USA > Illinois > Greene County > History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois > Part 106
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IHISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
he went to Missouri, where he remained until 1872, engaged in bridge carpenter- ing for the Iron Mountain R. R. Co. He then came to this state, worked at his trade at various points, then, in 1874, came to this county and settled in Rockbridge township, where he has since resided and followed his trade. Mr. Mineh is much respected in the neighborhood in which he resides, and, in politics, is a republican.
Charles F. James, a native of Freder- ick county, Va., and a son of Daniel and Ann James, was born in the year 1834. He learned the machinist trade at Harper's Ferry, and when 17 years of age, went to St. Louis, Mo., and worked at his trade. In 1854 he came to Greene county, Ill., and settled in Rockbridge township, where he still resides. Aug. 5, 1858, he was united in marriage with Emily Kirby, a native of this county. They were the parents of two children- Winfield, who died in July, 1860, and Henry T., who died in January, 1882. Mrs. James died Jan. 26, 1870, and Mr. James was again married, in 1871, to Martha Haynes, widow of Thomas .Haynes, and the daughter of J. M. Washburn of this township. She is the mother of one child, by her former hus- band-Richard E. who is engaged in farming in Roekbridge township. Mr. James' father died when C. F. was quite young, and he was left to shift for him- self. He is now the possessor of 101 acres of land, all improved. In politics, he is a republican.
Wm. M. Stringer, a native of Ken- tucky, was born April 6, 1807, being a son of Elizabeth Stringer, now deceased. The father died when William was a mere child. When 10 years of age,
William directed his footsteps westward, in company with his uncle, and located in Madison county, INl., where, for six years, he was engaged on a farm. His mother had married a second time, and, while a resident here, he received in- formation of the death of his step-father. He then returned to his Kentucky home and took charge of the home farm. He was there married, in 1829, to Elizabeth Joslyn, a daughter of Elindor Joslyn. In 1829, William, in company with his mother and family, removed to this state, and settled in Seott county, near Winchester. In 1833, he removed to this county, and one year later entered 40 acres of land in Roekbridge town- ship, where he built a cabin, and lived the life of a pioneer for a number of years. We cannot describe in detail the hardships endured by Mr. Stringer, but, suffice it to say, that his present competence was acquired by persistent energy. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stringer, two of whom are now living-Leroy and Levy, the latter having enlisted at the breaking out of the war, and served through the Rebel- lion as lieutenant.
Leroy Stringer, the oldest son of Wm. M. and Elizabeth (Joslyn) Stringer, is a native of Greene county, Ill., having been born here on the 10th day of Jan., 1850, and has always been a resident of the county. He was united in mar- riage, in 1875, with Naney Abner, a na- tive of this state. Their union has been blessed by two children-James Melvin and an infant, as yet unnamed. Mr. Stringer received his education in the distriet schools of his native county. He, at present, is the possessor of 99 acres of good land, all of which is in a
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
good state of cultivation, and he carries on general farming. Leroy is a kind, genial gentleman, and stands high in the community in which he was raised, and now resides.
Thomas Plogger was born in Virginia, and was a son of John and Martha (Morris) Plogger, both of whom were also natives of Virginia. Thomas was reared on a farm, and received his edu- cation in the district schools of his na- tive state. He came to Greene county, Ill., in 1857, and located on section 28, Rockbridge township, where he still resides, owns 80 acres of land, and car- ries on general farming. In 1863, Thomas Plogger and Mary Coonrod were united in marriage. By their mar- riage four children were born to them- Martha V., wife of Edward Kimbro of Greenfield; John H., at home; Charles T., died at the age of seven years; and William, who died in infancy. Mrs. Plogger died in the month of October, 1872, and Mr. Plogger was again mar- ried in September, 1874, to Sarah Craw- ford, a native of this state. By this marriage they have had five children born to them-Oscar, died in infancy; Lincoln died in infancy; Rosa II., How- ard and Virgil at home. Mr. Plogger enlisted in the 91st Ill. Inf. in August, 1862, and served his country three years. He participated in the siege of Mobile, Ala., but had previously taken a part in the Mississippi campaign. He has held the offices of road supervisor and school director in his district, and gave entire satisfaction. Mr. and Mrs. Plogger are consistent members of the M. E. church. John Plogger, the father of our subject, departed this life in Rockbridge town- ship in 1861, and his wife, Martha, fol-
lowed him to the other shore one year later, and both were deeply mourned by their family and numerous friends.
Moses Freer, who was born in this county in 1846, was a son of Elias and Lucy A. (Turwelligar) Freer, both of whom were natives of Ulster county, N. Y. They came to Illinois in an early day, and settled in Pike county, where they remained one year and then came to Rockbridge township, Greene county. Mr. Freer remained a resident of the township up to the time of his death, in 1878, he having attained the ripe old age of 78 years. Ilis wife is still living on the old homestead, and is now in her 68th year. Moses Freer was united in marriage, in 1861, with Mar- garet Winters, a native of this county, and the daughter of William and Eliza- abeth (Gilman) Winters, of Linder township. By their union they have been blessed with two children-Mattie E., who was born Sept. 3, 1882, and Minnie A., born Jan. 1, 1885. Mr. Freer owns 60 acres of land in Rock- bridge township, and carries on general farming. His postoffice is Rockbridge.
EDUCATIONAL.
School district No. 1, in T. 9, R. 10, had a school taught during the summer of 1835 by James McFarland, in a log school house just west of where the present school building now stands. McFarland, it is said, came here to see a girl, and afterward went to Missouri.
School district No. 2, in T. 9, R. 10, has a school building that was put up in 1860, by Alexander Morris, contrac- tor, for $400. The first director here was I. M. P. Washburn.
School district No. 3, in T. 10, R. 10, has a school house built in 1865, which
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IIISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
is 20x26 feet in size, and which cost 8900. The first teacher in this edifice was Samuel Smith. The first directors were James Cannedy, L. J. Jackson and G. W. Cannedy. The present enroll- ment is about 60, an increase of 30 over the first term. The present teacher is Jennie Converse.
ROCKBRIDGE.
The town of Rockbridge is situated upon the northwest quarter of Sec. 34, in T. 10, R. 10, in this civil sub-division of Greene county, on the line of the C., B. Q. R. R., on what has long been known as Taylor's Prairie.
In 1826, a mill was put up here, which was the first building in this immediate vicinity. A history of this mill is given further on.
A small settlement sprang up here shortly after this, and a postoffice was established in 1849, through the influ- ence of George D. Randle, the owner of the mill.
About the year 1854, William Gage put up a store building, and put in a stock of general merchandise, in connec- tion with G. T. W. Sheffield, under the firm name of Gage & Sheffield. Later, W. H. Summers succeeded this firm, in the same line of business. He was suc- ceeded in turn by the various firms of Valentine Bros., Valentine & Bowman and Valentine & Son.
A lively business was done here in those days, both at the store and at the saw and grist mill, and the little hamlet, which was about half a mile southeast of the present town, gained a few in- habitants. A small settlement also sprang up about half a mile west of the village which was familiarly known as
Dublin, but it contained but a few houses at the most.
The real growth of the town of Roek- bridge, however, dates from the comple- tion of the railroad in 1870. In that year, what was then known as the R., R. I & St. L. R. R., now a division of the C. B. & Q., was constructed to this point, and in the spring of 1871, a town was laid out by Sheffield & Hudson, about a half mile from the old settle- ment, which was called Sheffield, after G. T. W. Sheffield, one of the proprie- tors. This name it retained until the railroad came under the control of the C. R. & Q. Ry. Co., when they changed the name to Rockbridge, the name of the postoffice, which had remained un- altered.
Three additions have been made to the town sinee the first survey, one each by L. F. Williams, James Valentine and Isaac Bruner, the latter being platted in 1877. The first house in the new town was erected by James Valentine. This was a store building, in which he opened a miscellaneous stock of goods, thereby being the pioneer merchant, of the incipient town. He also erected a grain warehouse, which he operated, as well as laid in a stock of lumber, being the pioneer in both these branches of trade. Others now began to come in and the little burg began to wear a business look, and grew to be quite a lively place. The population now is about 300. It is incorporated as a village.
The first school house in the town was erected in 1874, the first teacher being John Howell, of Brighton, Ma- coupin county. The building is 32x42 feet in size, and was put up and finished at a cost of about $2,500, by R. T. .
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Dawson, contractor. The present teach- ers are James Jackson and Aliee Wil- liams.
There are two church buildings in the hamlet, Baptist and Catholie; but four denominations are represented, Presby- terian and Methodist in additon to those named above.
The lumber yard of Kinder & Saun- ders, was established by James Valen- tine, in 1870. He carried a stock of about $2,000, and ran it in connection with his store and grain business. For 12 years he operated this business, but, in 1882, he disposed of it to C. G. Ed- wards, but in about two years, the latter sold out to the present proprietors.
The drug firm of Jacob Keeley & Co., was established Jan. 1, 1874, by J. H. Gray & Co., Mr. Keeley being the jun- ior partner. In July, 1875, Dr. A. E. Miller purchased the interest of Mr. Gray, and this firm carried on the busi- ness. Jacob Keeley was murdered in the summer of 1885.
Henry C. Dawson is engaged in the sale of eigars, tobacco and notions, in the postoffice building, he being assist- ant postmaster.
Henry Clinton Dawson, one of the most enterprising young merchants of Roekbridge, is a native of Morgan county, W. Va., having been born there on the 19th of March, 1857. He is a son of Nathan and Samantha (Speilman) Dawson. Henry remained in his native state until he attained his 13th year, when, with his parents, he came to Fayette, Greene county, Ill., where he resided until 1876. Then his parents removed to Rockbridge, where they still reside. Nathan Dawson has been engaged in blacksmithing, and also
learned the trade of a millwright, which he also followed. Henry Clinton Daw- son received his education in the schools of Fayette and Rockbridge. He was united in marriage, Oct. 25, 1881, with Edna B. Blodgett, a daughter of Milo R. and Permelia Blodgett. They have been blessed with one child-Milo Ray, who was born Nov. 9, 1883. Mr. Daw- son is at present assistant postmaster, and is engaged in the notion trade in the postoffice building, and also carries a line of cigars and tobacco, in which he does a good trade.
POSTOFFICE.
In the year 1849, through the in- fluence of George D. Randle, the owner of the mill, at the old town, a postoffice was established at that point, called Rockbridge, and Mr. Randle com- missioned as postmaster. He kept the office at his dwelling house, a large log eabin, which still stands near the mill. In 1853 or 1854, William Gage became the postmaster, and removed the office to his store. He was succeeded by Wil- liam H. Summers, and he by J. H. Valentine, and in 1873, Milo R. Blod- gett, the present postmaster entered upon the duties of the office, and has retained it ever since. When the new town was laid out the office was moved here, but the name continued the same, and has finally given its name to the town.
Milo R. Blodgett, a son of Darius, and Mary (Withey ) Blodgett, was born Feb. 11, 1832, in Monroe, N. II., where he resided with his parents until reach- ing his 25th year, when he was married to Amelia W. Wood. He followed agri- cultural pursuits until 1862, when he went to Vermont and engaged in mer-
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
chandising. Two years later he came to Brighton, Ill., and in 1867, to Rock- bridge, this county, where he engaged in business. This business he con- dueted until 1885, with different part- ners, and then made an assignment. At present, Mr. Blodgett is the post- master at Rockbridge. Mr. and Mrs. B. have one child-Edna B., who is the wife of H. C. Dawson
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Golden Rule lodge, No. 1017, K. of H., was organized April 4, 1878, by J. B. Booker, with the following charter mem- bers : W. P. Bachelder, J. II. Valen- tine, R. T. Dawson, W. J. Moore, M. R. Blodgett, G. M. Kinder, Dr. E. Wilson, W. L. Spear, C. A. Dannels, D. R. Coleman and W. B. Abrams. The first officers were duly elected and installed; they were the following: Dr. E. Wil- son, D .; D. R. Coleman, V. D .; W. P. Bachelder, P. D .; M. R. Blodgett, A. D .; J. H. Valentine, R .; W. B. Abrams, F. R .; G. M. Cannedy, T .; Wiley J. Moore, C .; W. L. Spear, G .; R. T. Daw- son, Gn .; C. O. Dannels, S .; J. II. Val- entine. Dr. E. Wilson and D. R. Cole- man, trustees. The present membership is 21, and the lodge is in a fair condition, meeting twice a month. The present officers are as follows : R. T. Dawson, D .; Isaac Bruner, V. D .; G. W. Taylor, A. D .; H. C. Dawson, R .; Dr. E. Wil- son, F. R .; M. R. Blodgett, T .; James HIuff, C .; John Lahr, G .; John Wag- goner, Gn .; N. L. Dawson, S.
Rockbridge lodge, No. 688, I. O. O. F., was organized in 1881, by A. D. Sanders and J. S. Carr, with the follow- ing charter members : Levi Stringer, Frank Witt, James F. Cannedy, P. B.
Rhoads and John Eggleston. The first officers were: P. B. Rhoads, N. G .; John Eggleston, V. G .; James F. Can- nedy, S .; Levi Stringer, T. The pres- ent membership is about 22, and much interest is taken in the workings of the order. Financially the lodge is in ex- cellent condition. Meetings are held in the town hall. The present officers are as follows : W. B. Osborne, N. G .; G. Osborne, V. G .; J. M. Clark, S .; John H. Varble, T.
Sheffield lodge, No. 678, A. F. and A. M., was instituted April 4, 1871, with the following charter members-W. M. Rhoads, Albert Bowman, G. D. Hudson, A. E. Miller, Colin Keating, Thomas Lawrence, James Valentine, Daniel Bowman, Vilas L. Dodge, J. C. Daniels, Isaac VanMeter, J. H. Rives, Hiram Dixon, John Taylor, E. S. Valentine, William Turner, B. F. Edwards, and Jesse Robards. The lodge has prospered since its organization, and now own their hall, which is located in the second story of Keeley's drug store. There are now 23 members. The first officers were the following named- W. M. Rhoads, W. M; Albert Bowman, S. W .; G. D. Hudson, J. W .; J. H. Valentine, S .; Dr. D. Bowman, T .; A. E. Miller, S. D .; Colin Keating, J. D .; Thomas Lawrence, tyler. The present officers are W. L. Spear, W. M .; Hiram Dixon, S. W .; J. M. Clark, J. W .; James Dow- dall, T .; W. M. Rhoads. S .: A. E. Mil- ler, S. D .; Jacob Keeley. J. D .; Charles Weaver, tyler; and William Allen and Allen Taylor, stewards.
OTHER PROMINENT PEOPLE.
Hiram Dixon, a native of this county, was born June 9, 1835, being a son of
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Solomon and Sallie (Burger) Dixon, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. Hiram was reared to agricultural pur- suits, which he followed until February, 1884, when he removed to the village of Roekbridge, where he now leads a re- tired life. In 1854, he was united in marriage with Nancy Stevens, a native of this county. They have been blessed with seven children, six of whom are now living-Henry J., Sarah V., wife of Thomas Cannedy; Luella J., wife of James Areher; Adolphus, Lecoq, Floy E. and Meade. One child, AAdrienne R., departed this life in April, 1869, aged three years. Mrs. Dixon is a daughter of Isaiah Stevens, a native of Greene county, and he is a son of John Stevens, one of the early settlers of the county. At the age of eight years, Mr. Dixon started in life for himself, his mother having died at that time. He is now the owner of 440 acres of land, 200 of which he himself eleared, and be it said to his eredit that his present competence was gained by honest toil and good man- agement. At present he is a member of the board of supervisors, as he is also of the town board of Roekbridge. While engaged in active farm work, Mr. Dixon also carried on stoek raising. He has always been a strong advocate of tem- perance, and has gained a reputation for honest dealing of which he may well be proud. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., while his wife is a member of the Baptist church. The father of Mr. Dixon departed this live in 1872, in Kansas.
Henry Jefferson Dixon, a native of McMinn county, Tenn., was born Oct. 1, 1823, and is a son of Solomon and Sarah (Burger) Dixon, both natives of
Tennessee. With his parents, Henry came to Greene county, Ill., in 1829, and located one mile west of Fayette, in Rockbridge township, and has ever since resided in the township. At the age of 16 years, he began blacksmithing, and, in connection with farming, worked at his trade from 1839 to 1866, when he sold his business. Ilenry J. Dixon and Margaret Allen, a native of this county, and the daughter of Benjamin Allen, were united in marriage in the year 1848. By their union they have been blessed with seven children, two of whom are now living-Clark, born Feb. 1, 1861; and Benjamin F., born Dee. 26, 1870, both now living at home. Of the five deceased-John H., died Feb. 23, 1858,aged four years; an unnamed infant; Sarah, born June 6, 1849, married Isaae Hardin, and died April 23, 1885; Al- bert, born Feb. 7, 1864, died Feb. 2, 1882. Mr. Dixon owns 100 acres of in- proved land in Rockbridge township, but now leads a retired life. The cost of improvements on his land are: house $1,200, barn $500. For a man of his age, Mr. Dixon enjoys remarkable health. At present he resides in the village of Rockbridge, and is much re- spected by his friends and acquaint- anees.
GREENFIELD.
Scarcely more than a half century ago, this beautiful land, now teeming with life and animation, and dotted all over with the happy homes and busy work- shops of an intelligent, wealthy and prosperous people; these noble wood- lands and prairies that have so often rang beneath the strokes of the wood- man's axe, or the rattle of the mower; and that have echoed the clear, joyous
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
shouts of happy childhood, were a part of a vast wilderness, the home only of wild animals, and still wilder savages; who challenged the advance of civiliza- tion at every step. Yet early in that day was heard-
"The tread of pioneers
Of nations yet to be;"'
And a small hamlet sprang up; true, a feeble spark at first, but soon by the tide of immigration swelled, branching out into one of the fairest of Greene county's children.
While there may have been nothing abnormal or wonderful in the develop- ment of the past, or nothing partieu- larly striking in the present, still there is much that cannot fail to be of interest to those who have been closely con- nected and identified with Greenfield in all the various changes which have oc- curred from year to year. To those who have watched its course since first it as- sumed a shape, until the present time, the accomplishment of bygone days would seem almost a hereulean task, but they are the result, the certain and sure result, of an advanced state of civ- ilization, aided by foresight and indefa- tigable labor.
Greenfield, the center of the most of trade of this part of the county, is situ- ated upon Sec. 4, of T. 10, R. 10, and See. 33, T. 11, R. 10. It was laid out in the fall of 1834, by George W. Allen, the plat being filed for record on the 5th of December, of that year. It is con- nected by rail with all the centers of of commerce, which affords most excel- lent marketing facilities. The town is surrounded by some of the finest and most productive agricultural and stock- raising lands in this part of the state,
which is a guarantee of a permanent and ever increasing trade. It is laid out on the public square plan, around which are to be seen many substantial brick business structures, and the town site is dotted all over with fine dwellings and cottages, many of them costly and of considerable architectural preten- tions. There are some very fine church buildings, and an elegant edifice for educational purposes. The location is exceedingly healthy, and the society of the most refined and desirable character. As an evidence of this, it might be well to chronicle the fact that in all these long years of Greenfield's history, it has never sustained one saloon, or drinking place, being a strictly prohibition town.
EARLY DAYS.
In 1830, Stephen Hand located on the site of the present town, and began the erection of a house, but for some un- known reason, sold out, before it was finished, to James Cannedy. This gen- tleman completed the rude habitation, and, with his family, lived through that terrible winter of the deep snow. They were the first residents of the future town. In the autumn of 1831, Mr. Cannedy sold out to George W. Allen, and moved back to Tennessee. In March, 1832, Mr. Allen moved his fam- ily from near where White Hall now stands, to this place. In a short time, Mr. Allen was joined by the Rev. Amos Prentice, his brother-in-law, with whom he opened the first store in the place. This stock was kept in an L, built on to his residence, which stood about where the Masonie hall now stands. The stock was of the usual miscellaneous character, found in these pioneer stores.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
The goods were brought from Alton, by teams. Ile kept the postoffice in this building. Ile continued to run this store for a few years, but on account of the depressed state of the country, conse- quent upon the panic of 1837, he was compelled to make an assignment, early in 1838. A biographical sketch of this honored pioneer is inserted elsewhere.
In 1834, William Caldwell and fam- ily arrived, and occupied, for a time, a house on the northwest corner of the square, where he erected a dwelling, and moved into it, where he lived until over- taken by death, some years since.
During this year, 1834, Samuel B. Culp, afterward pastor of the Hickory Grove Baptist church for several years, also took up his residence in the em- bryo town, and opened a tailor shop, the first in the place, occupying a room over Allen's store. Greater induee- ments being offered at Rivesville, he removed to that place the following vear.
The winter of 1835-6 brought to the little hamlet some three or four who have figured somewhat conspicuously in its subsequent history; therefore a brief notice of these, in this connection, would be pertinent.
Benjamin King, then a young man, was the first to arrive in the fall of 1835, from Kentucky, and occupied a place in the store of Mr. Allen for a few years. He afterward retired, choosing the life of a farmer, and also discharged mani- fold duties in church and state, in after years, which a confiding public imposed upon him.
About the same time Martin A. Cooper, then a young and unmarried man, arrived from Tennessee, and was
the first representative of the medical profession at this point. Ile was aided in the erection of a small cabin 12x14 feet, and shortly afterward returned to Tennessee, where he was married. He practiced in Greenfield for many years with success, having no permanent com- petitor until about the year 1852.
Another notable personage who, dur- ing his sojourn of seventeen years in Greenfield, failed not to leave his impress upon persons and things, was Richard M. Booker, who came in the fall of 1835. After teaching school for three months, he embarked in the general merchandise business the following spring, in a building erected by Robert H. Maxfield. Aiming to become the millionaire of this meridian, he left no means untried to accomplish his pur- pose, and so successful was he in this, that after proscouting his business for 17 years with that iron, indomitable en- ergy which knows no failure, after a brief illness of one week, he passed over to the great majority, on the 24th day of February, 1853, leaving his family a snug fortune of $60,000, to be mostly spent, however, in less than half the time he was acquiring it.
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