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LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
977.383 W15h v.I
Ilinois Historical Survey
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٠٠٠
HISTORY
OF
Macoupin County ILLINOIS
Biographical and Pictorial
HON. CHARLES A. WALKER Supervising Editor
VOLUME I
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1911
Illinois Historical Survey,
9.77.383 W15h V.1
1382
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
Introduction-The Northwest Territory-Father Marquette and Louis Joliet -State of Illinois admitted to the Union and Constitution adopted-First events of interest in the State-The Black Hawk war-The Mexican war 9
CHAPTER II. GEOLOGY.
Preparation of the earth for man's convenience-The rocks and hills as Na- ture left them-Coal and other mineral formations in the county-Fauna and flora of the county. 67
CHAPTER III. - ORGANIZATION.
Macoupin county organized in 1829-Commissioners named to select a county seat-Provisions made for the first election-First county officials-First grand and petit jurors-First and only legal execution 75
CHAPTER IV. TOPOGRAPHY.
Macoupin is classed as one of the south-central counties-The county an ob- long square-Originally of prairie and undulating-Soil-Grasses-Tim- ber-Mounds, etc 87
CHAPTER V. THE PIONEER.
David Coop the first settler-A creek and mound named for the pioneer- Located on Coop's Creek in 1815-Others soon followed-Names of many who came at a later period but opened the county to settlement ... 90 .
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General 24 Sept 40 mc Donald = 2V.
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CONTENTS CHAPTER VI.
MEMORY'S STORE HOUSE.
Recollections of a pioneer-Hon. Charles A. Walker here in 1828, three years before the county was organized-He was acquainted with many of the pioneers of Macoupin-Reminiscences entertainingly related .III
CHAPTER VII. GOVERNMENT.
Commissioners' court of almost unlimited power-List of first voters-Com- missioners' court abolished and county divided into townships-Names of county officials from 1829 to 1911 127
CHAPTER VIII.
THE PRIMITIVE.
This chapter tells of how the pioneer managed to live-Also how the early settler endured many hardships and privations-Heroism and fortitude of noble women, their sacrifices and wonderful resourcefulness-They were brave, too, in the face of danger . 144
CHAPTER IX. PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The first court house a primitive log building-Men of note held forth there -Second building somewhat more pretentious than its predecessor-Here Lincoln, Douglas and many others who became of national note foregath- ered-Early criminal record . 151
CHAPTER X. MACOUPIN'S "WHITE ELEPHANT."
A building with a history-Money "no object" to its promoters-Architect- urally "a thing of beauty"-Creates a tax upon the people lasting over forty years-Grand jubilee at public burning of last bond by Governor Charles S. Deneen I57
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CHAPTER XI. CIVIL WAR.
Patriotic Macoupin and her splendid record in the war between the States- First regiment in Illinois organized at Carlinville in response to Lincoln's first call for troops-History of the brave men who went to the front- Full roster of those who served from this county
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER XII.
RELIGIOUS.
The church always comes first in a new community-Many handsome houses of worship erected in the county in recent years-A list of organizations in the county .... .199
CHAPTER XIII. EDUCATIONAL.
Schools follow the settler-Macoupin county at a high altitude in her educa- tional institutions-History of the schools by County Superintendent Rob- ert C. Moore-Blackburn College . . 234
CHAPTER XIV. PIONEER SCHOOLS.
The pedagogue and the schoolhouse of early days-The teacher "boarded 'round" and took "pot luck"-No "laughing out in school" allowed- Schoolhouses without windows simply a "hole in the wall" . .. . . . 260
CHAPTER XV. THE HEALING ART.
The pioneer physician and his burdens-There were no specialists in those days-Made his own pills and used the lance with or without provocation -Quick of perception and self reliant-Sketches of some pioneers and others-Macoupin County Medical Society .267
CHAPTER XVI. BENCH AND BAR.
Some mention of the pioneer lawyer-Those who shed luster on the legal profession and made a stir in the world-General John M. Palmer-Gen- eral John I. Rinaker and others-Present members of the Macoupin bar. . 279
CHAPTER XVII. JOHN M. PALMER.
Autobiography of John M. Palmer-Lawyer-Soldier-Statesman-Gave prominence to the local bar-Served his country in the hour of peril- Became governor of Illinois and honored the state in the national senate -Candidate for President on the gold standard Democratic ticket ...... 289
CHAPTER XVIII. THE PRESS.
The printer early in the field and one of the great educational factors of the day-A considerable history of Macoupin County's newspapers-The statesman pioneer of them all-Many well edited journals abreast of the times in news and make-up-Papers of by-gone days are here mentioned. . 303
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER XIX.
VARIOUS THINGS.
Transportation-Steam and electric railroads-County Fair Association-'
Population of the county-Macoupin a wealthy and progressive section . . 308
CHAPTER XX. REMINISCENCES.
The pioneer preacher and his bride-Log court house used for many purposes -Mention of Carlinville's first inhabitants-Methodist and Baptist churches organized-First child born in the county seat . . 317
CHAPTER XXI. "JERSEY STREET."
Interesting section of the county-From Rockbridge to Piasa Creek-Lyman L. Palmer writes with a facile pen of early days and their people-Sweet singers of Medora-Old Tobe-Bill Davis' ox team-The village dominie The village plow maker-A hard nut to crack. 328
CHAPTER XXII THE TOWNSHIPS.
This chapter is a long one and speaks of the twenty-six townships of the county-Hamlets, villages, towns and cities-First settlers in the various' localities-Founding and growth of the trading points-Hilyard town- ship 358
REMINISCENT.
A tale well told by J. B. Andrews of early days in Shipman township-He tells of the First Baptist Society-The primitive schools-Manumitted slaves and the underground railroad-Lack of medical attendance ...... 406
CARLINVILLE.
Seth Hodges and Ezekiel Good donate land for the county seat-Named in honor of Thomas Carlin, member of the Legislature-First lot sold-Has now a population of three thousand, six hundred and sixty-Mayors and public utilities. . . 419
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PREFACE.
For more than a decade I have been appealed to by a number of old pioneers left in our county to write and have published in book form my recollections of the settlement and organization of the county as well as the characteristics of, the pioneers who settled in the "New Wilderness." That really was the mov- ing cause that induced me to accept the position as supervising editor of this history. The purpose and intent of the publishers were to get facts and publish nothing that was not well substantiated; hence this record of those early times ought to be and will be the standard history of the county appertaining to its organization and settlement, and the events treated of in the history, so far as I have had control, have been recorded in justification of the action of those who aided in building up this great and prosperous county from the time of the early pioneers to the present period.
I quote from the writings of one of our own pioneers-"The memory of the life of even a pioneer is fleeting. The name written upon the shady shore of time is effaced by the coming wave of the next generation, and unless some effort is made to preserve in permanent form a record of that work it will be lost to future generations. There is no better way to preserve the most valued items in the history of a county and its progressive citizens than by the medium of such a history."
In the preparation of this work the editor and publishers have recognized the magnitude of the task undertaken and in getting the material for the same there has been a constant aim to use a just discrimination in regard to the selection of such facts as will interest the reading public. Great labor and ex- pense have been required to collect such facts that will be of benefit to the future generations that will follow in the footsteps of the early pioneers of our county.
Some names of families worthy of perpetuation here will not appear in the history, either on account of the apathy of those concerned, or the inability to secure the facts desired from those who are most interested.
.The publishers of this history at much expense sent agents into every part of the county to glean facts pertaining to the events and history of every citi- zen or his ancestors, who has been active as a worker in the upbuilding of the county, giving to such citizens or family an opportunity to have the leading facts recorded in the history and, if it shall appear that some one's name is omitted it must not be said that they (the publishers) are responsible for that omission, as an opportunity was given to such persons and they failed or re- fused to avail themselves of it, they are thereby estopped from criticizing the work on that account. Thanks are due and hereby given to all who in any man- ner contributed to the completion of this work.
CHARLES A. WALKER, Supervising Editor.
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LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
вкино А.Нник
History of Macoupin County
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
INTRODUCTION-THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY-FATHER MARQUETTE AND LOUIS JOLIET-STATE OF ILLINOIS ADMITTED TO THE UNION AND CONSTITUTION ADOPTED-FIRST EVENTS OF INTEREST IN THE STATE-THE BLACK HAWK WAR -THE MEXICAN WAR.
Within the last thirty years this fertile portion of the Prairie state has as- sumed a new aspect. In the moral and physical changes that have produced this result, in the improvements of its soil, and the establishment of its political and literary institutions, you, the inhabitants of the county, have ever been the zeal- ous actors.
In the progress of this great change, much is due to the kind and fostering care of a good government in promoting the settlement and eliciting the latent resources of this portion of the state. But the slightest reflection will make it evident that still more is due to manly enterprise, individual hardihood, and personal exertion of the inhabitants of the county. In this personal devotion, many persons have rendered themselves conspicuous, and their names are en- graved upon the minds of a posterity that has arisen to take their places. The active part that they and their ancestors have taken in the work of subduing this, our common country, their zeal and services in promoting the general wel- fare, is generally known and appreciated by all.
The country is now in a most prosperous condition. Its agricultural re- sources have been improved and developed, its natural improvements fostered and encouraged ; large manufacturing establishments have been erected; schools and institutions of learning built up and maintained, while its churches and re- ligious institutions have received the support and encouragement of a whole, united people.
NORTHWEST TERRITORY-EARLY EXPLORATIONS.
In writing a history of Macoupin county, some reference must be made to the state of which the county forms so important a part and not only of the state, but also of the great northwest, where the first explorations and discoveries were made and where the pioneers of these many explorations, the Jesuits, first landed to prosecute their journeys through the country.
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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
The Great Northwest territory, which was ceded by Virginia to the United States, in 1784, embraced what is now five of the larger of the middle western states, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, and that portion of Min- nesota lying east of the Mississippi river. It is a mighty empire in itself and now contains many millions of inhabitants. Its great lakes are inland seas of fresh water, while its rivers are among the largest of the North American Continent.
When the act of ceding this vast territory was consummated, there were comparatively few white inhabitants included within its borders, while some very extensive portions had not probably a single white inhabitant.
FIRST EXPLORATIONS.
The first explorations made in that portion of the territory now embraced within the borders of the great state of Illinois was in 1673, when Father Mar- quette and his companion, Louis Joliet, set out from what was then known as the Straits of Mackinac, or Michilimackinac, on a voyage of exploration and dis- covery.
Previous to this one Jean Nicolet, a native of Cherbourg, France, came to Canada and dwelt for several years with the natives, learned their language and adopted their mode of living, and to him, it is claimed, belongs the honor of hav- ing discovered Lake Michigan, then generally called the French "Lac des Illi- nois;" that he first saw it July 4, 1634, and that on the same voyage he went into Green Bay, known to the French as "Baye des Puens," and visited the Chippewa tribe of Indians and the Winnebagoes on the lake of that name. But very little is known of Nicolet's voyage at that time, as he kept but few records of his adventures.
Nicholas Perrot was another of the daring spirits in those days to brave the dangers in exploring the great western country. He discovered the first lead mines in the west, and was for several years in command of the country around Green Bay. He was a man of learning and intelligence and committed to writ- ing an interesting account of his labors and explorations from 1670 to 1690, a period of twenty years. It was during his journeyings in the west that the notable conference was held between the French and seventeen tribes of na- tions at Sault Ste. Marie, June 14, 1671. It was at this conference that the French gained possession of Lakes Huron and Superior "and all the countries contiguous thereto, and southward to the sea."
In 1667, Father Marquette, with that fearless and intrepid man, Claude Al- louez, and a companion, Claude Dablon, both brothers in the same order with himself, went up the river that forms the outlet to Lake Superior, to the falls, and there established a mission, which they named "The Mission of Saint Mary," but now known as Sault Ste. Marie. They named the river "Saint Mary," and then started on a journey up the great lake, with the object of dis- covering, if possible, its western extremity. They coasted the whole southern shore of the lake, passing through some beautiful islands when near the western end, and the islands, being twelve in number, they named them the "Twelve Apostles," and they are now known as the Apostle Islands. They reached the end of the lake to the site of the present city of Duluth, occupying three years
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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
in their journey. There the natives informed them of a mighty river far toward the setting sun, and of the savage tribes that lived upon its borders ..
On their return, Father Marquette established the "Mission of St. Ignace," opposite the Island of Mackinac, near the straits. This was afterward his rallying point when in that vicinity, and there he labored long and faithfully for the conversion to his faith of the natives of that region. It was to him a labor of love. His journeys were made in bark canoes, his bed but the ground and in the open air, and his food often but dry corn, or the moss and lichens from the trees. It was a holy religious enthusiasm that prompted him to undergo these many hardships and privations, and the great hope of a lasting reward when his earthly pilgrimage was ended.
FATHER MARQUETTE AND LOUIS JOLIET.
Father Jacques Marquette was a native of France, and a son of a wealthy family, who educated and trained him for the priesthood. He was of a quiet disposition, but of strong mind and character also, and just the man to engage in the work of christianizing and civilizing the natives of the Great Northwest. Louis Joliet was American born, being a native of Quebec, his birth being in 1645. He was educated among the Jesuits but declined to enter the priesthood. As. soon as his education was completed, believing that the life of an explorer was better suited to his tastes, he was dispatched by the Canadian authorities in 1669 to explore the copper mines of Lake Superior, and the country to the west of the Great Lakes. Count- Frontenac, who was then governor of the province, confirmed the appointment. Joliet left Quebec in the fall of 1672, and arrived at Mackinac on the 8th of December. Here he remained until spring and it was at that time that he first met Marquette, the missionary then in charge of the mission at St. Ignace, on the north side of the straits. He made known to the good Father his mission and desired his companionship, to which the Father very gladly consented. He was a most valuable acquisition to the party, for.he could speak six of the Indian dialects, and his holy calling proved him to be the peacemaker needed, when trouble with the natives seemed most imminent.
The pilgrimage of 'Marquette and his companions to the west end of Lake Superior was a notable event. The wonderful descriptions of the great river that flowed to the south, the vast valley that bordered it, the roving tribes of natives who lived in the valley, the beauties of scenery, and the endless verdure with which it abounded, was the great incentive to the Father to accompany Joliet in the hazardous enterprise of visiting the country. He desired to view with his own eyes the great river and the many things of which he had heard. It is to that journey that the world is indebted for the discovery of the Missis- sippi and the valley of the Illinois.
On the 20th of May, 1673, Marquette and Joliet, with five French Can- adians, left St. Ignace in two bark canoes, and coasting along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, entered Green Bay, where they established the Mission of St. Francis Xavier, near the mouth of the Fox river. Father Marquette called
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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
together the tribes of Indians in that locality and preached to them of the Chris- tian faith, which was his guiding star in all his wanderings.
THE DISCOVERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
Having finished his work at the mission, Marquette and his companions with two Indians of the Algonquin tribe, as guides, embarked upon the waters of the Fox, and went up that river to near the last Indian village, where there was a most remarkable portage, and where upon the same level and but two miles apart, the stream they had just left pursued its way northeastwardly to the Great Lakes, and thence to the Atlantic, while the other upon which they were about to embark, took a course southwestwardly to some unknown destiny. They crossed the portage with their canoes and baggage and on the Ioth of June of that year, embarked upon the waters of the Wisconsin river, whose swift current bore them onward to their destination to the great river, and on the 17th of that month, their eyes beheld for the first time the large and beau- tiful stream of which they had heard so much, and which the pious Father and his companion had for so long a time desired to see.
Launching their canoes upon its broad surface, its rapid current bore them swiftly forward past bold bluffs, which lined the stream upon either hand. Great herds of buffaloes appearing upon its banks, viewed the little flotilla of canoes with evident surprise. The rapids of Rock Island were passed in safety, while they gazed with great delight upon the beautiful landscape that everywhere un- folded itself to their view. Since leaving the Wisconsin, no human foot-print had been seen by them. It was a wilderness which seemed to them to revel in the beauties of nature. But after passing the lower rapids, a footprint was discovered on the western shore and they stopped to examine it. Upon follow- ing it a short distance, it led them to the bank of another river, which was dotted over with cabins. They were kindly received by the natives. A great council was held and Marquette told them of his mission, of the great king across the water, and of his power and willingness to protect them. They re- mained there several days and were treated with the greatest kindness and hos- pitality. The tribes told them of another large river coming in from the north- west, which they called Pekitanoni. On their departure the chief accompanied him with many of his warriors for an escort, and on parting presented him with the mystic Calumet, beautifully decorated, and instructed him of the many virtues it possessed.
TIIEY DISCOVER THE ILLINOIS.
Again their canoes were pointed south and they soon passed the mouth of the Illinois, coming from the east, its outlet into the Mississippi being lined with high walls of limestone and the pictured rocks of Piasan, which are such a wonder even to this day.
THE MOUTH OF THE MISSOURI SEEN.
Soon the swift current of the Missouri is discovered behind some islands upon the west side of the river, and so impetuous was the flood that it drove their light canoes over to the east shore, which was covered with trees and
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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
vegetation of such a rank growth that it excited their admiration. Some sixty miles below the 'Missouri, the Ohio was reached, the river being called by the natives Ouabauskijon, because it comes from the lands of the rising sun. Pass- ing this, they began to see the tall canes, or reeds, that grew in such profusion along the banks of the river. Before reaching these, they had not been troubled with insects to any great extent but now having entered their country, they had to suffer the dire consequences. As a protection against these, the natives built scaffolds on which they slept, with a small fire beneath, the smoke of which kept the troublesome insects away, and Marquette and his companions were compelled to adopt a like method for protection from their attacks.
THE END OF THEIR JOURNEY SOUTH.
At length they reached the mouth of the Arkansas river, below the thirty- fourth parallel of north latitude. Here the natives are seen with steel axes for weapons, but the pipe of peace given Marquette by the Illinois chief is shown them, and averts all possible danger. They landed, a religious celebration was held, and the faith of the pious Father was told to the savages, which they received with every evidence of satisfaction.
Marquette and Joliet being convinced that the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico, or Florida, as it was then known prepared for their return up the river.
To the meek and humble Jesuit, the good Father Marquette and his com- panion, Joliet, is due the honor of being the first white men to float upon the bosom of the majestic river. Their light bark canoe was the first to stem its current, and their paddles the first to disturb its waters by any white men. Set- tlements had been made in many parts of the east for many years but to those then far off inhabitants, no knowledge of the mighty stream had ever been sug- gested to them and hence the discovery when made known was the opening of a new world. The natives of the east had no legend or tradition of the river. nor of the mighty tribes of natives who inhabited its borders.
MARQUETTE AND JOLIET ENTER THE ILLINOIS.
Marquette and Joliet, with their companions, toiled for many a weary day up against the current of the rapid stream. Annoyed at times with insects and with but scant supplies of food, yet no murmurs of complaint escaped from them and no despondency at any time entered their thoughts. It was a high and holy mission in which they were engaged and therefore they believed with the utmost faith and confidence that to suffer in a just and virtuous cause was but the will of Him who had sent them.
When they again reached the Illinois, they turned their course up that stream, passed through a country of great fertility, with rich prairies and meadows abounding upon either hand. A great variety of animals and birds were seen by them, "stags, buffaloes, deer, wild cats, bustards, swans, ducks, paroquets and even beavers." Their voyage up the Illinois was in great con- trast to that up the Mississippi, for the stream had hardly any perceptible cur-
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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY
rent and they floated along "luxuriating in peace and plenty." This happy con- dition continued until they had reached the upper end of Peoria lake, when they encountered a strong and rapid current, until they reached the portage opposite the southern shore of Lake Michigan, at the point now known as the Summit, a station on the Chicago & Alton railway. A monument of granite boulders now marks the spot. Transferring their canoes to the waters draining into the Chicago river, they were soon in Lake Michigan. They passed up the west shore to the mission at Green Bay, which they reached the last day of September, 1673.
JOLIET RETURNS TO CANADA.
Louis Joliet returned at once to Canada and thence to France, to make known to his sovereign, the mighty empire he and his comrades had acquired for his majesty. He had kept a full record of this most important journey, together with a very complete map of the country they had explored but un- fortunately he lost all while on his return to Quebec by the upsetting of his canoe, while attempting to land at Montreal. Father Marquette had kept a very full record of the journey and this was preserved to the world and thus he acquired another trophy to the members of his order in all parts of the civilized globe.
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