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 55
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travelers left St. Louis on the 'Swift Sure (?)' on Friday morning, and did not reach Peoria until Tuesday night. They passed Alton on Sunday morning as people were going to church, and on Monday morning were still just above the city tied to a tree! as through some defect in her engine the Swift Sure could not stem the current and there was danger of her being drifted baek during the might. So much for the pleasures of traveling in 1837. But Peoria was finally reached on the night of July 4, and the emigrants learned something. new to them, of the confusion and disorder following a celebration of Independence day. Several days passed ere teams could be secured and drivers sober enough to manage them, to convey the two families and their effects to Wyoming, their ultimate goal being Osceola Grove. Peoria was then but a hamlet on the lake. A half-built hotel on the corner of Main and Water streets. kept by Garrett. afforded shelter to strangers. On the evening of July the 8th, the two families, and Thomas Hall, sr., arrived at the house of General Thomas. at Wvo- ming, and had seen but one log hut since leaving Peoria. Early on the morning of the 9th. the doctor hired a horse of General Thomas, and made his way to . Vandyke's ford.' there received fresh directions by means of which he found his brother William's cabin in due time. Soon an ox team and big wagon were on their way to Wyoming, and after sundry experiences, novel as trying to the occupants of the big wagon, home was at last reached, and brothers and sisters, parted weary months before in England, were now re-united in Illinois. But the congratulations of what would otherwise have been sneh a happy meeting, were drowned in tears at mention of their honored mother whom they could no longer even hope to see again on earth.
" We must now go back in the order of time some eighteen months, or to February, 1836, when the first installment of this family sailed for the new world, and, as might be expected. met even greater obstacles and privations in the course of their journey than were encountered by the second group, to which we have briefly alluded, as at this period of history every subsequent year rendered emigration easier and pleas- anter; some one has said 'a winter passage of the Atlantic is but a short eut to a watery grave.' and too often it proves so, even in these days of improved navigation. Let those who can, imagine its horrors in 1836, before the invention of ocean steamers, and when the financial ruin that had overtaken this family compelled them to content them- selves with cheap accommodations on a sailing vessel. Head winds and rough seas made their voyage unusually tedious, and when in mid ocean, they encountered icebergs chat threatened certain destruction. But after over seven weeks buffeting with the waves, they anchored in the harbor of New York. Mrs. William Hall had an uncle in Pennsylvania who made a quiet resting place for them, but after recruiting for a little while, they resumed their journey westward. crossing the mountains by a .horse railway,' a means of transit that had new terrors for the women, at least. At Pittsburg they took a boat down the Ohio. They had reason to fear they had been exposed to small-pox, and soon discovered that two of their party (Robert and Mary) had fallen victims to this terrible mal-
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ady. This was a sad trial to these strangers in a strange land; they feared to have their condition known lest they should be summa- rily set ashore and abandoned to their fate. So they nursed their siek as quietly as possible, asking aid from no one, until the boat exploded one of her cylinders, sealding two engineers to death, and filling every nook and corner with hot steam: then the siek were snatched from their berths and hurried on deck, not know- ing what shape death would meet them. But so great was the ex- citement on board, that although the faces of the sufferers were then a mass of eruption, no one seemed to notice them, and they crept back to their beds without experiencing any serious results from their fright and exposure. By the time they reached St. Louis they were able to pass muster without attracting attention, and arrived in Peoria early in the month of June, 1836, all in passable health. On the boats they had made the acquaintance of Archibald and Charlie Vandyke and Brady Fowler. These men were all in search of homes in the west ; so a common interest made them friends. When the Halls left England they all looked toward Jacksonville as a place of residence, but for some reason changed their minds. While at Peoria they met with those who recommended the Osceola region highly. Major Moore, Watts and Spencer had just completed the original survey. Messrs. Buswell and Winslow had been to the grove, made claims, built cabins, and then returned for a time to Peoria. Under directions from Moore, the Hall and Vandyke brothers started early in June to walk across the pathless prairies that then stretched from Mount Hawley to Wyoming. After resting at Wyoming for a short time, as did nearly all who journeyed this way in those days, and being refreshed by a good meal, they proceeded toward the grove. Here they found several families encamped, some sheltering in cabins half built. Among these were Mr. William Parks ; he had moved from Virginia with his teams, had a huge boat-shaped wagon, drawn by four stout horses, one of which he rode, postillion fashion, when on the road. He also owned a carry-all' that cut quite a figure in the social life of that neighborhood for many years. The Hall brothers hired this man, his big wagon and team to return with them to Peoria after the women and goods, the latter only amounting to four- teen large boxes.
"Since the men had left Peoria a drove of cattle had passed through. and Anne and Mary each bought a cow. So now they loaded up- women and goods in the wagon, Mr. Parks on his horse, and the men on foot to drive the stock. They provided themselves with bread and cheese for refreshment at noon, fully expecting to enjoy supper and bed at the house of General Thomas, at Wyoming. The wagon was covered, and so fully loaded that the women had to sit in a constrained and uncomfortable position, and would often have preferred to have walked for a time, but as the grass was nearly to their waists and they had an English horror of snakes, this was a poor relief. The day wore slowly away : they were all very weary. the horses often floundering in treacherous sloughs, the wagon rocking like a ship at sea. while the driver hallooed to his team in a manner that startled,
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almost frightened those unaccustomed to such sights and sounds, but still no Wyoming dawned upon their anxious eyes. At length night came on, the team was exhausted, the driver confessed himself lost, and there was no alternative but to wait the dawning of another day upon the open prairie. The horses ate eagerly of the grass around them, the women crept faint and hungry under the shelter of the wagon cover, and the men threw themselves upon the ground beneath. They were all too excited to sleep much ; the women's minds were busy thinking of the homes and friends they had left, contrasting the comfort of that life with the hardships of this, for although they had braced their minds to meet bravely whatever befell, yet this was a performance not thought of when the programme was made out. When Mrs. William Hall had in her English home revealed to her mother her plan, to be married shortly, and two weeks thereafter to set out for America, the good woman exclaimed : . Oh, Anne, you are going to suck down sorrow by the spoonful.' That night on the prairie, and many a night afterwards her daughter remembered those words, and perchance thought them prophetic. When they suspended their journey the lightning was playing about the horizon, and by midnight a storm broke upon them such as they had never conceived of, and such as is rarely witnessed here. of late years. But morning came at last, the ram had ceased, and they started again for Wyo- ming, or any other point where food and shelter could be obtained, and about ten o'clock A. M., the cabin of General Thomas was reached. Refreshed by a good breakfast and a brief rest. the emigrants again started forward, only to renew the experiences of the previous day with new complications. They first made for Mr. James Holgate's place, and there got directions for Seeley's Point, pretty well to the east of the grove. By this route they hoped to reach the unoccupied cabin of Mr. Buswell, of which they were to take possession until they could build one. But Spoon river must be crossed by a deep and dan- gerous ford, where the chances were very good that the whole load would capsize down the steep bank into the water, and by the time this difficulty was disposed of. the shades of evening were again clos- ing around them.
" William Hall, who it will be remembered had been over this route but lately, to make his claim, now proposed to leave the party and make his way on foot directly to the cabin, kindle a fire to guide the rest, and have some food in readiness when they arrived. He was spurred on to this course, more especially as his young wife was already ailing under the combined strain of fatigne and excitement, and he feared if rest and refreshment could not soon be procured she would be seriously ill. He succeeded in carrying ont his part of the contract without much difficulty, and by nightfall a bright fire was blazing on the rude hearth of the cabin. But no wagon put in an appearance, and the solitary watcher looked and listened in vain for any sight of sound of the wanderers. In fact they were far to the northeast of the grove, near where the town of Osceola was afterwards laid out -the team floundered hopelessly among the big sloughs, and the driver again pretty well confused as to the points of
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the compass. For miles the women had been driving the cows; Robert aiding the driver and keeping a sharp lookout for signals from William, or for game that would add to the repast if they reached the cabin fire. Mrs. Hall had been slowly growing worse, and finally crawled back into the crowded wagon in blank despair. Robert had been dis- charging his gun and blowing his bugle, in the vain hope of making somebody hear; but the dull and distant echoes were their only response. At last Mary's quiet courage began to give way, and she turned to the bewildered Mr. Parks, and said : . For goodness' sake. take us somewhere ; another night out now will kill Anne.' . If there is nowhere to go to, how can } take you ?' curiously enough inquired the poor man. Soon after things had reached this crisis, somebody noted a glimmer near the western horizon ; at first they feared it was but a star. but as they gradually drew nearer, concluded, not that it was .a light in the window for thee,' for well they knew the home they sought had no windows, but a light issuing from the open door of a cabin. Robert again blew a blast upon his bugle horn, which was answered by a shot from the cabin. So they made their way through the dense wood, over hills and through hollows, over fallen logs and swampy sloughs, and finally, about eleven o'clock p. M., drew up at the cabin door. A bed was soon made for the sick woman, and they carried her in, gave her tea and wine, composed themselves to rest with thankful hearts after their long and perilous journey of nearly five months' duration. And this was the strange coming home, the first . house- warming' of the Halls in Illinois, and occurred on Friday, June 26, 1836. Mr. Parks went a mile or more to reach his own home. Mrs. Hall slept but little if any that night, and as she was restless and anxious to see what the surroundings were, as soon as day dawned she arose, partially dressed, and quietly slipped ont. As may be imagined, all that met her eye was a wild unbroken solitude, nothing save the rude hut that bore the impress of human hands, or that showed a human foot had ever approached the spot. The grass and weeds were tall as herself, and a heavy dew hung on them, glittering in the dawn- ing light like frost-work. Whether overcome by conflicting. emotions or by increasing weakness, she knows not, but she swooned and fell. When the men arose they were distressed to find her lying in an unconscious state beside the cabin wall. Again they carried her to her resting place in the corner, administered the best restoratives their circumstances permitted. and hung over her with anxious hearts. She soon rallied and begged them not to be alarmed ; she said, .It was only weakness induced by fatigue." It was Saturday now. and know- ing that the Sturms at Seeley's Point had horses to sell. Robert went to buy a team, which he did, getting Dick and Queen, two horses deservedly famous in the annals of the family for twenty years there- after. But Mrs. Hall grew worse instead of better, and during the second (Saturday) night, was quite delirious, raving so piteously of past. scenes that the courage of all faltered, and on Sunday morning her husband was about starting back to Peoria, only fifty miles away, for a physician. Just then Mr. Parks rode np to inquire after the welfare of the new-comers, especially after the one he had left so sick. They
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told him their fears; he said what he could to allay them, and advised them not to go to Peoria yet. . He would fetch Nancy (his wife) who had a good deal of experience among sick folks.' And soon the good woman came, and then and there began a series of ministrations to the sick and suffering for which she has long been held in grateful remem- brance. Iler knowledge of simple remedies, her words of encourage- ment and kind attentions in times of affliction were a real boon to the infant settlement. This kind old lady yet lives, having entered her ninety-third year, and an honored old age is hers. 'Her children have risen up to call her blessed,' and though her flesh is subject to many infirmities, yet is ber spirit tranquil, and her faith looks stedfastly towards that brighter country, where the inhabitants never say, I am sick.' But to resume our story. Mrs. Hall soon recovered under good and careful nursing, and preparations for building themselves a house went rapidly forward. First, of course, trees must be felled for the logs, and this was awkward work for the Halls, as probably neither of them had ever swung an axe before, at least not such an axe as is used by the American backwoodsman to such advantage. But they worked with a will and whacked away at the trees all round, until by the time they were ready to fall they were literally whittled off to a point. This style of work could be seen as long as the first cabin stood and was the butt of numberless jokes among the neighbors touching the capabilities of Englishmen as woodchoppers! But the logs answered a good purpose, nevertheless; a story-and-half house was raised, a sawpit was dug in which a large two handled saw could be worked, and thus they made their own boards: the tools were unpacked and as William had some practical knowledge of their use, they soon had floors and battened doors, and windows with glass in them, which advantages were almost enough to make them 'take airs' over their neighbors, in those times. This house became a sort of headquarters for all incoming detachments, and if its half Hoored loft was sometimes so crowded with beds and their occupants, that some luckless wight occasionally made a sudden descent to the next floor, he was pretty sure to find a bed ready to catch him there, so no serious results followed, only some slight re-adjustment to secure safety the balance of the night. Here the weary .itinerant ' always found a home, and the pious of every name a welcome. Within its walls were assembled some of the first congregations that ever met for religious worship in the settlement. Often and again, have roof and rafters rang with the grand old hymns learned across the sea. . Den- mark 'and 'Coronation,' ' Old Hundred' and Silver Street,' were . the familiar paths their souls oft trod towards God.' The clear, full treble of the sisters chorded well with the deep bass of William's voice and the tones of his great viol, making harmony that would have be- fitted better surroundings. In recalling this group, Mr. Cummings, the first missionary but lately said, .They were right loyal Methodists of the true Wesleyan type." And it was William Hall who led the first class, formed at Wall's by this missionary (to which reference is made in another place) seven miles from his home, with an unbridged river intervening, and never missed an appointment in ten years!
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But the cabin long since gave place to a more modern and commodi- ous structure, and the once familiar name of William Hall lives there no more save in memory. or on sculptured marble. A son who bore it, gave his life for his country in 1862, expiring in a Memphis hospital. :0% * * Edgar died at White's Station near Memphis in 1863."
Mrs. Ann ITall (deceased), who settled at Osceola Grove, June 26, 1836, died there October 24, 1886, aged eighty-two years. As noted in other pages, she came with her husband from England, and for fifty years resided on the same spot, where over fifty years ago she saw their first humble home in America raised. Her husband, one son and two daughters preceded her to the grave. Four sons and eleven grandchildren now represent this branch of the pioneer Halls of Osceola Grove. She was one of the first persons in this district to join a Methodist class, and for a number of years her deceased husband was class leader. Even up to the period of her death she was looked upon as the only one who conkl speak authentically on the early history of that church in her neighborhood.
Robert Hall, son of Thomas and Sarah (Cokayne) Hall, came to the United States in 1836, and settled on the northeast quarter, section two, Elmira, on which he has since resided. He at once engaged in cultivating this claim, and as soon as the land came into market he pur- chased 160 acres. He was married January 9, 1840, to Miss Harriet Marsh, to whom nine children were born, six of whom are living. namely : Jane, James (married, living in Iowa), Esther (married, liv- ing in Iowa), Matilda, Charles (married, living on the old homestead), and Ellen (married, living in Osceola township). Mrs. Robert Hall was the daughter of Daniel C. and Esther (Pettibone) Marsh, the former . being a native of Conneetient, who moved to Pennsylvania while in his youth, and the latter, Esther, was a native of Pennsylvania. Her grandfather, Oliver Pettibone, at the time of the Wyoming massacre was eighteen years old, and his father at that time removed to Mas- sachusetts. and remained there until Oliver Pettibone married Martha Payne. After this marriage he returned to Wyoming, Pa., his father returning with him. The Pettibones are, as far as known, in Penn- sylvania vet. Daniel Marsh, father of Mrs. Hall, remained in that state until his death in 1865. Iler mother. Esther Marsh, came to Ill- inois in 1834, to see a daughter, Mrs. Judge Holgate, and she was taken sick and died while there, and is buried on the Holgate farm. Robert Hall has always been engaged in farming and stock-growing. Ile has added considerable land to his original purchase, but has given it to his children, retaining only the old homestead of 160 acres, on which he now resides. He is a republican in politics, but has always been opposed to office, yet the people have elected him to several township positions. IIe is not a member of any church, but gives with a liberal hand to all denominations that are in need.
John M. Hatch came from Vermont to Elmira township, in 1851.
James Monroe Jackson, son of Cyrns and Zaravia (Winters) Jack- son, was born June 4, 1825, in Luzerne county, Pa. His father and mother were born in Connecticut. It appears both families moved to Pennsylvania, where Cyrus Jackson married. In 1831 the family
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moved to New York state, and in 1837 to what is now Penn township of Stark county. Their children are named as follows: Melinda, mar- ried. a resident of Henry county ; James M., a resident of this town- ship : Sylvia, who died in 1845; Sylvester, married, a citizen of lowa ; Andrew, married, also in lowa, and Clarissa, married, a resident of this county. The father resided in Penn township until his death in March, 1844, and the mother died in later years as related in pioneer history. James M. came with his parents to this State and shared their pioneer labors until after his father's death. On August 11, 1844, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Dall) Sturms, also pioneers of this county. They are the parents of ten children, namely : Henry, of this township, married ; Cyrus, of Ringold county, Iowa. single ; John, of the same county, married ; Brady F. and Walter, of the same county, married ; Rebecca, married in Toulon township ; Washington, of Hayes county, Neb., married ; Tilly, married, a resi- dent of Toulon township: Ella, married, residing in this township and Ernest, single, residing with parents. Mr. Jackson at one thne was a member of the United Brethren Church, but of late years has attended the American Presbyterian Church. For over 15 years he has served as school director and in political life is a Douglas Democrat. Ilis agricultural and stock-growing interests claim his sole attention.
C'ol. William Jackson, born in Rosshire. Scotland, May 11, 1834, is the son of Thomas and Isabella (Hyslop) Jackson, the former born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1800, was the son of Adam and Ellen Jackson, descended from a family (in Scotland) of shepherds. Adam Jackson was in his day a famous hunter, earning the title of " King of the Hunters." Adam and Ellen had a family of seven chiklren, Thomas being the third son. Hle married Miss Isabella Hyslop in 1827 in Roxburghshire, and removed to the Highlands of Scotland in 1833, still following the vocation of shepherd. They had. when they emigrated to the Highlands, two children, namely, Elizabeth and Adam. Isabella, the wife of Thomas Jackson, was the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Balentine) Hyslop, both natives of Scotland, Adam Ilyslop being a laborer, and the Balentines, like the Jacksons. being shepherds. Thomas Jackson remained in the Highlands for eighteen years, where six more children were born to them, namely, William, now colonel of the Fourth Ilinois National Guards; John. James, Walter, David and Ellen. Thomas emigrated to America in 1850. and settled in Ehnira township, where he purchased 107 acres from Thomas Turnbull on northwest quarter-section 27. There he engaged in Farming, and remained on his first purchase until his death, which occurred August 6, 1855. Ilis wife still survives him, living at the advanced age of eighty-three in Elmira with her son William. William Jackson remained with his father during his boyhood as a sheep-herder, receiving a part of his education in Scotland. Ile came with his parents to America in 1850, and engaged in farming up to the beginning of the rebellion of 1861. On the 12th of June, 1861. he enlisted in what was known as the Elmira Rifles, commanded by Capt. Charles Stuart, and went into Camp Douglas, Chicago, June 12th, where the command was mustered into the service by Capt. Pitcher on the
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17th of June of the same year, and assigned to the Nineteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry as Company B. He enlisted as first sergeant ; pro- moted to orderly sergeant ; promoted to second lieutenant October 13, 1861; promoted to first lieutenant July 15, 1862; served his term of enlistment, and was mustered out at the expiration of service on the 9th of July, 1864, at Chicago. Returning to this county, he engaged in farming and stock-growing, purchasing a farm in Elmira township. He was married to Miss Louisa A. Stone, February 3, 1869, daughter of Liberty and Julia (Winslow) Stone, both of whom are noticed in the history of Osceola. They are the parents of seven children, named as follows: Rollo S., Walter T., William H., Nellie M., Julia W., Chester R., and James E. Colonel Jackson has been for years con- nected with the militia of the state. On July 7. 1874, he organized a inilitia company known as the Elmira Zouaves, and was elected cap- tain. When this command was attached to the Fourth regiment, Illinois National Guards, second brigade, he was elected major; he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel; commissioned colonel of the Fourth Illinois National Guards, April 7, 1880, as related in the military chapter. This regiment was in active service during the strike of 1877 at East St. Louis for ten days, and assisted in restoring order in that town. While they were in service, they also assisted in restoring order on the several lines running out of East St. Louis through Iowa, and along the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy lines at Galesburg and other points. The colonel is a member of the Masonic lodge, joining the order in 1877; also being a Royal Arch Mason; he is also a charter member of James JJackson Post No. 37, Grand Army of the Republic, and junior vice-commander of the department of Illinois. He has been commander of his home post for eight years. He is not a member of any church, but lends his support to the Presbyterian society. In politics he is a staunch republican, and boasts of the fact that he has never scratched a ticket. He has held the supervisor's office for one term. and has been commissioner of highways for nine years. In school matters he has always been interested, and has assisted largely in bringing the school system of his township ap to its present high standard, being director for a number of years. Ilis home near Elmira is one of those referred to at the beginning of the chapter.
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