USA > Illinois > Marshall County > Records of the olden time; or, Fifty years on the prairies. Embracing sketches of the discovery, exploration and settlement of the country, the organization of the counties of Putnam and Marshall, biographies of citizens, portraits and illustrations > Part 1
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > Records of the olden time; or, Fifty years on the prairies. Embracing sketches of the discovery, exploration and settlement of the country, the organization of the counties of Putnam and Marshall, biographies of citizens, portraits and illustrations > Part 1
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79
IN
REC
OF THE
RDS
M
The Bancroft Library
University of California · Berkeley THE PETER AND ROSELL HARVEY MEMORIAL FUND
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from Microsoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/recordsofoldenti00ellsrich
HOW'S E129
M2 4-
DOMANI PAIM Y CHAPIM.
July 21th,
RECORDS
OF
THE OLDEN TIME
OR,
FIFTY YEARS ON THE PRAIRIES.
EMBRACING
SKETCHES OF THE DISCOVERY, EXPLORATION AND SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTRY,
THE
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTIES OF PUTNAM AND MARSHALL, INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES CONNECTED TIIERE- WITH, BIOGRAPHIES OF CITIZENS, POR- TRAITS AND ILLUSTRATIONS.
BY SPENCER ELLSWORTH.
.
LACON, ILL. HOME JOURNAL STEAM PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT. MDCCCLXXX.
Printed by
Spencer Ellsworth,
Lacon, III.
1
1
PREFACE.
In the following pages we have endeavored to trace the early settle- ment of that portion of our State embraced in the counties of Putnam and Marshall, gathering up the forgotten records of each township and neighborhood, and telling for the benefit of their descendants the story of the brave men and women who wrested their homes from the savage, and turned a desert into the fairest land that beams beneath the sun.
It is not a "history," and does not claim to be, nor should it be judged as such, but in its pages we have sought to tell in plain, simple language, the story of our ancestors' lives, and string together for the amusement and instruction of their descendants the incidents and happenings- solemn, grotesque or ludicrous as they were-that made up the warp and woof of their daily existence.
The old settlers are fast passing away. Many prominent actors in the scenes here depicted have paid the debt of nature, and the story of their lives is well nigh forgotten. But a few years more, and we shall see the last of that noble band carried to their final home. Much that is valuable has already passed into oblivion, and to rescue what remains has been our study. 'The faithfulness with which it has been per- formed can best be judged by the public.
At the outset of our task it was found that to reconcile dates and even statements of the same occurrence was impossible. Our sole depend- ence was restricted to the uncertain memory of a few feeble men and women, who had reached the stage of life when the "grasshopper is a bur- den," and forgetfulness is courted rather than deprecated. Human nature is weak, and forty years of slowly revolving time dims the brightest images graven on the tablets of the mind. At first we strove to reconcile these conflicting variations and strike a balance of probabilities, but the task was so hopeless that it was abandoned, and the plan adopted of giv- ing each statement as received and allowing it to pass for what it was
ix.
worth. Circumstances have compelled a more hurried preparation of the literary portion of the work than was intended or desirable, but such as it is we send it forth.
Success in life is not the effect of accident or of chance; it is the result of the intelligent application of certain fixed principles to the affairs of every day. Each man must make this application according to the circum- stances by which he is surrounded, and he can derive no better assistance or encouragement in his struggles than from the example of those whose advantages were meagre and worthless compared with ours. He who peruses the records of those early pioneers will surely find principles which he can safely carry into his own life and use for his own advancement.
In these latter days, when every acre nearly is appropriated by the husbandman or covered with thriving towns and cities, it seems strange to read of the trials of those who first broke the soil and opened the way for them that followed. It seems so far back when these incidents oc- curred that one can hardly imagine it was only the fathers of the people of to-day of whom we write.
With every comfort the mind of man can devise, with every want supplied by the creations of these later years, we look back upon the lives of our nearest ancestors as tales of an olden time, coeval almost with the days when "Adam delved and Eve span." But those deeds of hero- ism, those days of toil, those nights of danger were all experienced, were all accomplished by the sires whose descendants we are.
There lives to-day but a remnant of that pioneer band, fast drifting on to the confines of time, where they shall leave behind forever the recol- lections of those early days, and pass beyond into the glorious rewards of their trials and sorrows. But their good deeds will live after them; they will not be "interred with their bones." The record of their lives is the property of their descendants, and in the pages of this volume we shall endeavor to tell their story so that "he who runs may read," and take · some useful lessons from the experience of those gone before.
In conclusion we desire to thank all who have aided in furnishing the information desired. Everywhere we met nothing but kindness, and gladly would we name them, were it not that it would involve another volume to contain them all. Individually they are due, and we desire to thank J. G. Armstrong, who industriously assisted in collecting and col- lating our information; the Revs. J. G. Evans, Price and Bruce; John
x
Bettis, of Truckee, Cal .; Jas. G. Allen, of Omaha; Thomas Judd, of Evans ; Nathaniel Smith, of Nineveh, N. Y .; and the Hon. G. L. Fort; also Frank B. Hazleton, of Chicago, overseer of the mechanical part, who has patiently and faithfully performed his work; and finally the com- positors, one and all, who assisted in its preparation. We desire likewise to express our indebtedness to Henry A. Ford's "History of Marshall and Putnam Counties," "Ford's History of Illinois," N. M. Matson's "Reminis- cences of Bureau County," Baldwin's "History of La Salle County," and A. N. Ford for access to his newspaper files.
As regards the literary value of the work we have nothing to say, and do not now expect to see it appreciated; but there will assuredly come a time when the information laboriously sought and perhaps clumsily giren will be valued, and then our labors. will be appreciated.
THE AUTHOR.
xi.
.
CONTENTS.
DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. PAGES.
CHAPTER [ .- Christopher Columbus-His Theory, Plans and Difficulties-First and Second Voyages, and Discovery of the West Indies-Other Explorers-Third Voyage of Columbus-Americus Vespucci- . Honor to whom honor is due 17- 19
CHAPTER II .- Evidences of Former Discovery-Icelandic Explorations from A. D. 986 to 1437-Herjulfson, Lief Erickson. I horwald Erickson, Thorfin Karlsefne-Relics of Icelandic Occupancy .. 20- 21
THE VALLEY OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
CHAPTER III .- The Garden Spot of the World-The Father of Waters Discovered by the Spaniards-Ex- plorations of Ponce de Leon, Narvaez and De Soto-Other Spanish Expeditions. 22- 26
SETTLEMENT OF CANADA.
CHAPTER IV .- French Fishermen in Newfoundland-French Explorations-Cortereal, Cartier, Le Jeune, Marquette, Nicolet-Discovery of the St. Lawrence-Founding Catholic Missions-Voyage down the Mississippi and up the Illinois. 27-35
CHAPTER V .- Cavalier de La Salle and his explorations-Hospitality of the Natives-Dangers and Hard- ships Encountered-Father Hennepin, his Religious Zeal and Intrepid Courage. 35- 42
CHAPTER VI .- Further Explorations of La Salle-Down the Mississippi to its mouth-A mid-winter trip 43- 48 through Illinois-Starved Rock fortified.
PRE-HISTORIC RACES.
CHAPTER VII .- The Mound Builders-Evidences of their Civilization, Occupations and Characteristics - Mounds and Earthworks in Putnam and Marshall Counties .. 49~ 51
ABORIGINES AND EARLY SETTLERS.
CHAPTER VIII .- The Indians-Their Habits, Customs, Characteristics, Religion and Superstitions-In- dians of Putnam and Marshall Counties. 52-58
CHAPTER IX .- First Permanent settlement of Illionis-Early French Settlers-Kaskaskia in 1763-The County of Illinois-Mikes and Jakes-Peoria in 1778. 59-65
CHAPTER X .- The Massacre at Fort Dearborn-Gen. Hull orders the Fort evacuated-Implacable Hostility 66- 70 of the Indians-Heroism of the Women-Murder of the wounded after the surrender.
CHAPTER X1 .- Destruction of Peoria-Isolated condition of the People-Dastardly Conduct of Capt. Craig and his "Troops"-Hospitality of the Indian Chief Gomo .. 71- 73 CHAPTER XIJ .- Extermination of the Buffalo-Frozen by thousands and Suffocated in Droves-Father Buche's Description of a Buffalo Hunt and his Narrow Escape from Death 74-75
ILLINOIS BECOMES A STATE.
CHAPTER XIII .- The Compact of Freedom-Indian Territory and the "Vinsain Legislater"-The Territory of Illinois-First Legislature and First Governor-Admission as a State-The Randolph County Cove- nanters-The first Wedding. 76-78
PUTNAM COUNTY.
CHAPTER XIV .- Earliest Settlers-First Honses-Boundaries of the Connty-Location of the County Seat -First Election-County Offices and Incumbents-Court House and Jail-Ferry and Ferry Rates- Revenues, Surveys, etc.,-Division of the County-Early Records. 79- 97
xiii.
THE BLACK HAWK WAR.
CHAPTER XV .- The Treaty of 1804-Character of Black Hawk-Beginning of Hostilities-Fruitless Cam- PAGES. paigu of General Gaines-A Brief Peace and Renewal of Hostilities. 98-104
CHAPTER XVI .- Disastrous Defeat of Major Stillman-Narrative of E. S. Jones-Particpants in the Still- man Campaign since Famous-Incidents of the Defeat-Shaubena's Friendly Warning-Savage Cru- elty of the Indians, and Shameless Indignities upon the bodies of murdered Females ... 105-112
CHAPTER XVII .- The Captivity of Sylvia and Rachel Hall-Their Treatment by the Indians, and Final Ransom -Other Fiendish Murders and Outrages by the Indians. 115-120
CHAPTER XVIII .- The Militia called out- Muster Rolls of Putnam Connty Volunteers-Measures taken for Local Defense-The Murder of Elijah Phillips-Death of Adam Payne ... 121-127
CHAPTER XIX .- Continuation of the Campaign -Murder of S. Vrain-Attack by Black Hawk upon Apple River Fort, and its vigorous and successful defense by the brave little garrison-Battle of Pecatonica -Instances of Individual Heroism. 128-138
CHAPTER XX .- Captain Stephenson's Desperate Skirmish . . A Spirited Campaign Inaugurated-Black Hawk Driven Northwest-Burnt Village- the Bad Lands of Wisconsin-Improvidence of the Volunteers- . Operations Suspended to Procure Supplies 137-142
CHAPTER XXI .- A New Disposition of Forces-Insubordination at the Ontset-Treacherous Guides-1 Forced March-Rapid Retreat of the Indians, and a Vigorons Pursuit-Brought to Bay and Badly- Whipped-Indians Retreat by Night across the Wisconsin River-Pursuit, and Battle of Bad Axe- Treaty of Peace Signed-Death of Black Hawk. 143-154
HENNEPIN TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XXII .- Topography -The City of Hennepin-Old Time Records-Pioneers-The Ferry-Stage Lines-Religous Organizations -. Schools-Benevolent Societies-Buel Institute - Mills. 155-176
CHAPTER XXIII. - Incidents and Anec dotes-Great Snows-Odd Characters-A Negro sold under the Vag- rant Act-Hard for Bachelors-A Preacher Answered- Ont of Meat-A Wolf Story-A Still Hnnt-A Starved Recruit-Jail Burned-A Pioneer Express-Indians Outwitted-Fastidious Travelers-The Indian's Ride. 177-191
CHIAPTER XXIV .- A Noted Rnrglary-Discovery, Pursuit and Capture of the Burglars-Brazen Condnot 192-197 ot Molly Holbrook-Escape and Re-capture of the Prisoners.
CHAPTER XXV .- Union Grove-First Seitless-Schools-An Early Bible Society-A Pioneer's Story-The First Church-The Village of Florid-Fort Cribs- Newspapers of Putnam County 198-206
MAGNOLIA TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XXVI .- General Description-Railroads-The Earliest Settlers-The Village of Magnolia-The Society of Friends-The Old School House-Jeremiah Strawn's Fort. 207-217
CHAPTER XXVII .- The Good Old Times-Joys and Sorrows of Pioneer Life-Social Customs and Domes- tic Economy-Wages and Cost of Living-Strawn's Prairie-Robbery of Jerimiah Strawn -Birch's Con- fession-Aaron Payne - Pioneer Plows-Recollections of Mrs. Geo. Hiltabrand. 218-231
CHAPTER XXVIII. - Benjamin Lundy, Philanthropist and Abolitionist-Efforts in Behalf of Universal Emancipation-Old Time "Shivarees"-Stealing a Squaw-Indian Neighbors-An Indian Sign of Peace-A Girl who wanted to Marry. 232-245
CHAPTER XXIX .- Ox Bow Prairie-Early Settlers-David Boyle's Primitive Cabin-Hard Times-Indian Alarms-Game-Wolf Hunts-The Devil Turned Informer-Misplaced Confidence 246-251
CHAPTER XXX -Old Mills of Magnolia and Vicinity-The First Orchard-The Great Snow-Incidents of the Sudden Freeze-An Underground Railway Station-Hunting Stories-Home-made Cloth-The Village of Mt. Palatine-Churches-Accidents and Incidents-An Immense Pigeon Roost ...... ...... 252-265
SENACHWINE TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XXXI .- Topography and General Description-Early Settlers-First Religious Services-Senach- wine's Indian Village-Indians at Senachwine's Grave-How a Woman Shot a Deer-Senachwine Branch U. G. Railway-The Murder of McKee-Sickness-Old Time Surgery 266-275
GRANVILLE TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XXXII. - Topography-First Settlers -The Village of Granville-Churches-Labors in behalf of Education-Granville Academy-Old School Houses-An Obliging framp-The Hopkin's Tragedy- . The Ramsay Tragedy-Lynching of " Joe Smith "-Murder of Dowhower-Lost on the Prairie-Aneo- dotes, Incidents, Etc .. 276-304
xiv.
MARSHALL COUNTY.
PAGES.
CHAPTER XXXIII .- Organization of the County-Selecting a County Seat -- Topography of the County- Election ot County Officers-County Con missionera' Court-Attempt to Impeach County Clerk Sban- non-Revenue from Taxes-Organization of Townships-Early Records-Court Houses and Jails. .... 307-319 CHAPTER XXXIV .- The Western Air Line Railroad-Miserable Failure of a Grand and Meritorious Pro- ject-Liberal Local Investments in the Capital Stock-President Schenck's Mission in Europe-The 320-321 Enterprise Ruined by the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion.
LACON TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XXXV .- Topography and General Description-The City of Lacon, its Location and Surround- ings-Business Beginnings-Early Settlers-Flouring Mill Built-Ferry Established-Pork Packing- Educational Interests-Lacon Woolen Mill-The Ferry . 322-344
CHAPTER XXXVI .-: 'rganization of the Presbyterian Church in Lacon, and List of Original Members- M. E. Church Organized-successive Pastors of Lacon Circuit and Lacon Station-1 he Baptist Church of Lacon-Catholic Church-Congregational Church-Episcopal Church-Benevolent Societies-News- papers-The Bar-Lacon in the War . 345-356
CHAPTER XXXVII .- Crow Creek and Vicinity -- First Settlers-Crow Creek Mills- Crow Creek Council- " Free State "- An Old Pioneer- An Incident of the Black Hawk War-Wild Hogs-An Indian Riot- Frozen to Death-Cy Bowles and Big Bill Hoover 357-370
HENRY TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XXXVIII .- General Description-Pioneers of the Township-The Town of Henry-Early Im- provements-Religions Organizations of Henry-Educational Institutions-Benevolent Societies- Newspapers of Henry-Crow Meadow Prairie-Dorchester-Webster-Hooper Warren-Incidents and Items. 371-390
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP.
CHAFTER XXXIX .- General Description-Pioneer Settlers-The First School House-Saw and Grist Mills -An Old-time Preacher-Friendly Neighbors-Mrs. White's Long Tramp-Game-Incidents and Mis- cellaneous Items. 393-402
ROBERTS TOWNSHIP.
CHIAPTER Xi ..- Topography -- Shipping Facilities-Early Settlers-Varna-Churches of Varna-Lyons- Jesse T. Roberts-James Hoyt-Shaw's Point-Chicago as a Grain Market in '29-Pioneer Fruit Cul- ture-Forts-Frozen to Death-Thefts and Robberies-ADen of Wolves-A Night of Terror-Snakes- Ague-Incidents 403-421
BELLE PLAIN TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XLI .- Description and Origin of the Name-Old Settlers-The First Schools-La Rose-Pattons- burg-Churches of Pattonsberg-Births, Deaths and Marriages-Indians-A Horse plays Detective- Hydrophobia-Horse Stealing-Accidents and Incidents. 422-433
BENNINGTON TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XLII .- Organization and Topography-Rutland-Antioch Church-Geological Puzzles- \ Tor- nado-A Deer Hunt During the Deep Snow of 1854-Losing a Midwife. 434-439
EVANS TOWNSHIP.
CHIAPIER XLIII .- General Description-Pioneers-Survey of Lands-Other Settlers-Valuable Improve-
. ments- l'horoughbred Cattle and Blooded Horses-Sandy Precinct-Politics-Churches-Schools- Wenona-Schools of Wenona-Benevolent Societies-Churches of Wenona-Wenona Union Fair- Evans Station-Incidents and Items-Newspapers .. 440-463
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XLIV .- Topography-Round Prairie-First Settlers-Col. John Strawn-Bell's Tavern-Early Schools-Phelps Chapel-The Barnes and Dever Fort-John Wier-The Murder of McNeil-First Funeral in Marsball County-Rapid Growth of Timber-Nathan Owen's Grave Yard-Anecdotes and Inciden's. 464-490
LA PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XLV .- Description-The Banner Township-How Named-First Settlers-Schools-Edwin S. Jones-Churches of the Township-The Town Hall-Stages-Lawn Ridge-Chambersburg-Troy City -Lost and Frozen in the Snow-Mystery of Mike Wyley-Sad Death of Widow Evans-Mysterious Disappearance of Willis-Wolf Hunting-The U. G. R. R .- A Scotchman's Apostacy-Patriotic Citi- zens-Accidents and Incidents. 491-516
XV.
SARATOGA TOWNSHIP.
PAGES.
CHAPTER XLVI .- Topography and General Description-Saratoga Lake-First Settlers-War Record of Saratoga Township-A Mirage on the Prairie-Centreville. 517-521
WHITEFIELD TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XLVII .- General Description-First Settlers-Religious Societies-Schools-Reeves, the Ontlaw, and his Gang-Their Expulsion and Subseqent History-The Murder of James Shirt-Incidents and Miscellaneous Items .. 522-538
1
STEUBEN TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XLVIII. - Hlow Named-Description of the Township-Early Settlers-The Old Schools-Relig- ious Items-Indians of Sparland anu Vicinity-Scalped by Indians-Doc. Allen-Anecdotes and In- cidents. 539-554
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.
CHAPTER XLIX .- Slavery in the Colomes-Early Efforts to Extingnish the System -Rapid growth of Pub- lic Sentiment-Pioneers in the Cause of Emancipation-Anecdotes and Incidents-The "agents" of the Road. 555-573
THE INDIANS.
CHAPTER L .- Black Partridge-Illinois Indians in the War of 1812-The Hunter Ilermit of Crow Creek- Shick Shack and his Tribe-Indians making Sugar. 574 - 584
THE ILLINOIS RIVER.
CHAPTER LI .- Early Steamboating-Terror with which the first Steamboat Inspired the Indians-Keel
and Flatboating.
585-587
THE GRAVES TRAGEDY.
CHAPTER 1.II .- The Reed and Donner Party-Overwhelmed in a Snow Storm in the Sierra Nevada Moun- tains-Death of John Snyder-Other Deaths from Starvation and Exposure-A Forlorn Hope .... 588-601
CHAPTER LIII .- Continuation of the Narrative of the Graves Tragedy-Ilorrible Suffering at Starved Camp-A Relief Party organized for the Rescue of the Survivors. 602-610
CHAPTER LIV .- The Narrative of the Graves Tragedy continued-A Mother at Starved Camp. 611-618
CHAPTER LV .- Continuation of the Narrative of the Graves Tragedy-The Rescne-Arrival of Capt. Fal- lon's Relief Party-The Awful Spectacle which met their sight-Keseburg's Statement-The Sur- vivors.
.. 619-632
BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT,
Hennepin Township. Putnam County
635-653
Magnolia
..
654-662
Granville
.
663- 670
Senachwine
..
671-680
Lacon ..
Marshall
681-695
Henry
66
.6
696-707
Evans
..
..
708-728
Hopewell
..
729-793
Roberta
..
..
..
734-737
Belle Plain 60
738-799
Bennington ..
..
..
740-741
Richland 4.
..
742-743
La Prairie
06
744-750
Steuben
751-756
Saratoga
757-758
Whitefield
. .
759-769
APPENDIX .- Sandy Creek O. S. Baptist Church-Clear Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church-Eman- uel Church of Granville - Mt. Palatine Congregational Church-First Baptist Church of Lacon-Onm- berland Presbyterian Church of Evans Township-Bethel Church, Steuben-Sparland-Additional Biographies 765-771 ERRATA 772
xvi.
١
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RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME;
-OR, -
:
FIFTY YEARS ON THE PRAIRIES. -
.
DISCOVERY OF AMERICA,
-
CHAPTER I.
VOYAGES OF COLUMBUS.
N the 14th of October, 1492, Christopher Columbus, a Genoese mariner in the service of the King of Spain, while sailing westward in search of a new route to the Indies, discovered the island of San Salvador, then believed to be a new con- tinent. This voyage of Columbus, in its results of so vast importance to the civilized world, was inspired by a firm belief in the theory of the earth's rotundity, and an enthusi- astic desire to demonstrate its correctness; for though in the year 1356, one hundred and thirty-six years before, Sir John Mande- ville, in the first English book ever written, had advanced this idea, and clearly proved its correctness by astronomical observations and deductions of remarkable accuracy; and though others had vaguely entertained a similar belief, none possessed the hardihood to attempt its practical demon- stration. For ten years Columbus, an enthusiast upon the subject, aban- doning his profession, had traveled from court to court throughout Europe, seeking a patron of intelligence, enterprise and means, and finally succeeded in securing for his plans the earnest sympathy and approval of the noble Isabella, Queen of Castile, and her husband Ferdinand, King of Spain, through whose material aid he was enabled to test the correctness of his views.
Immediately upon the result of this wonderful expedition becoming known, different nations vied with each other in endeavors to advance their knowledge of this strange land, and each sought to secure to itself
18
RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME ..
the greatest possible advantages to be derived from 'conquering, subduing and colonizing the new world. To Columbus was due the honor of finding, if not the lost and long sought Atlantis, what was of greater consequence, - vast countries, destined in time to contain half the popula- tion of the whole earth. While he discovered San Salvador, Cuba, Hayti and Jamaica-the rich West Indies-he merely got a glimpse of South America, at the mouth of the Orinoco, and never saw any portion of the northern half of the continent, the future seat of empire of the new world. Though he was the actual discoverer of the Western Hemisphere, to which his name should have been given, he was denied that honor. He first landed upon San Salvador, after which he visited Conception, Cuba and Hayti. On the shores of the Bay of Caracola, in the last-named island, was erected out of the timbers of one of his vessels a fort, the first struc- ture built by white men in the new world.
While correct in his opinions regarding the figure of the earth, Colum- bus made a great mistake in his estimate of its size, believing it to be not more than ten or twelve thousand miles in circumference; and. upon this assumption he was confident that by this route he could reach, -if, in- deed, he had not already reached-China and the East Indies. Encour- aged by his partial success, in September of 1493 he sailed on a second voyage, which resulted in the discovery of the Windward group of islands. On this voyage, also, he established a colony in Hayti, appointing his brother Governor.
After an absence of three years, he returned to Spain, to find himself the victim of jealousies and suspicions, but so far overcame them as to organize another expedition. On this third voyage he discovered Trinidad and the main land of South America at the mouth of the Orinoco. Sailing thence to Hayti, he found his colony in disorder, his brother deposed, and was himself seized by Bobadilla, the usurping Governor, and sent to Spain in irons. A disgraceful imprisonment followed, but through the influence of friends he was liberated and sent on his fourth and last voyage. He coasted along the main shore of South America for some time, but disap- pointed in the object of his search-a route to the East Indies-he re- turned to Spain, and soon after died, a broken-hearted old man.
After Columbus, the work of discovery was prosecuted with untiring energy. One of his captains was Americus Vespucci, who in 1499 visited the main land and coasted along its shores for several leagues; but beyond demonstrating that the land to the west of the Windward group of islands
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