USA > Illinois > Fulton County > History of Fulton county, Illinois > Part 87
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A. Cruisen, harness and shoemaker, Cuba, was born in Hanover township, Licking Co., O., July 11, '23, and is the son of Francis and Catherine (Ryne) Cruisen, of Pennsylvania. In 1849 he came to this county, where he engaged in farming. This occupation he was compelled to abandon on account of being afflicted with rheumatism, which he did in 1854. Jan. 6, '46, he was married to Nancy Irwin, who bore him 3 children. She died Nov. 25, '55. He was united in marriage the second time March 16, '57, with Sarah Wheeler, daughter of an old settler. She is a member of the Christian Church.
Henry De Graff, barber, Cuba; was born at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Jan. 15, '43, and is the son of Joseph and Catharine (Hews) De Graff, of New York. He first came to this county in 1847, was taken to Iowa and returned in 1850, since which time this has been his home. He also is a blacksmith by trade, as well as a barber. He has worked at the former trade with his father, who was also a blacksmith. He enlisted in the 103d Ill. Inf. Oet. 2, '62, under Capt. Vandevander, of Canton. Was mustered out July 5, '66, at Chicago. He took part in every engagement his company did save one. He married Miss Nancy Hasty Aug. 16, '66. Margaret Ellen and Mattie Viola are their 2 children.
George W. Downs, farmer, sec. 13; P. O., Civer; came to this county in 1857 at the age of 8 years, and was educated in the com- mon schools of this county. He was born in Knox county, O., Sept. 20, '49, and is the son of Theophilus and Catharine (Mans- field) Downs. His father was a native of Maryland, and died here on the farm in 1870, and his mother was born in the Buckeye State. George was married in Lewistown on the 9th of Oct., 1873, to Sarah O. Bryant. Their only child is named Charles Franklin.
Harriet Efnor .- This lady resides upon sec. 8, upon the fine estate of the late George Efnor. P. O. address, Cuba.
John H. Emry was born in Joshua township, this county, in 1841, Dee. 25, and was a Christmas present to his parents, David F. and Catharine (Alms) Emry, who were married on New Year's Day of that year. His father was from Ohio and his mother a native of Pennsylvania. They reside in Canton township. At the outbreak of the war Mr. E. enlisted in the 67th Ill. Inf. and was discharged at Camp Douglas in Oct., '62. On the 4th of Dec., '67, in Canton, he was married to Harriet E. Vaughan, who was born May 27, '45.
871
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
They have a family of 6 children : Effie, Daisy, Rosa, Frank Lee, Ralph and the baby. Mr. E. resides on sec. 1; P. O., Civer.
P. W. Gallager, attorney at law, Cuba, was a native of Liver- pool, England, where he was born July 1, 1852; parents were Wm. and Mary (Rifferty) Gallager, the first a native of County Mayo, the last of County Roscommon, Ireland. They came to the United States in 1854, bringing a family of two children, locating the same year at Canton this county. The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the Canton high school; in 1868 he went into the office of the Canton Ledger to learn the printing business, remaining there about three years ; he then commenced the study of law in the office of J. L. Murphy, Esq., of Canton ; read law for five years ; while studying law he taught school for 4 terms in this county ; was in 1873 elected Police Magistrate of Canton, to fill a vacancy ; served two years; then was elected Justice of the Peace ; Sept. 18, '75, he was admitted to the Bar by the Supreme Court, then in ses- sion at Ottawa ; has been located at Cuba for the past four years. Mr. G. has probably as large a practice as any lawyer of his age in the county, having been unusually successful. We give his portrait.
John George, farmer. Mr. G. came to the county in 1854 and settled on sec. 10, Putman township, and resides there to the present time. He was born in Brooke county, W. Va., June 16, '31. His parents, Thomas and Sarah (McCamant) George, died in this county. Mr. G. enlisted in the 7th Ill. Cav. under Capt. Herring, in 1862; served till July, '65. His wife, Henrietta Fanning, was born in this county on the 6th day of Nov., '47. They were married in this township Sept. 25, '73. Harry, born July 25, '75, and Mary, born Sept. 8, '77, are their children. Mr. G.'s P. O. is Civer.
Sumner L. Gorham, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Civer. Among those who did valiant service for his country in the hour of her great peril was the subject of this sketch. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. E, 103d Ill. Inf., under Capt. F. C. Post and served till July 1, '65. He participated in every battle his regiment did and did not receive a seratch. He was never in a hospital and was not away from his regi- ment a day during the 3 years. Mr. G. was born in Ashland county, O., Oct. 31, '43, and is the son of Nathan and Roxana (Charlton) Gorham, of the Bay State, both of whom are living in this township. In 1868 Mr. G. was married to Susanna MeCrary, a native of Ful- ton county, and who was born in 1851. Their children are Addic, born in 1869, and Fannie, born in 1871.
Francis M. Grigsby, brickmaker, Cuba, was born near Lewistown, this county, June 19, 1840. His mother, Doreas Grigsby, nee Col- lins, was a native of Ohio, and his father, William Grigsby, was born in Kentucky. Francis attended the country schools, and also the seminary at Lewistown. He has engaged in farming and also in the mercantile business. In 1861, July 21, he enlisted in Co. F, 8th Ill. Inf., and participated in all of the battles the noble 8th did save one. He is a Justice of the Peace. He was married Oct. 3,
872
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
1870, to Josephine Davett. Grace, born Oct. 16, 1873, is their only child. Both he and his wife belong to the M. E. Church. Mr. G. is an active member in the Order of United Workmen, and in the I. O. of O. F.
J. W. Harper. During the dark days of our country, when our flag was assailed by traitor hands, J. W. Harper shouldered his musket and went to the front. He served for 3 years in Co. K, 103rd Ill. Inf., and was in all the battles the regiment participated in except one, when he was siek. Mr. H. was born in Licking Co., O., May 12, 1843. His father, Andrew Harper, was a native of the Keystone State, and at present lives in Iowa. His mother, Sarah Ann Laws, died in 1854 or '55. J. W. was brought to this county in 1849 and has since lived here. He was never sued, nor did he ever sue a man ; was never on the witness stand, never was on a jury and never held an office. He is engaged in farming on sec. 11, P. O., Civer.
Stephen Hayden, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Civer; was born in the Empire State April 15, 1840, and is the son of Nathaniel and Sarah Hayden. At the age of 4 years he was brought to this county, where in the subscription and common schools he received his edu- cation. He enlisted in the 155th Ill. Inf. in 1865, and was dis- charged at Springfield in 1866. He was Corporal and promoted to Sergeant. He has filled several local offices. He was married to Oes Fanning in 1869. Austin H., born July 4, 1869, is their only child. Mrs. H. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
J. H. Heller was born in Ohio Dec. 1, 1815. His father, John Heller, was a native of the Keystone State, while his mother, Balenda Heller, nee Vananker, was born in New Jersey. Mr. H. came to this county in 1835 and settled upon section 19 of Putman township. He owns 461 acres of land, and his children attend to his farms while he resides in town, elerking. Mr. H. does not exaet any rent from them other than to pay the taxes and keep the improvements up. He gained his education principally in the State of Ohio in the log school-house, seated upon slab benches. When he came to the township he thinks its population was not over 100. He has held about all of the local offices, serving in some for many years. In Jan., 1839, he was married to Hannah Baughman. Only 3 of the 6 children she has borne are living : Elizabeth, Daniel and Cyrus.
Joseph R. Herring; farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Civer ; was born Ang. 27, 1819, at Baltimore, Md .; parents were Thomas and Hannah (Burnett) Herring. His father was accidentally killed at sea. He was first mate of the vessel upon which he lost his life. His mother died in Maryland. Joseph R. came to this State in 1835, and has lived on his present farm ever since. He enlisted in Co. K, 7th Ill. Cav., in 1861, as Lieut. ; was promoted to Captain and Major. He was wounded in the battle of Corinth, and again in the battle near Summerville, Tenn., and, singularly, was wounded in the same
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2. W. Gallagher
J.K. Welch H 20
CUBA
LIVIANY OF THE IVERSITY OF ILLINOIS,
875
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
place - in the left arm-both times. In 1846 he was united in marriage with Margaret Moran, who was born in Maryland in 1815. Their children are Hannah, Nelson, Josephine and Maggie. Mr. H. owns 490 acres of land, 150 acres of which he has improved himself. We give the portraits of the Major and wife.
Jacob Mowery, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Cuba. Mr. M. is a native of the grand old Keystone State, having been born there Dec. 28, 1810; is the son of Peter and Polly (Shover) Mowery. Mr. M. at- tended school in the old log school-house in his native State. He landed in this county in June of 1838. He learned the black- smithing trade, working 3 years as an apprentice. In 1841 all of his tools were sold by the Constable to pay a security debt. He has met with success since, however, and is now the possessor of 600 acres of land. He was married Dec. 20, 1843. His children number 4: Elizabeth Ellen, America, Mahlon and Judia Caroline. We give Mr. M.'s portrait.
Elder Solomon Neff was born in 1814 in Virginia, and is the son of Christian and Anna (Hamaker) Neff. He attended the common schools and also a college of Ohio. Elder Neff is a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church ; he is traveling in that capacity at present. He has been preaching the Gospel with success for 41 years, and has organized several Churches and Sunday-schools in the State of Ills. He was pastor of the Pleasant Grove Church (south of Cuba) for 14 years, and for 13 years held pastorate over a Church in Ashland Co., O. He has been Town Clerk of Putman and Su- pervisor of Cass township : He was married to Alletha Bailey May 23, 1838, who bore him 6 children, 5 of whom are living all are married and 4 living in Fulton Co. The Elder is a self-sacrificing worker for the Master's cause. P. O., Cuba.
B. Newton was born in this tp. Jan. 26, 1842, son of Dr. Charles and Mahala (Louderback), natives of Ct. and Penn., respectively. The subject of this paragraph was educated in the common school ; Aug. 19, 1860, he married Phobe Barkley, and now has 4 children, all living. He is a farmer on sec. 14, has been successful, and now owns 60 acres. In 1862 he enlisted in the 70th Ill. Inf., and re- enlisted in 1864 in the 148th ; was Corporal. Since the war he has been School Director and Constable.
Isaac Newton, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 11; is the son of Charles and Mahala (Louderback) Newton, and was born in Put- man tp., Aug. 14, 1836, and has never lived 3 miles from where he lives now. His father died about 20 years ago and his mother lives in Canton. In 1864 Mr. N. was drafted to serve in the war, but hired a substitute whom he gave $1,000 to take his place. He was united in marriage with Rebecca Cluts at Bernadotte, this county. There has been born to them 5 sons and 2 daughters: Charles J., Phebe, Caroline, deceased, A. Lincoln, Frank, Oliver and John.
Daniel Oriatt. One of the oldest settlers of the county is our present subject. He was born in Ohio Oct. 18, 1817, and came to
51
876
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
Fulton Co. in 1831 and has lived here since. His father, Elisha, was a native of New York and died in this county Oct. 16, 1847, aged 58 years. His mother died here in 1873. Daniel enlisted in Co. E, 103d Ill. Inf., in 1862 and served till 1865. He was wounded at the battle of Mission Ridge. There was but one house between where he lives and Canton when he settled there nearly a half century ago. He resides on sec. 3, engaged in farming ; P. O., Civer.
HI. C. Owen was born in Orange Co., N. Y., Ang. 24, '25, and is the son of John and Caroline (Horten) Owen. Mr. O. came into Adams Co., Ill., in 1837, and to this county in 1849. He learned the cooper's trade with his father and for 'many years work- ed at it, but during the past 11 years he has been engaged in farm- ing. Mr. O. took part in the Mormon war of 1846. On Christ- mas of 1852 he received as a present the hand of Miss Margaret Duryea in marriage. Jenette, Charles, Juline and Abraham are the names of their children. Mr. O. is a member of the M. E. Church. P. O., Cuba.
G. S. Pittman, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Civer ; was born in Ful- ton, Penn., Nov. 25, '47, son of John and Caroline M. (Avers), also natives of Pennsylvania ; came to Fulton Co. in 1858 ; educated in a common school here ; has 80 acres of land, and as a farmer has been moderately successful; has been Justice of the Peace; is a Democrat, and a member of the U. B. Church ; married March 5, '74, and his children are: Charles M., who died Dec. 5, 1876, and Kate L.
John Pittman. There was born to Mary (Sipe) and Richard Pitt- man, while living in Bedford Co., Pa., and on Nov. 12, 1821, a son, the subject of this sketch. His parents were natives of the Keystone State. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1853 and to Ful- ton Co. in 1857, and has since resided here. He has served as School Director 14 years, and Constable, Justice of the Peace, Com- missioner of Highways and Supervisor. Mr. P. never subscribed but for one book in his life, that the History of Fulton Co., Ill. He was married Aug. 27, '44, in Fulton Co., Pa. He married his second wife, Elizabeth Kimes, in Putman tp., Fulton Co., Ill., April 9, '65. He has 4 children. Mr. P. is engaged in farming on see. 13 and owns 240 acres. P. O., Civer.
Charles Putman. Of the numerous members of this time-honor- ed family, Charles is engaged in agricultural pursuits upon sec. 1; P. O., Civer.
Francis Putman was born in Putman township, Fulton Co., Oct. 27, '37. His parents, Harrison and Malinda (Fonts) Putman, now reside in Canton. Francis enlisted in the 7th Ill. Cav. at Peoria Ang. 20, '62, discharged July 12, '65. He was with Capt. Herring when he was wounded the last time ; was also on Grierson's famous raid, and on detached duty twice for a short time. In February, 1866, at Canton, he was united in marriage with Clara Sanders, who
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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
was born Feb. 25, '42. They have a family of 1 boy and 3 girls,- Flora, Fannie, Mary Bell and Harrison C.
George C. Putman, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Civer. G. C. Put- man, son of Reading and Stacy (Combs) Putman, was born in In- diana Oct. 3, '14. In 1821 he was brought to this county, where, in the primitive schools of pioneer times, he obtained his education. He has held local offices, and in 1834 was married to Charlotte Crosthwait, who bore him 10 children,-8 boys and 2 girls,-7 of whom are living. Three of the sons are dead, one of them being killed in the army.
W. K. Sanders, farmer, sec. 15; P. O .; Civer; was born in this township Jan. 7, '52, son of Augustus H. and Martha J. (Brush), father a native of New York and mother of Missouri ; father came to this county in 1832. In 1877 Mr. W. K. Sanders married Alice Sanders, and their children are Lanra, born July 23, '78, and Fred., Aug. 26, '79. Mr. S. is a Democrat, and as a farmer has been moderately successful.
Velorus Smith, farmer and teamster, sec. 21; P. O., Cuba. Mr. Smith stepped forward to defend his country in hours of danger,- when she was assailed by rebel hands. He enlisted in Co. D, 70th Ill. Inf., in 1762, and served till close of term. He was born in Union Co., O., Feb. 28, 1842, and is the son of William and Mary -Thomas-Smith. He received his education in Delaware, O. In 1869 was married to Martha Laswell. All the children given them -4 boys and one girl-are living. Mrs. S. is a member of the Christian Church.
Eli B. Sterenson is worthy a notice in a work like this. He was born in Ross Co., O., July 20, 1833, and was brought to this county 5 years later, where he has continued to reside. His father and mother were John and Catherine - Black -Stevenson, of Mary- land. Mr. S. was married in '56, Oet. 30th, at Cuba, to Miss Ellen Waldron, who was born in Warren Co., Ill., in 1840. He is an active member of the M. E. Church. He is one of the Trustees and Steward, and has served as Superintendent of the Sunday- school. Mr. S. has a nice farm on sec. 36, which he and his good wife have made themselves. When they settled there it was in a wilderness. P. O., Bryant.
John Still is a native of Germany and came to this county in '50, and has resided here since. He was born on the 2d of Feb., '27. His parents were John and Mary Still, Germans. John learned to speak English at Sunday-school. He first learned cabinet-making and carpentering, but is now farming, and owns 2 farms, both of which he made by his own exertion. He was joined in matrimony with Rebacca Bay, a native of Ireland, who was born in the year 1828. They are the parents of 3 children : Arthur, Reson, John and William D. His postoffice is Civer.
D. Stirrat, merchant, Cuba, was born in Scotland, Feb. 23, '36, and is the son of James and Kate Stirrat. He came into this
878
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
county in '65, and has engaged largely in coal-mining and has his coal works at Cuba, where, besides this interest and running a gen- eral store, he owns the hotel of the place. He was married in '58, and has 2 children, - Elizabeth and James. Mr. S. has succeeded in life by his own personal exertions and energy.
John Stockbarger, farmer, see. 16; P. O., Cuba, was born in Penn- sylvania on the 29th of Aug., 1811, and is the son of Michael and Catharine Stockbarger. He came to this county in 1856. He has been exceedingly unfortunate in meeting with accidents. Aug. 20, 1872, he was run over by the cars, breaking an arm and a leg. Again in 1878 he was run over. In 1844 he was united in mar- riage to Mary Watson, who bore him 7 children-4 boys and 3 girls, all living, and 3 of them are married.
Milburne Swearingen. This gentleman is engaged in agricultural pursuits on sec. 8. P. O., Cuba.
Jonathan M. Thomas, retired farmer, Cuba, was born in Sanga- mon Co., Ill., Feb. 10, 1836. His parents, Nathan and Sarah (Lott) Thomas, were natives of Kentucky. Jonathan was brought to Fulton Co. in March of the year of his birth. Here he received such learning as the schools of his boyhood afforded. He has held many of the local official positions, and in 1857, Aug. 21, he was mar- ried. Hattie M., born July 30, 1860, is the only living one of 3 children. He attends the United Brethren Church.
Berintha Thompson, reliet of A. C. Thompson, whom she married in Sept. 1834, and who died Sept. 15, 1863. There were born to them 11 children, 8 of whom are living,-3 boys and 5 girls. Mrs. T. was born in Yates Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Allen and Eagleton- - - -. Mrs. T. has proven herself to be a woman possessing unusual business capacities. For 16 years she has man- aged a large farm consisting of 322 aeres at present. She has pur- chased 320 acres of land since she has been a widow. P. O. address, Canton.
J. E. Turner, farmer, see. 12; P. O. Civer. On the 3d day of June, 1840, in Putman tp., the subject of this sketch was born to Samuel and Sarah (Brooking) Turner. His father died in this Co. in 1867 and his mother in 1870. His father came from New York to Illinois in 1835. Mr. T. was educated in the common schools of this county and has held several of the local offices. He has a finely-improved farm, well drained with tiling. Oet. 6, 1863, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Turner, who was born June 3, 1844. The birthday anniversary of both himself and wife oe- eur on the same day. Henry, Carrie, Carroll and Sadie are their children.
James K. Welch, M. D., Cuba, whose portrait we give in this book, was born in Nelson Co., Ky., Sept. 4, 1845, and is the son of James W. and Mary (Swazey) Welch, both of Kentucky. His father died July 27, 1878, in McDonongh Co., Ill. ; his mother at the same place in 1859. Dr. W. was brought into the State at the
879
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
age of 3 years, and was educated at Blandinsville. He received his professional education at the Iowa Medical University, graduating in 1865, and June of the following year located at Cuba and has continued in practice to the present. He served as President of the Town Board, and was in the hospital service 8 months. His first wife was Hulinda Clayberry, the mother of 2 of his girls. She died Sept. 23, 1874. He married E. E. Wilson, Feb. 21, 1878. They have one child, a son.
TOWNSIIIP OFFICIALS.
The following is a list of the township officials serving since the organization of the township, together with the years of serving :
SUPERVISORS.
H. S. Hyatt. 1850-51
Inman Blackaby 1867-69
Wilson Bolen
1852
Albert U. Birch 1870
John Riley
1853
T. J. Peirsol. 1871
Jesse Burr ..
1854
Simon C. Burbridge 1872
Absalom Maxwell
1855
Daniel Heller. 1873
W. N. Cline.
1856 58
H. C. Berry
1874
Alex. Hull
1859
A. S. Fuller
1875-76
Absalom Maxwell
1860
John Pittman
1877-78
Geo. Efnor
1861-62
Inman Blackaby
1879
H. S. Hyatt
1863-66
TOWN CLERKS.
W. N. Cline
1850-55
P. H. Snively 1868
Jos. T. Warner
1856
T. J. Peirsol
1869
Solomon Neff
1857
John W. Bowen 1870
J. W. Hall.
1858
John M. Heller
1871
Albertis Niekell 18 9
Joseph Harmison
1872-74
William Morgan
1860
H. M. Smith
1875
M. C. Stoner
1861
Stephen Call
1876-78
Albertis Nickell
1862
Cyrus Heller
1879
J. K. Harmison.
1863-67
ASSESSORS.
A. Nickell
1850
J. H. Heller 1868-69
J. R. Herring.
1851
James George 1870
A. Nickell.
1852-53
Francis Putman 1871.
J. R. Herring 1854
John Pittman
1872-73
W. B. Mesler
1856
Inman Blackaby 1874
J. H. Heller
1857-58
J. C. Cline. 1875
H. Putman
1859
J. H. Heller. 1876-77
J. H. Heller
1860-66
Joseph Harmison
1878-79
Win. Clayberg.
1867
COLLECTORS.
T. J. Walters
1850-51
J. C. Cline 1867
A. Nickell
1852
Alex. Shaw 1869
H. Wright.
1856
Simon P. Henry 1870
William Belford 1857
Isaac Porter 1871
J. H. Heller 1858-60
J. M. Heller 1872
R C. Thomas.
1861
Samuel Clayberg 1873
J. H. Heller
1862
S. L. Gorham .. 1874
A. H. Sanders
1863
J. C. Hedrick 1875
T. J. Walters
1864
Ira Porter
1876-77
Inman Blackaby
1865
1. J. Mosher 1878
J. H. Heller
1866
J. E. Turner
1879
UNION TOWNSHIP.
Union township was first settled by Robert Grant, Isaac Hulick and a Mr. Betson, who located in 1829 on seetion 12, near where the ancient town of Troy stood. Job Babbitt settled on the same section in 1831. The first Justice was James Ogden. Rev. Mr. Betson preached the first sermon. Melinda Babbitt was baptized at Troy in 1832, which was the first baptism in the township, and also the first in Cedar creek. The first married was John Rogers to Miss Taylor. Mary Ogden was the first child born in the town- ship. The first death was a son of Rev. Mr. Betson. Among the early pioneers who settled in this township prior to 1838 were Rev. Richard Haney, Stephen Tompkins, Job Babbitt, John Gal- let, and others. Jonathan Babbitt is the oldest pioneer now living in the township. The first school in Union township was taught by John Parkerson in 1836, in old St. Augustine. The first mill was built by Nathaniel B. Childs in 1833. For further history, see his- tory of Avon, biographies, sketch of the Churches, etc.
TROY.
The town of Troy was founded by Nathaniel B Childs, in 1833. It was a prosperous town in the days of ox carts and mule teams, but has mouldered away since the advent of railroads in Fulton county.
ST. AUGUSTINE.
This village was founded in 1836 by Smith and Mattingla. It was an enterprising little town, but there being no suitable place for a depot, new St. Augustine was founded near by in Knox county, on the completion of the C., B. & Q. Railroad, and like many other once fortunate places old St. Augustine is one of the towns of the past.
AVON.
This lovely little village is situated in the western part of Union township, on the C., B. & Q. Railroad, and was founded March 5, 1854, by R. Woods, O. H. Woods and D. N. Wright, and now has a population of about one thousand inhabitants. The town of Avon was chartered March 8, 1867, by a special act of the Legislature, and the first corporate election was held the same year, at which the following officers were elected : D. H. Small, President ; J. L. Coe,
881
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
L. H. Hewett, A. J. Churchill, and M. R. Gutridge, Trustees ; Simon Stevens, Police Magistrate ; J. W. Frampton, Clerk. The first name of the town was Woodville, but in 1843 an application was made for a postoffice, and as there was an office of that name in Adams county, the town and office were changed to, Woodstock. On April 4, 1852, the Postmaster General, James Campbell, changed the name to Avon, as the county seat of McHenry county had also the name of Woodstock. The first postmaster was Stephen Tomp- kins, who held the office 7 years. It is said that he at first kept the postoffice in his hat, so that he would not have to leave his work when any person called for mail, as he was a shoemaker, and was very busy.
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