Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 6

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1126

USA > Illinois > Schuyler County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2 > Part 6

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HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.

lege in the preparatory department of Illinois College and graduated from the college (proper) in 1854. After leaving college he served as teacher in the Jacksonville public schools one year, then spent a year as tutor in Illinois Col- lege, when he began the study of theology at Andover Theological Seminary, graduating there in 1859, meanwhile having discharged the duties of Chaplain of the Connecticut State's prison in 1858. He was ordained a minister of the Con- gregational Church at Hannibal, Mo., in 1860, remaining as pastor in that city nine years. He has since been engaged in pastoral work in New York City (1869-70), Ottawa, Ill., (1870-73) : Den- ver, Colo., (1873-77); Grinnell, Iowa, (1877-34); Cleveland, Ohio, (1884-90); Galesburg, Ill., (1890-93), and Aurora, (1893-97). Since leaving the Congregational church at Aurora, Dr. Sturte. vant has been engaged in pastoral work in Chi- cago. He was also editor of "The Congrega- tionalist" of Iowa (1881-84), and, at different periods, has served as Trustee of Colorado, Marietta and Knox Colleges; being still an honored ineiaber of the Knox College Board. He received the degree of D.D from Illinois College, in 1879.

SUBLETTE. a station and village on the Illi- nois Central Railroad, in Lee County, 8 miles northwest of Mendota. Population, (1900), 306.

SUFFRAGE, in general, the right or privilege of voting. The qualifications of electors (or voters), in the choice of public officers in Illinois, are fixed by the State Constitution (Art. VII.), except as to school officers, which are prescribed by law. Under the State Constitution the exer- cise of the right to vote is limited to persons who were electors at the time of the adoption of the Constitution of 1848, or who are native or natu- ralized male citizens of the United States, of the age of 21 years or over, who have been residents of the State one year, of the county ninety days, and of the district (or precinct) in which they offer to vote, 30 days. Under an act passed in 1891, women, of 21 years of age and upwards, are entitled to vote for school officers, and are also eligible to such offices under the same conditions. as to age and residence. as male citizens. (See Elections; Australian Ballot.)

SULLIVAN. a city and county-seat of Moultrie County. 25 miles southeast of Decatur and 14 miles northwest of Mattoon; is on three lines of railway. It is in an agricultural and stock-rais- ing region; contains two State banks and four weekly newspapers. Population (1580), 1,305; (1890), 1,46%: (1900), 2.399: (1900. est.), 3,100.

SULLIVAN, William K., journalist, was born at Waterford, Ireland, Nov. 10, 1943; educated at the Waterford Model School and in Dublin, came to the United States in 1863, and, after teaching for a time in Kane County, in 1864 enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-first Regiment Illinois Volunteers. Then, after a brief season spent in teaching and on a visit to his native land, he began work as a reporter on New York papers, later being employe I on "The Chicago Tribune" an] "The Evening Journal," on the latter, at different times, holding the position of city edi- tor, managing editor and correspondent. He was also a Representative from Cook County in the Twenty-seventh General Assembly, for three years a member of the Chicago Board of Edu- cation, and appointed United States Consul to the Bermudas by President Harrison, resigning in 1692. Died, in Chicago, January 17, 1999.

SULLIVANT, Michael Lucas, agriculturist, was born at Franklinton (a suburb of Columbus, Olio), August 6, 1907; was educated at Ohio University and Centre College, Ky., and-after being engaged in the improvement of an immense tract of land inherited from his father near his birth-place, devoting much attention, meanwhile, to the raising of improved stock-in 1854 sold his Ohio lands and bought $0.000 acres, chiefly in Champaign and Piatt Counties. Ill, where he began farming on a larger scale than before. The enterprise proved a financial failure, and he was finally compelled to sell a considerable portion of his estate in Champaign County, known as Broad Lands, to John T. Alexander (see Alexander, John T.), retiring to a farm of 40,000 acres at Burr Oaks, Ill. He died, at Henderson, Ky., Jan. 29. 1579.

SUMMERFIELD, a village of St. Clair County, on the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railway, 27 miles east of St Louis: was the home of Gen. Fred. Hecker. Population (1900). 360.

SUMNER. a city of Lawrence County, on the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railroad. 19 miles west of Vincennes, Ind. . has a fine school house, four churches, two banks, two flour mills. tele- phones, an.l one weekly newspaper. Pop. (1890), 1,037; (19001, 1,26%.

SUPERINTENDENTS OF PUBLIC INSTRUC- TION. The office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction was created by act of the Legislature, at a special session held in 1951. its duties previous to that time, from 1815, having been discharged by the Secretary of State as Superintendent, ex-officio. The following is a list of the incumbents from the date of the formal

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creation of the office down to the present time (1899), with the date and duration of the term ot each Ninian W. Edwards (by appointment of the Governor), 1851-57; William H. Powell (by election), 1857-39; Newton Bateman, 1859-63; John P. Brooks, 1963-65; Newton Bateman, 1865-75; Samuel W. Etter, 1875-79; James P. Slade, 1879-83; Henry Raab, 1583-87; Richard Edwards, 1997-91; Henry Raab, 1891-95; Samuel M. Inglis, 1895-08: James II. Freeman, June, 1898, to January, 1899 (by appointment of the Governor, to fill the unexpired term of Prof. Inglis, who died in office, June 1, 1895); Alfred Baylis, 1899 -.

Previous to 1870 the tenure of the office was two years, but, by the Constitution adopted that year, it was extended to four years, the elections occurring on the even years between those for Governor and other State officers except State Treasurer.

SUPREME COURT, JUDGES OF THE. The following is a list of Justices of the Supreme Court of Illinois who have hell office since the organization of the State Government, with the period of their respective incumbencies. Joseph Phillips, 1918-20 (resigned); Thomas C. Browne, 1818 48 (term expired on adoption of new Con- stitution); William P. Foster, Oct. 9, 1818, to July 7, 1819 (resignedl), John Reynolds, 1818-25; Thomas Reynolds (vice Phillips), 1:22-25; Wil- liam Wilson (vice Foster) 1819-43 (term expired on adoption of new Constitution); Samuel D Lockwood, 1825-48 (term expired ou adoption of new Constitution) ; Theophilus W. Smith, 1825-42 (resigned); Thomas Ford, Feb. 15, 1811, to Au- gust 1, 1842 (resigned) ; Sidney Breese, Feb. 15, 1841, to Dec. 19, 1812 (resigned)-also (by re-elec- tions), 1857-78 (died in office) ; Walter B. Seates, 1841-47 (resigned)-also (vice Trumbull), 185-1-57 (resigned); Sammuel H. Treat, 1841-55 (resigned); Stephen A. Douglas, 1841-42 (resigned); Jolin D. Caton (vice Ford) August, 1842, to March, 1943- also (vice Robinson and by successive re-elec- tions), May, 1843 to January, 1864 (resigned) ; James Semple (vice Breese), Jan. 14, 1843, to April 16, 1843 (resigned) ; Richard M. Young (vice . Smith), 1843-47 (resigned); John M. Robinson (vice Ford), Jan. 11, 1843, to April 27, 1343 (died in office) ; Jesse B. Thomas, Jr., (vice Douglas), 1843-45 (resigned)-also (vice Young), 1847-48; James Shields (vice Semple), 1849-45 (resigned) ; Norman HI. Purple (vice Thomas), 1:13-48 (retired under Constitution of 1848); Gustavus Koerner (vice Shields), 1845-48 (retired by Constitution) ; William A. Denning (vice Seates), 1547-45 (re-

tired by Constitution) ; Lyman Trumbull, 1818-52 (resigned) ; Ozias C. Skinner (vice Treat), 1855-58 (resigned); Pinkney II. Walker (vice Skinner), 1×55-85 (leceased); Corydon Beckwith (by ap. pointment. vice Caton), Jan. 7, 1864, to June 6, 1564; Charles B. Lawrence (one term), 1864-73; Anthony Thornton, 1870-73 (resigned); John M Scott (two terms), 1870-S8: Benjamin R. Sheldon (two termet, 1870-88; William K. Mc Allister, 1570-75 (resigned); John Scholfield (vice Thorn- ton), 1973 93 (died); T. Lyle Dickey (vice McAllister), 1575-85 (died) ; David J. Baker (ap- pointed, vice Breese), July 9, 1878, to June 2, 1879-also, 1888-95: John H. Mulkey, 1979-89; Damon G. Tunnicliffe (appointed, vice Walker), Feb. 15. 1855, to June 1, 1985; Simeon P. Shope, 1885-94, Joseph M. Bailey, 1888-93 (died in oflice). The Supreme Court, as at present constituted (1899), is as follows: Carroll C. Boggs, elected, 1897, Jesse J. Phillips (vice Scholfield, deceased) elected, 1893, and re-elected, 1897; Jacob W. Wil- kin, elected, 1988, and re-elected, 1897; Joseph N. Carter, elected, 1994; Alfred M. Craig, elec- ted, 1873, and re-elected. 1982 and '91: James H. Cartwright (viee Bailey), elected, 1895, and re- elected1, 1897; Benjamin D. Magruder (vice Dickey), elected, 1885, '88 and '97. The terms of Justices Boggs, Phillips, Wilkin, Cartwright and Magruder expire in 1906; that of Justice Carter on 1903: and Justice Craig's, in 1900. Under the Constitution of 1818, the Justices of the Supreme Court were chosen by joint ballot of the Legisla- ture, but. under the Constitutions of 1818 and 1870, by popular vote for terms of nine years each. (See Judicial System; also sketches of individual members of the Supreme Court under their proper names.)

SURVEYS, EARLY GOVERNMENT. The first United States law passel on the subject of Gov- ernment surveys was dated, May 20. 1785. After reserving certain lands to be allotted by way of pensions and to be donated for school purposes. it provided for the division of the remaining pub- lic lands among the original thirteen States. This, however, was, in effect, repealed by the Ordi- nance of 1758. The latter provided for a rectan- gular system of surveys which, with but little modification, has remained in force ever since. Briefly outlined, the system is as follows: Town- ships, six miles square, are laid out from principal bases, each township containing thirty-six sec- tions of one square mile, numbered consecutively the numeration to commence at the upper right hand corner of the township. The first principal meridian (>+ 51' west of Greenwich), coincided

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with the line dividing Indiana and Ohio. The second (1º 37' farther west) had direct relation to surveys in Eastern Illinois. The third (89 10' 30" west of Greenwich) and the fourth (90º 29' 56" west) governed the remainder of Illinois sur- veys. The first Public Surveyor was Thomas Hutchins, who was called "the geographer." (See Hutchins, Thomas.)

SWEET, (Gen.) Benjamin J., soldier, was born at Kirkland, Oneida County, N. Y., April 24, 1832; eame with his father, in 1848, to Sheboy- gan, Wis., studied law, was elected to the State Senate in 1859, and, in 1861, enlisted in the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, being commissioned Major in 1862. Later, he resigned and, returning home, assisted in the organization of the Twenty-first and Twenty-second regiments, being elected Colonel of the former, and with it taking part in the campaign in Western Kentucky and Tennes- see. In 1863 he was assigned to command at Camp Douglas, and was there on the exposure, in November, 1864, of the conspiracy to release the rebel prisoners. (See Camp Douglas Conspir- acy.) The service which he rendered in the defeat of this bold and dangerous conspiracy evinced his courage and sagacity, and was of inestimable value to the country. After the war, General Sweet located at Lombard, near Chicago, was appointed Pension Agent at Chi- cago, afterwards served as Supervisor of Internal Revenue, and, in 1872, became Deputy Commis- sioner of Internal Revenue at Washington. Died, in Washington, Jan.' 1, 1874. - Miss Ada C. (Sweet), for eight years (1874-82) the efficient Pension Agent at Chicago, is General Sweet's daughter.

SWEETSER, A. C., soldier and Department Commander G. A. R., was born in Oxford County, Maine, in 1839; came to Bloomington, Ill., in 1857; enlisted at the beginning of the Civil War in the Eighth Illinois Volunteers and, later, in the Thirty-ninth; at the battle of Wierbottom Church, Va, in June, 1864, was shot through both legs, necessitating the amputation of one of them. After the war he held several offices of trust, including those of City Collector of Bloom- ington and Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the Springfield Distriet; in 1887 was elected Department Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic for Illinois. Died, at Bloomington, March 23, 1896.

SWETT, Leonard, lawyer, was born near Turner, Maine, August 11. 1825, was educated at Waterville College (now Colby University), but left before graduation, read law in Portland, and,

while seeking a location in the West, enlisted in an Indiana regiment for the Mexican War, being attacked by climatic fever, was discharged before completing his terin of enlistment. He soon after came to Bloomington, Ill., where he became the intimate friend of Abraham Lincoln and David Davis, traveling the circuit with them for a number of years Ile carly became active in State politics, was a member of the Republican State Convention of 1856, was elected to the lower house of the General Assembly in 1858, and, in 1860, was a zealous supporter of Mr. Lin- coln as a Presidential Elector for the State-at large. In 1862 he received the Republican nomination for Congress in his District, but was defeated. Removing to Chicago in 1865, he gained increased distinction as a lawyer, espe- cially in the management of criminal cases. In 1872 he was a supporter of Horace Greeley for President, but later returned to the Republican party, and, in the National Republican Conven- tion of 18SS, presented the name of Judge Gresham for nomination for the Presidency. Died, June 8, 1899.

SWIGERT, Charles Philip, ex-AAuditor of Pub- lic Accounts, was born in the Province of Baden, Germany, Nov. 27, 1843, brought by his parents to Chicago, Ill., in childhood, and, in his boy- hood, attended the Scammon School in that city In 1854 his family removed to a farm in Kanka- kee County, where, between the ages of 12 and 18, he assisted his father in "breaking" between 400 and 500 acres of prairie land. On the break- ing out of the war, in 1861. although scarcely 18 years of age, he enlisted as a private in the Forty- second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and, in April, 1862, was one of twenty heroic volunteers who ran the blockade. on the gunboat Carondelet, at Island No. 10, assisting materially in the reduc- tion of that rebel stronghold, which resulted in the capture of 7.000 prisoners At the battle of Farmington, Miss., during the siege of Corinth, in May, 1862, he had his right arm torn from its socket by a six-pound cannon-ball, compelling his retirement from the army. Returning home, after many weeks spent in hospital at Jefferson Barracks and Quincy, Ill., he received his final discharge, Dec. 21, 1862, spent a year in school, also took a course in Bryant & Stratton's Com- mereial College in Chicago, and having learned to write with his left hand, taught for a time in Kankakee County ; served as letter-carrier in Chi- cago, and for a year as Deputy County Clerk of Kankakee County, followed by two terms (1867- 69) as a student in the Soldiers' College at Fulton

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Ill. The latter year he entered upon the duties of Treasurer of Kankakee County, serving, by successive re-elections, until 1880, when he re- signed to take the position of State Auditor, to which he was elected a second time in 1884. In all these positions Mr. Swigert has proved hin- self an upright, capable and high-minded public official. Of late years his residence has been in Chicago.

SWING, (Rev.) David, clergyman and pulpit orator, was born of German ancestry, at Cincin- nati, Ohio, August 23, 1836. After 1837 (his father dying about this time). the family resided for a time at Reedsburgh, and. later, on a farm near Williamsburgh, in Clermont County, in the same State. In 1852, having graduated from the Miami (Ohio) University, he commenced the study of theology, but, in 1854, accepted the position of Professor of Languages in his Alma Mater, which he continued to fill for thirteen years. His first pastorate was in connection with the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Chi- cago, which he assumed in 1866. His church edifice was destroyed in the great Chicago fire, but was later rebuilt. As a preacher he was popular; but, in April, 1874, he was placed on trial, before an ecclesiastical court of his own denomi- nation, on charges of heresy. He was acquitted by the trial court, but, before the appeal taken by the prosecution could be heard. he personally withdrew from affiliation with the denomination. Shortly afterward he became pastor of an inde- pendent religious organization known as the "Central Church," preaching, first at MeVicker's Theatre and, afterward, at Central Music Hall, Chicago. He was a fluent and popular speaker on all themes, a frequent and valued contributor to numerous magazines, as well as the author of several volumes. Among his best known books are "Motives of Life," "Truths for To-day, " and "Club Essays." Died, in Chicago, Oct. 3, 189-1.

SYCAMORE, the county-seat of De Kalb County (founded in 1836), 56 miles west of Chi- cago, at the intersection of the Chicago & North- western and the Chicago Great Western Rail- roads; lies in a region devoted to agriculture, dairying and stock-raising. The city itself con- tains several factories, the principal products being agricultural implements. flour, insulated wire, brick, tile, varnish, furniture, soap and carriages and wagons. There are also works for canning vegetables and fruit, besides t wo creamer- ies. The town is lighted by electricity, and has high-pressure water-works. There are eleven churches, three graded public schools and a

young ladies' seminary. Population (1850)) 3,025; (1890), 2,987; (1900), 3,653.

TAFT, Lorado, sculptor, was born at Elmwood. Peoria County, Ill., April 29, 1860; at an early age evinced a predilection for sculpture and began modeling; graduated at the University of Illinois in 1580, then went to Paris and studied sculpture in the famous Ecole des Beaux Arts until 155. The following year he settled in Chi cago, finally becoming associated with the Chi- eago Art Institute. Ile has been a lecturer on art in the Chicago University. Mr. Taft fur- nished the decorations of the Horticultural Buikl- ing on the World's Fair Grounds, in 1893.

TALCOTT, Mancel, business man, was born in Rome, N. Y., Oct. 12, 1817; attended the com- mon schools until 17 years of age, when he set out for the West, traveling on foot from Detroit to Chicago, and thence to Park Ridge, where he worked at farming until 1850. Then, having followed the occupation of a miner for some time, in California, with some success, he united with Horace M. Singer in establishing the firm of Singer & Talcott, stone-dealers, which lasted dur- ing most of his life. He served as a member of the Chicago City Council, on the Board of County Commissioners, as a member of the Police Board, and was one of the founders of the First National Bank, and President, for several years, of the Stock Yards National Bank. Liberal and public- spirited, he contributed freely to works of charity. Died, June 5, 1878.

TALCOTT, (Capt.) William, soldier of the War of 1812 and pioneer, was born in Gilead. Conn., March 6, 1774; emigrated to Rome, Oneida County, N. Y., in 1810, and engaged in farming; served as a Lieutenant in the Oneida County militia during the War of 1812-14, being stationed at Sackett's Harbor under the command of Gen. Winfield Scott. In 1435, in company with his eldest son, Thomas B. Talcott, he made an ex- tended tour through the West, finally selecting a location in Illinois at the junetion of Roek River and the Pecatonica, where the town of Rockton now stands-there being only two white families. at that time, within the present limits of Winne- bago County. Two years later (1837), he brought his family to this point, with his sons took up a considerable body of Government land and erected two mills, to which customers came from a long distance. In 1838 Captain Taleott took part in the organization of the first Congre- gational Church in that section of the State. 1 zealous anti-slavery prin, he supported James G.

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Birney (the Liberty candidate for President) in 1844, continuing to act with that party until the organization of the Republican party in 1836; was deeply interested in the War for the Union, but died before its conclusion, Sept. 2, 1864 - Maj. Thomas B. (Talcott), oldest son of the pre- ceding, was born at Hebron, Conn, April 17. 1806; was taken to Rome, N. Y., by his father in infancy, and, after reaching maturity, engaged in mercantile business with his brother in Che mung County ; in 1835 accompanied his father in a tour through the West, finally locating at Rockton, where he engaged in agriculture. On the organization of Winnebago County, in 1836, he was elected one of the first County Commis- sioners, and, in 1850, to the State Senate, serving four years. He also held various local offices. Died, Sept. 30, 1894 .- Hon. Wait (Talcott), second son of Capt. William Talcott, was born at Ile- bron, Conn., Oct. 17, 1807, and taken to Rome, N. Y., where he remained until his 19th year, when he engaged in business at Booneville and, still later, in Utica; in 1838, removed to Illinois and joined his father at Rockton, finally becoming a citizen of Rockford, where, in his later years, he was extensively engaged in ninnu- facturing, having become, in 1854, with his brother Sylvester, a partner of the firm of J. H. Manny & Co., in the manufacture of the Manny reaper and mower. He was an original anti- slavery man and, at one time, a Free-Soil candidate for Congress, but became a zealous Republican and ardent friend of Abraham Lincoln, whom he employed as an attorney in the famous suit of McCormick vs. the Manny Reaper Company for infringement of patent. In 1854 he was elected to the State Senate, succeeding his brother, Thomas B., and was the first Collector of Internal Revenue in the Second District, appointed by Mr. Lincoln in 1862, and continuing in office some five years. Though too old for active service in the field, during the Civil War, he voluntarily hired a substitute to take his place. Mr. Talcott was one of the original incorporators and Trus- tees of Beloit College, and a founder of Rockford Female Seminary, remaining a trustee of each for many years. Died, June 7, 1890 .- Sylvester (Talcott), third son of William Talcott. born at Rome, N. Y., Oct. 14, 1810; when of age, engaged in mercantile business in Chemung County; in 1837 removed, with other members of the family, to Winnebago County, Ill., where he joined his father in the entry of Government lands and the erection of mills, as already detailed. He became one of the first Justices of the Peace in Winne-

bago County, also served as Supervisor for a number of years and, although a farmer, became interested, in 1854, with his brother Wait, in the Manny Reaper Company at Rockford. Ile also followed the example of his brother. just named. in furnishing a substitute for the War of the Rebellion, though too old for service himself Died, June 19, 1855 .- Henry Walter (Talcott), fourth son of William Talcott, was born at Rome, N. Y., Feb. 13, 1814; came with his father to Winnebago County, III., in 1835, and was connected with his father and brothers in busi- ness. Died, Dec. 9, 1870 .- Dwight Lewis (Tal- cott), ollest son of Henry Walter Talcott, born in Winnebago County; at the age of 17 years enlisted at Belvidere, in January, 1864, as a soldier in the Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry; served as provost guard some two months at Fort Picker- ing, near Memphis, and later took part in many of the important battles of that year in Missis- sippi and Tennessee. Having been captured at Campbellsville, Tenn., he was taken to Anderson- ville, Ga., where he suffered all the horrors of that famous prison-pen, until March, 1865, when he was released, arriving at home a helpless skeleton, the day after Abraham Lincoln's assas- sination. Mr. Talcott subsequently settled in Muscatine County, Iowa.

TALLULA, a prosperous village of Menard County, on the Jacksonville branch of the Chi- cago & Alton Railway, 24 miles northeast of Jacksonville; is in the midst of a grain, coal- mining, and stock-growing region; has a local bank and newspaper. Pop. (1890), 445: (1900). 639.

TAMAROA, a village in Perry County, situated at the junction of the Illinois Central with the Wabash, Chester & Western Railroad, 8 miles north of Duquoin, and 57 miles east-southeast of Belleville. It has a bank, a newspaper office. a large public school, five churches and two flour- ing mills. Coal is mined here and exported in large quantities. Pop. (1900), 853.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 6

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1126

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1126