History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 28

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Peoria : C.C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 1096

USA > Illinois > Fulton County > History of Fulton county, Illinois > Part 28

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Ira Cobb.

This man killed a Mr. Baker, of Woodland township. Both parties were respected, and well-to-do citizens. They got into a fuss, however, over the difference of only fifty cents in making a settlement with each other, and Cobb shot Baker with a pistol.

312

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

The ball entered the head of its victim and proved fatal immediately. Cobb was indicted for murder Sept. 29, 1864. He took a change of venue to Peoria county, was tried, found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced for ten years. A new trial was granted, and by agree- ment the case was returned to this county, here he broke jail and was gone four years. Shortly after his escape he was captured in Indiana. Sheriff Waggoner hurried forward to get his prisoner, but ere he arrived Cobb had again escaped. This time he evaded the authorities for about four years, when Sheriff Waggoner caught him in Kansas. When he returned he was brought to trial, but the prosecution was compelled to beg for a continuance, as every wit- ness for the State had either died or left the State. He pleaded guity, we believe, and was sent to the penitentiary for one year, but was soon pardoned.

Thomas Richardson.

In June, 1865, the village of Marbletown was thrown into con- siderable excitement by the announcement of the murder of Daniel Lash. Lash was a farm-hand at the time in the employ of Hiram Marble. Richardson, a cripple, kept what was familiarly known as a "jug grocery,"-in other words, a saloon. Lash, who was a des- perate fellow and regarded as an outlaw, came to this saloon using threatening language toward Richardson, and soon endeavored to strike him. Richardson in the mean time secured a hatchet, and when opportunity presented struck Lash a hard blow, which proved fatal. Lash exclaimed "He has killed me!" and after walking about seventy vards fell. Richardson was arrested for the murder, but the grand jury refused to indict him, and he was set at liberty.

Catherine Lewis, alias Catherine Todd, and Robert Todd.

These parties were indicted April 20, 1865, for committing mur- der by poisoning ; they were tried at the November term of the Circuit Court, 1865, and found not guilty. Robert, however, was not discharged until April 20, 1866. A further account will be given in the history of Pleasant township, where the murder was committed.

William A. Jones.

The victim of this fracas, which occurred in Bryant, was Wesley Pittman. Jones was indieted April 21, 1866, found guilty of man- slaughter April 18, 1867, and sent to the penitentiary for two years. He killed Pittman with a rock. Sheriff Waggoner took him to State's prison, where he died.

John Yarnell.

This man was indicted April 23, 1867, for killing City Marshall James P. Goodwin, of Lewistown. He took a change of venue to

313

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

Me Donough county and was sent to the penitentiary for fourteen years. He, however, only served about eighteen months, when he was pardoned.

Oscar Craig.

Craig shot and killed Thomas Brown, in Otto, and seemingly without any provocation whatever. He was indieted for murder Aug. 25, 1870, took a change of venue to Tazewell county and was acquitted.

Lemuel Purdy, Pitts Lawrence Purdy and Samuel Nicholson.

These parties were indicted Aug. 29, 1871, for the murder of a Swede. The fatal affair occurred on the night of the 4th of July, 1871, at a saloon called Shoo Fly, one mile east of Lewistown. majority of the crowd at this place that night were intoxicated. The Swede had but recently come to this country and is said to have been a very quiet, inoffensive man. In a fracas that occurred he was struck down with a club, and he died from the effects of the in- juries received. Nicholson was tried at the April term, 1873, and found "not guilty." Pitts L. Purdy took a change of venue to Schuyler county, where he also was acquitted. Lemuel Purdy took a change to Maeon county, tried, found guilty of manslaughter and senteneed for five years. He was pardoned at the end of three years. All of these parties were accounted good, respectable citizens.

John Marion Chesney.

Chesney killed a negro at Abingdon, Knox county, in 1873. He was indieted for murder in the fall and a change of venue was taken to this county, where, at the December term, 1873, he was acquitted.

William Odell.

Odell was indicted for murder Aug. 1, 1875. He was a consta- ble and lived at Havana, Mason county. He levied upon a boat belonging to a man by the name of Patterson, who lived near the Copperas-creek dam. Patterson was a bad character and a desper- ate man, which faet was known to Odell. He attempted to retake the boat from Odell, and in the attempt Odell began shooting at him, and fired four times, killing him instantly. Odell was tried in this county and acquitted.

Jonathan B. Berry.

About sundown July 10, 1876, Jonathan B. Berry shot and killed John J. Lalicker, of Pleasant township. Berry had married a widow lady named Maggie Shuman, and on the evening of the murder Berry was whipping one of her boys; and to help control

314

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

him she sent one of her sons, Willie Shuman, a bov of a dozen sum- mers, to Mr. Lalicker's, who lived near, for assistance. Mr. L. hurried over according to the request, and as the two entered the vard Berry warned Lalicker not to enter the house. Berry fired at him through a window and again in the house, one of the shots proving fatal, killing Lalicker almost instantly. Berry was indicted at the August term of Circuit Court, 1876, and tried at the Decem- ber term, found guilty and sent to the penitentiary for ten years. He is now confined there.

Richard B. Heather.

In 1876. Oct. 26, Richard B. Heather killed S. Peter Johnson, at Abingdon, Knox county. His bail was fixed at $15,000, and he took a change of venue to this county, was tried at the April term and convicted of manslaughter and sent to the penitentiary, but the fol- lowing November pardoned. This was one of the most exciting trials that ever occurred in the county.

Joseph Mayall.

Mavall and Willis were both plasterers by occupation and resided in Ipava. It appeared that Wm. Collier had a job of plastering which both parties wanted to do. Finally Willis was awarded the work, which Mayall thought was obtained by defaming him as a workman. An altercation ensued between them. Willis had a hatchet in his hand and seemingly made some movement with it toward Mavall. when the latter said. " You are not going to hit me with the hatchet, are you?" Willis threw the hatchet down and they both walked toward the gate. Upon arriving at the gate Mavall pulled out a knife and cut Willis, from the wound of which he died. Mavall was tried at the December term of the Circuit Court, 1876. and acquitted.

Jacob Mabes.

Mabes was indicted for murder Sept. 1. 1877. for the killing of Bryan Daily, in Orion township. Both men were intoxicated and were each driving a wagon along the road. Mabes tried to drive around Daily, which the latter prevented. He then struck him with a missile. the blow killing Daily. Mabes was admitted to bail Dec. 7, 1877, the amount of the bond being $3,000. He was tried at the April term of the Circuit Court, 1878, and found "not guilty."

Stephen Joy.

At Bernadotte, about 5 o'clock p. M., Saturday, July 19, 1879. Dr. Sylvester O. Hall, the leading physician of the village, met his death at the hands of Stephen Joy, an old and respected citizen, and phenomenally zealous in his religion. The facts as gleaned from the evidence at the Coroner's inquest, the trial of Joy not having

E. G. Powell

( DECEASED ) CANTON CITY

CANTON CITY

LIDMANY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

317

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

vet occurred, were about as follows: On the morning of the mur- der Mr. Joy agreed with Dr. Hall that, if he would buy a pony offered for sale by Perry JJones, he would take the animal off his hands at $20 cash. The doctor accordingly made the trade, took the pony to Joy's store and notified him that the animal was ready for him. Joy told him to hitch the animal and come in, which Hall did. Joy hesitated for a little while and then backed squarely out of the trade. This greatly enraged the doctor and some very bitter words passed, resulting in the doctor commencing a suit against Joy for damages. The trial was set for July 26, before 'Squire Shipton. All this occurred before noon. The parties dis- cussed the question publicly during the day, and the very air seemed impregnated with bad blood.

Between four and five o'clock in the afternoon Hall sauntered around to Joy's store, and sat down upon the sidewalk at the south- east corner of the building, while Joy occupied a bench near by. Hall sat several inches lower than Joy and they were not more than four feet apart. Some bitter words ensned, when Hall called Joy a hard name. Joy had been whittling with a large pocket knife, and at this moment reversed the knife quickly, blade down- ward, and saying, " This must be settled," struck a quick blow at Hall's bare neck, when a huge stream of blood spurted eight or ten feet away. Hall seized his neck as if to stay the blood, and said, " He's killed me !" Within five minutes after the stab he died. The wound severed the left carotid artery and jugular vein. Quite a large number of persons were sitting around the two men when the tragedy occurred, and the blow could easily have been stayed had there been any suspicion that one would even strike the other. But it was all done in a flash-in the twinkling of an eye. The epithet uttered by Hall, the response by Joy, and the instant thrust with the knife,-all took place while the disputants were rising to a half-standing position.

Stephen Joy was indicted for murder August 21, 1879, and his trial postponed. Friday, September 5, 1879, Joy was brought be- fore Judge Shope, on a writ of habeas corpus, to have an examin- ation with the object of securing his bail. After a very full hearing the Judge admitted him to bail in the sum of $25,000, which was given, and the trial set for the next term of Court.

CHAPTER X.

PIONEER LIFE.

LOG CABINS.

We shall, in this chapter, give as clear and exact description of pioneer life in this county, as we can find language to picture it in, commencing with the time the sturdy settlers first arrived with their scanty stores. They had migrated from older States, where the prospects for even a competency were very poor, many of them coming from Kentucky, for, it is supposed, they found that a good State to emigrate from. Their entire stock of furniture, imple- ments and family necessities were easily stored in one wagon, and sometimes a cart was their only vehicle.

As the first thing after they arrived and found a suitable location, they would set about the building of a log cabin, a description of which may be interesting to the younger readers, and especially their descendants, who may never see a structure of the kind. Trees of uniform size were selected and cut into pieces of the de- sired length, each end being saddled and notched so as to bring the logs as near together as possible. The eracks were "chinked and daubed" to prevent the wind from whistling through. This had to be renewed every fall before cold weather set in. The usual height was one story of about seven or eight feet. The gables were made of logs gradually shortened up to the top. The roof was made by laving small logs or stout poles reaching from gable to gable, suit- able distances apart, on which were laid the clapboards after the manner of shingling, showing two feet or more to the weather. The clapboards were fastened by laving across them heavy poles called "weight poles," reaching from one gable to the other, being kept apart and in their place by laying pieces of timber between them called "runs," or "knees." A wide chimney place was cut out of one end of the cabin, the chimney standing entirely outside, and built of rived sticks, laid up cob-house fashion, and filled with clav, or built of stone, often using two or three cords of stone in building one chimney. For a window a piece about two feet long was cut out of one of the wall logs, and the hole closed, sometimes with glass but oftener with greased paper pasted over it. A doorway was also cut through one of the walls, and the door was made of spliced clap- boards and hung with wooden hinges. This was opened by pull-

319

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

ing a leather latch-string which raised a wooden latch inside the door. For security at night this latch-string was pulled in, but for friends and neighbors, and even strangers, the "latch-string was always hanging ont," as a welcome. In the interior, upon one side, was the huge fire-place, large enough to contain a back-log as big as the strongest man could carry, and holding enough wood to supply an ordinary stove a week ; on either side were poles and kettles, and over all a mantle on which was placed the tallow dip. In one cor- ner stood the larger bed for the old folks, under this the trundle- bed for the children ; in another corner stood the old-fashioned, large spinning-wheel, with a smaller one by its side ; in another the pine table, around which the family gathered to partake of their plain food ; over the door hung the ever trustful riffe and powder-horn ; while around the room were scattered a few splint-bottomed ehairs and three-legged stools ; in one corner was a rude cupboard holding the table ware, which consisted of a few cups and saucers and blue- edged plates, standing singly on their edges against the back, to make the display of table furniture more conspicuous.

These simple cabins were inhabited by a kind and true-hearted people. They were strangers to mock modesty, and the traveler, seeking lodgings for the night or desirons of spending a few days in the community, if willing to accept the rude offering, was always welcome, although how they were disposed of at night the reader may not easily imagine ; for, as described, a single room was made to serve the purpose of kitchen, dining-room, sitting-room, bed- room, and parlor, and many families consisted of six or eight mem- bers. Soon finer and more costly buildings were erected. Mr. Swan in his History of Canton describes the first frame building erected in that eity as follows :

" The first frame house erected on grounds now within the pres- ent city limits was built for Deacon Nathan Jones, in the spring of 1830. Isaac Swan was the 'boss carpenter,' and was aided by the deacon. This building is still standing, on the south side of Jones street, between Wood and Lewistown streets, and is now occupied by Mrs. Dean. It is a two-story frame house. The frame, of the 'old-fashioned' variety, was built without any sawed stuff; the joists and studding being split out of heavy timber, the sills and plates hewed, and the weather-boarding of split boards, shaved. The weather-boarding was not jointed, but the ends of the clapboards were shaved thin and lapped. The roof was laid with split and shaved oak shingles. The floor, door-frames, corner-boards and stairs, were alone of sawed lumber. When the carpenters had fin- ished their work, Mrs. Jones took the job of painting, and did quite a respectable job, too, painting it Venetian red. This house was considered the most stylish in the country. As Deacon Jones was Postmaster and kept the postoffice at his house, it became the place of resort for the most intelligent of the pioneers, who would congregate here and disenss educational and religious topics, This

320

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

building was not on the original town plat, however, being then considered out of town. The first frame erected on the original town site was built in 1831, and was the property of Joel Wright. This building was, in fact, but an addition to an already existing cabin. Isaac Swan was also the builder of this. It was occupied by Mr. Wright as a store-room, and was situated on the southeast corner of Wood and Illinois streets. This building is still stand- ing, but has been removed from its original site, and is now standing on First street, between Illinois and Cole streets. It was occupied until recently by David Will, as a wagon-maker's shop."

SELECTION OF HOMES.

For a great many years but few thought it advisable to attempt farming on the prairie. To many of them the cultivation of the prairies was an untried experiment, and it was the prevailing opin- ion that the timber would soon become very searce,-a fear soon proven to be without foundation. Another obstacle that was in the way for a great many years, was that no plows suitable for breaking the prairie land could be had. The sod was very much tougher then than it was in after years when the stock had pastured the prairies and killed out the grass to some extent. It would be astonishing to the younger residents to see the immense crops of prairie grass that grew upon the fields which are to-day in such a high state of cultivation. It grew in places six to twelve feet high. It was these immense erops of grass that furnished the fuel for the terrible fires that swept over the prairies during the fall. Then, again, there was so much of the prairie land that was considered too wet to be ever suitable for cultivation. Many of the older set- tlers now living well remember when farms that are now in the highest state of cultivation were a vast swamp. There was another drawback in the settlement of the prairies, and that was the great labor and cost of fencing. But the principal reason for locating in the timber was that many of their cabins were poor, half-finished affairs, and protection from the driving storms was absolutely ro- quired. The timber also sheltered stock until such times as sheds and out-buildings could be erected. That the time should soon come when intelligent, enterprising farmers would see that their in- terest lay in improving prairie farms, and cease clearing fields, when there were boundless acres presenting no obstacle to the most perfect cultivation, argues nothing in the policy of sheltering for a time in the woods. In regard to the pioneers settling along the timber, we often hear remarks made as though the selection of such locations implied a lack of judgment. Those who are disposed to treat it in that manner are asked to consider carefully the above facts, when they will conelude such selection argued in their favor.

Clearing of timber land was attended with much hard labor. The underbrush was grubbed up, piled into heaps and burned. The large

321

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

trees were in many cases left standing, and deadened by girdling. This was done by cutting through the bark into the wood, generally through the "sap," all around the trunk.

MILLING.

Not the least of the hardships of the pioneers was the procuring of bread. The first settlers must be supplied at least one year from other sources than their own lands. But the first crops, however abundant, gave only partial relief, there being no mills to grind the grain. Hence the necessity of grinding by hand power, and many families were poorly provided with means for doing this. Another way was to grate the corn. A grater was made from a piece of tin, sometimes taken from an old, worn-out tin bucket or other vessel. It was thiekly perforated, bent into a semi-circular form, and nailed, rough side upwards, on a board. The corn was taken in the ear and grated before it got dry and hard. Corn, however, was eaten in various ways.

Soon after the country became more generally · settled, enterpris- ing men were ready to embark in the milling business. Sites along the streams were selected for water-power. A person looking for a mill-site would follow up and down the stream for a desired loca- tion, and when found he would go before the County Commis- sioners and secure a writ of ad quod damnum. This would enable the miller to have the adjoining land officially examined, and the amount of damage by making a dam was named. Mills being such a great public necessity, they were permitted to be located upon any person's land where the miller thought the site desirable.

BAND-MILL.

John Coleman established a mill north of the Fairview bridge. This mill was celebrated for " making haste"-and meal-" slowly." It was said that it ran so slow that the dogs were in the habit of chewing in two the band while the mill was running, when Cole- man would call to JJerry, who drove the team, to know what was the matter ; and Jerry would respond that the "dod-durned dogs had chewed the band in two again." Jacob Ellis erected a water-mill between Canton and Lewistown about 1824, which did a good busi- ness. He erected another mill near Canton, on Big Creek, about 1829-30.

NATIVE ANIMALS.

The wild animals infesting this county at the time of its settle- ment were the deer, wolf, bear, wild-cat, fox, otter, raccoon, wood- chuck or ground-hog, skunk, mink, weasel, muskrat, opossum, rah- bit and squirrel; and the principal feathered game were the quail, prairie-chicken, and wild turkey. Several of these animals furnished meat for the early settlers ; but their principal meat did not consist

322

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

long of game. Pork and poultry were soon raised in abundance. The wolf was the most troublesome animal, it being the common enemy of the sheep. It was quite difficult to protect the sheep from their ravages. Sometimes pigs and calves were also victims of the wolf. Their howlings in the night would often keep families awake, and set all the dogs in the neighborhood to barking. Their vells were often terrific. Says one settler: "Suppose six boys, having six dogs tied, whipped them all at the same time, and you would hear such music as two wolves would make." To effect the destruc- tion of these animals the county authorities offered a bounty for their scalps ; and, besides, big hunts were inaugurated for their destruction, and " wolf hunts" are prominent among the memories of the early settlers. Such events were generally turned into a holiday, and everybody that could ride a nag or stand the tramp on foot joined in the deadly pursuit. A large circuit was generally made by the hunters, who then elosed in on every side, driving the hungry wolves into the center of the corral, where they were despatched. The return home with the careasses was the signal for a general turn-out. and these " pleasure parties" are still referred to by old citizens a> among the pleasantest memories of early life in Fulton county. Many a hungry wolf has been run down on the prairies where now is located a town or a fine farm residence. This rare old pastime, like much of the early hunting and fishing the pioneers indulged in here. departed at the appearance of the locomotive.

BEE-HUNTING.

During the early settlement of this part of the State, one of the prevailing customs of the pioneers was "bee-hunting." Often a small company would travel many miles into a wild, unsettled country, in search of the sweet, flavored honey of the wild bee. Large tree- containing many gallons, and often a barrel, were fre- quently found by bee-hunters. The little, busy bees would be carefully watched as they flew heavily laden with the richest extract of the flowers that were purely native and unknown to the present generation. They always took a "bee-line " for their homes. This was a correct guide to the sturdy hunter, who had studied with care the ways of the bee and by their knowledge took advantage of the little insect. Onee on t e trail, good bee-hunters were almost certain to capture the rich prize. After the bee-tree was discovered it was no trouble to get possession of the honey. The tree was felled, and the hunters would rush for their booty ere it was lost by running out upon the ground.

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.

The pioneer was more freely and heartily social with his friends, and cold toward his enemies, than we seem to be at the present day ; and he showed what race he belonged to by his efforts to establish religious, philanthropic and educational institutions. The young

323

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

folks, we have no doubt, found many ways of robbing old Time of loneliness. It would be unfair to suppose them, especially the ladies, destitute of fashionable aspirations, but the means for gaudy display were very much circumscribed in those days. The male attire consisted chiefly of buckskin, or homespun cloth,- we might add home-woven, the loom being far more common in or near their rude huts than the piano or organ. They were not, however, desti- tute of musical taste, and many of their vocal performances would compare favorably with our present choirs. We may safely say they sang with the spirit. Most of the ladies, also, wore homespun, which they manufactured from wool, flax, cotton, and the bark or lint of the nettle, colored with such ingredients as nature provided, without the aid of art. A few even adopted buekskin. How many vards of the latter article were required for a fashionable dress in those times, or in what particular style it was cut and trimmed, we are not informed, and must leave the ladies to draw their own con- clusions. These dresses certainly were durable, and shielded the wearer in out-door exercises incident to the planting, attending and gathering of crops, in which pursuit the ladies in all new countries assist.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 28

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Peoria : C.C. Chapman & co. Number of Pages: 1096

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Peoria : C.C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 1096