USA > Illinois > Stark County > Documents and biography pertaining to the settlement and progress of Stark County, Illinois : containing an authentic summary of records, documents, historical works and newspapers > Part 19
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While many important civil cases have been tried and disposed of here, a large number have been carried to the Supreme Court, and be- fore that court some of the most elaborate arguments on record have been made by Stark county lawyers. In criminal matters the county is almost barren. The few capital crimes committed are noticed as follows: Piney Arnold, once a resident of Stark county, murdered James M. Sweeney at Solana, Cal., in 1859, and was tried, convicted and sentenced in January, 1860. In November, 1865, one Archie Moore murdered one Lafferty in presence of a number of people, and then fled. Captain Brown, then sheriff, learned that a letter was mailed to him at Farmington, and, going thither, awaited Moore. The plan succeeded, and the murderer was taken to the Peoria jail. Joseph H. Wilbur, while returning from the postoffice at Lafayette to his home, on the evening of October 13, 1867, was assaulted and killed. David Anshutz was arrested on the charge. The trial took place in November, 1868. Martin Shallenberger represented the people, Judge llowe the prisoner. He was found guilty, and the jury fixed the pun- ishment at twenty-one years in state's prison. Stewart Bowers mur- dered Paxton Perry, son of Anderson Perry, of Goshen township, at
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THE COURTS AND BAR.
the bank corner at Toulon. July 4. The case was tried at Toulon, be- fore Judge Cochran and jury. Martin Shallenberger and the late W. W. O'Brien defended Bowers, James H. Miller and Judge Puterbangh prosecuted. A verdict of " not guilty " was returned, as the charge of murder could not be maintained. It appeared on the trial that they often went into the timber to play Indian, shooting at one another. dodging the bullets behind trees. Bowers subsequently married Perry's sister, and is now a prosperous citizen at Nebraska. The shooting of John Hopkins by Benson S. Scott, at Duncan, occurred in July, 1879.
Peter Huber of West Jersey township was murdered by a tramp named Church. December 1. 1851. This Church was a resident of Tou- lon for over twenty years, where it is said he married a very question- able character. The coroner's jury-W. A. Hampton, A. Kamerer, S. M. Huffman, Naam B. Leigh, J. M. Wick and Francis Dugan-found that Andrew J. Church stabbed Huber, from which wound the latter died in eight or ten minutes. Robert HI. Thompson and Win. H. Bell arrested the murderer near Henry Godfrey's house, while trying to escape. The trial took place in April, 1882. J. E. Decker and A. P. Miller defended ; B. F. Thompson and I. I]. Miller prosecuted. He was found guilty, and sentenced to hard labor for life. Sylvester Makinson was sentenced to death, March 15, 1885, and executed May 11, for the murder of Mrs. M. E. Copeland. In April, 1886, William and Mrs. McCaul of Coal Village, were tried for the murder of the little Sturm child, but acquitted. Martin Shallenberger and James Il. Miller defended, winning an acquittal.
The law circle of the county, like the county, is small; but large in all those qualities which bring honor to its membership, and tinge all dealings with honesty and ability. Nowhere in this State or outside it does a higher sense of integrity obtain than within Stark county's limited legal circle.
CHAPTER IX.
JOURNALISM AND LITERATURE.
HE history of the press of the county presents an apt illus- tration of its progress. Perhaps in the whole world of jour- nalism there cannot be found its equal in manly expression and sound reasoning-certainly not its superior. A great deal of courtesy is manifested in the offices, a western friendliness exists among the journalists, and, above all, a desire to do justice to the people, by exposing what is wrong, and commending what is right, is apparent. The business of a newspaper is to give the news. This may be done in different ways; but journals agree upon one point -that their readers are entitled to adequate information respecting whatever noteworthy thing has happened. It is also the business of the press to review the news, and herein consists the higher element of journalism. The charge, so justly brought against many of the subsidized papers of the great cities, and also against the little sheets of eastern towns for narrow, anti-national reviews was never applicable here. Many of the owners and editors of the Stark county journals have devoted the best years of their lives to this dis- triet ; they have, so to speak, a stake in the country, and with it a. reputation for probity and sound judgment which they have held during the building up of our institutions and reflected through their newspapers and books.
The Prairie Advocate was issued January 4, 1856, by John G. Ilewitt, editor; and JJohn Smith, printer and publisher. The sub- seribers' list shows about 600 names. On the front page is the carriers' address to the patrons of the Prairie Advocate, on page 2, the saluta- torv, general news and a six-verse rhythmie acknowledgement of a Christmas donation visit, written by Rev. C. Brinkerhoff. Page 3 is given up to marriage notices and advertisements, so also is page +. The local news seemed to be the least appreciated at that time, as it received very little notice. Charles Smith was the carrier boy. In establishing this journal, Judge Hewitt, a dentist here at that time. interested a number of his fellow citizens in the projeet, and, with a $300 bonus, he visited John Smith, of Pekin, and agreed with him to move the office to Toulon. The type was antique, indeed, and fit company for the press - supposed to be the third printing press intro- duced into this state. Toward the middle of the year, Oliver White. then a school teacher at Toulon, became a regular contributor, and passed so much time in the office that he learned to work at the case. Moving to Henry county, he took a position on the Dial. John Smith meantine, sold his interest to llewitt and retired to farm life, leaving
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JOURNALISM AND LITERATURE.
the latter to carry on the _Idrocate until early in 1857, when he sold the entire oufit to Rev. R. C. Dann, who changed the title to the Stark County News
The Stark County News is the regular successor of the Pioneer Advocate, as purchased by Mr. Dunn, in the spring of 1857, who gave it its present title. After a few months he sold the office to Messrs. Whitaker and Henderson, who placed Dr. S. S. Kaysbier in charge as editor. At the close of 1860 the publication suspended, and the News office was a blank until the fall of 1861. when W. 11. Butler took con- trol, and resuscitating it, called his new venture the Stark County Union.
The Stark County Union was non-political, but decidedly Unionist. At that time no one waited for a local weekly paper. Every one rushed for the daily journals; even advertising was forgotten, so that, notwithstanding Mr. Butler's earnest effort and liberal outlay of money, the Union was forced to suspend.
The Stark County News (revived) peered out from the debris of the old office in the spring of 1863, and under the new lights by which Dr. S. S. Kaysbier illuminated the now very small newspaper. The little news became a power in the land. In January 1864, Oliver White joined Kaysbier in its publication, placed the name of Lincoln at the head of an enlarged paper for a second term. purchased sole ownership in July and continued its publication until the fall of 1868. when he sold a half interest to JJoseph Smethurst, and in the spring of 1869 sold the other half to Edwin Butler. Subsequently James A. Henderson purchased Smethurst's interest, and with Mr. Butler managed the paper until his death, Mrs. Henderson now hokling her late husband's share. and acting as local editor of the News.
The Stark county Democrat was first issued July 19, 1860. the price being stated at fifty cents for the campaign. Martin Shallen- berger was editor, with G. A. Clifford, W. Il. Butler, Charles Myers, Ben. Williams. J. 11. Anthony, J. B. Russell, W. D. Hicks and Thomas Ross, assistant editors. It advocated the election of the "Little Giant," or Stephen A. Douglas. The policy of the editor is portrayed in lines written June 4, 1860, by " Melville" for the first issue, the last verse of which is thus given :
"Curses fall on his name, blight forever his fame, who this glorious union woukl sever, Who would part the fair stars that our banner adorn,
His ambition to feast on the wrecks of the storm,
When Liberty's sun's set forever."
In the issue of November 3, 1860, printed by C. Bassett. of Ke- wanee, Ill., this notice appears: "PAY UP. We shall publish one more number of this paper, giving the full election returns throughout the United States, when the Democrat will be no longer published. We expect every man who is in arrears will pay up now." The little sheet, thirteen by nineteen inches, recommending itself as the best advertising medium in the county, and having one column of the same. The "largest dry goods merchants," P. & J. Nowlan, having recently purchased the entire stock of Thos. B. Starrett, indulge in a four-inch ad. Rockwell's saloon is also advertised. For polities, Lin-
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
coln is slurred and his stories ridiculed, while Douglas is represented as making rapid strides toward the Presidency. Under the head of "Carrying Coals to Newcastle" are noted the meetings held by Republicans in Elmira.
Some facts respecting the origin of the Stark county Democrat of 1s60 will not be out of place. On July 6. 1860, a meeting of leading democrats was held at Toulon to take steps toward the publication of a party journal. E. L. Emery submitted a plan prepared by M. Shallenberger, providing for a stock subscription to carry the work on for a stated time. This stock was to be assessed just as required, but. should the paper become self-supporting. the amount of capital stock unpaid would be still collected and applied to the printing and distri- bution of Douglas literature. This plan was adopted and the gentle- men named as editors were elected. P. Nowlan was elected fiscal agent and bookkeeper, and Benjamin Turner, distributing agent. The agents appointed to canvass the different towns were Benj. Turner. E. L. Emery. T. J. Wright. Win. B. Armstrong and G. J. Taggart. Toulon: M. Blanchard and B. F. Thompson, Osceola ; James Holgate and Dexter Wall, Penn: J. Moffit and Il. Colwell, Essex ; John Morris and Benj. Boughn. Valley: Jesse Funk and JI. Hepperly, Elmira: E. Markley and J. M. Parker, West Jersey: lesse Atherton and T. W. Ross, Goshen. It was also agreed that the Toulon National Demo- cratie Association present a banner to the town furnishing the largest list of subscribers. The proceedings were signed by D. McCance. president. and F. A. Forman, secretary. of the Toulon National Demo- cratic Association.
The relations between the News (Republican) and the Democrat in August, 1860, may be judged of by the following paragraphs :
"A HOLY THING. A whiskey barrel in a Democratic community where there are augers handy."-Stark county News.
" The same old stereotyped charge which the editor (shade of departed Franklin, forgive us!) of the News likes to make. . People who live in glass houses should never throw stones.""-Stark county Democrat.
"AN EMPTY THING. A whisky barrel in a ball-room. when a Republican editor has had an opportunity to suck at the bung-hole."- Stark county Democrat.
Stark County Democrat, not that of 1860, was first issued August 2. Is67, by Seth F. Rockwell, from the office in the Culbertson building, in Rockwell's row. M. Shallenberger was political editor. In the latter's salutatory address, it is stated that with the exception of the campaign journal of 1860. "it is the first time in the history of the county that any other than a Republican paper has been published." Indeed, it may lay claim to be the pioneer Democratie publication, since that of 1860 was only inspired and written here, but printed and published at Kewanee. This first mimber contains a criticism of the first chapter of the history of Stark county, printed in the News, sup- posed to be written by the editor-in-chief. The Democrat was regu- larly issued up to December 25, 1867. when a notice appeared stating that its publication would be suspended through the holidays. No. 20
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JOURNALISM AND LITERATURE.
appeared on January . 1868, and every week thereafter to the close of October of that year. In November. 1868, paper had not arrived : there was a brief suspension. and the next issue was published under the name The Prairie Chief. On August 19. 1868. S. F. Rockwell is- sued his valedictory. The Prairie Chief. with M. Shallenberger and Ben. W. Seaton editors, Vol. II. No. 2, appeared November IS. 1565. The editors gave as a reason for the change of name: "We think the heading of the paper looks better." In April. 1872. he sold the Chief to Henry M. Hall, who published regularly until January. 1576. (when he moved to lowa, under the title New Era, a Democratic paper.
The Ku Klux Bulletin was issued at Toulon, May 7. 1969. Its motto was. "Chide mildly the erring." Its editors were " Grand (v- clops." " White Alligator" and " Rattling Skeleton:" or. as alleged. Thomas Shallenberger, Charles W. Wright and Albinus Nance. the latter afterwards governor of Nebraska. The following extract from the salutatory gives an idea of the principles of this journal: "Our Bulletin is not a religious paper. Others may prate of the orthodox, the martyrs, and the clergy: of the peace and happiness of religion, and spiritual happiness: but we prefer to deal with the human crea- tures about us. We do not confine ourselves to any sect or creed : we are on the side of reform, and our field of labor is as broad as the uni- verse. Toulon needs reorganizing, and we attempt to reorganize her. Let us hope that we may meet with better success than Artemus, when he attempted to reorganize Betsy Jane." The first page was mainly devoted to a story called " The ' Lyon' Hunt," a local subjeet. On the third page the question is asked, " Why is our barber like Charlie Wright?" and answered. " Because he never wears out the knees of his breeches in secret prayer." On the fourth page the important question is asked, " Why is P. M Blair like a turkey gobbler?" and answered. "Because he cant swallow a billiard ball." Almost every one learned something regarding himself from this little four page journal: but it was not a success. the editors grew tired, and like the clan after whom it was named. collapsed.
Molly Stark. a tri-weekly newspaper, was issued by Oliver White at Toulon. in 1876. The little journal was decidedly republican, and carried the name of James G. Blaine for President.
Toulon semi-weekly Herald. a four-page. twenty-four-column jour- nal followed Molly Stark. Vol. IV. No. 1. was issued July 2. 1550, bearing the editorial name of E. Il. Phelps. This, too, was republican. carrying a twin miniature picture of Garfield and Arthur at the head of its local columns. In every issue of this paper a desire to give the people news, and plenty of it. is manifested. Among the eccentricities of the types. the following notice from the Peoria Call. relating to the Herald office, brings forth one : " The Toulon Herald has a poet, and the poet wrote a beautiful little poem all about 'a friend with a heart of gold,' and the Herald printers set it up a . heart of Chicago,' and when Phelps, the practical and mattar-of-fact editor of the Herald. read the proof, he mildly wondered at the physiological peculiarity of the friend's heart. but didn't question the accuracy of the statement. and so it went through the paper. . heart of Chicago:' and now the
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
poet threatens to put a head on the whole office, if they don't fix the thing up satisfactorily." It is said that this paper was moved to Wyoming in 1881, and published there under the name of Wyoming Herald.
The Stark county Sentind closed its sixth volume, September 23, 1886. The paper was first issued October 8, 1880. On April 30, 1881, the partnership between Thomas Il. Blair and Will E. Nixon was dis- solved, and that of W. E. Nixon and .I. K. Hall formed, which existed until May, 1882, when Mr. Hall became sole owner. On Jannary 1. 1884, Gus Hulsizer purchased an interest in the paper. This copart- nership, existing between l. Knox Hall and Gus Hulsizer, was dis- solved February 13. 1885, and the latter became sole owner and editor. The Sentinel is now one of the strongest prohibition journals in the state. It is well edited, full up of local news, and claims a very wide circulation in the western states, as well as in this county. The editor, in closing volume six, says: "We are thankful for the friends we have got, and are ready to heap coals of fire on the heads of our ene- mies; in fact, do anything honorable to keep our . list' booming and bring delinquents to time, and we greatly fear when our spirit departs it will seriously haunt the lives of some, unless they bring up their arrears soon. Amid clouds and sunshine, buoyant hopes and prospects figured out mountain high, we change to volume seven and thank our numerons readers for liberal support, kind words, and timely advice, and hope by judicious management and fine maneuvering to retain all and gather in many more."
The tri-weekly Call was issued by Nixon Bros. at Toulon, March 20. 1883. It was changed to the semi-weekly Call, but ceased publi- cation August 16, 1883.
The Post-Chronicle dates back to 1872, when E. H. Phelps, now of Kansas City, was requested to found a newspaper at Wyoming. The first munber was issued August 9, 1872, to eighty paying subscribers. The name adopted was due to the fact that the Bradford Chronicle then held the field in the eastern townships, and the new paper was in fact a consolidation of the newspaper interests of Wyoming and Bradford.
The Wyoming Post, a new name given to the pioneer journal of the town, made its appearance within a few months under Mr. Phelps' charge. and continued in charge until the sale of his paper to Gil- christ. In October, 1878, Craddock & Vosburg issned their greetings as editors of the Post. This journal continued in existence until Feb- ruary 5. 1885, when it was consolidated with the Herald, under the name Post-Herald, J. M. Newton, of the last-named journal, holding a position in the office almost continuously from 1872 to 1885.
The Wyoming Herald was one of the journalistic enterprises of E. H. Phelps. Whether it was a continuation of the Toulon Herald or a separate venture the writer will not say, but from the following para- graph, which appeared in the Peoria Journal, November 12, 1881, it appears to be identical with the Toulon Herald, except in name of office : " When Phelps of the Wyoming Herald sold ont to Gilchrist. the paper he was then publishing-the Wyoming l'ost -he agreed
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JOURNALISM AND LITERATURE.
not to publish a paper in Stark county for five years. Recently he removed his paper from Toulon to Wyoming, and thus came in direct conflict with Gilchrist's successor, Sandham. The latter has now asked for an injunction restraining Phelps from publishing the IT rald in Wyoming. The point is to be argued in this city next week." Agreeable to the above facts. B. F. Thompson, petitioner's attorney, and JJ. II. Miller, defendant's attorney, went to Peoria to argue the case before Judge McCulloch." It is clear, however, that the Herald survived this attack, for in April. 18>2. Chandler & Sweeney purchased the office from E. II. Phelps, who left for Kansas City. In February, 1854. L. W. Chandler sold' his interest to A. W. Hotchkiss: Sweeney also disposed of his interest, and on January 1. 1ss5. the publication of a tri-weekly newspaper ceased, the owners continuing a weekly journal, until its consolidation with the Post under the name Post-Herald. On February 5. 1855, the first number of the Post- Herald was issued, with W. R. Sandham and A. W. Hotchkiss, pub- lishers. JJason M. Newton has been assistant editor from prior to this time to January. 1886, and editor since that time. thus leaving Mr. Sandham free to attend to his official duties as Superintendent of Schools. The Post-Herald is an excellent weekly paper. Sound judg- ment marks its progress : while in its local and editorial columns the enterprising spirit of the town of its publication is made manifest. A. W. Hotchkiss, so long connected with this paper, is publisher of the Wa-Keeney Tribune, in Kansas.
The Daily Post-Herald is a newsy sheet. issued from this office during the fairs of the Central Agricultural Society. In make-up and local news it vies with any of the penny dailies of our large cities.
The Stark County Bee was issued in 1876, at Wyoming, by M. M. Monteith. Professing independence in politics while leaning toward republicanism, it could not exist very long, nor did it.
The Bradford Chronicle dates back to the spring of 1972, but there is no positive information at hand to warrant the statement that it was published then. In August of that year it was consolidated with the Post. at Wyoming. under the title Post-Chronicle.
The Bradford Times was first issued December 25, 1550. The salu- tatory was as follows: " The question will probably arise in the minds of many who receive this copy of the Times, What is the use of another paper in Stark county ? We answer by saying that the people of Brad- fowl think they can support a paper. They also think that while it may be beneficial to them in many ways it can do them no possible harm. This is all the excuse we have to offer, simply letting the paper speak for itself. F. N. Prout, editor." Prof. W. R. Sandham's name appears as editor September 24. 1851 The Times was not printed at Bradford. The Bradford Independent was issued June 4, 1855, from the first printing office ever established at Bradford, by C. F. lamil- ton and J. C. Blaisdell, the latter continuing in partnership until June 1. 1856, when Mr. Hamilton became sole owner.
The Lafayette Inner was issued by S. A. Miller in October. 1553. In June, 1884 S. A. Miller changed the name of the Inner to the Lafig- ette Sentinel, under which the paper was published to its close.
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.
AUTHORS OF PUBLISHED WORKS.
If we except the historical contributions of George Clifford to the press, the readable little book of 1863, by Oliver White. on the marine artillery, and the pamphlet on the progress of the R. I. & P. R. R., by P. M. Blair. in 1869. we must place the historical work of Mrs. ShaÌ- lenberger first. and her name among the first authors in the county.
Stark County and Its Pioneers is the title of this work, issued from the press of the Prairie Chief at Cambridge. Il. in 1876, and dedica- ted to the pioneer families of the country. Apart entirely from the praise which should be accorded to the writer or compiler of local history. this volume should earn for its author both praise and thanks: for in it are found many items, which never could be obtained had she not made the effort prior to 1875. Again, the work bears evidence of her desire to be exhaustive : it is the result of two and a half years of literary work, and a testimonial for all time to her industry and her appreciation of what is due to the past, to the present and to the future. While the voline does not pretend to contain anything like the whole pioneer story of the county. it forms one of the most valu- able contributions to local history which has come under the notice of the writer sinee 1871, when he entered on historical work.
Pen slatches of service in the marine artillery: In May, 1868 there was published at Toulon a little book by Oliver White, under this title. Ilis contributions to the press are generally well prepared.
The History of the 112th Regt. Ill. Vol. Inf. was completed Novem- ber 19. 1885, and issued from the press of the Stark County Noes the same year. The type, paper and binding refleet much credit on the book department of that office. The work contains 480 pages of printed matter, devoted solely to the 112th regiment. The author, Captain B. F. Thompson. treats his subject exhaustively and well. So thoroughly has his task been performed old comrades of his regi- ment. after reading the book, sit down content as they did when Lee surrendered, and say : -- " We have no more to learn -- it is all there."
The historical addresses of the Hendersons, Miles A. Fuller, Millers, Martin Shallenberger and the historical reminiscences of W. HI. Adams and many others, credited with such stories in this work. have gone far to render the work of the historian light, and the benefits to their fellow citizens very material. Behind aff this there is a literary under- current prevailing in the county which is manifested in papers on special subjects, and in a few instances carried into church and other records.
I cannot leave this subject without touching on the poets and poetry of the county. In a few instances their verses are introduced in one or other of the various chapters; but beyond this, and it must be regretted, the character of this record-book will not permit their publication. Many of the poets write under assumed names, such as, .. Nina." while a few subscribe their full names-among whom are the Stewarts and Stouffers. From 1856 to the present time the county press has contained very choice poems From local poets.
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