History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 66

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

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Thomas H. Travers was born in Burton, England, Feb. 10, 1839. He is the son of Charles and Jane Travers. He came to America with his father in 1860, and five years later located in Fulton county and began a most successful career. His father returned to England last year. He began work under most adverse circum- stances, being chained down by poverty, but by indomitable phuck and energy and business judgment they have succeeded until now they own 835 acres of land, 770 of it lying in this county. The father and son have always worked together as partners. Thomas has been to California where he has worked in the gold mines. He has a coal bank on his farm here out of which he annually takes 32,- 000 bushels of coal. He is rather extensively engaged in the manu- facture of eider, making from 30,000 to 50,000 gallons each season. January 20, 1870, Mr. T. was married to Sarah Augustina Turner. Amy Jane, born Jan. 18, 1872, and Agnes, born Feb. 1, 1876, are their children. P. O., Fairview.

Lewis M. Turner, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Fairview ; is the son of Elisha W. Turner, and was born in Lafayette Co., Wis. . He came to this county in 1865, and has been moderately successful in his occupation. He enjoyed only the benefits of a common-school edu- cation. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Mary Hauser.

Abraham Van Doren, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Farmington ; is a native of Somerset county, N. J., where he was born Nov. 9, 1838. He is the son of John K. and Maria (Cox) Van Doren. He at- tended the common schools of this county and gleaned therefrom

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

his education. He has served in several local offices. March 4, 1862, is a day to him ever to be remembered, for upon that date he was united in marriage with Sarah Elizabeth Hall.

John Van Lier, farmer, was born in Somerset county, N. J., Jan. 11, 1828. He is the son of Cornelius and Ann (Suydam) Van Liew. He had only the advantages of the common schools of his native State for an education. He began to work for himself at farming at the age of 22, and has continued at it since and has been successful. He came to this county in 1854 and has held some of the local offices. He was married in 1856, Jan. 17, to Miss Mary Polhemus, who has borne him 3 children,-2 boys and 1 girl, Daniel, Cornelius and Maria. Mr. V. is a member of the Reform- ed Church.

Abram Voorhees was born March 25, 1834, in New Jersey. He is the son of Jacob and Jane Voorhees and came to this county Ang. 16, 1848. He received his education in the common schools in Indiana. He engaged in farming until thirteen years ago when he embarked in the grocery and drug business. He has been suc- cessful in life. He was married Dec. 22, 1853. They have '5 chil- dren,-four boys and one girl. He has held several of the town- ship official positions.

John Voorhees, jr., was born in New Jersey July 25, 1836. He is the son of Jacob and Jane Voorhees, who came to this county Ang. 16, 1848. He received a common-school education principally in this county, and is engaged in farming. He has carried on mer- cantile business for several years himself and dealt in real estate not a little. He is at present engaged as clerk in a dry-goods and gro- cery store. He has served as School Trustee for 6 years ; a Dea- con in the Reformed Church and also Superintendent of the Sun- day-school. He was married Dec. 23, 1858, to Naomi Sehanck. To them have been born 3 girls, the youngest, little Mabel, was born Nov. 4, 1876.

A. D. Wilson, farmer, P. O., Fairview ; was born in the State of New Jersey March 11, 1831, and is a son of Rev. A. D. and Julia Wilson. He was brought to the county in 1838, and at the com- mon schools of Fairview received his education. At the age of 23 he entered the agricultural pursuit for himself, and has succeeded in it. He is School Director and has served as such for 9 years Feb. 9, 1854, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Mary Negly. Katie, John, Lulu, Maggie, Harry M., Neeley and Mamie are their children.'

H. M. B. Wilson, farmer, was born at North Branch, N. J., April 21, 1837. Although Mr. W. has chosen farming as his occu- pation, his father educated him for the ministry. He attended the college at New Brunswick, and also Knox College, Galesburg. Mr. W. is by no means an old man, vet deserves to be elassed among the pioneers of this county. His father was the well-known Rev. A. D. Wilson, who organized the congregation of the Dutch Re-

THE SECOND COURT-HOUSE AS IT STANDS TO-DAY

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

formed Church west of the Alleghany Mountains. The Rev. Mr. W. came to this county in 1837, so our subject has spent almost his entire life here. He was married in Feb., 1870 and has 3 children,- Oscar L., Bertha and Loda. He has represented his township in the Board of Supervisors.

John E. Wilson was born in the State of New Jersey Dec. 22, 1833. He is the son of the zealous and widely-known Rev. A. D. Wilson. His mother's name was Julia Wilson. No man did more to establish the Reformed Church in the West than Rev. A. D. Wil- son, and his memory is held in pleasant and sacred remembrance by thousands. John E. came to the county in 1838 and has resided here since. Mr. W. is engaged in farming upon see. 32. For 3 years he followed the mercantile business. In financial matters he has been moderately successful. He first married Maria Rodener, and Feb. 14, 1860, was married to Nettie Hamrick. Abraham, George, Daniel and Julia are their children.

John Wilson, farmer; P. O., Fairview ; was born in Hunterdon Co., N. J., Oct. 25, 1806, and is the son of Achilles and Ann Wil- son. His father died when he was 5 years old and when 10 he was bound out. When 15 he commeneed to learn the blacksmith trade. He has succeeded in life and now owns 245 acres of land, which he has made by his own labor and exertion. His wife's given name is Lucretia. Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Peter Goom, is their only child. Mr. W. has filled several of the local offices. Politically he is a Democrat.

J. L. Wolford, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Midway ; was born in Wash- ington Co., Ind., June 5, 1851. He is the son of Daniel and Mary Elizabeth (Masters) Wolford, and was brought to this county at the early age of 3 years. Feb. 22, 1877, is a memorable day in his life, for upon that date he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Wyckoff. Ida Ethel was born to them Dee. 27, 1878.

Cornelius Wyckoff, jr., dealer in hardware, farming implements, etc., was born Ang. 11, 1823, in Hunterdon Co., N. J., and came to Fulton Co, March 18, 1856. He learned the carriage-making trade in New York, but has spent the greater portion of his life farming. He was married Dec. 10, 1847, to Sarah V. Hagaman. They have a family of 5 children,-4 girls and one boy,-all of whom are liv- ing. He joined the Presbyterian Church in 1846, and ten years later united with the Reformed Church at Fairview, of which he has been Elder, and a member of the Town Board several times, and School Trustee in Joshua tp. for 11 years.

John P. Wyckoff, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., Fairview; was born in Somerset county, N. J., Sept. 7, 1842, and is the son of Simon and Mary Wyckoff. He came to Fulton county in 1864. He enlisted to defend our dear and sacred old flag in the 30th New Jersey In- fantry, Co. K, and served until 1863. He was Corporal and Color- bearer. He was united in marriage with Miss Addic Elkins Feb.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

6, 1866. Jennie, Bayard, Addie and Louis are their children. Mr. W. is a member of the Reformed Church, with which he united in 1872.

Simon Wyckoff was born in the State of New Jersey Sept. 10, 1806. He was the son of Simon and Sophia (Van Dorn) Wyckoff, and came to this county May 15, 1865. His education was limited to the common schools of Somerset county, N. J. He has engaged in farming almost all of his life ; but has retired and lives at his pleas- ant residence in Fairview, yet still owns a farm. He is one of those quiet good men whom every one respects and loves to honor. He was married Oct. 1, 1820, and has 8 children living,-5 boys and 3 girls. He united with the Reformed Church in 1827. Politically he is a Republican, but always desirous to vote for the best man.

S. T. Wyckoff, son of S. S. and Sarah Ann (Perbaseo) Wyckoff, was born in Hunterdon Co., N. J., Dec. 23, 1830. Eight years later he was brought to this county, where he has continued to reside since. He has generally engaged in agricultural pursuits, and at present owns a farm. He has, however, engaged for a period of 3 years in mercantile business at Fairview, where he now resides. He has served as School Director, and a member of the Town Board of Fairview for 6 years. He was married Sept. 15, 1859. He is a member of the Reformed Church.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

The following gentlemen have served the township in the various official capacities named. The years of serving are given, and where more than one date is opposite a name, covering a period of years, it indicates that the official served during the intervening years :

SUPERVISORS.

T. M. Morse 1850

T. M. Morse. 1867-69

W. T. Vandeventer. 1851-52

John Van Liew

1870

D. M. Wyckoff. 1853

H. M. B. Wilson 1871

Frederick Cruser. 1854-55

G. V. Polhemus. 1872-74

B. S. Ramsey

1856

James Davis. 1875-79

J. S. Downin

1857-66

TOWN CLERKS.

J. V. D. B. Van Dorn. 1850

Theodore Pumyea 1865

Daniel Groenendyke.

1851

J. S. Wyckoff

1866

J. V. D. B. Van Dorn.

1852

S. F. Slider 1867

J. H. Peirsol

1853

J. S. Wyckoff. 1868-70

D. M. Wyckoff 1854

J. N. Suydam. 1871

J. V. D. B. Van Dorn.

1855-59

Simon Wyckoff. 1872-73

J. S. Wyckoff.

1860-62

Ira H. Voorhees 1874

Edward Cox.

1863

J. F. McClain 1875-76

George Taylor

1864

Ira II. Voorhees

1877-79

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

ASSESSORS.

Peter Pumyea.

1850

John Tipton

1861-64

Frederick Cruser. 1851-53

David Shreves.

1865-72

Thomas Foster

1854

E. E. West.

1873-74

J. V. D. B. Van Dorn

1855-56

J. S. Downin.

1875

E. E. West ...

1857-60

E. E. West

1876-79

Archibald McCrea.

1860

COLLECTORS.

Edward Cox.

1850

H. M. B. Wilson 1870

Isaac Shreves.

1851

Abram

Voorhees

1871-72

J. S. Pumyca.

1852

J. H. Dunn.

1873-74

Isaac Shreves

1853

Abram Eldert.

1875

John Tipton

1854-60

Joseph Wyckoff

1876

E. E. West.

1861-62

J. V. D. Davis

1877

Asher Pratt.

1863-64

John Armstrong.

1878

John Tipton

1865-66

S. D. Alpaugh.

1879

S. V. Bobinson

1867-69

FARMERS' TOWNSHIP.

This township is well timbered and watered, and is underlaid with strata of excellent bituminous coal. The greater part of the surface is very broken, although the western and southern portion consists of gently undulating prairie, the soil of which is the regular Illinois prairie soil.

The first settler to locate in Farmers' township was John Barker, who came in 1829. For further information concerning him, we re- fer the reader to the personal sketches of John and Joseph Barker given further on.

The township received its name in this wise: The assessment made previous to the organization of the township in 1850 showed that the farmers in this community had produced more grain than any other precinet in the county. Accordingly, when the time came for naming the township some on account of this fact proposed the name of Wheatland. Others for the same reason suggested the name of Farmers'. This was received with greater favor and the name was adopted. Another version as to the origin of the name is re- lated by an old settler now residing in this township, as follows : "This was a good farming country," he said, "and almost every person who lived here was farmers, and we called the votin' pre- cinet Farmers' Precinct ; and when the township was organized we jist let it be the same." The first school in the township was taught by Miss Eleanor Rutledge, who afterwards became Mrs. John Barker. The first death to occur was that of Enos Rutledge, who was buried in the Barker Cemetery. Joseph Barker has been living in the town- ship longer than ony one else has. The first Church organized was of the Baptist denomination, and was organized June 9, 1835. The society afterwards erected a log house, which was used for both church and school purposes for many years. This building is still standing, owned by Thomas Walters, jr., and was used as a dwell- ing by him until the fall of 1879. The first school-house (a small log cabin) was erected in 1833. The benches were made of split logs and the floor of puncheons. The fire-place occupied one side of the house and the only window consisted of a log being removed from one side.

The St. Louis division of the C., B. & Q. railroad crosses one corner of the township, making its only town, Table Grove, a lively little business place.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

A very exciting incident is related by Peter Walters, of an en- counter his mother once had with a wild hog. In those early days the wild hogs were numerous and troublesome. While Mr. Walters was absent from home one day a hog came to the yard fence, and seeing the cow inside concluded to have some steak for dinner ; ac- cordingly he scaled the fence and assaulted the cow, and was in a fair way to succeed when Mrs. Walters seized the gun, ran out and shot the ferocious animal ; he ran off with but little if any dam- age, as she supposed, but was found dead near by soon afterward.

The above was not the only adventure that this heroine of Fulton county had during its pioneer days. In the very first days after the settlers came the Indians were not only numerous but very troublesome, especially in regard to begging and stealing. On one occasion, while on a begging tour, these pests stopped at the resi- dence of Mr. Walters, as usual, to ask for some meat. Now, Mrs. Walters was a very generous old soul, but at this particular time her meat supply was nearly exhausted ; hence she refused to give them any. Among the Indians was a very impudent squaw, who insisted beyond all reason that Mrs. W. should give them some meat. The generous woman finally concluded to give her a small piece, and went up stairs to procure the meat, when the squaw in- stantly followed. Mrs. Walters turned and told her to go back, but she persisted, and was pressing her way up the narrow ladder, when Mrs. Walters seized a loose board, which was lying on the upper floor, and dealt her such a blow that Mrs. Squaw came tumbling down to the floor, receiving many bruises. The Indians appreciated the good woman's kindness and admired her courage, which they all demonstrated with one voice, crying out, "White squaw heap big brave,-ha, ha, ha!" The squaw, greatly enraged, rose and drew her scalping-knife, threatening to kill Mrs. Walters; where- upon Mr. Walters interfered, seized the knife, drew it across her throat until the blood oozed out in places, and then taking her by the hair and an arm threw her headlong out of doors. Mrs. Wal- ters gave them the meat, when all left happy and satisfied, except the enraged squaw. The Walters family was not molested again.

It will be interesting to all our readers to learn of the encounter Mr. Enos Tarter once had with a deer. Nov. 17, 1851, while rid- ing home from a day's threshing with his machine, he discovered a very large deer crossing the road a short distance ahead. He thought that an excellent opportunity for having some fun, and ac- cordingly put spurs to his old horse that worked on the threshing machine, and came up to the deer in the tall grass, and attempted to strike him down with his knife, but it being blunt, he failed in that. Then he took the deer by the tail, and at this part of the drama the animal turned and horned the horse, which caused him to make a sudden turn, and Mr. Tarter was dragged off. Now, Mr. Tarter and the nimble deer had a close encounter, both fighting hard for their lives. They had it round and round, Mr. Tarter holding on to

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

his " tail hold," until they both found themselves head to heels in a ditch, with Mr. Tarter on top. Every time the deer tried to rise up he pressed his enemy against the overhanging turf, render- ing his efforts fruitless. Finally, about 10:30 P. M., he killed the deer, and reached home at 11 o'clock, with a pair of pants and a piece of a shirt on. He still carries a sore on his head from a wound he received by the hoof of the animal in this conflict. The horns of this deer are still on exhibition in the office of the County Treasurer in Lewistown.

Mr. Tarter, on another occasion, caught a deer by the fore leg as it was jumping over the fence.

Laurel Hill, more commonly known as Table Grove, is situated on a beautiful eminence, overlooking as fine prairie country to the north and west as human eve ever beheld. This is a thrifty little - village of about 300 inhabitants, containing more enterprising busi- ness men, doubtless, than any village of like dimensions in the State of Illinois. It was founded in 1838 by James Spicer, Benja- min Windham and Caleb Dilworth. James Spicer built the first house, which he sold to John Bartholomew in 1841. The first store was kept by Wm. Lovell. Then came the era of schools and churches. A school-house was erected in 1845, in which the well- remembered Simon Breed taught the first school. This was during the days when the rod and ferule were swayed by all pedagogues as indispensable disciplinarians. As early as 1851 there was a Church organization in the Grove, of which we speak below. The village now contains 7 business houses, besides a good hotel, 2 meat markets, 2 shoe shops, a saddle and harness shop, 2 milliner shops, a wagon and paint-shop, a blacksmith shop, a well-stocked lumber yard and a flouring mill.

CHURCHES.

Table Grore Christian Church was founded and organized upon the third Lord's Day of June, 1851, by Elder J. H. Hughes, now deceased, with Wm. Me Daniel, Elder ; Asa Harland, G. F. Hen- drickson, Deacons. This society worshiped in the old school-house in the Grove until the erection of the new school-house in 1845, when the latter was used until the erection of the present structure by the society. This congregation grew and prospered and became one of the largest and most influential in the county. The sad hour of trouble, however, visited it, and during the last two or three years it has suffered materially. For many years Elder Henry Smither officiated as Pastor of this Church.

Table Grove Universalist Church was organized Feb. 22, 1868, with 51 members. The first officials were : Trustees-Thomas Berry, J. R. Harris, J. H. Harris, Orian Moore, and Nelson Whedon ; George Hughes, Treasurer; and G. W. Battin, Clerk. Rev. John Hughes was first Pastor. The founding of this Church was

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

the result of a debate held here between Rev. J. Hughes and Elder J. C. Reynolds, of Macomb. The congregation has a beautiful church edifice located in Table Grove. The building and grounds are valued at $7,000. The present membership is 107.

PERSONAL HISTORY.

The personal history of Farmers' township is both interesting and instructive, and we will not fail to record it. It would give us pleasure to speak even at greater length than we do, but the large number and limited space forbids.

Sarah Abernathy ; P. O., Table Grove; was born in Sangamon Co., Ill., Dee. 25, 1830. Her father, Samuel Powell, was a native of Ohio, and an early settler,-in fact one of the first settlers of Sangamon county. Her mother, Elizabeth Powell, was also a native of Ohio: both are now dead. Her educational advantages were very limited. She was married to John Abernathy Dec. 18, 1853, in Fulton Co. They had 7 children, of whom 6 are living, viz : James L., Mary E., Joseph A., Wm. H., Geo. C. and Samuel M. Her husband, John Abernathy, was born in Ross Co., O., Nov. 15, 1824, and was the son of James Abernathy, a native of Va., and came to Fulton Co. with his family when John was but 12 years old, which was in 1836. They settled in Farmers' township, where John resided, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser until his death, which occurred Jan. 11, 1869. He was an enterprising man, well respected by his friends and neighbors. Mary E. Abernathy resides with her mother and brother.

Dr. A. J. Bacon was born in MeDonough Co., III., Sept. 23, 1836; received a common-school education ; reared on a farm until he was 21 years old, when he began reading medicine; in the win- ter of 1859-60 attended the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, O .; in March, 1860, he began the practice of medicine, locating in Ipava, where he remained one year, and then removed to Table Grove, where he has sinee practiced with good success. He

graduated at the Rush Medical College in Chicago in 1865. He married, in 1857, Miss M. Durham, by whom he had one daughter, Carrie, now the wife of John Leonard, of this place. Mrs. Bacon died in 1860, and Mr. B. married again May 4, 1863, and they have one child, Nellie, now 13 years of age. Mr. Bacon's father, Charles Bacon, was one of the first settlers in MeDonough county, and like others, suffered many hardships and privations in paving the way for the future prosperity of their family.

Chas. E. Barker, sec. 7, Farmers' tp .; P. O., Table Grove; was born April 4, 1842, in this township, the son of John Barker, the first settler here. He was accustomed to the lot of pioneer boys, and hence his educational advantages were very limited. He owns a half interest in 300 acres of land, and is a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Farmers' township. He was married April 19, 1866, to Mary E. Pontious, daughter of Andrew Pontious, of

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

Page Co., Iowa. They have 5 children living,-Leonard W., Ira C., Willie L., Harry and Perry, besides one deceased.

Geo. R. Barker was born in Farmers' tp. Aug. 26, 1838; son of Joseph Barker, mentioned a little further on. Like other pioneer boys, he was familiar with hunting deer, wolves and other wild animals that were then so numerous in Illinois. His educational advantages were limited. Mr. Barker was raised to hard work, having cleared a great deal of land ont of the brush. He is now a farmer comfortably situated, owning a half interest in 300 acres of valuable land. He was married Jan. 16, 1862, to Margaret C. Frizzell, daughter of Johnsy Frizzell, of MeDonough county. They have had 9 children, of whom 7 are living, viz: Luella, Ezra L., Lewis F., Emily C., Carrie, Lucy M. and an infant girl. Sec. 7, Farmers' tp. ; P. O., Table Grove.

John W. Barker was born in Pike Co., O., April 15, 1819. His father brought his family to Illinois when our subject was but 6 months old. While they lived at Fort Clark there were but 3 white families there. For further particulars of their removals, etc., see biography of his brother Joseph Barker, next mentioned. His father, John Barker, came to this township in '27, leaving his fam- ily on Totten's Prairie, except John and his mother whom he brought along with him. John was quite small, but has vivid recollections of sleeping in an old Indian wigwam, and of seeing his father break prairie with an ox team. The old gentleman planted several acres of sod corn, but reaped nothing from it, as the wild hogs destroyed the entire erop. John W. was married, in 1841, to Rachel Harris, by whom he had 2 children,-Warren and Harriet. Mrs. Barker died Dec. 1, 1842. He again married in 1849, this time to Eliza S. Brand, by whom he had 8 children,-Mary J., La- fayette, John S., William M. (deceased) and Geo. M., twins, Frank- lin (deceased), Wm. F. and Sarah E. Wm. F. and Sarah E. are at home with their father. Mrs. Barker died Feb. 18, 1877. Mr. Barker owns 240 acres of valuable land, and is a successful farmer and stock-raiser.

Joseph Burker, sec. 18, Farmers' tp .; P. O., Table Grove. The Barkers were the first settlers in Farmers' township. Their nearest neighbors were the Tottens in Cass tp., a distance of 9 miles. He was born in Pike Co., O., Oct. 30, 1816. His parents brought him to Fort Clark, where Peoria now stands, in 1819; there they re- sided until 1827, when they removed to Totten's Prairie in Cass township, and in 1829, as before stated, became the first pioneers of Farmers' township. Mr. Barker is a hale old gentleman of 63 years, making a full hand at the different employments on the farm. He owns a well improved farm of 129 acres of very fertile land. He was married Feb. 21, 1844, to Priscilla MeKinzey, and they have had 10 children, of whom 5 are living, viz : Roanna (wife of James E. Brand, of Farmers' tp.), Elizabeth E. (wife of Isaac Pickle, of Guthrie, Ia.), JJosephine (wife of Benton MeCance, of

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

Harris tp.), Daniel E. and Joseph M. Mr. B. has always been, and is still a prosperous farmer.

Lafayette Barker, P. O., Table Grove ; res., sec. 17, Farmers' tp .; was born in Fulton Co. April 23, 1851, son of John W. Barker. Mr. Barker received a common-school education in Fulton Co., after which he attended the Business College of St. Joseph, Mo., and graduated there Nov. 2, 1870. He was married, May 7, 1874, to Frances Steel, daughter of Graft Steel, formerly of Bushnell. This union has been blessed with three children, viz : Ora M., Melvin and Bessie. Mr. B. is a prominent school-teacher of this township and parts of MeDonough Co. He is at present farming, yet his old school patrons are constantly requesting him to resume teaching.

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History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 66

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