USA > Illinois > De Witt County > History of De Witt county, Illinois. With illustrations descriptive of the scenery, and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers > Part 29
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109
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
McCorkle, a young man who had previously taught a term or two in the old M. E. Church, very successfully was employed to take charge of the first school opened in this building, which position he held for seven years. Being a good teacher and good disciplinarian, he placed the school on a permanently high basis. Mr. McCorkle has reason to be proud of his work in Clinton, for from among his pupils, Clinton and other places have derived many of their substantial citizens, by whom we feel that we should not be forgiven if we fail to pay this just tribute. He is ever hekl by them in grateful remembrance for his untiring efforts in their behalf, and for the wisdom of his counsels and his ever ready sympathy with their individual aspirations to fit them- selves for positions of usefuluess in life. Mr. McCorkle was fol- lowed in the same school house by Messrs. Armstrong and Mar- chant, who retained their places a year each. W. D. Hall was next elected to take charge of the school, and under his supervis- ion it increased to such an extent that it became necessary to enlarge the old or build a new house. The result was the erec- tion of the present fine school building, the best in the county and among the finest in the State, the cost of which including grounds, furniture, &c., was about $60,000. The site is one of the finest for the purpose, being a beautiful plat of high ground adorned with trees and flowers. Its location is sufficiently cen- tral to accommodate the whole city.
Each year the people endeavor to place men upon the Board of Education who will work to keep the school up to a high standard. The new building being completed, the Clinton Iligh School was organized in 1869, with S. M. HIeslet as superin- tendent, and Miss Shurtleff as principal of the High School Mr. Heslet held his position until June 6th, 1874. - He was an excellent organizer, a superior disciplinarian, and commanded the respect of all his pupils.
He was a man of fine moral influence, an active member of the Presbyterian church, and very efficient in its Sunday-school, and will be long remembered by his many friends. Miss Shurt- leff resigned during the fall term of 1871, and left the school in good condition. She was a good teacher, and beloved by all her pupils. She soon afterward became the wife of J. B. Haldeman, well known in this city and county.
Miss Anne Byrne succeeded Miss Shurtleff, and graduated the first class, consisting of three members, although we believe there was a class of three members that finished a course under Pro- fessor Hall, in the old building; but Miss Byrne graduated the first class in the new house. Miss Lucy Long was her successor, and taught one term, when she was succeeded by Miss Laura E Holbrook, who held the position until June 6, 1877, graduating the following classes : Class of 1873, nine members ; class of 1874,
ten members ; class of 1875, four members; class of 1876, eight members; class of 1877, seven members.
Miss Holbrook was succeeded by B. F. Hull, the present in- cumbent, who has graduated classes as follows: Class of 1878, eleven members; class of 1879, seventeen members; class of 1880, eleven members ; class of 1881, nine members. Mr. Hull deserves especial mention, not only as being an excellent in- structor, but as having hy untiring industry and perseverance, raised himself from a poor boy to an honorable and lucrative position.
Prof. Heslet was succeeded by W. D. Hall, who resigned in the fall of 1875, and was followed by I. Wilkinson, who hekdl the position until June 6, 1876, when R. E. Morrow was elected principal. Miss Laura E. llolbrook, who had been the High School teacher for several years, was Mr. Morrow's successor. She was a lady well qualified for the position by her superior education and high moral and social culture, and the school pros- pered under her administration. Mr. N. D. Gilbert, the present incumbent, succeeded Miss Holbrook, and in many respects has raised the school to a high standard.
Clintonia Township has eight school districts, with comfort- able houses, and most of them furnished with the latest and best furniture. The Clinton School is a first-class graded school, having twelve departments, under a board of six directors, who manage the machinery of the school and keep it in good running order, consulting with the superintendent in regard to the needs and general working of the school ; and they prepare, with his assistance, a course of study for all the grades, and give general instructions to the teachers in their work, and general informa- tion to the public as to the management and expense of the same. Counting those graded schools which have more than one depart- ment, we have eight graded schools in the county, located at the following places : Clinton, Farmer City, Wapella, Kenney, Waynesville, De Witt, Midland and Weldon, and eighty-seven ungraded schools, with an entire enrollment of 4,566 pupils. Total receipts during the year ending June 30, 1881, for school purposes, amount to $58,906.62. Total expenditures for same year amounts to $44,320.25, much of which has been lost to the connty through a lack of proper management. While the schools of the county are in a fair condition, which is due to ber teachers and school officers, yet there is much that needs to be done before the people will receive an equivalent for the money expended for their support.
And we think, that since the state has provided for the esta- blishment of a free school system, as a necessity to the well-being of our Government, it should also provide for the protection and proper supervision of the same in all its parts.
110
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER XIII.
PATRIOTISM.
ENEATHI the wide spread branches of the trec of liberty, whether her roots be embedded in Athenian or American soil, the spirit of true democracy flourishes. Liberty of reli- | gious action was the fond dream of those who built the first fires on the bleak rock-bound New England shore in 1620. Liberty was the ringing watch- word of those who first anchored their boats on the waters of the James river. Liberty of speech caused thousands to for- sake homes they loved in sunny England, fair France, ragged Scotland, distressed Ireland, and Germany, the " faderland," for untried ones in this new Republic. It is strange, then, that principles of patri- otism so much abound among us as a peo- ple. America. the asylum of the oppressed of all nations, for two hundred years, has gathered to herself a citizenship univer- sally Liberty-loving ? Of her it can be said, Patriotism is an all-pervading princi- ple, and lingers everywhere. It is en- shrined in poetry and song. It rolls on in grand musical anthem, that strike respon- sive chords in every breast. When the fathers of our Republic proclaimed " that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," an oppressed world applauded. When founded on such principles a government was sought to be erected, millions were ready to become sovereigns, and forsake kingdoms and empires for the enjoyment of God-given rights. Thus brought before the attention of the world, a nation that essayed to incorporate in her civil govern- ment the best idea of all ages and peoples. Her growth has been marvellous, and the spirit of patriotism has been commensurate therewith. To day the proudest exclama- tion of any citizen of any country is, "I am an American." Wars may and have threatened ; red battle may stamp her fiery feet, but our nation emerges from the cru- cible fires rejavinated and clothed in mightier power. In order to present the patriotism of De Witt county, it will be necessary to give brief sketches of the Black Hawk, Mexican and late wars, in
each of which some of her citizens partici- pated.
BLACK HAWK WAR
Before entering much into detail of that war, its causes and results, we give to our readers a brief sketch of Black-Hawk, the celebrated warrior, who figured so con- spicuously in those campaigns. Maenta Mahicatah is the Indian name for Black- Hawk. He was born in the Sauk village in the year 1767, and was an Indian of consideable talent and sagacity, shrewd and eloquent in council ; he, however, deported himself in that demure, grave, and formal manner incident to almost all Indians. It is said he possessed a mind of more than ordinary strength, but slow and plodding in its operations. In comparison he could not be classed with the great Indian char- acters, such as Philip, Brant, Logan, Te- cumseh, and such illustrious meu. By the portraits of him now extant, the reader of character will readily observe in his large, high forehead and the lines worn by care in his face, massive jaws and compressed lips, a character indicative of more than ordinary ability. His ambition was to dis- tinguish himself as a great warrior ; yet he was merciful to the weak, the women and children. The only road for an Indian to distinguish himself and become a great man, is in war. So soon as he kills an enemy he may paint on his blanket a bloody hand, which will entitle him a seat in the councils. In 1810 and 1811 Black- Hawk and comrades were "nursing their wrath to keep it warm," against the whites. A party of Sacs, by invitatation, went to see the prophet at Tippecanoe. They re- turned more angry against the Americans. A party of Winnebagoes massacred some whites, which excited for murder the Sac band headed by Black-Hawk. A part of his band and some Winnebagoes attacked Fort Madison in ISIt, but were repulsed. Black-Hawk headed the Sacs in this attack.
In 1812 emissaries from the British ar- rived at Rock Island with goods, and secured Black-Hawk with five-hundred warriors to go with Col. Dixon to Canada. When they reached Green Bay there were assembled there bands of the Ottawas, Pot- tawatomies, Winnebagoes and Kickapoos, under the command of Col. Dixon. Black- Hawk and band participated in the battles of River Rasin, the Lower Sandusky, and other places, but getting dissatisfied with the hard fighting and small amount of spoils, he, and twenty comrades, left for the Sauk village at Rock Island, where he
-
remained for many years at peace, with the exception of a small battle on the Quiver river settlement in Missouri, in the present limits of St. Charles county, where one white man and an Indian were killed.
The principal cause of the Indian trou- bles in 1831-'32, better known as the Black-Hawk war, was the determination of Black-Hawk and his band to remain in their ancient village, located on the Rock river, not far from its junction with the Mississippi. The government having some time previously, by various treaties, pur- chased the village and the whole country from the Sac and Fox tribe of Indians, had some of these lands surveyed, and in , 1828 some of the lands in and around the ancient village were sold ; the collision be- tween the two races for the possession of the property produced the first disturbance between the Indians and the government. Seeing that war was inevitable the Gover- nor of Illinois made a call on the militia of the state for seven hundred men on the 26th of May, 1831, and appointed Beards- town, on the Illinois river, as the place of rendezvous. The call was responded to with that promptness characteristic of the early pioneers of this state. Their habits of life were such that all were familiar with the rifle. After marching eight days, the mounted militia reached a point a few miles below the Sac village on the Missis- sippi, where they joined the United States forces under Gen. Gaines, and encamped in the evening. The next morning the forces marched up to the Indian town pre- pared to give the enemy battle ; but in the night the Indians had escaped and crossed the Mississippi. This ended Black-Hawk's bravado and his determination to die in his ancient village. The number of warriors under his command was estimated at from four to six hundred men. Black-Hawk and his band landed on the west side of the Mississippi, a few miles below Rock Island, and there camped. "Gen. Gaines sent a peremptory order to him and his warriors that if he and his head men did not come to Rock Island and make a treaty of peace, he would march his troops and give him battle at once. * * In a few days Black-Hawk and the chiefs and head men to the number of twenty-eight, appeared at Fort Armsrong, and on the 30th of June, 1831, in full council with Gen. Gaines and Governor John Reynolds, signed a treaty of peace."
TIIE BLACK-HAWK WAR IN 1832.
During the winter of '31-'32 rumors were rife that Black-Hawk and his band
111
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
were disatisfied, restless, and preparing for mischief. A chief of the Winnebago In- dians, who had a village oo Rock river, some thirty miles above its confluence with the Mississippi, joined Black-Hawk, who was located on the west bank of the | of their country. Father of Waters. The chief had great influence with Black-Hawk and his band. He made them believe that all the tribes on the Rock river would join them, and that together they could bid defiance to the whites. By this unwise counsel, Black- Hawk resolved to recross the river, which he did in the winter of 1832. That move proved to be their destruction. Through his influence and zeal, Black-Hawk en- couraged many of the Sacs and Foxes tu join him at the head of his determined warriors. He first assembled them at old
Fort Madison on the Mississippi; subse- ter, George D). Smallweed, John Hender- quently, marched them up the river to the Yellow Banks, where he pitched his tent April 6th, 1832. This armed array of savages soon alarmed the settlers, and a general panic spread through the whole frontier, from the Mississippi to Lake Michi- gan. Many settlers in terror abandoned The force marched to the mouth of Rock river where Gen. Atkinson received the volunteers into the United States service and assumed command. Black-Hawk and his warriors were still up on the Rock river. their homes and farms, and the Governor decided, on the 16th of April, to call out a large number of volunteers to operate in conjunction with Geo. Atkinson, who was in command of the regular forces at Rock Island. The Governor ordered the troops to rendezvous at Beardstown on the 22d of April. We give Governor Reynolds' circular which he addressed to the citizen- soldiers in the crisis then pending :
" To the Militia of the North-western section of the State :
" FELLOW CITIZENS :
" Your country requires your services. The Indians have assumed hostile attitude, and have invaded the state in violation of the treaty of last summer. The British band of Sacs and other hostile Indians, headed by Black-Hawk. are in possession of the Rock river country, to the great terror of the inhabitants. I consider the settlers on the frontier to be in imminent danger. I am in possession of the above information from gentlemen of respectable standing, and also from Gen. Atkinson, whose character stands high with all classes. In possession of the above facts, I have hesitated not as to the course I should pursue. No citizen ought to remain inactive when his country is invaded, and the helpless part of the community are in danger. I have called out a large de- tachment of militia to rendezvous at Beardstown on the 22d. Provisions for
the men and food for the horses will be furnished in abundance. I hope my coun- trymen will realize my expectations, and offer their services, as heretofore, with promptitude and cheerfulness in defence
JOHN REYNOLDS."
To the stirring appeal of the Governor, the patriotic citizens of the state and De Witt county nobly responded in both cam- paigns of '31-32. Many of the best and most prominent men of the county enlisted to protect the frontier and preserve the honor of the state, and did signal service in the memorable events of the Black- Hawk war.
Among those to go from De Witt county were Walter Bowles (sergeant), George Coppenharger, Asher Simson, Elisha Bal- son, James Ennis, John Clifton, John Wil- liams, C. Cooper, Samuel Troxel, Thomas Davenport, William Adams, William Hooper, Joseph Clifton, J. G. Wright who also participated in what was known as the Winnebago war in 1827.
The army under Atkinson commenced its march up the river on the 9th of May. Gov. Reynolds, the gallant " Old Ranger," remained with the army, and the President recognized him as a major-general, and he was paid accordingly. His presence in the army did much toward harmonizing and conciliating those jealousies which gener- ally exist between volunteers and regular troops. Major John A. Wakefield and Col Ewing acted as spies for a time in the campaign of '32, to discover the location of the enemy, if possible. A. Mr. Kinney acted as guide for them ; he understood the Sac dialect. On the 14th of May, 1832, Major Stillman's command had a sort of running battle with the Indians at or near what is now known as Stillman's run, a small, sluggish stream. In the en- gagement eleven white men and eight In- dians were killed. Black-Hawk and war- riors fought with a spirit born of des- peration. Black-Hawk says in his book that he tried at Stillman's run to call back his warriors, as he thought the whites were making a sham retreat in order to draw him into an amibuscade of the whole army under General Whiteside. The hasty retreat and ront of Stillman and his army was, in a measure demoralizing to the en-
tire forces. Undoubtedly the cause of the defeat was a lack of discipline. When Gov. Reynolds learned of the disaster of Major Stillman, he at once ordered ont two thousand additional volunteers. With that promptitude characteristic of the old " War Governor," he wrote out by candle- light on the evening of Stillman's defeat, the order for the additional troops, and by daylight dispatched L. D. Ewing, Robert Blackwell and John A. Wakefield to dis- tribute the order to the various counties. The volunteers again promptly responded ; however, the soldiers from this county did but little fighting. On the 10th of July the army disbanded for want of provisions. Gen. Scott arrived soon after with a large force at the post of Chicago, to effect if possible a treaty with the Indians. Small detachments of Black-Hawk's warriors would persistently hang on the outskirts of the main body of the army, thieve and plunder, and pounce upon and kill the lonely sentinel or straggling sollier. On the 15th of July the soldiers were review- ed, and those incapable of duty were dis- charged and returned home. Poquette, a half-breed, and a Winnebago chief, the " White Pawnee," were selected for guides to the camp of Black-Hawk and band. Several battles and skirmishes occurred with the enemy, the principal of which was on the banks of the Mississippi, where the warriors fought with great desperation. Over one hundred and fifty were killed in the engagement, and large numbers drowned in attempting to swim the river. After the battle the volunteers were march- ed to Dixon, where they were discharged.
This ended the campaign and the Black Hawk war. At the battle of the Bad Axe, Black Hawk and some of his warriors es- eaped the Americans, and had gone up on the Wisconsin river, but subsequently sur- rendered himself. Fort Armstrong, on Rock Island, was th ' place appointed where a treaty would be made with the Indians, but before it was effected, that dreadful scourge, the cholera of 1832, visi- ted not only the regular army, depleting its ranks far more rapidly than the balls of the Indians bad done, but it also sought out its many vietims in the dusky bands of the Black Hawk tribe.
On the 15th of September, 1832, a treaty was made with the Winnebago Indians. They sold out all their lands in Illinois and all south of the Wisconsin river and west of Green bay, and the government gave them a large district of country west of the Mississippi, and ten thousand dollars a year for seven years, besides providing
112
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
free schools for their children for twenty years, oxen, agricultural implements, etc., etc.
September 21st, 1832, a treaty was made with all the Sac and Fox tribes, on which they ceded to the United States the tract of country on which a few years afterwards the State of Iowa was formed. In consid- eratiou of the above cession of lands, the government gave them an annuity of twenty thousand dollars for thirty years, forty kegs of tobacco and forty barrels of salt, more gunsmiths, blacksmith shop, etc., ete, six thousand bushels of corn for imme- diate support, mostly intended for the Black Hawk baud.
The treaties above mentioned termiuated favorably, and the security resulting there- from gave a new and rapid impetus to the development of the state, and now enter- prising towns and villages, and beautiful farms, adorn the rich and alluvial prairies that before were only desecrated by the wild bands who inhabited them. Agricul- tural pursuits, commerce and mannfac- tures, churches and schools, are lending their influence to advance au intelligent and prosperous people.
MEXICAN WAR.
War was declared with Mexico in May 1846, and Illinois under the call for volun- teers was entitled to three regiments. E. D). Baker, then a prominent man of Illinois, through the influence of Hon. O. B. Fick- lin, a congressman at the time, prevailed on President Polk to allow him to raise a fourth regiment from Illinois, and by this means the De Witt county men entered the service. Mr. Baker was elected Colonel, Lieutenant-Governor Moore was chosen Lieutenant-Colonel, and Thomas Harris was elected Major. They were ordered into the service of the United States from the 30th day of April, 1846, to the 28th of May, 1847. The company were mustered into service July 18th, 1846, by Colonel Churchill.
The following is a list of the volunteers in Co. F. Those marked (*) were present at the muster out of the company.
Captain. * Daniel Newcombe. 1st Lieutenant. Richard Murphy.
2nd Lieutenant. * Benjamin Iloward.
Brd Lieutenant. * Charles Maltby.
Orderly Sergeant. William Lowery. Left sick at Jalapa. May 7th, 1847. 2nd Sergeant. * G. E. Eennett.
3d Sergeant. * John Venson.
4th Sergeant. * Absalom Hamilton.
Ist Corporal. * Isaiah Davenport.
2nd Corporal. * William Allsup.
3rd Corporal. William Kinney. Hospital atten- dant at Jalapa. May 7th, 1847.
4th Corporal. " William Davis. Musician. " John Mason.
Privates.
Allsup, William
Benson, Charles II., left sick at Matamoras, Oct. 9, 1846.
Brown, Samuel J., left sick at Matamoras, Oct, 9, 184G.
Boyer, George M., Jeft sick at Jalapa, May 7, 1847.
+ Beebe, David
Bennett, Gabriel E.,
Belford, Owen
Butler, William
Brock, Elias
Brown, James
Clifton, William
Coppenbarger, Joseph
" Chack, Adam
Chapman, J. F., left sick at Matamoras, Oct. 9, 1846. * Connell, Samuel
# Clifton, William
ยท Clifton, Joseph
Carlock, Andrew
" Davis, Remus
# Davenport, Isaiah
Dawson, James.
Farris, Benjamin, left sick at Metamoras, Oct. 9, 1846.
# Glenn Samnel P.,
* Glenn, Darby
* Hite, Levi, was Sergeant till Dec. 6, 1846, when appointed to the Quartermaster Dep't.
Ifill, Egbert O., left sick at Metamoras, Oct. 9, 1846.
Hutchins, Thomas, killed in battle.
* Harp, William
* Henry, James
Halsey, Solomon
Inman, James, left sick at Matamoras, Dec. 14, 1846.
* Logan, James A.,
* McDeed, John
* Martin, James
* Martin, Benjamin
Murphy, Richard, killed in battle.
* Purdy, William
# Purdy, John H.,
# Price, John
/ Perryman, James
+ Russell, Lowe Z.
* Richards, Isaac
" Slatten, Joseph
# Star, Conrad
* Stram, Isaac II.
* Skidmore, Reuben Sherk, Adam
# Neroggins, Anderson
# Sawyer, Selick
Smith, James Jeft sick at Matamoras, Dec. 14, 1840.
Thornley, Leroy, died from wounds, Jalapa, May 7, 1847. Tenery, Thomas, died from wounds, Jalapa, May 7, 1847.
Turner. James R.
* Van Nolt, Isaac
* Webb, Richard D.
* Wright, William
* Willis, Isaac W.
The following were discharged on Sur- geon's certificate:
John Hutchins, Camp Patterson, Ang. 22, 184C. Jerry Williams,
Evan Richards, Matamoras, Oct. 13, 1846.
Franklin Pomeroy,
Solomon Halsey,
Daniel King,
James B. Dawson, James Linton, =
Elias Brock, Andrew Brock, disch'd, Matamoras Oct. 13, '46. Thomas England, " 66
Thomas Harp,
Isaac MeCuddy, discharged, Camargo Nov. 10, 1846.
Joseph Hammitt, discharged Vera Cruz, May 8, 1847.
The following died in service :
Jesse McPherson, Camp Patterson, Ang. 25, 1846. Isaac N. Richards, Sept. 8, 1846. Calvin Pavne, Sept. 10. 1846. Jesse Blankenship, Matamoras, Oct. 5, 1846.
William Wallace, Camargo, Nov. 3, 1846. Ambrose Keimey, Nov. 11, 1846.
Daniel Beebe,
Nov. 14, 1846.
Theophilus Johnson,
Nov. 8, 1846.
Job Clifton,
William Butler,
Dec. 23, 1847.
Owen Belford, Tampico, Feb. 14, 1847.
Richard Murphy, Rio Delplan, April 21, 1847. Joshua E. Jackson, Cerro Gordo, April 21, 1847.
At the present time 1881, the following are still living here :
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