USA > Illinois > Randolph County > A directory, business mirror, and historical sketches of Randolph County > Part 8
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1818 .- BENEDICT HARREL was added to the O'Hara Settlement in 1818; CORNELIUS and THOMAS HARREL now living in the same neighborhood are his sons.
1818 .- JOHN BREWER, another emigrant from Ken- tucky, came to the O'Hara Settlement in 1818. He brought with him six sons-THOMAS, FELIX, VINCENT, GEORGE, PIUS, and JOHN, all of whom became impor- tant constituents of the community. JOHN once filled the office of County Commissioner, and is now a Justice of the Peace.
1818 .- The HULL family arrived in the O'Hara set- tlement in 1818. They were from Kentucky-four brothers-NORTON, SAMUEL, LEWIS, and THOMAS. NOR- TON HULL was a conspicuous man, having conferred upon him the office of Captain of a militia company. Ife and his brother SAMUEL died where they located. THOMAS and LEWIS died in Pike County.
1818 .- In this year, Rev. SILAS CRISLER, from Boone County, Kentucky, arrived in Illinois, and made a farm six miles east of Kaskaskia, not far from the Harmon Settlement. Possessing strong natural faculties, a large amount of kindness and generosity, and some eccentricity, he became widely known, and highly esteemed. Much of his time was devoted to his sacred calling. Gravel Creek Church, of which he was the founder and pastor for many years, was among the first Baptist churches in Illinois. He died in 1851. His three sons-ABEL, LEONARD and JOHN are all living,
108
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
having been highly respected citizens of the county dur- ing life.
1818 .- AMASA ALDRICH, a native of Worcester Coun- ty, Massachusetts, came to Kaskaskia, in 1818. He remained a few years, and then located upon a farm two miles north of Chester, in a region around which there were no settlements near. He was the pioneer of his settlement. In 1853 he died, having lived to see the country around changed from a wild into a thickly settled and highly cultivated district.
1819 .- ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, from Tennessee, came to the Irish Settlement in 1819. He remained here a few years, then removed to a farm near the Bowerman Settlement. He was a quiet, good, industrious citizen, and died in 1827, leaving a large family. His sons were EDWARD, JOHN, ANDREW, WILLIAM and ALEXAN- DER. The latter three are dead. EDWARD lives near his father's old place. Has been County Commissioner and Justice of the Peace. In 1838, JOHN CAMPBELL was elected to the office of Sheriff, and continued in that position ten successive years; was afterwards elected Judge of the County Court, then Sheriff again; and he now holds the office of Judge of the County Court.
1819 .- ELI SHORT was an emigrant from Kentucky. He settled on the eastern edge of the prairie which bears his name, and lived there until his death, in 1844. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, having enlisted in a Kentucky regiment, and was at the celebrated bat- tle of Tippecanoe, where he received a wound, from which he never fully recovered. He drew a pension as long as he lived. Seeing the want of Gospel ministers in the new country, he commenced preaching, and con- tinued to discharge the duties of his holy office until he
109
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.
died. His oldest son, ABRAHAM, remained in Ken- tucky, and died there. Three others came with him to Illinois. DENARD SHORT settled near his father, and died in 1830. JOHN is still living, and occupies a farm two miles east of Steelesville." JEFFERSON SHORT went out in the campaign against the Indians in the Black Hawk war, and was killed.
1819 .- DAVID HATHORN came from Ohio, and settled first near the present location of Evansville. In 1825, he located in the southern end of Oppossumden Prai- rie, where he remained until his death. He was a good citizen, and bore the part of a high-minded, generous man. His sons were SAMUEL, JAMES, THOMAS, DAVID, and WILLIAM, of whom JAMES alone is living.
1819 .- JAMES BAIRD, from Ohio, came in 1819, and settled the place three miles south of Sparta, now occu- pied by ALEXANDER WYLIE. In his younger days he was strong, athletic, and a leading man. He is now in the sere of life, and his friends are as numerous as his acquaintances. One of his sons, JOHN BAIRD, is Judge of the County Court of Perry County.
1819 .- ADANIJAH BALL made a settlement upon Rock Castle Creek, in 1819-penetrating a little farther into the wilderness. He lived and died in that region. One of his sons, FRANKLIN BALL, became a prominent man, and once represented the county in the General Assem- bly. He died in 1856.
1819 .- ARTHUR PARKS came out from Kentucky in the spring of 1819, and cultivated a crop during the summer. In the fall he returned and brought his family. He made a farm on the eastern end of Lively Prairie, where he spent the remainder of his life, which. closed in 1844. Possessed of a strong, practical mind, and discriminating judgment, he was a man in whom'
10
110
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
the people placed confidence. He once held the office of County Commissioner, and was a Justice of the Peace for a great number of years. He had eight sons, four of whom are now citizens of the county; JAMES B. PARKS, of Sparta, who has held the office of County Surveyor; JOHN PARKS, of Chester; ARTHUR and AL- FRED, who live upon the farm of their father.
1819 .- GEORGE STRATTON came in 1819, and settled in the American Bottom. Soon afterwards he bought the land on which that part of Chester situated upon the hill now stands, and made a farm which embraced what is now known as the Buena Vista Addition.
1819 .- ISAAC RUST, a native of Maine, who had spent several years at sea, came to Kaskaskia in 1819. After remaining a few years, he went to sea again, and spent a year upon the "Ocean Wave;" then returned and located permanently in Kaskaskia. He was a wagon maker, and introduced au improved style of that vehicle among the people of that village. In 1836, he purchased and moved upon the farm two miles east of Chester, where he now lives. Firmness, decision, in- dustry and generosity are the leading traits of his character. He is the main pillar of the community around him, and often neighborhood difficulties are referred to him for adjudication. The appeal of want never reached his ear without a cheerful response.
1819 .- SHELTON EVANS and LEVI SIMMONS, settled on the point below Kaskaskia in 1819, or probably before that date. In 1825 they moved and located permanently in Horse Prairie. EMANUEL EVANS, living near Red Bud, is a son of SHELTON EVANS. LEVI SIMMONS left a large family. One of his sons, WILLIAM SIMMONS, Was a joint proprietor of Red Bud.
1820 .- ROBERT BRATNEY came from Tennessee to
111
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.
the Irish Settlement, in 1820. His life was that of an industrious farmer, good citizen, and generous neigh- bor. But one of his sons came to this county with him. He settled upon Plumb Creek, and lived a long and useful life in that community. He was the father of JOHN B., ROBERT N. and JAMES C. BRATNEY, all citizens of the same neighborhood where their father lived and died. JOHN. B. BRATNEY holds the office of Justice of the Peace.
1820 .- MARTIN SMITH, an emigrant from the State of New York, came to the county in 1820. The greater part of his life was spent in Randolph County. His only surviving son, JOIIN S. SMITH, now well advanced in years, lives two miles from Chester, on the Plank Road. He improved this farm more than thirty years ago, and he has spent his life thus far upon it. He is a quiet, industrious, intelligent, good citizen, and an ac- commodating neighbor.
1820 .- JOHN THOMISON made a farm in 1820, four miles west of Sparta, where he lived several years: Towards the close of his life he spent his time with his children, in Short's Prairie. GEORGE THOMISON, a highly respected citizen and merchant of Steelesville, is a son of JOHN THOMISON.
1820 .- Mr. ADAMS, from Kentucky, settled in Horse Prairie, about the year 1820. He was an excellent representative of the Kentucky pioneers. His son, SAMUEL B. ADAMS, is a prominent citizen of that prairie, and has filled the office of Associate Justice of the County Court. He now holds the office of Justice of the Peace.
1820 .- About the year 1820, the McDILLS-THOMAS, WILLIAM, and JOHN, settled in the region around the present city of Sparta. They became the leading men
112
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
of that part of the county. THOMAS McDILL is yet living at an extreme old age, an admirable representa- tive of a past generation. He made a farm one mile and a half west of the location of Sparta, and has lived upon it ever since. WILLIAM and JOHN settled in Flat Prairie, where they lived, highly esteemed citi- zens, for a long series of years. The descendants of these men are numerous.
1820 .- ALEXANDER ALEXANDER came in the latter part of 1819, or the beginning of 1820. He was from Chester, South Carolina, and located upon a farm one mile south of the locality of Eden. He was the pio- neer of that now populous and wealthy region. His five sons are still living, respectable, industrious citizens like their father. .
1820 .- JOHN and SAMUEL COCHRAN, from Belfast. Maine, arrived in the county in 1820. JOHN first set tled upon the farm now belonging to Mr. DARWIN, near the mouth of Mary's river. Soon afterwards he settled upon the farm now occupied by ISAAC RUST He moved away to Hancock County about the year 1829. ANDREW COCHRAN made the farm two miles and a half from Chester on the plank road, which is occupie .: by the Widow DOUGLAS. He moved to Hancock County about the year 1830.
1820 .- About this year, or probably the year before, DAVID CARTIICART, JOHN DICKEY, and JOHN McMILLEN, came and settled in the lower end of Flat Prairie. The arrival of these three men with their families added much strength to the little settlement, and gave it a prominence and character which induced others to set tle in it. They became influential, highly esteeme ' citizens. Their descendants are now numerous, abd among the best citizens of that region.
113
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.
1521 .- EBENEZER ALEXANDER, from Chester, South Carolina, and JAMES ANDERSON, from Pittsburgh, came to the settlement in the lower end of Flat Prairie, in 1821. Mr. ALEXANDER is still living, having spent nearly forty years of an industrious, useful life in the same neighborhood. He has a large family.
JAMES ANDERSON Was an intelligent, honorable, high- minded citizen, and died much lamented. He left two sons-FRANCIS B. ANDERSON, Esq., of Sparta, who ocenpies a respectable position at the Randolph County Bar, and JAMES ANDERSON, a respectable farmer, living near his father's old place.
1822 .-- This year, SAMUEL DOUGLAS, with JAMES BEAN, THOMAS MCBRIDE, JAMES REDPATH, and some others, made a settlement in Hitchcock Prairie. SAM- UEL DORGLAS came to Ilinois in 1894, with Joux and JAMES ANDERSON. He was then but ten years old. Having reached man's estate, he married and located as previously stated, and became an influential, leading man in his settlement. He once hekl the office of County Commissioner. His five sons-JOHN A., ARCHI- IBALD, GEORGE W .. SAMUEL H., and JAMES T. DOUGLAS, are all living, and their descendants are mimerous.
JAMES COULTER, JOHN and ALEXANDER MCKELVEY, settled in the Grand Cote Prairie, in the northeastern part of the county, in 1822, and were, therefore, the pioneers of that region. They are all still living, hav- ing gathered around them a numerous population. They have always held a respectable position in the community, and stood high in the church.
In the same year. ELISHA, GEORGE, CHARLES, and FORTISS HITCHCOCK, settled in that prairie, from whom it has taken its name. There is none of this family now remaining in the prairie.
*10
114
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
Sometime previous to 1825, WILLIAM GWIN, BURKE, HOUSEMAN, and JAMES GILLESPIE, had settled in the region of the BRADLEYS. The descendants of GWIN are living in the same neighborhood. JOHN K., and THOMAS C. BURKE, sons of the pioneer, are leading men in that community. JAMES M. HOUSEMAN, a respectable farmer in that region, is a son of the pio- neer. JAMES GILLESPIE is still living, and the people of the county have often testified their appreciation of his worth by electing him a member of the County Court. He now holds the position of Associate Jus- tice.
[Thus meeting each pioneer as he arrived, and noting the locality of his settlement, a mirror-like view of the settlement of the county has been presented. It is -difficult to decide at precisely what period of time the immigrants ceased to be pioneers, but reference has been made to them just so long as it was required to settle the various districts or settlements of the county. Omissions have probably occurred; indeed, if they have not, it is remarkable. There may be some inaccuracies respecting dates. The authority which was considered most reliable has been followed, though it has been difficult to decide, in some instances where a difference has occurred, which was entitled to preference.]
Scattering settlements having been made in nearly all parts of the county, the transition from the wild state in which it was found, commenced with deter- mined certainty. Making farms and raising corn was the chief occupation of the settlers until about the year 1825, when they commenced planting and exporting
115
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.
cotton. During the next five years, much attention was given to the production of this article in the neigh- borhood of Columbus, (now Sparta,) and several cotton gins had been erected. In 1830, about eighty bales of cotton, of good quality, were exported from Smith's Landing, (now Chester.)
The production of cotton gradually gave way to the raising of castor beans, which, for some years, was the chief article of commerce. Oil mills were erected in various parts of the county, for the manufacture of castor oil, which was shipped to eastern markets, and always supplied the country with money.
About the year 1839-40, the Messrs. COLE, who had erected a steam flouring mill at Chester, commenced exporting flour to Southern and Eastern markets. This induced the cultivation of wheat, which has gradually increased until now it is the staple crop. Corn, oats, and hay have grown to be important crops, and great quantities above home consumption are annually expor ted to foreign markets.
In the past twenty years the increase in every de- partment of agriculture has been most wonderful. There are now thirteen first class merchant mills in successful operation, and yet great quantities of wheat are shipped to distant markets. The production of fruit has become an important item of commerce, and the soil and climate are found to be well adapted to its successful growth. Irish potatoes have proved a profit- able crop, and farmers are devoting much attention to its cultivation.
The county contains about five hundred and sixty square miles of Territory. Its western boundary is the Mississippi river-forty miles in extent. The Kaskas- kia river, navigable during a greater part of the season,
116
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
divides it nearly through the centre. Its northern and eastern boundaries include the extreme points of the great prairies of the State. Along its southern border stands a heavy growth of timber. The interior is an intermixture of the boundaries.
Though the agricultural capacity of the county is im- mense, its great source of wealth is stone coal. Nearly the area of three townships, in the centre, is underlaid. with a seam of stone coal, of a superior quality. vary- ing from two to six feet in thickness.
The population of the county is about twenty thous- and. The census to be taken next year will probably show a greater number, as the population is increasing rapidly.
For more minute particulars of the progress of bnsi- ness, and its present commercial capacity, the reader is referred to the sketches of the cities and towns which follow.
RANDOLPH COUNTY AGRICULTU- RAL SOCIETY.
In the year 1851, the enterprising farmers of Flat Prairie conceived the idea of organizing an Agricnl- tural Society. On the 9th of January, 1852, the Messrs. ADDISON, CRAWFORD, CRAIG, ROBERTSON, BROWN, BEATTIE, and a few others, met together and constituted the society. ROBERT BROWN was chosen President, JACOB B. BEATTIE, Treasurer, and WILLIAM ADDISON, Secretary.
The first Annual Fair, or Exhibition, was held the
117
OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.
third Wednesday in October, 1852, on the farm of JAMES CRAIG, Flat Prairie. The second Fair was held at the same place, 4th October, 1853. And the third Annual Fair on the farm of WILLIAM ROBERTSON, Flat Prairie, 25th October, 1854. The members of the Society-and consequent need of additional accommo- dation having greatly increased-the citizens of Sparta joined with those of the surrounding country in rais- ing subscriptions to board-fence a lot in Sparta, which Mr MATTHEW MCCLURKIN handsomely gave free, for five years. On this lot the three successive Fairs of '55, '56, and '57, were held, cach surpassing the other in interest and attraction, and in the numbers in attendance.
In the early part of 1858, the Executive Board pur- chased a beautiful piece of land, of ten acres, at Sparta -and at an expense of nearly two thousand dollars, have had it substantially fenced, with extensive stables for horses, cattle, &c., and buildings erected for exhib- iting ladies' work, mechanical, and other articles. On this ground the Fair of 1858 was held, on the 6th and 7th days of October, and every year they are, add- ing to the improvements and embellishments of the grounds. The grounds and improvements are not the property of any company or of individuals-but be- long to whoever are the members of the Society. The Officers, and Executive Committee for 1859, are : .JOHN A. NELSON, President ; WILLIAM ADDISON, Sec- retary and Treasurer. Executive Board : SAMUEL L. BOYD, WM. ROBERTSON, JAMES CRAIG, AARON M. AL- LEN, and JOHN WATSON-with Vice-Presidents, who are ex-officio members of Executive Committee-for Sparta, JAMES CRAWFORD; for Georgetown, HER. HEIGHTMAN ; Liberty, H. McLAUGHLAND; Chester,
118
HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF RANDOLPH CO.
JACOB M. BAIR; Kaskaskia, JOSHUA G. BURCH; Prai- rie du Rocher, WM. HENRY, Esq .; Union Precinct, R. D. DURFEE; Burnet's, WM. RUTHERFORD.
WESTERN RANDOLPH COUNTY AG- RICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The enterprising farmers around Evansville organ- ized an Agricultural Society in 1854. After holding four successive and creditable exhibitions, wisdom sug- gested the propriety of uniting with the other Society ; hence this one has been discontinued.
DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST .- KASKASKIA.
A NDERICK JOHN, farmer.
BUYAT JOSEPH, farmer.
Banvais Alexis,
do
Barker Lemuel,
do
Barker Fayette,
do
Barlow William, elock repairer.
Beiter Danatus, shoemaker.
Beare Christopher, farmer.
Beare John,
do
Bilderback James,
do
Boucherie Edward, coroner.
Barnskawky Joseph, farmer.
Balweizer Daniel,
do
Bond Squire A ..
do
Bode Henry,
do
Brown Charley,
do
Buyat August,
do
Buyat Belonie,
do
Burghard Joseph. do
Burch J. G.,
do
Burk James,
do
CAPLOT PIERRE, farmer. Caplot Antoine P., do
Caudle Henry,
do
Caudle Gregory,
do
Caudle William,
do
Caudle John,
do
Caudle Elney, do
Caudle Anderson, Jr., do
Caudle Harrison,
do
Cannady Henry,
do
-
Cannady James, laborer. Crew John, laborer. Chenoix (Che-nu) Julian, farmer. Chenoix Henry, farmer. Canbery Charles, tailor. Conrad John, farmer.
Colbert George, do Conant Nathan, do
Conant Sullivan, cooper.
Crisler Leonard, farmer.
Crawford William II., cooper.
Crisler John M., cooper.
· Cullen Owen,
do
Cullen Daniel.
do
D
EPPE F. C., farmer.
Derouse Peter, wagonmaker.
Derouse Belo J., farmer.
Derouse Lewis,
do
Detrech Conrad, wagonmaker.
E VANS ADAM, farmer.
NEAMAN JACOB, capitalist. F
Feaman Adam, farmer. Fisher Henry, farmer.
CARY THEODORE, farmer. Gant Thomas, farmer.
120
RANDOLPH COUNTY
DAN'L REILY. E. A. REILY. HENRY REILY.
DAN'L REILY & SONS, KASKASKIA MILLS,
North of the Town of Kaskaskia, and East of Kaskaskia River. buy
WHEAT, CORN, AND COUNTRY PRODUCE GENERALLY ; And keep on hand, and sell at uniform and low prices, a full assortment of
Staple Dry
GROCERIES, MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING, BOOTS AND SHOES, HATS AND CAPS, HARNESS, FURNITURE, QUEENSWARE, TINWARE AND STOVES, Dye-Stuffs, Paints, and Patent Medicines, STRAW CUTTERS, PLOWS, LATHS, SHINGLES, DRESSED YELLOW PINE FLOORING, And Assorted
WHITE PINE LUMBER;
And in fact every article that the most prompt attention to the wants of a growing neighborhood suggests. Have also on hand, and will sell at an extremely low price, the second-hand, single-fue Boilers and Engine. Also. one of Clark's Flouring Mills, complete. je A rare chance for getting a cheap Mill
121
DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 7 WEST. --- KASKASKIA.
Gant Altred. farmer.
Gant Harvey, do
Gant Wesley, du
Gant Robert, do
Gant William, do
Gant Thomas, Jr .. do
Gardner A.,
Goulding James. do
Gubernater George E., fariner.
H ULS JOEL, Sr., farmer. Huls Joel, Jr., 70
Hartman Michael.
Haney Patrick,
Hargus James H .. d
Haney John, de
Haney James, do
Harmon Joseph. do
Harmon James,
do
Harmon Henry.
do
Harmon Elijah,
Harmon Michael, do
Harmon Abram. Jr., cooper.
Harmon John, Sr .. farmer.
Harmon Lewis,
clo
Harmon Felix.
Harris E .. merchant.
Harris John. do
Heard James, farmer.
Harmon James, farmer.
Heard Joseph.
do
Heard William.
Hill Stephen. do
Hock Henry, do
Hunt James, do
Hunt Henry:
do
Hughes Henry. do
Hughes John,
Haghow James.
J ONES ARMSTEAD, Sr. Jones Armarcad. Fr.
K AVANAUGH DAVIS, forMe" Kanc JJobu, farmer 1]
Kamynski Otto. physician. Kavanaugh John, farmer. Karsfetter Samuel. do
Karstetter Martin. do
Karstetter Williamn. do
L ACHAPELLE LEWIS, far- mer.
LaChapelle John, farmer.
Labrier Antoine,
do
Labrier Peter,
do
Leavitt Abijah.
do
Leavitt John,
do
Leavitt Edward.
do
Ledbetter John, do
Ledbetter Martin. do
Lehnherr Jacob, do
Leming Harvey,
do
Leming William.
do
Link John,
Lilly John J., do
Linch Isaac.
do
Lortz Henry M. blacksmith.
M ACKEY JAMES, farmer. Mackey William. do
Mackey George, do
Mann Jonathan B., do
Mann W. II., do
Mann John,
do
Mann Alfred,
Maxwell Robert A.,
Maxwell William,
do
Maxwell John.
do
Maxwell Ferdinand, merchant.
Menard Eilmund. farmer.
Milligan William A., farmer.
Milligan James. do
Milligan Thomas. do
Morrison Il. H .. do Murphy William. do
Murphy Owen.
do
Mulholland William.
Mover: Christian. do
A Marion Gange
122
RANDOLPH COUNTY
KASKASKIA STORE
GEORGE W. STALEY, MERCHANT & SHIPPER, XXSKASKIX, ILL., Announces to the public that he has on hand
A COMPLETE ASSORTMENT
()F
which will be found to embrace every article the mar- ket demands. The ladies are requested to call and ex- amine his
FINE AND FANCY DRESS SILKS,
Which they will find particularly attractive. A full supply of
BOOTS AND SHOES, HATS AND CAPS, GROCERIES. .COFFEE, SUGAR, MOLASSES, TAR, TOBACCO,
And every article necessary to the wants of the conn- try, always on hand.
G. W. STALEY.
KASKASKIA, OCT. 15, 1859.
123
DIRECTORY.
TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE ; WEST .- KASKASKIA.
MeDonough Thomas J .. farmer. Morrison, Rev. A. 1. Morrison Hugh, teacher.
TIFONG JOHN, farmer.
N
Nifong HI.,
do
Nixon William J., do
Nixon James, do
Nixon William.
do
0 ATT JOIIN, farmer. Owens Anthony, farmer.
Owens George L., do
Owens Timothy,
do
PEARMAN JAMES, farmer.
Pearman Jesse,
do
Pariset P., farmer. Porter Joseph, farmer. Porter H., do
Prew Francis,
do
-
R FILY DANIEL, nitier alın merchant.
Raleigh William, farmer.
Roam John,
do
Ruckenberg Henry, farmer.
Rocke John, farmer.
Rocke Thomas, do Ruckle John, do
Roberts Hiram, farmer.
Roberts Jacob.
Roberts Perry.
do
Roberts Wiley,
do
Roberts Volney.
do
Roberts Daniel P., lawyer.
Runek Frederick E., farmer. Runck Fred.
Seymour Henry. farmer. Scharppell John S., farmer. Scharppell John. do Sinker Henry, do
Smith William,
do
Smith Stephen.
.lo
Snow William E ..
do
Spindle John D.,
Styles David.
do
Stype Henry, Justice of the Peace.
Staley George W., merchant.
Sulser R. M., farmer. Sykes Aaron B., farmer. Stanley Joseph. laborer.
TTHLS ALONZO, farmer.
Unger Eli,
do
Unger Phillip, merchant and
Postmaster.
V
ERLIN JOSEPHI, farmer.
Vansan Samuel,
do
Vansam William,
do
W ELCH JOHN, farmer. Weigel Peter, do
Wundt W. H.,
do
Williamson Bird,
do
Weir James W.,
do
Weir William J., farmer.
Wiswell Andrew.
Wissal Conrad.
Wood A. C.
Walster Nicholas.
Wright Isaac, Jr .. farmer.
Wheeler James M., do
S
NEYMOUR EDWARD, farmer. Seymour George. do
Y
YOUNG ANDREW, farmer.
Young Stephen,
do
124
RANDOLPH COUNTY
OLD STONE STORE.
OLDEST ESTABLISHED HOUSE IN CHESTER.
The proprietors of the " Old Stone Store" would call the attention of the public to their
IMMENSE STOCK
OF
R DS. CLOTHING, SUPERIOR KERSEYS, BOOTS AND SHOES, Hats and Caps, Which they offer for sale at EXTREMELY LOW PRICES. THEIR GLASS AND QUEENSWARE Is of a superior kind, and offered for sale at very low rates. A heavy Stock of
IRON, NAILS, SPADES, SHOVELS, FORKS, PLOWS, &C., ALWAYS ON HAND. J. H. & G. S. JONES.
CHESTER.
In the carly part of the year 1819, a company was organized in Cincinnati, Ohio, composed of the late Major WILLIAM OLIVER, W. BART, DAVID BROWN, DANIEL D. SMITH and others, for the purpose of pur- chasing the lands at the junction of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia rivers. DANIEL D. SMITH (afterwards killed by WINCHESTER, at Edwardsville,) came to Illinois as the agent of the company and purchased a large tract of land near the mouth of the Kaskaskia, and com- menced what he intended should be the future metropolis of Illinois, and named it Portland. The year following, the late BENJAMIN A. PORTER (afterwards the founder of Helena, Arkansas,) came out and erected a number of dwellings under a contract with the proprietors, and also built a steam mill. But towns in those days were not needed, and despito the prodigious efforts of the proprietors, this town obstinately refused to grow. Ten years afterwards it had become a ruin, and now only the faint vestige of the mill may be seen.
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