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 41
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of the same year, the east half of the south-west quarter of sec- tion 30. M. Hall entered the west half of the south-east quarter of the same section, March 10th, 1835. May 8th, in the same year, J. S. Warfield entered the south-east quarter of the south- west quarter of section 28. William Anderson entered the south-east quarter of the south-west quarter of section 27 same year.
The following were all made in 1835: June 26th, N. Mills entered the west half of the south-east quarter of section 29. T. J. Rodgers entered the west half of the south-west quarter, July 8th, being in section 28. July 16th, J. W. S. Moore en- tered the west half of the south-west quarter of section 26. November 7th, G. Nelson entered the south-west quarter of the south-west quarter of section 28. On the 7th of October, D. Beeman entered the west half of the north-east quarter of sec- tion 27. T. H. Haines entered the east half of the south-west quarter of section 26, October 17th. James McAboy entered, December 24th, the west half of the south-west quarter of sec- tion 22. These are all the land entries made prior to 1836,
The first marriage rites solemnized were by Josiah Cliotou, in the winter of 1831. The contracting parties were Isaac Carlock and Miss Polly Brown, a daughter of Jacob Brown, one of the pioneers. This marriage union has a history, and we will there- fore give an account of it in detail. It occurred at the cabin of the bride's father in the time of the "deep snow," when this part of De Witt county formed a portion of Macon. Thomas Davenport was detailed to procure the license at the then county seat, Decatur, but was obliged to turn back on account of the water caused by the melting of the snow at that time. They were accordingly married under a section of the statute which reads as follows: " All persons belonging to any religious so- ciety, church, or denomination, may celebrate their marriage according to the rules and principles of such religious society, church, or denomination, providing the bonds of marriage he published in the church or congregation at least two weeks prior to such union." It may not be generally known, but this law has never been repealed, and is yet in full force in the State of Illinois.
Apropos of the foregoing, we will relate the following as given to us by Judge McGraw : " At an early day, when he was serving as justice of the peace, he was called upon by Landers Slatten to nnite him and Rachel Poff in the bands of matrimony. Slatten was in indigent circumstances, and unable to pay the usual fee for the same. He, therefore, made the proposition to haul the squire a load of wood for his services. The marriage was effected, and the wood furnished as per contract. Another case, about the same time, wherein the groom was too poor to pay the officiating squire, was the marriage of David Curtright and Melinda Fenton, The agreement with Justice McGraw was that Curtright should pay him in quails. The services were performed, and the judge laughingly says, that in a short time he was supplied with a dozen of as plump quails as he ever ate."
The first interments were made in the north part of the city of Clinton, where the public school building now stands. Mrs. John Murphy was the first buried in the fall of 1831. Only five or six interments were made, and it is said that at that time the gophers were so numerous that they became despoilers of the graves. The second burial place was selected in section 34, just south of the city, aud contained one acre of ground. Mason Paine was the first person buried here. Those buried on the school-house ground were afterwards removed to this place.
Thomas Davenport, now residing in Texas township, taught
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HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
the first school, in the fall of 1831. It was what is called a sub- scription school, and the teacher was obliged to take his tuition in whatever his patrons were able to pay him ; this consisted in anything that his family could eat or wear. The school-house was a rude log cabin, situated in section 34. Mr. Davenport says that a dog could jump through the cracks between the logs almost anywhere. Mr. D. had also the honor of serving as the first constable in the precinct. James K. Scott conducted the first religious services in the same year as the above. Ile be- longed to the New Light, or the Christian connection denomina- tion. Services were held in the private cabins of the settlers until the old court-house was built, when it was utilized largely for publie worship. The old building is yet standing, situated in the south-east part of the city, and occupied by Isabel Lowrey for a dwelling. Peter Cartright was also a pioneer preacher, then a presiding elder in the M. E. Church. Robert D. Taylor, a Cumberland Presbyterian, was among the first, and is now living in McLean county.
The first church-house was erected by the M. E. Church de- nomination in the south part of the city. It was a frame build- ing, and is now owned and occupied by the Rev. Adams for a residence. Josiah Clifton was elected first justice of the peace, and Jefferson T. Cross and Allen Nash were among the first. The first physician was Thomas Laughlan, an excellent man, and very popular with his neighbors. He commenced practice here as early as 1836. He died many years ago. John Waruer and James Brown were also early physicians ; the latter is now dead ; the former is engaged in the banking business in Clinton, and is one of the wealthy and influential citizens of the county. The first post-office was established in 1836, and kept by Miles Gray, who was also a tailor. ITis shop and the post-office were kept in his residence. This was a log cabin of small pretensions, and situated on Quincy street in Clinton, just west of the square. It is yet standing, being weather-boarded, with a frame addition, and is used for a dwelling. The first mail-route was from De- catur to Bloomington vie Clinton, and Baek Hunting was then the carrier. Prior to 1836 the people of Clintou received their mail at Decatur.
The first mill was constructed by Samuel Curtright in 1831, and was situated on section 31. It was a small grist-mill pro- pelled by one horse, and the gearing was simply a belt running from a drum-wheel of the horse power to the mill-burr. A cus- tomer, in order to get his grain ground, was obliged to furnish his own horse to run the concern. At one time, Nehemiah Clif- ton was grinding a small grist, when the band broke, letting the sweep into his horse's heels. He plunged and reared until he succeeded in breaking his bridle, when he ran upwards of four miles before being caught. This is one among many of the trials of early milling.
The improvements of Clintonia are among the best in the county, or in the central part of the State. Fine farms and splendid residences greet the eye on every hand. The roads and bridges are kept in good condition, and thrift and prosperity are everywhere to be seen. While the people, at this writing, in the more southern part of the state, are suffering for the common necessities of life caused by the severe drouth, the inhabitants of Clintonia are enjoying themselves with plenty, and to spare.
The following are the names of parties who have represented the township in the county board of Supervisors : W. B. Smith was elected in 1859, and served one term ; William Clagg, elected in 1860, and served one term ; John P. Mitchell, elected in 1861, and served three terms; James De Land was elected in 1864,
and served until 1868. He was chairman of the board for the year 1867; Lewis Campbell was elected in 1868, served one term ; James De Land, re-elected in 1869 and served until 1872 ; W. Bishop, eleeted in 1872 and served one term ; Lewis Camp- bell was re-elected in 1873 and filled the office until 1876, and was chairman of the board during the year 1875; James De Land, re-elected in 1876 and served two terms, was elected chair- man for the year 1876; John Wightwick, elected in 1878 and served one term; James De Land, re-elected in 1879; Lewis Campbell, re-elected in 1880; William Metzger, elected in 1881, and is the present incumbent.
THE CITY OF CLINTON.
The larger portionia of the history of Clinton township really belongs to the city of Clinton, as the township was not among the first settled, and Clinton soon became the objective point. It was named by Hon. James Allen of Bloomington in honor of De Witt Clinton, formerly a governor of New York, of whom Allen was a great admirer. The first village plat was made October 3d, 1836, by James Allen and Jesse M. Fell, and is decribed as follows: Being a part of the north-east quarter of sec- tion 34, township 20 north, range 2 east of the third principal meridean, and was in the form of a perfect square. This was then a part of Macon county, and John D. Wright did the sur- veying, he then being the deputy county surveyor of said county, since which time there have been fourteen additions made as fol- lows : Brown & Fraley's, Gideon's, Cushman's, Yazel's, Dye's, Rucker's, Ashley's, Slatten's, Madden's, Crang's, Argos', North- West, McGraw's and Madden's second addition.
The first house constructed in the town was a small log cabin, built by James Miller for a store-house, and situated on the west side of the square on the ground now occupied by Dahl & Gay's boot and shoe store. This was in the fall of 1835, just after the first survey was made. It was afterwards used as a carpenter shop, and was subsequently destroyed by fire. Within the old log house was sold the first goods in Clinton. The stock was a meager supply of groceries, notions, etc., usually found in a small coun- try store. That the reader may have a better idea of what consti- tuted a stock of goods at that time, we will relate the following incident as given us by one of the pioneers : " It occurred in 1841, six years after the first goods were sold, and at the time when Judge McGraw was filling the office of County Clerk. At this
time most of the merchandise brought to Clinton was bought in St. Louis, trausported up the rivers to Pekin, and from thence across the country to the little inland towus. It became neces- sary for the county clerk to furnish his office with a new heating stove. Every one that came in would have to inquire all about that stove; where he got it, how much it cost, when he received it, etc., etc. The Judge finally became tired of answering these often repeated questions, and, therefore, posted up a very promi- nent written notice in his office to this effect : "This stove was purchased in Pekiu, at the cost of $12.50, and was hauled here by William Lane." Everybody coming in would stare and gape at the notice in large letters, then turn to the clerk with an in- quiring look, but would rarely venture to a-k any questions.
The first dwelling-house was built by William Anderson, in the spring of 1836, and was situated on the now vacant lot just across the street, north of the Magill Hotel. It was a fair-sized log cabin, and at a later date, when travel commenced, and the country began settling up, Mr. Anderson utilized it for a hotel. This was the first hotel in Clinton. Let the reader imagine, if he can, the contrast between this log cabin and the huge walls
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HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
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of the Magill House looming up just across the street from the Hotel de Log of Mr. Anderson. The house passed away many years ago, and so has its proprietor. On this lot was dug the first well, and what makes it more historical, it was dug by the wife of Mr. Anderson and her sister. The writer examined the ground to see if there were any marks of its former existence, but no signs are there. The second hotel was also kept by Mr. An- derson, and situated in the north part of town near the school buildings. This was in 1839, after the county was organized. It was a frame building of small pretensions. It was here that Abraham Lincoln, Judge Treat, David Davis, and other noted lawyers of those times made their headquarters when conrt was in session.
The first briek building was constructed by John Warner, for a dwelling, in about 1849, and was situated just south of C. H. Moore's office in lot 1, block 21. It is now occupied by Dr. Wilcox for a dwelling C. H Moore and J J. McGraw built the first brick business house in 1854. It is situated on the east side of the square in lot 2, block 10, a portion of which is now occupied by H. C Wilson & Co.'s wholesale and retail grocery store. Benjamiu Church was the first blacksmith. His shop was a small log concern, and situated a little south and east of the public square. This was in 1841. Both shop and smith have long since disappeared.
Incorporation .- The first step taken toward incorporating the town of Clinton was in the fall of 1853. The village then contained bnt a few hundred iuhabitants. It was at the time of the construction of the Illinois Central railroad, and on account of the many lawless acts of the employees on the road, it became a necessity on the part of the citizens of the town to protect themselves against the many overt acts committed by the roughs. A meeting was called, with the following citizens present : Dr. W. W. Adams, Dr. II. Madden, B. T. Jones, Thos. Me Elhany, Jno. Slatten, Jno. P. Mitchell, Lewis Campbell, W. D. Catterlin, John A. Bean, Alexander Argo, Jesse Stout, John B. Wolf, Wm. S. Messervey, T. Sawyers, Evan Richards, J. B. MeKinley, Lawrence Weldon, Cyrus Fuuk, James Proud, George W. Gideon, and John T. Clark. At this meeting prompt action was taken, notices were posted, and as soon thereafter as the law would permit an election was held, when the following officers were elected : John A. Beam, Lewis Campbell, Evan Richards, Geo. W. Gideon, and Burrell T. Jones.
On organizing, Jno. A. Beam was chosen President, and Lewis Campbell, Secretary. This organization was effected under the authority of the general statute, providing for the incorporating of villages, etc.
No special charter was granted until 1855, which reads in part as follows : " An act incorporating the village of Clinton. Be it enacted by the General Assembly, etc., that Evan Richards, Lewis Campbell, John A. Beam, Burrell T Jones, aud John Slatten, of the town of Clinton, county of De Witt, are hereby recognized and constituted a body politie and corporate, by the name and style of " The President and Trustees of the town of ('linton, and hy that name shall have perpetual succession," etc.
The acting trustees for this year and until the first of April, 1856, were R. P. Smith, William Chambers, Henry Bell, T. M. Brown, and Lewis Campbell. Jannary 3d, 1857, another char- ter was obtained, granting further privileges, and substituted for the charter of 1855. Thomas R. Edmiston, Lewis Campbell, Henry Bell, P. B. Sweet, and William Clagg, by this charter were recognized and constituted a body politic and corporate, hy the name and style of " The President and Trustees of the town of Clinton."
The special charter incorporating the heretofore village of Clinton as a city, was obtained in the session of the Legislature of 1867, and the first vote taken for city officers was on the first Monday of April following : The first elected officers were :
Muyor-James O' Donald.
Aldermen, First ward-Hiram P. Smith, Washington Bates.
Aldermen, Second ward-Emmett Kent, James De Land.
Aldermen, Third ward-Samuel K. Harrell, Abner Phares.
Police. Magistrate-Jno. J. McGraw.
City Marshal-George W. Porter.
City Treasurer-S. F. Lewis. Street Commissioner - John P. Pollock.
City Surveyor-David Richardson.
City Att'y. and er-officio Clerk-Michael Donahue.
A complete roster of the town officers from its organization to the present time, cannot be given, from the fact of the destruc- tion of the village records in January, 1858. We will, therefore record the names of the Mayors and Aldermen, from the first city election to present date, January, 1882.
1868 .- Mayor-William Haynie.
Aldermen, 1st ward-Zephenia H. Madden, Washington Bates. Aldermen, 24 ward-William Bishop. James Lisenby. Aldermen 3d ward-Eugene Davis, Enoch Orahood. 1869 .- Mayor-Christopher Goodbrake.
Aldermen, 1st ward-L. H. Rathbun, Washington Bates. Aldermen, 2d ward-William Metzger, James Lisenby. Aldermen, 3d ward-Milton J. Mahan, John F. Martin. 1870 .- Muyor-S. F. Lewis Aldermen, 1st ward-L. H. Rathbun, P. H. Etherton. Aldermen, 2d ward-Emmett Kent, F. H Bogar. Aldermen, 3d wurd-Philip Wolf, A. H. C. Barber. 1871 .- Mayor-William Metzger. Aldermen, 1st ward-Washington Bates, Z. H. Madden. Aldermen, 2d wurd-Edward De Land, F. H. Bogar. Aldermen, 3d ward-J. F. Carle, Sam'l R. Harrell. 1872 .- Mayor-William Metzger.
Aldermen, 1st ward-Wm. L. Chambers, Z. II. Madden.
Aldermen, 2d wurd-James Lisenby, F. H. Bogar. Aldermen 3d wurd-S. K. Harrell, J. T. Carte. 1873 .- Muyor-William Metzger. Aldermen. 1st ward-Wm. M. Chambers, P. Warner. Aldermen, 2d ward-F. II. Bogar, Robert Pharis. Aldermen, 3d ward-S K. Harrell, R. P. Rogers. 1874 .- Mayor-Milton J. Mahan. Aldermen, 1st ward-O. L. Kirk, Duncan McArthur. Aldermen, 2d wurd-Robert Phares, H. H. Harwood. Aldermen, 3d wurd-John A. Jones, Bradford Hand.
1875. - Mayor-Milton J. Mahan. Aldermen, 1st ward-O. L. Kirk, Philip H. Etherton. Aldermen, 2d wurd-Samuel Magill, R. H. Phares. Aldermen, 3d wurd -S. K. Harrell, John A. Jones.
1876 Miyor-William Bishop. Aldermen 1st werd-O. 1 .. Kirk, Philip H. Etherton. Aldermen 2d ward-Samuel Magill, Wm. Metzger. Aldermen 3d wird-John A. Jones, S. K. Harrell.
1877. Mayor-William Bishop. Aldermen 1st ward-O. L. Kirk, Orlando Winslow. Aldermen 2d wurd-Wm Metzger, H. H. Harwood Aldermen 3d wurd-Robert H. Phares, S. K. Harrell.
1878. Mayor-A. D. McHenry. Allermen 1st ward-O L Kirk, E. Walker.
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HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Aldermen 2d ward-Wm. Metzger, George Armstrong. Aldermen 3d ward-Oscar Woodward, George W Scott.
1879. Mayor-A. D. McHenry.
Aldermen 1st ward-Thos. B McElhiney, Duncan McArthur. Aldermen 2d ward-W. E. Kerker, Joseph Frendenstein. Aldermen 3d ward-Philip Wolf, E. Sylvester.
1880. Mayor-William Bishop.
Aldermen 1st ward-O L Kirk, John Killough.
Aldermen 2d ward-John W. Boren, Joseph Frendenstein. Aldermen 3d ward-S. K. Harrell, Robert Phares.
1881. Present officers, Mayor-Geo B. Graham.
Aldermen 1st ward-O L. Kirk, C. T. Conwell. Aldermen 2d ward-George K Ingham, George Armstrong Aldermen 3d ward-W. H. McFarland, George Scott. Treasurer-Duncan McArthur. City Surgeon-David Richardson.
Marshal-James Kirk.
Street Commissioner-Thomas Smith. City Clerk-V. Warner.
The first ward constitutes all that part of the city lying East of the Illinois Central railroad. The second ward, all lying North of Main street, and West of the Central railroad. The third ward, all that part of the city West of the Central road, and South of Main street. Iu the second ward, situated in the heart of the city, there are three blocks that have never been made any part of the city, and are assessed as a part of sectiou 27. This anomaly is bounded on the North by Clay street, on the East by the Illinois Central railway, on the South by North street, and West by Madison street. Regular streets of the city pass through it as though it were a part of the city proper, and the lines of survey are co incident. Of course the property can not be taxed for city purposes.
What a contrast in the size, appearance, and improvements of the town as compared with a little more than a quarter of a century ago. The following we find in the De Witt Courier (the first paper published in the village) of December 29th, 1854 : " We are creditably informed that this town is incorporated, and that all are taxed according to what they have, to improve and keep the streets passable, and to build side-walks. To say that we are suffering for side-walks or pavements would be but telling a blessed truth, and if they are paid for why can't we have them? Who is employed for that purpose, and who has the money ?" At this writing the city has many miles of good walks, reaching out in every direction to the extreme limits of the corporation. Street lamps are placed at convenient dis- tances throughout its limits, and fine business houses, churches and residences are among its adornments. With the exception of a few business houses on the North side of the square, all on the square have commodious and conveniently arranged basements.
Clinton Industries, Manufactures, etc.,-Machine Shops and Round House of the Illinois Central Railway .- These works are situated mainly within the corporate limits of the city in the North-east part of the town on the Springfield division of the Illinois Central. They were first constructed in 1871, by what was then known as the Gilman, Clinton and Springfield rail- road. . A part of the works was destroyed by a wind storm in 1876. After coming into the hands of the Central they were re-built and re-modeled, and five additional stalls for engines were added. They cover about two acres of ground, and were constructed at an expense of $80,000. The length of the shops is 200 feet, by 60 in width. The round house is the same in 20
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width, and 70 feet longer. The works are constructed in the form of an L, the latter attachment being semi-circular in shape, and contains fifteen stalls for engines. The store-room and office is detached from the main building. It is also of brick, 30 x 70 feet, with two offices conveniently arranged in the western part of the building. The railroad company own in all twenty acres of land, on which are situated the reservoir, tank-house, coal-sheds, etc. The former covers two acres of ground, and is always competent to supply the works with plenty of water. An ice house is detached capable of holding 450 tons of ice. The coal sheds are 900 feet long, and will hold nearly 1000 tons of coal. Two cranes are conveniently placed for supplying the engines with coal. The capacity of the water tank is 50,000 gallons, and is supplied with water by the shop engine pump through a pipe seven inches in diameter. The works also contain a brick building with tin roof, for the pur- pose of storing oil and sand, besides a cast-iron turn-table of the latest improved style. In all, 75 men are given employment by these works. W. B. McKenna is the master mechanic ; A. How- ard, foreman ; and H. C. O'Donald, clerk.
Clinton Tile Factory is situated at the junction of the Central and Wabash railways. They were first established in 1877, half a mile south of the present location. and moved to the present place in the spring of 1880. This industry is owned and operated by F. C. Davidson, and cost $6,000. The factory con- tains three drying sheds 20 x 120 feet. It has an engine of 18-horse power, and the latest improved tile machine, and three patent down-and-up draft-kilns. The capacity for manufactur- ing is 100,000 feet of tile per mouth, and gives employment to 18 men The estimated value of manufactured product for the same time is 82,000. The size of the tile made is from 3 to 8 inches in diameter. This firm supplies a large portion of home demand, besides shipping largely to other points. The shed capacity for drying at one time is 80,000 tile. The works occupy four acres of ground, and when in full blast will consume 150 tons of coal per month.
Clinton Agricultural Works were established in the fall of 1874, under the firm name of Walker and Patton, and passed into the hands of the present proprietor, Mr. Walker, in 1875. They are located on East Main Street, in the east part of town. The first casting made, and the first made in the county, was in the fall of 1880. Prior to this the works were merely used for the purpose of repairing machines, etc , and not as a foundry. The main building is a frame structure except a small part off the east end, one story high, and 24x90 on the ground. It has au engine room attached, 12x16 feet, with a ten-horse steam engine to run the works. This industry gives employment to three men, and yields an income of $5,000.
De Witt Merchant Mills .- This enterprise was commenced in September, 1855, under the firm name of Powell and Haldeman.
In the spring of 1858, it became the property of Bergan & Co., and is now owned and operated by J, B. Haldeman. It is situated just across from the junction of the Illinois Central rail- road, and the Springfield Division of the same, and north-east from the passenger house. The mill proper is three stories high, with brick basement, and 35x75 feet on the ground, and cost, including machinery, 815,000. It contains three run of stone, with a capacity of manufacturing 70 barrels of flour daily, and gives employment to four men. The engine room is 18x35 feet, and the engine is forty-horse power. It is purely a merchant mill, and ships mainly to the East. The estimated value of manufactured products is 865,000 annually.
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HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
George Armstrong's Carriage Factory .- This leading enter- prise is located on the south side of the Springfield Division of the Illinois Central railway and west of Madison street. The business was commenced about a half mile west of the public square in 1855, and in 1862, was moved to the corner of Monroe and East Main streets. In the spring of 1881, it was estab- lished on the present site. The building is a frame, two stories high, and altogether covers 17,424 square feet of ground Twelve men are employed in the various departments. Both wagons and carriages are manufactured, and the annual value of product sold is estimated at $15 000.
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