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 51
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The first school was taught by Edom Shugart, in a little pole cabin, situated on the farm now owned by John Morrison. This, was in the winter of 1829-30; in fact it was the first school taught in the county. There were but a handful in attendance, and the few came when the weather was not too cold for incon- venience, for it must be remembered that the cabin was not lathed and plastered, not even chinked.
James K. Scott preached the first sermon in the township. Huge Bowles and Levi l'itner were also pioneer preachers. At a later date Peter Cartwright preached in the neighborhood. Mrs. Watson, daughter of the pioneer, William Newcomb, says, " she has heard him preach many a time at her father's house." In those times there were no church houses ; services were held in the private houses of the settlers.
The first church built was situated on the land of Wm Bowles in about 1840. It was a frame building, and known as " The Old Union." It received its name from the fact of its being built by donations from all denominations, and was used in common.
One of the first physicians was William Laughlan ; he moved to the far west in an early day. William Lowrey was probably the first justice of the peace.
The first blacksmith was a man by the name of Jack Hender- son. He came from Kentucky in a very early day, and was one of the oldest settlers. His shop was a pole cabin, and situated in section 7. He remained here but a short time, when he moved back to Kentucky.
The first mill was built by John Coppenbarger, and was situated on section 7. Jack Henderson, the blacksmith, was the master mechanic. It was the rudest kind of a horse mill, capable of grinding only three or four bushels of corn per day. It was built in 1528. Prior to this the settlers were obliged to go 40 or 50 miles to get their milling done, as this was the first mill con- structed in this section of country.
The first water mill was built on Salt Creek, in section 11, by Melville and William Lowrey in 183 -. It was constructed for a saw mill only, but afterwards a grist mill was attached. It had the turbine or horizontal wheel for a power. A freshet carried it away in 1844. It was afterwards re-built and re-modeled, and is now owned and operated by John Morrison.
Thomas Hutchin, introduced the first blooded stock in the township. He imported from Ohio some fine short-horn Durham cattle, and several Berkshire hogs ; he was also the first to intro- duce blooded horses.
The first bridge was constructed across Salt Creek about two and one-half miles south-east of Kenney, and it is said that from the name of the bridge the township took its name; that is, for some reason the bridge took the name of Tunbridge. It was at this point where the first town was laid off and called Franklin.
244
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
It was here that the first post-office was established. Mr. Barbaree laid out and platted a small village, on paper. He built a small house, and utilized it for both a dwelling and store-room. This was about 1860. The goods sold here were the first sold in the township. James W. Armstrong afterwards bought out Mr Barbaree, and soon afterwards closed out the business, as it did not prove to be a commercial point. The would be village is now under cultivation, constituting part of a good farm. All the business there at this time is the mill owned by John Mor- rison.
The roads and bridges of Tunbridge are in very good condition. The former could be improved somewhat by turnpiking, and Jeav- ing ditches of sufficient depth and width so as too readily carry off all surface water. There are two excellent bridges across Salt ('reek, costing in the neighborhood of 81,000 each.
The following are the supervisors and the time of their elections since township organization: John D Hutchin elected in 1859. and served two terms. James B. Turner elected in 1861, served one term. Benjamin Howard elected in 1862, and served until 1866. M. B. Spicer elected in [866, and served two terms James A. Kirby elected in 1868, and served two terms. Benja- min Howard re-elected in 1870, and served until 1873. John Il. Randolph elected in 1873, and served until 1878. He was chair- man of the board the last term. J. R. Turner elected in 1578, and has served each year since, and has been elected chairman for the past two terms.
THE VILLAGE OF KENNEY.
This thriving little village is situated at the junction of the Springfield Division of the Illinois Central, and Illinois Mid- land railways. The original town plat contained forty acres, and it was laid out by Moses Kenney in 1871. The first lot sold was bought in August of that year by J. F. Dix. The ground is situated in section 15. Later additions have been made, so that the corporate limit of the village is just one-half mile square. The first building was erected in October 1871, and situated in block 3 on Kenney street. It was a small one-story frame building, and occupied by A. Milmine, for a grocery store, who sold the first goods in the town. The building has since been moved to Johnston ( Main) street, and is used by William Haines for a butcher shop. Harrison Maltby sold the first dry goods. The business was located on the corner of Henderson and Crossley streets. The first hardware store was situated on the corner of Benjamin and Henderson >treets, and the business was conducted by H P. Rucker. The first private residence was built by Josiah Luttrell in the fall of 1871, and it was situated in block 6, lot 1. It was a two story frame building, and is yet standing, and now occupied by J. B. Runyon. The first hotel was situated on Ken- ney street, and kept by James (2. Burgett. It was a frame, two stories and an L. It is now used for a dwelling. The business part of the town was at first situated on Kenney street, two streets east of Johnston, which is now the main street. This change was wrought mainly from the fact of the high prices for lots on the former street, and the Midland railway crossing established near the foot of Johnston street. In making the change excitement ran high between the two factions, some desirous to retain the business where it was, others to take it where it now is ; hence Johnston received the cognomen of " Wall " street, and Kenney that of " Broadway; " and at this time they are known by many of the townsmen as such. The Wall street faction succeeded in carrying the day, and the business houses were all moved over to Johnston street. This was in 1873.
The village at this writing contains about 500 inhabitants, and has a live elass of business men. The sidewalks are kept in good condition, and the main business street is graded and graveled. In the very center of this street, in the north part of the town, stands a large and thrifty apple-tree. It stands alone, and looks as though it might exclaim : " I am monarch of all I survey !" It is said that the school-boys generally gather the harvest. No inland town in the state, probably, has better privileges for ob- taining good water-it is said to be inexhanstible. At a depth of about eight feet a gravel strata is reached which averages twelve feet in thickness. After passing through this strata, a lake of pure water is found, which underlies the whole village. In the driest seasons there is a bountiful supply of water. It is believed that an ordinary engine could not pump a well dry that is sunk to the depth of twenty-five feet. The live little town is already talking of erecting some kind of water- works. Several public meetings have been held preliminary to such an improvement.
Incorporation .- The village was incorporated in the fall of 1875, and the following officers were elected trustees: F. M. Jeffrey, O D. Dickey, W. W. Johnston, S. J. Metland, Robert Orr, and Charles Stuart ; H. I'. Rucker, clerk. The following are the officers elected for the years following to present time : 1876, W. W. Johnston, S. J. Metland, J. R. Turner, Robert Orr, James Wallace, and M. Milmine, trustees ; clerk, II. P. Rucker. police magistrate, J. M. Graham. In 1877, trustees, John Ken- ney, J. R. Turner, D. W. Ducy, T. H. Cooley, F. D. Byerly and George O'Brien ; clerk, J. W. Cogdall. 1878, trustees, W. T. Sowers, F. M. Hubbell, J. C. Kirby, W. W. Johnston, M. Mil- mine and Il. G. Beatty ; clerk, G. K. Ingham. 1879, W. W. Johnston, J. C. Kirby, M. Milmine, F. M. Hubbell, H. G. Beatty, and J. K. Blandin, trustees; James Bateman, clerk. Trustees for 1880, D. W. Ducy, J. T. Williams, J. A. Williams, James Bateman. E. Fredrickson, and James Carman. Police magistrate, W. W. Graham. The present officers (1881 ) are : Trustees, James Brelsford ; President, J. R. Turner ; Joseph Umphrey, Luther flobbs, G. W. Oglevie, and Bernard Burns, Clerk, James Bateman ; police magistrate, W. W. Graham ; vil- lage attorney, O. E. Harris ; marshal, J. B. Botkin.
The village school was organized in 1874, with H. P. Rucker and Miss Milmine as teachers. In 1875 a fine school building was erected at a cost of between four and five thousand dollars. The house is situated on Howard street, in the north-east part of the town. It is a frame structure, two stories high, and contains four rooms, three of which are occupied, and are furnished with the latest improved furniture and other belongings to match. The building has a bell and belfry, besides being surrounded by an acre of ground, giving ample play-ground to the pupils. The number in attendance is about 150, and is well graded, suitable for this number of scholars.
The town contains but one church building, and is of the Methodist denomination. It is a medium-sized frame structure, having a bell and belfry, and is conveniently arranged otherwise for the accommodation of its members and for church service. It was moved bere from Pleasant Valley, two miles west of town, in 1876. It is situated in the north part of the village on John- ston street.
PRESENT BUSINESS.
Rush Elevator .- This industry is owned and operated by Fred. P. Rush & Co. It was built by S. J. Metland in the spring of 1875, and passed into the hands of the present firm but recently (1881). The main building is 36x98 feet, and four stories in
245
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
height, including basement. The foundation consists of stone, and the building complete, with the grounds, cost 86,000. It is situated on the "Y" of the Central and Midland railways, con- venient for the transaction of all business. The capacity for elevating is 5,000 bushels daily, with storage facilities for 7,000 bushels of grain. It has five dumps, and a 25-horse power en- gine to run the works, and gives employment to eight men. Besides the elevator proper, it has a quarter of a mile of erihs, capable of bolding 100,000 bushels of corn. This was the first elevator or steam-power in Kenney.
J. O. Perkham & Co.'s Elevator is situated on the right of way of the Springfield division of the Illinois Central railroad. It was built by said company in the spring of 1877, and passed into the hands of E. Kent & Co. Sept. 1, 1881. It is a frame, with stone foundation ; the main building is 28x20 feet on the ground and four stories high, besides an engine-room 20x28 feet, and one story in height. The crib-room is 24x60, and will store 20,000 bushels. It has a capacity of elevating, daily, 6,000 bushels of grain, and gives employment to four men. The estimated value of the elevator, machinery and grounds is $5,500.
Kenney Tile Works .- These works are located south of the Rush Elevator, and near the foot of Johnston street. They were established in 1877 by Traver & Reeser, and passed into the hands of the present owners, Bruaw & Quigley, early in 1881. The works cover four acres of ground, and the estimated value of machinery, sheds, grounds, etc., is 84,400. There are two kilns for burning the tile, with shed-room 30x200 feet. The operators manufacture tile of the size from two and a-half to eight inches. The annual value of manufactured product is estimated at $5,000. Eight men are given employment when the works are in operation.
The Kenney Gazette is under the efficient management of R. T. Spencer. It is a spicy weekly paper, and justly deserves the pa- tronage of the people of Kenney and vicinity. The paper here was established first by J. W. Wolf, and was entitled the Kenney Record ; for some reason it ceased to exist, hence the Gazette has taken the field, and from every appearauce it will live, grow and prosper.
Rucker Hall is situated on Johnston street, over the store now owned by V. Thompson. It is 22x80 feet in size, and capable of accommodating 200 persons. It has a stage, a set of scenery, and is seated with hall chairs.
General Merchandise. - V. Thompson, R. Robins, J. R. Race & Co.
Hardware, Tinware, Stores and Agricultural Implements .- H. P. Rucker, H. P. Merriman.
Drugs and Groceries .- Brelford & Co.
(Groceries and Provisions .- Orr & Johnston.
Drugs, Medicines and Stationery .- F. K. Robins.
Boot and Shoe Store .- J. C. Kirby & Co.
Harness and Nadlery .- H. G. Beatty.
Furniture and Undertaking .- 1. B. Gallaher.
Flour Store .- A. Milmine.
Restaurant and Bakery .- W. G. Darden.
Jeweler and Sewing Machine Agent .- C. Lawrence.
Restaurant and Confectionery .- J. II. Williams.
Hotels .- Kenney House, A. J. McLain, proprietor ; The Home, J. Q. Burgett, proprietor.
Dressmaker and Milliner .- Miss A. E. Lindley.
Dressmakers .- Mrs. Sarah Pence, Misses Sidell, Mrs. Mitchel.
Physicians .- W. H. Kirby, M. C. McIntire, W. H. Owsley,
W. Burgett, J. (. Scott.
Carpenters .- John Williams, Frank Byerly, T. H. Cooley.
Postmuster .- F. K. Robins. Lumber and Coal Merchants .- E. Kent & Co.
Meut Market .- William Haines.
Blacksmith and Wagon Maker .- Peter Peterson.
Livery and Feed Stables .- Humphrey & Botkin, L. MeNeal.
Shoe Shops .- J. E. Deihil, William Adams.
Grain Dealers .- Luttrell & Butler.
Notury .- H. P. Rucker.
Blacksmiths .- Rung & Weekly. George Poindexter, B. S. Kirby.
Brick masons .- J. L. Carman & Son, J. R. Turner.
Justices of the Peace .- W. W. Graham, Police Magistrate and Justice, George Poindexter, J. B. Bombarger.
Barbers .- C. Lawrence, F. Conley.
There are also one saloon and two billiard tables.
SOCIETIES.
Kenney Lodge, No. 557, I. O. O. F., was instituted November 11th, 1>74. The charter officers were John Walton, N. G .; J. J. Lake, V. G .: Jno. M. Graham, Secretary, and S. J. Metland, Treasurer. There were seven charter members. The present officers are James Brelsford, N. G .; Benjamin Howard, V. G .; John Nearing, Secretary, and J. C. Kirby, Treasurer. The pres- ent membership is 32. The order has a very convenient lodge- room, and is in a good condition financially.
Kenney Lodge, No. 462, 1. O. of G. T. was chartered Septem- ber Ist, 1879. The following are the names and titles of the charter officers: J. E. Deihl, W. C. T .: Mrs. George Davis, W. V .; F. M. Hubbell, W. S .; S. Spahr, W. F. S .; C. M. Welsh, W. T .; W. N. Sybert, W. M .; A. T. Hildreth, O. G .; Laura Clifton, I. G .; Mrs. Hubbell, R. H. S .; Ollie Armstrong, L. H. S .; C. M. Welsh, L. D .; E. B. Weekly, P. W. C. T. Number of charter members 16.
The present officers are B. B. Ives, W. C. T .; Mrs. Hubbell, W. V .; Ella Ives, W. S .; F. M. Hubbell, W. F. S .; J. Bateman, W. M .; H. F. Byerly, W. T .; J. Stewart, I. G .; H. Ely, O. G .; Minnie Howard, D. M .; John Byerly, Chaplain ; C. E. Howard, P. W. C. T. Present membership is 35. The Lodge meets every Saturday evening in Red Front Hall. There is much interest manifested among the fraternity, and the lodge is in excellent condition financially.
We have thus sketched the history of the oldest settled terri- tory in De Witt county. It is easy to compare then and now. A little more than a half century ago there were but five white persons in the whole county. The official census of 1880, in Tunbridge alone, was 1605; and in the county nearly 22,000. With this progress, the historian, fifty years hence, will have vol- umes to chronicle.
TENANT HOUSE
wLITENANT HOUSE.
375
STOCK FARM OF J. H . RANDOLPH , SEC. 7, T. 19, R.I . ( TUNBRIDGE TP.) DEWITT CO. ILL. BREEDER OF DURHAM CATTLE, POLAND CHINA HOGS & MERINO SHEEP .
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
0
PHOTO. BY F. O. PEASF.]
Margaret I Randolph
THE subject of this sketch is the eighth in a family of thirteen children of William and Matilda Randolph. He was born in Lee county, Virginia, Jan. 7th, 1828, and was in his third year when the family came west, and settled on Salt creek, in what is now known as De Witt county, and is therefore one of the early pio- neers of the county. He was reared upon his father's farm, and received his education, which was limited, in the early pioneer schools of the county. The log school-houses, diri floors and puncheon seats of those days were as crude as the then unde- veloped system of educational training. Jehu grew to manhood and remained at home until 1853, when he married, and moved to Logan county, where he commenced farming for himself, upon a small tract of land that he had purchased. Two years later he purchased the homestead of his father, and there he has re- mained to the present. In 1870 he built the large and commo- dious farm and dwelling-house, which ornaments the place-a view of which can be seen by reference to another page. As a farmer and stock raiser, Mr. Randolph has been more than ordinarily successful. As a sheep raiser he is well known throughout the state, and is among the most extensive wool- growers in Illinois. His flocks of fine graded sheep, which are of the best blooded Spanish Meriuo, are well known among sheep raisers, and at the State fairs and other exhibitions of live stock, have taken many valuable prizes. His flocks for the past fifteen years, have averaged in numbers from fifteen hundred to two thousand.
In matters of religion Mr. Randolph is inclined to a liberal belief, and might be classed as a Universalist. His religious creed consists in doing unto others as he would have others do nnto him ; and he believes that in that practice he will secure happiness in this and the life to come.
Politically, he was a democrat until 1876, when he supported the principles of the National Greenback party, and voted for Peter Cooper. He is a member of the ancient and honorable order of A. F. and A. M, and belongs to De Witt Lodge, No. 84, at Clinton, Illinois. In 1867 he was elected Justice of the
Peace, and held the scales of justice impartially for one term. He was also elected to represent his township in the Board of Supervisors, and held that office for five terms ; the last of which he was elected Chairman of the Board : he has also held minor offices in his township, and has been School Trustee for the last twenty years.
On the 8th of September, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret, youngest daughter of Col. Andrew and Esther Wallace. She was born in Tunbridge township, De Witt county, Illinois, February 10th, 1833 Her father was born in Virginia, February 20, 1787. Ile emigrated with his parents to Ken- tucky in 1790, and there married Esther Campbell in 1810, who yet survives him, and is now in her ninetieth year. In 1812, Col. Wallace was a soldier in the war of that period. The Wal- lace family came to Illinois, and settled in the county in 1831.
There have been born to Jehu II. and Margaret Randolph eight children, five of whom are living. The names of those living in the order of their birth are: M. Alice, wife of Alfred R. Sumner, a farmer of Tunbridge Township; Charles C., a merchant in Wellington, Kansas; he married Miss Ida Larison ; Laura R., wife of F. R. Robbins, druggist and postmaster, Kenney, Illinois ; E. Grace and Moses W are yet at home.
This in brief is a sketch of Jehu H. Randolph and family. He is recognized as one of the successful and leading farmers and stock-raisers of De Witt county. His success in life, for he started poor, is attributed to his industry, energy, and practical business sense, backed by a just regard for the rights of others, and a promptness in meeting every business obligation. Those principles are the true source of every success. In his home he is a kind, courteous and hospitable gentleman, vieing with his estimable wife in making all who come beneath their roof at home and comfortable. It is with genuine pleasure that the writer of this sketch has the opportunity of paying this tribute of respect and kindly feeling to Mr. Randolph and wife, for he has been the recipient of their bounteous hospitality, and knows whereof he speaks.
247
PHOTO. BY F. O PEASE.
William Randolph (DECEASED.)
THE Randolph family of De Witt county are the lineal de- scendants of the noted Randolph family of Virginia. They are of English descent. They were residents of Norfolk, Virginia, and near the close of the last century moved to Surrey county, North Carolina. There the grandfather of Jehu married Fran- ces Thornton, after which he removed back to Virginia, and set- tled in Lee county, where he died. By the union with Frances Thornton, there were five sons and three daughters. William, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Surrey county, North Carolina, November 4th, 1792. He grew to man- hood in Lee county, Virginia, and there married Matilda Kearns. During the war of 1812 he volunteered, and was a soldier of the South, under Gen. Coffee. After the war he remained in Virginia until 1830, when he removed west to Illinois, landing in Macou county, now Dc Witt, November Ist, 1830. He pur- chased eighty acres of land, of Elisha Butler, who upon the same
tract made the first permanent settlement in the now county of De Witt, in 1824. Mr. Randolph gave in exchange for the land a horse and wagon, and a small sum of money. In 1856 he sold his farm, and moved to Atlanta, in Logan county. In 1862 he lived in Bloomington, where his wife died the following year. He died in Lincoln, the same county, February the 26th, 1867. In his life he was a man of much native force of mind, of strict integrity, and scrupulously honest. He was particularly noted for his generous hospitality. Both the friend and stranger were made welcome when they came beneath his roof. In religious faith, he and his wife were Baptists; his house was the place of holding worship, until such time as churches and school-houses were built. By his marriage with Matilda Kearns, there were thirteen children, seveu sons and six daughters; six of the chil- dren have survived the parents, and are still living.
249
TEN
OWNED BY E.W FRUIT
OLD FARM OF THOMAS FRUIT, NOW
RESIDENCE & STOCK FARM (1485 ACRES) OF E .W. FR
OUSE.
3
0
RES. OF JAMES A. FRUIT
3
, SEC.26, T.19, R.I,TUNBRIDGE TP, DEWITT CO./ LL .
OWNED BY E. W FRUIT
OLD FARM OF THOMAS FRUIT, NOW
RESIDENCE & STOCK FARM (1485 ACRES OF E .W. )
EN
OWNED BY E. W. FRU
-
OLD FARM OF THOMAS FRUIT, NOW
RES. OF JAMES A , FRUIT
Y
4
....... A
RESIDENCE & STOCK FARM (1485 ACRES) OF E .W. FRUIT, SEC. 26, T.19, R. I, TUNBRIDGE TP. DEWITT CO. /L.
PHOTO. BY F. D, PEASE.
EDMUND W. FRUIT.
THE Fruit family were among the carly settlers and pioneers of De Witt county. On the paternal side they are of Welsh ances- try, and on the maternal Scotch-Irish. Two brothers, bearing the name, left Wales, and emigrated to America prior to the old French war. Both were soldiers in that struggle, and were with Braddock in his disastrons defeat by the French and their In- dian allies. In the battle the brothers were separated, and one was never heard of afterward. John Frnit, the survivor, from whom the present family have sprung after the war, settled in the Carolinas. Thomas Fruit, the father of Edmund W., was born in North Carolina, October the 5th, 1784. In 1802 he went with his father to Kentucky, and settled in Christian county, where he remained until 1834, when he came to Illinois, and settled in what is now known as De Witt, then a part of Macon. They landed here November 15th, of that year. In 1827, in company with some friends and land explorers, they came to the State and entered land. When he came here to reside perma- nently, he settled on section [4, in what is now known as Tun- bridge township. There he remained until his death, which oc- cnrred December the 15th, 1871. While a resident of Christian connty, Kentucky, he married Elizabeth Thompson, the date of which marriage was July the 31st, 1806. She died March 28th, 1866. By that marriage they had six sons and six daughters. Edmund W. is the eighth in the family. He was born in Christian connty, Kentneky, September the 21st, 1823. His education was limited to the common school's, and was of a meagre charac- ter, and confined to three months tuition, all told. When the family came to Illinois he was eleven years old. From that time forward he was compelled to do a man's work, and help provide for himself and other members of the family. He remained his father's principal support, until he passed his twentieth year. He then purchased forty acres of land and broke it, and in the following winter made rails and fenced it. The next year he broke prairie, and did general work. In the fall of 1844, he went back to Kentucky to see an elder brother, and while there
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