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History OF Woodford County
ROY L. MODRE
THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
LIBRARY
977. 353 M78h
ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY
-
:
HISTORY
OF
WOODFORD COUNTY.
BY ROY L. MOORE, A. B.
A CONCISE HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT AND GROWTH OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
EUREKA, ILL .: WOODFORD COUNTY REPUBLICAN. 1910.
COPYRIGHTED 1910
977.353 m78h
Axtotal
r
PREFACE.
In the following pages an effort has been made to give in a elear, concise manner the history of the settlement and growth of Woodford county. The aim has been to give a condensed, yet complete statement of facts in a clear, un- prejudiced way. No attempt has been made to eulogize the men who have made the county what it has become, altho there are many who merit the highest encomiums.
In the preparation of this volume aid has been received from a great number of sources and to all who have so will- ingly aided in this work, I extend my heartfelt thanks. The little volume is presented to the publie with the sineere wish that it may add to the knowledge of local history among our people. Every effort has been made to insure its authen- ticity, but in a work of this character it is impossible to prevent the creeping in of some mistake. I trust that what- ever errors may have occurred in this effort to serve the publie may be regarded with the same leniency and kind- ness as my previous efforts.
18D13 Roy L. Moore 50
I wish to express my gratitude for the use of half-tones to the Minonk News, Bloomington Pantagraph, Minonk Dispatch, Woodford County Republican, Benson Bee, Meta- mora IIerald, ElPaso Journal, Geo. W. Nance, of Blooming- ton, editor of the history of the Nance family; and Henry B. Meek of Kansas City, editor of the history of the Meek family.
Respectfully, ROY L. MOORE.
252113
ROY L. MOORE.
INDEX.
CHAPTER I.
Early Indian Population-Explorations by the Whites- La Salle Floats Down the Illinois-Territories Organ- ized-Division of Illinois into Counties-Woodford County Created-The First Settlement-Spring Bay, Metamora, Walnut Grove, Panther and White Oak Groves Settled-The First Store Opened ... Pages 9-16
CHAPTER II.
Relies of Indian Life-Spring Bay Indian Graveyard- Settlement of Spring Bay Township-Mills Erected- Town Founded-Township Organized-Partridge Town- ship Settled-Religious Services IIeld-Partridge Drainage District-Worth Settled-The First Church Erected at Lourds Pages 17-24
CHAPTER III.
Settlement of Metamora-Hanover Established-Under- ground Railway-J. A. Ranney Once Conductor- Joseph Morse Onee Arrested for Aiding Fugitive Slave -Schools of the Township Pages 25-33
CHAPTER IV.
Walnut Grove Settled-Varsailles Established-First Rail- road Thru Township-Eureka and Cruger Founded- Cruger Township Organized-Schools Founded-Caze- novia Settlers-Township Organized and Named-First Postoffice Established-Settlement of ElPaso Township -ElPaso and Kappa Founded-Township Organized Pages 34-45
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vi
INDEX
CHAPTER V.
Ilistory of City and Township of Minonk Coincident- Panola and Minonk Form one Precinct-Township Divided-Settlement of Roanoke-First Schools of Township-Township Organized and Named-Linn Township Settled-Churches Organized-Panola Settled -Kansas and Montgomery Established-Religions and Educational Pages 46-61
CHAPTER VI.
Palestine Settled-Religious History-Township Organized -Clayton Settlements-Linn and Clayton Connected -First Schools of the Township-Greene Township Pioneers-Early Hardships-Township Organized -- Noted Men from Greene Pages 62-75
CHAPTER VIL.
The Settler's Cabin-Hardships Without-Swamps and Sloughs-Prairie £ Fire-Farm Implements-llome- Made Clothing-Pioneer Gatherings . Pages 76-84
CHAPTER VIII.
The Early Schools-The First School-Walnut Grove Academy Founded-Eureka College Charter-Public Schools of To-day-Pioneer Preacher-Church Organ- izations-The Oldest Pastor in Point of Service- Sun- day Schools-Woodford County Y. W. C. A. Pages 85-95
CHAPTER IX.
The County Organizes-First Commissioners-First Sas- sion of Court-Division into Townships-Supervisors and County Officers Pages 96-102
CHAPTER X.
County Seat Located at Versailles-Hanover Secures the Prize-New Court House Erected-ElPaso Contests for County Seat-Eureka and Roanoke Seek to Secure the Prize-Elections of 1873-1883-1894-Seat of Justice Re- moved to Eureka-New Court House and Jail Erected -County Poor Farm Pages 103-114
CHAPTER XI.
Roads Laid in the County-State Road-First Supervisors of Roads-Stage Coach-Illinois Central Built-Toledo, Peoria and Western Laid Out-Railroads Multiply- Telegraph and Telephone-Automobiles Pages 115-121
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INDEX
CHIAPTER XIL.
Enlistment in Civil War-History of Woodford County Companies-Black Hawk War -- Mexican War-Spanish- American War Pages 122-133
CHIAPTER XIII.
Cholera Epidemics-Winter of 1830-'31-Winter of 1836- '37-Storms of 1858-Storms of 1875-Other Storms
Pages 134-138
CHIAPTER XIV
Early Political Views-Lincoln and Douglas Debate-Logan Rally-Campaign of 1888-Other Elections-List of Officers-County Vote for Presidential Candidates Pages 139-148
CHIAPTER XV.
Milling Interests-Explosion at the Secor Mill-Explosion at Panola-Benson Mill-Grain Interests-Banking -The Press-Mining-Eureka Canning Factory- Mi- nonk Produce Company Pages 149-172
CHAPTER XVI.
The Early Towns of the County-Bowling Green-Spring Bay-Versailles-Metamora-The Old Metamora House -St. Mary's Orphanage-Religious Interests of the Town. Pages 173-184
CHAPTER XVII.
Settlers of Slabtown-Farniville-Washburn Settled-Re- ligious Interests-ElPaso Founded-Carnegie Library -Educational and Religious Interests- Fires-ElPaso Fair Pages 185-198
CHAPTER XVIII.
Minonk Established -Village Surveyed-Minonk School and Churches-Railroads- Incorporated as a City- Benson Surveyed-The Growth of the Town-Churches -Roanoke Settled-The First Postmaster-Village In- corporated-Roanoke Fires. Pages 199-212
viii
INDEX
CHAPTER XIX.
Eureka Founded-Origin of Name-The Industries of the Early Period-The Town Incorporated-Churches- Town of Cruger Platted-Its Business History-Secor Platted in 1857-Early Comers-Its Business Ilistory- Churches and Schools -- Panola and Its Early Promise -Fail to Get a Railroad Crossing-Kappa an Early Mail Center- Early Business Prosperity-Ira C. Stone, the Oldest Man in the County-Early Settlers- Low Point-Its First Location-Saw Mill-Railroad-Tile Factory-Cazenovia-Business-School and Churches- Woodford a Grain Station in Minonk Townshipj-Good- field and Congerville Grain and Business Points in Montgomery Township Pages 213-231
CHAPTER XX.
Miscellaneous-Old Settlers' Picnic-Old Settlers' Associa- tion Organized 1874-Re-organization 1891-Deer Hunting-Andrew Tomb-Jehu Ilinshaw-Peter Ken- nell-James Finley-Shelby M. Cullom-The Brubakers -Christopher Roth-F. J. Briggs-Thomas Whorrall- The Hammers Family-Woodford County Agricultural Association-John Leys-James Shields, Sr .- Allen Hart-First Jury in Woodford County-Abraham Lincoln-Mrs. Nancy Kirk, the Oldest Woman-The Law-Early Attorneys-Medicine-The First Physician -Woodford County Medical Association-Historical Society Organized 1903-A Sad Accident-W. E. Wyrick Pages 232-248
CHAPTER I.
Early Settlements.
T HIE brief span of a century serves to embrace the history of the growth and development of Woodford county, yet within that comparatively short period the vast unbroken wilderness has become one of the garden spots of Illinois. Prairies over which deer and wolves roamed un- molested have become the home of a prosperous, energetic farming people. Vast regions, but a few years ago un- crossed save by an Indian trail, are now crossed and re- crossed by roads of steel that carry, with constantly intergas. ing efficiency, the growing traffic of an energetic population. Wide sections that were once unbroken by a tree are dotted with groves planted by the hand of man, which add their beauty to the grandeur of the scene. Here and there thriv- ing towns have risen to contribute their share to the wealth and prosperity of a growing country.
The territory now embraced within the borders of Woodford county was once the camping ground of roving Indian tribes. The early settlers found here scattered rep- resentatives of the Pottawotamies. These were as a rule friendly to the whites, altho occasionally some slight dis- turbance caused a rupture between them for the time being. During the winter of 1830-'31, which was noted for the great snow, they proved of great assistance to the settlers. Other tribes roamed over this region at an carlier date, among which were Foxes and Sacs. North of Woodford county, near La Salle, lies Starved Rock where the now famous Illini made their final stand against their enemies and
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HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY
were destroyed. These tribes hunted freely over that part of Illinois of which Woodford is a part. The western portion of the county is particularly rich in relies of an early Indian occupation. Along the banks of the Illinois are numerons mounds that are the relies of a departed people. A number of these have been opened and found to contain varions weapons and other tokens of the manner of living of our predecessors. Near Metamora there are evidences of that region having been the scene of a fierce battle between Indian tribes. North of there was the lodge of the chief Black Partridge, whose name is handed down to us in the township of that name.
. This portion of the county has the honor of being first chosen by the pioneer as a place of settlement. The traveler thru that region feels that he is on historie grounds. In 1680 La Salle, the great French explorer, floated down the Ilinois and built on the bank of the river the Fort Creve Coner, now famous in the history of the state. The exact location of the fort is in dispute, but the latest claim is that made by Dan R. Sheen, the well-known attorney of Peoria. who believes it was located on this side of the river on the farm he now owns in Tazewell county. Be that as it may, there is little doubt that the western part of our county was visited by the great explorer and his followers.
The region now embraced in the boundaries of the county has belonged at various times to different territories, and, since the division of Hinois into counties began, it has been a part of a number of different counties. At the time of the Revolutionary war, three colonies, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Connecticut, claimed possessions in the terri- tory now included in Illinois. In 1778 Virginia, which claimed the central and southern parts of the state, formed its possessions, Woodford together with the rest, into a county called Illinois, named in honor of the tribe of Indians. When the territory was organized at a later date this name was retained. At that time this portion of the state was an unbroken wilderness. The most visionary would have found little prospect of future greatness.
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EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
At the close of the Revolutionary war, these states ceded their possessions to the National government, and in 1787 the region northwest of the Ohio and east of the Mis- sissippi, was organized as the Northwest Territory, under the famous ordinances of 1787. General Arthur St. Clair was appointed first territorial governor. In 1790 he organized a county in the southwest, embracing the historic region of Kaskaskia, and named it St. Clair in honor of himself. In June of that same year Knox county was organized, and included the central and northeastern parts of this state, and all of Indiana. Woodford was a part of this vast county. In 1800 Indiana territory was formed, with Illinois as a part of it. William Henry Harrison was its first governor. It was not until 1809 that Ilinois was organized as a territory with Ninian Edwards as its first governor.
The division of the state into counties was a process that covered many years. The creating of new counties and the adjustment of boundary lines was in the hands of the members of the legislature, so that political infinence went l'ar toward bringing into existence numerous counties in the state. The desire lor the location of the county seat fre- quently led citizens, who were ambitions for the advance- ment of their town, to petition for the creation of a new county, or a readjustment of boundary lines, that would be more favorable to carrying out their plans. The settle- ment of the Southern part of the territory occurred at a much earlier date than that of the Central and Northern portions. As a natural result, the southern counties were of much earlier origin than those of this region. In 1801 an adjustment of boundaries was made and all that portion of Ilinois north of the mouth of the Embarrass river, including at least three-fourths of the area of the state was included in Madison county. In 1814 a dividing line was formed pas- sing north and south then Madison county along the Third Principal Meridian, dividing the territory now embraced in the county of Woodford along the line, now separating Greene township From Roanoke and Clayton township from Linn. The appended list shows the dates at which changes
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HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
occurred and the names of counties to which territory now in Woodford belonged. During this time the eastern part was in one conty and the western portion in another.
Eastern Part.
Western Part.
1814-16 Edwards
1814-'17 Madison
1816-'19 Crawford 1817-21 Bond
1819-21 Clark
1821-'25 Sangamon
1821-'25 Fayette
In the early 20's the first settlements occurred within the present limits of the county. The western portion was settled first and any county business to be transacted had to be done with the officials at the county seat in Springfield. In 1825 the western part was permitted to transaet business in Peoria. altho it was not an actual part of that county. In 1827 Tazewell county was created and originally em- braced all of what is now Woodford. Tazewell was named in honor of Governor Lyttleton W. Tazewell, a prominent lawyer, representative in congress and member of the United States senate from Virginia. During this period settlers began to come in more rapidly, and in 1830. still another change was made. McLean county was created and the eastern portion of Woodford was given to MeLean. The dividing line between Tazewell and the newly created county was six miles west of the Third Principal Meridian, running along College street Eureka. The new county was named in honor of John McLean. a stalwart pioneer lawyer and territorial judge. lle was the first representative in Con- gress from Illinois, and later United States senator from this state. This was the last change that took place before the passage and approval of the law creating Woodford county in February. 1841. While these events were in progress the county was gradually becoming more thickly settled and at the time of the organization of the county several towns had been started.
Strange as it may seem to us at the present day the timber lands were the first choice of the pioneer, who was free to choose the best of the land. The prairies were shun-
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EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
ned as giving little hope of productive returns. Most of the settlers came from wooded regions and had learned to love the timber. Years after the first settlement was made the pioneer still made his home in the wooded lands. He was not without reason for elinging to the timber, for the woods furnished logs for his cabin, fuel for his fire, and material for his fences; while the prairies with their rank grasses, great sloughs and ponds did not furnish an inviting prospect. Only by the success of the more daring were the people induced to take government lands on the prairie.
The first actual settlement that was of a permanent nature was made in the carly 20's, altho a man named Bleylock was in the county as early as 1819. The first settlers found him living Indian fashion, spending his time hunting and fishing. He had a family and lived in the region of Partridge and Spring Bay townships. There is so much uncertainty about this man as to create a doubt as to whether his name was William or George Bleylock. He was soon followed by settlers of a more permanent character. During the next few years numerous emigrants came who were the foundation of a prosperous settlement. Situated near the river, which furnished the easiest and quickest means of travel, it was natural that the settlements in the vicinity of Spring Bay should grow. In 1822 William Blanchard, who came from Vermont, crossed the Illinois and began to farm on this side of the stream. IIe built his cabin just across the line in Tazewell county. This is said to have been the first house between Fort Clark, afterward called Peoria, and Chicago. At a later date Mr. Blanchard became a resident of Spring Bay township. The next year a cabin was erected within the boundary of Woodford by a Mr. Darby. This cabin was probably the first erected in the actual limits of the county, and was built in 1823. The next decade witnessed a slow but no less certain growth. Horace, Austin, and Joseph Crocker came from Columbi: county, New York, and at once identified themselves with movements for the growth of the settlement. Horace and
14
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
Austin Crocker were interested in the creetion of the first mill operated by water power in the west end, altho not the first in the county. A mill was a very essential part of the early settlement. Means of communication with the outside world were so meager as to cause the settler to depend on- firely on the local mill for the grinding of his wheat and eoin. The news of the movement for a new mill was hailed with great satisfaction, altho there had been a small mill operated by horse power there before. Allen and Thomas Donohue were at one time interested in this mill, but it finally passed into the hands of Rowland Crocker, and for more than half a century it was an important factor in the business life of Spring Bay. The building was finished in 1834. Later William Hoshor erected what was known far and wide as Hoshor's mill. The owner came to Woodford county with his brother Jefferson in 1830 from Fairfield. Ohio. This mill enjoyed an extensive business for many years.
Four other points in the county were of almost as carly settlement as was the west side. Metamora. Panther, Wal- nut and White Oak Groves. Clustering around the region of Metamora, or Hanover, as it was first called, are a great number of historical events that make that vicinity the delight of the historian. About 1823 Daniel, William and Solomon Sowards came to that region from New England and were soon followed by others.
In 1836 the first postoffice in the county was established at Black Partridge, a point three miles north of the present site of the village. The office was named in honor of Black Partridge, an Indian chief whose lodge was at an early date in that neighborhood. It was located in the house of James Boys, who was the first postmaster. The duties of the post- master of that day were not arduous. Very few papers were taken and letters were few and far between. Postage stamps Had not come into use, and the postage was usually paid by the recipient of a letter. Rates were high, and it was some- times a serious matter to get a letter from the office. A little
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EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
later an office was opened at Park's mill about a mile from Metamora, with William Davenport as postmaster. This was finally called Partridge Point, altho Hanover seems to have been the name first selected. The name of the Indian chief was again honored. At a later date this office was ro- moved to the village by R. T. Cassell.
While these events were in progress in the west end, similar events were taking place in Walnut Grove, which embraced the territory around Eureka. These were timbered lands along Walnut creek. Its wooded hills proved an in- viting prospeet for the pioneer, and about 1824 Joseph Dil- lon found his way to that region and began farming. That was but the beginning of a migratory movement that had Walnut Grove as its destination. Many of these settlers were from Kentucky. Some came because of their dislike of slavery, others came in the hope of bettering their con- dition. By 1832 there were a sufficient number there to or- ganize a church, and the Christian church was formed, with 13 members. Southeast of Walnut Grove, along Panther creek was another point of settlement. In 1830 William and Campbell Moore came to the region afterward known as Bowling Green. They at once prepared for the erection of a mill on the bank of Panther creek. This was a short dis- tance from where the town was afterward laid out, and was the first water mill built in the county.
White Oak Grove was settled in 1828. Located near what became the boundary line between Woodford and Me- Lean counties, its history is closely connected with that of the latter. Robert and Samuel Phillips were the first comers to that region, but they were soon followed by others who established themselves and began farming.
The next decade witnessed the arrival of numerous settlers from the older states or from older portions of Illi- nois. This paved the way for the opening of stores. Towns were at that time widely scattered. Grain was frequently taken to Peoria, Pekin, and even to Chicago. It was some time after the first settlement was made before a store was
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HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
opened. In 1836 Solomon Tucker opened one at Hanover. His example was shortly afterward followed by Israel and Weeks. The year following James and Aaron Richardson opened a store in Bowling Green. Shortly afterward Dur- ritt and Calloway began business in Versailles.
In 1840 Scott and Munn opened a grain office at Spring Bay. This gave the county for the first time a direet means of transportation for their grain on the river boats. It made Spring Bay a point of importance among the carly settlers and it held a prominent place for many years.
CHAPTER II. The West End.
T HIE history of the west side of the county embraces Spring Bay, Partridge and Worth townships. Bordered on the west by the Illinois river, its area is hilly and wood clad. For several miles east of the river the roads are wind- ing and its scenery is picturesque. Years before the feet of the white man touched this region, it was occupied by Indian tribes, and these have left on that territory the un- mistakable evidence of their occupation. When their white brothers came to the country, they still found scattered representatives of Indian tribes, among these were the Pot- tawotamies, Saes, Foxes and Ottawas. The timber lands offered protection from the fierce storms that swept unim- peded over the wide prairies, at the same time they furnished an abundance of game to satisfy the cager hunter. The broad waters of the Illinois invited him to its banks, open- ing the way for his canoe and supplying him with fish. The springs, which abounded, furnished an abundance of pure water. The region offered him an ideal retreat.
This part of the county is rich in relies of a previous ocenpation. A number of mounds are found in Partridge and Spring Bay townships that were without question thrown up by those who possessed the country in by-gone days. Near Spring Bay on Mrs. Gunther's property is found a very perfect specimen of a mound. It covers quite a large area, and it is almost perfectly rounded at the top. It has never been opened, in deference to the wishes of the owner who desires to preserve it as it is. The origin of these mounds is in dispute, some claim that they
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HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
were built by the so-called mound builders of prehistoric times, while others believe that they were the work of the Indians themselves. The contents of the mounds thus far explored indicate that they were of Indian origin. The question is, however, on open one.
An Indian graveyard extends north and south thru the village of Spring Bay. From what is seen of this grave- yard. they appear to have buried their dead in trenches about two feet in depth. In digging cellars or excavating for foundations along the line of this graveyard, Indian skeletons are frequently found.
This region was the scene of the first settlement made within the boundary of Woodford county. The site was selected by the pioneer because of its proximity to the river. It was but a short time after the coming of the first settlers that new comers began to arrive from the older states, and from the shores of Europe. Germany and France sent many loyal, sturdy settlers from their shores to Woodford county. Many of these came to New Orleans, and ascended the Mis- sissippi and Hlinois rivers to the landings near the western borders of Spring Bay or Partridge. Others came to Chi- cago. and pushed their way to county borders. These people possessed the perseverance and sterling integrity that made them the foundation of the county's true greatness. No more loyal, patriotic citizens of America have been found than these pioneers and their descendents.
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