History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois, Part 57

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 826

USA > Illinois > Clark County > History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois > Part 57
USA > Illinois > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois > Part 57

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

a mill. This mill stood on North Fork, from which it received the power that operated it, and was run by Davee about fifteen years and afterward sold to F. Johnson. The latter added several improvements and operated it about five years longer, when the building was ruined by an overflow of the creek. Da- vee moved to Missouri in the year 1553, and afterward to California where he died a few years ago. The place where he settled is now owned by a Mr. Adkins. Hilburn came to this county from Indiana and entered land in section 17, which he sold about seven years later to D. Albright, the present owner.

Owings came from Ohio in company with John Cole and entered land in section 30, which he sold ten years later and moved back to his native State. Entries were made in the same year by Andrew Hardway, section 12; James Brooks, section 18; Ira Prevo, in 18; and Lewis Huckabee in section 23; none of whom were ever residents of the township.

Prominent among those who came to John- son in an early day was Henry King, after- ward a noted physician both in this State and Oregon. His youth was spent chiefly in the employ of William How, with whom he lived a number of years, working on the farm, driving oxen, etc., and utilizing his intervals . of rest in the study of his favorite profession. In this he was encouraged by his employer who advised him to quit the farm and devote his attention to study, which King did, although he was not what would now be termed an educated physician.

For a number of years he had an extensive practice in Johnson and adjoining townships, but thinking there was a more remunerative field for his talents elsewhere, he left this part of the country and located in a thriving town near St. Louis, where for some years he carried on an extensive mercantile business in connection with his profession and became quite wealthy. He subsequently moved to

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

Oregon and died in that State about the year 1850. The following incident, which he said was not to be told until he had been out of the country twenty-five years, is related by Mr. How. At one time he was called to a neighboring community to see a colored lady who was taken very ill, and twenty minutes after his arrival the woman was a. corpse. That evening he met How, who inquired after his patient. "Oh," says the doctor, " I tried an experiment on the old lady by giving her an entirely new medicine." "With what effect?" said How. " Why, by G-d, it killed her in less than five minutes, but remember my reputation is at stake and this must be kept mum for twenty-five years at least."

Another character deserving of particular mention was James Henderson, an Irishman, who entered forty acres of land in section 2 in the year 1839. He was a man of brilliant attainments and had been educated for the priesthood in his native country, but for some reason never took holy orders. He was one of the first school teachers in Johnson, and was considered the ablest instructor in the county, at that time. During the later years of his life he became very dissipated and died a mere wreck, about the year 1858.

Hawley Childs was a character in the early history of Johnson also, though the exact date of his arrival was not learned. He was the possessor of fifteen large hounds, and did valuable service to the country in ridding it of the wolves, which at that time were very numerous and troublesome.

Childs moved to Iowa a number of years ago where he is still living. The entry book shows that the following persons selected lands in this township in 1839: Robert Mount, section 5; Priscilla Jennings, section 10; Jeremiah Dunham, section 18; James Thomas, in the same section; Barnett Thomas and William Wilson in section 21; Noah Peters, William James and Jessie Bur-

ris in section 23. Robt. Mount was a brother of John and James C. Mount, already alluded to, and resided in this township until 1832, when he moved to Terre Haute, his present place of residence.

Dunham settled where a man by name of Weaver now lives, and died in this township in the year 1842. James Thomas came to this State from Indiana and died ten years after his arrival. His son Barnett Thomas, now living in Edgar County, was second justice of the peace in Johnson. Wilson was an Indi- anian also and lived on the place he settled about six years, when he sold the farm and moved to Iowa.

Noah Peters improved the farm where James Fessler lives, and erected a saw and grist-mill on the North Fork, about the year 1841. Ile operated this mill a number of years and did a very remunerative business as it was patronized by the country for many miles around. It disappeared long since and no vestige remains to show where the build- ing stood. William Jannes entered the land now occupied by Robert Johnson and lived there ten years when. he disposed of the place and went back to Indiana, his former home. Jesse Burris was the father of John Burris, the first settler, of whom mention has al- ready been made, and was induced to immi- grate here by reason of the glowing descrip- tion of the country given by his son. He was a good man and did much in a quiet way to advance the interests of the country. For twenty-three years he lived here an honored and respected citizen, and died in the year 1862. The foregoing list comprises the most prominent settlers in Johnson down to the year 1840, though there were a number of transient residents whose names were not learned. Since 1840, the population has steadily increased; all the available lands have been put in cultivation by a thrifty class of farmers; schools and churches established and

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

various industries inaugurated, and at the present time Johnson occupies a prominent place in the galaxy of townships forming Clark County.

The first death in the township was that of David Ingraham, who was killed as already stated, about the year 183". The second death occurred one year later, when the wife of James R. Geddes departed this life.

John Burris, son of John and Elizabeth Burris, was the first white person born within the present limits of Johnson. This gentle- man is now forty-six years old, which would carry the date of his introduction into the world back to the year 1836.

Cupid's first victims in this township, were Amos Carlan and Amanda Brewster, whose marriage occurred in the year 1838, and in the latter part of the same year, their laudable example was imitated by Noah Peters and Mary Ann Peters, who were joined in holy wedlock by Squire Jacob Janney. Among other early marriages were those of George Janney and Eliza Williamson, Joseph How and Letty Foster. In the year 1838, a small log school-house was built near the northern boundary of the township and occupied the winter of the same year by Isaac Schaffstall, who taught a three months term with an at- tendance of about fifteen pupils. The follow- ing year a second building for school purposes was erected near the southwestern part. This was a rude log structure also, about twelve by sixteen feet and was first used by Isaac Hughes, who taught in it for several consec- utive years. The first frame school-house in the township was erected in the year 1850, and stood near the western boundary in the neighborhood of the Union Mount church. Here the first public school was taught the same year by Isaac Shaffstall. There are at present a number of good school-houses in the township, the majority of which are substan-

tial frame buildings, well finished and furn- ished.

The Old School Baptists and Methodists were the pioneer religious denominations of Johnson. The first meetings were held at private residences and in groves, and were attended by the neighbors for many miles around. At these early meetings all met on a common level, worshiped the same God, irrespective of dogma or creed, and the ques- tion, " What church Io you belong to?" was never asked. Am ng the pioncer preachers were Daniel Doughty, Richard Newport, John Shields and William Wilson, of the Baptists, and William Blundell of the Methodists. The first church was organized by Richard New- port in the eastern part of the township with a small membership, and continued with va- ried success for a number of years, but was finally disbanded.

William Blundell was a circuit rider and conducted services at the residence of James C. Mount as early as 1838. He preached reg- ularly at this point for about two years but did not organize a class.

The oldest religious organization in the township at the present time is the Mount Olive Christian Church. It dates its history from the year 1852, at which time the organi- zation was effected by Elders R. Metheny and R. Bates, the former of whom is the present pastor.

The original membership numbered about twenty, which was afterward increased to more than twice that number. Elder R. Bates was the first regular pastor, in which capacity he served the church about two years, and was succeeded by Elder Thomas Mattox, who preached for the congregation the same length of time. In 1862 Elder Metheny took charge of the church and has preached regularly ever since. The building stands in the east side of the township and was erected the same year the church was organized. It

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

is a log structure, but very comfortable and convenient, and will seat 250 persons.

A flourishing Union Sunday school is main- tained at this place during the entire year and has an average attendance of more than one hundred scholars. It is at present under the efficient management of Joseph Jones, superintendent.

Mount Moriah Christian Church was organ- ized about nine years ago by Elder Metheny with an original membership of sixteen. Their house of worship is a log building and was erected in the fall of 1873. Many large meetings and interesting revivals were held at this house, and in time the church grew to be a strong organization, but from some cause not learned, there has been a considerable falling off in the last four years until now there are only twenty-three names on the records.

Elder Metheny is still pastor, in which capacity he has acted ever since the organiza- tion. Jonathan Brewer is superintendent of the Sunday school, which is large and well attended.

A society of Missionary Baptists was or- ganized at the Mount Moriah church, in the year 18:6, by Rev. William Bridgeman, with a membership of ten persons. Bridgeman preached for the congregation two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Reynolds, who ministered to the church one year, and was in turn followed by Rev. Bratton, the present pastor, under whose care the society has grown rapidly in numbers and influence.

About two years ago Elder McCash, of the Reformed Christian church, or as they are more familiarly known, Disciples, organized a flourishing society at the Mount Moriah church, which, at the present time, is in good condition.

Services are conducted regularly by Elder MeCash, the pastor, who is assisted in his work at intervals by Elder Williams.

In the year 1881 a small society of the Southern Methodist Church was organized at the How school-house by Revs. Jones and Cross, and a movement set on foot by them to erect a house of worship. A lot for that pur- pose was obtained near Union Mount, and work on the building was pushed rapidly forward. It had not proceeded far, however, before a very disagreeable fact stared the projectors in the face, namely, that the funds collected were far from being sufficient to complete the edifice, and as the organization numbered but few members the project was finally abandoned and the building sold.

None of the community desired to see the property abandoned in this summary manner and William How, who was abundantly able to do so, was urged to buy the building when offered at publie sale. This he consented to do, and a number of the citizens, but few of whom belong to any religious denomination, contrib- uted to its completion, and furnishing for church purposes, an organization was effect- ed and the business placed in the hands of a board of trustees who were instructed to allow it to be used by any religious denomi- nation which would keep in repair. The re- sult is, that each denomination now hears the Gospel, " each in his own tongue," the Bap- tists, Christians and Universalists alternating in holding services.

The building is frame, cost about $1,500, and is the most commodious audience room in the township.

The Winebrennarian, or Church of God. sect have a place of worship in the southern part of the township, known as Oak Point. The society was organized about 1876, and for some years had a vigorous existence. The society built a neat frame place of wor- ship soon after its organization, at a cost of some $1,200, where regular worship and Sun- day school is still maintained. Rev. Mr. San- doe is the present pastor.

CHAPTER XXI .*

PARKER TOWNSHIP-SURFACE FEATURES-THE FIRST SETTLERS-PIONEER INDUSTRIES AND IMPROVEMENTS-CHURCHES AND PREACHERS-EDUCA- TIONAL FACILITIES, ETC.

TOWNSHIP 11 north, range 14 west, is one of the western range of townships in Clark County, and is bounded on the north by Westfield, on the east by Dolson, on the south by Cumberland and on the west by Cumberland County. Its lines coincide with those of the congressional survey and include thirty-six seetions. Originally its surface was divided between prairie and woodland, the latter covering about one third of the town- ship on the east side bordering the North Fork of the Embarras. The balance of the township was occupied by a fine rolling prai- rie that bore the name of Parker, from George Parker, an early settler here, and subsequent- ly gave the name to the township.

Parker is so situated between the settle- ments of Westfield and Cumberland town- ships as to lose any strong marks of individ- uality which it might otherwise have had. The National Road, and later the railroad, drew such material as goes toward a village growth to the latter town, while to the north Westfield, inspired by the activity of the northern thoroughfare and aided by public- spirited enterprises, added its influence to keep Parker to the level of an agricultural community.

The first settlement was made by Hezekiah Martin in 1827. Coming from Crawford County he settled in the eastern part of the township on section 6, where he erected a cabin, and cleared twelve acres of timber.

He made no attempt to secure the land, and made no permanent improvements which the necessity of the situation did not demand. So far did he carry this policy that he lived in his cabin three years without a window or a floor. At the end of this time he sold his property to Samuel Brown who, in 1831, entered the land. In 1828, George Parker came to the northern part of this township. He came originally from Butler County, Ohio, by wagon to Crawford County, but dissatis- fied with the aspect of the country there he traveled over a large part of the settled por- tions of the State in quest of a home, but failed to find a place suited to his taste until he reached this locality. Here he settled, entered land, and spent the rest of his life where his son John now lives. Mr. Parker became a prominent man in the community which gathered here, and giving name to the prairie eventually gave his name to the town- ship also.

In 1830, John G. Morrell joined the settle- ment thus begun. Originally emigrating from Kentucky to North Carolina, after a short residence in the latter place he came to Indiana and three years later to Coles County. After two years residence there, Mr. Morrell came to Parker and settled on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 4. Here he improved a good farm and by his intelligent activity became an important fac- tor in the growth of the community in which he lived until 1856. Lewis Walker came in 1831. He was a native of Kentucky and first

*By G. N. Berry.

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

emigrated to Indiana, but dissatisfied with the country there he soon after came to Clark County, building his cabin on section 6, where he subsequently entered land. Mr. Walker was a man of marked piety, of good education and remarkably public-spirited, taking a live- ly interest in the laying out of roads, estab- lishing schools, churches, etc. John Pence came the same year direct from Kentucky. He settled on section 2, and improved a good farm where he lived until his death in 1851. Ilis place is now owned by Benjamin Perry. Isaac and David Stark came about the same time and settled on section 11, where they bought about forty acres. They were noted, however, as hunters and trappers rather than farmers, and gave more attention to the pur- suit of game than to improvement of their land. As the land settled up and game grew scarce they became dissatisfied with the country here and a few years later left for newer lands further west.

In 1832, the settlement received several accessions, among whom was Morris Carru- thers. He came from Indiana here, settled on section 4, and while not marked for his high moral character, was an energetic citizen and a useful member of the community. He was a great hunter but when the game grew scarce, turned his energies to farming, making stock raising something of a spe- cialty. Stanley B. Walker was also an im- migrant of this year. He was a native of Kentucky, a preacher of the Old School Bap- tist Church and divided his time and efforts be- tween his farm and church work. He preached far and near wherever a cabin was opened to give him a hearing and assisted in the organization of nearly every Baptist church in the county. Thomas Lamb located in this year on section 3, where he lived for twenty years, finally selling his property to a man by the name of Grant, and removing to Texas. David Easton came here from Kentucky

about this time and settled on section 4. He was an adventurous character, spending much of his time in hunting, and finally sold his place to a Mr. Elkin and went west. In 1833 came William Lee and John Johnson, both locating their cabins on section 4. The latter came from Indiana, and lived here but a short time. Charles Menary settled on the same section in the following year. He made his way from Kentucky by wagon, built a cabin and made improvements on a : mall farm. Though an active man he gave more of his attention to hunting than farming. Another settler on section 4, was Calvin Boyd. He was a man of some power and an enthusiastic controversialist, his favorite topics being poli- tics and religion. He made a campaign for a position in the Legislature but was defeated.

In 1836 there were several additions to this settlement. Of these the family of Timothy Terrell was, perhaps, the earliest. They came from Indiana and settled on section 12 but they stayed only about two years. In the meanwhile Mr. Terrell made some slight im- provements, and served as constable, an office to which he was elected soon after his arrival, and the duties of which he seemed peculiarly fitted to discharge. He sold his property in 1838 to Vincent Lindsey and removed from the township. On the same section with Ter- rell another settlement was made a little later in the year by Isaac Bean. He came from North Carolina, and was elected one of the earliest justices of the peace in Parker. He spent the remainder of his life here, and at the time of his death was the oldest man in the county. In this year the township received an important accession in the coming of Levin D. Robinson, who settled on section 33. When a babe he rode in his mother's arms on horseback from Tennessee on the road to Indiana. Arrived at Darwin, the family migration came to a halt, and Mr. Robinson stayed here for some time, but subsequently

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

removed to Elgar County. In 1836 Levin D. led the migration of the family to this lo- cality, his father, who was an old man, com- ing with him. Mr. Robinson early took a prominent place in the community, and amassed a large property. His brother, James C., came to Parker at the same time, and was soon afterward elected justice of the peace. He subsequently took up the study of law with such success as to be numbered among the few leading lawyers of the State. He served three terms in the Lower House of Congress, and in 1864 was a candidate for Governor, but was defeated by Ogelsby. He still owns a large farm in sec- tion , 6, though he no longer resides in the township. William and T. II. Connolly came with their father, Josiah, about 1836, and have since been identified with the township. The latter son was four years sheriff of the county, and the other the first justice of the peace, after the township organization was effected.

In 1837 Messrs. J. J. Houghton, Chriss and Shook came to this township. The former settled on section 9, and is still living here. Isaac Chriss came from Kentucky to Martinsville and thence here. He sold out in 1859, and died on his way to California, in the same year. William Shook was a native of Kentucky, from whence he moved to Indiana, moving to this locality a little later, and subsequently moving to Dolson.

The early life in the settlement was not different from that of other early communities in the county save that it was shorn of many of the privations which they experienced. The markets and means of communication, though not so conveniently place:l as now, were not so meagerly afforded as to amount to a real hardship. The Grandview and Martinsville road was the first one established through this township, and was laid out as early as 1833. Two years later, the Auburn road, passing across the northeast corner, was laid

out, and in 1840 the York and Charleston road was run through the central portion.

The first mill in this settlement was built on section 11, by Ferguson Johnson He came from Edgar County in 1836, and at once set about erecting a single-geared horse mill. It was a rude affair and was run night and day to meet the demands made upon it. This served the public fifteen years before it was superseded by more modern machinery. Another early mill was erected by Hibbard on the North Fork in the south part of Parker. This was a water mill in a log building, and was afterward sold to the Johnson brothers. It continued doing business for some ten ycars, when it was abandoned. Clark Nichols also constructed a water mill on the North Fork in the southern part of the township. It served the pur, ose of its construction for about five years. A saw and grist mill com- bineJ was erected in 1870 by C. W. Ham- mond and a Mr. Barbee in the eastern part of Parker. In 1878 this was burned down, but it has since been replaced by a steam mill, two stories high, by C. & F. Hammond. This is provided with improved machinery and does a fair business.

There has been nothing in the situation of Parker to develop any considerable business which the community centered here could not itself support. Considerable towns on either side of it have prevented the development of any similar growth in Parker, and even the coming of the railroad has failed to de- velop any unusual business excitement. The discovery of petroleum for a time promised to do what other advantages had failed to ac- complish. Wells were sunk and some oil secured, and in the height of the excitement the beginning of a village was started near the well on the farm of T. H. Young. A large hotel was erected, and a large name de- vised for the town which was to grow up there, but Oil City is now only a memory and

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

a name. There is no doubt as to the charac- tor and quality of the oil, but the business was brought to an untimely stop by the break- age of a drill which the workmen were un- able to recover, and which not only stopped the work, but prevented the flow of oil to any paying extent. Efforts are now being made to push the prospecting until the "find " is a demonstrated success or failure.

The first school was held about 1840, in a small log honse on the northeast corner of section 11, where Samuel Hoskins held sway over about twenty pupils. The second was held a year later in a log house on the Hammond farm in section 13. Among the early teachers are remembered Burns Harlan, R. C. Robinson, Reuben Warner and Isaac Johnson. The first public school was inaugu- rated in Parker about 1850. Frame build- ings for school purposes were not erected, however, until about 1865. There are now six districts all comfortably provided with frame buildings and modern appliances.

Church influences were early introduced by Rev. S. B. Walker who was one of the early settlers of Parker. He began holding services

in the cabins around the neighborhood as early as 1836, but as he belonged to the Baptist de- nomination, his own cabin, or that of Josiah Connolly was generally the scene of his labors. Among the early Methodist itinerants were William C. Blundell and James Martin. Serv- ices were usually held in the Hammond School- honse, and the latter minister succeeded in organizing a class which had an existence for some ten years. No regular place of wor- ship was erected, and the organization was finally abandoned. Thomas Sparks, of the United Brethren Church, preached in this settlement, holding services in the various cabins. He organized a class at the residence of David Downs where services were main- tained for several years, but the organization was finally abandoned. In 1823, a "Church of God " was organized with a small member- ship, which still survives. It has about twenty members and a regular pastor. In the following year a Union place of worship was erected on section 12, to which the whole community contributed, and which is used by the United Brethren, Methodist, and " Church of God." This is a hewed log building and the only church edifice in the township.

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History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois, Part 57

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co. Number of Pages: 826

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 826