USA > Illinois > Fayette County > History of Fayette County, Illinois > Part 21
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tending school in Vandalia, and Lottie L., the youngest, complete the list of children.
Benjamin F. Lee, is a man of sound judgment and excellent morals. He commenced life with nothing, and has successfully carried out a cherished plan of giving his children all the advantages they desired, and of which he was himself deprived. He has, beside, a competency-all the result of his judgment and habits of industry and economy.
During the late war his patriotic sons were among the first to go at their country's call, and he himself fearlessly maintained his principles in a sec- tion that at one time was overrun with a lawless and insurrectionary element.
He possesses a large fund of information and anecdote of the early times and settlers of the country, which he relates in a most interesting manner, and is withal a moet genial and hospitable gentleman.
WILLIAM H. LEE,
ONE of the most successful men of Fayette County, is a native of New York, and was born November, 1815. He was the second child of Lemuel and Rhoda (Randall) Lee, both of whom were natives of New York. They emigrated to Illinois in 1818, and settled in Clinton County on the Vincennes trail. Mrs. Lee died soon after their arrival. Some three years later Mr. Lee together with his family removed to Vandalia. In 1849, then in his sixty-fourth year, he undertook the journey across the plains to the gold fields of the Pacific coast, and when about six weeks out succumbed to cholera, and was burried on the banks of the Platte. He was a man of considerable energy, and was engaged in most of the important public works of his day. His youngest son, George A., was with him at the time of his death and performed the sad rite of consigning the last remains of an honored parent to an alien soil.
William H. Lee's youth was passed in Vandalia, where he was engaged in a saw mill, and had but little time to devote to study. He succeeded with the aid of his second mother in acquiring sufficient knowledge for all practical purposes. In 1832 he started in business for himself, and in the same year enlisted in the Black Hawk War. In 1839 he commenced building flat-boats on the Kaskaskia, and did much for the improvement of
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THE FARM RESIDENCE OF BENJ. F. LEE, SEC. 35 T.5.R.I.E.( KASKASKIA TP.), FAYETTE CO. ILL.
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HOME FARM RESIDENCE OF WM H. LEE ADJOINING SHOBONIER ON SEC. 21 TP.5 R I E. (KASKASKIA TP.) FAYETTE CO. ILLINOIS:
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
the river. In 1840 he commenced navigating the Kaskaskia to the Missis- sippi, thence to New Orleans. In 1850 he made his first trip to California overland, where he remained about two years. He subsequently made two other journeys, each occupying about six months. On his return in 1861 from his last trip, he located upon the farm, where he has since continued to reside. June 15th, 1845, he married Miss Emeline Daggett. They had three children, of whom only one, Cassius, is now living. Mrs. Lee died May 8th, 1854, in her thirty-third year. Mr. Lee subsequently married Miss Mary A. Wetmore, daughter of Moses and Balsom (White) Wetmore, who were natives of Schoharie County, New York. They emigrated to Illinois about 1836. By the above union they have six children, of whom only one, Roy, is now living. Mr. Lee was early in life a Whig, but soon after the birth of the Republican Party identified himself with it. During the late war, when his section was infested with lawless and violent aiders and abettors of the rebellion, he boldly proclaimed his principles, and his faith in the ultimate victory of right and justice. He was a patriot and a union man, when it tried men's nerves to say 80.
He inherited from his parents an untarnished name, a good constitution. He possessed all the elements of success, and occupied a leading position in the county, in which he is one of the largest real estate owners-the result of a long and useful life, of honorable employment.
ROYAL NEWLAND LEE, (DEC'D.),
WAS born in Auburn, New York, on the 26th of May, 1806. He was the youngest child of William and Abigail (Newell) Lee. William Lee was a native of New York. He was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and held the rank of sergeant; died in his native State. Immediately after his death his widow moved to this State, locating first in Marion County, and soon after- wards, about the year 1819, removed to Vandalia, where she lived until her death in 1840.
Royal Newland Lee was married January 14th, 1827, to Miss Polly
Jewett, a native of New York, and daughter of Isaac and Annie Jewett. They were married in Morgan County, where Mr. Lee had lived for some time previous, engaged in farming.
By this union they had nine children, five of whom are living, viz .: Pauline, now the wife of Lorenzo D. Morey, residing in Otego Township; Amanda Malvina, the wife of John J. Wetmore; Octavia, now Mrs. Reuben E. Wetmore; Aaron, who is living in Texas, and Albert S., now in busi- ness in Shobonier.
Mr. Lee died April 6th, 1871, after a long and severe illness. Mrs. Lee is still living, and resides with her son-in-law, Mr. J. J. Wetmore.
EDWIN A. FRYE
Is a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Salem, March 6th, 1837. His parents, John and Harriet (Archer) Frye, were of English extraction. His mother was a daughter of Colonel Wm. Archer, a Revolutionary soldier of distinction. During his youth he enjoyed many advantages in his native State and elsewhere. He is a graduate of Northfield, New Hampshire, Academy. Soon after graduating he came West, and took charge of the schools at Jerseyville, Ill. He remained six years in the county, engaged in teaching. At the expiration of that time he went to Virden, and took charge of the schools there, and remained one year. In the meantime he had become interested in mercantile business, and at the close of the year proceeded to devote his entire attention to it. In 1867 he moved to his present location at Shobonier. He married June 18th, 1867, Miss Amanda E. Lanier, of Richmond, Virginia.
Mr. Frye is a strong advocate of religious teaching, and organized the first Sabbath school in the township. Through his efforts, assisted by a few others, a handsome and commodious church has been erected in Shobonier.
He is a Republican, but has paid little attention to political affairs, and is now post-master at Shobonier. He is a man whose influence for good will be felt in any community in which he lives.
RAMSEY TOWNSHIP.
AMSEY includes the Congressional Townships of 8 Range 1 E. and 9 -Range 1 E., of the third principal meridian, and was organized in 1860, having previously formed a part of Bowling Green precinct. It is bounded on the north by Shelby County, on the east by Bowling Green Township, on the south by Sharon Township, and on the west by Hurricane Township. About one-half of Ramsey is prairie, which lays in the north and north east part, although strips of prairie are found in the southern portion of the township. The prairie is considered only fair as wheat and corn land, but makes first-class pasture. The timber land ranks No. 1 for wheat growing, and is fair corn-producing soil. In the prairie the soil is of a light color, while in the timber land it is a black loam with a red sandy clay subsoil. It is a well watered township, and therefore is admirably adapted to stock raising.
THE STREAMS
are Ramsey Creek, Ash Creek, Blankinship's Creek, Dry Fork, and Beck's Creek. The most important of these is Ramsey's, which received its title from one of the early settlers whose name was Ramsey. The same may be said of Ash, Blankinship's and Beck's Creeks, all of which were called after old settlers. All of these streams run in a south-eastern direction and empty into the Kaskaskia River, which stream touches Section 36, of Town- ship 8, Range 1.
THE FIRST SETTLERS
in the township were Valentine Brazil and family, who had as a companion the noted Tom Higgins, who single-handed had such a determined and deadly fight with three savage Indians near Hill's Fort, Bond County, Illinois. He killed two of the savages and would also have killed the remaining one if he had not got out of the reach of the infuriated back- woodsman. The excitement over and weak from the loss of blood flowing from wounds all over his body, he dropped to the ground insensible. In this predicament the brave fellow would have been lost, as the remaining savage was close at hand and others not far off, if a woman named Pursely had not sallied forth at the head of the Rangers who were in the fort, and carried him back in safety. Higgins finally recovered. His friends had extracted two balls received in the fight, but two yet remained, one of which gave him a great deal of pain. Hearing that a physician was within a day's ride of him, he went to see him to have the annoying piece of lead removed. The doctor asked him fifty dollars for the operation. Higgins refused, telling the M. D. that " it was more than a half year's pension." When he got home he found that the bullet had worked outwards so as to be seen through the skin. He asked his wife to get him his razor, and cutting in until the razor struck the bullet, with his thumb he "flirted it out," as he used to tell it " without costing him a cent." This Higgins' battle occurred August 20th, 1814. For main particulars see history of county elsewhere. Brazil and Higgins settled in Section 34, Township 8, Range 1 east of the
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
third principal meridian. In the year 1816 they built a log house there, which was the first house erected in what is now Ramsey Township. It was a rude affair, and was located on the bank of Ramsey Creek.
Z. F. Watwood came in 1817, followed shortly by John Hall, Joseph Hall, Jeremiah Riley, Charles Tetrick, and a man named Ramsey. In 1820 came Isaac Anderson, Charles Radcliff, Zachariah Blankinship, Zadock Blankinship, A. Chandler, N. Nowlin, E. Pierce, and Wm. James. Moses Poland, Sr., and others came about 1827. The first school was taught by Henry Walker, he and Z. F. Watwood being the first teachers in the town- ship. The first school-house was built in Section, 35, Township 8, Range 1 E. It was a smalı Jog building, but was the best they could afford in those days. The first sermon preached in the township lies between Rev. Mr. Dodson, Charles Radcliff, who was a member of the mission party Baptist, James Street and Henry Sears, but which of them preached first and the date the first sermon was preached. is in doubt. All of them were members of the Regular Baptist Church. James Street is supposed to have preached there about the year 1818.
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The first marriage in the township was Z. F. Watwood and Charity Hinds. Miss Hinds' father came to the county in 1817, but settled in Sharon Town- ship. This marriage occurred in 1820.
The first birth in the township was Robert Brazel, son of Valentine Bra- zel. This happy event took place in about 1818.
The first death in the township was John Journey, who was buried in what is now Sharon Township. The first grave-yard in the township was in Sec- tion 34, Tp. 8, R. 1 E. There were but three or four buried in that place. It has not been used as a burial place for about forty years, and is now under cultivation with the remainder of the farm it was located on.
The first flour mill was built by Wm. James on Ramsey Creek, and was the first water mill built in the township. A saw-mill was connected with it, which, however, was not in running order for a few years after its erection, which was about 1827.
The first frame house was built by John Hall, in Sec 34, Tp. 8, R. 1 E., which is still standing, although in a very dilapidated condition. Z. F. Wat- wood built one about the same time.
The first church organized in the township was the Regular Baptist, Rev. Mr. Dodson officiating as minister, Z. F. Watwood, Nathaniel Nowlin and Elijah Pierce, being about the first and most prominent members. They had no church building, and held their meetings in school and farm-houses. There is but one church building outside of the Town of Ramsey. It belongs to the Baptist denomination, and is located in Section 11, Township 8, Range 1 E .; it was built in 1866.
The Methodist Church was organized in Ramsey Township in 1846. The first meeting was held at the house of Moses Poland, a small log building located in Sec. 8, Tp. 8, R. 1 E., and which is still standing, being a part of the present home of Mr. Poland. Alfred Walker preached the sermon on that occasion. The Methodists erected the first church building in the town- ship, in 1860, in the Town of Ramsey. Their meetings before this time were held principally in school buildings.
The Christian Church was organized in the township about 1851, Wesley Smith being their first preacher, and holding his meetings at the houses of the members, among whom were Elijah, Elisha and Bazil Prater, Geo. Bartlett, Wm. McClary, Jacob Miller and Alex. Williams. Their first and only church building in the township was erected in the town of Ramsey, in 1866, and is a small brick building. The Rev. G. T. Bridges is the officiating preacher.
The Catholic Church, generally called the " Mother Church," came into the township at a later date. The first maes was celebrated by the Rev. Father Welch, at the house of Edmund Coady, in the year 1867. Quite a number of priests held services in Ramsey after Father Welch, whose names we could not learn. In 1871, a Catholic church was built in the town of Ramsey, and the first mass celebrated on Ascension Thursday, May 18th, of the same year, by the Rev. Father Strembler. After him came the Rev. James Rausman, Rev. Father Zingleberger and Rev. Longinus Quitter, who is the present priest of Vandalia, but also bolds services in Ramsey.
The first Justices of the Peace in the townships of 8 Range 1, and 9 Range 1 E., were Z. F. Watwood and Henry Walker. After the organization of Ramsey Township in 1860, Alex. Anderson and Wm. Bridges, were the first Justices of the Peace, followed by James Giles, Frederick Stoddard, A. Anderson, Mr. Lancaster, Frank Bolt and Wm. P. Langford. The two last are the present justices.
The first store was kept by Henry Hill, M. Fehren, who died recently in
Vandalia, supplying the goods. This store was located in Section 19, Town- ship 9, Range 1 East, and was kept about 1848. A short time afterwards, Jackson Grider kept a store in Section 29 of the same township, but finally moved to Section 16, Township 8, Range 1 East, where he sold goods for some time. These stores were not very extensive. but supplied the wants of the inhabitants, which were not many, being principally powder and lead for the " old rifle," " a little tobacco," and a "dram of whiskey " once in a whi'e. This is what the old settlers will tell you in speaking of those days. Money was a scarce article, and the store-keeper took in return for hi- goods just whatever his customers had to dispose of, whether it was the pro duce of the farm or the skius of wild animals. Sometimes the people could indulge in such luxuries as tea and coffee, and the ladies be able to get a dress of " store calico;" but not often could they be so fortunate, and gene- rally had to be contented with home-production.
The first blacksmith in the township was Wm. Beck, who kept a shop in Section 28, Township 9, Range 1 East : this was about 1838. Edward Beck had a shop in Section 21 of the same township about the same time. They were followed shortly by Jerry Goodin, who kept a shop in Section 26. Town- ship 9, Range 1 East. About the year 1845, a man named Ewing had a shop in Section 16, Township 8, Range 1 East. He kept it about two years, when he took sick, and before his death requested that he be buried in his shop, which request was carried into effect, his grave being partly dug while he watched from his death-bed. to satisfy himself that they would bury him there.
The first fine stock was introduced into the township by Wm. James about 1845. They were blooded hogs, and went by the name of "Irish Grazers." The first blooded cattle were brought into Ramsey Township by J. J Hinds in 1858. The principal stock dealers in the township are S. C. Morrison, E. B. Stokes, and J. P. Rogers.
The first murder in the township occurred on the evening of November 22, 1872. While Francis Little, who was a farmer, living in Section 30, Town- ship 8, Range 1 East, was enjoying himself in singing with his sisters in his home, and while the house resounded with the beauties of the song, a shot rang out on the night air, and Mr. Little dropped to the floor a corpse. The shot was fired through the window between seven and eight o'clock in the evening, the assassin making good his aim by the light of the lamp near which the family were sitting. Who fired the fatal shot yet remains a mystery, and will probably remain one until that awful day, when all must render an account of the deeds done in the flesh. Mr. Little was quite a young man, and bore an excellent reputation as a quiet, peaceable, inoffen- sive citizen. This was the only murder that has ever happened in the town- ship, although, during and after the war of the Rebellion, a good deal of fighting and shooting was done in the town of Ramsey. In 1865, one of those pistol-fights took place between Thos. M McClan than. an ex-lieutenant of the army, and Thos. Sears, who was a member of the "Klingman gang," and a terror to the whole country. Thompson Culbertson, a friend of Sears, while looking at the fight, received a pistol-shot in the neck, from which he afterwards died. Mcclanahan was tried for the killing, but acquitted. The general impression prevailed that McClanahan did not in- tend to shoot Culbertson. Sears was badly wounded in the fight. and after recovery left the country, and is supposed to have settled in Missouri. McClanaban also finally left for parts unknown.
In the southern part of the township can be seen the remains of some old Indian mounds or graveyards. In those burial places have been found many Indian relics, such as bones, stone axes, and stone implements of war. Those mounds or graves are now ploughed over, and only dim traces of them are visible.
The first land entered in Tp. 8, R. 1 E. was by John Watwood, who entered 80 acres in Section 34, January 16th, 1821. Ferdinand Ernst entered 80 acres in Section 29, February 16th, 1821. William Cole entered 80 acres in Section 34, February 8th, 1822. Those were the first pieces of land entered in Tp. 8, R. 1 E. The three first entries of land in Tp. 9, R. 1 E. are William Beck, who entered 40 acres in Section 28, Feb. 10th, 1836; Edward Beck, who entered 40 acres in Section 21, April 14th, 1836, and Mary Ann Eacle, who entered 40 acres in Section 21, June 30th, 1836.
The living " Old Settlers" of the township, or those who can lay claim to be designated as such, arc Moses Poland, J. M. Watwood, George Dycus, Bowling Neeley, George Bolt, John Beck, David Lte, James Little, A. L. Little, John Little, George Little, A. J. Merriman, Bennett Anderson, E. B. Stokes, George C. Stokes, Thomas M. James, F. M. James, Samuel Wesner, J. B. Hinds, J. P. Rogers, J. M. Price, L. F. Stoddard, Thomas Hicks, William Ginger, M. Donaldson, Edward Lee and Jacob Miller.
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FARM RESIDENCE OF J.M.WATWOOD, SEC. 34 T 8. RI. (RAMSEY TP.) FAYETTE CO. ILLINOIS.
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
The town of Ramsey is situated on the Illinois Central Railroad, twelve and a half miles north of Vandalia. It was laid out August 20th, 1857, by Clifton H. Moore, Alexander Anderson and Salmon Washburn-John Car- son, surveyor ; and lays in Sections 8 and 17, Tp. 8, R. 1 E. It was called after one of the early pioneers, named Ramsey ; the same man that Ramsey Creek and the township were called after. Ramsey was incorporated May 4th, 1864. The first trustees were Alexander Anderson, Geo. W. Bolt, David Williams, A. Meyers and M. W. Randall ; M. W. Randall, president of the board ; M. Layman, clerk. It contains about 600 inhabitants, and is the second largest town in the county. It has six dry goods and grocery stores ; one drug store; one hardware store; one furniture store; two saloons; two blacksmith shop; two boot and shoe shops; one harness factory ; one hotel ; and the Ramsey Mills, owned and run by Geo. W. Bolt.
Ramsey is the shipping point for Hurricane, Bowling Green and Ramsey Townships, and is noted as the greatest "railroad tie " depot on the Illinois Central line. There are also a great many cattle and hogs shipped from this point.
The first Store inside the limits of the town was built by Salmon Wash- burn ; but this was before the town was laid out. After the laying out of Ramsey, the first store was built and kept by Donaldson and Bolt. The first house was erected after the town was laid out, by R. W. Smith.
The Churches in Ramsey are the Catholic, Christian and Methodist, whose histories will be found elsewhere in the history of Ramsey Township.
The Ramsey Public School .- The standing of this school is first-class, and is said to rank second to none in Fayette County. The Principal, James R. Campbell, is a graduate of Notre Dame, Indiana. He is quite a young man, but is counted a first-class educator. Miss Laura A. Thiele, assistant teacher, ably seconds Mr. Campbell in his efforts to bring the school to a high standard. Number of scholars, 184; average attendance, 120. The branches taught are algebra, philosophy, physiology, United States history, grammar, reading, orthography, arithmetic, geography and writing.
The First Resident Physicians were L. F. Stoddard, Sumner Clark, and
Joseph Cobb, who became residents about 1855. Several physicians had practised in the township before that date, but they did not reside there. Ramsey has four physicians-L. F. Stoddard, H. S. Short, W. P. Gordon and J. F. Jones.
The First Postmaster was Salmon Washburn, who held that position in 1855, two years before the town was laid out. After him came M. W. Randall, F. M. James, and Geo. W. Bolt, who is the present occupant. Before a post-office was established where Ramsey now stands, the citizens got their mail at Vandalia and Bowling Green, where an office was located.
The first police justice in Ramsey, was D. Williams, followed by A. Lan- caster, D. Wright, Levi Davidson and W. F. Dycus, who is the present Police Justice. In Aug., 1877, Ramsey was changed by the vote of the people to an incorporated town under the present law.
The present Trustees being J. J. Sanders, Geo. W. Bolt, S. C. Morrison, J. M. Price and T. M. James. J. J. Sanders, President; T. M. James, Clerk.
Lodges : The Masonic Lodge of A. F. and A. M., No. 405, was organized at Ramsey in 1863, and chartered Oct. 5th, 1864. The charter members were J. (' Jones, L. F. Stoddard, H. S. Prater, C. C. Mathewson, W. W. Halford, John Pope, W. C. Mcclanahan, B. A. Hunter and Geo. W. Bolt, The officers were J. C. Jones, W. M .; L. F. Stoddard, S. W. and H. S. Prater, J. W. The charter was granted by Thos. J. Turner, M. W. G. M., H. P. H. Bromwell, D. G. M., Edwin F. Babcock, S. G. W., and N. W. Huntley, J. G. W. The present officers are H. B. McKnight, W. M, A. Lancaster, S. W., W. W. Halford, J. W., J. P. Williams, Secretary.
A Lodge of the ancient order of United Workingmen, No. 103, was insti- tuted in Ramsey, Jany. 23d, 1878, by W. H. McCormick, Deputy Grand Master of Workmen, assisted by Robert W. Ross, of Vandalia. Officers : Rev. Geo. T. Bridges, P. M., H. P. Hess, M. W., John B. Hinds, G. F., F. M. James, O., R. B. Stoddard, Recorder, D. H. Gill, G., George W. Bolt, F., Rudolph Lindhorst, R., C. W. Shutt, I. W., S. F. Lipsey, O. W. The trustees are R. H. Gray, James I. Bridges and Daniel Shockey. L. F. Stod- dard M. D., Medical Examiner.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
J. M. WATWOOD
OF Ramsey Township. We present his name as one worthy to be represented in the biographical sketches of the substantial citizens of Fayette Co. Mr. Watwood was born in this county, May 25th, 1830. He is the only surviv- ing child of Z. F. and Charity (Hinds) Watwood. Mr. Z. F. Watwood was a native of Tennessee, and his wife of Kentucky. Mr. Watwood moved to Kentucky, where he met Miss Hinds. Her father, Joseph Hinds and family, together with Mr. Watwood, came to Fayette County in the fall of 1×17, and settled on section 34, Tp. 8, Range 1 East. He taught the first school in the township, and was also the first Justice of the Peace in the township. Three years later he was married to Miss Hinds, bought and settled on sixty acres of land, to which he added occasionally, and at the time of his death Sept. 29th, 1850, owned about five hundred acres. His wife survived him until Sept. 1st, 1872.
After the death of Mr. Watwood, the homestead with forty acres of land became the property of his son, J. M. Watwood. He lived here with his mother and two sisters, about five years. In the winter of 1854-55 be made a trip to Texas, for his health, and soon after returning was married-Nov. Sth. 1855,-to Miss Luvina Sage, daughter of George and Christina Sage, by which union they have had nine children, seven of whom are living. Their names are in the following order of birth :- J. F., J. L., W. I., Ella F., W'm. S., Geo. E., and Marshall W. The deceased are Geo. M., died Feb. 2d, 1861, and Alice, who died Nov. 6th, 1867. Mrs. Watwood was born in Sefton Township, Fayette county, Nov. 2d, 1837. Her father was a native of Kentucky, and mother of Pennsylvania. They both moved to Indiana,
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