Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 196

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913; Gale, W. Shelden
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1388

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The first settlement was made by Alexander Taylor, on the northeast quarter of Section 6, in October, 1834. He was soon followed by Felix and John Thurman, Henry and Avery Dalton, Solomon Sherwood, Benoni Hawkins, William Kent, John Darnell, John Haskins and Sala Blakesbee, most of whom brought their fam- ilies with them.

The first birth recorded was that of little Laura, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Haskins, in 1835; and the first to be joined in wedlock were Avery and Delilah Dalton, cousins, who were married in 1855, by 'Squire Mark Thur- man. Mr. and Mrs. Dalton are yet living. The same year occurred the first death, that of Au- drew Corbin

The early settlers brought their religious faith and practice with them and held prayer meeting · from time to time at convenient places. Their pious devotion attracted the at- tention of Rev. Henry Somers, who visited the settlement in November, 1835, or '36, and preached the first sermon, at the home of William Kent. on Section 13.

The first saw mill was built by James Mason on Kickapoo Creek, in Section 13, in 1835 or

'36; another, a little later, by Anderson Corbin, on the same stream, on Section 14.

The people of Salem have shown an enlight- ened public spirit in the matter of good high- ways, and have provided a system of good, sub- stantial, iron bridges, set upon firm stone abut- ments, over all the principal streams, with stone culverts over most of the smaller ones. The question of constructing, grading and re- pairing the highways, was many years ago, by vote, left solely to the discretion of the high- way commissioners. The result has been a uniform system of grading, which, with thor- ough underdraining, affords the best roads ob- tainable on prairie soil without resort to the Macadam process.

Salem has an abundant supply of hitumin- ous coal, which has been mined for local use from an early date along the banks of the streams skirting the north and south sides of the township. The most productive mines are found along the Kickapoo and Littler's creeks. The first mining of which any record has been preserved was successfully undertaken by Pitt- man and Barlow, blacksmiths, of Farmington, Fulton County, who, in 1832, took out coal from the soil of Section 25 for use in their own forges. Mr. Avery Dalton was the first to mine to any appreciable extent for commercial pur- poses. He began operations on the same sec- tion three years later. Several drillings at Yates City have developed extensive and valuable veins, at depths varying from one hundred and twenty-five feet upward.

Not the least important among the industries which have helped to elevate Salem Township to its present position among the foremost in the county is that of stock-growing. Many of the most progressive farmers make the breed- ing of improved varieties a special feature of their farm work. Among the prominent stock- raisers may be named N. G. Danghmer and Son, D. Corey and Son, J. M. Corey, H. A. and James Sloan, E. H. Ware, Frank Runyon, A. D. Moore and R. J. McKeighan. The efforts of these men and others who might be mentioned have resulted in elevating the standard established for fine stock to as high a point in Salem as will be found in the best farming sections of the State.

Perhaps the thrift, enterprise and financial condition of an agricultural community-as well as the quality of its land-can be best gauged by its comparative tax assessment. As contrasted with those of other townships, that

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of Salem, for 1898, was as given below. Gales- burg, Ontario and Cedar townships have been selected for purposes of comparison.

Average value of land: Galesburg Township, per acre, $14.95; Ontario, $14.08; Salem, $12.61. Total assessment: Cedar Township, $554,482; Ontario, $451,196; Salem, $442,033. The assessed value per acre for the other townships in the county ranges downward from the highest price named above to $6.81 for Persifer, and the lowest total valuation down to $229,898 for the same township. These figures tend to demon- strate that Salem is the third township in Knox, as regards both value per acre and total valuation, the city of Galesburg, being, of course, excluded.

By the census of 1860 the population was given as 1,311. In 1870 it was 1,906; in 1880, it had fallen to 1,794, and in 1890 it did not exceed 1,677. It consists chiefly of native-born Amer- icans. There is also an admixture of foreign parentage, notably of Swedish, German, Scotch- Irish and Irish descent. Yet all are thoroughly, stanchly patriotic, intelligent and industrious.

Since 1860, on all questions of national policy . volumes, of all classes, beside many worn-out Salem has been republican in its political vote by a strong majority; but in matters of local in- terest the yoke of party fealty sits but lightly on the necks of either republicans or demo- crats.

There are ten school districts in Salem, num- bered in order to the ninth, the tenth being called Center. The last named is located on School Section 16. Of the ten school buildings, two, in Districts 3 and 4, are of brick, the others are frame. The first school house was located on Section 13, in 1838, in what is now District No. 1, and the first school was taught by Abiel Drew. The second school was erected in either the same or the succeeding year, on the south- west quarter of Section 6. It was of logs, and had been originally put up by James Hogue for a dwelling. Section 6 now forms a part of Dis- trict No. 2. Of the ten schools, only the one in Yates City is graded. From the County Super- intendent's report for 1898 the following figures are taken:

Number males under twenty-one years in the township. 331

Number females under twenty-one years in the township. 319

Total. 650

Males between six and twenty-one in the township. 232

Females between six and twenty-one in the township. 233

Total 465

Tax levy for support of schools in 1898 .. $6,300.00 Value of school property in the town-

ship. .11,600.00

Estimated value of school libraries ... 2,200.00 Amount paid all teachers in the town-

ship 4.601.70

Every school in Salem has the benefit of a library of greater or less size and value, which owe their origin to Professor W. L. Steele, now the superintendent of city schools in Galesburg, and the history of their establishment may be told in a few words. In September, 1878, Pro- fessor Steele, then Principal of a graded school in Yates City, proposed to the School Board, composed of Dr. J. D. Hoit, J. M. Taylor and L. A. Lawrence, the organization of a school and public library, to be under the control of the board and open at all times to pupils of the schools, and to the public upon payment of a membership fee. The scheme also contem- plated the solicitation of donations of books and money. The plan was adopted. A consti- tution and by-laws were framed, and a public entertainment held in behalf of the pro- ject on Thanksgiving Day of that year, which netted nearly one hundred dollars. The move- ment commanded public support from the first; the plan has been regularly and systematically carried on; and the library has steadily grown until now it numbers about nineteen hundred books, annually discarded. Young men and women educated here have so thoroughly ap- preciated its beneficent influence, that, after going out to teach in neighboring districts in this and adjoining townships, they have carried the spirit and plan with them, and planted school libraries wherever they have taught.

Of the four thousand one hundred and sixty- three men who enlisted from Knox County in the Union Army during the Civil War, one hun- dred and eighty-two were from this township, distributed as follows:

One hundred and fifty-one served in various regiments of infantry, numbered from the Sev- enth to the One Hundred and Thirty-second. Forty-five were attached to the Eighty-third, and twenty-eight the Seventy-seventh. Twenty-nine are credited as having served in the Seventh, Eleventh, Twelfth and Fourteenth Cavalry, and two in the Second Illinois Artil- lery. In addition, several are known to have enlisted in regiments from other States, not- ably in the Eighth Missouri Infantry, viz .: William S. Kleckner, Frank Murphy, Frank and Fred Hamilton, Henry Ledgerman, James Dundas, Chester Vickery, George Frost, Will- iam Hull, William Taylor and William Reed, besides, probably, others, many of whom have never been credited, either to Knox County, or to Salem Township. James H. Walton was probably the first enlisted man from Salem, having joined the Seventh Infantry from Yates City, which was the first regiment or- ganized in 1861. A draft was ordered to com- plete Salem's quota under the last call for men in 1864, and four names were drawn.

Salem's record in the war with Spain, 1898,- is an extraordinary one, the township having furnished fourteen men out of a possible one hundred and fifty for the whole county, the most of whom served in Company C, of the Sixth Infantry. The Mexican War of 1846 has one living representative here, in the person of

L.P. arbogast

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KNOX COUNTY.

R. B. Corbin, who served in the Third United States Dragoons.

In 1837 a postoffice was established, called Middle Grove, near what was later Uniontown, Henry Merrell being placed in charge. It is said that Thomas Morse offered a whole day's labor to secure a letter on which the postage had not been paid, money being then very scarce, but his offer was refused.

Sala Blakesbee is credited with erecting the first frame building for a barn, in 1837, on Sec- tion 19, but it was destroyed by fire the same year.

The scales of justice were first held by Will- iam Davis, in 1836.

The "underground railroad" had well- defined "route" through Salem in ante-bellum days, and many a poor slave, fleeing for life and liberty, had occasion to thank the "offi- cers" thereof for their active vigilance in his behalf.

The moral and religious advancement of the people has kept even pace with their material development, as is shown by their work in the churches and in kindred societies. In early days, preaching services were held in school houses, and all convenient places.

The Salem Township Bible Society Auxiliary to the American Bible Society was organized at the Cox school house, in District No. 6, April 8, 1855, with the following officers: George Reisinger, President; M. B. Mason, Vice President; Zeno E. Spring, Secretary; and Luther Goold, Treasurer. A constitution was adopted and a depository of Bibles established. Copies were sold, and were given to those not able to buy, money was contributed and the work continued regularly until 1880, when it lapsed until 1885. In that year the society was reorganized by electing W. B. Matthews, President; J. M. Cool, Vice President; Nettie Jaquith, Secretary; and L. A. Lawrence, Treasurer; the meeting therefor being held in the Presbyterian Church of Yates City. The work has continued regularly since. Its ob- ject is to place a Bible in, or within easy reach of, every family in the township. The present officers are: Edwin Ekstrand; President, Paul Montgomery, Vice President; Lizzie Speckard, Secretary; and A. J. Lawrence, Treasurer.

Another society, of equal or greater in- fluence, has been the Salem Township Sabbath School Association, which was formed ahout 1870. Its purpose was the establishing and maintaining of Sabbath schools in the school districts not under the immediate influence of the churches. No records of its labors were kept until 1892. Beside maintaining its home work, it has contributed sums varying from twenty-five to sixty dollars annually for the county work in the same direction. Its active workers have been W. B. and W. W. Matthews, J. M. Cool, Thomas Terry, L. A. Lawrence, Mrs. Emma Lawrence, Mrs. R. J. McKeighan and many others, representing the various churches. The present officers are A. J. Law- rence, President; E. Extrand, Vice President;

Miss Maud Fletcher, Secretary and Treasurer. Township conventions are held annually.

DOUGLAS.

Douglas (formerly Summit), Salem's second village in order of date, was laid out on the northeast corner of the northeast quarter of Section No. 7 and the southeast corner of the southeast quarter of Section No. 6, by Will- iam K. Ware, on October 17, 1856. It was sur- veyed by E. T. Byram, and the grant of the streets, alleys and public grounds to the public was acknowledged by Mr. Ware before Will- iam McCowan. Justice of the Peace, on No- vember 22, 1856. It sprang into existence as a result of the building of the old Peoria and Oquawka Railroad. It has probably two hun- dred and fifty inhabitants, and has always been a lively trading point in general merchandise, having two good general stores, excellent facil- ities for handling grain and stock, and a black- smith and repair shop, and being surrounded by a prosperous farming community.

The Methodists built a commodlous house of worship here in 1872, which was dedicated in July, 1873, Rev. Mr. Hill, the pastor, officiating. A Sabbath school has been regularly main- tained by the church. .

Douglas has a two-room school, superin- tended at present by Mr. Mack Beale.

Camp No. 3143 of the Modern Woodmen of America was instituted here on August 15, 1895, with fifteen charter members and the following officers: J. S. Heunter, V. C .; Asa M. Laugh- lin, W. A .; E. H. Ware, E. B .; J. E. Barnaby, Clerk. The present officers are: W. A. Chase, V. C .; Harry Dieffendorf, W. A .; John F. Sim- kins, E. B .; and J. S. Hunter, Clerk. The camp bas a membership of sixty. Its growth has been phenomenal, and bids fair to more than meet the expectations of its organizers.

The village has the honor of being the home of the two oldest continuous residents of Salem, viz .:- James and Henry Taylor, aged seventy-four and sixty-five years respectively. Their father, Alexander Taylor, was the first settler, in 1834, on Section 6.

UNIONTOWN.

This is the oldest village in the township, having been laid out on the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 19, by Moses Shinn, June 4, 1839, and surveyed, platted and recorded by George A. Charles, June 6, 1839.

It is most beautifully situated, on the west-

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KNOX COUNTY.

ern extremity of the high divide previously mentioned, overlooking a wide expanse of undulating prairie. It was a point of much importance in its earlier days, as the first sur- vey of the old Peoria and Oquawka Railroad passed through it, and a considerable trade sprung up. The first store was opened by Luther Carey, and others soon followed. A blacksmith shop was opened by Jacob Booth, who is yet living, and Moses Shinn, deceased. They also engaged in the manufacture of plows and wagons not long afterwards. Brick burn- ing was commenced by Thomas Griggsby in 1845, and a primitive shingle machine was operated by Elisha Van Pelt about 1843, cotton- wood and black walnut being the timber most commonly used.

The first school was kept about 1843, in a frame building originally intended for a store, on the corner of the public square.

Grain was ground for domestic consumption in hand burrs in the early days, but horse power was substituted a little later.

The village is said to have been named in memory of Uniontown, Portage County, Ohio. A later survey for the railroad, in 1856, finally located the line about two miles further north, and the once flourishing village declined rap- idly, until, in 1869, the legislature vacated the plat.

YATES CITY.

This may be called the metropolis of the township. It is pleasantly situated in the north- east part of Salem, on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, and its corporate limits include the whole of Section 11. It is sur- rounded by an intelligent, prosperous farming community, and, being at the junction of the Galesburg and Peoria and the Buda and Rush- ville branches of the railroad, it has the best facilities for both travel and traffic.

It was laid out by William and A. C. Bab- cock, Thomson Maple, Rufus H. Bishop, Bost- wick Kent, and James Burson, on October 20, 1857. It was surveyed and platted by E. T. Byram, County Surveyor, and named in honor of Yates County, New York, the early home of the Babcocks.

The first business house was erected by James Burson, on the southeast corner of Main and Union streets, in 1857. The next store was built by W. D. Dixon, in 1858. The first hotel was opened by John Sonnemaker, in the same year. The first dwelling was put up by Isaac West, and others soon followed, built by Stair-

walt, Kerns, and others. From the locating of the depot, in 1857, there sprung up a brisk trade in all merchandise needed by an agricul- tural community.

A grain warehouse was at once established by Buffum and Knable, and Yates City became the center for a large shipping business in grain and stock. Until the building of the Santa Fe railroad through Truro Township, twelve miles north, in 1887-89, the place drew its patronage from a large section of country to the north, northeast and northwest, within a radius of twelve or fifteen miles, including the greater part of Elba and Truro townships, and prospered greatly. It had a good flouring mill, built by Summers and Beeson in 1868, and a wagon and carriage shop, by W. D. and M. Aley, both of which were destroyed by fire in 1887 and 1888 and never rebuilt. Brick and tile were formerly manufactured in large quan- tities, but within the last year this industry has been abandoned. A farmer's co-operative store was opened in 1874, and flourished until February, 1889, when it was dissolved.

Since the building of the Santa Fe line, trade has been more limited, but it is still a center for a large business in general merchan- dise, grain and stock.

The village has ever been alive to its social interests, and active in promoting whatever would tend to its welfare as the years went by. A Harvest Home Association was organized in 1886, largely through the efforts of Mr. Mc- Keighan, the editor of the "Banner," sup- ported by interested citizens. The festivals of the association have grown in interest and popularity, until now their visitors are num- bered by the thousands, representing all com- munities and classes and coming from every direction within twenty-five miles. The an- nual programs afford opportunity for oratorical, literary and musical display, while athletic sports, games, and amusements of every sort form prominent features of the entertainments.

From the date of its founding, 1857, the sa- loon fastened itself upon the village, and clung like a vampire until about 1875, when, through a determined effort of the best citizens, the groggery was driven out, and by dint of con- stant vigilance has been kept out, with the ex- ception of the years 1888 and 1895, when licenses were granted for the sale of liquor. The advocates of the saloon stole a march upon the unwary friends of temperance, but only for a year at a time

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KNOX COUNTY.

The population in 1880 was six hundred and seventy-nine; in 1890, six hundred and eighty- seven; in 1898, six hundred and eighty-three.

Banking facilities are afforded by the

"Farmers' " and "People's" banks. Both are private institutions. The first named was or- ganized in 1875 by J. M. Taylor and Isaac Lam- bert. Mr. Lambert soon withdrew, and on August 12, 1880, Mr. Taylor sold the business to J. H. Nicholson, W. P. Parker and L. F. Wert- man, who organized the Farmers' Bank, which they conducted until 1889, when Mr. Nicholson obtained full control. Since his death, in 1895, his widow, Mrs. C. M. Nicholson, has conducted the business with Charles D. North, with F. E. Wilson as cashier. The bank has as handsome, well-appointed quarters as can be found outside a metropolis. The People's Bank was organ- ized in October, 1889, by Walter Bailey and Company. These are now deceased and the present firm name is Harriet L. Bailey and Company, with John W. Dixson as cashier. Both of these institutions do a general bank- ing and exchange business and find steady em- ployment for all their capital.

The first postoffice was opened in February, 1859, with J. M. Corey as postmaster. The present incumbent of the office is W. G. Leh- man, whose enterprise has provided an office with modern appointments far in advance of those of ordinary country villages.

Yates City was chartered on March 4, 1869, its first trustees being: D. Touslee, W. H. Eastman, Frank Madden, G. N. Pierce and J. D. Roberts, Mr. Touslee being the President. E. B. Rhea, City Clerk; W. L. Adams, Marshal; Benjamin Kersey, Treasurer; and David Wiltse, Police Magistrate. The present Board con- sists of A. W. Garrison, President; F. E. Wil- son, W. W. Wood, William T. Corbin and Frank Anderson. J. B. Coykindall, City Clerk; M. Knable, Marshal; Smith Rhea, Treasurer; and T. J. Kightlinger, Police Magistrate.

It has a graded school of four departments, that compares favorably with similar schools throughout the county. A full English course is taught, with the sciences and Latin. Pro- fessor W. F. Boyes is Principal, with Mr. C. W. Bird, and Misses Lizzie Spickard and Mary Friend as teachers of the Grammar, Intermed- iate and Primary departments, respectively. All are energetic and faithful workers in their pro- fession, and have made the school one of the educating forces of the county. For the past five years it has had an elementary course in

vocal music, of which Miss Minnie Eyerly is the present teacher. The enrollment of puplis is one hundred and eighty-one, with one hundred and sixty-three in average attendance. An im- portant feature of the institutlon is Its library of about nineteen hundred volumes, previously mentioned, that furnishes an inexhaustible mine of information, auxiliary to the line of regular study. The present school building, erected in 1872, is out of date and inconvenient, but will, no doubt, soon be replaced by a more modern structure.

The Yates City Banner, formerly the Indus- trial Banner, was founded by A. H. Mc- Keighan, its present editor and proprietor. Its first issue appeared December 25, 1879. It stanchly advocated the Greenback policy dur- ing that agitation, and has vigorously cham- pioned the movements in favor of prohibition and free silver. The Banner has always been firmly devoted to the best interests of the com- munity, and fearless in advocating what, in its view, seemed best. It is independent in politics, giving its support to those measures which it believes to promise the best results to the whole people. It has ever been a mortal foe to the saloon; its motto is "hew to the line, let the chips fall where they may."

Yates City has an excellent system of elec- tric lighting, introduced in October, 1894. It obtains its power, by contract, from the Elm- wood Electric Lighting Company, of Elmwood, two and one-half miles east, in Peoria County. It also has a volunteer fire company and an engine, and about one mile of vitrified brick sidewalk.

The First Presbyterian Church was organ- ized by a committee from Peoria Presbytery, which met November 16, 1866, in the school house. After a sermon by Rev. Thomas Stevenson, an enrollment was made and eighteen members were admitted, chiefly by letter. Joseph Cunningham and William B. Matthews were chosen Elders. An election of trustees resulted in the choice of John C. Bry- son, John D. Huey and William B. Matthews. The first pastor was Rev. John H. Smith; the present is Rev. Donald M. Ross. R. J. Mc- Keighan, J. J. Matthews, J. M. Corey, C. M. Bliss and L. A. Lawrence compose the session. With the exception of a .ew brief intervals, regular preaching services have been held since the organization of the church. A house of wor- ship costing over three thousand dollars was erected in 1867. The congregation supports a

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KNOX COUNTY.

flourishing Sabbath school, started in 1867 by Mr. G. N. Pierce. Elder W. B. Matthews was Superintendent most of the time until his death, in December, 1890, when L. A. Lawrence was chosen. He has discharged the duties of the position down to the present time. The average annual attendance has been about eighty, and its sessions regular. Beside the Sabbath school, the Ladies' Missionary Society has been an active, vital force since its organ- ization, about 1875. It has been tireless in ad- vocating and supporting the home and foreign mission work of the church, never failing to make a liberal monthly and annual contribu- tion. The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was organized in 1886, and has pur- sued its way steadily and faithfully, with good, substantial results. Its present officers are: J. L. McKeighan, President; George Montgomery, Vice President; Bertha Chamberlain, Record- ing Secretary; Zora Conver, Corresponding Secretary; and Giles Matthews, Treasurer.

This church has a substantial parsonage, the gift of one of its oldest and stanchest mem- bers, Mr. James McKeighan, just before his death, in November, 1885.

The Baptists, among whom were M. Law- rence, James Burson, Andrew Vance, Charles Haines, A. M. Swan and David Corley, and their families, with Rev. A. R. Newton as leader, commenced a house of worship in 1864-65, laying the foundation and procuring materials, when difficulties arose, and their site and materials were sold to the Methodist Episcopal Church, prominent among whose members were J. M. Cool, R. F. Anderson, Ephraim Jordan, Bostwick Kent, Sylvester Goold, and John Foster, who took up the work, completing the building and dedicating it in 1868. There they have held regular Sabbath services since, usually conducted by non- resident ministers, from neighboring churches. At present the church is under the care of Rev. Mr. Henderson, of Peoria. Its work has been steadily strengthened by a regular, well- attended Sabbath school, and later by a branch of the Epworth League, organized in 1888 by the young people. Mr. Thomas Terry is the present Sabbath school superintendent.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 196

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913; Gale, W. Shelden Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1388

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913; Gale, W. Shelden
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1388