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 39

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150

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 39

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Judge William H. Allen established a steam ferry in 1856, and it was conducted until 1862, when the progress of the war of the Rebellion stopped all intercourse between the states of Illinois and Mis- souri at this point, and necessitated the the abandonment of the boat, since which time there has been no regular ferry.

FIRST ITEMS.

The first house was built by James Mason, in 1832.

The pioneer merchant was Paris Ma- son, who erected a building and put in a general stock, in 1833.

The first newspaper in the county was established in Grafton, in 1836, by John Russell.

The first church was built in 1837, and was for the Methodist Episcopal society. The building was a frame struc- ture, 36x40 feet in size.

The first school house was built in 1838, and was a frame building, 18x24 feet in dimensions.

The first religious services were held by the Methodist Episcopal society, in 1836, in a warehouse owned by John Keyes. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Poole.

The second religious services were conducted by Rev. Weldon, in a build- ing owned by Mr. Whitcomb. He after- ward held quite a revival, in the spring of 1837, there being about 40 converts.

Paris Mason was the first to be com- missioned postmaster in the place.

The first mill was built in 1855, by W. H. Allen, and was 40x88 feet in size.

CAMDEN.

This town was laid out by George Finney, on the southeast quarter of Sec. 8, T. 6, R. 12.

The place was expected, by its foun- der, to eventually become a commercial emporium, but his expectations were never realized, and there is very little on the site to make one think that it was ever the intention to build a town here.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

CHAPTER XX.

PIASA TOWNSHIP.

Piasa is the most populous agricul- tural township in Jersey county. It is bounded on the north by Fidelity town- ship, on the east by Macoupin county, on the south by Madison county, and on the west by Mississippi township. Part of the town of Brighton lies in this township, the main portion being in Macoupin county. The Piasa creek in- tersects the township diagonally, com- ing in from Fidelity township at the north line of section 2, and passing into Madison county from the southwest corner of the township. A fork of this creek comes in from Fidelity township at the north line of section 5, and has its junction with the main stream, about the center of the west half of section 20. The Little Piasa enters from Macoupin county on the southeast corner of section 12, and passes into Madison county from the center of the south line of section 33. Two lines of railroad intersect this township. The old line of the Chicago & Alton passes through sections 24, 25, 36 and 35. The Jacksonville division intersects sections 18, 19, 30 and 32.

are, for the most part, a live energetic people, as the quality of the improve- ments seen on so many of the farms, which dot the country in this township, will show.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

John Wilkens was the pioneer settler of Piasa township. In 1815 he took up a location on the southwest quarter of section 31, and made improvements. He was a native of Maryland, where he was reared, Brought up to sea life, he became captain of an ocean vessel. He commanded on ship-board for five years, after which he gave up his seafaring life, and came out to Illinois. He was twice married, and reared a large family of children, all now deceased save three. He had made a number of improvements on his first location, on section 31, this township, but in 1824, left them, and removed to section 19, near Delhi, where he kept a stage station, and a tavern for the accommodation of the travelers. For 20 years he remained at this place, and then went to Jerseyville to stop for a short time with a daughter, Mrs. Har- riet Silloway. Thence he went to Paw Paw Grove, Ill., and spent his remain- ing days with another daughter, Mrs. Sarah Baker.

The village of Delhi lies in the south- west quarter of section 18. Above it will be seen that the township is abundantly supplied with running water for stock Levi McNeil first settled in this county in 1825, selecting a home on section 22, this township. He first saw the light Hampshire, but came here from Ohio. and agricultural purposes, as well as with transportation facilities for the ready marketing of all the surplus pro- amid the "old granite hills" of New ducts of its inhabitants. The citizens

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

The farm which he settled is now owned by John G. Ortle. He lived upon this until Jan., 1852, when he died. He was a well-to-do and influential citizen, and was highly respected and well thought of by his many friends and neighbors. He surveyed the greater part of this township at an early day, although not an educated surveyor. Ile reared three sons, two of whom have since died. The surviving member of the family, Henry, now resides in Weld county, Col.

Nelson R. Lurton settled on the site of the town of Delhi in 1827 or '28, and afterward laid out that place. He kept a stage station and tavern there for a number of years, and as it was situated on the stage road, a large business was carried on there during those days. He was the first postmaster of Delhi, hold- ing that position until 1844, when his death occurred. He also operated a large farm in that vicinity, and it is said that the sale of his personal effects, after his demise, was one of the largest in the county. Mr. Lurton was born in Kentucky in 1803, where he was reared and educated. He attained con- siderable of a fortune in the lead mines of Galena, being among the first to engage in mining at that place. He was married to Adeline Sumner, in Missouri, of which state she was a native. They had a family of seven children, only one of whom is now living-Joseph, who resides on the old homestead.

A carpenter by the name of William Barnhardt, also settled in the town of Delhi about the year 1830. Ile was one of the first carpenters in the town, and lived there until his death.

James B. Pinckard made a settlement on Sec. 24, in the early part of 1830, he

having entered the land in January, of that year. He was a Virginian by birth, but came here from Ohio, where he had resided some years. He was widely re- spected for many excellent qualities of head and heart.

Joseph Richardson and Samuel Clarke came to this township in 1830, and set- tled upon Sec. 14, where they put up dwellings and resided some time.

John Hart made a settlement in Piasa township during the year 1830. He was a native of Tennessee.

About the year 1830 Benjamin Draper settled on the place now owned by Thomas Edwards, where he resided for many years. He came from the state of Tennessee to this county and afterward went to Macoupin county, where he subsequently died.

William Hackney settled at Delhi about the same time that Draper came, opening up a blacksmith shop, which was the first in the village and township. He came from Troy, N. Y. He raised quite a family of children and during the latter years of his life, resided with them. He died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Margaret Brown, in the village of Brighton.

S. T. Kendall settled the James Parish farm about the year 1830. Ile was a native of Tennessee, but came here from Missouri, being married to Catherine Sumner in the latter state, In 1836 he represented Greene county in the state legislature, Jersey and Greene being one county at that time.

George and David Settlemier, natives of Pennsylvania, came from Missouri to this township in 1830, settling the farm now owned by Phineas Eldredge. They remained until 1848, when they sold to

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Mr. Eldredge and removed to Oregon with their families, where they now re- side. Both served through the Black Hawk war. They were good farmers, and were well known in the county.

During the year 1830, Bartholomew Downs located on section 22. He was a native of England, and had lived here a number of years, when his death oc- curred.

In the spring of 1837, James Howell settled on the farm now owned by Frank Knapp, on seetion 33. He came from Somerset county, N. J., where he was born in 1774. Ile was married in 1801, to Anna De Hart. They were the parents of 10 children, only one of whom is living in this part of the coun- try. The name of this one is Isaac, who lives just over the line, in Madison county. ITowell resided here until his death, which occurred in a peculiar manner, Sept. 20, 1846. Ile set fire to a dead tree, and then went to his house. Soon the flames sprang to a great height, and fearing that the falling brands would ignite a fence near by, he went out to protect it. The exact man- ner of his death is not known, but when his dead body was found his breast was badly bruised and one foot had been burned off.

Thomas Marshall came to Delhi in 1837, where he resided until 1844, when he moved upon a farmi on section 30. Ile lived there until Aug., 1881, when he removed to Jerseyville, where he now resides. . He was born in Wilming- ton, Del., Nov. 21, 1814. He was mar- ried to Agnes McFarland. They were the parents of one child-Agnes.

Robert McFarland came in 1838, and settled on section 30. He did not live

there much of his time at first, how- ever, as he was then following railroad- ing. He left at the time of the out- break of the Mexican war, serving through the same. After the close of that war, he remained in Mexico one year, and died there, in July, 1848. His widow afterward married Thomas Marshall, who now resides in Jersey- ville.

PROMINENT CITIZENS.

Andrew Edwards came to Piasa in 1849, and during that season raised a crop. In October of that year he moved to section 19, where he purchased 120 acres of land of James Hixson. He continued to reside there until his death, which occurred June 4, 1867. Ife was born May 11, 1808, in Mercer county, Penn., and moved to Scioto county, O., when 11 years of age. He was a son of David Edwards, whose wife was Catherine George, daughter of Jacob George, of Germany. Andrew Edwards married Mary Darlington, a native of Scioto county, O., Dec. 24, 1835. They continued to reside in Ohio till 1849. They had four chil- dren, all natives of Scioto county- Henry D., Minerva, wife of A. Ran- dolph, of Montgomery county; William H., and George W., living in Piasa. The Edwards were farmers by occupa- tion, but Andrew Edwards was a "jack- at-all-trades" and a very industrious man. He was a member of the M. E. church.

Henry D. Edwards, son of Andrew Edwards, was born Feb. 24, 1837. He was educated in the country schools, and subsequently attended MeKendree college. After completing his educa- tion, he followed teaching school and

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

surveying for six or seven years in Jer- sey county. He made his home with his parents until Nov. 9, 1872, when he was married to Mary Howeller. He engaged, the same year, in the mercan- tile trade, buying a store and goods of E. Tillotson, in Delhi. In 1873 he be- came associated in business with M. V. Hamilton, with whom he continued in trade until 1882. He then sold his interest to Mr. Hamilton and has since been engaged in attending to his duties as station agent, having been appointed in 1872. Mr. Edwards owns 200 acres of land in Piasa township, 40 acres in Mississippi township, and a residence in Delhi. He is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, both of the blue lodge and chapter, of Jerseyville, also of the K. of H. and the M. E. church. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have two chil- dren-Frederick M., born Aug. 25, 1873, and Jerome Y, born May 20, 1875.

John Christian Bauer, a native of Germany, was born May 21, 1843. He remained in that country until 20 years of age. In March, 1866, he embarked for America and arrived in New York city on Easter Monday. After stopping a few days in New York he proceeded west to Alton, Ill., where he followed the blacksmith trade two years. He then went to Litchfield, Ill., and staid six weeks engaged in the same business, then returned to Alton, and came soon after to Piasa township, Jersey county. Here he worked for a time, by the month, employed by Mr. Robinson, of whom he later rented land, which he cultivated one season. He then rented the farm which he now lives upon, of his brother, Philip Bauer. April 17, 1873, he was married to Isabella Down,

who was born in 1848. They are the parents of five children-Isabella, born Feb. 28, 1874; Willie, born Aug. 30, 1875; Annie, born June 17, 1878; John, born Oct. 4, 1879; and Alice, born Dec. 13, 1881. Mr. Bauer is the owner of two fine stallions, of one-fourth Norman stock, one being a bright bay, three years old, and a little more than 16 hands high; the other, a dapple gray, seven years old, and 17 hands high. Mr. Bauer is a member of the Lutheran church, and politically a democrat.

George Cairns is a native of Scotland, born July 1, 1820. He remained in his native county until 26 years of age, there following the occupation of farming. He then went to England, where he lived six years, working for a wholesale merchant. He was married in Scotland, in 1842, to Agnes Fairbairn. In 1852 he immigrated to America, and settled in Zanesville, Ohio, where he remained 18 months, engaged in blacksmithing. He then removed to Alton, Ill., where for three years he followed mining, then moved to Jersey county, this being in 1857. He located on his present farm in 1860. He has 121 acres of land, upon which he has made all the improve- ments, and which is nicely situated. He has a coal mine on his place, which he works. He was bereaved by the death of his wife, in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Cairns have had 13 children, 10 sons and 3 daughters. Five of the former and two of the latter are now living, the eldest being 41 and the youngest 15 years of age. Mr. Cairns has served as justice of the peace of this township four years, and at present holds the oflice of township trustee.

Charles Bruce Bartlett was born in

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Seneca county, O., in Sept., 1845. When 9 years of age he removed with his father to Jersey county, Ill. After coming here he attended sehool in Jer- seyville one year, after which he lived with his father upon the farm known as the "old Bartlett farm," (on which he now resides) until 21 years of age. He then left home, attending MeKendree College, Lebanon, Ill., for three years; then one year at Michigan University, where he studied law. While there he was the friend and room-mate of the Hon. Henry Seiter. Being obliged to abandon the law on account of ill-health, Mr. Bartlett has divided his time be- tween teaching and farming. He has taught at Delhi for the past two years, and is engaged to teach in the same place the coming term. Mr. Bartlett's father, William Bartlett, was born in Maine, in 1802. In early life he fol- lowed the occupation of ship carpenter, but during his latter years was engaged in farming. ITis death occurred in 1876. His widow, who is still living, was born in 1819, in the state of Ohio. She re- sides with her son, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Bartlett has held the office of town clerk two terms. He is a mem- ber of the K. of H., Delhi lodge No. 1129. As a teacher he is popular and successful.

William H. Bartlett came with his parents to Jersey county in 1853, he being then 13 years of age. Ife was born in Seneca county, O., July 3, 1840. On coming to this county the family located in Jerseyville, where they resided one year, and then removed to the farm in Piasa township, on which William H. lives, and where he followed farming until 1862. In September of

that vear he enlisted in Co. C, of the 124th Ill. Inf., serving as musician, After spending six weeks at Camp But- ler, near Springfield, his regiment went south, to Memphis, participating in Grant's campaign against Vicksburg. He took part in the engagements of Champion Hills, Jackson and Raymond, arriving at Vieksburg, May 19, 1863. He was present at the capture of Vicks- burg, on the 4th of July, and subse- quently took part in other engagements, After the war he returned home and resumed farming upon the homestead farm, which has been his residence since, with the exception of two years, during which he lived two miles west of his present place. Mr. and Mrs. Bart- lett have four children-Minnie, born Nov. 12, 1869; William, born May 7, 1871; Ethel, born April 8, 1874, and Albert, born Sept. 7, 1875. Mr. Bart- lett was highway commissioner three years, and at present holds the office of supervisor. He is a member of the K. of 11., Delhi lodge, No. 1129.

Frank Schoeberle was born in Bohe- mia, Austria, Oct. 20, 1830. He remained in his native country until 1853, then, to avoid being drafted into military ser- vice, he came to America, landing in New York city in June of that year. He proceeded west to Milwaukee, Wis., thence, soon after, to Watertown, in the same state, where he remained two years, engaged in farming and brick- making. He then went south to New Orleans, his object being to learn the French language. He had, during the first six weeks of his residence in this country, obtained a practical knowledge of the English language. He staid in New Orleans two months, and while there

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

was sick in a hospital two weeks. On his recovery he came to Illinois, and stopped in Madison county, where he followed farming two years, then went to Dubuque, Ia., there working at brick- making, and next to St. Louis, where he was married, Nov. 9, 1858, to Annie Gaitman, who was born Oct. 12, 1834. He remained in St. Louis 15 months, then moved to Mason county, Ill., and 16 months later to Jersey county. He located on section 34, Piasa township, purchasing 40 acres of land, to which he has since added 40 more. Thi- land he improved and lived upon until March, 1884. He then sold his farm and moved to Brighton, where he purchased resi- dence property, and now makes his home. Mr. Schoeberle is a republican politically. He has held the office of school director two terms, and is at present assessor. He is a member of the Catholic church, while his wife holds connection with the German Lu- theran. On the 1st of July, Mr. Schoe- berle started on a trip to Germany, and is, at the time of this writing, enjoying a delightful time there. Ile was to re- turn about Oct. 1.

Charles P. Long, a farmer of Piasa township, was born in the city of St. Louis, Sept. 12, 1850. His early life was spent in that city, where he receiv- ed a good education. In 1874 he came to Jersey county and purchased a farm of 63 acres in Piasa township, to which he has since added 26 acres, making

altogether 89 acres, on which he now resides. His farm is in a good state of cultivation and highly productive. Mr. Long was married in 1874, to Ella Bording, of Detroit, Mich., and by this union has five sons-Charles Sylvester,

born Sept. 26, 1875; Willard D., born March 30, 1878; Frederick A., born Oet. 7, 1879; Leonard, born Jan. 7, 1882; and Walter, born Nov. 30, 1883. Mr. Long now holds the office of justice of the peace, school director and road con- missioner, having held the first, eight years, the second, four terms, and the last a few months, this being his first term. He is a Catholic in religious be- lief. His farm is underlaid with a 3-foot vein of coal of excellent quality.

George Tunnard is a native of Lincoln- shire, England, born in 1835. He is a son of John and Ann ( Hoklen) Tunnard. In 1853, George Tunnard came to Amer- ica, and settled in New York, where he resided 18 years. At the expiration of that period, he removed to the state of Illinois, locating in Piasa township, Jersey county, which has since been his home, and where he now owns a well improved farm of 90 acres. He was married, in 1864, to Elizabeth Weaver, a native of the state of New York. Two children have been born to them-Sarah and John. Mr. Tunnard carries on general farming, raising grain and stock. Ile is a member of the Baptist church. His father, John Tunnard, died in New York, in 1855, and his mother, Mrs. Ann (Hoklen) Tunnard, in the same place, in 1880.

Charles Stieren, deceased, was born in Germany in the year 1822, and was a son of Charles and Anna Stieren. He resided in his native land until 1857. In the fall of that year he came to America, settling upon section 20, Piasa township, Jersey county, Ill. He was married the same year to Elizabeth Stolta, a native of Germany. Eight children were born to them-Frederick,

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Elizabeth, wife of George Springerman, of Bunker Hill, IN .; William, in Jer- seyville; Joseph, Charles, Francis, Kate and Lena. Mr. Stieren died in Nov., 1883, and was buried in the Brighton cemetery. His widow still resides on section 20, Piasa township, where she owns 40 acres of land. Mr. Stieren was a member of the Catholic church. All of Mrs. Stieren's children, except Elizabeth and William, reside with her on the farm.

Horace Lindley was born in Godfrey, Madison county, Il., Aug. 15, 1853, being a son of William and Mary Cath- erine Lindley. The former was born in England in 1808, and died in Madison county, IH., in 1870. The latter was born in Germany in 1819, and is still living. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native county, where he resided until 1883. In that year he located in Piasa township, Jersey county, where he now lives. He owns 260 acres of land, and is engaged in general farming. Mr. Lindley was married in 1884, to Tracy Knapp, who was born July 24, 1867.

John Allen Goodman is a son of James R. Goodman, an early settler of this county. The latter was born in 1816. His wife, the mother of the sub- ject of this sketch, Mrs. Frances Good- man, was born in 1820, and is still liv- ing. James R. Goodman died July 6, 1862. John Allen Goodman was born in Piasa township, Jersey county, Ill., Dec. 25, 1851, and was here reared upon a farm. June 21, 1874, he was united in marriage with Abbie Thomas. They are the parents of six children, four daughters and two sons, the oldest being ten years of age. Mr. Goodman

is a farmer, owning 40 acres of land, all under good cultivation. He is engaged in raising corn principally. He is an enterprising farmer and a worthy citizen.

Frederick Haag, of Piasa township, was born in Germany, March 23, 1828. Hle was reared on a farm in that country, where he remained until he was 28 years of age. He came to America in 1856, landing in New York in September of that year. He then went to Alton, INI., stopped a few weeks, after which he worked at a place about three miles from Alton, one year, receiving $1 per day. At the expiration of that time he entered a brewery, where he was en- ployed three and a half years. Hle then purchased 40 acres of land on section 28, Piasa township, which has since been his home. In Dec., 1861, he was married to Lizzie Keile, who was born Jan. 24, 1842. They were the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom are living, ex- cept one son, who died in June, 1880, aged four months. Mrs. Haag died the 17th of Feb., 1880. Mr. Haag has at different times added to his real estate, until he now owns 186 acres of valuable land. Heis an industrious and enter- prising farmer, and has accumulated all by his own industry. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Hernian Oehler, son of William and Henrietta ( Darby ) Ochler, was born in Prussia in 1842. In 1867 he emigrated to America, and settled in Brighton, Macoupin county. Ill., and has ever since resided in Macoupin and Jersey counties. He now owns 92. acres of land, and is engaged in farming. In 1859 Mr. Ochler was married to Augusta Brummer, a native of Germany. Five

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IHISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

children were born to them-Charles William, Herman, Louis and Mollie. Mrs. Oehler died in 1881, and in 1883 Mr. Oehler was married to Louisa Hit- terman, who was born in Prussia. By this union there is one child-Ilattie. Mr. Oehler has held the office of road commissioner. Hle is a member of the Mutual Aid society, and, with Mrs. Oehler, holds connection with the Lu- theran church.

Mary Agnes Nugent, formerly Mary Harrington, was born in Manehester, Eng., in 1819. At the age of 20 years she was married to James Nugent, who was born in Manchester in 1818. He at the time of his marriage was an over- seer in a cotton factory. In 1843 Mr. Nugent immigrated to America and set- tled at Albany, N. Y., where he learned the stove moulder's trade, and where in 1845, he was joined by his wife, who then came over from England. They remained eight years in Albany and Mr. Nugent became a skilled workman at his trade, commanding the highest wages. In 1851 they moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he followed the same business until 1859. He then came to Jersey county and purchased 60 acres of land, but soon after, leaving the farm in charge of his oldest son, Ed- ward, he returned to St. Louis and fol- lowed his trade in that city five or six years, returning to this county in 1864. He died here in 1876, upon the farm now known as the Nugent place. He left a widow and nine children. Ed- ward, the eldest, was born in Manches- ter, Eng., in 1841; James was born in the same place in 1843, and died in No- vember 1843; Sarah Ann, born in Albany, N. Y., in 1846, is now the wife

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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 39

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150