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 83
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Sylvester II. Sanders, born in Morris county, N. J .. December 16, 1812, is a son of Darius and Mary (Lochman) Sanders, natives of New Jersey, where both died. At about the age of seventeen years he learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until 1-45, when, with his wife. Miss Eliza Ann Bryan, to whom he was married October 8. 1836, and three children, he made the journey to Illinois by wagon. and located a farm of 160 acres in West Jersey, on the northwest quar- ter of section twenty-eight, where he resided for a number of years. On this journey he was accompanied by Thomas Fox. his brother-in- law, and family. Ilere his wife died August 17. 1869. in her fifty- fourth year. `Of the three children who came with them, and six born here, Rev. Jacob II. is a Methodist minister, Peter K. is dead, Mary J. is wife of Rev. A. Atherton. Susan E. is deceased. Sophronia is Mrs. Wm. Sterler, Susan A. deceased, Fred E., Darius E. and Lucy M., wife of Rev. R. A. Brown. In 1879 Mr. Sanders and wife moved
700
BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES
into West Jersey village, where their residence was then erected. Mr. Sanders owns 160 acres, together with village property. all the savings of years of labor. In religions matters he is a Methodist of over thirty years' standing. His second marriage was solemnized April 13, 1871, with Miss Catherine Egbert, who. like her husband, is a devout church member. Prior to 1856 Mr. Sanders was a Democrat. but since that time has been faithful to Republican doctrine and party.
Darius Sanders, born in Morris county, N. J., in 1816, died March 27, 1884. In 1868 he settled in West Jersey township.
Elder John Sargent, born in Maryland, October, 1793, served two campaigns in the War of 1812, after moving to Ohio with his parents ; came to Henry county in 1850, to Stark county in 1853, later to Mis- souri, from which he was driven by the JJay-hawkers in 1861. Ile re- turned and settling at Millbrook, Peoria county, died there July 14, 1882.
Belle (Trimmer) Shafer, born in West Jersey township in 1868; married Peter Shafer in 1884: died March 15, 1885.
Mary L. Swank (Shannon), died at Grimes, lowa, February 1, 1885. aged twenty-eight years.
Peter Sheets, deceased, son of Michael and Elizabeth (Wygell) Sheets, was born in Hampshire county, Va. His parents were of Ger- man origin and were married in West Virginia in the spring of 1886; removed to what is now Essex township; purchased 280 acres on sec- tion 16 for $1,000, including a small house and thirty acres broken. Seven children accompanied them hither, namely: Malinda (deceased ). Irene, Mrs. Alexander Christy ; George, Valentine (deceased), Rosanna. Benton county, Iowa: William M., Florida (deceased), Andrew J., of Nodaway county, Mo., was born here. JJacob Wygell, brother of Mrs. Sheets, came with them, remained two or three years and returned to Virginia. Peter Sheets and wife have passed away from their pioneer labors here as stated in the history of Essex township. George Sheets was born in Switzerland county, near Patriot, in 1825, and was twelve years old when he settled with parents in Essex township. Ile was married. December 24, 1844, by Justice Edward Trickle, to Char- lotte, daughter. of David Simmerman, whose history is given in this work. In 1848 he located in West Jersey township, and owns today an eighty-acre farm well improved. Their children are Eliza A., Mrs. J. II. Emery, Sarah E., Mrs. G. B. Varside, Eimira J., Mrs. E. B. Swank, all residents of this township. Mrs. George Sheets was born in West Virginia in 1828, and for over forty years has shared her hus- band's labors and successes. ( Vide History of Esser Township.)
Jacob B. Smith, deceased, born in Reading, Pa., in 1801, settled near Ashland, Ohio, where he married Mrs. Maria Murphy, wie Trickle, and in 1835 eame to Illinois, making the journey by wagon and Jour horses. They settled near Canton, and in February, 1836, settled on 160 acres, section 35. West Jersey. There he built a log- cabin 16 by 16, and resided there for many years. He spent his later days at Galva. Both were members of the Christian Church, as were Julia A., now deceased: Eliza J. and Mary A., of Peoria county, daughters of Mrs. Murphy. After her marriage with Mr. Smith, Wil-
701
OF WEST JERSEY TOWNSHIP.
son A., Algernon, now in lowa : Washington T. and Oliver J. in Iowa, were born, the two last natives of Stark. Mr. Smith died in Septem- ber, 1854, and Mrs. Smith at Galva, in 1869. in her seventy-first year. Surah Il. (Lorance) Stimmel, widow of Jacob Stimmel, was born in Virginia November 6, 1812. Her parents, Virginians, in 1815 settled near Columbus, Ohio, where they engaged in farming. Here, in 1525, her father, Mr. Lorance, died. death being caused by being out in a storm assisting a neighbor to ereet a log cabin. Some time after her husband's death Mrs. Lorance married a Mr. Dill. Again in 1936 she was left a widow. Several years later she started for Missouri, but changing her mind on the road she settled in Stark county. Illinois. In 1861 she died at her son's home, in Knox county, in her eighty- second year. Sarah Lorance is the fourth chill of their family of ten children. On March 16, 1843, she married Jacob Stimmel, whose Vir- ginian parents were also settlers of Ohio, near Columbus, where they both died. His father. Peter Stimmel, died at the age of seventy, and his mother. Elizabeth (Lantis), at the age of sixty-four. Jacob was the eldest of a family of eight children. He was born May 13, 1518. His early life was spent assisting his parents on the farm. After his mar- riage he began farming in Ohio. Six years later they moved into the village of Groveport. He came westward in search of a home, and before moving made three visits. In 1857 they moved to Knox county, Ill., remained on their farm for one year, then removed to Peoria county and remained three years, and next settled in West Jersey township. A year later they purchased the place where Mrs. Stimmel now resides. At the time of their settlement Illinois was a wilderness: their most numerous neighbors being wolves, the howhings of which could be heard every night. On March 24. 1885, Mr. Stimmel died, having passed through the pioneer period of two States. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of the I. O. O. F. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom still live: Vir- ginia A. (deceased), Jacob W .. now residing in Missouri ; Isaae L., also in Missouri; Peter (deceased), Josephine (deceased), Franklin (deceased). Missouri, now Mrs. Griffin, of Jowa: Virginia, now Mrs. Brady, of West Jersey; and Frank L., residing at home. Mrs. Stimmel is now in her seventy-fifth year. She has been crippled for thirty-nine years, and for nearly three years has been unable to walk, but she bears her affliction with patience and forbearance. Her farm consists of 250 aeres, well improved.
Robert Stonier, son of James and Ziporal (Davis) Stonier, was born in llerefordshire, England. on Foxhall farm, May 2, 1819. Ilis ances- tors were of old English deseent. His father died April 10. 1849, in his eighty-third year. and mother in 1851. being about the same age as her husband. At the age of fourteen Robert was apprenticed to a car- penter, receiving for his labor one shilling a week. this being increased as he progressed. ITis father paid £30 to secure him this position with Henry Haines, of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. After seven vears he began working at his trade, first at Cheltenham a short time, next at Bristol, then at London, where he remained about three years : when he removed to Southampton, and in 1850 came to America.
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702
BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES
Landing at New York he worked there at his trade about a year, when he went to Buffalo and remained a short time. While there he sent to England for Miss Elizabeth Bisco, met her at New York, where they were married in Trinity church, June 5, 1851. Returning to Buffalo. they remained a few months, and the same fall removed to Peoria, 111. Elizabeth Bisco is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Arnold) Bisco. born in Gloucestershire, Eng., June 4, 1820. Iler father was proprie- tor of a large linen manufactory, until his death in 1857 at the age of eighty-three, being preceded by his wife three years, who died in her eighty-first year. After the arrival of the Stoniers in Peoria, Mr. Stonier followed his trade about sixteen years. They then purchased a farm in West Jersey township, where they still reside. At the time of their settlement here Stark county was without a railroad, and the people hauled their produce to Peoria. Seven children have been born to them, only two of whom are living: John J. (deceased). Robert A. (deceased), Arthur F. (deceased), Charles E. (deceased). Ilarry P .. farmer of West Jersey township; Albert R., at home, and Eva E. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Stonier were formerly members of the Pres- byterian church. Their two sons are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Stonier was a member of the I. O. O. F., and had taken the fifth degree. In polities he was formerly a Democrat, but is now a sup- porter of the Republican party. While living in Peoria Mr. Stonier was one of the first to sign the first petition for the abolition of slavery. He now owns 240 acres of choice lands, a little over two miles from the village of West Jersey.
Charles W. Terry, son of Thomas and Harriet Ann (Hopper) Terry, was born at Wood Church, East Kent. England, April 25, 1849. In 1853 he came with his parents to America, the ocean journey lasting thirteen weeks. His parents first settled in New York for two years. then removed to Peoria county, Ill., settled near Elmwood ; fom years later moved to Knox county and purchased land, and for several years followed farming. In 1883 they moved to Yates City where they still reside. When Mr. Terry first reached Ilinois he had but fifty cents in his pocket, but by industry and economy he has amassed a fortune and can now enjoy life to its fullest extent. Mr. Terry cul- tivated corn where the city of Elmwood now stands. He also helped to build the first railroad in Illinois, and has seen much of pioneer life in this state. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episco- pal church, and are at present strong and active. Mr. Terry is now sixty-five and Mrs. Terry seventy-three years of age. Charles W. Terry is the oldest of their family of two children. His early life was spent at hard labor. At twelve years of age he began school for the first time. The schoolhouse being built of logs, and the benches of planks. On September 23, 1873. he married Miss Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Eceless B. and Jerusha (Smith) West, born in Tazewell county. III .. September 29, 1850. Her father was a native of Ohio. and her mother's people come to Chicago from Massachusetts, journey- ing overland with oxen, the trip lasting three months. Hle purchased forty acres where Chicago now stands, but removed to Tazewell county when Jerusha was but a child, having been born in Chicago. Her
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703
OF WEST JERSEY TOWNSHIP.
father came to Putnam county. where he first met Miss Smith. He afterwards came to Tazewell county where they were married. When Mary was but seven years old they came to Stark county, and settled in Essex township. and later came to West Jersey township where they remained until 1856, when they removed to Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. West are members of the Christian church. Mr. West is now sixty-eight and Mrs. West sixty years of age. Of their ten children tive died in infancy. Mary, now Mrs. Terry. is the eldest child. Her early life was spent at home assisting her parents. Iler advantages also were only those of the pioneer period. Since their marriage in 1873 Mr. and Mrs. Terry have resided on their farm in West Jersey township, which Mr. Terry had previously purchased. Three children have blessed their union. Mary L .. Harriet J. and William O. Polit- ically Mr. Terry is a Republican, and is opposed to secret organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Terry are descendants of linois' earliest pioneers, as this sketch will show. They have a pleasant home four miles from Toulon, where they own 145 acres of well-improved lands.
Washington Trickle .- Mrs. Wiley's father is the son of Christopher and Mary Trickle. He was born near Baltimore, Md .. February 1. 1805. May 15. 1828, he married Miss Eleanor Smith, who was born in Delaware in 1507. In 1835 he came to Fulton county. Il., and one vear later to Stark county, and began farming. On July 15, 1883, Mrs. Trickle died at their home in Elinwood. IH. Since her death Mr. Trickle has made his home with his son-in-law. Mr. Wiley. Hle is now eighty-two years of age, strong and active. In 1511 Mr. Trickle re- moved to Ohio from Maryland, where on account of the Indians he was quartered in the fort. Almost a quarter of a century later he came to Ilinois.
Auron D. Van Sielle, son of Aaron and Nomey ( Decker) Van Sickle, was born in Warren county. N. J .. March 24. 1831. His parents, New Jerseyians, came to West Jersey township, where his father died June 1. 1874. His mother is still living, and is seventy- eight years of age. Aaron D. is the second child of their family of ten children. In 1550 be married Miss Mary Kelly, a native of Ireland. After their marriage, Mr. Van Sickle was employed as a farm hand, he working for $90 per year, which occupation he followed six years. In 1856 he came to Stark county. and in 1543 he purchased a farm and began its improvement. In 1575 Mrs. Van Sickle died. her health having been failing for some time. She left five children, one of whom lied in infancy : Harriet. now Mrs. Barr, of Buda, Il .: George, a farmer of West Jersey: Josephine, Mrs. Laing, of Missouri, and Willie, at home. In 1-77 Mr. Van Sickle married Miss Martha Ann Wiley. a daughter of Jacob and Julia Ann Wiley, born in Stark conn- ty, 111., March 26, 1860. ller father, a native of New Jersey. being born in Morris county, April 27. 1802. removed to Illinois in 1853, and settled in Stark county. Here. in 1854 Mrs. Wiley died. In 1855 Mr. Wiley married Mrs. Julia Ann White. She was born in Ohio, May 27. 1872. Again Mr. Wiley was left a widower. Mrs. Wiley's death occurring March, 16. 1872. She left five children, Mrs. Van Sickle being the third chill. Since his wife's death, Mr. Wiley has for
704
BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES
the most of the time made his home with his children, recently at Mr. Van Sickle's. Ile is now in his eighty-fifth year, and for so old a man is strong and active. Since Mr. Van Sickle's marriage with Miss Wiley in 1877, he has resided on his farm, about two and a half miles from the village of West Jersey. This marriage was blessed by two chil- dren. Bertha A. and Charles E. He has always been a Republican. and has held several township offices. Ile has increased his original farin of 100 acres to 500 acres of choice lands in West Jersey.
John Wiley, son of Jacob and Anna (Sanders) Wiley. was born in New Jersey in 1834. His parents, both born in New Jersey. came to Ilinois in 1852. They settled in West Jersey township where, in '54, his mother lied. His father is still living, being now eighty-five years of age. John Wiley is the third child of a family of seven children. In '52, when he was eighteen years of age, he came with his parents to Stark county. where he was engaged in agrienlture, most of the time working by the month. In '65 he married Miss Eunice, daughter of Washing- ton and Eleanor Trickle, born in 1836. After their marriage Mr. Wiley began farming in West Jersey township, where he now resides. By his first marriage four children were born, three of whom are liv- ing: Arthur J., Ella. Laura A. George W. is numbered with the dead. In '65 Mrs. Wiley died in membership with the Christian Church. In '66 Mr. Wiley married Miss Sarah ( .. daughter of Aaron and Dorcas Aten, born in Fulton county, III., in 1837. In '80 this lady died, leaving five children : Alma A .. Ira L., Thomas E., Emma T. and Clara L. Politically he is a Republican. Ile has increased his original farm of eighty aeres to 290 acres. all well improved. ( Vide sketches of Jacob Wiley and W. Trickle.)
W. W. Webster, to whom many references are made in the political and pioneer chapters, was for years prominent among the pioneers of .Knox county as well as of Stark. In 56 W. W. Webster, two daughters. and Miss M. E. McIntosh, a friend, all of West Jersey, were stricken with disease, which ended in death. W. W. Webster was one of the first temperance workers in Stark county, and certainly one of the most earnest abolitionists in the State. ( Vide general history.)
Mahala Young, died June 1, 1883. aged fifty-four years. She was born in Maryland in 1829; moved with parents to Ohio in '37, and to Illinois in '44. In '46 she married Mr. Young.
(. W. Young, retired merchant, was born in Washington county, Md., in 1825, of which state his parents, William and Mahala (Roby) Young, were also natives, where the latter died about 1833. In 1838, before Stark was organized. Mr. Young, with his five children, located in Peoria county, IN., and died there in 1844 in his fitty-first year. Of his children who accompanied him to Illinois. H. S. is in Minnesota, Dorcas is deceased, C. W. resides here. Mary in Missoni, and Amanda, of Princeville, Illinois. William, Nelson and Charlotte remained in Maryland for some time, but ultimately came here. William now resides in lowa, while Nelson and Charlotte are among the dead. C. W. Young was in his thirteenth year when he came to Illinois. He passed through all the pioneer vicissitudes of those times. In 1851 or 1852 he engaged in business at Kickapoo town, III., and in 1853 opened
705
OF VALLEY TOWNSHIP.
a general store at West Jersey, where his family settled in 1854. For twenty years he carried on large trade here and was successful in every enterprise he touched. In 1855 he wasappointed postmaster. which office he held until 1872. For twelve years he was justice of the peace and school treasurer here. also served as assessor, and a member of the Republican Central Committee of Stark county. He owns two hundred aeres on section 16, all well improved and highly cultivated. Since 1872 he has abandoned many business cares. now devoting himself to the care of his landed property. Mrs. Young. an old member of the M. E. church, died here in 1883, aged fifty-four years. In 18s5 he married Mrs. Martha A. (Heaton) Swank, who is also a member of the M. E. church. Mr. Young's life has been eminently active and snc- cessful.
J. Q. Young, born in Warren county, N. J., in 1826, is a son of Silas and Sarah Young, natives of that state. His parents died there. In 1852 Mr. J. Q. Young visited Fredericksburg, Va., and resided there four years. coming to this township in 1856. For some time he worked by the month, meantime acted the part of a land prospector and ultimately purchased the 160 acres on which he now resides. He was married to Miss Julia Ann, daughter of Wilson Garner, who came from Michigan years ago, returned and is now among the pioneers of a higher land. Mr. Young is a member of the Greenback party though formerly a Republican.
VALLEY TOWNSHIP.
Bishop Philander Chase, born December 14, 1775, in New Ilamp- shire, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1795. Ile was brought up in the Congregational faith, but after leaving college became a member of the Protestant Episcopal body, studied for its ministry ; was ordained in New York in May, 1795, and was missionary in that state for several years. From 1805 to 1511 he was pastor of the Protestant Episcopal church at New Orleans: next rector of the church at Hartford, Conn., and in 1817 we find him on the Ohio mis- sion, of which state he was elected bishop in 1819. In 1823 he visited England and secured 830,000 aid for his church, then purchased 8.000 acres in central Ohio, and land the foundation of Kenyon College. A dispute with the trustees of the college about funds led to his resigna- tion as president of the college, and also of his position as bishop. in 1831. Some time after he purchased land near Gilead, Mich., and re- sided thereon until 1835, when he was elected Bishop of linois, and settled in Peoria county. Revisiting England he secured $10,000, with which he founded Jubilee College. Peoria county, and there he resided until his death. September 20. 1852. It is said of him that he was the most useful. indomitable, earnest pioneer of Protestant Episcopalian- ism in the west, and indeed the history of that church does not point out a more distinguished worker on this continent. Bishop Chase married Miss Mary Fay. of Vermont, in 1795. She died. leaving three children: Philander. George and Dudley. The first named was a clergyman until his death in 1823: George became a lawyer, but died in early manhood ; and Dudley, a clergyman, resides at Philadelphia.
706
BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCES.
To his second wife, Miss Sophia M. Ingraham, three children were born: Henry, manager of the Chase Elevator Company, Chicago; Mary, wife of Rev. Jacob S. Chamberlain, of Topeka. Kan .; and Phi- lander, who resided in Stark county until his death in 1872.
Philander Chase, youngest son of Bishop Chase, was born at Worthington. Ohio, June 8. 1824: educated at Jubilee College, and ordained in 1846. For many years he was missionary preacher in Peoria and Stark counties. In November, 1852, he, with his family, settled in Valley township. In 1856 he removed to Wyoming, as pas- tor of St. Luke's church: but early in 1860 returned to his farm, still conducting services at Wyoming. In February. 1864, he moved to Jubilee, preached in Fulton and Iroquois counties until 1868. Early in 1869 he returned to Valley township, and resided on his farm until his death, April 23, 1872. He was married to Miss Anna K. Ingraham, May 14, 1842. Of their children, Heber is a merchant at Wady Petra; Philander, a farmer of Wymore. Neb. : William I .. publisher of the School Herald, Chicago; Elliott, a merchant of Wichita, Kan .; Henry E., a teacher, of Clarksburg, W. Va .; Alice C., on the editorial staff of the Inter Oceun. Chicago; Laura, now Mrs. B. HI. Freeman, of Freeport, Kan .: L. Sophia M., teacher at Riverside. Ill .. and Anna Content, a teacher of this county. ( Vide Histories of Toulon and Valley.)
CONCLUSION.
The expenditures of the county from 1839 to the close of the fiscal year 1855, are given as follows :
1839-40.
566 59
1859
5,841 11
1878.
12,334 05
1841.
1.208 02
3,910 52
1879.
12,135 41
1842.
1,020 8%
1861.
8,128 98
1880.
10,035 5%
1843 ..
1.219 31
9,691 78
1881.
0.309 9%
1844. .
1.200 41
1863.
14,914 86
1882
9.821 62
1845.
760 00
1864
15,037 58
1883.
10,952 05
1846 ..
685 00
1865.
17,149 90
1847
934 76
1866.
14,680 65
1848
1,438 02
1867.
27,645 70
1849.
2.106 85
1869,
9,416 99
1851.
1,861 53
1370.
8.867 77
1852
4.921 32
1871.
19,260 91
1853.
3,586 17
1872.
9,474 72
1854
4.603 64
1873.
4,117 78
1855 ..
4.418 07
1874.
4,585 20
1856.
13,00$ 60
1875,
18,809 65
1857.
13,016 66
1876.
10,982 24
1858.
8.562 61
1877
12,585 28
The committee on equal- ization of lands of the state board of equalization. places the value of lands in Stark county at $14.54 per acre. This is really 3 of the true value or only 20 per cent of the present average market value.
STATISTICS OF THE CENSUS RETURNS FROM IS40 TO 1880, ARE GIVEN AS FOLLOWS:
1~#1
1850
1855
1855
1855
1860
1865
1865
1565
1870
18,0
1850
1880
TOWNSHIPS.
Population
Population
Males .. ..
Total
Total
Malos ..
Total
Native
Poreign
Total
Total
Osceola.
1000
53.
1064
114%
130
1519
Elmira.
554
544
109%
1045
1942
1:42
2218
11:21
1216
Tonion.
430
854
1033
14!
1264
1123
147
1192
Valley.
175
siti
011
524
1135
>4.1
216
100;1
ESSOX
40%
1198
602
519
1 11:1
10%
1538
1452
West Jersey.
336
108
ilit
1100
1:19
1993
1315
1207
Stark County.
1576 3710 2913 , 2585 | 5498
- 9004
5162
4726
9475
1276 10751 1126
In 1860 there were 8.037 native and 967 foreign born citizens.
In 1870 the nationality of our foreign population was as follows : British. 305: Canadian, 107: Irish. 359; Scotch. 147; German, 158: Scandinavian, 178: French. 9. In 1880 there were 10,007 native and 1.200 foreign born residents. These numbers are made up as follows : 1 Bohemian, 145 Dutch, 359 Irish, 267 English and Welsh, 142 Scotch,
707
217
110%
Penn.
#13
518
578
1783
Goshen
11.723 58
1885.
17.841 72
1850.
1,701 01
10,131 19
149
708
CONCLUSION.
108 Canadians, 7 French, 151 Swedes and Norwegians, and 4 Swiss. The native population comprises 6,711, Illinois; 167, Indiana ; 531, New York: 868, Ohio: 628. Pennsylvania : 40, Kentucky ; 63, Mis- sonri : 23, Tennessee; 116, Virginia ; and 29, Wisconsin. In 1850 the population of the county seat and township was only 377.
The population of the towns in 1870 was as follows: Toulon, 904 ; Wyoming, 640; Lafayette, 284; Bradford, 280. In 1855, Toulon had 355. and Lafayette 350. In 1880 the population of Wyoming was 1086; of Toulon, 967 ; of Bradford, 506 : of Lafayette, 265 ; of Castle- ton, 149; of Lombardville, 104; of West Jersey, 94; of Ehnira, 84, of Modena, 76, and of Osceola, 69. The population of 1880 was made mp of 5,854 males and 5353 females : 1751 males and 1645 females being between the ages of 5 and 17 years inclusive."
ELMIRA.
A son of Rev. Mr. McDermott, of the Knox Presbyterian church, Elmira, was accidentally shot by another boy, Walter Stevenson, in April, 1885. There was no coroner's jury, as Dr. Boardman, the examining physician, did not deem the case as one requiring official examination. The matter was subsequently brought before the grand jury. that body discharged the case, crediting the death of young MeDairmid to bovish recklessness rather than to intent. In a state- ment made before Judge Wright Angust 12, 1885, by Mrs. Mary MeDair- mid. the following explanation of this sad affair is given : . When John MeWilliams first saw Nelson (MeDairmid) and Walter Steven- son) they were shooting in the pond. then they lay down on the grass, Walter having Nelson's gun; he gave it to John Mc Williams, saying, " There are three balls in it." John saw the balls himself. He shot once at the fence, when Waltertook the gun and pointed it at Nelson, when Nelson said, " Don't yon point that gun at me; I don't want any one to point a gun at me like that." Walter snapped, the chamber was empty. Walter continued pointing the gun at Nelson, when the latter moved back, bent his head nearly to the ground, held up his arm over his head. Walter followed, pointing, snapped the second time, the gun was discharged, the ball entering Nelson's head. John McWill- iams went for water, brought some in a hat and bathed Nelson's head, when Nelson said, "That is nice." Bringing water a second time, he asked Walter if he should go and tell that Nelson was shot. Walter said, " Yes." Johnny said that one of the Armstrongs stated it was a play the boys were playing out of a book; but as he saw no book, he did not believe it was any play." As stated in the history of the township, the general belief was that the affair was accidental.
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