryland, who is now living in this tp., the owner of 200 acres of good land. J. Harvey is their only child, born June 27, 1877. Mrs. N. is a member of the M. E. Church and Mr. N. is a Republican. His father came to Adams county, 111., from Maryland, in 1854, and lived there until 1876, when he came to this county and settled on sec. 29. The subject of this sketch and his brother have 20Q acres of land in good cultivation. David F. Parker^ farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Chili; was born in York county, Pa., in 1806, son of Samuel and Ann (Cunningham) Parker, natives of the same State, father of English and mother of Irish descent, education in the subscription schools of his native State. In 1848, in this county, he married Sarah E. Todd, a native of Vermont, and of their 4 children 2 are living — Alice, wife ol C. W. Clinefelter, and Benjamin Francis. Mrs. P. was, and Mr. P. is yet a Presbyterian. In 1837 he came "West and settled in this tp, Mrs. P. died in 1868. In politics Mr. P. is a Republican. He owns a total of 167 acres of land, and is a good, honest farmer and successful ; is well posted in the history of the county. Henry K. Ramsey, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Bowen; was born in Indiana in 1826, the son of Samuel and Eleanor (Kime) Ramsey, father a native of Kentucky and of English descent, and mother of German ancestry. In 1845 he married Mary A, Garner, daughter of Wm. Garner, who came to Illinois in 1831, settling in Adams county. She is also a native of Indiana. Their 4 children are — Mary Susan, Samuel Henry, Hattie E. and Eva Iv. Mr. R. was a farmer all his life. He was a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics is a Republican; was Supervisor and School Director, and was the owner of 2,000 acres of land. He died Oct. 31, 1875, Mrs. R. is also a member of the M. E. Church, Her father is living HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 543 with her at the present time. He was born in 1T94; was in the war of 1812, and came to this State in 1S31. D. P. RohinsQn, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Bowen; was born in Korth Carolina in 1819, son of John and Cynthia (Bell) Robinson, natives of that State, father of Irish and mother of English descent. His father came to Illinois in 1833. May 10, 1849, he married Theresa Ham, a nati\'e of Missouri, and a daughter of John C. Ham. Of their 4 children 2 are living, John W., born Sept. 8, 1852, and Thomas Jefferson, born April 16, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the Congregational Church. He came to this county in 1851, settling on sec. 18, Chili tp., and now lives on sec. 28. He has been School Director three years and Road Commissioner one year. He owns 160 acres of good prairie land in good cultivation. John P. Rowland, farmer, Chili, was born in Ohio in 1816, the son of Philip and Rebecca (Perlee) Rowland, of French descent^ father' a native of New Jersey and mother of Ohio. In 1839 he married Sarah R. McComas, and of their 10 children 9 are living. Two sons and one son-in-law were in the late war. He came to this county in 1864, settling in Augusta tp., and removed to this tp. in 1869. Has been a successful farmer, now owning 103 acres of good land. Has been Road Commissioner; is a Republican. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he has been Deacon in the Church. Daniel T. Scott, farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Bowen; was born in Cass county, 111., in 1835, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Martin) Scott, father of Scotch descent. In 1861 he married Miss Nancy S. AVoods, and they have 5 children, 4 of whom are girls. Mrs. S. is a member of the M. E. Church. He was reared in Beardstown, 111. He did not have a cent of money when he commenced for himself, but he now owns 200 acres of good land. He is a Democrat. G. K. Seaton, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., West Point; was born in Kentucky Aug. 16. 1829; son of C. D. and Elizabeth (Payne) Seaton, of English descent, father a native of Kentucky,and mother of Virginia. In 1B55 he married Elizabeth Harding, who died in May, 1865. In 1866 he married Adeline Bartholomew, and 4 of their 6 children are living, 3 of whom are boys. He and wife are members of the Christian Church at AVest Point, but attend Church at Denver. He came to this county in March, 1853, settling in St. Alban's tp., and came to Chili in 1857, settling on sec. 7, where he now resides. He is a Republican, and has been School Director eight years and Road Commissioner three years. He owns 270 acres of land. Has made most of his property by his own hard earnings, and is a very neat farmer. He had one brother, 5 brothers-in-law and one nephew in the late war. He is the owner of one of the best dwellings in the t]>. His father came to Adams county in 1844. Z. P. /Slate?', farmer, sec. 18; P. 0., West Point; was born in 544 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Yermont in 1S34, and is the son of John and Ruth E. (Nutting) Slater, of Eno-lish descent, father a native of Vermont, and mother of Connecticut. In 1855 he married Sarepta S. Stone, and they have 4 daughters and one son. Two of the daughters were educated in Carthage College, and are teachers. Mr. S. was ordained as a minister in the Free-Will Baptist Church in 1868, and followed the ministry until 1869, since which time he has been farming. He is a Republican, and is School Director and Trustee; was Clerk ot the Central Division of this Church several years. His father came to this county in 1834. Jose'pli C. Stevens, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Chili; was born in this county in 1837, and has spent his life here. He is a son ot Joseph and Almira (Dee) Stevens, father a native of New York, and mother of Yermont. In 1860 he married Miss Thamzin McLean, a member of the M. E. Church. He is a Democrat and has been Collector and School Director. His father came to this county in 1833, and died here in 1846. Mr. S. well remembers the experience of pioneer life m the prairie West, the great iires, etc., one of which burned up all his fences, and he let the farm for a term of three years to a party who should reph.ce them. William T. Stratton, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., Be wen; was born in Connecticut in 1833, and is the son of G. W. and I'atience (Aikins) Stratton, father a native of Massachusetts and of English descent, mother of New York State and of Scottish descent. In 1853 he married Harriet Stevens, and they have 6 children. He came to Illinois in 1865, settling in Knox county, and the same fall moved to Hancock county, settling on the northeast of sec. 10. When he lirst came to this State he had only $20, but he now owns 200 acres of land. He is a Democrat. George TTivasher^ farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Bowen; was born in Ohio in 1827, son of Charles and Malinda (Hicks) Thrasher, both natives of Connecticut and of English descent; he was married in Hamilton county April 11, 1852, to Hester Ann Hubbard, and 4 of their 6 children are now living. Both are members of the Congregational Church in Bowen. He came to this county in 1854, and now owns 260 acres of good land. He is a Republican. Gilbert Tillajpaugh, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Denver; was born in New York State in 1830, and is the son of John and Hannah (Kniskern) T., natives of New York, and of German descent; educated in the common school and at Schoharie Academy; in early life was a school-teacher. April 4, 1865, be married Eliza- beth Machene, and they have 2 daughters living, Hattie L., graduate of Carthage College in 1879, and Helen E., also an attendant at the same college. Mr. T. and wife and eldest daugh- ter are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church at St. Alban's. He came to this county from New York in 1854, settling on sec. 15, and moved here in 1869, locating on sec. 5. He owns 160 acres of well improved land. He is a Republican, and has been HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 5i5 Clerkof his tp. four years, Collector, School Trustee and Director, and Superintendent of the Sabbath-school at Denver. David G. Todd, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Chili; was born in 1835, son of Jonathan and Jemima (Warner) Todd, father a native of Vermont, and mother of Connecticut, and both of Eng'lish descent. Attended common school and Knox College a short time; has taught school some, but has followed farming principallv; came to this county in 1837, where he has lived ever since. He has been moderately successful as a farmer. He is a Republican, and gave Lincoln his iirst vote. His father was born Sept. 6, 1T96, and died in this county in 184:3; his mother was born May 8, 1798, and is still living with her son David and her daughter Charlotte on their farm, which consists of 100 acres of good land. David N. Van Brunt, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Augusta; was born in the State of New York in 1831, son of Isaac and Hannah (Lnckey) Van Brunt, natives of the Empire State, the father of I)utch,and the mother of Irish, descent. In 1858 he married Irene Campbell, and their 3 children are all living. Mrs. Yan B. is a member of the United Brethren Church. In 1862 Mr. Yan B. enlisted in Co. K, 119th 111. Yol. Inft., under Capt. Johnson, and was in all the battles except two in which the regiment was engaged; he was captured at Batford Station in Tennessee; at the close of the war he was discharged at Mobile, and was mustered out at Camp Butler. He came to this county June 2, 1852, settling on sec. 25, where he owns 80 acres of land and made nearlv all the improvements. Alexander Waggoner, farmer, sec. 20, was born in Fayette county. Pa., in 1840, and is the son of Lewis M. and Mary (McLain) Waggoner, natives of Pennsylvania, father of German and mother of English descent. In 1868 he married Sarah A. Overman, a native of Adams county. 111., where she was born Oct. 31, 1811:. They have 2 daughters, — Aines Ethel, born Aug. 8, 1872, and Alma Berenice, Aug. 10, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the M. E. Church, and he is a Democrat. He came to this county with his father from Pennsylvania in 1841, settling near Chili, on sec. 20, where he now resides. His father im- proved the first farm l)etween Chili and Augusta. In 1863-'4 he was in Nevada and Colorado Territories. As a farmer he has been successful. John William Willhite, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Denver; was born in Yirginia March 4, 1824, and is a son of William and Sarah (Weaver) Willhite, natives of the old Dominion, and of German descent; he never went to school more than three months. Dec. 14, 1843, he married Eliza Miller, and of their 12 children 11 are living, 3 of whom are boys. Five of the children are married. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Adventist Church at Antioch. He is a Jackson Democrat. He came to this county in 1839, settling on sec. 36 in Harmony tp. As a farmer he has been moderately successful, owning 223 acres of land; located 546 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. on his present place about 1866; when he married he was not worth $50. His daughter Arinina has attended Carthage College and is teaching school. Mr. W. was in the Mormon war, and was in Carthage the day the Smiths were killed. He sajs the Mor- mons ran one way and the citizens the other. L. 8. Worman, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Augusta; was born in Pennsylvania in 1850, son of D. D. and Catharine (Myers) Wor- man, natives of the Keystone State, and of German descent; he attended the University at Otterbein. Feb. 23, 1877, he married Rebecca S. Smith, and both are members of the United Brethren Church, at Washington Chapel. He came to this county in 1873. Has been a farmer all his life, now owning 80 acres of land. John H. Wristen, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., Bowen; was born in Christian county, Ky,, in 1822. His father, Thomas Wristen, was a native of Kentucky, and his mother, Hannah Boggess, was a native of Virginia. He came to this county in 1851, settling with- in three miles of where he now lives. In 1874 he married Rachel Griffitts, his last wife. Both are members of the Baptist denom- ination at the Providence Church. He is a Democrat, and has been School Director several times, in this district five years. He commenced life with a pair of ponies only, and he now owns 150 acres of good land. He has 9 children living, 7 at home. Thomas C. and William Lee are school-teachers. Joseph!^. Yarnell, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Bowen; was born in Lancaster county. Pa., in 1841, son of David and Margaret (ISTell) Yarnell, natives also of the Keystone State; father was raised a Quaker, mother of remote Irish ancestry. In 1872 he married Mary E. Bosheu, and they have two sons and two daugh- ters. Mrs, Y. is a native of Illinois, and is a member of the M. E. Church at Chili. In 1862 Mr. Yarnell enlisted in Co. D, 78th Reg., under Capt. R. M. Black; was discharged in 1865; was on detached service for some time afterward. His politics is Repub- lican. He owns nearly 100 acres of land, all under cultivation, and bids fair to rank as one of the neatest farmers of the township. TOWN OFFICERS. Those who served the township in the four leading official capaci- ties are as follows, as completely as the list could be made out from the returns: SUPERVISORS. GilmoreCallisou 1850 Albert Holmes 1866 Elisha Worrell 1851 A. E. McNeall 1867 Levi G. Patchin 1853 T. C. Clayton 1868 Elisha Worrell 1855 Jos. C. Caine 1870 Milton K. Pomeroy 1856 Eugene B. Davis 1873 Levi W. Pomeroy 1858 Henry K. Ramsey 1874 Joseph C. Caine 1859 Joseph C. Caine 1876 George W. Mm-phy 1863 Mathias McNeall 1877 Levi G. Patchin 1864 CharlesCook 1878 Joseph C. Caine 1865 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 547 CLERKS. William Sullivau 1855 Nicholas Hanson 1856 Jonathan W. Todd 1858 Gilbert Tillapaugh 1862 Joseph Ivins 1864 L. W. Pomerov. 1865 William Prescott 1867 Wm. J. Dimmock ' 1869 Geoi-ge W. Nash 1870 Charles C. Marsh 1873 Jol^n F. Williams 1874 H. B. Nash 1876 Oscar Weisenberg 1877 H. B. Nash 1878 T. N. Gillis 1880 ASSESSORS . A. T. Dickersou 1855 Levi Pomeroy 1856 A. T. Dickerson 1858 Geo. W. Stevens 1864 D. G. Todd 1865 Samuel E. Elliott 1866 Joseph C. Caine 1867 A. Holmes 1868 John J. Worley 1870 Levi W. Pomeroy 1871 Daniel Smith 1873 Sam'l E. Elliott 1873 Benj. C. Edwards 1874 David Van Brmit 1876 Wm. B. Marvil 1877 Clark Caine 1878 J. C. Caine 1880 COLLECTORS. A. T. Dickerson 1855 Levi Pomeroy 1856 A. T. Dickerson 1858 Daniel Smith 1865 Gilbert Tillapaugh 1866 A. T. King 1867 J. A. Cunningham 18G8 Adam Reeves". 1869 Isaac Newland 1870 David P. Worrell 1871 Jesse Palmer 1873 John F. Williams 1873 David P. Worrell 1874 J. R. Fordyce 1875 C. B. Taylor 1876 Oliver Stevens. '. 1877 Wm. Palmer 1878 Henry Garner 1879 Thomas Tateman 1880 ST. ALBAN'S TOWNSHIP. Centrally on the south line of the county lies St. Alban's — num- bered 3 north, 7 west. This township is prettj"- nearly ecj^ually divi- ded between woodhmd and prairie, — the former predominating in the west half, and the prairie over the east half. It contains many iine farms and much good farming land, and considerable bluff and broken woodland. This last is to be found on the borders of the Bear creek branches. Its two towns are — Westpoint — laid out in March, 1856, bv David Wigle; and Stillwell— laid out Dec, 1S70, by VVm.'H. Zinn and Arthur Still- well; both on the Quincy, Carthage & Burlington Railroad, and six or seven miles westwardly from Bowen, on the T. W. & W. The former road runs dii*ectly south through this township, near its centei'. Among the early settlers of the county, and who were here pre- cedent to organization, we have the names of John Harding, and Robert and Aaron (Abel) Harding, who are supposed to have been his brothers or more distant relatives. John Harding transferred his claim, lying due west of and adjoining the village of Chili, to Elisha Worrell, Esq., in 1835, having occupied it for seven years. Through Mr. Worrell we have the statement that this same claim — north half of section 25, St. Alban's township — had been owned and occupied since 1823, by Col. Daniel B. Whipple, late of Ad- ams county, at a date when his nearest neighbors were Fort Ed- wards, Ru^ville and Quincy. If so, Col. Whipple must have been one among the very earliest settlers in Hancock county — indeed, the earliest of whom w^e have any account, if we except the officers and people at the fort. Col. W. and his uncle, Barnabas B. Whip- ple, were the patentees of the claim, having been in service in the war of 1S12-'1-J:, with Great Britain. Among the other early settlers of this township were Garrett Bean and his brother-in-law, Mr. Mills, wlio came to where Mr. B. now resides in 1836. [For a very interesting narrative of Mr. Bean, see another chapter.] He resides below Stillwell on the county line. Mr. Mills moved to Missouri over 30 years ago, and is now deceased. Other pioneers were, Jonathan Todd, Wm. Pike, Jesse Richardson, Dr. Cook, Noah Stokes, J(ihn Slater, Wm. Bride, Benoin C. Bride, Truman Kinney, Joseph Kinney, James E. Moore, Wm. Owen, Eldridge Renshaw, C. W. Hicks, Alexander McDon- ald, David Wigle, Bradley Hecox, James Knott. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. The well-known Peter Akers is mentioned as among the first itinerant preachers in this township, and is said to have visited and (548) ST. ALBANS T,.. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 551 preached in private houses as early as 1837 or '38. The new towns of "West Point and Stillwell each have churches, data concerning which we liave been unable to obtain. PERSONAL SKETCHES. In connection with the foregoing historical sketch we give brief biographies of the old settlers and prominent persons of the town- ship. They will be found to form an interesting feature of this volume. Garrett Bean was born in Kentucky in 1807. At the age of 20 he emigrated to Pike county, 111., where he lived one year, then to Galena, 111., for a short time, and then to Quincy, III., where he worked one winter for John Wood, afterward Governor of Illinois, for whom JMr. B. made 4,000 rails and 2,000 shingles. After living in Adams county one year, Mr. B., in 1836, came to Hancock county, 111., and located in St. Albans tp., on the farm where he now lives. Although placed in the wilderness with nothing excepting willing hands and a noble wife, he has accumulated a handsome fortune. He has a farm of 316 acres of good timber and prairie land. He was married in 1831 to Miss Nancy Crow, of Adams county, 111., and 1 boys and 1 girls were born to this union, — Sarah E., William, John, Martha, Mary A, and Henry are those that are living. Mr. B. has held the office of School Trustee and is a mem- ber of the Methodist Church. Jesse W. Brown, miller at Stillwell, is a native of the Buckeye State and was born in 1817. His father was Isaac C, native of Ohio and born in 1809. His mother was Rachel Hurt, who was born in Vermont in 1801. Jesse W. remained with iiis parents till 1861, when he enlisted at Camp Butler in the 32d 111. Inft., under Col, Logan. He did his lirst fighting at Kingston, Georgia, where he got hurt and was not able to do an}' more active service. After returning home he was at Chili, then he went to Burlington, Iowa, M'here he was engaged in the shingle factory for a short time; then he worked for the C.,B. & Q. bridge contractors, and helped build their bridge over the Mississippi river, and then he returned to Chili ; then acted as foreman over a company of men who were en- gaged in moving houses for the railroad company. He next was engineer at the mills at Stillwell, 111., for 2^ j'ears, then in the same business at La Harpe, 111., and has been in the milling business at Stillwell since 1874. He is a Freemason, being a member of Dills Lodge, Xo. 205; is also a Methodist and a Republican. iV^. B. Butler, farmer, was born in Kentucky in 1827. His father, Hezekiah Butler, was a native of Maryland, and was born in 1799; his mother, Margarette, nee Payne, was born in 1808. At the age of 24 he was married to Apphia Seaton, who was a native of Kentucky, and died in 1864. There were 3 children by this union. Mr. Butler came to his present farm in 1852, and has lived there ever since. He owns a farm of 190 acres of land, valued at 33 552 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. $40 per acre. Mr. B. takes unusual interest in his family, neatness and thrift being manifested in all the surroundings. In educational matters Mr. B. takes great interest in giving his own children the benefits of schools, and also in advancing the interests of education in any way that he possibly can. He was married a second tijne, to Hannah Clark, of Hancock county, 111., in 1867, and their 2 chil- dren are Frank and George F. Henry 6?Z«^-^, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., "West Point; was born in 1823, in New York. His father, Calvin Clark, was a native also of New York, and was born in 1799; was weigh-master in the war of 1812, at Sacket's Harbor. His mother's maiden name was Fannie Searles, and she was born in Bennington, Vt,, in 1804, and died in 1835. Grandfather Searles was born in 1764, in Rhode Island. His grandmother Searles was born in 1766 in Rhode Island. Mr. C. lived with his parents until IS years of age, then lived in Oneida county for the next two years, then emigrated to Wisconsin, remaining till 1858, when he came to Hancock county. 111., and moved into the same house where he now lives. Before locating on this farm Mr. Clark spent several years clerking in stores. He owns 120 acres of land, most of which is improved. In 1848 he married Gertrude M. Striker (since deceased), who bore him 2 chil- dren. He married his second wife in 1860, Abby B. Striker, a sister of his former wife, a native of New York, and born in 1825. Of the 2 children by this union Ruth E. is living. Mr. C. has been asso- ciated with many Indian tribes in his early history with the West, and can speak several Indian languages. He is a Democrat. Dr. Y. B. Corey., West Point, was born June 3, 182S, in Penn Yan, Yates county, N. Y. ; his parents were Joseph A. and Mer- cy (Andrews) Corey, natives of Rhode Island. The grandparents of our subject were Joseph A. and (Briggs) Corey, of English descent. The parents of Mercy Andrews were Samuel and Waty (Briggs) Andrews, of Providence, R. I., and of English ancestry. The subject of this notice left home at the age of 14; learned the blacksmith's trade, whicli he followed until 22, but at the ao^e of 20 he commenced the study of medicine, having the use of the library of Dr. Andrew F. Oliver. In 1854 he came West, visited several States, and located first at Quincy, 111., where he read medicine in the oifice of Dr. John Parson for two years, when he came and settled at West Point, this county, and established himself in a good practice. Being a strong Republican and a [Tnion man, he enlisted Aug. 28, 1862, as a private in Co. C. llSth 111. Vol. Inf , to serve three years; the regiment was organized at Camp Butler, Springfield, 111., and the Doctor was appointed Hospital Steward of the regiment; May 16, 1863, at the battle of Champion Hills, Miss., he was detailed to act as Assistant Surgeon, which position he continued to hold until the regiment was mustered out in Oc- tober, 1865. The Doctor was in the battle of Chickasaw BluflP, Miss., Dec, 1862, and the engagements at Arkansas Post, Jan. 11, 1863; the regiment was then in camp at Young's Point, La., until HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 553 March 9 next, when it was moved to Milliken's Bend, and April 2 it was ordered to the rear of Vicksburg, in the siege of which it participated, imder Gen. Grant. May 1 they met the^ enemy at Port Gibson, then at Champion Hills; but previous to the last the Doctor had been sent back to the hospital at Raymond, Miss. At this place lie was taken prisoner, but paroled, and afterwards re- turned to the regiment as Assistant Surgeon, at Black River Bridge, in ^le rear of Vicksburg. The regiment was transferred to the Department of the Gulf under Gen.. Banks, then ordered to Port Hudson, La., in January, 1864, and July following to Baton Rouge, where in October, 1865, they were mustered out. The Doctor then returned to West Point, where he has since resided, in the enjoy- ment of a lucrative practice. He was married in Quincy, 111., Oct. 29, 1855, to Miss Mary O. Conyers, a native of Missouri and a daughter of John Conyers, who was a native of Kentucky and of Iris-h and German descent. The Doctor has had 5 children, of whom 4 are living — Martha J., now the wife of G. G. Lohr, residing at Columbus, Adams county, 111. ; John T. ; Charles F. and Agnes A., the last living at home. Dr. Corey is a Freemason, a Republican, and was Postmaster four years in Pike county. His portrait is given elsewhere in this volume. Francis Eghers, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., West Point; was born in New Orleans, La., in 1835. He was a son of Charles and Magdalen (Amons) Egbers, both of whom were natives of Germany. The former was born in 1800 and the latter in 1812. The subject of this sketch was brought up under the parental roof until his 24th year, when he emigrated to the mountains in the West, and for a year and a half engaged in various kinds of work; in 1860 he returned home and remained one year, and then, in 1861, took unto himself a wife in the person of Elizabeth Wilcox, who was born in 1820 in England. Unto them have been born 4 children, 3 of whom are still living; viz., WiberS,, Robert C. and Guy F. After marriage Mr. E. located on his father's farm in Rocky Run tp., and then on a farm of his own in same tp., where he lived seven years, and then located in St. Alban's, near West Point, and was there until he located in Stillwell, where he was engaged in the flouring business for one year, and then he purchased the farm on which he now resides. His farm of 110 acres is valued at 84,000. Mr. E. and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Church. William H. Felgar, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., West Point. In the subject of this sketch we have one of St. Alban's most active business men. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1841. His parents were from the same State. His father, John Felgar, was born in 1818. During the first 28 years of his successful life he remained at home; then was united in marriage to Mary A. Hardy, of Adair county, III., in 1868. They have been blessed with T children — May I., John B., Minnie G., Harry IL, Oliver H., William S. and Olive A. (dec). After marriage Mr. F. located on 554 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. his present farm of 240 acres, This home is vahied at $10,000. Mr. F. is a Lutheran and a Democrat. F. L. F aimer, farmer, sec. 9; P. O. West Point; was born near Niagara Falls, in Canada, in 1840. His father, Jacob Fulmer, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1804. His mother was a native of New York State, and was born in 1808. Her maiden name was Mary J. Merrill. After he was 21 years old, Mr. F. came to Jacksonville, 111., and was employed in the Insane Hospital for two years. He then married Miss Mary J. Bay less and moved to Wisconsin, locatinoj at Iron Ride, Dodd Co.. and farmed two years. Then he moved to Hancock conniy and located near AVest Point, and has resided here most of the time since. Was in Keokuk two years as bridge-keeper, then in Carthage one year, having charge of the poor iarm, Mr. F. owns 1 10 acres of well improved land. He is one of St. Alban's representative farmers. He is a member of the M. E. Church at West Point. Their chil- dren are Lee D. and Maud. J. J. Gidlirie, grocer. West Point, was born in Kentucky in 1835. He was the son of John and Sarah (Johnston) Guthrie. Mr. G. remained at home until 21 years of age, receiving more than an ordinary education, enabling him to teach school for several terms. He was married in 1858 to Sarah Crampton, who was born in Schuyler county. 111., in 1837. She has borne him 10 children, 6 of whom are living — Wm. L., Ella, John F., Adie, Charles L. and Henry. Mr. G.' owns a beautiful home in the village, besides his well-stocked store. He is a member of the Lutheran Church; has been Supervisor, and for 15 years Justice of the Peace, and is now School Treasurer, which office he has filled with unanimous satis- faction for live years.* Green Harding^ farmer; P. O., Still well; M^as born in 1820, in Adair county, Ky. He is a son of Abel and Julia (Bettisworth Harding; his father was a native of Kentucky, and was born in 1798. His mother was born in Yirginia in 1791. The subject ot this sketch is the eldest of 12 children. He came to Hancock county, 111., with his parents, in 1831, which makes him one of the earliest settlers in this county. When his father settled here there were only four families in St. Alban's tp. His father lived the rest ot his long and useful life in the county. He died in 1861. At the "age of 17 Mr. Green Harding left home and lived with an uncle for three years, giving most of his time to hunting. He was united in marriage in 1842, with Miss Sarah A. Stokes, who bore him 9 children, h boys and 4 girls. She died in Oct., 1862, He married his present wife, Elizabeth Bucklew, of Hancock county, III, in 1871, who was a native of Ohio and born in 1840. Julia R., Weslian G. and Edwin Irvin G. have been born to them. Mr. H. first located on land on which a part of the town of Stillwell now stands. He lived there 20 years, when, in 1863, he sold out and purchased the farm on which he now lives. Mr. H. owns 166 acres of im- proved land. His home surroundings are such as will make his old HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 555 age a pleasant one. He has been School Trustee for 20 years and Justice of the Peace 10 years. He bei^an his Christian life with the M. E, Church, but now he is a believer in the Universalist doctrine. J ohti Hicks, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., West Point; was born in Pennsylvania in 1844, and was the son of Constant W. and Susanah (Kelly) Hicks. The former was born in Vermont in 1820. and died in 1878. His grandfather Kelly was in the war of 1812, and died in . His grandmother Kelly died in 1793. His great-grandfather Kelly was born in 17(36, was in tlie Revolu- tionary war and died in 1850. The subject of this sketch was married in 1874. He began accumulating for himself on the farm where he now liv^es, and now owns 166 acres of improved land. He enlisted in the late war in 1864, in the 28th HI. Inft. ; was in the battle of Spanish Fort, Ala. His 2 children are, Susanah, born Sept. 13, 1875, and Constant B , born March 16, 1878, ITenri/ Hmlde, farmer, sec. 14; P. O., West Point; is the son of Andrew and Catharine (Shew) Hinkle, and was born in Pennsylvania in 1827. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and his father is still living at the age of 85. Mr. H. assisted his father until he attained his majority, when he took nnto himself a wife in the person of Sophia Frantz, who was a native of the Key- stone State, and born in 1828;, 5 of their 9 children are living, Samuel A., Catharine D., Elijah E., Mary M., Franklin A. Mr. H. resided in Pennsylvania till 1858, working at his trade, which was blacksmithing. He then came West and located in Adair county. 111., where be lived four years, then came to St. Alban's tp. where he has farmed ever since. Mr. H. owns 130 acres of good land, and has the reputation of being one of St. Alban's rep- resentative farmers. He and his estimable wife are members of the Christian Church, Elliotts. Hoffman, farmer, sec. 22; was born Jan. 7, 1826, in Madison county, Va. ; his])arents were James and Mary H. (Finks) Hoffman, natives of the same county, and of German and English ancestry; the former was born in 1800 and the latter in J806. Elliott Finks, the grandfather of Mr. Hoff'man, was a Major in the war of 1812. The subject of this notice commenced life for him- self at the age of 24; lived in Virginia several years, then in Mary- land four years,and about 1860 came to Hancock county. In October, 1864, lie enlisted in Co. C, 42d 111. Vol. Inf , and served one year, being in the battles of Franklin, Spring Hill, Nashville, etc. Since the close of the war he has resided in this count}^ except six or seven years in Adams county, 111., four years of which time he lived ten miles south of Quincy. By trade Mr. H. is a carpenter and joiner, but since his marriage he has followed farming. He was married in October, 1866, to Mrs. Mung, nee Isabella Gregory, daughter of John Gregory, of Adams county. 111., and formerly of Virginia. She was born in 1828. Mr. G. was of Irish descent and his wife of Scotch. Mr. Hoffman has a farm of 154 acres, valued 556 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. at $30 per acre, in this tp., on sec. 22, where he resides, and he has also 45 acres in Livingston county. Mo., and 320 in Adams county, on sec. 22, Fall Creek tp,, valued at $100 pei- acre and yielding a rental of $1,000 a year. In politics Mr. H. is a Democrat; was form- erly an old-line Whig. He is also a member of the Advent Chris- tian Church, at Antioch, of which he and his wife have been mem- bers for about five years; they were formerly Baptists. Geo. M. Jones., farmer, sec. 26; P. 0., Stillwell; was born in Ohio in 1833; when IS years old he went to the Golden State where he mined and farmed for four years; then he returned to Hancock county, 111., in 1855, where he has lived ever since excepting the three years he has served his country in the war for the suppression of the Rebellion. He enlisted in the 10th Missouri Infantry, under Col. Holmes, and was in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, among which are the first and second sieges of Corii;tli, and the battle of luka, and was wounded in the battle at Jackson, and was then taken prisoner, sent to Richmond, Ya., and cast into Libby prison; but was soon removed from there to Annapolis, Md., and placed in the navy hospital; was sent from there to the parol camp at St. Louis, Mo. After going to the front again he was doing- garrison duty most of the time and was in the battle of Resaca, Ga. He was discharged at Cartersville, Ga., in 1864. Since his return home he has lived on his present ^arm. He has been twice mar- ried. His first marriage was with Miss Eliza Stokes, in 1855 ; names of the children are Wilson J. and Delia E. His present wife is a sister of his former wife and a daughter of Noah Stokes, whose biog- raphy ie given further on. Mr. J. is School Trustee at this time. In politics he is a Republican. Charles H. G. Kessler, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., West Point. This gentlenjan is a native of Germany, where he was born in 1817. He is the 10th of 11 children born to John and Marj' (Wies) Kessler His parents having died when he was young, he was raised by an uncle until he was 14 years old, when he was apprenticed for three years to learn the book-binding trade. Completing his apprentice- ship, he emigrated to America in company with his brother John, in 1836. He first lived in the south part of Missouri for 10 years, then he came to Hancock county, and resided in Warsaw for two years, then to the bottoms for two years, then to the bluffs for seven years, and finally to the farm where he now resides, which consists of 190 acres of mostly improved land. Mr. K. was married in 1841 to Elizabeth Benner. of Missouri, but a native of Germany. 11 children have l)een born to this union, only 4 of wliom are liv- ing ; viz., Charles W., Elizabeth, Philip and Annie. His children have more than an ordinary education. Charles has attended the Wesleyan College of Missouri. Methodist. Republican. Joseph R. Kinny., deceased, well and favorably known, and none more honored or loved, was born in Erie county, N. Y., June 23, 1820. In 1837, when 17 years old, he came to Illinois, and located in St. Alban's tp. with his parents. At the age of 23 he was HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 557 ■anited in marriage with Miss Ann J. Graham, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and born in 1827. He leaves to mourn his loss his aged widow and 6 of 11 children. Mr. Kinny, although never aspiring to become wealth}^ accumulated a handsome fortune to leave his family. This was accomplished, too, by his own unceas- ing industry, and strict honesty. He began the strifes and toils of life with only $200, which was given to them by Mrs. Kinny's grandfather Graham. He first purchased 50 acres of land, wdiich is the part of his present farm ou which are the home imj:)rove- ments. He owned 1G5 acres of land, most of which was well im- proved. The names of the 6 living children are — Mary P., born in ISttO; Minerva A., born in 1851; Sylvia A., born in 1853; Lutina J., born in 1855; Emma L., born in 1857; Charles O., born in 1866; and Albert T.. born in 1870. Mr. Kinny early embraced the Savior, and, together with his young wife, united with St. Alban's Free-Will Baptist Church, of which ht^ remained a faithful member until his death. " He was a noble Christian, a tender husband, a loving father, a kind neighbor." John M.Kitiel^ farmer, sec. 16; P. O,, West Point; is one of the pioneers of Hancock count}', and also of St. Alban's tp. He has been a resident of the county for 28 years, and 18 years in this tp. When Mr. K. located where he now lives there were but few im- proved farms in the county. He has made all of his large fortune of 430 acres of good land, by the sweat of his brow and strict hon- esty. Mr. K. is not only one of St. Alban's wealthy men, but he is known as one of the solid men of Western Illinois. He is a native of Germany, born in 1824; came to America in 1850, and first located in Adair county, N. Y. ; thence to Quincy, 111., and was there till 1852, and then he went to Warsaw, where he lived for , 10 years, teaming most of the time. In 1862 he came to his present farm, where he has resided ever since. He was married in 1852 to Margaretta Geits, of Quincy, 111., but a native of Germany. The children by this union are 7, — 4 boys and 3 girls. His second union was with Miss Margarette Kittel, in 1868, and they have 4 children living; viz., Sophira, Elizabeth, Martha, and Peter. Mr. K. has more than an ordinary education, and is able to read German and English fluently. Methodist, llepublican. G.W. Linn, druggist, West Point, was born in Indiana in 1832. His parents were natives of Ohio; his father, John Linn, was born in 1803, his mother was born in 1805. Mr. Linn at the age of 18 began learning the blacksmith trade, and continued in this employ- ment until 1860, when he enjjaijed in mercantile business for the next 5 years. In 1873 he moved to Hancock county. 111., and commenced the drug business, in which he has been ever since. This is the only drug store in the village. Mr. L. has a large stock of goods, and not only enjoys a lucrative trade, but by his social qualities and courteous treatment of customers he is universally esteemed. He was married to Mary E. Carter, of Ohio, in 1853. She has borne him 3 children; viz., Mary A., Emma C, and Nettie 558 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. F. Mr, Linn's wife died May 20, 1873. He was married to his second wife,Mrs. Irene Taylor, of Liberty, 111., in September, 1863. There are 2 children by this union, — George II.,born in JN'ovember, 1874, and Cory G., born in July, 1879. Mr, L. is a member of Masonic and Odd Fellow orders. Has been Collector. Methodist. Republican. James W. Madison was born in Schuyler county, 111., in 1873. He was a son of Roland T. Madison, whose sketch is given elsewhere in tliis work. His mother's maiden name was Nancy Amy, who was born in Virginia in 1824. James remained with his parents till lie was 27 years old, when he enlisted in the army at Camp Douglas, December, 1861, in the 57th 111. Yol. Inf., and served most of the time as a recruiting officer under Lieutenant Christo- pher of the regular army. Mr. M. was in the battles at Pittsburg Landing and Corinth, where he was discharged in 1863, because of injuries received. In 1868 he entered Abingdon College, and con- tinued there three years completingthe Biblical course . After gradu- ation he engaged with the Christian Church, and labored for them for 10 years, when he became dissatisfied with the doctrines of that denomination and united with the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch, and was appointed to West Point Circuit in SeiDtember, 1879. Mr. M. is a very zealous worker among his people. He was mar- ried in 1864 to Fanny Doty; 5 of tlieir 7 children are living; viz., Edmund H., Louis A., Amelia S., Mestyl and Blanche. Mr. M. is a Master Mason; has been Assessor of St. Alban's township. He owns some town property. eZ. K. Mason, dealer in groceries, produce, notions, etc., West Keokuk, Iowa, was born in Adair county. Mo., in 1840, when that ♦county was almost a wilderness; came to Hancock county in 1844, settling in 1845 on the farm where Basco now stands; here he at- tended his first school; in 1853 he went to his father's store in Ti- oga, thence to Warsaw in 1859, where he learned the cooper's trade; in August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 19th Iowa, and fought in the battle of Springfield, Mo., Jan. 7 and 8, 1863; was in the army on the frontier, where long marches were common, until June, 1863, when he went to A'^icksburg and was in the trenches during the siege; was in the battle and capture of Yazoo City; was taken prisoner at the battle of Morganzie, or Sterling Farm, La., in Sep- temlier, 1863. Of his escape from the rebel prison Mr. Mason has published a detailed account which is too long for insertion here. The prison pen was at Tyler, Smith Co., Texas, from which he es- caped on the niglit of Nov. 24, 1863. The distance to the nearest Union forces was 260 miles. This long and perilous journey was undertaken with only one day's rations of corn bread and four bis- cuit to sul)sist upon; he seemed to suffer all the hardships possible for nian to suffer and live. He reached Ellis Clifl\ 12 miles below Natchez, Dec. 24, 1863, where he was taken aboard the Union Mon- itor Osage. He was then in the hospital at New Orleans until the 3d of July next, when he crossed the Bluff to Brazos, Santiago' HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 559 in a small 65-ton sailing vessel, being eight days out of sight of land; reached Brazos July 12, and joined tlie regiment at Fort Brown on the Rio Grande; had a skirmish at White Ranch, Texas, in Au- gust; went from there to Pensacola, Fla.. where he was detailed for a while in the Provost Marshal's office; from there he went to Fort Gaines, Ala., thence to Pascagoula, Miss., then to Fort Morgan and wound up at Mobile, Ala. Carried collai'S at assault and dur- ing the 12 daj's' siege of Spanish Foi't; was wounded, a part of his lower jaw being carried away by a piece of sliell. Pie was linally discharged from the hospital at Mound City, 111., June 22, 1865, He carries also a wound in his breast. After stopping in Warsaw awhile he went to La Grange, Mo., where he engaged for a time with B. R. Lafton in the grocery busi- ness; in the spring of 1867 he moved to Warsaw, where he mar- ried his present wife, Rachel L. Markley, of Wittsburg, Ark. Her only child, Nellie was born Feb. 14, 1863. Mr. Mason moved to Keokuk from Wythe township in 1873, engagiug in the grocery business at the lower end of 5th street, where he has built up a prosperous trade. In 1879 he was elected Alderman by a majority of 1878 in a total vote of 482. He is now a member of the City Council, where he stands as high as any other member in the esti- mation of the people. Jose])}i McKenzie, merchant and Postmaster, Stillwell, is one of St. Alban's pioneer settlers. He was born in Lexington, Ky., in 1S25, of Scotch and American ancestry. His parents were John and Sarah (Mi lligau) McKenzie. At the early age of 13 he left home, and for the next few years traveled most of the time. From 1843 to '46 he lived in Parke Co., Ind. When he was 21 years of age he came to Hancock Co., 111., and located eight miles south of Car- thage; followed farming there till lS57,when he went to Texas; thence to the Rocky mountains, and then back to McDonough Co., 111. for three years; and in 1865 he located in Hancock Co., where he has resided ever since. He has been in the village of Stillwell since 1873 engaged in mercantile business. He has also been Postmas- ter for six years. His first marriage was to Miss Ellen Pike, daugh- ter of William Pike, one of the pioneers of Hancock county. He was a native of Kentucky, and located in Hancock county in 1830, when it took all the men in the county to make a jury. At one time for eight weeks he never saw the face of a white person except those of his own family. Mr. McM. was married a second time to Mrs. Brenneman. Henrietta and Freddie W. are the children living by this union. Mr. McM. is a Freemason, and a Free- Will Baptist. Joseph McMillan^ farmer, sec. 10; P. O., West Point; was born in Ireland in 1822. His parents were Alexander and Jane (Oliver McMillan, born in 1800. Joseph remained in his native land unti 1847, when he came to America and worked in Adams county. 111., near the town of Liberty. Then he was employed for one year as cattle drover, and at the outlook of the California gold fever he 660 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. went to the mines and was there eight months; in 1851 he returned and purchased the farm where he now lives and also a farm at Lib- erty, where he farmed for one ^^ear in partnership with a Mr. Henrj. He then sold his interest to him and came to where he now resides; has lived on this farm 27 years. By untiring indus- try and good management Mr. McMillan has accumulated a hand- some fortune. He owns about 600 acres of good land, most ol which is well improved. He is a member of the Adventist Church. He took for his life partner Mary J. Morgan in 1852; she was a native of Kentucky and was born in 1832. They have been the parents ot 7 children, i of whom are living; viz., Charles M., Vtorn in August, 1853; Julia A., born December, 1S60; Elizabeth, born October, 1863 and Milo L.,born February, 1866. Charles M. grad- uated at Carthage College in 1878 with the highest honors as math- ematician, — higher than those of any one who had ever graduated at that institution. He is now Principal of West Point schools, under whose administration this village has one of the best schools in the county. F. G. Mourning, lumber merchant, West Point, was born in Kentucky, and is a son of John and Hannah (Ball) Mourning. The former was a native of Ireland, and the latter of Virginia; he died in 181:6, and she in 1837. The subject of our sketch was one of the pioneer settlers of Hancock county, having come here in 1839, and resided in the county ever since with the exception of two years, during which time he lived in McDonough county. Mr. M. has experienced the trials and hardships of Western life, but by honesty and hard labor he has secured a good home and a -flourishing lumber business. Mr. M. has followed carpentering most of his life, until the last six years, during which time he has been a lumber dealer. He was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Watson in 1839. She was a native of Adair county, Ken- tucky. They have had 6 children; viz., Joel W., Adaline H.. Elizabeth J.,' Miranda M., Nancy and Charles W. Mr. M. has served as Supervisor, and Town Clerk two terms. Has been a Free- mason for 25 years. Mr. M. enlisted in Co. C, 12th Cavalry; transferred to 118th 111. Inf. and was made Captain of Co. H. He is a Republican. Tobias A. Olson, shoemaker. West Point, is a native of Norway; born in 1846. His parents were natives of Norway and were born respectively in 1825 and 1826. Mr. O. at the age of 22 left his native home, came to America and located first at Oswego, Kendall county. 111., in 1868; then at Aurora, Kane county, and was there 1^ years; then at West Point in 1871, where he has been ever since. He learned his trade at the age of 15 and has continued at it his whole life, and now enjoys an extensive custom. Mr. O. was mar- ried in 1872 to Nancy J. Hughes who was born in Adams county, 111., in 1852, since deceased. They have had 3 children, 2 of whom are living, — Ida J., born in August, 1876; and Orville A. in Octo- ber, 1877. Lutheran. Republican. HISTORY OF HANCOCK CO>UNTT. 561 H. C. Stephen, \vao-on-makei\ AVest Point, is a son of Christopher and Elizal^eth (Wolf) Stephen, and born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1842. His parents were natives of Germany, and his father a wheelwright by trade. H. C. assisted his father in the shop until he was 20 years old, at which time he began for liimself, working for a year first at Warsaw, 111., and then engaged in wagon-making in Burling- ton for about seven years. lie then was in Warsaw two years, then at Burlington again for a year; and in the fall of 1872 he located at West Point, where he has been ever since. By his industry Mr. S. has met with abundant success, having purchased a good home, and also owns his shop. Mr. S. has been twice married. His first marriage was to Miss Carry L. Hentz, of Berlin, Pa., in 1873. There were 2 children by this marriage, Arthur and William, both of whom are dead. His second wife was Christina Kassell. of Bur- lington, Iowa, married in 1876. One child, Harry C. , was born to them, Aug. 2, 1877. In politics Mr. -S. is a Republican. Noah Stokes, retired fartner. came here in 1838, when there was only one house between his present home and Warsaw. He is a native of Caroline county, un the eastern shore of Marj'land, where he was born in 1798. His parents were also natives of Maryland. His father, William, was born in 1757. His mother, Sarah Cohee, was born in 1760. After he obtained his majority he went to Chester county. Pa., where he lived till 1838, and then emigrated to Illinois, near where he now lives. He was married to Mary Willson in 1819, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1799. Ten children have been born to them, only 3 of whom are living; viz., ituthana (Jones), Avitli whom he now lives, Emma (Jackson) and Harriett (Cox). Although ''Grandpa" is 82 years old he still possesses a strong meraorj-. He is a man who has been and is yet iirm in his opinions on all subjects. About two years since he lost his sight entirely. He has always been a Democrat. Joseph L. Sullwan, blacksmith and engineer, Stillwell, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1831. His parents were natives of the same State, the former born in 1808, and the latter in 1809. His mother's maiden nan^e was Eliza Quigley. He remained at home till 22 years old, and then emigrated to California and was there 17 years, mining and blacksmithing. In 1870 he returned to Hancock county, and has made it his home here ever since. He is at present engineer in the grist-mill at Stillwell. He is a Metho- dist and a Democrat. Enos S. Tattle^ deceased, was a native of Connecticut, and i)orn in 1796. He was a miller by trade. Jlis wife, nee Rhoda Benson, was born in New York in 1803. He moved to Indiai>a in 1817, in which State he was a ])rominent man; served one term as County Commissioner in 1845-'6. He was elected Representative from the counties of Fulton and Marshall in 1848, and served in the session of that year. He died at the age of 54, in Hancock county. 111., in 1850. He was an intimate friend of Hon, Schuyler Colfax. 562 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Eno8 B. Tuttle, wagon-maker at Stillwell, is a sou of the pre- ceding, and was born in Clarke county, Ind., in 1837. When 21 years of age he went to the Rocky mountains and remained a year; then came to this county and enlisted in the war, at Quinc}^ under Capt, Anderson, and served three years; was taken prisoner at Mul- drough Hill, Ky., and was prisoner nine months. He participated in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Cold Water, Resaca and Nash- ville, with many others. Mr. T. was married in I860, to Miss Mary J. Tamer, who was born in 1842, and is a native of Indiana. OnW one of their 5 children is living, namely, Enos W., born October, 1878. In 1871 Mr. T. located "in Stillwell, and has been working at his trade ever since. He is one of the best workmen in the count}^ and enjoys a lucrative trade. He has held the offices of Town Clerk and Assessor. Is a member of the Adven- tist Church. James O.Ward^i'cwmQY and stock dealer, sec. 13; P. O., West Point; is a native of Adams county, 111., and was born in 1841. His father's name was James Ward, and he was a native of Eng- land, and born in 1784. By occupation he was a blacksmith and wheelright. He emigrated to America in 183'i and located in New York city, where he lived for 5 years. AVuile residing in this city he took unto himself as a partner in lito Mary Truelock, who was a native of St. John's JSIew Brunswick; she was born in 1804. In 1841 he came to Payson, Adams county, 111., and erected a mill, which has never been surpassed in this section of the coun- try. After 12 years' residence in that county he moved to Hancock county, where he resided until his death in 1876. He was a mem- ber of the English Church. Although he knew nothing of figures, with a slate and pencil he could calculate the cost of anything with great rapidity and exactness. The subject of this sketch was mar- ried in 1862 to Miss Harriet Wigle, of Adams county. 111. Mr. W. owns 90 acres of land, which he farms, besides a block in AVest Point. He deals extensively in stock, having shipped to the south over 2,000 mules and horses to this date, 300 of which have been shipped this year. He is keeping a line stallion known as " Young Montezuma;" he is eight years old; was sired by James M. Nelson's "Whip Horse." His dam was " Diomede " and "Bertram." Weight 1,600 lbs. LeviWolf^ farmer; P. O., West Point; was born in 1829 in Adams county. Pa.; is a son of John and Julia (Sowers) Wolf. The former was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1801. He was a shoemaker by trade; his mother was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1806. Levi remained at home until 1850, when he was united in marriage to Mrs. S. L, Corbin, who was a native of New York, and born in 1813. She had 4 children by her former husband 2 of whom are living; namely, Parker, now of Kansas; and Jacob S., now of Quincy. John H. and Geo. W., have been born to this union. Mr. W. first located on his farm seven miles south- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTr. 563 east of Qiiincy, III., and lived there 16 years; went to West Point in 1867, where he has been engaged in mercantile business most of the time since. In the lirst four years of this business Mr. W. was first in partnership with Mr, Franks, and then with Mr. Corbin, after wliich Mr. W. continued the business alone until lately, when he sold out to his son Geo. AV. Mr. AY. owns 160 acres of land, besides valuable town property. He held the office of Collector in Adams county two years. He is a Freemason, a Methodist and a Eepublican. J. W. York, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., West Point; was born in Kentucky in 1821. His parents were natives of the same State. His father, Jesse York, was a farmer. His mother's maiden name was Betty Wright. He lived at home until he reached his majority, ■when he farmed and coopered for 12 years, and then took to him- self a life partner in 1827. His wife, Neoma Morris, was a native of Ohio, but was married in Jacksonville, III. Of their 7 children 5 are living; viz., Laura J,, Anderson D., Arthur, Harry and Fanny. Mr. York first located near Tioga, where he farmed for 15 years. He then sold out his farm there and came to St. Alban's tp., to the farm where he now lives, four miles northwest from West Point, and has lived there ever since. He owns 270 acres of good land, and improved. Mr. York began the battle of life with only $16 in money, and has accumulated his present wealth and comfortable home by hard labor and good management on the part of himself and his industrious and amiable wife. Mr. York and wife are both members of the Conorrea-ational Church of West Point. William IT. Zinn, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Stillwell; was born in 1838 in West Virginia. His father's name was Samuel G.. and he was born in 1805. His mother's maiden name was Mary Dawson, and she was a native of Virginia. Our subject had the pleasure and benefits of parental influence till he was 22 years of age, when he came to St. Alban's tp.. in 1862, where he has resided ever since. Was united in the bonds of holy matrimonv in 1862, to Martha E. Short, of St. Alban's. She died in 1865. " There are 2 children by this union living— Mary A. and Henrietta. His sec- ond marriage occurred in 1866, and was to Florence A. Craw- ford, of Walker tp., native of Illinois. Nellie M., Wm. G. and Harry C. are their cliildren, Mr. Z. owns and has under cultiva- tion 245 acres of land, valued at $10,000. He has held the office of Township Supervisor for three years. TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. The Supervisors, Town Clerks, Assessors and Collectors of this township are as follows, with perhaps some unavoidable omissions: 564 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY. SUPERVISORS. Alexander McDouald 1850 David Wigle 1851 Sylvester H. Crouch 1858 M. T. Hart 1861 Charles Overman 18G3 S. H. Crouch 1864 David Wide 1866 John J. Guthrie 1867 J. C. Knott 1871 John J. Guthrie 1873 Bradley Hecox 1873 James M. Nelson 1875 James B. Moore 1876 Wm. H. Ziuu 1877 Wm. P. Sutherland 1880 CLERKS. William Hart 1855 Alexander McDonald 1856 A. B. Crooks 1858 W. B. Stanton 1861 Marcus L. Fite 1863 W. B. Stanton 1864 Geo. W. Guthrie 1866 James Wide 1867 E. B. Tuttle 1871 3Iilan Smith 1873 Calvin S. Clark 1873 Georo-e W. Wolf 1874 Geo.^W. Guthrie. . . ., 1875 Wm. A. Davis 1878 Charles 31. McMillan 1879-80 ASSESSORS. James Knott 1855 William Fite 1856 Samuel Ziun 1858 Lavalette Kinney , 1859 James McClintock 1861 J. F. Hart 1863 Aaron O. Daj'ton 1866 Peter Frey - 1868 Lavalette Kinney 1870 J. W. 31adison 1871 B. B. Tuttle 1873 Peter Frey 1873 R. W. Hardino- 1874 John F. Hart 1875 Samuel W. Layton 1876 E. B. Rhodes 1877 Lewis Martin 1878 Elijah B. Rhodes 1879-80 COLLECTORS. Lavalette Kinney 1855 J. F. Hart 1863 Levi P. Bissell 1864 John F. Hart 1866 S. L. Svmmonds 1868 Peter Frey 1869 Sam'l W. Slavton 1873 Geo. W. Wolf. 1874 Arthur F. Day 1877 . Geo. W. Linn 1878 Ai-thm- F. Day 1879-80 WALKER TOWNSHIP. The township No. 3-8 was named Walker, from Hon. George "Walker, one of its earliest and most honored citizens. Its north half is a most excellent tract of rich prairie country, and well settled by well-to-do farmers. Its south half is principally timbered, on the waters of Bear crepk, and considerably broken, though contain- ing good farms and farming lands. This township contains two villages: Breckenridge, on the east side, was laid out by C. P. Smith and C. X.- Gentry, March, 1857; and, Tioga^ laid out by George Ensminger, in March, 1855, near the south line of the township. This latter occupies the site of what was Yelrome, or Morley Town, in the Mormon days, and which was so ruthlessly burnt out in the fall of 1845, and its inhabitants driven away. [See Chapter VI.] The first settlers in this township were Hon. George Walker, from whom it was named. Col. Levi Williams and sons, John Harris, Elder Joseph Ilatchett and his sons, Enoch Hankins, Kobert and Eli D. Gillham, Harrison Grant, B. F. Howes, Harrison Kan es, and others. Mr. Walker was a conspicuous man in the county, having served in the Board of County Commissioners and several times in the Legislature, as will be seen in other chapters. Mr. Williams was also a conspicuous leader in the Mormon war, was Colonel of one of the regiments at the time the Smiths were killed, and was one of the nine indicted for that offense. [See Mormon History.] He was a settler of about 1832, and on coming to the county first located at Calamus Spring, below Fort Edwards, in the cabin that Major Marston had occupied. He soon afterward took a claim up in Green Plains, where he resided till his death. Esquire Wtilker and Col. Williams were neither of them educated men, yet were each leading men in the community — the one an unswerving Democrat and the other as pronounced a Whig of the old school. Rev. Joseph Hatchett was a Virginian, a descendant of the French Huguenots; was reared in Kentucky; emigrated to Indiana in 1821, to Illinois in 1833. Has children now residing in the townsliip. Logan Hatchett, a young son, went, about 1834, across the river to help build Fort Des Moines, where he died and was buried, Dec, 1834. His brother Livy, and brother-in-law, John Harris, went to Montebello, crossed the river in a skiff with liazen Bedell and Cyrus Felt, in the ice, saw the body buried, and returned the same evening. (565; 566 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Of Enoch Hankins the least said the better. He has the reputa- tion of being the first murderer in the county. His story is told, however, in another chapter. The first school taught in the township was probably by Rev. Hatchett, in 1833 or 1834. The first school-house built was of logs, located on Col. Williams' farm, and in it the first teacher was Mrs. Kinney, the mother-in-law of John R. Wilcox, at Fort Edwards. The first deaths were probably two of Col. Williams' children; Mrs. Joseph Hatchett died near tiie same period — 1833. The first child born is supposed to hav^e been Mrs. Elizabeth (Harris) Vaughn, now of New Mexico, in the spring of 1834. It is claimed that one of Mrs. Williams' (Mrs. Hardin Massey) was earlier. John E. Walker, now of Warsaw, was born in 1835. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. As stated, Revs. Hatchett and Knox were the earliest preachers about Green Plains. They each held meetings in the neighborhood, at the houses of settlers; often at the residence of Col. Williams. Mr. Walker was also an occasional exhorter. It is stated that Rev. Norman Parks, a Missionary Baptist, was ordained to preach at .the Colonel's house, what year not recollected. Of later Church organizations and work we are not informed. In continuance of the local history of the township we will crive personal sketches of many of the old settlers and prominent men of the same: Lafayette H. Frazer was born in Harrison county, Ky., Sept. 11, 1818, and is a son of George Frazer, deceased, so well known in the early history of Adams county, 111. George Frazer emigrated with his family to Adams county in the spring of 1827, where he labored hard, and, like other pioneers, endured many privations in preparing the way for the prosperity of future generations. The Indians at that time were numerous, and the wild animals were to be seen on almost every hill, and in every valley of the land. While these pioneers endured untold hardships, they never lacked meat. Wild honey was also to be found in great abundance. Our subject was raised a " farmer's bov," and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, and resides on section 30, Walker township. He was married Feb. 10, 1818, to Miss Caroline Wilson, daughter of Isaac Wilson, deceased, an early settler of Adams and Hancock counties. This union has been blessed with 2 children; viz., James C. and George W. Win.. Guymon was born in North Carolina Jan. 23, 1815, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah Guymon, deceased. He came to Edgar county, 111., in 1827, where he remained nntil 1833, when he removed to this county. He was married in 1831 to Miss Sally H. Hanks, daughter of Cornelius Hanks, deceased. They have had 13 children, of whom but 6 are living; viz., Julia A. (now Mrs. Robert F. Laughlin, of this county), Washington, Jefferson, Alonzu, PRAIRIE TP. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 569 Charles H. and John E. Mr. Guymon has always been a farmer, and now resides at Breckenridge; P. O., Hickory Ridge. Bazel D. Howard was born in North Carolina Oct. 13, 1817, and is a son of Leven and Tabitha Howard, deceased. He came to Adams county about the year 1844. He was married Feb. 17, 1848, to Leah M. Brenneman, by whom he had 9 children. Of these but 3 are living; viz., William, Jasper and AValter. Mrs. Howard died Oct. 2, 1871. She was a consistent Christian and worthy member of the M. E. Church. She was a kind wife and tender mother, and none knew her but to respect her. Mr. Howard resides on sec. 36, Walker tp., and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Dr. Vin/il Kingsley, physician and surgeon, Tioga, III. The Doctor is a native of Hancock county. 111., and was born April 7, 1852, in the old Montebello House, near Hamilton. His parents were A. S. and Cynthia Kingsley, who came to Illinois about 1845. The former was a prominent farmer of this county, and was sadly missed after his death, which occurred Feb. 3, 1878, at the ao-e of 70 years, 9 months and 17 days. Our subject is related to the well known Piggotts, who were among the first settlers of St. Louis. The Doctor graduated at the Keokuk College of Physicians, June 11, 1877, with high honors. He also attended lectures in the St. Louis Medical College during the session of 1875-'6. He be^an practice July 25, 1877, in Tioga, this county, where he now has a good patronage. He was married Sept. 15, 1874, to Miss Pearle O. Howes, daughter of F. M. Howes, of Montebello tp., an early settler of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley have 2 children,— Chester H. and Cleo M. The Doctor has also made a very tine collection of geological specimens, and is still pursuing this study with energy. During the winter of 1878-'9, he delivered a course of lectures to the citizens of Tioga, on the subject of human anatomy, the laws of health, and hygiene. Dr. Isaac Lockwood, P. O., Hickory Ridge. The Doctor is a native of Cayuga county, N. Y., and was born April 27, 1805. His parents were Daty and Anna Lockwood. He removed to Penn- sylvania in 1834, to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1838, to Indiana in 1845, to Kentucky in 1857, to Iowa in 1859, and to this county in 1861. He is a physician of the Eclectic School, and has had a large prac- tice. Being very old he does not ride much now, but makes the curing of cancers a specialty. He has never failed to cure the cancer in a single instance. He cures them without cutting or burning. He was married in 1837 to JNEiss Elizabeth Baird, by whom he had 7 children (all dead). He married a second time in 1846, this time Anna M. Riggin. This union was blessed with 3 children; viz., Cordelia J., Nancy A; and Laura Bell. James Ramply was born in Hartford county, Md., Aug. 11, 1803, and is a son of Thomas and Christiana Ramply (dec), natives also of Maryland. Our subject was reared on a farm and educated in a subscription school, lie came to Adams county. 111., in 1847, 34 • 570 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. where he reiiuiined for two 3'ears, when he removed to this county and settled on sec. 24:, Walker tp., where he sfill resides, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He also carried on the coopering business in connection with farming, for several years after he located here. He was married in 1831, to Miss Elizabeth Cheney, by whom he has had 7 children, of wliom 5 are living; viz., Thomas, Kiley, John, Martha and James. Martha is now Mrs. John Loft, liiley, John and James were soldiers for Uncle Sam during the late Rebellion, and fought nobly for the stars and stripes, and won laurels that will ever be remembered. J. W. Rankin was born in this tp, March 26, 1849, and is a son of J. S. Rankii\ (dec), an early settler of Adams county, 111., and who came to this county in 1847. He was a farmer and resided on sec. 2o, Walker tp., where Mr. J. AV. now resides. The latter was raised a farmer's boy and educated in the common school*. He was married March 29, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth Symmonds, daughter of Dr. S. L. Symmonds, of Breckenridge. This union has been blessed with 2 children, Sanford and Sarah E. Adam Snyder (^dec.) was born in Washington county, Ind., Feb. i), 1815; was a brick-molder and worked as such until his death, lie came to Indiana in 1838, where he married Miss Cathai'ine Burns, Jan. 21 of the same yenw They emigrated to this county in 1840, where ]\[rs. Snyder still lives on the old home place on sec. 30, Walker tp. They had 5 children, of whom 3 are living; viz., John S., Mary J. and Geo. Thomas. Mr. Snyder died June 27, 1852. TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. Below is a list, somewhat imperfect, of the Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and Collectors of the past and present Boards of Walker township: SUPERVISORS. Allen 1850 B. F. Rankiu 1870 George Walker 1851 Eli D. Gillham 1871 Jackson Ewing 1856 VV. II. Shepherd 1872 Thomas CM-awford 1858 Geo. W. Barnett 1874 .John B. Hill 1863 Philip Ensminger 1875 George Walker 1864 Geo. AV. Barnett 1876 Jacksm Ewing 1866 A. N. Cherry 1877 B. F. Kankin 1868 William Guvnion 1879 Philip Ensminger 1869 A. N. Cherry 1880 CLERKS. John S. Jenifer 1855 W. H. Shepherd 1870 G. Ensminger 1856 Eli D. Gillham 1873 Georce Carnes 1858 Washington Guymon 1873 James Harrison 1862 Jos. H. Ensminger 1875 Eli D. Gillham 1866 Richard Stringer- 1877 J. T. Hopkins 1868 D. Anderson 1879-1880 A. W. Simmons 1869 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 571 ASSESSORS. Pliny Elatchett IBjS S. Sutton.. l"")*! Pliny Ihitcbott 1858 B. F. Kiinkin 1863 Eli I). Gillliam 18H8 L. P. liisscll 18f)0 A. J.Ewing 1872 L. P. Hissell 1873 O.J. Reese 1874 Jesse Berry 1877 O.J.Reese 1878 L. Weiler 1879 George W. Berry 1870 J . L. Wesler . ,1880 COLLECTORS. M.J, B. F. And. E. I) Beuj R. F. G. W A.J. B. F. Jenifer 18.55 Ra,nkiu 1856 Lindsay 1863 Gillliam 1H65 F. Rankin 180G Laughlin 1808 . Barnett 1869 Ewing 1870 Rankin 1871 James T. Frazee 1872 Geo. W. Ewing 1873 J. H. Oliver 1874 I.N. Harris 1875 J. II. Oliver 1876 Cbarles Ilumke 1877 J. T. Battles 1878 J. H. Ensminger 1879-1880 ROCKY RUN TOWNSHIP. This township at the present writing (July 1, 18S0) about half under water, embraces No. 3 north, 9 west, and what the Missis- sippi has left of 3-10. It receives its name from a stream that runs through it from the prairie of "Walker to^vnship. Three-fifths of this township is bottom land, composing the rich alluvial bot- toms bordering the river, and subject to overflow in seasons of high water. It is intersected bv numerous bayous (called sloughs) from "Warsaw down through AVilcox and Rocky Run, and emptying into a broad pond on the south line of the county, called Lima lake. This bottom land is generally warm, sandy and rich; and the best and most productive corn land in the county. A portion of it was covered with a fine growth of valuable timber, most of which has now been cut off by its owners, thousands of cords in old times having been sold to steamboats, or sawed into lumber. An'effort has been made to reclaim this land from overflow, by leveeing, under the State Drainage act, with encouraging prospects. I-n ordinary spring rises, this will be probably ample protection; but when the Father of Waters gets on a boom, such as we have witnessed four or five times within the last forty years, it will be found that his efforts to spread himself will not be so easily con- trolled. The portion of the township on the bluff' is mostly broken tim- bered land, among which are some good farms and thrifty farmers. It is excellent for wheat, and cannot be excelled in the county for fruit, a fact which its citizens are not slow to profit by, as the in- crease of orchards there will testify. Among the early settlers of Rocky Run may be named several who were in the county previous to organization; viz., Luther Wlritney (resided at one time in MontebelTo), Daniel Crenshaw, Davis Hill, Curtis Caldwell, Henry Nichols, Leonard L. Abney and Charles Hill; others later are Henry Newton, Stephen S. AVeston, Charles C. Stevens, Hiram AYoodworth, John i>anks, John Harness, Luther Ferry, William Shipe, John A. Morrison. James Carmean, Daniel P. Clark, John Fletcher, A. Daugherty, Joseph Caldwell, the Jen- ifers, Fraziers, Fredericks, Bolts, AYorthingtons, etc. Andreas' Atlas of Hancock county states that Luther Whitnej^ built the first house in Rocky Run in 1822: a statement that needs confirmation. That was two years before the evacuation of Fort Edwards by the soldiers; and we nowhere meet with any evidence of a settlement below the fort previous to that event, xl relative of Mr. Whitney informs us that he came to the county just previ- ous to the Black Hawk war, a statement wide of the mark, as he ^572) HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 573 was a juryman in Adams previous to the separation, and had a ferry license granted him at Montebello soon after organization in 1829. If, however, Mr. "Whitney was a settler in 1822, he was the earli- est one in the county of whom we have any account, antedating Col. "Whipple of St. Alban's by one year, and Capt. "White and John "Waggonner, of the rapids, by two years. The son, Edson "Whitney, so long Sheriff of the county, resided for many years on a farm about nine miles below the fort, near where Judge Henry Nichols, his brother-in-law, also resided. The first marriage in the township is said to have been Mr. Nichols to Miss Sophronia "Whitney. The Crenshaws were early settlers, the elder being one of the first officials; and the first death reported is said to have been a member of the family. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS, The first preaching in this township was doubtless by those same pioneers who led in AValker and "Wythe, namely, \Valker, Hatchett and Knox, as they were in close proximity. Of this we have no data. There are two or three church organizations in the township, with church buildings, but we fail to obtain statistics concerning them. BIOGRAPHIES. The personal mention of any community forms a most interest- ing feature of its history; therefore, as part of the history of Rocky Run tp., we make mention of the following early settlers and prominent citizens: David Ayers, deceased, was a native of Ireland, and came to America in 1S36, and to this county in the fall of the same year, settling in Rocky Run tp., where he resided, engaging in farming and stock-raising until his death, which occurred in June, 1876. David Clair ^ the subject of this sketch, was a native of West- moreland county, Penn., and was born Sept. 20, 1829, the son of Benjamin Clair. He was married in the year 1857, to Miss Martha J. Martin, of Indiana, by whom he had 7 children; of these 6 are living; viz., Benjamin, John, Mary A., Joseph W., Jennie M., Jessie M. Mr. Clair came to Adams county. 111., in 1850, and to this county in the year 1851, and located in Rocky Run tp., where he has since resided. He was here during the time of the Mississippi overflow, and when game was very plentiful, such as deer, wolves, turkeys, prairie chickens, etc., and he participated in many a hunting expedition in the forests of this tp. He owns a farm of 154 acres, located on sees. 2 and 3. Benjamin F. Crenshaw, sec. 26. The subject of this sketch is a native of Jefferson county, 111., and was born Sept. 30, 1818. His father, Daniel Crenshaw, was a native of Virginia, but resided in Georgia a short time, and then started for Illinois, placing all his chattels on a keel-boat, which sank on the way, and all his goods were loet. He was one of the first settlers of Jefferson county, and 574 HISTORY OF HiXNCOCK COUNTY. did mach toward improving and making that county. In a few years he removed to Jeiferson county, Mo., where he remained until 1827, when he returned to 111., and settled in Hancock county. He is the youngest of 8 children, 6 boys and 2 girls; was raised a farmer's boy, but spent a portion of his time in mining, selling goods and blacksmithing; but his general vocation is farming and stock-raising. He was manned in 1845, to Miss Teresa A. Allen, a native of Jefferson count}^ 111., and they have had 6 children, of whom 3 are livjng, — John T., Joel F., and Celatha A. Mrs. Cren- shaw died Sept. 28, 1860, and Mr. C. again married in December, 1861, Miss Martha A. Ellis, by whom he has 6 children; viz., Lucy J., Wm. D., Charles L., Sarah E., Henry W. and Isaac W. When Mr. Crenshaw first came to this county the Indians were very numerous. He traded a great deal with them, and learned to speak their language. He took part in driving the Mormons from this county during the Mormorn war. David Frederick was born Jan. 22, 1831, near Lancaster, Fair- field county, O., and was of German descent. His parents, Abra- ham and Catharine Frederick, were Germans. Our subject was married Dec. 28, 1858, to Miss Harriet Iluse, by whom he had 10 children. Of these, 9 are living; viz., Henry C, Waldo S., Flora A., Willargl T., Edwin P., Maurice H., Charles K., Harriet A., Fred. C. Mr. Frederick came to this county April 11, 1848, and located in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising. Our subject owns a farm of 287 acres; of this, 160 acres are in the Mississippi valley and the rest are in two different lots. William W. Jones is a native of Hancock county, and was born March 17, 1852. His parents are Thomas and Nancy Jones, of Rocky Kun tp. Mr. Jones is a farmer and stock-raiser, and resides on sec. 11, this tp. IJe is the present Constable for this tp,, and performs the duties of the office to the entire satisfaction of his many constituents. Oeo. IF. MoKimie was born in Clarke county, Mo., March 28, 1838, and is a son of James McKinzie, deceased, who emigrated to Clarke county. Mo., from Henderson county. Ivy., in the year 1832. James McKinzie and a brother, Wm. H., were in the Black Hawk war. The McKinzies were among the first pioneers of Clarke county. Our subject's grandmother, AVebb, lived to the age of 104. Mr. McKinzie came to this county in 1852, and worked as a farm hand for Mr. John Morrison, now of Rocky Run tp. His mother died when he was but two 3^ears old, and at the age of about five years, his father obtained a new mother for him, who did not seem as a mother to him. He therefore left home to battle with the cold and heartless world. He first resided with his brother-in-law, A. A, Weston, for two years. He then worked with Mr. O. Freeman, at eight dollars per month, for nearly a year. Then he went to Winchester, Mo., where he engaged in breaking prairie; returned to Illinois and labored for J. A. Morrison until 1856, when he emi- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 575 grated to Lake Pepin, Minn., where he engaged in driving and herding cattle until autumn, when he returned and worked for Mr. Morrison again until 1S5S. lie then went to the Rocky mountains in the spring of 1859, and while on the head waters of the Republican river, was captured by the Ute Indians,and was held by diiferent tribes until August, when he escaped in the night and arrived at Fort Riley, Kan., and remained in that vicinity until in September, when he returned and began work for Mr. Weston. He remained here until 1861, when he went to Alexandria county. III, but he soon returned and enlisted in the army, in Co. E. 7th Mo. Cav., and fought for Uncle Sam until Nov. 20, 1864. Of 136 who went out in that company but 15 returned. They were known as the " South- western Missouri Scouts" -in tlie service of the United States. He was married Sept. 17, 1865, to Miss Lucinda AYorthington, daughter of Samuel J. Worthington, of this tp., and they have liad 8 children, of whom 5 are living; viz., Clarissa S., Willis H., Yiola, James S. and Arthur. Mr. McKinzie is engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing, on sec. 15. James H. Morrison. — The subject of this sketch was born in this (Rocky Run) township, Nov. 23, 1852, and was married Feb. 18, 1875, to Miss Florence B. Richardson, by whom he has had 2 children; of these, one is living, Alfred M. Mr. Morrison is engaged in bee culture, and is very successful. William S. Shipe is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born July 12, 1832, the son of John and Sarah Shipe, and was married Nov. 7, 1853, to Miss Mary 0. Shipe, by whom he has had 8 chil- dren; of these, 6 are living; viz., Martin L., Rebecca E. (now Mrs. Frazier), Emma J., Coi-a A., Hattie G., and Catie. Mr. Shipe came to this State in 1842, and in 1852 came to this county, locating in thi.-^ tp., where he has since resided, engaged in agriculture, stock- raising, and fruit-tree culture. Mr. Shipe is a very prominent man in this vicinity, and has been elected to some of the most important township offices, but declined to till them. He owns a valuable farm of 280 acres on sec. 25, and his residence is the finest in that vicinity. James M. Shipe was born in Hancock county. 111., in the year 185t), and is a son of John and America Ships, of this county. He received a common-school education, and was raised a farmer's boy. He was married Jan. 20, 1876, to Miss Susan E. Quick, by whom he has one child, Rosa. Mr. Shipe is engaged in farming and raising stock. He has two very fine horses, — one, Eureka II., sired by Eureka, of French Perciieron stock. The latter was imported from France about the year 1872 or '73. His other horse is Romeo, sired by same. Eureka II. is four years old and weighs 1,450 pounds. II. C. Parker was a native of Kentucky, born March 14, 1834; was the son of William and Rebecca Parker; was married March 23, 1851, to Miss Eliza E. Weaver, by whom he had 10 children; of these 7 are living; viz., Mary A. (now Mrs. Peoples), Gustina II., 576 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Susanah H., Emmit J., Lewis E., Annetta B., and Florence L. Mr. Parker came to this county in the year 1851, and afterward located in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in agriculture and stock-raising, and owns a very fine fruit orchard. Mr. Parker lives in one of the finest residences in that part of the tp. George A. Trautvetter is a native of Germany, and was born Aug. 16, 1842; was married Jan. 20, 1869, to Miss Anna Schildt- mann, by whom he had 4 children; viz., Elizabeth, Anna S., Henry Harman, and Francis L. Mr. T. emigrated to America July 3, 1853, and located in this township Sept. 10 following, where he has since resided. Mr. Trantvetter was a soldier in the late war, in Co. H, 14th 111. Yol. Inf., under Col. Hull and Gen. Stallbrand; served one year, during which time he traveled over Virginia and North Carolina, When he was on his way to Kansas to pro- tect the white settlers on the frontier, on arriving at Ft, Scott the army was disbanded and he returned home and resumed his former occupation, farming and stock-raising. Mr. Trautvetter has in his possession a sword which his great-grandfather used at the battle of Waterloo, under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte. Morris A. Weaver^ sec. 2, is a jolly bachelor, residing on his little farm near the Mississippi river. He was born in Clermont county, O., Nov. 29, 1849, and is a son of Thomas and Mary Weaver of this county. He came to Hancock county with his parents in the spring of 1852, where he has since resided, and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising. William C. Worthington was born July 26, 1852, in Lee county, Iowa. His father's name is Samuel J. He was married in No- vember, 1874, to Miss Martha E. Clark, and of their 2 children one is living, William C. Mr. Worthington came to this county with his father in the year 1856 and located in this tp. Farming has been his occupation. He owns a farm of 280 acres, a part of sec. 10, which is one of the finest farms in the Mississippi valley. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. Below we give a list of the township officers serving since its organization, as completely as we could obtain them: SUPERVISORS. John Banks 1850 Joseph Bolt 1870 Hiram Woodworth 1854 Aquilla Daugherty 1872 Stephen S. Weston 1858 Alfred N. Cherrj^ [ ., q„ . Hiram Woodworth 1859 Aquilla Daugherty j ^ * Daniel P. Clark 1863 Aquilla Daugherty 1875 Hiram Woodworth 1865 John A. Morrison 1877 Daniel P. Clark 1868 Daniel'P. Clark 1878 Hiram Woodworth 1869 CLERKS. George Smith 1858 Oliver O. Jenifer 1874 William Shipe 1859 Wm. C. Worthington 1875 C. W. Banks 1861 Henry R. Smith 1877 William Shipe 1863 George Smith 1878 George Siuitli 1870 Wm.' C. Worthington 1880 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 577 ASSESSORS. Luther Perry I808 Charles Egbers 1859 James Carmean 1860 A. J. Strough 1861 J. D. Stroupe 1862 C. W. Banks 1863 Hiram Woodworth 1864 Daniel P. Clark 1865 A. N. Cherry 1866 Daniel P. Clark 1867 A. N. Cherry 1868 Daniel P. Clark 1869 John A. Morrison 1870 Joseph S. Smith 1871 Gustiue Parker 1872 JohnShipe 1874 Daniel P. Clark 1875 J. K. Stroupe - 1876 Daniel P. Clark 1877 John E. Exon 1878-1880 COLLECTORS. Joseph S. Smith 1858 A. J. Strough 1860 James Carmean 1861 John Shipe 1868 John Gillham. . . . .- 1869 Joseph S. Smith 1870 Wm. H. Straight 1871 Alexander B. Mackie 1872 John A. Morrison 1873 James J. Frazier 1874 Jacob D. Stroup 1875 John S. Exon 1876 Alexander Mackie 1877 Morris A. Weaver 1879-1880 ST. MARY'S TOWNSHIP. St. Mary's township (4 n., 5\v,), second from the south, on the east line of the eonntj, is anotlier of the rich and well-settled townships. It is well watered and wooded by a section of Crooked creek in the northeast, and by Bronson's creek, one of its tribu- taries, running through the center. It has much valuable land within its limits, about two-thirds being prairie. It derives its name from the village of St. Mary's, one of the old towns of the county, laid out by Walter K. Hurst and "Wesley Williams in 1835. Among its earlier settlers were Mathew MeltoR and his son Allen, and John Trammel, his son-in-law, Ezekiel Bowman, Edward Wade, Daniel Cain, Jesse Cain, Jacob Castlebury, Jesse Roberts, John and Robert Box, John Shelton, Peter Wood, Uriah Dodd,"AbijahTerrill,Iloswell Terrill, Dr. Blackburn, John Atchison, Edward Bryant, Wm. Irwin, Benjamin Terrill, John Martin, Mr. Lanman, Paul Brattan, Lamarcus A. Cook, Joshua Owen, James R. Smith, T. Madison, Wm. Page, Byrd Smith, Samuel Haggard, Si- las Griffith, Reuben Graves and sons, Henry Garnett, Frederick Walton,*Charles Friend, John T.Johnson, Wm. Darnell, Dr.Jona- than Berry, Jesse W. Bell, David Greenleaf, Elias Johnson, Otho Johnson, Benjamin Talbot, John Wilson, Jonathan Printy, Dr. H. P. Griswold, Wm. M. Kino^. Minor R. Deming, Joim W. Crockett,. Geo. W. P. Cool^:, Dr. A. W. King. Two of St. Mary's very oldest citiziens are still living in Ply- mouth, Allen Melton and Edward Wade; others as early reside in the vicinity. John Atchison, in the northwest, a native of Ireland, is thought to be one of the oldest settlers now in the county. Minor R. Deming is supposed to have been one of the first school- teachers in the tp. His career is fully treated of in the chapter on Mormon affairs. Jesse Roberts and family reached their new home near the village of St. Mary's, the evening the " stars fell," 1833. The first elephant show ever in the county was exhibited on Mr. Roberts' place, Mr. Roberts died in 1851, His widow was still living a year ago. Capt. Rowland T. Madison (Lieutenant in the regular service U. S. 2Sth Infantry, and previously in Ivy. Militia) was born in 1794, near Bowling Green. Was at the battle of Fort Meiggs, and served under Harrison in the Canada campaign. Came to Rush- ville 1836, and to Plymouth, 1840. The first cabin built and occupied by the Cains was cut and built in a day. Jesse kept liouse ten years without buying a table (578) HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 579 or a chair. These as well as the bedsteads were made from punch- eons. Aug., 1831, Mr. Mathew Melton, his son Allen and John Trani- mell, settled on sec. 36, on which Plymouth now stands. Mr. Melton's daughter Marissa, afterward Mrs. Ezekiel Bowman, is said to have been the first white woman on Round Prairie; and her daughter, Eliza Jane, born March, 1833, now Mrs. Waltj, of Ply- mouth, the first child born there. Joshua Owen and John Box both removed to Lee county, Iowa, and each sei*ved a term in the Territorial Legislature. John W. Crockett was said to have been a relative of the re- nowned '• Davy," of Tennessee and Texas fame. David Green- leaf held various public ofiices,araong them that of Probate Judge, and now resides in Carthage. Crockett, Jauies Clark, Jjcnjamin Terrill and Lamarcus A. Cook succeeded the Melton family on sec. 36, and in January, 1836, laid out the town of Plymouth. Levier Tadlock erected the first build- ing- There is a big "snake story" connected with Cedar Bluflf, up north of Plymouth, good enough to be told here. " One bright spring day in 1833, Mr. Ezekiel Bowman, who but a short time before had become the happy father of his first-born child, — now Mrs. Walty, — started out, with his infant in his arms, for a walk. Led, perhaps, by that intuitive love for nature in her wilder forms, so common in the human breast, he found himself presently at Cedar Bluft*. Here his wandering steps were suddenly arrested l>y an ominous rattle and coiled form, that man never meets unexpectedly without being startled. Unarmed for fight, his first impulse was to seek a place of temporary safety for his precious luggage, and then a weapon of stick or stone for the attack; but as he turned another met his gaze, and then another, and another. In fact, hecould see snakes all around him without the aid, now required, of numerous glasses of strychnine wluskij. Picking his way cau- tiously out of the enemy's encampment, the attack was deferred until reinforcements could be brought up. Returning with two of his brothers-in-law, Allen and Henry Melton, the slaughter began. The enemy proved to be strongly intrenched within the rocky ledge; their den was inaccessible, but by frequent raids during tliat season and part of the next, surprising and killing them as they ventured out of the den, over 600 rattlesnakes were killed by these parties at that locality." — Yoiuk/k History. Snakes enough for one township. Benjamin Whitaker, Esq., now of Wilcox, kept the first store in Plymouth; removed from Riverside in 1837. Jesse W. Bell kept the first iiotel, and has continued in the business almost ever since. A public school-house was built also in 1837. A postoffice was established in the place in the fall of 1836, Carroll O'Xeil being the first Postmaster. He was succeeded by Wm. M. King, Esq., who held it from ls39 to '57. Then followed 580 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. William Melton, John Cleaveland, H. P. Weir, John H. Lawton, Samuel Hag.^ard, Mrs. E. S. Haines and E. J. Ellis. David Higby, a citizen of Plymouth for several years, had pre- viously met with a tragical experience. He and his family were passengers on the ill-fated steamer Moselle, which blew up at Cin- cinnati, about 1836, with such destruction to human life. By the disaster, Mr. H was blown into the air, falling in the water, wounded, and maimed for life, and his wife and children killed. The first celebration of the Fourth of July in this township, and probably the first barbacue in the county, was held in 1837 in Ply- mouth, Senator Little orator of the day. Mr. L. A. Cook spent a year or two at an early day, in company with his wife,asan agent of the Government, among the Winnebago Indians, at Fort Atkinson, west of Prairie du Chien; then returned to Plymouth, where he still resides, aged about 86 years. The people of St. Mary's, like all the rest of the early settlers, had more trouble to solve the bread than the meat question. The immigrants of the first year or two came mostly from Morgan or Sangamon counties, and brought supplies with them; afterward they could produce the raw material for bread at home. But to turn it into flour and meal was the question. Of course the " hom- iny block" was easily made, and most families were provided with one, or else with that more elaborate and costly contrivance, the Phillips mill. With either of these the ghost of famine was kept away. Wild game supplied them with the best of meat, and hogs soon multiplied. A mill at Quincy, one at the mouth of the Mau- vaisterre, at Beardstown, and later, one at Brooklyn, on Crooked creek, were to be reached at great labor and difliculty. Prairies had to be crossed without roads, creeks forded, marshes and ravines avoided or " stuck" in — all generally on horseback or with other poor modes of conveyance. The pioneer, it may well be believed, earned his bread by the sweat of his brow. At Cedar Bluff are a number of small mounds, and also indica- tions of an Indian encampment. We are not aware that the mounds have ever been excavated to any extent. The village of St. Mary's, so many years the center of business for that region, has been outgrown by its more favored rival on the railroad. Another station still nearer than Plymouth — Colmar, in McDonough county — has also injured its trade in that direction. It is beautifully situated, however, and surrounded by one of the richest and handsomest farming sections in the county. We have no record of its early Postmasters. John R. Nichols, at the same time a Justice of the Peace, held the office in 1846. The first death in St. Mary's township was probably that of Jane Box, a daughter of Robert Box, 14th of May, 1833: buried in Augusta. The first marriage, that of Hezekiah Cain, son of Daniel, to Irene Woodard, in 1833, daughter of Henry Woodard. Dr. Orville Blackburn, the first physician in Plymouth prairie, removed to Brooklyn, Schuyler county. m HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 5S1 G. "W. P. Cook was born in Conn, in 1801, came to the county 1834, to Plymouth in 1837, where he died a few months ago. Mrs. Sabra (Wilkes) Botts, wife of Rev. Joseph Botts, married in Ky. in ISIO, died in St. Mary's in 1865, aged 76, — after a conju- gal union of fifty-five years, — and now lies in the St. Mary's churchyard. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. Revs. Thomas H. Owen and Bradley were, perhaps, the earliest ministers of the Baptist denomination in St. Mary's. We do not learn where Mr. Bradley resided, but Mr. O. lived just over the line in the Cartilage township. They ministered frequently in St. Mary's and other parts of the county. Rev. Joseph Botts, a ven- erable minister, now residing near the village of St. Mary's, in his 91st year, came to the county in 1836, and since his residence here has organized and assisted in organizing 12 or 15 Churches of this denomination in Hancock and adjoining counties. In 1837 he or- ganized the St. Mary's Baptist Church, with the following as mem- bers: Reuben Graves and wife, William Graves and wife, Henry Garnett, Mrs. Frederic Walton, Cliarles Friend and sister, and Joseph Botts and wife — ten members. This was in St. Mary's village. For place of worship they used thb old building in town, till 1866, when a new church was erected. Present membership over 150. Mr. B. also assisted in organizino- the Church in Plymouth in 1857. This consisted of eight members. Present number about 100. Providence Church, in the west part of the township, was organ- ized about 1835. Rev. Mr. Botts tells the following anecdote, which he had from his friend Bradley, and as it illustrates "religious progress," will do to insert here. Mr. Bradley tells that, in early times, having occasion to cross the Mississippi on Amzi Doolittle's ferry boat, in offering to pay his ferriage, he was told by Mr. D. that he would not charge him anything, as he was a minister; but he would like to have him pray for him. Mr, Bradley replied, " I don't like to remain in your debt; come out on the bank and I will pay the bill." And the bill was settled to the satisfaction of both parties. Rev. John Logan, of McDonough county, was also an early min- ister of this section in St. Mary's The first M. E. class was formed in 1833, but nearly all its mem- bers resided out of St. Mary's. Rev. Henry Summers, and Revs. Boring, Pitner and T. N. Ralston, were ministers in the early days. The noted Rev. Peter Cartwright sometimes ofticiated among them. So did Rev. Applebee, now of Hamilton. In 1853 this society built their church in Plymouth. Membership at present, about 100. The Congregational Church of Round Prairie (Plymouth) was organized in 1836, over in Schuyler county. A meeting-house was built in 1837. Later, in July, 1855, a neat house in Plymouth was dedicated. Among its pastors have been Rev. John Lawton (occa- 582 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. sioiial), Win. Kinby, Anson Hubbard, Guy C. Sampson, Z. K. Hawlev, C E. Murdock and Wm. C. Rankin, Later have been Revs. Milton Kimball, N. P. Ooltrin, Wm. B. Atkinson and Wm. A. Chainberlin. Later pastors not named. The Presbyterian Church at Plymouth, though with a house of its own, has for ten years of its life been joined with tlie Congre- gational, and for many other years, when separate, has united with that in the support of pastors. It was organized in 1836, and of late years its membership has ranged between 50 and 80. The Christian Church at Plymouth was organized in 1855, with 28 members; has increased since to over 100 persons. It occupies a house built in 1866. It has had among its pastors the following: Elders James and J. Carroll Stark, of Augusta; E. J. Lampton, George Bre\vster, E. Browning, James R. Ross and others. BIOGKAPHICAL. As the most essential part of the history of a township consists in biographical sketches of its principal citizens, we give as many of them in this connection as space will permit. Esta Bidwell^ blacksmith and dealer in agricultural implements, Plymouth, was born i*n New York in 1830, and came to Illinois in 1848, settling in Fulton county, until 1855, and then came to Plymouth, In 1851 he married Hannah R. Wlialey, who was born in Indiana in 1832, and they are the parents of 9 chil- dren, 7 of whom are living: Effie, wife of E. J. Ellis, of Plymouth; Elizabeth, wife of M. M. Mark, of Plymouth; Anna E!^; Hattie and Homer, twins; Minnie; Charlotte, deceased; Thomas L. and an infant. Mr. B. owns two lots, with dwelling and shop. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Presbyterian Church. Alonzo Blair ^ farmer and stock dealer; P. O., Plymouth; was born in Ohio in 182'4, and is a son of Roljert and Mary (Johnson) Blair, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio; mother still living, at the age of 80. Mr. B. has followed his present business through life except for 15 years, in which he taught school. He owns about 500 acres of fine farm land. He fattens and sells 50 to 75 head of cattle every season, besides some hogs. In this county, in 1861, he married Miss Mildred Coke, daughter of James and Lucy Coke, nativ^cs of Kentucky, and Mrs. Blair was also born in that State, in 1840. The 4 children are, Mardula, Edgar L,, Frances M., and Ina. Mr. Blair has been Supervisor four j^ears, and Assessor four years. He is a Free- mason and a Republican. Jacob J. Blair, brother of the preceding, is a farmer on sec. 4, owning 160 acres of land; P. O., St. Mary's; he was born in Ohio in 1818, married in this county in 1844 to Mary Nichols, daughter of John R. and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Nichols ; they are the parents of 5 children, — Mary, Robert, Elizabeth, Alice and Alonzo J. Mr, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 583 B. has been Road Commissioner; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Was in the Mormon war si.x weeks. Politically he is a Republican. J. D. Botts, farmer sec. 2, owning 2S0 acres of land, was born in Kentucky in 1S33, reared on a farm, and has followed farming through life; taught school several terms; came with his parents to this county in 1836; was married in 1859 to Mary E. Perkins, daughter of Jefferson and Charlotte Perkins, natives of Rhode Island; she was born in 1839; of their 8 children 7 are living: Sarah F., Mary, Miner J., Helen, Harriet, Cora, Carey and an infant, deceased. Mr. Botts is a Republican, and has been Town- ship Assessor. Joseph Botts, retired farmer, sec. 2, was born in Virginia in 1790; came to this count}' at a verj^ early day; in 1835 he was ordained a Minister of the gospel in the Baptist Church, and has been in the ministry ever since, although 90 years of age; walks a half-mile yet to preach. In Kentucky, in ISIO, he married Sarah Weeks, who was born in Kentucky in 1790, and they had 12 chil- dren, 6 of whom are living: Matilda, Jane, William (3., Absalom, James and Louisa. Mr. B. owns 24:0 acres of fine farm land. He is much respected in his neighl)orhood. William 0. Botts, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 11; P. O., Ply- mouth, This gentleman was born in Kentucky in 1817, and emi- grated to this county in 1842. He has been twice married, the first time in this county in 1842, to Mary Darnell, who was born in Ohio in 1825, and died in 1850, leaving 3 children — Sidney J., wife of Edward Gilcyhurst; and Margaret E., wife uf Robert White, of Iowa. Dec. 26, 1850, Mr. B. again married, this time to Mary F. Walker, and they have 5 children — Robert W., Joseph J., Myrtle A., William G. and Charles. Mr. B. is a member of the Baptist Church, is a Republican, has held the offices of Assessor and Col- lector, and in earlier days was a participant in the Mormon war. William D. Burdett, keeper of livery stable in St. Mary's, was born in Castle county, Ky., in 1835, and is a son of Thomas and Martha Burdett, both natives also of Kentucky, and of German de- scent; he came to this county in ls51, settling in Plymouth, where he followed butchering eleven years, but for the past three years has kept a livery stable. In 1867, in this county, Mr. Burdett married ^[iss Harriet Ellis, a native of this county, and born in 1848; she is a daughter of William and Margaret Ellis, natives of Vir- ginia^ Mr. and Mrs. B. have 3 children, Charles, Otto and Winnie E. Mr. B. has held the office of Constable. He owns four lots in St. IMary's, four dwellings and the liver}- stable. W. K. Cornell, dealer in boots and shoes and ready-made cloth- ing, west side of the public square, Plymouth, was born in Wash- ington county, N. Y., in ls20, find came to this county in 1S44; in ]s62, in Iroquois county. III., lie married a native of New York. Since he has been in this county he has dealt very largely in live stock, esjjecially sheep. He owns three lots, with dwelling and store-house, in Plymouth. 5S4 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. J. W. Cox, lanner and dealer in stock; P. O., St. Mary's; was born in Virginia in 1822; was brought up in the vocation of farm- ing, which he has followed througli life with success; he came to this county in 1843. In 1847 he married Julia Wilson, a daughter of John and Elizabeth "Wilson, of Scotch descent, who came to this county in 1833; she was born In Virginia in 1823, and she is the mother of 6 children, 4 of whom are living, namely, "Webster, Amanda, Allie H. and Estlier; deceased, George and Belle. Mr. Cox owns 500 acres of well improved farm land, and deals exten- sively in cattle. He also was in the '* !Mormon war." Politically he is a Democrat. WiJUam B. Ellis, proprietor of a wagon and repair shop, St. Mary's, was burn in Virginia in 181t), and was married in that State in 1837, to Miss Elizabeth A. , who was born in Virginia in 1819, and of their children, 8 are living — Mary, Frances, Eliza A., Harriet J., George "W., Elizabeth A. and David A. Jane is deceased. Mr. E. is a Republican, and has been Commissioner of Highways. His maternal grandfather served seven years in the Revolutionary war; and his father was in the war of 1812. Mr. Ellis owns three blocks in St. Mary's. John G. J^oUiii, physician and surgeon, Plymouth, is a son ot Daniel and Hannah (Ewis) Follin, natives of Virginia, and Avas born in Ohio, Oct. 7, 1825; early opportunities for a school educa- tion limited; followed farming until he was 21; in 1847, he com- menced the study of medicine, and graduated in 1849, at Cleveland, O.; he also graduated at the university of Iowa, in 1861; he com- menced the practice of medicine in 1850, in Missouri; he settled in Plymouth in 1864, where he has had an extensive and successful practice. In 1849, near Bowling Green, Ivy., he married a native of that State, wlio was born in "l834. Of their 10 children, 5 are living, — Mary, wife ofWm. Ramick, of this tp. ; Julia C, Ida B., James and Ernest. Tlie Doctor owns fonr lots, with dwellings, here, and 60 acres of land in Kentucky, three miles from Bowling Green. In politics the doctor is a Democrat. JElias Gilhs, farmer, sec. 5, owning i;'0 acres; P. O., St. Mary's; was born in Bnrlington county, N. J., in 1819, and came to this State in 1842, settling in Schuyler county; came to this county in 1870. In 1847, in Schuyler county, he married Sarah A. Boder, a native of Ohio, born in 1828, and they are the parents of 9 children; ' namely, Mary A., wife of Frank Xewcomb, of Missouri; Henry B., Smith J., Sarah, wife of "Walter Case, of this tp. ; AVilliam B., Philip K.; Xettie, wife of Samuel Coke, of this tp.; Charlie and Carl. Mr. Gibbs is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is a prosper- ous farmer. Lewis Graham, undertaker, Plymouth, was born in Ohio in 1820; emigrated to this county in 1830; settled in Plymouth in 1854. "Was married in 1843, in Schuyler county. 111., to Frances M. Lansdon, who was born in Kentuckv in 1822, and thev are the 4^(^-dJjQ..<^ i^l/aU)-^^^r-^ ST. MARYS Tp HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 5S7 parents of 6 children, only one of whom is living; namely, Henri- etta, wife of Samuel S. Fox, of tliis tp. Both of ^fr. Graham's irrandfathers were in the Revolutionary war. He has been Town Trustee. He owns two lots, one with dwelling and one with shop. He keeps a good supply of stock in his line. Henry A. Heudi'icks, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., St. Mary's; is a son of John and Kancy Hendricks, natives of Tennessee, and of Ger- man descent, and was born in that State in 1822; in 1841 he mar- ried Melvina Jones, who was born in Kentuck}" in 1826, and they are the parents of 10 children, 6 of whom are living; namely, William S., James Lavender, George E., Cord and lona; John and 3 infants are deceased. Mr. U. came to this county in 1851, where he owns 14i> acres of tine land. He is a Baptist, a Freemason and a Democrat; has been Commissioner of Highways. W. S. Hendricks^ physician and surgeon, St. Mary's, was born in Kentucky, Jan. 31, 1851; was brought to this county in 1852; commenced the study of medicine in 1809; studied and taught school for tive years; graduated at the Keokuk Medical College in 1875; settled in this county in 1S7T, where lie has since been practicing. In ISTS the doctor married Mattie P. Johnson, who was born in this county in 1854, and they have one child, named Pearl. Dr. Hendricks owns five lots in St. Mary's, one with store building where he keeps groceries and notions, and one lot with dwelling house. He has been Postmaster since 1878. John J. Hijiple. merchant, Plymouth, is a son of Henry and Catharine Hippie, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania; Mr. H. was born in Ohio in 1821, and came to this county in 1855. settling in Plymouth, where he now keeps a general store, of dry goods, groceries, etc., on the south side of the public square. He owns one lot with dwelling, and 350 acres of fine farm land. He was married in this county in 1848, to Miss" Caroline Darnell, who was born in Ohio in 1830. and they have had but one child, Catharine, the wife of W. E. King, of Plymouth, Mr. H. has been Town Trustee six years. Supervisor one term. Both his grandfi\thers were in the Revolutionary war, and his father was in the war of 1^12. Politically Mr. Hippie is a Democrat. Hh'am B. Johnson, tarmer, etc., sec. 14; P. 0.. St. Mary's; is a son of John T. and ^[aria Johnson, natives of Ohio, and or" Irish descent; they came to this county in 1>39, where Hiram was born in 1>44 and raised on a larm; he was married in this county, Oct. 30, 1872, to Lizzie Hendricks, who was born in this county in 1854, and their 2 children are Frankie and Freddie L. Mr. J. is a Re- publican. J. T. Johnson and wife emigrated from Champaign county, O., in 1839, to this county, in company with his parents, a brother and two sisters, the brother having a wife with him and one sister a husband. Mr. J. and wife also had their only child with them. Since that time, in 1840, the younger sister married John J. Graves, now of Carthage; Mr. J.'s mother died in 1845, his young- 35 " 588 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. est sister in 1S52, brother in 1857, and father in 1869, in the 81st year of his age. His sister, Mrs. Talljot. and liiniself are the only ones left of the family now alive. Mr. Johnson settled on the N. E. J of sec. 2. St. Mary's tp., one and a half miles north of the town of St. Mary's, a piece of land wliich his father bought of Judge Williams, of Carthage. Mr, J.'s house was tlien the out- side one of the settlement in that direction, and he and his family were very lonely indeed. Mr. Johnson's first work was to make 400 sugar-troughs, as there was a good stand of sugar trees near, which has indeed yielded well ever since. After laying in provis- ions for the winter Mr. J. had $50 left, which he loaned to Mr. Comer, of Carthage; but he took his uncle's advice, who had told him: " John, when you git to Eelinoise, buy calves." He did so, has made money, and has not been out of the calf trade since. He drove his lot of calves, which he had kept till the fall of 1843, to Warsaw, and sold them for $11 a head, or about 75 cents a cwt. The first pork he sold was in 1842, which he hauled to Quincy and sold for $1.50 a cwt. net; it took four days to make the trip. After that he sold his pork to Benny Clark, of Cartheige. While his neighbors all consumed the proceeds of their pork sales in store goods he could call for money in payment. One day Mr. Clark asked: "Johnson, what do you live on at your house? I always have to pay you the money." The reply was, " Hog and hominy." The old man grunted a little and paid over the money. One day in 1840 Mrs. J. came out to the field to her husband, with her babe in her arms, and said there was the awfulest big snake in the house she ever saw. Mr. J. returned to the house with her, and sure enough, there lay coiled up in a corner a big black snake over four feet long. In 1843 Mr. and Mrs. J. returned to Ohio on a visit, not cross- ing a single railroad on the whole route. They repeated the visit in' 1851, going by wagon. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have now been keeping house 45 years, have raised 7 children, all of whom are married and settled in the vicinity. The parents live alone now, aged respectively 6S and 65. In 1876 Mr. J. visited the principal Eastern cities. » Mr. Johnson is a farmer and stock-dealer on sec. 10, owning 1,300 acres of land; P. O., St. Mary's; was born in Ohio in 1813^ and married in same State, in 1836, Miss Maria Wright, also a native of Ohio and born in 1816; of their 10 children 7 are living — Mason, Hiram, Joseph, Xelson, Martha, wife of W. S. Hend- ricks; Orella, wife of Lewis C. Green. Mr. J. has been Road Commissioner, is a Republican, a Baptist, and took part in the " Mormon war." Andrew J. 3fassingill, blacksmith, St. Mary's, was born in McDonough county in 1836; was married in this State in 1866, to Georgia A. Rankin, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1845, and they have 5 children, Hattie M., Andrew J., Anna B., Yiola and William R. Mr. M. owns 15 acres joining St. Mary's, and one lot HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 589 with shop. In 1S61 he enlisted in Co. G, 72d 111. Vol. Inf., and served three years; was in the siei>;e of Vicksbare", the battle of Franklin, Tenn., and several other hard-fought engagements. He is a member of the Baptist Church. JK. C. Michaels, local agent of railroad, Plymouth, was born in Maine June 21, 1822, and came to this State in 1861, settling in Knox county. He married in Maine in 1852, to Charlotte Estes, a native also of that State, and the following are their children: John R., train-master on theC, B. & Q. R. R. ; Mary E. ; Lewis E., agent at Sagetown; Charles E., telegraph operator at Kirkwood; and Xellie G. Mr. M. has been agent for the road 16 years; has been Township Collector one term, Assessor one term, which office he now holds. His paternal grandfather was in the war of 1812. He owns one lot with dwelling, belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a Democrat. J.W.Moore, farmer and stock dealer, sec. 9; P. O., Plymouth; was born in Canada in 1832, and is a son of John and Maria Moore, of English ancestry; they came to America in 1831, and to this county in 1841, where Mr. J. W. Moore has ever since resided. He now owns 200 acres of fine farm land, worth $35 per acre. He deals in cattle, horses, sheep and hogs. His first marriage was to Catharine McCurdy, in this county, in 1852; she was born in Ken- tucky in 1833, and died in 1S75. Mr. M. again married, in this county, in 1876, Honore "Wolf, a native of this county, and born in 1850; their 2 children are Maud and George. Mr. Moore is a Free- mason, a Baptist and a Democrat. Elmer D. Olmsted, physician and surgeon, Plymouth, was born June 6, 1848, in the State of New York; commenced the study of medicine in 1872, at a medical college, where he graduated in 1877, but he began practice in 1875; he settled in Plymouth in 1878, and now has an extensive and successful practice. He was married in Knox county. 111., in 1869, to Ella F. Lane, a daughter of John and May Lane; she was born in this State in 1852, but died in 1874, leaving 2 children, Amy F., and Cary E. Mr. O. is a member of the Masonic and Good Templar orders, and in religion is a Liber- alist. Jefferson Perkins, farmer, sec. 33; P. O., St. Mary's; w^as born in New Hampshire in 1809, and came to this county in 1845; mar- ried a native of Massachusetts in 1837, and they have had 5 chil- dren, of whom 4 are living; viz., Mary E., wife of James G. Botts; Charlotte, wife of Thomas Smith, of Macomb; Alia C, wife of John W. Wilson, of Missouri; Emma G., wife of R. R. Price, also of Missouri; James, deceased. Mr. Perkins owns 130 acres of fine farm land. Being in the county during the Mormon troubles he had a hand in driving them out of the State. His. father was killed in the war of 1812. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Thomas J. Printyi farmer, sec. 5, owning 90 acres, worth $35 per acre; P. O., Plymouth; came to this county in 1840; in 1858 500 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. married ^Iari]::arett Scott, who Nvas born in 1833 in Kentucky. Of their S eliiUlren are living: David F., Marcus, Mary E., Lenora and Eleanora, twins, and Edward. Mr. P. has been Constable and School Director, and is a Republican. Stcp/iai E. RobcrU^ farmer and stock dealer, sec. 14; P. O., Plymouth; is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth Roberts, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Xeutuckv; was born in this State in 1830, and came to this county in 1833 with his parents. lie now owns 400 acres of line farm land; bu^'s, feeds and ships cattle and hogs extensively. In INIcDonough county, in 1852, he married Junia A. Smith, who was born in that county in 1830, and died in 1858, and their only child is John 31. Mr. R. again mar ried in 1865 Nancy E. Robertson, who was also born in McDonough county, in 1841, and they have 4 children: Jesse, Eliza, Josie and Jose. 3[r. Roberts is a Freemason and a Democrat. Nczcell Sapp, physician and surgeon, Plymouth, was born in North Carolina in 1825, and came to this State in 1831, settling in Rushville; came to this county in 18GG. lie commenced the study of medicine in 1840, and graduated in 1864; he has had an extensive and successful practice. He owns a larm of 100 acres in Schuyler county. 111. AVas married in Galesburg, 111., Jan. 18, 1855, to Martha L. Payne, who was born in Vermont in 1834, and they have 5 children, only one of whom is living, Cora. Mr. and Mrs. S. belong to the Congregational Church. He owns one lot and dwelling in Plymouth. He was in the " Mormon war'' under Gov. Ford. Joseph E. Talhott^ farmer and stock dealer, sec. 14, owning 410 acres, valued at $40 an acre. He is a son oi Benjamin and Cynthia Talbott, natives of Ohio. He was born in this county March 7» 1858, and raised on a farm. AVas married in this county in 1879 to Miss L. Kate Graves, who was born, in Kentucky Nov. 15, 1857. Mr. T's tather was one of the pioneers of this county, having come here in 1839. The subject of this sketch is a prosperous tanner, and is a Republican. ]?. O., Plymouth. Gcoi'ge II. Tuck, dealer in boots and shoes, south side public square, Plym'6'iat Doddsville, Schuyler county; he settled in Ply- mouth in 1866, where he has commanded a large practice, attended with good success. Was married in Carthage in 1862 to Elizabeth Fowler, who was born in Schuyler county, 111., in 181:3, and died Dec. 25, 1869, leaving 3 children — Elizabeth M., Lillie M. and Jennie. Mr. Wade owns 110 acres of fine land, and one lot with dwelling. Is a Democrat. Weslet/ Walton, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 36; P. O., Denver; was born in Boone county, Ky., Sept. 20, 1^31, a son of Frederick M. and Emily ( Picej Walton, both natives of Kentucky, and their parents were from Virginia and of Welsh extraction. The grand- father of the subject of this notice, William Walton, was a soldier in the Revolution. Fred. M. Walton, his father, emigrated to Illi- nois in 1^35, bringing with him 2 children, Wesley and John, first locating on sec. 3, Augusta tp. This land, except a little more than 20 acres, had never been cultivated by white man. Here he lived until his death. He left about 2^0 acres of land at the homestead, but before his death he gave each of his 6 children over \ sec. He was a Baptist, a Whig and a liepublican. He was a most worthy citizen. At the age of 22 Mr. Wesley Walton married Martha L. Browning, Sept. 14, 1854, near Rushville. She was a daughter of Absalom Browning, who was born in Virginia and moved to Ken- tucky, and thence to Illinois. Mr. W. lives on sec. 31, this tp., where he has about 254 acres of fine farm land, and raises stock, feeding about all tJie grain that he raises. He has been Collector in this tp. one term, and is a Republican, and a member of the Christian Church, and now an Elder. His brothers and sisters are: Wesley, John. Frances, Matilda A., William C. and Simeon M. The deceased are Malvina, aged 2^ years, and Mons. S., who died when about grown. We give Mr. Walton's portrait in this volume. H. P. TF2^ was born in North Carolina in 1825, and came to this State with his parents in 1835, settling in Schuyler county, and settled in this county in 1847. In 1948 he married Amanda M. Whittington, who was born in this State in 1831, and of their 4 children 3 are living: Lida, Sandril and Ray; James is deceased. Mr. Wier owns one lot, with dwelling. He has been Deputy Sheriff, Postmaster, and was Constable several vears. He is a Democrat. P. O., St. Mary's. William L. Wristen, keeper of a restaurant, west side of the public square, Plymouth, was born in this State in 1845; taught school 14 years. He is a member of the Christian Church and a Democrat. 592 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The following is a catalogue of the officers who have served and are now serving in St. Mary's township, as complete as returns enabled us to compile: SUPERVISORS. William Darnell 1850 John W. Cox 1865 Wm. Darnell 1854 John A. Ross 18G6 Geo. M. Berry 1854 A. T. Cloud 1871 Bryant F. Peterson 1850 John A. Koss 1872 Alonzo H. Blair 1858 T. B. Brumback 1875 John H. Lawton 1859 John J. Graves 1877 Jonas Aleshire 18G0 John J. Hippie . .1877 Jacob Castlebury 1802 Douglas Aleshire 1878 Thomas L. Gannon 1803 CLERKS. Joshua M. Botts 1855 Louis Graham 1868 Louis Graham 1858 Henry H. Ross 1869 Geo. W. Ross 1800 James S. Wade 1870 John A. Ross 1862 J. W. Shaffer 1871 David Currens 1805 James S- Wade 1875 Cyrus Elliot 1806 George H. Tuck 1877 G. W. Kelly 1807 David E. Wade 1878-1880 ASSESSORS. Napoleon B. Lawrence 1855 Samuel Long 1868 Benjamin Warner 1856 Henry B. Brumback 1809 William O. Botts 1858 T. B. Brumback 1870 James Irwin 1859 J. G. Garnett 1871 Jacob Rich 1800 T. B. Brumback 1873 John W. Shaffer 1802 Thos. W. Monk :...1874 Wm. N.Kington 1805 Jas. D. Botts 1877 James IrwinT 1806 Joel G. Garnett 1878 J.R. Nichols 1867 R. C. Michaels 1879-1880 COLLECTORS. George D. Chapman 1855 Robert H. Ellis 1870 David P. Palmer 1858 Jesse Wriu;ht 1871 George D. Chapman 1859 Jas. W. Huey -. . ...1873 John^W. Shaffer 1860 Wesley Walton 1873 H. P. Weir 1863 W. S. Br wning 1871 John W. Romick 1860 John M. ( .ige 1875 Merritt Berry 1807 W. S.P.Turner 1877 G. E. Kelly 1808 A. S. Eidsou 1878 John W. Romick 1809 W. S. Browning 1880 HARMONY TOWNSHIP. Township J— 6, with a Jiarmonious name, is seven-eighths prai- rie-land, there being a few sections of" partly broken and rougli- timbered land on the head-waters of Bronson's creek, and another small body on another tributary of Crooked creek. A portion of this township is rich flat prairie, valuable for meadow; and a large part is sufficiently rolling for corn and grain. It has line farms, and some rich and enterprising farmers. This townsliip, being so largely prairie, was not settled as early as the townships surrounding it. It contains two villages on the T., W. & AY. raih'oad, Bentley and Denver, both small places but doing considerable local busi- ness. Bentley lies ten miles west from St. Mary's and five southerly from Carthage, and was laid out in August, 1863, by John Sutton, Jr., and first called after his name, but for some cause changed to Bentley. It lies just south of the well-known Big Meadow. Post- masters in Bentley — T. J. Bates, A. R. Robinson, J. A. James, present incumbent. Denver was laid out Jan., 1864,by S. C. Seybold andG. W. Bush. It is distant nine miles from the county seat, and ten miles due west from Plymouth. The P. O. was formerly called Rough and Ready. Among the earlier settlers in this township we may name George M. Browning, Trnman Hecox, E. S. Cannon, S. B. Walton, B. F. Tucker, George Langford, Samuel Ramsey, Isaac S. Burner, Sam- uel Dickenson, Larkin Scott, Wm. Pike, Mr. Peebler, Mr. Wed- ding, Mr. CoUison, James Major, ancl the several sons of Samuel Ramsey — Enoch, Henry K. and Samuel F. RELIGIOUS PROGKESS. The oldest Church in Harmony is that known as Mount Pleasant, belonging to the Christian denomination, located on sec. 13, near tlie east end of the township. It was organized about 1837, and tlie building erected as early as ISoO. No statistics. The Christian Church in Denver was built about 1873. The M. E. Church at Bentley was organized about 1861, before the town was built, with the following named members: J. W. O'llara, Paulina O'llara, Wm. J. Bates, M.A.Bates, J. A. James, Wm. R. Lackey, Nancy Lackey, Barbara Shoup and Wm. A. Thompson. The building was erected in 1875. The Baptist Church was organized about 1873, with a small membership. The edifice was erected about the same period; pres- ent number of members about 20 or 25. 594: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. BIOGRAPHICAL . Following we give personal sketches of the early settlers and prominent citizens of Harmony township, which form an impor- tant factor in its history: Joseph C. Anderson, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ken- tucky in 1810, son of Jolm and Elizabeth (Conawaj') Anderson, the former a native of Maryland, and of Irish descent; and the latter of Kentucky, and of German descent. Was educated in the common schools of Morgan county. 111.; in 1832 he married Melinda Wilhite, and they have had one son and one daughter; the latter is married. Mr. A. came to this county in 1833, settling near Augusta, where he commenced a poor man, but by industry and economy has been successful as a farmer, now owning 190 acres of highly improved land ; he is a Democrat. M. D. Bal'er, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Washington county, Ind., Jan. 14, 1842; is a son of Zephaniahand Polly (Davis) Baker, of English descent, the father a native of New York, and the latter of North Carolina; he was educated in the common schools of this county ; in 1864 he married Mary Frances Scott, and 5 of their 9 children are living. Both Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Christian Church in Denver, 111. Mrs. B. was born April 4, 1839, in Kentucky, and is of English ancestry. Mr. Baker came to this county in 1851 from Indiana, and has lived here ever since. He owns 90 acres of land, and resides on sec. 22. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been School Director five years, and Commis- sioner of Highways. B. W. Beyler, farmer, sec. 11; P. O., Bentley; was born in Page county, Ya., in 1833, and is the son of Samuel and Eliza (Wood) Beyler; has had a common-school education; as a farmer and dealer in stock for 15 years he has been successful. In 1856 he mar- ried Ann R. Lionberger, a native of Virginia, and they have had 2 children, Ardella, boru April 7, 1860, and Willie II., June 25, 1870. His immigration to this county was also in 1856. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is a studious reader. His father was killed during the last war by some desperadoes because he had said that the North would whip the South; lie was taken out and shot down like a brute and left lying on the ground for some time. He was an intelligent, well-posted man. H. H. Black, physician and surgeon, Denver; was born in Todd county, Ky., in 1840, the son of James Black, a farmer now of Denver. The Doctor graduated in 1^;65 at the Northwestern Chris- tian University (now called Butler University), with honor, and Feb. 28, 1878, he received a diploma from the Indiana Medical College. Dr. Black was a diligent and determined student, and his efforts for a high standard of qualification for his work have been attended with success. Nov. 18, 1869, he was united in marriage with Sarah Jane Kelley, and they have had 5 children, 3 of whom are living. They are both members of the Christian Church, in HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 595 Denver, and he is a Republican. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. E., 71st 111. Yol. Inf., under Captain Parker, and served during his term. He commenced the practice of medicine in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1878, with Dr. John A. Campbell, under whom he continued his studies of the healing art. John H. Boston, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Carthage; was born in Kentucky, Feb. 27, 1832, and is the son of George and Mahala (Southerlin) Boston, natives of Kentucky; he was educated in sub- scription schools of this county, having been brought here by his parents in 1836. In 1867 he married Charlotte Fletcher, and of their 6 children 4 are living, 2 boys and 2 girls. Mr. B. owns 151 acres of land. Although he is a good speller he cannot write. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and his wife are mem- bers of the M. E. Church, George M. Browrang, Sr., farmer, sec. 35; was born in Davidson county, Tenn., March 25, 1820, son of David and Vashti (West) Browning. His father was a native of Virginia, and was the son of Edmund Browning, a native of the same State, and his father emigrated from England, his native country, prior to the Revolu- tionary war, locating in Culpepper county, Va. The parents of Mrs. Yashti Browning were John and (Sanders) West, who were of English ancestry. Edmund Browning emigrated to Illinois in an early day, settling in Wayne county, where he died. David Browning came to Illinois in the spring of 1835, locating in Augusta tp., this county; he was a cooper by trade, but always fol- lowed farming in this county. He brought a family of 11 children with him here, only 4 of whom now live in this county; all of the 11 lived to be heads of families, and nine of them are still living. David Browning died in 1839 and his widow Aug. 9, 1864; they are both buried in the Providence Church burying ground in St. Mary's tp. They were both members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he was a Whig. The subject of this biography was the fifth child of the preceding, and passed his early years on his father's farm; at the age of 22, Nov. 25, 1S41, he niarried Ilannali Ramsey, who was born in Clarke county, Ind,, July 22, 1821, daughter of Samuel and Eleanor (Kime) Ramsey, the former probably a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Xorth Carolina. The Ramseys are of Scotch-Irish descent and the Kimes of German. Samuel Ramsey's parents were James and Betsey (Pitman) Ramsey. He came to this county in the fall of 1836, locating in Chili tp. for one year, and then moved to sec. 25, Harmony tp., where he lived until his death, April 27, 1861. His wife died in Dec, 1873, and they are both buried on the old home- stead. They brought 4 children with them to. this county, and 2 others were born to them here; 5 uf these descendants are still liv- ing. They were members of the Christian Church, and he was a Republican. When Mr. George M. Browning was married he located on the s. e. ^ sec. 35, which was given to him by his wife's father; they 596 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. * moved into a house on this land, 16 feet square and one story high, with frame clapboards inside and out, and niud-and-stick cliimnej. Here they lived about five years, and here tlieir first 2 children were boi-n — Eleanor Y., born Feb. 19, 1843, and Sarah, Jan. 20, 1845. Then lie built a part of his present residence on the north part of the quarter, where the rest of their children were born, namely: Adaline, born Aug. 16, 1847, died at the age of 18; Han- nah, deceased, born Dec. 29, 1849; George M., born April 11, 1852; Hannah J., born Sept. 30, 1854; Melinda, born March 22, 1858; David S., deceased, born Jan. 2, 1861; John J., born July 22, 1862, and Fannie M., deceased, born June 7, 180S. All the living children have families except John J., who is single and living at home. In 1842 and 1846 Mr. B. hauled pork to Warsaw, selling it at $1.25 per cwt. and wheat at 37^ cents a bushel; he hauled 10 bushels of oats to market and sold them for just money enough to buy a pair of stoga boots and one pound of nails; he had the oats tramped out bv horses. He started in life bare-lianded, going in debt for a team. Mr. Browning's homestead now contains 280 acres of land, and he has given all of his children 160 acres or its equivalent, and all are doing well. Mr. Browning has been a member of the Chris- tian Church for ten years and Mrs. B. about 40 years. In politics he is a Democrat, has been Supervisor seven years. Commissioner of Highways 10 or 12 years. Assessor, School Director, etc. Mr. Browning's portrait will be found in this volume. George Madison Broianing, Jr.^ farmer, sec. 36; P. O., Denver; son of the preceding, was married in 1874 to Martha J. Brown and they have one son. Holla, who was born Sept. 28, 1875. He is a successful farmer and stock raiser, owning 240 acres of land; is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Adventist Church. J. W. Burton^ physician and surgeon, Bentley, was born in Davidson county, JS^ C, Jan. 3, 1847, the son of John Y. and Elizabeth (Klinard) Burton, natives of the sunny South, father of English descent and mother of German. The Doctor worked on a farm with his father in his boyhood, and also worked at carriage- making and blacksmithing; and to this day, although having a good practice as a physician, he makes many useful articles, having ingenuity and skill enough to do almost anything in tlie mechan- ical line. He is a man of nerve and ambition and a diligent student. During the last war he was a member of the Junior Reserves, tlie first regiment of North Carolina, being in the Quartermaster's Department most of the time, where he improved his penmanship and advanced his general education. His medical education he received at AVashington University, in Baltimore, where he gradu- ated Feb. 22, 1872, but he had practiced three years previously, commencing at Ilighport, Guilford county, N. C. He came to Bentley in 1876, where he established a reputation in advance of bringing his wife here. In this vicinitv he stands at the head of his profession. HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 597 Rev. A. C. CalkhiH^ B. /iS., a minister of tlie M. E. Church, was born near Oneida, 111., Dec. 11, 1849. His father, Edwin Calkins, formerly of Columbia county, N. Y., is one of the earliest settlers of Illinois, arriving in 1837. His mother, now dead, was a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Parke, and sister to the noted Baptist divine, He v. S. E. Parke, of Clifton Springs, N. Y. Kev. Calkins was the fourth child in a family of live, and of course did not personally feel the brunt of toil and privations incident to the settlers of a new country; yet from his earliest years lie was accustomed to bear his part of labor on the old homestead farm. Being possessed of maturity beyond others of his years, young Calkins was soon recognized as a leader among his fellows, and was in danger, from his ardent temperament, of becoming reckless and dissipated. His conversion, in January, 1660, was a fortunate occurrence, and, wrought a wonderful change in his previously skep- tical opinions. After his conversion he remained out of the Church about a year, which he much regrets. In January of the following year he united with the M. E. Church, at Oneida, 111. Under his own convictions as well as the expectations of his brethren of the Church, he reluctantly confessed to a call to jjreach the gospel. This was a battle, as he had set his heart upon the study of medicine. Though possessed at tliis time of a good common-school educa- tion, he wisely concluded this was not sufficient for a Methodist preacher, and in September, 1S67, he was enrolled a student of liedding College, at Abingdon, 111. He was enthusiastic in his studies, especially of the natural sciences, and graduated with honor in the class of 1871. On the day of his graduation (June 15, 1871), he was united in marriage to one of Abingdon's fair daughters, Miss Mary L. Yanvleet, who was also a student of lied- ding. This pleasant episode was followed in September by a recom- mendation to the "traveling connection" of the Central Illinois Conference of the M. E. Church. Ilev. Calkins labored for three years in the eastern part of the State, the balance of his ministry mostly in McDonough county. He was ordained Deacon by Bishop Andrews, at Galesburg, in 1873, and to the office of Elder, two years later, at Moline, by the venerable Bishop Ames, now deceased. Mr. Calkins is an earnest, vigorous speaker, careful, though quick in utterance, using correct language, and is a good elocu- tionist. Possessed of no extraordinary talent, yet he is a successful minister, a pleasant speaker and is very acceptable among the people he serves. As this is only his ninth year in his chosen profession, it is quite certain that he has not yet reached the zenith of his power as a puljjit orator. His ])ersonal a])pear;ince contrib- utes to his success. Possessing a well-proportioned body, express- ive face, hi^h forehead, long flowing beard, combined with a well- stored mino and courteous manners, he certainly can appear well. As a friend he is social, thouQ acres of good land; is a Republican. Abraham Shoiif), farmer, sec, 10; P. O., Bentley; was born in Pennsylvania April 27, 1808. His parents, Michael and Mary (Keller) Shoup, were also natives of the Keystone State, and of Ger- man-English descent. He came to Fulton county. 111., in 1837, settling in Canton, and came to Carthage in 1851; he lived within one mile of Carthage 16 years, and then moved to his present resi- dence. He has been twice married; his first wife died in 1842, leaving 6 children; his second wife was Sarah E. Patterson; they have 10 children. He owns 172^ acres of well-improved land. He has been School Director, Trustee and Commissioner of Highways; is a Democrat. William A. Va7ice, farmer and stock-raiser, Denver, was born in Pennsylvania April 18, 1835. His parents, Joseph and Jane (Cook) Vance, were also natives of that State, and. of English an- cestry. He emigrated to this county in 1854 and settled in Chili tp.; in ISYl he moved to his present home. In 1862 he mari'ied Lydia Dick, who was also a native of the Keystone State. Of their 5 children 2 boys are living — Sherman Dick, 13 years old, and Thomas Cook, 7 years old. In 1864 he enlisted in the 36th 111. Inf. and served one year, being engaged in several battles; he was dis- charged at Springfield. He owns 465 acres of land, mostly prairie. He has been School Director, and is a Republican; he is a man who attends to his own business, refraining from public dictation and political prominence, Simeon B. Walton^ farmer, was born in Kentucky Nov. 9, 1818; his parents, Wm. and Barbara Walton, were natives of Yirginia, and father of Welsh descent. He emigrated to this county in 1840, settling on sec. 13. Jan. 20, 1842, he married Elizabeth Stark, a native of Scotland, and they have 7 children, all living and married. Both Mr. and Mrs. W. belong to the Christian Church. He used to be a Whig, and is now a Republican ; he has been Highway Commissioner and School Director several terms, and has been elected to other offices which he would not accept. He owns 280 acres of well-improved land; he gave 5 of his children 80 acres of land and the other 2, $2,500 apiece. William C. Walton^ farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Denver; was born HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 607 in this county Ang. 15, 18-44; his father, F. M. Walton, was a native of Kentucky, who died April 10, 1880, in Augusta tp.; his mother is living; her maiden name was Emily Kice, and her parents were also natives of Kentucky. Feb. 14, 186T, married Mary C. Clark, and their 3 children are, Frederick M., Emily Ann and an infant. Both the parents belong to the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. W. owns 200 acres of good land, well improved, 40 acres being timber. Republican. TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. The following is a list of the Supervisors, Town Clerks, Assessors and Collectors who have served or are now serving Harmony town- ship, with perhaps some unavoidable omissions: SUPERVISORS. Moses Scott 1856 Jefferson O'Hara 1865 Samuel Ramsey 1858 George M. Browning 1867 Sanniel Grove 1859 Isaac S. Burner 1873 Cortland Vandyke 18G0 Enoch Ramsey 1874 Jeremiah M. Slusher 1863 Isaac S. Burner 1878 Joseph Massie 1863 George W. Shinkle 1879 CLERKS. James Dodd 1856 Thos. A. Thompson 1872 James Black 1858 W. A. Slusher 1873 Peter Comer 1860 Thos. A. Thompson 1875 C. T. Cannon 1868 Josephus Huff' 1876 Isaac S. Burner 1864 W. O. Davis 1877 A. R. Coffman 1869 T. N. Kinbrou^h 1878 Thos. A. Thompson 1870 H. R. Robertson 1880 Isaac S. Burner. 1871 ASSESSORS . George W. Capron 1855 Sam'l S. Waggoner 1867 Isaac S. Biu-ner 1856 Thomas M. Orton 1868 Joseph Massie 1858 Sam'l D. Wallace 1870 Peter Comer 1859 George W. Jones 1871 Isaac S. Burner 1860 Pleasant Cox ) . j^~f. Sanmel S. Waggoner 1861 A. R. Coffman >" ^°'^ C. T. Cannon 1863 E. J. Bush 1875 George U. Brownimr ... 1864 Henry W. Shoup 1876 Samuel F. Ramsey .V 1865 E. W. McCov 1878 Thomas Hardy 1866 ]Michael P. Shoup 1878-1879 COLLECTORS. Enoch Ramsey 1855 F. N. Pennock 1871 S. L. Svmmonds 1800 Enoch Ramsey 1872 Aaron E. Bvers 1861 James A. Mabry 1873 G. W. Ewing 1863 Dickerson Thompson 1875 T. M. Orton 1864 William A. Jones 1877 And. R. Coffman 1865 James A. Mabrv 1878 Micliael P. Shoup 1866 William Black'. 1879-1880 M. M. Buford 1870 BEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. Township 4 — 7 received its name from a crooked and ugly stream which meanders through it, heading in the township above and passing into Walker, enters Adams county, emptying into the Mis- sissippi above Quincy. This, like St. Alban's, is about half prairie and half timbered lands. The C, B. &, Q. railroad passes about centrally through it from north to south. It contains its one vil- lage, Basco, lying on said road, near the center of the township, laid out Feb., 1871, by Wm. S. Woods. It occupies the same, or nearly the same, site as Somerset, a town laid out in 1853 by Abra- ham Baldwin, and since vacated. Among the names of the earliest settlers in Bear Creek town- ship, we recall those of James S. Kimball and his sons, Sidney A. Knowlton, Richard Wilton, Thomas Graham, Samuel Russell, Thomas Morgan, Nicholas Wren, Elijah Pike, John Pike, Moses Yan Winkle, Robert Wilhite, Elder Addis, Jesse Carnes, John Carnes, Jesse Gordon, Thompson Frakes, Riley Young, Thomas and Edward Daw, James Tweed, W. A. Patterson, Andrew and Wra. S. Moore, James and G. W. Wedding, Mahlon Fell, Wm. Meredith, Yernon Doty, Peter and John Fry, James Boyles, Cor- nelius Elson, Lafford Totten, W. W. Mason, Hiram Simmons, Felix G. Mourning, Samuel J\JcGee, Guilford Fuller, Henry Kent, David Cole. William George, James M. Charles, Dr. Alvin Thompson, William Wallace, John Pavy, Wm, B. Skinner, John Huff, David Bedford, Benjamin G. Wright, David Crow. Of the above we note specially James S. Kimball and Sidney A. Knowlton, the former from New Hampshire and the latter from Ohio, who emigrated together in 1835. The Kimballs were Metho- dists, the Knowlton's were " Campbellites," but both subsequently joined the Mormons and removed to Salt Lake with them, leaving this county in 1847. Mr. Kimball died in Salt Lake ten years thereafter, and Mr. Knowlton at a later period, each near about the age of 70. Their widows were still living as late as 1875. Richard Wilton will be remembered as having been elected School Commissioner of Hancock county in 1841, the first year of contest between the old citizens and Mormons. Mr. Wilton left the county a few years afterward. Subsequently his farm came into possession of Benjamin G. Wright, Esq., a native of Belmont county, Ohio. Mr. Wright was a remarkable man; had been edu- cated in the common schools only; was possessed of a strong mind; a deep tliinker; radical in his opinions, which he embraced without inquiry as to their popularity or orthodoxy. He did not remain long in the county. Desiring to settle his family where land was (608) HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 609 cheaper, lie removed to Henry county in this State, where he pro- cured a large body of land and settled his sons each on a farm around him. There he was residing when the Rebellion broke out. He had long ago embraced the doctrines of the Virginia and Ken- tuck}' resolntions, and hence when these troubles arose he was strongly in favor of allowing " the wayward sisters to go in peace." His opposition to the war and the war measures of President Lin- coln became so violent as to render him extremely nnpopular in his county. In 1872 he was put on the extreme Democratic bolters' ticket for Governor — of course, with no hope of an election. He received but 25 votes in this county. Mr. W. was still living Jan., ISSO, at an advanced age of about 80 years. The postoffice known as Sylvan Dale was established at his place and at his instance. Many of the persons named in the foregoing list are long since deceased; numbers of others have gone to newer States and Terri- torie.-. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. "We have but a meager report of religious matters for Bear Creek township. The town of Basco contains its solitary church edifice, built by the United Presbyterians, now owned and occnpied by the Methodist Episcopal, who have for their pastor Rev. Mr. Madison, who has been preaching several years in that and the adjacent townships. On the east line, near the northeast corner, stands another chnrch belonging to the Baptist denomination, which has been in existence somewhere near thirty years. We know of no other Church organizations in the township. PERSONAL SKETCHES. We will now make personal mention of the leading citizens and old settlers of this township. William H. Allen, carpenter, was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1833; remained at home until his marriage to Eleanora McGinnis 1854; she was a native of West Virginia; about six months after- ward Mr. Allen moved to Portage City, Colnmbia county. Wis., where he remained one year; he then lived in Clarke county. Mo., two years, then in Fulton county, 111., one year, then in Bnshnell a few years, which place he helped to found; after moving around elsewhere he finally located at Carthage, 111., where he has helped to build many of the fine residences and pnblic buildings to be seen there. In 1878 he moved to Basco, where he now resides and works at his chosen profession. His children are, Lorilla R., William D., Elmer M. (dec), Frank W., Charles G. and Louisa M. (dec). Mr. Allen served in the army during the war, being engaged in many hard-fought battles to save his country, as Pittsburg Landing, Vicks- burg. Fort Donelson, etc. He enlisted at Fountain Green, this 610 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. county, in 1861, under Col. Lawler. Mr. Allen's father was a pat- tern-nialver by occupation. James A. Anderson, fanner, was born in Bottetourt county, Ya., in 1840, and was the son of Matthew and Mary A. (McClure) An- derson; at 19 he went to Colorado, where he lived four years; re- turning, he located on the farm where he now lives. In 1875 he married Mary E. Mourning, a native of Kentucky. About this time he began business in Basco, a member of the firm of Gordon & Anderson. In three years Mr. A. sold his interest in the store to his brother, "W. P., for his interest in the homestead, where he has ever since resided. Besides farming and dealing in stock he now devotes a good deal of his time to Fruit-growing, having an orchard of TOO apple-trees. He owns 150 acres of well-improved land equal in productions to any farm in the township. Mr. A., has been Assessor and Supervisor; the latter position he now holds. In 1863 he was made a Master Mason of Basco Lodge jSTo. 618, and served three years; he is also a member of Carthage Chapter, Ko. 33, ofRoval-Arch Masons. His children are Mattie M., born Kov. 11, 18Y6^ and Clyde, March 7, 1878. Charles W. Baldioin, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 10; P.O., Basco; was born in the State of New York in 1827; educational ad- vantages limited; his father, Abraham Baldwin, a native of New Jersey was a hatter by trade, but also followed farming; his mother, nee Bridget Yan Waggoner, was also a native of jNew Jersey. He remained at home until 21 years of age, when he began business for himself in this county, having only $20 in money with which to make the first payment on his land; after awhile he sold so as to clear $1,000; purchased again and soon made another $1,000 by selling; and thus he continued until he accumulated a handsome fortune. He now owns a farm of 400 acres, valued at $1,600, which is one of the best improved farms in the township. He also ships stock extensively every week to Chicago or the East. In 1852 he married Mrs. Mary A. McPherson, nee Wiley, and they have had 6 children, all of whom are married except the son and the young- est daughter. Mr. B. has been Supervisor, Road Commissioner, School Trustee, and Postmaster at Basco. .1 Charles Bettisworth, son of Ivin and Drusilla (Bean) Bettis- worth, was born in Virginia in 1816; when 25 years of age he left home, and in 1843 he married Mary E. Wilhite, of Illinois, and moved on a farm near where he now lives; after a few years he purchased 40 acres of his present farm of 125 acres, made his own rails and fenced the same; paid $12 a ton for prairie hay; and after yearsof industrious toil he has made a comfortable home. By his first wife he had but one child, Clarkson, born in 1850. For his second wife he married, in 1857, Agnes R. Byres, of this county, and their 3 children are Andrew J., Charles D. and Amanda. Louis JBrault, grape- grower, was born in Southwestern France, in 1827; parents were born in 1795 and 1793, and died at the age of 73 and 69. At 17 he came to A.merica and located at Concordia, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 611 La., wliere lie remained two and a half years; he then followed gar- dening two years in New Orleans; then was in Arkansas one year making staves for European markets; in 1862 he came to this county, locating on the farm wliere he has ever since lived. In 1SG6 he married Harriet Gavillet, of this county, and their 2 children are Augusta E. R. and Harriet C. F. He owns 80 acres of land, on which is his fine vineyard. He is one of the Urm of Brault Brothers, who own in common a 50-acre vineyard, 16 acres of which is controlled by Louis. This vineyard was set out in 1S64; there arc 000 vines to the acre, in rows eight feet apart, and six feet apart in the row; kept at the height of three feet, only one wire being used; they are all of the Concord variety. In 1874 this vineyard of 16 acres produced 173 barrels of wine. In this indus- try the Brault Brothers are second to none in the West. C . Cacheux, farmer, was born in France in 1836;'fatlier was born in 1792, and his mother, Catharine (Girard) Caclieux, was a native of France. He came to America in 1853, stoppingone year at [New Springfield, 111., then located near Cincinnati; learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked most of the time until 1868, when he came to this county, where he first engaged in general merchandis- ing, at Warsaw, and then moved to Basco, where he remained eight years. He owns a beautiful farm of 200 acres, where he ex- hibits much yjride in the home surroundings. He has a small vineyard of 600 plants. His wife, Catharine, nee Clerc, is a native of France. Two of the 3 children are living, — Frank, born in 1857, and George in 1865. Harmon Crea^ farmer, sec. 25, was born in Prussia in 1812, the sou of Jasper and Margarette L. S. (Wilborn) Crea, natives of Prus- sia; his father was born in 1779. At 26 he married Margarette L. Charlotte, a native also of Prussia. In 1852 he came to Amer- ica, locating near Quincy, 111., where he remained three 3^ears, then purchased a farm of 100 acres, near Basco, where he now lives. Having had the advantage of a good early education himself, he has given his children like advantages. In 1842 he married, as his second wife, Mary Tasen, of Prussia, and they have had 9 chil- dren. Mr. C. is one of the best historians in the county. John H . Crea^ farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Basco; was born in Prus- sia in 1842; in 1869, at Basco, he married Mary A. Eads, a native of Iowa, soon after which, he moved to his present farm near Basco, where he has remained ever since. Mr. and Mrs. C.'s children are, — Mary A., Charles H., John F., Jacob W. (dec), Wilmette. Both are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. C. takes great interest in his occupation and also in educational matters. David Crow was born in St. Charles county. Mo., in 1803; his father. Wm. Crow, was a Pennsylvania farmer; at 21 he com- menced life's battles alone. Capt. Crow commanded with great success a coinpaii}' of men in the Black Hawk war. He has been Magistrate, Postmaster and Notary Public for several years. He 612 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. lived in Adams count}' until 1846, when lie came to this county; His first wife was Mary Bean, by whom he had 9 children; namely, Esther A., born in 1825; William N., dec, in 1827; John M., 1830; James L., dec, born in 1832; Lemuel F., born in 1834; Nancy J., dec, born in 1837; Fielding M.,dec., born in 1839; Mary A., born in 1S41; and Susan A., in 1843. James and Fielding were members of the 12tli 111. Cav. in the late war. In 1847 Capt. Crow married Catharine Stiles, and their children are — David Gr., born in 1848; Thomas L., in 1850; Catharine E., 1852; Abigail L., (dec), in 1854; and Hannah J., born in 1858. He is a Republican. John Daw, farmer, sees. 7 and 8; P. O., Basco; was a son of Edward Daw, who was a native of England, born there in 1809, and came to America in 1840, locating in Hancock county, where he has since lived; in 1842 he married Eliza Wilson, a native of Dela- ware; they had 5 children, of whom our subject was the youngest, who was born in this county in 1845, where he has since lived; in 1870 he married Miss E. A. Anderson, a native of Virginia, and their 2 living children are Arthur, born Oct. 4, 1875, and Clinton, Oct. 29, 1878. He owns 145 acres of good land and handles some stock. He has been Assessor for two years, Lyman Doty, merchant, was born in this tp. in 1844; lived with his father, Vernon Doty, until 20 years of age, then farmed on his own land of 40 acres on sec 15. He came to Basco in 1871, engaged in business for himself until next year, when he formed a partnership with Mr. Gordon, composing the firm of Doty & Gordon, who continued in business live years; then Mr. Doty moved to Bentley, where he was in partnership with Mr. Peak two years; but now Mr. D. is a member of the firm of Doty & Gordon at Basco, who are doing a good business in general merchandise. In 1865 he married Miss Jane Jessup, daughter of Samuel and Frances Jessup, of this county, and their only child is Emma, who was born in February, 1866. Mr. D. is a Freemason and a Repub- lican. E. S. Freeman, son of Wm. and Margaret (Shaw) Freeman, was born in Lebanon, Ohio, in 1801. At 14 he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he has always followed; at 21 he moved to Indiana, and in 1826 came to Illinois, locating at Quincv in 1828, when there was neither brick nor frame house in town; in 1834 he came to Carthage, and that year he heard the first sermon ever preached in that place; he became a member of the class organized bj^ the celebrated Peter Cartwright, and is the only member of that class now living. He has lived in Basco since 1853. He was first mar- ried in 1823 to Miss Sarah Gruell. His second wife, Mai-y A., nee Rose, was a native of Qnincy. and died in 1872, having been a member of the M. E. Church 44 years. They had 5 sons and 3 daughters. Col. Freeman has been very industrious at his trade, at which he worked until after he was 70 years old. Russell G. Fuller, retired farmer; P. O., Basco; was born in Ohio in 1810, the son of Russell and Nabby (Guilford) Fuller, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 613 Datives of Aslifield, Mass. In 1S34 he married Abby Ackley: they lived in Marietta six years, then in Warren county, this State, four years, then came to Basco, wliere they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller had 10 children — Asa, Rufus W., Mary J., Nabby, Eusebius, Andrew, Matilda, Hnlda, Fanny and Lana. Eusebius enlisted in the 5th 111. Cav. in 1862, and was in the siege at Yicksburg. Mr. Fuller was married the second time in 1863 to Mrs. William Homez, and their 2 children are Eosa B., born Nov., 1865, and Augustina (dec), born March 9, 1864. Mr. Fuller's father died at the age of 84, and his mother at 80. George W. Gai'cird, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Penn- sylvania August 12, 1825, and was a son of Justus Garard, also a native of Pennsylvania. He was thrown upon his own resources at the age of 11 years; worked at the distillery business for several years, then became proprietor of a hotel at Brownsville, Penn.; in two years he returned to his former home and again engaged in the distillery business. The next year he emigrated with his family to Woodford county, this State, and remained there 13 years, doing much toward developing the agricultural and educational interests of that county, and in 1867 he moved to Hancock county, where he purchased the farm on which he now lives. He has in this farm 500 acres of well-improved land, which is tilled and managed by his sons, while he himself is engaged in the stock commission busi- ness in Peoria, 111., under the firm name of Wilcox, Sherman & Garard. In 1849 he married Frances J. Minor, of Pennsylvania, and they have had 12 children, 7 of whom are living; viz., Minor C, William B., John H., Lewis C. Justus F., Mary E. and Charles A. Mr. and Mrs. G. have been members of the Christian Church for many years. George C. Gordon, merchant, was born in this tp. in 1842, and was a son of J. J. Gordon, a native of Ohio, and of German parent- age. His father died in 187S, aged 67; his mother still lives and is 64 years old. George C. taught school several terms in this and Adams county with good success. In 1872 he married Miss Mary E. George, daughter of William George, of this tp., and their chil- dren are Ethel, born in 1874, and Pearly, born January, 1876. _ Mr. G. has lived in Basco eight years engaged in general merchandising under the firm name of Gordon & Anderson. Henry II. Groom, son of AVilliam and Nancy (Haney) Groom, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively, was born in Park county, Ky., in 1822. He was left at the early age of 15 to earn his own support and also assist in the support of his widowed mother and her children. In August, 1844, he married Martha Simmons, a native of Kentucky; 3 of their 7 children are living, — William R., Lucinda and Robert H. Mr. G. remained in Scott county two years; came to this county in 1846, locating in St. Alban's, and in 1864 settled in Basco, where he now lives with his father-in-law, liiram Simmons. Mr. Groom served in the late war nine months in the 118th 111. Inf., under Capt. James Logan. 614 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. He has been a inoniber of the Baptist Cliurch 40 years, and is an honest, hanl-working man. ir. L. Ilarns^ farmer and stock dealer, was born in Hendricks conntv, Ind., in 1834. His father was Riley Harris, born in 1S07, and his mother was Matilda (^Bramblet) Harris. He worked on a farm at home until 30 years of age, and in 1861 he married Mary Dennis, a native of Ohio. He went to Missouri in 1859, working on his own farm of 900 acres, thence to Adams county, HI., where he remained 9 years and then came to this county in 1873, locat- ing on his present farm of 3'20 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are the parents of 5 ciiildren now living, 3 boys and 2 girls. Mr. H. was in the Missouri militia during 18Gl-'2 and in 1864 he went out in the 51st HI. and remained until the close of the war. He was engaged in several battles, among which were Springtield, Columbus, Frank- lin, Nashville and Pulaski. Jesse E. Iluif, larnier; P. O., Basco; is a son of John and Susan (Mathers') llutf, natives of North Carolina, and was born in Schuy- ler county, HI., 1837. When he had attained his majority he mar- ried Miss Rebecca J^ryant at Carthage, and settled on his farm near the same city. Hi two years he sold out and purchased a farm near Basco and lived there six years engaged in stock trading. He again sold out and moved upon the Qiiincy RY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 617 German. They lived a short distance from Wheeling, W. Ya. He was joined in marriage to Elizihoth Cotts, Nov. IS, 1828. His birthday was Augnst 25, 1801); hers, Jan. 8, 1812. Their lirst child, Elizabeth M!, was born Dec. 1, 1820, and died Jane 22, 1832; George Washington, the second child, was born Oct. 16, 1830, and died in infancy; Rosanna Antoinette was born June 10, 1832; John Randolph, Jnne 10, 1834; Eleanor Virginia, Aug, 12, 1836; Caroline Melissa, Nov. 17, 1838; Mary Louisa, May 22, 1841; Elizabeth Clarissa, July 12, 1844. Mary Louisa was married to James Hughes, by whom she had 3 children, who are living. She died August 7, 1867. Soon after Dorrance's marriage he titted up a store-room m South Wheeling, near the bridge. The room was of good size, but only one story high. The dwelling was a large two-story frame building joining store on the west. For several years they had a good trade and made money. In the winter of 1S32 there were heavy falls of snow. In the valley of the Alleghany it was from ten to twelve feet in depth. In February a warm spell occurred and snow melted so rapidly that water was from hill to hill. From Pittsburg down the Ohio most of the farm buildings were swept away by the flood. In Wheeling, on Main street, below the hill, a large steamer floated along. Lumber yards were all swept away. From South Wheeling there were 38 buildings swept away. Mr. McGinnis' store-house and goods, and his large dwelling house were among the number. Nothing was saved. As soon as the waters receded he procured a dwelling in Middle Wheeling. At. that time the Asiatic cholera was raging and carried off scores. In the fall of 1832 it made its appearance in Wheeling. A few contracted the disease, some of whom died. Mr. McGinnis was stricken down with it, bad as any one could have it to recover. He removed to a high, beautiful location on what was called Chapman's Hill. In the spring of 1833 the cholera appeared again. The deaths each day increased from a few till they numbered 28 per day, then decreased in the same ratio. Something over 300 had been interred in the cemetery before the disease disappeared. Mr. McG. then purchased a large store-house on the east side of Market Square at $5,000; he put in a large stock of goods to suit the country trade. There w^ere from 100 to 300 wagons backed up to that market house twice a week, unless bad weather or roads prevented their coming. Mr. McG. had charge of that market for a number of years, for which service he was paid $300 per annum. He was also acting City Marshal, for which he was paid a liberal compensation. He kept good faithful clerks in the store, which did a profitable business. He continued in business there about 18 years before selling out. Jan. 9, 1846, Mrs. McGinnis died, the mother of 6 children. For several years after her death the bereaved husband continued in the mercantile business. He fitted up a large fine building on Market near Monroe street, in which he lived several years; he 618 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. then rented the property and moved to the island. He sold out his store-house and all real estate except his large residence on Market street. In 1855 he moved to the West, and landed at Alexandria, Mo., opposite Warsaw, where he purchased -130 acres of land on the Des Moines bottom. A few years later he sold the land, and purchased a residence in Warsaw, to which he moved and planted a vineyard. Having an offer in 1856 of $5,000 from the Odd Fellows in Wheel- ing for his residence there, he returned to transact the sale; but they declining certain terms, he sold to another party. After re- siding in Warsaw a few years and the vinej^ard had commenced bearing, Mr. McGinnis had a good offer for the property, sold out and moved to Basco, where he now resides. He purchased several farms and tracts of land in Bear Creek tp,, one lying north of and joining the old village of Summersett. He had part of the land surveyed in streets, alleys and town lots. It is called McGinnis' Addition to Summersett. Some of the best residences in the village are built on it. Dec. 11, 1864, Mr. McGinnis married Matilda C. Downs, nee Huff". From that marriage 3 children were born; Eugene, May 19, 1866, who died in infancy; C. C. Franklin, born Aug. 4, 1870; Caroline Isabel, born Oct. 20, 1874. In political matters Mr. McGinnis is a Democrat; he has acted as Justice of the Peace for many years, has been Supervisor of this tp. several years; is a Knight Templar, has served as Mas- ter of the Lodge several years; and, having been left an orphan when young, he is a self-made man, a man of the highest integrity, and we count him as one of the most substantial and worthy citi- zens of Hancock county. We give his portrait in this volume. Matthew Merriman, deceased, was born in Lincolnshire, Eng- land, in 1813, the 9th of 12 children born to Richard and Mary (Pitts) Merriman, natives of England. Matthew followed farming in the old country until 1855, when he came with -his wife and children to the United States, first settling in Pike county, III., where he remained for 11 years; he then came to this county, where he lived until his death in 1871. By honest labor Mr. M. became enabled to leave to his wife and 5 children a farm of 285 acres, valued at $15,000. Since his death the management oi the farm has been in the hands of his son Joseph, by whose energy and business skill has been erected within the last few years a large three-story house finished according to the latest pat- terns. He has also put up a new and large barn which will hold 100 tons of hay, besides giving room for small grains and stock. He also deals largely in cattle. His marriage to Mary Saunders, of England, was in 1843. The children are, Mary A., Jane, Elizabeth, dec, Joseph and Elizabeth. Mrs. M. is a member of the Baptist Church. P. O., Basco. Albert Naegelin, druggist, was born in Kentucky in 1854, son of Emile and Annis (Thevenin) ISTaegelin, natives of France; they HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 619 moved to tlie United States in 1853, and now reside in St, Louis, where Mr. X. follows his trade of litliograpliy. When about seven years old Albert was taken by his parents in emigration to this county, and after mature years returned with them t6 Kentucky ; in 1S68 he returned to this county, where he followed farming until one year ago, when he. came to Basco and studied telegra])hy for awhile, and then purchased a half interest in the drng store now known as iS^aegelin & Mourning's, on Main Street, near the center of the village. The postomce is in the same building. This firm has a full stock of goods in their line, and they are one of the leading business firms in the county. In 1875 Mr. M. married Eliza J. Tanner, daughter of Doctor Tanner, of Basco. Adam Rolirhough^ farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 15; P. O., Basco; was born in Yirginia August 6, 1827, the son of George Rohr- bough, who was born in Hardin county, Ya., in 1792, and died in this county in 1874, leaving 11 children, 61 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren, in all 101. At 18 3'ears of age Adam left his home and married Miss Susan Curtis, of Lewis count}', Ya.; after remaining on the home farm for about seven years they moved to this county, having $300 in money, one span of horses and a wagon; but Mr. R. has been industrious and now owns 567 acres of land, valued at $18,000; his farm is near the county-seat and is one of the best improved in Western Illinois. Mr. R. takes a great interest in education and has given a college course to some of his children, and some are away from home now attending school. Their names are: Benia E., Marion, who was graduated at Carthage College in 1878, and is now professor in Mt. Morris College in this State; Lee J., who has taken a commercial course at Qnincy, 111., and has the honor of being the second best who has ever graduated at the Quincy Business College; George A., now a student at Carthage College; and Mary A. Mr. R. has also raised an orphan boy named Henry Carpenter, who was in 118th 111. Yol. Inft., in the late war, having enlisted in 1862 under Capt. Mourning; he died at Yicksburg. Mr. R. is a strong tem- perance man and has been a member of the M. E. Church 35 years. He does not rememljer of being guilty of profane swear- ing in his life.' Samuel Rose was born in Lexington, Ky., in 1809, and is the seventh of nine children of James and Phoebe (Coulter) J,Rose, the former a native of New York and the latter of New Jersey. Mr. James Rose was a Lieutenant in the expedition sent out by Washington to subdue the AYhisky Rebellion. Both he and his wife died at Lexington in 1813, when young Samuel was taken to an uncle, with whom he lived until he was fifteen years of age; he then went to Frankfort and learned the confectionery business, completing the trade at Lexington in 1829; he then came to Illi- nois and was in Quincy in 1830-'l; thence he went to Jacksonville and worked at carpentry until ls-t9; was then several years in California, meeting with good success; in 1857 he returned and 620 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. settled on his farm in this county near CarthaojS, since which date he has spent most of his time liimtiug and trapping, having made as much as $20 in one day, killing deer, trapping mink and other animals; he is best known, however, as a wolf hunter, as he has killed since his residence here about 250 wolves in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, more than 60 of these in this county. Although he does not now follow farming, he owns an excellent tract of land of 170 acres near Basco, and has personal property worth about $2,000. Although he is now 71 years of age he can walk farther in a day than most young men of these times, and has a good memory. He has been a member of the Christian Church for man}' years. He was never married. Samuel Russell, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Denver; is a native of Ireland, and ever since he was nine years of age he has been bat- tling with tlie cold world, and by untiring energy and strictest in- tegrity, he has accumulated a handsome fortune; he now owns 400 acres of improved land, valued at $12,000. In 1831 he landed at Quebec liaving but three cents, English money; about tliree years afterward he went to Delaware and learned carpentry; he then emi- grated West and settled near Alton, 111., where he worked at his trade, although he owned some farming land there; he sold out at the end of 12 years, and after stopping one year in Adams county, "he came to this county and settled on the farm where he now resides; has lived here since 1857. Mr. R. is a very careful and painstaking agriculturist. In 1842 he married Jemima A. Hickman, who was born in New Jersey in 1823, and of their 10 children only these 4 are living: James H., Nancy, Mary J. and Joseph S. JohiiG. Seager was born in New York city in 1807, the son of John and Eunice (AUston) Sealer, natives of New York, who lived to a good old age. John was a prominent minister of the Baptist Church, being connected with the First Baptist Church of New York city, and afterward 19 years Pastor of the Church atHaights- town. Pa.; he then returned to New York and took charge of the Baptist congregation on Long Island. John G. remained at home until about 16 years old, receiving a good education, having attended the first academy in the city of New York; and because of superior qilaliiications he was solicited to attend college at Hamilton, N. Y, He learned the cabinet trade, but has spent most of his long and useful life in preaching the gospel. He came West in 1839, locat- ing at Mendon, Adams county, 111., and after laboring in that vicin- ity for about seven years, he came to this county and constituted the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, and in a few years more the Basco Baptist Church. He now serves these two Churches; he has also established many other Churches in this section, among which are Mount Vernon, Starr and Jubilee. For his first wife he married Rebecca Chamberlain, of Haightstown, N. J.; she died in 1844, having had in her life-time 6 children; namely, Charles A., dec; Caroline, now widow of Mr. Doty, of Carthage; Lydia A., now of 1 J^ ./^^?ZCX^ BEAR CREEK Tp HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 623 Quinc}', Hickory county, Mo.; Enoch C, a member of the 118th 111. Yol. Inf., who died at Camp Butler, aged 21; Catherine E., dec, who was the wife of Slieriff Dammeron; and John E., living in Basco. For a second wife Mr. Seager married Mary Pendergast in 1854, a native of Pennsylvania, and the^' have had 4 sons and 2 daughters. Mr. S. owns property in Basco and seems to be happy in his old age. His power of vision is nearly as good as ever. He has been Town Clerk and School Treasurer ten years each, and Col- lector five years; and was recently elected Town Clerk, Hiram Simmons^ farmer; P. 0., Basco. Mr. S. is one of the early settlers of Bear Creek tp., and has done much to make it and the county what they are. He was born in Kentucky in 1803. a son of Robert and Flora (Chenworth) Simmons, the former boi*n in Maryland in 1779, and the latter in Virginia in 1787. At the age of 19 Mr. S. married Nancy Caulkins, of ISTew York, and located in Hardin county, Ky., where he remained four years; then he came to Scott county. 111., where he lived 20 years; then he came to this tp., locating near Basco, where he has ever since resided. Children — Martha, born July 4, 1822; William B., deceased, born June 2, 1824; Mary E., born June 5, 1827; Robert H., Feb. 22, 1829; Hiram S., deceased, born Dec. 19, 1831; Franklin, deceased, born Oct. 20, 1834; Lucinda, deceased, born July 12, 1837; Isaac C, deceased, born June 12, 1840; Nancy J., deceased, born Maj- 19, 1842. Mr. S. now owns a comfortable home and a small farm join- ing Basco on the southeast. His son Isaac was a member of the 118th 111. Yol. Inf , under James Logan, tor about a year. Samuel Staples, farmer, was born in 1818 in Indiana. His par- ents were natives of Yirginia, and his mother's maiden name was Rebecca Coons. In 1840 the subject of this sketch was united in marriage witli Mary A. James, also a native of Indiana; after re- maining in Jefferson county, Ind., for two years, they came to this county and settled near Augusta. As a specimen of pioneer dis- couragements we may relate that at one time he went to a horse- mill to get some grinding done, and in the commencement of the grinding an accident occurred to his horse, which was at work in the mill ; he at once went home, saying he would " eat parched curn and potatoes." He then lived in Adams county four years, then he settled upon his own farm of 80 acres in this county, which is a part of his present farm of 190 aci-es. Of his 3 children only John W. is living. Mr. S. has been School Trustee, Justice of the Peace and Road Commissioner, which latter office he now holds. He is a member of the Methodist Church. S. A. Thompson, physician, was born in Tennessee in 1812, son of AVilliam Thomj)son, who was a Revolutionary soldier five years, and was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. At the age of 20 our subject began business for himself; in 1832 he went to Alabama, where he remained one year and returned to middle Tennessee. Here he wa,s an eye witness of the great star-fall of 1833. He removed to Crawfordsville, Ind., and afterward "^settled in this county in 1847. He has 40 acres of i^ood land. He has 37 624 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. practiced medicine here IS years, on eclectic principles. For his first wife he married Isabel Ogle, in 1S39, and they had 12 chil- dren. For his second wife he married Mary A. Saterfield in IS 72, a native of Missonri. The Doctor has tiie honor of being the first Supervisor of this tp. He used to be a Democrat, but is now a staunch Green backer. Luster S. Wyckoff, a farmer, was born in Schuyler county. 111., in 1S40, the son of Oierritt and Nancy (McKee) Wyckofi", who were amonj; the earliest pioneers of the great AVest, there being only three white families west of the Illinois river when they came here. In ISOO L. S. married Nancy C. Irviu, of Schuyler county, who was born in ISio. Of their children only 2 are living; namely, Maggie J., born in June, 1S62, and Elizabeth A., in Xov., lSti4. The tirst ten years after his marriage Mr. W. lived in Schuyler county. 111., then lived in Missouri awhile, and in 1S79 located at his present home at Basco. TOWXSHir OFFICIALS. The following is a list of the ofiicers that have served this town- ship since its organization, as far as could be obtained from the records : SUPERVISORS. Almon Thompson ISoO David W. Browning 1868 Felix G. Moumiug 1853 D. 3[cGinnis 7 1869 Thomas Los^sui. .7 1855 W. C. WiUiams 1870 C. W. Baldwin 1858 Wm. P. Damron 1872 Wm. 8. Moore 1S59 Jameson H. Wetzel 1873 Chas. H. SteSev 1860 Jesse E. Gerard 187-1 John W. Tatnuin 1861 Wm. P. Damron 1876 Wm. B. Skinner 1863 Wm. A. Anderson 1877 John R. McGinnis 1866 Constant Cacheaux 1878 Wm. B. Skinner 1867 James A. Anderson 1879 CLERKS. John G. Seirer 1855 John G. Seger 1868 William Hawkins 1858 Albert Naegelin 1879 William Fleming 1865 John G. Seger 1880 ASSESSORS. John :M. Wetzell 1855 Jjunes Anderson 187'> \ndrew Moore 1858 Edward Harrison 1873 Charles W. Baldwin 1860 A. H. Ca\-wood 1874 EUsha McGoe 1S63 Geo. H. Damron I ivs-n John W. Tatman 1864 A. H. Caywood ) ^"'"^ \lmon Thompson 1865 Clark Lewis 1876 C. W. Baldwin 1866 J. H. Wetzel 1877 Geo C Gordon 1867 John Daw 1878 E. Brown. Jr 1S69 Wm. G. Mott 1880 Wm. P. Damron 1870 COLLECTORS. William S. Moore 1S55 G. C. Gordon 1870 J. G. Se^er 1S58 John D. Page 1871 Nicholas Wren 1863 John J. Hawkins 1873 J. R >[eGinnis 1863 Nathaniel C. Cavwood 1873 Charles H. Steffev 1864 Jcvsephus Huff 1874 Wm. P. Damron ". 1866 G. C. Gordon 1875 J IT Wetzell 1S67 J. R. iNIcGinnis 1876 Willi:. Drvd-.T 1869 G. C. G^mion 1878-80 WYTHE TOWNSHIP. This township, named after an old Revolutionary Yirojinian, Nos. 4r-S. It is chietiy prairiejocated between the head waters ofBear creek and those dewing westward into the Mississippi, One long branch of Bear creek traverses its southeastern corner, supplying some tim- ber and some broken country. The remaining portion is well-ly- ing, mostly rolling prairie, chietiy owned and occupied by intelli- gent, enterprising and rich farmers. This township contains the two recorded towns of Elderville and Prairieville, containing each a few houses only. Wythe, being prairie, was settled later than Walker and Montebello, on each side of it. Among ics early settlers were named Benjamin F. Marsh, Sr.; Rodolphus Chandler, Mark Phelps, Andrew McMahan, William Crawford, Samuel Knox, Davidson Harris, Moses Ham- mond, Slocum WooUey, John S. Johnson, Robert Ayers, David Ayers, Samuel Chandler, Isaac Bliss, H. P. Griswold, Thomas Crawford, Joshua C. Berry, Lyman L. Calkin, Wm. A. Smith, L. Horney, Wm. J. Ash, J. D. Browning, William Wallace Reed, ■ Wm. Jackson," Alonzo Sauford, Charles Ames, Wm. Shinn, L. L. Piggott, and the Robinsons, Yanewines, McGees, Butlers, Dough- tys, Livelys and others. The early settlement, known for so many years as Green Plains, was partly in Wythe and partly in Walker, Wilcox and Rocky Run townships, its center being near the corner connecting the four townships. Hence, in naming the early settlers in each, some of them may be located over the line of the township for which they are named, Benjamin F. Marsh, named above, was an early settler. His farm east of Warsaw was for years the extreme settlement on the route toward the county seat, all beyond being an unbroken and almost treeless prairie. Mr. M. was born in His Majesty's dominions of North America, New Brunswick, we believe, and was until his death a man of note in the county. His son, B. F. Marsh, Jr., our E resent talented and genial member of Congress, was born on the ome tarm in Wythe, and in his boyhood days hunted rabbits and squirrels, and gathered nuts and things in the timber brakes ad- joining. MarK Phelpt was a man of remarkable character in the eastern part of the township. Free, jovial, reckless, wild, good-natured," always ready for an adventure or a spree, and always on hand in a crowd; everybody knew and joked and drank with Mark, — loater, of course; lager had not then been imported from Germany, and the (6','5) •626 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. ■country was too new for cider. He still lives, showing the hand of time upon his brow. The brothers Ayres were natives of the Emerald Isle, came to America and settled in Hancock county at an early day. IS^umbers of these pioneers have gone. William Crawford was probably the first to build a house in Wythe township, in the fall of 1832. Andrew McMahan and Sam- uel Knox also came in 1832. Of the foregoing, Messrs. B. F. Marsh, Wm. Crawford, Thomas Crawford, Rodolphus Chandler, Samuel Knox, Robert Avers, Sam- uel Chandler, Moses Hammond, and perhaps others, are now de- ceased. Andrew McMahan and Silas Robinson still remain, with the frosts of over 75 winters upon their heads. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. Elders Joseph Hatchett and Samuel Knox, early residents of Green Plains settlement, both residing, we believe, in Walker, were the earliest preachers in that section. The first religious organization within the limits of Wythe of which we have any record is that of the Congregational Church, on the west line of the township. This society was organized in 1851, with the follow- ing members; viz., Hurlburt P. Griswold, Lucy Griswold, Moses Hammond, Elizabeth Hammond, Caroline Hammond, Asaph C. Hammond, Ero Chandler, Emeline Chandler, Benjamin Whitaker, Eliza Whitaker, William F. Frazee, Isaac Bliss, Elizabeth Bliss, David A. Robinson, Edward C. Griswold, Walter R. Glover, Agnes W. Glover, John A. Howes, Elinor Howes, and Lorinda Chandler — 20. Some of these resided in adjoining townships. The mem- bership has since increased to about 75. The church edifice is of frame, built about 20 years ago, and has a parsonage adjoining. The pastors who have ofliciated there are Rev. George J. Barrett, Rev. Mr. Johnson, Revs. Samuel Dillev, Nathaniel P. Coltrin, A. R. Mitchell, John H. Shay, W. B. Bachtell, C. C. Irland and Joseph Wolf. The Wythe Presbyterian Church, on sec. 17, was organized later, exact date not stated; it occupies also a neat frame building, erected some 10 or 12 years ago. Its membership is not large. Both it and the Congregational Church have been in the habit of joining with the Churches in Hamilton in support of their pastors. Two miles immediately south of the Presbyterian Church, stands a neat brick church edifice, belonging to the Campbelliite denomination. It was built a few years ago, in the midst of a flourishing settlement and beautiful country. We have no partic- ulars farther of its membership or work. BIOGRAPHICAL. In justice to the pioneers and prominent citizens of the city and township of Carthage, we wish to speak personally, and short biographical sketches of them here follow: HISTORY OF HANCOCK COVNTT. 627 Gottlieb Altheide was born Dec. 14, 1S25. His parents were Peter and Reaka (^Steffe"! Altheide. He came to Quincj in 1855, where he followed tailorino^ tive years. His sight tailing him, he removed to a farm in this county and began agricultural life. He is now a prominent farmer and stuck-raiser of Wythe township, residing on sec. 34, and owns 210 acres of valuable land. He was married in September, 1854, to Miss Reaka Hakker, by whom he has had S children: of these, 7 are living; viz., Annie, Fred, Minnie, Henry, Gottlieb, Caroline and Johnnie. TT;;?. e/. ^^A was born in McMinn county, Tennessee, June 6, 1825, and was reared to manhood in the State of Alabama by his parents, Hugh B. and Nancy Ash, the former a native of South Carolina, and the latter of Greene county, Tenn. Our subject came to this State in the year 1846, and stayed until 1849, when he went back to Alabama on a visit, and returned to Illinois in the same year. TThile in Alabama he was married to Miss Eliza A.Culpepper, by whom he has had 9 children; of these, 7 are living; viz., Sarah L. i^now Mrs. King), Mary A. (now Mrs. Paine), Joel B. (married to Miss Allen), Louisa A., Amanda J., Alice A. and Arsisa E. Mr.Ash has resided here since 'the year lS49,engaged in farming and stock raising. He owns a fine farm of 340 acres, located on sees. 9, 10, and 16 Wythe tp. He also worked at the tanning work for seven years. Mr. Ash is of Scottisli ancestry; his great-grand- father came from Scotland, and fought in the war of 1776. Roht. Ai/ers, deceased, was a native of Ireland, and was born Nov. 21, 1836. His father's name was also Robert Avers. The subject of this sketch was brought to America by his parents in 1838; he was reared on a farm and received a common-school education; was married April 6, 1859, to Miss Jane Ann Watt, by whom he had 7 children; of these, 6 are living; viz, Robert W., Chas. D., John W., Jesse C, Jennie E. and Maggie M. Mr. Ayers was a promi- nent farmer and stock-dealer of Wythe tp. ; he owned 410 acres of valuable land. He was killed at Keokuk, Iowa, by a switch engine while crossing the railroad track. Xov. 18, 1879. Joshua C. Beriy is a native of Pittsfield, Merrimack Co.,N.H., and was born Nov. 28, 1811; he is a son of Joshua and Patience Berry, both natives of New Hampshire. Our subject was joined in mar- riage April 21, 1835, to Mary B. Barker, of Acton, Mass., and they have had 4 children, of whom 3 are living; viz., George C, Clara E., (now Mrs. Horney), Charles B., deceased, and Mary A. Mr. Berry was County Surveyor for three years in this county. Mr. Berry, on his father's side, is of English ancestry; his grandfatlier and great-grandfather were both Englishmen, Captains in the Rev- olutionary war. His grandfather, t)apt. Joshua Berry, was at the head of the expedition to export guns and ammunition of war over the Green Mountains to Ticonderoga. Mr. Berry has in his pos- session a two-dollar bill of Continental money which was found in his grandfather's drawer. As was supposed, he had received this money for his service in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Berrv's wife 62S HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUKTT. is a descendant of John Adams, once President of the United States. Mr. Berrv owns 160 acres of land. Isa'-ic Bliss was the second son and fonrth child of a family of 11 children; he was born in Muskin^rmn county, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1S24:. His tather, Samuel Bliss, was a native of Vermont, and diei.1 in 1S52, at the acje of 61. On his tather's side he is of English anoest'>rs. Two orrand-uneles, both Englishmen, fought in the war of 1776. one in the British and the other in the American army. Both were Captains, and it is said they met in battle on the field. In 1S4S Mr. Bliss lelt his native State and moved t»^ his present place in AVythe tp.. In obtaining his education Mr. Bliss enjoyed pre-emi- nent advantages. Besides pursuing the common English branches he gave his auention to many of the sciences. During his past life we see the fruits of his " much study," 26 years spent in teaching in the school-room. Re^lizinir the advantages derived from a gocd education, he is giving his children a thorough schooling. Oct. J:. 1S49, ATr. Bliss was joined in marriage to Elizabeth M. Reiiirs, and they have had 4 children. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss early became workers in the cause of Christ, by uniting with the Presbyterian Church. In the Sabbath-school he had participated in the highest offices for 20 years. Both children are members of the Church. Mr. Bliss has a farm of 340 acres, with a goad residence and tine surround- ings. He carries on farming to a great extent and is als* a dealer in fine stock. Wallace Bride, son of Samuel and Esther JBride, of Warsaw, was born Jan. 31, 1S46; was reared on a farm, and educated in a com- mon school. AVas married in IS 73 to Josephine Cay ton. by whom he has i children ; viz., Clara, Estella, Annie and Birdie. He is engtigod in farming and stock-raising, and resides on sec. 20. -Wythe tp. - " 'Wm. jSrcucn, deceased, was a native of Prince William county. Ya., and was left an orphan when quite young. He was rearevi on a farm and i-eceived a limited education in a subscription school. He came to Adams county. 111., in lSi9. and to this county in 1S52. He was married July 15. 1S29, to Miss Helen Atkinson, daughter of George and Elizal>eth Atkinson. The former is a native of England and the latter of Virginia. They have had 17 childi-en, 9 sons and S daughters. Only 10 of these are living. Mr. Brown was a prominent farmer and stock-i-aiser of Wythe township, residing on sec. 29. He died Apr. 11, 1S66: was a meral>er of the M. E. Church for many veal's. JIunnan Busing is a native of Germany, and was lK>rn Jan. 5. 1S52. His parents. Wm. B. and Mary Busing, emigrated with their family to Adams county. 111., in the year ISol. Mr. B. was raised on a farm and educated in a common school. He was mar- rievi April 3S, 1S77, to Miss Carrie Keller, by whom he has one child, Emma. He owns 160 acres of valuable land, and is eng:\ged in tanning and stock-raising on sec. oi, having located herein 1S75. Xi/mau Jj. Calkins was born in Bradford county. Pa., Nov. 27. HISTORY OF IIANC\>0K COUNTY. 629 ISll, nnd married Zilphia "White Sept., 27, isSi; Got. 1. 1S36, he started AVest with a h\ru-o company, coining- with teams; after arriv- iiiij in Indiana he turneil back as far as Cincinnati, took passaije on a boat, and after a tedions journey he landed at Warsaw, 111., in Movember, on the last boat up the river that fall; after spending the winter here he returned East and started to emigrate, but upon reachino- Pittsburg the weariness of wife and child impelled him to take a boat, sending the teams on, which arrived not long after him; he reached Warsaw June 15, lSo7. The only friend or relative at the time was Mr. 11. Kent, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Calkins, living nine miles east of Warsaw; settled in Wythe tp., on sec, 22. where he lived 13 years, when he sold out and bought of Judge Skinner a half of see. 10, where he has since resided. He attended the tirst town meeting. Tiie naming of the tp. belongs to Davidson Harris, a resident at that time and for many years afterward. He rarely misses an election, is a Republican, though not strictly a party man. He remained through all the Mormon ditiiculties, often going to Nauvoo to their meetings, and though being well known as against them he was never molested. He has always been engaged in farming, and still boasts of doing as much as any man of bis vears. He has 5 sons and 4 daughters, all living and engaged in farming; 7 are married and living on farms of their own. The entire family are members of ortiiodox Churches, having united with the Church while children at home. In the fall of 1S54 they visited their old home for the first time, taking the train at Rock Island, that being the nearest railway station at that time. In the spring of 1S59 Mr. Calkins took a trip to the Rocky Mountains, aiul was gone four months. In 1876. in companv with wife and daughter, he again visited their old home in Pemisylvania. Mr. C.'s ancestors were descendants of Scotch parentage, who settled at Sharon, Conn., in an early day. His grandfather was in the Revolutionary war, and early emigrated to Bradford county, Pa., where he raised a large family, who settled also in that State and New York. His father, Joel Calkins, remained all his life near the old place and died ^only a few years ago. The subject of this biography is fiom a long-lived ancestry, hearty and hale, many reaching nearly 100 years of'age. Mrs. C.'s ancestors were from Connecticut and Vermont, and also noted for longevity-. A. D. Crouch was born in Jefferson county, Jsew "i ork, Dec. 22, 1S19, and is a son of Ebenezer and Sarah Crouch, both natives of Vermont. Mr. Crouch came to this State in 1835 and settled in Adams county, where he staid with his mother and brothers until 1852, when he came to this county, where he has since resided en- gaged in farming and stock raising. In 181:5 he married Eliza- beth Hughes, of Adams county. They have had 4 children, of whom only 2 are living, Francis C. and Flora E. (now Mrs. Wei- senbourgerX Mr. Crouch owns a farm of 160 acres in sec. 3. James E. Doiufhty was born in Nicholas Co., Ky.. Nov. 23, 1804, and is a son' of John and Jane (Ellis) Doughty. The former 630 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. * lived to the age of 96 years. Mr. D. was married about 1827, to Mary McMahon, by whom he had 7 children, of whom 6 are living f viz., Wm. T., S. J., John R., Ann H., Ellen H. and Z. Taylor. Oar subject came to Warsaw in 1843. Mrs. Doughty died in June, 1864, and Mr. D. again married. May 6, 1866, this time, Mrs. Ruth J.Cobalt,by whom he has had 4 children ; of these, 3 are living; viz.. Barton S., Clara Y.,and Keturah C. Mr. D. went overland to California in 1852, with an ox team, and returned in 1854. He now is engaged in farming, and resides on sec. 32; P. O., Sutter. B. B. Gates deceased. The snbject of this sketch was born in Rutland county, Yt., March 2, 1800. He was reared and educated in the town of Mina, near Chautauqua lake; was a carpenter and millwright. He was married in 1829 to Miss Susannah Alvord, daughter of Samuel and Ursula Alvord (deceased), and a sister to Mr. Alvord, of Hamilton, 111. They had 9 children, of whom but 3 are living. Mr. Gates came to this county in 1836, where he resided, until his death in 1849. George D. Gates was born near Augusta, Feb. 17, 1837; son of Mr. B. B. Gates, just mentioned above, and his mother of New York. She is still living, at the advanced age of 65. Mr. Gates was reared in this county, and was educated at Knox College, Galesburg. In 1858 he went to Pike's Peak, and returned in 1860. He was married Jan. 31, 1861, to Helen M. Rockwell, by whom he had 2 children, Edgar C. and Ilarley C. (deceased). In 1869 his wife died. He was again married Sept. 4, 1873, to Jennie P. Stewart. They have had one child, Gertrude C. Mr. Gates owns a farm of 62 acres, 55 acres of which is orchard, his occupa- tion being that of horticulture, etc. S. J. Hammond is a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, and was born Sept. 6, 1839; son of Moses and Elizabeth Hammond. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and his jnother of Yer- mont. Our subject came to this county in 1847 and settled in Wythe tp., where he has since resided, engaged in general farming. He has for several years been engaged in horticulture, he and his brother having an orchard of 130 acres. Mr. Hammond owns a fine farm of 500 acres. He was united in marriage Feb. 22, 1865, to Miss Emeline Chandler. This marriage was blessed with 8 chil- dren, of whom 6 are living; viz., Elizabeth, Julia E., Arthur R. Henrietta, Harley R. and John. Mr. Hammond was the enroll- ing officer of this township during the last war. J. H. H. Homey, the subject of this sketch, was born in Warren county 111., Aug. 3, 1841, and is a son of Lemuel and Cynthia Homey, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Ohio. Mr. Horney was reared on a farm and educated at Mon- mouth, 111.; he began teaching in 1861, and has taught for the most part since that time, save during the war. He served one jqhv in the late war in Co. H, 118th I. Y. I., filling the office of Ser- geant. He was discharged on account of disability at the expira- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 631 tion of one year. The best evidence we have of Mr. Horney's merits as a teacher is, that he teaclies two or three years in the same school. He was married Jan. 30, 1868, to Miss Clara E. Berrv, daughter of Joshua C. Berry, of Wythe tp. ; they have had 3 children, 2 of whom are living; viz., Frank B. and Marietta A. Mr. Horney is also a practical surveyor. B. F. Howes was born in Nicholas county, Ky., Feb. 15, 1832. He is a son of Reuben and Catharine Howes, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Kentucky. Our subject catpe and settled in this county in 1850, where he has since resided. He went to California in 1852, and staid there until the year 1856, when he returned to Illinois; during this time he was engaged iu gold mining. When he came home he resumed his former occu- pation; viz., farming and stock-raising. In 1860 he went to Mon- tana, but staid only a short time. Mr. Howes was married Nov. 4, 1858, to Mary A. Dought3% and they have had 4 children; viz., Eugene A., Mary E., Paul and Etiie M. Mr. Howes owns a farm of 100 acres, and is located in sec. 33. James H. Karr was born in Yates county, N. Y., April 13, 1812, and is a son of Samuel and Phoebe Karr, (dec). His parents brought him to the vicinity of Cincinnati, O., when he was quite small. In 1845 they removed to Indiana, and to this county in 1840. He was married in Ohio, in 1834, to Miss Sarah Cook, by whom he has had 10 children; of these, 5 are living; viz., Harvey L., Geo. C, John R., Milton C. and Amanda. Another son, William (dec), lived to manhood. Mrs. K. died in Feb. ,1863. Mr. K. again married in March, 1864, Sarah J. Thompson, who was born and reared in Ohio. John B. and Mr. Karr were both soldiers in the late war. Mr. Karr is a farmer and resides on sec. 4. J. TF. Marshall was born in Guernse}'^ county, Ohio, Jan. 25, 1825, and is a son of Samuel and Catharine Marshall, natives of Westmoreland county, Pa. They removed to Ohio in 1823. J. W. was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education; was married in October, 1848, to Miss Lydia Ferguson, of Penn- sylvania. They have had 9 children, of whom 8 are living; viz., Catharine J., Wm. F., Robert R., Clara B., Geo. A., Samuel W., Charles B. and Lucy C. Mr. M. came to this county in 1852, farming rented land for two years, tiien located on the S. W. quarter of sec. 8, Wythe tp,, wiiere he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. The family are all members of the Presbyterian Church. Hardin Massie^ farmer and stock dealer, sec 33; P. O., Sutter; was born in Kentucky, in 1830. and is a son of Thomas and Polly (Suttle) Massie, natives of Virginia. He came to this county in 1847, and Nov. 10, 1853, he married Miss Mary J., daughter of Col. Levi and Polly Williams, born in this State in 1833, and they have had 8 children, of whom 6 are living: Mary A., wife of John Eggles, of this county; Georgie M., John A., Anna L., Ulj'sses H. and Virgil C. James S. and Garland R. are deceased. Mr. M. owns 632 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 255 acres of good land. He and his wife belong to the Christian Church. John C. MoMahan is a native of this county and was born Sept. 15, 1843, a son of Andrew and Mary McMahan, now residents of Warsaw; was married in 1872 to Cara Reed, formerly of Ohio, and they have had 3 children; of these, 2 are living; viz., Leea and Bertrand. Mr. McMahan resides on the old homestead, where he owns a farm of 210 acres, 13 acres of which is orchard. His farm is located on sec. 31, this tp. Roht. W. McMahan was born in Nicholas Co., Ky., June 15, 1830, and is a son of Andrew and Mary McMahan, who removed with their family to this county in 1831. He was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He was married July 13, 1859, to Miss Susan Walker, an early settler of this county. They have had 6 children, of whom 4 are living; Charles H., Mary I., Nellie R., and George W. W. Mr. McMahan owns 378 acres of valuable land, and resides on sec. 30,engaged in farming and stock-raising. He also pays some attention to fruit-growing. Ezekiel McCune was born in Morgan Co., O., March 10, 1832, and is a son of Samuel and Nancy McCune, the former a native of Morgan county also, and the latter of Virginia. The McCunes were very early settlers of Ohio, locating near Salt creek, on the Muskin- gum river. Ezekiel was reared on a farm and received a common- school education. He came to this county in the year 1856, remained one year and returned to Ohio. He was married in 1858, to Miss Mary J. Peairs, by whom he has had one son, Wm. B., who is now attending school at Chaddock University, in Quincy, 111. Mr. McCune removed to this county in 1864, and afterward purchased the beautiful farm of Dr. H. P. Griswellin, in Wythe county, and is now engaged in farming and fruit-growing. Henry Nagel is a very prominent German, residing on sec. 28, this township. He was born in Germany, Oct. 11, 1827, and emi- grated to America in 1864, and settled in Warsaw, HI., where he lived for a year, when he purchased liis farm and moved upon it. His vocation is that of farming and stock-raising. He was married in 1861, to Miss Maria Magdalena, hy whom he has had 6 chil- dren; of these, 5 are living; viz., Rathey, Frederick, John, Matilda, and Zeno. Mr. Nagel owns a farm of 380 acres. J. S. Peebler was born in Simpson county, Kan., May 7, 1816. He was brought by his parents, Michael and Esther Peebler, to San- gamon county 111., in 1826, where they remained until 1835, when they came to this county. Here he has since resided, engaged in agriculture and stock-raising, etc. He was married in 1838 to Philistia Kendall, by whom he has had 7 children; of these, 5 are living; viz., Susan E. (now Mrs. Wolfe), Anna E. (now Mrs. Grubb), Mary I., William M. and Ovando O. Mr. Peebler owns a farm of 180 acres, on sec. 2. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 633 Wm. W. Reed was born in St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 8, 1820, and is a son of Capt. Jacob Reed, wlio conunanded the first steamer that came from the mouth of the Ohio river to St. Louis, in 1810, arriv- ing in St. Louis June 17. Capt. Reed was an earl_y settler of Ohio, and afterward came to St. Louis, where he engaged in boating on the Mississippi river. He died at Natchez, of the yellow fever, in the summer of 1820. Wm. W. came to this county in 1836, remaining but one year, when he went to St. Louis, and remained there as a clerk in a store until 1838. He then went to Arkansas, and returned to this county in 1839. He now resides on sec. 19, this tp., engaged in farming and stock-raising. He also raises a great deal of hay, bales it at home, and ships it to St. Louis. Mr. Reed was a soldier in the Mormon war, under Col. Brockman. He was married March 1, 1850, to Salina Chandler, daughter of Rudolphus Chandler, deceased. They had 7 children, of whom five are living, viz., Clara (now Mrs. John C. McMahan, of this tp.), Dayton W., Lydia (now Mrs. Stevenson), Julia and Alice. Mrs. Reed died Sept. 23, 1866, and Mr. Reed again married, Jan 17, 1867, Mrs. Margaret Scott. In the year 1863 Mr. R. met with a sad accident. While standing near a threshing machine his right arm was caught in the cylinder and torn ofi'. A. W. Robinson is a native of Muskingum Co., Ohio, and was born Feb. 29, 1836; he came to this county in 1836, settling in this tp., where he resided until the war broke out. Then, in August, 1862, he enlisted as a private soldier in Co. C, 118th 111. Vol, Inf. He was elected by his company 2d Lieut., and afterward 1st Lieut., and subsequently was promoted Captain of the same com- pany. He and his company fought in the following battles: Yicks- burg, Arkansas Post, Carrion Crow Bayou and Liberty, besides many others of note. The company was a division of Gen Grant's army. Capt. Robinson served for 3J years, with acceptability, for the liberty of our country. He returned home in October, 1865, and resumed his former occujiation. farming, etc. He was married in April, 1866, to Miss Eva J. Muzzy, and they have had 3 children — Myrtie M., Oral M. and Draper. Mr. Robinson owns a farm of 240 acres, with good residence and fine surroundings. Asa D. Rockwell was born in the town of Butternuts, Otsego, Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1812, and is a son of Uriah and Hannah (Nash) Rockwell, natives of Connecticut. The latter witnessed the burn- ing of Danbury, Conn., by the British, during the Revolutionary war. Our .subject was reared on a farm near Gilbertsville, N. Y., and received a common -school education. He went to Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1832, where he labored as a farm hand for some time. He afterward ]3urcliased a farm between Seneca lake and the town of Corning, at the head of Chemung river. Here he remained until 1853, engaging in farming, lumbering and the nursery business. He was married Aug. 15, 183*;, to Miss Fannie Suydan, a native of Albany, N. Y. This union has been blessed with 4 children — Charles, Helen (deceased), wife ot George D. Gates, of this town- 634 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. ship. She left one son, Edwin, Alice (now Mrs. Melvin Green, of Saline, Kan.) and an infant, deceased, Mr. Kockwell came to this county in 1853, where he still resides, on sec. 4, engaged in farming and stock-raising. His great-grandfather Nash was killed at the battle of Danbury Garden, Conn., and his grandfather Nash was wonnded at the same time and place. Mr. Rockwell is a very de- voted hnsband and father, and is noted for his generous disposition. W7)i. A. S/nit/i, deceased, was born in Alabama in the year 1821, and was a son of James and Elizabeth Smith. He was reared on a farm, and came to. Illinois with his parents in 1830, and to this county in 1831. He was a soldier in the Mormon war; was mar- ried Feb. 16, 1843, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Bennett and Susan Smart, so well known in the earl}^ settlement of this county. This union was blessed with 7 children — Amanda J., John P., Harriet E., AVm. H., Isabelle, Alice and Celestia. He was a farmer and resided on sec. 35. He was a worthy member of the Baptist Church for many years. John P. Tull, deceased, was born in Kentucky June 2, 1824. He came to this county in 1846 and located in this tp., where he resided until his death March 7, 1880. He was joined in marriage in 1867 to Nancy J. Morley. To this union were born 5 children, of whom 4 are living; viz., Anna P., Perry C, William P. and OUie S. Mr. TuU's occupation was that of farming and stock- raising. He left a farm of 260 acres in sec. 36. Win. Wallace is a native of Canada, and was born Nov. 1, 1826. His parents were Francis and Sarah Wallace. He was reared on a farm; came to this county about the year 1841 or '42, The prairies were vacant, and wild animals roamed over them at that time. Mr. Wallace was married, Aug. 23, 1846, to Miss Esther Louisa Wells, by whom he has had 9 children. Of these, 5 are living; viz., Mary L., George V., James A., Oce L. and Homer. Mr. Wallace is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of this tp., on sec. 1, and owns over 200 acres of valuable land. J^red White is an old bachelor in the " — tieths." He was born Jan. 22, 1822, in Bradford county, Penn., and is a son of Lemuel and Nancy White. His father was a native of Rutland county, Vermont, and his mother of New Haven, Conn. He died at the age of 79 and she at the advanced age of 87 years. On his father's side he is of English, and on his mother's side of Irish, ancestry. His grandfather on his mother's side %vas a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war from beginning to end. He was in the engagement on the water when the iirst victory was won. Mr. AV^hite came to this county in March, 1856, and located in Wythe tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming, etc. He owns a farm of 94 acres on sec. 11. Joh7i White is a native of Harrison county, Va., and was born May 18, 1812, son of Wm. and Louisa White, and of Scotch descent. His father enlisted in the war of 1812; was brought by his mother when only ten years old to Sangamon county, 111., where HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 635 he was reared a tanner's boy with Abe Lincohi; has cradled with him in the harvest field. Pie was 19 years old at the beginnino: of the Black Hawk war. He was married in February, 1837, to Lucy Lasley, and of their 10 children 7 are living; namely, Jimri, Jas- per, Sylvester, John W., James P., Wm. M. and Charles P. Mr. White owns 140 acres and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. E. W. Winans was born in Xew York city, Nov. 8, 1825, and is a son of Alfred G. and Anne (Hutchinson) Winans. He came with his parents to McKean county, Pa., about 1830, and to a point about 4 miles West of Jacksonville, 111., in 1S36. There they re- mained until 1840, wlien they removed to this county. Old Mr. Winans died in Topeka, Kan., in 1872. Mrs. Winans resides with her children in Hamilton, this county. She was born Oct. 31, 1795, and therefore is in her S5th year. Mr. E. W. Winans was mar- ried Dec. 4, 1847, to ' Miss Elizabeth, daughter of. Joseph and Margaret Kinney. They have had S children, 7 of whom are living: Audubon, Linnteus, Wilson R., Martha A., Margaret A., Ephraim J. and Elizabeth K. Mr. Winans resided in Kansas 7 years. He now resides on sec. 6, this tp., engaged in farming and fruit-growing. TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. The following is a list of men who have served this township in an official capacity since its organization, as completely as could be made out from the means at command: SUPERVISORS. Slocam WooUey 1850 Asa D. Rockwell 1866 H. P. Griswold. 1852 George P. Walker 1868 John S. Johnson 1855 James Eidex 1871 Lemuel Homey 1856 Geo. P. Walker 1873 Wm. F. Frazee 1858 Joseph Larimore 1874 Davidson Harris 1859 Geo. P. Walker 1875 Wm. A. Smith 1861 E. P. Denton 1876 Wm. I. Price 1863 George D. Gates 1878 J. L. Piggott 1864 E. P. Denton 1879 - A. R. Jordan 1865 A. D. Barber 1880 CLERKS. Michael G. Bush 1855 Augustus M. Green 1867 Davidson Harris 1856 Hugh M. Elder 1868 Jeptha S. Dillon 1859 James King 1869 John Aslilock 1861 James G. Cocliran 1870 Henry P. Harper 1863 Hugh M. Elder 1877 Joseph Larimore 1864 W. B. Slattery 1880 D. T.S. Jack 1866 ASSESSORS. Jonathan D. Browning 1855 J. H. Karr 1867 William Jackson 1856 John C. McMahan 1868 J. C. Berry 1858 A. W. Robinson 1870 J. H. Cobwell 1859 Jasper K. Mason 1871 William I. Price 1860 B. Robinson 1873 John Ashlock 1863 W. J. Ash 1874 J. H. Karr 1864 A. D. Barber 1878 B. Robinson 1865 Wm. J. Ash 1880 636 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, COLLECTORS. Walter T. Glover I i«al (American), and the Methodist, Lutheran and Evangelican (German), all of which have good and substantial church edifices and some of them numerous congregations. Of these the Methodist has been tiie longest organized, and next the Episcopal. We have failed to procure data concerning these, and must therefore be content with this partial notice. BIOGRAPHIES. The most important part of the historj'^ of the township will be found in the personal sketches which follow: WILCOX TOWNSHIP. 'Wm. P. Andrews was born in Madison, New York, Oct. 3, 1818, and is a son of Elisha M. and Sarah G. Andrus. Elisha M. Andrus ■was a hatter by trade and also " carried on a farm " at the same time. Wm. P. learned the hatter's trade, at which he worked for 13 years in tlie towns of Utica and Hamilton, N. Y. He went on a farm in 1846. on account of ill health. In 1855 he came to this county, where he still resides, engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 12, Wilcox township, and owns 101 acres of land, having 644 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. had at one time here over 200 acres, but has since sold a portion of it. He was married Jan. 17, 1843 to Miss Loretta E. Luddington, by whom he has had 7 children; of these, 5 are living, (Irosvner S., Sarah E., Maria. Ellen G. and Charles W. An interesting item in Mr. Andrus' life is the following: In 1878 he had a farm hand named John Douglas, who sickened and died. Mr. Andrus buried him near his house and some grave-robbers came, exhumed the body, enclosed it in a sack, and were about to make good their escape, when Mr. Andrus apprehended them and shot them both, killing them almost instantly. He then went before the Grand Jury, which was then in session at Carthage, and immediately informed that body of what lie had done. But the Jury discharged him with no verdict, stating that he ought to have shot the man who held the grave-robber's toam. Samuel Bride was a native of New Hampshire, where he was born Jan. 4, 1810, and is a son of William and Mary (Scripture) Bride, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New Hampshire, and of Irish and 'English descent respectively. Samuel Bride was married in Vermont in 1836, to Esther Dyer, a daughter of Elisha and liuth (Heath) Dyer, the former a native of Massachu- setts and the latter of New Hampshire. Mrs. Bride was born in Vermont in 1812. Both her parents were of English ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. B. have 3 children living, whose names are Frances E., now the wife of Albert C. Shinn, of Kansas; Wallace S. and James. Leroy is deceased. Samuel Bride first came to Illinois in 1842, locating in St. Al ban's tp., Hancock Co, He had very little means, probablj' not over $50. when he commenced business for himself, but with that characteristic New England stick-to-it-ive- uess, of making "everything go that has go in it," combined with hard labor, industry and economy, he accumulated a line property, consisting of over 700 acres of land, all in this county and under a good state of cultivation, besides other property. He is now living just in the suburbs of the town of Warsaw; he has of late years re- tired partially, only having some 20 acres attached to the homestead, renting the rest of his land. He is now one of the most substantial citizens of Hancock county^ respected and honored by all who know him. He has always contributed liberally to the cause of religion and education. We present a good portrait of Mr. Bride to our readers. Frederick Buckeft is a native of Germany and was born April 5, 1828; came to this country in 1850 and to St. Louis the same year, where he staid until 1851, when he came to this county, where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1859 he was united in marriage to Catharine Wallembroke, and they have had 8 children, of whom 7 are living; viz., Harry, Christian, William, Catharine, Anna, Larry and Elizabeth. Dr. Ero Chandler.^ sec. 25, Wilcox tp., is an early settler of Illi- nois, having located where Jacksonville now stands in 1820. He was born in tlie town of Tinmouth, Vermont, Dec. 14, 1795. He HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 645 came with his parents to Zanesville, Ohio, in 1804:, where he re- mained until 1818. From there he removed to the Scioto valley, in Oiiio, remainiiig there two years, when he emigrated, as before stated, in 1820, to the present site of Jacksonville. Here he prac- ticed medicine until 1836, when he came to this county. Since that time he has been enu^aged in farming and stock-raising. He is a descendant of Capt. Miles Standish, one of the Pilgrim fathers who located in Massaciiusetts in 1620. The Chandler family had a pewter plate which was brought from England in the Mayflower; it was the property of Miles Standish, and had his name in full en- graved on it. This plate was inherited by the youngest daughter, from generation to generation, aiid therefore became the property of Dr. Chandler's mother, at the death of his grandmother. It was carelessly placed upon the fire one day, by the Doctor's sistei', and before she thought, it was melted. The Doctor was married in June, 1826, to Mrs. Emeline (Reed) Cook, by whom he had 8 chihlren. Of these, 5 are living; namely, Harris, Henrietta (now Mrs. A. C. Hammond), Julia (now Mrs. S. B. Laughridge), Eme- line (now Mrs. Salem Hammund), Seabury and Charles. Dr. C. owns 20O aci'es of land, and has given 300 acres to his children. James F. Craxoford^ farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Warsaw; is a son of Thomas Crawford, deceased, who emigrated from Bourbon county, Ky.. to this county in 1832. He was born in this county Sept. 2, 1851; raised a farmer's boy, and now resides on the farm his father occupied prior to his death, and has completed the beautiful resi- dence that his father had erected just before he died. He was mar- ried Oct. 10, 1876, to Miss Lydia M. Tapp, of Quincy, by whom he has one child, Earle T. Mr. Crawford is now serving his second term as Supervisor. Henry Gash., farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Warsaw; is a native of Lin- colnshire, England, and was born March 24, 1831; emigrated to America in ls51, and settled in Hancock county. 111. He was mar- ried in 1858, to Miss Sarah Tyree, by whom he had 3 children; namely, Mary A., Frederick O. and William T., deceased. Mr. Gash is engaged in farming, and owns 120 acres of land. Jo/m Gillham, was born in Campbell county, Ky., June 17, 1823. His parents' names were Robert and Elizabeth (Walker) Gillham, the former a native of Buncombe county. South Carolina, and the latter of Baltimore, Md. Robert Gillham and wife came and settled in Walker tp., this county, in 1835. His wife died at the home- stead on sec. 8, in 1855, and he moved to Monroe, Mo., about 1872, and died in May, 1879. His son, Eli B., now owns and occupies the old homestead in Walker tp. John Gillham, the subject of this sketch, was married April 15. 1849, to Ann H. Woodworth, daughter of Charles G. and Elizabeth (Stone) Woodworth, of Hannibal, Mo. They were formerly of Virginia. John Gillham and wife have a family of 4 children, named Robert E., James E., George L. and Charles W. Robert E. married Ann M. Pell, daughter of John Pell, of Michigan, and this son lives with Mr. G. Jamos E. 646 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. married Etta Barber, daughter of Frederick and Lydia Barber, and resides in Rocky Hun tp. John Gillham snccessfiily followed gold- raining in California from 1S50 to 1S55, returning with a hand- some sum of money.* He now lives on sec. 26, this tp. ; his resi- dence is a fine two-story brick, and he has 351 acres of good land. He is considered one of the most substantial citizens. He has always been a Democrat in principle, but partly endorses the "National Greenback" party; has assisted in erecting churches and supporting the cause of religion, although he does not belong to any religious denomination. Has been a member of the Masonic order since 1860, of which he is a Master Mason. We give Mr. Gillham's portrait in this volume. Asaph C. Hammond was born in Worcester county, Mass., in the town of Charlton, Nov. 2, 1831. His parents' names are Moses and Elizabeth (Chandler) Hammond, former native of« Massachu- setts, and latter of Vermont. The founder of the Hammonds in Amer- ica was Thomas Hammond, an Englishman who settled in Newton, 12 miles from Boston, Mass., in thej-ear 1632. Aaron Hammond one of his descendants, moved to Charlton, Worcester Co., Mass. , early in 1700, where he raised a family. His son Moses was the grand- parent of our subject and lived and died at Charlton. His son, Moses, Jr., was the father of our subject, and came to this county in 1846, settling in Wythe tp., sec. 19, where he followed farming. He died in 1865, aged 65 year. His wife died in 1864, and both are buried near the Congregational church in Wythe tp. They brought a family of 4 children to this county. Caroline, deceased, Asaph C, Harley and Salem J. The three last are all living in this county. Asaph C. Hammond was married April 3, 1855, to Henrietta Chandler, daughter of Dr. Ero Chandler, an early settler in this county, and still living in Wilcox tp. They have one child liv- ing. Miles Standish. Mr. Hammond lives on sec. 23, Wilcox tp., a very pleasant locality. He is a Republican in politics and has held various tp. offices, although he has never sought political promi- nence. Has for a number of years been actively interested in the promotion of agricultural and horticultural interests through the different societies organized for that purpose, and has been a mem- ber of the Illinois State Horticultural Society for about 15 years, and an officer in the society for about 10 years, and has also acted as President for the same for one year. Mr. H. has been President for the past 12 years of the " Warsaw Horticultural Society," and in fact is probably one of the best working members in promoting the interests for which these societies are formed. Mr. H. was also an active worker in the " Grange " movement, and acted as Mas- ter, or presiding officer, of the "' Hancock County Grange." The society is now disorganized. The Chandlers are also of Puritan stock, and trace their descent from the famous " Miles Standish." They also took part in the war of the Revolution. The great-grandparent of Mr. Hammond was Benjamin Chandler, and was killed while fighting in the Con- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 647 tinental army at the battle of Bennini^ton. Mr. II. has a farm of 200 acres, the residence being on sec. 23, Wilcox tp. This land is among the very best cultivated in the county. Upon it is an or- chard of 75 acres, consisting of 4,000 trees, all grafted, which have borne as high as 8,000 bushels of apples. In the fall of 1879 Mr. H. made and sold over 400 barrels of cider. Besides this orchard the place is bountifully supplied with pears, peaches, plumbs, and a vineyard of about an acre. He is probably the most extensive fruit- grower in the county. The grounds about the residence are deco- rated in a very pleasant and tasteful manner, with evergreens, etc., among which is a beautiful evergreen hedge, surrounding the front yard, of Norway spruce, etc., etc. Mr. Hammond's portrait is presented in this book. Franklin Harris was born in Franklin county, Vermont, Nov, 13, 1829, and is a son of Samuel and Athildred Harris, who came to Adams county, 111., in 1834, and to this county in 1836. Our subject is one of 11 children, and has 4 brothers and 3 sisters living; viz., Nancy, Moses, Rodney, William H., Julia A., Caroline and Francis M. His father died, July 28, 1870. He owns 370 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising, on sec. 12; P. ()., Warsaw. James T. Johnson. — Among the worthy, prominent citizens of Hancock county, the subject of this brief sketch deserves a place. He was born April 11, 1827, on the banks of the beautiful Ohio, on a small farm in Campbell county, Ky., and was the lltli of 12 children. His parents were George Johnson (of the numerous family of Johnsons of Old Virginia) and Nancy, nee Botts. also of the same State. Few men have given better evidence of what a self-reliant, determined and studious man may accomplish than Mr. Johnson. Left at a tender age, without either means, or edu- cation, he lirmly resolved to acquire a good degree of both, and to this end he resolved to use neither tobacco, nor intoxicating drinks, and to apply the money thus wasted (by too many), for books and papers. This, like all the resolutions of his life, has been strictly adhered to; and many times the small hours of the night have found him by the light of the hickory-bark torch prosecuting his studies; and to- day, at the advanced age of 53, he is as active a student as ever, his present chief hobbies being botany, horticul- ture, floriculture, agriculture, chemistry and philosophy. Upon these questions he is perhaps "fanatical;" for if a new apple is presented to him, he is not satisfied until this apple is so studied and fixed in his mind, as to its character, appearance, and quality, that he may readily distinguish it wherever found; and this is true of him in regard to all of our horticultural productions. Dr. John A. Worder, of Ohio, the author of "American Pomology," has said of him, "Truly, there is not in all America a dozen men who know so much aUout the apple as my friend James T. John- son, of Warsaw, 111." He is at present Vice President of the Horticultural Society of Illinois; also member of the "Great 648 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Mississippi Yalley Horticultural Society," and Corresponding Sec- retary of' the Warsaw Horticultural Society. He is the father of 6 children, 4 sons and 2 daughters; all ot whom are living. Mr. J. is the proprietor of one of the most comfortable, and profitable farms in Hancock county, of its size; his farm is handsomely situated on one of the high blufis of " The Father of Waters," and is known by the name of " Orchard Home." His home is one of most generous hospitality. In manners he is aifable and unreserved; in politics, he is an independent Dem- ocrat, yielding to none in good efforts for the good of the masses; and in religion, a Christian Liberal Baptist. In short, the one great object of his life is, a missionary effort f )r the improvement of the world. Mr. Johnson has served his tp. four terms as Supervisor, and has also served in all other local offices, including, Justice of the Peace for the past 12 years, etc., etc. He was married April 11, 1854, to Miss Jennie Battles. Her parents were formerly from Worcester county, Mass., and later of tliis county. From this union 6 chil- dren have been born; namely, Edward P., married and living in Wilcox tp. ; Nancy A., now the wife of B. W. Nicely, and lives in Lima, Adams county. 111. ; Clarence M., Charles W., Martha E. and Reuben, the last four Mving at home. Mr. Johnson's portrait is given in this volume. John Peyton. — The first of this family that emigrated to Amer- ica were two Englishmen, brothers, who settled in Amherst county, Virginia. The first of \y1^oiii we have any authentic account was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He lived in Amherst county, and his name was James Peyton; he married a Miss Cox, in Virginia. James Peyton was a soldier under Washington during the Revolutionary war, serving for nearly the whole seven years. After the war he, with his family, moved to Kentucky, to what is now called Casey county, where he bought a large tract of land some five or six miles in length. He died in that county aged about 50 years, leaving a large family. Louis Peyton, the father of our subject, was the next to the oldest son of James Peyton, and came to Kentucky with his parents when he was about 16 years of age. Louis Peyton was married in Ken- tucky to Miss Sarah Roach, a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Sassene) Roach. Isaac Roach was also a soldier in the Revolution, serving as Way-master in the Continental army, under Washington. Thus we have attempted to give some idea of the ancestry of the Peytons before they came to this county, and find, firstly, that they are of English descent and of good old Revolutionary stock, having risked their lives and fortunes to found the Government which we now enjoy. Louis Peyton, before mentioned, after his marriage, sold out his effects in Kentucky and moved with his family, consisting of his wife, 3 sons and one daughter, to Illinois, locating on the S. W. quarter sec. 24, Wilcox tp., arriving there in the spring of 1830. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 649 He broke the first land with a plow on the Grand prairie, and raised a patch of five acres of corn without a fence, cut it and shucked and gathered it in the spring, nothing having touched it except a coon or deer. The names of the children were John, our subject; James Isaac, who died with the cholera in 1851, leaving a widow and two chil- dren; George Washington, who also died with the cholera in 1851, a single man; Amelia S., who is now the wife of James Barker. Louis Peyton always followed farming; was quiet and unostenta- tious in his manner and habits, respected and honored by his family and friends. He was also of verv strong religious convictions and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He died, aged Q6 years, from the effects of a cold which affected his lungs and finally terminated in consumption. His widow is still living on the old homestead, on sec. 24, which consists of 175 acres. John Peyton was born Dec. 10, 1818 ; at the age of 20 years he was given his time by his father, and he went to Iowa, where he remained about one year, having sold what property he had made during this time, amounting to some $125, soon after his return in this county. His parents helped him with some $300, with which, and the money he bad made, he bought the northeast quarter of sec. 34, Wilcox tp., for $400. This land was entirely in a wild state; as Mr. Peyton says: Nothing had disturbed it except " the wild deer eating a bit of grass." The deed transferring this land to Mr. Peyton is dated in August, 1840. The following spring Mr. Peyton commenced opening this farm, fencing some 25 acres, and planted 15 acres; also built a hewed log house in the winter of 1841, about 16xlb feet, ■which is still standing some 300 yards from his present fine frame residence, on the northeast quarter of sec. 34, Wilcox tp. A year or two afterward he bought an adjoining quarter sec. — southeast sec. 34. Having got his half sec. under a good state of cultivation Mr. Peyton concluded it was about time to give up keeping bache- lor's hall, which he had done up to this time, and on June 4, 1848, he was married to Miss Alice Elizabeth Peyton, a daughter of Geo. W. and Ginsey Peyton; she was born in Montgomery county, Ind. They had 4 children l)orn, only 2 of whom are living: Alverum W., now living at home with his father; Mary Alice, now the wife of Charles Loudensslaker, and living on southwest quarter sec. 26, Wil- cox tp. Mr. Peyton has since added to the land which he first bought, so that now he is one of the largest land-holders in this section of the country. His possessions consist of a little over 2,500 acres of land, 1,260 of which lie in the rich Mississippi bottoms. He is one of the foremost fruit growers in the county. In politics Mr. Peyton is a Democrat, and has served his township in all the ofiices that he would hold or accept, including that of elustice of the Peace eight years, and Road Commissioner. He was the first Supervisor of Wilcox t])., and has subsequently served many years in the same office. Mr. Peyton is a man of strong religious convictions, and 650 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. was for many years a member of the Baptist Church, and for the last five or six years has been a member of the Christian Church. He is a zealous member of the Royal Arch Masons. Mr. Peyton is now in his 62d year, and is still strong, active and vigorous; in fact, his movements would indicate a man rather of 45 than 60, the gray hairs only indicating his age. During his youth he was noted for his activity in all manly exercises, especially in wrestling, jump- ing, etc., in which he was seldom excelled. We give a gO(td portrait of Mr. Peyton on another page. Gustine Parker, a native of Campbell county, Kentucky, was born Feb. 10, 1842, and was brought to this county in 1851 by his parents, William and Rebecca J. Parker. Here Gustine was raised to manhoofl by his parents. In September, 1861, he was united in marriage with Sarah J. Pej'ton, daughter of the last mentioned. To this couple 5 children were born, of whom 4 are living; viz., William C, George W., Jesse C. and Minnie Gertrude. Mr. Par- ker owns a farm of 50 acres, located on sec. 26, Wythe tp. A. W. Simmons was born in Indiana, Nov. 4, 1828, and is a son of Adam and Mary (Cathcart) Simmons, who removed with their family to what is now Burlington, Iowa, in the year 1833. At that time Burlington was simply a trading post, and no town at all. His mother's brother, William Cathcart, served two terms in the U. S. Senate. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons both died in Iowa. Our subject is a teacher by profession, and has taught in all, 33 terms. Experience and study have given him knowledge, and he is always honored with a first-grade teacher's certificate. Ten years of his teaching was in Iowa. He was married in 1856, to Miss Martha C. Simpson, daughter of Luke and Anna Simpson, of Adams county. 111. This union has been blessed with 8 children, of whom 6 are living; viz., Lizzie, Minnie, Josie, Luke, Chas. B. and Fred- die. Mr. Simmons is also engaged in farming, and owns a nice little farm in the Mississippi valley. John G. Smith, a native of Germany, was born Nov. 3, 1840 and emigrated to America in 1853; first settled in Missouri, where he resided until 1858, when he came to Warsaw (this county), where he staid for awhile; then moved out in the country where he has since resided, engaged in farming, etc. He was married in the year 1867 to Miss Theresa Mezter, and they have had 6 chil- dren; viz., Laoliver, Emma, Carl, Frank, Homer and Helene. Wm. S. Tyree is a son of the late Benjamin F. Tyree,'who emi- grated to Illinois in 1832, settling in Schuyler county,when the bears, wolves, deer and Indians were numerous. Benjamin F. Tyi-ee married Miss Charlotte Sylvester, by whom he had 3 children; viz., Sarah, Ann E. and William S. Mr. Tjree was a soldier in the Mormon war. He removed with his family to this county in 1849. Our subject, William S. Tyree, was raised on a farm and received a common-school education; was married in 1872, to Mary E. Clark, daughter of Abraham Clark (dec, and a soldier in the war of 1812). He resides on sec. 26, engaged in farming. HI8T0KT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 651 Whaley d; Vance, livery-men, Wai'saw, 111., engaged in their business under tliis linn name in the year 1878, in Warsaw, and are doing a large business. Tiieir principal business, however, is farming and dealing in stock. Mr. Whaley came to Keokuk in 1854, and to this county in 1856. Mr. Yance came to Warsaw when but a boy, where he has since resided. George B. Worthen is a native of Warsaw, this county, and was born Jan. 30, 1837. He is a son of Amos H. and Sarah B. Worthen. The former is a native of Vermont, and the latter of New Hampshire. They are now living in Warsaw. Our subject was reared and educated in Warsaw, and was joined in marriage Dec. 23, 1868, to Mrs. Mary L. Dath, formerly Bedell. They have had 5 children; of these, only 2 are living; viz., George B. and Jesse M. Mr. Worthen owns a farm of 40 acres on sec. 27. He is one of the most prominent horticulturists in Wilcox tp. Hannah Young, nee Frazey, wife of Isaac Young (deceased), is a native of New Jersey. She is a daughter of Samuel and Mary Frazey, both natives of New Jersey. Her husband was a native of England. He came to America in the year 1828, and remained in New Jersey until 1832, when he and Miss Frazey were united in the bund of holy matrimony. To this union were born 5 chil- dren, of whom 2 are living; viz., Carrie (now Mrs. Wright,) and Worthen. In 1845 they removed to this county, where they pur- chased a farm, where they resided until his death, in Dec, 1877. The bereft wife still lives on the old homestead in this tp. Mr. Young was by craft a machinest; but while he was here he pur- sued the occupation of farming, etc. TOWN OFFICIALS. The following catalogue of town officers is as complete as could be compiled from the means at hand. SUPERVISORS. Benjamin Whitaker 1858 John Peyton 1869 Pierre A. Barker ... 1860 James T. Johnson 1871 Benjamin Whitaker 1862 John Peyton 1875 John Peyton 1865 John C. McMahan 1876 Pierre A. Barker 1866 James E. Crawford 1878 J.D.Sharn 1867 John Peyton 1879 F. M. Howes 1868 James E. Crawford 1880 CLERKS. Gideon Granger Galloway 1858 William Pemberton 1872 C.J. Thomas 1860 Jesse Barker 1873 John D. Shaw 1862 John T. McMahan 1874 W.B.Huston 1866 James F. Crawford 1876 Wm. S. Tyree 1869 John D. Shaw 1878 R. Huston 1871 A. W. Simmons 1879-1880 652 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. ASSESSORS. C.J. Thomas 1858 James Campbell I860 Melton G. Doughty 1862 James Campbell 1864 Benj. Whitaker 1866 James Campbell 1867 Peter Boernson 1869 W.S.Tyree 1871 Peter Boernson 1874 Benj. Whitaker 1875 John C. McMahan 1878 B. Whitaker 1879-1880 COLLECTORS. John Peyton 1858 John A. Howes 1860 Wm. S. Tyree 1»61 Joseph Hartman 1862 Francis M. Howes 1864 Joseph Hartman 1865 Robert G. Huston 1867 James T. Johnson 1868 John Hartman 1871 John 11. Shain 1873 John Hartman 1874 Charles Hermann 1875 Harrison O. Knox 1876 Rodney Harris 1877 Edward P. Johnson 1879-1880 WARSAW TOWNSHIP. BIOGRAPHIES. Cyrus B. Adams, proprietor of the Adams House of AVarsaw, is a native of Kochester, New York; was born May 25, 1822, and is a son of J. D. Adams, who was a native of Vermont. He was reared and educated in New York; came to Warsaw in 1858, and brought the first locomotive on the T., P. &. W. R. R. to Warsaw. He was master mechanic and assistant superintendent of the railroad until 1862, when he entered the navy; was 1st Asst. Engineer of the Mississippi squadron, being 3 years in the service, which closed in 1865. Soon afterward he opened the Adams House, and is still proprietor, and keeps a first-class liotel. He was married Dec. 12, 1843, to Catharine Lanard, of Canada. On his father's side he is of Scotch ancestry. His father was in the war of 1812, and partici- pated in the battle of Lake Champlain. He was Ensign in the navy. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, participating in the first battle of the Revolution, On his mother's side he is of French ancestry. Her uncle was a soldier in the Revo- lutionary war; also was in the frigate Boston; was ranked as Cap- tain in the army. The Master was taken prisoner and confined in Dartmere prison in London, about 8 months. C. Alhers is a native of Hanover, Germany, and was born in 1817. He emigrated to America in 1836, and to Warsaw in 1847. He here became a prominent merchant, and in 1856 erected a large flouring mill at a cost of $30,000. This mill is known far and near as the " Grace Mills," and stands on the foundation of the Water street mill that was erected in 1854, and was burned in 1855, dur- ing the great conflagration that occurred in Warsaw at that time. C. Albers & Co. manufacture the best of flour, and have entirely a merchant trade. They use Thropp's patent middlings purifier, and Becker's brusher. There are 6 stands of burrs, which are driven by an 80 horse-power engine. The present capacity of the mill is 250 barrels in 24 hours. Mr. Albers was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 5, 1839, to Miss Rebecca Knoop, by whom he had 10 children ; of these, 7 are living; viz., Henry, a partner of his father; Sophia (now Mrs. Yan- marter, of Florence, Italy); Anna (now Mrs. Rev. J. G. Kessler, of Warrington, Mo.); Rebecca (now Mrs. William Zuppann, of Warsaw, 111.); Charles, Wm. Edward and Homer. Mark A. Aldrich was born in Warren county. New York, in 1801. He was of English descent, his ancestors emigrating to this country prior to the American Revolution. He received a thorough (653) 654 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. collegiate education, and commenced the study of law, which he subsequently abandoned. In 1S29 he married Miss Margaret Wil- kinson, of Calvert conntj, Md., and removed to St. Louis, where he received an appointment in the American Fur Company. He left St. Louis June 19, 1829, on the steamboat Red Rover, and after a two weeks' trip, landed at the Point (now Keokuk, Iowa), on the 2d of July, and took charge of the company's station at that place. In 1832 he removed to Fort Edwards, and in 1838 entered the land where Warsaw now stands, and built the second house that was erected outside of the fort. In 1S36 he was elected to the Legisla- ture, and in 1838 was re-elected to the same office. Two of his cotemporaries in that body in after years inscribed their names in imperishable characters on the roll of fame; Abraham Lincoln and the gifted and lamented Stephen A. Douglas. Mr. Aldrich was a man of great enterprise, and took a leading and active part in the early affairs of Hancock county. In 1850 he removed to California, and a few years later went to Arizona. He was a member of the Arizona Legislature for five years, and held other im^jortant oflices in the Territory. He died in Tucson, Arizona, on the 22d of Oc- tober, 1874. His wife, Margaret Wilkinson Aldrich. was born in St. Gene- vieve, Missouri, in 1812. Her father, Dr. Joseph Wilkinson, a Surgeon in the United States Army, was at that time stationed at Jefferson Barracks. Mrs. Aldrich's ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Calvert county, Maryland. Her great-grandfather, James Wilkinson, second son of Sir Robert Wilkinson, of Northumber- land county, England, came to this country in 1693. Her grand- father, General Joseph Wilkinson, and her uncle. General James Wilkinson, both served with distinction through the war of the Revolution. The latter afterward became one of the most emi- nent men of his day. In 1817 Mrs. Aldrich's father resigned his commission in the army and returned to his father's home, in Cal- vert county, where he died the following year. In her grandfather's home and in the city of Baltimore, Mrs. Aldrich spent her child- hood and youth; but, after her marriage, in 1829, she cheerfully bade adieu to the refined associations and luxuries of her native place, and went forth to encounter the privations and vulgarisms of a new country. When Mrs. Aldrich landed at Keokuk, in 1829, there was but one wihte woman in the place. She remained in Keokuk two years, and in 1831 removed to Fort Edwards. In 1834 she moved into her own house, where she still resides — in the old home, made dear to her by a thousand tender and joyful, as well as sad and melancholy, scenes. In fact, her life may well be consid- «red an episode in the history of Hancock county. From the un- broken solitude of the forest she has seen cities and towns spring up, as if by magic, from the bosom of the earth. Where once her eyes beheld the wild fiowers asd waving grass of the prairie, she sees the tokens of untiring industry and ceaseless labor; and over the bright waters of the great river, once broken only by the birch HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 655 canoe of the savage, she hears the sullen roar of the iron gods, as witlj labored breath they bear their floating palaces along the waves. The whir and noise of constant toil has driven the genii of silence from every nook and corner of the land; they have wandered off with the l)irds and the wild flowers to faraway regions in the glow- ing West. In the fifty years that she has lived within her quiet home she has seen the rise and fall of two generations — looked upon a tliuusand changes in the social world around her, as the busy wlieel of life, with its noiseless rotation, has reeled off" the threads of fate. One by one she has seen tlie friends of her early life pass away; seen them float out into the shadows of that troubled sea over whose waters no return boat is ever seen to glide, until she is left alone — one of the few remaining links in the great chain that binds the bustling, toiling, rushing present to the silent, half- forgotten memories of the beautiful past. - "^ Dr. Joseph Atkinson was born in Brook county, Va., and is a son of John Atkinson, deceased. The Doctor received a dental educa- tion under Dr. King, of Pittsburg, Pa., and came to Illinois in 1864, locating in Rushville, where he engaged in the practice of dentistry a few years, assisted by his sons. He then resided seven years in Bloomfield, Iowa. He afterward spent about five 3-ears in Chicago. He located in Warsaw in January, 1879, where he still resides, engaged in his profession, with good success. Dr. J. M. Barth is a son of Rev. Philip Barth, Pastor of the M. E. Church of Jacksonville, 111., and is a native of Nashville, Tenn. He was educated at Rock Island, 111., and Iowa City, Iowa, and began the practice of his chosen profession (dentistry) in 1875. In Nov., 1879, he located in Warsaw, where he is enjoying good practice. The Doctor's work recommends itself, and his business is constantly increasing. Geo. J. Bird was born in Highland county, Ya., Nov. 27, 1852, and is a son of Andrew J. Bird, deceased. Mr. Bird came to Elvas- ton, this county, in 1870, where he soon after engaged in teaching music, which he followed until recently, when he commenced the sale of Whitney & Holmes' organs, of Quincy, 111. He is a suc- cess, both as a teacher and salesman. He was married Oct. 31, 1876, to Miss Laura A. Crouch, by whom he has 2 children. Bertha B. and Carlos A. A. F. Bliesner was born in Germany Feb. 2, 1839. His father's name was William F. Bliesner. Our subject emigrated to America in the year 1869, and came to this county in the year 1875. Was married March 31, 1872, to Minnie Gaede, by whom he had 5 chil- dren; of these but one is living: its name is Willis. In the year 1876 Mr. Bliesner purchased the flouring mill known as the Planet mill, of Warsaw. This mill has 2 sets of burrs, which are driven by a 20 horse-power engine. Mr. B. manufactures the best quality of flour and does both custom and merchant work. The capacity of the mill is 35 barrels in 12 hours. 656 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. H. A. Brinkman, druggist and apothecary, Warsaw, keeps on hand a full stock of drugs, medicines, paints, oils, varnishes, lamps, fancy goods, perfumery, sponges, etc., etc. He was born in St. Louis Oct. 14, 18 — , and is the son of Henry and Mary Brinkman, who reside in Warsaw. H. A. came here as an apprentice when the establisiiment was in other hands, and in the year 186Y he pur- chased an interest in the stock and continued until 1872 when he bought the entire stock, which is now estimated at $5, 000, and has since been conducting the business with good success. H. G. Bristow, a native of Cumberland count}^ Ky., was born Aug. 21, 1824, and was brought by his parents, Elijah and Susanna Bristow, to McDonough county, this State, when three years old, where he was reared. He remained there until 1867, when he came to this city, Warsaw^ where he has since resided, and is at present en- gaged on the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad. Our subject also participated in the battle against the Mormons, was one of the soldiers that guarded the jail at Carthage, wherein Joseph Smith was confined, and was discharged by the Governor on the morning- of the day that Joseph Smith was killed. Mr. Bristow was mar- ried in December, 1846, to Miss Sarah Cherry, by whom he had 5 children; of these, 4 are living; viz., Etna, Addie, Jennie and Harry. Werner Brucktnan^ a native of Prussia, was born in 1829, and came to America in 1849, settling in New York; in 1874 he came to this city, Warsaw, where he has since resided. Our subject was married in 1853 to Catharine Beiesle. They have had one child; viz., Elizabeth. Mr. Bruckinan owns a house and about five acres surrounding it. W. W. Chittenden came from Oxford, Ohio (the place of his birth), to Adams county, llj., in 1834, where he remained until 1839, when lie removed to Warsaw. He has resided here since that time, save eight years he was engaged in the mercantile business in Montrose, Iowa In early days Mr. Chittenden endured hardships and privations in this then wild country, even though he was but a boy when he first came. He hauled beef to Carthage, a distance of 35 miles, selling it for $1.50 a quarter, which was something over 1^ cts. per pound. He relates an incident that would be well enough for the boys of to-daj^ to notice. On one occasion, when on his way to Carthage with a load of beef, he encountered a fearful snow storm. It grew dark, and he was compelled to get out and grope along on his hands and knees to find the road, while a min- ister who was with him drove the horses after hiin. Mr. C. states that the preacher was very much cast down, and very frequently almost gave up in despair, saying that they must perish there in the blinding storm; but Mr. Chittenden, then about 17 years old and not a Christian, reprimanded him severely for not having more faith in his God and religion than that. But they arrived at a farm house not long after, and were safely housed until the next morning, when they very readily made their way to Carthage, and there dis- ft.. WILCOX Tp. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 659 posed of their beef. This incident occurred upon the Big Meadow soutli of Carthage. Mr. Chittenden sold flour in Keokuk wlien there were but four houses in that place, besides the Government buildings. He states that the Government officers guarded their money with pistols and "Arkansas tooth-picks." Mr. Chittenden took an active part in driving tlie Mormons from Illinois, and was present when Smith, the Mormon prophet, was killed. He knew the men who tired the fatal shots — there were four of them. Our subject was married Feb. 3, 1842, to Miss Helen M. Aldrich, by whom he has 6 children; viz., Mary C, William W., Isla J., Helen M., Arthur W. and Clara E. Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden are both members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. C. is engaged in fruit- growing in Warsaw, and has also recently planted a vineyard. He was born in Oxford, Ohio, Feb. 28, 1818, where he was reared and educated in the Oxford University. £'. R. Clemens was born April 23, 1818, in Kentucky. He is a son of David Clemens, who was a native of Yirginia, and is of Scotch ancestry. Our subject came to this county in 1843, where he has since made his home; engaged as an engineer on a boat pl}''- ing the Mississippi. During the last war lie was engineer on the gun-boat " Mound City," of a Mississippi squadron of the United States navy. This boat, with the full fleet, participated in the battle of Vicksburg, which lasted for the space of Ave hours. The fleet also fought at Greenville, the mouth of the Yazoo river and Red river. At the last named place Mr. Clemens was discharged on account of his inability to perform his duty; and when on his way home, he happened at Fort Pillow when General Forest made a raid on the soldiers and inhabitants there, and massacred them. Mr. Clemens was married June 5, 1843, to Mary J. Monday, by whom he has had 4 children. Of these only one is living, Endora. D. H. Cox^ agent for the St. Louis & Keokuk Packet Co., at Warsaw, 111., was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, June 7, 1824, and is a son of John Cox, deceased. He was educated at Delaware College, Delaware, O., and at A. C. Curaming's select school, in Pickaway county, O. He engaged for the most part in the mer- cantile business, until October, ISJrO, when he came to Warsaw, where he again followed merchandising for three years; since that time, with the exception of two years, he has been in the commission business, at Warsaw, and also agent for the Packet Coinpany, as above stated. He was married in 1852, to Miss Eliza J. Armstrong, daughter of the late Reed Armstrong, a native of Ohio, wlio came to this county in 1851, and they haye had 8 children, of whom 6 are living; viz., Dan M., Edward V., Cora A., Anna B., Fannie and Harry R. Philip Dallam, editor of the Warsaw Bulletin, was born in St. Louis, Mo., May 22, 1853, and is a son of Francis A. and Anna M. Dallam, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of New York. Our subject was educated for the most part in Quincy, 111. He began to learn the printer's trade in 1868, under his father, at 39 660 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Warsaw. In the year 1870, be was employed as a proof-reader in the U. S. proof-reading room at Washington, but bis health fail- ing him he returned in the autumn of the same year. He took charge of the Warsaw Bulletin in 1875, which he is now success- fully operating. He was married Mar. 17, 1880, to Miss Eugenia, daughter of M. T. Hunt, deceased. Charles M. Davis, an ienterprising young Pennsylvanian, from the region of Philadelphia, came to Warsaw say thirty years ago, and settled; finally engaged in the milling business, which he fol- lowed successfully several years. He married Miss Beta Wood, a sister to James H. Wood, Esq. Some ten years since thej^ each emigrated to Denver, Colorado, where Mr. Wood since died. Mr. D. engaged there also in the business of milling, and has a fine establishment there known as the " West Denver Flouring Mills." We are glad to learn that Mr. D. has been quite successful as a business man, and is now ranked among Denver's many successful men, and is a subscriber to this history of his old home county. 0. C. DuSowchet^ of the firm of Du Sowchet & Sons, is a native of Cambridge, Ohio, and was born Aug. 8, 1828; he re- moved to Mt. Yernon, Ind., where he remained until the spring of 1863. He then came to Warsaw and engaged in the lumber busi- ness with Hill, Knox & Co., for whom he worked two or three years. The firm then changed to Hill &, Co., and continued by that name until the spring of 1879, when Mr. Du Sowchet and his sons purchased the entire stock, and are now selling at wholesale and retail with unlimited success. They carry a stock of about $30,000, consisting of lumber, lath, shingles, doors, sash and blinds. Their annual sales amount to about $25,000. They are men of per- severence and enterprise; consequently their business will increase surely and steadily. Briggs J. Fuller, dentist, Warsaw, 111., is a native of Lee, Mass., and was born Dec. 8, 1845. His father was the late Albert Fuller, and the family are descendants of Dr. Wm. Fuller, one of the pilgrims who came to America in the Mayflower. The subject of this sketch came to Illinois with his parents in 1856, and settled in Warsaw, where he was educated. He is a graduate of the Missouri Dental College, of St. Louis. He began the prac- tice of dentistry in Warsaw in 1874, and has been very successful, and has a large run of custom. John [I. Finlay. Mr. Finlay would not give his consent for us to insert his biography in this work, but we will just say (without his knowledge) that Mr. Finlay is one of the most prominent law- yers of Warsaw, and has a large practice. First National Bank of Warsaw was established in 1864, by William Hill and others, with a cash capital of $100,000; first President, Wm. Hill; first Cashier, C. H. Mellen; first Board ot Directors, Wm. Hill, C. H. Mellen, Henry Hill, J. W. Knox, John and James B. Hill and James H. Wood. Mr. Mellen resigned his position as Cashier March 1, 1869, and James B. Dodge was HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 661 elected in his place, who still holds that position. June 14, 1875, on account of high local taxes, the company reduced their capital stock to $50,000, which is the present amount. At a meeting of the stock-holders June 10, 1S71, the number of Directors was re- duced from seven to five. Christian Green was born Aug. 25, 1822, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Jacob and Catharine Green, who came to this city with them in 1854, and is a partner in the firm of Rie- man & Green, millers (see Rieman's biography). He was married three times, and is the father of 12 children, Y of whom are living, as follows: Sarah, Thos., Daniel, Laura, Edward, Reuben and Cora. Daniel A. Gardner, deceased, was a native of New York, and was born in 1817. He received a common-school education in New York, and came to Illinois in an early day. He was married in 1S53 to Miss L. T. Ingersoll, by whom he had 4 children ; of these, 2 are living, Charles H. and George W. Mrs. Gardner is a daugh- ter of Moses Ingersoll, deceased, who was a relative of the cele- brated orator, Robert G. Ingersoll. Mr. Gardner removed to War- saw the same year of his marriage, where he engaged in the lumber trade until about the year 1861, when he retired. He resided in Warsaw until his death, which occurred May 2, 1868. His re- mains were consigned to the narrow limits of the grave in Oakland cemetery, Warsaw, 111. Dr. Charles Hay was born in Fayette county, Ky., in 1801. His father's name was John Hay, born in Berkeley county, Va., and his mother's name was Jemima Coulter, who was born at Red Stone old fort, in Pennsylvania. Mr. Hay's parents located in Kentucky in 1794, with whom he lived during his youth, working on the farm and attending school. Charles attended Transylvania Medical College, located at Lexington, Ky. He graduated in 1829 with a record admired by class-mates and faculty. The Doctor has had great success in his chosen profession, ranking among the first physicians in the States where he has practiced. He was examin- ing pension physician for the United States at Warsaw from 1864 to 1879, when, from his own choice, he resigned, being too old to attend to his many duties. Mr. Hay was married in 1831 to Helen Leonard, and their children are Edward L. (deceased), Augustus L. (now a Captain in the 9th U. S. Yol. Infantry, stationed in Wyom- ing Territory), Mary P. (widow of Major Austin Woolfolk), John, Charles E. and Helen J. (deceased). John Hay is a graduate of Brown University, at Providence, R. I. While reading law in Springfield he became acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, who afterward appointed him as his private secretary, which position he held about four years, during the late war. Mr. Lincoln in 1865 appointed him as Adjutant General, with the rank of Major, upon Gen. Gilmore's staff. He also received an appointment from Lin- coln as Secretary of the Legation that went to Paris in 1865. He was present at Lincoln's assassination. John was also "leader editor" 662 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. of the New York Tribune for four years, and is now 1st Assistant Secretarj' of State at Washington. Charles E. Hay was an aid-de- camp to Gen. Hunter during the late war, and is at present a lead- ing grocer in Springfield, 111. Dr. Hay came to Warsaw in 1841, and by his integrity and untiring energy has amassed considerable property. His residence is one of the finest in the city, and is furnished with all the luxuries necessary to make old age comfort- able and happy. When he came to Warsaw the census showed a population of about 400. Most of the land on which the city now stands was covered with heavy timber, principally oak. The ground on which Mr. Hay's house now stands was known as Fort Fraction, intended for hospital purposes. Fort Edwards, of historical impor- tance, was built by Zachary Taylor, afterward President of the U. S. The fort was located at the head of Fort street. John. Hay. — Hon. John Hay, present Assistant Secretary of the Treasury at Washington, though for years residing abroad, is claimed as a Hancock county boy. He was born in Indiana in Oct., 1838, two or three years before his father, Dr. Charles Hay, emi- grated to Wai-saw. In Warsaw he received a common-school edu- cation, and was sent to the State University at Springfield, and afterward to Brown University, at Providence, R. I., where he graduated with hon(,)r. He chose the profession of law, and studied with his Uncle Milton in Springfield, of the then firm of Hay, Cullom & Campbell. The election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency necessitated the employment of private secretaries, and he chose John Hay as one of them, and then commenced that course of public life which has resulted in giving to young Hay a national reputation as a diplomatist and statesman. He seems to have been throughout the honored confidant of the President, and was placed by him in many positions of trust, in all of which he ac- quitted himself with credit. He was sent to Paris as Secretary ot Legation under Minister Bigelow; afterward to Austria as Charge d' Aifaires; and again as Secretary of Legation to Spain under Gen. Sickles. He was, also, for a period during the war, on Gens. Hunter and Gilmore's staff as Adjutant, with the rank of Major. Afterward, in an effort to start a new Republican paper in Chi- cago, Dana, now of the New York aSwvi, was engaged as editor-in- chief at an excessive salary, and on his failure, Col. Hay, with his friend and former associate. Private Secretary Nicolay, were put in charge. But the venture proved unsuccessful, and the Chicago JRepuhlican ceased to exist. Mr. Hay also served for four years as one of the chief editorial writers on the New York Tribune, a position he was compelled reluctantly to resign on account of fail- ing health. Since his marriage he has been residing chiefly in Cleveland, Ohio, until elected by President Hayes and Secretary Evarts to fill the post of Assistant Secretary, in Oct., 18T9. Notwithstanding Col . Hay's brilliant public career, he is, per- haps, most widely known as a writer. He has been from his youth ;i well-read historian and scholar; and his long residence ' abroad HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 663 gave him extraordinary advantages in his literary studies. As a prose writer he has few superiors, and his reputation as poet is equal to that of any other of the later American poets. His scholarship, his line literary taste, his extensive knowledge of his- tory and general literature, and his European experiences liave made him a most agreeable and fascinating writer. The regret is lately felt that the cares of public and private life arq drawing him away from literary pursuits, for which he has such eminent quali- fications, and in which he would achieve an exalted and enduring reputation. It is understood the Messrs. Hay and Nicolay have been for years engaged on a Life of President Lincoln, a work which is anxiously looked for, and one which will, doubtless, occupy a high place among American biographies. This tribute t© a Warsaw boy is given — without his knowledge — by one who has known and esteemed him from his childhood up, and who takes pride in being thus able to write truthfully of his most successful career. Charles H'dker is a native of the province of Westphalen, Prus- sia, and was born in 1810. He came to America in January, 1844, locating in Augusta, Mo., where he resided until 1850, and was a carpenter and cabinet-maker. In 1850 he removed to Warsaw, where also he engaged in his trade for about 14 years, when, in 1864, he was elected to the office of Police Magistrate, which office he held for 12 years, being re-elected twice. He was then elected City Clerk, which office lie held one year, having had the same office in connection with that of Police Magistrate the year previous. Was again elected to the office of City Clerk in 1879. He was married in 1833, to Dorothy Koch, by whom he has had 11 chil- dren, of whom but 3 are living, Gottlieb, Wilhelmina, in Kansas, and William, of St. Louis. James B. Hill^ deceased, was a native of England, and was born May 12, 1830. His parents emigrated with their family to Amer- ica ill 1834, and located in Pennsylvania. They were Jolm and Harriet Hill. .They brought their family to Warsaw in 1835. James B. was educated in Warsaw, and was married May 25, 1850, to Miss Charlotte Ellis, b}' whom he had 9 children; of these, 7 are living; viz., Cora, Willis, Belle, Harry, Lottie, Frances and James Etta. Cora has been married, and has 2 children, — Frank and Guy. Mr. Hill was a machinist, and was engineer on the Mississippi river the greater part of his life. He died Febuary 4, 1869, much loved and esteemed by the citizens of Warsaw. He was a veiy gen- erous man, always lending a helping hand to the needy. He took seven orphan children under his charge, educating and otherwise caring for them as he did tor his own children. He was a soldier in the Mornion war. Geo. S. Knox, deceased, was born in Steuiien county, N. Y., March 9, 1828, and was a son of Wm. D. and Sally Ann (Winters) Knox. He was educated in New York State, and came with his 664 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. parents to this county in 1844:. He afterward went to Galena, 111., where he engaged in mining a few years. In 1852 he returned to Warsaw, where he was identified with business enterprises that helped to develop the place. He was interested in the Warsaw woolen mills also. By enterprise, keen foresight and close atten- tion to business he amassed a large fortune. In later years he lived a retired life. He was married May 6, 1857, to Miss Emily A. Hill, daughter of John Hill (deceased), so well known in the early history of Warsaw, and a sister of the popular banker of Warsaw, Mr. William Hill. This union was blessed with 3 children, of whom but one, Clara E., is living. Mr. Knox died in Chicago, Oct. 28, 1879, while located temporarily there for his health. Benjamin Franklin Marsh, the present efficient member of Congress for the lOtli Illinois district, is a native of Hancock county, born on Jiis father's farm four miles east of Warsaw, and is now about 40 years old. We have no particulars of his early life, and only know that his boyhood days were spent on the farm, that many of them were employed in driving an ox-team in turning over the prairie sod, in plowing corn and potatoes, making fence, and feeding hogs and cattle,and in other laborious and exacting farm labor. At home the facilities for acquiring the ru- diments of an education were very limited so at times he was sent to the village to school. In time he reached college, where, we do not remember, nor for how long a period. From college he went into a law office, and afterward to the practice of law, chiefly with his brother John W., at Warsaw. When the Rebell- ion broke out, Frank took up arms for the Union, as did also his brother Arthur (whose life was sacrificed in the cause). For his career in the army the reader is referred to the report in another chapter. In 1876 he received the Republican nomination for Congress and was elected, and returned again in 1878, in both of which terms he served his constituents faithfully and with honor, and acquired a prominent standing with his fellow members. And at the late Republican Convention (1880) he received a unanimous vote for a third term, a compliment seldom extended to a candi- date. This meager account of "our member" is hastily thrown together from the recollection of the writer, without data before him from which to make a more extended report. Thomas McDougal was born in Jackson county, Ohio, Sept. 4, 1833, and is a son of Richard and Mary McDougal. He came to Warsaw in 1856, where, in 1866 he engaged in the livery business, which he is still pursuing with prosperity. He was married in 1856 to Miss Mary F. Lewis, by whom he has 2 children, Jennie (dec.) and Donald. George S. McFerran was born in Beaver county. Pa., May 10, 1827. He was reared and educated in Hookstown, Pa., and came to Warsaw in 1859, where he has since resided. He is a mechanic, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 665 and is employed as bridge-builder, on the T., P. & W. R. R. He helped erect this road in the winter of 1867-'8, He has been mar- ried twice, and is the father of 5 children, of whom 2 are living, George M, and Willy D. George is a member of the graduating class in the Warsaw high school (April, 1880). Mr. McFerran's present wife was Miss Mary J. Mackey. She came to America on a visit to her sister in 1859, and has prolonged her visit until the present. She became the wife of Mr. McFerran in 1862. Lemuel Mussetter was born in Frederick county, Md., Nov. 11, 1806, and was raised on a farm, on which the principal crops were tobacco. His father was the first man in the United States to sell tobacco at $25 per cwt. after the war of 1812. When Lemuel was 23 years of age he was emploA'ed by the Baltimore & Ohio R. R. Company; in about a year and a half he was taken sick, and after recovery he commenced in the grocery business at a new town called Ijamsville, and was appointed Postmaster at that place by the in- fluence of George C. Washington, a nephew of the old General, the '' Father of our Country," and soon added dry goods to bis line of trade. June 7, 1836, he left for the West; spent the summer in Ohio, and the last day of September arrived in this State, where his first employment was to assist James Brattle, the County Sur- veyor, in the survey of lots of the town of Warsaw, for public sale. He boarded with Mr. Newberry at the old Fort Edwards. From that time until 1843 Mr. M. followed various kinds of business; he then bought the grocery of John Swett, situated on the river. When Mr. ]\I. first landed at Warsaw there were more Indians than white people in the vicinity. In 1845 he was appointed Postmaster, and in this capacity served until the inauguration of President Taylor, when he was removed on political grounds. Then Mr. M. n^oved to the hill and added dry goods, etc., to his business, and continued until 1859, when he sold out to Wm. Cooper and lost $3,000 by the operation. In 1845 Mr. Mussetter married Miss Hannah Aegus, and they have had 10 children. In 1859 Mr. M. made a trip to the Rocky Mountains, spending a summer there; that region is now Colorado. He has been Trustee, Councilman, Magistrate, Member of the Legislature, etc. Whs elected Supervisor on the first adoption of tp. organization. He has seen this county develop from its original wild condition to that of wealth and refinement, and has been prominently identified with that progress. E W. Oliver is a native of Adams county. 111., and was born, Nov. 2, 1836. His father, Elias Oliver, of Decatur, was among the first pioneers who settled in Adams county. He was tendered 20 acres of land where Quincy now stands, as payment for three months' work. The}' came to this ct)unty about 1847, where Mr. E. W, Olivier still resides, the popular artist of Warsaw. He en- gaged in photography in the autumn of 1863, in Warsaw, having learned the art in Quincy; traveled some throughout the country. He has since remained in Warsaw, except two years ot this time. 666 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. which he spent in St. Louis and Quincy. He was married in the fall of 1860, to Miss Mary J. Walker, daughter of John Walker (dec), of Brecken ridge, 111. This union has been blessed with 4 children, of whom 3 are living; viz., Warren M., Rufus W. and Cora A. Mr. Oliver's reputation as a photograplier is well known in this locality, and he deserves the patronage of the people. David Ogden, a native of Buffalo city, N. Y., was born Apr. 27, 1823, a son of Jesse B. and Charlotte Ogden, both natives of that State. He came to this (Hancock) county in 1856. He is a machinist by occupation, having learned his art in the Buffalo city steam engine works; is now the engineer of the Grace Mill, of War- saw. He was married Aug. 14, 1858, to Miss Sarah E. Dorsey, by whom he has had 7 children; of these, 4 are living: Lurenda, Lilly, George, Endora. Rev. Joltn O. Rankin, a native of East Tennessee, was born March 31, 1821, and is a son of Rev. Wm. C. Rankin, a Presbyte- rian minister, who removed with his family to Southern Indiana in 1837, where he engaged in the ministry for about 5 years, when he removed to Des Moines county, Iowa; here he took charge of the Yellow Springs (now Kossuth) Church. He remained there but two or three 3^ears,when he removed to this county and engaged in the missionary work for the most part, until 1870. He now lives a retired life at Fort Madison, Iowa, at the age of 85 j^ears. Our subject. Rev. John G. Rankin, graduated at Mission Insti- tute, near Quincy, 111., in 1845, and at Lane Theological Seminary, Cincinnati, O., May 5, 1847. He was ordained by the Schuyler Presbytery, Sept. 13, 1849. He commenced laboring with the First Presbyterian Church, of Warsaw, 111., Sept. 10, 1848; resigned in March, 1850. In March, 1851, he took charge of Carrollton Ciiurch, Greene Co., 111., where he remained 10 years. In March, 1861, he returned to Warsaw and continued until December, 1868; he then took charge of Monticello Church, Madison Co., 111., and was Chaplain of Monticello Seminary. In 1872 he was with the Ferguson Church, St. Louis county, Mo. His next field was Cen- tralia, 111., from whence he returned to his old field, Warsaw, 111, where he still remains the Pastor of the Church. He was married in Quincy, 111., to Miss Philomela Prentiss, April 3, 1851. Her native place is Prattsburg, Steuben county, N. Y. Her father, Harvey P. Prentiss, still resides in Quincy. Her mother was Livonia Looiuis, daughter of Deacon Gamaliel Loomis, of Pratts- burg, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin have no children. J. P. Rieman was born near Gettj'sburg, Adams Co., Pa., Jan. 7, 1827; came to Warsaw in April, 1854; was a son of John and Lydia Rieman. He worked as a laborer at various occupations until 1863, when he purchased an interest with Christian Green in a flour mill, and has since continued in business there. The mill is now known as the "Eagle Milis" of Warsaw. The capacity of this mill is 30 barrels per 12 hours, and the flour is of the very best quality. They also manufacture patent flour. Tliey use McGin- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 667 nis's patented Sill utter. Mr. Rieman was married to Martha Ann Benson in 1S55, by whom he had 4 children; of these, 2 are living, Edward F. and John William, Silas Rohinson, son of the noted Fayette Robinson, America's great showman (more commonly known as "Yankee Robin- son "), was born in Dansville, IST. Y., July 22, 1845. He was edu- cated in Canandaigua, N. Y. ; when the war broke out in 1861 he enlisted in the 13th JST. Y. Heavy Artillery, but was rejected on account of a wound he received in 1857. He came to this county in 1879 and edited the Augusta Herald for one year, when, in the spring of 1880, he removed to Warsaw, where he established the Warsaw Democrat^ and also is editor of the Warsaw Dally Inde- jpendent^ the first and only dail}^ paper in Hancock county since 1857. He was married Sept. 3, 1869, to Miss Jennie Smith. His father, Fayette Robinson, was born at Dennison's Corners, N. Y., and was the first to render the celebi-ated Uncle Tom's Cabin under a canvas. A. Roesler, dealer in stoves, tinware, hollow- ware and house- furnishing goods, Warsaw, has, since 1854, continued in this line of business, sustaining a high reputation and enjoying an extensive patronage. He was born in Germany; came to America in 1S18, stopping in St. Louis, Mo., and in 1851 settled in Warsaw. In 1851 he married Miss Susan Rett, and of their 4 children 2 are living — Rudolph and Oscar. Mr. Roesler is the pre&ent Mayor of Warsaw. John Scott, deceased, was born July 9, 1804, in Ashe ccunty, N. C. He removed to Kentucky in the fall of 1816, and to Madison county, 111., in 1817, when it was a Territory; then he moved to Morgan county, 111., where for the first two years he had to go 80 miles to mill. He came to Warsaw in the spring of 1834. He was married Dec. 13, 1836, to Louisa J. Frazier, of Quincy, 111., and the}^ have had 5 children, 3 of whom are living — Mary F. (now Mrs. George J. Rogers, of Carthage), Louisa (at home with her mother) and John F., who is the present Deputy County Clerk at Carthage. Mr. Scott died May 1, 1865. He was a merchant and commission agent most of his life. Christojyher Stephens, deceased, was a native of German3% and was born in 1802. He came to America in 1843, stopping for a season at Baltimore, Md., and in the year 1844 he came to St. Louis, and thence to Warsaw the same year. He was a wagon- maker at Warsaw for many years. He died in July, 1866, loved and respected by his many friends and acquaintances. He was a prom- inent citizen. Rev. Peter Wallace, pastor of the AVarsaw M. E. Church, was born in ]\[ason county, Ky., April 11, 1813, and is a son of Thomas and Catherine Wallace, deceased. His ])arents removed to Brown county, Ohio, when he was but an infant. He was here reared on a farm, with but limited educational advantages; but by hard study he has mastered several bratiches of literature and science, and is 60S HISTORY OF HANCOCK COfNTY. thorotbro a self-made man. lie came to Sprino;tield, 111., in 1S33; and in 1835 married Miss Emeline Johnson, bv whom he had 6 children. Of these, 3 are living; viz., Joseph, Laura (now Mrs. Clark), and Emma (now Mrs. Arrowsmith). Mrs. "Wallace died Oct. IS, 1S(>0. "While a young man in Springtield Mr. Wallace had for associates such persons as Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, E. 1^. Baker, ^lilton Hay and others, afterward noted men. His first vote was cast for Lincoln for the Illinois Legisla- ture. Mr. W. became a member of the M. E. Conference ai Beards- town, 111., in 1S53. He labored in the ministry until ISOO. In 1S62 he organized a company of soldiers, mostly from Sangamon county, which was mustered into the United States service Aug. 21. 1S62. ^[r. Wallace was elected Captain of the company, and they partic- ipated in the battles of Perry ville, Ky., Stone Iviver, Nashville, and other smaller engagements. He commanded the regiment during most of the battle ot' Stone River. He was discharged from the service on account of physical disability in ^[ay, lSt>4. He then supplied the Park Street ^L E. Church, of Cincinnati, O., until his own i^lUinois^ conference met at Danville, 111., in the fall of the same year, when he received an appointment to ^[oweaqua. He was appointed Presiding Elder of ^lattoon district in ISOT, and in ISTl was appointed Presiding Elder of Quincy district, which he trav- ek\i for four years. He was President of t\w Board of Trustees of Chaddock College six years; afterward pastor at "Winchester and Beardstown stations, and is now stationed at AVarsaw, 111., in chavii-e of the ^L E. Church. Jl'fjor J(y/ui h\ Tr//c'('.i', the subject of this memoir, was born in Addison county, Vermont, in 17i>S. His ancestors were among the earliest settlers of that State. His childhood and youth were em- ployed in obtaining the best education that the schools of his native town atforded. In very early life he accompanied his father to Portage county, Ohio. In ISIS he was appointed a cadet to West Point, by Congressman Sloan, and performed the journey from his home to "West Point, a distance of many hundred miles, on horseback. He graduated in 1S22, received an appointment of 2d Lieutenant, and was ordereil to Fort St. Anthony. He arrived at the fort about the time of its completion, and was present, when General Scott, in compliment to its brave commander. Col. Snelling,chano;ed its name from Fort St. Anthony to Fort Snelling. The winter of lS22-'2o he spent in Jetferson Barracks, and in the spring was ordered to Fort Edwards, now "\A"arsaw, 111., at that time considered the tu- plus idtni of civilization. In the fall of 1S23 he acted as second in a duel that was fought between Col. Marston, the commander of the fort, and Captain Home. In 1S24, Major Wilcox resigned his commission in the army, and soon after received an appointment in the American Fur Company. In 1S26 lie went to the Galena lead mines, but subsequently returne«.i and settled in Warsaw, where he resided until his death, in lSo9. In 1^24 he was unite*.! in marriaire to Miss Marv Kinney, daughter HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTr, 069 of Col. Louis Kinnov, one of tlie tirst settlers of Louis county, Missouri. Tiie fruits of this union were 7 children, 3 of whom died in infancy. Major Wilcox died at his home in "Warsaw, on the 3rd of October, 1S39, which event had been preceded by the death of his amiable and accomplished wife, two years before. ]\Iajor Wilcox was a social, benevolent, hio:h-toned gentleman — a man of understanding, well informed, sincere, and honest. His feelings were strong but tender, and in the domestic circle they shone with peculiar lustre. To the testimony of private friendship may be added that of less partial strangers, who have borne witness to the many virtues of one whom it was impossible to know without esteeming, or to see without admiring. Major and Mrs. Wilcox left 4 children. The eldest daughter, ^lartha, attended school in Hancock county for several years after her lather's death, then went to Ohio, completed her education, and married Dr. William English, who was for many years a prominent physician of War- saw. The second daughter, Elizabeth, was adopted and raised by an aunt in Ohio, where she married and is still living. The young- est daughter, Virginia, was ado}Ued by another aunt, Mrs. Gal- land, wife of Dr. Galland, a gentleman who occupied a prominent place in the early history of Hancock county. This daughter, cele- brated as well for her amiability and grace of manner as for her wit and beauty, married Mr. William Ivens, of Keokuk, Iowa, and with the exception of a few years spent in California, has resided in that city, an acknowledged queen of society. Their only son, Louis Kinney Wilcox, was reared and educated in Vermont; returned to Warsaw in 1S48, and commenced the study of medi- cine with his brotlier-in-law. Dr. English; attended lectures at the medical college in St. Louis, from which institute he graduated with high honors. Li 1852 he commenced the practice of medi- cine in Warsaw, and, with the exception of a year spent at the medical college at Philadelphia, and three years in the army, has made that city his home, where he has had for many years an extensive and lucrative practice, being considered one of the most skillful and prominent physicians in the county. ^lajor Wilcox and his wife passed away in the summer of their lives, ere the journey of life was half completed ; passed away while yet the golden tloss of youth entwined their hearts, and the dim gray shadows of old i\ge were but phantoms hovering in the distance. For long years they have slumbered in their darkened palaces of rest, and while the pitying stars have kept their everlasting watch and ward above them, and the night winds have sung a never-ceasing requiem o'er their graves, the Genius of improvement has passed with hurried tread over the scenes once familiar to their mortal eyes. Capt.J. B. Williams was born in ^[adison county, K\'., March 28, 1810, and is a son of Levi and Polly (^Reid) Williams, also natives of Kentucky, who came to this county in 1831. Mr. Levi Williams was a soldier in the war of 1812, tlie Black Hawk war and the Mormon war. He was the father of children, of wb.>>ii 670 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. the subject of this sketch is the eldest. Captain Williams was married in 1849, to Miss Angeline A. McMahan, daughter of Andrew McMahan, of Warsaw. This union has been blessed with 8 children, of whom but 3 are living, — Mary, Flora J. and Thomas L. Mr. Williams operated the steam ferry at Warsaw for eight years, and since 1865 has been a Captain for the Eagle Packet Company, now operating on the Mississippi at all points between St. Louis and Keokuk. He still owns the old homestead on the ]^. W. J of sec. 6, Walker tp. Thomas L. Williams is engaged in farming near Warsaw. Amos H. Worthen was born in Bradford, Orange county, Yt., Oct. 31, 1813 ; was married to Miss Sarah B. Kimball, of Warren, N. H., Jan. 14, 1834; removed to Harrison county, Ky., and taught school a year; thence to Illinois in 1836, locating in Warsaw. In that place he entered into the mercantile business, which he follow- ed for a number of years, with moderate success. In 1851 Mr. W. was appointed assistant geologist in the Illinois Geological Survey, and remained in that position for about three years. In 1855 he was appointed an assistant in the Geological Survey of Iowa, and was thus engaged when he was appointed State Geologist of Illinois by Gov. Bissell, March, 1858. Prof. Worthen may justly be termed a self-educated man. With no education beyond that acquired at the common schools of New England, and no scientific training, he took up the study of geology and mastered it, to an extent excelled by few; and this, too, after his settlement in Warsaw, and amid the cares of a family and while engaged in business. His attention was first drawn to the science of geology by observing the interesting minerals and fossils that were met with in such profusion on every hand. We well remetnber seeing him out in the morning or evening, with basket and hammer, rambling over the blufi's and among the ravines, collecting specimens, and then thought he was unprofitably engaged. The ravines were then full of geodes that had weathered out of the decomposing shales of the geode beds, and the beautiful crystals with which they were lined were objects of great interest. The limestones were also full of fossils; and although the forms of organic life they presented were entirely new to him, they excited an intense desire to know something of their history, and of the specific character of the animals to which they once belonged. There had been no elementary work on geology published in this country at that time, and the first books he was able to obtain that contained any account of fossils, were a copy of Dr. Mantell's "Medals of Creation," and "Wonders of Geology," published in England. These, though they threw no light on the specific char- acter of the specimens he gathered in his excursions among the rocks here, gave him some insight into the manner in which the rocks were formed, and how the remains of living beings came to be preserved in them. By collecting the minerals and fossils that HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 671 were found in the vicinity of Warsaw, and exchanging them witli other collections, he graduallj' acquired the information so much desired. Through these collections and exchanges, and l\v other means. Prof. W. obtained a vahiable geological museum, which, when he was called to Springfield, thousands would not have pur- chased. Subsequently the first volumes of the Paleontology of New York were published, aflbrding the first figures and descriptions of American fossils that he had been able to obtain. Those who com- mence the study of geology now, when the characteristic fossils of every formation on the North American continent have been figured and described in published works, that are accessible to the student, in public and private libraries, can form but little idea of the difli- culties with which students in the same field had to contend 40 years ago. Prof Worthen's labors as State Geologist resulted in an extended survey of every county in the State, and the publication of six large volumes as a record of the work, — a publication deemed of great value to the scientific world. More lately Gov. Cullom has appointed Mr. W. to the position of Curator in the State Historical Library and Natural History Museum, a post which he now holds. Rev. L. Zumhuehl^ present Pastor of the Catholic Church in Warsaw, a native of Switzerland, was in 1846 in the city of Lu- zerne. He entered the college of said city in 1860; in 1864 he con- tinued his classical course in the renowned College of Scliwyz, a town in the Canton Schwyz. After having been a short period a member of the University in Friburg, Baden, he graduated in the Theological Seminary of Kiir Graublindten, in the Grisons, and was admitted to the dignity of priesthood the 19th day of April, 1870. He emigrated with the Bishop of Cleveland, Ohio, Rt. Rev. Rapp, to his first field of labor. In 1877 he started West, and joined the newly established Diocese of Peoria, Ills., of which the nephew of the deceased Archbishop Spalding of Baltimore, the most learned and eloquent T. L. Spalding, is the first Bishop. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. Below is a list of the oflicers who have served the township since its organization, as near as could be compiled from the records: SUPERVISORS. Lemuel Mussetter 1850 Charles A. Warner 1871 John Peyton 1854 Charles C. Hoppe 1873 Charles Coolidge 1858 John H. Finlay 1875 Thos. C. Sharp 1862 Henry R. Chittenden 1877 William H. Roosevelt 1864 Lemuel Mussetter 1878 Joseph M. True 18fi0 Fred Dross 1879 B. Frank Marsh 18G7 Oliver Edwards 1S80 Charles C. Hoppe 18Gn 672 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. CLERKS, Edward E. Lane 1858 Peter Baker 1861 Henry Albers 1864 John K. Simmons 1866 Thomas M. Brawner 1870 John K. Simmons 1871 Charles Hilker 1874 Peter W. Plantz 1876-1880 ASSESSORS. W. S. Hathaway 1858 Joseph Burton 1859 W. S. Hathaway 1861 David L. Spencer 1862 Frank Herberts 1866 William I. Price 1868 Franz Scherer. Harvey Tufts. 1870 C. D. Kruskopf 1871 Frank Herberts. . .'. 1872 Calvin Cole 1874 F. C. Floto 1875 .1879-1880 COLLECTORS. E.D.Baldwin 1858 Wm. W. Chittenden 1861 Conrad Nagel 1862 George B. Worthen 1864 Henry W. Comer 1866 Francis Shearer 1868 Peter Kaiser 1869 Henry P. Roth 1871 Henry P. Anderson 1872 Abe Greenwood 1873 Conrad Kehm 1874 Ed. C. Simms 1875 Peter Kaiser 1876 Charles Weiseman 1877 Willard G. Aldrich } jg„Q Joseph Hartman J F.C. Floto 1880 HANCOCK TOWNSHIP. Township 5 — 5, in the center, on the east line, and improperly named after the county, was for some time attached to St. Mary's and Fountain Green. It is largely timbered and broken, but has some beautiful prairie land and line farms. The west branch of Crooked creek runs an extremely tortuous course through this tp., entering it at sec. 26 and crossing into McDonough from 36, From the northwest corner of 28 to the southeast of 26, less than three and u half miles, this stream meanders a distance of about 12 miles, at one point making a circuit of over three miles and returning to within 40 rods of its starting place. It is appropri- ately named Crooked creek. The east branch enters the tp. from McDonough county, and the united stream flows again into that county from sec. 36. Among the pioneers of this tp., we are unable to mention but a few; viz., Major Williams, the Yetters, Wrights, Spangles, Longs, Anthony Duify, Dr. Wm. Booze, James G. Smith, T, B. McCubbin, A. G. Botts, J. Lenox, T. Callihan, Lewis Bhea, etc. In all the earlier history of the county the people of this tp, were known as citizens of St. Mary's or Fountain Green, respect- ively, as they lived north or south of the center. The mills on Crooked creek have, in the early days, supplied much of the lumber for th6 eastern portion of the county, and much of the flour and meal for their breadstufiB. But since the advent of railroads and the introduction of steam, and the gradual failure of the stream, they hare fallen into decay. Timber is still plenty, and hard-wood lumber is still manufactured for local supply . There is no village in the limits of this tp., neither is there a SostoflBce, the offices of St. Mary's, Fountain Green, Webster and [iddle Creek supplying the inhabitants with their mail facilities. In the south part of Hancock tp. is a locality known to the earlier settlers as Black Hawk Ridge, or Black Plawk Headquarters, from a tradition that the old chief made it a frequent residence, during the Indian occupancy of the county. It has evidently once been an extensive Indian encampment, and even yet such relics as arrow-heads, stone implements, pottery and heads are found there. The forests and bluff's of Crooked creek and its trib- utaries are as much noted for these Indian remains as the bluff's along the river, RELIGIOUS PKOGRE8S, We have been unable to learn the actual number of Church organizations in this township, or whether there are any but the one ■ (673) 674 HISTORY OF hancogk county. church building. This one is situated on section 28, and about three miles east of the old Middle Creek Baptist Ohurcli, in Car- thage township. Concerning it we hav^e no report. Members of the various religious societies south of the creek, it is presumed, unite with the Churches in St. Mary's, and those north of the creek with the Churches in Fountain Green. BIOGRAPHICAL. Following are brief personal sketches of the more prominent citi- zens and old settlers, whose lives constitute an important portion of the history of this township: Charles Austin, sec. 31; P.O., Middle Creek; is a native of Addison county, Yermont; born in 1830, a son of Francis B. and Eleanor (Whittle) Austin, also natives of Vermont. Charles emi- grated to this State with his parents in 1846, and at the age of 21 was united in marriage with Harriet S. Allton, who was born in Indiana in 1833. After marriage Mr. A. located in Fountain Green tp., and followed farming for six years; from there he went to McDonough county and remained one year, and in 1868 located in Hancock tp., where he has since resided. He owns SO acres of improved land. Their marriage has been blessed with 5 children, 4 of whom are living; viz., Charles L., Sarah A., Richard L. and Harvey D. Mr. A. has held the office of Townshi]i Trustee for six years. He and his excellent wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. A. served his country three years in the late war. He enlisted at Fountain Green, under Capt. Campbell, in Co. A, 118tli 111. Inf. He was present during the siege of Yicksburg; was mustered out in April, 1865. Republican. Lucius M. Austin, farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Middle Creek. He was born in 1826 in the State of Yermont. In the year 1847 he located in Burlington, Iowa, and worked at the cabinet and chair business for five years. He then came to Hancock Co., 111., in 1853, and married Elizabeth Hobert in Jan., 1853. Children by this union 11, 8 of whom are living; namely, Wintield S., Norman H., Errias, LodeniaL., Caroline, FelDe, Harriet, James N. He owns 80 acres of land. Mr. A . and wife are members of the •Christian Church. He is a Republican. Francis E. Belknap, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Joetta. The orig- inal ancestry of this family came from Wales about 200 years ago. There were 3 brothers, Joseph, Seth and Samuel. The subject of this sketch is a descendant of Samuel, who is his great-great-grand- father. His great-grandfather was Simeon, and Francis was his grand-father. His father was Francis, Jr., who was a native of Conn., and born in 1781. He emigrated to 111. in 1836, in Han- cock township, sec. 33. Died in 1846. Our subject was born in 1825, in Windsor, Conn.; was the oldest of .^ children. He came to 111. in 1837, one year after his father ^0 ^"^■Hmam^^ M ;IO- HANCOCK Td UISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 677 died. Married his present wife in 1874. Her name was Emraa Mitchell. He has been Town Clerk. Is a Democrat. Ly Sander Belknap, deceased, was born in Connecticut in 1817. His wife's maiden name was Marv Thurber, and she was born in Illinois Dec, 182-1:. He emigrated to Illinois in 1836 and located on the farm where he lived until his death in 1876, at the age of 58. His wife died Nov. 12, 1879. Mr. B. came to Hancock county in an early day, and like the other pioneers, had experiences which were both trying and unpleasant. Although lie lived in the county 44 years, he never made but one move, which was from the old log Tint into his large farm dwelling. Mr. B. is the only one of the family who ever came West, excepting a half-brother,[whose history appears in this work. Mr. B. owned 160 acres of land. The home farm is cultivated by his son Orville, who lives with his sisters Annie and Elsie in the home house. He was married March, 1844, to Mary Thurber, who bore him 10 children, 7 of whom are living, — Amelia, Annie, Scott, Willie, Orville, Walter, Elsie. Joel F. Booz, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Joetta; was born in this county in 1841. Mr. B. assists in carrying on the farm of Mrs. John Martin. He married Miss Marietta B. Martin in 1867, and they have 4 living children, — John L., Charles L., William W. and Ethel Pearl. He has been Town Clerk, also Tax Collector, which office he now holds. He enlisted in the 10th Missouri Inf. in 1861. He was engaged in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and Port Gibson, and was taken prisoner at Jackson, and sent to Rich- mond, Yirginia; was exchanged at Benton Barracks and rejoined the regiment at Corinth, Miss. ; was in it till the close of the war. He is a Bepublican. . William Booz, M. D., farmer and physician, sec. 33; P.O., Carthage. In the person of this sketch we have one of the pio- neers of Hancock county, and a representative citizen of Hancock tp. He was born in Kentucky in 1831. His father, Richard, was a native of the same State, and was born Aug. 20, 1810. His mother was born in 1812; her maiden name was Frances A. McCallister. When six years of age William came with his parents to Morgan Co., 111., in 1836, and in the following year to Hancock Co., where he has resided ever since. His father lived here until his death which occurred in 1845. During the next three years William spent his time in teaching and going to school. He began the study of medicine with T. A. Barnes, of Carthage, 111., and in 1855 he entered the Iowa State University and finished the course of study. Mr. B. then located on his -present farm and has resided there ever since. He afterward graduated at Keokuk in the College of Physicians and Surgeons. He has been in the active practice of medicine in his home neighborhood for the last 24 years, and with one exception is the oldest 'practicing physician in the county. His success both as a physician and farmer has been flattering.' He owns 280 acres of land. His home improvements are among the best in the township. Mr. B. has been personally 40 ''678 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. identijSed with the interests of his township for many years. Po- litically he is a staunch Democrat and has taken an active part in the politics of the county. He stumped the county in the Douglas and Lincoln campaign and met in joint discussion some of the prominent orators of those times. Mr. B. has also been an active citizen in promoting the moral interests of his community. He has been a licensed minister of the Christian denomination since 1849. Mr. B. was united in marriage to E. J. E. McCubbin, who was a native of Kentucky, born in 1832 and daughter of Joseph Mc- Cubbin, of that county. Twelve children, 10 of whom are living, have been born unto them : Sarah E., Lenora W., Fannie E., Joseph M., Emma W., Dora M., Elizabeth A., Willie M., Zilpha F. and !Nellie J. Mr. B. has been Town Supervisor 11-|^ years, and Assessor two years. Is a Freemason. Reuben Craven^ farmer; sec. 33; P. O., Middle Creek; was born in Pennsylvania in 1831, son of Joseph and Mary (Brown) Craven, natives also of Pennsylvania; the former was born in 1806, and the latter in 1804. The father emigrated to Illinois in 1841 and located in St. Mary's tp., on sec. 5. In this and Carthage towns he con- tinued to reside till his death in 1871. His widow is still living, at the advanced age of 76. Reuben lived at home until he arrived at his majority when he began teaching school. He has continued to teach during the winter months most of the time since, farming in the summer. He was married in 1855 to Margarette L. Ewing, who was a native of Ohio, and born in 1837. They have been blessed with 8 children ; Linneus P., Mary M., Emma M., Joseph R., John E., Clara J., Jenoa G., Frank L. His children, Linneus P. and Maggie, graduated with honors at Carthage College in 1878. The former holds a professorship of mathematics at Mt. Morris, 111., Academy. Mr. C. owns 117 acres of good land. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for eight years. Supervisor and School Trustee. He is a Republican. Adam Curry ^ who is the son of Matthew and Jane Curry, is of Irish descent, and was born in Pennsylvania in 1840. He emi- grated to this State in 1852, and first settled in Fountain Green tp., where he lived until 1854, and then settled where his mother now lives, on sec. 7, in Hancock tp. He is at present a farmer on the same section. He was married in 1867, to Louisa Long, who had one child from her former husband, whose name is William, and who is now living at home. She is also the mother of 5 children, of whom 4 are living, from her second husband, Mr. C, the sub- ject of this sketch. Their names are: James E., Mary B., — F. and an infant child. Mr. C. owns where he lives, his share of his father's estate consisting of 290 acres, to which there are heirs. He has never held any office except Collector one term. His educa- tional advantages were only ordinary, and he is, politically, a Re- publican. Anthony Duffy was born Aug. 20, 1811, in Cumberland county, Pa,, son of John and Elizabeth (Graft) DuflPy, father a native of HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 679 Ireland, and mother of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. He came West in the Spring ot 1836 and settled on sees. 5 and 8, Hancock tp., this county, where he bought 160 acres of land, which was then entirely wild; here on sec. 8 he built a log cabin 16 teet square, with half a room above; in this he lived until 1850, when he built a fine brick residence on sec. .5; in this he has lived about 28 years, when he moved into the place which he now occu- pies. Nov. 17, 1835 he married Mary Matilda Spangler, at Mt. Rock, Cumberland county. Pa. She was a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Spangler, of German and Holland descent, and she died July 20, 1873, since which time Mr. Duffy has not kept house, but lives with his sons, William J. and Scott A., on sec. 5. All of his 8 children are living. The eldest, Samuel S., is a farmer on sec. 5, where his father first settled. Mary E. is the wife of I. N. Hobart, a farmer in this tp.; John S. is a farmer in Carthage tp.; Joseph T. is also a farmer in Nodaway county. Mo.; Rebecca Ellen is the wife of Jerome Evans, a farmer also in the last named place; Robert M. is a stock-dealer in Burnside, this county. Mr. D. has given all his property to his children except 40 or 50 acres, on sees. 5 and 9. The home farm consists of 166 acres, 115 of which are under good cultivation, being worth about $50 per acre. Mr. Duffy is a Republican, and has been School Director and Trustee, etc., but has nev^er aspired to office. In early days he had not the good advantages of a school education; he was compelled to go two miles to attend school in a log house long before the free- school system was inaugurated, and he came to this county when it was a complete wilderness. He is of course familiar with the Mormon history of this countj^, and was one of the foremost men when Governor Ford called out the Militia to arrest Jo Smith and bring him to Carthage. He had just returned home when Smith was shot, having had pretty good authority beforehand that such a thing would be done. Mr. D. is a prominent and highly respected citizen, and we give bis portrait in this work. Pleasant C. GilUnwater, farmer; P. O., Middle Creek; was born in East Tennessee, Hawkins county, in 1812; his parents were also natives of Tennessee; his father, David, was born in 1789, and his mother, Cisire, nee Willson, was born in 1790. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of 15 children. Pleasant C. resided in Schuyler county 18 years., and in 1856 he located in Hancock county, St. Mary's tp.; was there 8 years, then moved to his present farm in Hancock tp. in 1864, where he now resides, owning 40 acres of land, valued at $1,000. In 1839 he took unto himself a partner in the person of Martha Huff, also a native of Tennessee, and born in 1819; they have 8 children: James E., Louis W., David E., May F., Joseph C. (dec), Henry K., Seals J., Amanda A. and John T. They raised also Lester M. Mitchell who still lives with them. Louis W., farmer, married his first wife, May E. Worthington, in Indiana. One child, Edith, was born to 680 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. them. He married his second wife in Dec, 18Y8. L. W. was in the late war, in the 57th 111. Inft., three years ; was in battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, and with G-en. Sherman on his march to the sea. Charles Harder, an intelligent farmer of his community, of Ger- man descent, is a son of Peter and Mary Harder, and was born in New York in 1830. Comino; to Hancock county in 1869, he set- tled where he now lives, on sec. 4 of Hancock tp. He was married at the age of 28, to Jennie Kingsley, who is the mother of 5 chil- dren, all of whom are living; namely, Hattie, Albert, William, Anna and Robert. Mr. H. owns a farm of 105 acres, where he lives, all of which is pretty well improved; has on it a neat little house, and makes for himself and family a convenient and pleasant home. Politically he is a Republican, and although his educational ad- vantages were not the best, yet he is an enterprising man and takes an interest in home affairs, and everything of a literary nature. Mrs. H. is a member of the Presbyterian Church; also her eldest daughter. Isaac N. Hohert, farmer, sec. 6; P. 0., Carthage; is the eldest son of Norman Hobert, who was born in Essex, N. Y., Dec. 29, 1810; came to Illinois in 1833, and located at Rushville, where he was married in 1834, to Miss Ura Holladay; after marriage he came to this county and settled in Fountain Green tp. He helped to make the first track that crossed the county, and was an active participant in the early settlement of the county. He was a house carpenter by occupation, and erected many buildings in Carthage. Prior to his removal to this city, he erected and carried on milling on Crooked creek, which he afterward moved to Carthage, and continued in that business 13 years. His demise, which occurred Dec. 13, 1878, was a bereavement to a large circle of friends and relatives. He was for many years a local preacher, and one of the sincerest Christian men that ever honored the principles of true religion. The milling interests he willed to his sons, who are now engaged near Hamilton. The esteemed widow and mother who survives, is a daughter of Moses and Celia (Skirvin) Holladay, who settled in Lexington, Ky., before the Revoliftionary war. They were the parents of 14 children, but 3 of whom are living. Isaac N., our subject, was born in this county, and was married June 21, 1861, to Miss Mary E. Duffy, a native of this county, and they have had 10 children, all of whom are living, — Mary E., Carrie L., Joseph N., Dennis W., Eva E., Lillie E., Matilda E., Ura A., Isaac N., Jr. and Blanche. Sidney L., the next child, married Elizabeth Pickens; have one child, not christened. Maria, the last named of his living children. The subject of this sketch resides at his stock farm in Hancock tp., consisting of 235 acres. He also owns the homestead of 135 acres, in Carthage tp. The family is of the earliest settlers of the county. John Martin^ deceased, was born in Ky., in 1812; resided in that State until 1861, during which time he was engaged in farm- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 681 ing and manufacturing. Since coming to Illinois and locating on the farm, where he always resided, he has been engaged in farming and milling; in these vocations he has been quite successful. He left to mourn his loss a wife and 2 children. He was married in 1845, to Mildreth S. Vincent, of Kj., and born in 1824. The farm left his family consists of 280 acres of improved land. Mr. M. held the office of School Trustee, and was also an Elder in the Presby- terian Church. James Martin, miller; P. O., Joetta; is a son of John Martin, born in 1845. He has lived at home assisting his parents all his life. He is now running the mill which his father controlled. He was married in 1873, to Susan F. Kelley, a native of Illinois, and was born in 1849. They have 2 children to make home happy. James E. and Margaretta. Mr. M. has held the office of Town Clerk and Postmaster since his father's death. William Long^ an aged and respectable man and a very old set- tler of Hancock county, the son of John and Marj^ Long, who were of German descent, was born in 1807, in Penn. Coming to Illinois in 1835, he settled in Bear Creek township, where he re- sided ten years; then came to the place on which he now lives on sec. 8. He was married in 1830 to Mary Yetter, who lived only about five years after their marriage. He was married the second time in 1839, to Mary Giphart, who died in 1872. Mr. L. had, by his tii'st wife, 2 children, of whom one is living, whose name is Levi, and who is now living with his father, on his farm. Mr. L. owns the land on which he is living, consisting of 160 acres, of which 100 acres are pretty well improved; 60 acres are brush. He has also 40 acres of timber on sec. 17 of same township. He is an honest and upright citizen, a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, and had poor advantages for obtaining an education when young. He was, at one time, Collector for five or six years; was Assessor one year; Justice of the Peace for four 3'ears, and was Township Trus- tee for 16 years. Mr. L., althougli he is, in fact, politically a Demo- crat, is very liberal in his political views concerning home affairs. Thomas B. McCuhhin, son of Joseph and Ellen McC, was born in 1839 on sec. 32, in Hancock township, Hancock county, 111., and is of Irish descent. Here he spent his boyhood days and was mar- ried in 1860 to Martlia Camren. His wife is the mother of 6 children, of whom 3 are living. Their names are John, Rue and Dove. Mr. McCul)bin is 41 years of age, is a prominent man in liis community, and by hard work and by the " sweat of his brow" has succeeded in accumulating considerable wealth. He is now living on sec. 29 of Hancock township, where he owns a good farm, consisting of 160 acres, of which 150 are under cultivation. His land is worth about $35 per acre, and is well-improved. Has a good two-story frame house, size 28x32, which he built in 1871. Has also a substantial barn, 28x30, which he i)uilt in 1877. He owns, besides the tract of laud on which he lives, 100 acres of timber on section 29, 80 acres of timber and 40 acres of prairie 682 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. on section 20 of same township. Mr. McCubbin has been a farm- er all his life, and has labored hard to sustain the reputation of men of that profession without meddling with political affairs. He has been Assessor once, and is at present School Director. Polit- ically he is Independent. His educational advantages when young were quite limited, being compelled to attend school in a log school-house. He and his wife, Martha, are both earnest members of the Christian Church. Joseph McC^^bbin, who is quite an aged man, is living with his son Thomas, the subject of this sketch. He is at present 84 years old, and is quite feeble, being confined to his room most of the time, and is also almost entirely deaf. J. L. Miller was born in Ohio in 1824; is the son of Leonard and Mary Miller, and is of German descent. He emigrated to Illi- nois in 1856, and first settled on section 6, where he lived for nine years; thence he removed to where he now resides, also on sec. 6, of Hancock tp. He was married in 1852 to Nancy Meyers, who is now 45 years old, and who is the mother of ten children, all of whom are living. Their names, beginning with the oldest, are as follows: Mary, Ellen, Alfred, Matilda, Jennie, Walter, Charles, John, Manda and Alice. Mr. M. owns a large farm where he lives, consisting of 182 acres; and has besides 108 acres on sec. 17, 20 acres on sec. 9, 20 acres on sec. 2, all in same township. The farm- ing land is all very well improved, and is worth about $50 per acre. He is in politics a Republican, but is not at all radical in township and county affairs. His educational advantages when young were only ordinary. Armstead Mosely, sec. 31; P. O., Middle Creek; was born in Kentucky in 1796. Forty years ago Hancock county received one of her many excellent and influential pioneers in the person of this sketch. Previous to his locating in this county in 1839, he lived in Texas, Kentucky, and Indiana. For 29 years Mr. M. has lived upon his present farm of 207 acres, which is now valued at about $7,000. Mr. M. was married in 1831 to Miss Nancy Driskill, of Kentucky, who was born in 1815, and they have a family of 10 children living; namely, Mary E., Martha J., William Y., Winston R., Simeon A., Samuel F., Sarah F., John F., Nancy A., Amanda E. Simeon and Winston enlisted in the 42nd 111. Inf., in 1864; were in the battles of Franklin, Spring Hill, Nashville. Were dis- charged at Port Lavacca, Texas, in 1865. Mr. M. is a Democrat, He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. James Samons, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Joetta; was born May 24, 1835. He is a son of Edward and Anna M. (Hays) Samons, the former a native of Yiririnia, and born in 1800; the latter a native of Rutherford Co., Tenn., was born in 1818. Edward came to Illinois in 1831, and lived in Morgan county until 1847, when he moved into St. Mary's town, and was there eight years. He finally moved to the State of Missouri, and lived there until his death in 1857. At the age of 20 James located in McDonough county and there remained four years, and then moved to Hancock county, and HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 683 has since resided on his present farm of 267 acres, valued at $30 per acre. Mr. S. was married in 1855 to Sarah E. Way, native of Illinois, and was born in 1840. They have been blessed with 7 children; viz., Mary J., Edmond, Chas. W., Ruth E., Louisa, Stephen A., Ida May. Mr. S. enlisted in Co. A, 118th Reg., under Capt. Campbell, in 1862; was in battles of Thompkins Hill, and Baker Creek; discharged at Port Hudson, Louisana, in 1864. He is a Republican. Robert Sample, who has been a resident of Hancock tp., Hancock county, 111., for about 30 years, was born in Pennsylvania in 1803. He is the son of John and Ann Sample, and is of Irish descent. He came west in 1849 and first settled id Fulton county, where he remained for 18 months, when he came to Hancock county and settled on sec. 4, of Hancock tp., thence he removed to sec. 6, where he has lived for 11 years. He was married in 1826 to Jane Hawthorne, who died in 1868. She was the mother of 13 child- ren of whom only 7 are living, and whose names are as follows: James, John, Frank, Calvin, Anna, Jane and Sarah. Mr. S. owns 80 acres of land on sec. 4, 40 acres on sec. 16, and 20 acres on sec. 9. However, he is now living with his daughter, Jane, a widow woman, on sec. 6. The value of his land per acre is about $25. He is, politically, a Republican, and a devoted mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church; has held the office of Highway Commissioner two terms; Township Trustee two terms; and School Director a number of years. Mr. S. had, for securing an education, only the opportunities and advantages that were afforded to all children of Pennsylvania before the free-school system was adopted. He is, however, an intelligent, upright, and revered old gentleman in his community; he is pretty badly crippled with rheumatism, but is making the best of his last days, and is trying to take life easy by being an earnest Christian man, before the last summer's sun shall have set upon his silvered locks and gone down behind the horizon of time and eternity forever. Philips Siepel was born in Germany in 1819, a son of Milton Siepel, also a native of Germany, born in 1785. When Philipp was 14 years old he was apprenticed to the cooper trade; when 34 years of age he emigrated to America and located in Shenandoah county, Virginia, where he remained until 1854, when he moved to his present farm in Hancock county. 111., where he still lives, owning a nice farm of 330 acres, which he has secured by his own honesty and economy. He was married in 1848 to Liza A. Fivever, a native of Virginia, born in 1823. Their living children are, Handley, John, Eleanor, Nathaniel, George W. and Lavina F. Mr. Siepel and his estimable wife are members of the Christian Church. George Sowers, who is an old settler in Hancock county, was born in Pennsylvania in 1830. He is of German descent, the son of Samuel and Sarah Sowers. Came to this State in 1854 and first settled in Fountain Green tp., where he lived 13 years, and after- 684 HISTORY OF HANCOUK COUNTY. ward settled where he now is on sec. 6 in 1871. He was married in 1856 to Willimina McGhecan, who is the mother of 10 children of whom all are living except one. Their names are: William, Samuel, Maggie, Charles, John, Delia, James, Belle and Nellie. Mr. S. is now living on the place owned by his son, consisting of 98 acres. The land is tolerably well improved, and is worth about $20 per acre. Mr. S. had very poor advantages for securing an education ; is a man who is independent in politics and has never held any offices except School Director. Mrs. S. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Joseph T. Sjpangler is one of the oldest settlers of Hancock tp., and is tlie son of Samuel and Rebecca Spangler, natives of Penn- sylvania. He was born in 1817, and is of German descent on his father's side, and French and Welsh on his mother's side. He came to this State in 1838 and settled on sec, 5, of Hancock tp., where he still resides. He was married in 1851 to Anna Mary Sample, who is now 52 years of age and is the mother of 7 chil- dren, of whom 5 are living. Their names,beginning with the oldest, are as follows: Jane R., Sarah V., Mary E., Joseph T. and Samuel E. Mr. Spangler owns 320 acres of land where he lives and has, besides, 80 acres in another tract, all of which is well improved. He has a very good house and barn on the home place, and values the land at about $30 per acre. His educational advantages were only such as were afforded to all children of that day before the free-school system was established. His family are members of the Presbj'terian Church. Mr. S. has held the office of Supervisor a number of years, and now holds the office of School Treasurer, which he has held 32 years. By being independent in politics and always looking to the best interests of his country at home, Mr. S. has, for some time, been taking life easy in his aged years, regarding necessity as a virtue, and is thus honest and upright, and a man of considerable local repute. Peter E. Weakley^ merchant, was born near Carlisle, Cumber- land county. Pa., July 31, 1823, and is a son of W. L. and Martha W. (Ege) Weakley, of German and English descent. His advan- tages for early education were of course far inferior to those of the present day. In 1846 he married Miss Harriet M. Black, a daughter of Thomas W. and Catharine (Slentz) Black, all natives of Penn- sylvania, Mr. Black of Irish ancestry, and Mr. Slentz of German. Mrs. W. was born in Adams county. Pa., Oct. 8, 1825. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 1849 Mr. Weakley came West and first settled in Morgan county, 111., and the next year he located on sec. 2, Hancock tp., this county, where he lived 20 years, when he sold his farm and entered mercantile business at Union- town, sec. 11, where he has carried a general stock of goods ever since, sales averaging $15,000 to $20,000 a year. He is very care- ful in making his purchases, so that he is enabled to sell a good HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 685 quality o^ goods very cheap. He has, therefore, a very good run of trade, doiiig a lively local business. In politics he is a Republi- can, but is very liberal in local affairs; is now serving his fifth term as Supervisor, and has been School Director. He is one of the most enterprising and substantial citizens of the county, a man of fine manners, well known and highly respected. We give in this volume Mr. Weakley's portrait, made from a photograph taken at the age of about 45 years. S. A. Wright^ the son of Hickerson and Cynthia Wright, is another of the many very old settlers of Hancock county, and was born Oct. 9, 1825, in Tenn. He is of Scotch and Irish descent; came to this State in 1833 and settled in Fountain Green tp., where he lived until 9 years ago, when he settled in Hancock tp. He was first married in 1849 to Susan Bond, who lived until about 4 years ago; was married the second time in 1877, to Elizabeth Murray. He is the father of 4 children, of whom only 2, Minnie S. and Mintie L., are now living. Mr. W. owns 52f acres of land where he lives, on sec. 3; has in another place 60 acres of timber; also 100 acres of good land in Fountain Green tp. The average estimate of his land per acre is about $40/ all the farming land is well improv- ed and he has a fine, substantial house on the home place. Politi- cally he is a Democrat and is an upright, well-to-do farmer. OFFICERS Of Hancock township who have served, or are now in oflSce: SUPERVISORS. J. T. Spaugler 1856 Joseph T. Spangler 1874 Peter E. Weakley 1861 Reuben Cravens 1875 William Booz. . . 1863 Wm. Booz 1876 J. H. Folts 1868 George Brewster 1877 Peter E. Weakley 1869 J. T. Spangler 1878 Wm. Booz ... 1870 Peter E.Weakley 1879 CLERKS. John Denison 1856 Joel T. Booz 1874 F.E.Belknap 1863 Albert S. Bear 1875 John J. Grohegan 1864 John Martindale 1876 George W. Jones 1865 Levi J. Rhea 1877 Thomas McAvoy 1867 Jerome B.Jones 1878 Wm. M. Anderson 1868 John Campbell 1879 Jerome B. Jones 1871 James L. Martin 1880 Wm. M. Anderson 1873 ASSESSORS. A. G. Botts 1856 Levi Smith 1868 William Booz 1858 John H. Parker 1869 Jefferson Perkins 1860 Levi Smith 1870 J. H. Parker 1863 I' James G. Smith 1871 Levi Smith 1864 ' Thos. B. McOubbin 1874 WiUiam Long 1865 James G. Smith 1875 Thomas Cambron 1866 J. T. Spangler 1879 Wm.Long 1867 Geo. W. Green 1880 es6 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. COLLECTORS. William Long 1856 Emanuel Jones 1858 William Long 1860 Wm. Spangler 1861 William Long 1863 John H. Parker 1864 William Long 1866 Levi Smith 1867 Calloway L. Rhea 1868 John W. Huston 1869 James G. Smith 1870 John Martindale 1871 Monroe Riggins 1872 Samuel Duffy 1874 Stephen A. Kelly 1875 Albert S. Bear 1877 C.L.Rhea 1878 Joel T. Booz 1879-1880 CARTHAGE TOWNSHIP Received its name from the county seat on its west line. It is numbered 5-6; is principally prairie land, but has bodies of timber on Middle, Prairie, Long and Rock creeks, tributaries of Crooked creek. Certain portions of this township are level and prairie, and consequently l)etter suited to meadow and stock-raising than to grain. Large quantities of corn are grown, however, in all direc- tions. This township has many finely improved farms and sub- stantial and neat residences, owned by independent farmers. Carthage, being in the midst of an extensive prairie, was not settled as early as the western and eastern portions of the county; and had it not l)een for the iact that the county-seat was located in it, its settlement would have advanced no faster, perhaps, than those of Harmony, Prairie and Pilot Grove adjoining. We are not advised that it had an inhabitant within its limits (other than Elder Thomas H. Owen, who came in 1831), when in March, 1833, "William Gillham and Scott Riggs located the county-seat on sec, 19. That event of course gave an impetus to settlement; and we find that on April 2 of the same year a special term of the County Commissioners' Court was held there, at the house of Thomas Brewer, which, if not there before, must have been a tempo- rary T)uilding hastily put up. At that meeting Thomas H. Owen was appointed to build a covrt-house^ and it was to be finished before Aug. 25th! for the use of the Circuit Court soon to be held, Ex-Secretary O. H. Browning, then a young lawyer on the Circuit, attended that Court, as he had others before at Yenus. Here is his account of that event, and description of Carthage at that time. We quote from his address delivered before the "Hancock County Pioneers' Association," in the court-house, June 15, 1869: "He said he remembered attending the first Court held at Carthage. The Temple of Justice at that day was a log cabin of limited dimen- sions, roofed with clapboards. The Bench and Bar boarded with a family near the timber, and near the subsequent residence of Mr. Baldwin, The 'hotel' of Carthage was a sort of rail-pen, 12 feet square, the provisions and whisky being dealt out through the cracks to the outsiders. The site of the present court-house was a frog-pond ; and yet this unpromising beginning had culminated in the present town of Carthage, one of the neatest and prettiest villages he had ever visited." As we have seen, the town site was pre-empted by the county, and the County Surveyor (John Johnson, of Riverside) employed to lay out the town at once, to be completed by May 1. This time seems to have been too short for him to do his work well, for we (G87) 688 HISTORY OF IIAXCOCK COL'XTY. find tliat afterward a new survey was ordered and a new plat made. Clerk ~Willianis immediately removed to the new town, and welind that a special term of the County Court was held at his house on the 3d of June. The reo-ular term, Sept. 2, was held at the new court-house. At this term that singular attorney at law, Louis Masquerier, was licensed to keep a tavern and also to sell goods. Counting the '•• boarding house," referred to by Mr. Browning as the Jirst one. this tavern of Masquerier's must have been the second one in the town or township, and his store the first store. He was still there in 1S36, but soon returned to Xew York. Thomas Brewer must have emigrated soon, as we hear nothing more concerning him. Among the early settlers of Carthage, as we remember them, were Gad Hamilton and his sons Artois and Canfield, Samuel "Williams, Walter Bagby, Frederick Loring, Rev. John Lawton, L>r. John F. Charles, Louis Masquerier, James B., Hamilton C. and David TV". Mathews, Senator Little. Robert Miller, Joshua and Jonas Hobart, Elam S. Freeman, Homer Brown, Ellis Hughes, Capt. Robert F. Smith, Ebenezer Rand, Franklin A, "Worrell, Harmon T. Wilson, Charles Main, Lewis Stevenson, Samuel Comer, Jesse B.Winn, George W. Thatcher, Miles B. Mann, James Baird, Isaac Galland, James W. AVoods, James W. Brattle, Samuel Marshall, Malcolm McGregor, Chauncey Robison, Sylvester Thompson, U. C. Taylor, John Wilson. John Wilson Williams, George W. Stigall, Dr. Barnes, Michael Barnes. Li the vicinity were David Baldwin, Epaphras B. Baldwin, William C. Hawley, Michael Rickard. Richard Cannon, Allen McQnary, Thomas Met- calf, T. Gridley, Thomas J. Kimbrough. W. J. Dale, John Booth, Robert G. Berne thy, iS'orman Hobart, L JS^. Cauthorn, George C. Waggoner, Samuel F. Pray, Alexander Barnes. Of the foregoing 50 odd individuals, more than half are known to have died, numbers of them long years ago. Many others left the county, some of them still living. Several will be recognized as men cf note in the county's history. Three — Little, Marshall and Worrell — met violent deaths, which are mentioned elsewhere. BUSINESS OF CARTHAGE. The following men comprise the business circle of Carthage: Chris Y. Long is Postmaster, and keeper of a book-store. Shultz & Son, Wm. T. Smith and Dwight Cutler are engaged in the drug business; the latter also keeps a large stock of books and stationery. James Sample controls the furniture trade. Wm. Hughes has a laroje business in saddlery and harnesses. Dr. E. M. Robbins is the prominent dentist. The\iry-goods trade is represented princi- pally by Wm. B. Bennett. J. C. Williams and J.W. Everett; the latter has also a branch millinery department on the north side of square. Mr. Dale is also in the same business. Wm. H. Patterson is the HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUMTY. 689 oldest liviiii^ merchant in tlie city, deals in grain, etc. Also J. B. Strader & Son have an extensive \vare-hi)n>e, and offer a specialty in fence posts and drain tile. Also Foutch & Shnltz, Taylor Bros., in the same business. J. Mack Shollard and John Bovd control the hardware, and Charles G. Clark & Sons are extensive dealers in lumber. Stephen S. Wilson is the miller, W. P. McKee has a lucrative trade in agricultural implements. O. P, Carlton also in the grocery business. Jas. N. Currens runs a nice trade in boots and shoes. Will O. Sharp is the only photographer. J. S. Johnson, patentee on corn-husker, does a large manufacturing business. F. B. Miller & Co., located near the depot, are large grain dealers. Chas. E. Sraale and John Ilelfrich both nave a good market business. The lawyers are Judges J. M. Ferris, and T.C. Sharp, W. E. IVIason, State's Atty.,M. P. and O. F. Berry, W. H. Manier,Geo. G. Rogers,C. J. Sco- fiekl T. J. Scofield, A. W. O'llarra and others. Dr. J. W. Carlton, W.M. Kellogg, R C. Haliaday, W. T. Hannan, W. D. Noyes, J. H. Callahan, are the physicians. Dr, Adam Spilter is a retired physi- cian. The banking interests are represented by the Hancock County Bank, II. G. Ferris, President; A. J. Griffith, Vice Presi- dent; William Griffith, Cashier. A second institution of the kind isrun by Sholl & Cherill. Henry C. Wilson and E. T. Dorothy have the trade for livery business. The Stevens Ilouse, located on the square, is being run by J. Jackson. The Kohrer House, two blocks northwest of t"he square, is controlled by C. G. Rohrer. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. The first religious services held at the county-seat were in the log-cabin court-house south of the square. The date of the first cannot be fixed; but as Rev. John Lawton, the Home Missionary of the Congregational Church, settled there in 1834, and as its builder. Elder Owen, was also a minister of the gospel, the pre- sumption is that services were held in it soon after its erection. The first authentic information we have of any Church organization in the town, is that of the Cong. Church, organized in March, 1836. It was supplied by Revs. B. F. Morris, Joseph Mason, James A. Hawley, Wm. E. Catlin and Wm. B. Atkinson, but gradually de- clined, most of its members going to other denominations, and for 15 or 20 years past the organization has ceased to exist. About the same period a society of Methodists and also of Bap- tists was formed, all holding their meetings in the log court-house, and none of them having regular pastors. A Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school is said to have been established as early as 1835, Col. Freeman, Su])erintendent. There are at present seven church edifices in Carthage, the hand- somest and costliest being the Lutheran. There is also a German Lutheran, an unpretentious frame building; a Presbyterian, of brick; a Methodist Episcopal, of brick; a Missionary Baptist, of brick; a Christian, of frame; and a Catholic, of brick. Most or all 690 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. of the above have their regular services and regular pastors, and some of them large congregations. There is also a small society of Episcopalians, who, without a church, rent a building for church services. We have no further statistics of any of the foregoing. There is also a new M. E. Church at Middle Creek village, and a congregation worshiping there. The only other church in the township, we believe, is that known as the Old Brick Church at Middle Creek, in the southeast corner. This is undoubtedly the oldest Church organization in the county. It is of the Old-School Baptist order, and was organized, its records say, "on Saturday before the second Lord's Day in August, 1832," by Elder William Bradley and John Rhea, upon articles of faith submitted. Said Church has kept up its regular organization since, meeting in the same little old brick in the woods. Elder Thomas H. Owen was Clerk at said organization, and afterward preached to the congregation for many years. Its membership has been at times quite large, but has of late become reduced to 25 or 30. The late Elder Dennis Smith, of Carthage, to whom we are indebted for these facts, was a Pastor of this Church for several years. PERSONAL SKETCHES. We continue the history of this township by giving short sketches of the old settlers and prominent citizens, which will be found o± peculiar interest: Francis S. Atistin, farmer, sec. 35; P. O., Carthage; was born in Addison county, Yt., in 1824. His parents, Francis B. and Eleanor (Whitten) Austin, were natives of Massachusetts, and emi- grated from New York State to Illinois in 1848, settling in Foun- tain Green, Hancock Co., where he resided until his death, in 1866. She died in Kansas in 1875. The subject of this sketch was mar- ried in 1845, to Miss Phcebe Mapes, a native of Indiana. To this union 9 children have been born, 7 of whom are living: George W., Charles, H. H., Frank B., Edward F., Alice P., Josephine and John T. : Mary J, and Emma deceased. Mr. A. came to this county in 1852, and settled on his present estate of 445 acres, val- ued at $50 per acre. He was Town Constable three years in Car- thage, and was largely engaged in the livery business the same length of time, where he resided nine years. Has been School Director, and was formerly a member of the Methodist Church. Politically he was an old-time Whig, and now adheres to the Republican admin- istration, and is an early pioneer of Hancock. Levi Barber, Jr., farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Carthage; was born in Pittsfield, Pike county. 111., in 1839; is son of Austin Barber, of that city, and one of the oldest settlers and respected citizens of that county. The subject of this sketch was engaged in merchan- dising in Pittsfield until the war broke out, when he enlisted in April, 1861, in Co. G, 8th 111. Yol. Inf. as 1st Sergeant, and served three mouths, when he re-enlisted in same regiment, and served until HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 691 June, 1864, when he was discharged by the President to raise a company of 100-day men. This he accomplished at Pittsfield, and was connected to the 137th Regt. Ilh Yol. Inf. with rank of Cap- tain of Co. H. With this regiment he served until the close of the term. He was with the 8th at the battle of Fort Donel son, where he was wounded and confined at the hospital at Paducah, Ky., one month. Upon recovery he again entered the ranks and partici- pated in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Yicksbnrg, and in all the smaller engagements in which that regiment participated. He was at Memphis with the 137th when Forrest made his eventful raid on that city. On his return home he was appointed Clerk in the general oifice of Provost Marshal at Springfield, where he was engaged one year. He afterward engaged in the livery business and merchandising in his native city until 1873, when he moved to this county and settled on his present estate of 160 acres, valued at $50 per acre. He was married in 186-1 to Miss Amelia T. Scam- mon, a native of Pittsfield, who died in 1875, leaving born to him one child, Carrie. His present wife. Miss Mary E. Johnson, is a native of Aurora, 111. To this union one son has been born, Lute. Mr. B. served one year as Assistant Internal Revenue Collector at Pittsfield, and was in other ways distinguished. He is a member of the Masonic order, the A. O. U. W., and of the State Militia; also, the family are members of the Presbyterian Church. IL. JB. Bartholomew^ professor of natural and physical science, was born in Korthumberland county. Pa., in 1846. He received his early education at the academy of Foburgh, Snyder county, Pa. Tlie success attending his studies in this school is greatly due to E. G. Erlenmeyer, professor of languages in that institution, to whom he makes grateful remembrance in shaping his course in life. Two years afterward he was employed as assistant in the same institution eighteen months, where he entered the Missionary Institute at Selin's Grove, Pennsylvania, and prepared for his col- legiate studies. In the fall of 1868, he entered the sophomore class of the Pennsylvania college at Gettysburg, and graduated with second honors of his class in 1871, standing second in a class of twenty-one. In the fall of the same year he was appointed prin- cipal of the academy at Clark City, Mo., and the following year moved to Cahoka, where he officiated as principal of the high school two years. In 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss Kate L. Fasold, a native of Northumberland county. Pa. To this union 3 children have been born, Nettie C, Frank R. and Cottie. He was elected to the chair he now fills at Carthage College in 1874, and settled in this city, where he has since made it his home. In 1875 he took ministerial orders in Washington county. Ills., and subsequently filled the pulpit at Hamilton, this county, and Mendon, Adams county. He has served as Secretary of the Synod of Central Illinois two years, and ofiiciates in the Trinity Lutheran Church of this city, ite has also been connected with the Sabbath- school of tlie same Cluirch as superintendent for funr 3'ears. 692 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. William Bartholomew, his father, was a native of Christian county. Pa., where he was born September 21, 1796. He died March 9, 1861. His mother, Susan E. (Wolf) Bartholomew, was born in Lehigh county. Pa., July 10, 1800, and is, at this writing, a resident of that State. William D. Bennett^ merchant, established ^in 1872, has one of the most extensive dry-goods houses in the city. Mr. B. carries a stock of $9,000 and has an increasing trade. He was born in Adams county, 111., in 1848; is son of W. L. and Bethier (Cord) Bennett, natives of Ohio, who emigrated to this county at an ear- ly day, and settled near Augusta where they resided until the spring of 1860, when they moved to this city, where Mr. B. died in 1868. His wife is still living. Mr. Bennett was engaged as clerk in the hardware trade, until he opened his present place of business. He was married in 1868 to Miss Mary A. Carlin, a native of this county. To this union one child has been born, Mabel. He is a member of A. O. U. W., and the family all mem- bers ot the M. E. Church. Politically he is a Democrat. Robert G. JBernethy, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Carthage; is son of James and Elizabeth (Gilliland) Bernethy, who emigrated to Brown county, Ohio, at an early day, where they were married, and moved to this count}- in May, 1835. He entered 120 acres of land in LaHarpe tp., upon which he settled, and resided until his death in January, 1877. He was one of the oldest pioneers of the county. His estimable wife and 4 children survive. The subject of this sketch was born in Brown county, O., in 1823, and is the oldest of seven brothers. He laid out a farm from the Military Tract in Fountain G-reen tp., which he cultivated from the stump. It remains to-day one of the finest arranged farms in the county. In 1869 he disposed of his farm, and moved to his present estate of 70 acres which he has greatly improved, and is valued at $100 per acre. He was united in marriage in Dec, 1863, to Mary, daughter of Jabez A, Bebee, an early pilgrim of Fountain Green tp., now deceased. Mr. B. has never aspired to public prominence, being of a retiring disposition. His advantages for education were only such as the pioneer sons of tlie county could get, but possessed of enei'gy and industry he lias acquired a fine farm and enjoys the circle of his home. Politicall}^ he was a strong Abolitionist, dyed in the wool, and in war times was a Republican. He is now allied to the Greenback platform. His influence was used in the settlement of the Mormon difliculties, after which time he traveled extensively for one year. Malvvri P. Berry ^ lawyer, of the firm of Berry Bros. & Sharp, was born in McDonough county. 111., in 1853. His father, Lebury Berry, emigrated from Pennsylvania in 1841 or '2, and settled in Fountain Green tp. and engaged in farming. He resided there until his wife died, in 1848, when he moved to McDonough county. He was again married in 1851. He had 3 children, — Orville, Clar- ence L. and Melvin P. He was a prominent man in McDonougk cPf. c/aJKI^^ CARTHAGE HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. g95 and after a life of usefuhfess dLd i„ ISW T? '" "• ^"T?^ ''"'''='^' read law in the office orM^ck & Beafd „t^ U "^•''"'f/ 'i"'/'^'''"''' giate studies, and was admitted to tt Ban S 1sT-' ^''^^< and has Miss Ilattie Camp&ell a na h^e „ f M.n ?" ™' """™'^ '<> f^d^ll^JS'Ke^S^ wheJe^t se^^ TsJ^ ij^f^^^^^^^, s:Jii-ett>s\fcS B^^^^ =i;:rr:id^:sS§tr^^^^^ where she was born in ^50 One chndV V™ "f Pennsylvania, Clarence L ™'''' ''"^ '"'^a tx^™ to them, removed to Palmrrn M^ ^" ^^lo until isb5, at which time they the sJ/;itiXi:;i ^^:z^^:;o±% ttf '' &:r^^^irsi,^:iJr;rA?r field of life and moved to tlfiscl^v „!„ i ''^f ™'" *« ^<=tive which occurred in /sM wl ^ ^i' "^^'^ ''^ '''''"''''' "°'>' '''s death, business in Preble cofntv O „1, ''«^f-^ "'«''8''' '" «"^ mercantile Miss Sophia VanHora^a natrve of tL™' '"^"'"^' '° l^^^' '» union 8 children were born 7 nf ^, same county. To this Kate P., William E 7the eUest so^rtM^ l'."ng,-Anna Mary, tt>e postoffice of this ity), SL't"' Ja^t M.Tn^LibbrE t? Urfd VanX-'^Xm^"^ '^ <='«-" .thrc:::em^? a7d^ , sto'S':f&::5traTood'?:!;ir"'?L^'^w^s^b'*''' "^'rr' ^ son county O in 1^9^ r c o /• o -^i^ ^^^s born in Ham- Boyd,^nati';es"of'Lla^nt wi: Z^^^:'^^- S^ 696 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. settled in Ohio in 1813, and in 1849 moved to Fairfield county, Iowa, where they both died. Mr. B. became engaged in the mer- cantile and grain business in Keokuk, where he was largely inter- ested until 1863, when he came to this city, where he has since made it his home. He was married in 1865 to Miss Margaret O'llarra, a native of Indiana. By this marriage 5 children have been born, tt of whom are living, Cora B., Arthur W., "Walter K. and Lettie F. Politically Mr. B. is Democratic, and he is a thorough business man of Carthage. James H. Callahan, physician, was born in Adams county, 111., in 1844; his parents, John and Jane (Henry) Callahan, were natives of Kentucky and Ireland. Grandfather Callahan emigrated to Illinois and settled in Adams county, where he resided until his death. His son, John, was then an infant, and is now one of the oldest settlers of that county, and resides in Columbia tp. The subject of this sketch attended a course of studies at Rush Medical College, at Chicago, 111., when he entered the Bellevue college, JN^. Y., and was graduated at that institution in 1870. After a few months' practice in Kingston, Adams county, he moved to this city in October, 18Y0, where he has since been in active and suc- cessful practice. The following year he was married to Miss Emma Yeargain, a native of Adams county, who died in 1872. His present wife. Miss Martha E. Simpson, is a native of Ken- tucky. By this marriage 2 children have been born, one of whom is living, Lena M. The Doctor is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, and of the I. O. M. A. He has a farm of 220 acres on sec. 23, valued at $40 per acre. In politics the Doctor is Democratic. A. M. Cannon^ farmer, sec. 35; P. O., Carthage; is a native of Howard county. Mo., where he was born in 1821. His parents, Simeon and Sarah (Cornelius) Cannon, are of German descent, and settled in Missouri in 1808, where they both died in Macon county. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1844, and resided for two years in Harmony tp. He was married in 1845 to Miss Elizabeth Gibson, a native of Indiana. Their children are all living; William B., a prominent resident, and engaged in the mercantile business in PInerfano county. Col.; Mary M.; John W., a resident physician of Grant City, Iowa; Sarah E.; James E.., also a resident of Colorado, and a large stock dealer; Alvin, Miles and Frank. In 1846, Mr. Cannon moved to his present farm of 285 acres, where he has since made it his home and numbers among those of theearl}^ settlers of the county; has served as School Direc- tor, and in politics has been identified with the Republican party for twenty years. Melancton S. Carey.- -This, gentleman, whose portrait, taken at the age of 48, we give in this volume, was a native of the town of Coventry, Chenango county, IST. Y., where he was born March 1, 1820. At the age of 22 he left the homestead and engaged in teaching the village school at Brooklyn, Susquehanna Co., Pa.; HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 697 next spring he returned to his father's farm, and the following winter returned to Pennsylvania, locating in Luzerne county, re- suming his labors as a teacher; ISiS-'iO, he was clerk and pay- master for Jonathan Wasley, a miner and coal operator at Potts- ville, Pa. ; in 1850 he iirst came to Hancock county, locating at Nauvoo, and tbllowed farming for a time, varying that pursuit with school teaching and keeping books. In 1853 or 1854 he served that city as Mayor, and afterward served as Deputy under Sheriffs Hamilton and Clarkson. He afterward moved to Car- thage,where he was employed as assistant in various official positions. In 1860 he was elected Sheriff, which office he filled two years with credit; 1862-'4, he was most of the time Deputy in the office of the County Clerk, under F. M. Corby; in 1861: he was elected Circuit Clerk, and in 1868 was re-elected, serving until 1872, since which time he has served only on the Board of Supervisors, desir- ing to devote his attention more exclusively to his personal affairs. In the spring of 1878 he went to . Hot Springs, Ark., with his wife and only living child, for his health; and there, May 20, of that spring, he died. In private life, and in all his dealings with others, he was a man above reproach ; he was methodical and care- ful in all his business affairs, whether public or private; as an offi- cial he was exact, painstaking, punctual and courteous; as a citizen he stood deservedly high, being a friend of education and contribut- ing liberally to the growth and advancement of every interest of the community. For two year? previous to his death he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was buried in the family plat in the east cemetery near Carthage, whither 4 of his chil- dren had preceded him. Two of his sisters survive. Oct. 2, 1853, Mr. Carey married Mrs. Esther C. Mix, of Nauvoo; she was born in Christie county. Pa., in 1820, the daughter of Mr. Lindsey; in 1837 she married Philip Mix, who was a machinist, and settled in JSTauvoo in 1846. He went to California in 1849, and died in 1852, while on his return home by way of the Isthmus, leaving 3 children, 2 of whom died in Pennsylvania, and one son, Thomas E., who enlisted in 1862 in Co. B, 118th 111. Vol. Inf., and after participating in many battles was killed in August, 1865. Mrs. Carey and daughter Nellie still reside at Carthage. She has one adopted son, Frank. John Carlin\ P. O., Carthage; was born in Madison county, Ky., in 1818. He was married in 1843, at Quincy, to Miss Martha J. Flood, who was born in Montgomery county, Ky., in 1825, daughter of William J. and Jane Anderson, who settled in Adams county in 1830, where Mrs. Anderson died in 1836; Mr. A. is liv- ing with his widowed daughter in this city in the 76th year of his age. Mr. Carlin came to this county from Quincy with the rifle company during the Mormon disturbance in 1846; subsequently he was engaged as Clerk in the Recorder's office, and afterward elected to that position which he filled some years. He also was elected Sheriff of the county, and was otherwise prominently ''698 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. identified in the county and township. In fact, the whole time of his residence in the county was devoted to the public good. He was a qniet, unassuming man, and his demise, which occurred in this city in 1865, was a bereavement to a wide circle of friends. He was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, and the father of 6 children, 4 of whom are living: James W., Mary A., Lewis C. and Martha W. Mrs. C. has a pleasant home near the city, with 30 acres of valuable and productive land, where she re- sides with her children. The family are members of the M. E. Church. James W. Carlton, M. D., was born in Grant county, Ky., in 1835; is son of George W. and Maranda Tull, both natives of that State, who emigrated to Illinois in 18-42, and settled in Beards- town, Cass county. Two years afterward they removed to this county, and settled in St. Alban's tp., where Mr. C. engaged in farming and resided until 1859, when he made a permanent home in Carthage tp., where he now lives. The subject of this sketch received his early education at the Academic School, at New- town, Kentucky, was a merchant a few years, attended med- ical lectures in 1869 and '60, at the medical department of the State University, at Keokuk, at which institution he was grad- uated in 1865; was also a graduate of the Missouri Medical Col- lege, at St. Louis, Mo., in 1869. He began the practice of medi- cine in 1864:, in Harmony tp., where he was located eight years, then settled in this city, where he has since been in constant prac- tice. He was married in 1859 to Miss IST. J. Hendricks, daughter of John Hendricks, and a native of Grant county, Ky. To this union 3 children have been born, all of whom are living; Eva M., Willie O. and Lelia M. The Dr. enjoys a well established prac- tice, and is one of the oldest and ablest practitioners in the county, as well as an early settler. Politically, is a Democrat. O. P. Carlton, grocer, established in 1863, on west side of the square, where he carried on business for three years ; was appointed Deputy Circuit Clerk, and filled that office for eight years, when he opened his present place of business. He carries a stock of $2,000 and has a lucrative trade. He came to this county with his parents, George W. and Maranda (Tull) Carlton, who emigrated to this county in 181:0, where his mother died in 1858. His father is still a living resident of this county. Mr. C. was married in 1867 to Miss Lucy Hendricks, a native of Kentucky, by whom he has 2 children, Carrie and Charlie P. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and politically is Democratic. Charles G. Clark, firm of Clark & Co., grain and lumber dealers, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., in 1820 ; is sou of Charles J. and Rachel (Kaple) Clark, natives of New York, where the father died at an early day. The mother is still living in this city in the 81st year of her age, Mr. C. was married in 1846, to Miss Mary Andrews, a native of Otsego county, N. Y. He first 'studied for the law in his native State, was admitted to the Bar in 1846, and I HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 699 practiced his profession in Schoharie and Jamestown from 1855 to 1863. He came to this county in 1863 to settle the estate of a deceased uncle, Benjamin Clark, who settled in this county in 1840. Mr. C. became engaged in the grain business in 1865, and the lumber trade in 1867. In 1873 he erected the large and commo- dious elevator, and the firm, consisting of himself and his only 2 living children, Edward and Charles, carry on a large and success- ful trade. He is also largely engaged in the agricultural pursuit, owning farming lands of 2,000 acres to which he is devoting time and attention; is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is Republican. James B. C'raiq/br<^, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Carthage; was born in Rock Castle county, Ky., in March, 1836; is youngest child of Harrison and Alice (Thompson) Crawford, natives of that State, who emigrated to this county in the spring of I860, and settled on the homestead of their surviving son. Mr. C. was a blacksmith by trade, and engaged a portion of his time in that business during his residence here. The farm was all prairie at that time, and the subject of this sketch (then a boy) turned over the first sod in this tp. His mother died in 1865, and his father survived until 1870. Mr. C. was married in 1858, to Miss Josephine Davis, a native of Butler county, O. To this union 9 children were born, 6 of whom are living, — Alice C, Lizzie H., Nellie, Eva, Edward C. and Jose- phine; deceased are Joplin, James E. and Edith. Edward and Edith were twins, as also were James E. and Josephine. Of his father's family there were 4 children : Margaret, wife of Thomas Hill; Josiah J., died Nov., 1856; Elizabeth, wife of Charles R. Sco- field. Josiah was a graduate of the McDowell Medical College, St. Louis, and practiced here until his death, and was among the lead- ing and early physicians of this county. The homestead farm con- sists of 60 acres, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. C. is a member of A. O. CJ. W., and of the Christian Church. Politically is Demo- cratic, and numbers among those of the early settlers, and is well and favorably known throughout the town and county. James N . Currens, boots and shoes; this house was established in August, 1878, in present location; carries a stock of $3,600, and has a good trade. Mr. C. is a native of Adams county, Penn., where he was born in 1856. His parents are Charles M. and Eliza (Randolph) Currens, both natives of that State, who emigrated to Illinois in 1860, and settled in Plymouth, where Mrs. C. died in 1862. He is yet living at that place. The subject of this sketch was married March 25, 1880, to Miss Josie, daughter of J. W, Hawley, of this city. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of the Presbyterian Church, and is one of the rising young business men of Carthage. Politically, is a Republican. Dwight C. Cutler^ druggist, book and news dealer, succeeded A. F. Sims in this business in 1874; carries a stock of $4,000 and enjoys a good trade. Mr. C. is a native of Erie county, N. Y., where he was born in 1848. His parents were Albert and Permelia 700 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Cutler, natives of that State, who emigrated to this county in 1869, and settled in this city, where they are yet living. The subject of this sketch has been engaged in the book business ever since his coming to the county. He was married in 1875 to Miss Elizabeth Showers, a native of Ohio. To them have been born 3 children, — Elsy, Homer and the youngei^^t, not yet christened. Mr. C. filled the ofiice of Town Clerk two terms, and is a member of the A. O. U. W. Politically he is Democratic. . Nathan Cntlei\ farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Carthage; was born in Erie county, IN. Y., in 1819; is son of Jonas P. and Martha (Jones)- Cutler, natives of Vermont, who emigrated to Illinois in 1838, and settled in Canton, Fulton county. In 1852 they moved to this county, and settled in Pilot Grove tp., where Mr. C. died in 1858. The subject of this sketch was married in 1841 to Miss Hannah Ward, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter ot Aaron Ward, who settled in Fulton county in 1828. By this marriage 4 children have been born, all of whom are living. Parkurst W., eldest son, married Fannie G. Barker. • The fruits of this union are 2 children, Nathan B. and Ward A. James C. married Mar}' A. Barker, and they had one child, Francis G. ; also an adopted child, Nellie. Frances K. and Martha C. The two wives and mothers, are daughters of Augustus Barker, of Iowa, deceased. They are both natives of Ohip. The mother, Catherine Barker, is living in this tp. Mr. C. and his sons reside on the estate, consisting of 700 acres of valuable and productive land. He was the eldest of 11 children, 10 of Avliom are living. He was left without means, and his accu- mulations have been secured only by his own industry and energy. The famil}' are members of the Baptist Church. William P. Damron, a native of Pendleton county Ya., where he was born March 7, 1833, is a son of George H. and Jane (Lyon) Damron, natives of that State, who emigrated to Hancock county in 1855, and settled in Bear Creek tp., where they both died in 1859. The subject of this sketch engaged in farming until elected to his present position as Sheriff in 1878. He enlisted in 1861 in the 18th 111 . Vol. Inf , and served until the close of the war. The followi-ng j^ear he was married to Miss Catherine E. Seger, a native of New Jersey. To this union 2 children have been born, Lena L. and William II. Mr. D. has been prominently identified with the interests of the county for many years; was first elected Constable, and afterward served five times as Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, Assessor, Collector and School Director, most of the time during his residence in the connty. Also, is a prominent member of the Masonic order. In politics he is a Democrat. James Monroe Davidson, editor of The Carthage Repuhlican, was born in Madison county, 111,, on May 22, 1828. He came with his parents to the town of Petersburg, then in Sangamon, now Menard, count}', in 1833. From thence the family removed to Lewistown, Fulton county, in 1838 . He served a period of appren- ticeship to the printing business in Lewistown during the years HISTOEY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 701 1843-'4; and in 1845, in connection with another young man, a year or two older than himself, started a newspaper called The Fulton, Gazette^ the publication of which was continued some 12 or 14 months. He then read law during the year or two following. He was engaged by employment in a newspaper enterprise in Canton, in the same county, from some time in 1847 to 1848. Mr. Davidson was married to Miss Susan Candace Springer at Springfield, Illinois, on Nov. 2s, ls53. Twelve children were born to this marriage, of whom 11 are living, 5 sons and 6 daughters. In 18,55 Mr. Davidson established TJie Fulton Democrat., at Lewis- town, 111. In the fall of 1859 he sold the paper to his brother, William T. Davidson, Esq., its present able proprietor. During the winter following, he was employed as Legisative correspondent, at Spring- field, for the St. Louis R'epuhlican and Cliicago Times. From the fall of 1859 to some time in 1861 he published tlie Squitter Sover- eign., at Havana, Mason countv. During a part of 1862 he was connected with the Chicago Times., as traveling correspondent, and for a short time as telegraph editor. In Sept., 1863, he purchased an assumed control of The Carthage Repuhlican, and has since continued its proprietor and editor. William De Hart, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Carthage; is a native of "Whitby tp.. Upper Canada, where he was born in 1828. He came to this county in 1838, with his parents, Thomas and Rebecca (McCausland) DeHart, both natives of that Dominion, who settled in Pilot Grove tp. In 1850 the father crossed the plains to California, where he died the same year. The wife and mother died at Pilot Grove in 1874. The subject of this sketch was married in 1858 to Miss Mary Hillegoss, a native of Indiana. To this union 9 children have been born, 7 of whom are living: Charles, the eldest son, is a student of law in the ofiice of Schofield & Edmunds of this city, and a graduate of Carthage College in 1877; Emma, Martha, Ellen, George, William and Carrie. Mr. D. moved to this tp. in 1870 and settled on his present estate, consisting of 500 acres, valued at $40 per acre. He also owns the homestead at Pilot Grove, of one section, and other lands, constituting a grand total of 1,040 acres. He is probably the largest landholder in Hancock county. His opportunities for education were such as could be afforded the children of pioneer settlers. His fine and convenient residence at Fairview is a monument to his industry and his success. Politically, he used to be an old-line Whig, and is now a Republican. F. T. Dorothy, livery-stable keeper, is the son of Archibald and Sarah (Perkins) Dorothy, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee. His mother was a daughter of Ephraim Perkins, who settled in this county in 1826. She is a living resident of this township, in the 63d year of her age. Archibald Dorothy settled in McDonough county in 1836, before township organization. He was a farmer and a prominent stock-dealer of that county. In 1854 he moved to this county and settled in this township, where he died in 1863. 702 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. He was widely and favorably known throughout the county. The subject of this sketch resided on the farm until he opened his pres- ent place of business in April, 1879. He has a good stock of horses and carriages, and enjoys a good trade. He was married in 1868 to Miss Augusta, daughter of David Baxter, a native of this county. Two children are the fruits of this marriage, Stella and Archie. Mr. D. owns the homestead farm in this township, of 160 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He is a member of the I. O. M. A., and a living relic of the Hancock pioneer family. John S. Duffy,! farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Carthage; is the son of Anthony and Matilda (Spangler) Duffy, and was born in Hancock county in 1842. His parents were both born in Pennsylvania, and they came to this county in 1833. He entered and purchased land, and is one of the oldest living settlers of the county. The subject of this sketch moved to this township in 1868, and the following year located on his present farm of 80 acres valued at $40 per acre. He was married in 1871 to Miss Lydia, daughter of David Barr, an early settler of Fountain Green township, who died in Kansas while on a visit to that State. She was a native of Mercer county, Pa. Mr. D. enlisted in 1862 and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, siege of Yicks- burg, Yazoo River, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Jackson and all the battles of that regiment. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and in politics is a Republican. Prof. L. F. M. Easterday, A. M., of Carthage College. Levi Fast Easterday was born near the town of York, of Yellow Creek, in Knox tp., Jefferson county, O., Oct. 21, 1839. He is the second iri^a famil}'^ of 9 children, all of whom with parents are living. His father was born in Jefferson county, O., Oct. 19, 1813. His grandfather, Christian, was born in Maryland Oct. 18, 1789. His great-grandfather, Martin, at about the age of six years, and between the years 1760 and 1770, was brought bj'-his father Martin, from Alsace, Germany, to Maryland. The name of the family while in Germany was Ostertag, but it was Anglicised after their removal to this countr3^ The mother of Prof. Easterday, whose maiden name was Jane Robertson, was born in Jefferson county, O., Aug. 8, 1816. From his mother Prof. E. derives both Irish and Scotch blood, but from his father only German. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, and taught to labor dili- gently with his hands. When 12 years of age the family removed to Illinois and settled upon a farm in Montgomery county. He had the ordinary educational advantages as afforded at country schools at that time. He was sent to college a few weeks before he attained the age of 19 years, and at the age of 23 years graduated with honor at a college then known as the Illinois State University, Springfield, 111. Having in his student life exhibited a fondness for and special success in the study of mathematics, and also an aptness in teaching, on the day of his graduation he was elected to the professorship of mathematics in his own alma mater. Find- /KP^'h<. <3<,-t-< -t-c-^ CARTHAGE HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Y05 ing this institution could not be sustained on account of a lack ot funds, at the end of the fourth year he withdrew. He then accepted the principalship of the Hillsboro Academy, at Ilills- boro, 111. He managed this for two years, beginning with 17 pupils and enrolling during the second year the names of 164. In the summer of 1870, he was called to the principalship of a classical school preparatory to a prospective Carthage College, at Carthage, 111. He first entered Carthage on the morning of August 18, 1870, and by September 5 this school was opened with an attendance of 12 students. For two years he was alone in this new enterprise. On the organization of a faculty for the college, three years after- ward, he was made Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in the institution. This position he still holds. After the death of his co-laborer, President Tressler, he was made treasurer of this col- lege, lie received the degree of A. B. on his graduation, and the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him two years later by the board of trustees of the same institution. In June, 1874, the board of trustees of Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, Pa., con- ferred upon him the honorary degree of A. M. Prof. Easterday was married to Miss Abbie Warren Hunsaker, of Carthage, 111., on the evening of August 18, 1S74. To this union 3 sons have been born, Fred Ralph, Phil Rufus and Cad Roy. Blessed with an excellent constitution and corresponding energy, coupled with mirthfulness, the Professor has the reputation of a hard-worker in both physical and mental development. He has done much toward the success of Carthage College, and his ability and success is fully attested by the universal confidence and respect of his fel- low-citizens. John TF. Everett, merchant, was born in Franklin county. Pa., Dec. 9, ls39, son of John and Lydia (Neusbaun) Everett, both na- tives of that State, where she died in 1880. He is still a resident of that county. The subject of this sketch enlisted Aug. 20, 1862, in the 126th Pa. Yol. Inf., nine months' service, and participated in the battles of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancel- lorsville, and served 10 months. He re-enlisted as first-class pri- vate of Capt. O. H. Howard's detachment of the Signal Service, U. S. A., Feb. 27, 1864, and discharged Aug. 3d, ls65. He displayed all the qualities of a good soldier at the battles of New Market, Piedmont, Lexington, Lynchburg, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Waynesboro', Dinwiddle C. II., Five Forks, Tailor's Creek, Appo- mattox Station and C. H., and was the only person not a general officer that was present at Lee's surrender. In May, 1866, he came to this county and engaged in the mercantile trade at Foun- tain Green until 1875, when he moved to this city and established himself on the Public Square. In ls78 he occupied his present place, where he has since been engaged. He carries a stock of $6,000 and enjoys a lucrative trade. He was married in June, 1868, to Miss Sarah Stark, a native of Franklin Co., Pa., where she was born April 8, 1843, and died in this city Sept. 19, 1877. Mr. 706 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. E. has been identified as Supervisor, is a member of the A. O. U. AY., and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Ive}Mibliean. Hiram G. Ferris is a son of Stephen Gano Ferris, and was born in Steuben county, N. Y., in 1822. lie was educated at KnoxCol- leg-e. 111.; after completing his studies there in 1850, he crossed the plains to California, where he attained considerable prominence in politics. In the winter of lS51-'2 he was appointed b}' the Legis- lature of the State of California as one of the commissioners to or- ganize the county of Siski^-ou. After serving on this commission until their work was finished, he was elected County Clerk of that county, in which capacity he served for two terms. In 1856 he returned to this county (^Hancock). Having previously read and studied law, he made application to the Supreme Court of Illinois fur admission to the '' liar," which, after undergoing an examina- tion by that honorable court, was granted. Soon afterward, Mr. Ferris formed a partnership with 1 looker &, Edmunds, Att'3's, at Carthage, under the firm name of Ferris, Hooker & Edmunds. This firm was dissolved in 1S63, and the business continued by Ferris & Hooker. In 1864 this firm was also dissolved, Mr. Fer- ris continuing the same until 1865. During this year he associ- ated himself with F. M. Corby, and organized a banking institu- tion, the firm being Ferris & Corby. They were also largely in- terested in real estate transactions. This banking institution formed the nucleus of what is now "The Hancock County National Bank, of Carthage,'' which was organized under certificate of authority dated May 18,1865, by the Comptroller of Currency at Washington, D. C. The institution opened its doors for business as a national bank June 5, 1865. Mr. Ferris was at once elected President of this bank, continuing to hold the position to the present time. This bank is considered one of the most solid and substantial in the countr3% having passed through all the panics with credit unimpaired. Its officers have the unlimited confidence of the people in all transactions. The bank building is situated on the northwest corner of the Public Square in Carthage. It is a substantial brick structure and was built in 1871. Mr. Ferris is a Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar, and has been a member of the Masonic order since January, 1850. While in California he was Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of the State for one 3"ear. He has also held the office of Master of Hancock Lodge ^No. 20, of Carthage, of the A. F. & A. M., at dif- ferent times, collectively making about five years. In politics, Mr. Ferris entertains the views and principles represented by the Demo- cratic part}^ and during the "' war " of Secession, was firm in sup- porting the Union cause, using his infiuence and his means for the speedy crushing of the Rebellion. Mr. Ferris has served four terms as President of the Board of Trustees of the town of Car- thage, being elected on the anti-license ticket; and has also served HISTORY OF HAUrx>CK COl'TSTY. 707 as Supervisor, and has had various other local offices, having re- cei\ea nominations from each political partv. Mr. Ff^rris was married in McDonough county, 111., Aug. 20. 1S67, to Miss Julia E. Ilolton, a native of that county. The\' now reside at Carthage, and are surrounded by a family of 9 children: Junius C, a graduate of Carthage College, and now attending Columbia College, X. Y. ; Esta M., Stephen 11., Julia, Ellen, Pho-be, Hiram E.. Joel E. and JIarold G. e/i M. J^errls, Justice of the Peace, was bom in Chenango county, y. Y., in 1816; is the oldest son of Stephen Gano Ferns, who was born in Hillsdale, Columbia county, X. Y., Aug. 11, 1788, and Eunice (Bee>>ej Ferris, a native of Xew London, Conn., who emigrated to Hancock in 1832, landing at Traders' Point, now Keokuk, in December of that year. The family, consisting of his wife and 6 children, landed on the Illinois shore opposite Keokuk, Dec. 13, 1832, and made a settlement in Lick Grove, now Fountain Greeny where lie opened a farm and resided until 184<5, when he sold his estate and made his home with his son in this city. He died at Fountain Green Xov. 29, 1876. He was one of the earliest pioneers of Hancock, and left a wide circle of friends to mourn his loss. The subject of this sketch resided at home until 21 years of age, when he l^egan the p»ractice of law. He has been Justice of the Peace 1.5 or 20 years, County Judge 8 years, and has made his home in this city since 1852, in which year he was married to Miss La vina "White, a native of Alleghany county, X. Y. To them have Ijeen born 3 children : Ella <'wife of J. M. DaWdson), Maggie and Frank L. Mr. F. is one of the oldest professional lawyers in the county, and one of the oldest living pioneers. Politically he is a Repuljlican, and strong in the endorsement of the principles governing that y^arty, and is solid for Grant as President of the Ilepublic. Stephen Gano Ferr-ifi. — This gentleman, whose portrait is given on another page ('from a photograph taken at the age of 86 j, was widely known throughout this and adjoining counties as one of the earliest pioneer settlers in this part of the State. His history will not 1^ without interest to the present reader, or those of the far future, especially as to the methods of travel from the Eastern States Xfi the West, and some of the characteristics of frontier life. Stephen Gano Ferris was bom in the town of Hillsdale, Columbia county, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1788. At the age of four years he accom- panied his father's family in their removal to Xorth Norwich, Che- nango county, X. Y., then a frontier county and quite sparsely settled. Here in the course of time he learned the tanner and currier's trade, and followed that business until his father removed to Yates county, X. Y., probably 1810 or 1812. On Aug. 11, 1814, (the 23d anniversary of nis birth i he was married to M^iss Eunice Beebe, in Chenango count}-, X. Y. Alxjut the year 1820 he re- moved to the town of Howard, Steuben county, X. Y., which was then a frontier county. Here he remained until the spring of 1832, 708 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. when, pursuant to an arrangement between himself and his brother- in-law, Mr. Jabez A. Beebe (the latter havine^ come West the pre- vious year and purchased land where Fountain Green now stands), with his family, consisting of a wife and 6 children, he started "West by the way of the Alleghany, Ohio and Mississippi rivers, via Cincinnati and St. Louis. His intention was to come down the Alleghany river to Pittsburg on a lumber raft, but in consequence of low water was detained at Olean Point, JS^. Y., until some time in the fall. When Mr. Ferris got ready for another start he was joined by Wm. Stearns (an early settler in this county), and a man named Carman, with their families. They purchased a flat-boat, which they covered and provided with the necessary facilities for cooking and lodging for their families. In this boat they journeyed leisurely with the current. They arrived in Cincinnati some time in October, having been about nine weeks on the river. Here they sold the flat-boat and transferred themselves and goods to the steam- boat Niagara, bound for St. Louis, Mo., at which point they ar- rived about Dec. 1. While in Cincinnati Mr. Ferris and Mr. Carman were approached by a man named Austin, who endeavored to persuade them to divert their course to Texas, offering to each several leagues of good land free of charge if they would go there with their families; but, having made other arrangements, they declined the tempting ofler. Austin was afterward prominently identified with Texas and its struggle for independence from Mexico. The town of Austin, now the capital of Texas, was named after him. On the arrival of the steamboat Niagara at Jefferson Barracks, eight miles below St. Louis, it was obliged to wait some eight hours, unloading Government stores. It happened that the celebrated Indian Chief, Black Hawk, was a prisoner of war at the barracks at that time, and Mr. Ferris, accompanied by his son Hiram G., then 10 3'ears old, went up to the barracks and saw the chief and talked with him. Arriving at St. Louis, it seemed as if the lateness ot the season would compel the party to seek winter quarters in that vicinity; but luckily a small steamboat called tlie William Wallace was about to attempt the trip to Traders' Point, now Keokuk. Mr. Ferris engaged passage for himself and family, although the Cap- tain would not agree to carry them to any particular point in view of the possible closing of navigation at any hour. On arriving at Quincy the Captain declined going any farther unless liberally paid for it. Mr. Ferris and others paid the price demanded, and the avaricious Captain — who was in addition to his rough manners a hrutal fellow — came on to Traders' Point, landing there about the 10th or 11th of December. At that time Traders' Point com- prised three or four log cabins at the base of the hill. The popu- lation consisted of three or four traders and their families, and 100 or so of Indians and half-breeds who were loafing about. There was no house where Hamilton now stands. The first house above HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Y09 Fort Edwards (now Warsaw) was the cabin of Abraham Smith, about two and a half miles above the present town of Ilamilton. Desirinor to cross the river to Mr. Smith's place, Mr. Ferris paid a man $16 to ferrj his family and personal eftects across the river. The boat was a crazy aflair, very leaky and not at all adequate to the burthen imposed upon it. After loading the boat with its living freight and household goods, it Avas towed some three miles up the river by horses, and from that point " poled" across. In the boat, in addition to Mr. Ferris' family and eftects, were Mr. Stearns and his family and eftects, and a horse and wagon. After various and exciting besetments with the rapids and rocks, the boat, about one-third full of water, was finally landed not far from Mr. Smith's cabin, and the long and tedious journey by water was ended. As landed upon the shores of Illinois, Mr. Ferris' famil}'- com- prised himself and wife and 6 children, as follows: John M., the eldest son, now a prominent citizen of Carthage; Leonard T., second son, now a prominent physician at Fountain Green; Fran- cina K., the eldest daughter, afterward the wife of S. H. Tyler, Jr. (died at Fountain Green in fall of 1S59) ; Hiram G., third son, now President of the Hancock County iNational Bank, of Carthage; Dorothy L., second daughter, died at Fountain Green, Sept. 5, 1842, in her 17th year, unmarried; Fidelia B., third daughter, first wife of Dr. A. J. Griftith, and mother of W. H. Griftith, Esq., of this city. This lady died in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 28, 1849, in her 19th year. Her remains were brought back and buried at Fountain Green. The crossing at Traders' Point was made on the 13th of Decem- ber, 1832; and on the following day Mr. Ferris and his son John M. walked across to Horse Lick Grove (now Fountain Green), some 22 miles, where they employed a man named Geo. W. Howard to haul his family and goods to their destination. The trip was made with an ox team to haul the household goods, and a one-horse wagon to haul the family. They arrived at Fountain Green Dec. 15, 1832. Mr. Beebe and family, having arrived the year previous, had a comfortable double log house, which he shared with Mr. Ferris' family until spring. Mr. Ferris then purchased of Mr. Beebe 110 acres of land, upon which, on the ground now occupied by Mr. McClaughry's residence, in Fountain Green, he built a com- fortable log house; in the spring of 1833 he opened out the farm and built a small tannery. The latter, after a fair trial, proved impracticable on account of scarcity of bark. Some five years later he built a small saw-mill on the creek not far from Fountain Green. This proved unprofitable, and thenceforward until 1845 he gave his attention mainly to farming. July 15, 1836, he sold the most of his farm to Mr, McClaughry. Sept. 14, 1860, his wife died at Fountain Green. Then he came to Carthage and made his home with the family of his son, Hiram G. Ferris, where he lived, with few absences, until his death, which occurred on the evening 710 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. of November 29, 1876, while on a visit at the house of his son, Dr. L. T. Ferris, in Fountain Green, at the age of 88 years, 3 months and 18 days. lie was buried in the village grave-yard by the side of his wife, where lie the remains of other members of- his family. Stephen G. Ferris, besides being one of the earliest pioneers in this county, is given the highest tribute, by those who knew him best during his life- time, as being in an eminent degree an honest man, a good neighbor, a kind friend and Christian gentleman. In early life he became a -member of the Baptist Church, and main- tained that membership and the faith it taught until his death. When he first settled at Horse Lick Grove there were not to exceed 200 people within the present boundaries of Hancock county. The nearest mill was 60 miles distant; and in lieu of flour, people had to be content with coarse meal pounded from dry corn in a wooden mortar. These, among others, were some of the vicissitudes and hardships endured by the pioneers, that we might enjoy the con- veniencies and luxuries of the present day. John Fletcher, farmer,sec. 21; F. 0., Carthage; is the eldest son of William and Ann (Davidson) Fletcher, and was born in Scotland in August, 1831. When five years of age his parents emigrated to America, stopping one year in Canada, and located in Hamilton county, O., the following year, where they resided until Nov., 1811, at which time they settled in this tp., where he is still living, in the 79th year of. his age. His respecttd wife has attained her 80tli year. The subject of this sketch was married in 1853, to Miss Amanda Powell, a native of Ohio. By this marriage 5 chil- dren have been born, 4 of whom are living: Margaret A., William A., Edward U. and Minnie; Mary E., deceased. After marriage he settled south of his father's farm, on his present estate, in the fall of 1863, which he improved, and erected a tine, commodious dwelling. This farm, consisting of 300 acres, is valued at $55 per acre. Sir. F. has dealt considerably in stock since 1862, besides attending to the farming interests, and the duties of his public position. He has filled the office of Chairman of the Republican Committee for 15 years. Justice of the Peace five years, Commis- sioner of Highways, Treasurer of the Board, and School Director a number of years, was elected Collector in the spring of 1880, and has otherwise been prominently distinguished. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and in a strict sense of the word is a self-made man. He commenced life in very limited circumstan- ces, but, through energy and good management, has attained success. Being an active politician in the Republican ranks, he exer- cises considerable influence, believing that the principles of Repub- licanism are the only ones calculated to advance the best interests of this country. The family number among those of the early and respected families of the county. George Flynn, farmer, sec. 3; P. O.. Carthage; was born in Ireland in 1835, emigrated to America in 1850, and settled in Butler county, O., where he worked on a farm and teamed it be- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 711 tween that point and Cincinnati. In 1858 he came to this county, and rented until he had, by prudence, secured enough means to purchase a portion of his present estate, now consisting of 160 acres, with 50 acres on south side of the road. Tliis farm is one of the most valuable and productive in the tp. Mr. F. was mar- ried in 1859, to Miss Delia Donohue, a native of Ireland, who died in 1876, leaving 6 children, all of whom are living; George O., Frank, John, William H., Mary J. and Delia. His present wife, Ellen A. Kelly, is a native of Ireland and daughter of Laurence Kelly, of Rock Creek, who came to this county in 1850, is still a resident of this tp., and in the 78th year of his age. By this marriage, one child has been born, Catherine. Tlie family are members of the Catholic Church at Carthage. Mr. F. values his land at $50 per acre. He dealt largely in stock during the war, and is considerably engaged in that business at this time. Politically, he does not bind himself to any party, but votes for the man most worthy of support. John L. Foutch, merchant, firm of Foutch k, Shultz, was born in Washington county, Md., March 3, 1821; is a son of William and Catherine (Caashter) Foutch, natives of Yirginia, who emigrated to Maryland, where they both died. He came to this State in 1817, and located in Springfield; same year he removed to Canton, Fulton Co., where he lived until 1857, when he moved to this city. He was a blacksmith and worked at his trade until he enlisted in 1862, as 2d Sergt. in Co. K, 118th I. V. I., and served until Oct., 1865. He participated in the battles on the Yazoo, Ark. Post, Milliken's Bend Yicksburg, Thompson's Hill, Raymond, Champion Hills, Black river bridge, siege of Yicksburg, Port Hudson, Baton Rouge, and all the smaller engagements in which the regiment was engaged. He was mustered out Oct. 1, 1865; was married March 11, 1819 to Miss Mary Cutler, a native of Erie county, N". Y. Two children have been born to this marriage, one of whom is living, Amanda, wife of A. C. Shultz. Mr. F. is a member of the Baptist Church, and is Republican in politics. Chas. W. Goodrich,, farmer sec. 22; P. O. Carthage; is a son of Neshach Goodrich, who was born in Rensselaer county, K. Y. in 1794. When 16 years of age he went to Shenandoah county, Ya., where he was married in May, 1815, to Miss Rebecca Ruddell, a native of the same county. In 1818 he purchased the land of his present estate of 160 acres from the soldiers, it being patent land, and settled on the same in 1839. He raised a family of 12 children, 7 of whom are living, Susan, Sarah and John, all residents of San Francisco; Charles, Amanda, wife of Wm. Raleigh, a descendant of Walter Raleigh, residents of Chicago; James, who lives in the township, and Frank, of McDonough county. Mr. G. was drafted in the war of 1812, but the retreat of the British secured him his discharge. He is one of the oldest living pioneers of the county. For two years past he has been an invalid, and confined most of the time to liis bed; he became associated with the Christian 712 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Church when 19 years of age and has always led a devout Christian life. The subject of this sketch was born in this township in 1843. He was united in matrimony to Miss Mildred D. Davis, a native of Yirginia. Their children are: Ada E., John F., Charles E. and Emma M. Mr. G. has resided on the homestead all bis life; has a farm of 60 acres, and 40 acres in sec. 26, and numbers among the pioneers of the county. Politically, is Democratic. The family are lineal descendants of the Goodrich family that emigrated to America in the days of early pilgrimage, and are extensively known. A. J. Griffith y physician, was born in Highland county, O., in 1822; is son of L. L. Willin and Hannah (Hope) Griffith, who emigrated to Illinois in 1S42, and settled in Fulton county, where they resided until 1866, when they moved to this county and settled in Fountain Green where his father worked at his trade, wagon-making. He began the study of medicine in the office of P. S. Secon, at Fountain Green; was educated at Missouri Medical College, and attended medical lectures at the Jefferson Medical School at Philadelphia; in 1846 he began the practice of medicine at Foantain Green. In 1818 he was married to Miss Fidelia, youngest child of Stephen G. Ferris, a native of Kew York, who died in 1849 leaving one child, William. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, where he remained two years. In 1854 he moved to this city and followed his profession for some years, when he retired from practice, and in 1865 became associated with the Hancock National Bank, of which he is Vice-President and a large stockholder. He was again married in 1854 to Miss Margaret McClaughry, a native of New York city, by whom he has two children, Kate and Ralph. Mr. G. is largely interested in the Republican press of this city, has been a member of the Masonic order since 1846, and is one of the prominent business men of Carthage. Politically is a Democrat. William Griffith^ cashier Hancock National Bank, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in Jan., 1849, and with his parents settled in this city, where he has since made it his home. In Sept., 1867, he was called to fill his present position in the bank, where he has been continuously engaged ever since. He served as Town Clerk one term and Town Treasurer two terms. He was married Oct., 1873, to Miss Clara M., daughter of David E. Head. By this marriage they have one child, Ethil. Mr. G. is a member of the A. O. tJ. W. and of the Baptist Church. Artois Hamilton. — This pioneer settler, whose portrait is given on another page, was born in Tolland, Mass., Aug. 15. 1795; he moved to Montgomery county, N. Y., in 1822, and was married to Miss Atta Bentley, of that county, February 22, 1827. In 1835 Mr. Hamilton removed his family, then consisting of his wife and four children, to Hancock county. III. ; he traversed the entire distance with borse teams, consuming nearly two months on the road. He arrived at Carthage July 22 of that year. During the first two / ^ ^/rrv^J/^ '/ryy^U/rV^ HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 715 weeks that he spent in Carthage, himself and family slept in their wagons and prepared their food hard by on the prairie. He fed his horses on the grass which he cut as needed on the open prairie, where the court-house now stands. At the end of two weeks Mr. Hamilton leased a dwelling on the site now occupied by the dwelling of Mrs. Dr. Randolph, where he lived some three months. In the spring he purchased a small log house, into which he moved with his family. To this house he added other rooms until it was large enough to entertain travelers, and his dwelling thereafter became by common consent the hotel of the village, which he kept uninterruptedly until 1851, and maintained its repu- tation above the reproach of either "saint" or "gentile." He, withal, had leisure time to enter and improve five or six quarter sections of land in the vicinity of his new home. Close attention to his accumulating intej'ests and prudent management soon made Mr. Hamilton the wealthiest man in the county. During the eventful period of the Mormon war, he was neces- sarily a spectator to most of the stirring events of that time. His hotel being the general headquarters for the traveling public at Car- thage, very frequently he was compelled to entertain guests at the same hour holding the most antagonistic views on the Mormon question. When Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed at the Car- thage jail, Mr. Hamilton, as soon as he heard of it, went to the jail with a wagon and conveyed the bodies to his house, where he con- structed rude cofiins in which they were placed. On the following morning, accompanied by two of his sons and two neighbors, he conveyed the bodies in a wagon to JMauvoo and delivered them to their friends. For this humane act he was cordially thanked by the Mormon people, and was also ofiered substantial tokens of their gratitude. The last, however, he declined. During the hostiities that followed between the Mormons and Anti-Mormons, an artillery company at Carthage had, for some cause, disbanded, and a six- pound iron cannon belonging to it had, to some extent, be- come public property. Mr. Hamilton, learning that a Mormon squad headed by one Jo Backenstos, a " Jack Mormon" leader, was coming to take away the cannon, unlimbered the gun and hid it in a corntield, where it staid until the arrival of the State forces, to whom he gave it up. In July, 1851, a great calamity fell upon Mr. Hamilton, in the loss of five members of his family by cholera. One sister and a daughter died on the 16tli; his wife, on the 18th; his oldest son, Marvin, on the 19th, and his remaining sister, on the 23d. In 1852 Mr. H. married Mrs. Susan Smith, who survives him and still re- sides at Carthage. In 1855 Mr. Hamilton laid out the town, now city, of Hamilton, opposite Keokuk. This enterprise did not prove a pecuniary suc- cess. His reticence during his life relative to this enterprise neces- sarily abridges what would doubtless have been a valuable and in- teresting portion of the history of the " City of Hamilton." It is 42 716 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. said by some that Mr. H. never had but one hobby in his life, and that was the 4th of July. It was his habit from childhood to regard the day as one of peculiar significance to Americans, — a day to be observed and honored with ceremonies appropriate to its patriotic inspirations. He was a leading and directing spirit in every 4th of July celebration taking place in the town or vicinity. For the celebration of the 4th of July, 1873, at Carthage, Mr. Hamilton had spent much time, labor and expense. The programme for the day was mostly gotten up by him. It was to consist, in a large part, of a military display and mock battle by the "Army ot the Revolution," as Mr. Hamilton delighted to call it. This army consisted of some 300 boys, for whom military hats and wooden guns had been provided by Mr, H. The military parade took place, the mimic battle was fought to the satisfaction of all, and the general programme for the day was carried out as the old vet- eran had devised. The troops were then mustered into line and marched to his residence, after which arms were stocked, and the troops were dismissed. While there, assembled at his well, he made the boys a little speech. "Boys," said he, "you have done nobly to-day; you have acted like patriots and gentlemen, and lam proud of you. This is the last 4tli of July I will ever celebrate, boys, and I want you to remember this: Mind your parents and remem- ber the 4th of July, and you will all make good men and be an honor to the country." The boys then dispersed to their homes. Mr. Hamilton then sat down on the porch of his home to con- verse with his family and visiting friends. In a short time he com- plained of feeling sick. He went into the house and lay down, while his daughter fanned him. Shortly he said he felt better. His sons, William and Elisha, were with him, and he conversed with them easily and cheerfully some minutes. Soon he ceased to con- verse, and lay with his eyes closed, as if asleep. It was then dis- covered that his limbs were quite cold, and that he was unconscious. Physicians were sent for and restoratives applied, but he was beyond the aid of medical skill, or the kind offices of friends. The old patriot was dead. He passed away as peacefully as an infant falls asleep in its mother's arms. The precise moment of his death is not known, but it could not have been far from one-half past six o'clock p. M., or about one hour after he had dismissed the " boy soldiers," at his house. Thus lived and died the patriot citizen; doubtless had he been permitted to select the hour of his death, he would not have wished it difierently. The celebration he had planned and labored for with such zeal, had happily passed off to his complete satisfaction. He had said, " Boys, this is my last 4th of July." He evidently thought that it was, and thus feeling, he doubtless welcomed the summons to rest. Four of his children yet survive him, whose names are as follows: William R. Hamilton, who was born in Johnstown, IST. Y., Nov. 5, 1829; he was elected Sherifi" of Han- cock county in 1858, and has filled various other offices of trust HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 717 and honor, among which is Supervisor, etc., etc. He now resides at Carthage. John D. Hamilton was also a native of Johnstown, N. Y., and born April 30, 1833. He served as Sergeant Major in the 16th 111. Yol. Inf. during the war of the Rebellion. He is now a Clerk in the Illinois Penitentiary, at Chester, 111. Mary B. Hamilton, the only surviving daughter, lives at Carthage. Elisha B. Hamilton was a soldier in the late war, and acted as Ist Lieut. Co. B, in the llSth 111. Yol. Inf. He is a lawyer by pro- fession, and resides in Quincy, 111. He is now Inspector General of the Illinois National Guard, and a member of the Governor's Staff. Elisha Bentley Hamilton^ youngest son of Artois Hamilton, was born Oct. 5, 1838, at Carthage, 111., in the old house there, then known as " Hamilton's Tavern," situated on north Main street. Spent his early life about the farm, saw-mill and tavern, and in 1856 entered Illinois College, at Jacksonville; graduated in June, 1860, with the degree of B. S. Enlisted as a private, in August, 1862, and assisted in raising Capt. McClaughry's company, which became Co. B in the 118th Inf. Yols., and on the formation of regiment at Camp Butler, was appointed Quartermaster Sergeant ; was promoted to 1st Lieutenant Co. B, Nov. 14, 1863. Served almost continuously with the regiment, which was with Sherman at the first attack on Yicksbui'g, at the capture of Arkansas Post, through the Yicksburg campaign and capture, capture of Jack- son,. Miss., Franklin's campaign in Western La., in 1864, and Gen. Davidson's march to the Gulf. [See Hist, of 118th Regt.] Was mustered out with the regiment at Springfield, Oct. 13, 1865, having served over three years. In June, 1866, Lieut. H. entered the office of Warren & Wheat, at Quincy, 111,, to study law, and was admitted to practice in the State Courts June 1, 1868, and the TJ. S. Circuit and District Courts in January, 1872. On admis- sion to the Bar, he was taken as a member of the firm, which became Warren, Wheat & Hamilton, afterward. Wheat, Ewing & Hamilton, at present, Ewing & Hamilton. On March 3, 1868, Mr. H. was appointed Surveyor of Customs for the port of Quincy, by Pres. Johnson, and re-appointed by Pres. Grant April, 1872, which office he resigned July, 1875, and recommended its abolition Jan. 14, 1873. Mr, Hamilton was commissioned by Gov. Oglesby as 1st Lieut, of the Quincy National Guards, a fine military organ- ization, and was. May 26, 1876, commissioned as Captain of the Co. by Gov. Beveridge. By direction of Gov. Cullom, he took command of the 8th Regt. of I. N. G.,and went to East St. Louis, during the riots of 1877, and received for his course on that occa- sion warm praise from the commanding General. Feb. 26, 1878, was placed on the staff of Gov. Cullom, as Brig.-Gen. and Chief of Artillery; and on Jan. 5, 1880, was commissioned by the Gov- ernor as Inspector General of the I. N. G., which position he now holds. In June, 1878, Illinois College voluntarily conferred on 718 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Gen. Hamilton the degree of M. A. Married Sept. 10, 1878, to Miss Mary E. Fislc, at Qnincy, 111. Wi/lMm R. Hamilton, Depiit}^ Circuit Clerk, is a son of the venerable Artois llainilton, wliose biography is given elsewhere in this volume, and was born in Johnstown, Fulton county, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1829. He was married in this county in June, 1854, to Miss Martha H., daughter of Warren Miller, a native of Elmira, N. Y., by whom he has 3 children: Ida A., VYillard C. and Herbert. In 1855 Mr. H. was appointed Census-taker, and com- piled the records of the census of that j'ear. lie served as Super- visor iive years in Prairie township, and was elected Sheritt in 1858, serving two 3'ears; in fact, his whole life has been spent in an official capacity. Mr. H. is one of the oldest pioneers of Hancock county, and at present fills the position of Deputy Circuit Clerk. He is grandson of Gad and Ann Hamilton, the former born April 12, 1768, and died May 8, 1848; the latter born March 11, 1776, and died Aug, 3, 1851. William T. Hannon, physician, was born in Wood county, 0., in 1839. He commenced the battle of life without means, and ac- quired his education b}^ his own energy and industry. His earl}^ schooling was obtained at Waterville, O., and when 17 years of age took charge of the seminary in Coles county, O., which he conducted one year with satisfaction. He then-read law one year, and commenced the study of medicine with P. G.Corkins, of Lib- erty, Adams Co. When the dark cloud of Rebellion broke over the land he enlisted in Co. D, 4tli I. V. L, and served one year; was severely wounded on the Gasconade river. Mo., while on picket duty, by a minie-ball through his foot and two bayonet thrusts in his body. He was confined in the field hospital some time, and taken to the home of a local phj'sician, where he was kindly cared for until able to return home in May, 1862. He returned to his stud- ies with Dr. Corkins, and attended lectures prior to his army ser- vice at Ann Arbor, Mich. In 1869 he received his diploma from the Iowa University. He instituted the class of anatomy in that school, and was connected with that college for four years. He first began practice in Denver, Hancock Co., and in 1871 moved to this city, where he has since been in active and successful practice. In the fall of 1863 he married Miss Emma S. Young, a native ot Fort Madison, Iowa, and daughter of Colonel Thomas E. Young, of Pennsylvania. They have 5 living children: Mary L., William H., John T., Bertha J. and George E.. The Doctor is a member ot the Masonic order and one of the most prominent and success- ful physicians of the county. Politically, he usually votes the Democratic ticket. His parents, John and Fannie (Barr") Hannon, were natives of Ireland. His father was born in j^arragansett Bay, while the vessel was en route to America. He settled in Ohio, in 1825, where they both died during the boyhood days of our subject. Samuel E. Harnest,, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Carthage; is son of John and Anna (Spitler) Harnest, natives of Upshur county, W. Ya., HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 719 and was born in Champaign county, O., in 1835. His parents em- igrated to that State at an early day, and to this county in 1838, and resided in Hancock tp. until 1863, then moved to this tp., where he died in 1866. The mother still survives, in the 71st year of iier age. Tlie subject of this sketch was married in 1861 to Miss Matilda A. Walton, a native of this county, and their children are: ^^lary E., John W. and Frederick E. Mr. H. has a farm of 240 acres, valued at $10 per acre; has been School Director, dnd is one of the early settlers of Hancock; is a member of the Baptist Church, and is well and favorably known. George W. Haynie, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Carthage; was born in Scott county, 111., in 1839. His parents, Henry and Nellie (Hight) Haynie, were natives of Kentucky, and settled in the above county in 1820 or 1821. His father entered land in that county, and moved to this county in 1853, and located in Wythe tp., where he died in Dec, 1872; his mother died in March of the same year. He was one of the oldest settlers of Scott county, and a pioneer of the State. The subject of this sketch enlisted in 1861 in Co. F, 50tli Regt. I. Y. L, and served three years. He participated in the battle of Ft. Henry, Donelson, siege of Corinth, Corinth, Reseca, and was honorably discharged in 1866. He was united in matrimony to Miss Charlotte, daughter of Henry Bartlett, of Lee county, Iowa, and their two children are Nellie and Henry E. Mr. H. came to this county in 1853, and settled on his present farm in 1869. It consists of 80 acres, valued at S65 per acre. This valuable land is said to be the best 80-acre farm in the county. He is School Director, and member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically is Pepublican and was a strong Grant man. Ji. C. Halladat/, M . D., was born in McDonough county. 111., in 1852; is son of John and Catharine (Fugate) Halladay, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, who settled in Lamoyn tp., McDonough county, in 1832, where he became prominently distinguished, serv- ing many years as Justice of the Peace, and filling many other offices. In 1877 he moved to Carroll county, Mo., where he now resides. The subject of this sketch began the study of medicine with Dr. D. G. Fugate, of McDonough county, and attended medi- cal lectures at the St. Louis, Mo., Medical School in l873-'74. He then entered the medical college at Keokuk, Iowa, and graduated at that institution in 1878. He began the practice of his pro- fession at Llm Tree, Hancock county, where he resided until the spring of 1880, when he moved here, and became associated with Wra. F. Hannon of this city. This firm have established them- selves on the Public Square and have a large practice. Dr. H. was united in marriage June 5, 1877, to Miss Clemmie White, a native of Harrison county, O. They have one child, Blanche. The Dr. is a member of the Hancock Medical Society, and the family are members of the M. E. Church; politically he is a Demo- crat. 720 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. John Helfrich, proprietor of meat market, Carthage, was born in Germany in 1834; emigrated to America in 1849, and settled in Hamilton county, O., where he was engaged in farming for eight ye'ckYS, then started for California, going only to New Or- leans, La., where he stopped one year. In 1855 he moved to this city, and in 1860 established himself in his present business. The same year he married Miss Josephine Loriug, a native of this city, by whom he has 7 children, — Edward, Mary, Stella, Charles, John, George and Burt. In 1862 Mr. H. enlisted in Co. B, 118th Regt. I. Y. I., and served until the close of the war. He partici- pated in the battles of Vicksburg, Yazoo River, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River, the charge on Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Apaloosa, Ala., and all the battles in which that Regt. was engaged. Two years of this service he had the position of Bugler Mr. H. is a member of the Catholic Church, a member of the A. O. U. W. and one of the oldest and most respected business men of Carthage. Politically he is a Republican. William W. Hughes, dealer in harness and saddlery, Carthage, was born in Bourbon county, Ky., in 1821, and son of William and Nancy (Hayden) Hughes, native of Maryland, who emigrated to Kentucky, where they both died. He came to this country in 1854, and opened the first harness, shop in the cit}^, where he has since been actively engaged. He served an apprenticeship at his trade, in his native State, and at one time ran a drug store, har- ness shop and farm in this county. His advantages for education were limited, and he began work in a cotton factory when a boy. By industry and perseverance he has realized success, and has ac- cumulated a nice property, and is one of the oldest and respected merchants of Carthage. He was married in 1846 to Miss Eliza- beth Payne, a native of Kentucky. He is a member of the Ma- sonic order, and of the Christian Church. He erected the store he now occupies in 1876, and has a very lucrative trade. Politically, is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have 4 children, — Perry, Leroy, Albert and Henry. George T. Sunsaker, hardware merchant, was born in Fayette county, Pa., in 1820. His parents, Jacob and Mary (Troutman)Hun- saker, were natives of Pennsylvania, and settled in Butler county, O., in 1821. where his father died in 1863; his mother died at Cin- cinnati, in 1832. He came to this county in the fall of 1860, and was for some time engaged in the express and postoiSce. He then opened a dry-goods house on the Noi'th Side, and the follow- ing year engaged in the grocery trade. In 1865, he opened his present place of business, where he has since been industriously at work. He was married in 1844, to Miss Amelia Coddington, of Cincinnati, and they have 4 children: Anna, Abbie W., wife of Prof. Easterday; Walter J., of the Gazette, ?a\6. Robert L. He was acting Postmaster two years, and express agent same time. Is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Presbyterian Church. Po- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 721 litically, is an ardent supporter of Republican administration, and a citizen highly esteemed by all who know him. John Jackson^ proprietor of the Stevens House, Carthage, is a son of AYilliam and Lettie (Ellis) Jackson, who came from Kentuck3% their native State, to this county in 1852. Four 3'ears afterward they settled on the original Pilot Grove farm in that tp. , where he died in 1874. John J. was born in Bracken county, Ky., in 1848. Was married in 1870 to Miss Anna Brunk, widow of Richard D. Haines, a native of Schuyler county. Mr. J. remained on the homestead until the fall of 1879, when he assumed the proprietor- sliip of the Stevens House, which he is now conducting success- fullj'. The house, under his management, commands the patron- age of the best traveling public. James G. Johnson^ manufacturer of corn-huskers, was born in Jefferson county, Ky., Dec. 24, 1827, and moved with his parents, George and Eleanor (Guthrie) Johnson, to Adams county, 111., in 1831, where his father died in 1869. He was entensively engaged in the nursery business, and was reputed the oldest nursery man in the county, and was extensively known throughout the county. His wife and mother, who survive, reside in that county. The sub- ject of this sketch came to this county in 1855, and located in Dur- ham tp., where he resided nine years. After a residence of three years in Elvaston he moved to Carthage, ^n 1871 his ingenious faculties worked out acorn-husker, upon which he obtained a patent, and he is now largely engaged in the manufacture of this article, with which he has a large and increasing trade. He erected a fac- tory on the lot in the rear of his residence, and has completed all arrangements for this trade. Mr. J. was married in 1850 to Miss Melvina J. Thomas, a native of this State. Their two children are Ella and Alice. Mr. J. is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of the M. E. Church. His early education was limited, and his success is wholly due to his energy and natural inventive talent. Politically he is a Republican. Oeo. M. Kellogg^ M. D., was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., in 1830. He received his collegiate education at Oberlin College, O.; then he entered the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and began practice in that city. He spent the years 1857 and '58 in Minnesota, and the following year moved to Keokuk. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted as Surgeon in the army, and served in the Department of the Cumberland under Buell. He had charge of the general hospitals at Lebanon, Ky., and in April, 1862, was sent to Virginia, and assigned to the Kanawha Division, and Chief Surgeon of the 8th Army Corps. He served until the close of the war and returned to Keokuk, continuing hie practice. He became interested in the study of anatomy, and delivered the lectures of eight sessions at the Keokuk Medical College. In the spring of 1875 he moved to Carthage, where he has since followed his profes- sion. He was married in 1866 to Miss Sarah W. Brown, a native of Tennessee, where she was left an orphan. She was educated in 722 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. the Female Seminary, at Buffalo, N. Y., and graduated with honors at that school — a person of cultivated taste, refinement, educa- tion, and a fluent writer. She is a correspondent of some of the popular magazines published in the country. To this union 3 chil- dren have been born, 2 of whom are living, Marion and Julia. The Doctor is a member of the Mutual Aid Association and Medical Examiner, and a physician of great experience. Thomas J. JLane, farmer, sec. 36; P. O., Carthage; was born in Hancock county in 1841, and is a son of Frederick W". and Julia A. (Rucker) Lane, who came to this county in 1839; located one year in Chili tp., and moved to Bear Creek, where he resided till his death. The widow and mother and 10 children survive. The subject of this sketch was married in Sept., 1861, to Miss Mary E. Jones, a native of Cincinnati, O. They have 4 children: Mary Y., Lawrence D., Wilemina K. and Walter S. After marriage they settled on his present estate of 80 acres, valued at $35 per acre; he also owns 80 acres on sec. 35; same valuation. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. H, 118th I. Y. I., and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Yazoo River, Arkansas Post, Thomp- son's Hill, Jackson, Miss., Baker's Creek, Black River bridge, siege of Yicksburg, Jackson (2d), and other skirmishes. He was wounded at Thompson's Hill in the knee by a spent ball, and lost a finger in a skirmish in the rear of Yicksburg, May 14, 1864. Samuel W. Layton^ County Superintendent of Schools, was born in Sussex county, Del., in 1831, son of John and Elizabeth (White) Layton, natives of that State, where they both died. The subject of this sketch came to this State in 1864, and settled in Adams county, where he engaged in teaching. From 1850 until 1863 he followed this calling in Marion county. Mo, He received his edu- cation at the Baptist Seminary at Palmyra, Mo., and he became a thorough student in the mathematical and scientific branches. In 1865 he removed to this county, and in 1868 was married to Miss Mary J. Henderson, a native of Adams county. 111. He served as Collector and Assessor in St. Alban's tp. and has always been iden- tified with the interests of the county. He was elected to his present position in 1877. He is also member of the independent Mutual Aid Insurance Company, and of the Methodist Church. He is the father of 4 children, 3 boys and one girl; Charles, Robert, James and Julia, Chris. Y. Long., Postmastei^, is a son of Christian and Catherine (Yetter) Long, natives of Lancaster county. Pa., who emigrated to Ohio in 1837, where they resided until 1856, when they moved to this county and settled in this tp., where she died with cholera in 1848, He is a resident of this tp. They had 4 children, 2 of whom are living: Mary A., wife of Joseph A. Deahner, and the subject of this sketch, who was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1842. He followed farming until 1861, when he enlisted in Co. B, 32d 111. Yol. Inf ; was promoted to 1st Lieuten- ant and served until the close of the war. He participated in the '^i^---'^ CARTHAGE HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 725 battles of Pittsbnro^ Landing, where he was wounded, and confined in the hospital at St. Louis, Recovering, he returned home on a furlough of 60 days and rejoined his regiment. Was engaged in the siege of Corinth, Hatchie River, siege of Vicksburg, and with Sherman on his march to the sea, through the grand review at Washington, and mustered out at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, Re- turned home and went to Pontiac, 111., where he was engaged with a dry-goods firm one j'ear, when he came back to this county and followed farming three years. Subsequently he filled a clerkship until appointed Postmaster, October 28, 1873. Was re-appointed in 1877, and has filled that oflBce to the general satisfaction of the public. He was married in 1865 to Miss Sarah E, Weir, a native of Washington county, Ind,, where she was born in 1848. Their two children are Mabel and Pearl. In July, 1877, he organized Co. G, of the 8th I. JST. G., was elected Major and commissioned Sept. 16, 1877. His grandparents were John and Elizabeth (Young) Long, descendants of the family of Longs who were sold for their passage from Germany to America in 1760, to the Captain of the vessel that conveyed them to American soil. Edward Loioery^ farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Carthage; was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., in 1814. He was married in 1841 to Miss Harriet Crossen, a native of Dutchess county, jST. Y. Two years afterward he moved to this State and located in Schuyler Co. where he resided until 1866, at which time he moved to this tp and on his present estate in 1875, consisting of 110 acres, valued at $45 per acre. Mr. L. has been connected with the M. E. Church for 40 years, and numbers among the enterprising farmers of this tp. He has raised a family of 6 children, all of whom are living, — James, Mary A., John, Andrew, Asbury and Harriet. Wesley If. Maniei\ son of John and Ann G. Manier, was born Oct. 2, 1829 ; married Oct. 25, 1854, to Sarah A. Allen, in Car- thage, 111., who was born in Montgomery co., Ky. - He had the fol- lowing brothers and sisters: Mary J, Manier, born Dec. 3, 1831, married Aug. 18, 185^3, to James J.W. Kelly, in Winchester, Ky., and afterward to William O'Neal. She died Oct. 21, 1865, in Carthage, 111., leaving 2 children, Anna Liza and Josephine Maria Kelly. John W. F. Manier, born Aug. 7, 1834, and died JS'ov. 24, 1860, in Carthage, 111. Martha E. Manier, born May 24, 1837, and married Nov. 17, 1853, in Winchester, Ky., to Johii W. Rose; died in Mt. Sterling, Ky. Robert F. C. Manier, born April 24, 1839, and died July 27, 1860. Joseph W. Manier, born Feb. 18, 1842, now deceased. Ann A. Manier, born June 15, 1845, and died Oct. 17, 1848. Thomas J. Manier, born June 11, 1847, and died Jan. 18, 1865. Tracing the ancestry backward, his father, John Manier, was born Aug. 4, 1804, and married Ann G. Williams Dec. 18, 1828, and died in Mt. Sterling, Ky., March 17, 1866; liis wife died Sept. 16, 1863. His father was also John Manier, who was born Dec. 18, 1779, in Virginia; his parents were Jonathan Manier and Magden 726 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Manier, and he died in 1856. He was married four times, to the followino; persons, by whom he had children as follows: John Manier, Sr., was first married Dec. 9, 1801, to Sibba Howell, in Virginia, when they came to Kentucky and settled in Fleming county, on the Licking river, near Gill's Mills. His first wife died Oct. 1, 1810. 2. To Jerusha McCartv, Aug. 15, 1811, who died Jan. 13, 1827. 3. To Sallie McKinzie, Dec. 18, 1827, who died Sept. 13, 1845. 4. To Polly A. Feron, Sept. 26, 1847, who sur- vived him. The following are his children and the dates of their births, deaths, etc.: Polly Manier, by Sibba Manier, born Oct. 19, 1802, who was married to James Harty and died Aug. 18, 1835. John Manier, by Sibba Manier, born Aug. 4, 1804; married Dec. 18, 1828, to Ann G. Williams; he died March 17, 1866. Howell Manier, by Sibba Manier, born Aug. 7, 1809, was married to Nancy Lindsay, of Mt. Sterling, Ky.; he died June 22, 1843. Sibba Manier, by Sallie Manier, born Oct. 29, 1828, and was mar- ried to Daniel Crear in Montgomery county, Ky., and is still liv- ing. Jonathan Manier, by same wife, was born Jan. 3, 1831. Martha Manier, by the same wife, was born May 29, 1833, who was married to her cousin, Jonathan Manier. Nancy Manier, by the same wife, was born Sept. 1, 1835, and was married to George Berkley in Mt. Sterling, Ky., where he is still living. Lydia Ma- nier, by the same wife, was born April 1, 1838. Jonathan Manier, the father of John Manier, Sr., was born in Yir- ginia in the year 1759, was killed in his twenty-fourth year, by the Indians, in 1783. He married Magdalen Peavler, by whom he had 3 children ; Polly, who married Sailers in 1777 ; John Manier, born Dec. 18, 1779, and Jonathan Manier, a few years younger. John Manier^ or Minneer, father of Jonathan Manier, was born in Germany and was married to Fox. They came to this country before the Revolution and settled in Virginia. The subject of the present sketch came from Montgomery county in May, 1851, to Quincy, Illinois, then just past twenty-one years of age. He immediately commenced the study of the law, in the law office of Williams & Lawrence, the firm consisting of the Hon. Archibald Williams, afterward appointed United States District Judge for Kansas, and Charles B. Lawrence, afterward and for many years Judge of the Supreme Court of this State, now a resident of the city of Chicago, where he has a large and lucrative practice. He was admitted to the Bar to practice law by the license of the Judges of the Supreme Court, then composed of the Hon. S. H. Treat, Lyman Trumbul, and John D. Caton. His license was issued in 1852. He came and located in Carthage, Hancock county, about the 1st of June, and opened a law ofiice. In the course of the year he formed a partnership with John M. Ferris, with whom he re- mained in the practice as partner until in the spring of 1856 or 1857, when a new firm was formed consisting of the Hon. B. F. Scofield, John M. Ferris and himself, which was continued some six or eight years, the practice proving rather lucrative. After the HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNXr. 727 dissolution of that firm, he formed a partnership with Brj^ant F. Person, and in a few years afterward John D. Miller was admitted into the firm, w^iich continued for quite a number of years. His partner now is Mr. Miller, who was admitted to the Bar while a student in the ofllce of Manier & Peterson, who has made great proficiency in the practice of the law, and now stands deservedly high as a j^oung advocate and counselor. For the last six years the subject of this sketch has been devoting the most of his time in assisting the reporter of the Supreme Court in preparing head notes of adjudged cases, which frequently calls him away from home and his ofiice. His politics are Democratic, but not of so decisive a cast as to make him forfeit the friendship and esteem of many who are opposed to him politically. In matters of religion he does not ally himself with any particular tenets or dogmas, but is rather disposed to take a liberal view in all such matters. His portrait is given in this work. William E. Mason,, State's Attorney, is a native of Harrison county, W. Virginia, where he was born in 1852, son of Peter and Tabitha (Shinn) Mason, native of Connecticut, and grandson of Isaac and Nancy Shinn, who settled in W. Yirginia in 1810, and were the original founders of Shinnstown, so named in honor of the family. His parents came to this county in 1854 and settled in Durham tp., on sec. 33, where they at this time reside. The subject of this sketch received his early education at the La Harpe high school, and afterward completed his studies at Adrian College, Adrian, Mich., at which institution he was graduated in 1872. The same year he was married at Adrian, Mich., to Miss Helen, daugh- ter of H. Osborn, a native of Seneca Co., N. Y. The following year he was admitted to the Bar, and began the practice of his pro- fession in this city. "Was elected State's Attorney in 1876, which office he fills to the entire satisfaction of his many friends ; although young in his profession he has at this time prosecuted a number of important cases at Springfield, 111., with marked success. He is the father of 3 children, — Penfield E., Waldo O. and Yera H. James Madden^ farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Carthage; was born in Ireland in 1819. He was married July 22, 1840, to Miss Mary Wright, a native of Ireland, and the following year emigrated to America, stopping a short time in Canada, and locating in Rut- land county, Yt. Here he obtained employment on the railroad, and secured work in any available capacity. He traveled consider- ably over the different States, and Nov. 6, 1856, settled on the spot of ground he now occupies, which, by his energy and industry, now consists of 740 acres. He also owns two quarters in Rock Creek tp., one quarter in Prairie, and 80 acres in Pilot Grove. He erected his fine and commodious residence in 1861, which is the finest farming residence in the tp. He had no advantages for edu- cation, and when he landed in America he had but 50 cents in his pocket. Of tiie several children that have been born to him, 6 are living, — Frank, Eliza, Ellen, Sarah, Mary and Susan. The deceased 7'3S HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. are Marv. James, William. Thomas. Edward and Charles. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Matthetc 3fcClve by its results the impossi- bility of putting down the Kebellion, and the necessity of letting "the wayward sisters go in peace." Mr. McClaughry had been an ardent Douglas Democrat, and supy>orted him in nothing more heartily than in his declaration that Kebellion must be crushed by force of arms, and so long as it existed there ''could be but two parties, patriots and traitors." Consequently he was a pronounced "War Democrat," and so conducted the liepuHican. As recruiting was at that time going quite briskly for the Union army, he was often called Jipon during the fall of 1801 to attend meetings and speak in favor of enlistments. In this way he helped recruit the 2d 111. (^avalry, the 7th Mo. Cavalry, part of which was raised in Hancock county; and, in the s])ring and summer ot 1862, the 78th 111., the 84th 111., and the 118th 111. Inf. Major McClaughry was married on the 17th of June, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth C. Madden, of Monmouth, 111. On the 15th of August he enlisted as a private, in what was afterward known as Co. B, 118th 111. Vols. Upon the completion of the company organization, he was wT^amrAiOws^ elected Captain, receiving every vote except his own. He proceeded to Springfield and tendered his command to Gov. Yates, who at once commis- sioned him to take command of the five companies then organized in Hancock county, under the call of July, 1862, and conduct them to the rendezvous at Camp J>utler, near Springfield. This mission he fulfilled, and after reaching camp, the 118th regiment 111. Vols., was com])leted, of which he was elected Major. In this capacity he served with his regiment in the campaign against Vicksburg, conducted by Gen. Sherman in the winter of 1862; the camyjaign against Arkansas Post, under Gen. McCler- uand in Jan., 1863; also the campaign under Gen. Grant, which resulted in the capture of Vicksburg in July, 1863; participating with it in the battles of Champion Hills (May 16, 1863), Big Black (May 17), the investment of Vicksburg (May IJi), and the move- ments and battles of May 20 and 21, which culminated in the bloody but unsuccessful assault unon the Bebel works, May 22, 1863. He also took part in the siege of Jackson, Miss., July 1863, after which was ordered with his regiment to Port Hudson, and afterward to New Orleans, reaching the latter city Aug. 16, 1863. About the middle of October of that year, his health failing, the Major came home on sick leave; but before he was able to 730 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK CODNTT, rejoin his command, he was detailed hj Gen. Banks, then command- ing Department of the Gulf, on recruiting service, and spent the early months of 1864 on that duty in Illinois. In June, 1864, he was transferred from the field to the Fay Department, ordered to Springfield, and there served as Paymaster until Oct. 14, 1865, when he was honorably mustered out of ser- vice, having served three jesLrs and two months through some of the most difficult and exciting campaigns of the war. But the Major was not long permitted to remain in private life. In November, 1865, he was elected County Clerk of Hancock county, and held the office until Dec. 1, 1869. In 1869 and '70 he was associated with Messrs. Wm. Patterson, Wm. Timberman and Guy Wells, of Keokuk, in furnishing stone for the foundation of the new State House at Springfield, and also for the piers of the bridge spanning the Mississippi between Keokuk and Hamilton. It may here be proper to mention that he was one of the original incorporators of that Bridge Company, and voted steadily along with Col. Alexander Sympson, H. G. Ferris, A. J. Griffith and F. M. Corby, Esqs., against transferring the charter to its present owners until they would contract and bind themselves to make said bridge a wagon and foot hridge as well as a railroad bridge. They fought over the matter all one day with Mr. Strong, of Keokuk, and others, who represented the railroad, who urged that a wagon bridge could not be built in connection with a rail- road bridge. Major McClaughry and his associates maintained that it could and mv^t be so built, or they could not have the char- ter, and finally carried the point, to the great benefit of Hancock county and the community generally. In 1871 the Major removed to St. Louis to look after some quarry interests he held at St. Genevieve, but the venture proving unsuc- cessful, and his health failing, he returned in 1872, and was resid- ing at Monmouth when appointed Warden of the Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet, Aug. 1, 1874, which position he still holds. Major McClaughry possesses remarkable executive ability, which, associated with good judgment and a kindly disposition, qualifies him pre-eminently for the position, and we but echo the prevailing opinion among the State officials and people, when we say that the penitentiary has never been under better management. The Major is a good writer and fluent speaker, and in addition to the services rendered during the recruiting days, before alluded to, in behalf of the Union cause, he has since made many efiective speeches in aid of the Republican party. Francis W. MoClellan^ principal of Highland School, Car- thage, was born in Washington county, N. Y., in 1831, son of Robert and Eliza (Small) McClellan, both natives of that county, who emigrated to Will county. 111., in 1850, where they resided until the fall of 1857, when they moved to Russell county, Kan., where they yet reside. The subject of this sketch was educated in his native county and began teaching in Will county, 111., where he HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 731 was enfjaged until 1856, when he moved to Tama county, Iowa. Here he engaged in teaching and served as Captain of Militia in the Home Guard. In 1863 he enlisted as Lieutenant in the 4:th Iowa Battery and served until the ^close of the war. Upon his return in 1865, he was appointed principal of the Wills School, Iowa, vvhere he officiated six years. In 1870 he purchased and set- tled upon a farm of 160 acres in Prairie tp., this county, and engaged in farming until appointed to his present position in 1879, when he moved to this city. He was married in 1856 to Miss Sarah A. Selvey, a native of Kendall county, 111., who died in 1859. She was a daughter of Walter Selvey, Esq., a pioneer who participated in the Sauk war. He had one child by his first wife, Francis H. He was again married June 9, 1870, to Miss Sarah R., daughter of Peter Jackson, and a native of Ohio, and they have 2 children living — Ethel C. and Myrta L. Mr. McClellan served as Assessor two terms in Tama county, Iowa, and was Justice of the Peace four years, and is a member of the Masonic order. Politi- cally is a Republican. JamenW. McKee^ farmer, sec. 16; P. O., Carthage; was born in Brown county, O., in 1840. His parents, James and Mary (Pang- burn) McKee, were natives of that State, and emigrated to Illinois in 1857, and settled in this tp., where they resided until their death. The subject of this sketch was married in October, 1859, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Wm. Weir, a native of this county. To this union 7 children were born, 5 of whom are living: Ida, Al- bert A., Margaret J., Effie and Maud; Edgar and Clarence are de- ceased. Mr. M. settled on his present estate in 1865, consisting of 40 acres, valued at $60 per acre. Also owns 33 acres of timber in Hancock tp. He is Road Commissioner. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. M. endorses Repub- lican administration. N. P. McKee, dealer in agricultural implements, is a native ot Brown county, O., where he was born in 1845, and is the youngest liv- ing child of James and Mary N. (Pangburn) McKee, natives of Penn- sylvania, who settled in Ohio at an early time, and moved to this county in 1857, and died in 1859. He was a veteran of the war of 1812, and his father, James, was a relic of the Revolutionary war. She died in this tp. in 1860. The subject of this sketch engaged in farming until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. F, 7tli Mo. Cav., and served until the close of the war. He participated in the bat- tles of Lone Jack, Marks Mills. Prairie Grove, and others in which the regiment was engaged. He was principally engaged in scout- ing and hunting guerrillas. He was houorably discharged and mustered out at Little Rock, Ark. Returning home he engaged in farming two years, and in 1869 joined a partnership and entered the mercantile trade. Three years afterward he was appointed Constable and served one year. The following two years he served as night watchman in the National Bank of this city. He then became interested in the sale of agricultural implements, and has T32 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, established a good trade. In 1870 he was married to Miss Ella R. Johnson, a native of this State. To them have been born 2 chil- dren: William T. and Irwin G. Mr. McKee is First Lieutenant of Co. G, 8th Regt., I. N. G.; is a member of the Masonic order, and of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Republican. Thos. J. MoMahon, farmer, sec. 31; P. 6., Carthage; was born in Hancock county, III, in 1845, son of Andrew and Mary (Craw- ford) McMahon, natives of Kentucky, who emigrated to this county in 1832, and settled near Chili, where he entered land. The follow- ing year he moved to Wythe tp. and secured the second farm taken up in that township. Grandfather Crawford also came in at the same time, and took up land, and the families are among the early pioneers of Hancock. Thos. J.'s mother died in 1870. His father resides in Wythe tp. Mr. McMahon has always been engaged in farming, and by industry and energy has made it a complete suc- cess. He was married in 1870 to Miss Anna, daughter of J. K. Shinn, a native of this county. By this marriage 3 children have been born, 2 of whom are living: Argyll J. and Letta May. Harry C. is deceased. The farm of 170 acres is valued at $60 per acre. He also has a large tract in Harmony tp., valued at $30 per acre. Mr. McM. is School Director at the present time, and member of the Christian Church. Politically he is Democratic. F. B. Miller^ of the firm of Berry & Miller, grocers and grain dealers, Carthage. The subject ot this sketch was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., in 1842; son of Erastus and Sophia (Gaylord) Miller, natives of Herkimer and Oneida counties, who emigrated to Han- cock county in 1864, and settled in Dallas tp., where he resided until his death in 1871. He was extensively engaged in the dairy business in Herkimer county, N. Y ., but lived a quiet and retired life during his residence in this county. The wife and mother sur- vive him, and are residents of Ilion, N, Y. Our subject first be- came engaged in the U. S. mail service, running between Ft. Madison and Davenport, Iowa. Two years afterward he began opera- tions in the dairy business in Dallas tp., in which he has been en- tirely successful. His stock farm at that place, consisting of 476 acres, is considered one of the finest stock farms in the county. With a large and convenient factory, and from 75 to 100 head of cows, he does a thriving trade. Mr. M. was married in December, 1871, to Miss Kate M. Black, a native of Pennsylvania, and their 4 children are — Grace, Frederick B. , Henry B. and Maud, The eldest daughter is deceased. In November, 1879, Mr. M. commenced nnder the present firm name in the grain and grocery business. The house is one of the solid concerns in Carthage. He also has a farm of 185 acres of land in this tp., and is always busy in some department of his trade. He has been a member of the Masonic order for 12 years, and is a member of the A. O. U. W. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Republican. William H. D. Noyes, M. Z>., was born in Bowling Green, Pike county, Mo., in 1834. He received his collegiate education at CARTHAGE HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Y35 ShurtlefF College, 111., and attended medical lectures at the Mis- souri Medical Colle_2^e, at which institution he graduated in 1861. The appeal of the Government for troops awoke his enthusiastic nature, and he enlisted in Co. K, 16th I. Y. I., and after a service of four months was appointed as Surgeon in the U. S. navy, and assigned to the bark Brazzalier, of the JSTorth Atlantic Blockading Squadron, stationed at Cape Hatteras. Subsequently he was trans- ferred to the flag-ship "Southfield," of Eurnside's Division, and participated in the battles of Koanoke, Newbern, and other smaller engagements. From this department he was transferred to the hospital service, and assigned to a vessel running between St. Louis and Yicksburg. After a faithful service in this department he re- signed and began the practice of his profession at Pittstield, Pike county, 111., where he remained until he came to this county in 1864, and settled in this city, where he has since been in active and successful practice. He was married in 1863 to Miss Elizabeth Lynde, a native of Griggsville, 111., who died in 1872. The Doctor was again married in 1874 to Miss Laura Miller, a native of Kew- ville, Cumberland county, Pa. They have had 2 children — Fannie E. and Mary C. One adopted daughter, Haidee, completes the family record. The Doctor was elected Supervisor the spring of 1880, and fills the office of Master in Masonry. Politically he is a strong advocate of Republican principles and administration. His parents were M. J. and Eliza (Tate) J^oyes, natives of New Hampshire and Kentucky. They were married in 1816, and the following year moved to Missouri, where they resided until 1842, when they moved to Pittsfield, 111., where he founded the first newspaper in that county, and died in 1867. He was a farmer, but was promi- nently identified with the interests of his township (Bowling Green Mo.). Mrs. N". is, at this time, a resident of Pittsfield, 111. WiUia?n Ogilvie^ farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Carthage; was born in Columbiana county, O., in 1808. His parents, George and Isa- bella (Forsyth) Ogilvie, were natives of Scotland and emigrated to America in isOO, and the following year settled in Oliio, where they both died. The subject of this sketch was married in 1832 to Miss Hannah Campbell, a native of Armstrong county, Pa. ; to them 9 children have been born, S of whom are living, as follows: Belle, George, Elizabeth, John, AVilliam, Hannah J., James and Willie. Mr. O. settled in Schuyler county in 1850, where he re- sided until the spring of 1853, when he settled on his parents' es- tate in 1859, consisting of 80 acres, valued at $35 per acre. He is Town Trustee at the present time, and has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for 40 years. Politically he is a Democrat, "dyed in the wool," as was his father before him. A. W. 0''IIarra^ lawyer at Carthage, was born in Adams county, 111., in 1857. His parents, Jefferson W. and Paulina (Robertson) O'Harra, were natives of Indiana and Illinois, and settled in Adams county in 1845, where he became prominent in the town- ship where he resided. He moved to this county in 1859 and set- 43 736 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. tied in Bentley, where he now lives. The subject of this sketch began the study of law in the office of C. J. ScoMeld, of Carthage, where he entered the Carthage College, and was graduated at that institution with second honors of his class. He began the prac- tice of his profession in 1879 in this city, and though young, is an able and active practitioner. Thomas II. Oxoen while residing in the county was one of its well-known and conspicuous men. He was born in Buncombe county, N. C, June |25, 1797. His father, Mosby Owen, was a well-to-do farmer in that section. At about 19, he, with his par- ents, removed to Franklin county. 111., and settled in the town of Frankfort. April 2, at the age of 21, he was married to Miss Mary Wren, a native of Kentucky. About eight years afterward he became a professor of religion, and united with the Old-School Baptist Church, and soon after became an ordained minister, which position in good standing he ever afterward held. Mrs, O. also became a member about the same time and continued faithful through life. In 1831 he removed with his family to Hancock county and set- tled six miles east of Carthage, — at that time not laid out. Mr. O, soon became prominent, religiously and politically. He led in constituting the first and all theBaptist Churches organized in the county while he was a resident, \having sometimes the supervision of three or four, preaching alternately. He was long a member of the Middle Creek Church. Mr. O. was strongly attached to the Democratic school, and was very popular with his party. He was several times elected to the Legislature, and held other offices of honor and trust, as will ap- pear in the course of this history. Flis friends claim that he was a strong Anti-Mormon — ''Held Mormon doctrines in perfect ab- horence, considering them a great nuisance and detriment to tlie country, and encouraged every lawful means to get rid of them; but disapproved of many of the unlawful measures taken by the party. He was a law-abiding man, and approved of the course that Governor Ford took in regard to sending troops to quell the disturbances and keep peace." In the winter of 1840 he sold his farm to Joseph Craven, and purchased property near JSTauvoo and removed there. The same year he was appointed Postmaster at Nauvoo, to succeed Almon W. Babbitt. In 1849 he sold off all his effects, and started for the gold Held of California, accompanied by his two sons, L. F. and J. C. Owen, leaving wife and j^ounger children with his son-in-law, Newton Cauthorn. They were over a year on the way; took the southern route, and did not reach California till the spring of 1850. Hesettled on a farm in Suisun valley, Solano Co., 50 miles west of Sacramento, and sent for the remainder of his family. In the fall of 1852 he was elected to the California Legislature on the Democratic ticket, and served through the term, thus terminating his official career. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 737 Longing for the Clmrch privileges to which lie had been accus- tomed, lie began to look about for the scattered members, and found enough to organize a Church of the O. S. Baptists, at Santa Rosa, Sonoma Co., the first of that order ever founded in the State. In 1860, Mr. O. wrote a book, entitled " Rise and Progress of the Church," many of which are now in possession of his friends in Hancock. In 1867 he located in Xapa Co., where he resided till 1876. Here his wife died in the 79th year of her age. Latterlj, Mr. O. resided with his children at Santa Rosa, broken in health of body and mind, till the 27th of Feb., 1880, when he quietly passed away, in the 83rd year of his age. The deceased left a number of children, some of whom were well known in the county, viz: Adaline, eldest daughter, married in 1835, to A. B. Welch; died in Appanoose 1852. Mosby Riley, eldest son, married to Miss Henrietta Patten, of Knox Co., in 1842; taught school in Hancock; studied law in Peoria and served as Mayor of the city; to Quincy in practice of law; thence to Benton, Franklin Co., 111., where he was killed in the Rebellion troubles in 1862. John Wren went to Cal. in 1S51; to Arizona in 1864, as Captain of a volunteer Co.; was elected to Territorial Legislature, held other Government positions, and died there in 1877. Leander married a daughter of Joshua Hobarts; resides in California. Minerva, now Mrs. Newton Cauthorn, of Middle Creek, Carthage township. 111. Carroll, Ellen (Mrs. Cannon), Thomas Jefferson and Martin Van Buren all reside in California. William A. JPatterson, one of the early settlers (coming here in 1836), was born in Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y., Jan. 24, 1811; leaving Somerstown March 2, 1836, he came the whole distance to this State by horseback, arriving in Coles county the 21st of that month; in April he came to this county, having spent a week in Iowa; this year he bought J of sec. 29, Prairie tp., and at once commenced work. He built a log house 16 feet square on this place in 1839 and moved into it, where he kept bach part of the time, and part of the time had a family with him. In 1842 he married Mrs. Georgiana Allen, and continued to live in this cabin and another until 1847. This farm and one on sees. 5 and 6. Bear creek tp., also one on ^ sec. of 22, Prairie tp. and a |- of sec. 27, were all first improved by Mr. Patterson. His health failing in 1847, in March he removed to Carthage, where he took a prominent part in the politics of the county, running in 1848 for Sheriff on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated by 75 votes majority; being a candidate again in 1850, he was elected; at the expiration of his term of oftice lie erected the ''Patterson House," on the southwest corner of the public square, opening it to the public; in the fall of this year (1853) he was elected County Treasurer, 738 HISTORY OF HANCOCK. COUNTY. which office he held three terms. He kept the hotel until 185Y; this year he sold the hotel and entered into partnership with Jacob Shoel in mercantile business; three years afterward they dissolved; in 1866 he entered partnership with Mr. Hunsaker, and three years subsequently they dissolved; in 1872 he bought back the "Patterson House," which he conducted until 1879; but since 1877 he has been keeping one of the largest stocks of groceries, crockery, etc., in the city. Matthew Patterson, the grandfather of the subject of the sketch, was an officer in the British army, and came to America connected officially with the engineer corps, during the French and Indian war, and was retired on half pay; he settled in Putnam county, N. Y., where he was living at the breaking out of the Revolutionary war. His son, Alexander K., married Elizabeth Palmer, a native of Connecticut, and they were the parents of Wm. A., the subject of this notice. Her father, Ebenezer Palmer was a minute-man during the Revolution, The Palmers were of English descent, of Puritan stock, and emigrated to New England in an early day. An amusing instance of pioneer history we will record here, as it occurred in the early days of Mr. Patterson's residence in this county, and when a small log building was the court-house. The Grand Jury held its meeting under a tree in a ravine near by, and the Petit Jury was holding its meeting in the open air at a little distance, when a thunder-shower began to approach. The Constable in charge, anxious to have his Jury agree in time to get in-doors before the rain commenced on them, and seeing that they were not likely to agree, threw off his coat and declared that if they did not instantly come to an agreement he would thrash every one of them. They instantly agreed, — so the story goes. The Constable was brought up before the Court and fined, but the fine was remitted. Mr. Patterson as well as being an early settler has done much toward developing and improving this county, and always threw the weight of his influence as well as substantial aid, in favor of education, temperance and good order. He is one among a very few of the '•' Pioneers " that are still living, and we present his portrait on another page. Luke P. Prentice^ retired farmer, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., in 1817, and is a son of Nathan and Eliza Briggs, natives of New York and Connecticut, who emigrated to Illinois in 1836 and settled in McDonough county, where they resided until 1846, when he moved to this county and settled in Nauvoo, where they both died. He was an early settler of both counties, and residing on the main road for many years, was widely known and highly esteemed by all who knew him. The subject of this sketch was married in 1847 to Miss Christiana Hall, a native of Erie county, N. Y., who died in 1853. Two children were born to this marriage, Lucia 1., wife of William Walters, residing at Dallas City, and Mary E., wife of James Gill, deceased. His present wife, Lydia Quimby, is a native of Ohio. They have had 3 children, Wm. H., Ella HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 739 and Addie. Mr. P. still owns the homestead at Nauvoo, and has for many years been largely engaged in real estate transactions. He was Alderman of Nauvoo many years, and served one year on the Town Board. When Ford called for troops, he was one to respond to the call with the militia of McDonough county. His opportunities for an early education were quite limited, but by dint of energy and frugality helias accumulated a handsome property. In 1874 he settled on his present estate, where he is living in re- tirement from all active pursuits. The family are members of the M. E. Church. Politically he is a Republican. Jesse B^ Quinhy was born in Harford county, Md., August 5, 1822. His parents settled in Wilmington county, O., where he was converted and joined the M. E. Church. In 1S41 he came to Knox county. 111., and qualified himself for the ministry at Abing- don College. In 1848 he entered the ministry of his chosen Church, serving his first year on the Macomb circuit, the next year on the Carthage circuit, the next on the Nauvoo, to which place he moved in 1851. In the latter place,.. April 25, 1852, he married Miss Elizabeth H. Betts, and their children were: Mary Elizabeth, Erasmus Collins and Wilbur CliafFee, the second of whom only now survives. Mr. Quinby continued in the ministry until 1862, when he was on the Kickapoo circuit in Peoria county; here his health began to fail and he returned to Abingdon and engaged in merchandising. At this place, April 22, 1864, his wife died, and the same year he removed to Cavthage, continuing in the same business, and adding agricultural im])lement3 to his trade; in this place he married Miss Mary R. Sympson, of Car- thage, daughter of Alexander and Nancy Sympson. By this mar- riage were born Nancy Addie, Mattie Bell, Mary Sympson and Jessie May; the latter died in infancy. Nov. 21, 1878, Mr. Quinby ran a nail into his foot at Ferris, which eventually produced lock- jaw and intense suffering, resulting in his death, Dec. 4 following. He retained his faculties till the last, being able to converse intel- ligently except when under the strong influence of opiates. The funeral, which was one of the largest ever in the place, was con- ducted by an old friend of the deceased. Elder F. M. ChaSee. The burial was under Masonic honors. During a residence of less than 14 years in Carthage, Mr. Q. did more for the prosperity of the city than any other citizen in the same length of time, having built a dwelling house in' the sum- mer of 1865, and in 1867 he erected a business block, on the north side of the square, at a cost of $6,000. The Gazette oftice still occupies the upper floor of this building. His loss to the business community was deeply felt, and his character and principles will last so long as life and reason endure. The wife and mother who survives is a- daughter of Col. Alexander Sympson, who was born in Green county, Ky., Nov. 8, 1807. In 1829 he was married to Miss Nancy Caster, and in the spring of 1837 settled in Mc- Donough county, Illinois. In 1844 he moved to Carthage while 740 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. the people were agitated by the Mormon question, and took strong Anti-Mormon ground. In 1855 he was elected a clerk of the Illi- nois House of Kepresentatives, and at the demise of the Whigparty went with the Republicans. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he threw his whole soul into the conflict as a supporter of the Union, and accepted a commission as Captain and Quartermaster, and afterward was assigned to the staff of Gen. Chittenden, where he soon obtained the rank of Lieutenant- Colonel. At Stone river he displayed great personal gallantry and took part in the Chicka- raauga campaign, and received the thanks of Gen. Rosecrans for the performance of his duties at Chattanooga. In 1864 he resigned liis commission in consequence of his shattered health, and that of his wife ; subsequently he was awarded the contract for grading the Carthage & Burlingt(.>n Railroad, in which lie was engaged at the time of his death, Aug. 15, 1867. His character as a private citizen was too well known to need comment from the pen of the writer. He was a man of strongest convictions, a neutral upon no question. His hospitality was unbounded. He would befriend the poor and assist the needy, regardless of his own M'ants. At his death he was Treasurer of the Carthage Royal Arch Chapter of Masons, and was buried with honors by that fratcrnit}-. The bereaved widow and mother survived his loss until Dec. 14. 1867, when her spirit winged its way to its brighter and happier home. She was born in Halifax county, Virginia, June 30, 1803, and emigrated to Green county, Ky., in her youth, and was the last of a family of eight children. Mr. Quinby's portrait appears in this book, D?'. J. M. Randolpli was born in Adams count}', near Gettys- burg, Pa., Aug. 26, 1818 ; he attended the colleges of Gettysburg and Canuonsburg, but on account of declining health he relinquished his studies before giaduating ; in 1840 he came to Illinois and studied medicine under Dr. Pearce, of Canton, 111. ; he then attended medical lectures at Cincinnati two terms, and afterward located for practice at Eirmingham, Schuyler Co., 111. ; in a year or two he became part owner of a mill at Lamoine, McDonough county, to which place he removed, meanwhile continuing the practice of medicine; in 1850 he was elected to the Legislature from Mc- Donough county; in 1851. he abandoned the medical profession and removed to Plymouth, Hancock Co., where he engaged actively and successfully in the mercantile business ; in 1856 he established a branch store at Carthage; he ultimately disposed of his Plymouth trade and moved to Carthage, in October, 1867. Sept. 25 of this year he married Miss Anna G. Walker, youngest sister of Hon. Pinckney H. Walkei-, of Rushville. Dr. Randolph, being a firm believer in the principles of temper- ance, entertained but little hope of the growth of Carthage until the question of license was settled by an overwhelming vote of the citizens against further tolerating liquor-selling. His energies were thenceforward devoted to building up the town. As a pre- liminary step, the establishment of Carthage College received his HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 741 warmest support; in 1S73 he erected a handsome brick residence, which, together witli subsequent improvements, cost nearly or quite $20,000; in 1875 he built a fine two-story brick business block on the north side of the public square, at a cost of $5,000; the same year he built two tenement houses, and in other ways he did much to build up and improve Carthage. In 1874 or 1875 he disposed of his dry-goods business in Car- thage to W. D. Bennett, who had long been with him as a sales- man; a branch store at Burnside he continued to own until his death, which occurred April 12, 1876, from paralysis; his widow and two sons, James and Arthur, survive him, and reside at the homestead, in Carthage. Walter, another son, was killed at Fort Madison, June 16, 1879, as he was attempting to get aboard a train of cars. Dr. R. was a reticent man concerning himself and private affairs, but in all his dealings with his neighbors and the public, he ever maintained the highest integrit}', and was generally considered one of the most perfect men, morally, in the count}'. He was a Presbyterian, but had never transferred his Church membership to this city. He was a constant attendant at Church services, and lib- erally supported the interests of religion. As one of Hancock county's most honored, beloved and respected citizens, who have passed away to that world. from which none re- turn, we present on another page of this volume a portrait of Dr. Randolph, engraved from a picture taken at the age of 40 years. A. B. Regnier^ insurance agent, is a son of Dr. Felix Regnier, now living with him, who is a native of Otsego county, N. Y., and came to Marietta, O., with his parents when two years of age. He was born Dec. 25. 1801, was educated at Marietta, and studied med- icine with Dr. Hildreth, a celebrated author and scientist of early days. He received his diploma from the Medical Society of Ohio, and began the practice of his profession at Gallipolis about 1824. He was married in 1826, to Miss Eliza DeVacht, a native of (ialli- polis. In 1831 he removed to Jacksonville, and in 1833 returned to Ohio on account of his wife's declining health, but buried her on the way home. One girl, Josephine, now deceased, was the only child. Mr. R. afterward became successfully engaged in the prac- tice of his profession at Harmon, Ohio, a suburb of Marietta, where he married Elizabeth Barber Sept. 24, 1835. She was born in Harmon, Feb. 24, 1807, and died Aug. 22, 1859. By this marriage 3 children were born, all of whom are living: Austin B., Felix, Jr., and Charles F. He was again married, May 1, 1S61, to Miss Julia C. Gardiner, a native of Ohio, who was born July 24, 1S23, and died July 10, 1877, leaving one child. Earl. The grandfather of our subject was Dr. John Jiaptiste Regnier, who was born in Paris, France, in 1769. His maternal grandfather was Colonel Levi Barber, of Harmon, O., who represented his district in Con- gress, was president of the Marietta branch of the State bank of Ohio, and held various otlier responsible trusts. T!ie subject of 742 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. this sketch, Austin B., was born at Harmon, O., May 13, 1835, on the site of the old block house at the confluence of the Muskin- gum and Ohio rivers, the place where the first settlement by whites was made west of the Allee^hany mountains. He graduated at Marietta College in 1857, and began the study of law with Judge Arius Nye, and David Alban, In 1859 he graduated at the Cin- cinnati law school, and began the practice of his profession in that city. Subsequently, his health failing, he abandoned his profession, and engaged in various out-door occupations. He moved to this county in 1866, and followed farming for 14 years. He has recently removed to Carthage, and is engaged in the business of fire insurance. Among his companies are the old Continental, of N. Y., and American Central, of St. Louis. He was married June 21, 1860, to Miss Eunice E. Anderson, of Marietta, O., who was born April 4, 1841. Their children are: Austin B., Jr., Louis E., Eunice A., Mary E,, David A., Felix and Gertrude. Perry Beger^ a farmer, sec. 27; P. 0., Carthage; is a native of Upshur county, W. Va., where he was born in 1836. His parents, Abram and Pamelia (Roherbaugh) Roger, were natives of that State; came to this county in 1859, and settled in Carthage tp., where he resided until 1876; then he returned to Virginia, and is now in the 88th year of his age. He w^as an early pioneer of Virginia, a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and the father of 23 children by two marriages. His first wife died in 1872. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1858. He was married in 1860 to Miss Susan F. Boothe, a native of this county. Of their chil- dren 6 are living; namely, John A., Nancy A., Peryger, Maggie, George F. and Victoria. Mr. Reger located on his present farm of 80 acres in 1876. Politically he has always endorsed the Demo- cratic platform. James W. Richard, Professor of Latin and History, Carthage College, was born in Frederick county, Va., in 1843. He received his early education in the Roanoke school at Salem, Virginia, and entered upon a course of studies in the college at Gettysburg, Pa. He graduated at that institution in 1868, and served as tutor eight- een months prior to his coming to Illinois. He was a thorough reader and student, especially of the sciences, and devoted three years of his life to the study of theology. In 1871 he accepted a pastoral call of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Sterling, 111., where he was married the following year, to Miss Matilda E. Tress- ler, a native of Perry county. Pa. They are the parents of one child, Mary L. Prof. Richard became a resident of Carthage in Aug., 1873, since which time he has been engaged in his pres- ent position. He has always taken an active interest in the ■cause of religion, and his life has been consistent with his profes- sion. He is a devout member and supporter of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and fills the ofiice of Secretary of the Synod of Central Illinois, and is Pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Carthaffe. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 745 Edward M. Hobbins^ dentist, was born in Lagrange county, Ind., in 1842; is son of Epijaah and Mary (Clark) Robbins, natives of Pennsylvania and New York, wlio came to this county in 1861. lie is a practicing physician and a resident of Osage, Kan. Edward M. came to this county with his parents and settled in Nauvoo, and in 1862 enlisted in Co. H, YSth 111. Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war. He participated in tlie battles of Chicka- mauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ilidge, Lookout Mountain, Buz- zard's Iloost, Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Bentonville, with Sherman on his march to the sea, and through the grand review at Washington. During the entire service he was absent from his command but two days. He was married in 1870 to Miss Mary Brownlee, a native of this county, and daughter of Samuel Brown- lee, and their children are: Eulalie, Eddie and Sammy. Mr. Robbins has been in his present place five years, and has a large practice, lie is a member of the A. O. IJ. W., I. O. O. F. and Knights of Pythias; family are members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Politically, is a strong Republican , George J. Rogers, lawyer, was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1824; son of Penuel and Mary (White) Rogers, natives of that State, who emigrated to this State in 1865 and settled in Qaincy, where his mother died in 1867. His father is at this time a resident of that city. George J. secured his classical education in the office of Jas. R. Dayton, of Quincy. He was admitted to the Bar in 1848, and read law in the office of Almeron Wheat until 1849, when he crossed the plains to California. In two j'ears he returned and began the practice of his profession at Quincy. In 1854 he moved to this city, and in the fall of 1857 was married to Miss Mary F., daughter of Major John Scott. Mr. Rogers was City Clerk at War- saw, and in 1860 was appointed U. S. Marshal to take the 8th census of the county, which he executed with ability and satisfac- tion. He was a member of the Board of Education some years and was elected County Clerk in 1869. This office he filled until 1877 and then returned to the duties of his profession, to which he has since devoted his time. He is the father of 7 children, 5 of whom are living: Minnie, wife of Lieutenant J. W. Carlin, U. S. Navy; Hiram S., Anna, Nellie C. and John W. Politically Mr. R. is a Democrat. Charles O. RoTirer, proprietor of the Rohrer House, was born Mar. 15, 1843 in Asch, Austria; isason of John Adam and Reginia (Wald- zeck) Rohrer, natives of that empire, where his father died in 1860. His mother with one child emigrated to America in 1861, and resided in this city. Charles G. emigrated to this country with a younger sister in 1860, and settled in Vicksburg, where he was engaged in liotel business for two years, then entered the mer- cantile business which he disposed of in 1863, and turned his attention toward the liberation from Confederacy. He was a strong adherent of the Union cause, and during his confinement in the Confederate lines was subject to many trials and sufierings. He came to this county in 1863, and worked at his trade, painting, and 746 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. in 1866 returned to Yicksburg where he remained two years, then came back to Carthage, where lie has since made it his home. He was married in 1S7T to Miss Kate L. Dedwiler, a native of Chester county, Pa. He opened his fine residence as a hotel in June, 1878. The house under liis charge has an extended reputation, and is patronized wholly by the traveling public and commercial men. The cuisine and all appurtenances are of the best. Mr, R. is agent for the Northwestern National Insurance Co., of Milwaukee, the German, of Freeport, a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. orders, and the family are members of the M. E. Church. He is the father of 2 children, Willie L. and Ralph G. A. J. Mucker, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Carthage; was born in Grant county, in 1830. His parents were James M. and Julia A. (Loyd) Rucker, natives of Virginia, who came to Illinois in 1835, and settled in Schuyler county, where he resided until his death. His mother also died in that county. He was married in 1852, in Schuyler county, to Miss Abigail Lashmet, a native of North Caro- lina. He came to this State when three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. R. have 3 living children — William E., John T. and Mary E. They came to this county in 1865, and settled on his present estate, consisting of 160 acres, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. R. is School Director, and is an old settler of Illinois; is a well-known and honored resident of the county. His advantages for education were limited, and his success has been attained by his own industry. In politics he is a Democrat. ^. liucker, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Carthage; was born in Kenton count}', Ky., in 1826. His parents, William M. and Julia A. (Loyd) Rucker, were natives of that State, and moved to Schuyler county, 111., in 1835, where they both died. He was married in 1843, in Schuyler county, to Miss Polly A. Lashmet, a native of Virginia and daughter of John Lashmet, a pioneer of that State. Mr. R. has one adopted daughter, Adaline, wife of Thomas Metcalf, of this tp. He came to this county in 1865, and located on his present farm, consisting of 160 acres, valued at $50 per acre. His advantages for education were limited, but through energy and industry he has secured a good farm and comfortable home. Politi- cally he has been an advocate of Democratic principles, and always voted that ticket. TFm. W. Sachnan. farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Carthage; was born in Jefferson county, Va,, in 1816; is a son of William and Susanah (Wright) Sackman, who settled in Morgan county, 111., in 1828, where he purchased patent land and resided until 1835, when he moved to Schuyler county, Mo., where he died in 1874. His wife died previously in Ohio. He was for 50 years a minister, and was well known throughout the State. The subject of this sketch was married in 1842, in Schuyler county, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Baker, a native of Tennessee. By this marriage 3 children have been born, 2 of whom are living, William F. and Erastus B. Mr. S. came to this county in April, 1847, and settled at West Point, in St. Alban's tp., where lie resided until 1856, when he HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Y47 moved to his present home. He has a farm of 201 acres, and is one of the early pioneers of the county and State. He was Magis- trate for 20 years, and is well and favorably known. In politics he is a Democrat. James Sample^ fnrniture dealer, is eldest son of Robert and Jane (Hawthorn) Sample, natives of Pa., who emiojrated to Illi- nois in 1S50, and settled in Canton, Fulton county. The following year he moved to this county and settled in Hancock tp., where Mrs. Sample died in 1868. Mr. S. has been prominently identifi- ed with the interests of Hancock tp., and resides with a sister. The subject of this sketch was born in Lancaster county. Pa., in 1826. lie remained on the farm until 1852, when he was married to Miss Eliza, daughter of Samuel Spangler, a native of Cumberland county, Pa. He moved to Carthage and opened a shop, where he applied himself to his trade, cabinet-making, and undertaker of the city. When the war broke out he enlisted in Co. B, llSth Regt. I. Y. I., was promoted to Lieutenant, and participated in the bat- tles of Haines' Bluff, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Thompson's Hill, Champion Hills, siege of Vicksburg, where he was sent out on a reconnoitering expedition 20 miles from that place, and while in command of the company was ambushed and shot through the shoulder. He was secured by the rebels, and carried to a rebel house, where he was left for dead, and afterward rescued by the Unipn forces, and conveyed to a farm house, where he was kindly cared for, and confined to the house six weeks, when he was sent home. For several years he was greatly disabled by this wound, and his resignation was accepted with ofiicial inducements to occupy other positions, which he declined. AVhen able, with the little accumulations saved from his army service, he began at his trade on a small scale, and by energy and industry is enabled to occupy a good position in the business community of this cit}'. In 1875 he erected the store he now occupies, 20 by TO feet, and car- ries a stock of 84,000, and enjoys a liberal patronage. They have one child, adopted, Katie. The family are members of the Pres- byterian Church. Politically Mr. S. is Republican. Charles J. Scofield, lawyer, was born in Carthage, 111., in 1853; is son of Charles and Elizabeth (Crawford) Scofield, natives of Kew York and Kentuckv, who emigrated to this county' in 1850, where he died in Jan., 1857. She died May 27, 1877. Charles J. began the study of law in the ofiice of Scofield & Hooker, of this city, and attended school at Canton University, Mo,, where he was graduated in 1871. Three years afterward he took the degree of A. M., and began the ])ractice of his profession in this city. In June, 1875, he was appointed Master in Chancery, and in March, 1879, the partnership of Dayton ^^1, WILCOX Tp. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 755 Sharp and "Williams for their surrender, on terms; that is, they should give bail and be allowed to go free. The treaty was signed. Col. Baker pledged himself that it should be observed to the letter, or he would send Sharp and Williams back into Missouri. Sharp and AYilliams then went to the Governor's camp in "Warsaw; the Sheriff read his writ to them, and turned his prisoners over to Col. Baker, who accompanied them to Quincy, where Judge Thomas was holding Court. IS o eftbrt was made to confine the prisoners, and they went where they pleased. The matter coming up before Judge Thomas, his Honor refused to observe the terms of the treaty, which required that the Attorney-General, who was pi-esent, should admit that the crime charged against the prisoners was not evident, or the presumption great, so that they .could be admitted to bail; but consented that if the prisoners would waive an exami<- nation, he would hold them to bail in a small amount. This was agreed to under protest of innocence; bail given, and the farcical character of the whole proceeding made more apparent than ever. It was on this occasion that Judge Douglas, entering a crowd which was making merry at the Governor's ridiculous position, ex- claimed: "Gentlemen, this matter has passed beyond ridicule; it is time for sympathy." At the October Term of Court following, indictments were found against five leading Anti-Mormons and four others, who were said to be concerned in the killing of the Smiths. These indict- ments were procured by the perjured testimony of Mormon wit- nesses. Mr. Sharp was one of the persons indicted. After the adjournment of Court no eftort was made to arrest tlie defendants until some time in the winter, and this was so handsomely frus- trated, that it WHS not repeated. At the March term of the Circuit Court, the five principal men indicted appeared. Judge Young pre- siding. By consent of Josiah Lamborn,*who had been sent by the Governor to Hancock to prosecute the defendants, and who, by the by, was the strongest prosecutor in the State, the defendants were recognized to appear from day to day during the trial, and were held under no restraint. The trial occupied days, and was conducted throughout with as much decorum as any trial ever conducted in Hancock county, the slanderous statements of John Hay in the Atlantic Monthly to the contrary, notwithstanding. Everybody respected Judge Young, and not the slightest indignity was ofiered to him. Mr. Lamborn made no complaint of unfair treatment, but on the other hand expressed himself as having great leniency accorded to him, the Court, by consent of the defendants, adjourning over at an early hour in order to give Mr. L. time to send for a witness to try and corroborate one of his impeached wit- nesses. The prosecution made out their case by three Mormon witnesses, and the defendants so completely and overwhelmingly impeached them by contradictory evidence and the contradictions they made of themselves on cross-examination, that when Mr. Lamborn arose to address the jury, he said he would not ask the 44 756 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. jury to believe them ; that in tlie course of his practice he had never known witnesses as etfectnally broken down. In reference to Mr. Sharp it was not pretended that he went with the crowd that did the killing to the jail; all he was accused of was stirring up the boys in that little speech he made at Prentice's shanty. The sub- stance of that speech was proved by willing witnesses to the jury, and there was nothing in it but what made up the burden of Anti- Mormon speeches of that day. The jury was out but a short time, and brought in a verdict of " JSTot guilty," and as had been pre- viously arranged, there was no demonstration of applause in the audience. Throughout the whole trial there was no " armed mob in the court-house," which '' stamped applause or hissed defiance, according as they approved or disapproved the proceedings." This charge, made by John Hay, in his Atlantic Monthly article, and copied into Davidson & Stuve's " History of Illinois," is a lie made out of whole cloth. Nor is it true that the whole people knew the defendants were guiltj^, for it was a matter that Anti-Mor- mons were very close-mouthed about ; and who were concerned in the affairs and who were not, was known only to the people gener- ally by uncertain rumor. Mr. Sharp continued at the head of the Warsaw Signal until the Mormons had evacuated Nauvoo in the fall of 1846. In the final war Mr. S. acted as an aid to General Singleton who first had command, and after his retirement he occupied the same position on General Brockman's staft*; was in the battle at jSTauvoo and was sent with the Lima Company to make a feint on the Mormon bat- tery on our right, while tlie General at the head of the main force made a flank movement on the left. This feint executed, Mr. S. with his command joined the main force, conveyed the orders that brought the 1st Regiment into the fight, and in person led the 2nd Hegiment up to tke support of tire exposed artillery; during which movement several of the men were wounded. After the Mormons had left the country, Mr. S. turned the Sig- nal over to Thomas Gregg, and engaged in various out-door busi- nesses, his long confinement to the office and the excitement of the Mormon struggle having worn on his health, so as to make the change necessary. In the spring of 1847, Mr. S. was elected a member of the Con- stitutional Convention with four others from Hancock county, and assisted, as a member of said Convention, in drafting the constitu- tion, which was adopted by the people in 1848. In the winter of 1851, having been elected Justice of the Peace, at a time when there was a vast deal of business in that line in Warsaw, he returned to the office work. In 1853 he was elected first Mayor of Warsaw, and kept the office for three successive yearly terms; was again elected in 1858 and 1859. In 1854 he started the Warsaw Express^ neutral in politics, and mainly de- ■ voted to the railroad projects then warmly discussed in the county. He tired of this in about fifteen months, and sold out to G. G. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Y57 Galloway. During the Mormon war, Mr. S. ceased to be a parti- san Democrat, but acted with the ])arty in the main, until the in- troduction of the Nebraska bill, in 1854, by Mr. Douglas, when he joined the anti-Nebraska opposition, and drifted with it into the Kepublican party, with which he has been strongly and zealously identified ever since. In the summer of 1S56, he was nominated by the Republicans of the then 5th Congressional District, as a candidate for Congress to succeed Colonel Richardson, who had resigned to be a candidate for Governor. The district was overwhelmingly Democratic, and the nomination was but an empty honor, but Mr. S. canvassed the district, making speeches in every county. In 1864, being called on by the Union League of Hancock coun- ty, to take charge of a Union paper, he started the Warsaw New Era, which he conducted successfully for one year, and after that. it seeming to be the general wish, outside of Warsaw, that the paper be removed to Carthage, as more central, he sold out to Alex. Sympson, in June, 1865, and the material was taken to Car- thage, placed in the hands of -F. E. Fowler, and the Carthage Ga- zette started by him June 29, 1865. In the fall of 1865, Mr. S. was nominated by the Republicans for County Judge, and being elected, he assumed the duties of the office, and removed his family to Carthage. This office he held four years, was nominated unani- mously for re-election, but the Democrats having regained their ascendancy in the county, temporarily lost at the close of the war; the whole Republican ticket was defeated. At the close of his offi- cial career as County Judge, he formed a partnership with H. W. Draper, and with him practiced law three years. In December, 1869, at the urgent solicitation of Mr. Fowler, who had received a Government appointment, Mr. S. assumed editorial control of the Carthage Gazette^ expecting it to be but temporary; but his old passion for the journalistic profession being revived by edito- rial work, he, in June, 1870, bought the office, and with the excep- tion of about thirteen months, when the office was in the hands of C. M. Shultz, has continued the management ever since. During this time he has continued in the practice of the law, now being the head of the law firm of Sharp & Berry Bro6. Mr. Sharp's por- trait is given on page 38Y. Will 0. Sharp, photographer, was born in this county in 1854' is the son of Judge Thos. Sharp of this city. He served eight years in the printing office, and opened his present place of busi- ness in 1878, where he enjoys a fair trade. He was married in April, 1878, to Miss Georgiana Cannon, a native of this tp. They have one child, named Ethel K. Mr. S. is a member of the A. O. U. W., and is a respected citizen. J. Mack Sholl, hardware merchant, firm Sholl Brothers. The subject of this sketch is a native of Preble Co., O., and was born in 1851. His parents were Jacob and Mariah(Mack) Sholl, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this county in 1852, and is a resident of this citv. He established himself in the mercantile trade in 758 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 1866, and was succeeded by our subject and his brother Aleck, at this time Cashier of the Illinois State Penitentiary. Mr. S. was mar- ried in Sept., 1879, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Geo. T. Wilson, a native of Warsaw. The firm of Sholl Brothers is one of the oldest in the city and carries a stock of $4,000, with a good trade. Mr. S. is a member of the A. O. U. W., and is a Republican. A. G. Shultz, firm Foutch & Shultz, merchants. This firm was established in 1878. The house carries a stock of $1,600 and has a good trade. The subject of this sketch was born in Rockbridge county, E. Ya., in 1843, son of Jackson and Elizabeth (Spliter) Shultz, who emigrated to this county in 1854, and is now an established mer- chant of this city. A. 0. lived on the homestead until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. H, 118th. I. V. I., and served until the close of tlie war. He participated in battles of Arkansas Post, Thompson's Hill, Mission- ary Ridge, Raymond, Vieksburg, Black River Bridge, Jackson, Miss., where he was taken sick and put on detached service, and filled his honorable career in the Union cause, and was honorably discharged. He returned home and entered the mercantile trade in partnership with O. P. Carlton. Two years afterward he sold and engaged in the cigar trade one year, when he moved to Adrian, 111., and represented himself in the business circle of that place in the dry-goods trade, where he remained two years and returned to this city. He was married in 1878 to Miss Amanda E., daughter of John L. Foutch. They have 2 children, John L. and Grace. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of the Baptist Church. Politically he is a Republican. Charles E. Smales^ market, Carthage, is a native of Virginia, where he was born in 1848. His parents, Matthias and Melinda (West) Smales, are residents of that State. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. H, 50tli Yol. Inf., and served nearly three years. He was assigned principally to detail service, and was honorably discharged at the close of his service. In 1865 he came to this State and located in McLean county, where he was married in 1869, to Miss Lucy F., daughter of John Benson, an early settler of that count}', where he died in March, 1877. The wife and mother survive. To this union 3 children have been born, all of whom are living: Clyde, Clara and Dixie. Mr. Smales was engaged in his present occupation at Lexington, McLean county, and moved to Carthage in 1870. He opened his present place of business in 1873, and en- joys a lucrative trade. He is a member of the Masonic order and A. O. U.W., and one of the active business young men of this city. Politically, is Republican. William T. Smith, druggist, established in present location in 1876. Carries a stock of $2,500, and has a good patronage. He was born in Adams county, 111., in 1851; is son of John K. and Susan (Curry) Smith, who emigrated to the West in 1832, and set- tled in Adams county, near Columbus; subsequently he moved to HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Y59 Clayton, where he resided until his death, which occurred in Feb., 1880. His wife is still living in this city. Mr, S. was married in 18S0 to Miss Lillian Fieldinsf, daughter of Mrs. R II. Hardy. He is a member of the A. O, U. W. and of the Episcopal Church of this city, and is one of the active business men of Carthage. In poli- tics, isRepublican. William M. Spangler, retired farmer, was born in Cumberland county, Pa,, in 1822; is a son of Samuel and Rebecca (Trego) Spangler, natives of that State, who emigrated to this county in 1838, and settled in Fountain Green tp., where he engaged in farm- ing, and resided until his death. Wm, M. was married in 1844 to Miss Emily Renshaw, a native of Sangamon county. 111, They have had 8 children, Y of whom are living — Matilda, Evaline, Vir- ginia, Josephine, Mary, Nellie and James R, Mr. Spangler is one of tlie oldest living pioneers of Hancock county. He moved to this city and settled on his present home in 1866, where he is liv- ing upon the fruits of his industry. His advantages for education were limited, and only such as were accorded to the pioneer youths of Illinois, He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he was, until the Rebellion, a Democrat, but now endorses Republican principles, Adam Spitler^ retired physician, is a native of Augusta county, Va,, where he was born in 1816, He received his early education in his native county and entered the university at Louisville, Ky,, at which institution he graduated in March, 1850. The following year he began the practice of his profession in Upshur county, Va,, where he resided 11 or 12 years. In 1857 he settled in this city and followed his professional calling until the spring of 1880. He then retired from the active duties of life, and is living upon the fruits of his well-earned industry. He was married in 1851 to Miss Carrie A., daughter of James Janney, a native of Virginia, He is a member of the American National Medical Association, President of the Hancock Medical Society, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1833. Until 10 years of age he lived in Augusta with his parents, Daniel and Eleanor (Emory) Spitler, both natives of Virgina, who moved from Rockbridge to this county in 1854, and settled in St. Mary's tp. ; subsequently he moved to Carthage, where he died in 1861. She died in 1875. The family number among the early settlers and are highly respected in this community. John D. Stevens, retired, was born in Greene county. 111., in 1826; is a son of Joseph and Ehnira, deceased, natives of New York city and Vermont, and among the early pioneers of that county, where they were married. Joseph was a hatter by trade and traveled extensively through the "Western country, trading in furs among the Indians. In 1828 he moved to Hazel Green, Wisconsin, and became engaged in the lead mines at that place. In the fall of the same year he sent his wife and 2 children down the Mississippi river, on a keel-boat, and landed on the east bank 760 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. of the river, where Little Cincinnati now is, and made his settlement in what is now Louisiana, Pike county, Mo. Here he established a trading pOst and engaged in the fur trade. Large bands of Indians sought his post to trade, and he was widely known among the tribes of the West. From that point he came to this county in 1833, and settled in what is now Chili tp., where he entered 2|- sections of land, upon which he made improvements and engaged in farming. He was at one time Mail-carrier and Contractor, and kept the first hotel in his growing settlement. He was widely known throughout the county and was among the early pioneers of tlie State and county. He died on the homestead in iSi6. The widow and mother sur- vived him until 1863, when her spirit took its flight to its better home. The subject of this sketch has been engaged mostly in farming and mining. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, and re- mained until 1855, when he returned, having an eventful journey by way of Arizona and Texas. Mr, S. was married in 1857 to Miss Julia A. Towler, a native of Ind. To this union 3 children have been born, all of whom are living: Leoua M., Clara B. and Almira A. He engaged in farming and became an active partici- pant in the public issues of the county. In 1870 he was elected Sheriff of the county, and re-elected in 1872 to the same office, the duties of which he filled with satisfaction to his constituents. He also was Justice of the Peace in Chili tp., and has been otherwise distinguished. In 1876 he erected the Stevens House, at a cost of $11,000, furnished, which he conducted successfully 11 years. In 1879, by reason of poor health, he rented the house and retired to the quietness of his home. The Stevens House is located on the south side of the Square, is built of brick, and will accommodate many guests. Its arrangements are of the best, and its location is all that could be desired. In fact, this is a reliable and the only first-class hotel building in the city. X. C Stevenson., retired, was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1809; is a son of Sater and Priscilla (Cole) Stevenson, both natives of that State, where she died in 1815, He moved to Franklin county, 0., where he died in 1849, L. C. came to Illinois in 1836, stopped one year in Chicago, and settled in this city in 1837, where he engaged in the cabinet and furniture business, in a log shanty that occupied the present site of the bank. Some years afterward he purchased a farm, and engaged in that business until he retired from all active pursuits, to the quietness and comforts of his pleas- ant home. He was married May 23, 1844, to Miss Susan Gallop, a native of Rockland, where she was born April 26, 1827. Of their 11 children 5 are living; viz., Charles, Willie, Hattie, Fred- erick and Edward. Mr. S. is one of the oldest living settlers of Carthage, honored and respected by all who know him. Politi- cally, he is a descendant of the old-line Whig party, and a strong advocate of Republican principles. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 761 J . B. Strader, firm of J. B. Strader & Son, grocers. This firm was established in 1863, and was located on the lot of ground now occupied by the Hancock o^ational Bank. In 1864 Mr. S. pur- chased his present premises, and from a small capital has gained a success, and is one of the prominent and active merchants of this city. The firm cany a stock of $6,000; a large warehouse is con- .nected in the rear, and a large trade is realized in thejsale of feed and hay, sawed and split fence posts and drain tile. Mr. Strader was born in West Yirginiain 1822; is a son ot Martin and Mary (Rohr- bough) Strader, natives of that State, both deceased. He came to this county in 1856 and settled in this city. For nearly two years he was engaged in the lumber business, and taught school four years, and engaged in various speculations until 1863. He was married to Miss Susannah Shultz, a native of Virginia, who died in 1855. They had 4 children: David S., Ellen J., Lenton M. and Willis L. He was married to his present wife, Miss Maiy Rogers, in 1865. She is a native of Yirginia. Mr. S. has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school in the M. E. Church 11 years, Trustee of the Church, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. The junior partner of this firm, D. S. Strader, was born in Upshur county, W. Va., in 1848. He was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia J. Mathews in 1867, who was born in Gallapolis, Gallia county, O., in 1846. Their children are Eddie L., Frank A. and William A. C. W. Taylor, firm of Tayloi Bros., grocers, was born in Gar- rard county, Ky., in 1841; is a son of David and Eliza (Thompson) Taylor, natives of that State, where he died in 1855. The widow came to this county in 1856, with 9 children, and settled in this city. Our subject was engaged in clerking until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. B, llSth 111. Yol. Inf., and served until the close of the war. Participated in battles of Chickasaw Blufts, Jackson, Miss., and all the engagements of the regiment. He was married in 1871 to Miss Margaret Latimer, a native of Adams county, by whom he has 3 children, Charles E., William R. and Joseph, This firm was established in 186s and has a good trade. Mr. T. was Town Trustee one term; is a member of the A. O. U. W. and is a Republican. E. D. Taylor, firm of Taylor Bros., grocers, brother of the pre- ceding, was born in Garrard county, Ky., in 1845. E. D. became associated with his brother in l.s69. In 1875 he went to Nebraska and Kansas, and engaged in sheep-raising, but returned after a few years. Mr. T. was Town Trustee two years; is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of the military and fire department, and one of the city fathers. Politically, he is a Republican, and is a member of the Baptist Church. D. L. Tressler, late President of Carthage College, though but a few years a citizen of Hancock county, deserves some notice in this work, and we give his portrait on page 441. He came here an entire stranger, to take a Professorship 762 , * HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. in the new College, was chosen its President and also its Treasurer, and by bis kind and Christian deportment, his zeal and earnestness in the cause of education, his courteous manners, his talents and eloquence, he soon endeared himself to his college associates and pupils under his charge, and won in a high degree the public esteem. Born in 1839, he had not reached half the allotted three score and ten, and was but barely 40 when called away from the broad and still unreaped field of his usefulness. President Tressler, in addition to his college duties, was Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carthage, and also fre- quently assumed calls to preach in neighboring pulpits of kindred denominations. He was greatly instrumental in building up the Church in Carthage, and contributed freely of his time, talents and means toward the erection of the fine edifice belonging to it. On last New Year's eve, a new bell, having been placed in position, was dedicated; and in the hour of the Old Year's departure, it was tolled — " ringing the Old Year out and the New Year in." On that occasion. President Tressler made a feeling address, in the course of which he said, " For whom of us all shall this bell first toll the funeral knell?" An ear attuned to prophecy might have interpreted in its clear tones, as they quiveringly died away on the prairies, the answer — '■'-For David Loy Tres8l6r\ " for within 60 days of the new year, that bell tolled its first funeral notes for him. Tolling, tolling! Stirring passions past controlling ; Every measured knell was rolling Over hearts by grief oppressed. Ringing, ringing! Every solemn peal was singing Of a new-born spirit, winging Swift its way to perfect rest. ?^' "'■'.= Moaning, sighing! Echo of the heart's out-crying When its treasured all is lying. Stricken ere the harvest time. Calling, greeting Anguished souls with soft entreating, Soothingly the words repeating — " Transferred to a better clime." President Tressler's father was a man of character and note in Pennsylvania, ever active in the cause of education and of the Church in which he was an exemplary member. He built of his own means an institution of learning at Loysville, called the Loys- ville Academy. In this institution David Loy received his prep- aration for college, and after his graduation became its principal. The war took teachers and papils to the '' tented field," and the Academy became a Soldiers' Orphans' Home, uader the care of the State, the property still in the ownership of the Tressler estate. At enu^th it was sold, through the exertions of President Tressler, to I %y ^^ ^(tZc ROCK CREEK TP. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 765 the Lutheran Church, of Pa., for a permanent Orphans' Home, and is now occupied as such. President T. was one of a large family; his eldest brother, a young man of much talent and high promise, died at the age of 24, while occupying the chair of mathematics and natural philos- ophy in the Capital University at Columbus, Ohio. The widowed mother still lives in Carthage, as well as one sister, Mrs. Prof. J. AV. Richard, and youngest brother, Dr. M. L. Tressler, druggist and bookseller. As preriously stated, Prest. Tressler was Pastor of the large Lutheran Church in Carthage, a position which he sustained for seven years. This fine edifice, the finest and costliest in the county, stands as a monument of his energy and labor. The following notice of President Tressler's life and work is copied from t\iQ''- Carthaginian,''^ the college journal for March, 1880: "death of president tressler. " It becomes our mournful duty to chronicle the death of our be- loved President, Rev. Prof. D. L. Tressler, Ph. D. This sad event occurred at his home in Carthage, at seven o'clock, Friday morning, Feb. 20th. On the 1st of Feb. he went to West Point, a village twelve miles distant from Carthage, to fill an appointment for preaching. Owing to the bad condition of the roads he made the trip on horseback, a mode of traveling to which he had not recently been accustomed. On his arrival home in the evening he was very much fatigued, and found that he had taken a severe cold. He heard his college classes on Monday, but did not feel well enough the next morning to continue his work. On Thursday evening he presided at a faculty meeting held at his residence. A day or two afterward typhoid pneumonia made its appearance. This grad- ually assumed a rheumatic character, and was soon followed by a complication of other disorders. During the last week of his sick- ness he was delirious much of the time. In his intervals of con- sciousness he spoke tender farewell words to the members of his family, commending them to the loving care of God, and rejoicing in the blessed comforts and triumphs of the Christian faith. " As we stood by the bedside of this good and useful man, and saw him calmly and peacefully breathe his last, it was hard to realize that one so eminent in the Master's service upon the earth, and just in the prime of life, and who but a few weeks before was 80 active and hopeful among us, was passing away from our bodily sight. It is difficult to think that he is gone. Why should he be taken? This is a mystery whicli, perhaps, we can not now under- stand, but we know that God rules wisely and well, and we humbly submit to His will. "Dr. Tressler was born Feb. 15, 1839, at Loysville, Pa. His father died in 1859. His aged mother, -1 brothers and 5 sisters survive 766 HISTORY OF HANCOCK cor>"rT. bim. He was faithfully instructed by his parents in the truth of the Scriptures, and at an early age united with the Lutheran Church of which they were prominent members. He prepared for college at the Loysville Academy, an institution founded by his father. In 1S57 he was admitted to the sophomore class of Penn- sylvania College at Gettysburg, from which institution he was graduated with honor in 1S60. having received the appointment of valedictorian of his class. Soon afterward he took charge of the Loysville Academy, which he conducted with success. While en- gaged in teaching he also pursued the study of law. In 1S62 he raised a company of volunteers, and entered the army as a Captain. He participated in the battles of South Mountain. Antietam, Fred- ericksburg, and Chancellorsville. receiving two severe wounds at Fredericksburg. In lS6i he was admitted to the Bar. and devoted the next five years to the practice of law. In 1S65 he was mar- ried to Ada J., daughter of B. Mclntyre, Esq. In 1S70 he re- moved to Mendota, 111., and in the same year entered the Lutheran ministry and accepted a call to Leua, 111. In 1S7'2 he was elected to a professorship in Carthage College, and the following year he was chosen president of the same institution. In connection with the duties of this otfice he had charge of the financial affairs of the college, which gave him a great deal of additional labor, and he was also Pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church of the city. *• President Tressler possessed a rare combination of excellent qualities which admirably fitted him for the important position which he held. He was a man of high purposes and indomitable energy, of quick intellect and fine business tact, of a kind, gener- ous and sympathetic nature, of a cheerful disposition, inclined to look upon the bright side of things, of ready and pleasing address, capable of easily adapting himself to all classes of people and making the humblest feel at ease in his presence. '* With untiring efforts and unfiagging zeal he labored for the wel- fare of Carthage College, and, through this instrumentality, for the advancement of Christ's kingdom and the promotion of God's glory. In this great work he sacrificed his life, and in iiis death the "Church has "lost one of her most etficient leaders,' one of her most useful servants. But his memory will abide with us as an inspiration to stimulate us to increased activity in the glorious cause to which he was so earnestly devoted. "The funeral was largely attended. Many persons from a dis- tance were present. Rev. Mr. Kuhl conducted the services. The church was heavily draped. A number of beautiful rioral ofier- ings testified to the hio;h esteem in which the deceased was held by loving friends. Rev. Mr. Sparr, of Fairfield, Ia„ read selections from the Scriptures. Rev. Mr. Behringer, of Mendon. 111., ofiered prayer. Dr. Rhodes, of St. Louis, delivered the discourse. This was followed by brief addresses by Rev. Mr. Anderson, of the Congregational* Church, of Quincy, and Rev. Dr. Craig, of the HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 767 Presbyterian Church, of Keokuk, la. Rev. Mr. Culler, of Newton, la., prononnced the benediction." J. C. Willimns^ merchant, was born in Madison county, Ky., in 1819; is son of Richard G. and Catherine (daughter of Col. John Holden), early pioneers of Clark county, Ky., where he died in 1S76. She is still a resident of that county. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1S57 and settled in this city. He became engaged in the mercantile trade as early as 1844, and estab- lished in this city in 1857. He erected the building he now occu- pies in 1866, and carries a stock of $10,000, and has a fair trade. He was married in 18.50 to Miss Mary Collier, a native of Lincoln county, Ky., where she was born in 1826. He represented this district to the Senate, member of the 27th General Assemblj^ in 1871 and 1872. Has filled the office of Town Trustee, President of the Town Council and is otherwise identified with the interests of the count}'. He has been a member of the Masonic order 35 j^ears, and is one of the oldest and most highly respected merchants of this city. Oscar "W., "William, Josiah J., Susan and Jessie are his living children. J. J. Williams, lawyer, was born in Carthage in 1858; is son of J. C. AVilliams, one of the oldest merchants of this city. He re- ceived his education at the Carthage College, and was graduated at that institution in 1877. He began the study of law with Edmunds &, Scofield of this city, and was admitted to the Bar in 1879. The same year formed the present partnership of Scofield and Williams, and began practice in this city. Politically, he is a Democrat. Henry C. Wilson, livery stable ; established in this business in 1879, moved to present location in April, 1880, where he keeps a large stock of horses and carriages at all times. He was born in Carthage, 111., in 1844 ; is son of J. and Mary (Stuart) Wilson, who came to this county from Kentucky in 1834, and settled in this tp.; subsequently he removed to this city and opened the Wilson House, where lie became popularly known and resided until his death in 1873. He entered and purchased land on sec. 16, and dealt con- siderably in landed property, and was one of the early pioneers of Hancock county. His widow is still living in this city. Henry C. was married in 1865 to Miss Ellen E. Ferry, a native of this county. To them have been born 4 children, 3 of whom are living, — Roila H., Mary L. and Tessie, Stephen S. Wilson, miller, succeeded S. L. Hobart in the purchase and business in the mill in 1876, where he is doing a good business. He also owns a farm of 250 acres in this tp., valued at $20 per acre, and deals considerably in stock. He was born in Garrard connty, Ky., in 1844; is son of James F. and Elizabeth (Stewart) Wilson, natives of New York and West Virginia, who emigrated to this county in 1849 and settled in this tp. on sec. 16, wliere he resided until his death in 1854. She died in 1864. Our subject enlisted in April, 1861, in Co. D, 16th I. V. I.,^ and served until July, 1865. He participated in the battles of 768 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Corinth, Stone River, Murfreesboro, and with Sherman on his march to the sea, through the grand review at Washington, and was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky. He received a slight wound in his left handiat Benton ville, and was twice taken prisoner, but escaped. He was married in 1869 to Miss Arabella Buckman, a native of Kentucky, who died in 1872, leaving one child, Lela B. He was a^ain married to Miss Leah Johnson, a native of West Virginia. Mr. W. is Trustee of the town and was elected Assessor in April, 1880; is a member of the Masonic order, and of the M. E. Church. Politically is Republican. William Wilson, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Carthage; was born in Rock Castle county, Ky., in 1835; is son of James and Elizabeth (Stewart) Wilson, who emigrated to Hancock county in 18^9, and settled in Carthage tp., where he resided until 1858. She died in 1868. The subject of this sketch was married in 1864 to Miss Lydia, daughter of Joseph Deuel, a native of Ohio, and their 7 children are: Ida L., George C, Ellen, Eva, William, Mary and Lula. Mr. W. settled on his present land in 1872, consisting of 140 acres, valued at $50 per acre. He is a School Director, and in politics is a Republican. James F. Woodhurn; P. O., Carthage; was born in Carthage in 1839, son of William and Gracie (Irving) Woodburn, natives of Kentucky, who emigrated to this county in 1834 and settled in this tp,, where he entered 40 acres of land, and is yet a i-esident of Carthage, in the 75th year of his age. She died in July, 1872. The subject of this sketch enlisted in 1862 in Co. B, 118th I. Y. I., and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, Yicksburg, and in nearly all the battles in which that regiment was engaged. By exposure in the service he lost his sight and slowly became totally blind. He was able to complete his service and return home, where he engaged in farming until his sight was entirely gone. He was married in 1869 to Miss Angeline, daughter of Thompson T. McCants, a native of this tp. To this union one son has been born, John E. Mr. W. is ably supported by the Government in his affliction, and resides in the quiet and enjoyment of his home. Politically he is divided, and casts his vote only for those whora he considers capable and trustworthy. Stanley" Edwards Worrell was born in Carthage in April, 1845, about five months before liis father, Lieut. Franklin A. Wor- rell, was killed in the Mormon troubles. After his father's death, his widowed mother (Anne Elizabeth Lawton) resided chiefly in Quincy, for seven or eight years, until her re-marriage with Dr. George L. Hewitt, and for a number of years thereafter, when they removed to Hannibal, Mo. At Quincy and Hannibal young Stan- ley W'as reared, and in the latter place he is settled, having married Miss Virginia Warner, in New Hampshire, about New Year's day, 1873. FranTdin A. Worrell was a Pennsylvanian, a nephew of Elisha Worrell, Esq., and the late Rev. Joseph Worrell, of Chili; and emi- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 769 grated with his mother (now Mrs. Leebrick) and brothers to Quincy. There the family settled, and Frank located in Carthage and en- gaged in merchandising. During his short career in that place he gained the reputation of an active, excellent and public-spirited young man, and died much regretted. Colman Wyatt, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Carthage; was born in Cheshire county, Ky., in 1817. When one year old he was taken to Knox county, Tenn., by his parents, where they died. "When 17 years of age he started for the West, arriving in this tp. Nov. 9, 1834, with but 50 cents in his pocket. He entered 90 acres of his present farm, which was but a wild prairie, upon wliich he settled and has since made it his home. He was married in April, 1835, to Miss Elizabeth Kimbrough, daughter of James Kimbrough, deceased, an early pioneer of Hancock county. To this union 4 children have been born, all deceased. Mr. Wyatt is one of the oldest living settlers of this tp. and county. He hauled the first foot of lumber ever brought to this tp. His advantages for educa- tion were limited, and only by industry, economy and energy has he succeeded. The homestead now consists of 120 acres, valued at $40 per acre. He took an active interest in the Mormon difficul- ties, being in active service with the militia in 1844, by which ser- vice he lost a crop from his improved, lands. Politically he is a Democrat. D.J. Wylie, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Carthage; is a native of Garrard county, Ky., where he was born Nov. 16, 1822. His pa- rents, John and Mary (Thompson) Wylie, were both natives of that State. The wife and mother, with 9 children, moved to McDon- ough county in 1850, where she resided until her death in Febru- ary, 1875. The subject of this sketch was married Nov. 4, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Patterson, of Madison county, Ky. Three children, the fruits of this marriage, are all married, as follows: Mary J., wife of F. M. Esterbrook, residing in Ne- braska; Sarah M., wife of Wm. Coker, of this county; and Ange- line, wife of Geo. T. Proctor, resides in this tp. Besides, Mr. W. has one adopted son, George. Mr. Wylie came to this county in 1850 and settled on sec. 16, in this tp. A few years later he moved to Carthage, where he resided some years, and in 1857 purchased his present farm, of Artois Hamilton, consisting of 160 acres, val- ued at $60 per acre. The same year he erected his present fine residence, and now has one of the best improved farms in the county. His opportunities for education were very limited. Left without means, his accumulations and his position have been se- cured only through energy and industry. In politics he was for years an old-line Whig, but now indorses the Democratic platform. His first vote cast was for Millard Filmore. TOWNSnir OFFICIALS. We give a list of the Supervisors, Clerks,^A88e8Sors and Collec- tors who have served Carthage township since its organization, with the years of the beginning of their respective terms: \ 770 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. SUPERVISORS. James A. Winston 1850 J. M. Randolph 1871 John Booth 1851 W. C. Williams 1872 Claiborne Winston 1858 Melancton S. Carey , . . . 1873 Mela;ar Couchman 1863 Wesley H. Manier 1874 John W. Cherry 1864 Hiram G. Ferris 1876 Thos. C. Miller 1866 Melancton S. Carey. . 1877 John M. Ferris 1867 George J. Rogers. 1878 Nathan Cutler 1868 Wm. H. D. Noyes 1880 John D. Miller 1869 CLERKS. Emanuel Showers 1858 Nathan Cutler 1873 William J. Dale 1859 Oscar W. Williams 1873 Emanuel Showers 1863 John Elder 1874 Hiiddleston M. Steater 1866 D. C. Cutler 1876 James Abbott 1868 John F. Scott 1878 E. T. Dorothy 1870 John K. Alexander 1880 ASSESSORS. John Carlin 1858 Thos. J. Kimbrough ... 1870 Melgar Couchman 1859 Ephraim P. Dorothy 1873 Chas. B. Ruggles 1863 Thos. J. Kimbrough 1873 Thos. B. Griffiths 1863 Washington Martin 1874 AVilliam Ogilvie 1864 A. J. Carlton 1875 Jackson Shultz 1866 Wm. A. Cutler 1878 F. M. Fain 1867 Ste. S.Wilson 1880 Peter Wolfe 1868 * COLLECTORS. W. H. Williams 1858 J. H. Kirkpatrick. 1871 Walter B. Loring 1863 Washington Martin 1873 Charles B. Ruggles 1863 A.J.Carlton 1873 Jas. B. Crawford 1864 Stevens W. Merrill 1874 Daniel P. White 1865 Wm. A. Cutler 1876 Wm. Kimbrough 1868 George T. Proctor 1877 Asbmy Ruggles 1869 Cicero L. Roll 1879 A. J. Carlton 1870 John Fletcher 1880 PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. This township, 5 — 6, is, as its name implies, all prairie land, ex- cepting about two sections of dwarf woodland on the breaks of Long creek. Lying so far inland, it was not settled as early as those portions of the county nearer the borders; but later it began to fill lip with enterprising farmers, and has now become one of the best improved townships in the county. It is favored with more railroad line than any other township. It has the T., W. & W. running across it from Elvaston to Carthage, six miles; about the same length of the T., P. & W"., northeastwardly; and fully seven miles of the Q., C. & B. running southwardly. There is no point in the township, except its extreme northwest corner, that is more than two miles from one of these roads. Being in the center of the great Hancock prairie, it contains the highest land between the river and Crooked creek, and with Rock Creek township, constitutes the dividing line between those waters. Its one village is the thriving and pleasant town of Elvaston, on its west line, laid out May, 1858, by Albert L. Connable and George B. Smythe, of Keokuk; E. C. A. Cushman, of Hamilton, and W. L. Judson, of Elvaston. Among the early settlers of Prairie (most of whom had pre- viously resided in other townships) we name William R. Hamilton, Ebenezer Rand and his sons, James Tweed, Joseph W. Hawley, L. Wells, George Wells, William A. Moore, Henry Walker, John Lively, W. H. Moore, the Ewings, Rohrboughs, etc. EELIGIOUS PROGRESS. At Elvaston there are two or three Church organizations, each with small but neat and substantial church edifices. The Presby- terian and the M. E. societies hav^e been organized ten or twelve years, and have now regular services and good and increasing con- cfresrations. A large portion of the people of Prairie, on its eastern border, bordering on Carthage, connect themselves with the Churches at the county-seat. BIOGKArHICAL . We continue the history of Prairie township, by giving detailed biographical accounts of the most prominent residents, so far as spju-e jjermits: Dr. Thomas Boude, an old settler in this county, was born in Bracken county, Ky., June 18, 1800; his parents were John and (771) 772 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Ann (Thome) Boude, the first a native of Lancaster, Pa., whose father was Joseph Boude, a native of France, and reared in England. He came to America in 1740. Ann (Thome) Boude was a native of Scotland, and was married at Marietta, Pa. Pier husband, a farmer, died in Brown county, O., and she died at the residence of one of her children in Bracken county, Ky. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Ohio and at the Acad- emy of Chillicothe, O. He commenced his medical studies at the age of 21 with Dr. Mackie, of Augusta, Ky., remaining with him about four years, attending one course of lectures at Lexington, Ky., and one at Philadelphia, Pa., also practicing with the Doctor the latter part of this four years. In 1826 he moved to Felicity, O., where he practiced medicine 15 years. May 20, 1824, he married Martha B. Sharpe, a daughter of Thomas Sharpe, of Bracken county, Ky., and formerly of Maryland. Dr. B. came to this county April 8, 1854, locating on sec. 14, this tp., where he has resided to the present. On settling here he bought 480 acres of land, a part of which he has since given to his sons, so that now the homestead consists of 187 acres. The improvements on this place were mostly made by the Doctor. His children are Mary A., John Knox, Edgar Austin and Charles Eugene, besides 2 deceased; Thomas, who died in infancy, in Felicity, O., and Euphrasia J., who died at the age of 17, at Oxford, Butler county, O., where the Doctor resided 12 years. The first 10 years of his residence in this county the Doctor followed his profession, but since then has de- voted his attention to farming, in which he has been quite suc- cessful. One season he raised 1,800 pounds of honey. Mrs. Boude died Sept. 11, 1875, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was laid at rest in the cemetery at Carthage. Dr. B. was formerly a Whig, but is now a Republican. He is also a member of the Presbyterian Church, which relation he has now held for 50 years. William Clarh, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Elvaston; was born in Adams county, O., in 1823. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Gall) Clark, were natives of Ireland and Virginia, who settled in Ohio, where they both died. The subject of this sketch came to Illinois in 1847, and located on a farm in Peoria county. In 1863 he moved to this county and settled on his present estate of 100 acres, valued at $60 per acre. Mr. C, has never been married. He is a man of unostentatious manners, and follows a quiet, unobtrusive life in the enjoyment of his home, which is properly carried on by a sister. Politically he was a strong abolitionist, and now is an earnest advocate of Republican administration. Henry Davis was born in Bedford county. Pa., Dec. 9, 1815, and is a son of William and Maria (Putt) Davis (deceased), also natives of the same county. Mr. Davis was reared on a farm, and at the age of 18 he removed with his parents to Zanesville, Ohio, where he engaged as pilot on a steamer between Zanesville and Dresden, for three years. He then went to Jackson county, Ohio, where he operated a steam grist and saw mill for about five years. He then, /n^ o-T^-cC PRAIRIE T.E HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 775 in 1846, came to this county and settled in Prairie tp., where he still resides, and is engao^ed in farming and stock-raising. He was married in 1840 to Miss Marj' Ann Tyler, by whom he has had 8 children; of these, 4 are living; viz., Jane, James A., Maria E. and Kichard Edwin. His son James A. served three 3'ears and four months in the late war, for Uncle Sam, in Co. B, llStli I. Y. I., and participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, Yicksburg, Thompson's Hill and others. He was sick and at the point of death at Paymond while in the service. He was a member of a scouting party at Baton Pouge for some time. John W. Ewing, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Elvaston; is a son of John C. and Isabel (Huston) Ewing, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, .who came to this State in 1847 and located in Adams county. Three years afterward they moved to this county and passed the remainder of their lives upon earth. The subject of this sketch was born in Brown county, O., in 1828. He was united in matrimony with Miss Mary, daughter of James Tweed, in 1860. To this union 7 children have been born, — Emma E., James E., Wesley C, Ella E., Effie E., Ida M. and Alice. Mr. E. settled on his present farm in 1876, consisting of 178 acres of valuable and productive soil. He fills the office of School Director, and is highly esteemed. Politically, he is always Democratic. James F. Harper^ M. D., Elvaston, was born in York county, S. C, in 1819, and is a son of James and Nancy (Dodds) Harper, natives of that State, who settled in Obion county, Tenn., in Feb- ruary, 1825, where they both died in December, 1838. The subject of this notice began the study of medicine at Tipton, Tenn., with an elder brother; studied the English and Latin branches thoroughly, and attended lectures at the medical school at Memphis, Tenn., in 1846-'7; began the practice of his profession in Tipton county, Tenn., where he continued with success until the breaking out of the war, when he moved to Clayton, Adams county, 111., in October, 1862. Seven years afterward he moved to this county, settling in Elvaston, where he has since been in successful practice; but prior to this, he had graduated at the medical school in 1870. In 1844 he married, in Tipton county, Tenn., Miss Elizabeth S. Johnston, a native of South Carolina, and of their 5 children 2 are living : Margaret J., wife of Salem Anderson, of Adams county, who have 5 children — Nina, Frank, Robert, Lena and Everett; Ella, wife of William Mack, who have 2 children, Pearl and Nellie; the deceased children are Nancy C, and 2 who died in infancy, and Martha A., wife of W. H. Marshall of this county; she died in December, 1877, leaving 2 children — Rub}^ and one not yet christened. Since 1843 the Doctor has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an Elder for 20 years, but is not now acting in that capacity. As a physician he has a successful practice, and as a citizen is highly esteemed by the com- munity, 45 776 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. George Johnson, grain and coal dealer, Elvaston, was born in Franklin county, Pa., in 1816; his parents, Samuel and Hannah (Arabj) Johnson, were also natives of that State, both deceased; he was married in 1840 to Miss Mary McClintock, a native also of the Keystone State, and in 1849 they located in Ohio, where they re- sided until 1866, when they moved to McDonough county, 111., and in 1875 to this county. By trade Mr. J, is a carpenter, and has devoted the most of his life to this business and farming. He established himself in his present business in 1875, in which he has a large trade. He has 7 living children: Harriet, Susan, Francis, Samuel, George, Jane and Finley. Joseph Johnston, of the firm of Watt & Johnston, grain deal- ers, Elvaston, was born in Scotland in 1832; he came to America when 16 years of age, and for many years was engaged in the cot- ton business in New Orleans. In 1858 he married Miss Jennie Young, a native also of Scotland, His health failing him, he visit- ed Europe in 1870, being absent four years. As he returned to this country he stopped one year in Detroit, Mich., and the fol- lowing year he settled in Elvaston. In 1876 he was admitted to partnership with A. Watt in their present business, in which he has since been successfully engaged. The firm deal largely in grain and hay, and are the largest business house in Elvaston. Mr. J. is a Freemason and a Presbyterian. William N. McCall, farmer and grain dealer, is a son of Eobert S. and Jemima (Nelson) McCall. natives of Tennessee, both de- ceased. He was born in Washington county, Tenn., in 1817; he was married in Virginia in 1845, to Miss Sarah S. Lyon, a native of the same State; he moved to this county in 1851, and upon his present estate the following year. His farm consists of 244 acres, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. McCall has served as Supervisor, Assessor, Town Clerk and Postmaster at " McCall's" station, named in honor of him ; he has also been Justice of the Peace seven years, and is now filling his second terra in that ofiice. Of his 11 children 9 are living: Robert F., Amanda L., John W., Florence E., George W., Tennessee A., Wm. H., David B. and Charles W. Mr. McCall is a Democrat. Thomas McFa/'land was born in Clermont county, O., in May, 1837; his parents were John and Phcebe (Smith) McFarland, na- tives also of Ohio, the first of Scotch-Irish descent and the last of German ancestry. They came in 1842, to Adams county, 111., where Mr. McF. now lives, his wife having died there in 1844. Thomas was educated in Hancock county common schools and the seminary at Warsaw; at the age of 25 he rented land and put in 30 acres' of corn. The following year he bought 65 acre's more of land east of Carthage, where he lived one year. He then went to Idaho and Colorado, where he followed mining, etc., for eight months; returning, he bought 60 acres of land in Carthage tp. ; one year afterward he moved to McCall's station, where he bought 80 acres; then moved two miles south and bought 160 acres, N. W. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 777 quarter of sec. 16. After living here two years, he purchased 120 acres on sec. 2, where he now resides. He now owns 288 acres of land. He has been successful in liis present business, that of stock-raising. In January, 1862, he married Louisa McColm, daughter of John McColm, of Clermont county, O., and of Irish descent. They have 4 children, namely, A. Homer, Charles T., Jennie Rachel and May. Mr. McF. has served in his tp. as Collec- tor, Road Commissioner, etc., filling nearly all tp. ofiices. He is a Democrat. Samuel P. MeGaw. — The founders of the family in America, of whom our subject is a descendant, was John McGaw, a native of the north of Ireland. In company with his brother William he emigrated to America some years previous to the Revolutionary war, and located in Abbeville district (now county), Soutli Carolina. John McGaw served in the Continental army under "Washington, He died in Abbeville count}', leaving a large family, namely, John, the grandfather of our subject, Samuel, Benjamin, Josiah, Moses and others. John, the last mentioned, was born and* raised in South Carolina, where he lived until 60 years of age and over, when became to Illinois and settled at Little York, Warren county, where he died. He married a Miss Cochran, and his -1 children were, Agnes, the mother of the subject of this sketch, Mary, now deceased, Jane, also deceased, and John P., who is living in Bates county, Mo. Samuel McGaw, a grandfather of Samuel P. McGaw, was born in South Carolina, where he lived all his life. He married Miss Anderson, of that State, and their children were, John (the present Samuel P.'s father), Mary, James, Clark, Caroline. John was born in 1801, and Oct. 5, 1824, he married Agnes McGaw, his cousin, at Abbeville, S. C. She was born in 1803, and in 1833 they moved to Preble county, Ohio ; in September, 1835, they came and settled in Warren county, near Little York. John died on an island above Oquawka, June 30, 1S38, leaving a family of 6 children, — Sarah, Samuel P., Mary L., John B., James A. P., and the last, Agnes, was born after her father's death. After the settle- ment of the father's estate it proved to be insolvent, leaving the children in destitute circumstances. The eldest child was but 13 years old, and there was only one grown relative in the State, an aunt. The grandfather on the mother's side, John McGaw, came to Illinois and took the children with him to Warren county, and they lived with him from l.s3s to 1842. Samuel P. McGaw, the subject of this biographical notice, was born Oct. 5, 1827, and Oct. 14, 1851, he married Alvira J. Hop- kins. In the fall of 1842 Mr. Mc Gaw went to his uncle's at Oquawka, Daniel M. Gordon, who had married Jane Mc Gaw, to learn with him the tailor's trade ; he served four years ; at 19 years of age he opened a shop at Oquawka and continued it six years. In November, 1852, he was elected Sheriff of Henderson county on the Whig ticket ; at the close of his term in 1854 he bought a farm in 778 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, that county west of Biggsville. April 5, 1855, his wife died, leav- ing two children, Sarah L. and John H. The last died Oct. 2, 1855. Nov .5, 1856, Mr. McGaw married Mrs. Elizabeth P. {nee Leslie), widow of Milton McGaw, and a native of Ohio ; her parents were from South Carolina and of Scotch-Irish descent. In August, 1862, S. P. and his brother John raised a full com- pany (Co. K) of men to serve in the Union army, John being elected Captain ; they were mustered in at Quincy, 111., and at- tached to the 84th 111. Yol. Inf , commanded by Col. Waters ; S. P. served with the regiment 1-| years ; was at the battle of Perry- ville. Stone river, etc., and was severely wounded Sept. 20, 1863, at the battle of Chick^mauga: his left arm was completely shattered by a minie-ball. He was honorably discharged Feb. 25, 1864. Returning home to Henderson county, he sold his property, and in the spring of 1866 moved to Hancock county, locating in Montebello tp. near Elvaston, where he bought a farm ; he sold that place afterward and moved to his present farm on sec. 17, Prairie tp., of 240 acres, with a fine two-story house, good out build- ings, etc., all of which improvements were made by Mr. McGaw since he came to the place. In politics Mr. Mc G. is a Republican ; is now Assistant U.S. Marshal to take the census of the west half of Hancock county ; he has held nearly every township office, including that of Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, Collector, etc. He is a member of the Pres- byterian Church, where he is an Elder. His wife is also a member of that Church. Their children are : Francis A., James W., Albert G., Gracie E., Alice L. and Mary A. Mrs. Mc Gaw's child by her former husband is Melissa, who married Rev. R. T. Presly, a Presbyterian minister living at Mt. Sterling. Sarah L. married Thos. S Riddell, and lives near her father's. Frank is attending college at Carthage, and Alice L. is at Urbana, Ohio, attending school and boarding with her uncle. As one of Hancock county's most respected and representative citizens, we give Mr. Mc Gaw's portrait in this volume. Ehenezer Rand was born in Marblehoad, Mass., March 26, 1804. His father's name was Enoch Rand, and a native of N. H.,and his mother's name was Marj^ Hills, married in 1803. About three years after his marriage, Enoch Rand, a carpenter by trade, went on board at Rye, N. 11., the ship Congo, bound for the coast of Africa, and was never afterward heard from, ship and all on board supposed to have been lost at sea. The widow was left quite desti- tute, but managed to support herself, son and mother, by weaving cotton cloth at eight and ten cents per yard — that being before the advent of cotton factories. Mr. R. well remembers the w^ar of 1812-'15, between the U. S. and Great Britain, being then about 8 years old. Could see from his house in Marblehead the British frigates cruising in the bay, and once saw the Constitution chased by two of them into the harbor. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 779 He also saw the battle and heard the guns, off Marblehead, of that desperate struggle between the Shannon ^nd the Chesapeake. At 14 Mr. R. was apprenticed to the boot and shoe making busi- ness, which he followed for many years, both there and in Carthage. On Christmas day, 1826, he was married to Miss Hannah Galley, a daughter of Capt. Tliomas Galley, at Marblehead. In 1830 both families removed to Illinois, stopping at Lewistown, but in 1831 settling at Camp Point, in Adams Go. In 1837 he removed to Carthage, and in 1854 bought land in Prairie township, two miles southwest of town, where he has since resided. Mr. R. has been three times married, his first and second wives being sisters, Han- nah and Elizabeth Galley. His present wife, 7iee Miss Joanna C. Lawton, is the second daughter of Rev. John Lawton, of Car- thage, to whom he was married Apr. 22, 1842. James P. Sincle, farmer, sec. 8 ; P. O., Elvaston ; is a native of France, where he was born in 1833. He emigrated to America in*.1855, and located in Bear Creek tp. The following year he was married to Miss Justine Jolidon, a native of France. Subsequently he moved to Missouri, then to Pleasant Hill tp., Pike Co., from which point he made his final settlement on his present estate, con- sisting of 360 acres, vahied at $40 per acre. He has had .10 chil- dren, 9 of whom are living — Peter, Mary, Frank, George, Ellen, Agnes, Annie, Alice and Jessie, the two last, twins. Family are members of the Catholic Churcli. Mr. S. has by his own energy, industry and economy succeeded in securing his large farm. Po- litically he binds himself to no party, but casts his vote for the man he deems worthy of support. John Somerville, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 14, was born in Blair county. Pa., at the village of HoUidaysburg, Feb. 22, 1828; his parents were James and Susan (Stover) Somerville, the first a native of Hollida^^sburg and the other of Maryland, near Fred- ericksburg. At the age of 1.5, John, with the rest of the family, came to Wayne county, Ind.; he received his education at the public schools in Pennsylvania and Indiana; was employed during his early years in farming; in 1849 he came to Hancock county, locating at Carthage, and worked at farming; the following year his parents came to this county and settled in Carthage; his mother died in 1855. In 1853 his father went to California and returned in 1856; he died in 1871; both are buried in the old (Jarthage cemeter3\ In July, 1861, John enlisted in the 16th 111. Vol. Inf, as wagon-master; March 9, 1862, he enlisted in the 7th Mo. Cav., with which he served 3 years and 11 days, as Orderly Sergeant. Aug. 16, 1862, he was in the battle of Lone Jack, and Dec, 1863, at that of Perry Grove, Ark. His company was^continually employed as skirmishers at Mark's Mills, Ark. ; he and 120 wagons were captured, but in 11 days he escaped while the guard was taking him and some others for water. James Somerville had 8 children, 5 of whom were girls; the 7 living children are: John; Samuel, who died in California; Ruth, 780 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. the wife of James Byers, of Clark county, Mo. ; William, who was a Captain in the 16th Reg. 111. Inf., and since the war has been con- nected with the internal revenue service; Mary Jane, now the wife of John Mofiitt, of Chicago; Maria, now the wife of C. E. Stead- man, a lawyer at Osage Mission, Kan.; Susan, wife of J. W. Hobbs, in Keokuk; and Hattie, who is unmarried. John Somerville was married to Sarah Iluntoon, April 7, 1870, and they have one child, and. Mrs, S. has one by a former husband, Mr. Bentley. The names of these 2 children are William S. Bentley and Susan Somerville. William Stetvart, farmer, sec. 9 ; P. O., McCall Station ; is a native of Ireland, where he was born in 1815. He was married in Scotland in 1834, to Miss Elizabeth Taylor, a native of that country. The following year they crossed the sea to America, and located in Steubenville, O., where he resided until he moved to his present home in 1S67. His farm of 250 acres is valued at $50 per acre. This he has secured by his untiring energy, industry and economy. When he stepped upon the "land of the free" he had not a dollar to his name. He is the father of 12 children, 8 of whom are living — Sarah, William, Jane, Thomas, Mary, John, Catharine and Martin. In politics Mr. S. voted with the old-line Whigs, and now strongly endorses the Republican administration. Henri/ M. Walker, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Carthage; was born in Campbell county, Ky., March 21, 1S27. His parents, George and Rachel (Clark) Walker, were natives of Maryland and Pennsyl- vania, and emigrated to this county in 1833, with their family; but prior to this, he made a visit in 1831, and entered a quarter-section of land, and was among the earliest pioneers to make a settlement in Walker tp., where he resided until his death in October, 1879, in the 76th year of his age; the widow and mother survives in the 72d year of her age. The subject of this sketch was married Sept. 22, 1853. to Miss Sophronia Ann Rankin, who was born June 8, 1833, in Harrison county, Ky., daughter of James S. and Sarah Josephine (Laughlin) Rankin, both natives of Kentucky, and of Irish and German de- scent. They are the parents of 7 children, 6 of whom are living, namely: Charles W., born Dec. 30, 1855; George Sanford, Feb. 4, 1857; Franklin Wilson, March 28, 1858-. John H. C, Aug. 29, 1861; Oscar H., Oct. 17, 1862, and Rachel Josephine, March 21, 1866. Benjamin Washington was born Feb. 22, 1876, and died three days afterward. Mr. W. settled on his present estate in 1866, where his home farm consists of 320 acres. He is the largest landholder in the township, owning altogether about 1,000 acres; he is also an exten- sive stock-raiser and dealer. In 1849 he went tc California, where he prospected for three years and was successful. He is a Demo- crat, and both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Church. Alexander Watt, of the lirm of Watt tfc Jolinston, merchants and grain dealers, Elvr.ston. was born in Philadelphia county, Pa., HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 781 Feb. 4, 1820. His marriage to Miss Sarah Donald, of the same county, occurred in 1845. Four years later he came to this county, and engaged in farming in Durham tp. His wife died in 1863, and in 1866 he moved to, and established his present business at, Elvas- ton, where he has since been actively and successfully engaged. The junior partner of this firm was admitted to the grain and hay trade in 1876, and the house control large shipments of grain to various points. Mr. W. was again married, to Miss Fannie C. Wilcox, a native of Connecticut. To this union 2 children, Lyman and Herman, have been born. Mr. W. is a member of the M. E. Church. Judge Wesley Williams was connected as foUo^vB: Roger Williams is the first in the line of ancestry of the Williams family that can be traced in this country with any certainty. The first residence of the family in America was in Brunswick county, Ya. The family is of AVelsh descent and came from Wales or Scotland before the American Revolution. He is said to have been married seven times and raised a large family of children, who have since scattered to all parts of the United States. He was killed at an advanced age and his body found secreted in the hol- low of a tree. He was supposed to have been killed by some one of his negroes. The date of his death is not known to the writer. Hukey Williams, one' of the sons of Roger Williams, lived in Brunswick county, Ya., between the Meherin and Nottoway rivers. The date of his birth is not known, or whether he was born in this country, or before his father emigrated. He was mar- ried to Miss Sarah Jones, who was a sister of Roger Jones and William Jones, also of Welsh extraction, either in 1762 or 1763. The Jones family are said to have been related to Paul Jones, who distinguished himself by his bravery in the war with Great Britain. That family resided in Granville county, N. C. Hukey Williams, not long before the birth of his son John Williams, and in the year 1764, was strangely murdered and robbed by two desperate men. The circumstances of tlie affair, as handed down, are these: He traded principally in the town of Petersburg, Ya. On his way there one morning he heard the cries of a woman in distress a short distance from the road, in the thick pine woods. He immediately urged forward to her assistance and found the woman and two men who were about violating her person. He assaulted them and they fled, leaving the woman. He took her behind him on his horse and learning that slie was the wife of a respectable citizen, carried her to her house, where he tarried for dinner at the urgent request of the lady and her husband, after which he proceeded on his way to Petersburg. This was the last time he was ever seen alive, and not returning home, innuir}' was made and it w^as ascertained that he never arrived in Petersburg. Search was then made along the road and his dead l)ody was found about two miles from the house where he took dinner, a short distance from the road, sunk in a little pool of water in the creek. H was recognized, taken home 782 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. and buried, bat no cine led to the discovery of the assassins until about eighteen months afterward, when the gentleman whose wife had been rescued on riding into Petersburg discovered Mr.AVilliams' horse hitched in the outskirts of the town, which he immediately recognized. He went into town and gave information of his dis- covery, when the officers and citizens placed persons to watch the horse and see who should come after it. Toward evening two men came to where the horses were fastened and one of them took this horse and the other another one near by. They were both arrested, and the gentleman's wife was sent for, who on sight recognized and identified them as the two men who had attempted to violate her person and from whom the deceased had rescued her. They were tried and convicted of the murder of H. Williams and were both hung in Petersburg, but before execution they confessed the murder. They said they killed Mr. Williams because he assaulted them and res- cued the woman, and also for his horse and his money. The horse and his watch were all that was recovered. After his death his wife went back to her relatives in Granville, N. C, and took her son, John Williams, with her. She subsequently married Mr. John Bobbit, by wliom she had 3 sons, Archibald and Clai- borne. The Hon. Archibald Williams, late of Quincy, 111., was named after the first. Arch Bobbit died while young. Claiborne Bobbit about 1857 was living in the extreme southern part of Tennessee. John Williams, son of Hukey Williams, was born Sept 19, 1764, in Brunswick county, Ya. After his father's death, and while an infant, he was taken by his mother to Granville county, N. C. He was raised by his uncle, Roger Jones, with whom lie lived and clerked in his store until her marriage. He was married to Amelia Gill, in Franklin county, N. C, at her father's residence, on ISTov. 15, 1787, and in the same year emi2;rated and settled in Lincoln county, Ky., where he resided until his oldest children were born. He then moved to Montgomery countv, Ivy., where all his other chil- dren were born, and where he remained until the spring of 1831, when he moved to Adams county. 111., where he remained until his death, which took place Oct. 11, 1833, from the fever and ague. When he came to Illinois he intended settling in Hancock county, but was induced not to do so on account of the Black Hawk war. He never was a very stout man, but never had a gray hair or lost a tooth. His hair was curly and black as jet. He was a man of great sobriety, strict order and piety, having been nearly all his life a very zealous and exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was aged 72 years and 22 days at his deatii. His wife, Amelia, the daughter of Joseph Gill, was born in Franklin county. May 28, 1772. She died at the residence of her daughter, Amelia Thompson, in New Hartford, Pike county, in the summer or fall of 1852. Her mother's name was Owens before marriage. The Gills and Owens vrove all of Welsh descent. The following is an account of the children of John and Amelia Williams: .J# PRAIRIE T.R HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 786 Joseph Gill Williams, born in Lincoln county, Ky., Jan. 9, 1789. He died Feb. 18, 1857, of rheumatism, on Licking river, near the mouth of Beaver creek, in Bath county, Ky., since which most all of his children have departed this life. Wesley Williams, born in Lincoln county, Ky., on March 2-4, 1792; died at the residence of his daughter, Isabel C. Spangler. He came to Illinois about the year 1823, first settling in Quincy, 111., and afterward coming to Hancock county at its first organization, in 1825 or 1826. Aug. 14, 1829, he was appointed the first Clerk of the Circuit Court by the Hon. Richard M. Young, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit. The first Courts were held at Montebello, the site of which is a few miles above the city of Hamilton. When Carthage was made the county-seat, in 1835, he moved and settled there. He continued to reside there for many years, and at one time was the incumbent of most of the county ofiices. He was married twice; first to Elizabeth Ayres, in Bourbon county. Ivy., April 2, 1816, and second to Ruth Scoby, June 9, 1831. Sarah Jones Williams, born in Lincoln county, Ky., Dec. 11, 1793; married Jesse Steel, and died in Adams county in 1851. John A. Williams, born in Montgomery county, Ky., Nov. 15, 1795; married Miss Ann Alphrey in 1826, and removed to Adams county, III., near Liberty, where he died, in 1845, from the effects of a fall from a house being raised. Francis T. Williams was born Sept. 20, 1797; now deceased. Amelia Williams was born July 15, 1799; married Thomas Thompsen in Quincy, 111., in the fall of 1831, and is now deceased. Archibald Williams was born June 10, 1801, and was married to Miss Nancy Kemp; died at his residence in Quincy 111, Sept. 21, 1863. Isabel Williams was born March 27, 1803, and died Dec. 10, 1827, in Kentucky. Robert R. Williams was born May 5, 1805, and died Aug. 22, 1841, in Qnincy, 111. Ann G. Williams was born Sept. 6, 1808, and was married to John Manier Dec. 18, 1828; died at her home in Mt. Sterling, Ky., Sept. 16, 1863. William Thomas Williams was born April 10, 1810, and is still living, near Mt. Vernon, Ills. George W. Williams was born Aug. 11, 1812, and is still living, near Quincy, 111. Wesley Williams, son of John and Amelia Williams, had 8 children, as follows: Eli H. Williams, born June 18, 1817; now re- siding in Carthage, 111. Samuel Otis Williams, born Aug. 20, 1819, and died in Carthage, Nov. 28, 1844. John N. Williams was born Nov. 7, 1821. Mary A. Williams was born May 5, 1824; died May 14, 1840. Isabel Cutler Williams was born Aug. 22, 1832, and was married to Samuel L. Spangler Sept. 26, 1850. Wesley C. Williams was born Aug. 12, 1833, and was married to Miss Mary C. Morse June 6, 1860. Olive Catharine Williams was born June 7, 1835, and married to Henry S. Baker, July 16, 1857, Henry Clay Williams was born July 5, 1837, and died Sept. 5, 1839. Judge Wesley Williams was one of the earliest and most re- spected pioneer settlers of this county. He was born in Lincoln county, Ky., March 24, 1792, and was the second child of John and 786 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Amelia (Gill) Williams, who were married in Franklin county, IN". C, Kov, 15, 1787, and immediately settled in Lincoln county, Ky., where they resided until 1794, when they removed to Montgomery county in that State. They had a family of 12 children, most of whom settled at an early day in Adams county, 111. Our subject served one campaign in the war with Great Britain, and also in some of the Indian wars with Gen. Harrison; he also filled many offices of trust and honor. While in Kentucky he was elected and commissioned as an Ensign of the*14th regiment, July 17, 1818, and was commissioned Captain of the 71st regiment Nov. 6, 1821, by Gov. John Adair. July 2, 1824, he was commis- sioned Lieutenant of the 34th regiment. In 1825 or 1826 he came to Illinois, locating at Quincy Sept. 6, 1827. He was com- missioned one of the iirst Justices of the Peace of Adams county, by Gov. Ninian Edwards. Upon the organization of this county (Hancock) he removed to Montebello, where the first Courts were held. He was appointed the first Circuit Clerk, Oct. 27, 1829, which office he held till 1841. The first Circuit Court was held at the house of James White, Esq., at the head of the Lower or Des Moines Rapids. He also was ap- pointed the first Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court, and filled that .office until 1837. He was also Judge of Probate from Nov. 21, 1829, to April, 1836; was appointed Recorder of the county Nov. 21, 1829, and re-appointed Jan. 15, 1831, and held the office till 1838; was commissioned Notary Public Jan. 18, 1831; May 13, 1833, he was appointed Postmaster at Carthage, by Wm. T. Barry, then Postmaster-General; in 1835 he was elected Recorder, the office having then been made elective; in 1853 he was elected Justice of the Peace for Carthage precinct, and in 1854 re-elected; in June, 1857, he was elected Police Magistrate of Carthage, which office he held until about 1868, when he removed to Elvaston. When Carthage was made the county-seat he moved to that place, and attended the first Circuit Court, held June 4, 1833. He soon afterward purchased several lots here and built the first house erected iu Carthage; it was located on the north side of the Public Square near the present postoffice. His son, Wesley C, born Aug. 12, 1833, was the first white child born in the town. Besides devoting so much of his time to the service of the pub- lic, Judge Williams was at difterent times extensively interested in and identified with the business interests of the county. He built and operated the old Crooked creek mill near the bridge on the Macomb road; also engaged in mercantile business at Carthage, and followed farming to some extent. He was married April 2, 1816, in Bourbon county, Ky., to Elizabeth Ayers, and they had 4 children: Eli H., of Carthage; S. O., now deceased; John W., of Kentucky; and Mary E., de- ceased. His second marriage was to Mrs. Ruth Scoby, June 9, 1831, in this county, and they had also 4 children: Isabel, now the wife of Samuel C. Spangler; Wesley C, Olive C, now the . HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 787 wife of Henry S. Baker; and Henry C, who died in infancy Sept. 5, 1839. Judge AVilliams died at his son-in-law's, Sam'l L. Spangler, May 12, 1870. In all the public offices which he filled he showed great competency and ability, and won many friends by his integrity. He was of a lively and genial disposition and possessed great conversational powers. His great mental capacity fitted him for almost any position. For many years he was a member of the Methodist Church. As in his private life and business relations, so he was in religion, free from all ostentation. He was also a member of the Masonic order, and was buried with full Masonic honors. Wesley Cutler Williams, second son of Wesley W. and Ruth (Scoby) William?, now re ides on sec. 15, Prairie tp. He received his early education at the common subscription schools of this county ; in 1852, when about 19 years of age, he went to California, overland, leaving here March 1 and arriving Sept. 12 at Colusa and Red Blufi^, Cal. When near Humboldt he bought two ponies for another man and himself, and in company with another of the train, struck out for themselves. While camping out one night the In- dians stole their ponies. On M'aking in the morning and finding them gone, they commenced looking around for them. Mr. Williams was the only man who had a revolver, and one of the party asked him for it, saying he would go and look for water, leaving him in a small patch of sage brush. Soon hearing a hallooing, he looked over the brush and saw his two comrades chased by 12 Indians. He fell in with the others and ran, expecting to be overtaken and killed every minute. Mr. W. says he tried to pra}^, and the only thing he could tliink of to say was, " Xow I lay me down to sleep!" They finally outran the Indians, and footed the rest of the distance, some 300 miles". While in California he was engaged nearly all the time in the freighting business, in which he was quite successful. In 1850 he returned to this county, and June G, lb59, he married Miss Mary E. Moore, daughter of Andrew Moore, an old settler in this county, who located in Bear Creek tp., in 1835, He and his wife now reside in Marion county. The subject of this sketch has principally been engaged in farm- ing and raising and dealing in stock. In politics he is a Democrat. He served as Supervisor of Bear Creek tp., in 187l-'2, and in the town of Carthage in 1873 ; in the spring of 1880 he was elected to that office in the tp. where he now resides. The first time he was elected on an independent ticket, but the last two times on the Democratic. Mr. and Mrs. W. have a family of 4 children, all boys : Homer G., born July 13, 1863 ; John ^V.. Nov. 18, 1865; Archibald, March 21, 1868 ; and Robert, Sept. 20, 1873. Tlie first child, Hebe, born Sept. 14, 1861, died the 30th of the same month, and Edward, born Dec. 2, 1S69, died Aug. 11, 1^70. Mr. Williams, like his father, is eminently respected by all, not <^^ HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. onlv for his business integrity, bnt for his social qualities and con- versational powers, as is -proven by his being elected as Supervisor in a Republican township, where they voted for the man and not the •' party.'' As one of Hancock county's substantial and representative citi- zens, we present Mr. Williams' portrait in this volume. George Wills, farmer, sec. 30: P. O.. Elvaston; was born in Cay- uga county. X. T.. in 1S30. In 1S42 he came to this county -with his parents, Lorenzo and Lucy A. ^Lowry) TVills. both natives of the same State. They settled in Carthage tp., and in 1S46 moved to Prairie, and located one mile east of ^Ivaston. His house was open for entertainment to travelers, and was the first hotel in the place. He was widely known throughout the county, and highly esteemed by all who knew him. Both died at this place. The subject of this sketch was married in 1S51. to Martha, daughter of Thomas Bedo. of Anderson county. He erected his present residence in 1S6S. and is largely and successfully engaged in farming. His farm of one-half of sections 31 and 32 is valued at 8^' per acre. He also has a farm of 160 acres in Montebello tp., and 20 acres in Bear Creek. His educational advantages were very limited, and his success is entirely due to his industry and economy. He is a mem- ber of the Town Board, and is a well-known and highly-respected citizen. William L. Whittlesey, County-House Superintendent, was born in Butler county. O.. in 1S37. and is a son of Samuel and Posanna iLewis^ Whittlesey, who emigrated to Illinois in 1S50 and located in Adams county, where Mrs. W. died Feb. 3, 1S64. The same year Mr. W. and children came to tliis county, where they resided until his death. Jan. ]5. 1S75. The subject of this sketch was married in 1S63 to Miss Mahala Prather. a native of Indiana, and of their 5 children 3 are living: Sarah E., James E. and Ida B. Mr. W. was elected to his present position in IS 77. which he has filled to the highest degree y>i satisfaction. Politically he has always been a stalwart Democrat, and endorses the principles of that party. The family are members of the M. E. Church. OFFICIALS. The Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and Collectors who have served or are now serving Prairie township are about as follows: SUPERVISORS. Wm. X.MoCaU l!?55 David Mack 1S66 Dennis Smith 1858 William A. Patterson 1S6T Lorenzo Wells 1859 Bovd Braden 1S68 Wm. X. MoCall 1861 Wm. R. HamUton 18T0 Lorenzo Wells 1862 J. R. [Miller 1875 Wm N. McCall 1863 Saml. P 'MeGaw 1876 Elmore J- Rohrbousb 1864 Wm. H. Moore 1879 Wm. N. McC&U. . .". 186.5 W. C Williams I5«?l) HISTOKT OF UA>*COCK COr>TY. 7S9 CLERKS. Ebenezer Rand 1S55 T. B. Wallace ISoT James S. Miller 1S5S Wm. M. Ewing 1S(>0 Ebenezer Rami. 1hV2 James M. McCall 1S63 T. G. Moore 1S65 John B. Henrv 1S66 Wm.y. McCall 1S6S John Ashlock 1869 John R. Karr ISTO Huirh Markev 1ST3 J. fl. Lemon" 1ST4 J. S. Spander ISTo M. H. Cochran 1ST6 John J. Randlemon 1S7T M.H. Cochran 1S7S Washington Enlow ISSO ASSESSORS D W. McCall 1S.50 Henry Davis 1S56 Thonias Gill ISoS D. W. McCall lSo9 James S. Miller 1S60 Charles Abbott 1S61 D. TV. McCall 1S62 Wm. R. Hamilton 1S63 Joseph Miner 1864 G W. Zem 1S65 Wm. Rohrlx>uffh 1S66 John R. Miller 1S6S John Ashlock 1S70 David Miller 1S71 Wm. X. McCall 1S72 James Tweed 1S74 E. J. Rohrbough 1875 J. 55. Spangler.^ 1876 Thomas G. Moore 1877 James Tweed 1878 John L. Rand 1880 COLLECTORS. Tnomas P- Gill 1855 D. C. Miller 18^56 Wm. X. McCall 1858 Orlan Abbott 1859 Thomas T. Gill 1860 Wm. Rohrbouffh 1861 Wm.X. McCall 1863 J. W. Ewing 1863 "VN m. A. Moore 1864 E. J. Rohrboueh 1865 A. E. Boude 1866 James Tweed 1867 Wm. A. Moore 1868 Thomas McFarland 1869 A. J. Moore 1870 Isaac Roseberry 1871 Henrv S Batchelder 1873 A. J. Moore 1874 S. P. Mc-Gaw 1S75 Thomas ^IcFarland 1876 TMlson M. Wetzel 1877 Thomas J. Ruddell .- 1878 Georire S. Walker 1S80 MONTEBELLO TOWNSHIP. This township, numbered 5 — 8, was probably named for Monte Belle, in France (now the practice to write it Montehello). Who had the honor of naming it, we do not know. There were French- men about the fort and along the river when the village on the rapids received this cognomen, but none of its proprietors were French. It was laid out in 1832 by Luther Whitney and William Yance, on the southwest of sec. 18, the place now owned by C. F. Darnell, two miles above the present site of Hamilton. This towDship, containing the settlements of John Waggonner, Luther Whitney, Rich and Cheney and others of the period pre- ceding organization, may be called one of the oldest settled in the county. Who made the actual first settlement in the tow^nship, may now never be known ; but we can learn of none earlier than that of Mr. Waggonner in 182J:. There were several in it, however,before organization (1829), settled along the river and on its contiguous bluffs. Among them, we can recall the names, besides Messrs. Waggonner, Whitney and Cheney, of Wm. Yance, Isaac R, Camp- bell, John Johnson and Hazen Bedell. Among those of a later period are Oliver and Cyrus Felt, Samuel Steele, John Gordon, John Cochran, A. P. Cochran, Abram Smith, Enoch D. Brown, Frederick Loring, James and Mathew Gray, Dr. Adolphus Allen, Homer Brown, Ebenezer Carrier, H. R. Dickinson, Bryant Bart- lett, Austin Wardwell, Gen. R. F. Smith and others. Messrs. O. and C. Felt, with Major Wm. Smith, of La Harpe, came to the county with a stock of goods; and while the latter went to Crooked Creek with a portion, the two brothers established on the rapids at Montebello. The elder Felt died a few years after- ward, and Cyrus continued the business. The County Court was held there for several terms, and at that day Montebello was one of the most important points in the county, rivalling Yenus at the head ot the rapids, and competing with her for the county-seat. It is now dead and vacated. We have above mentioned the men of the township previous to organization. Others are also worthy of mention. Of these was Isaac Newton Waggonner. His name stands on the record of the Hancock County Pioneers' Association, as (at that date) the earliest living settler in the county. Isaac IN. was a youth of about 15 in 1824, when liis father settled on the homestead at Riverside. He soon took to the water, first as assistant on the keel-boats, then running the river, and as a pilot to steer them, under Captain James White (whose daughter he married), and afterward for many years on steamers plying between St. Louis and the lead (790; HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. ' 791 mines of Galena and Dubuque. He was first pilot apprentice with Capt. Throckmorton (name of boat not recollected), and afterward with the same officer, on the celebrated Warrior and was on that vessel at the time of the capture of Black Hawk on the upper Mississippi. Mr. W. was a pilot on the river almost continuously, sometimes as part owner of the boat he steered, for many years; "and he knew as much of the Mississippi slouglis and bluffs, and sand-bars, whirlpools, snags and eddies, and how to manage a steamer in all the vicissitudes of river navigation, as perhaps any other man who ran its waters. Later in life he left the river and devoted himself to the duties of his farm and the care of a steam mill and shipping house at Kiverside. He was a remarkably quiet and unostentatious man, firm in his convictions, and respected by all his neio-hbors. He died Jan. 27, 1877, aged about 68 years. Hamilton is now the only town in the township, includino- Oak- wood, a separate survey, but united by act of incorporation. It lies at the foot of the rapids, opposite Keokuk, Iowa, between which, across the Mississippi river, lies tlie great iron railroad and wagon bridge. It was laid out in 1852, by Bryant Bartlett, Wm. R. Hamilton, Powers Ritchey, Henry R. Dickinson, Sanford Fauglit, Henry Davis and George Edmunds, Jr. The late Artois Hamilton, of Carthage, was an active proprietor, but we find the record uses the name of his son, William R., who was then a young man. Samuel Gordon, residing at the place, was also inter- ested, having furnished a portion of the land, but his name does not appear of record. In the Hamilton Dollar Monthly of June, 1873, is a notice of the origin of this town, which we reproduce in part in this place: "The eight or ten square miles of territory — embracing bluff", river- bottom, slough, hill and dale, woodland and sand-rido-e — lying opposite Keokuk, the "Gate"' of Iowa, is dignified by* act of General Assembly with the title of city — the OrrY of Ham- ilton. People abroad might very naturally conclude that it received its name, as all the other twenty odd Hamiltons in theU. S. did, from Alexander Hamilton, one of the Fathers of the Republic; but it did not. "There is a legend that runneth in this wise: That in the vears of the dim past, in the beginning of the embryo city that was to rival the then thriving village across the water, a conclave of the proprietors was held to give the bantling a name. Of these pro- prietors we can only now name the following: Brj^ant Bartlett, who had supplied much of the hard labor and a good deal of the gas; Henry R. Dickinson, also a hard worker on the foundation of the city; Samuel Gordon, who had resided on the spot, as child and man, from the time whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary, and who furnished a goodly portion of the land- 792 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. and Artois Hamilton, of Carthage, who was supposed to hold pretty considerable sized money-bags. Money, ' the root of all evi],' is also considered the root of some good, and in this case was regarded as the 'one tiling needful,' so it was decided to give the new town the name of the holder of the aforesaid money-bags, in the hope that the honor might induce him to ' shell out.' Of course other names were presented and duly discussed, — as * Bart- lett,' 'Gordon,' 'Rapids City,' "East Keokuk,' etc., etc. But the question of finance outweighed all others, and it received the name it now bears. "And Mr. H. did "shell out' for a time, and commendable efforts were made by all concerned to build up a city. But the fates were against them, and a contrary decree had gone forth. The city would not come. They ]>lanned, they strove, they gassed; they planted stakes, they run streets and alleys, they laid out wharves and dykes. In their very desperation the}' invoked the aid of the Commonwealth, and its august representatives at Springfield came to their aid, and passed an act compelling it to be a city at any rate, — for, said they, the peoj^le will come to it afterward. But with an un]iardonable lack of discernment and hard common sense, the people still stay away — congregate in other places. And so he of the money-bags, long ago seeing how things were going, — or standing sti]!, rather, — shook the dust oft' his teet and left in disgust, and the city which once knew him so well, now knows him no more. * * * * * '* But, seriously, there was a wrong committed. The place should have been called ' Bartlett.' In ALr. Bartlett's fertile brain it was first conceived. He originated the thought. He labored hard, in and out of season, to put it on its legs; not always wisely, perhaps, but with a zeal that knew no abatement, an energy that never flagged, and a conviction that seemed prophetic. lie struggled against difficulties; indeed he overcame difficulties tliat would have disheartened many other men. It was the object of his aftections and the burden of his thoughts for twenty years; and they failed in duty to him when they gave it the name of another. We are not aware that he ever aspired to the honor, or desired such a result. Certain it is that he labored as zealously after the naming as before, and for long years continued to cherish the hope of his earlier days. But even his faith at length gave out, and he, too, pulled up his stakes and planted them in another field." Oakwood was laid out in June, 1S55, by John Morse, Thomas J. Potts and T. Dewitt Carey. It lies a half mile east, and now comprises the third ward of Hamilton. Hamilton was incorporated into a city in 1S59. Besides originating the city of Hamilton, Messrs. Bartlett and Dickinson, by their untiring zeal and energy, in conjunction with Henry W. Sample, Esq., of Keokuk, and others, succeeded in es- tablishing a steam ferry between the two points. At that time the .-4-. %fe*. ^^•. ^,J//MiAXryx AUGUSTA HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 795 whole river bottom was covered with dense timber and fallen trees; and numerous sloughs and sand-bars rendered the construc- tion of a road across and a landino^ place at the sliore, a matter of great difficulty. Tiiese were gradually made to disappear, at great labor and cost; and when the bridge was built and the ferry sus- pended, a crooked dyke was left, which has since been taken and improved by the bridge company, as an approach to the bridge. THE KEOKUK AND HAMILTON BRIDGE. A railroad and wagon bridge was built under a charter from the States of Illinois and Iowa, ratified by Congress, and was opened to the public in June, 1S71. It is constructed entirely of iron, excepting the road bed, which is of heavy-sawed white-oak lumber. It was about two years in building, delayed at several different times by ice and high water. Its cost was one million and five thousand dollars ($1,005,000). It is two thousand one hundred and ninety-four (2,194) feet long, and rests on eleven stone piers, exclusive of the abutments. Its draw, for the passage of steam- boats and other river craft, is 378 feet in length, turned by steam machinery on a pivot in the center. One end of this draw, when in ])lace, rests on the abutment at the Iowa shore — the main chan- nel of the river being on that side, as it sweeps around the point. The bridge was built by the Keystone Bridge Co., of Pittsburg. As a matter of public interest, and for future reference, we insert below its RATES OF FARE. For a foot passenger. S .05 For man and horse 15 For one-horse vehicle 20 For two do. do. 25 Head of cattle, each 10 Head of sheep and hogs, each 05 President of the Bridge Company, Andrew Carnegie, New York; Theodore Oilman, Treasurer, New York. Hazen Bedell was the first Postmaster in Montebello, appointed by President Jackson in 1829, and holding it till ls35, when he died. Was succeeded by John Johnson till his death in 1836; then Cyrus Felt, till 1S41 ; then Enoch D. Brown for about a year, when it was removed to Dr. Allen's town, Des Moines city, and there kept by Levi Jackman. In 1843 again at Montebello, E. D. Brown, P.M. In 1845 Mr. B. removed to Quincy, and B. B. Gates was P.M. Brown returned in '47, and was reappointed, and held it till 1853, when it was removed to Hamilton. Here Dr. Githens was first P.M., then John C. Cox to '57, Thomas Keid to '61, Benjamin J. Welch to '64, E. C. A. Cushman to '66, James Nolan to '69, Thomas Gregg to '76, and then and ever 46 T96 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. since Dr. Githens again, after an interregnum of a quarter of a century. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. The first preaching in Montebello remembered bj Mr. Gordon, then quite young, was by Kev. John Lawton, of Carthage, in ISSJ:, '5 and '6. As Eevs. Peter Williams and Charles Robisuu both resided in the vicinity precedent to organization, there doubt- less must have been preaching years before Mr. Lawton came to the county. Of this, however, we have no proof. The first Church organization of which we have any account, in Montebello, was at Riverside, about 1S59, Rev. Joseph Mason officiating as Pastor for some six months. The membership was limited to nine, six female members and three males, namely: John Morse, William Donald and A. H. Leavings. Mr. Mason was followed by Rev. John G. Rankin, of AVarsaw, Rev. Mr. Henry, and by Rev. Wm. C. Merritt, who remained its Pastor till 1856. About this time the society built a new house of worship at Oakwood, and soon afterward Rev. Mason again became its Pastor, and so remained until in 1S59, when such changes in his_ doctrinal views occurred as led to his removal. During the early period of the Rebellion Rev. E. X. Bartlett, who had been driven from Missouri for his Union sentiments, was engaged as Pastor between this Church and the young Church at Hamilton. This Church was organized in 1S59, with a membership of fifteen persons, names not obtained. Mr. Bartiett remained two or three years. In course of time the Presbyterian element becoming pre- dominant, the organization was changed to Presbyterian. They were without a church building until lS74.when a neat little church was erected, the society previously using the Baptist church part of the time. The Baptist Church (Missionary Branch^i was organized in 1S52 by Elder Henry Davis, who removed to Texas in 1S56. In 1S57, Elder Caleb M. Sewell organized a Free-Will Baptist society, and the Brick Church was soon after built by them. Mr S. resided in the town, and remained its Pastor mainly until his death in !N'ov., 1S75. Since his death the society has been without a regular Pastor most of the time. Latterly Rev. D. C. Miller, a physician of the town, occasionally supplies the pulpit. The M. E. organization was etfected about the time the town was laid out, with a small membership. The church building they oc- cupy was erected say six or eight years thereafter. Latterly its membership has been about 60. which is as large as that of any of the others. PERSONAL SKETCHES. Short biographies of many of the most prominent settlers and resi- dents of Montebello township afiord the most interesting feature of its historv. and they here follow: UISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 79Y J. A. Anderson, Hamilton, was born Sept. 25, 1816. He waa taken by his parents, Robert and Nancy Anderson, when quite youn^ to Clark Co., Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. In 1850 he enc^a^ed in the manufactory of cars and agricultural imple- ments in Springtield, Ohio. He continued at this business until 1855, when he went to Minnesota. He was one of the framers of the constitution of that State, and also served in the 2d Minnesota Legislature. He came to this county in 1873, where he has since resided. Mr. A. was first married in 1843 to Catharine Miholland, who died in 1856. In 1859 he was again married to Louesa Ritcli, by whom he has had 3 children. He also had 3 children by his former wife. R. W. Alvorcl was born in Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., Dec. 29, 1823. His parents were Samuel and Ursula (Smith) Alvord. Mr. Alvord was raised on a farm, and received a common-school education. He came to this county in 18"16, and was engaged in farming. He was married in 1850 to Miss Angeline Sullivan, by whom he had -4 children, of which only one is living; namely, Susannah (now Mrs. Amasa Ilager). Mr. Alvord is engaged in fruit-growing and gardening. Rev. Samuel Alvord^ father of the above, was born in Mass., Mar. 16, 1784, and died in Hamilton, 111., Aug. 13, 1871, in the 88th year of his age. In 1804 moved to Madison Co., N. Y.; in 1810, to Lockport; in 1825 to Chautauqua county; in 1830 to Warren Co., Pa., and finally, in 1846, to Hamilton. AVas twice married; to Miss Bates in 1809, and afterward to Miss Ursula Smith, with whom he lived nearly 51 years. United tirst with the Presbyterian Church at 17; afterward, 1809, with the Baptist. Licensed to preach in 1812, was a successful and earnest preacher. Pastor of several Churches in N. Y. and Pa. Never resumed pastoral labor in 111., but frequently preached to destitute Churches, as op- portunity offered. He was a great sufferer during the latter years of his lite, bnt calmly awaited the end. Rev. B. Ajyplehee is a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, where he was born Sept. 5, 1820. He is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Ghoist) Applebee. At the age of 17 years he was brought by his parents to Fulton county, 111., where he remained till he was of age. He was educated at Marietta, in that county. He is conversant in all languages connected with his ministry. He was licensed to preach, July 25, 1845, and was ordained Elder in 1850. In 1847 he traveled Carthage circuit, which then comprised all of Hancock county and a part of both McDonough and Schuyler counties. His work in this itinerancy was blessed with glorious results; on the above named circuit the first and second years. Two hundred and twenty-five accessions were made to his societies. He re-organized the societies which had been scattered by the Mormons. He also organized the first Methodist society in Etamilton. Rev. Applebee was Pastor of the M. E. Church at the following important stations: 798 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Carthage three years ; Galesburg, and built the first church there; Peoria tour years, and man}' others. He is the present Pastor of the M. E. society in Hamilton, and is closing up the 35th year of his ministry. The following is an extract from the Kauvoo Independent: " The Rev. B. Applebee is a minister of great convictions, of ministerial obligations, as well as marked pulpit and revival ability, and a leader in the great moral and religious reforms of the age. He was the lirst Pastor of the M. E. Church in Hancock county to re-organize Methodist societies and Sunday-schools, after the Mormon trouble, throughout this county. In 1847 he came to Carthage, as I have before stated. He was a most efficient minis- ter, then a young man acting a prominent part in the public gatherings connected with Sunday-school celebrations; and on the 4th of July, 1848, he visited the city and addressed the Sunday- school which assembled on that day in the Ilibbard Grove, south of the city. He visited the city again in 1856 and conducted a quarterly meeting. He is now (Feb. 20, 1880) again in the city, and has met with a cordial welcome in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz, besides the love and respect of many others." Ilev. A. was joined in the bonds of holy matrimony, Feb. 12, 1849, to Miss Catharine Gardener, daughter of an early pioneer of this county, 4 children being the fruit of this union; viz., Mary M. (now Mrs. D. B. Spencer), of Iowa; Jabez 0., a line scholar, having gi-aduated in the Wesleyan University; John W. (dec.) and Pytsea B. J. M. Berry is a native of Merrimack county, N. II., and was born April 25, 1821. He is a son of Joshua and Patience C. Berry, who were both natives of the same State, In 1858 he was joined in marriage to Miss Harriet M. Berry, of his native State. This union was blessed with 3 children: of these only one is living, Mary (now Mrs. Gilman), who resides in Burlington, Iowa. Mr. Berry came to this county in 1858 and settled in Montebello tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock- raising. He owns a farm of 123 acres in sec. 36. Homer D. Brotvn was born March 9, 1846, in Quincy, 111., and is a son of Homer and Hannah Brown. He was married, Oct. 26, 1869, to Miss Alice Harvey, by whom he has 2 children: Nellie and Harvey. Mr. Brown is the proprietor of the Montebello Nur- series, ot Hamilton, and has a large local trade. In 1880 he was unable to supply the demand. He makes a specialty of the Ben Davis apple; has tliis year (1880) over three acres of this kind alone. Mr. Brown is also proprietor of the Wildcat Springs, that are becoming popular as a place for summer resorts. Dr. Thomas J. Bull., dentist, Hamilton, was born July 6, 1810, in New York. He was brought In- his parents to Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. He staid there until 1855, when he came to this State, and soon after to this county, where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his profession. He was educated HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 799 in this business in St. Louis. The Doctor was married Dec. 16, 1834, to Nancy A. Westcott, by whom he has had 12 children; 9 living, — 5 sons and 4 daughters. J. M. Campbell^ fiirmer, sec. 24; P. O., Elvaston; was born Jan. 28, 1843, in Pennsylvania. He was brought by his parents, James and Eliza Campbell, to this county in 1852, wlien nine years of age. Here he was reared, and in 1862, when he was only 19 years old, he enlisted in the military service in Co. A, 118th Keg. 111. Mounted Infantry. He was mustered out Nov. 7, 1862. He par- ticipated in the battles, siege, and surrender of Vicksburg, Cham- pion Hills, Thompson's Hills, Arkansas Post and many others. He returned home in October, 1865, having served three years. Mr. C. was married Nov. 21, 1872, to Harriet Houston, and of their 4 children 3 are living; viz., James W., Anna G. (deceased), Her- bert L. and Thomas O. iLhenezer Carrier was born in Connecticut Sept., 1811; came to this county in 1840, and was married the same year to Martha S. Winans, daughter of Alfred L. Winans, an early pioneer of this county. Mr. Carrier has resided in Hamilton ever since his settlement in this county,, He took an active part against the Mormons, at one time just escaping death at their hands. They stole wood from him and he had them arrested and tried at Warsaw, and was coming home after night when they, intoxicated, took him out of the wagon to kill him, and would have succeeded had it not been for Mr. Hyde. Joseph Gate, who has traveled from ocean to ocean, and wit- nessed many interesting sights, was born in Stafford county, N. H., Jan. 20, 1811, and is a son of Walter and Polly (Wiggins) Cate, the latter of whom is deceased. He was reared on a farm and educated in a common school. He came to Quincy, 111., in 1837, where he became acquainted with Miss Sarah J. Wilson, whom he married March 8, 1838. They have had 5 children, of whom 3 are living; viz., Margaret J., George A. and Horatio W. The latter is now in California. Another son, Joseph, was killed at the siege of Yicksburg in the struggle for liberty during the late war. During the first gold excitement in 1849, Mr. Cate went overland in an ox wagon to California. In 1851 he returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama. In 1852 he again went to California, and returned in 1854. In 1855 he removed to this county, where he still resides. He was a farmer until he became disabled, when he sold his farm and removed to Hamilton, where he now resides in that portion of the town known as Oakwood. Charles L. Cochran was born Feb. 20, 1823, in Randolph county, this State. He was brought by his parents, John and Mary Cochran, to this county when eight years of age (1831), where he was reared to manhood. His educational facilities were much limited. He went to the first school that was taught in Mon- tebello tp. The school was held in a log structure about 14 by 16 feet, by Mrs. McKinney. About that time the Black Hawk war 800 HISIOKY OK llANCOOK OOVNIY. wufi under wav. Oharlos L. had oiio brother, who was a soUlier of the "band of ranjivrs. " Time rolled on and notliinij transpired worthy of note till the rise and trouble of ]\[orinonisin, when the Smiths were killed. About this time he took an active part in expelliuix them from the State. Mr. C''i>chran remained here until IS.'i-i. when he went to Oalifornia. He remained in the Western Territories and along the Paeitie eoast for IT^'ears, w1um\ he returned liome. His vocation is that of farminij, etc. His father died Jan. 10. 1843, at the ripe aa:© of 7'2. Mr. Cochran is Vice-Prosidont of the "Old Settlers' Association." Dr. Sylvester L. Comer, deceased, was born Sept. '.>, 18;10, in C>hio. He was broui^ht bv his}>arents, when a child, to (''arthag-e, this county, where he was reared and educated. He also at- teiuied school at Jacksonville, and after studying medicine under some very skillful physicians here, he attended the Cliicago and the Keokuk medical colleges, at the latter oi which ho graduated with honors. During the war Or. Comer was Surgeon in the Keo- kuk hospital. After the war closed he came to this county and followed his ]u-ofession till his death, March 3, 187!K Dr. Comer was married Sept. '2. 18(>*J, to Alice (iriswold. To them were born 4 children, 3 of whom are living — llattie L., Samuel H., Frank G. J\muJous Carlos Allen Cuthviaii was born at Hartford, Yt., June 5. 1811. His father, Joshua Cusliman, was born Sept. 20, 1778, at Alanstield, Conn., and his mother, Mary Dorman Rridge- luan, was born Nov. '24, 1783, at Hanover, N. II., near Dartmouth College. Mr. Cushman was a descendant oi the Cushmans who were connected with the expedition oi the Mayllower. aiul a relative on the one side of the celebrated Laura Hridgeman, and of Char- lotte Cushman on the other. At Lebanon, N. II., Mr. Cushnum in his youth, learned the trade of machinist, which, however, he never followed, except as manager. On May 30, 1838, having emigrated to C^hio, he was nu\rried in Muskingum county to IMiss ^largaret A. Painter, who still sur- vives him. In Licking county in that State and afterward in St. Louis, Mo., he was engaged for several 3-ears in the manufacture aud sale of the Parker Keaction and Percussion Water-wheel. He renu>ved to Ohio in 1834, to St. Louis in 1840, to Hancock county (Pilot Grove'l in 1851, and to Hamilton in 1853. Here he was one oi the tirst settlers, and was ever one of its most }niblic spirited men, frequently holding ollice under the town and city government. His imiin business was that of real estate and insurance, but he also long held the position of Justice of the Peace and Notary Public and that of Postmaster. During the Kebellion he was enrolling and drafting officer for this district. And in all these positions, ]niblic and private, he was esteemed for liis courtesy and kindness of heart. He was, in addition, one of tlie charter mem- bers of the lUack Hawk Lodge and Ivo^'al Arch Chapter of j\Iasons, and held liio-li office in each. mnoKY or hajicocic ojzsrr. ¥j1 Mr. Ctubman wa* never connected with anr Choreh, V/ut wa» cboeen truutee of ' Church in JIaui'iIvai, y,-hl<^}i ke held from ita or^ntrir>ating liberally to it« Kupport. He nuide no profesaion, jet wa« a firm believer in the CLrijtian religion, and died trusting in the Sanor. lie died May 21, 1S79, having gained the esteem and afi&ction of his friends, and much lamented %a]I. C/utrle^ Dadant, a very prominent l.»ee-ealtari»t in thi« tp., wa« lx»m in j-'rance .May 22, 1S17; came to thi« country in 1^3 and settled in thiis tp,, where he hais since recided, engagf:d in Uie keeping of Italian bees (imported >. He ha« at present 500 statuU of thei»e, all ralise^i from two stan^la. Bfe abo manufisictare* bees- wax ^refined). In the year L870 h'- ' ' 1fj.//j() lU of honey. Mr, O. wa« married in 1S47 to 0> on, and they hare had 3 children: 3Iary D., Emile 1>. and Lugene D. Hi* pott- office address iis Hamilton. Henry li. DvJdruifm was bom in K^fit^f:, N. IL, Dee. 10, 1818. His education wa« limited to the comrr; - •' '^ !« of the town, in tho*e days not remarkable for their ex-^; At the early aee of twelve he engarre^J as >. ; carpenters tra^, which he foIVjwed industr. , i Xew Hampebire, and then, at the aj/e of a x;ut 1?, '; t/^ Crreeoe county, IlL At CarrollU;!!, the V^unty seat of O. - - -^ followed Uie bofineM till, in lS4lc^, he removed to and eettled in Hancock. Hi« fij%t loca- tion here was in a cabin in the wood*, near the big spring, on tiie present gite of Hamilton. Tliis was two or three yeans before the town ' out. In 1S50, in conjunction with Bryant Bsutlett, his b. -law. a charter for a ferrv wa« obtained between Keokuk and thi» shore; and in l»52tlietownof Hajnilton was laid out by them and other parties, a notice of which will be found elsewhere. At great expense and an immense amount of labor a roadway was constructe^I across the bottom to the river shore, and landings l^ilt, much of which ha^i to be renewed every rear, till finally the steamer Salina was put on and the ferry folly estab- lished Mr, Hugh W. Sample, of Keokuk, bec/vming associated with them. In this enterprise Mr. D. and his co-partners arc thought to have expended not less tlian ^J.OOO in securing the ferry road and approaches, independent of all other expenses. But it proved a suoeess and a great puS *' '' - any years, until it was supCTseded by the ^«it if^ of its sueeesa was due to Mr. D luea^**. lie withdrew from the concern a nun. : was discontinued, and baa since employed his time ana means in carrying on two or three farms, and in the lumbering business in the town. Mr, D. is the parent of 7 children — 5 sons and 2 daughters, the eldest of whom, Ofecar. was one of the first men killed in the 16tb regiment- (See page 4S7.» The others are still living. Mr. Dickinson has held several offices of honor and trust: that 802 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. of Major of Hamilton for two terms; Alderman for six or ei^ht years, and several times Assessor of Montebello township. He has also long been a member of the Masonic order, in which he has held responsible positions. Dr. T. J. Dodge., the renowned " magnetic healer," is a native of Fulton county, 111.; born Jan. 24, 1844. He is a son of Henry and Lorana Dodge; was principally raised in McDonough county, this State. He received a common district-school education. He engaged in general business until 1871, when he started as a Bap- tist evangelist; traveled for 6 successive years, and wonderful were the results of his preaching. Sometimes infidels would fall as if the shaft of death had pierced their hearts, so affecting was his preaching. About the year 1875 he perceived that he had the ''gift of healing," and frequently and instantaneously healed persons of various diseases while in Church. Dr. Dodge was an infidel in belief prior to his conversion, which occurred Feb. 5, 1860. He soon after felt convinced that he should preach, and immediately entered the ministry. In 1877 he had strong convictions to cease the work of an evangelist, and to devote his time principally to healing the afflicted. Jan. 1, 1878, Dr. Dodge entered partnership with Dr. Eingland in the " Riverside Institute." His treatment is followed by unprecedented success in the permanent healing of patients. His first cure wrought in the Riverside Institute was a case of apoplexy of several years' standing, which he cured in less than five minutes' time. Dr. Dodge has a wonderful magnetic power, and at will can make a person stand or sit unmovable as a statue. He frequently preaches at the Institute and in the surrounding country. Dr. D. was united in marriage Sept. 25, 1863, with Caroline Atwater, and they have 8 children — 5 sons and 3 daughters. He is now 36 years of age and weighs 310 pounds. Charles Dorman was born in Gloucester county, IST. J., Nov. 28, 1817, and is a son of James and Amy Dorman. He served an apprenticeship at blacksmithing when but a boy, at Good Intent, a manufacturing village of his native State. His father was a cabinet-maker. Mr. Dorman followed blacksmithing until 1863, when he enlisted in the 133d 111. Vol. Inf., and served as a soldier in the late war. He was married in April, 1838, to Miss Anna M. Northrop, by whom he has had 7 children; of these, 5 are liv- ing; viz., Albert, James, Flattie, Amy and Anna. Mr. Dorman engaged in the mercantile business in 1865, in that part of Hamil- ton known as Oakwood, where he carries a stock of about $2,000, consisting of hardware, groceries and notions. His grandfather, Ned Parker, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his father was an ofticer in the war of 1812. James B. Gilliland, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Elvaston; was born in New York city, and was raised there and in Philadelphia. He was married in New York, Oct. 27, 1836, to Miss Margaret S. Glenn, daughter of David Glenn. (The Glenns were early settlers of Philadelphia.) Eleven children were the fruit of this union, of Durham Tp. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 805 whom 5 are living; viz., Stephen R., George W., William M., James P. (missionary in S. America), and Sarah (a Holiness preacher). Mr. Gilliland and family came to Pekin. 111., in 1S54, and to this county in 185S. "While in Philadelphia, Mr. Gilliland engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods, but is now engaged in farming. Dr. W. H. Githens was born in Ohio. Dec. 11, 1826; he is a son of John Githens, who was a native of Xew Jersey. He was reared and educated in his native State. He also began the study of medicine there about the year 1^4:7, and in 1850 came to Keo- kuk, Iowa, where he finished his course of medical study, and graduated; in 1S52 he came to this county and began the practice of medicine. March 4, 1849, he was married to Sarah P, Robbins. To them were born 10 children; only 4 are living; viz., Louise I. (now Mrs. Anderson), "Wm. R., Helen M. and Mary A. Mr. G. was a Surgeon in the 16th 111. Yol. Inf. for a time, when he came to Keokuk and was in the Government service, in the hospital of that place, for one year, when he went back and served the remainder of the war, under Gen. Sherman. He partici- pated in the following battles; viz., Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Yicksburg, Lookout and Kenesaw Mountains, and many others. Samuel Gordon, one of the pioneers of this county, was born in Peterboro', X. H., May 3, 1825; emigrated with his parents to Montebello, in Hancock county, when it contained less than 500 inhabitants, in Oct., 1831. In the spring of 1833, he removed to the farm on which he now resides, twenty years before the city of Hamilton was laid out. He received his education from the com- mon schools in the neighborhood. Mr. Gordon has been an office holder; held the ofiice of Clerk of Montebello township for 14 years, between 1857 and 1874; was 20 years a member of the Scheol Board; two years City Clerk; six years City Treasurer, and twice a member of the City Council of Ham- ilton. In Aug., 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. C, ll>th 111. Inf. Yol.; was on continuous duty for three years and two months, until Oct. 13, 1865, when his regiment was discharged. He partic- ipated in the following battles: Chickasavv BluiFs, near Yicksburg, Dec. 26 to 30, 1862; Arkansas Post, Jan. 10 and 11, 1863; Thomp- son's Hill, May 1, 1863; Champion Hills, May 16, 1863; Black river bridge. May 17, 1863; siege of Yicksburg until after the assault of May 23, 1863; Grand Caton bayou, Xov. 3, 1863; as- sault on Port Hudson, Apr. 7, 1864. He was married Apr. 3, 1851, to Miss Permelia Alvord, born in "Warren county. Pa., Aug. 3, 1832; youngest daughter of Rev. Samuel Alvord, of Oakwood. John Gordon, father of the above, was born in Peterboro', N. H., Dec. 10, 1790; married Elizabeth Smith, Dec. 31, 1^19; emi- grated to Hancock county, and settled in Montebello tp. in 1>«31. He died Apr. 3, 1839, aged 48. His widow died Aug. 12, 1845, aged 51. They had 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters ; 3 died in 806 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. infancy. They brousjht 2 sons with them ; the eldest, Jonathan J., died March 2Y, 1879, a^ed 16. The grandfather, also, named John, was born in Ireland in 1732; emigrated to America prior to 1750, and settled in Massachusetts. Was a volunteer during the Revolution, with Washington on his retreat through the Jerseys. He emigrated to New Hampshire and settled in Peterboro' in 1780 ; died Dec. 2, IS 18, aged 86. Dr. H. P. Oriswold was born in Herkimer county, IST. Y., Oct. 1, 1814. Received a common-school education, and was entered at 16 at Fairfield Academy, and at IS entered Union College, Sche- nectady, taking a scientific course, which he continued for two years. Studied medicine with Dr. Brown, of Salisbury, Herkimer county. In 1837 he emigrated to Hancock county and settled at Plymouth, at which place he resided and continued in the practice of medi- cine for thirteen j^ears. In 1850 he purchased a farm in Wythe township, about six miles east of Warsaw, to which he removed, still continuing in the practice of medicine until the year 18 he removed to Hamilton, where he still resides. About 1841 Dr. G. commenced the nursery business on a small scale at Plymouth, which he followed for five or six years. From his nursery most of the old orchards in St. Mary's and Round Prairies were supplied, and the general good character of their fruit attest the soundness of his judgment in the propagation of varieties. On his removal to Wythe township, he transplanted from his nursery a large orchard at his new home, which has borne much excellent fruit. It is now in possession of E, McCune, Esq, In removing to Hamilton, Dr, Gr. retired from practice, prefer- ring to live at his ease in the enjoyment of a moderate fortune, and in the cultivation of fruits and flowers and the adornment of his home. Charles Oruhh was born in Lehigh Co., Pa., Nov, 8, 1822, and is a son of Samuel and Catharine (Grofi") Grubb, also natives of Penn- sylvania, He was married in 1844 to Miss Dinah Davison, by whom he has had 11 children; of these, 9 are living; viz,, Wayne, Eras- mus, Garret, Lizzie, Ida, Kate, George, Louisa and Ellen, Mr. Grubb learned the blacksmith's trade when young, at which he worked five years. He came to this county in 1859, and purchased 100 acres of land on sec. 35, Montebello tp,, where he still resides and is engaged in farming, stock raising. Himself and 5 brothers were in the war, and all returned without a wound. Ejphrairfh Grubb, deceased, brother of the preceding, was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, Februarj'' 23, 1824. He was reared on a farm, but at the age of 18 learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in after years. He emigrated to Adams county. 111,, in 1845, where he followed his trade until 1850, He then came to this county, settling on sec. 26, this tp., where he engaged in farming until his death, save the time he served in the late war. He, however, became disabled by sickness while in the service and was discharged for this reason before his time expired. He HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 807 was married Jan. 7, 1849, to Miss Snsan Griibb, daughter of Jonas and Sarah Grubb (dec), who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Adams county, 111., in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Grubb had 5 children, of whom but 2 are living; viz., Frances and Olive. Mr. Grubb was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church and had lived a devoted Christian life since quite young. He filled the office of Commissioner of Highways several times, and was always found upon the side of temperance and morality. He was always ready to assist the needy and lift up the down-fallen; in fact, he was a public beiiefactor, for no truly charitable enterprise ever passed by him unnoticed or unaided. He died Sep. 21, 1866, loved and respected by all who knew him. The family lost a kind husband and father, and the community a valuable member of society in the death of Mr. Grubb. William L. Guthrie^ Assessor of Montebello tp. ; P. O., Hamil- ton; was born in Kentucky July 1, 1832. His parents, John P. and Sarah Guthrie, were both natives of Kentucky, who came to this State in 1839 and settled near Quincy, and in 1857 he came to this county. W. L. has been Deputy Sherilf 12 years. In 1857 he was married to Amanda Breckbill. To them were born 8 children, •4 now living; viz., James P., William E., Laura A. and Ida M. Edio. J. Hall was born June 12, 1836, in Baltimore, Md. He is a son of Robert G. Hall, M. D., who practiced medicine for 40 years in this State. He was reared and educated in Illinois. His voca- tion used to be druggist, in which he was engaged for about 25 years, until 1862, when he came to Hamilton, where he still resides. He is at present engaged in business with Daniel F. Tie- man (ex-Mayor) & Co., of Kew York city. Mr. H. was joined in marriage to Emily R. Kerr, of Jacksonville, this State. B. F, Hamhletoii is a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, and was born April 23, 1826, His parents were James and Martha Hambleton, natives of Eastern Pennsylvania. Tljey were members of the Society of Friends (or Quakers), and each lived to the age of 81 years. James Hambleton and two of his brothers, Benjamin and Charles, emigrated to Ohio in 1814, and located on Little Beaver Creek, in Columbiana county, where they engaged in milling, farming and mercantile business. This was carried on in partner- ship until 1838, when the firm dissolved. Our subject worked in a woolen factory in Ohio for three years, and in 1846 he helped drive a flock of sheep from Ohio to Mahaska county, Iowa. He returned to Ohio the same fall, and in 1851 moved to Iowa to make his home in the AVest. In 1854 he settled in Keokuk, where he engaged with Connable & Smith, wholesale grocers, for about three months. He then was em])loyed with Moody & Thompson, whole- sale boot and shoe merchants. Tliis firm dissolved and he remained in Mr. Moody's employ in the same house until 1863, when he became Mr. Moody's partner. In 1864 Mr. Mood3''s health failed, and Mr. Hambleton formed a partnership with H. C. Iluiskamp, who remained in the business until 1873, when Mr. li. sold liis 808 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. interests to Huiskamp & Brother. Mr. Hambleton, however, had removed across the river to Illinois in 1871. He was married in 1853 to Miss Maria E. Thompson, daughter of Rev. Aaron F. Thomp- son, a Presbyterian minister, now of Winchester, 111. This union has been blessed with 5 children, of whom 4 are living; viz., Clarence, Cora, Arthur and Helen. Mr. H. now resides in a large stone dwelling, on a beautiful eminence overlooking the Mississippi river and a portion of the city of Keokuk. He owns the Imperial Flouring Mills, of Keokuk, and also a large interest in the whole- sale grocery store of Collier, Robertson & Plambleton, in Keokuk, besides farming and raising stock to some extent. Daniel Hanson was born April 23, 1832, in Pickaway county, Ohio. He is a son of Daniel, Sr., and Barbara Hanson, natives of Virginia. He was brought to this county by his parents when young, and here he was reared to mature years. His educational advantages were limited, as he received but a common-school edu- cation. Mr. Hanson was married April 16, 1866, to Emma Hol- comb, by whom he has had 4 children; viz., Grace M., Minnie, DeWitt Clinton and Freddie. Mr. Hanson's father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father was a soldier in the Revolution- ary war. Mr. H. is a farmer on sec. 25; P. O., Elvaston, 111. David Honce was born in Monmouth county, N. J., Sept. 10, 1822. His parents were Hendrick and Elizabeth (Rogers) Honce, the latter deceased. Mr. Honce was raised on a farm, and was engaged some j'ears in the oyster traffic, a saloon and bakery. He was married in New Jersey, in 1857, to Miss Rachel Williams, by who7n he had 7 children; of these, 5 are living: Orval, Oliver, Wm. H., Sarah E. and Georgia M. He came to this county in 1861, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 15, in this tp. His son William lives in Colorado. William H. Honce, brother of the preceding, was born in Monmouth county, N. J., in July, 1820; was reared on a farm, educated in a common-school; was married Nov. 27, 1848, to Miss Sarah J. McBroom, daughter of Andrew and Jane McBroom. This union has been blessed with 7 children, of whom 6 are living; viz., Lydia J., Elizabeth, Alphia, Anna, Olive and William R. Mr. Honce removed to Adams county, 111., in 1851, and to this county in 1854. He resides on sec. 9, Montebello tp., and is en- gaged in farming and stock-raising. Harlow Hosford, sec. 10; P. O., Hamilton; was born in Brook- field, Ohio, March 26, 1824, and is a son of Truman and Elizabeth Hosford. He was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. He came to this county in 1835. He was married in 1850, to Miss Mary Wright, by whom he has 6 children; viz., Harris T., Anna E., Isaac N., Edwin W., Harriet O. and Mary J. Mr. Hosford was a soldier in the Mormon war, as were also his father and brother, participating in the battle at Nauvoo. Mr. Hosford is engaged in farming and stock-raising, on sec. 10, and owns 475 acres of valuable land. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 809 Henry Ikerd, deceased, was born in Lawrence count)', Indiana, Jan. 19, 1S06. lie was a son of John and Margaret Ikerd; was married Feb. 2, 1823, to Nancy Fish, by whom he has had 10 children; viz., David J., Sarah A., William V., ]\Ialinda C. (now Mrs. Head), Mary J. (now Mrs. Douglas), ]\[argaret E. (now Mrs. Ilorton), Henry L., Logan II., Mary L. (now Mrs. Stum])p). Mr. and Mrs. Ikerd came to this county in 1855, where they settled and resided until the union was broken by his death, Oct. 5, 1866. His wife is 3'Qt^ving, at the advanced age of 70. Aaron S.^^^Kingslcy^ deceased, was born April 21, 1807, in Genesee county, N. Y., and was a son of Solomon Kingsley (dec), of New York. " Solomon Kingsley was a farmer and a tanner, at both of which businesses our subject worked in early life. He received a com- mon-school education in New York. He went to Canada in 1834, where he became acquainted with Miss Cynthia M. Piggott, whom he married Dec. 24, 1838. She is a daughter of James Piggott, who removed from St. Louis, Mo., to Canada prior to the war of 1812. Mrs. Kingsley's grandfather, Captain James Piggott, of Revolutionary fame, was an early settler of St. Louis. He estab- lished a fort not far from the bluff in the American bottom, west of the present town of Columbia, in Monroe countj-^, 111., which was the largest fortification erected by the Americans in Illinois at that day; Captain Piggott was a native of Connecticut. His service in the Revolution w^as princi])ally under Generals Wash- ington and St. Clair. He died in 1799. Mr. and ALrs. Kingsley had 8 children, of whom 5 are living; viz., Virgil, Jennie (now Mrs. Augustus Bakeman), Anna (now Mrs. Geo. W. Richardson), Nellie (now Mrs. Geo. II. Edmundson) and Clara. The Kingsley family removed to this county in 1846. Mr. Kingsley taught school for two years after arriving here, and then was in the mercantile business for the period of two years. He then engaged in farming until his death, which occurred Feb. 4, 1878. He was a consistent Christian and worthy member of the M. E. Church for about 45 years, but was not connected with it at all times. Sarah D. Lawton^ eldest daughter of Rev. John Lawton, was one of the first sciiool ma'ms in the county. She came West with her father in 1834, and taught that year in Quincy; at Warsaw, 1835; at Montebello, 1835-'6; at Carthage, 1836, at Warsaw again, 1840-'l-'2, and at intervals thereafter, and at Hamilton, i860. She was married to Mr. Gregg of the Carthageiiian newspaper Nov. 10, 1836. Her father was a native of Massachusetts, and was a graduate of Middlebury College, Vt. He studied for the ministry while prin- cipal of an academy at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and was afterward settled for ten years as Pastor of a Congregational Church at Wind- ham, Yt., and subsequently at Hillsboro' Center, N. H. In 1834 Mr. L. was sent to supply destitute places in the West 810 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. bj the Presbyterian Board of Missions. Located at Carthage, he for a number of years preached in tliat coraninnitv and other sections of the coiintv, and assisted in organizing several Churches. While here he was mainly instrumental in procuring the charter for the Carthage Female Seminary (see page 435), and was appointed by the trustees to procure aid for it in the East. Going East, he soon afterward died there in April, 1S42, aged 62. His other children are: Joanna C. (now Mrs. Ebenzer Rand) who preceded her father "West, and taught school in Payson and at Yenus in 1S33; Abigail N. (the deceased wife of the late Frederic W. Symonds of Carthage), Jacob (now of Kansas), Harriet X. (Mrs. Lucius Parker, formerly of Carthage, now of Keokuk Junc- tion), John H. (of Plymouth), and Anne E. (wife of the murdered Lieut. F. E. Worrell, and widow of the late Dr. Hewitt, of Hanni- bal). Joh/ri A. Leas, foreman of the freight department of the T., P. & W. and W., St. L. & P. railroad, office at Keokuk. P. O., Hamilton, 111., was born June 22, ISoT, in Pennsylvania, a son of Francis and Sarah Leas. At 13 years of age he went out on the great theater of life to act for himself. .He spent most of his early manhood with a corps of civil engineers, assisting in the location of several railroads in Pennsylvania. In 1856 he came to Keokuk, and was for a while one of the city engineer corps, and afterward engaged in hotel business, in which he continued until 1S66, when he came to Hamilton and re-engaged in engineering. Aug. 85, 185S, he married Lydia A. Tully, and they have had one child, Charles H. In 1876 Mr. Leas went to his native home in Pennsylvania, and also spent some time at the "world-renowned" Exposition {i.e., Centennial). He has one brother (Thomas H.\ who is Quarter- master-General at West Point. His ancestors were long-lived people. His mother died in 1877, at 86, and his father some years ago, aged 62. John Jlatice, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Hamilton; is a son of Peter and Sarah Matice, and was born Jan. 1, 1834; was brought to this country by his parents in 1813. In 1859 he married Adelaide Allen. In Feb., 1865, he enlisted in the military service in Co. I, 166th Reg. Ill, Inf , and was discharged at the close of the war, having served eight months. He then returned home and resumed his former occupation. To Mr. and Mrs. Matice were born 6 chil- dren, 3 sons and 3 daughters. His father-in-law. Dr. A. Allen, was an early pioneer of this county and built the first mill in the county at the mouth of Allen's or Golden's creek, and ground the first corn that was ground in the county. His father was a soldier, both in the Revolutionary war and war of 1812. Wm. T. JIcLeUan was born April 16, 1835, in the town of Thomaston, Maine, and is a son of Thomas and Nancy McLellan, who brought their family to this count}- about 30 years ago. He was married Oct. 15, 1868, to Miss Mary R. Debitt, daughter of Wm. and Rosetta Debitt. Of their 4 children 3 are living; viz., HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Sll Arthur H., Edward E. and Willie D. Mr. McLellan is conductor on the "Wabash Railroad. Dr. D. C. Miller was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., inside of the entrenchments of the battle-ground of Bemis Heights, Sept. 26,1820. His parents were Newell and Matilda (Carter) Miller. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, and Troy Academy, at Troy, N. Y. At the age of 23 years he studied medicine, but feeling it his duty to engage in the ministry he went to Wisconsin in 1S4G, where he labored as a missionary in the em- ploy of the Free-Will Baptist Home Mission Society several years. He then labored for some time without any aid. from the mission- ary society. His labors while there were very great. He has ridden 50 miles and preached three sermons all in one day. He drove his team 5,582 miles in one year, besides traveling to some extent on cars and steamboat. He was married, June 17, 1847, to Miss Eliza Babcock, by whom he has had 9 children ; of these 5 are living; viz., Eugene A., Alvin A., D. Gay, Etfa and Harry T. Alvin and Eugene are married. Mr. Miller met with a severe accident in 1869, in this wise: While the train he was on was standing at a station about eight miles west of Madison,Wis., an extra (or ''wild") train came up behind and ran into this one, causing a fearful wreck. The Doctor practiced medicine some prior to leaving the ministry, but as his disability rendered him unable to preach, he has since devoted his entire attention to the practice of medicine, and has attained a good patronage. J*\ J. Potts, a native of New York, was born Aug. 23, 1816. When 16 years of age he entered the machine shops and spent five years in learning that trade. He came to this county in 1845, where he followed the same business. Mr. Potts was first married Feb. 15, 1840, to Mary J. Bredett, who died in 1843; he was again mar- ried in 1848 to Emily Bredett. She died in 1875. Mr. P. was married the third time Dec. 5, 1878, to Mary H. Smith. Sarmiel F. Pray., farmer and stock-dealer; P. O., Hamilton; was born in New Hampshire; was principally reared in Massachusetts. He spent two years of his early manhood in clerking in a dry-goods store; in 1842 came to this county and settled near Carthage. There he lived until 1858. Three years of this time was spent as diver in the Mississippi river seeking for wrecked boats. In 1850 he went to California, and returned in 1851. He has resided near Hamilton since 1858. Mr. Pray has been a stock-dealer and shipper for about 23 years. He owns a farm of 800 acres and a fine residence. He took an active part against the Mormons, was appointed com- mander of the '' Carthage Riflemen," and was at their head in the skirmish at Nauvoo, which lasted 2J hours: 14 of his men were wounded; but one proved fatal. Mr. Pray was married Nov. 26, 1849, to Frances J. Haggard. He is of English ancestry. His father had two brothers that fought in the Revolutionary war His progenitors were among the early settlers of America. 812 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. A. Ptmtenny is a native of Adams count}', O., where he was born Feb. 10, 1834:; is a son of John and Araminta Funtenny, both natives of Ohio. He came to Keokuk, la., with his grand- father in 1846, and lived with him till he was of age. In Febru- ary, 1865, he enlisted in the army, Co. K, 156th Regiment, 111. Inft., under Colonel A. F. Smith; was mustered 'out Sept. 15, 1865, and the 28th of the same month he was discharged and returned home. He was married Feb. 16, 1861, to Isabella Kerr. They have had 5 children, 4 are living — 3 sons and 1 daughter- His occupation is farming; P. O., Elvaston. Malachi Richardson was born in Bucks county, Pa., Jan. 28, 1802, and is a son of Clement and Catharine (Baker) Richardson (dec). He was raised on a farm until 16 years old. He engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods in the town of Butler. JPa., for lifteen years; removed to Cincinnati, O., in 1839, where he engaged in silver-plating with a brother-in-law for about ten years. He then removed to Hamilton, O., and again engaged in the woolen business, which he carried on for about eight or nine years. He came to Keokuk, la., about the year 1855, and to this county in 1857. While in Keokuk, he owned a farm near that place. He has been married three times, and is the father of 11 children. He was married to his first wife, Miss Sarah Patterson, x\pr. 1, 1823, in Butler, Pa.; to his second wife. Miss Margaret Finney, Sept. 30, 1852; and to his present wife, Mary A. Campbell, Dec. 27, 1864. His children are, Elizabeth A., Catharine J., Sarah F., Mary A.. Susan P., James C, Selina E., John N. (dec), Wm. B., Malachi H. and Loyal C. The last named died while in the service during the late war. James C. is President of the Halderman Paper Mills, of Cincin- nati, O.; Malachi is a member of the firm of Stephens & Co., gro- cers, on Fourth street, Cincinnati, O.; Wm. B. is Government Ganger of Liquors at Cincinnati, O.; Elizabeth is now Mrs. Rev. Henry Allen, of Jersey City, N. J.; Catharine is Mrs. David Combs, of Indiana; Sarah is Mrs. Robert French, of St. Louis, Mo.; Mary is Mrs. R. B. French, of Cincinnati, O.; Susan, widow Combs, of Clinton county, Ind.; Selina, Mrs. John Monroe, of Chicago, 111. Our subject resides in section 24, Montebello. Dr. E. B. Ringland was born in Washington county, Pa., Jan. 4, 1845. and is a son of Newton and Jane Ringland, also natives of Pennsylvania. He is a grandson of Colonel Thomas Ringland, who was Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Pennsyl- vania Legislature two terms. Our subject received a common-school education in his native county, and received a medical education in Dr. Trail's Hygeio- Theraputic College, near Philadelphia, Pa. He is also a graduate of the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons. He married Miss Sallie E. Weir, in May, 1869, and opened the Riverside Health Institution in 1871; since that time he spent ^^;m DURHAM , TP. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, 815 two years with Dr. Paul Caster, of Ottiiinwa, la., using bis cele- brated Swedish movements in Caster's establishment. He reopened the Riverside Institute in 1878, and has secured the ser- vices of Dr. Dodge, the noted magnetic pln^sician. Hundreds of cases of paralysis, rheumatism, deformities, epilepsy, etc., have been speedily cured at Riverside by the combined influences of his magnetic power, Dr. Ringland's Swedish movements, and the water cure. Dr. Ringland was two years and a lialf in the late war. He enlisted in the medical department, and was promoted to Second Lieutenant. Thomas Buggies was born December 13, 1825, in Davis county, Indiana, and is a son of Jacob and Henrietta (McDonald) Ruggles, natives of Kentucky. He was reared on a farm and received a limited education in an old log school-house in his native State. He has since that time educated himself by his own exertions, and afterward became an attorney at law. He obtained law books of his uncle, David McDonald, who was afterward appointed LI. S. District Judge by Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Ruggles came to this county in 1848, where he engaged in farming a few years ; and then engaged in the mercantile business for several years, with a Mr. Allen. He has served as Justice of the Peace for 12 years, and was Supervisor several terms, and was one of the first Trustees of the town of Hamilton. He was married in 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Waller, by whom he had 4 children ; only one is living; viz., Kate. Mrs. Ruggles died in 1857, and Mr. R. again married, in 1858, this time to Miss Hannah Q. Choate, by whom he had 6 children ; 4 of these are living; viz., Thomas G., Clara, Edmond and Leon. Mrs. R. died in 1872, and Mr. R. married his third wife in 1874, Mrs. Anna B. Mason. Mr. Ruggles came to Illinois alone and on horseback, being attracted here by the reports of Mormon troubles. He is now an attorney at law. Stephen F. Safford and Louisa Hunt, the former born at New Ipswich, Mass., July 7, 1809, the latter at Peterborough, N.H., Oct. 11, 1812, were married May 17, 1836, settling in Quincy, 111., where Mr. Safford had located when he emigrated to the West, in 1832. They resided in this county until the fall of 1856, when they re- moved to Hamilton, Hancock county, 111. The first few years of their Western life were devoted to teaching school, after which they became the owners of a small farm, and from this beginning, by prudence, industry and perseverance, grew to become the owners of a comfortable estate free from an}' dishonorable stain. Always active in religious, philanthropic and educational work, they did much for the best interests of Hamilton, and the death of Mr. Safford, Jan. 7, 1860, deprived the community of an earnest worker and public-spirited citizen. The writer of his obituary says : " He was universally esteemed for his rectitude and strict integrity in his dealings and intercourse with his fellow-men. He had a deep and abiding reverence for the practical excellencies of the Christian religion, and ever seemed prompt to evince it by his ready 47 816 HISTORY OF HA2fC0CK COU>TT. snccor of the needy and distressed, and kind and obliging conduct to all. Xaturally of reflective mood and with a large share of practical sense, he attached more importance to the substance of things than the form, which made him, though not an ultraist in opinion, more than commonly liberal and tolerant. Though not obtrusive of his views, he was an independent thinker and spoke his convic- tions with freedom and decision." He was early interested in the cause of the colored race, and more than once imperiled his life by his protection of fugitive slaves. Atter his death Mrs. Safl:brd remained on the home farm, devoting herself to the care of their children and the management of the estate, until the spring of 1574. when she moved into a pleasant home in the village of Oakwood. where she now resides. Of 7 children 5 are now living, 3 sons and '2 daughters. .S. J^. Simpson is a native of Cayuga county, Ohio, and was born Jan. 5, 1S23. His parents were Sylvanus L. and Susannah (Harrington* Simpson. He was reared on a farm, and educated in a common school. In ISoO he married Miss Sarah X. Eeed. by whom he has 3 children : viz., S. Ensign, Cassius A. and Empire L. He came to this coimty in the autumn of 1S61, and settled on sec. S. Montebello tp., where he still resides, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. His grandfather, Alexander Simpson, was a soldier in the Revolution, and his father served in the war of 1S12. Mr. Simpson went overland to California in 1S53 : from there to Mexico, and returned by ship in 1S57. While in Mexico he was taken prisoner by the Mexicans, but they were compelled to release hira. Gen. Bohert J'\ Smith. — This gentleman was born in Phila- delphia, Pa., Augpst '2. 1S06, and is a son of John and Mary (Pay- mond) Smith, natives of London. Eng. : was reared and educated in his native city, where he learned the harness and saddlery trade; he came to this county in the spring of 1S33, but returned the follow- ing autumn; June 19. 1S34. he married Miss Amanda Benton, and came back to this county. Their 14: children are all living; namely. Emma. Louisa. John. George. Pobert, Henry. Mary H.. Clara D.. Franklin W., Annette, Edward H., Alexander S., Eleanor S. and Cora. Mr. Smith was an oflicer in the Mormon war, and was wounded in the neck at the battle of Xauvoo; he also served with distinction in the late war. enlisting in Co. G, 16th 111. Vol. Inf., in 1S61, of which Co. he was made Captain; he was soon al'terward commissioned Colonel; he took part in the battles of 2s ew Madrid, Island Xo. 10. Tiptonville, Corinth, the bombardment of Fort Pillow and others, and was in reserve at Stone River. His regiment was ordered to Northwestern Missouri to protect the transportation line, where it remained during lS61-'2. The Colonel became disabled by the bursting of a torpedo, and lett the command when at Atlanta. Ga., but joined it again in about three months and remained in the service until the close of the war. He was bre- veted Brigadier General. He is now farming and raising stock, residing on sec. 27, this tp. P. O.. Hamilton. HISTORY OF BULXCOOK COUXTT. S17 Samuel Staeie (deceased^. one of the pioneers of this county, wa* a native of Hillsborough county. X. H.. born Sept. 1. 1796. He was reared in his native State, educated in a Xew Hampshire academy, and in alter years followed school-teaching to a consider- able extent. He came to this county in 1S30. when but few settle- ments were made; he was a soldier of the band of "rangers" during the Black Hawk war. He was quite active in the expulsion of the Mormons, main- tained the right of executive power, and aided in carrying it out against those unchristianized, troublesome people. He was Justice of the Peace for 2S years, and also Assessor for sereral terms. Dec. 25. 1S32, he married Jane Cochran. He was a farmer and lived in peace with all his neiorhbors. He died Xov. 30. 1S61: his wife is vet living, at a very avlvanced age. George Torher was born in Germany. May 16. 1S22. and is a son of John and Sophia Torber. He was educated in the high school at Farchin. Mechlen burgh, Germany; came to Xew Tork in 1S47, where he engaged in the manufacture of pianos for four years; then went to Louisville. Ky., where he remained until 1S56. when he removed to Tennessee. In 1560 he emigrated to Ohio, locating in Toledo in 1561. He came to this county in 1S7S. and engaged in the I'urnirure and undertaker's business in Hamilton, in company with Chas. Dregeer. They also deal in the Palace organ, which is a "^-ery fine instrument, both in finish and in quality of tone. Mr. Torber was married, in 1S52. to Miss Margaret Kachelman, y whom he has had 9 children : of these, i are living, \\z., Augusta, Emma. George and Edward. Albert Urtoiu son of Burr and Mary Urton. of Prairie tp.. was born Sept. 12, 1S56, in Ohio. His parents brought him to Peoria count}-. 111., in 1S56 or 1S57. where they remained until 1566. then removed to this county. Our subject was married, Jan. 7, ISSO, to Miss Emma J. Benson, daughter of Wm. Benson, of Mendon, Adams county. 111. Mr. Urton is a farmer and resides on section 35, Montebello tp., on a very beautiful and fertile tract of land. His future prospects are bright, for his energy and diligence will crown him with success. A. Vjnaen7ian, farmer, etc^ sec. 22; P.O.. Hamilton. 111.; was K^rn in Xew Tork, March 24. 1523; is a son of Abram and Christina Vanaerman. He received but an ordinary education; came to this county in the fall of 1554. and has since resided within its limits. In 1561 he enlisted as a soldier in Co. A, 1st Reg. Iowa Cavsdry (an independent resiment"); participated in the following skirmishes: Prairie Grove, Boonville, and Bice Mertra; at the last named place he was shot through the wrist, which disabled him, and he returned home, Aug. 6, 1564, having served three years. He was married. May 2. 1546. to Susan "Ward well, by whom he has had 4 children: viz., Geo. M., Chas. IL.Wm. B. and Ranson D. li. M. Wilson, farmer, sec. 9: P.O., Hamilton : is a native of Ohio, and was born April 16, 1S41. His parents, Robert and Mary Wilson, 818 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. were natives of Penn. He was reared in his native State and received but a common-school education. He came to this county in 1S71 and has since resided here. He was married, Dec. 1. 1870, to Marv A. Buchanan, and their 2 children are Mary E. and Flora B. Mr. W. owns a farm of 160 acres in sees. 4 and 9. OFFICIALS. The following is a list of the Supervisors. Clerks, Assessors and Collectors that have served in this township since its organization, with the years in which their respective terms began. ?UPEEVIS0RS. Robert F. Smith 1S50 Samuel Steele l8o-2 Robt. F. Smith 1853 Thomas Ru^des 1858 Thos. McLelfan 1859 Ephraim Gnibb 1861 Thos. McLellao 1862 Wm. O. Stmford 1863 Thomas Ruggles 1865 William Stewart 1866 Thomas Rueeles 1867 Jonathan MTBerrv 1868 James Reynolds ISTO Jonathan M. Berry 1871 Thomas Ruggles. .' 1872 David Hanson 1874 Ebenezer D. Crouch 1875 Sylvester L. Comer 1876 flenrv C. Hanson 1877 CLERKS. Gideon Alkire 18-55 Samuel Gordon 1858 D. W. C. Harris 1863 Francis J. Russell 1865 Samuel Gordon 1866 TVm. O. Sanford 1874 Georse D. Savller 1875 S. P. Hubbard 1876 George D. Savller 1877 Frank C Crane 1878 Marshall B. Lane 1S80 ASSESSORS. Enoch D. Brown 1858 A. L.Miller 1859 Benj amin J. "Welch 1860 Thomas Gre 2:2 1861 E. C. A. Cushman 1862 Edward Law 1863 Edward F. Humphrey 1864 Henry R. Dickinson.'. 1866 J. C. Paxton 1867 Cyrus H. Wright 1870 Henrv R. Dickinson 1871 J. R.'MarshaU 1872 O. J. Lormg 1874 James Burchard 1875 Henrv R. Dickinson 1876 W. L" Guthrie 1879-18S0 COLLECTORS. Samuel Grordon 1855 William H. Githens 1858 Thomas Reid 1>^59 Enoch D. Brown 1860 E. C. A. Cushman 1861 Thomas Reid 1862 Horace J. Mack 1863 Thomas J. Potts 1865 P. K. Tuttle 1866 7ahn R. Marshall 186S John McClauchry 1870 John R. Marshall 1871 James E. Morrison 1872 William C. Peake 1874 Edgar Stewart 1875 David ^uter 1876 Ezra H. Stuart 1877 David Suter 1878 Albert E. Connable 1879 Edward Grubb 1880 FOrSTATN' GREEN' TOWNSHIP. The beautiful Tillage with fanciftil name gave title to to\raship 6 n, 5 w. It is agreeably diversified with woodland and prairie, and about evenly divided. Its timbered and broken lands lie along the several branches of Crooked creek. The village of Fountain Green was laid out in 1S35. by Jabez A. Beebe and Stephen G. Ferris, two of its early and enterprising settlers. The township also contains the town of Webster. This was originally a Mormon town, laid out in 1510 by "Wm. "Wight- man, and called Eamus, or Macedonia. Al'ter they left, its name was changed to Webster. Its p<:»pulation in 1^4:5 had reached ab.:»ut 000, mostly Mormons. The villages are only about a mile apart; the first is much better built than the latter, and seems to be in a more fiourishing condition. This township now contains a large number of excellent and well-improved farms and substantial farmers, many of them descendants of early settlers who have passed away. A few of them are yet remaining, their heads whitened by the frosts of many winters. The earliest settler in the township is supposed to have been Ute Perkins, who came in 1S26. The next was John Brewer, in 1"?27: followed by Abram. James and Mordecai Lincoln. Benjamin Mudd. John Day, Andrew and Pittillo Perkins and Wm. Saylors, all in or about 1530. Then Wm. Dufi'. Jabez Ll. Beebe and Jona- than Prior, 1531: Stephen G. Ferris. 1532: Amos Hobart, 1533; Wm. Allton, 1534: Jarv White, 1^35: Martin Hopkins, 1S36; Col. Thomas Geides, 1536: David Allton, 1536. James Lincoln was the first Justice of the Peace in the town- ship, from 1532 to 1536. From his docket, still extant, in the hands of L. Vandvne, Esq.. of Webster, we obtain the following additional names, either as parties in cases or jurymen: William Pobertson, Eben Wiggins. James Gray, Edward Farley, William Shipley, G^c»rge W. Howard, John Secrist, John Massingall, Nich- olas Jarvis. Leney Bloyd. Edward Shipley. Ira Gridley. Samuel Prentice, Evan Martin, John Shelton. Jacob Cofiman, Jacob Clark, Thomas Whitaker, Samuel Brown. Daniel Prentis and Anson Hobart, Charles Hungate succeeded to the dtx-ket in 1536. On the tombstones in the Fountam Green cemetery we find the following: (819) S20 HISTOET OF HA^'COCE. COr^fTT. Died. Affed. Died. Aeed. Stephen P. Freeman 1S60 "70 Stephen H.'Tvler. Jr iSoo "-43 Wm. Bullock 1S72 t>5 Hannah Tyler 1ST4 84 James Westfall ISoS 50 Eunice Ferris 1S60 72 Jar.- White 1S44 57 Thomas Callihan 1S63 S3 Lucena White 1S64 74 Marearet Callihan 1S69 SO Basil Wriirht lS6o 56 Jared Prentis 1S57 53 Matt, furrv 1S64 46 John Campbell iSoS 54 3Iatt. Currv 1S70 SS James Campbell 1S77 71 Matt. Currv 1S76 73 Jabez A. Beebe 1S71 83 Stephen H." Tyler. Sr 1S71 85 Some of the foregoing were very probably residents of other townships, and some may not have been among the pioneers. The first child born in the township is said to have been Thomas J. Brewer, son of John Brewer, in 1S29: the second, James Day, son of John Day. August. 1S31; and third (perhaps second, date not obtained ». Alexander Saviors, also in 1S31, son of "William Saylors. The first death was that of Pittillo Perkins. Sept. 15, 1S34. who died from the efiects of poisonous herbs taken for the ague. "Wm. Dufl' died 1S3T, killed by a limb falling on him from a tree. The Perkinses joined the Mormons at Pamus, and went with them to Salt Lake. Andrew Perkins was a County Commissioner at the time, and left his seat vacant. The Lincoln brothers were from Kentucky, and were cousins to President Lincoln. They were connected by marriage with Day and Mudd. The latter left years ago for Missouri. All three are deceased years ago; Mordecai.the latest, in 1S66. He had lived a Bachelor. David Alton was born in Connecticut about the year 17S6, and was married to Lucy Farwell. a native of Vermont. Mr. A. died at Fountain Green about 1S50. aged 64 years. Mrs. Alton survived him till the month of May. ISSO. when she passed away, at the ad- vanced age of 9-'. A postoffice was established two years before the town was laid out, in 1S33. and Jabez A. Beebe appointed Postmaster. The first regular school-teacher is supposed to have been Judge John M. Ferris, son of S. G. Ferris, and now of Carthage. The first school house was erected about lS3t3. Mr. Beebe was a Xew Yorker, born July 1, 17S9; came to Fort Edwards previous to deep snow, and wintered on the Aldrich place in the vicinity; in the spring settled in Fountain Green, where he died July 2, 1S71, aged S2. Who was first to open store in the village we are not advised; but Martin Hopkins t^at present living there). Mathew McClaughry and Stephen H. Tyler, junior, carried on general merchandising busi- ness there as a firm for many years. They were all prominent and much respected men in the counnunity. Wm. Saylors was l>orn in Tennessee about 1S02. came to Foun- tain Green with the Perkinses in 1S30; died in 1S50. agei.i 4S. John Brewer was a Kentuckian. died about 1S52: was out in a campaign in the Black Hawk war. HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 821 Hickerson "Wright, born in Virginia, 1791; came to the county in 1S33; died, January, 1S77. Jary White, Sr., was born in "Wales about 1790; came to America in ISll, and settled in Fountain Green in 1S35; his death occurred September S, 1S41:; aged 57. John Day, born in Kentucky, 1796; came to Hancock in 1830; date of his death not given; Mrs. D. still living at an advanced age. Daniel Prentis, still living in the village, was a native of Vermont, son of a Revolutionary soldier, and was born in 1799; came to Fountain Green and settled in 1S33; was engaged in merchandis- ing in Carthage about 1835, and under the wild scheme of internal improvements had a contract with the State for grading a portion of the Warsaw cS: Peoria Railroad, in 1838-'9. "Prentis' Shanty," on the line of said road, M'as for years a well-known landmark. KELTGIOUS PROGRESS. Revs. Abell, Logan and Lawton are remembered as among the earliest gospel ministers in Fountain Green. There were a num- ber of Catholic families in the neighborhood, and a Catholic So- ciety was organized at an early day, and a house of worship erected about the year 1838. The organization was kept up but for a few years, when the edilice was sold. This organization was etfected through the instrumentality of Rev. Mr. St. Cyr. Of the several Churches in Fountain Green we have only been able to procure the history of the Presbyterian, for which we are indebted to Rev. Thomas M. Walker, its Pastor. The Presb3'terian Church of Fountain Green was organized Nov. 27, 1840. by a committee of the Presbytery of Schuyler (O. S.), consisting of Revs. Wm. Stewart and James M. Chase, of Macomb, in the district school-house in the village. Members enrolled: Thomas Geddes, Susan Geddes, James McConnell, Margaret McConnell, Martha McConnell, Samuel Glass, Rachel Glass. Jane Seal, Wm. Foy, Ruth Foy, Irene Foy, and Mary McClaughry; Thomas Geddes and James McConnell, Elders. The congregation was supplied by the before-named ministers till the summer of 1849; then for nearly two years by Rev. Ralph Harris, residing in Carthage; afterward by Rev. Joseph Worrell, of Chili. In June, 1^52, an invitation was extended to Rev. Thomas M. Walker to become the stated supply, and in 1853 he was regularly installed Pastor of the Church, and from that time to the present (1880), he has, almost without interruption, ministered to this congregation. Other Elders: Aug., 1852, James Blair, John M. Walker and James Miller; March, 1855, James Campbell and John McClaughry; Oct., 1874, Solomon Kions, Joseph Spangler and Cyrus M. Geddes. The present session consists of Thomas Geddes, John M. '\Valker, Joseph Spangler and Cyrus Geddes. A neat and commodious house of worship was erected in 1851, costing about $1,000. In 1872 this property was disposed of to 822 HISTOKT OF HANCOCK COUNTY. the M. E. Church, and the new one now occupied, erected at a cost of about $6,000. This is a neat and handsome church, 34 by 62 feet, with a full-size basement, all suitably furnished. This Church has enjoyed at least an ordinary degree of prosperity. In the winter of 1873 an extensive revival of religion added about forty to the number of its membership; and again, in 1875, seven- teen more were added by profession of faith. But while there have been additions, there have also been losses by almost contin- ual emigration to the West, so that this Church has stood in the relation of a feeder to many newer congregations in the localities beyond the Mississippi, and to some nearer home. There were 115 reported as members in the spring of 1879. BIOGEAPHIES. As personal sketches are the most interesting and important part of the history of a community, we give a number of them here: William Allton was born in Lewis county, N. Y., in 1811. He is of a family of 11 children, 7 of whom are living. The father, David Allton, was of English descent; was a farmer by occupation; emigrated to Western N. Y. in 1820, and in 1836, to this State, settling in Fountain Green tp. He died in 1848, 65 years of age. The mother, who died recently, at the advanced age of 91, was also of English descent and a native of the same State. The oldest daughter, Salona, the wife of Conrad Cratzenburg, died in this county in 1854. David F., the elder brother, was married in New York; emigrated to this State in 1834, and died in 1871, leaving a widow and 8 children. Lucy, the oldest sister, is the wife of Cyrus Kyes, of New York. Betsey, wife of Henry E. Vro- man, emigrated to this State in 1834; her husband dying, she married Clement Logston, of Macomb, who died in ] 866. W. S., N. A., Elliott and Miles, are farmers of this county. Miles died a soldier before Yicksbnrg, in 1865. William, the subject of this sketch, the third in age, in early life a farmer, emigrated to Rushro in 1833; was educated in the common schools. He was married in 1840, to Mary A. Gibson, who, with one child, died in 1843. He then came West to Indiana, where he was engaged for a time in merchandising at Crown Point. Here he remained eleven years, returning in 1854 to New York, and settled as a farmer. In 1860 he came to Knox county, near Galesburg, where he engaged in farming. He was married again, to Sarah Meredith, who became the mother of one child, Wm. B., who died with his mother in 1866. He was married again in 1874, to Miss Maggie Fitch, of New York, with whom, and their sweet little girl Lillie, he is now enjoying the greatest blessings of a domestic lite. Mr. A. resides within a quarter of a mile of the . village of Fountain Green, where he settled on a farm of 80 acres, in section 33, also 40 of timber. His neat and commodious /70^l-L->^' iifc- SON RA TP. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 825 residence stands upon a rise of ground so as to give him a view of the surrounding country to be seen in no other part of the tp. Mr. A. has never been before the people as a candidate for office, but from his extensive library, and his genial, social qualities, he would not be an unfit servant for any position in which his friends might place him. Richard Bmnden was born in Adams county. Pa., in 1S09, and died at the age of 4.5, near Iowa City. He was an early settler of this tp., and the father of a family of 11 children, 6 of whom are living. The mother, whose maiden name was Mary M. Favorite, of the same nativity, and of French-German descent, is living, at this writing, in good health, and enjoying a happy life at the old homestead. The family came from Ohio to McDonough county in 1839, and in '46 to the farm now occupied by Mrs. B., on sec. 15, consisting of 160 acres. The oldest daughter, Teresene, is the widow of Daniel Kimport, of Pa. She now resides in Macomb. James F., now a widower, is salesman for the McCormick Reaper Company. He has 3 little children — Ernest, Richard B. and Myrt Mabel. Lizzie, the third in the family, is the wife of Robert Geddes, a farmer of this township. Richard B. died in the late war. Edward E. died in infancy. Mary A. died near the date of the father's death, at the age of seven. Elias M. (wife, Susan Hay) has one child, Bessie. Julia F. is the wife of John Miller. Edward B. is now carrj'ing on the farm with his mother. George was born in McDonough county in 1842. His early experience was on the farm and in the common schools. He was married in 1871 to Miss Laura Geddes, daughter of Col. Geddes, a lady devoted not only to her husband and children, but to her Christian work. Mr. B. has a family of 2 sons and one daughter — Maud, Royle and Robert G. The Branden family are Presbyterian in religious faith and Repub- lican in political principles. George was with the memorable 118th under Col. Fonda; was gone three years, and was discharged when the war -was over. He moved to his farm in 1871, and in 1876 built the neat residence which may be seen three-fourths of a mile south of Fountain Green. George is a wide-awake citizen, and from his movements does not intend to rest complacently and see the world drive unless he is one of the drivers. John Bullock was born in Western Canada in 1819, his father emigrating from Scotland a short time before. Mr. B. is of a family of 8 sons and 4 daughters. Five of the sons came to this county. John came in 1853, ten years after his brother William, who is reckoned among the early and most progressive settlers. His father and mother died at an advanced age, at their old home in Canada. John stayed with his father until he was 26 years of age, when ho began farming on his own hook. He was married in 1834, to Miss Jennet Anderson, a Scotch lady of refined taste and manners. She is now the mother of 8 living children — Margaret, the wife of A. M. Cratzenburg; Tiiomas, Gilbert, John, Jennet, William and Mary (twins) and Gracie, the youngest. 826 mSTOKT OF HAXCOCK COrXTT, Mr. B., learning of the agricultural features of this country, and being a farmer, came here for the purpose of staying. He makes wheat'^raising a specialty, and considers it as sure as any other crop. He owns :^60 acres of good land on sec. 16, all in cultivation or pasture. Himself and lady have been members of the Christian Church for 16 years. Mr. B. is not a Radical in politics, and the treatment a stranger receives at the hands of the family is indica- tive of their generous Scotch hospitality. WiUiajn BulIocl\t'AtheT of John H.. was born in Glasgow. Scot- land, in ISOT; came to Canada in ISIS with his parents, settling at Lanark, in Lanark county. He was married about 1S30, to Miss Christina McDougal. a Highland Scotch lady. His children were all born in Canada, namely. Catharine. Thomas A., John H.. An- drew E. and James S. Mr. B. came to Hancock county in 184:2, and resided in Fountain Green tp. until his death, June 23, IS 72. His wife died May 24, 1845. Two of Mr. B."s sons were in our last war. Thomas A., a member of Co. A, llSth 111. Vol. Inf., and John H. in Co. G. 2d 111. Cav. The company was raised by Col. B. F. Marsh, as good a commander as ever drew a saber. Thomas CamphtJl was born in Franklin county. Fa., in 1805. His father, of the same name and nativity, died at his old home at the age of &^. Mr. C. was of a family of 2 sisters and 8 brothers. His mother, whose maiden name was Isabel Elder, was buried be- side his father in 1S16. He began to learn the hatter's trade, after- ward taking an interest in the business, and carried on the factory for 39 years. He was married at the age of 22 to Margaret Camp- bell, of the same county and State, daughter of John Campbell. Mr. C. and lady have raised a family of 9 children. 2 sons and T daughters, who are scattered from Eastern Pennsylvania to West- ern Kansas. Henrietta is with her pai-ents. Mr. Campbell emigrated to this State in 1S53. settling in this tp. directly south of the village of Fountain Green, where he purchased a farm of SO acres; built a commodious residence, and after occupy- ing it for nearly 20 years, he engaged for a short time in mer- chandising. He is now living a retired life in the attractive little \illage of " The Green." Mr. C . was a Whig before the war and has been a Eepublican since. He sacrificed one son. John "W., in the memorable trials before Yicksburg ou Black river. Mr. C. and family are con- nected with the Presbyterian Church, and are among the faithful ones who have preserved the fair name of their little village from being tarnished by intemperance. John 2f. J. Cox\^A& born in Breckenridge county. Ky.. in 1S20. He was the 3d in a family of 6 children: Benjamin and Elizabeth, the father and mother. The lather was born in Westminster county. Pa., in 1774. The mother, whose maiden name was Mid- cap, was a Virginian by birth. Mr. Cox was a farmer in early life, receiving the merest benefits of the subscription schools, traveling four miles to procure what he did. He has one sister in HISTORY OF HA2fC0CK COrXTT. S27 this tp., the wife of George McElvain. After spending a few years on the farm with his father, he began teaching, and followed that business during the winter terms for eight or ten years. He was married to !Miss Elizabeth E. "Welch, the daughter of James Welch, an earlv settler of this county. Tliey have no children. In 1S72 Mr. Cox purchased an interest in the store run by Riley cfe Wright in IS 73. but sold out to Smith »\: Booze. In the spring of 1S76 he engaged in business with John B. "Welch, who went "West in 1S7S. fie then moved the goods to where he now holds forth in the village of "Webster, doing a general merchandising business. He was appointed Postmaster in 1S76. which position he now holds. Mr. C. has held the office of Justice o^ the Peace 20 years. He is a sound Republican and a genial friend; this, with the pleasant address of his lady (which is a characteristic of the "Welch tamily\ cause all to feel comfortable in their presence. Br/ijamin Crabill was born in Shenandoah county. "Va..in 1S15. His father, John C, of German descent, died at the advanced age of 91. His mother died in Ohio, nearly 70 years of age. where the family had emigrated a few years before. Mr. C.'s school days were like the Irishman's potatoes, few and far between. He was married in Ohio in 1S36. to Angeliue Steinburger, whose parents were natives of Virginia. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and died Jan. 1, ISSO. Had raised a family of 7 children. as follows: John H., Olander, "William. Joseph R., Lizzie. Louis and Lucinda. Lizzie died at the age of 33. Mr. C. came to this county in 1S49. and settled on sec. 5. where he now has 2S0 acres of land well improved, on which he built a large and commodious brick building in 1S5S. John H.. the eldest of the family, remained with his father in early life, and was married in 1S61 to Miss Pru- dence Typton, daughter of John Typtou. of Macomb, formerly from Ohio. After wandering for a few years in Iowa and elsewhere he finally took charge of the old homestead, where he has since resided. The father, now being relieved of the cares of the fai-m, enjoys his declining days with a happy group of grandchildren, S in number: Ida "\V.,Ella A.. Benjamin, Emma L., John F.. Mary E., Jane A. and Freddie W. The family, one and all, know how to dispense kindness and hospitality, making the Crabill residence assume the character of the stranger's home. JTorns Crumj), M.D... is the *on of Wm. Crump, a native of Chel- ton. Eng.,aud formerly editor and proprietor of the Chelton Jlorning Chronicle; emigrating to Philadelphia in 1S36, he became editor- in-chief of the Penn-yyJvania £n T children, all of whom lived to be men and women. The elder i son, ^STorton, built the tirst mill in this county, run by Wilcox *fe } Co., at AVarsaw, in 1S34. Mr. Jacob has been a farmer during his ! past life, and was married in New York, to Minerva Ostrander, of i Saratoga county. She is of German descent, and the mother of 5 | sons a^id 4 daughters — Margaret A., a milliner, of La Harpe; i Abraham, Mary,^^rarvin, Emma, Elisha P., Eliza J., Prosper H. i and Stephen. Two of the above are at home; two are dead.* Eliza, j after teachincj four years, died a few months since with consump- tion, contracted by exposure. Mr. Jacob is one of the old pioneers I of this county, but took no part in the Mormon war. | Wellington Jenney was born in "Wheeling, AV. Ya., May li, j 1S20. He is of large stature, weighs 240 lbs., and bears a dignified yet unassuming appearance. He emigrated to this county. Bur- ham tp.. in ISGO; after remaining 6 years he removed to where he | now resides in this tp.. on sec. 7. His father, Andrew Jenney, I was a native of Massachusetts, of English descent, and was in early I life a farmer, later a sailor and river captain, running the first \ steamboat that was ever run up the AYibash river. He died in j West Yiro-inia. after a few years of retired life, at the age of 02. Mr. Jennev's mother, whose maiden name was Eliza Oopeland, was a native of Massachusetts, and of English-German descent. She died in Marshall county, Ya. AYellington, her only son, was married to Sai-ah Wayt, and by her has 7 children living, — Annie, Eliza, Charles, a teacher by profession. Ella AY., William. Laura and Perry L., a youth at home. Mr. Jenney, when a boy of 19, began life at his own risk as a teacher, and afterward became a farmer. He represented his dis- trict in Virginia, in 1 849-' 50, as a member of the General Assem- blv; was sent from this county to Illinois Legislature in 1876. He also served as Supervisor from this and Durham tps., for six vears. He is now living with his second wife, a kind and loving mother and a worthy member of the M. E. Church. After passing through the financial disaster of four years ago, which shook the faith of so many farmers of this community, he is now adoat with the following real estate: 80 acres in Kock Creek tp., well improved, and a home farm of 80 acres, where he novv resides. Mr. Jennev deals no longer in the uncertainty of politics, but is contented with the domestic endearments of a home life. John W. Lionlerger was born in Page county, Yirginia. and emicrrated with his father to this county in 1S35, finally settling^ on s'ec. 12 of Pilot Grove tp.; his father. Joseph Lionberger, was of German descent, also a native of Yirginia; he was a farmer by oc- cupation, but built the first saw and grist mill in the township, on HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 851 Crooked creek, in 1838. He made this the chief care of his busi- ness life, but was also engaged in merchandising with a man bv the name of Grove, in LaHarpe. After raising a large family, died at 74 years of age, and was buried in the Andrews Cemetery, January 15 1868. His mother's maiden name was Esther Burner, and she was of German-English descent, a Calvinistic Baptist by faith, and a native of Virginia; she died nearly 72 years of age, and is buried be- side her husband. She was the mother of 7 children, 4 sons and 3 daughters. J. W. is the youngest living son, and resides now on the old home farm ; though quite young at the time he took an active part in the Mormon difficulty, being one of the Artillery Corps of gun number two; he was among those who bid the un- fortunate Brighamites a last farewell at Nauvoo, as they took their departure for Zion. Mr. L. was the recipient of instruction such as the common schools of 1844 afforded, but he did not stop w^ith this; by faithful practice he gained a fair business education. He was married in 1850 to Philena Roberts, a native of New York, and of Scotch-English blood; she is the mother of 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters. The eldest, Mary, is the wife of W. A. Pickernell, a farmer of this tp.; Edward, Clara, Robert and John are still under the parental roof. Mr. L. has been tortured with the official honors of his tp., all the way from Supervisor up to School Director, and is still suffering a like oppression. He was the founder of the little village of LaCrosse, and was tlie first Postmaster, in 1868; he has been actively engaged as a grain and stock shipper for several years past, and makes it still his chief care. He has been remarkably successful in his business operations, as a census of his estate will show. Home farm, 200 acres; timber, 180. and SO acres on sec. 10. Mr. L. is a hard worker and takes special care that none with whom he comes in contact escape his genial hospitality. 'Miles B. Mann was born in Buffalo, X. Y., in 1813; his father, Nathan Mann, a native of Massachusetts and a mechanic by occu- pation, died soon after settling in New York. His mother, whose maiden name was Cynthia Blakely, was of English descent, a Methodist by faith, and died in Wisconsin in 1872, at 81 years of age. Mr. M., now 67 years of age, has two brothers and two sisters living, at last accounts. He emigrated to this county in 1839, and was employed for a time with Streets d: Bro., then doing an exten- sive merchandising business in Carthage; during the time he was married (1842) to Amanda Hamilton, who was born in Ohio, and of German origin; she is the mother of 9 children, only 3 of whom are now living: Delia M. is the wife of Charles Hy^lop, a merchant in Missouri; Celestia M., who was one of the successful lady-teach- ers of this county in lS73-'5, is now the wife of R, S. Woodruff, of Iowa; Mary E., a girl at home. Mr. M. has had his full share of misfortunes to bear, yet he has maintained a high repute as a citi- zen, and has accumulated a reasonable share of I'eal estate, chattels, etc. His farm of 240 acres lies on either side of the Dallas and Carthage road, and is under high cultivation and improvement. 852 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Mr. M. has acted as Justice of Peace eight years, and has assessed his township seven times; he was among those of his time who worked for his board and paid his own tuition while attending school, a rare circumstance now, but common then. Sidney C. Memienhall is the son of Nathan Mendenhall, who has been so long identified with the history of Durham tp. The father is a native of "Madison county, Ind., but his forefathers, formerly from England, settled in North Carolina. He emigrated to Sangamon county, 111., in 1S35, thence to Henderson, and to Hancock in 1837, settling in Durham tp. He is now engaged in farming, near Appleton City, Mo., St. Clair county. His mother, whose maiden name was Lucy "W. Lincoln, was born in New York and is still liv- ing, 55 years of age. She with her husband have been identified with the Christian Church 29 years. She is the mother of 4 sons and 5 daughters. Milo, a boy of five, died in St. Clair county, Mo.; Nathaniel died in this county, at the age of three years; Eliza died in 1856, an infant of one year, as also did Lucy J.; Paris J. is now a young man of 20. with his father; Lucetta is the wife of Wm. IL Hutchison, a farmer of Bates connty. Mo.; Mary Etta is the wife of John D. Smith; Sidney C, the subject of this sketch, was born in Durham tp., in 1853. is of medium stature and weight, dark hair and eyes, wears a piercing yet sin- gularly pleasant expression upon his countenance. He left the farm at 18, after sharing the benefits of the common schools of this county, and the graded schools of Appleton, Mo., and engaged as an artist in the last named place. He went from this place to Girard, Kansas, thence to Oswego, of the same State, where he was married Dec. 3, 18T5, to Alice Y. Kinnear, formerly from Indiana. Her father, John L. Kinnear, emigrated to Missouri in 1S66 and to Kansas in 1873. He was a mechanic by occupation, and of Irish descent. Mrs. Mendenhall is the mother of one child, a little girl, one and a half years old; belongs to the Christian order. Mr. M. is identified at present with Ross & Springer, as salesman. He owns a neat little residence in the little village of La Crosse, where he and his young wife share all the joys of a wedded life. John D. Miller, now permanently located on sec. 2 of this tp., was born in Scott county, 111., and is a son of Wm. Miller, a native of Eastern Tenn. Mr. Miller's father was a farmer by occupation, and died when his son was but four years of age, after he had emi- grated to this county in 1837. William's mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Dixon, was of Irish descent and also a native of Tennessee. She died in Durham tp., at the age of 50, in 1866. Mr. Miller was married first in this county, in Dec, 1857, to Mary E. Riggins, who died Feb. 18, 1879, leaving 7 children, one girl and 6 boys, whose ages range from four to 20. He was married a second time, to Yictoria Sayr, of this county, with whom he now enjoys the comforts of home and family. "Mr. M. began life with no resources other than his good will and muscle/and by this means has succeeded in gain- €^ S)^^^-rr^^£^ ROCK CREEK TP. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 855 ing a well- improved farm of 120 acres, a neat and comfortable res- idence, besides his personal propert}'. He had the advantages of instruction snch as the common schools alforded, and has a special delight for works of art and history. Thom/is Nicholson^ a native of Carlisle, England, was born in 1850. He emigrated to Boston, Mass., in 1832, where iie and his father were employed in the cotton factories. He was the son of George Nicholson, a flax-dresser by occupation, who died soon after settling in this tp., in 1837. His mother died in AVinsington, Mass., in 1834. Mr. N., who has never bowed before the hymeneal altar, or assumed the cares and responsibilities of a wedded life, is enjoying his happy old days of seventy-five years, the principal light, life, and substance, of the little village of LaCrosse. Mr. N. has two living sisters and one brother: Wallace, Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth is the wife of Calvin Westfall, a farmer of this tp. Mary McCollock, a widowed lady who cares for the domestic interests of Mr. N., is the younger sister, and the mother of 2 chil- dren. "Uncle Tommy" is of a genial turn of mind, always in a good humor, and with his appearance, the "blues" and all despondent feelings must vanish. During his better days he took a tour to California, Central America, and New York; was one of the boj'S who gave the Mormons their special invitation to cross the Mississippi. He resides on his farm near LaCrosse, where he owns several business houses and lots. Henry Pennock is the son of Sylvester Pennock, who was a native of New York, and came to this county in 1840. After staying one year in Fountain Green, he settled on sec. 22 of this tp., M^here the old residence still stands. He died in 1862, and his remains are interred on the old home farm, where he raised a large family. His mother, also a native of New York, died in Jan., 1880, and lies buried beside his father. She was a Methodist by faith and the mother of 5 sons and 5 daughters. Henry, the oldest son, is of medium stature, weighs 145 lbs., and was born in N. Y. in 1834. He is a farmer and stock-raiser, and resides on sec. 22, where he owns 345 acres of land. He also owns 80 acres in sec. 3. He was married in 1859 to Margaret Tyner, a daughter of Squire Tyner, of Burnside. She is the mother of 5 girls and 2 boys: George, Virginia, Lucy, Murry, Florence, Ethel andLula; and are all at this time, on the home farm. Mr. P. shared with many others the financial disaster of 1876, but otherwise has been a successful manager. He has one of the best farms in the county, and a very neat residence in which, with his happy family, he spends his leisure hours. Alexander PhilUppi is a farmer by occupation. He was born in "Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. His father, George Phillippi, was a native of Penn., and of German ancestry. He is a member of the Church of United Brethren. He is living, at this writing, aged 78 years. His mother, who died (1837) when Alexander was quite young, 49 856 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. was of Irish descent, and a member of the United Brethren Church. Her maiden name was Marj McClellan. His step-mother, Catharine Knomire, was of German descent and a nati\T3 of Penn. She is still living, and is but seven days his father's junior. Mr. riiillippi emigrated to Fulton county, HI., in 1862. He was married in that county in 1856 to Martha Burnett, a native of the same county. She died July 6, 1865. Her only child, George, is now a boy of 17. Mr. Phillippi was married the second time to Mrs. Mary Frye, of Fulton county, in 1868. She at that time was the mother of two girls. Alma and Emma. Alma is now a teacher. Ella and Frank, aged respectively twelve and seven, are of the last union. Mr. Phillippi received an education such as the common schools of his day afibrded. He has been successful as a farmer, and now owns 28 acres of well-improved prairie land, on which he has recently constructed a comfortable residence and barn costing nearly $3,000. ' Joseph F. Place was born near "Winchester, Frederick county, Va., Feb. 13, 1816; parents' names, Abraham and Sarah (Kin- drick) Place, both natives of Va. Abraham Place was of English descent, hid father having come from " Merry England." When the subject of this sketch was six years of age, his parents moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, taking him with them. One year afterward his father died in that county. His mother then moved to Pickawav county, Ohio, near Circleville. About one month after her arrival in that county, she also died, leaving a family of 8 children, 6 at home, our subject, Joseph F. Place, being next to the youngest. Thus, at the tender age of seven years, he was thrown upon the world. His mother's brother, Thornton Kindrick, took him home, where he lived some six- years. During his uncle's absence he returned to Muskingum county, O., and lived with a brother-in-law, George Gayer, six years. Then being about nineteen years of age, he commenced working on his own hook, at seven dollars per month, on a farm. Daring the following two years he attended the district school, two months each winter, in all four months. This, with intervals of a few days at diifer- ent times, was all the opportunities for education that Mr. Place ever had. He estimates that ten months would include all his time spent in school. Mr. P. worked in this way up to the fall of 1839, when he sowed a crop of thirty acres of wheat on shares. Before this was harvested he entered 120 acres of land in Putnam county, Ohio. This cost him $150 in money that he had saved while work- ing by the month. He then " cropped" with Samuel Baxter for the next two years, at which they were successful. In 18-12 he was married to Eliza Garsuch, who died in February, 181:5. He followed farming and cropping on his and other lands until 18-16, when he engaged in trading and dealing in sheep, driving them to market across the Alleghany mountains into Virginia and Marvland, sellinof to farmers, etc. In 1848 he was married to his HISTORY OF IIAXCOCK COUNTY. 857 present wife, whose name was Eleanor Baxter, daughter of Samuel Baxter, a native of Virginia. About this time Mr. P. turned his attention to farming and stock-raising on a larger scale tlian he had previously, renting large farms of 300 acres, and givinglialf of what was raised — the same as $2,000 per year. He followed farming in this way until the war broke out. He then bought twenty-three acres of land on credit of four years. Before this time expired, he bought fifty acres more adjoining, at $50 per acre. In 1864 he sold this seventy-three acres for $5,500, and came to Illinois, locat- ing on section 15, Pilot Grove tp., June 5, 1S65. The homestead now consists of 140 acres of good farm lands and 36 acres of timber. Mr. Place has a family of 3 children — Rilla F., Charles B., who married Mary James, and now lives in Disco (they have one child), and John B., who lives at liome with his parents. Mr. Place is a Bepublican, and while in Ohio served as Super- visor, School Trustee, and County Clerk. He has the repu- tation of being a thoroughly honest and conscientious man in all dealings with others, and generous and hospitable in an eminent degree. "When quite a young man he was often selected by neigh- bors to arbitrate and settle differences where they existed, they having the utmost confidence in his good judgment and impar- tiality in deciding any case presented to him. As an acquaintance who has known him for years says, he is '" honest" for the pure love of lionesty. A higher compliment could scarcely be paid to any one. "We give Mr. Place's portrait in this volume, on page 848. Joseph TJtompsoii was born in Wayne county, O., in 1S23. His father, Archibald Thompson, was a native of Yirginia, of Scotch origin, and a mechanic by trade. He died at the age of 74, and is buried in Wayne county, O. His mother's maiden name was Martha Fitzsimmons. She was of Irish descent, a native of Penn- sylvania, and she died a Presbyterian by faith, at the age of nearly 74, in Ohio. Mr. Thompson is a farmer, and has had good health during his entire life. He was married in Crawford county, O. in 1847, to Sarah E. Harper, of Pennsylvania. She is the mother of 4 daughters and one son: Jennie, Mattie, Alice, Walter and Hettie. Alice is a teacher of acknowledged ability and seven years' experience. Walter, a young man of 20, has taught one term, and is now attending Carthage College. Mr. Thompson shared but few of the benefits of the schools of his day, and is wisely profiting by his own loss, in giving his chil- dren due encouragement. He has weathered through all financial disasters. Has a comfortable home of 174 acres, on sections 9 and 17 of this tp., where he settled in September, 1854. William Tyner is one of the oldest settlers in this tp. ; is 64 years of age, weighs 180 pounds, and has enjoyed good health dur- ing his entire life. He was born in Franklin county, Ky., in 1814 and emigrated to this county in 1846. He has been a resident of this tp. 34 years. His father. Solomon Tyner, was a native of South 858 HISTORY or haxcock cocxtt. Carolina, and of Scocth descent. He was a farmer by occupa- tion, and a Calvinistic Baptist bv faith. His mother, whose maiden name was Jemima Henderson, was also of Scotch descent a member of the same Church as his father, and a native of South Carolina. His parents in early life emigrated to Franklin countj, Ind., thence to Hancock county of the same State, where they remained until death. Mr. Tyuer was married in 1S32, to Susan Egan, of Franklin county, Ind. She is a worthy member of the Christian Church, and the mother of 9 children, 8 of whom are now living — 3 boys and 5 girls. Mr. Tyner received his education at the Greenfield (Ind.) Seminary, and was sent to the Legislature from Hancock county, in 1S56; has acted as Township Treasurer of school funds 28 years, and Justice of Peace 2-i years. He has been very successful in his business, which has been chiefly farming. He is now making loans and dealing in notes, bonds, etc. He has a large and beautiful residence in Burnside, where he makes the eomfort and happiness of his family the chief object of his life. George Waggener is the son of James Waggener, an early settler of Kentucky, formerly from Virginia. George was the only son in a family of 3 children. He was born in Jefterson county, Ky., afterward removing to Todd county, where, after his father died, he was the overseer of a large farm. His mother was also a native of Virginia, and died in Todd county, Ky. After his mother died, George emigrated to this State, and settled on sec. 31, of this tp., in 1837. He had such advantages for educa- tion as the subscription schools of that day alforded, which were very meager. He was married before he emigrated, in 1835, to Mary F. Anderson; nativity, Kentucky; parents, from Virginia. She is the mother of 3 sons and 2 daughters, all living; James N., William J., Jasper B., Sarah E, and Mary O.. all residing in this vicinity, except William, who is farming iu Jasper county. Iowa. Mr. W. by occupation is a farmer and stock-raiser; also has a small farm or two and a handsome income, which amply provides for his declining years. Although a man of 60, he has the business snap of most men of 30. He was an active operator in the Mormon difliculties, not one of those who did the shooting, but the man who hauled the amunition for those who did. He was first into the jail when the Smiths were killed, and picking up the revolver which Smith had emptied, presented it to the authorities when called on the Coroner's jury. Uncle George is loyal from the ground up. He had 2 sons, "William and Jasper, in the 2d 111. Cav., under Col. Marsh; were in several battles, among which were Holly Springs, Vicksburg. etc.; were taken prisoners at Organza. Uncle George and lady belong to the Missionary Baptist society. He and Stephen Jacobs are the only pioneers of 1S37 remaining in Pilot Grove tp. Henry C. Yetter is a man of medium height and weight, quick movement and the appearance of a shrewd, sagacious business man. He was born in Dayton. 0., in 1S43; came to this countv in 1853, and HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 859 settled in this tp. His father, Louis Yetter, was a native of Pennsyl ' vania, andafarmerby occupation. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Bear. She was a native of the same State; her chief characteristic was the interest she took in the moral advancement of her community, and an honored member of the Christian Church. She lies buried in the Fountain Green cemetery, beside her husband. Mr. Yetter was married Sept. 2, 1877, to Miss Ida McGee, of Zauesville, O. Her parents removed to this county, and now re- side in Kock Creek tp. This marriage has been blessed with 2 children, one boy and one girl. Mr. Yetter has suffered no mate- rial financial losses in his time, and is now engaged in the drug business. He is in easy circumstances, living a happy life with his little family, at this place. He is, politically, a Republican in every sense of the word. He belongs to no particular religious denomination, yet is a hearty supporter of temperance, and the highest moral standard of his community. He has had charge of the Burnside postoliice 10 years ; served a term of three years in the late civil war. He was in several very warm engagements, among which were the battles of Champion Hills, Fort Gibson, Black river bridge, siege of Yicksburg, besides several minor skirmishes. He received an honorable discharge at Baton Rouge , and arrived safe in Hancock county, without the slightest scratch. TOWNSHIPJ OFFICIALS. Following is a catalogue of the officers, with the years in which they were elected, that have served this township since its organ- ization : SUPEKYISORS. Samuel K. Richey 1850 John W. Lionberffer 1870 William Tvner 1851 Wellington Janney 1871 William Bray 1858 William Pettit 1872 Thomas Jones 1863 C. H. Phelps 1873 Thomas Nichelson 1863 Wellington Janney 1874 William Tyner 1865 William Black 1875 John W. Lionberger 1866 Wellington Janney 1877 William Tyner 1868 William Bray 1879 Wellington Janney 1869 Alexander Phillippi 1880 CLERKS. James W. Roath 1855 M. E. Jacobs 1871 Merrill Andrews 1856 Neil O. McKay 1872 J. K. Duffield 1858 Ed. E. Aleshire 1877 W. W. Simms 1861 Jas. McCormicli 1878 Neil O. McKay 1863 Jas. H. Jackson 1879 J. P. Lair 1868 D. C Tyner 1880 Wm. H. Doss 1870 860 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. ASSES:0R3 . James Westfall 1855 James Waggoner 1858 M. B. Mann 1861 Alfred Pettit 1862 Peter Cheney 1863 Iroby S. Perkins 1865 Thomas McGhan 1866 Isaac Cooper 1867 Alfred M. Glaze 1868 William Pettit 1870 Alfred M. Glaze 1872 James E. Decker 1873 John W. Lionberger 1874 Ed. E. Aleshire 1878 Hiram Sears 1879 Slater Shriver 1880 COLLECTORS. Merrill Andrews 1855 Clinton Cutler 1856 Merrill Andrews. . 1858 J.S.Perkins 1861 Wm. W. Simms 1862 John W. Lionberger 1863 William Pettit 1865 John M. Springer 1867 Neil O. McKay 1868 Wm. H. Grove 1869 Wm. H. Doss 1870 M. E. Jacobs 1871 Solomon Saulsbury 1872 Thomas McGhan 1874 Jas. McCormick 1875 Josiah Hemingway 1876 M. V. Riley 1879 John W. Lionberger 1880 ROCK CREEK TOWNSHIP. This township, 6-7, as elsewhere stated, is all prairie land. Larry's creek, emptying into the Mississippi, and Eock creek and Pilot Grove creek emptying into Crooked creek, all head within its limits, and yet none of them have any timber. It contains about three miles of the T., P. & W. across its southeast corner, and six miles of the C, B. & Q., on a due north line. The villages of Ferris and Adrian are two pleasant little places within its limits. The first laid out, June, 1869, by Charles G. Gilchrist and Hiram G. Ferris, is at the crossing of the T., P. & W. and C, B. & Q. roads. Adrian, on the latter, was laid out by Warren Yaple and G. W. Jacks, September, 1873, and named from Adrian, Mich., by Arthur Rice, son of Orrin Rice, then running as postal clerk on the C, B. & Q. Railroad. Orrin Rice was born in New York, came from Cincinnati, O., about 1857, to Oakwood, and settled in this town- ship in 1866. Among the first settlers in Rock Creek township may be named the Ellisons, Lamberts, Saulsburys, Yaples, McCalls, Baileys, Abbotts, Alstons, Terrys, Thornbers, etc. Isaac Roseberry, George Singleton, Isaac Bellew, Jedediah Bellew, John Bellew, are old settlers in the neighborhood. For the following statement concerning the first school taught in the township, we are indebted to Mr. M. Alston, a present citizen there. The first meeting held for the election of school officers, was at the residence of Mr. John Alston, a log cabin 15 feet square, located on the southwest quarter of sec. 9, now no more, having gone into stove-wood. [We have before us a sketch of this cabin for insertion, but must omit it, as we could print little else if we undertook to insert all the log cabins of lSlr7.] The meeting was held Oct. 16, 1847, nine voters present, electing Henry Thornber, Timothy Terry and Matthew Ellison, Sr., for Trustees, and John Alston, Treasurer. After the election of officers, the next thing must be a school. But there was no school-house, and no funds to build one. So it was decided to employ Mrs. Ann Alston, wife of John Alston, school to be taught at their residence. A bargain was made for her to teach ten weeks for $20.00. School began in January and ended in March, 1848. The following are the names of the pupils, ten in number: Thomas Ellison, Margaret Ellison, Mary H. Ellison, Ralph Ellison, John Terry, Sarah Terry, George Terry, Ellen E. Terry, Matthew Alston, Ellen Jane Alston. The old original schedule of said school is still in possession of John Alston. (861) 862 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Our correspondent refers to this as a school of the " pioneer times," and it is for that prairie township; but he will find men- tion herein of schools taught fifteen years earlier in the county. There are a number of neat school buildings in this township at present, indicating that educational matters have progressed at even pace with other improvements from that first small beginning. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. Our information of Church matters in this township is very limited. There is a Methodist church edifice and society at Adrian, number of members not stated ; and one, if not more churches and societies, at Ferris, of which we have no account. There is a congregation of the Reorganized Church of Latter- Day Saints (commonly known as the Josephite Mormons) located near the west line of the township. It was organized in 1S63, by Elder James Burgess, with about 20 members. It was composed principally of persons wlio. having belonged to the old organization, rejected the polygamy doctrines and other teachings and practices of the Brighamites, and chose to remain behind, rather than follow a false prophet into the wilderness. This branch continued steadily to increase, and now (1S79) numbers 40 or 50 members, Elder Lambert being its Pastor. The snug little building for worship erected for this branch is situated near Mr. Lambert's residence, and was put up several years ago. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Charles Ahhott, being an earlier settler of the West, deserves more than a passing notice in a work like this. He was born in Lorain county, Ohio, Dec. S, 1S33, and is a son of Orlan and Lucinda Abbott; he came with his parents to Schuyler county. 111., in 1S40. and to this county in 1844; at that time wild animals were numerous ; he saw at one time sixty deer in a single drove. Mr. Abbott was reared on a farm and educated in a subscription school. "When they first located in Illinois there were no schools of any character within his reach; he attended the academy at Carthage about eight months, but in the main he is a self-made man. He has taught school for eighteen winters, farming in the summer. He was married in 1850 to Miss ISTancy J. Jones, a native of Tennessee; they have had 11 children, of whom 6 boys and 3 girls are living. Mr. Abbott also owns an agricultural store in Ferris, in which he keeps all kinds of agricultural implements, and is doing a good business. His brother George was a soldier in the late war; his father resides in Jefterson county, Kansas, at the age of 75 years. Dai'id Akin was born in Columbiana county. Ohio. October 12, 1809, and is a son of John and Jane i^Weatherspoon) Akin; the former was a blacksmith, and our subject early learned to sling the hammer and make the anvil rins^. He worked at this trade the ,"3/^v^^.?>t^^<^2^ ROCK CREEK TP. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. S65 greater part of his life, and also added wagon work to it, which gave liim a great deal of work both in iron and wood. He was married in 1831 to Miss Hannah Cooper, by whom he has had 4 children; of these, 3 are living; viz., James F., John W. (a Doctor in Tennessee, Illinois) and liachel Jane. Mr. Akin came to Schuyler county, Illinois, in 1859, and to this county in 1868; in ISTS he engaged in the sale of agricultural implements in the town of Adrian; in this he has been very successful; he also sells a great number of wagons; he resides on sec. 9, Rock Creek tp. TF. 0. AlpMn. — This enterprising young business man was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, February 26, 1850, and is a son of Henry and Hannah Alphin ; the former laid out the original first part of the town of Adrian, in 1871. W. O. was reared on a farm and educated in common schools and Hedding College at Abingdon, Illinois; he was married in 1874 to Miss Mary Leonard, by whom he has had 3 children, 2 of whom are still living; viz., Llewella and Adda. Mr. Alphin came to this county in 1874, and engaged in farming for three years; he commenced the drug busi- ness in Adrian in 1877, and now carries a full line of drugs, notions, groceries, cutlery, etc., and is doing a good business. One very remarkable feature in his business is, he is strictly a temperance man, and neither keeps nor sells spirituous liquors. Matthew Alston is a native of Hancock county. 111., and was born December 11, 1842. His parents, John and Ann Alston, removed to Chicago when Matthew was but two years old, where they remained three years. His mother taught the first school in Rock Creek tp. Mr. Alston was reared on a farm and educated ir the common schools. He served three years in the late war, in Co. F, 50th Regt. I.Y. I., and participated in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca and others. He was mar- ried October 14, 1867, to Miss Tabitha A. McConkey, by whom he has 2 children; viz., Robert II. and David J. Mr. Alston owns 106 acres of valuable land, and is engaged in farming and stock- raising, on sec. 4. J. R. Atkins was born in Wake county, N. C, March 26, 1826. His parents were Wm. L. and Frances Atkins. Mr. J. R. Atkins was reared on a farm and educated in a subscription school. He was married in 1848 to Miss Roxana Hargraves, by whom he had 12 children; of these, 7 are living; viz., Robert, Alexander, Benja- min, William, Charles, Eva and Nettie. Mr. Atkins removed to this county in 1850, where he still resides and is engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising. Mr. A. began life with nothing, and now he owns 200 acres of valuable land. Mrs. Atkins died Jan. 16, 1876. Wtnght B. Bailey was born in Harrison county, Ya., Oct. 7, 1810, and is a son of Samuel and Agnes (Hudson) Bailey (dec. The latter was a descendant of the noted Henry Hudson, who first discovered and sailed up the Hudson river. Mr. Bailey was reared on a farm and received a very limited education in a sub- 866 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. scription school. His text-books consisted of a Testament, a speller, and an arithmetic. So anxious was he to learn to write, that he procured a piece of soapstone from the creek and dressed its side smooth, and when a neighbor would happen in. he would have him make the letters of the alphabet at the top of this rude slate, and Mr. B. would sit for hours imitatinij the copy. He never heard a grammar lesson recited in school. He was married in 1S34, to Miss Melinda Bailey, by whom he has had 9 children: of these, 7 are living; viz., Maro^aret, Sallie, Colbert, George, Maria, Vic- toria and James C. I'hey removed to this county in 1S50. Mr. Bailey is a farmer and stock-raiser, on sec. 4. Alfred E. Barnard was born in Canada July 14. 1841. His parents were John and Freelove Barnard ^^dec.V Mr. Barnard was reared on a farm near Rockville, Canada, on the St. Lawrence river. He was educated in a common school taught in a log house. He went to Bulfalo, ]S^ew-York. in 1859, where he learned the carpen- ter's trade. He came to this county in 1S66, and pursued his trade for 2 years. He was married May 18, 1807, to Miss Mary Alston, and they have had 4 children, of whom two are living, Anna G. and Frances T. Mr. B. erected a store-house in 1874, in Adrian, and engaged in the drug business for two years there, when he sold out and commenced tarming. He has been Justice of the Peace for Eock Creek tp. for 3 years, and is the present incum- bent. Dr. li. W. Barr was born in Wood county, Ohio, April 7, 1847. He was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He served 2 years in the late war, being a member of Co. A., 14th O. Y. I. He first went into the war merely as company for some of his friends, as he was at that time but 14 years old. But he soon afterward enlisted, and carried a gun, too. He was taken prisoner at Shenandoah Yalley, and held for one year. He was kept three months in the noted Libby prison, and his brother John was also kept 40 days in the same place. Dr. Barr participated also in the battles of "Wildcat, Cumberland Gap. Mill S^^ings, Pittsburg Landing, "Wilmington and others. He was present and saw Gen. Frye shoot and kill Gen. ZoUicofier at Mill Springs. The Doctor was married in 1873, to Miss Genevra E. Lynd, by whom he has had 2 children: viz., William H. i^dec.) and Frederick. Dr. Barr is a graduate of the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons, and began the practice oi medicine in Ferris, this county, in 1872, and by close attention to business and the consci- entious discharge of every known duty, has won the confidence of the people, and has thus built up a large practice, which is steadily increasing. James H. Camphell was born in McDonough county, Illinois, May 1, 1836, and is a son oi Nicholas and Mary (^McGee) Camp- bell, pioneers of ]\[cDonough county. Mr. C. was reared on a farm and received a common- school education. He came to this county with his parents in 1851; was married x\ug. 9, 1856, to Miss HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUKTr. 867 America Frakes, b}' whom he has 2 children; viz., Francis M. and Ida A. Francis M. is a leader of the Ferris Cornet Band, which was organized in 1S77. Mr. Campbell took a Western tour in 1804, through Montana, Idaho, Utah, and other "Western coun- tries, visiting Salt Lake City and other noted cities in the West. He resides on sec. 33, engaged in farming. Samuel Coleman, deceased, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, March 16, 1850, and was a son of John and Letitia Coleman (dec); was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He was married in March, 1842, to Miss Jane Bennett, daughter of Silas and Lucinda Bennett (dec). They have had 9 children, of whom 7 are living: Letitia, John W. , Lucinda M., Rosaltha, Charles, Martin L. and Harry I. A son, Clifton T., died in Colorado, Jan. 11, 1S79. Mr. Coleman and fsimily came to Greene county. 111., in 1843, and to this county in 1844. He was a farmer by occupation. He died May 9, 1874. Christian Crarnberg was born in Prussia, July 2, 1835, and is a son of John V. and Martha E. Cramberg: he was reared and educated in the town of Niederdorla, Prussia. He came to this country in 1851, by w^ay of New Orleans and St. Louis, stop- ping in Adams county, 111. While at New Orleans he came near losing his life when bathing in the gulf. He there labored on a farm. He was married in 1857 to Mary Weisenborn, by whom he had 8 children; viz., Emily, George, Sophia, Ida, Johnnie, Tillie, Anna and Oscar. He came to this county in 1872. He owns 160 acres of valuable land on sec 3, and is engaged in farming. Benjamin Franklin Duvall was born in Todd county, Ky., May 24, 1835; his parents names were Moses and Martha (Butler) DuVall, the former of Virginia, and of French ancestry, and the lat- ter of Kentucky and of Irish descent; they both died in Todd county, Ky. He was a farmer and stone-cutter. Benj. F. lived in Todd county until nearly 21 years of age, when, in November, 1855, he came to Harmony tp., this county; attended school the first winter here; in the spring commenced working as a hired hand on a farm, at $16 or $17 a month; taught school the following two winters. September 2, 1858, he married Sarah J. Burnett, who died Feb. 22, 1863, leaving 3 children, Martha E., William II. and Joseph J., who are still living. Mr. D. lived in Macoupin county, 111., from the time of his marriage until his w^ife's death. In the fall of 1863 he returned to this county and bought 50 acres on sec. 15, Harmony tp.; sold it the next year and purchased the N.W. J of sec. 23. Rock Creek tp., a piece of raw prairie land. He immediately built a small house, 16 by 24, and also put up barns, fences, orchard, etc. January 1, 1867, he married Miss Mary F. Mil- ler, a native of Kentucky and a resident of Macoupin county at the time of marriage. Their children are: Charles E., George F., Fred- erick A., Albert G. and Clara A. In the spring of 1872 Mr. D. exchanged the last-mentioned farm for his present one, which is the 868 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. N. W. J of sec. 15, this tp. He carried on the grain and commis- sion business at Ferris for several years, but at present his chief occupation is that of agriculture, the raising of live stock, etc.; pays considerable attention also to the buying and shipping of stock. Being left a half-orphan at the age of 14, his father having died, he was early thrown upon his own resources, and he was the eldest of 8 children. They were obliged to rent land, and young Benjamin was virtually the head of the family until he left home. Through his exertions all the children received some education. At tlie age of 20 he was given time by his mother, and he imme- diately came to Illinois. In politics, Mr. Duvall is a Democrat, and is now serving his eighth year as Supervisor; has also been Justice of the Peace four years. Mr, Duvall's portrait is given in this book, on p. 853. GiXbert Earl was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., Jan. 3, 1823, and is a son of John E. and Hannah Earl, also natives of New York. They were the parents of 7 boys and 3 girls, of whom 5 boys and one girl are living. Gilbert was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. In 1844 John E. Earl and family (except his eldest son, Stephen D.) came to this county by the following circuitous route: By boat on the Erie canal to Buffalo; thence on Lake Erie to Cleveland, Ohio; thence by the Ohio canal to Portsmouth, Ohio.; thence down the Ohio river to Cairo, and from there on the Mississippi river to Warsaw. They were three weeks and three days in accomplishing the journey. The Earl famil}^ are considerably scattered. Three are in this State, two in Minnesota, and the sister in Kansas. Mr. Earl was married in September, 1853, to Miss Arsula Thompson, by whom he had 7 children; of these but 2 are living — John and Frances. Mrs. Earl died April 10, 1863. Mr. Earl was again married April 22, 1865; this time to Miss Minerva A. Jackson, by whom he has had 4 children; of these, 3 are living — Elizabeth, Charles G. and Jane. Mr. Earl was a soldier in the Mormon war, and stood guard over some fire-arms while the Mormons were crossing the river in their flight from Xauvoo, to prevent their being stolen by the Mormons. He took an active part in the battle of Nauvoo, and has corrected the statement that seven of the citizens were killed in this contest. He states that 13 men were wounded, and one mortally wounded; but not a man was killed outright. Mr. Earl is a farmer by occupation, but now has his farm rented, and resides in Ferris, where he owns four houses and as many town lots. His elder brother, Stephen D., who came from New York in the fall of 1879, now resides with him in Ferris. It would be proper here to remark that when the Earl family arrived in Warsaw in 1844, the father had but $2.50 in money, and but very little if anything with which to begin keeping house. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 869 Thomus Ellison^ farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Adrian; w^s born in Yorkshire, Enorjand, Nov. IS, 1830, and is a son of Matthew and Jane Ellison (deceased), who emigrated to this county in 1843, set- tling in Rock Creek tp., and was among the first who made im- provements in the tp. When the Ellison family arrived here there were four men in Rock Creek tp. ; viz., Timothy T. Terry, Abraham Shaw, Richard Lambert and a Mr. Spencer. Mr. Ellison was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. He was married Nov. 12, 1874, to Miss Eleanor, daughter of John Davison, of this tp. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have one child, Ida. Mr. E. is engaged in farming and stock-raising, owning 620 acres of valuable land. John Spicer Ewell. — Mr. Ewell, whose portrait is given on page 863, was born in Greene county. Pa., April 4, 1835. His parents' names were Thos. H. and Abigail (Phillips) Ewell, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Plesy Ewell was the father of Thos. H., and lived in Virginia. John S. Ewell's advantages in an educational way were limited; his father being a farmer, his time in the summer was employed on the farm, and he attended school only in the winter and very little at that. In May, 1857, Mr. Ewell was married to Miss Nancy Schriver, a daughter of Abraham Schriver, of Monongahela county, Virginia. Mr. Ewell afterward took up his residence in that county and com- menced farming. On the breaking out of the war of the great Rebellion he, being an ardent Union man, felt it to be his duty to enlist as a soldier for the defense of the nation's life. With this purpose in view, he left his family to the care of his friends and enlisted in the 14tli West Virginia Volunteer Infantry in 1862; with this regiment he served three years, being one j'car a prisoner of war. He was with his regiment at the battles of Martinsburg, Va., Williamsport, Md., and Little Petersburg, Va., and partici- pated in the battle of " Floj'd's Mountain," Va. ; in this engage- ment he was shot three times: first, on the upper lip; second, on the left shoulder; and third, under the right arm. Each was made by a musket ball. None of these wounds was of a very serious nature and did not discommode him. He with 35 men belonging to his company were detailed to take care of the wounded on the battle- field, and while doing so were captured by Rebel cavalry under command of John Morgan. The battle occurred on May 9, 1864; and toward the last of May he and his comrades, 36 in all, found themselves inmatesof Andersonvilleprison, Georgia. At this "prison pen " he with the others sufiered untold misery from hunger, thirst, filth and disease; and saw prisoners subjected to all manner of cruelty and abuse, even in some cases shooting them in their sleep. Mr. Ewell had dwindled nearly to a skeleton, when the news of Gen. Sherman's famous march alarmed the prison authori- ties and they ordered the ])risoners removed to other quarters for safer keejjing. After leaving Andersonville the prisoners were " corraled " in camp at a place called ''Black Shear." Mr. Ewell and a comrade succeeded in making their escape in this wise: 870 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. There were guards or sentries stationed all around the camp. Mr. E. And comrade approached one of the guards and requested to be allowed to step out a few feet to gather some pine knots to build a fire, as it had been raining; and the guard, being a good-natured fellow, granted the request. Not over 50 feet from the camp was a dense swamp. They commenced (as the guard doubtless thought) picking up pine knots, but in reality getting nearer the edge of the swamp; and while the guard's back was turned, on a signal from Mr. E., both jumped into the edge of the swamp, as it was down a bank and in dense bushes. They of course were out of sight, though they expected to be fired upon by the guard instantly, but were happily disappointed, and never could account for this fact, except that the guard was afraid to attract attention to the escape, as his part in allowing them to pass might be discovered. They struggled through the swamp, and that night at great risk approached a house which they found occupied by a gay party of dancers, Rebel officers; in a cellar near this house they dug out some sweet potatoes, even while people were passing in a path 15 feet away, but were not discovered. They immediately retired to the timber, built a fire and ate roasted sweet potatoes until morning. The next day or so they were given food by a negro, who also pi- loted them on their way toward the Union lines. Einalljone morning they were discovered by some citizens, when they took refuge in a swamp, which was iramediatel}' surrounded by a picket guard; but that night they crept through the guard, and when only 12 miles from the Union lines they were captured again by the Rebels. Thus it had been nearly six days since their escape; had lived on sweet potatoes all the time, and had traveled over 250 miles. After an absence of 12 days they were sent back to *' Black Shear "camp, and some time afterward returned to Andersonville. April 28, 1865, Mr. Ewell was released from Andersonville, he and two others being all that were left alive of the 36 that were taken prisoners at the same time. As the war was about ended, the regiment was some time after- ward ordered to Columbus, Ohio, to be mustered out. Mr. E. had not heard a word from his family for over a year. Before going to Columbus, he went home. In passing up a path, approaching his farm, he met a woman, who proved to be his wife; and after the first words of greeting and surprise had passed, told him that her- self and all his friends had heard that he was dead. It was a glad surprise to all. On his return Mr. Ewell again went to work on his farm, but believing that Illinois oflered^ a better field for his energies, in 1867 he moved to the State, locating^in Rock Creek tp., on northwest J of sec. 11, buying 80 acres, when Mr. Ewell first came to this tp., there was not a house where Adrian now stands. In the fall of 1871, Mr. Ewell entered the mercantile business, opening a store for that purpose at Adrian, and in which he has been engaged up to the present time. He keeps a general stock of goods, and his sales amount on an average from 825,000 to HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 871 $30,000 per year. He also deals largely in buying and shipping stock and grain of all kinds; has two warehouses which have a capacity for 10.000 bushels of grain. He ships, on an average, from 250 to 300 cars of grain per \'ear, and 75 cars of stock. Mr. Ewell also owns the southeast ^ of sec. 14, in this tp. Mr. and Mrs. Ewell reside at Adrian, and are surrounded by a family of 5 children, whose names are Marion D., Marvin Ellsworth, Wateman T. Willie, Daisey and an infant. Mr. Ewell is a Republican in politics, and has been Postmaster at Adrian since 1871. William R. Frakes. Being a native of this county, Mr. Frakes is identified with its history, and therefore is entitled to more than a passing notice in a work like this. He was born, June 15, 1S35, and is a son of Thompson and Elizabeth Frakes (dec), early pioneers of this county. He has followed the pursuits of farming and plastering. His education was received, for the most part, in a subscription school. He was married in August, 1871. to Mrs. Am}' (Camp) Fisher, b}- whom he has had one child, William R. Mrs. Frakes has one child by her former husband, Katie Fisher. Mr. Frakes is engaged in farming and resides on sec. 33. His two brothei's, Daniel and Joel, were soldiers for Uncle Sam in the late war. Benton Heath is a native of Crawford county. 111., and was born Jan. 28, 1834. His parents were Renick and Malinda Heath, early settlers of that county. Mr. Heath was reared on a farm and educated in a common school. He was united in mar- riage in the j-ear 1860, with Lydia A. Stiles, by whom he has had 7 children; of these, 4 are living;'viz., Malinda, Eleanor, Silas and Lester. Mr. Heath came to this tp. in 1857, where he now re- sides, on sec. 2, engaged in farming. His father was a soldier in the Black Hawk war. Elijah B. Hughes was born in Butler county, O., Nov. 10, 1845, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Hughes. He came with his parents to Adams county, 111., in 1855. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common school. He was married in 1867, to Miss Laura Powell, by whom he has had 8 children; of these, 6 are living — Emma E., Mary L., Annie E., Ella R., Elijah B. and an infant girl. Mr. Hughes came to this county in 1879, and resides on sec. 22, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Richard Lambert was born Kov. 17, 1822, in Yorkshire, Eng., where he was reared and educated. His parents were Richard and Patience Lambert. He emigrated to Xauvoo in 1840. In 1841 he went to Carthage, where he engaged with Marvin & Charles Street, as clerk and overseer of the warehouse, for the period of 15 months. He then, in 1842, located in this tp. He was married in 1843, to Miss Jane Thornber, by wliom he has had 15 children; of these, 12 are living, 6 boys and girls. Mr. Lambert owns 240 acres of valuable land, and r sides on sec. 7, this tp., where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is a very prominent worker and Elder in the re-organized church of the Latter Dav Saints. 872 HISTORY OF HAXCOCK COrXTT. John TT. Lowrey was born in Schuyler county. 111.. Aug. 23, 1845. and is a son of Edward and Harriet Lowrey, now residing in Cartliaire tp. He was raised a farmer's boy, and received a common- school education. He was married Dec. 22. 1S70. to Miss Anna A. Boice, by whom he has had 4 children; ;aged in farmini^ ajid stock-i'aisin<^. WelGh Newman was Ijorn near Louisville, Ky., Feb. 2, 1832, and is a son of John and Charity Newman. His parents removed with their family to Pontoosuc, this county, in 1836. This was in a very early da}', and Mr. Newman was early inured to pioneer life. He saw the Indians at dift'erent times. He was reared on a farm, except four years he worked in a wool and carding mill near Payson, 111. His early educational advantages were very limited, he having attended school but 12 months. Mr. Newman spent six years of his Western life in Adams county. III. He was mar- ried in 1S57 to Miss Juliett Duff, by whom he had 5 children; viz., William W., Mary E., Thomas W., John A, and Bertha A. Mrs. Nesvman died Dec. 1, 1876. She was a loving wife and a de- voted mother. Mr. N. resides on sec. 16, engaged in farming. George Si»gleton was born in Ireland, Aug. 15, 1819, and is a son of Thomas and Ann (Mitchell) Singleton. He was reared and educated in Ireland and came to Philadelphia, Pa., in 1845, where he engaged for a time as a coach-driver. He then engaged in farming until 1854, when he came to this county. Mr. Singleton is a farmer on sec. 2, raising and feeding stock. He has been emi- nently successful, and has done a "great deal toward improvino- and making this township. He owns 5S0 acres of valuable land, 20 of which is timber. He was married in Philadelphia in 1851, to Miss Ilebecca Wilson, by whom he has 1 children; viz., Anna, Margaret, Rebecca, Thomas, Almira, George and AVilliam. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Singleton are members of the Presbyterian Church. H. M. Sleater was born in Bath, England, Dec. 30, 1S38, and is a son of Robert and Mary Sleater, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of England. He was reared and educated in Enr"-- land, and came to Atnerica with his ])arents in 1852. The first work he did was to assist the Circuit Clerk in his duties at Car- thage. In 1854 he engaged as a clerk in a dry -goods store in. Car- thage, where he remained until 1862. He then enlisted as a private in Co. B, llStli 111. Vol. Inf., in the late war. He was soon promoted Sergeant Major, afterward 2d Lieutenant. Durino- the time he was Lieutenant, he was acting Adjutant of the regi- ment. He particijiated in the battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, siege of Vicksburg, Black river bridge, Jackson, Miss., Champion Hills, Thompson Hill, and others. He then was transferred to the De- 50 876 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. partment of the Gulf, with mounted infantrj. He was married in 1862, to Miss Emmaretta Mack, by whom he has 5 children: Robert. William, Louisa, ]S"ella and Helena. He was Deputy County Treasurer for this county two years. He was clerk, pay- master, etc., for Major McClaughry at his stone quarries for two years. He removed to his farm in Rock Creek tp., on sec. 16, in 1869. He began business in Adrian, in 1873. He carries a large stock of dry-goods, groceries, hardware, cjueen's-ware, etc., and does a large business. He also buys and ships grain. He was en- gaged in the grain business here, alone, for five years. John Stevenson, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 8, was born in Leicestershire, Eng., Oct. 31, 1833, and is a son of Thomas and Ann Stevenson, of this tp., also natives of England . They came to Nauvoo in the winter of 1846-' 7, and remained a short time, when they removed, in the year 1847, to Clarke county, Mo. In 1848 the family came to this (Rock Creek) township. Mr. S. was married, September 13, 1855, to Miss Mary Ellison, by whom he has had 9 children. Of these, 7 are living; namely, Mary A., Thos. M., Ralph W., Emma L., Susannah E., Jolin F. and Alice J. Mr. Stevenson is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and owns 234 acres of valuable land. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson are members of the Latter Day Saints' Church, more commonly known as Mormons. Wm. Stevenson, a prominent farmer on sec. 8, is a native of Nottinghamshire, Eng., and was born July 23, 1831. His par- ents, Thomas and Ann Stevenson, are also natives of England, and emigrated to America with their family in 1846, arriving at iS^au- voo in the winter. Earlj- in 1847 they settled in Clarke count v. Mo., remained there only until in 1848, when they located in this tp. Mr. S. was married in 1863, to Miss Elizabeth Pilking- ton, by whom he has 8 children; viz.. Magnolia, Alice J., John, Adam, William, Ira M.. Marlow and Ida. Mr. Stevenson is a prominent member of the Church of the Lat- ter Day Saints, which order has a thriving organization and a com- modious church edifice in this tp. He gives us the following information concerning Joseph Smith, the original leader of the true Mormon Church. Mr. Smith was opposed to polygamy in any form whatever, and never taught spiritual-wifery as was charged upon him. He had but one wife himself, and never would permit the nefarious practice of polygamy among his people. Mr. Stevenson also states that the true Mormons think Smith's death was indirectly caused by the polygamists. He further states that the great crime of stealing, which the Mormons were charged with, was largely committed by prejudiced Gentiles, who would take the stolen property and place it in the fields and lots of Mor- mons at Nauvoo, and then return and tell the owners of the miss- ing property, that they had seen their property at a certain place; and the owners would go and find it as the persons had informed them they would. And further, the polygamists would steal the HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 877 property of the noii-polygamists, placing it in the temple lot at Nauvoo; and when the owners attempted to take their own prop- erty, "they were shot down like dogs." These statements just related were submitted to several leading men of Rock Creek tp., and were all corroborated, especially that one concerning the stealing of property by the prejudiced Gentiles; for after the con- flict was over, the Grentiles acknowledged and boasted of it. Henry Thornher is a native of the county of Lancaster, Eng- land, and was born Jan. 10, 1810. His parents were Richard and Anna Thornber, also natives of England. Our subject was reared and educated in his native country. lie then learned the trade of wooden-shoemaker. He set sailJan. 12, 1842, and arrived at New Orleans March 9 of the same year. He then came up the Missis- sippi river to Nauvoo, where he remained four years. He then, in 1846, removed to this tp,, where he still resides and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married July 11, 1845, to Miss Lucy Ellison, by whom he has had 8 children ; of these, are living; viz., David R., Mary H., John T., Lucy M., William H. and James M. Mrs. Thornber died Jan. 25, 1866. iMr. Thornber again mar- ried, March 3, 1868; this time, Margaret Pilkington, and they have one child, Joseph. Mr. Thornber resides on sec. 6, and owns over 1,000 acres of valuable land. Sylvester T. Tiirney, whose portrait is given on page 763, is a native of Fairfield county, C/onn., where he was born July 30, 1833. His early years were spent on his father's farm in that county. Ilis advantages for an education were limited to attendance at the common schools, mostly in the winter, until about the age of 17, when he, being the only son, employed his winters in assisting his father in cutting and hauling ship timbers, and in the summer working on the farm. This manner of life he followed until the. age of 22, when he left his father's house and commenced life's labors on his own account, locating in Delaware county, N. Y., where he remained three months, and then went still farther West, arriving in Chicago, HI., in the fall of 1855. In a day or two he started for Peoria by rail, and from that point by stage to Canton, Fulton county. At this point, finding his meanis had dwindled so that his worldly possessions amounted to only one $20 gold piece, he immediately looked np somethitig to do, and soon found work on a farm at $17 per month, at whicli he worked two 3'ears. In 1857, realizing the usefulness of the Osage orange as a hedge, he went into the business of raising hedge plants for market, and planted 30 acres on land rented for the purj^ose. Owing to the hard times of this year (1857), he found very little sale for the ])lants in that section, and was obliged to haul them as far as 80 or 90 miles for a market. In 1858 business revived, and in 1859 he turned his attention to contracting with parties and planting the hedge himself, at $112 per mile. This spring (1859) he planted 30 miles of hedge in Hancock and Henderson counties. This same year Mr. T. came to this county, locating at La liarpe, and in i860 planted 15 s.v.r _ ^ :y. ^ lis eT\?p failed lo corce up, and in 1S61 '• acres: iMs ismed on: well. and he sold ^5.7-: v .r:„ .: ;.,. ' ?ei out ar*:'iii 15 miles of hed^e fence for parties besides i . - is the firsi to suecessiiiily introdace the hedgN? :_^ - '_ ~ setrlng bein^ al:»oi:: the first tliat did we. In 1561 Mr. T. was married to Miss Kiitie A. Birr. b-:.m Msreh 15. 1S4S, in Kentncty. and a dangiiter of Elias and Svaliie Be&n- champ"* Barr. l>oih natives of Kentaeiy. and came to this conntT in 1S5'?. The next year after his marriage he b^ug^ht the southwest one-ioarth of see. 1. Koek Creek tp., which ws^^ raw pMdrie; not a fence or improreme:!! had been placed iip«:«n it ry the hand of man. He immediately ejected a frame house 16xi4 feet, one and one-half stories high^ which in those dars was con- sidered Xo. 1. He also built a frame stable. Tlie bonse is still standing near his present residence. This season Mr. T. bc'tx^t five yobe of cattle and started thean, on one large plow, breaking prairie, and, as he said, it was as modi as they edald do. Hie conn try was cv^vered with hajod-bush and wiUov, and it required all the power of the five yoke to tear up thmr nMts. He ft»ced the whole with a four-board fence, and that &U sowed S'j acres of wheat, which tamed out 1,000 bushels. In 1S64 be put in 1:2C> acres of wheat, doing all the wKuk: himself, with the assistance of a boy to dri^? a harrow. This turned out i,OOM bushd% whi^ he s^ldat 6i-~5 per bushd. These were the only twt> minat oops he ever put in. Since that time he has turned his attentk» to raising com and feeding it to h<:^ and stock: neviw sold but two «ops of com. — one, "*,CK»> bushels at So ctSw ; and 3 bnskds at 75 «&. : has turned o5' in one year as high as 90 head of cattle and 20C' hogs: on an average, (50 head of stock. In 1S71 Mr. T. turned his attokition to breeding and raising a fine grade of draft h»s^ of Gorman stock, and introduced the first imported Norman staUkui (~ Kothamagns"^ ever introduced into this oountrr. Snee tint time he has made it his whole bi^iness; has on "hand now tv^ thoronghbi^ stallions, and eig4it graded stallions £N>m one-half to seven-^ghths, and 27 brxx>d mares of graded stock, as high as serea- eighths^" Tliis business, besides being a baie£t to the country at lara«. in furnishing superior draft lioisess has jvoved a paying invest- ment to Mr. Tumey. Mr. T. has since added to the hoine fann. so that now it consists of S40 acres. Mr. T. also bought and improved the northeast one-iourth of see. 10, Kock Crei^ tpu but s
6f; Evwett Z^ born Mu«h 29, 1S«6: Abarilla P^ bom Jnlj 31, 1S74^ like Tamers are of En^flish decent; the Barrs of German, and Beanchamps of Frenoh origio. JianAaU VrnkBudburi., deceased^ was bom May IS, 1521. was a native of Tascaiawas eouDtr, Ohio, wh»e he resided until 1S50, ^dkoi he crossed the plains to California: there he sojonmed nntil 1S5S, haTin^ twice visited in that time his old home; he then returned to the plaee of his nativity; the same year moved to Peoria. Illinois. He was a tailor by vocation, bat on aeeonnt of j&Uino; health he abandoned this badness and began traveling. Becoming tiied of traveling, afW he arrived at Peoria, he parchas^ a iwm in Sdinyler eoimty, Illinois, near the town of Hnntsville. At the latter place he married Mis^ Anna Baxter, in 1S5S%, and they haf« had 4; daoghtos and one son, of wh59. He was also a charter member of Hnntsville Lodge, A. F. and A. M., oambo* 465. In 1869 he ronoved with his fiunihr to his l^urm one mile east of Adrian, and became a memb^ of the Dallas City Lodlge, A. F. and A. M., nnm- b» 235 . He died Fdouary 12, 1579. wiiii triamphs of living faith in a crocified Bedeemer. He was a f&vorite among the citixens of the diffisroit loealiti^ in wiuch he dwelt, and was widely known and a very prcNminent man; none knew him bat to love him. Iheiffkt WkUfom^ was bora in Tmmball coonty, Ohio, Xovem- ber 12, ISSO, and is a son of Wyman and Lara TThircomb, the former a native oi Teimcmt and the latter of New York. Oar sobjeet w«b brooght to Adams coan^. Illinois, by his paroits in 1S42; he new saw a school-hoose antil he was tai years old. The eitiBOis of the locality in which he spent his boyhood days erected a sdiool-hoQseof split frame work and shaved boards; in this rode bendies were placed, apon whidi the little Sockers would sit and ** lam thor speUin* le5*c«n." Mr. Wldtcomb came to this eoanty in 1S53, and in 1$56 was married :o Miss Mary H. Ellison, by whom he has had 13 children; of these br.t 5 are living; viz.. "VTyman T., Famham M., J<^ D., James A. and Lewis M. Mr. Wnitcomb is engaged in fioming and stock-raising on sec ^ this tp., and owns 410 aicres of valaaUe land. «/oAj» If^mdkip was born in Franklin eoanty. Vermont. Feb. 19, 1S33. and is a son of Josiah and Bebeoea. also natives of Termont. He was reared mostly on a &nn. and received a common- school edncation. He was manied in the spring of 1559. to Miss Mary C. R. whom he has 4 diildren; viz., Llewelia, Frances E.,* Wm. - -vnnieE. Oar subject went to New York in 1542, and eaibc to Bareaa eoanty, IlL, in 1556, where he engaiged in &rminv nntil IS^l. when he removed to Schavlerconntr.lll. He 8S0 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. came to this conntj in 1S63, where he now resides, in the town of Ferris, engaged in farming. He is also proprietor of the Ferris House, which, bj the way, is a good hotel. A brother, Horace Winship, died in the late war at Fort Birancus. Warren Yaple was born in Madison county. 111., Mar. 20, 18 2i, and is a son of John and Alice (Squires) Yaple. The former a native of New York, and the latter of Connecticut. Mr. Yaple was reared on a farm and educated in a common school. He early learned the carpenter's trade. His parents removed with their family to this county in 1831, and located in Pontoosuc township; but at the beginning of the Indian troubles, just prior to the Black Hawk war, they ^^removed back to Madison county. Warren came to this county in 1865. He married Miss Elizabeth Bates, in 1846, a daughter of Joseph H. Bates, and they have had 11 children, of whom 9 are living; viz., Joseph J., Alice J., Leander J., Belle M., Albina H., Thomas M., Letitia A., Artimisia £. and Mary H. Mr. Yaple and family spent two years in Sedgwick county, Kansas. He is now engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 12, owning 165 acres of valual)le land. OFFICIALS. Here is a list of the men who have served this township in an official capacity, both past and present: SUPEEVISOKS. Edwin McXeal 1856 Wm. H. Odell 1863 Alexander Roseberry 1858 John Davison 1864 John Davison 1859 Benj. F. Duvall 1870 Wm. H. Odell 1860 John Davison 1874 David T. Starkey 1862 Benj. F. Duvall 1877 CLERKS. A. H. Osman 1856 Benj. F. Duvall 1870 GeoTse Davis Trites 1858 W. S. Ramsev 1871 William H. Odell 1859 Richard C. Emert 1874 Simon Loop 1860 George W. Thompson 1875 Georse D. Trites 1861 C. O. Jennev 1877 Richard C.Emert 1864 J. A. Allison 1878 Benj. E. Washburn 1868 George W. Carlisle 1879-1880 ASSESSORS. J. McNeal 1856 Elias Ban- 1863 Charles Abbott 1858 Charles Abbott 1865 John Jenkins 1860 Hiram Temiehill 1870 John Davison 1861 Elijah Haines 1872-1880 Hugh McCreary 1862 COLLECTORS. B. McXeal 1856 Jas. T. Anderson 1867 George Henry Pratt 1858 S. W. French 1869 Isaac Roseberry 1860 Richard C. Emert 1871 John Davison 1862 W. P. JlcCollum . 1873 David W. Orr 1863 J. W. McCormick 1875 Thomas Lionberger 1864 A. B. Atkins 1877 Wm. McMiu-phy 1866 James H. Campbell 1879-1880 SONORA TOWNSHIP, K'umbered 6 — 8, lies on the rapids, extending from the head of Kauvoo to the mouth of Larry's creek. The bhiffs of tliis stream and of Chandler creek below Xauvoo, with those along the river shore, supply considerable timber; and the land is very broken over most of the distance for a mile or two, inland. The east two- thirds of the township contains some handsome prairie land. So- nora contains some as valuable and well-appointed farms as are to be found in the county. A portion in the northeast is very flat, and not well adapted to grain. The first settlers were along the river. Several of the first jury- men were in this township, at date of organization, among whom we can name the Moftitts, Hugh Wilson and his son James and son-in-law Dunn, Rev. Charles Robison and others. Later settlers were Abram Golden and his sons, Dr. Adolphus Allen, Christian Kreymeyer, Abel Casto, the Sheridans, Roger Hibbard, Hezekiah Bradley. Still later we find the names of Geo. Benner, G. "W. Black, J. J. Gardner, D. G. Luce, Christopher Smith, Joseph Miller, George Smith, Samuel Brownlee. O. J. Hall, John Brown. "W. H. Fulton, George Edmunds, Hezekiah Brant, Isaac Thomas, Henry Benner, and others. Sonora Landing is the business center on the river line, and Son- ora postofiice, at the same point, is the only postoflice in the town- ship. The township seems to be well provided with school-houses, they being, with one exception, located in three 'rows in each di- rection across the township, and equi-distantfrom each other. ]^o other township in the county, except Rock Creek, approaches this regularity. Golden's Point, of noted fame in the history of the county, received its name from Mr. Abram Golden, one of the early settlers in the edge of the prairie. The place was at a point of timber projecting into the prairie, at or near the farm since owned by Mr. Chris. Smith. Mr. G. was born in New Jersey, and raised in Kentucky. Was a volunteer under Gov. Shelby at the battle of the Thames, when Tecumseh was killed; and tells the stoi-y that he saw that chief's hide stripped ofl" him, by the soldiers, after he was killed, to make razor straps of I Mr. Golden was born in 1780, and died aged 86. Mrs. G. died in 1S75, at about the same age. The famous Sonora stone quarry is located on the river, about a mile above the mouth of Larry's creek. Large quantities of build- ing stone have been taken from this quarry, and shipped to various points for use in public buildings. (881) ^^2 histobt of haxcock coitstt. EEIJ'.-IOrS PS'X-EESS. The only clinrches wiiiim Sonor: - drst, a Christian Churdi in the forest near Larrv's creek, y - ; . ?i the Men tebello line; and another, free to all den: :.s. situated on the prairie above Sonora Landing. The l ^ Church mnst be 20 or 30 years old ; has had a good oongre^rion. now aomewhat reduced, and has been for some years past without a regular Pastor. The building is a frame, has been n^lected of late, and looks dilapi- dated. The free church is a few years old only, and was built by a union of the dilTerent sects with outsiders, a plan to be com- mended by sparsely senled neighborhoc^is. Settlers in the north part of the township attSfCh themselves to the dinerent Chr.rches in Xauvoo. PKKSOXAL, Following ar^ short biographical outlines of many of the well known resiaents of this township. /*?nt l>3i or 1535, aged about Si years, leaving one son, John, Jr., and S daughters, "The son was married in Indiana to Sybil White, a native of Xew York, near Bndndo, and a danght^ of Anson White, of English origin, and also a Kevolutionary soldier. Soon after marriage John moved to Wabash cv»nnty. III., taking with him his wife and one v hild, Heiekiah, Ae subject of this sketch, who was K>m Jan. 1. 1526. "niey located on Barnetr's Prairie, on a farm, although Mr. Brant was a cooper by trade; about six years afrerwarvi they moved to Tiuceanes,. Ind., where Mr. B. foliowevi coo^^^ring several years. He then movevi to Law- rence county. 111., where he died about 1S36, leaving 6 children: Hezekiah, Alfred, Silas, Horatio, Johnson and John, all yet living except John, who died in infimcy. The widow married again, and X LA HARPE HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. - 885 died in Clay county, 111., March 1, 1879, aged about 75 years, being at this time the grandmother of itt children, and the great- grandmother of 6 children. Her last husband was Mr. Chrisman. Mr. Hezekiah Brant's early advantages for a school education were limited, his father dying when he was but 10 years of age and the eldest of 6 children, and all in rather destitute circumstances. He never learned a letter of the alphabet until he was 13 years old, when he commenced to attend school some in the winter, but all together he never attended school more than six months in his life. The family moved to Clay county. 111., in 1839. The iirst work Mr. B. did was on a ferry-boat at Yincennes; next he was hired out by his mother to work on a farm at $40 a month; in seven months he met with an accident which disabled him from work, and when he went to his landlord for pay, the latter refused to pay more than $5 or $6. Mr. B. worked at farming and other work until 1844, .when he commenced to labor at brick-making, which business he followed two years; at the age of 16 he went to Vincennes to learn the blacksmith's trade with John B. Dunning, where he remained until Jan. 1, 1847, when he went to Clay county and ran a black- smith shop six months; then he followed the same trade at Dicks- burg, Ind., until 1850. June 6, of this year, Mr. Brant married Isabella Dick, a native of Ediaburgh, Scotland, and a daughter of James and Wilhelraina (Watson) Dick. She came to this country, landing at New Orleans in October, 1837. Mr. Dick had come the previous spring. His family, consisting of wife and 4 children, namely, Marian, Isabella, Wilhelmina and Jemima J., all but Mrs. Brant now deceased, sailed from Liverpool on the " Tallahassie," arriving at ]^ew Orleans only two hours after Mr. Dick's arrival there to meet them. The latter located in Knox county, Ind., where his uncles had lived, and where he had visited when 18 years old. Here Mr. Dick lived many years and became a prominent man in the State, being a Member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1850. He was a Democratic lawyer and a stump speaker. When a youth he learned the tanner and courier's trade, and followed the business a little after coming to this country. In Scotland he was brought up on a farm. His father, Wm. Dick, was a first cousin to the great scientific theologian, Thomas Dick, LL. D. His wife, Wilhelmina, nee Watson, was a daughter of Robert Watson, an architect, of Edinburgh, who died while on a visit to this country. James Dick followed farming, as well as the law, owning about 1 ,500 acres of land. He died at the age of about 57 years, Nov. 24, 1863, leaving a family of 5 children, 8 children having previously died. Mr. I3rant, after his marriage, moved to Olney, 111., where he carried on bhicksmithing from ls50 to 1855, when he moved with his family to apiece of land in this tp., the patent to which his father-in-law had bought in 1840. Mr. Dick had paid no attention to the land represented by liis patent ex'ce])t to come and look at it. He often talked about his "land in Hancock county," speaking of 886 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. its fertility, etc. One day while Mr. Brant was visiting him this land was mentioned, and the former asked in a joking way what he would sell it for. Mr. Dick replied that he would give it to him, which offer was accepted and the deed was drawn up and signed. Mr. B. afterward ascertained that the land had been sold 21 times, for taxes. He bought the tax claim for $90. This was the N. "W. J of sec. 34, Sonora tp. The homestead now consists of 560 acres. He has since erected a very large, substantial stone house in 1873, at a cost of $5,000, He has also a fine barn and other farm build- ings. Indeed, Mr. B. has put on this place all the improvements that are now on it. He raises grain and stock. Politically, Mr. Brant is a Democrat, and he has served his tp. in various local offices. His 8 children are: James D., married and living on tlie home farm; Hezekiah W ., married and living in Nodaway county, Mo.; Chauucy M., married and residing with his father; Mina S., John N., Herman S., George M. and Susan J. Joel H. Bolton was born Aug. 16, 1849, and is a son of George and Mary Bolton, the former a native of England and the latter of Ohio. Our subject was taken when young to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he was reared and educated. In 1860 he returned here and staid until 1871, when he went to Colorado and engaged in gold mining. He remained there until 1874, when he returned to this county. He is at present a dealer in live stock. May 10, 1876, he married Floretta Z. Golden, by whom he has had one child; viz., Ada. Our subject's grandfather on his mother's side was 1st Lieutenant in the war of 1812, and he was also a private soldier in the Union Army of 1st Missouri cavalry. John Browiiy deceased, is a native of Berks county. Pa., and was born July 18, 1808. He was a son of George Brown, who also was a native of the Keystone State. He was reared in Ohio, and was educated in one of the Ohio universities. Eighteen years he spent in teaching school. He came to this State in the year 1860 and set- tled in this county the same year. He resided here until his death, which occurred July 10, 1879, at the advanced age of 72. He was joined in marriage in 1827 to Sarah Seiferd, his now bereft wife. They had 8 children; of these, 5 are living; viz., Michael, John C, Luther A., Jacob S. and William H. The heirs own a farm of 320 acres in this tp., which their father procured in his industrious life. David J. IJcerd was born January 13, 1827, in Lawrence county, Indiana. He is a son of Henry and Nancy Ikerd, both natives of North Carolina. Our subject went to Jasper county, Iowa, in 1854, and staid there until 1856, when he came and located in this county, where he resided until the time of the war, when he was drafted as a soldier in Co. A, 57th jReg. 111. Inf. He was one year in the military service and then returned home and resumed his former occupation, namely, farming and stock-raising. He was married December 28, 1848, to Bernetta Meglemre, by whom he has had HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 887 7 children; viz., "William H., Jemima A., Nancy E., Thomas A., Beadj A., Susan E. and Meredith J. James A. Jones is a native of Jefferson county, Kentucky, where he was born September 11, 1S52, a son of Carter T.Jones; became to this county with his parents in 1869, and here they have since resided. The mother of James A. had one brother, who was killed while a soldier in the Union army. Thomas J. Levns is a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he was born April 19, 1831. He came to this county in 1853, where he resided until January 1, 1864, when he enlisted as a soldier in Co. H, 2d Illinois Field Artillery, under Captain Steinbeck. He became a veteran January 1, 1864, and was mustered out August 5, 1865. He participated in the following battles; viz.. Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Chickamauga, and last at Nashville. When peace was declared he returned home and resumed his former business; viz., school-teaching. He was edu- cated in his native county. John Lightner is a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was born January 17, 1817; is a son of William and Esther Lightner, both natives of Pennsylvania. He came to this county in 1852, and settled near Nauvoo, where he has since resided, a farmer and hor- ticulturist. He was married May 6, 1874, to Ila Balmer, of Nauvoo, and they have had 2 children; viz., John and Minnie. J.R. McBroom is a native of Butler county, Ohio.and born August 3, 1832. He is a son of Andrew McBroom, who was a native of Kentucky. J. K. was reared and educated in Butler county, Ohio, and came to this State in 1853, and settled in Adams county, where he stayed until 1873, when he came to this county and located in Sonora tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He owns 160 acres of land in Adams county. He was married in 1855 to Miss Susan A. Lowless; tliej^ have had 11 children; of these, 8 are living; viz., Mary E., John L., Olive S., Cora M., Susan M., Anna D., Milton and Ethel K. James Ogden is a native of Lancashire, Eng., and was born March 30, 1829. He is a son of Dennis and Elizabeth Ogden, both natives of England. James emigrated to this country with his mother in 1842, his fatlier having died in England. He first set- tled in Nauvoo, where he made his home until in 1850; during the great gold excitement he went to California, where he engaged in gold mining until ls54, when he returned home, and remained during the winter of 1855; then lie went again to California, where he staid until 1859 and then returned to this county, where he was married to Miss Elnora Bisse, of this county. Remaining here until April 22, 1862, he then started with a four-mule team across the plains to Washington Territory, where he remained until March, 1863, when he went to Idaho and enga<;ed in mining. August of that year he started home and arrived Nov. 5, 1863. In January, 1864, he went to New York city, and from there to San Francisco, ma, Panama. There he engaged in gold-mining SSS HISTORY OF HANCOCK COrNTY. until December of the saiue year, wlieu he returned to this conntv, where he has since resided, enijaged in farming and stock-raising, on a farm of 160 acres. Mr. Ogden has had 9 children, of whom 6 are livincj; viz.. Eliza J.. James L., Samuel J., "William A.. Barnhai-d J. and Levi H. Mr. O. took an active part against the Mormons. He was then living at Augusta, and was coming to Xauvoo to see his mother; when near Carthage he was impressed bv the Anti-Mormons as a soldier to banish them from the State: and he participated in a skirmish the next day after the soldiers camped in Xauvoo. Hinry T. Pitt is a native of England; and was K">ru Jnly 15, lSo7. and was brought here bv his parents, Thomas and Charlotte Pitt in '41 and tirst settleii in'Xauvoo, where they remained for one year, when they moved out in Sonora tp., whei-e they have since reside^!. Pec. 'l"2, 1S61. Mr. Pitt married Huldah J. Stevens, and thev have had S children, 7 of whom are living; viz., James E.. ^Villiam O., Ida M., Hattie C Henry T.. John E. and Milton W.; Alice Ann is deceased. Mr. Pitt's educational fiicilities were much limited: notwithstanding this, he attained a tair education, mainly by reading. He is a prominent officer in the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. John Pitt. — The grandtather of the subject of this sketch was Kobert Pitt, a native of Heivfordshire, England. His wife's maiden name was Hannah Hill. They lived and died in the above- named place. Thomas Pitt, his son. was the father of John, and a native also of Herefordshire, England. He was married to Char- lotte Hardwick. of his native place. He livei^l for several years after his marriage in Herefordshire, following work at his trade, which was that of a carpenter and millwright. "Wlien his family had increased to 10 children ^two of whom however were married ), he began to think of em icjrating to the L'niteil States. In conform- ity with plans thus laid, lie sent his wife and part of the family in the spring of 1S41, with a company of friends and acquaintances. His son John t the subject of this sketch^ followed in the fall, all arriving safely in Hancock county. 111. The father, Thomas Pitt, after settling his atlairs in England, arrived in this county in the spring of 1S42, l>eing one year after his wife's arrival with part of the tamily. The names of his children tliac came to this county were: James, now deceased : John, the subject of this notice; Rob- ert, who has been in California the past oO years; Henry and Walter, of Sonora tp.; and Caroline, now the wife of Henry Ellar, also living in Siniom tp. ; Ellen, Ann, Emily and "William are deceased. The names of the two children that were married and left in England were Eliza, who is now the wife of John Parsons and lives in the city of Hereford, and Elizabeth, the wife of S{\muel Barnes, and lives in Moorehampton. all of England. Thomas Pitt did not work at his rrade in this county, but bought a small farm on sec. 11, this tp.. on which he liNcd with his family until his death, in his TSth vear. mourned bv his familv and a larire circle ot HISTORY OF HANCOCK COTNTY. SS9 friends. lie was a verv temperate, exemplary man in all his habits, and was respected bv all. Ilis widow, now aged S2 years, is still living at the old homestead, and for her age is still very active and enjoying excellent health. John Pitt, the subject of this sketch, is one of the largest and most prominent farmers of Sonora township. He was born in the village of Dymmock, Gloucestershire, England, Dec. 30. 1S27. This villaije is situated on the line where three counties joined, the names ot tlie same being Herefordshire. Gloucestershire and "Worces- tershire. He was in his 14rth year when he came with his father's family to this county. Hfs advantages for an education were very limited, and were chietiy obtained in the subscription schools before leaving England. After arriving in this county his early youth was employed in working on his father's tarm. When he arrived at the age of 19 years he was given "his time" by his father, when he went to Macomb, 111., where he worked on a farm during the summer; with the proceeds of this summer's work he bought him a horse. The next winter he worked at chopping wood and split- ting rails, and with the proceeds of the winter's work he bought another horse. He now had a tearu. The following spring he returned home where he rented land and put in a crop of corn, wheat, oats, etc. This crop, assisted by plenty of hard work, turned out prosperous. For the tirst few years he continued to rent land, during which time he bought and ran a threshing machine for several seasons. During the past few years he has become more independent and forehandeti. He married in March, 1S53, Mary J. Chadsey, who was a native of Indiana; soon afterward he bought 40 acres of land on sec. 11. Sonora tp., where his present residence now stands. He has since added to the homestead, so that now it consists of '270 acres. He has also 313 acres in other precincts. makiuiT his landed possessions amount to 5S3 acres in all. Mr.^itt is a Republican in politics and has served his tp. in various local offices. Mr. and Mrs. Pitt have 10 children living, 5 sons and 5 daughters. Their names are as follows: James A., Charlotte J.. Mary M.. AVm. H. S.. Lillie F., John T. F., Charles K., Eva J.. Frederick C. and Cora E. James A. married Ida Datiu and lives in this tp. ; Charlotte J. married Duncan Cummings and lives near Avon, Minnesota: Mary M. married Wm. Chadsey, of Rushville, 111., and lives in Hock Creek tp., this county. A portrait of John Pitt is given on page. S23. made from a picture taken at the age of 53 years. Charlt.^ Sftveris is a native of Maine, and was born April 6, 1S2S. He was taken by his parents, Daniel and Mary Stevens, to Meigs county. Ohio, where he was reared and educated; came to this county in 1S53, where he purchased a farm of 50 acres in this tp. Here he resided until the war. when he enlisted as a soldier in Co. F, 151st 111. Vol. Inf. a division of General Sherman's army. Mr. Stevens served one year in the military service; he also had two brothers who were soldiers in thearmv. Orin and Edwin C. Orin 890 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. was a soldier from the first of the war to the last. Edwin C, his other brother, participated in the first attack on Yicksburg, in which he was wounded January 2, 1863, from the effects of which he died in a few davs. A day or two previous to his death he wrote the following letter: — January 4, 1863. Dear Father andMother: — I take perhaps the last opportunity of writing you a few lines. I received a severe wound on the boat before leaving the Yazoo, by a shot from one of the Kebel skirmishers, who attacked the bofit just before we left, killing one instantly and wounding three others. The ball struck me in the mouth and lodged in the left side of the neck, carrying several of my teeth with it. To-day, wliile I was gurgling some water in my lliroat, it caused bleeding, and I came near bleeding to death before it could be stopped. I have no hopes of ever getting well. If I should not, don't mourn for me, but remember that I died an easy death, and in a good cause. Dispose of the little property I have in a way that will make yoi; most comfortable. The expedition that moved against Vicks- burg proved a failure, a great many men lost and nothing accomplished. The skirmishers fired on our boat: the fire was returned by our boys, killing several. The gun-boats opened on them which soon put them to flight. Respectfully, (Signed) Edwin C. Stevens. Charles is of "Welsh' ancestry; his grandfather on his father's side was a soldier in the Revolutionary war under Gen. Washington. His wife's grandfather was a private in the same war, and was present when the Declaration of Independence was signed and declared. Mr. S. was married April 30, 1851, to Marj'- J. Bellous; they have had 6 children; viz., Luella T., Emma Y., Orin C. Edwin C, Tillie and Hattie D. J. T. Thomas,, a native of Kelson county, Kentucky, was brought by his parents, James and Abigail Tiiomas, to Adams county, this State, when only three years of age, where he was reared and educated. There were but nine houses in Quincy when his father came there. Our subject left his parental roof in 1852, and came to this county and located in Sonora tp., where he has since resided. lie is one of the most prominent farmers in that township; he owns a fine farm of over 600 acres, and a good resi- dence. Mr. Thomas was married in 1850, to Louisa Nichols, 9 children being the fruit of this union; of these, 8 children are living; viz., Laura A., Lilburn T., William IL, Sarah L., Naoma J., Martha E., James H. and Purliet. D. R. Thornher was born July 20, 18-1:9, in this county. He is a son of Henry and Lucy Thornber. The former is a native of Lancashire, England, and the latter of Yorkshire. Our subject was reared and educated in this county, and has for several years devoted his time to school-teaching, all his education being attained in a common district school. Politically he is a Greenbacker, and of the most i-adical school. He was the man who established the paper known as the Labor Tribune^ of Keokuk. The paper is still published, and has an extensive circulation. Mr. T. was married April 6, 1871, to Sarah J. Haigh. To them have been born 5 children, of whom i are living; viz., Lucy S., Mary E., Maggie A. and Phebe J. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 891 TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS . Below we give a list of the Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and Collectors of this township since its organization: SUPERVISORS. J. Gardner 1851 Christopher Smith 1868 William Coe 1853 James Moffitt 1871 Geo. Edmunds, Jr 1858 Christopher Smith 1873 Robert Davis 1859 Geo. Edmunds, Jr 1873 James Moffitt 1861 John Brown 1874 Samuel Brownlee 1803 Christopher Smith 1876 James Moffitt 1863 James Moffiitt 1879 William C. Paine 1866 J.N. Datin 1880 CLERKS. C. P. Golden 1858 Darwin Edmunds 1870 Harvey Collins 1859 Chas. P. Golden 1871 Corj-don Bradley 1861 John Brown 1873 James Bolton 1863 James Bolton 1873 Geo. W. Black 1863 John Horton 1874 C. P. Golden 18G6 J. N. Datin 1875 O. W. Fulton 1869 John C. Brown 1876-1880 ASSESSORS. W. H. Fulton 1858 George Benner 1873 Wm. S. Williams 1859 John L. D. Horton 1876 John Pa4S, Lewis C. Maynard was chosen Deacon. The church edifice was erected about 1S54. Of its earlier Pastors, we have the names of Revs. Apthorp, Hawley, Williams, Rankin, Perkins, Babbitt, Xichols, Henry, Johnson. Pennoyer and Atkinson. For the foregoing we are indebted to a memorial pamphlet, pub- lished by the Illinois Association in 1S63. Repeated applications have foiled to elicit any data from the other Churches in La Harpe. There is a Methodist Episcopal organization, a Protestant Method- ist, a Christian and a Catholic, all of which, we believe, have regular services, and most o1^ them church buildings. There is also a Protestant Methodist Church on Xorth Prairie. BIOe^RAPHICAL. Here are sketches of many of the well-known citizens of La Harpe township: W. A. Bahiter. farmer, sec. 23; P. O., La Harpe; was born in Muskingum county, O., in 1S25, and is a sou of Peter and Mary 51 896 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. (Emaler) Bainter, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, who came to this county in 1S53, settling in this tp. Both reside in La Harpe. The subject of this sketch was married in 18-±9 to Miss Leran Rol- ler, a native of Welden county, Va,, and they have had 5 children, all living, — William L., Susan, Linda, Carrington A. and Martha. He resides on the homestead, which consists of one-half section of land, valued at $4:0 per acre. He is School Director, which office he has hlled 16 or 17 years; is also a member of the Masonic order. Politically, he is a Democrat. II. H. Barnes, Justice of the Peace, was born in Madison county, N. Y., in 1820; in 1837 he came to Illinois and located on a farm in Henderson county; in 1839, he went to the pineries of Minnesota, then a Territory, and with ten others engaged in lum- bering, near the St. Croix river. The Chippewa Indians were exasperated at this intrusion and called a convention of war, and the wliites were driven away. They were met by the Government Agents who were sent to make the first payment for territory to this tribe. Blankets and money were paid them, and the party came away with 600 logs. He afterward returned and spent 11 months there, being kindly treated. On his return to this State, he located at Peoria, and engaged in staging between that point and Burlington, Iowa. In 1848, he came to La Harpe and engaged at his trade, harness-making; subsequently he opened a salesroom for wagons and carriages, and had a large trade; in 1853, he was elected Constable and served three or four years; also, he has served as Deputy Sheriff 12 years, and City Marslial nine years; was Mayor two terms, and Alderman a number of years; has been Justice of the Peace since 1S73. He also deals largely in horses, handling from 400 to 500 a year, making purchases and selling to the Gov- ernment. In 1844 he married Miss Mary, daughter of George Coulson, and they have 4 children, — Robert, Franklin, Edward and Harry. Willh G. Bernethy, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., La Harpe; was born in Bond county. 111., in 1832; his parents, James and Elizabeth (Gilliland) Bernethy, emigrated to that county, about 1826; sub- sequentl}' they moved to Canton, Fulton county. 111., and to La Harpe tp. in 1835. He was a farmer, and although solicited to fill many offices of trust, preferred the quiet of his home. He raised a family of 8 children, 4 of whom are now living, — Robert G., James H., Willis G. and Jane. His death occurred at the homestead January 19, 1877; the widow, now in her 79tli year, resides on the homestead with her son and daughter, AVillis and Jane. The farm, consisting of 90 acres, is well improved. Joel Bradshaw, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., La Harpe; is one of the oldest citizens of the county. He was born in White county, West Tennessee, Sept. 15, 1812; when quite young he was brought by his parents, John and Fannie Bradshaw, to Madison county 111.; they afterward removed to Morgan county, where they died, re- corded " Early State pioneers." The subject of this notice was HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 897 married in 1833 to Miss Catharine, daughter of Hugh Dickson; she was born near Knoxville, East Tenn.; they have had 10 chil- dren, of whom 7 are living: Jane, Emma, Eliza, Wm. D., Geo. W., J. S. and James M. Mr. B. settled on his present estate in August, 1837; his farm of 188 acres is valued at $60 per acre, being under a high state of cultivation. He is a Democrat. William D. Bradshaw, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., La Harpe; was born in Morgan county, 111., in 1837, and is a son of the preceding. In 1867 he married Mary E., daughter of Samuel M. Bainter, an early pioneer of the county. He has one child, Sarah M. Mr. B. settled on his present estate in 1867; it consists of 160 acres, and is quite valuable. He is School Director. John W. Bray, deceased, was born at "Welsh Pool, Wales, Dec. 24, 1806, and married Miss Ann AVilkinson May 22, 1830, and a few years later emigrated to America, settling near Philadelphia, where he worked at his trade, that of tinsmithing; in this business he succeeded well and accumulated some property. In 1840 he joined the Freemasons and soon became an enthusiast in the principles of the order. He was a charter member of the La- Harpe Lodge No. 195, and was the organizer of Bristol Lodge No. 653 I. O. O. F., at Bristol, Pa. In the former order he was S. W., "W, M., Select Master, and when he died he was Scribe. He emi- grated to Carthage in 1852, and the following year he started in business with his son Thomas. He was one of the first of the city fathers, and was serving as Alderman at the time of his death, Sept. 4, 1879. After dinner one day he lay down, and when he was called and no response was heard, he was found dead. He was a good and true man. ThoTnan S. Bray, son of the preceding, was born in Bucks county, Pa., in 1836; in 1862 he married Miss Emma, daughter of Wm. Leavitt, an early settler of this tp. He has served on the Board of Education six years; has been an Alderman, and is one of the oldest and most respected merchants of La Harpe. He has 3 children living: Edwin, Annie and Winnie. Politically Mr. B. is a stalwart Republican, as was his respected father. George W. Braymer, dealer in sewing machines, wall-paper, etc., was born in Montgomery county. Pa., in 1829; in 1855 he came to La Harpe engaging in mechanical work until he opened his present trade in 1870. In 1851, in his native State, he married Sarah H. Griffith, of the same State, and of their 7 children all are living: Emma, Adell, Linford, Edward, William, George and Bessie. For years Mr. B. has been Superintendent in the Method- ist Protestant Church, and is one of the active business men of the community. He is a Republican. E. C Brockett,i?cc\ViQx,'&QQ,. 23; P. O., La Harpe; was born in Trumbull county, O., in 1850; his parents, Hosea, and Aurilla (Nutt) Brockett, were natives of New York and Ohio, and came to this county in 1854, settling on the present farm. The home- stead farm consists of 200 acres, valued at $45 per acre. The sub- 898 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. ject of this sketch was married in 1873 to Miss Mary E. Biggs, a native of this county, and their 2 children are Eva O. and Clarence W. Mr. B. is a son of one of the old settlers of the county and tp. His father is a resident of California, and his uncle lives on the homestead. Politically Mr. B. is a Republican. S. F. Brijaii, farmer sec. 9; P. O., La Harpe; was born in Mercer county, Pa., Hov. 1, 1832; when eight years of age he was brought to this county by his parents, Jacob and Mary (Bagler) Bryan, in May, 1840; he settled in this tp. and engaged in farming many years, in which he was successful. He moved to La Harpe, where he now lives in retirement. The ages of these respected pioneers are ^(^ and 75 years. The subject of this notice in 1859 married Miss Dolena, daughter of Joseph T. Painter, who settled on his farm in 1836, where she was born in ISTovember of that year. Eight of their 9 children are living: Emma Y., Joseph P., John F., William E., James E.., Mary, Charles C. and one not yet christened. The homestead farm consists of 160 acres, valued at $50 an acre. It has a flow of living water upon it. This point is historic, as the cabin of La Harpe stood but a short distance from it, as also the rem- nants of an old fort supposed to have been occupied by a pre-his- toric race. William O. Butler, dentist, La Harpe, is a son of ISToah and L. C. (Dickinson) Butler, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee, who settled in La Harpe in 1851; father was a graduate of the Missouri Medical College, and was a practicing physician in this city until his death in 1876. He was prominently identified with the inter- ests of the community. His estimable widow and five children survive. The subject of this biography was born in Clarke county. Mo., in 1850; he completed a course of study in the Missouri Medical College and graduated at the Dental School of Pennsyl- vania, and is the only graduate dentist in the county. In 1873 he married Miss Kate Lisk, a native of La Harpe, and their two children are Clyde and Edith. Dr. B. is an Alderman, a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the A. O. U. W., and of the Illinois State Dental Association. He is thoroughly devoted to his pro- fession. He established in practice here in 1873, and has a good patronage. William T. Cam/pbell and sisters, dealers in dry goods, millinery and notions. La Harpe, established themselves in business here in 1872, and now control a large trade. They are the children of James and Eliza (McCulloch) Campbell, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this county in 1853, settling in Fountain Green tp.; in 1874 they moved to La Harpe, where the father died in 1877; the widow and eight children survive. "William T. was born in Franklin county,Pa.,in 1839; in 1870 he married Mary A. Barr, a native of the same State, and they have one boy, Charlie. Mr. C. served as Clerk of Fountain Green tp., and is now an Alderman, a Superintendent of the Sunday-school connected with the Congregational Church, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 899 and is one of those enterprising men who have given prestige to the business of La Harpe. /. W. Ca>fsell, principal of La Harpe Seminary, is a native of Knox county, O., where he was born in 1839. He was educated at Wittenburg College, Springtield, O., and graduated at that insti- tution in 1866. In September of the same year he entered the college at Adrian, Mich., as Professor of Greek and Latin, where he officiated six years. He organized and superintended the public schools at Lincoln, Neb., in 1872, where he was engaged two years. On his return to Illinois he settled on a farm in this tp., where he has resided until called to fill his present position. He entered the ranks of the Union soldiers in Co. A, 20th O. V. I., in 1861 for three years' service, and was discharged at Bolivar, Tenn., on account of sickness, after one year of service. He was a participant in the battles of Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing. In 1871 Prof, C. was married to Miss Mary, daughter of James Gittings, an early pilgrim of Hancock county. Their living children are Abbie, Robert and Ort. The Professor and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. A. ClayGomb, proprietor of the Tremont House, La Harpe, was born in Breckenridge count}^ Kentucky, in 1812; his j^arents, Coonrad and Nancy (All) Cla3^comb, were natives of that State, both deceased. Mr. C. was on a farm until thirty years of age. In 1835 he traveled extensively through the Western States, selling goods, but returned to his home, where he was married in 1847 to Miss Sarah Barr, a native of Kentucky. In 1853 he moved to La Harpe and purchased the hotel on the site of the present house, which was burned to the ground in 1871. He erected a new build- ing the same year, which also was destroyed by fire, January 31, 1879. In these conflagrations he lost about $3,500, besides the family wardrobe. Not discouraged by these losses, he erected the present house (" Tremont ") at a cost of $3,000, which is the only first-class hotel in La Ilarpe; it has the best improvements, and a livery stable attached, and commands the best trade of the traveling public. Mr. C. also has a farm of 160 acres in St. Clair count}', Missouri, under a good state of cultivation. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and the father of 2 children: Harry E., who assists his father in the hotel, and Delia, deceased. Albert Conii24. In 1S46 he visited this county, and returned East. He married in 1S49 Miss Elizabeth Hamilton, a native of Pennsylvania. In 1>51 he came to this county, and located at Warsaw, where he resided until 1>62, when he enlisted in Co. C. 111. \o\. Inf., and served in the Quartermaster's depart- ment until the close of the war. In 1^6S he moved to Clarke county. Mo., and in 1S75 went to Kohaka, Wis., and for two years engaged in the mercantile business. This he disposed of and pur- chased the mill at La Harpe, upon which he has expended about 83,000 in repairs, and he is now having a large and lucrative trade. Mr. F. is serving his second term as Alderman; is a member of I. O. O. F., and one of the active, enterprising merchants of La Harpe. His parents, David and Dorcas Figley. were natives of Washington county, and are both deceased. The following are his six living children: Marv, Jasper M., Cora, Curtis, Isola and Charles Finne;/ Gdl was born in Antwerp. Jefterson county. X. Y., Oct. 22, 1829, a son of Daniel L. Gill, who was born in 1783, 902 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. ill Yermoiit, and was during his life-time a farmer, and during the war of 1S12 was Captain. He removed from Xew York to Indiana in 1S3T, where lie bought a farm a half mile from Muncietown, Ind., and where he died in 1S3S, leaving a widow and 6 children, in comfortable circumstances. Her maiden name was Sallie Cogs- well, and she was also a native of Yermont and of Scotch ancestry; in 1841 she moved to Illinois with her children, locating in Foun- tain Green tp., on sec. 5; she died in Nauvoo Dec. 25, 1S45. Charles' education was limited to that of the common schools in the winter, from 12 to 19 years of age. At 12 he commenced to work on a farm for $4 a month, continuing with the same man nntil he was 19, when he M-as employed by Geo. A. Chittenden in Warsaw, as clerk in the forwarding and commission bnsiness; six months afterward, in company with David Bettisworth, Mr. Gill bought out Mr, Chittenden and continued six months longer, when Mr. G. bought out Mr. Bettisworth's interest, and continued until 1852, when he went to California with three others, with 5 yoke of oxen; in California he engaged in various pursuits, but none of them proving to be permanent, he returned home in 1853, in Feb- ruary; but in March he started for California again, taking 165 head of cattle, and he succeeded in getting them through, which proved a profitable investment. In the spring of 1S55 he returned overland, by mule train, and went to steamboating between St. Louis and St. Paul, at first owning an interest in the ""Julia Dean" and '' Minnesota Belle," and followed the business until 1858, when he bought a farm of 365 acres, the south ^ of sec. 29, Pon- toosuc tp., where he lived nine years; he then came to La Harpe and put lip a large brick building and opened a private bank, which he conducted from 1867 to 1875, when he sold out, on account of failing health, to Hungate & Ward, and spent two years in the South for his health. Mr. Gill was married, Dec. 20, 1855, to Lucy S. A. Bainter, in Fountain Green tp., a native of Ohio and daughter of Daniel X. and Sarah Bainter, who came to this county in 1836, and are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gill are now resid- ing in La Harpe, in a very pleasant residence, with 4 children, whose names are Ella, Charles F., John and Sarah M. Politically, Mr. Gill is a Pepublican; in 1877 he represented the 2-ith district in the Illinois House of Representatives, which position he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Since that time his chief occupation lias been the care of his property, which consists of about 600 acres of farm land in this county, some town property, securities, etc. He also carries on a general produce and grocery store. He has been Treasurer of La Harpe for the last eight or ten years. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church. Mr, Gill's portrait will be found on page 883. William W. Gillon, grocer. La Harpe, established in his present business in 1879, carries a stock of 82,500 and has an increasing trade. Mr. G. was born in London, England, in 1844, and emi- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 903 grated to the United States in 186S, locating in tliis city, where he began teaching school, and followed various pursuits until he was enabled to open his present place. He was educated in the colleges of London, and a graduate of the school of 1859. Subsequently he received an appointment as clerk in the office of the Crown Solicitor, and three years afterward entered the mercantile business in London. In 1863 he was married to Miss Rose Ilagger, a native of London. To this union 7 children have been born, 5 of whom are living: Alice 11., Amy C, "William B., Henry E. and Cora N. He has three brothers, Henry, Edward and Bruce, in the East Indies; two of them hold important offices in the civil service of the English Government. Mr. G. is a professor of book-keeping in the seminary of this city; is also a member and officer in the I. O. O. F. and of the M. P. Church. In politics he endorses the Republican party, and favored the nomination of Grant. James Gittings^ a pioneer settler of this county, was born in Jefferson county,Ya., Feb. 21,1801; his parents were Ason and Elizabeth (Clark) Gittings, who were born in Maryland, about 15 miles from AVashington, D.C., of English ancestry, the tirst of whom in America settled here long previous to the Revolution. Ason Gittings was a farmer b}' occupation, and also followed wagon-making to some extent. He lived in Muskingum county, O., many years, and died there. He had, however, lived in this county awhile, with his family, but was not satisfied; his wife died in March, 1847, and he returned to Ohio. The subject of this sketch passed his early ^-ears upon his father's farm; at the age of 26 he commenced planting and raising tobacco, in Belmont county, O., which he continued for three years, taking his tobacco to the Baltimore market to sell. In 1830-'31 he engaged in flour and freighting from Zanesville, O., to New Orleans, La. His first trip was in 1829, when he went as supercargo, owning 100 barrels of flour himself and taking charge of 400 1)arrels for others. The first trip he made entirely on his own account, he cleared some «s500. In 1833 he bought a farm in Muskingum county, of 320 acres, for which he paid $1,600 in cash, and in 1835 he sold this farm and came to Hancock county, 111., where he purchased, in 1836, the north half of sec. 5, La Harpe tp. Previously he had spied out the land and found it a goodly one in comparison with what he saw in the East. Prior to 1837 he walked the entire distance from Zanes- ville, O., to this county tJu'ee times! On his new land in the West he first broke about SO acres and sowed it in wheat, in 1836, and in the spring of 1S37 he moved his famil}' to this county. He built a flat-boat on the Ohio above Zanesville, placed his family and goods upon it, and with five other families he started West in that primi- tive style; at Cincinnati he sold the boat and transferred all to a steamboat bound for St. Louis; remaining at the latter jilace four or five days the boat came on with them to AVarsaw where they landed in April, 1837, after having been a month on the way. Thence they came by team to within three miles of La Harpe, 904 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COTJNTT. where he had rented a house; here he lived about one year, build- inc^ a house on his own place, into which he moved in the spring of 1838. Sept. 17, 1832, he married Jane Van Horn, and in 1842 she died, leaving 5 children, 2 only of whom are now living, Elizabeth and Robert. May 17, 1844, Mr. G. again married, this time Mrs. Dogue, nee Susannah Thompson, daughter of John and Libbie Thompson, natives of Maryland. Mrs. G. was born in Stokes county, N. C. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson both died in Fountain Green, this county, where they had settled in 1837. James Git- tings has since added to his possessions so that he now has 2,700 acres, all connected in one piece, in Illinois, and besides he has 740 acres in Missouri. He commenced life with nothing, working for only $6 a month, but through perseverance, energy, honesty and frugality he has amassed this large estate. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. In politics he has always been a strong supporter of human liberty, and is now a Republican. By his last wife the 2 children are Clarence R. and Mary Jane. The latter is now Mrs. Castle, and lives in La Harpe. "We present in this volume, on page 369, a portrait of Mr. Gittings, from a photograph taken at the age of 72. B. J. Headon, farmer, sec. 36; P. O., La Harpe; was born in Morgan county. 111., in 1841. His parents, Thomas S. and Mar- garet Moore, came to this State at an early time and settled in Morgan county, where she died. He survives, in the 78th year of his age. The subject of this sketch was married in 1866 to Miss Maria C. Coultas, a native of this county, and they are the parents of 5 children living — William, Mary, George, Jennie and Rosa. The two deceased are Joseph and Demont. Mr. H. came to this county in 1868, and settled on his first estate of 200 acres in this tp. and 87 in Fountain Green. He is a School Director and member of the I. O. O. F. Politically he is a Democrat. J. H. Hungate^ banker. La Harpe, of the firm of Hungate & "Ward, is a son of Adonijah and Eliza ("Ward) Hungate, natives of Kentucky, who emigrated to this county in 1833 and settled in Fountain Green tp., where the subject of this sketch was born in 1838. The following year his parents moved to McDonough county, and engaged in farming. "When 17 years of age Mr. H. took a course of studies in the schools of Knox county, and entered the law college at the Chicago University, at which institution he graduated in 1862, and began the practice of his profession with Judge Bailey at Macomb. In 1864 he was elected Circuit Clerk of McDonough county, and filled that position four years. In 1869 he moved to St. Louis, where he resided until 1874, and then took a trip to the East. The same year he formed the present partner- ship, and succeeded T. Gill in the banking business, which has since been successfully carried on. He made a strong race for State Sen- ator on the Democratic ticket, and was again defeated after his nomination to Congress in 1876. He was married in 1878 to Miss HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 905 Florence E., daughter of James W. Mathews, a prominent man of Macomb — a neice of Dr. Mathews, of Monmouth, and descendant of the Stanley Mathews family of Virginia. They are the parents of one son, Wheaton Ward. The firm of Hnngate & Ward is one of the most successful and solid institutions of La Harpe. Opening their business in adverse times, they have distinguished themselves and been crowned with success. Mr. H. is a Democrat. tZohn iV. Hurdle. — The ancestors of this gentleman were Scotch, the first of whom we haveany account being John Hurdle, a native of Maryland, near Baltimore, where he lived many years. He after- ward moved to Muskingum county, O., where he followed farming. He died in this county in 1843, aged 75 years, leaving 3 sons and one daughter. He was an Abolitionist, and in his voting precinct in Ohio there were but three others who voted with him. His son, William Y., who was the father of John N., was next to the youngest child, and was born in Virginia and brought up on his father's farm, but on attaining manhood he studied medicine, which he practiced 15 or 20 years in Ohio. About 1826 he married Miss Mary Kinney, a native of Huntingdon county, Pa., a daughter of Williani and Margaret (Mahan) Kinney, both natives of Pennsyl- vania, who afterward moved to Ohio, where Mr. William Y. married. In 1853 they, with 7 children, moved to Illinois, and bonght, in company with his son, John N., 320 acres of land, being sees. 5 and 8, La Harpe tp. In 1861 he moved to Henderson county, where he died in August, 1863. His widow now lives with her son, John jS'. John N. Hurdle was born Feb. 15, 1831, in Muskingum county, O. His educatioa was chiefly confined to the public schools of his native State, mostly in winter. At 18 he put in crops on rented land, at times when he was not needed on his father's place; this was on shares, and in this way he had accumulated some $600 by the time he was 23 years old. Dec. 15, 1853, he married Mary Wolf and immediately moved to Illinois, with a two-horse team, in 26 days, and located in Henderson county, where he bought a one- fourth sec. for 81,900, going in debt $1,500. This debt he paid in just three years, and then he sold out for $•1,600. In February, 1857, with his father, he bought a one-half sec. in La Harpe, 320 acres for $7,875. In 1861 Mr. H. bought out his father, giving a mortgage on the same for nearly $4,000. These times, from 1857" to 1864, were pretty hard, and he oflPered 6,000 bushels of corn for 10 cents a bushel, to pay the interest on the mortgage, which was not accepted; the mortgagee sued for his interest, but finally com- promised, and Mr. H. was to pay the same in June following, and by that time he had sold his corn for 70 cents a bushel. xlpril 9, 1860, Mrs. Hurdle died, leaving 2 children; namely, Edgar F., who was born July 13, 1856, and Emma F., born August 18, 1858. Laura J., who was born August 7, 1855, died November 23, following. ^Eay 28, 1861, Mr. Hurdle again married, this time Miss Elmira A. Barr, a native of Breckenridge county, Kentucky, 906 HISTOKT or HANCOCK COUNTY. and daughter of Elias and Sallie A. (Beanchamp)Barr, both natives of tliat State. They came to this county in 1857, settling on sec. 1, Rock Creek tp. Mrs. 11. 's grandfather, Adam Barr, was a native of Maryland, served in the Revolutionary war under Washington, and died in Kentucky. Elias Barr was a Democrat, served as assessor, etc., and died in Rock Creek tp., July IS, 1874, leaving 5 sons and 6 daughters, Mrs. Hurdle being next to the eldest. The widow, who with her children were left in good circumstances, is still living on the old homestead. Mr. Barr was a high-minded and honorable man. Since his coming to this county Mr. Hurdle has added to his possessions so that he now has 905 acres of land in the home farm. His large residence 18 by 40, with L 32 by 18, was built in 1872. and is one of the finest farm houses in the county; it cost $6,000 besides time and labor. In 1868 he also built a large frame barn, at a cost of $4,000, size 40 by 60 feet, the carpenter work alone amounting to $900. Mr. Hurdle's children: Lula B., born March 19, 1862; Sarah Olive, July 19, 1863; Maggie C, October 2, 1855; Carrie A., June 14. 1868; Willie Elias, January 24, 1S70; Dora K., February 20, 1872; Henry A., March 5, 1876; and John Franklin, ISTovember 21, 1877; all living. In 1873-'4 Mr. H. met with some reverses of fortune, by endeavor- ing to assist and accommodate others, indorsing notes, etc., to the extent of nearly $20,000, all of which he had to meet, as his friends failed to come to time; but he is fast recovering from the loss. He is one of the most substantial and enterprising farmers and citizens of the county; has strong religious convictions, and has been a member of the Church ever since he was eighteen years of age; has always observed with strictness the rigid habits of tenij)erance. honesty and integrity, and has ever been a high-minded, honorable Christian gentleman. He joined the Washingtonian Temperance Society when he was seven years of age, and has ever since adhered strictly to his pledge. He and four of his children are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, and his life, according to the uniform testimony of the neighbors, has ever been an exemplary one. In politics he is a Republican. We give a portrait of Mr. Hurdle in this volume, which may be found on page 893. Henry Hyatt, grain dealer, La Harpe, was born in Yates county, N. Y., in 1825. His parents, Thomas and Hannah (Finch) Hyatt, were natives of IS'ew York, and remained there until 1855, at which time they came to Hancock county and located in this tp., where he resided until his death. The esteemed widow survives in the 76th year of her age. The subject of this sketch came to the city in 1849, and engaged in the drug business. In 1859 he disposed of his stock and entered the grain trade. He purchased the ele- vator located near the depot, and makes large shipments of grain to St. Louis and other points, where he is connected. The average amount of grain handled at this elevator is 100,000 bushels of HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 907 wheat, 30,000 to 40,000 of oats and 20,000 to 30,000 of rye. Ur. H. was married in 1852, toMiss'Fredonia Duncan, a native of Illinois, who died in June, 1866, leaving one child, George W. Mr. Hyatt was again married in May, 1867, to Miss Josephine Lane, a native of Illinois. One daughter, Anna M., has been born to them. Mr. H. has served as Mayor of the city, and has been otherwise identified with the interests of the city and tp. Andreio Jackson James: — The ancestors of this gentleman on his father's side were of Welsh descent, and settled in Maryland probably 60 years before the Revolutionary war. The tirst we learn of the family by this name was Evan James, who lived at AVestport, now Tolona, Maryland. His wife was a Miss Firman. He was a farmer by occupation, and died at the place mentioned, leaving a widow and a large family of children. She afterward moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, where she died at the age of 81 years. One of her sons, Evan, Jr., was born in Maryland in 1792, and married about 1812, Miss Lydia Wolf, in the same State; soon afterward he moved with his family to Muskingum county, O., where he followed farming, lumbering, etc.; afterward, in 1854, he moved to Edgar county, 111., where his wife died; he married again, in that county, and subsequently moved to this county and lived with his son, the subject of this sketch; he died in 1869. . A. J. James, our subject, was born Sept. 15, 1815, at West Zanesville, Muskingum county, O., where he passed his early years at farming, logging and lumbering; at the age of 21 his father gave him a colt, saddle and bridle; this is all he had to start with, and all he ever had given him. The first year, he worked a piece of land on shares; the next year, in partnership with his brother, he went into the logging and lumbering business, but was not success- ful; the debts they contracted required the next two years of their time to pay up; they then followed farming six years, on rented land; then they dissolved partnership and A. J. continued on the same land six years longer, paying 20 bushels of corn per acre for rent, and hauling the grain two or three miles to a still-house; at the end of this six years he had accumulated money enough to buy 240 acres of land; on this farm he lived two years; he then sold out at $15 per^acre and moved with his family to this tp., locating on sec. 17, Oct. 22, 1852, where he bought 500 acres of land at $10 an acre; since that time he has added to his possessions in this county so that it now amounts to 1,311 acres, besides having 495 in Iowa, The improvements on the home farm on sec. 7 are among the finest in the county; the home farm consists of 640 acres; the dwelling is a large two-story brick, and the fine, large frame barn is built in the gothic style; they were built in 1868-'70, at a cost of about $20,000, including all out-buildings, door-yard fences, ice-houses, etc. Mr. James was married in Coshocton county, O., Oct. 31, 1838, to Miss Sidney Pigman, a native of that county and a daughter of John and Jane (Thompson) Pigman, natives of Hampshire county, V>OS Hl55Tv^KY OF HAXOvVK CX>UXTY. Va.. who came to this county in IS5S and livtxl on Mr. A. J. James' t'arni, where thev died, Mr. P. in ISi^T, avrevi SI veai-s, and Mrs. P. in March. ISTS. Mr. Pigman was very widely and favor- ably known in Ohio, where he spent the most oV his lite, in Ct>shoc- ton county. In that place he served 20 years as Justice of the Peace, l>esides holding various other otfices of trust and honor. He wa;? in the war of IS IS, wjis a llag-l)earer at the battle of Tippo- oanv.v, and was present the time Tecumseh was killeii, Knuir the second man to discover the tact, lie alw^us claimevi that it was a man namevi Wheatty that killed Tecumseh, instead of Gen. John- son, who had the cjvdit of it, Mr. James' children: Lydia J., deceased, was K^rn Oct, 14, 1S39; John P.. was lK>rn Aug 25. ISil: E\-an, Xov. 4, 1S43: Francis M., April 11, 1S40: Josephine, deceased, was lK»rn Dec. 15, 1S4S; Mary E., Xov. 6, 1S51: Eoxana, deceased, was K>rn March 7, 1S44; Siilina, Sept. S. lS5t^; Sidney, deceased, lK»rn Xov. 14 1S5S: Henrietta, Dec, 21, lSt>0: and Andrew J., Jr., Oct. 25. ISiU! The tive eldest were born in !N[uskingum county, O. Mr. James is a Republican in |x»litics. and lias been Supervisor And in various other official positions. His portrait will be found on W^* 459. T. Jf. Jiim^<. farmer, sec. oo; P. O., La HarjM?: was lK»rn in Muskinofum county, Ohio, in .lS4i5: is a son oi Andrew J. and Sidney (Tigman^ James, natives of Ohio, who came to this county in 1S52 and are among the living pioneers of the countv. The subject of this sketch N\-as married in ISTl to Miss Frances A. Vincent, a native of this tp, Charles 0. is their only child. Mr. J. is a meml^er of the I. O. O. F. and of the Metluxlist Church. The farm upon which he now resides consists of lOof acres of val- uable and productive land. Politically Mr. J. endorses Republi- can administration. 6^v/y and settled in Fountain Green tj). They were umon^ the earliest pioiuiers of the county, and the farm is to this lock's interest and carried on the business alone until he sold and retired from all active ])ursuits to tin; enjuyment of his industry. He once served as Collector of Fountain (jreen tp. He is a member of the Masonic order, and is one of the oldest pioneers and business men of the county. Politically lie is a Republican. Jame.s Mayer, dealer in ai^ricnltural impleinents, La Harpe, was born on tlui Mississijypi river Ai)ril 10, 1842. His |>arents, John and VA'r/Ax J>ickerstaff, were natives of Preston, Fiii^land, and em- barked on a sailinir vessel for the United States in 1842. They landed at Nauvoo, and shortly after came to La Harj^e. He was a blacksmith and worked studiously at his trade until his death in 1874. The wife and mother survives in the 5sth year of her a^e. The subject of this sketch followed the ])rofession of his father until 1870, when he entered the mei'cantile business, and has since been actively engaged. He has served as City Marshal, Police Mai^istrate, Supervisor, and is a meml^er of the present School Board, etc. He opened his present business in 1880, and is en- gaged in fire insurance. Among his comjianies are the Hartford, of Hartford, (>onn.; North American, of Philadelpliia, Phojnix, of Brooklyn: American and German, of Peoria. He was married in 18G3 to Miss Laura Everson, a native of Ohio. Their children are Irving and one not yet christ-.'iU'; 1. Deacon L. (J. Maynard. — The ancestors of the Maynard family are of Scotch descent, and were among the very early pioneers who settled in America. Tradition says that two brothers Maynard were the founders of the family in America, of wdiich L. (J., the subject of this notice, is a descendant. They settled in Massachu- setts and raised families. C'aj)tain Gardner j\Ia3'nard, who ])rob- ably served in the lievolutionary war, was a farmer in the town of Phillipston, Worcester county, IVIassachusetts, where he died. His eon Calvin was the father of L. C, a resident of the same ]>lace, and 910 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COrNTY. died when the latter was sixteen years old. His widow, nee Lncy Piper, was left with a family of i children. The snb-ject of this sketch was born March 7, 1S06. passed his earlv yonth on his father's farm and received a good common-school edn'e-ation; at sixteen he attended Amherst Academy three months; taught school every winter nntil he was twenty-eight years of age, attending to tarm work in the summer. At the age of sixteen, when his tather died, he went to live with Doctor Stone, with the understanding that he could teach winters, the money he should receive for which he was to keep; and the doctor was also to clothe him and furnish his medical services free and give him ^70 on his i?lst birthday. This programme was faithfully carried out, and Mr. ^[. found himself at that age with about $300 on hand, most of which he had earned at teaching. April 6. lSo5. he married Miss Adeline Ward, dauirhter of Xahum Ward, of Phillipston. ^lassa- chusetts. and of Irisli descent. Artemas Ward, the great-grand- father of Mrs. Maynard. was a Genenil under Washington in the Revolutionary war. Previous to his marriage, in ISol, Mr. L. C. Maynard and his brother, Jeffrey Amherst Maynard. CAme to Illi- nois on a prospecting tour, hunting a good place for a home, and they selected a half section near Canton. Illinois, and bought a tax title on a half section of timber land near the same place; they afterward secured a clear title to both pieces of land. L. C. returned to Massachusetts in the tall well pleased with the country; accord- ingly, immediately after his marriage he started West with his wife. mother and youngest brother, going by stage to Albany. X. Y., by railroad to Schenectady, by canal to BuAalo, by steamboat to Cleveland, Ohio, where he visited friends; thence they were taken by an uncle with a team to Morgan county, thence by team to Marietta. Ohio, then by steamboat to St. Louis. Missouri, then by steamboat to Havana, Illinois, and tinally by a private team to Canton, Illinois; the trip consuming six weeks of time; but in a month or two Mr. Maynard removed to La llarpe, having brought with him a general stock of goods, and started the first store in this place. Continuing this establishment until ISoS, he sold out and purchased an uniinproved farm, the X. AV. ^ of sec. 27. Lallarpe tp.. which place he thoroughly improved with build- ings, hedge fence, etc. During the hard times of lSo3, Mr. M. was broken up in trade, and he went upon his farm, which he inortgaijed and came near losing; hut he finally paid for it; in ISSi he sol»i it and bought another on the X. W. \ of sec. 2ti. same tp.. where he now resides. Here he has put up a fine residence, barn and other buildings; has improved it and added to it so that it now comprises 20 S acres. Mr. Maynard is not only one of the early pioneers who has by his energy and labor made this country what it is. socially, morally and financially, but he is honored and respected by every one for his strict honesty, and his enterprise in things pertaining to the benefit of his fellow men, for all of which his mirse and heart were his;tory of haxcxvk Cv»unty. oil ever open. He was an abolitionist before the war; his house was known among the otKcers ot" the under-i;:round railroad as a stajtion, and many bh\ck men. no doubt, to-day remember with irrateful hearts and memories the helping hand to treedom that was extended to them from this station. Mr. M. is now a Republicjui, and has tilled various local offices in his tp.: he has been a member of the Congregational Church since his sixteenth ye^ir. and Mrs. M. luis also been a member from her youth. They have a family of S children; 4 of whom are living; namelv. Luov S.. born Mav :22. 1S37; Louis P., July ± 1S3!>; Xlihum W., :N[arch ;2S, ISil. died September 11, 1S4'2; James S., September 1(3, 1S43, died Xovember *2. 1S46; Calvin IL, Mav 7, ISiO, died Xovember 6, 1S76; James AV., Sep tember 10, ISiS; Pliny A.. March 16, 1851; and Joseph C, May 27, 1S54, died October 20, ISOo. James and Pliny are married and live on the homestead; Lucy S. lives with her parents, and Louis P. lives in Henderson county, ten miles from the homestead. On Mr. Maynard's arrival in this county there was no Congre- gational Church at this place; in the summer ot' 1S36 a companv was collected for the purpose of organizing a Church at his house, a log cabin. Rev. Asa Turner, of Quincy, officiated on the occasion. The members present were: Marvin Tryon and wife, Benjamin Rice and wife, E. A. Deming and wife, Roswell C. Jerome and wife. L. C. Maynard and wife, and others. This was the nucleus of the subse- quently large Congregational Churchof La Harpe. At this meeting Mr. Maynard was elected Deacon, which office he has held con"^ tinuously to the present time. And the Sunday-school that was then organized has always been in existence, with few vac^itions, up to the present. At the first meeting Mr. ^L was also elected Super- intendent of the Sunday-school, and he has officiated for 40 consecu- tive years. In early times tiie school was held at various places; as, Ross' school-house, Methodist meeting-house, etc. About twentv- four years ago the society erected a house of worship in La Harpe, since which time the Sunday-school has been held in it. We give in this volume, on page 315, a portrait of Deacon Mav- nard, from a photograph taken at the age of 73 years. J. W. JfcCont farmer, sec. 20; P. O., La Harpe; was born in Over- ton county, Tenn., in 1S15. His parents, John and Mary ^AVillard) McCord, were natives oi South Carolina and Tennessee, and made their settlement in McDonough county in 1S30, where he entered a large tract of land, and they were among the first families to loci\te in that county. They resided there until their death. The subjeci of this sketch moved to this county in lS4ii. and settled on "liis present estate, C(->nsisting of 100 acres, valued at s75 per acre. He was married March 15, 163S, to Miss Nancy Manifold, a native of Tennessee. They are the parents of S children, 6 of wlumi are living, — Elizabeth, George, Sarah, John, Xoah and Ida. Mr. McCord and wife are members of the Presbyterian Cliurch, and are highly esteemed. Politically Mr. McC. is Democratic. 52 912 HISTORY or HANCOCK COUXTT. J. J. Mo Yey, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., La Harpe; is a son of Henry and Mary (Jones) McYey, natives of Maryland. They were amono; the pioneers of Ohio, and raised a family of 10 children. Both died in Ohio, the wife attaining the age of 90 years. The snbject of this sketch was born in Coshocton connty. Ohio, in 1S24. In iS40 he was united in marriage to Miss Susan Ramsey, a native of Muskingum county, O.; 3 of the 6 children that were born to them are living, — Clara, Lawrence and Elmore. The deceased are Lunda, Russell and Ernest. In 1S60 Mr. McYey moved to this tp. and settled on his present estate, consisting of 190 acres of land. This is one of the finest farms in the tp. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church. Politically he is a strong advocate of Republicai: principles. John Miller, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Disco; is a native of Scott county, 111., where he was born in 1S32. William and Margaret (Dickson) Miller, his parents, were natives of Tennessee, and eai-ly pioneers in Morgan county, where he died in 1S3S. She died after removal to this county in 1S66. The subject of this sketch was married in 1S55 to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Scott, an early pilffrim of Hancock, where she was born. They are the parents of l-I children, 11 of whom are living, as follows: Mary J., George, Delia, ^yaymon, John, Hattie, Eddie, OUie, Andrew J., Xellie and one not yet christened. Mr. M. settled ow his present estate in 1857. now consisting of 520 acres, valued at $40 per acre. His advantages for education were very limited, and only by energy and industry he attained success. He has been School Director tor 21 or 22 successive years, but never aspired to political position. Politically he favors the Greenback platform. Rufus jV orris, blacksmith. La Harpe; was born in Chenango county, X, Y., and came to this county in 1838, settling in this place, engaging at his trade. He came from Xew York on horseback, which at that early day was an adventurous undertaking. He is one of the oldest settlers of La Harpe. He served three years in the war, in the oOtli 111. Yol. Inf. Farmer Nudd, farmer on sec. 33; P. O., La Harpe; was born in this county in 1844, and is a sou of Joseph W. and Sarah ("Wales) Xudd, natives of Massachusetts and Xew Hampshire, who came to this county in the spring of 1835, settling on tlie place where they yet reside. The subject of this sketch was married in 1S68 to Miss Rosabel Vincent, a native of this county, where she was born in 1847, and they are the parents of 4 children — Joseph S., Harry C, Clay, and one not yet named. Mr. ]^udd settled on his present farm atter his marriage; it consists of 390 acres, 180 of which are in Fountain Green tp., and is valued at $40 an acre. Mr. X. is Road Supervisor, is a member of the Mutual Aid, has been School Director, and in politics is a Democrat. He is one of the oldest living settlers of the tp. George F. Otto, furniture dealer, La Harpe, was born in Phila- delphia, Pa., in 1834. His parents, William and Mary A. (Wood) HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 913 Otto, 'vrere natives of that State; both are deceased. Mr. Otto cume to this county in 1S5G, and the followina: year located in this city. He was a carpenter by trade, and followed his occupation until lie established his present business in 1S69. He carries a stock of $1,500, and has a good trade. In 1S57 he was married to Miss Hettie A. Hyatt, a native of Xew York State. Mr. O. has filled the office of City Treasurer and Alderman; was elected Mayor of the city in 1S79, and filled the same otfice pro tern two years; has been a member of the Masonic order 14 years, and is one of the active business men of the city. His family are connected with the Protestant Methodist Church.' Two brothers of Mr. Otto, William H. and Leroy T., served through the war. and died with consump- tion after returning home, Henry B. Painttr, farmer, sec. 4; P. O., LaHarpe; was born in Mercer (now Lawrence^ county. Pa., in 1S2S. When nine years of age he was brought to this county by his parents, William and Hannah (^Reynolds') Painter, who made their settlement on the present farm, at that time, of SO acres. They resided here until their death. The subject of this sketch has by energy, economy and industry secured 320 acres, the most of which is well cultivated, and is one of the finest farms in the county. He erected his com- modious dwelling in 1S71. His marriage to Miss Jane Dawson occurred in 1S52. She is a native of Kentucky. Of their chil- dren 7 are living — Joseph H., Anna, Flora, Marion, Charles W., Louis H. and Jennie E. Mr. P. is School Director at the present time, and numbers among the oldest and most respected citizens of the county. Politically he was formerly a Whig, but now endorses the Republican platform. George W. Peck, farmer, sec. 2S; P. O., La Harpe; was born in Mason county. Va.. in 1S19. In 1841 he moved to Gallia county, O., where he was married June 10. 1S41, to Miss Lucina Rowley, a native of Ohio. In 1S50 they came to this county and settled in this tp., where they have since made their home. Of 10 children born to them 9 are living. Their farm, consisting of 65 acres, is valued at 850 per acre. They are members of the Methodist Church, and among the oldest and respected families of the county. Politically he is Democratic. William Pcrrin, Jr.^ druggist. La Harpe, commenced his pres- ent business Dec. 1, 1S71, carries a stock of $5,000, and has a large trade. He was born in England in 1S36, and emigrated to the United States in 1S47 with his parents, William and Elizabeth (Gulliver") Perrin, who located in Warren count}-, 111. He after- ward settled in Monmouth tp., where she died in 1S09. The sub- ject of this sketch enlisted in 1^62 in Co. F, S3d I. Y. I., and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Fort Donelson, and against Forest at Nashville and Chattanooga. In 1S67 he was married to Miss Mary Todd, a native of Des Moines county. Iowa. They are the parents of 6 children, 5 of wh^m are living. Flora, Mary, Hattie, Arthur and George. Mr. 914 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. and Mrs. P. are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. P, is among the active business men of La Harpe. He is Republican in politics. Charles B. Place, grain dealer; P. O., Disco; was born in Muskingum count}-, O., in 1852, and is a son of Joseph and Eleanor (Baxter) Place, natives of Yirginia and Ohio, who came to this county in 1865, and settled in Pilot Grove tp., where they yet reside. The subject of this biography was married in June, 1877, to Miss Mary, daughter of A. J. James, of this tp. They are the parents of one child, Ernest. Mr. P. entered the mercantile busi- ness at Disco in 18YS; subsequently he disposed of his stock and became largely engaged in the grain business. His shipments average 100,000 bushels per year. He enjoys a good trade and is one of the enterprising 3^oung merchants of Disco. John Sjperry, retired, was born in East Bioomfield, X. Y., in 1811, and came to this State in 1832. He stopped at Quincy, and the following year his parents, George and Mary (Lemmon) Sperr}-, came and located in Adams county. In 1833 the family moved to this count}^ and located at La Harpe. He was a carpenter and erected many of the first buildings in the city. They both died at Council Bluffs in 1844 or '45. The subject of this sketch engaged at various occupations until elected Justice of the Peace; he was re-elected three times, serving 14 or 15 years, when he resigned. He has also held other public trusts. He was married in 1832 to Miss Sarah, daughter of Lyman Oatman, an old settler of the county, now deceased. By this marriage 10 children have been born, 8 of whom are living. Two sons, Eli and Aaron, lost their lives in the late M'ar. Robert Sutton, M. D., was born in England in 1842, and when four years of age emigrated to the United States with his parents, Robert H. and Martha (Reaj') Sutton. He was a clergyman of the Methodist faith, and located in Pittsburg, Pa. He followed his professional calling until 1858, when he became blind. Subse- quently he returned to Pittsburg, recovered his sight, and in 1877 he retired frotn the ministry and moved to Waynesborough, Pa., and is living in quiet retirement. The subject of this biography received his early education in the schools of Fairmont, W. Va., and Henry College, 111. He attended lectures at the Chicago medical school, and graduated at the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, O., in 1863. The same year he began the practice of his profession in this city, where he has since been successfully engaged. He was married in 1864 to Miss Susau G. Chenour, who died in 1871. One child, David C, is the surviving offspring. He was again married to Miss Orpha E., daughter of Jesse C. Chandler, an early settler of this county. The}^ are the parents of 2 children, Mark C. aud Jesse B. Dr. S. is serving the sixth term as Superintendent of the cit}^ schools, is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and enjoys a large practice as a physician. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 915 Benjamin Warren is a native of Shapleigh, York county, Maine, and was born April 20, 1828, of Entjlish ancestry. The founder of the family in xlmerica was also Jienjaniin Warren, the grand- father of the subject of this sketch, who came to this country soon after the Revolutionary war and settled in AYaterborough, York county. Me., where he died leaving 7 children. One of his sons, Luther Warren, was the father of the present Benjamin Warren, and followed tarmiug; he moved from Maine to Illinois in 1866 and made his home with his sons John and Benjamin, in this county; he and wife are now deceased. The subject of this sketch re- ceived his education in Maine previous to his 17th year, in the common school; he then went to Boston and attended a commer- cial school for six months or a year; then followed clerking in that city the ensuing five years in a real-estate broker's office, and after- ward became partner. In 1848 he returned to his native State, attended scliool the following winter, and in February he started for the prairie State, Illinois, and arrived in La Harpe, where he commenced as clerk in the store of his brother John; the latter had come in 1850. He soon became a partner with his brother in general merchandising and continued until 1863, when he retired, and since then has been in no regular business in La Harpe, but for three years past has been a member of the firm of Warren & Co., at Peoria, produce and commission merchants. Mr. Warren married Miss Portia Nutt, at La Harpe, Oct. 1, 1851, who was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Lecuster and Mary Ann (Cummings) Nutt, of that county. Mr. Nutt was a native of Connecticut, and his wife, of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. AYarren have a family of 7 children, as follows: BenjamiUj Jr., now of the firm of Warren & Co., Peoria; Charles A., Cora E., Mary C. John, Jr., Luther and Allen L. The first five are living at home with their parents. The family are at present residing at La Harpe, in one of the finest residences in the county, built by Mr. AYarren in 1874-'5, at an expense of about $15,000, and fur- nished with all modern improvements, with water up stairs and down, and fitted for gas, etc. In politics Mr. AYarren is a Democrat, and he takes a very active part in the promulgation of his principles. He has served his township in nearly all the local offices, among which is that of Supervisor; in this capacity he has served ten terms; he has also been County Treasurer and ex officio Collector, and is filling this office at present. In the fall of 1872 he was elected State Senator, and in the 28th General Assembly he was a member of the Com- mittees on Revenue, Finance, Agriculture, Railroads, Manufactures and Mining; and in the 29th he was a member of the Committees on AVarehouses, Roads, Highways and Bridges, Education, State Educational Institutions, and was chairman of the Committee on Revenue. John Warren, retired merchant, is a son of Luther and Charlotte AYarren, both natives of York county, Me., and both born in 1792. 916 HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Luther W. lived on a farm in his native county till 1861, when he came to La Ilarpe, where he died in October, 1871. His death occurred on the cars, between this place and Canton, by the side of his son John. He died without making a sound or giving any intimation of his approaching demise. The wife and mother died Nov. 17, 1879. The subject of this biography was born in York county, Me., Jan. 6, 1815. He received the advantages of a good English education, and w^hen 19 years of age began teaching school in his native State, where lie taught the winter season for four years. In May, 1838, he came to La Harpe, then containing but a few log cabins, and engaged in brick-making in the summer and school-teaching in the winter. He taught the first school ever kept in La Harpe. On April 9, 1814, he commenced mercantile business on a small scale, and his was the second busines-^ -place opened at that time. He dealt extensively in produce, buying and selling wheat and pork, and made large shipments to St. Louis; and in his various operations made and lost considerable money. He was united in marriage, Dec. 28, 1845, to Miss Polly Ricker, a native of Maine, who died April 10, 1847. He was again mar- ried, to Miss Sophronia Ricker, July 9, 1848; she was also a native of Maine, and a sister of the deceased. To this union 11 children have been born, 7 of whom are living. In 1850 a partnership with his brother was formed, which continued till 1862. In April, 1852, Mr. "W. started overland to California with an ox team, and was 111 days on the road. The party passed through the country of the Modoc Indians, and only the strength of their numbers saved them from annihilation. He engaged successfully in the manufacture of brick in California, and returned via Panama in 1853. He erected his fine and commodious residence in 1856, and in 1873 purchased the postofiice building and took charge of the otfice, in connection with a business in books and stationery. A few years later he was stricken with paralysis, which deprived him of speech, and the cares of his business passed into the hands of his only son, Edgar L. Warren, who was born in this tp. in 1855. He is a young man of excellent business qualifications, and con- trols a large trade in stationery, wall-paper and fancy goods. For six years he has been largely engaged in the insurance business, and is agent for the yEtna and PhoBuix companies of Hartford, Conn., and the Home Insurance Company, New York. His father has held various oflices, and the family are among the oldest and respected of this community. Luther Warren.^ dealer in dry goods, boots and shoes, La Harpe, was born in York county, Pennsylvania in 1833. In 1850 he came to this county, and two years afterward crossed the plains to Cali- fornia prospecting, where he remained three or four years. On his return he entered the mercantile business, in this city, where he has since been engaged. He was married in 1857 to Miss Etha- line Stone, a native of Jefferson county, O. To this union 6 chil- dren have been born, 4 of "whom are living: Frank, Ruby M., HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 917 Willis E. and George O. Mr. W. has held many prominent offices and numbers among the oldest settlers and reliable business men of La Harpe. Politicalh' he is a Republican. OFFICIALS. The- following is a Hst of the Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and Collectors that have served in this township since its organization. SUPERVISORS. Samuel Cogswell 1851 David Gochenour 1853 Jas. A. Lester 1856 William Smith 1858 BeDJamin Warren 1804 Andrew J. James 1866 A. J. Bradshaw 1868 L. S.Cogswell 1869 Cornelius C. Preston 1871 Benjamin Warren 1872 John Miller 1874 L. S. Cogswell 1875 James Mayor 1877 Benjamin Warren 1880 CLERKS. B. W. King 1856 Francis M. Hurdle 1853 William Garrigues 1860 Jeremiah Smith 1861 D. B. Stone 1864 John P. Bruudage 1865 John S. Peyton 1866 George Coulson 1868 Israel Brundage 1871 Theodore H. Stone 1872 Jeremiah Smith 1873 Benjamin Warren, Jr 1874 George W. Soule 1875 Theodore H. Stone 1876 H. S. Dickson 1878 Israel Brundage 1879 I. W. Hindman 1880 ASSESSORS. Henry C Coulson 1856 Joseph T. Painter 1858 S. W. Leavitt 1860 Joseph T. Painter 1861 Joseph Nichols 1864 Charles F. Comstock 1866 Joseph Nichols 1867 John Miller 1869 Wm. J. Riggins 1870 Joseph Nichols 1871 John Miller 1872 William Bunger 1873 John Miller 1875 William Bunger 1876 John N. Paiuler 1877 George Coulson 1878-1880 COLLECTORS. Heniy C. Coulson 1856 Joseph T. Painter 1858 F. M. Hurdle 1860 Benjamin Warren 1861 John Warren 1862 Jas. M. Campbell 1864 James Mayor 1865 Wm. E. Coquillette 1866 John Warren 1867 Henry Beckman 1868 Jeremiah Smith 1869 H.H. Bliss 1870 George Coulson 1871 Israel Brundage 1872 David H. Gochenour 1873 Walter H. Fordyce 1874 Charles Gochenour 1876 William Swisher 1877 John Sperry 1880 DURHAM TOWNSHIP. There is probably no better township of land in the county than that numbered 7-6, and named Durham, It lies on the extreme north line of the county, and is chiefly prairie, thoui^h much of it is rolling and well drained. It has a small branch of Crooked creek on its east side, and a portion of Camp creek in its north- west corner, each of which are skirted by bodies of timber. All the railroad it contains is about a mile of the Burlington branch of the Toledo, from Disco across its northeast corner. Its northwest corner lies less than two miles from the river at Dallas Cit^^ Dur- ham may be called the western extension of what in the early days was known as " North Prairie," a tract of splendid farming country lying north of La Harpe and extending into Henderson county. Disco, on the east line of the township, must be near the center of it. This town was laid in Feb., 1876, by John Shutwell, and is located on the line of Durham and La Harpe townships. It is young and small yet, but seems to be a place of considerable busi- ness as a railroad station. Among the early settlers in Durham we have the names of Thomas Dixon, Sr., George Weaver, John Gihnore and brothers, of 1835; and Jacob Mendenhall, William Logan, Ferdinand Brent and son, James and Wm. Meeker, and Jesse Avise, of 1836. Among those the dates of whose emigration we are not advised, are the Boyses, Manifolds, Loftons, Harknesses, Wilsons, James Mills, L Wimp, Wm. McGuire. Among the first things in Durham township, we may mention: First school-house, of hewed logs, built in 1837, and called Camp Creek school-house; first school taught by Mary Jane Jacobs, now of Washington Territory. First preaching by Rev. Wm. Johnson, Episcopalian ; first Sabbath-school by Wm. McGuire, at same place ; first M. E. preacher was Kev. Pool; first P. O. was called Camp Creek, John L. Avise, P. M. Concerning this P. O. it was on sec. 18, west line of the tp.; when Mr. Avise died it was kept by his widow; and when she married Mr. Lyman Harkness, he was made P. M., — three in one family. It was afterward removed to Durham Corners, and kept by J. Hugh McGuire. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. As stated above, the first preachings in Durham were by Revs. Johnson and Pool. We have no data as to Church organizations. The M. E. society has a church edifice at Durham Center, built in 1865, which we believe is the only one in the township. (918) HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 919 PERSONAL. It will be more interesting to give short biographical sketches of the best-known residents of this township, which we now proceed to do. 0. 8. Avery, a farmer of Durham tp., was born in Ohio in 1817. His parents were Simeon Avery, a native of New York, and Re- becca,M(?(j Passmore, a native of Ohio. Coming to Illinois in the fall of 184:3, he first settled in Dallas tp., where he resided till the spring of 184:7, when he came to Durham tp. In 184:6 he was married to Miss Eliza J. Atherton, who is now 52 years of age. From this union she is the mother of 10 children, of whom 6 are now living; namely, James O., Eliza J., Rebecca A., John M., Nancy J., and Laura B. Mr. Avery owns 240 acres of land, of which about 150 acres are under cultivation. His educational advantages were very poor. He never went to school three months in a year, and yet he is a man who reads a great deal. He has been School Treas- urer and Collector. He is a member of the Masonic Lodfife, and and is politically a Republican, David Bylei\ who is one of the many prominent farmers of Durham tp., is the son of John Byler and Sarah (Hay worth) Byler, who were natives of Tenn., and of German descent. He is also a native of Tenn., and was born in 1818. He first came to Illinois in 1836 and settled in Adams Co.; after having lived there 15 years, he came to Durham tp. He is now on sec. 9. He was married in 1840 to Miss Grace Jane Levi, who at her death was the mother of 2 children, John P. and Silas H., who are farmers in this tp. He was married a second time, in 1851 ; from this marriage, his wife, at her death, was the mother of 4: children, 2 of whom are living, Grace Jane and Henry C. In 1858, he was again married, to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, who is now 46 years of age, and the mother of 3 children, all of whom are living : Sarah, William Newton and Mary Bell. Mr. B,, when he first came to the State, had very little to start on, but by close management and the exercise of good judgment, he has succeeded well in all his undertakings. He now owns where he lives three quarters of fine land, which he estimates at about $50 per acre. He has also two quarters on sections 15 and 21, and nearly one quarter of timber in same tp. In Adams Co, he owns 200 acres of good land, and has an interest in a quarter of land in Missouri, He has held several township offices ; was Supervisor 10 or 12 years, and now holds the offices of Justice of Peace, Township Treasurer and School Director, His educational advantages were very good, teaching school considerably when young. He has been a farmer all his life, and by hard work has earned what he ha^. He and his wife have been for a number of years members of the Bap- tist Church, Politically, he is a Democrat ; was a Whig until 1852, Stephen Eckles, a farmer of sec, 20 of Durham tp., was born in Pennsylvania in 1827. He is the son of James Eckles and Eliza- 920 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COnNTT. m beth (Quick) Ecldes, who were also natives ol Pennsylvania. Re- moving to Illinois in 1847, he first settled in Adams Co., where he resided until the spring of 1851, when he came to Hancock Co., and settled where he now lives. In 1865 he was married to Miss Lu- cinda AValters, who is now 39 years of age, and the mother of 4 children : Calvin, Emma, Stephen and William, all of whom are living. Mr. E. owns 80 acres of land, all of which is very well im- proved, and is worth about $45 per acre. The high esteem and lo- cal repute in which he is held in his community is evidenced by the fact that he has held every office in the township, from School Director to Supervisor, which office he now competently fills. Mr. E. informs us that his advantages for securing an education were very good for the times. Politically, he was, is, and alwa3's expects to be a Democrat; has been elected by that party to the position which he now occupies as Supervisor. Daniel Farreii, who is the son of Daniel and Sarah (McAndry) Farren, is a native of Ireland, and supposes himself to be about 70 years old, the exact date of his birth being unknown to him. He came across the ocean to America in 1836, and first settled in Penn- sylvania, where he lived two years, and then came to Illinois. He came to Hancock Co. in 1852, and settled where he now is in Durham tp., on sec. 4. In 1855 Mr. Farren was married to Cath- arine Markey, who was a native of Pennsylvania. She is now 50 years old, and is the mother of 7 children, all of whom are living : John, Philip, Mary, William, James, Rosanna and Sarah. Mr. F. owns 280 acres of very good land, not quite all of which is under cultivation, and is worth about $40 per acre. Politically, he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Catholic Church. His educa- tional advantages were quite limited. William K. Gittings. — The ancestors of this worthy citizen ol our county were from England, and settled in Baltimore county, Maryland, prior to the Revolutionary war; the first we know of them b}' this name was Kinsey Gittings, who married Mary Clem- mons, and who moved to Washington count}', Kentucky, in an early day, and followed farming; he died in that county about 1830, aged 65 years, leaving a widow and 6 children ; the former died at the fame place about 1840. Their eldest son, William H. Gittings, was raised on his father's farm in Kentucky, where he remained until he was 28 years old ; he followed farming and boating to New Orleans, etc. In October, 1818, he married "Miss Ellen Mudd, a native of Maryland, and a daughter of Richard aiid Mary (Berry) Mudd, all of Maryland and English ancestry; Richard Mudd was an officer in the Revolutionary war under Washington ; at an early day lie removed with his family to Kentucky. After his marriage Mr. William Henson Gittings lived in Union county, Kentucky, where 8 children were born to him; in 1834 he moved to Illinois, stopping a short time in Morgan county, and in 1835 came to this county, with his family, and settled in Fountain Green tp., on sec. 7j where he afterward bought of the Government 180 acres of partly f DURHAM TP. U-^'tt^.Q^ HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 921 improved land. In politics he was a decided 'Whiff, and in ISi^ was a nominee of his party lor the State Senate. In this connty he had nothing to commence with, but in time came to be one of the wealthiest men in this section, lie was a man of the strictest integrity, whose word was as good as his bond. In his habits he was very temperate, and in all respects he was honored and respected by the community. He was a member of the Catholic Church. He died November 7, 1>09, aged nearly 79 years, leaving 10 chil- dren, who were all married at the time, and are all living at present. He had a family of 15 children, but 5 are deceased. "William K. Gittiugs. the third child of the former, was born November 5, 1S22, and was on his father's tarm until 26 years of age, when he was married January 9, 1S49. at the Church of St. Peter, Xanvoo. Illinois, by Father Gritiin, to Amelia E. Hardy, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Ivo H. and Mary (^Riley) Hardy, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Kentucky, and of English descent. Ivo Hardy and wife moved to this county in 1S35; he is now dead, and his widow is now living with Mr. "W. K. Gittings. On Mr. G.'s marriage he immediately moved upon a farm on sec. 1. Durham tp., consisting of about SO acres, which he had bought some time previous to his marriage. The first house he built was a small log cabin 14 by 16; in this he lived one year, when he built a small frame; in 1S60 he erected a large two-story and L, which he has since occupied. In politics Mr. G. is a Democrat, and he has been Supervisor four terms, and was one of the first Road Commissioners after the organization of the county. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. He has since added to the home tarm until it now consists of 720 acres, and he has given to two of his children who are married 320 acres besides; his children are: Mary Ellen, now the wife of "Wm. L. Dean, of this tp. ; Julia A., now Mrs Wm. Yager, also of this tp. ; Cory I., now Mrs. John Arnold, and living in Henderson county, near Burlington; Ivo James. Henry Mar- cellus and Catharine Matilda, at home. "W"m. Berry. Rose Ellen and Sarah May are deceased. Jason K. Jacob, who has been a resident of Durham tp., Hancock county. 111., for over 40 years, is a native of Connecticut, and was born Aug. 24, 1S06. His parents' names were Udna and Elizabeth, who were natives also of Connecticut. His father was a farmer, also a mechanic by trade, and taught school some in his early life. Mr. J's grandparents were early jnoneers of Connecticut, and his father removed from Connecticut to Xew York about 1S12. when his son Jason, the subject of this sketch, was quite young. Here he lived until 1S20. when he went to Indiana, and living there 6 or 7 years he again returned to New York, his son- Jason returning with him. Afterward, in 1S3S. his father and family came "West and settled on sec. 34 of Durham tp., where he (^Jason) still lives. Mr. J. was married in 1S39 to Sarah A. Thompson, who is the mother of 6 children, of whom 5 are living: Orson, the oldest, who is now 922 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. traveling for S. Hamill & Co., Keokuk; Milton, who is now running a store and buying grain in Sciota, 111. ; Richford, who is farming in the same tp.; Viola, who is the wife of Marshall Terry, a clothier in Blandinsville, 111. ; and Horace, who is still fanning at home with his father. Mr. J. owns 30 acres of land where he now lives, which is pretty well improved and worth about $2,000. His advan- tages for an education were only such as log houses afforded. Politically he is and always has been a Democrat, and has held several offices, such as Magistrate eight years in this county. School Director, Trustee, and Commissioner of Highways. He and his wife are both members of the Christian Church. James Edison Manifold. — This man's father, George Manifold, was a native of Tennessee, and came to Hancock county in 1836, bringing with him a family of a wife and 8 children. The names of the children were: Sarah, deceased; Elizabeth, Nancj'^, William Fleming, Joseph N., James E., Benjamin, Jashur and John, all living in this county except Joseph JST., who lives in Rockford, 111. Geo. Manifold's wife's maiden name was Mary Persley, and she was a native of Tennessee. He died in this county a year and a half after settling here. His occupation was that of a farmer, and his farm consisted of three quarter-sections, and his residence was one and a half miles west of La Harpe. He died somewhat in debt for his land, but the widow and family afterward succeeded in paying all balance due. She died about ten years ago, and her son John now occupies the old homestead. James E. Manifold lived on the old place with his mother, sharing in clearing the place from debt, until he was 24 j'ears of age, having received such a limited education as was afforded in the primitive log school-houses of the day. In the spring of 1853 he bought 160 acres on sec. 9, Durham tp., for which he paid $1,150, $500 down, which latter sum he had made in raising a crop of wheat on rented laud. On this farm was a small log cabin and some slight improvements; 100 acres of it was raw prairie; but the farm is now one of the best cultivated in the county, with fine improve- ments, fences, etc. The farm now comprises 280 acres, and Mr. M. has also 240 acres on sec. 28, and 80 on sec. 20. Mr. Manifold has had but $200 given him in his life, and that was after his mar- riage; and he has therefore made all his present possessions by direct earning. He follows stock farming to some extent, feeding on an average from 100 to 200 head of stock per annum; raises on an average 80 to 90 acres of corn, all of which, besides more, he feeds; he raises wheat, oats, etc., for market. His residence is on sec. 9, and he is very pleasantly situated. In politics Mr. M. is a Republican, and in religion he has been a member of the Methodist Church for the last fifteen years; Mrs. M. has been a member of the same Church since she was 18 years of age. Mr. Manifold was married Nov. 17, 1853, to Elizabeth Logan, near Dallas, in Henderson county; she was born in Indiana, Nov. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, 923 28, 1830, and was a daughter of Wm. and Elizabeth (McCarty) Logan, formerly of Marion county, Ind., and moved to Hancock county in 1835, locating on Camp creek, in Durliam tp., where he bought land, of which b.e finall}' owned a large quantity; he gave each of his 9 children SO acres, and at his death left 160 acres. He died in this county in 1S47; his wife died in 1843. In coming to this county he brought 9 children with him; namely, Sarah, James M., Eenj. J., Wm. H., Enoch M., Jonathan B., Samuel W., Jane and Elizabeth. These are all living, and gone farther west (Mis- souri and Kansas) except Elizabeth and Enoch, who live in Mercei- county," 111. Mr. Manifold's portrait is given in this volume, ]). 423. Js>B. McMillen, is the son of James McMillen and Eleanor {Berhethy) McMillen, and was born in Brown county, O., in 1828. Coming to Illinois in 1849 he first settled in La Harpe tp.; living there one year, he went to Fountain Green, thence to Pilot Grove, where he remained for 20 years. AVhile here his occupation was a farmer and at the same time was engaged in the drug business at Burnside for a number of years with L. V. Aleshire. And after- ward he removed to Durham tp. in the spring of '75, where he now lives on sec. 34. He was married in the tall of 1854 to Miss Mar- garet S. Evans, who is still living; from this marriage they have had 8 children, of whom all are living except one. Their names are: Eleanor A., the wife of John L. Heller, who is a druggist in Abingdon, 111.; Ethel, who was recently married to W. W. Glass, now a farmer of Fountain Green tp.; James E., who is a faruier in Durham tp.; Christina P., who is the wife of James Lionberger, a farmer in Pilot Grove; C_yrus Grant, Sarah B. and John Oscar, who are still at home. Since he removed to Durham tp., Mr. McM. has been an extensive farmer and stock-dealer. He has a large farm consisting of 350 acres where lie lives, and 115 acres in Pilot Grove, on sec. 3. All of it is pretty well improved and he estimates it at about $45 per acre. He has on his land a large and commodious stone barn, probably the best in the tp. This building is 40 by 60 feet in size and holds about 50 tons of hay; has a basement story for 20 horses and 60 cattle; and altogether, is a conveniently arranged structure. Mr. McM. has onh' one brother, John, who is a preacher and retired citizen of Winterset, Iowa, and 3 living sisters, 2 of whom are in this State and one in Iowa. His educational advantages were only such as were afforded ])y a district school. Politically he is a Republican. He and family are members of the Christian Church, and all are highly esteemed by those who know them. James 31ilU^ son of William Mills and Sarah Morrison, was born in Ohio county, Yirginia. near Wiieeling, in 1816. He came to Illinois in 1853 and settled in Durham tp., on sec. 20; here lie still resides, together with his three maiden sisters, Caroline, Sarah Jane and Minerva Zane, who keeps house for their bachelor brother James, the subject of this sketch. Mr. M. owns 160 acres 924 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. of pretty-well-iinproved land which is worth about $50 per acre. He has never held any office and never belonged to any secret oro-anization. His educational advantages were only such as were offered by subscription schools. Political!}' he is a Republican. Mr. M. stands high in his community as a gentleman of sterling- worth, and as a man whose integrity all admire. Sarah Morris, the daughter of William Gather and Elizabeth Gillet, who were of Yankee and Irish descent, was born in Penn- sylvania in 1836. Coming to 111. in 1851 she first settled in Hen- derson county, where she resided one winter and then came where she now is, on sec. 12 of Durham tp. In 1856 she was married to John Morris, who died in 1876; from this union she is the mother of 6 children, 4 of whom are now living: Elizabeth, Day- ton, Sumner and Charles. She owns 20 acres of good land which is prett}^ well improved and is worth about $-15 per acre. Her educational advantages were somewhat limited. She is a member of the Methodist Church. Politically her husband was a Republican. Her mother is still living. Y. F. Partnelee, a merchant of Durham tp., is the son of Ormin Parmelee and Phebe (Lyons) Parmelee, and was born in Conn., in 1853. His parents, who were of English descent and natives ot Conn., are now both dead. He came to Illinois in 1870 and set- tled in Durham tp., where he has been ever since. He went into business at Durham Corners three years ago, buying the dry-goods and grocery store formerly owned by C. M. Thomas. He is now doing a very good business and has a good home trade. lie carries a stock of about $1,500, and by fair, square dealing and prompt attention to business, has gained the confidence of his many friends in the community. Politically Mr. P. is a Democrat and now holds the office of Town Clerk. Before going into business here he was a farmer. His father was also a farmer and stock dealer. Heynolds (jc Robertson , mercliants, Disco. This young and enter- prising firm established business in October, 1 879. They carry a stock of $5,000, and have a lucrative trade. The senior partner of this firm, W. H. Robertson, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1856, and came to Illinois with his parents, William and Ann E. (Pennell) Robertson, who are residents of Terre Haute, Hender- son county. Mr. R. had a large experience as clerk in the mercan- tile houses of Terre Haute, and has adaptation and energy for suc- cess. He was married in 1878, to Miss Jane Forseman. Edla is their only^ child. The junior member, Mr. Reynolds, is a native of Clinton count}', O., where he was born in 1848. His parents are residents of Henderson county, where they settled in 1879. Mr. Reynolds was engaged in farming until the present partnership was formed. He was appointed Postmaster at Disco, Jan. 1, 1880. Josiah Hifchey, a farmer of Durham tp., was born in Tennessee, in 1830. He is the son of John M. Ritchey and Catherine Dough- erty. He came to this State in 1851, and settled in Adams county; after living there one year he came to Hancock, and first settled in HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 925 Dallas tp., where he resided until 1862, when he removed to Dur- ham, and settled on sec. 29, where he now lives. In ISo^i he was mar- ried to Miss Amanda F. Knowles, who is now 44 years of age; from this union she is the mother of 9 children, all of whom are living: Hiram C, Philip ]\[., John M., Sarah L., Margaret E., Catherine, James II., Lucy M. and Dora B. Mr, R. has SO acres of well-improved land which is worth about $45 per acre. Has never held any office except School Director, two terms. His educational advantages were very much inferior to those of to-day. He has two sisters living, one in this tp., and one in Iowa. His father is dead but his mother, Y6 years old, is living in this tp. Politically, Mr. R. is a Democrat. He and family are members of the United Brethren Church. Jariie-'< Rhea, one of the most prominent farmers of Durham tp., is a native of Kentucky, and was born in 1834. His parents' names were William and Ann, who were of Irish and Dutch descent. He came to Illinois in 1850, and first settled in Adams county, where he resided until 1856, when he came to the place on which he now lives, on sec. 31. He was married in 1855 to Nancy J. Smith, who died about four years after their marriage; and was mar- ried a second time shortly afterward to Harriet I. Smith, a sister to his former wife. His first wife was the mother of i children, of whom one, whose name is Thomas, is now living. His second ■wife is the mother of 7 children, of whom 4 are living. Their names are: Theodore F., George, John and Adaline. His advan- tages for an education, when young, were very poor, being com- pelled to go four or five miles to attend school. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. R. owns in Durham tp., where he lives, 117 acres, all of which is well improved. He has a fine two-story house, size, 28x32, with an L, which he built in 1872, at a cost of about 83,000. He has, also, one of the finest barns in the tp., size, 44x68, which he built in 1874, at a cost of $;2,000. Besides the land on which he lives, he owns in Pilot Grove tp., 240 acres of well-improved land, the average value of all of which is about $40 per acre. By hard work and strict adherence to the principles of right and justice, Mr. R. has accumulated considerable wealth, and has suc- ceeded in establishing a reputation beyond reproach. Robert Thomas, one of the old settlers of Durham tp., but of late a retired citizen of Carthage, 111., was born in Kentucky, in 1807. His parents, whose names were James and Sarah (Childers) Thomas were also natives of Kentucky, and of Englisii and Welsh descent. Emigrating to Illinois in 1829, he firstsettled in Adams county, where he lived about 25 years. Pie next came to Hancock county, in 1856, and settled at Durham Center, on sec. 16. He was married in 1830, to Miss Rebecca Thompson, who is now 56 years old and the mother of 9 children, 6 of whom are living: Mel- vina, Mary, Robert, Helen, Charles and George. His educational advantages were rather poor, although he reads 926 HISTORY OF HAXCOCK COUNTY. considerably now. He has been a member of the M. E. Church for -iS years. G. W. Yaiidniff, son of Joseph and Laviua ^^Xichols) Yandrutf, who were natives of Pennsylvania, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1820. His descent is Holland Dutch. He emigrated to Illinois in 1849 and first settled at Mendon, where he lived three years; lie then went to Henderson county, where he remained about a year and a Iialf; thence he came to Hancock county, where he has resided ever since; he is now on sec. 14. He was married in 1847, to Miss Hettie Gillet, who died in about 25 years. He was mar- ried the second time in 1873, to Susan Smith, who is now 52 years old. and the mother of 5 children, all of whom are living. Mr. Y. owns 321 acres of land, which is well improved and worth about 850 per acre. When a boy, he attended a subscription school in a log cabin, where they had greased paper for windows, and roughly hewn boards for seats. He has held the ottices of Collector and Road Commissioner. He is now a member of the Masonic fraternity; he and his wife are both members of the Church of God, of which there is a small denomination in his community. Politically,' he is a sincere Greenbacker. Linw^ L. ~Wllcox. a prominent farmer of Durham tp., was born in Haddam. Middlesex county. Conn.. July C. 1819. He is the eldest son of Lyman and Emily i^Hubbard) AVilcox. both natives of Middlesex, Conn., and until 16 years of age he was on his father's farm; he then spent three years as an apprentice at the tanner's trade; then taught school one winter in Connecticut. April 3. 1839, he married Miss Abigail Burr, of the same State, and imme- diately removed to Hancock county, 111., settling in LaHarpe tp. ; the following winter he taught school in La Harpe, and his wife taught the same winter in a log school-house one and one-half miles east. In 1841, Mr. Wilcox rented land in La Harpe tp.. and the next year he purchased the northeast quarter of sec. 22, Dur- ham tp., which place he improx-ed and occupied until 1S56, when his wife died, in Connecticut, July 12. While on a visit to his native State in 1849, with his family, he became interested in a chain jump, which he was the first to introduce at any point west ot the Alleghany mountains. He manutactured and sold the article for about four years, employing six to twelve men. After the death of his wife, as before men- tioned, he built a portion of his present residence, which was enlarged by additions and completed in 1872, at a cost of 82,300. His barn, erected in 1869, is one of the best in the country. Everything on the premises is neatly arranged. Has a milk cellar communicating wvith an ice-liouse, a very convenient contrivance tor taking ofi' the wagon bed and keeping it in an elevated position, <.>ut of the way, an arrangement for loading, corn (^can load 40 bushels of shelled corn per minuted, cultivator wheels usable also for a hand cart, and various other convenience's wherein he is " lit- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 927 tie ahead'' of most of the world. He began life poor, but by hon- est dilio-ence has acquired a competence. He practices the cash system in all his dealings. He has taken a prominent part in the '' farmers' movement," and was Master of the first Grange organized in the northern part of the county; was originally a Whig, then a Republican, and now is a prominent Greenbacker; has been a member of the M. E. Church for 4'2 years, and has been Recording Steward. Mr. "Wilcox has been twice married. By his lirst wife, already mentioned, he had 5 sons and '2 daughters, 3 of whom are living — Daniel W., Cynthia E. and Edward A. Oct. 5, 1S5S, he married Fannie M. Buell, of Killingworth, Conn., and of their 4 children 3 are living— Ellsworth F., Collins H. and Freddie. Mr. W. has three sisters — one in this tp., one in Elvaston, and one in Kansas. He has two brothers — one in Good Hope, McDouough county, 111., and one in Kansas. Mr. Wilcox is an intelligent, industrious and influential citizen, and as a prominent man of his community, we present on page ^03 a portrait of him, from a photograph taken when he was 40 years of age. TOWN OFFICERS. Here follows a list of the men who have served this township officially, both past and present: SUPERVISORS. James Porter 1850 Jason K. Jacobs 1865 Jesse Duffield 1853 Robert Inixhram 1808 Jesse Avise 1856 David Bvler 1869 David Byler 1858 I. M. Morris 1874 Robert lughram 1860 "Wm. K. Gittings 1875 AVelliu2:tou Jennev 1862 Stephen Eckles .1879 David Byler. . . . ." 1864 CLERKS. John McGuire 1855 Wesley Huston 1869 A. B. Stevens 1850 Wesley Persian 1875 Stephen Eckles 186-4 Geo. W. Hendrix 1876 Wellinirton Jennev 1865 L. W. Buell 1877 John McGuire...' 1866 Ed. Wilcox 1878 William Scott 1867 V. P. Parmelee 1879-1880 Stephen Eckles 1868 ASSESSORS. James Porter 1855 Stephen Eckles 1870 William Scott 1858 Robert Inshrara 1871 J. B. Barr 1860 Stephen Eckles 1873 Stephen Eckles 1862 Wm. E. Atwater 1874 Jesse Avise 1863 J. N. Burr 1875 Walter Stiles 1864 Stephen Eckles 1876 John W. Hartzell 1865 Joseph Gittintrs 1877 Robert Inghram 1866 J. N. Bradfield 1878 John C. Alumous 1867 Francis Wilson 1879-1880 Wesley Huston 1S68 58 928 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. COLLECTORS. Stephen Eckles 1855 David Pershin.. 1859 Stephen Eckles 1860 William Eckles 1863 William Scott 1864 Stephen Eckles 1865 William Scott 1867 Noah M. Hartzell 1868 Georae W. Vandruff 1869 Wesley Huston *. 1870 Francis Wilson 1872 Wesley Huston 1873 S. W. Yasrer 1874 R. L. Phillips 1875 John W. Byers 1876 J. B. Kice ■ 1878 Henry Reiselt 1879 Josiah Dickson 1880 PONTOOSUC AND DALLAS TOWNSHIPS, Forming together township 7 n — 7 w, lie on the north line of the county and on the river, which cuts dff about half of the upper tier of sections in Pontoosuc. The stream known as Snake Hollow (we never heard of any big snake story connected with it, though there must be one, of course) empties into the river at Pontoosuc. Camp creek runs northeastwardly through the southern portion of the township, into Durham. There is much valuable farm land in this township, and is well settled with an intelligent and thrifty community. The township is divided for political purposes; the two and a half tiers of sections on the east side being Dallas, and the three and a half on the west side comprising Pontoosuc. The town of Pontoosuc is on the river and was laid out in April, 1837, by Hezekiah Spillman, Marvin Try on and James W. Brattle. Dallas City is also on the river, three miles above, and was laid out Oct., 1848, by John M. Finch. This is a town of considerable trade, &ud has a population of perhaps 1,000 souls. Colusa, on the C. B. & Q. railroad, in Dallas township, is a small village five miles south of Dallas Citj'. Perhaps the first settler in this township was Hezekiah Spill- man, and ore of the earliest permanent settlers in the county. The exact date we have not been able to fix, but he was a citizen when this was a part of Pike in 182.5. Spillnian's Landing, on the river, has been a place of note among all the early settlers; and it was here that he, with a few of his neighbors constructed a rude l>lock house during the Black Hawk war. His death occurred 20 or 30 years ago. Of the other early settlers we can name Mr. Yaple, Major John McAuley, Esquire Bennett, George Mej^ers, John Welch, Brant Agnew, Jesse Wimp, Elijah Pease, Johnson Clark, Thomas Harris, Edward Davis, Louis Smith, Thomas Stevens, Israel Atherton, Andrew Daubenheyer, John R. Tull, Reuben Tull, William Tull, Alexander Martin, William Pratt, Robert Atherton, Aaron Ather- ton, John R. Atherton, William H. Bennum, John Garner, Ileni-y Williams, Matthias Allis. The first postoffice in the township was called East Bend, Thomas Stevens, first Postmaster. Li 1846 Jeremiah Smith, since of La Harpe, was Postmaster at East Bend. At Dallas City, J. M. Finch was first Postmaster, succeeded by R. M. Brewer, he by Mr. Finch again, then G. H. Ames, then B. Mendenhall. The present one is Mr. Tandy. (929) 930 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. The first common school taught in the Spillraan's Landing settle- ment, was by Mr. Reuben Tull, in a little cabin near the riv^er. In the fall of 1839 a hewed-log school-house was put up. This, like most other school-houses in those days, was used for meetings of all kinds, religious, political, social, etc. AVithout doubt the oldest person resident of Hancock county is Mrs. Lofton, the mother of Mr. N. Lofton, of Durham, and Mr. J. Lofton, of Dallas, and now residing with the latter. We are re- liably informed that she was 102 years old on the 14th day of Feb- ruary last (1880), having been born that daj^, 1778. It was only about two years ago that she was in any way afflicted mentally, and is yet in comparatively good health physically, but confined to her bed. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. The first religious movements about Spillman's Landing, was the preaching of Mr. Bennett from Adams county, of the Protestant Methodist Church. In the spring of 1838, Rev. Enos Thompson was sent into the section by the Illinois Conference. He organized the first M. E. society, with the following named members; John R. Tull and wife, Alexander Martain and wife, Wm Tull and wife and William Pratt and wife, with Mr. Pratt as leader. A Presbyterian minister from Fort Madison, sometimes came over and preached on Sunday afternoons (date not known) near the river, under the shade of trees, the audience seated around on the grass. Mr. Thompson occupied the field forabout two years preaching every four weeks, his circuit being extensive. This afterward took the name of Carthage circuit. The first quarterly meeting in the north part of the county was at the house of Wm. Pratt, Rev. Richard Haney, Presiding Elder. The first Sunday-school in the section was on April 18, 1841, John R. Tull, superintendent. It was composed of the Tulls, Athertons, Van Tassels, Lakes, Loomises, Pratts, Ollises, Martains, Bennnms, Neals, Yaughns and McAuleys, 37 in number, nearly half of whom are now in the spirit w^orld, the remaining ones nearly all members of Churches. There was also preaching (date not given) at an early day, by a Baptist minister, at the residence of Mr. Stevens. The first chui'ch built in Dallas City was of stone, by the United Brethren in 1855, of which we have no further data. The Congregational Church of Dallas City was organized Jan, 17, 1859, by Rev. William Salter, of Burlington, and Rev. Andrew L. Pennoyer, of La Harpe, with 19 members; viz., Geo. H. Ames, Mrs. Frances Ames. Henry F. Black, Mrs. Mary N . Black, Thos. C. Patterson, Mrs. Catharine E. Patterson, John F. Thomas, Mrs. Jane Thomas, Mrs. Marietta Rollosson, Stephen Jackson, Mrs. Sarah Jackson,John D. Jackson, Mrs. E lizabeth Jackson, Lyman B. Rand, HISTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 931 Miss DiantliaMcMullen, Miss Amanda Saj^res, Miss Rachel Ann Sayers, Miss Emma Stoops, Mrs. Julia M. Bryan, some of wliom were members of other Churches. In 1S60, a brick church, with stone basement, was built, 30 by 45 feet. Later data not obtained Of the other Church organizations in Dallas and Pontoosuc, we liave no record. PERSONAL SKETCHES OF PARTIES IN THE TOWNSHIP OF PONTOOSUC . As biographical sketches of well-known residents are interest- ing, and as they legitimately constitute an important part of the history of a community, we now give a few: Alexander Ahernethy is the son of Dr. William Abernethy, who was one of the first settlers of this county, a native of Canada, born in 1813, and who settled in this State in 1816, locating in Pontoo- suc township, engaging in the practice of his profession, wliich he continued until 1875, when he retired from active practice and en- gaged in mercantile business, which he continued until his death, June 22, 1878. Dr. Abernethey was the first physician in the township, and was known as the '' Pioneer Doctor." He took an active part in expelling the Mormons from the county, and captui-ed several prisoners and a quantity of arms and ammunition. He was married in 1836 to Miss Lucy E. Kreps, of West Virginia. They have had 7 children, 5 of whom are now living. The Doctor was for 19 years Postmaster at Pontoosuc, and held other offices of importance in the township. Alexander Abernethy was born in 1814, at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and came to this State with his parents in 1846. He was engaged in teaching for nine years, and upon the death of his father he bought the drugstore his father had established, and has since been engaged in trade. He is now Postmaster at Pontoosuc, being the successor of his father in office. He has the only drug store in the place, and does a large and remunerative business. He has held a number of township offices of importance. He was a volunteer in the 16th Wis. Inf , and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. F. C. Little was born in Ohio in the year 1829, and emigrated with his parents to this State in the spring of 1847. His parents settled in Pontoosuc tp., in the fall of 1847, on sections 16, 17 and 20. Mr, Little now resides on sec. 16, having one of the best pro- ducing farms in the tp. Lie was married in the spring of 1849 to Miss Nancy McAnley, daughter of Major McAuley, of Pontoosuc. She died in 1877, leaving him and five sons and four daughters to mourn her loss. Mr. Little has a large number of friends and ac- quaintances, and is well and fav^orably known throughout the county. Captain James JLogan^ one of the pioneers of Hancock county, was born in Indiana in 1816. He came to this State in 1835, and 932 HISTORY OF HAJSCOCK COUNTY. settled iu "Warren countj, where he lived until 1838. He settled in Durham tp., this county, in 1841, where he resided a short time, and then came to Pontoosuc, where he now is. Mr. Logan was one of the principal men in effectino; an organized force to oppose the depredations of the Mormons. He was Captain of the noted com- pany known as the "Bloody Pontoosucians," through whose efforts principally the Mormons were driven out of Nauvoo. Captain Logan was married in Fort Madison, Iowa, in 1860. Mr. Logan was engaged for a long time in mercantile business at Pontoosuc ; also managed and owned a large brick-yard at the same place. He is one of the self-made men, and is now in his old age enjoying the fruits of his industry and energy in early life. He has many friends and acquaintances in Pontoosuc and the surrounding country. John Moyes, another of the early settlers of this count}-, is a na- tive of Scotland, and was born in 1S09; came to this country in 1833, and settled in New York city. He moved to Ohio in 1836, and came to Illinois in the spring of 1839, stopping a short time in Springfield; he then came to Pontoosuc, where he has since resided. He was in the U. S. Army during the Mexican war. and was with Gen. Scott's division when they captured the city of Mexico. He was married in Brooklyn, TsT. T., in 1835, to Miss Catharine Fur- geson. Mr. Moyes is one of the oldest residents now living of the village of Pontoosuc. He has held a number of the town and county oflices, and has the confidence and esteem of the entire com- munity. IT. J. Biggins, the second son of Right Riggins, one of the pioneer settlers of Hancock county, was born in La Harpe tp., this county, in Jan., 1837, where he resided with his parents until 1S5S, when he started out in life for himself. He was married to Miss Eliza A. Peck, of Durham tp., in 1857; moved into Pontoo- suc tp. in 1876, and purchased a farm on sec. 27, where he has since resided. His wife died in 1871, leaving him and their children to mourn her loss. Mr. Riggins has been identified with every move- ment for the advancement of the township interests, having held all the offices of importance and trust in the township. Mr. R. has always been engaged in farming, and now has a farm of 160 acres under a high state of cultivation. John M. Schramm was born in Germany Feb. 19. 1809. and came to this country in 1837, settling in Pickaway county, Ohio, where lie resided nine years ; he then came West and located at Keokuk, Iowa, where he remained a short time; then went to Burlington, Iowa, and built a flouring mill, which he ran for one year, and then moved back to Keokuk, In 1846 he came to this State and settled in Pontoosuc, this county, where he now resides. He built a large flouring mill and was superintendent of the same for a number of years. In 1841 he was married to Miss Annie Miller, of Ohio. She died in 1843, leaving her husband with two small children. In 1845 he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza N. Swinhardt, of Ohio. They have 4 children now living. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 933 Mr. Schramm has been enora^ed in milliner ever since he came to this country, and he, in company with his three sons, now owns the only flouring mill in the tp., the mill having a capacity of-iO barrels per day of 10 hours. They have a large trade, giving especial attention to custom business, and are popularly and favorably known in this and adjoining townships. Mr, S. also has a farm of 40 acres near town. Mr. Schramm is one of the self-made men, and has acquired his large property by his own industry and' eiforts. He has been a life-long Democrat, and a strict adherent to the party and its principles. JoKii R. Tall was born March 26, 1807, near the bank of Nanti- coke river. Sussex Co., Delaware. His parents and grandparents were Asbury Methodists, the tirst churches in that country hav- ing been planted by Bishop Asbury and his co-workers. They re- mained on the same place till John was about twelve years old, when they removed to a large farm three miles off", over in Mary- land. Here they remained six years, when they came West to Ohio, and settled on the Miami, eighteen miles north of Cincin- nati. Arriving at manhood, Mr. Tull returned to the place of his na- tivity, and married Miss Nancy Langford, daughter of Littleton and Hannah Langford. Here he lived two years and then returned to Ohio, where he resided in various localities till 1836. In the spring of that year he came with his familj' to Hancock county, and squatted beside a hazel thicket on the southeast quar- ter of sec. 7, in 7 north, 7 west. Here he obtained help to put up a log cabin 16x18 feet, and moved in, with the ground for a floor, himself, wife and four children. He then rented a few acres of land from Hezekiah Spillman. About that time his brother, Reu- ben Tull. arrived with a span of horses for him, and they soon got the ground planted to corn, potatoes, etc. But bread becoming scarce, and none to be obtained, he succeeded in purchasing from a steamboat that stopped to wood at Spillman's Landing, a barrel of flour for $8.00, which sufliced awhile longer. Mr. TuU's experience in procuring corn for bread is given. He heard of some for sale down below Lima, in Adams county. This he procured, paying 37^ cents per bushel, and after a hard drive of forty miles and back, got it home; but now it was to be ground into meal, and the nearest mill to get it done was down on Crooked creek, some fifty miles away. To this he went, obtained the meal, and returned, after a travel altogether of 180 miles. This lasted till roasting-ear time. Then the family had roasting ears for break- fast, for dinner, and for supper; and when the corn became too liard, they grated it for meal. By the time it became dry enough to grind, there had been a horse-mill erected near Commerce. In the fall deer and turkeys were plenty, and living was excellent. At this time there were settled in the neighborhood Edward White, Jonathan Lamme, John McAuley, John R. Atherton, Brant 934 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Agnew, John Garner, Henry Williams, Robert Atherton, Alexan- der Martain and Aaron Atherton, perhaps others. In the spring of 1837 Mr. T. received from the Shaker Village, in Ohio, a lot of grafted apple-trees, which he planted. They all grew, and this was the first orchard of grafted fruit set out in the north part of the county . Mr. Tull was throughout an active and discreet opponent of the Mormon aggressions; and his personal experiences with that peo- ple were of an interesting and often highly dramatic character. Some of them are told in other chapters of this book. For notice of his career as a nurseryman, see also chapter on " Nurseries and Horticulture." Mr. T. has been through his long and useful life, an active and devoted member of the M. E. Church, and since 1S50, a licensed minister in its pulpit. He assisted in organizing the first Church and Sabbath-school in his neighborhood, and was ever among the foremost in sustaining them. His residence is still on the land on which he settled 44 years ago; and its fine condition and neat suri'oundings bear testimony to a life of labor, industry and taste. TOWNSHIP OFFICEKS. The Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and Collectors of the town- ship of Pontoosuc are as follows: SUPERVISORS. JosephKidson 1850 B.P.Hewitt 1867 H. C. McMurphy 1853 Henrv Walker 1868 I. M. Agnew 1855 John S. Campbell. 1870 B.F.Newton 1858 John W. Maxwell 1871 Henrv Walker 1859 Samuel Lamb 1875 I. B. Agnew 1860 Thomas H. B. Walker 1879 Samuel Lamb 1861 William Biggins 1880 CLERKS. S.;H. McDonald 1855 J. I. Lionbercer 1869 E". M. Sanford 1856 Jas. L. Sanford 1870 J. H. Brooks 1858 John S. Harper 1871 E. S. Mclntyre 1859 W. A. Feldhausen 1872 E. M. Sanford 1861 Wm. Englehardt 1873 John C. Woodworth 1863 Alexander Abernethy 1876 Henry Walker 1864 Riley Thomas 1878 Jacob Hettrick 1866 John Moyes 1879 Isaac N. Fisher 1868 Wm. Englehardt 1880 ASSESSORS. James N. Johnson 1855 Robert Alexander 1867 E. M. Sanford 1856 John S. Campbell 1868 John R. Tull 1858 Waterman S. Wood 1869 John Bailey 1859 Riley Smith 1872 Henry Walker 1861 Jo-seoh D. Riter 1875 John R. Tull 1863 Henry Walker 1876 Robert Alexander 1863 John Lamb 1877 Joseph D. Riter 1865 Franklin C. Little 1879-1880 John M. Schramm 1866 £.;>v. ■j^ Dallas HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 937 COLLECTORS. S. R. Fortna 1855 Samuel Lamb 1872 John H. McDoEald 1856 J. W. S. Wood 187S John Lionberger 1859 Jacob Ilettrick 1875 L. C. Barker 1800 Thos. H. B. Walker 1877 Jacob Hettrick 1861 Samuel AVright 1878 John R. Newton 1866 Jacob Hettrick 1879-1880 Jacob Hettrick 18(i8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES of early settlers and prominent residents in Dallas township. //•I's ^«^7ey was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Lycoming county in 1834; he emigrated to this State in 1S52 and settled in this county. Pie was married to Miss Martha J. Kedson, of this State in 1857. Mr. Bailey began life as a ''cabin boy" on the Mississippi river, which he followed for about two years; he then engaged in farming and running a threshing machine, which busi- ness he continued for twelve years; he then engaged in trade on the Mississippi, making trips from New Orleans to the ISTorth. In 1870 he engaged in the grain and stock trade at Colusa Station, this county, and in 1871 opened a dry-goods and grocery store in con- nection with his other business. In 1877 he sold his interest in the store, and is now exclusively engaged in the stock and grain trade. He owns and operates the elevator at Colusa, which is sujiplied with all the modern improvements and has a capacity of 52,000 bushels. He also owns a fine farm near the station. Mr. Bailey began life for himself by working out, receiving for his labor 12^ cents per day. He is a self-made man, having begun at the bottom round of the ladder, and has worked his wa}" up, being at the present time the most extensive grain and stock dealer in this part of the county. Ahram Clark was born in this township in 1831 and is one ot the oldest settlers here; his father, Johnson Clark, emigrated to this State from Virginia, and located in Dallas township in 1830, on sec. 11, where he resided until he died. Mr. Clark was married to Miss Mary J. Farr, of this county, September 9, 1858. He has been engaged in farming the greater portion of his life, and now lives on the old homestead where he was born. His brothers were volunteers in Captain Logan's company during the Mormon troubles. Mr. Clark has a large farm in a high state of cultivation, and is one of the prosperous farmers of this township. Jose2)h F. Dietrich was born in Pennsylvania in 1826, emigrated to this State in 1865, and located in Dallas tp., this county, in 1867; was married in 1852 to Miss Sarah Ann Benner, of Pennsylvania; in 18b2 she died, leaving him with 5 children; in 1865 he was married to Miss Sarah E. Wolfe, of Pennsylvania, and they have 5 children now living. Mr. Dietrich has been engaged in farming since he has been in this State; he has a fine farm under a very high state of cultivation, on sec. 13, and he has the reputation of 938 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY." being the model farmer of the tp. Mr. D. has been a life-long Democrat and always a zealous supporter of his party and its nomi- nees. He has held several oiJices of trust in tlie county, and is the representative of Dallas tp. on the Board of Supervisors. Thomas Dixon was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born near Little York, in Troy, in 1789; he moved with his parents to Knoxville, Tenn., when about 18 years of age. He was married to Mrs. Susan Green, of Yirginia, in the year 1811. They raised a family of 9 children. In 1830 he moved to Alabama, and in 1831 he came to this State and located in Morgan county, and in 1833, to this county, locating in Durham tp., where he lived until 1855. He then moved to Dallas City, where he lived until he died. Mr. Dixon was a volunteer in the war of 1812, under Gen'l Johnson; he was in the battle of Horse Shoe Bend, and many other engagements. In 1832 he again enlisted in the U. S. Army, and remained in the service during the Black Hawk war. He was thefirst settler of the township of Durham. The nearest postoffice was 12 miles dis- tant, where the mail arrived about twice a month. Mr. Dixon was present when the Smiths, the leaders of the Mormons, were killed, and was Captain of the La Ilarpe company of volunteers, during the Mormon troubles. His son, Thomas L. Dixon, was born in the State of Alabama, in 1828, and came to this State with his parents in 1831. He staid at liome and worked on the farm, until the year 1857, when he traveled through the Southern States teaching penmanship; returning in 1860, he settled in Dallas. In 1861 he removed to Chicago, and was engaged upon public works as foreman six years. He was married in 1861 to Miss Alline A. Hendel, of Waterbury, Conn. They have 4 children now living. He was a volunteer in Capt. Jim Logan's company during the light with the Mormons in this county. He has held mau}^ offices of importance in the township and county. John M. Finch was born in Pennsylvania, in 1815, and came to this State in 1838, locating in Rock Island, and engaged for a short time in steamboating and speculating, being then the owner of one of the best steamers on the Mississippi. In 18-11 he went to New Orleans and bought a very large stock of groceries, and land- ing them at Warsaw, hauled them with teams to Nauvoo, where he engaged in trade with Mr. Rollosson, the hrm being known as Finch & RoUosson. They continued in business at Nauvoo until the killing of the Smiths, then the leaders of the Mormons, and it not being safe to remain there longer, they moved their stock to Appanoose, where they were stored for some time. They then moved to Pontoosuc and opened a store there, also opening a branch store at Appanoose and La Harpe. Subsequently Mr. Finch came up the river to where the city of Dallas now stands, and after looking over the country, he and Mr. Rollosson built a large ware- house here, it then being the only building except a log farm house, which Mr. Finch now owns, and^which is now a part of his resi- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 939 dence. The firm engaged in the grain and cattle trade and opened a packing house. At this time they bought the best quality of winter wlieat for 25 cents per bushel, and corn, shelled, ready for market, at 6^ cents, and dressed pork for $1.25 per cwt. ; and it M'as a losing trade, even at these rates. The next year Mr. Finch bought the Atherton farm and subsequently the Thompson iarm, constituting what is now the cit}- of Dallas. The firm added the grocery business to the warehouse trade and moved their families here the same year, and made the first plat of this city. They then built a flouring mill and distillery, that turned out 100 barrels of flour and 20 barrels of whisky per day. The mill and distillery burned down the fol- lowing spring. They continued in business here until the death of Mr. Rollos- son, Mr. Finch continuing in business until 1875. Mr. Finch was actively engaged in the mercantile business for over 40 years, and is one of the oldest merchants in Hancock county. He has been identified with all enterprises of the city, and has done more to advance the interests and build up the city than any other man now living here. He was the first Postmaster of the city, and could easily carry all the mail matter in his pocket; his first quar- terly returns to the Government was §1.06J. He has been Mayor several terms and held other offices of importance and high trust. He was a volunteer in Capt. "Jim " Logan's company of " Bloody Pontoosucans," during the Mormon troubles. He has been a life-long Democrat, and expects to live to vote that ticket for many years to come. John Hacker was born in Cruz, Germany, March 9, 1845, and came to this country in 1857, landing in New York city on the 27th day of September, and w^ent to work on a farm, which busi- ness he followed until 1862. He then went to Dunkirk, N. Y., and engaged in sailing on the lakes until the fall of 1863. Dec. 15, 1863, he enlisted in the 22d Regt. N. Y. Cav., and was in all the battles of the army of the Potomac, from that time until his discharge. He had his horse shot under him twice, but was never wounded. He was discharged in August, 1865, and again engaged in sailing, which he followed until May 29, 1869, when he came to this State and located at Dallas City, and engaged in butcliering and in buying and shipping cattle, and has been in that business ever since. By strict attention to his business he has a large and lucrative trade, and he is one of the progressing and enterpris- ing men of the city. Manford G. Harris was born in AVheeling, Va., in 1841. He migrated with his parents to this State in 1853, locating in Dur- ham tp. He worked upon a farm until 1861, and in August of that year he enlisted in the 50th Ills. Yol. Inf., and served as a soldier three years and two months, and was honorably discharged. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing and 940 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Corinth. In 1873 he located in Dallas City, and entered the mer- cantile business, in which he is still engaged. He was married to Miss Sarah G. Hagerty, of Dallas City, Dec. IT, 1865, and they have four children. Mr. Harris is one of the leading men of Dal- las City, and has a large circle of friends and acquaintances in the city and vicinity. L. W. Zandaker, If. D., was born in the District of Columbia, March 3, 1820, where he remained with his parents until 183S. He then went to Winchester, Ya., and in the following year com- menced the study of medicine with Dr. David T. Sulinstyne, remain- ing with him four years. In 1810 he emigrated to Licking county, Ohio, and engaged in the practice of medicine in Licking and Knox counties, Dr. Eggleson being associated with him a part of the time he was there. In 1851: he came to this county and purchased a tract of land in Dallas, and in 1856 removed his family to this place, and commenced the practice of medicine and surgery, which has been his exclusive business ever since. The Doctor was married to Miss Elizabeth Garrett, of Knox county, Ohio, on the 4th of July, 1847. They have 6 children now living; viz., Napoleon O'Brine, Helen Roecene, Justice Greenbury, Elizabeth Josephine, Virginia Lee, and Claybonieur. His wife died in January, 1865, and the same year he was again married to Miss Barbara Hocker, of Dallas City. His second wife died June 10, 1872, and he was mar- ried to Miss Eurena Humer, of Dallas City, in June, 1878. Dr. Landaker is one of the pioneers of this township, and one of the oldest physicians in the city of Dallas, has always had a large and successful practice. David S. Lionberoer was born in Licking county, O., August 2, 1827, and emigrated to this State in 1838, locating in Dallas tp., this county, where he remained a short time, and then moved to Adams county, where he lived until 1851, when he returned to this county and located on sec. 13, this tp., where he has since resided. Mr. Lionberger has been engaged in farming nearly all his life, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. He was married to Miss Mary Brown, of Pike county. 111., in 1851. He has repre- sented Dallas tp. in the Board ot Supervisors three years, and has held other offices of trust in the tp. He is a member of the Ma- sonic Lodge in Dallas City, and is one of the leading men in the township. John M. Lionherger was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1835, and came to this county with his parents in 1839 and located in Pilot Grove township, where they remained a short time, and then moved to Adams county, and settled in Payson township. In 1851 he returned to this county and located in Pontoosuc township, and followed farming for several years, and then went into the nursery business with J. R. Tull, which he continued until 1870, when he entered partnership with his brother and they engaged in the nurs- ery business in Dallas township. He was married to Miss Margaret J. Tull, daughter of J. R. Tull, in October, 1861, and his HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 94:1 ■wife died jMarcli T, 1865. In the fall of 1862, he, in partnership with his brotlier, went out with the 118th Reii'. IlL Vol., as sutler, and remained with the regiment until it returned and was mustered out. In the fall of 1866 he went to Quincy and studied dentistr}', and after the completion of his course of studies he located in Dallas City. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, and Council. He is also a member of the order of "Knights of Pythias." Dr. Lionberger has on sec. 12, tliis tp., one of the finest fruit farms in the county, having over 1,000 fruit-trees. He has also •fitted up and put in excellent order a fine driving ])ark, known as the '' Lionberger Driving Park." The Doctor is the only dentist in Dallas City, and has a large and lucrative business. He is one of the prominent men of the city, and has many friends through- out the county. Benoni Mendenhall, the youno^est son of Jacob Mendenhall, is of Quaker origin, and was born i^ov. 6, 1827, on Highland creek, county of Washington, Ind.; removed with his parents in 1830 to Tazewell county, this State, near Pekin. In 1833 they again re- moved to AVarren county, this State, opposite Flint Hills, near Burlington, la.; again removed to Camp Creek, this county, in 1836. Having obtained his majority, Benoni assisted his father on the farm, and agreeably to an old custom, received the old home- stead as a remuneration for taking care of his parents in their old age. In 1815-'6 he was a volunteer under Thos. Carlin, to assist in expelling the Mormons from the county. In 1852 he, in com- pany with 20 others, crossed the plains to the gold fields of the Pacific coast. In 1851 he returned to the old homestead and was united in marriage with Miss Margaret L. Philh'ps, March 30, 1854. In December, 1856, he removed to Dallas City and engaged in the mercantile business witli his cousin, P. C. Mendenhall, which vocation he has followed, with a few short intermissions, ever since. In 1861, being then Captain of an independent mili- tary company, he immediately offered his companj' to the Govern- ment for active service. On account of an aged invalid mother, he resigned his command and waited until her death, when, under the call for 600,000 volunteers, he enlisted as a private in Capt. Allen's company (Co. H, T8th 111. Vol.), serving two years and six months, when he was honorably discharged at Camp Butler by reason of the Surgeon's certificate of disahility. Jan. 1, 1866, he was ap- pointed Postmaster at Dallas City, which position he held for 11 jears, then resigned. He has filled several offices of trust, and is now a merchant. The portrait of Mr. B. Mendenhall is found on page 935. It is engraved from a photograph taken at the age of 46. John Mendenhall came from England about 1685, with one brother and one sister. He was cotemporary with Wm. Penn in settling Pennsylvania. John married Elizabeth Maris, 5th mouth, 1685; she dying, he again married Esther Dix, 8th month, 1708 942 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. By his last wife he had 3 sons and 4 daughters: Mordecai, the eldest, married Charity Mills, and removed to New Garden, N. C, (now Springfield), and had S sons and one daughter. Their names were John, Mordecai, Moses, Thomas, Stephen, Isaac, Aaron, Charity and Richard. Isaac, the seventh son, married Rachel Hoggatt and had 8 children; viz., Ruth, Isaac, Jacob, Aaron, Zadok, Mordecai, John and Miles. Jacob removed, when a j'oung man, to Washington county, Ind., then an Indian territory, and married Rachel Lamb, and they had 3 sons and 2 daughters; viz., Zadok. Milo, Madison, Mary and Ruth. His first wife dying, he married ISTancy Hoggatt, and had 3 sons and one daughter; viz., Owen, Nathan, Rachel and Benoni. The first are all dead; of the last only 3 are living, — Owen, Nathan and Benoni, of Dallas City. Jacob Mendenhall was born Oct. 10, 1784, in Guilford county, N, C. Living with his parents until he attained his majority, he was importuned by his father to remain at the old homestead, but he had a yearning desire to try the new country then known as the Northwestern Territory. So he bade adieu to home and the old red hills of North Carolina, mounted his nag and made his way throuo-h the States of Tennessee and Kentucky; crossing the Ohio at Louis- ville (then a small village) and landing at a point where New Albany now stands, he struck out through the back woods, intend- ing to halt at Salem, Ind. There he went to work clearing up the beech forests, fencing a patch and building a cabin. Obeying the divine injunction, Jacob Mendenhall was united in marriage to Rachel Lamb, in the 27th year of his age, in January, 1810, by whom he had 5 children. Fortune smiled on his efforts, and after six years of toil, he engaged in the mercantile business, which proved very disastrous, and wound up by the Sheriff levying on and selling everything in his possession (there were no exemption laws then), even to the knives and forks of the dining table. Misfortunes never come single; his faithful wife sickened and died; still he bore up, kept his family of small children together; was united again in marriage to Nancy Hoggatt, in 1818, by whom he had 4 children. Again misfortune frowned on him. Although considered the stoutest man in Washington county — being six feet two inches in his stocking feet — yet by exposure and hard- ships he was attacked by inflammatory rheumatism, which com- pletely prostrated him for six months. Recovering, he resolved once more to try the West, and with his family sought the wilderness prairies of Illinois. Arriving at Pekin, on the Illinois river, he was advised to go no further, as " old Black Hawk" was about to levy war on the whites. Here the oldest son, Zadok, enlisted under Capt. Adams, and was killed at the defeat of Maj. Stillman, on Rock river. Remaining at Pekin until the war was over, he again faced westward, and settled eight miles east of Burlington, which then contained only a few log huts; was the first man that located the mill-seat and town of Warren now in Henderson county. Finally settling in Hancock county^ HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 943 he selected two quarter- sections in township seven north, six west, on Camp creek; lie paid the entry fee and secured the United States patent. Here he found a resting place, and commenced permanent improvements, in 1S34. Putting up a large double cabin, and fencing in a small patch of ground, he returned to Warren county (now Henderson) to winter. In the spring of 1835 he brought his family with him, and went to work improving his new farm on a larger scale. The nearest neighbor was then eight or ten miles. Deer, wolves, and other wild game, were in abundance. Prairie chickens were trapped in the door-yard; deer were frequently killed in the small fields close to the house. For several years after settling on the Camp creek farm, the wolves were very trouble- some, and made nightly raids on the pig-pens and sheep-folds. But a plan of trapping soon developed, and the old gray wolves were made to succumb to the cunning of man. For a term of eight 3'ears or more Jacob Mendenhall carried on an exterminating war- fare against the wolves. Jacob Mendenhall was noted for his kind and liberal heart and square dealing. On his first settling in the county of Warren, he was elected a Justice of the Peace, and many were the angry dis- putes he was called on to settle between neighbors. Being reared in the staid old Quaker school, he was noted for his urbanity and just decisions. When removed to Hancock, he was again and again called on to fill the oftice of Esquire. His house was ever open to the poor and needy; the stranger and emigrant seeking a home in the West, fuund a resting place under his roof. When the Mor- mons were driven out of Missouri, and settled at Commerce, they would go out through the county begging for the necessaries of life; they never went away from the door of Jacob Mendenhall without being supplied and getting employment, if desired. This kindness was ill repaid by them when they were ordered out of the county, as they took a horse, saddle and bridle from him, and killed one of his best cows. This was so aggravating, that, Quaker as he was, he freely consented to driving them out of the county. Prosperity crowned his latter days, and wealth finally came to him in the shape of a large farm, with a good brick dwelling, large barn, and other substantial improvements. But age was coming on, and the days of his pilgrimage were drawing to a close. Arranging his earthly aflairs, like a true man, he prepared to pass over the river, which he did on the 31st of January, 1857, in the 72d year of his age. He survived all his children but 3, who are still living; 2 near the old homestead, and one in Missouri. Dr. Beiij. F. Newloii was born in Louisville, Ky., July 27, 1833, and emigrated with his parents, in infancy, to Edgar county, 111., who settled near Paris, where he was raised. He was educated at the Edgar County Academy; he received his medical education at Peoria, 111., under Dr. Shubal York. Dr. Newlon first came to Hancock county in ISAS, and in 1847 located at Dallas City, and commenced the practice of medicine in partnership with his elder 944 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. brother, Dr. Jolm F. Newloa, which partnership continued for five years. His brother then moving to Kansas, he continued the practice alone. He had a large and lucrative practice until 1S62, when his health failed him, and he had to give up active busines3 for a time. He then formed a partnership with a younger brother. Dr. Wm. L. Newlon, who relieved him of the laborious part of the business; this partnership lasted for five years. Dr. JSTewlon has practiced in his present location over 30 years, and has perhaps given more medicine in that time than any one physician in the county. lie has given medicine to 84 persons in one day of 24 hours. In early times it was more sickly than of late years, and there were fewer physicians. There is a family now living in this vicinity who were all sick at one time, that Dr. Newlon visited, and before he left the house, issued 77 doses of medicine. Dr. l^ewlon has. been identified with all the enterprises of this city; was present wlien the town was first surveyed and laid oft'. He wrote the charter of the city, and was sent with Col. Rollosson, in 1859, by the people, to Springfield, to lobby it throush the Legislature, and was suc- cessful. He penned the present ordinances of the city, that were adopted when the city was first chartered. He was the first Mayor of the city, which ofiice he held two years. He has held the office of Supervisor five terms. Dr. Newlon was the founder of Dallas Citv Lodge No. 235, A. F. & A. Masons; was its first W. M., and is now and has been for many years in that position ; was one of the charter members of Dallas Chapter No. Ill, and was its High Priest. He has also been Dis- trict Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Illi- nois. He has represented his Lodge and Chapter in their grand bodies very frequently, and is regarded by those who know as ^'bright" in Masonic lore. He has also been a close student, not only in science, but in tlie literature of the day. He at one time edited the Dallas City Democrat, frequently corresponded with the publications of the country, and his nom de plume, " Don Osso," is well known and appreciated by the reading public. Dr. Newlon was married three times, first to Mary Walker, ■daughter of William Walker, an old citizen of this place. She died in less than a year. His second wife was Almira A. Richards. She died, leaving 3 girls and one boy. His third and present wife was Kate Gassaway, daughter of Jas. Gassaway, of this place, by whom he has 2 children, a son and a daughter. Dr. Newlon studied law in his youth, and was admitted by the Supreme Court of this State, but never practiced. He is a life-long Democrat, was a staunch Union man during the war, and is liberal in his religious views, and has many friends wherever known. He is one of the three surviv- ing first settlers of Dallas City. Hon. W. H. Rollosson was born in Williamsburg, Va., Jan. 8, 1816. He received a classical education at William and Mary Col- lege, Yirginia. In 1840 he emigrated to the West, and settled in JNauvoo, 111., where he engaged in mercantile business until June, HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 945 ISl-i, when, owing to the trouble with the Mormons, he moved his goods to Appanoose, where they were stored for a short time; and in the fall of IS-i-J- he commenced business in Pontoosuc, having branch stores in Appanoose and La Harpe. In 1846 he came to Dallas Citj and built a large warehouse and store-room, and began business, being largely engaged in the grain trade and packing, and in the fall of 1847 he built a large flouring-mill and distillery. He was one of tlie founders of the city of Dallas ; he platted and laid out the original site of the town; drew its cliarter and secured its adoption by the State Legislature. He was mar- ried in 1855 to Miss Marietta Bostwick, of Fort Madi- son, Iowa. Mr. Rollosson continued in business in Dallas City until his death, Oct. 9, 18G4, leaving a widow and three sons, and a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn his early loss. He was a strong adherent to the Democratic party. In 1861 he received the nomination of his party, and was elected a Representative in the Illinois Legislature. In 1858 he was appointed by Gov. Bissell Inspector General of the State troops, with the rank of Colonel. During his residence in this county he was actively engaged in business pursuits, with the varying fortunes incident to commer- cial life, but has ever maintained his character for honor and integ- rity, and has done much to advance the material prosperity and develop the resources of the country. Col. RoHossdu was no ordinary man— a perfect gentleman in his manners; a ripe scholar; a states- man; noble, generous and brave; none knew him but to admire him. Possessed of all the attributes calculated to adorn society, alleviate want, he failed not to make a proper use of them. Whilst living he was an honor to his family, the pride of his friends, the benefactor of his race. 0. R. Rm^ell^ the second child of Jonas Galusa Russell, was born near Rochester, K. Y., Nov. 25, 1840. In 1848 he moved with his parents to Pioneer, Ohio, where he resided until he was 16 years old, when he entered Hillsdale College, Mich., where he re- mained between three and four 3'ears; he then went to Ohio and taught school for about 18 months, and returned to Pioneer in June, 1861, and read medicine with Dr. J. G. Gordon ; in the fall of the same year he attended medical lectures at the University of Michigan, where he remained and pursued his medical studies for two years. He was married to Miss Rosalia Morrison, of Ann Ar- bor, Feb. 17, 1872, and now has one son, James G. In 1863 he lo- cated at Amboy, Mich., and commenced the practice of medicine, where he remained a little over a year. In the spring of 1865 he came to this State and taught school in Fulton county, and after traveling tlirough Missouri and Iowa, not being pleased Avith the country, concluded to return to New York. At Toledo he met a friend who induced him to return to Illinois; he came to Henry county, and located near Cambridge. During the spring of 1865 his father moved to Missouri ; in the fall he visited his father, and on his return he stopped at Keokuk, and attended medical lectures 54 946 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. at the University of Iowa; then located there, where he remained until he graduated in 1866. He then settled in Freedom, this State, where he practiced medicine for two years; he tlien moved to Gilman, where he remained one year. In the spring of 1869 he was again married, to Mrs. Julia L. Gilman, of Galesburg, 111., and moved to Northern Missouri, where he lived about a year. He then returned to Illinois, and in 18Y2 located at Dallas City, where he has since resided and followed his profession, having a large and lucrative practice. Hon. William Scott is a native of Indiana, having been born in Pennsylvania county, Dec. 26, 1827. He was married June 28, 1849, to Miss Caroline Dickey, and came to this county, locating in Fountain Green tp., where he resided three years; then moved to Durham tp., where his wife and one child died, N'ov. 3, 1860^ leaving him with six children. Dec. 31, 1861, he married Miss La- vina Dickey, of this county. Until 1861 Mr. Scott was engaged in farming and teaching. In the fall of 1861 he was elected County Su- perintendent of Schools, and in the spring of 1862 he removed to Carthage and attended to the duties of his office. In the fall of 1862 he was the unanimous choice of his party for re-election to the office he then held, but failed to be elected by about 27 votes. In the fall of 1863 he returned to Durham tp., and resumed his former oc- cupation. He moved to Henderson county in March, 1868, and same year was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he has held ever since. He was elected Representative to the State Legislature in 1872 from the 24th Senatorial district, and served through two sessions of the General Assembly. In 1876 he was elected State Senator from this district, which office he now holds, and has served through the 30th and 31st General Assemblies. In April, 1877, he bought the Central Hotel in Dallas City, which he repaired and refurnished, and opened to the public. His wife died October 6, 1877, leaving him with the care of seven small children. He was elected Mayor of Dallas in 1878, and re-elected in 1879. He has also held other offices of importance in the county and city. Mr. Scott is a self-made man, and one of the prominent men of this Sen- atorial district, and is possessed of many social qualities that endear him to his many friends and acquaintances. Mark Tandy was born in Burton tp., Adams count}'-, in April, 1848. He remained in Adams county until 1872, working part of the time on a farm, and part of the time was a clerk in the city of Quincy. He then came to Dallas City and engaged in the mer- cantile business, in which he has continued ever since. In 1869 he was married to Miss Laura Tibbets, of Payson, 111. In July, 1877, he was appointed Postmaster at Dallas City, which office he now holds. His father, William H. Tandy, was Sheriff of Adams county for several terms, and during the Mormon troubles in this county, was called on to assist in expelling them. He was one of the first settlers of Adams county, going there from Kentucky in 1832. He has one of the finest geological collections in this county. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 947 Id business lie lias a large, and lucrative trade, and is one of the leading business men of this city. Edward H. Thomas, editor and proprietor of the Dallas City JVeios, was born at Pittsburg, Louisa county, Iowa, Sept. 14, 1841. Commencing in 1S63, he served an apprenticeship of four years at the printing business in the office of the Wapello (Iowa) Intelli- gencer. He worked at printing up to the commencement of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in the 19th Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of the war. Since the war he has been connected with the following papers, as publisher and part owner: Wapello (Iowa) Bepuhlican, Keithsburg (111.) Kerana, Nauvoo (111.) Inde- pendent, and Burlington (Iowa) Monday Morning News. Mr. Thomas issued the lirst number of the Dallas City News April 6, 1878. Owing to the many failures in the newspaper business in the place, he had manj'^ difficulties to contend with in the establish- ment of a new paper, but his experience of over 20 years in the business, and a determination to succeed, enabled him to overcome all obstacles and gain the confidence of the people; and the News is now in a prosperous condition, receiving a large advertising patronage from the merchants of Dallas City, Fort Madison and Burlington. Henry Walker. — This gentleman is a native of the Buckeye State, and was born in 1808. He lived in Ohio 42 years; he worked nine years at the carpenter trade, then engaged in farming until 1850, when he emigrated to this State and settled in Pontoosuc, where he now resides. He embarked in mercantile pursuits, which he followed until 1860, when he sold out and again engaged in asrri- culture, and is now one of the best farmers on the Mississippi bottom. He was Postmaster at Pontoosuc for nine years, and has represented his township on the Board of Supervisors several years. He was married Oct. 13, 1835, to Miss Margaret Agnew, of Ohio. They have 5 children now living. Mr. Walker has given consider- able attention to political affairs, and is considered a leader of his party in this township. He is a staunch Democrat. Jesfarents to Kentucky in 1813, and came and settled in Dallas township in 1830. He was married in 1826 to Miss Elizabeth Simmons, and they have had eight children. His entire life was spent in agricultural pursuits, and by his careful management and industry he acquired a large property. He took an active part in tlie Mormon war, and captured and held until after the troubles were settled, a brother of the prophet Brigham Young. He was a member of Capt. Logan's famous company of "Bloody Pontoosucans." Mr. Wimp was one of the first settlers of Dallas tp. He died April 24, 1875, leaving a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn his loss. His youngest son, Jesse Wimp, who is now living on the old homestead, was born in 1840 in this township, where he has always resided. He was married in 1868 to Miss Susan ]^olan, of this ■948 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. county. They have 4 children. He is one of the leading farmers of the county, having a fine prairie farm of 350 acres. He is also an extensive dealer in stock. TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. SUPEKVISOES. John M. Finch 1861 B. F. Johnson 1868 John Gibbs 1862 David S. Lionberger 1873 Benjamin Lionberger 1863 B. F. Newlon 1876 John M. Finch 1867 J. F. Dietrich 1880 CLEEKS. Jonathan Rice 1861 D. E.Johnson 1873 S. Gates 1863 John C. Hupfer 1874 H. C. Johnson 1864 Lawsou S. Bliss 1876 Walter B. Loring 1869 Wm. A. Felthausen 1877-1880 H. C.Johnson 1870 ASSESSORS. John Gibbs 1861 Henry Howard 1869 Benoni Mendenhall 1862 William V. Banks 1870 William Jolly 1864 J. C. Hupfer 1875 Theo. Rhea 1866 John H. Rauck 1877 William V. Banks 1867 Thomas L. Dixon 1879-1880 COLLECTORS. Owen Mendenhall 1861 Thomas Shaw 1873 Henry Howard 1863 William Ramsey 1874 B. F. Johnson , 1866 J. M. Carper 1875 Henry Howard 1867 Thomas L. Dixon 1877 Walter B. Loring 1868 J. F. Dietrich 1879 John K. Ruth 1871 Vernon Smith 1880 J. B. Duffy 1872 APPANOOSE TOWNSHIP. Fractioual townshi]) numbered 7-8 lies above the bend of the river at JSfanvoo, and is tlie northwest townsliip in the county. It loses about one-third of its dimensions b^' the river; one-third is broken timbered blufl' land, and the remainder prairie. The south and south-eastern portions of the township are composed mainly of beautiful prairie land, embracing some fine farms owned by rich and prosperous farmers. Three or four streams enter the river from the south, heading out in the open prairie. Chief of these are Tyson and Rollosson creeks, which furnisli considerable bodies of timber. The early settlers were Edward White and Amzi Doolittle. Chauncy Kobison was an early settler in the county, though not in this township till after the Mormon exodus. The celebrated big prairie mound is located in this, township, on section 25, on the summit of which the late Amos Davis built his fine residence, and where his widow still resides. The portion nearest to Nauvoo is partly settled by some German and French foreign immigrants, who cameto the county after the Mormons left the city; some of them belonged to the Icarian community. They are generally industrious- and thrifty citizens. This township sports two towns, as yet very small ones. Appa- noose, from which the township was named, was laid out by Edward White and Amzi Doolittle in 1836, nearly opposite Fort Mad- ison, Iowa. Niota, a later town, near the mouth of Tyson creek, also on the river, two miles below Appanoose. This was laid out by John H. Knapp, AVilliam Adams, George P. Eaton and J. P. Harper, in 1857. Appanoose was named for an Indian cliief of the Sac and Fox Indians, well known in those days about Fort Madison. This township, lying on the river above tlie rapids, is supposed to have been the residence of several of the settlers previous to 1829, but who left the county at an early day. We know of no one in the township who was there previous to the Black Hawk war. Many Mormons settled in this township and in Sonora, in the vicinity of Nauvoo, and since they left, their places have been sup- plied by newer immigrants. BIOGRAPHIES, . Below are personal sketches of many of the old settlers and leading citizens of this township, (949) 950 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COUNTY. Amos Davis, deceased, was born Dec. 20, 1814, in Yermont, where be grew to manbood; was educated in one of theuniv^ersities of bis native State; emigrated to this county in IS-ll, settling first in Nauvoo; was one of tbe leading mercbants of tbat city at tbat time, fie followed tbat business until 1857, wben be moved upon bis farm in Appanoose tp. Wben be first came to tbe county be bad only $1.50 in monej^, but by industry and economy be accumu- lated considerable property, owning at tbe time of bis death 1,300 acres of very fine land, mostly in this tp. He knew well the achievements of self-education and experience. He despised not tbe day of small things, and by and by great things were added to bis successful efi'orts. He was joined in marriage April 12, 1866, to Mary J. Isenberger, and they bad 4- children; viz., Amo,s, Jacob W., Mary J. and Guy. Mr. Davis' death occurred March 22, 1872, and in that event the community lost one of its most enterprising farmers and worthy citizens. Samuel T. Egan-, one of the leading farmers of Appanoose tp., was born in Franklin county, Ind., Dec. 11:, 1819. His parents, James and ISTancy, were both natives of Pennsylvania. His father dying when be was but a small boy, and his mother when be was 16 years old, be was early thrown upon bis own resources for a training for tbe vicissitudes of life. Tlie seeds of pure morality, however, having been sown in bis youthful heart, be persevered through life, and has won a success far beyond that of many who have bad better early advantages. He has now a fine farm of 285 acres, on sec. 34, a good residence, etc., all acquired by his own management and industr3^ !Nov. 19, 1846, he married Cordelia M. Maynard, and they have had 8 children, 7 of whom are living — 4 sons and 3 daughters. His wife died Feb. 24, 1869, a member of the Methodist Church. Samuel V. Elliott^ farmer and school-teacher, Nauvoo, was born in Tioga county. Pa., May 12, 1845; was brought to this county by his parents in 1850, where he grew to manhood and enjoyed more extended advantages than many others at tbat day, especially farmer boys; be received his education at the Fort Madison Acad- emy; be now follows farming in the summer and teaching school in the winter. March 27, 1873, be mari-ied Alice Cwerden. His father died in 1875, aged 65 years; and his grandfather, John Rey- nolds, was a soldier in the war of 1812. James R. Green, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Appanoose; was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 8, 1820, and is a son of Samuel and Jane Green, who also were natives of tbe Keystone State. James E. emigrated from his native place to St. Louis, in 1853, and tbe same year came to this county, where be has since resided, following farming. Dec. 28, 1858, he married Anna Bolton, a native of England; she died in 1860, and he again married in 1865, this time Eliza J. Keed, and they have had one child. John Eaigh, farmer, sec. 13; P. O., Appanoose; was born in Philadelphia, Pa., July 26, 1821, and is a son of John and Mary HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 951 Haigh, natives of England; he was reared in his native citj, but was deprived of the advantages of an early education; at a very early age he was placed in the Tecoma cotton mills, which were built by his father. It was among the first in that city. The sub- ject of this sketch worked in that establishment for seven years, that is, until 1S38, when he went to work in Gambol's morocco works, of Philadelphia, and learned the art of dressing morocco; he continued in this business until 1853, when he came to this county, where he settled and has since resided, engaged in farming. He owns a tine farm of 210 acres in this tp. In 1842 he married Sarah Falcrod; she died soon afterward, and in 1816 he married Sarah E. Sheward. James Hammond^ farmer, sec. 13; P. O., Fruitland; was born in England Dec. 17, 1842, and was brought to this country by his parents, Thomas and Mary A. Hammond, in 1843, first settling in !Nauvoo, where they lived until 1844, and then they moved to their farm in this tp., where our subject has since resided, except a few years. Feb. 4, 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 17th Iowa Inf., in which he served till 1863, shortly after the surrender of Vicksburg, when he was transferred to the Signal Corps, a division of the regular army, where he served until April, 1865, when, on the expiration of his term, he was discharged. He then returned home and has ever since followed farming. In the fall of 1867 he married Mary S. Boyle, and they have had 6 children, 2 sons and 4 daughters. John Hohhs, deceased, was born Dec. 4, 1801, in Pennsj'lvania; he went to Knox count}', O., in 1823, and came to this county in 1856. Dec. 27, 1825, he married Anna Shipley, who died May 1, 1863; March 27, 1856, Mr. H. again married, Kebecca S. Zeigler, and they have had one child, Alice May, deceased. Mr. Hobbs lived near Kauvoo from the time he first settled in this county until his death, Jan. 5, 1871. He was a man highly respected by all who knew him, for his generosity and good manners. His fu- neral was very largely attended. L. A. Holjhs was born Oct. 26, 1835, in "Washington county. Pa., and is a son of John (deceased) and Nancy Hobbs; he was taken to Knox county, O., by his parents, when quite young, where they re- mained until 1850, and then they removed to Delaware, O., where he received a college education. Ee came West the first time with his father in 1854, remaining here about six months, when he re- turned to Ohio; during the following winter (1855) he attended and graduated at the Cleveland Commercial College; in March, 1855, he came to Xauvoo, where he engaged as book-keeper in the store of John B. Icking. In May, 1856, he returned to Ohio, and the next fall came back to Illinois, and spent two years in traveling and other business. Nov. 26,1858, he married Miss Julia A. Henry, and they have had 5 sons and 3 daughters. Mr. H.'s father died in March, 1871, aged 70 years. Hugh Jacknoii was born Sept. 23, 1837, in Fulton county, N. Y., and is a son of James and Mary Jackson, farmers by occupation and 952 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUXTT. distinguished for intelligence and piety; tliev were in comfortable circumstances and gave their children a good education: they were natives of Scotland and came to America in 1S32; at the age of IS Husrh left the paternal roof in Albany connty. !N. Y., whither they had removed from Fulton county, and came to Illinois, settling in Hancock county with but little of this world's goods; he had bnt $5.25, bnt by industry and integrity, having during three years saved some little money, he joined a party of friends and went to Pike's Peak, thence to Xew Mexico and thence to Kew Orleans, where he spent the winter; he then returned to Illinois for a short time; after traveling some months in Missouri and this State, he returned in the spring of 1S61 to this county, where he has since remained. In 1S65 he married Mary H. Hammond, a native of England. Mr. J. is a Presbyterian. liohert Jackson was born in Albany county. X. Y., a brother of the preceding; he grew to manhood in his native State, where he received a common-school education, and after he came here he at- tended school at the Fort Madison Academy. April 13. 1S65, he enlisted in Co. E. llSth 111. Tol. Inf.; was discharged at the close of the war. having served about six months. William Jackson was born in Scotland June 27, 180S, and is a son of James and Isabella Jackson, natives also of Scotland; he emigrated to the United States in 1S34, and lived in New York until the fall of 1S3S, when he came and settled in this tp., where he has since resided. During the Mormon troubles he took no part on either side. He was here at the first immigration of the Mor- mons, and heard Joe Smith make his first speech in Illinois, and saw the corner-stone of the temple laid. An anecdote of Joe Smith Mr. J. relates as follows: At that time live-stock was running at large everywhere, and application was made to the city council to adopt a law prohibiting this; they applied to Joe Smith, Mayor, to make a proclamation to that effect; Smith refused to do so, but said he would come out and make a speech; he did so, and said that if any person had any more dogs than he could keep at home and feed, he was one of the dog breed himself; and made a similar re- mark concerning the people allowing hogs to run at large. In the fall of 1814 Mr." J. married AUisa Winning. Mr. J. has for four- teen years been township Treasurer, and has also been Supervisor and Assessor for awhile. He owns a farm of 120 acres on sec. 29. John Kennedy, deceased, was born in 1S15. inlreland, and came to this country in 1S30. first settling in Delaware county, Pa. ; in 1850, while there, he married Eliza Scanlin; in 1853 they came to this county, locating in this tp., where they lived until bis death, Feb. 15, ISSO. He was a very estimable citizen. James Lindsay, Jr., was born Aug. 27, 1853, in this county, and is a son of James and Anna Lindsay; was reared on a farm, re- ceiving a common-school education; April 24, 1S79, he married Ella Ikerd, of this county. His grandfather was a soldier in the Kevolutionarv war, servins^also IS months in the war of 1S12. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 953 James A. OUix, farmer; P. O., Appanoose; was born Sej)t. 8, 1828, in Montgomery county, Ind., and is a son of Matthias and Catharine Ollis, lather a native of England and mother of Oliio. James A. was reared on a farm and received a common- school edu- cation. March 2, 1854, he married Martha Brown, and they had 5 children, 4 of whom are living: James A., Mary C, Sarah 0. and Elizabeth A. Mrs. Ollis died March 28, 1880, a consistent mem- ber of the Presbyterian Cliurch, which she had been for 18 years. Mr. O. is also a member of the same Church. Chauncy Bohisoii was born March 27, 1805, in Oneida county, N. Y.; came to this county with his parents, Charles and Jerusha Robison, in 1820; here he spent his early life, while the county was first settling up. He had one brother, John Iv., who was a soldier in the Black Hawk war. Chauncy entered as register in the land-office at Quincy, in which position he remained until 1837, when he went to Carthage, and there engaged in clerking in a dry-goods store, which he followed till August, 1839, when he was elected County llecordor, in which office he served eight years; he then went to Louisiana, where he spent the winters of 1847-'8, for the benelit of his wife's health; in the spring of 1847 became to Nauvoo, where he lived until 1850; lie then purchased a farm in Appanoose tp., where he has since resided. In 1841 he married Hannah D. Hughes, of Carthage, and they have had 4 children, only one of whom is now living. Ella M., now Mrs. Deusenburg. Mrs. E,. died March 27, 1861. Mr. R.'s grandfather on his mother's side was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, under Gen. Washington. Lewis Sleight^ jieceased, was born March 2, 1819, in New Jersey; when sixteen years of age he emigrated to St. Louis, where he resided sixteen years, then came to Nauvoo, and was Captain of the ferry-boat that ran from that place to Montrose, Iowa, from that time, 1851, until his death, June 2, 1872. He was married in 1842 to Sarah Frisby, and they had 3 children: Emma L., now Mrs. Yiolett; Lulu L. and Ada. Several of Mrs. Sleight's ancestors were valiant soldiers in both the Revolutionary war and the war of 1812. James B. Webb^ son of Wra. and Harriet "Webb, who came to this county in 1841 with a company of Mormons, was reared here and educated in the common school. December 21, 1869, he mar- ried Mary E. Tyner, and they have had one child, Hattie U. Mr. W. owns 80 acres of land on sec. 27. Jolui Zlngree, physician and surgeon, Appanoose, was born in Switzerland September 14, 1830, was educated at the Military Academy of Berne, was 1st Lieutenant of the 3d Division of the Swiss army under Gen. Doriass, one of Napoleon's old generals. The Doctor came to this country in 1851, and the next year com- menced the study of medicine under Dr. Branton, an eminent physician of Cleveland, Ohio. In the spring of 1854 he graduated at the Western Missouri Medical College, and soon after came to Nauvoo, where he commenced the practice of medicine. He 954 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTlf. Kauvoo, where lie commenced the practice of medicine. He remained in Xauvoo till 1856, when he purchased a farm opposite Fort Madison and moved upon it, where he has since resided, eno-a^ed in farming and practicing medicine. Re married his last wife,"Hattie Kuapp, in April 1ST7. Dr. Z. owns about 2,000 acres of land in Illinois and Iowa. TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. The town Officers that have served or are now serving this town- ship are about as follows: SrPERVISORS . James A. McCance 1850 I. D. Stone 1868 Fred. R. Prentice 1852 Amzi Doolittle 1869 William Jackson 1853 I. D. Stone 1871 Wm. P. Logan 1858 Samuel Elliott 1872 William Jackson 1860 Hugh Jackson 1873 Samuel Elliott 1863 John Jackson 1874 Peter Wilsey 1866 George H. Rudisil 1876 Amzi Doolittle 1867 Leonard A. Hobbs 1878 CLERKS. George T. Thompson 1858 Charles G.^Fish 1873 Hugh Jackson 1863 John Trouthart 1874 L. A. Hobbs 1866 Charles G. Fish 1876 Hush Jackson 1869 John W. Bertchi 1879 Samuel Y. Elliott 1870 Alexander Haymart 1880 ASSESSORS. Benjamin Ritter 1858 William Jackson 1863 Geo. T. Thompson 1859 Charles C Ritter 1867-1880 COLLECTORS. Robert Mackie 1858 James Webb 1871 Gershom Pope 1863 James Hammond 1872 Robert Mackie 1864 Wm. G. Webb 1873 John D. Johnson 1865 Leonard A. Hobbs 1874 L. A. Hobbs 1866 Georsre H. Rudisil 1875 Hugh Jackson 1867 Leonard A. Hobbs 1876 George Elliott 1870 John W. Bertchi 1877-1880 NAUVOO TOWNSHIP. This city of " pleasant land " is a township bv itself. It embraces two small fractional townships, lying in the bend of the Mississippi, and nnmbered 6 and 7 north, 9 west, the township line dividing them striking the river a little north of the extreme point of the bend, and dividing the city into two nearly equal parts. It embraces within its limits what was once the site of Venus, as well as the town of Commerce and the later Commerce City. The portion on which the Mansion House and famous Nauvoo House stand, is part of the farm originally pre-empted and owned by Capt. James White, the first settler; and that on which the Temple stood was a portion of the farm of Daniel H. Wells, Esq., now Gen. Wells, of Utah. The stone from which the temple was built was obtained partly from the great quarry a little below the town in the river bluff. We cannot learn from the records that there was ever any laid out town at Yenus. The name was given to it perhaps by Mr. White, and that is the name Uncle Sam used for the postoffice there, the first ever established in the county. It contained Alex- ander White's store, and the residence of his father, and of George Y. Cutler (in the same vicinity), but whether near enough together to constitute a village, is unknown. Commerce was laid out by Joseph B. Teas and Alexander White, in 1S34. Commerce City was laid out in 1837, by Horace R. Hotchkiss and John Gillett, two speculators from Connecticut, and lies a little above its namesake on the river. These plats seem not to have been vacated; so that they are included in, but not a part of, the plat of the city. Kauvoo was laid out in 1S39, by Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon and George W. Robinson. Afterward, at inter- vals, down to May, 1843, it received as many as fifteen additions by Hiram and Ethan Kimball, Hyrum Smith, Daniel H. Wells, Davidson Ilibbard, Herringsiiaw and Thompson, Geo. W. Robin- son, Joseph Smith, James Robison's heirs, Benjamin Warrington and John T. Barnett. The situation of Nauvoo is most commanding and beautiful. But few, if any, sites on the upper Mississippi can compare with it. The Mississippi, which opposite Commerce is over a mile in width, gracefully swee])s around its rock-bound shore in a semi-circle, then falls off to the first chain of the rapids. Above the city the river approaches in a westerly course; i)elow, it glides winding over the rapids southward, presenting a long reach of green and wooded bluffs on either side, to Keokuk and Hamilton, twelve miles below. (955) 956 HISTORY OF HAKCOCK COrNTT. From the immediate bank of the river — some feet above hig-h water mark — the ground is nearly level for six or seven blocks, when begins a gradual ascent to Temple Block, where, after a rise of 60 or^^TO feet, it again falls olf level, away back into the prairie. There are, however, some bad ravines and broken bluffs within the city limits, which break the monotony and give variety to the landscape. The curve of the river around the city forms a somewhat pointed half circle. A straight line back of it, from where it intersects the shore above and below, will measure about four miles ; while the water-line measurement around its western side is nearly twice that distance. Some of the additions lie in Sonora township. The towns of Commerce and Commerce City are laid out square with the shore opposite them; but the whole of Nauvoo and all of its additions are laid out on due east and west lines. The streets of the city are named mostly after Mormon dignitaries — as Sidney, Parley, Ripley, Kimball, Young, Knight, Hyrum, Carlos, Samuel, Eobinson, Wells, Woodruff, Page, etc. ^Major General Bennett, Bishop Lee and Orrin P. Rockwell seem to have been slighted. How many of the earliest settlers resided within the limits of NauTOO, it is hard to tell. Mr. White and his sons were there; George Y. Cutler and Davidson Hibbard were there; Daniel Van Burkloe is supposed to have been there also (there was a Yan Burkloe there when the Mormons earned; but of all the other officers and jurymen at organization, none other is now known to have resided there, though numbers were in the vicinity. The history of this city from 1S40 to 1S47 can be found in the chapter on the Mormon period. After those people left, an entire new class of citizens appeared, from all parts of the country and from Europe. THE MORMON TEMPLE Was burnt October 9, 1S4S. AVho the vandal was that applied the torch has never been known, and it is not believed that good grounds exist for suspicion against any one. There was a report, some years since, that Mr. Joseph Agnew, late of Pontoosuc, was the guilty person and had so confessed on his death-bed. After diligent inquiry we tind that there is no foundation whatever for the story. Mr'. A.'s friends, while admitting that he was a pro- nounced and daring Anti-Mormon, scout at the idea that he was capable of such an act. A large reward was offered for the appre- hension and conviction of the criminal, by the citizens of Xauvoo, but the perpetrator was never found. But whoever it may have been, public opinion abroad has lixed the stignu\ upon the Anti- Mormons. This has been unreasonable and unjust. Without pre- tending to assert that it may not have been done by some reckless Anti-Mormon, 2oe do know and ajfinn that the great body of them everywhere condemned the act. We heard no other expression HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 957 amono; them at the time but stern denunciation of the deed. There is another theory in regard to its destruction that is quite as likely to be the true one. The truth is, that, now that the Mormons were leaving the city and State, the temple had become quite a large elephant on their hands. It had cost them, as they claimed, twelve hundred and fifty thousand dollars. In it the rank and tile had invested a large amount of their snrplus earnings for years; and however suited it may have been for a Mormon Temple for worship, it was evidently lit for nothing- else. It had been spoken of for an institution of learning; and it is said had actually been contracted for by New York parties, for such a purj)ose. Two hundred thousand dollars had been asked for it; but it was evident that sum expended on a new building, properly con- structed, would be a more economical investment. Yet still it was an object of interest and an ornament to the city, and no one, except the merest fanatic, could have desired its destruction. There was dissention among the brotherhood; two or three parties existed among them, all claiming to be the true Church, and the others as heretics, and they hated each other. It has been guessed, and we think not without reason, that some fanatical and over- zealous member of one of these parties may have destroyed it in order that the other should not reap the benefit of it. At any rate the question so stands: The Mormons and many others believe that the deed was committed by the Anti-Mormons; the latter, withont being able to establish the contrary, think it just as likely the deed was consummated by some of themselves. As stated, the temple was burned on the night of Oct. 9, 184S. It was a beautiful night, and about two o'clock fire was discovered in the cupola. It had made but little headway when first seen, but spread rapidly, and in a very short period the lofty spire was a mass of flame, shooting high in the air, and illuminating a wide extent of country. It was seen for miles awa}-. The citizens gathered around, but nothing could be done to save the structure. It was entirely of wood except the walls, and nothing could have stopped the progress of the flames. In two hours, and before the sun dawned upon the earth, the proud structure, reared at so much cost — an anomaly in architecture, and a monument of religious zeal — stood with four blackened and smoking walls only renuiining. If any party or parties had been contemplating the purchase of the temple, for any purpose, its destruction, of course, put an end to the scheme. THE ICARIAN COMMUNITY. In the year 1848, M. Etienne Cabet, a distinguished French communist, conceived the idea of establishing in America an ex- perimental colony of their sect. Accordingly a number of them were landed at New Orleans, who proceeded to establish in Texas what he termed an Icarian Community. But Texas not being deemed K 958 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. suitable, it was decided to remove and settle at Xaiivoo. In the spring of 1849, a company of them, to the nnmber of 75 or 100, settled in that city, and during the ten years that followed, con- tinued their organization there, under the presidency and manage- ment of their eminent leader. During their stay in that city they increased by ac essions to between 500 and 600. Without undertaking to state correctly the principles of their organization, we may say that their chief tenet seemed to be a community of property and interests. While their family rela- tions were kept up, each maintaining a separate household, all were ■required to eat at the same table, and to contribute of his and her labor to the common fund. The children were regarded rather as the wards of the Community than of the parents, and were re- quired to be taught in the same school and with the same care and attention. They purchased the Temple Block and the remains of the struc- ture, and were about to repair it. so as to make it habitable, when a storm blew it down. Afterward, from its ruins, they constructed a long, low stone building, which was used for the school. The Community is said to haye been composed mainly of intelligent, moral and industrious men and women, and were well esteemed by their neighbors. They carried on many branches of business, such as farming, the manufacture of flour and lumber, and the yarious mechanical trades. They also ran a distillery for a period. Soon after establishing, they issued a weekly newspaper called the Popular Tribune, under the editorship of M. Cabet. This was afterward changed to the Bevue Icarienne, and was printed partly in French and partly in English. While President Cabet was in Europe, the paper was left in charge of ^. Piquenard, a young man who has since been conspicuous as architect of the new State House at Springfield. But the Community could not liold together; dissatisfaction arose; and in or about 1857 a considerable body left. In 1859 the concern broke up, most of the members leaving; but a remnant, consisting of less than a hundred persons, held together and re-es- tablished in Adams county, Iowa, where the colony still exists. These people were nearly all French. On leaving the Commu- nity a number o^ them settled in the county at various points, and are generally regarded as good citizens. At the time the Mormons were leaving iXauvoo, a great many persons, intiuenced by the hope of obtaining cheap property, settled in and around the city. A large portion of those in the city soon afterward left, and their places became gradually filled by foreigners, most of whom c^me to establish permanent homes, and still remain, a class of industrious, frugal and peaceable citizens. These people brought their European habits and customs with them, and Xanyoo to-day is perhaps more of a German town than any in the country. Beer, the national beverage, flows like water; and the latter, though pure and good, has gone out of fashion. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 959 The business of _^rape-growing and wine-making is quite exten- sively followed by these people, and the city and suburbs are thickly dotted with well-planted and neatly kept vineyards. The ■ business, however, it may be observed, has 'met with its disappoint- ments, and the golden anticipations of many who entered into it have not been realized. Among the early German settlers about Xauvoo. we mention the following : George Bratz, a native of "Wurtemburg, came in 1S47 ; John G. Bratz, eldest son of the above, served in the 57th 111. Vol., and was afterward Mayor ; Leonard L. Bratz, merchant ; Frederic Banm, from Baden ; John Bauer, a Bavarian. Justice of the Peace, iN^otary, and Postmaster for many years; John B. Risse, a Prus- sian, a lawyer, elected County Judge in 1S69, and still holds the position under successive elections ; John Dornseif, Fraukfort-on- the-Main. has held several offices, among others that of Supervisor; Gustav Eberdt, Max Reinbold, Peter F. Wahl. Albert Person, John Engler, F. Mauck, G. H. Henckler, and others. Among the native citizens since the Mormon period, we mention Christopher E. Yates, Samuel Slocumb, Bryant Whittield. L. C. Bidamon. TTm. Clifford, Nathan Prentice, Luke P. Prentice, Adam Swartz. Bryant Bartlett, Daniel Brown, P. H. Loorais, Milton M, Morrill, "Wm. McLennan, Prentice Pond, S. M. "Wather, George Edmunds, Reuben Mason, John Gearhart, D. B. Smith, Thomas H. Owen. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS. There are four Church organizations in the city — all in posses- sion of handsome and substantial church edifices. Of the most of them we know but little. The Catholic has for its Pastor Rev. H. T. Reinbold, who has served several years. The German Lutheran, with Rev, Hertel for Pastor. The Methodist (^German ) Rev. S. Saegesser for its Pastor. The date of organization of any of these, or their condition, we are unable to state. For the following facts concerning the Presbyterian Church, we are indebted to the courtesy of Adam Swartz, Esq., its clerk : Organized March IS. 1S55, at the Seventies' Hall, by Rev. X. W. TVi'lliams. of Keokuk^ with the followinor named members : Samuel Chapman, John Rice Mrs. H. Elliott. Mrs. Louise Walthus, Mrs. H. A. Carey, Mrs. John Rice, Mrs. M. E. Powers, Miss Sarah Dewey, and I. D. Stevens: Chapman, Rice and Stevens, ruling Elders. Revs. Mc- Cuistion, "Waldenmeyer and Rice served as Pastors occasionallv, or by regular eng?gement. Later particulars not stated. Mr. Swartz became a member at an early date, and has acted as its Clerk since 1S6S. BIOGRAPHIES. Following are sketches of several citizens of Kanvoo township : John Bauer, one of Nauvoo's influential citizens, was 960 HISTOET OF HANCOCK COrXTT. born April 14, ISOT, in Rliinish Province of Bavaria. He was the vonnirest of three sons of Jacob and Catharine (Deidesheimer) Bauer. His father followed through life various businesses, of a mer- cantile, mechanical and agricultural nature. He attained eminent proficiency as a business man, an able cooper, a successful raiser of the vine, and mauulacturer of wine. He died in 1847. mourned bv a host of friends and relatives. Our subject received a common- school education when young, and has been a close reader through life. His memory is very retentive, and his powers of observation very discriminating. At the age of 20 he began life in agricultural pursuits makiug the cultivation of the grape, its proper grafting, training, etc., a specialty. In lSo3 he came to America and settled in Ohio, where he remained for several years, engaged in various pursuits. He was also County Recorder in Ohio three years. In 1850 he came to Freeport. Stephenson county, Illinois, where he remained one year as a successful merchant in the boot and shoe business. He then came to Xauvoo, where he has since resided,;engaged in mercantile and a2:ricultural pursuits: and he has held many public oflices, such as Notary Public, Justice of the Peace, Alderman and Super- visor, and was also Postmaster of Xauvoo during the administra- tions of Pierce and Buchanan. In 1833 he was married to Mar- cjarel Ever, a native of Bavaria, by whom he had 13 children. She clied in 1858 in Nauvoo. In 18(52 he was again married, this time to Elizabeth Fleck, a native of Prussia; she became the mother of 3 children, two of whom are living. Politically Mr. Bauer is an enthusiastic Democrat, of the Jacksonian and Stephen A. Douglas school. Although he started in life poor, his situation is now very prosperous. Mr. Bauer was the first to introduce the making of wine in Xauvoo. Emil Baxter was born in St. Quentin, France, in the depart- ment of the Aisne, and is a son of John and Agnes Baxter. He came to America in 1840, and returned the same year. He came to Xew York in 1847. where he engaged in importing dry-goods until the financial crisis of 1857; in 1858 he came to Xauvoo, where he enofacjed in the culture of the grape and the manufacture of wine. He tried many experiments, and made many improvements in grape culture. He has made such improvements in the work that he has in his possession 18 silver medals awarded by the Illinois State Board of Ai^riculture at difierent times for the best wines from difiereut varieties of grapes. He is the most extensive grape and wine pro- ducer in the country, and ships his wines to St. Louis and Chicago, being unable to supply the demand. Mr. Baxter has premiums and diplomas for his wines from societies elsewhere. He was married in 1852 to Miss Annett Powel. by whom he has 6 children, viz.: Emil E. J., Alfred, Annett, Thomas, Cecil J. and HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTT. 961 Bertha. Mrs. Baxter died in 1S63. lie again married in 186i; this time Miry "Wimer, by whom he has one child, Adele. Emll E. J. Baxter, son of the preceding, was born in ^'^ewark, X. J., May 13, 1853. He was educated in the common school and at the Academy of Denmark, Iowa. He was married Jane 21, 1877, to Miss Eugenia Dadant. He studied law under McKinnie one year, in Xauvoo, and one year under John Lyle King, a prom- inent lawyer of Chicago. He now is engaged in the culture of the Italian bee, having a branch apiary ot Charles Dadant's large institution of Montebello township. Mr. B. has 100 stands of bees in his care, and is doing a large business. He is at present a member of the City Council of Nauvoo, and was Supervisor for this township last year (1879). John U. Bechtold^ ex-Mayor of Nauvoo, is a native of Switzer- ^ / land; was born July 3, 1837; he emigrated to this country in 1855, /\ and settled in Xauvoo, where he lias since made it his home. While in the old country he learned the business of blacksmithing, at which he labored in after years. .In June, ISGl, he enlisted in Co. K, 8th Mo. Inf., undef- Col. Morgan L. Smith; this company was a division of Gen. Sherman's army. He fought in the battles of Yicksburg, Shiloh. Corinth, Fort Donelson, Jackson, Atlanta and Chattanooga, and was with Gen. Sherman on his " Meridian March.'" He was discharged in August, 1864, and returned home. Of late years he has been directing his attention to the culture of the vine. The year 1879 he manufactured 1,300 gallons of wine. He was married in 1866 to Margaret Wolfi". They have had 4 children; viz.. Caroline, Angeline, Mary and Johnnie. Mr. Bech- told served as School Treasurer for 11 years, and Mayor for 3 years. Moj. Louis C. Bidamon was born in Virginia in 1806; came and settled in Fulton count}', and was a resident there during the early Mormon troubles in this county; was a Lieutenant Colonel of the 32d Regiment of Illinois Infantry. He removed to Xauvoo in 1846, and theoce took an active part among the new citizens in the then existing difficulties; was married to Mrs. Emma Smith, the prophet's widow, in 18 — , and joined her in keeping the Mansion House; now occupying the new unfinished mansion at the Riverside. Thomas BlaTc^, agent for the Keokuk and Xorthern Line boats, is a native of Dublin, Ireland, and was born in 1835; came to this county in 1850, and first settled in Xew York; remained there till 1859, when he came to this city, and for a time engaged in quarry- ing for the Dubuque and Galena custom-house. He worked at that till 1862, when he went to Tennessee; was in the P. T. Hughes commission house there till 1868, when he returned to Nauvoo and engaged in the above-named business. lie was married in 1860 to Alice Murphy, by whom he had 9 children — 2 sons and 7 daughters. Chax.G. Burmeister was born Dec. 10, 1840, in Germany; was brought by his parents to this country in 1848 ; they first settled 55 yt)2 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. in St. Louis ; there Charles grew to manhood and received his ed- ucation. In 1866 he went to Iowa, and in 1868 back to St. Louis. In 1871 he came to Nauvoo, where he has since followed wine-mak- ing. He was married, in 1866, to Magdalena Beckerle, by whom he has had 6 children; 5 of these are living. A. W. Buit was born Nov. 28, 1836, in Marion county, 111. He was taken by his parents, Benjamin B. and Adaline Burt, to Iowa, where he was reared to maturity. He received but an ordinary ed- ucation. He came to this city in 18-56. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. E, 118th 111. Inf, mounted; was mustered out Oct. 1, 1865. He fought in the battle of Yicksbnrg and others, being princi- pally in the Gulf Department. He was married, May 2, 1871, to N. J. Moffitt. Have had 4 children, 3 of whom are living, Hugh D. Burts proprietor of the Knob Mills, Nauvoo, was born April 17, 1842, in Marion county. 111. He built the mills in October, 1879, at a cost of $7,000 ; they have a 30-horse-power engine, and all first-class machinery and latest improvements. Tlie capacity of the mills is 20 barrels of " Fancy Merchants," flour per 12 hours. Mr. Burt followed milling in Kansas nine years. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Co. F, 7th Mo. Inf, and participated in the battles of Yicksburg, Fort Gibson, Champion Hills and in the famous " Peach Orchard Charge," in which all were killed except 10. He was also with Sherman on his Meridian raid. He was discharged in August, 1864, having, served three years for the liberty of our country. Mr. B. was married January 9, 1866, to Louisa Tepper, and of 5 children born to them, 3 are sons and 2 daughters. A. Burton was born in France, Dec. 24, 1816. He came to Kew Orleans and St. Louis in 1833. He has been an active busi- ness man through life, being engaged in trafficking in different lines. He was married in 1853 to Miss Rosanna Dowell, by whom he has had 2 children ; of these, 4 are living ; viz., Theodore L., Adda L., Vinne and Douglas. Mr. Burton was a sutler in Gen. Taylor's army in the Mexican war. He went to California in 1849, and re- turned in 1853, and came to this county in the fall of the same year. Mr. Burton owns 300 acres of land near Nauvoo, besides lands else- where, and property in St. Louis, New Orleans and San Francisco. He was formerly the most extensive grape-grower in Nauvoo. Joseph M. Datin was born in the town of Bullitsville, Ky., Dec. 17, 1828, and is a son of Noel and Nancy (McDonald) Datiii, who removed with their family to Hannibal, Mo., in 1829, or rather to the place where Hannibal now stands, for there was no town there then ; but instead, there were catamounts, wild-cats, bears and other wild animals. Onr subject had a vivid recollection of playing with wild turkeys in 1833. He also saw the " stars" fall the same year. He used to catch numerous turkeys bf digging a narrow pit in the ground, about six feet in length, and erecting a" rail pen over one end of it. Over this pit, on the inside of the pen next to the rails, he placed a broad board or oHier material so the turkeys could walk over it, leaving the pit open in the middle of the HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 963 pen. The turkeys would go into the pen tlirough the pit, and rise at the other end of the pit, only to find themselves caught ; for although they came in through the pit, thej'' knew not how to get out ; for a turkey always looks u])ward instead of downward when he wants to get out of a confined place. Mr. D. was married in 1848 to Miss Catharine A. Sparks, by whom he has had 15 children; of these, 12 are living. Mr. Datin came to this county in 1849, and resides on sec. 10, Sonora tp. lie is engaged in the sale of agri- cultural implements, grass seeds and school furniture in Nauvoo, and is doing a large business. His sales amount to $20,000 annu- ally. His sales on the 22d day of May, 18S0, reached only tlie round sura of over $800. Henry J)isse, physician and surgeon, Nauvoo, was born in Germany, Feb. 22, 1828, and was reared in the "old country" and educated in medical department of the Berlin Univ^ersity. Oct, 8, 1853, Mr. Disse, in company with Dr. Fred Kuithan, started on a tour to South America. He visited the places of note, and after nearl}' a year spent, he returned to Germany. He came to this country in 1854 and first settled in Hamilton, Ohio, where he prac- ticed medicine till 1855, when he went to St. Louis; here he con- tinued in medical practice till 1872, when became to I^auvoo. In 1859 he was married to Minnie Opermann, by whom he has had 4 children; viz., Ida, Anna, Frank and Kichard. The Doctor owns a fine vineyard of 6 acres. Dr. L. C. Ford was born in Keokuk, Iowa, July 4, 1852, and is a son of Dr. E. R. and Margaret Ford, of Keokuk. The Doctor received his medical education at the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons. He began the practice of medicine in Keokuk, in 1875, and in 1876 he located in Nauvoo, wher-e he has built up a good practice. He was married October 16, 1878, and has one child, L. C. The Doctor's father came West in 1834, and laid out Ford's Addition to Keokuk, and was City Treasurer, and a promi- nent banker of that city. He was also one of tlie incorporators of the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons, and was a Profes- sor in said institution for some time. The Doctor's mother was the first white child born in the city of Keokuk. John Haas is a native of Black Forest, Germany, where he was born December 8,1849; was brought to America and this county by his parents in 1859. They first settled in Appanoose tp., where our subject staid till 1863, when lie went to Keokuk. In 1872 he went to Fort Madison, and in May, 1874, he came to Nauvoo. He was married April 8, 1875, to Rosa Ilumbrecht, and they had 2 cliildren, John A. and Emma M. Mr. H. is the pro- prietor of tlie City Hall saloon. Brooks R. Hamilton., M. D., physician and surgeon, Nauvoo, was born in Pennsylvania, April 21, 1837, and is a son of William and ]\[argaret Hamilton. He was brought by thein to Knox county, 111., when eigiit years of age. There he was reared to tnan- liood. He received an academic education, and in the spring of 964 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 1859 he began the study of medicine. He completed his medical course in the spring of 1S62, and Sept. 4, the same year, he enlisted in the army. He was appointed 2d Lieut, of Co. I, 126th Reg. HI. Inf.; in February, 1864, he was promoted Captain of Co. B, of 126th Regt. He served in that capacity till the close of the war; he was mustered out August 1, 1865; he then returned home, having served nearly three years; he fought at Yicksburg, Little Rock, and in many other minor engagements. Soon after he retm*ned home he attended the medical department of the Iowa University, at which he graduated, and soon after came and located in Nauvoo^ where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his profession. He has an extensive and continued patronage. In July 1859, he was married to Margaret O. Periton, by whom he has had 3 children, 2 living: Emma H., Wm. W. and Edgar R, , (deceased). Politically, Mr. H. is a Republican. He served one term as Representative in the lower House of the General Assembly of Illinois. £,rn est ^eck was hovn in Germa.nj, May 19, 1817; his parents were Ernest and Louisa (Heftrick) Heck. He was educated in his native country, and emigrated to St. Louis, Mo., in 1846, and pur- chased a farm afterward within three miles of Herman. He came to this county in 1868. He has been married twice, and is the father of 7 children, of whom 4 are living; viz., Wilhelmina, Emma, Ida and Ernest. He is a sugar refiner and farmer by occu- pation; and was also engaged in the culture of grapes, and the manufacture of wine to some extent, while in Missouri. Mr. Heck returned to his native land in 1865, and in 1867 he attended the Exposition at Paris, France. Mr. H. has been a hard worker, and bv good management has laid by a goodly share of this world's goods, which will make him comfortable in his old days. William D. Hihhard, attorney at law, Nauvoo, was born in this county, Oct. 22, 1848, and is a son of Wm. T. Hibbard; was reared in this county and educated in Notre Dame University. He began the studv of law when seventeen years old, and was admitted to Bar, in the District Court in Madison, Iowa. He came back to Nauvoo, in 1870, where he has since resided, following his profession. He is also Police Magistrate and ex-oliicio Justice of the Peace. Mr. Hibbard was joined in marriage December 31, 1868, to Mittie Whitefield, and tlieir three children are: Wade T., Emma and Robert I. Mr. H.'s grandfather was among the earli- est settlers of this county, settling here in 1829. For a more com- plete sketch of that pioneer's life, see Chap. 11. Phineas Kihiball is a native of West Fairlee, Orange county, Vermont, and was born May 1, 1822. He is the eightli of ten chil- dren, whose parents were Phineas and Abigail (Colton) Kimball. They were natives of Vermont, and people distinguished for piety and intelligence. They were both ardent members of the Congrega- tional Church. His father, known as Capt. Phineas Kimball, held HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 966 the rank of captain in the war of 1812. In 1842, when the sub- ject of this sketch was 19 years of age, he left his parental roof in Vermont and came to Nauvoo. He first engaged as clerk in the mercantile business for his brother Hiram, who had preceded him some years, and was one of the earliest settlers in the place. Mr. Kimball was here during the Mormon troubles. He delivered the cartridges to the cannoneer during the battle, which lasted over two hours. And after it was over, and the excitement had sub- sided, he and a friend drove over the battle-field in a buggy. Clear and vivid are his recollections of tliat noted day. Mr. K. continued in the mercantile business until 1849, when he went to the gold regions of California to try his fortune. In 1852 he returned to Vermont, having bettered his fortune materially. He staid in his native State about six months and then returned to Nauvoo, where he has since resided. The same year (1852) he engaged in the foundry business, and continued at that for several years. Of late years he has turned his attention to raising live stock. He owns a farm of 700 acres, besides several other large tracts. He also owns his homestead in Vermont. He started out in life poor and he well understands the value of self-acquired experience and property. In 1857 he was united in marriage to Louisa Bartholomew, a native of Vermont, and a daughter of Erastus Bartholomew, a prominent manufacturer and business man of that State. His wife departing this life, he was again married, July 25, 1866, this time to Dina Icking, a native of this State. Mr. Kimball is the father of 8 children, 6 of whom are living. Polit- ically he is a strong Democrat. He has alwaj^s been temperate. Temperance in language, action and social intercourse is with him a rule of conduct. His name is intimately identified with the inter- ests and early career of Nauvoo. Mr. Kimball was well acquainted with the leading men of the Mormons. He had the esteem and respect of them all; and refers with pleasure to his visits to Brig- ham Young in Utah. Socially, he is pleasant and affable, and is fond of company and conversation. He is a man who loves his family, and he is very hospitable and friendly. He has a business turn of mind. He divides his time between his home in Nauvoo and his business interests in New England. George A. Lane was born in Pennsylvania, July 13, 1830. He is a son of James B. and Jane Lane; the former a native of Penn- sylvania, and the latter of Scotland. Our subject was reared in his native State. In 1849 he went to St. Louis and some time after came to Nauvoo. He went to Kansas in 1873; staid a short time, and then returned to Nauvoo. His father and grandfather were both soldiers in the Revolution- ary war under Gen. Washington. Frank A. Marsh is a native of Quincy, III., and was born Sept. 14, 1856. He is a son of Augustus C. Marsh (dec), a prominent man in Quincy. The father was for several years President of 966 HKTOKT O? HaXOCK O^ITSTT. the First Xational Bank :** :V ^: p ^oe and was in ihat posiiioQ a: the time of his death. A : If-t^S. He came to Quincy in 1>J:7. Mr. Marsh was rr ^ ^ orincipallv in his native city. He was ele: _ ^ -rore for several years in Qniney. He is a!s December 25 (Christmas days 1>"~. he was .. _f t: ^littie Ward. dano:ht»> of Edward and Be rsie " T :s county. Mr. Ward is one of the 'ea ^ • _■ - . .i-,:v. Mr. and Mrs : EofflanJ; 'emiorated to this connrrv in 1545. 2:1:. 21 : Xanvoo in 1S7S. Here he lis- s:':i?e resiiei. v" T : \ Aiiroo Independent, is ATOMiiYe of 'S&'i,.. :.__ r :r,:: 1: '.''■.". H^s parents, George and Aniia E. kelson, died when . and as soon as he was old enongh he went ont iv ^.^^ > i:h. as he had no guardian. At the age of 17 years he sr.i ^ his former home irith a tbwling piece, a bloo^ irs in money, to seek his fortune. He soon ^7 ^T hard labor and close attention to business, . "ended an academy in Missouri. He :' e _ '".:e. In the antimin of 1S74: he : :":e Xauvoo Tiid^fendenty on "^ '7 litde sheet, which has a gOv: ried Oct. 3, 1ST9, to Miss C Samuel JPalmieTy dealer i : : ^ ti :~ musical books, Xauvoo . L^.' and is a son of Kev. i! Church. Samuel was br: _ _ at Lee's Institute, :r ^ - sdiool and music t: inl-^'ThT ^ is county. April 25. 1S61 I :.^and served eight months, an-.; ....-.___ v. In 1S46 he married Phcebe Piokson: ? IS -3. Mr. P. married Pbli^^ tine J'&wrHaly and - _ Charles. 2^. JS. Jf. P€uier is a native eoonty, ^ . Y was bom March 21, ISIS. H^ .ts woe Leooard C Betsey Parker, natives of Masss^-. .;;;:.-. The Doctor ws- , ted in his native country. He neceived a medical ednea: Homeopathic Medici College, •:* ?":■--. X. T. ^: Cincinnati in 1S45. whoeheb- ir? prac a desire to ** go West," he remc v^m :.: ^ ^ he remained in the practice of his prv^ief - ^ removed to Xauvoo. He has a large y on the increase. He is the ^-"^- -' - l„. -. Bessie G. Mrs, Parker die:! !- .>7S. His tather. John Keitul>>l.:. ar'ter - - in Eur : Asia, held a p«L>si::.:':i for s,^:ne '::ue ".riuerthe Turkish Gove: . f :. On remmin^ to his narive eicv. Cologne, he eng-.iire'l sever.. ve-wS in the real-estate and lumber onsioess. In lS-t> lie and his brvrlier. Dr. Peter Keinibold. together with their l^uuih'es. came to America, and after a short stav in Cincinnati, tinallv. within the same year. located in Xanvoo. Hancock county, HI. " _ - _• dispoD^iti<« and pleasing address, he ws ? _ - eeteemed by all who knew him. HeDry I. Reimbold. the Ms 4 btothers. then almost ^ght years old. remained with his mo tn- ^and brotb^s after the death of his father, until 1S57. w .f. he was sent to Xotre Dame University, near South Bend, I ' Having devoted tour years to study, and Reeling himself calle»i lo the sancd ministry, he was srait in Sept., 1>65, to St. Mary's Sem- inaij at Chicago, and after due preparation was ordained priest fix* tibe diocese of Chicago, Angus: S, 1S6€, then being appointed to the <^See of Vice Rector of St. Mary's Seminary, which position be brfd till July 1, 1S<57. he was then appointed Pastor of the Ca&olie eongregation at Xauvoo: entering upon his new duties July 4. lS1. Max Reimbold, one of his scms. is now a leading merchant in !Xauvoo. Wm. Reimbold St., brother to John and Dr. Petn- Reimbold, came to America and located hae in 1S50. He is still living in the spacious residence whidi he had erected. TTtii^ Sd^sfer was bom in Baden, Germany. June 4. 15:21. He emigrated to this country in lS4o. and £rst settled in Marion county. III. Here he rranained until 1S51. when became to Xau- voo. where he has since resided. enea v. 22. 1S7S. Dr. P. was a well-known. - -r ; t t: and peace- able dtusen, and had re*: '7 enjoy- ment of a good practice. 7 I'm the Angnsta ^«?raW of the 2 .? :_ ~t -.^- : _ z re- gard to the murder: Between 9 and 10 o'clock at _ street, and represented himself - : : _ : - . Grarwood. residing two or three : ~ 5- : : that she was sick, and desirec informed his family of the ca. of mercy, firom which he neve j^e - his head dreadfully bruised az 1 1 _ . r an hour after leaving home, stiil livin^-. ::; zre than a few incoherent err~e ??::::- ^er ^^._ v„ ; z .:. with which the horrid dee;. _ . t :: t j^e ^^ - _^T~e . a drug-store in town, whe: _r - Zt ^z;- pecting who the man 'i^ai : This murder proc e . ttl^t t -^ _ throughout the whole 7. ^; .. . r ~- cient to turn suspicio:: vny one. 2S t : : r the commission of the ..e^r'^. Th"= rr-" - - -i-i. everybody watching everybody el; T -^ word or deed that loc>kTl -ize _ - : _ "e*! that the man who hac e ^ _ ^ -'^y horse was the one wl. the man. and whose "^ ~ . - horse had been seen. :. : v _ _ e doctor had taken, was :^i;::v__ - „. t fisict was, the d«?etor s ^as miss _ In the mea:::: 'e ^ : :t^:- '-7 working togtT-r r -e 7^ : - -' mttention had oeen drawn ro^ Ferguson. In January. Ferg::i:z _-^. nesota. The suspicion became so str _ _ >: ^^ deterrained to bring him back. Gecr^ ^ '"^ that purp«>se, and in a pawn-brokers ; and soon afterward arrested the n^rc. the return, Ferguson made confessioc. men, Marion Hetrick (one of the men wii z -: '--.- HWIOBT Cr HABCOCE oorsTY. 961 murdacd man mud hdped oonvej him to town). John Aver and LeJSoj irs. with the others. Yet there eould be no acoesecMy withont a principaL He was not proTen to hare participated in the actoal kiUing; then the question is. If Hetrick. Avey and Working didn't kai Daniel Piason. who did t If the Todict of ^e Adams jury was a correct one, then it is clear that Ae muid^os of Daniel Fi««ERS OF HIGHWAYS. The commissioners of highways in the different towns, have the care and superintendence of highways, and bridges therein. They have the power to lay out, vacate, regulate and repair all roads, build and repair bridges, and divide their respective towns into as many road districts as they shall think convenient. This is to be done annually, and ten days before the annual town meeting. In addition to the above, it is their duty to erect and keep in repairs at the forks or crossing-place of the most important roads, post and guide-boards, with plain inscriptions, giving directions and dis- tances to the most noted places to which such roads may lead; also to make provisions to prevent thistles, burdock, cockle-burs, mus- tard, yellow dock, Indian mallow, and jimson wee^ from seeding, and to extirpate the same as far as practicable, and to prevent all rank growth of vegetation on the public highways, so far as the same may obstruct public travel; and it is in their discretion to erect watering places for public use, for watering teams at such points as may be deemed advisable. Every able-bodied male inhab- itant, being above the age of twenty-one years, and under fifty, ex- cepting paupers, idiots, lunatics, trustees of schools and school di- rectors, and such others as are exempt by law, are required to labor on highways in their respective road districts, not less thar. one, DIGEST UF STATE LAWS. 991 nor more than three days in each year. Three days' notice must be given by the overseer, of the time and place he requires such road labor to be done. The labor must be performed in the road district in which the person resides. Any person may commute for such labor by paying the equivalent in money. Any person liable for work on highways, who has been assessed two days or more, and has not commuted, may be required to furnish team, or a cart, wagon or plow, with a pair of horses or oxen aud a man to manage them, for which he will be entitled to two days' work. Eight hour'? is a days' work on the roads and there is a penalty of twenty-five cents an hour against any person or substitute who shall neglect or refuse to perform. Any person remaining idle, or does not work faithfully, or hinders others from doing so, forfeits to the town $2. Every person assessed and duly notified, who has not commuted, and refuses or neglects to appear, shall forfeit to the town for every day's refusal or neglect, the sum of $2; if he was required to furnish a team, carriage, man or implements, and neg- lects or refuses to comply, he is liable to the following fines: 1st, For wholly failing to comply, $4 each day; 2d, For omitting to furnish a man to manage team, $2 each dav; 3d, For omittingr to furnish a pair of horses or oxen, $1.50 each day; -Ith, For omitting to furnish a wagon, cart or plow, ~o cents each day. The commis- sioners estimate and assess the highway labor and road tax. The road tax on real and personal property can not exceed forty cents on each hundred dollars' worth. The labor or road tax in villages, towns or cities, is paid over to the corporate authorities of such, for the improvement of streets, roads and bridges within their lim- its. The legal voters of townships, in counties under township organ- ization may, by a majority vote, at their annual town meeting, order that the road tax may be collected in money only. Overseers. — Their duties are to repair and keep in order the high- ways in their districts; to warn persons to work out their road tax at such time and place as they think proper; to collect fines and commutation money, and execute all lawful orders of the commis- sioners of highways; also make list, within sixteen days after their election, of the names of all inhabitants in his road district, liable to work on hisrhways. For refusal to perform any of his duties he is liable to a tine of $10. 992 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. As :ill township and county officers are familiar with their duties, it is here intended only to i^ive the ]H)ints of law with which the public should bo familiar. The numner of bivini^ out, altering, or vacating roads, etc., will not be here stated, as it would require more space than can be sjjared in a work like this. It is suliicient to state that the llrst step is by petition, addressed to the commis- sioners, settiui^ out what is prayed for, i^jiving the names of the owners of the laiuls,if known (if not known, so state), over which the road is to pass, giving the general course, its place of beginning, and where it terminates. It requires not less than twelve freehold- ers residing within three miles of the road, who shall sign the peti- tion. Public roads must not be less than lifty, nor more than sixty feet wide. Roads not exceeding two miles in length, if petitioned for, may be laid out not less than forty feet M-ide, Private roads for private and public use may be laid out three rods wide, on peti- tion of the person directly interested; the damage occasioned there- by shall be paid by the premises benefited thereby, and before the road is opened. If not opened in two years, the order shall be con- sidered recinded. Commissioners in their discretion may permit persons who live on or have private roads, to work out their road tax thereon. Public roads must be opened in five years from date of tiling order of location, or be deemed vacated. FENCES. The town assessor and commissioners of highways shall be fence viewers in their respective towns in counties under township organ- ization. In other counties, the county board ajipoints three in each precinct, annually. A lawful fence is four and one-half feet high and in good-repair, consisting of rails, timbers, boards, stones, hedges, or any other material the fence viewers may deem sufficient. The electors at any annual town meeting may determine what shall constitute a legal fence in the town. Division fences shall be made and maintained in just proportion by the adjoining owners, except where the owner shall choose to let his land lie open; but after a division fence has been built by mu- tual agreement or otherwise, it shall not be lawful for either party to remove his part of said fence, so long as he may crop or use such lands for farm purposes, or without giving the other i)arty one year's notice in writing, of his intention to move his portion of the DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 993 fence. Adjoining owners sliould endeavor, if possible, mutually to agree as to the proportion that each shall maintain of the division fence between their adjoining lands; and the agreement should be reduced to writing, each party taking a copy. When any ])ersc)n shall enclose his land u})on the enclosure of another, he shall refund the owner of the adjoining lands a just proportion of the value at that time of such fence. The value of such fence, and the propor- tion thereof to bo paid by such person, and the proportion of the division fence to be made and maintained by liim,. in case of his inclosing his land, shall be determined by two fence viewers of the town. Such fence viewers have power to settle all disputes between owners as to fences built or to be built, as well as concerning repairs to be nuide. Each party chooses one of the viewers, but if the other party neglects, after eight days' notice in writing, to make his choice, then the other party may select both. It is sufficient to notify the tenant, or ]>arty in possession, when the owner is not a resident of the town in v/liich such fences are situated. The two fence viewers chosen, after viewing the premises, shall hear the statements of the parties. In case they can't agree, they shall se- lect another fence viewer to act with them, and the decision of any two of them shall be final. The decision must be reduced to writ- ing, and should plainly set out a description of the fence and all matters settled by them, and must be filed in the ofiice of the town clerk. If any person who is liable to contribute to the erection or repa- ration of a division fence, shall neglect or refuse to make or repair his proportion of such fence, the party injured, after giving sixty days' notice, in writing, that a new fence should be erected, or ten days' notice, in writing, that the repair of such fence is necessary, may make or repair the same at the expense of the party so neglecting or refusing, to be recovered from him with costs of suit; and the party so neglecting or refusing, after notice in writing, shall be lia- ble to the party injured for all damages which shall thereby accrue, to be determined by any two fence viewers. AVhen a person shall conclude to remove his part of the division fence and let his land lie open, and having given the year's notice required, the adjoining owner may cause the value of said fence to be ascertained by fence viewers as before provided ; and on ])ayment or tender of the amount of such valuation to the owner, it shall prevent the removal. 994 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. A party removing a division fence without notice is liable for the damages accruing thereby. "Where a fence has been built on the land of another through mistake, the owner may enter upon such premises and remove his fence and material within six months after the division line has been ascertained. Where the material to build such a fence has been taken from the land on which it was built, then before it can be removed, the person claiming must first pay for such material, to the owner of the land from which it was taken; nor shall such a fence be removed at a time when the removal will throw open or expose the crops of the other party; a reasonable time must be given beyond the six months to remove crops. The compensation of fence viewers is one dollar and fifty cents a day each, to be paid in the first instance by the party calling them; but in the end all expenses, including amount charged by the fence viewers, must be paid equally by the parties, except in cases where a part}" neglects or refuses to make or maintain a just proportion of a division fence, when the party in default shall pay them. DBAIXAGE. "Whenever one or more owners or occupants of land desire to con- struct a drain or ditch, through another man's land, the right can be had only under legislative authority, or is granted or exists by prescription or by consent of the owner. Dripping water from one house upon another can be allowed only where the owner has acquired the right by grant or prescription; and no one has a right to construct his house so as to let the water drip over his neighbor's land. TRESPASS OF STOCK. Where stock of any kind breaks into any person's inclosure, the fence being good and suflicient, the owner is liable for the damage done; but where the damage is done by stock running at large, con- trary to law, the owner is liable where there is not such a fence. "Where stock is found trespassing on the inclosure of another as aforesaid, the owner or occupier of the premises may take posses- sion of such stock and keep the same until damages, with reasonable charges for keeping and feeding, and all costs of suit, are paid. Any person taking or rescuing such stock so held, without his con- sent, shall be liable to a fine of not less than three nor more than DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 095 five dollars for each animal rescued, to be recovered by suit before a justice of the peace, for the use of the school fund. "Within twen- tj-four hours after taking such animal into his possession, the per- son taking it up must give notice of the fact to the owner, if known ; or if unknown, notice must be posted in some public place near the premises. ESTRAYS. Stray animals are those whose owner is unknown, any beasts, not wild, found on one's premises, and not owned by the occupant. Any animals found straying at any time during the year, in counties where such animals are not allowed to run at large, or between the last day of October and the 15th day of April in other counties, the owner being unknown, may be taken up as estrays. A party who wishes to detain property as an estray, must show an exact compli- ance with the law. In order to vest the property of the stray in him, such acts must appear in detail on the record. No person not a householder in the county where the estray is found can lawfully take up an estray, and then only upon or about his farm or place of residence. Estrays should not be used before advertised, except animals giving milk, which may be milked for their benefit. !N6tices must be posted up within five days in three, of the most public places in the town or precinct in which the es- tray was found, giving the residence of the taker-up, and a partic- ular description of the estray, its age, color, and marks natural and artificial, and stating before what justice of the peace in such town or precinct, and at what time, not less than ten nor more than fif- teen days from the time of posting such notices, he will apply to have the estray apprised. If rlie owner of an estray shall not have appeared and proved ownership and taken the same away, first paying the taker-up his reasonable charges for taking up, keeping, and advertising the same, the taker-up shall appear before the justice mentioned in above notice, and make an affidavit as required by law. All subsequent proceedings are before the justice who is fa- miliar therewith; therefore we omit them here. Any person taking up an estray at any other place than about or upon his farm or residence, or without complying with the law, shall forfeit and pay a fine of ten dollars with costs. Ordinary diligence is required in taking care of estrays, but in case they die or get away, the taker-up is not liable for the same. 996 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. If a man finds estrays in his field be is not bound to retain them for the owner, but may drive them ofi" into the highway without being liable to an action. But a person who chases a horse out of his field with a large fierce dog, commits an unlawful act, and is liable for any injury which the act occasions. A person who takes anestray to keep for the owner, but does not pursue the course pre- scribed by statute, is not liable to an action unless he uses the same or refuses to deliver it on demand. Hiding a horse to discover the owner is not " use." HORSES Are animals of a domestic nature. Under the age of four years they are called colts. A borrower of ahorse is liable for negligence, misuse, or gross want of skill in use. The lender is liable in case the animal lent is unfit or dangerous, as he thus may occasion injury. The animal should be used only for the purpose and to the extent stipulated, and not by a servant. If he dies from disease, or is killed by inevitable accident, the bor- rower is not liable. Defects which are manifest, open and plain to an ordinary observer, and those also which are known to the buyer, are not usually covered by a general warranty. The former requires no skill to discover them, and the latter may be objected to or acquiesced in at the time of the purchase. In the case of latent defects existino: in such a condition that thev could not be detected by the buyer, and are known to the seller, who fails to disclose them to the buyer, the latter practices a constructive fraud, unless the animal is sold '• with all faults." By consenting to purchase the horse " with all faults," the purchaser takes upon himself the risk of latent or secret defects, and calculates the price accordingly. But even this kind of a purchase would be voidable if the seller had purposely, and to deceive the purchaser, covered, filled up, patched, plastered, or otherwise practiced fraud to conceal any defects, and he would be liable. Hiring out a horse and carriage to perform a particular journey, carries with it the warranty of the person letting the horse and carriage, that each of them is fit and competent for such journey; but, if a horse is hired for one purpose, and is used for another and is injured, the hirer is liable for the damage sustained. The hirer is in all cases answerable for ordinary neglect. If he uses the hired horse as a prudent man would his own, he is not liable for DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 997 any dainagt; which the horse may receive. If, however, he keeps the hired horse after a stipuhited time, or uses it differently from his agreement, he is in any event liable. If the hirer sells the horse, the owner may recover its value of the purchaser, though the pur- chaser had in good faith given the hirer full value for it, as the hirer could give no better title than he had himself. Mischievous animals render their owners liable when known to them to be so, and they are responsible for the damage they may do when they permit them to go at large. Any person mayjustity the killing of ferocious animals. MARES ANL BRANDS. Owners of cattle, horses, hogs, sheep or goats, may have one ear- mark and one brand, which shall be different from his neighbors', and may be recorded by the county clerk of the county in which such property is kept. The fee for such record is fifteen cents. The record of such shall be open to examination free of charge. In cases of disputes as to marks or brands, such record is 'pHma facie evidence. Owners of cattle, horses, hogs, sheep or goats, that may have been branded by former owners, may be rebranded in presence of one or more of his neighbors, who shall certify to the facts of the marking or branding being done, when done, and in what brand or mark they were re-branded or re-marked, which certificate may also be recorded as before stated. ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT. An agreement is virtually a contract by which a certain person (or persons) agrees or contracts to perform certain duties within a specified time. Good business men always reduce an agreement to writing, which nearly always saves misunderstandings and long and expensive lawsuits. Iso particular form is necessary, but the facts must be clearly and explicitly stated; and there must be a reasonable consideration, else the agreement is void. Unless it is expressly stipulated that the agreement is binding for a longer time, tlie contract expires at the end of one year. Every agreement should state most distinctly the time within which its conditions are to be complied with. A discovery of fraud, or mis- representation by one i^arty to the agreement, or changing of the date, renders the contract void. Each party should retain a copy of the asreement. 99S DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. GENERAL FORM OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement, made the third day of November, 1878, between Damon Clarke of Macomb, county of McDonough, State of Illinois, of the first part, and William Hays, of the same place, of the second part. WITNESSETH, That the said Damon Clarke, in consideration of the agreement of the party of the second part, hereinafter contained, contracts, and agrees to, and with the said William Hays, that he will deliver in good and marketable condition, at the city of Gales- burg, 111., daring the month of December of this year, nine hun- dred bushels of corn, in the following lots, and at the following specified times, namely: one hundred bushels by the fifth of Decem- ber, three hundred bushels by the fifteenth of December, and the balance by the thirtieth of December. And the said William Hays in consideration of the prompt ful- fillment of this contract on the part of the party of the second part, contracts to, and agrees with the said Damon Clarke, to pay for said corn fifty cents ])er bushel as soon as delivered. In case of failure of agreement by either of the parties hereto, it is hereby stipulated and agreed that the party so failing shall pay to the other, one hundred dollars, as fixed and settled damages. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands the day and year first above written : Damon Clarke, William Hats. NOTES. A note is legal, worded in the simplest way, so that the amount and time of payment are mentioned. The following is a good form: $100 Chicago, III., May 1, 1S79. Thirty days after date I promise to pay F. M. Chapmauj or order, one hundred dollars, for value received. S. T. Lewis. To make a note payable in anything else than money, insert the facts instead of the sum of money alone; unless paid when due, it is payable in money. To hold an indorser of a note, due diligence must be used by suit in collecting of the maker, unless suit would have been unavailing. Notes payable to person named or to order, in order to absolutely transfer title, must be indorsed by the payer. Notes payable to bearer may be transferred by delivery, and when so payable, every indorser thereon is held as a guarantor of pay- ment unless otherwise expressed. The limit of time in which action may be brought on a note is 10 years. DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 999 If the note is payable to a person or order, or to a person or bearer, to a person or his assigns, or to a cashier of an incorporated company, such notes are negotiable. When transferring a note, the indorser frees himself from respon- sibility, so far as the payment is concerned, by writiDg on the back, above his signature, without recourse to me in any event. A note is void when founded upon fraud. Thus a note obtained from a person when intoxicated, or obtained for any reason which is illegal, cannot be collected. A note given on Sunday is also void, 1^0 defense can be made against negotiable paper purchased before maturity for good consideration in the usual course of busi- ness, without knowledge of facts impeaching its validity, except fraud was used in obtainincr the same. Thus if A gives his note to B for Si 50, receives in consideration a shawl and five pieces of cloth. The former was represented to be worth 8T5, and the cloth the best imported English goods. "When, in fact, the shawl was only worth $8, and suits made of the cloth wore out in less than six weeks, long before the note was due. B, however, had sold the note to C, who did not know the circumstances, and before it was due — A would be obliged to pay it. JUDGMENT NOTE. For value received I promise to pay Ewing Summers, of Gales- burg, or order, two hundred dollars, with interest, on the first day of January next. And, further, I do hereby empower any attorney of any court of record in Illinois, or elsewhere, to appear for me, and after a declaration filed therefor, to confess a judgment against me in the above sum, as of last, next, or any subsequent terra, with cost of suit, release of error, etc., with stay of execution until said first day of January. Witness my hand and seal at Galesburg, 111,, this sixth day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine. [seal] Joun Jones. ' INTEREST. Interest is the compensation which is paid by the borrower of money to the lender for its use. When the debtor expressly under- takes to pay interest, he is bound to pay it; but if a party has accepted the principal, he cannot recover interest in a separate action. During the course of dealings between parties, a promise to pay is implied, and the debtor is bound to pay. So also on an 1000 • DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. account stated, whenever the debtor knows precisely what he is to pay, and when he is to pay it, after a demand of payment; but interest is not due on a running account, even when the items are all on one side, unless otherwise agreed upon. Where the terms of a promissory note are that it shall be paid by installments, and on the failure of any installment the whole is to become due, interest on the whole becomes payable from the first default. "Where, by the terra of a bond or promissory note, interest is to be paid annu- ally, and the principal at a distant day, the interest may be recov- ered before the principal is due. Interest is collectible in the following cases: For goods sold and delivered after the stipulated term of credit has expired; if there be no credit, then from the time of sale; on judgment debts, from the rendition of judgment; on money obtained by fraud, or where ii has been wrongfully detained (for whoever receives money not his own, and detains it from the owner unlawfully, must jmy interest therefor: hence a public officer retaining money wrongfully is lia- ble for the interest); on money paid by mistake, or recovered on a void execution; on money lent or laid out for another's use; and rent, from the time that it is due. When the rate of interest is specified in any contract, that rate continues until fall payment is made. A debt barred by the statute of limitations and revived by an acknowledgment bears interest for the whole time. Computing Interest. — In casting interest on notes, bonds, etc., upon which partial payments have been made, every payment is to be first applied to discharge the interest; but the interest is never allowed to form a part of the principal, so as to carry interest. When a partial payment is made before the debt is due, it cannot be apportioned part to the debt and part to the interest, but at the end interest shall be charged on the whole sum, and the obligor shall receive credit for the interest on the amount paid until the interest becomes due. The legal rate of interest is six per cent. Parties may agree in writing on a rate not exceeding eight per cent. If a rate of interest greater than eight per cent, is contracted for, the penalty is a for- feiture of the entire interest, and only the principal can be recovered. In computing interest or discount on negotiable instruments, a DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1001 month shall be considered a calendar month or twelfth of a year, and for less than a month, a day shall be figured a thirtieth part of a month. Notes bear interest only when so expressed; but after due they draw the legal interest, six per cent., even if not stated. Notes payable on demand or at sight draw no interest until after presentation or demand of the same has been made, unless they provide for interest from date on their face. If "with interest" is included in the note, it draws the legal rate from the time it is made. If the note is to draw a special rate of interest, higher than the legal, but not higher than the law allows, the rate must be specified. WILLS. The legal declaration of a person's mind, determining the man- ner in which he would have his property or estate disposed of after his death, is termed a will. No exact form of words is necessary in order to make a will good at law, though much care should be exercised to state the provisions of the will so plainly that its lan- guage may not be misunderstood. Every male person of the age of twerfty-one years, and every female of the age of eighteen years, of sound mind, can make a valid will. It must be in writing, signed by the testator, or by some one in his or her presence, and by his or her direction, and attested by two or more credible witnesses. Care should be taken that the witnesses are not interested in the will. The person making the will may appoint his or her executors; but no person can serve as such executor if he or she be an alien at the time of proving the will, if he be under twenty-one years ot age, a convict, a drunkard, a lunatic, or an imbecile. ^ Persons knowing themselves to have been appointed executors, must, within thirty days after the death of deceased, cause the will to be proved and recorded in the proper county, or present it and refuse to accei)t. In case of failure to do so, they are liable to for- feit the sum of twenty dollars per month. Inventory to be made by executor or administrator within three months from date of let- ters testamentary or administration. The person making a will is termed the " testator " (if a female, the "testatrix"). A will is of no force and effect until the death of the testator. IQQO DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. and can be cancelled or modified at any date by the maker. The last will made annuls the force of all preceding wills. A will made by an unmarried woman is legally revoked by mar- viat^e; but she can take such legal steps in the settlement of her property before marriage as will empower her to dispose of the same as she may choose after marriage. No husband can make a will that will deprive the wife of her right of dower in the prop- erty; but the husband can will the wife a certain amount in lieu of her dower, stating it to be in lieu thereof. Such bequest, however, will not exclude her from her dower, provided she prefers it to the bequest made in the will. Unless the husband states distinctly that the bequest is in lieu of dower, she is entitled to both. In case a married woman possesses property and dies without a will, her husband is entitled to administer upon such property in preference to any one else, provided he be of sound mind. Notice requiring all claims to be presented against tlie estate shall be given by the administrator within six months after being qualified. Any person having a claim and not presenting it at the time fixed by said notice, is required to have summons issued noti- fving the executor of having filed his claim in court. Claims should be filed within two years from the time administration is granted on an estate, as after that time they are forever barred, unless other estate be found that was not inventoried. Married women, infants, persons insane, imprisoned, or without the United States, in the employment of the United States, or of this State, have two years after their disabilities are removed to file claims. Claims are classified and paid out of the estate in the fol- lowing manner: 1st. Funeral expenses. 2d. The widow's award, if there is a widow; or children, if there are children and no widow. 3d. Expenses attending the last illness, not including the phvsi- cian's bill. 4th. Debts due the common school or township fund. 5th. All expenses of proving the will and taking out letters testamentary or of administration, and settlement of the estate, and the physician's bill in the last illness of the deceased. 6th. Where the deceased has received money in trust for any purpose, his executor or administrator shall pay out of his estate the amount received and not accounted for. DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1003 7th. All other debts and demands of wliatsoever kind, without regard to quality or dignity, which shall be exhibited to the court within two years from the granting of letters. Award to the widow and children, exclusive of debts and legacies or bequests, except funeral expenses: 1st. The family pictures and wearing apparel, jewels and orna- ments of herself and minor children. 2d. School books and the family library to the value of $100. 3d. One sewing-machine. 4th. Necessary beds, bedsteads and bedding for herself and family. 5th. The stoves and pipe used in the family, with the necessary cooking utensils; or, in case they have none, $50 in money. 6th. Household and kitchen furniture to the value of $100. 7th. One milch cow and calf for every four members of her family. 8th. Two sheep for each member of her family, and the fleeces taken from the same, and one horse, saddle and bridle. 9th. Provisions for herself and family for one year. lOtli. Food for the stock above specified for six months. 11th. Fuel for herself and family for three months. 12th. One hundred dollars' worth of other property suited to her condition in life, to be selected by the widow. The widow, if she elects, may have in lieu of the said award, the same personal property or money in place thereof as is or may be exempt from execution or attachment against the head of a family. GENERAL FOKM OF WILL FOK REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY. I, Samuel T, Lewis, of the city of Chicago, county of Cook, State of Illinois, being aware of the uncertainty of life, and in failing health, but of sound mind and memory, do make and declai'e this to be my last will and testament, in manner following, to-wit: First. I give, devise and bequeath to my oldest son, Franklin M. Lewis, the sum of Four Thousand dollars of bank stock, now in the First National Bank, Chicago, Illinois, and the farm owned by myself, in Ontario township, Knox county, Illinois, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, with all the liouses, tenements, and improvements thereunto belonging; to have and to hold unto my said son, his heirs and assigns, forever. Second. I give, devise and bequeath to each of my daughters, Lida Louan Lewis, and Fannie Antionette Lewis, each two thousand 1004 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. dollars in bank stock, in the First ITational Bank of Chicago, Illinois, and also each one quarter section of land, owned by myself, situ- ated in the town of Delavan, Tazewell county, Illinois, and recorded in my name in the Recorder's office of said county. The north one hundred and sixty acres of said half section is devised to my elder daughter Lida Louan. Third. I give, devise and bequeath to my son, Fi'ed Davis Lewis, five shares of railroad stock, in the C, B. & Q. Railroad, and my own one hundred and sixty acres of land and saw-mill thereon, situated in Astoria, Illinois, with all the improvements and appurtenances thereunto belonging, which said real estate is re- corded in my name, in the county where situated. Fourth. I give to my wife, Tryphena Lewis, all my household furniture, goods, chattels, and personal property, about my house, not hitherto disposed of, including ten thousand dollars in bank stock, in the First National Bank of Chicago, Illinois, fifteen shares in the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Raih'oad, and the free and unrestricted use, possession and benefits of the home farm, so long as she may live, in lieu of dower, to which she is entitled by law; said farm being my present place of residence. Fifth. I bequeath to my invalid father, Samuel T. Lewis, Sr., the income from the rents of my store building, at Canton, Illinois, during the term of his natural life. Said building and land there- with revert to my said sons and daughters in equal proportions, upon the demise of my said father. Sixth. It is also my will and desire, that at the death of my wife, Tryphena Lewis, or at any time she may arrange to relinquish her life interest in the above mentioned homestead, the same may revert to my above named children, or to the lawful heirs of each. Ayid., Lastly. I appoint as executors of this, my last will and testament, my wife Tryphena Lewis, and my eldest son, Franklin M. Lewis. I further direct that my debts and necessary funeral expenses shall be paid from moneys now on deposit in the First National Bank, Pekin, Illinois, the residue of such moneys to revert to my wife, Tryphena Lewis, for her use forever. In witness thereof, I, Samuel T. Lewis, to this, my last will and testament, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this third day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy. [L. S.] Samuel T. Lewis. Signed, sealed and delivered by Samuel T. Lewis, as and for his last will and testament, in the presence of us, who, at his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have sub- scribed our names hereunto as witnesses thereof. Fred D. Selleck, Chicago, Illinois. Erastus Child, Oneida, Illinois. DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1005 CODICIL. "Whereas, I, Samuel T. Lewis, did, on the third day of March, one thousand eight hundred and seventy, make my last will and testament, I do now, by this writing, add this codicil to my said will, to be taken as a part thereof. Whereas, by the dispensation of Providence, my daughter Lida Louan, has deceased, November fifth, eighteen hundred and seventy- four, and, whereas, a sun has been born to me, which son is now christened Charles J3urchard Lewis, I give and bequeath unto him my gold watch, and all right, interest and title in lands and bank stock and chattels bequeathed to my deceased daughter Lida Louan, in the body of this will In witness thereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, this fifth day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy-nine. [L. S.] Samuel T. Lewis. Signed, sealed, published and declared to us by the testator, Samuel T. Lewis, as and for a codicil, to be annexed' to his last will and testament. And we, at his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto, at the date hereof. Erastus Child, Oneida, 111. E. C. Johnson, Chicago, 111. DESCENT. When no will is made, the property of a deceased person is dis- tributed as follows: First. To his or her children and their descendants, in equal parts; the descendants of the deceased child or grand child taking the share of their deceased parents, in equal parts among them. Second. Where there is no child, no descendant of such child, and no widow or surviving husband, then to the parents, brothers and sisters of the deceased, and their descendants, in equal parts, the surviving parent, if either be dead, taking a double portion; and if there is no parent living, then to the brothers and sisters of the intestate and their descendants. Third. When there is a widow or surviving husband, and no child or children, or descendants of the same, then one-half of the real estate and the whole of the personal estate shall descend to such widow or surviving husband, absolutely, and the other half of the real estate shall descend as in other cases where there is no child or children, or descendants of the same. Fourth. When there is a widow or surviving husband, and also 10U6 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. a child or children, or descendants of the latter, then one-third of all personal estate to the widow or surviving husband, absolutely. Fifth. If there be no child, parent, brother or sister, or descendants of either of them, and no widow or survivino- husband, then in equal parts to the next of kin to the intestate in equal degree. Collaterals shall not be represented except M-ith the descendants of brother and sister of the intestate, and there shall be no distinction between kindred of the whole and the half-blood. Sixth. If any intestate leaves a widow or surviving husband and no kindred, then to such widow or surviving husband; and if there is no such widow or surviving husband, it shall escheat to and invest in the county where the same or the greater portion thereof is situated. DEED^. A deed is a sealed instrument in writing, conveying lands and appurtenances thereon from one person to another, and special care should be taken to have them signed, sealed, delivered and properly acknowledged, with the proper seal attached. Witnesses are not necessary. The law in this State provides that an acknowledg- ment must be made before certain persons authorized to take the same. These officers are: Master in Chancery, Notary Public Circuit or County Clerk, Justice of the Peace, United States Com- missioner, or any Court of Pecord having a seal, or any Judge, Justice or Clerk of any such court. The instrument shall be attested by the official seal of the officer taking the acknowledg- ment, and when taken by a Justice of the Peace residing out of the county where the real estate to be conveyed lies, there shall be added a certificate of the County Clerk under his seal of office, that he was a Justice of the Peace in the county at the time of taking the same. A deed is good without such certificate attached, but cannot be used i.n evidence unless such a certificate is produced or other competent evidence introduced. iVcknowledgments made out of the State must either be executed according to the laws of this State, or there should be attached a certificate that is in conform- ity with the laws of the State or country- where executed. Where this is not done the same may be proved by any other legal way. Acknowledgments where the Homestead rights are to be waived must state as follows: " Incladino- the release and waiver of the right of homestead." DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. • 1007 To render a deed vali(^, there must be a sufficient consideration. To enable a person to legally convey property to another, the fol- lowing requisites are necessary: 1st, he or she must be of age; 2d, must be of sane mindf' and, 3d, he or she must be the rightful owner of the property Any alterations or interlineations in the deed should be noted at the bottom of the instrument, and properly witnessed. After the acknowledgment of a deed, the parties have no right to make the slightest alterations. An alteration after the acknowledgment in favor of the grantee vitiates the deed. The maker of a deed is called the "grantor;" the person or party to whom the deed is delivered, the "grantee." The wife of the. grantor must ackowl- edge the deed, or else, after the death of her husband, she will be entitled to one-third interest in the property, as dower, during her life. Her acknowledgment of the deed must be of her own free will and accord. By a general warranty deed the grantor engages to secure the grantee in any right or possession to the property conveyed against all persons whatsoever. A quit-claim deed releases what interest the grantor may have in the land, but does not warrant and defend against others. We do not give form for a deed, as printed forms are used by all. Deeds should be recorded without delay. MORTGAGES AND TRUST DEEDS Are conditional conveyances of estates or property by way of pledge for the security of debt, and to become void on payment of it. Special care should be taken to have them signed, sealed delivered, and properly acknowledged, with the proper seal attached. All kinds of property, real or personal, which are capable of an absolute sale, may be the subject of a mortgage. Mortgages of personal property need not be under seal. In the absence of stipulation to the contrary, the mortgagee of personal property has tlie legal title thereto, and the right of possession, and he may Jiave an action against any one taking them from the mort- gagor. And although the mortgage contains no express stipulation that the mortgagor shall remain in possession until default of pay- ment, and with a power to sell for the mortgagee's debt, the mort- gagee may nevertheless sustain trover against an officer attaching tlie goods as the property of the mortgagor. lOOS ' DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. A mortgage must be in writing when it is intended to convey the legal title. It must be in one single deed which contains the whole contract. Redemption must be made within one year from the sale. Where, however, the mortgagee takes the property for an absolute discharge of the debt, then the equity or right of redemption is barred. Satisfaction, or release of a mortgage, may be made on the margin of the record, or by an instrument duly acknowledged. The wife need not join in this release. TRUST DEEDS. Trust deeds are taken generally in preference to mortgages, especially by non-residents, for in case of foreclosure under the power of sale there can be no redemption. Advertisement, sale, and deed is made by the trustee. Mortgages of personal property, or chattel mortgages, can be given for a period of only two years, and cannot be renewed or extended. Acknowledgment may be had before a Justice of the Peace of the town or district in which the mortgagor resides. If the mortgagor is a non-resident, then before any officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments. Foreclosures may be effected upon default, and possession, and sale of the property taken and made; any delay will invalidate the mortgagee's lien. LIENS. Any person who shall by contract, expressed or implied, or partly both, with the owner of any lot or tract of land, furnish labor or material, or services as an architect or superintendent, in building, altering, repairing, or ornamenting any house, or other building or appurtenance thereto on such lot, or upon any street or alley, and connected with such improvements, shall have a lien upon the whole of such lot or tract of land, and upon such house or building and appurtenances for the amount due him for labor, material or services. If the contract is expressed, and the time for the completion of the work is beyond three years from the com- mencement thereof; or, if the time of payment is beyond one year from the time stipulated for the completion of the work, then no lien exists. If the contract is implied, then no lien exists, unless the work be done, or material furnished, within one year from the commencement of the work or delivery of the material. As DIGEST OF STATE LAWS, 1009 between different creditors having liens, no preference is given to the one whose contract was made first; but each shares pro rata. Incumbrances existing upon the lot or tract of the land at the time the contract is made do not operate on the improvements, and are only preferred to the extent of the value of the land at the time of making the contract. The above lien cannot be enforced unless suit is commenced within six months after the last payment for labor or materials shall have become due and payable. Sub-con- tractors, mechanics, workmen, and other persons furnishing any material, or performing any labor for a contractor, as above speci- fied, have a lien to the extent of the amount due the contractor at the time the following notice was served upon the owner of the land who made the contract: To : You are hereby notified that I have been emploved by [here state whether to labor or to furnish material, and substantially the nature of the demand] upon your [here state in general terms description and situation of building], and that I shall hold the [building, or as the case may be], and your interest in the ground liable for the amount that may [is or may become] due me on account thereof, [Signature] . Dated, , If there is a contract in writing between contractor and sub-con- tractor, a copy of it should be served with the above notice, and such notice must be served within forty days from the completion of such sub-contract, if there is one; if not, then from the time pay- ment should have been made to the person performing the labor or furnishing the material. If the owner is not a resident of the county, or cannot be found therein, then the above notice must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, with his fee, fifty cents, and a copy of such notice must be published in a newspaper pub- lished in the county for four successive weeks. When the owner or agent is notified as above he can retain any money due the contractor sufficient to pay such claim; if more than one claim, and not enough to pay all, they are to be paid pro rata. The owner has a right to demand in writing a statement of the contractor, of what he owes for labor, etc, from time to time as the work progresses. The liens referred to cover any and all estates, whether in fee for 1010 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. life, for years, or any other interest wliicli the owner may have. To enforce the liens of sub-contractors, suit must be commenced within three months from the time of the performance of the sub- contract, or during the work or furnishing materials. Hotels inn and hoarding -liouse keejpers have a lien upon the baggage and other valuables of their guests or boarders brought into such hotel, inn, or boarding-house, by their guests or boarders for the proper charges due from such guests or boarders for tlieir accommodation, board and lodging, and such extras as are furnished at their request. Stahle-lceej)crs and other persons have a lien upon tlie horses, carriages and harness kept by them for the proper charges due for the keeping thereof, and expenses bestowed tliereon at tlie request of the owner, or the person having the possession of tlie same. Agisters (persons who take care of cattle belonging to others) and persons keeping, yarding, feeding, or pasturing domestic ani- mals shall have a lien upon the animals agistered, kept, yarded or fed for the proper charges due for such service. All persons who may furnish any raih'oad corporation in this State with fuel, ties, material, supplies, or any other article or thing necessary for the construction, maintenance, operation or repair of its road by contract, or may perform work or labor for the same, are entitled to be paid as part of the current expenses of the road, and have a lien ujion all its pro])erty. Sub-conti'actors or laborers have also a lien. The conditions and limitations, both as to contractors and to sub-contractors, are about the same as herein stated, as to general liens. BILL OF SALE. A bill of sale is a written agreement to another party for a con- sideration to convey his right and interest in the personal property. The purchaser must take actual possession of the property. Juries have power to determine upon the fairness or unfairness of a bill of sale. COMMON FORM OF BILL OF SALE. Know All Men by this instrument, that I, B. F. Lewis, of Chi- cago, Illinois, of the first part, for and in consideration of six hun- dred and fifty dollars, to me paid by Columbus C. Chapman, Astoria, Illinois, of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have sold, and by this instrument do convey unto DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1011 the said Chapman, party of the second part, his executors, admin- istrators, and a-signs, my undivided half of ten acres of corn on my farm in the town of Deer Creek, Illinois ; one pair of horses, twenty sheep, and five cows, belonging to me, and in my possession at the farm al'oresaid; to have and to hold the same unto the party of the second part, his executors and assigns, forever. And I do, for myself and legal representatives, agree with the said party of the second part, and his legal representatives, to warrant and defend the sale of the aforementioned property and chattels unto the said pai'ty of the second part, and his legal representatives, against all and every person whatsoever. In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand this tenth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine. B. F. Lewis. DAYS OF GRACE. No check, draft, bill of exchange, promissory note, order, or negotiable instrument, payable at sight or on demand, or on pre- sentment, shall be entitled to days of grace. All other bills of exchange, drafts or notes are entitled to three days of grace. All the above-mentioned paper falling due on Sunday, New Year's day, Fourth of July, Christmas, or any day appointed or recommended by the President of the United States or Governor of the- State as a da}'- of fasting or thanksgiving, shall be deemed as due on the day previous; and should two or more of these days come together, then such instrument shall be treated as due on the day previous to the first of said days. LIMITATION OF ACTION. The limit of time in which action may be brought on certain things is as follows: Open accounts, five years; notes and written contracts, ten years; judgments, twenty years; partial payments or new promise in writing, within or after said period, will revive the debt; absence from the State deducted, and when the cause of action is barred by the law of another State, it has the same effect here; assault, slander, libel, replevin, one year; personal injuries, two years; to recover land or make entry thereon, twenty years; and sealed and witnessed instruments, as action to foreclose mortgage or trust deed, within ten years. All persons in possession of land, and paying taxes for seven consecutive years, with color of title, and all persons paying taxes for seven consecutive years, with color of title, on vacant land, shall be held to be the legal owners to the extent of their paper title. 1012 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. RECEIPTS. Receipts should always state when received and what for; and if receipt is in full it should be so stated. We give two forms: FOB MONEY ON ACCOUNT. Received, Knoxville, 111., Nov. 10, 1ST8, of J". C. Cover, sixty dollars on account. $60. J. H. Franklin. FOR MONEY ADVANCED ON A CONTRACT. $100. Galesbukg, III., June 9, 1868. Received of Fernando Ross, one hundred dollars, in advance, on contract to build for him a brick house at No. 76 Kellogg street. Samuel J. Cuapman. EXEMPTIONS FROM FORCED SALES. The following personal property and home worth $1,000, — Lot of ground and buildings thereon, occupied as a residence by the debtor, being a householder and having a family, to the value of $1,000. Exemption continues after the death of the householder for the benefit of the widow and family, some of them occupying the homestead until the youngest shall become twenty-one years of age, and until the death of the widow. There is no exemption from sale for taxes, assessments, debt or liability incurred for the purchase or improvement of said homestead. No release or waiver of exemption is valid unless in writing and subscribed by such householder and wife (if he has one), and acknowledged as conveyances of real estate are required to be acknowledged. The following articles of personal property owned by the debtor are exempt from execution, writ of attachment, and distress for rent: The necessary wearing apparel, Bibles, school-books and family pic- tures of every person; and one hundred dollars'worth of other prop- erty, to be selected by the debtor, and in addition, when the debtor is the head of a family and resides with the same, three hundred dol- lars' worth of other property to be selected by the debtor, — provided that such selection and exemption shall not be made by the debtor or allowed to him or her from any money, salary or wages due him or her from any person or persons or corporations whatever. When the head of the family dies, deserts, or does not reside with the same, the family shall be entitled to and receive all the benefit and priv- ilege which are by this act conferred upon the head of a family residing with the same. No personal property is exempt from exe- DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1013 cution when judgment is obtained for the loages of laborers or ser- vants. Wages of a laborer who is the haad of a family cannot be garnisheed except for the sum due him in excess of $25. LANDLORDS AND TENANTS. The jirincij^al obligation on the part of a landlord, which is in fact always lu be implied as a necessary condition to his receiving any rent, is, that the tenant shall enjoy the quiet possession of the premises, — which means, substantially, that he shall not be turned out of possession of the whole or any material part of the premises by any one having a title paramount to that of the landlord, or that the landlord shall not himself disturb or render his occupation un- comfortable by the erection of a nuisance on or near the premises, or otherwise oblige him to quit possession. But if he be ousted by a stranger, — that is, by one having no title, — or after the rent has fallen due, or if the molestation proceeds from acts of a third person, the landload is in neither case responsible for it. Another obligation which the law imposes on the landlord, in the absence of any ex- press stipulation in the lease, is the paymant of all taxes chargeable upon the property, or any ground rents or interest upon mortgages to which it may be subject. Every landlord is bound to protect his tenant against all paramount claims. And if a tenant is compelled, in order to protect himself in the enjoyment of the land in respect of which his rent is payable, to make payment which ought, as be- tween himself an4 his landlord, to have been made by the latter, he may call upon the landlord to reimburse him, or he may deduct such payment from the rent due or to become due. But the land- lord is under no obligation to make repairs, or to rebuild in case the premises should be burned; nor does he guaranty that they are reasonably fit for the purpose for which they are taken. And it is not in the power of a tenant to make repairs at the expense of his landlord, unless there be a special agreement between them author- izing him to do so; for the tenant takes the premises for better or worse, and cannot involve the landlord in expense for repairs without his consent. Even if the premises have become uninhabitable by fire, and the landlord, having insured them, has recovered the insurance money, the tenant cannot compel him to expend the money so recovered in rebuilding, unless he has expressly engaged to do so; nor can he in such an event pn^tect himself from the payment of rent during the unexpired balance of the term, unless exempted 1014 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. therefrom by statute or the terms of the lease. The uninhabit- ableiiess of a house is not a good defense to an action for rent. If the landlord expressly covenanted to repair, the tenant cannot quit and discharge himself of rent because the repairs are not made, un- less there is a provision to that effect; and if a landlord is bound by custom or by express agreement to repair, this obligation, and the obligation of the tenant to pay rent, are independent of each other, so that the refusal or neglect of the landlord to repair is no answer to a demand for rent. The tenant is answerable for any neglect to repair highways, fences, or party walls. He is also liable for all injuries produced by the mismanagement of his servants, or by a nuisance kept upon the premises, or by an obstruction of the high- ways adjacent to them, or the like. One of the principal obligations which the law imposes upon every tenant, independent of any agree- ment, is to treat the premises in such a manner that no substantial injury shall be done to them, and so that they may revert to the landlord at the end of the term unimpaired by any willful or negli- gent conduct on his part. A tenancy from year to year requires sixty days' notice in writing to terminate the same at the end of the year; such notice can be given at any time within four months preceding the last sixty days of the year. A tenancy by the month, or less than a year, where the tenant holds over without any special agreement, the landlord may termi- nate the tenancy by thirty days' notice" in writing. AVhen rent is due, the landlord may serve a notice upon the ten- ant, stating that unless the rent is paid within not less than live days, his lease will be terminated; if the rent is not paid, the land- lord may consider the lease ended. When a default is made in any of the terms of the lease, it shall not be necessary to give more than ten days' notice to quit or of the termination of such tenancy; and the same may be terminated on giving such notice to quit, at any time after such default in any of the terms of such lease; which notice may be substantially in the following form : To , You are hereby notified that, in consequence of your default [here insert the character of the default], of the premises now occupied by you, being, etc., [here describe the premises], I have elected to determine your lease, and you are hereby notified to quit and deliver up possession of the same to me within ten days of this date [dated, etc]. DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1015 The above to be signed by the lessor or his agent, and no other notice or demand of possession or termination of such tenancy is necessary. Demand may be made or notice served by delivering a written or printed, or partly either, copy thereof to the tenant, or leaving the same with some person above the age of twelve years, residing on or in possession of the premises; and in case no one is in actual possession of said premises, then by posting the same on the prem- ises. When the tenancy is for a certain time, and the term expires by the terms of the lease, the tenant is then bound to surrender possession, and no notice to quit or demand possession is necessary. DISTRESS FOR KENT. In all cases of distress for rent, the landlord, by himself, his agent or his attorney, may seize for rent any personal property of his ten- ant that may be found in the county where the tenant resides. The property of any other person, even if found on the premises, is not liable. An inventory of the property levied upon, with a statement of the amount of rent claimed, should be at once filed with some Justice of the Peace, if not over $200; and if above that sum, with the Clerk of a Court of Kecord of competent jurisdiction. Property may be released by a party executing a satisfactory bond for double the amount. The landlord may distrain for rent any time within six months after the expiration of the term of lease, or when terminated. In all cases where the premises rented shall be sub-let, or the lease assigned, the landlord shall have the same right to enforce lien against such lessee or assignee, that he has against the tenant to whom the premises were rented. When a tenant abandons or removes from the premises, or any part thereof, the landlord, or his agent or his attorney may seize upon any grain or crops grown or growing upon the premises, or part thereof so abandoned, whether the rent is due or not. If such grain or other crops, or any part thereof, is not fully grown or matured, the landlord, or his agent or attorney shall cause the same to be properly cultivated, harvested or gathered, and may sell the same, and from the proceeds pay all his labor, expenses and rent. The tenant may, before the sale of such property, redeem the same 1016 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. bj tendering the rent and reasonable compensation for the work done, or he may replev}^ the same. EXEMPTION. The same articles of personal property which are by law exempt from execution, except the crops, as above mentioned, are also exempt from distress for rent. If any tenant is about to, or shall permit, or attempt to sell or remove from the premises, without the consent of his landlord, such portion of the crops raised thereon as will endanger the lien of the landlord upon such crops, for the rent, it shall be lawful for the landlord to distress before rent is due. CRIMINAL LAW Is that branch of jurisprudence which treats of criminal offenses. The extreme importance of a knowledge of criminal law is self- evident; for a mistake in point of law, which every person of dis- cretion not only may know, but is bound and presumed to know, is in criminal cases no defense. This law is administered upon the principle that every one must be taken conclusively to know it, without proof that he does kuow it. This doctrine has been carried so far as to include the case of a foreigner charged with a crime which was no offense in his own country. And further, the criminal law, whether common or statute, is imperative with refer- ence to the conduct of individuals; so that, if a statute forbids or commands a thing to be done, all acts or omissions contrary to the prohibition or command of the statute are offenses at common law, and ordinarily indictable as such. When a statute punishes a crime by its legal designation without enumerating the acts which constitute it, then it is necessary to resort to the common law for a definition of the crime with its distinctions and qualifications. So> if an act is made criminal, but no mode of prosecution is directed or no punishment provided, the common law (in the absence of a statute to the contrary) furnishes its aid, prescribing the mode of prosecution by indictment, and its mode of punishment by fine and inprisonment. So far, therefore, as the rules and principles of com- mon law are applicable to the administration of the criminal law, and have not been altered or modified by legislation or judicial .decisions, they have the same force and effect as laws finally enacted. DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. The following are some of the leading principles of the criminal ^""T Every man is presumed to be innocent till the contrary is shown; and if there is any reasonable doubt of his guilt, he is en- titled to the benefit of the doubt. 2 In general, no person can be brought to trial ti 1 a grand jury on examfnation of the charge has found reason to hold lum to trial. 3 tI prisoner is entitled to trial by a jury of his peers, who are chosen from the body of the people with a view to impartiality, and whose decision on questions of facts is final. , . , ^ „ 4 The question of his guilt is to be determined without reference to his general character, previous history, or habits of hte 5 The prisoner cannot be required to criminate himself, nor be compelled even to exculpate himself by giving his own testimony """"e^' He cannot be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense. 7 He cannot be punished for an act which was not an offense by the 'law existing at the time of its commission; nor can a serverer punishment be inflicted than was declared by the law at the time of '' aTn^l'lt^s-ometimes classified according to the degree of pun- ishment incurred by their commission. They are more generally Itlged acTording I the nature of the offense. The following is, T>erhaT)S as complete a classification as the subiect admits. , ^TofeL against the sovereignty of the State-1, treason; 2 misnrision of treason. ^ . 7- -7 7 1 II Ofenses against the lives and persons of indtviduals-1, murder! 2, manslaughter; 3, attempt to kill or murder; 4, may- hem; 5, rape; 6, robbery. 7, kidnapping; 8, false imprisonment; 9 abduction; 10, assault and battery. ^ -, , . ' III. Offenses against public jprojperty-l, burning or destroying Dublic property; 2, injury to same. IV Ofenses against private property-!, arson; 2, bui-glary; 3, larceny; 4, obtaining goods under false pretenses; 5, embezzle- ment ; 6. malicious mischief. ^ ^ , -u q V Ofenses against v^Mic justice-\,V^^Wy\ 2, bribery, 3, destroying public records; 4, counterfeiting public seals; 5 jai b each 6 escape; 7, resistance to officers; 8, obstructing legal process; 9, barratry; 10, maintenance; 11, champerty; 12, con- 1018 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. tempt of court; 13, oppression; 14, extortion; 15, suppression of evidence; 16, compounding felony; 17, misprision of felony. YI. Offenses against the puhlio peace—l, challenging or accept- ing a challenge to a duel; 2, unlawful assembly; 3, roVs; 4, riot; 5, breach of the peace; (!, libel. YII. Offenses against chastitij~l, sodomy; 2, bestiality; 3. adnltery; 4, incest; 5, bigamy; 6, seduction; 7, fornication; 8, lascivious carriage; 9, keeping and frequenting houses of ill-fame. YIII. Offenses against 2)ublic policy — 1, false currency; 2. lot- teries; 3, gambling; 4, immoral shows; 5, violation of the right of suffrage; 6, destruction of game, fish, etc.; 7, nuisance. IX. Offenses against the currency, and jpulylic and private securities — 1, forgery; 2, counterfeiting; 3, passing counterfeit money. X. Offenses against religion and morality — 1, blasphemy; 2, profanity; 3, Sabbath -breaking; 4, obscenity; 5, cruelty to ani- mals; 6, drunkenness; 7, promoting intemperance. XT. Offenses against the puhlic^ individuals, or their property — 1, conspiracy. TAXES. The owners of real and personal property, on the first day of March of each year, are liable for taxes thereon. Assessments should be completed before the fourth Monday in June, at which time the Town Board of Review meets to examine assessments, hear objections, and make such changes as ought to be made. The County Board have also power to correct or change assessments. The tax-books are placed in the hands of the Town Collector on or before the teuth day of December, who retains them until the tenth day of March following, when he is required to return them to the County Treasurer, who then collects all delinquent taxes. No costs accrue on real estate taxes until advertised, which takes place on the first day of April, when three weeks' notice is required before judgment. Cost of advertising, twenty cents each tract of land, and ten cents each lot. Judg:ment is usually obtained at the May term of County Court. Costs six cents each tract of land, and five cents each lot. Sale takes place in June. Costs, in addition to those mentioned, twen- DIGEST OF STATE LA\V3. 1019 ty-eight cents each tract of land, and twenty-seven cents each town lot, Eeal estate sold for taxes may be redeemed any time before the expiration of two years from the date of sale by payment to the County Clerk of the amoui^t for which it was sold, and twenty-five per cent, thereon if redeemed within six months, fiity per cent, if redeemed between six and twelve months; if between twelve and eighteen months, seventy -five per cent., and if between eighteen montlis and two years, one hundred per cent. ; and, in addition, all subsequent taxes paid by the purchaser, with ten per cent, interest thereon ; also, one dollar each tract, if notice is given by the pur- chaser of the sale, and a fee of twenty-five cents to the Clerk for his certificate. SUBSCRIPTION. The selling of books by subscription is so frequently brought into disrepute by agents making representations not authorized by the publishers, that the public are often swindled. That there may be more general knowledge of the relation such agents bear to their principal, and the law governing such cases, we give the following rules, which, if followed, will save a great deal of trouble and perhaps serious loss. A subscription is the placing of a signature below a written or printed engagement. It is the act by which a person contracts, in writing, to furnish a sum of money for a particular purpose: as, a subscription to a charitable institution, a subscription for a book, and the like. In the case of a book, the consideration is concur- rent that the publisher shall publish the book named, and deliver the same, for which the subscriber is to jmy the price named. The prospectus and sample should be carefully examined before sub- scribing, as they are the basis and consideration of the promise to pay. and not the too often exaggerated statements of the agent, who is merely emploj'ed to solicit subscriptions, for which he usually receives a commission for each subscriber, and has no authority to change or alter the conditions upon which tlie sub- scriptions are autiiorized to be made by the publishers. Should the agent assume to agree to make the subscription conditional, or modify or change the agreement of the publisher, as set out by the prospectus and sample, in order to bind the publisiiers, the 1020 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. subscriber should see that such condition or change is stated over, or in connection with his signature, so the publishers may have notice of the same. When several persons promise to contribute to a common object, desired by all, the promise of each may.be a good consideration for the promise of others. In general subscriptions on certain condi- tions in favor gf the party subscribing, are binding when the acts stipulated are performed. Subscriptioi^ is in the nature of a con- tract of mutual promises. All persons should remember that the law as to written contracts is, that they can not he altered, varied^ or rescinded verbally, but if done at all, must be done in writing. It is therefore important that all persons contemplating subscribing should distinctly understand that all talk before or after the sub- scription is made is not admissible as evidence, and is no part of the contract. Persons before signing their names to any subscrip- tion book, or any written instrument, should carefully examine what it is; if they cannot read, they should call on some one dis- interested who can. Persons who solicit subscriptions are known to the trade as can- vassers. They are agents appointed to do a particular business in a prescribed mode, and have no authority to do it in any other way to the prejudice of their principal, nor can they bind their principal in any other matter. They can not collect money, or agree that payment may be made in anything else than money. They cannot extend the time of payment beyond the time of delivery, nor bind their principal for payment of expenses incurred in their business. Where you pay money to an agent you should satisfy yourself of his authority to collect money for his employer. CONTRACT FOR PERSONAL SERVICES. When a contract is entire and has beeij only partially fulfilled, the party in fault may nevertheless recover from the other party for the actual benefit received and retained by the other party, less the damao-es sustained by such other party by reason of the partial non-fulfillment of the contract. This may be done in all cases where the other party has received benefit from the partial fulfill- ment of the contract, whether he has so received the same from choice or from the necessities of the case. Where D hired B to work for him for seven months at $15 per month, and B worked DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1031 for D only fifty-nine days, and then quit without any reasonable excuse therefor, it was held that B might nevertheless recover from D for what the work was reasonably worth, less any damage that D may have sustained by reason of the partial non-fulfillment of the contract. NEWSPAPER LIBEL. Allowing the most liberal rule as to the liability of persons in public employment to criticism for their conduct in which the public are interested, there never has been a rule which subjected persons, private or public, to be falsely traduced. No publication is privileged except a bona fide representation, made without malice, to the proper authority, complaining on reasonable grounds. The nearest approach to this license is where the person vilified presents himself before the body of the public as a candidate for an elective oflice. But even then there is no doctrine which will sub- ject him without remedy to every species of malevolent attack. TENDER. If the tender be of money, it can be a defense onlj'- when made before the action was brought. A tender does not bar the debt as A payment would, for in general he is bound to pay the sum which he tendered, whenever he is required to do so. But it puts a stop to accruing damages or interest for delay in payment, and saves the defendant costs. It need not be made by the defendant person- ally; if made by a third person, at his request, it is sufficient; and if made by a stranger without his knowledge or request, a subse- quent assent of the debtor will operate as a ratification of the agency, and make the tender good. Any person may make a valid tender for an idiot. If an agent, furnished with money to make a tender, at his own risk tender more, it is good. So, a tender need not be made to a creditor personally; but it must be made to an agent actually authorized to receive tlie money. If the money be due to several jointly, it may be tendered to either, but must be pleaded as made to all. The whole sum due must be tendered, as the creditor is not bound to receive a part of his debt. If the tender be of the whole debt, it is valid. If the obligation be in the alternative, one thing or another, as the creditor may choose, the tender should be of both, that he may make his choice. To make a tender of money valid the money must be actually produced and 1022 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. proffered, unless the creditor expressly or impliedly waives this production. The debtor is not bound to count out the money, if he has it and offers it. No conditions must be annexed to the tender, which the creditor can have any good reason whatever for objecting to; as for instance, that he should give a receipt in full of all demands. The tender should be made in money made lawful by the State in which it is offered. Generally, a tender is valid and effectual if made at any time after the debt is due; and a demand made after the tender if for more than the sum tendered, will not avoid the tender. Certainly not, if the demand is for more than the real debt, although the excess was for another debt truly due. Tender of Chattels. — The thing tendered may not be money, but some specific article. If one is bound to deliver chattels at a partic- ular time and place, it may not be enough if he has them there; they may be mingled with others of a like kind which he is not to deliver. Or they may need some act of separation, or identifica- tion, or completion, before they could become the property of the other party. Generally, if no time or place be specified, the articles are to be delivered where they are at the time of the contract, unless collateral circumstances designate a dift'erent place. If the time be fixed, but not the place, then it will be presumed that the deliverer was to bring the articles to the receiver at that time, and for that purpose he must go with the chattels to the residence of the receiver, unless something in their very nature or use, or some other circumstances of equivalent force, distinctly implies that they are to be left at some other place. It may happen, from the cumbrous- ness of the chattels or other circumstances, that it is reasonable and just for the deliverer to ascertain from the receiver, long enough beforehand, where they shall be delivered; and then he would be held to this as a legal obligation. So, too, in such a case, the receiver would have a right to designate to the detiner, a reasonable time beforehand, a place of delivery reasonably convenient to both parties, and the deliverer would be bound by such directions. If no place be indicated, and the deliverer is not in fault in this, he may deliver the chattels to the receiver, in person, at any place which is reasonably convenient. And if the receiver refuses or neglects to api^oint any ]i1ace, or purposely avoids receiving notice of a place, the deliverer may appoint any place, with a reasonable DIGEST OF STATK LAW3. 1023 regard to the convenience of the other party, and there deliver the articles. If the promise be to pay at a certain time, or deliver certain chattels, it is a promise in the alternative; and the alternative belongs to the promisor; he may do either the one or the other, at his election; nor need he make his election until the time when the promise is to be performed; but after that day has passed without election on his part, the promisee has an absolute right to the money, and may bring his action for it. A contract to deliver a certain quantity of merchandise at a certain time means, of course, to deliver the whole then. If by the terms of the contract certain specific articles are to be delivered at a certain time and place in pay- ment of an existing debt, this contract is fully discharged and the debt is paid, by a complete and legal tender of the articles at the time and place, although the promisee was not there to receive them; and no action can thereafter be maintained on the contract. But the property in the goods has passed to the creditor, and he may retain them as his own. DRUNKENNESS Is the condition of a person who is under the immediate influence of intoxicating liquors. This condition presents various degrees of intensity, ranging from a simple exhilaration to a state of utter unconsciousness and insensibility. The common law shows but little disposition to afford relief, either in civil or criminal cases, from the immediate effects of drunkenness. It has never considered drunkenness alone as a suffi- cient reason for invalidating any act. When carried so far as to deprive the party of all consciousness* strong presumption of fraud is raised ; and on that ground courts may interfere. Courts of equity decline to interfere in favor of parties pleading intoxication in the performance of a civil act. The law does, however, recognize two kinds of inculpable drunk- enness, viz.: that which is produced by the " unskillfulness of his physician," and that which is produced by the "contrivance of enemies." To this may be added cases where a party drinks no more liquor than he has habitually used without being intoxicated, and which exerts an unusually potent effect on the brain in con- sequence of certain pathological conditions. 1024 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. MARRIAGE CONTRACT. Marriage is a contract, made in due form of law, by which a man and woman reciprocally engage to live with each other during their joint lives, and to discharge towards each other the duties imposed by law on the relation of husband and wife. The marriage contract is in law a civil contract, to which the consent of the parties is essential. The marriage relation can only be entered into, main- tained, and abrogated as provided by law. It is dissolved by death or divorce. A marriage which is valid by the law of the country in which it is contracted, is valid in this State. To make a valid marriage, the parties must be willing to contract, able to contract, and have actually contracted. All persons are able to contract marriage unless they are under the legal age, or unless there be other disability; the age of consent at common law is fourteen in males and twelve in females. When a person under this age mar- ries, such person can, when he or she arrives at the age above speci- fied, avoid the marriage, or such person or both may, if the other is of legal age, confirm it; if either of the parties is under seven, the marriage is void. If either of the party is non compos "mentis or insane, or has a husband or wife living, the marriage is void. The parties must eacn be willing to marry the other. If eitner party acts under compulsion, or is under duress, the marriage is voidable. The husband is bound to receive his wife at home, and should fur- nish her witli all the necessaries and conveniencies which his fur- tune enables him to do, and which her situation requires, but this does not include such luxuries as, according to her fancy, she deems necessaries. He is bound to love his wife and bear with her faults, and, if possible, by mild means, to correct them; and he is required to fulfill towards her his marital promise of fidelity. Being the head of the family, the husband has a right to estab- lish himself wherever he may please, and in this he cannot be con- trolled by his wife; he may manage his afiairs in his own way, buy and sell all kinds of personal property, without her control, and lie may buy any real estate he may deem proper; but as the wife acquires a right in the latter, he cannot sell it without her consent. A wife is under obligations to love, honor and obey her husband. and is bound to follow liim wherever in the country he may go and establish himself, provided it is not for other causes unreasonable. DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1025 She is under obligation to be faithful in chastity to her marriage vow. A wife has the right to the love and protecting care of her liiisband; she has the right to share his bed and board; she can call upon her husband to j^rovide her with the necessary food and clothing, according to her position in life, and if he neglects or re- fuses to do so, she can procure them on his account. MARKIED WOMEN May bargain, sell, and convey their real and personal property, and enter into contracts with reference to the same. The w4fe may be the agent of the husband, and transact for him business, making, accepting or endorsing bills or notes, purchasing goods, rendering bills, collecting money and receipting for the same, and in general, entering into any contract so as to bind him, if she has his authority to do so. And while tliey continue to live together, the law con- siders the wife as clothed with authority by the husband to buy for him and his family all things necessary, in land and quantity, for the proper support of his family; and for such purchases made by her he is liable. The husband is responsible for necessaries sup- plied to his wife, if he does not supply them himself, and he continues so liable if he turns her out of his house or otherwise separates himself from her, without good cause. But he is not so liable if she deserts him, (without extreme provocation) or if he turns her away for good cause. If she leaves him because he treats her so ill that she has good right to go from him and his house, this is the same thing as turning her away; and she carries with her his credit for all necessaries supplied to her. But what the mis- conduct must be to give this right, is uncertain. But the law un- doubtedly is, that the wife is not obliged to stay and endure cruelty or indecency. It is also held, that if a man lives with a woman as his wife, and represents her to be so, he is liable for necessaries sup- plied to her, and her contracts, in the same way as if she were his wife* The statutes intend to secure to a married woman all her rights. But many women about to marry — or their friends for them — often wish to secure to them certain powers and rights, and to limit these in certain ways or to make sure that their property is in safe and skillful hands. This can only be done by conveying and trans- ferring the property to trustees; that is, to certain persons to hold the same in trust. 1 1026 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. A married woman may sue and be sued. At the death oi' the husband, in addition to the widow's award, a married woman has a dower interest [one-third] in all real estate owned by her husband after their marriac^e, and which has not been released by hor, and the husband has the same interest in the real estate of the wife, after her death. SCHOOL MONTH. NUMBER OF DAYS IN A SCHOOL MONTH TEACHERS' HOLIDAYS. The law of this State says that a school month shall comprise twenty-two school days, actually taught. It also provides that teachers shall not be required to teach on legal holidays, thanks- giving or fast-days, appointed by State or National authority. SCHOOL children's STUDIES. The rulings of courts are that the trustees of a school district may prescribe what studies shall be pursued, and may regulate the classification of the pupils; but that a parent may select, from the branches pursued, those which the child shall study, so long as the exercise of such selection does not interfere with the system pre- scribed for the school ; that the child cannot be excluded from one study simply because he is deficient in another; the rule requiring his exclusion is unreasonable, and cannot be enforced. IXFAMS Can make a binding contract for necessaries only. An infant can never bind himself even for necessaries when ho has a parent or guardian who supplies his wants. What are considered necessaries depend upon the rank and circumstances of the infant in the par- ticular case. All his other contracts are considered voidable and void. An infant's contract on a bill or note is voidable. His liability may be established by ratification after full age. The confirmation or ratification must be distinct, and with a knowl- edge that he is not liable on the contract. A mere acknowledgment of a debt, or a payment of a part of it, will not support an action an such a contract. When an infant indorses negotiable notes or bills he does not pass any interest in them as against himself; his act is voidable, but neither the acceptor nor subsequent indorser can oblige his infancy to evade their liability; nor can the drawer of a bill set up the infancy of a payee and indorser as a defense to DIGEST OF SI at:: i.aws. 1027 an action thereon aga.nst himself. An intant may sue on a bill, but he sues by his guardian or next friend, and payment should accordinglj' be made to him. Parties contracting with an infant assume all the inconveniences incident to the protection which the law allows him. In law infancv extends to the age of twenty-one years. ADOPTION OF CHILDREN. Children may be adopted by any resident of this State by filing a petition in the Circuit or County Court of the county in which he resides, asking leave to do so; and, if desired, may ask that the name of the child be changed. Such petition, if made by a person having a husband or wife, will not be granted unless the husband and wife joins therein, as the adoption must be by them jointly. The petition shall state name, sex, and age of child, and the new name, if it is desired to change the name; also, the name and resi- dence of the parents of the child, if known, and of the guardian, if any, and whether the parents or guardian consent to the adoption. The Court must find, before granting decree, that the parents of the child, or the survivors of them, have deserted his or her family, or such child, for one year next preceding the application ; or, if neither is living, that the guardian (if no guardian, the next of kin in this State capable of giving consent) has had notice of the presentation of the petition, and consents to such adoption. If the child is at the age of fourteen or upwards, the adoption cannot be made without its consent. CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS May be legally made by electing or appointing, according to the usages or customs of the body of which it is a part, at any meeting held for that purpose, two or more of its members or trustees, war- dens or vestrymen, and may adopt a corporate name. The Chair- man or Secretary of such meeting shall, as soon as possible, make and file in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of the county an affidavit substantially in the following form: State of Illinois, \ County. \ I, , do solemnly swear [or affirm, as the case may be] that at a meeting of the members of the [here insert the name of lOJS DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. the church, society, or congregation, as known before organization] held at [here insert tlie phice of meeting], in the Countv of , and Stato of Illinois, on the day of , A. D. 18 — , for that purpose, the following persons were elected [or apjiointed; liero insert tlie names] trustees, wardens, vestrymen [or officers by whatever name they may choose to adopt, with power similar to trustees], according to the rules and usages of such [church, society, or congregation], and said adopted as its corporate name [here insert name], nnd at said meeting this attiant acted as [Chairman or Secretary, as the case may be]. Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of , A. D. 18—. [Name of affiant]' . Which affidavit must be recorded by the Recorder, and shall be, or a certified copy made by the Recorder, received as evidence of such corporation. JSlo certificate of election after the first need be filed for record. The term of office of the trustees, and the general government of the society can be determined by the rules and by-laws adopted. Failure to elect trustees at the time provided does not work a dis- solution, but the old trustees hold over. A trustee or trustees may be removed, in the same manner, by the society, as elections are held by a meeting called for that purpose. The property of the society rests in the corporation. The corporation may hold, or acquire by purchase or otherwise, land not exceeding ten acres, for the purpose of the society. The trustees have the care, custody and control of the property of the corporation, and can, when directed by the society, erect houses or improvements, and repair and alter the same, and may also when so directed by the society, mortgage, encumber, sell and convey any real or personal estate belonging to the corporation, and make all proper contracts in the name of such corporation. But they are prohil^ited by law from encumbering or interfering with any property so as to destroy the eft'ect of any gift, grant, devise or bequest to the corporation; but such gifts, grants, devises or bequests must in all cases be used so as to carry out the object intended by the persons making the same. Existing churches may organize in the manner herein set forth, and have all the advantages thereof G4ME Consists of birds and beasts of a wild nature, obtained by fowling and hunting. The last few years have shown a general interest by DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 1029 the people in having wise and just laws passed for tlie protection of fish and game. It is apparent to all that, unless these laws are vigorously enforced, the time will soon come when iish and game will be so scarce as to be within the reach of only the wealthy. Under proper regulations our streams of j)ure running water would all be filled with fish, as in other years, and our j^rairies, fields and forests alive with their great variety of game. It is a question that interests all, and the game laws should be enforced. The following are sections 1 and 6 of the Game Law of 1873, of this State, as amended by the act approved May 14th, 1877: Sec, 1. That it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to hunt or pursue, kill or trap, net or ensnare, destroy, or attempt to kill, trap, net, ensnare, or otherwise destroy any prairie hen or chicken, or any woodcock, between the loth day of January and the 1st day of September in each and every year; or any deer, fawn, wild turkey, ruffed grouse (commonly called partridge), or pheas- ant, between the Ist day of February and the 1st day of October in each and every year; or any quail between the Ist day of Feb- ruary and the 1st day of November in each and eveiy year; or any wild goose, duck, snipe, brant, or other waterfowl between the 1st day of May and the 15th day of August in each and every year: Provided, That it shall be unlawful for any person or ])erson8 to net any quail at any time after this act shall take effect and be in force: and provided furtJter, That it shall be unlawful for any per- son or persons who is or are non-residents of this State to kill, ensnare, net or trap any deer, fawn, wild turkey, prairie hen or chicken, ruff'ed grouse, quail, woodcock, wild goose, wild duck or brant, or any snipe, in any county of this State, at any time, for the purpose of selling or marketing or removing the same outside of this State. Every person who violates any of the provisions of this section shall, for each and every offense, be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on convicticm shall be fined not less than five dol- lars ($5) nor more than twenty-five dollars (§25) and costs of suit for each and every separate bird or animal of the above enumerated list, so unlawfully hunted or pursued, killed, trapped, netted, ensnared, or destroyed or attemj>ted to be killed, trai)ped, netted, ensnared, ^y"3Q -V LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 752 579 5 J ■ '-'TjC':'<' ■"''liJ^I ■.';-.W'C,i vM?i f~—-t.