USA > Illinois > Fayette County > History of Fayette County, Illinois > Part 7
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In the early spring of the same year Edward Boaz settled in the county, and to him belongs the honor of being the first Baptist preacher in this region of country. He was a man remarkable for his piety and his many excellent qualities, and was generally beloved by the pioneers. Though not an educated man, yet he was a fluent and easy speaker, and did much good among his flock, and his name will long continue to be remembered as one who endeavored to instil good morals and religion into bis people.
John F. McCullom and wife were Kentuckians, and settled in the county in 1818, and kept the first inn or tavern in the settlement.
FIRST CHILD BORN.
The first white child born in the county was a son of John F. McCullom, in the year 1819, and in honor of the new town he was called Vandalia McCullom. A mulatto child was born about the same time, which was also named Vandalia.
As Mr. McCullom was quite a jovial character in the new settlement, and used to keep a bar in connection with his tavern, people would frequently congregate at his house, where they would diseuss the various local affairs of the new Capital and the politics of the State and county. They were generally orderly and peaceable, but most of them were fond of their toddy.
FIRST SCHOOL TEACHER.
The first school taught in the county was in the early part of 1819, in a log shed in Vandalia, by a man named Jackson.
FIRST FRAME HOUSE.
The first frame house was built by John F. McCullom in the spring of 1820, on a lot where the Dieckman House now stands. The carpenter work was done by Thomas Coats and some others. McCullom continued to carry on his hotel until his death, which occurred in the year 1823.
"In 1819, Ferdinand Ernst, a man of literary attainments and much merit, settled at the new seat of government, Vandalia, and located a colony of Germans from Hanover, consisting of twenty-five or thirty families. Mr. Ernst was a gentleman of wealth, and established a store and hotel in his new residence. These Germans were industrious and prudent citizens, occu- pying their time and attention with their own business."*
There is some little error in the statement made by Reynolds, as Mr. Ernst first came over in 1817, accompanied by a young man named Fre- derick Hollman. He spent a few months in the new settlement, then returned to Germany, taking back with him some of the needs and grasses indigenous to the soil, published a pamphlet, and at his own expense brought over upwards of a hundred persons. There is no question that Mr. Ernst did more than any other person at that period to advance the material growth of the county.
The year 1820 was unusually sickly, and not being acclimated many of the emigrants died. Among those who lived and afterwards became useful citizens may be mentioned, Fred Yerker and brother, both of whom had families; George Greeney, with his family; and Augustus Snyder, who was then quite young and a single man; Frederick Rea- mann, Sen., and wife, the father of the late Col. Reamann-the elder Reamann lived but a few years; George Lidig, Sen., and family. Soon after his arrival his wife died, and he subsequently married & Miss Reamann, a daughter of Fred. Reamann, Sen .; Frederick Heinrich and family, who have a large number of descendants in the county ; George Rosemeyer was also one of the company; he carried on the first blacksmith shop in the town of Vandalia: he married the widow Reamann the mother of Col. Reamann. Fritz Wagemann was a single man on his arrival in the country with Ernst; he afterwards married Miss Kate Little. Not getting along very amiably they were divorced by act of the legislature, and three years after he courted her over and they were married, and the balance of their lives was passed happily together. .
Christian and Fred Yerker, (brothers) were also of the colony. A very sad accident befel Christian Yerker a few years after he came to the country, in the summer of 1824 or 25. He with two or three other parties, were two miles west of Vandalia cutting prairie grass, the prairie taking fire, he made a great effort to save his hay, and in doing so perished in the flames. The accident took place near where the Russell Nursery is situated.
FIRST STORE.
The first store kept in the county was owned by William Kinney and carried on by Charles Prentice. Frederick Holman also carried on a store in partnership with Mr. Ernst, in 1819, in Vandalis.
In order to show the prices paid for goods, by the early settlers of Fayette Co., we subjoin the following list, the fac-similes of an account tendered by one of the merchants.
* Reynolds' Pioneer History of Illinois.
Feb'y 21, 1819. 1 pair shoes, 138. 6d.
$2.25
1 Knife 38. . 50
1} Gall Why @ 68.
1.50
1 Frying pan, 108. 6d. .
1 75
4 Tin cups, @ 38.
50
1 pair Candle moulds, 38.
50
1 Dipper, 25, 1 Tin bucket
1.25
9 yds. Calico, @ 50.
4.50
1 pair Ladies' shoes, 128.
2.00
1 fb Tobacco, 28. 3d.
374
May 15.
Bal. on ribband, 98.
12
1 yd. Calico, 28. 3d.
374
1 Set knives and forks, 218.
3.50
1 Claw hammer, 75.
75
.
$19.874
It would seem that shillings and pence were just going out of fashion and dollars and cents coming in. For the benefit of his customers, who were not yet familiar with the new coinage, he was kind enough to give the origi- nal and its translation ; a shilling, it appears, was worth sixteen and two- third cents.
Many of the old settlers are full of anecdote and narrative of the early times, and remember distinctly the few scattering tribes which visited the country on hunting expeditions. They were principally the Kickapoos tribe. During the summers of 1819, '20 and '21, large bands of these Indians would come into the county to fish and hunt, and sometimes to raise a small patch of corn. A part of the Sauks tribe also visited the county in 1820 and '21, frequently in numbers of from three to five hundred There still exists an Indian burial ground on the farm of B. Ward Thomp son, four miles south of Vandalia, on section 29 of the same township
Another name which is familiar to all is that of the venerable John Enochs, who was among the early settlers. (A biographical sketch of his life appears elsewhere in the work.) He was for many years an official of the county, and, while sheriff, whipped three men at the whipping-post. The punishment may seem cruel and barbarous at this age of the world; vet it had a very salutary effect on criminals at that time. Mr. Enochs tells of a man, Adam Smith, who was over a hundred years old, when he, Mr. E., took the census of the county in 1835. He said Mr. Smith would frequently walk from his residence to Vandalia and back in a day, the distance being twelve miles, and not consider it much of an undertaking. He was only & fair specimen of the hardy and energetic pioneer.
FIRST TAILOR AND FIRST CORONER.
The first tailor in the county was John Foley, who came over with the Ernat colony, and established himself in Vandalia. He was also the first coroner of the county.
EARLIEST PHYSICIANS.
The pioneer physicians were Dr. Robert Beard, a native of Kentucky. He was a gentleman of culture and scientific attainments. Dr. Van Fleck, a native of New York. Dr. Waters Baugh, also a Kentuckian. These gen- tlemen came to Vandalia in the latter part of 1820.
In the year 1822 came Dr. R. H. Peoples, a young man of excellent habits and ability. He married a Miss Ernst. He was a Pennsyl- vanian by birth.
The first Justice of the Peace in the county was John Baugh, who settled here in 1819. He was also a Baptist preacher of considerable power. He moved from Kentucky to the Territory of Illinois with his family in 1810, and settled in St. Clair County, and in 1819 removed to Vandalia, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred many years after.
FIRST MARRIAGES.
The first marriages that were solemnized in the county were those of Philip Lester and James Beal. They married two sisters, Miss Hayleys, from St. Clair county, Illinois, who came to Fayette to visit relatives. Mr. Lester's wife was Ellen Haley, and James Beal's wife Frances Hayley. This interesting event in their lives took place in the summer of 1819.
FIRST BANK.
The first Bank in the county was organized in 1821, called the " legal tender, or State Bank." Thomas Mather was president, and James Kelly was cashier. The bank was robbed one night in March, 1823, and a man named Russell Botteford was accused by Kelly as being one of the parties who committed the robbery. Kelly one day approached Bottaford with a cow-hide and threatened to whip him. The altercation grew warm, and in the melee Bottasford drew a knife and stabbed Kelly in the heart, resulting in almost instant death. The feeling grew very high among the citizens, as both had been men of reputable character, and had many warm friends. That is said to have been the first murder in the county. Bottsford was subsequently tried and acquitted. The trial was before Judge Reynolds, in 1824. Sidney Breese, Chief Justice of the State, was the prosecuting attor- ney, and that eloquent and distinguished lawyer and statesman, Edward Bates, defended. The trial produced a great deal of excitement, and many of the old settlers remember listening to the fervid eloquence displayed by
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
these distinguished men on that occasion. A few other individuals, charged with being accessory to the robbery, were taken out by parties known as " regulators," stripped and whipped. and were given a few hours to leave the county. We are not. however, advised as to what became of them after- wards.
About twelve years thereafter a mulatto man, well known by many of the " old settlers" of Vandalia, was employed as an hostler at what was known as the McCullom brick stable. While removing some rubbish and manure, he came upon three boxes which contained one thousand dollars of silver in each box. The negro, as would be expected, was very much alarmed and excited on finding so much money. He soon attracted a crowd. This was a part of the money stolen from the bank. The bank officers paid bim a reward of fifty dollars for his honesty, as well as for his luck in finding the money.
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FIRST BUICIDE.
In the spring of 1823 Matthew R. Branch committed suicide in Vandalia by cutting his throat with a razor.
FIRST TAVERN LICENSED IN THE COUNTY
was granted to J. F. Eckman, by the county court, April 16th, 1821, to keep a tavern in Vandalia, at the "Union Hall," on his paying into the county treasury eight dollars, and one dollar to the clerk. The license was granted for one year, and a bond given of two hundred dollars with Fre- derick Hollmanu as security. We append the rates below which he was allowed to charge his customers, believing the same will be of interest to our readers.
For Breakfast or supper the sum of
25 cents.
4 Dinner
37}
=
Night's lodging .
12} =
: Horse feed.
18ยช
-
..
Half pint of Rum, Wine or French Brandy
37}
=
Peach or Apple .
25
Gin
25
",
Cordial
25
..
Cherry-bounce
25
Whiskey
12} "
BLAVERY.
The first slaves brought to the county were by Robert K. M .. Laughlin. He had a family of five negroes. However they soor ran away, and Mr. Mc- Laughlin made no effort to recover them. Elijah Berry also on the removal of the Capital to Vandalia brought a family of negroes with him. He was Auditor of Public Accounts under the administration of Governor Bond, and Mclaughlin was State Treasurer at the time he came to Vandalia. Both these gentlemen removed from Kaskaskia.
REMOVAL OF THE STATE CAPITAL
From Kaskaskia to Vandalia brought with it many prominent men and their families from various portions of the State, first among whom may be mentioned the first Governor. Shadrach Bond. (Reynolds in his history speaks of him in the warm and glowing language of a true friend). He was & great, noble and talented pioneer. He stood in the front rank of that hardy and noble race of men, the ancient pioneers of Illinois. The few remaining of that class may look back with the proud recollection that he was one of them, and was a sample of good sense, honesty, and most of the virtues that elevate and dignify the human character. Shadrach Bond was born in Frederick County, Maryland, in the year 1773, and was raised by a pious father, Nicholas Bond, on a plantation. He was educated a practical far- mer; and such was his occupation during life, except the services in public stations he performed. which detained him from his farm for some portion of the time. In the year 1794, when he reached his majority, he emigrated to Illinois, and resided in the American Bottom, with his uncle Shadrach Bond, Sr. He received in Maryland & plain English education. But Illi- nois, when he reached it was a wild country, not much disposed to the im- provement of the mind in science and literature. Yet man, and his various actions were before him, and he acquired the practical knowledge of man- kind, and the various springs of buman action. Governor Bond was, in his matured age, an intelligent man.
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He for some years resided with his uncle, after he first came to Illinois, and indulged in much of the gaiety and amusements of that day. But when age and experience reached him, he changed his course, and purchased a fine farm ou the bank of a beautiful lake in the American Bottom, and improved it in good style. He resided here for many years, a single farmer.
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About the year 1800. the whole society changed its character, to some ex- tent to a more civilized and moral state, and the agricultural and other in- terests changed in the same proportion. Bond was by his example and pre- cept, greatly instrumental in bringing about this desirable change. He la- bored with his own hands on his farm, with such assistance as he could pro- cure at that early day. He felt an honest pride on being dependent on no one for his support, except on his mother earth, and "God that giveth the increase " He spent the happiest part of his life on his farm.
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He possessed a jovial and convivial spirit, and with his friends he enjoyed
much happiness. These convivial parties were not based on gluttony and intemperance ; but they were sustained by the noble and generous hearts of the order of warm and congenial spirits. Bond possessed warm and ardent feelings, and when excited in the society of his friends around the festive board, he not only was happy himself, but made all around him happy also. He possessed a heart filled with true benevolence and good, kind feelings to all the human race, and on these occasions the feelings that adorn the hu- man character, flowed deep and strong.
He generally kept a large pack of hounds, and with his friends, the fox hunt was with him capital sport. The hounds, horn, and the voice of Gov- ernor Bond made sweet music in the mornings, on the commons near the village of Kaskaskia, in olden times. He took great delight in this rural sport, and, in fact, all his impulses and disposition were inclined to the cheer- ful and bright side of human nature: 80 he generally enjoyed himself, and made all around him happy likewise.
When he reached man's estate. in the American Bottom, on his farm, his person was large and portly. He weighed two hundred pounds, and was six feet high. His person was erect, compact, and formed with perfect sym- metry. His bearing was noble, dignified and commanding, and his features were regular, but marked, strong and masculine. His complexion was dark, and his hair a glossy jet black. His eyes were large, brilliant and of a ha- zel color. His forehead was large and capacious, and his countenance de- noted him to possess superior intellect, with many other marked traits of character that adorn human nature. With such a character as Bond pos- sessed, and with his fine person, he was a great favorite with the ladies. Yet his gallantries. although many, were always circumscribed with proprie- ty. He possessed the capital in this branch of business, but never traded in it to any great extent.
In his early life, he was elected a member to the General Assembly of Indiana Territory, which met at Vincennes. In 1812 he was elected the first delegate from the Territory of Illinois to Congress, and in this office he performed great and important services for his constituents. By his exer- tions in that body, the first act of Congress was passed in 1813, to grant the citizens the right of pre emption to secure their improvements. This was the great lever, that moved Illinois onward toward that glorious eminence she now occupies. The people, before this act of Congress passed, had nine- tenths of them, settled on the public lands, and had no right or title to their farms whatever. No one was certain of securing his improvements or labor, and therefore small improvements were made.
Bond remained in Congress only one term, and was appointed receiver of public monies at Kaskaskia. This was a laborious and responsible office. The Commissioners to adjust the ancient claims to lands in Illinois bad not completed their work and Bond, together with Michael Jones, examined a great many of the claims, reported them to Congress, and they were ap- proved.
At the election of State officers he was chosen Governor of the State without opposition. The honest and sincere friendsbip of the people for him made him the first Governor.
The duties of this office were important, onerous and difficult to perform. The change of the laws, policy, and all, from a Territorial to a State Gov- ernment, required prudence, circumspection and much wisdom. He pos- sessed these qualifications, and performed his duties to the general satisfac- tion of the people.
A short time after his term of office as Governor expired, he was ap- pointed Register of the land-office at Kaskaskia, wherein he remained in his old age, doing the business to the satisfaction of the public. On the 11th of April, 1830, he expired in happiness, and in peace with man. His last breath was breathed in good will to the human family, and praise to God. Governor Bond left a blameless and unspotted character.
The first Lieutenant Governor, Pierre Menard, also attended several ses- sions of the Legislature at Vandalia ; a man of sound judgment, integrity and prudence; and in the early history of the State was a conspicuous and influential character. He was born in Canada, in the year 1767, where he received only a plain education, and like many young Canadians filled with adventures, he came west. He reached Vincennes in the year 1786, and entered the employment of Col. Vigo, an Indian trader in 1790. He and Du Bois, of Vincennes, became partners in merchandizing, and established a store of Indian and other goods, in Kaskaskia. He was exceedingly popu- lar both among the whites and Indians. At any time an Indian would pre- fer giving Menard his peltry for nothing, than to receive double value for it from a Long-Knife American. His words, actions, and all his movements indicated a pure and upright heart, where neither guile, deceit or cunning had any resting place. With these traits of character, he was one of the most influential persons in the country. He represented the Territory in the Legislature of the Indiana Territory. Menard was first in almost every en- terprise, in pioneer times in Illinois. He was in the first Legislature of both the Territories of Indiana and Illinois, and was elected Lieutenant Governor of the State in 1818. Menard died at Kaskaskia, in the year 1844, aged se- venty-seven years.
Elias K. Kane, the first Secretary of State, emigrated to Illinois from New York, and settled at Kaskaskia in 1814. In 1818 he was appointed Secretary of State. He was a man of talent and prominence.
Robt. K. Mclaughlin, a lawyer, a native of Kentucky, settled in Illinois in 1815. Mclaughlin was a man of sound judgment, and great energy of character. On the removal of the capital he settled in Vandalia, where for
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Horse for night.
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
many years he was a prominent figure both in politics and the material growth of the town. He acquired considerable wealth, and died leaving no children, beloved and respected by all. He was State Treasurer from 1819 to 1823.
Col. Alexander P. Field. a native of Kentucky, an educated and chival- rous gentleman, located at Jonesboro, Illinois, at an early day, subsequently moved to Vandalia, was State Treasurer from 1823 until 1827, and Secretary of State from 1829 to 1840. As a politician, he had few equals at that day, and no superior; he was also eminent as a criminal lawyer, sparkling with wit and eloquence. He afterwards moved to Louisiana, became promi- nently identified with the politics of that State, and attained the position of Attorney General of Louisiana. He died at New Orleans in the Fall of 1877. We subjoin, through the courtesy of Judge Jacob Fouke, a few letters that will prove interestingr and give a fair idea of the feelings and sentiments of the people of those days.
This letter may be interesting, as it not only touches upon political ques- tions of the times but marks strongly the feeling existing between the North and South, or the advocates and non-advocates of slavery ; it also shows that the residential population of the then wild Texas territory were not insen- sible to the advantages of having their visiting friends come well recom- mended, and Mr. Mckinney was somewhat averse to being taken for a rob- ber or a cut-throat.
PITTSBURGH, PA., 2 February 1836.
DEAR COLONEL :
Between business and severe indisposition I have had no time to corres- pond with my friends. I left Buffalo iu December, business having become nearly stagnant in consequence of the closing of the navigation. Since then I have been confined to my bed with a violent attack of rheumatismn, and it is with difficulty I write at present; I am something better, and as soon as I am able to travel I shall continue on my journey to Texas, for which I had started when I was taken sick. I shall probably be at Louisville about the 20th inst. In the mean time will you do me the favor to draw up a certifi- cate recommending my conduct and capacity while at Vandalia, and get my friends there to sign it. Those holding offices, such as Capt. Linn, Col. Prentice, Sheriff Berry, Wm. McConnell, &c., &c., get them to sign as such, and conclude the list with your own signature, certifying to the genuineness of theirs and adding your official seal, and have the goodness to forward the same to me at Louisville. There have been so many robbers and cut-throats * *
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migrating to Texas that I consider the document necessary. *
* With my warmest thanks I will furnish you with whatever information may be interesting after my arrival in Texas. How does the white cause pros- per in your State? The anti-Masons will most assuredly, by their foolish conduct, give this State to Van Buren. The party are divided between Harrison and Webster, and will not unite. White has no chance. The people here are thoroughly opposed to the slave-holder's States; they don't like a Southern man. God knows there is no love lost between us. I have no doubt but that the present Legislature will re-charter the present bank of the United States, with a capital of $28,000 000. The bonus required is large, but Pennsylvania will go ahead of her sisters. My warm regards to all my friends in Vandalia. Write me to Louisville, and believe me always your sincere friend,
To Col. A. P. Fields, Vandalia, IU.
R. W. MCKINNEY.
The name of the illustrious Henry Clay needs no eulogy at our hands. All who know anything of the history of the United States must be familiar with the career of one of Virginia's noblest sons. While filling the halls of Congress with his grand oratory, and lending his powerful assistance in steering the ship of State to a safe haven. he neglected his own private affairs and came very near having his real estate in Illinois sold to pay the taxes accumulated thereon.
WASHINGTON, 11th Nov., 1826.
GENTS :
Governor Coles has been good enough to inform me that my lands in Illinois are advertised to be sold for the non payment of the taxes. I have requested him by letter to prevent their sale, and to engage some gentleman to attend to the payment of the taxes hereafter for me as they accrue, until otherwise advised by me. As my letter to him may miscarry, I would thank you (should he not have engage i any other gentleman to attend to the business for me) to represent me in the matter, on the terms specified in your circular of the 10th April, 1826. I will either pay your draft for the amount of the taxes and charges according to that circular, at sight, or remit it to you as you may indicate.
Mr. Coot has been so kind as to attend to this business for me heretofore, and I am under great obligations to him for doing it ; but the above arrange- ment will relieve him from trouble which I ought not to give him. I am your obedient servant, H. CLAY.
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