USA > Illinois > Johnson County > A history of Johnson County, Illinois > Part 20
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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
In 1838 Johnson and Pope formed a Senatorial District. In 1840 Johnson was joined to Pope and Hardin. In 1848 under the new constitution Alexander, Union, Pulaski, John- son, Massac, Pope, Hardin and Gallatin formed the first Senatorial District. This apportionment was changed when Alexander in 1854, was admitted to the 25th Sena- toria District. In 1861 Pope, Hardin, Gallatin, Saline, Alexander, Pulaski, Massac, Union and Johnson formed a Senatorial District. In 1871 about the same combination formed the 51st Senatorial District. In 1893 Pulaski, Massac, Johnson, Pope and Saline made the 51st Senatorial District. In 1900 Hamilton, Saline, Pope, Johnson and Massac were made the 51st Senatorial District.
Johnson County has had but two Congressmen in all her years of existence, A. J, Kuykendall, who was elected in 1864 and P. T. Chapman, elected 1904. There was only one Congressional District in Illinois for fourteen years after it was admitted into the Union. In 1831 the state was divided into three Congressional Districts and Johnson County with fifteen other counties formed the 1st Congres- sional District. In 1843 Johnson County was placed in second Congressional District with thirteen others. It was changed to the 9th Congressional District with eighteen other counties in 1852. In 1860 we were in the thirteenth congressional district with fifteen other counties, and changed to different districts from time to time until 1900, when Johnson with Clay, Wayne, Edwards, White, Hamil-
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ton, Saline, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope and Massac were formed into the twenty-fourth Congressional District, which is the present division.
OLD PAPERS
After looking over the many old papers such as estates, receipts and notes, thinking they would be of interest to their descendants we have decided to use the following; the names will show who the first settlers were. This is done at the risk of being tedious, but they are so interesting one cannot forego the opportunity to reproduce some of them. The oldest paper found is a receipt among the papers of William Lawrence which follows: "March 12, 1800, settled all accounts with James Worthington up to this day, due to said Worthington by settlement, eight dollars three shilling's and ten pence. As witness my hand-John Musbond." An- other article found among his papers that does not seem to be connected with his estate but evidently his property, was a small book made of writing paper, and inscribed on the first page, "William Lawrence, his hand and pen, March 27, 1803." On the outside pages were quotations of a hymn and one of the psalms. The first pages of the book were devoted to retail liquor accounts. Judging from this, license issued and tax receipts, William Lawrence, was a distiller of this county. Then followed this account of his family. "A true account of the age of my family, William Lawrence, Senior was born December 27, 1770, Esther Worthington was born November 19, 1772 and were married November 12, 1793. Children: Elizabeth, born October 18, 1794; Phoebe, born October 19, 1796, Benjamin born September 19, 1798, William, Jr., January 2, 1801, John born March 4, 1803, Nancy born January 3, 1805, Calvin born May 9, 1807 Lucindy born March 1, 1809, Matilda born June 14, 1811, Polly born July 9, 1813." William Lawrence, Sr. adminis- tered on the estate of Samuel Worthington, and it is more than probable his wife Ester was the daughter of Samuel.
One of the largest and earliest estates recorded is that of Nathaniel Green. Green's old ferry located on the Miss- issippi River was the terminus of an old road that ran across the southern end of the state. It is very probable that this ferry was established by him or some of his family, which resided in the western part of Johnson County which is now Union.
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The executors of the estate of Nathaniel Green were Thomas and Parish, brothers of the deceased and appointed by him, as his will (recorded elsewhere) directs. The per- sonal property sale amounted to $1,573.95. Some articles offered for sale that are now out of the ordinary, were two piggins, 50c each, these were small wooden vessels made with staves and hoops, one stave was left longer than the other for a handle, and they were usually made of cedar of various sizes, used for the same purpose we use pans and crocks today; one flax wheel, which indicates that flax was raised in southern Illinois at that period, $2.30; one Bible bought $2.121/2; one pot, lid and hooks, $3.75, pot hooks are not now in use, but in those days when people cooked on the open fire they were very essential. These hooks were long pieces of iron, joined together at one end so that they would work freely. They had hooks on the other ends to lift lids, ovens and pots with out bales and handles. This sale shows one negro man named Richard, one negro woman Anna and child named Reuben, sold to Thomas Cox, for $770.00; to John Earthman, one negro boy named Charlie, $220.00. The account of Robert Tweedy for the year 1812 shows sixty pounds of beef for a dollar and a half; the account of John Earthman for the same year, 81 pounds of cotton $2.00. How wonderfully small these prices seem com- pared with those of 1917 : beef, 45c per pound and cotton, 48c per pound; an item also in John Earthman's account was two ferryings of himself and horse (referring to Nath- anial Green) $1.25 each. Daniel T. Coleman made an affi- davit before Joseph Palmer, J. P., that Nathanial Green "did sign to school to Daniel T. Coleman, on an article of the same date to commence on the first Monday in January, 1812, and assigned the 25th day of November, 1811. This was receipted by Daniel T. Coleman, 1814. The adminis- trators furnished six gallons of whiskey for the sale at $1.50 gallon. George, James and Robert Tweedy were the appraisers of this estate and the sale was held on March 6, 1812. Thomas Abernathy and Benjamin N. Conner were the clerks. A later appraisment was made by Jacob Hun- saker, Robert Tweedy, and B. F. Conner. This property was all live stock which no doubt had been gathered later, as all stock ran at large and made their living on the range. The bond of Thomas and Parish Green was replaced at $2,000. John Bradshaw and Owen Evans were the bonds- men.
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The estate of Bazil Borin was administered on by Hoseah Borin. James Hogan and Thomas Mcintosh were his security for a $2,000 bond, delivered James Finney, June 7th, 1813. The appraisers were John Bradly, Abra- ham Price. Total appraisment was $1,101.19. A feather bed is listed at $30.00, one side of leather, $1.00, the im- provement, $40.00, Jerry, a negro boy at $300.00, Clarice, a girl, $200.00, Mariah a girl, $150.00, Fannie, a girl, $100. In the account rendered against the estate as administrator is the following: "For entering four young negroes as per receipt, $8.00, going to Tennessee to bring back three negroes belonging to the estate, $38.00, for a trip to Ten- nessee to examine witnesses agreeable to notice from John Bradshaw in the suit brought by me against him for Isabel a negro girl, $30.00." The amount of whiskey was only two dollars. Russel E. Heacock, was the attorney.
William Dorris presents an account of $125.00 dated April 14, 1802, a note of a little earlier date was made to Nimrod McTosh for $7.50, dated March 1802, signed Bazil Borin, Test. H. Johnson. The Borin family lived in the southern part of the county, now Pulaski. The Prices are also of that locality and descendants of both families still reside in that section.
The estate of Joseph Eubanks was adjusted in 1814, Sally Eubanks and William Styles administered and Isaac D. Wilcox and David Frame were their bondsmen. The articles offered at this sale were about the same as at other sales of that date. A receipt was signed by David Shearer, January 3, 1812.
There is an acknowledgement which shows this busi- ness was done in Massac Township, now county, Illinois Territory, Johnson County, "I certify that James D. Wilcox and William Cherry, being chosen to examine the estate of Joseph Eubanks deceased, was duly sworn to settle the estate according to the best of their skill and judgment, given under my hand and seal, 27th day of May, 1814, John Prichard, J. P." The amount of Sally Eubanks taxes on two horses for the years 1813-14, was $1.00 the receipt was signed by G. Marshall, D. S. The same, no doubt who took the oath against dueling. Among other papers is the fol- lowing order, "Miss Eubanks, please to let Mr. Cochran have my bed and furniture, you will oblige, yours Irvin Morris, March 24, 1814." The following promissory note
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has no visible connection with Sally Eubanks' business but was found among her papers, "On or before the 20th day of October next I promise to pay Moses Oliver or order $17.08 for value received, Kaskaskia, 20th of August, 1805, William Wilson." A certificate of purchase, adds other evidence to the fact that this county bought and sold slaves. "I do certify that the negro girl named Anna was purchased by Isaac D. Wilcox at the sale of the property of . Joseph Eubanks, deceased. She was bid off to him as highest bidder at $160.00, and said Wilcox has paid for her and is lawfully entitled to said negro and no other person. Given under my hand, one of the administrators, this 9th day of October, 1815, William Styles."
William Lawrence settled the estate of Samuel Worth- ington, 1814. Joseph Palmer and Gilbert were his securi- ties. A letter in connection with this estate cites the method of business and the rate of interest of that time, and reads as follows, "To William Lawrence, Cache Settlement Illinois Territory, by Charles Bradly, Cape Girardeau, March 9, 1815, not until a few days since had I learned of the death of Samuel Worthington, and I understand that you are the administrator of his estate. I have a judgment against his estate in favor of Robert Hall, surviving partner of Waters and Hall, for $53.86, with interest from 17th of August, 1806 which is $27.47, Principal and interests makes $80.32. This amount I authorize Charles Bradly to receive from you as the administrator. I have also a judgment rendered against Samuel Worthington in the Mullenberg circuit court of Kentucky, for $50 with interest from the 24th of March, 1807, which is $24.00, which makes $74.00. The cost of said judgment is $25.28. The amount of said judgment 1 give you notice as administrator. Yours with respect, James Evans." Judging from the accounts of William Law- rence Sr., and Samuel Worthington they were formally residents of Kentucky.
The settlement of the estate of William Morris was a year later, and was in charge of Jane Morris, no doubt his widow. Irving Morris and Isaac Worley were her bonds- men. Judging from the names the location of his estate must have been at or near Elvira, our first county capital. George Smiley was one of the appraisers and Marvin Fuller was the J. P. Nancy Worthen took charge of her husband's estate whose name was James, May 3, 1815. Josiah Davis
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and Nathaniel Arnett were her securities. The personal property amounted to $1,000. John Byers was the J. P. that took the oath of the appraisers. There were a number of promissory notes, the following are the names of the signers given in order to record some more of the early families: Thomas and Hugh Lewis, Jesse Basco, William Worthen, Thomas Robard, James Swafford, Hezekiah Davis William Langly, Abraham and Ebeneezer Piott, Samuel and Jasper Butcher, Remembrance Davis, John M. Campbell, John Deason, Evan Thompson, Issac and W. E. Glen, W. Doty, Able Lee, George Creath, Drury Harrington, Isaac Garrett, Adam Fiffer, and Joseph Taylor. These notes were given for purchases at the sale. The following notice had been cut from a newspaper and was filed with the estate papers, "I will attend the proper court on the third Monday in July next at Vienna, Johnson County, Illinois, for the purpose of settling the estate of James Worthen, deceased. All who have demands against said estate will then and there present them, legally authenticated, Brownsville, June 7th, 1821, signed William Worthen, agent for Nancy Worthen Administratrix.
William Powell's estate was settled by his wife, Obed- ience, and was begun July 18, 1815. George and William Brazil with James Hawkins were her bondsmen. There were a few articles offered at this sale not already men- tioned and which would be considered out of the ordinary at this time: one whiskey cock, to King Fisher at 30c; also 1 to Squire Choat, 371/2c. One sley was sold for 50c, which would be very cheap for a sleigh, if there was a big snow, but this was not that kind of a sleigh, this belonged to a loom and was used in weaving cloth. One broad ax was sold for $4.00. This is another tool not now in use in this county, since the timber for making hewed log houses has been cut and sawed into lumber to make frame ones, barns and fences.
The estate of Robert Smith belonged to Massac town- ship, as the papers designate. The sale was held September 11, 1815. Thomas Larrison had the business in charge, and James N. Fox was his security. The same man, no doubt, whose militia company formed Massac township when this county was organized. Judging from the amount of whis- key furnished at this sale, it was not a very large one, only three and a half gallons were used. Dr. Holt was Robert Smith's physician and his bill was $6.92, which was pre-
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sented for settlement. The deceased's land and county tax for the year 1815 was $2.83. The tax rate was light com- pared to the present rate. Another account shows the re- demption of a town lot in the town of Smithland, Kentucky. One Loom, three reels and harness for the loom sold for $6.00, one stew pot, $2.50, one Dutch oven, $1.50, eight pewter plates, $3.00, one cotton gin, 75c, two pairs of cotton cards, $3.00, candle molds, 371/2c, more evidence of "made at home" goods. Judging by the articles offered, these peo- ple must have been very comfortably situated for a frontier family.
The papers filed in the case of Howell Harrington's estate, states that Esther Harrington, administered, T. Furguson and G. V. Lusk were the bondsmen, Robert Lacey and Wood Lampkin were the appraisers. There are Har- ringtons and descendants of the family living in Massac and this county at the present. Caleb Messer's estate was handled by his wife Delphia, Owen Evans and John Spann signed her bond, which was filed April 28, 1814.
William Peterson's estate was another one that came up for settlement in 1816. He resided in the southwestern part of the county in the neighborhood of West Eden, John Elkins and George Brazel were the appraisers; Jane Peter- son and Thomas Standard had charge of the estate. Thomas and John Peterson were the securities. This settlement was made in the courts held in Elvira and some other names connected with the business of this estate were, Hezekiah West, William Westbrooks, Isaac Beggs, Thomas Robertson, Rix Carter, and John Stokes. There are de- scendants of most all these men still living in this county. Two accounts in the adjustment of this estate are quite noticable, when compared with the H. C. L. of the present. One is "The estate of William Peterson debtor to John Deans, for schooling two children, three months, cash to McIntire, $5.00; paid for board for the same time, $12.00 : same estate debtor to John Dean for raising and clothing two children, Joshua, four years old, at his fathers death, and Lydia, two years at the same time; Joshua six years till he was ten years old, $10.00 per year, $60.00; Lydia, eight years, until she was ten years old, at the same price, $80.00. No doubt, old gossips wagged their heads and said at the time, "John Dean is getting rich off of these orphan chil- dren."
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An administrators bond is made out and marked "Law- rence administrator. The bond was dated June, 1816, but it was never signed or filled out. There are some accounts and receipts that might be of interest. Received of John Lorenz (Lawrence) for Esther Lorenz, all dues and demands up to this date, Jonesboro, April 19, 1819. Jacob Hyberger." The next item of interest because it appears to refer to the Peter Prow, who was confined for debt in our county about that time and referred to elsewhere, "Madam, please pay to the bearer two dollars and twenty-five cents, and by so doing you will oblige yours and soforth, James Brown. It being the cost accrued on an execution levied by George Hunsaker on the goods of Peter Prow, and this shall be your receipt for the same, Esther Lawrence, Admr." Wm. Lawrence debtor to Priest & Menfee, $50 for medicine and attendance, April 27, 1816. An account of John Kirk for labor against the estate of William Lawrence, was sworn to before J. Echols, J. P. May, 1816. Another dated almost nine years earlier. August 7, 1807, to three picks and boring tools, $4.00 (could not decipher the name.) "January 20, 1806, Sir: Please pay unto William Lawrence, two dollars, and this my order shall be your receipt for the same, James Worth- ington, witness, John Shaver." "February 7, 1806, re- ceived of Samuel Worthington, two pounds, 19 shillings and 6 pence, debt and cost in full. The sale note of James Weir, by me Jesse Hurley, Constable for said county." Received of Samuel Worthington, 511 pounds of pork by Thomas Craig, for J. Weir, February 11, 1805. "Henderson, June 1, 1808, Received of William Lawrence, seven and six pence which is to stand against his account at Mullenberg for Will and Jay Bradford, John Russell." These towns were in Kentucky.
William McGowan died in 1816. Thomas Green was the administrator Silas Risley and Owen Evans were the bondsmen, a few articles out of the ordinary disposed of at the sale were, 1 bay mare and bell, $25.00; 4 patterns lea- ther shoe uppers, $1.50; 1 curry comb, 25c; 1 pair leather breeches, 50c; 2 coats, 50c each; to B. Revell. pack saddle. 621/c; 1 pair specks, $1.62; pair saddle bags $2.781% ; 1 set of razors, 87c. A statement sworn to before John Weldon. a justice for Johnson County and witnessed by Hugh Erwin April 12, 1816 states that, "William McGown boarded with Mikel Revell from May 1, 1815, to November 7, at the rate
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of three dollars per month; for attending McGowan from November 7 till December 18th at which time he died, coffin and winding sheet, $15.00, total $30.75."
This is given that one may see the difference in the price of living and dying during the above time and at the present day. This paper was marked I in the files of J. Finney, who was county clerk at the time this estate was settled.
A paper executed in 1810. An account of Charles Murphy was presented against the estate of Phillip Shaver, the amount being $4.50, the following is attached to the account, "This day appeared Charles Murphy before me, John Bradshaw, one of the acting justices for said county and first be it solemly sworn upon the Holy Evangelist, de- porteh and sayeth that the above account is just and true as it stands, stated to the best of his knowledge and belief, Charles M. (X) Murphy (His mark.) Sworn and subscribed before me the 17th day of April, 1810, John Bradshaw, J. P. A bill was allowed to Esther Lawrence, widow of William Lawrence for board, from 1814 to 1816, showing Phillip Shaver's death to have been in 1816. A bill paid to J. B. Murry for crying the sale of Shaver, names William Lawrence as administrator. Among these papers is what appears to be a blacksmith's account. It is made out in English money but the writing looks very much like a per- son's who had learned to write German script before he learned to write English, and is as follows: "Wilber Law- rence to bells, 19 shillings, Moses Cabitt, the same 23 shill- ings. George Lawrence to mending and sharpening shears, 2 shillings and 3 pence; Samuel to shoeing two horses round, 18 shillings. Thomas Giles to shoeing a mare around 12 shillings, Philander Kuykendall to shoeing horse, xix shillings, Henry Hatten to making a set of wheel irons, 3 shillings." There is no date on this paper but being among Shaver's papers and from the following extract of the court record, would lead one to believe that Shaver was German, which his name indicates. In 1819 Michael Shav- endicker of New York at September court of Johnson County presented a petition to said court and said, he was the brother of Phillip Shaver, lately of this county, whose estate had been administered on by William Lawrence, Sr., and after his death, Esther (his wife) and John Sanders, praying that their administration be set aside and himself
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as the legal heir be appointed. The petition was granted, and Richard M. Young, was the attorney.
"At a probate court holden for the County of Johnson on the third Monday in the month of June, 1822, before James Finney, Judge of said court, John Copeland, admin- istrator of the estate of William Copeland deceased came into court and presented his accounts with said estate and the following sums were allowed against the said estate: to-wit: for money paid judge of probate for letters of ad- ministration and settling said estate, $7.50, to money to Calib. E. Isum for a coffin, $6, for crying sale, $5.50, money paid James Lizenby, 50c, money paid Irving Morris, sheriff, 60c, money expended to go to Tennessee twice on business for estate, $34.58, for administrators percentage for col- lecting $19.24, Thomas Douglas' account $3.631/2, whole amount of the estate $192.5434, credits $74.5434, and $18.8914. It appeared to the court that there remained in the hands of the said John Copeland, administrator as aforesaid, a sum of $118.59 of said estate which he is order- ed to pay over to the heirs of the said William Copeland, deceased, in equal ratio. It appearing that there were six in number; to-wit: Betsy Dial, John Copeland, Martha Dial, Samuel Copeland, Sally Little, and Jane Hobbs to each of the above named legatee, the amount being $19.811/2.
Richard McGinnis sale occured in 1823 and the list shows the high price of househould articles existing, 1 large kettle, $7.00, 1 small pot $2.50, 1 broken skillet $1.00, 1 large oven, lids and hooks $3.00, pot hangers $3.00. Mrs. McGinnis evidently did not have a cook stove. A rifle gun sold for $10.00. William Barton, Jacob Willis, Lucas S. Gibbs and Polly Bane are among the names as purchaser. There is a note given to the president and directors of the state bank and negotiable at their branch bank at Browns- ville. This is some of the famous state bank paper issued at that time.
The settlement of the estate of Richard Cox was begun November, 1824. William Cox and the widow Mary Cox were the executors. There are a few articles in this sale a little different from others mentioned in this period. One steel trap brought $3.05, ink stand and snuffers, 25c, lantern 121/2c, hackle 30c. Some names connected with the notes and receipts of this sale are as follows: Lancaster Cox, Israel Bozarith, Franklin Perry, William Fellows, Jesse
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Miles, James Harman, Richard McKenny, William Corbitt, James Haley, Robert Griffith, Joseph Montgomery. Henry Eddy was an attorney interested in the settlement of this estate. Willis Hancock, William McFatridge, Champion Anderson and William Thornton were the J. P.s in most cases where the oath was taken. Joseph Kuykendall, J. P. also took some of the acknowledgements. There is a re- ceipted account of Dr. Sim, presumably of Golconda, also a medical bill of B. W. Brooks, and William Slack. Richard Cox must have emigrated from North Carolina, since there is a note payable in North Carolina paper, also some notes collected by the administrator from parties living in that state. Another bill allowed by the court was to Mary and Martin Howell for the supporting and instructing of six children of Richard Cox deceased, for the term of one year and eight months, the amount was $120.00, dated July 21, 1826. This would give rise to the opinion that the widow Mary Cox, had married Martin Howell. The follow- ing is a letter which explains itself and is used for its quaintness, "Illinois Union County, August 10, 1827, Re- spected friend, James Finney, Esq., After my best respects to thee I write these few lines to let thee know it is not con- venient for me to attend court according to adjournment, which is on the 11th instant, but that need not make any difference. Thee can proceed to make the settlement. I have nothing more to inform thee concerning the estate more than I wish thee to be as saving to the estate as pos- sible, in regard to allowing charges for raising the heirs. About twelve months ago I could have had them raised and kept on twelve months for fifty dollars and on August 21st I informed Martin Howell, that I could have the heirs sup- ported for fifty dollars and he continued to keep them. I merely write this for information to thee, if Martin Howell should put in a bill for a large charge or petition for much. It is not convenient for me to come for my family is not in a situation for me leave them. Thee can make out a bill for thy charges and leave with I. Morris, Esq. or receipt to him on it and send it to me by Thomas Musgrave, the bearer, and I will credit thy note with the amount after settling thy small account of sale, which is $139.50, if correct. Concerning my charge, thee may see on the small scrap of paper folded in this letter a memorandum of time spent besides collecting in and paying out. If thee wish to send any news back tell Thomas Musgrave to wait until
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