USA > Illinois > Knox County > Annals of Knox County : commemorating centennial of admission of Illinois as a state of the Union in 1818 > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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
The son of Zephaniah Gum and grandson of John B. Gum was the first white child born in the county.
Riggs Pennington came about this time, who became one of the most prominent men of northern Illinois. Phillip Hash and Chas. Hansford. These three were the first county com- missioners after the actual organization in 1830. Stephen Os- born, the first sheriff; Parnac Owen, the first county sur- veyor ; Alex. Frakes, Major Thomas McKee, Robert and Eaton Nance, who settled on Section 9.
The first death in the county was that of a young man, Philip Nance, which occurred January 9th, 1829, in Henderson township, and was buried on Section 9. Major McKee, who came the fall before, was present at his death and funeral and was instrumental in erecting a suitable stone at his grave. A few years later, the people of the vicinity of Henderson raised money and erected an iron fence around his grave.
The Black Hawk War
The next year, 1829, the brothers, William and James Mc- Murtry and their families, came in November and settled on Section 3, on a quarter bought of Riggs Pennington, paying $1.25 per acre; but afterward had to repurchase to secure a clear title. It was on their farm on the northeast 40 acres of Section 10, that the entire neighborhood assisted in building a fort, which would protect them from the Indians. Into this the surrounding families before and during the Black Hawk War would often gather. While there were often rumors of Indian uprisings, and the settlers were constantly on the watch for them, they were never molested by them. A company of rangers was organized by Wm. McMurtry, who was their cap- tain, to be ready to pursue the Indians in all directions if
108
needed. In 1832, James McMurtry, accompanied by F. Free- man and Thomas McKee went to Rock Island for guns to pro- tect the settlers during the Black Hawk War. They secured 100, which were sent down the river as far as Ruthsbury, and from there by teams to his home, where they were distributed to the settlers. He served during the Black Hawk War under Major Butler. The pioneers, Wm. and James McMurtry, were descended from pioneer ancestors. Their grandfather, Captain John McMurtry, was a pioneer in the state of Kentucky, along with Daniel Boone and others. He made the stones and the first mill for grinding corn meal in Kentucky. He was killed fighting the Indians as Captain of Kentucky militia in 1790. William McMurtry became quite an active and prominent poli- tician. He was a firm believer in the principles of the Demo- cratic party and a friend of Stephen A. Douglas. It was largely through him that the history of Henderson is so closely connected with the early history of the county and the state. He was active in the organization of Henderson township, April 5, 1853. In 1832, he was appointed first county commissioner of school lands. This office he held till his resignation in 1840, his chief duty being to sell the school section in each township and later to distribute interest money to the teachers from the school fund .. He always took an active interest in the early schools, sold the school lands, invested the money and advanced the educational interests of the county very much. He was keenly awake to public needs, and had an eye to the interests of the people. Thus his name was brought before them as a candidate for office in the state. He was a member of the Legislature during the years 1836-37 and 1838-39; State Sen- ator up to the time he was elected Lieutenant-Governor with Gov. French in 1848. In 1862 he was commissioned Colonel of the 102 Illinois Voluntary Infantry. After serving a short time in Kentucky he resigned on account of ill health and was honorably discharged. The McMurtrys were natives of Ken- tucky. They lived and died on the farms on which they first settled in 1829.
In 1830, Thomas Furguson, Roundtrees, Goffs, Lewis and Davis with their families came in locating along the south side of the grove. Following them were the Browns, settling along the old "Galena Trail."
Peter Bell, Thomas Maxwell, Squire Reed and James Rey- nolds also moved in in 1830. During 1831-32 a number of fam- ilies came. Among these were the Ferrises, who put up a saw mill on Henderson Creek; Rees Jones, who built the first grist mill, in 1830, on Henderson Creek. These mills were great events to the pioneers and they felt now they had all they needed.
109
Galesburg Colony Came
In 1836 the first of the Galesburg Colony came, locating south of the grove and built up what afterwards became known as Log City, on Section 33. This settlement was only tempor- ary and does not strictly belong to Henderson township, but more to Galesburg where they finally settled.
The first few years the settlers had to go to Rushville for their mail, about 75 miles. Here Alex Osborn was obliged to go for his license to marry Ann Hendricks. This was the first marriage ceremony in Knox county. Philip Hash, the first Justice of the Peace, officiated.
In 1833 the first postoffice in the county was established on Section 32, at the store of John C. Sanburn. Mr. Sanburn held the commission from the government as the first post- master.
The first school in the county was in Henderson township in 1830. This school was a subscription school taught by Franklin B. Barber in a log shanty near the grove. There was another school opened in 1833 on Section 31, taught by Harmon Brown. The first school district was formed at Log City in 1837, under the management of Wm. McMurtry, the first school commissioner.
The first plow in this township, perhaps in the county, was a wooden one, brought in by Daniel Robertson.
The first pair of lines for driving seen in this section was brought in by Gov. Wm. McMurtry. Having seen them used by a stage driver in Springfield, decided to have a pair. The first Sunday he was home the entire neighborhood spent trying to adjust these lines, but it could not be done till the Governor went back and had another view as to how they worked. Then he saw one check went to the other horse.
Two of the four forts built by the pioneers of Knox county were located in Henderson township. These were to protect them from hostile Indians before, during and after the Black Hawk War. One fort site has recently been located on Sec- tion 33, on what was long known as the Peter Franz farm. The other fort was on Section 10 on the land always known as the McMurtry farm. These sites commanded the view in all direc- tions. To this the surrounding families often went, remaining for days and nights.
For a number of years the oldest house in Knox county was about one-half mile north of the village of Henderson. It was a two-roomed log house, built in 1834 by Wm. Riley. Later the oldest house standing was two miles northwest of Galesburg. Of these primitive log houses scaarcely a one can be found in the township today. No one remains who can
820810
110
look to the days when this country was a wildnerness, to the time when the foundations for homes were laid. For a number of years, to 1903, the longest continuous resident was Dr. James C. McMurtry, son of Wm., who came with his father's family in 1829, and was less than one year of age.
The First Roads
The first roads were Indian trails. The wild Indian hav- ing similar instincts as the buffalo, followed the same trails which led from timber groves to timber groves, always choos- ing the shortest and best routes. Many of these same trails the first settlers traveled seeking homes, and are public high- ways today. One of these, the great "Galena Trail," from Peoria, passed throuh the western part of this township in a northwesterly direction. Traces of this old trail can be seen to- day. There are evidences that the American army in the Revo- lutionary War under Col. Montgomery, passed over this same trail through Henderson. Ordered by Gen. George Rogers Clark to follow the Sacs and Foxes to the lake on the Illinois river (Peoria) across the country and attack them on Rock river near the mouth. This he did in 1780. The old Peoria and Rock Island road passes through the township in a north- westerly direction. This was among the first main traveled roads, much of which today is State Aid road.
These pioneers at first lived like one big family. They helped each other build their houses or anything where help was needed. They kept open-house. Strangers were always welcome and cared for. Their first log houses had a puncheon floor, split out of lynn wood, a clap-board door. The clap- boards were lapped over each other from top to bottom to turn the rain. The latch was made of wood, with a string tied to it to lift and lower it in a wooden catch. Their windows were holes in the logs. Their furniture was made by hand and split from logs. The fire-places were made of mud and sticks at first, later of brick. In these rude fire-places they cooked, using long handled "skillets" and in iron pots, and baked in covered "skillets" surrounded with hot coals. Fires were started from flint stone or borrowed from a neighbor. The bedrooms were made in one end of the house by hanging quilts for curtains between the beds. Children slept in "trundle" beds, which were pushed under the larger beds during the day. Their first lights were twisted cloth floated in a saucer of grease. Later candle moulds were obtained and each family made their own candles of tallow.
The first year or two their bread was made of corn grated on a tin grater. Then their grain was prepared for food in a neighbor's mill, a hand mill, made of two stones placed to- gether, the top one being turned back and forth with a lever.
111
Soon a water mill was started on Henderson Creek by Mr. Jones. Later people went to Milan, where was started a better mill for wheat floor. Often one of two neighbors went for the neighborhood and would fish while their wheat was being ground.
Sugar was made from the sap of the hard maple, which was boiled in large pans in the timber. The "buckets" were wooden troughs to catch the sap. The spiles were made of Sumack, with the pith burned out with a hot iron. Barrels of sugar and molasses were made from this sap. When it would not make these any longer they made the best of vinegar of it. Soap was made from lye, leached from ashes and grease. Starch was made from potatoes.
After the Indian War sheep were brought in and spinning wheels. The women spun and wove the wool into cloth for their clothing. This "homespun" they dyed at first with wal- nut bark and hulls for brown and oak bark for yellow. For green the yellow was dipped into indigo blue. They raised flax from which their linen was made. Money was scarce, but they needed little money, as there were no markets near. About the first means of obtaining money was from hunting honey of which there was an abundance in the timber. The Robertsons obtained their first money by selling honey at St. Louis. Many interesting stories are told of their bee hunts.
West of the center of Henderson township is located one of the best examples of a community center to be found. At an early date these Swedish people began to come into this town- ship and by hard work and saving were able to purchase land and build themselves homes. Thsi community built a church in 1881. This church was burned and replaced by a more modern one about 1914.
The only village in this township is Henderson, on Section 14. It was laid out June 11, 1835, by Parnach Owen, and in- corporated in 1838. In early days it was a flourishing place and there were great expectations for its future. Between 1840 and 1850, over 30 coopers were employed here in making barrels, which were shipped all over the state.
In 1839, the post office here was the largest in the county and previous to the building of the railroad in 1854, Henderson was nearly as important as either Knoxville or Galesburg. Through Gov. McMurtry it was able to exert sufficient influ- ence to secure the insertion of a provision in the railroad incor- poration act that the line should pass through the town, but the provision was evaded. The road going to Galesburg, leaving Henderson a few miles to the north. Subsequently, trade be- ing attracted to the railroad stations, the village gradually de- clined, until little remained. In 1886, the Rio branch of the C.,
112
B. & Q. railroad was constructed through the village and saved it from complete extinction and some improvements have re- cently been made.
Note: Miss McMurtry gives Robertson as the name of two early comers to the township. Elsewhere the name ap- pears as Robinson. As Miss McMurtry grew up in the town- ship, her spelling must be accepted as correct.)
113
INDIAN POINT TOWNSHIP By Geo. L. Hagan
Every intelligent and patriotic citizen manifests a pardon- able pride in the achievements and progress made in this great state during the past century. To understand these and appre- ciate them fully, a man must know some thing of the history of his town, county and state. The origin of the different races of people, who inhabited this country prior to the coming of the white man, has always been a debatable question. To many there is a striking similarity between the facial features of the Oriental type of mankind and the American Indian. This similarity has lead them to believe that the Indian is of Oriental parentage. Still there are others, who see peculiar- ities in his physical structure that preclude the American Indian from common parentage with the rest of mankind. In the absence of either history or tradition, archaeologists have advanced many plausible theories relative to the prehistoric races that inhabited this country prior to its discovery in 1492. Discussion of the question of their origin seldom enlightens and frequently confuses. There is, however, one point, upon which all agree, and it is the fact that when Columbus landed on the shores of America, he found the Indians in undisputed posses- sion of the continent.
Early events, affecting this locality, transpired long be- fore Indian Point township, or Knox county, or even the State of Illinois assumed its its present boundary. History records the fact that as early as 1673, the Indians had well established trails running diagonally across Knox county, the oldest, and perhaps the most important of which was the one leading from the Mississippi River near Keokuk, to La Salle on the Illinois River. This trail passed where Abingdon is located. There can . be but little doubt that this trail followed the same public high- way now entering that city from the southwest and extending in a northeasterly direction. It is believed by many that it is the trail traveled by Father Marquette, a Jesuit missionary, on his occasional visits to the Indians of this section of Illinois in 1673. It is said "History hold in her iron hand no more pic- turesque story than these trails could reveal were their guarded secrets known."
While the pioneer settlers in Indian Point encountered no Indians, they found many traces of their occupancy. The re- mains of the wigwams, axes, spears and arrow points, gave evidence that Indian Point was once their "happy hunting ground."
History records the fact that Azel Dorsey came to this township in 1829. To him is given the honor of being the first white man to enter Indian Point for settlement. He came from
114
Cedar, and remained but a few years. The first permanent settlement in Indian Point was made on Section 16 in 1833, by John B. Latimer, who came with his family from Tennessee. The following year came John H. Lomax and Stephen Howard of Kentucky, John Howard, Isaac and Alexander Latimer and John Crawford. In 1835, Daniel Meek and John Killiam settled in Indian Point. The former purchased the home of Alexander Latimer. This farm lies just east of the Indian Point school, and has for generations been known as "the Meek farm."
Among the list of early settlers in Indian Point, who came shortly after the above were: Silas Roe, Bartley Boydstun, Wm. Stewart, Seth Bellwood, Hugh Lowry, Henderson Hagan, L. A. McKiearnan, Chas. Fielder, Geo. Hunt, David and Benja- min South, Wm. Flannagan, Bry and Wm. Edmundson, James Martin, H. Chrisman, Henry and Austin Mattingly, Martin Burke, Joseph Probasco, Robt. Supple, Harrison and Thos. Im- mel, Dan Ryan, Jacob, Nathan and Zene Bradbury, Jacob Dorman, George and Joseph Wheat, Francis Robey, George and Mortimer Clements.
Owes Much To Pioneers
The present generation owes much to these sturdy pioneers who blazed the way to civilization. With them must be shared the honor for the many blessings we are enjoying today. Their lives were lives of privation, and oftentimes of suffering. They lived not for themselves alone, but were mindful of the happiness of future generations. When we consider the rigors of the long winters on the open prairies, unprotected by trees, the deep snows that often rendered transportation impossible, the great distances to the river markets, the inconvenience of getting medical aid in times of accidents and sickness, the lack of communication between the scattered settlers, their meager stores of food and fuel, we realize then some of the privations and hardships endured by those good people. Notwithstanding all this, they were mainly happy and content. If they raised a surplus of grain or livestock, it was marketed, usually at either Copperas Creek Landing or Peoria, the nearest river markets. The prevailing prices of farm commodities in those early days were not such as to prompt farmers to produce much in excess of his needs. Dressed pork sold in those days at $2.00 per cwt., half cash and half trade. Corn often sold at 6 cents per bushel. The good mothers then spun, wove and made the garments worn by the family. Contrast conditions then with those of today. This was long before the advent of the railroad. The completion of the Quincy branch of the C., B. & Q. from Gales- burg to Quincy, in 1855, gave an impetus to farming and live- stock operations in this locality. Since that time land values advanced steadily. At that time the government sold land at
115
$1.25 per acre, which today commands from $300 to $400 per acre.
The first white child born in Indian Point was Ann Frances Lomax, daughter of John H. and Nancy Lomax, born Sept. 25, 1835. The first death recorded was a Mr. Hibbard, in 1838.
Educational facilities in those pioneer days were very meager. The principal studies were represented by the three R's, readin,' ritin,' rithmetic. The first school house erected in Indian Point was on Section 16, near where the Point school now stands. It was built of logs, with split logs for seats. This was in the year 1837. It was first taught by Dennis Clark, who was afterward elected and served many terms as County Judge of Knox County. He too was an early settler here. The school district comprised all of Indian Point and the eastern part of Warren county. The school year then was only the fall and winter months. Thirty pupils were enrolled the first winter, that of 1837-38. Today very few country pupils have more than two miles to go to reach school. Aside from the country schools there are splendid educational facilities within easy reach of the pupils of Indian Point to complete their education in the high schools, colleges and academies of Knox county.
The Religious Growth
Education and religion usually go hand in hand. They mark the beginning of civilization. In Indian Point there are only two religious bodies, Catholic and Christian. The later has two church organizations, one at Abingdon and the other at St. Augustine.
Since 1836 Catholic services have been held at St. Augus- tine. The first services were conducted in that year by Father Le Fevre, who afterwards became Bishop of Detroit, Michigan. The first church was built in 1843, and dedicated the following year by Bishop Kenrick of St. Louis. Among the pioneer priests, who held services here were Fathers St. Cyr, Conway, Doyle, Drew, Raho, Brady, Griffith, Kennedy, Edward and Thomas O'Neil, Fitman, Meehan, Albrecht, Larmar and Man- gon. In 1863, the present church was erected, and five years later moved to its present location. Father Halpin came in 1873, and was the first resident priest. Since that time the following pastors have resided here: Fathers McMahan, Dal- ton, Howard, O'Reilly, now auxiliary Bishop of Peoria, Falli- hee, Dunne, Scheuren, now of Providence, R. I .; Walsh, Kniery, now of Peoria; Kelley, Markey, now of Loda, Ill. Since Octo- ber, 1912, the present pastor, Father P. V. Egan, has been car- rying on the work inaugurated here more than four score years ago. When completed, the interior decorations of the Catholic church here will eclipse any church decorations, from an artis- tic standpoint, in the state, outside of cities. The present
116
membership is about 400.
The first Protestant services held in Indian Point, of which there is any record, were conducted by Rev. John Crawford, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, at the home of John Ho- ward in 1848. The Methodists effected an organization at the Pleasant Valley School, under the leadership of Rev. Williams. This was in the Sixties. Services were held occasionally, but the organization did not continue long in Indian Point. The Christian church was first organized at Abingdon in 1840, by Hiram Smith and Richard Johnston. The first church was erected in 1849 at a cost of $1,000.00. The present church edi- fice is a beautiful brick veneered structure. The interior dec- orations are artistic and in keeping with the attractive appear- ance of the exterior. The present pastor, Dr. A. M. Hale, is very popular with his people, whom he has served many years. He is a booster for any worthy cause. The present member- ship is about 300. At. St. Augustine, the Christian church or- ganizaton was effected in in 1868. The number of charter members was 104, of whom only four are living, namely, Dr. P. Harrod, of Avon; J. E. Edmundson of Houston, Texas ; Nathan Harrod and L. B. Harrod, of Galesburg. The first services were conducted here by Rev. Miller. In 1874, Rev. J. A. Sea- ton held a revival here, and the membership was increased to 148. The present membership is about 100. In 1870, the church was erected. Among the resident pastors of the church were: Revs. Seaton, Kincaid, Stevens, Dillard and Hiett. The following ministers served here at various times since the organization of the church: Revs. Joseph Royal, J. S. Gash, F. M. Bruner, Knox P. Taylor, W. B. Foster, John Hankins, M. Jones, W. Branch, W. J. Burner, Fred E. Hagan, S. M. Thomas, H. G. Bennett, N. L. Collins, D. Shanklin, Rev. Keefer, Davis, Brannie and Cook.
Its Name.
Indian Point took its name from a body of timber extend- ing from Cedar Fork to Section 16. Along the edge of this timber was a favorite camping ground of the Indians, the remains of whose camps were extant long after settlement by the whites. This, coupled with the fact that many axes, spears and arrow-points were found here, gave rise to the name of Indian Point. By this name of "Indian Point" the township was christened on Monday, January 14, 1850, when the town- ship organization was perfected. Daniel Meek was elected the first supervisor in 1853. The first meeting of the Supervisors was held on April 5, 1853, at Knoxville, then the county seat of Knox county.
At the present time Indian Point has the following offi- cials : Willard Tinkham, supervisor; W. H. Clark, town clerk ; Geo. L. Hagan, assessor; I. T. Perry, single highway commis-
117
sioner; W. L. Mills, K. R. Marks and A. C. Fielder, school trustees ; W. M. Clark and S. Gray, Justices of the Peace, and S. D. Lomax, constable.
About St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the only municipality lying wholly within the boundaries of Indian Point. It is the oldest town in this section of Illinois. It was originally laid out a half mile south of its present location by Henry and Austin Mattingly on May 6, 1835. The early settlers who located here were principally from Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. For twenty years business was transacted where the village was originally laid out. Upon the completion of the C., B. & Q. Railroad from Galesburg to Quincy in 1855, the village was moved to the present site, on account of the improved railroad facilities. Business naturally drifted to the new location. The former location is now known as "Old Town." Sebastian Pike was the first merchant, Isaac Rubart, the first postmaster. Dr. A. Baldwin, besides being the first physician, was also the first agent for the railroad company. Among the pioneer merchants were Clements & Son, Thos. Terry, Hall & Carbon. Thos. Blake was the first blacksmith. Clements & Smith owned and operated the first lumber yard in 1857. J. G. Gallett and P. H. Smith built the first elevator in 1857. Ten years later the building and con- tents burned. The only grist mill ever built in Indian Point was erected by Craighton & Ogden at St. Augustine in 1857. Besides making flour and meal, a distillery was run in con- nection. A few years later, a wool-carding machine was in- stalled. This machine was operated by Henry Livers. During the spring of 1879 the mill and contents burned. While St. Augustine has had several fires, the most disastrous from a business standpoint, was that of April 30, 1897. The fire had had its origin in a vacant building. It swept all the business buildings on the north side of Sixth street and left but three on the south side of the street. Buildings of a more substan- tial nature have since been erected. In April, 1911, the Cath- olic parsonage burned. The fire was discovered at midnight. It had gained such headway that nothing could be saved. Miss Elizabeth Mckeon, the house-keeper, was alone at the time and lost her life.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.