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 51

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 51

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William H. Hutchinson came to Jer- sey county in 1837, accompanying his parents, who settled in Jerseyville, which at that time contained only a small number of families. His father followed shoe-making. William was

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

born in Trenton, N. J., Jan. 7, 1835, and was reared in this county. When 16 years old he began learning the blacksmith trade, which he followed eight years in Jerseyville. In 1860 he he removed to Mason county, where he worked at his trade one year, then en- listed in the Union army, joining com- pany H of the 17th Ill. Inf. He served three years as a member of that regi- ment, then re-enlisted in the 144th regi- ment, in which he served 10 months as lieutenant of Company I. He returned home at the close of the war, and re- sumed work at his trade, in Bath, Ma- son county, where he remained about five years. At the expiration of that time he came back to Jersey county, where he has since followed farming. He now owns a farm of 80 acres, located on section 19, Fidelity township, and carries on general farming, also works at blacksmithing. He was married Oct. 3, 1858, to Elizabeth O'Lary, daughter of Martin and Eliza O'Lary. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson have eight children-Charles, Georgiana, Emma, Rebecca, Lloyd, William, Elizabeth and Minnie.

John Roady was born in Knox county, Tenn., on the 4th day of May, 1846, and is a son of Nathaniel and Rebecca (Long) Roady. About the year 1850 the family removed to Illinois, locating in what is now Fidelity township, Jer- sey county. Here John was reared and educated. Oct. 27, 1868, he was married to Rebecca Jones, a native of Madison county, Ill., and daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Pruitt) Jones, carly set- tlers of this portion of the state, a sketch of whom will appear elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Roady are

the parents of five children-Charles Henry, Rosa E., John A., Dora and Alice. Mr. Roady owns a farm of 100 acres located on seetion 16, Fidelity township, where he resides. He culti- vates 80 acres, carrying on general farming.

EDUCATIONAL.

The school building in district No. 2 is located on the southeast quarter of section 28. The first building in this district was erected during the year 1855. School was held before this in a frame house on section 28, on land now belonging to Peter Tietsort. It had formerly been a residence. The first term was taught in the spring of 1850. Martha Chapman and a Miss Simmons, daughter of Samuel Simmons, were the earliest teachers in this district. The school edifice was rebuilt in 1880, being finished Aug. 31. The cost was $600. The land on which it stands was donated by George Hoffman.

The first building for educational pur- poses in district No. 3 was erected in 1854. Henry Priest was the first teacher in that building. The school edifice at present used was built in 1868 by John R. Mousley. The first teacher in that school was a married man, Thomas G. Shannon. The building is 26x38 feet in dimensions, and cost $1,200.

THE GRANGE.

In the days when the grange move- ment was enjoying its days of great- est prosperity, the neighborhood of Fidelity was one of the strongholds of the order, and to-day, there are few localities in the country where the spirit of this organization is so well preserved.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Prairie Union Grange No. 1213 was organized March 5, 1874, with the fol- lowing charter members: J. L. Sim- mons and wife, T. G. Shannon and wife. John W. Christopher and wife, Chas. Brown and wife, J. II. H. Simmons, John Hopp, J. P. Davidson, W. J. Bell, T. G. Hammond, William Powers, John Wagoner, William Armstrong, E. R. Jones, M. Carney and wife, John Carney and wife, Isaac Crane and wife, II. Douglas and wife. The first officers were: D. Q. Trotter, master; T. G. Shannon, lecturer; W. J. Bell, secre- tary; J. H. H. Simmons, chaplain. D. Q. Trotter served as master for six years; A. G. Hurd at present holds that position. The meetings are held regu- larly on the Friday before the full moon of each month. These meetings are held in the school house of district No. 3. The grange has a storeroom, built in 1879, at a cost of $100. It is built on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 26, on the farm of D. Q. Trot- ter, and near his residence. Mr. Trot- ter is purchasing agent, and has been since the organization. He transacts all the business done through the agency of the store. The grange has a capital of $500, which is kept invested in staple groceries. The store does a business of about $2,000 annually. There are 45 members in the organization, and it is in a flourishing condition.

CEMETERY.

The Hopewell burying ground is lo- cated on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 34, and con- tains two acres, donated for burial pur- poses by R. J. Simmons, in 1842. It is not positively known who the first

burial in this cemetery was, but among the very first was a son, and the second the wife of R. J. Simmons.

RELIGIOUS.

The Fidelity Baptist church was or- ganized in 1853. There is a regular pastor, and services are held regularly.

The Hopewell Methodist church was one of the first religious organizations in the township The society was united with the Baptists of the neigh- borhood in forming a union church.

The Fidelity M. E. church was or- ganized in the fall of 1856, by Rev. G. W. Waggoner.

HISTORIC ITEMS.

The Simmons family built the first log house in the township, in 1830.

The first child in the township was born to Thomas and Ann Chapman, in 1831. It died in infancy.

The first marriage ceremony in the township was that which united R. J. Simmons and Maria Cummings as man and wife. The ceremony was per- formed by Simon Peter, in 1832. Both parties are now deceased, the groom dying in Jan., 1885.

The first death was that of the child of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Chapman, mentioned above, which died in 1831. It was buried in the Chapman cemetery, and was the first one buried there.

James Simmons broke the first ground in the township, in 1830. He also sowed the first wheat, and planted the first corn.

The first religious services were held in the cabin of James Simmons, by Rev. Jacob Miles, in 1831.

The first religious edifice built in the township was the Hopewell church, in 1842.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

The first justice of the peace in Fidel- ity township was S. C. Simmons. He served four years from that election.

VILLAGE OF FIDELITY.

This village, which is situated on sec- tions 11 and 12, Fidelity township, con- tains between 200 and 300 population, and a number of business places, a good school building, churches, a mill, etc., an idea of which is outlined below. It was laid out on land belonging to Joseph Russell, who named the place, and the survey was made on the 5th of Jan. 1850. The town has a somewhat quiet air, and being well supplied with shade trees, makes a desirable residence. It was supposed that when the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis railroad (now C. B. & Q.) was built, it would run through the town, but as it was built about a mile to the east, the town of Medora sprang up, on its line, about 2} miles to the northeast, which fact, to- gether with the natural drawing of trade to the railroad towns, left Fidel- ity behind in the struggle for growth. The building of the St. Louis, Jersey- ville & Springfield, or Wabash, has not, as yet, done much for the place, though in time it may be a benefit. The farm- ing land surrounding Fidelity is not excelled in Jersey county, and some of the landowners reside in the village itself.

John Sullivan was the first to locate in the village of Fidelity. He was a blacksmith, and built a shop, which was the first in the place.

Tobias Barthlow was the first store- keeper in Fidelity. Hlis stock, how- ever, was not very extensive. IIe did not remain long.

The first really permanent settler was Dr. Jay, who kept a drug store.

The first dry goods store was con- dueted by Hill & Cheney, who were afterwards succeeded by Q. M. Haus- kins.

PRESENT BUSINESS INTERESTS.

M. E. Lesem is one of the largest dealers in Fidelity. He commeneed the general merchandise business in Sept., 1884. The building he occupies is 30x50 feet in size, and is of frame construction. He carries a complete and well assorted general stock, con- sisting of dry goods, clothing, notions, groceries, boots and shoes, carpets, queensware, glassware, hardware, to- bacco, eigars, stoves, tinware, etc.

The most successful, although the youngest business man in the town of Fidelity, is M. E. Lesem. He was born in Tuscumbia, Mo., on the 3d day of Dec., 1863, his parents being Marks and Amelia Lesem. When he was 15 years of age, his parents removed to St. Louis, where his father engaged in business, and where he still resides. He received his education in Tuscumbia and St. Louis, finishing in the latter city. After leaving school he clerked for his father for some time, and then engaged in the manufacture of ladies' underwear in St. Louis, with his brother. From there he came to Fidelity, where he has been in business since Sept. 1, 1884. Although he is only 21 years old, he already shows business qualities of the highest order, and if he continues as he has begun, will in time be considered a leading business man wherever he chooses to locate.

Thomas Mercer is engaged in the gen- eral merchandise trade in Fidelity. The business was commenced by Hathaway

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

& Wade about 1860. They erceted the store building. The firm of Holden & Miner, composed of Richard Holden and C. F. Miner, next conducted the business. They were succeed by Whit- child & Teitsort, who, in turn, gave way to Aydelott Bros. R. S. Moore pur- chased the stock of the last-named firm, and he sold to Joseph Vaughn. C. H. Garrison was the next proprietor, and he ran it until 1883, when the present owner, Thomas Mercer, took charge.

Moran & Graham are among the deal- ers in groceries. The business was commenced by Squire Whitfield, who erected the building. He was succeeded by Charles Garrison. He closed out the business after a time, and the build- ing remained idle about two years. An- derson Pruitt and Jefferson Dixon re- opened the store. They sold out to Thomas Moran in the fall of 1883, who conducted the business alone until March, 1885, when Finley Graham was admitted to the firm as a member.

James Bringherst is a representative of the blacksmithing line. His shop was erected in February, 1885.

EDUCATIONAL.

Fidelity has a handsome school house, built in 1866 and 1867, by John Wil- liamson. It is a two-story structure, and has a pretty steeple. The primary department is on the lower floor. The original cost of the building was $5,500. Some additions have been made since the edifice was first completed. The first teacher was Stroud Keller. Cor- nelius Roach was principal for the school year 1884-85, and Maggie Quinn teacher in the primary grade.

HOTELS.

The Ritter House was built by Henry

Ritter in 1852, and by him it was con- ducted as a hostelry for the accommo- dation of traveling publie for several years. John Seago was the next land- lord, and officiated in that capacity for three or four years. He sold it to Ben. Davies, who in turn, conducted it for two or three years. Stephen R. Bow- man was the next to run the hotel. He had it nearly two years. After this, the house went to decay, and now pre- sents rather a forlorn appearance. It is owned by a man named Cadle.

The Union Hotel was built by David Jay, in 1861, who was the first landlord of the house. It next passed into the hands of Bagley & Warren, who sold it to James Frost, in 1867. Mr. Frost has since used the place as a residence.

MILL.

The flouring mill in Fidelity was ereeted in 1860 by J. J. Haycroft, and operated by him until 1864, when it was burned down. Mr. Haycroft re- built the plant in 1866. He then ran it another year, when he sold it to W. K. Miner. Mr. Miner died, and the prop- erty is now owned by his heirs, being his four children. The mill was leased by William Hoover in 1874. and since that time he has operated it. The mill is fairly well equipped. Its business is mostly custom grinding.

POSTOFFICE.

The postoffice was established in Fi- delity in 1854. Q. M. Hankins was the first postmaster. Thomas A. Price is present incumbent of that office.

Thomas A. Price was born Sept. 22, 1832, in New Jersey. He was the son of Joseph and Mary Price, both natives

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

of England. His father was born in 1810, and came to America when he was three years of age. His mother was born in 1811. In 1840 they moved west- ward from New Jersey, to Jersey county, Ill., and bought land where Judge Lowe now lives, and which was then nothing but wild prairie. The father broke the first furrow there, and in a few years had the land in good shape, when he sold it, and bought land two miles west of Fidelity. Ile died in 1846. Then, as Thomas was the oldest of six children, he ran the farm for his mother, until his marriage to Lydia Trombly, in 1856. She was born on the 20th of Sept., 1837. Ile then rented a farm, on which he worked for himself, until 1861. when he enlisted in Co. F, 14th Inf. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Matamora Heights and Vicksburg. In the battle of Shiloh, 50 of his company were engaged, and 24 of them were killed and wounded. Ile was in Sherman's first raid across from Vicksburg to Meridian. ITis division marched 20 miles farther, and were brought back up the river to Cairo. The regiment had charge of a drove of cattle and were taken up the river to Savan- nah, from there to Chattanooga, and were then brought back to Huntsville, Ala. Ilis term of enlistment having expired, he was discharged and sent back to Springfield, June 18, 1864. Since that he has been engaged in farm- ing. He is now postmaster of Fidelity, and has held the office of justice of the peace for the past six years. He has seven children, all of whom are living. Ile is a member of the Baptist church, as was also his wife until her death in Nov., 1882.

Among the enterprising and respected citizens of Fidelity township is James T. Hauskins, an old time resident of the village of Fidelity. He was born in Greene county, April 3, 1823, near Carrollton, on a farm now owned by Juduthan Eldred, where he lived until 1849. He then moved to Jersey county, in the vicinity of Fidelity, remaining there until 1858, when he gave up farm life, and moved into the village. He has since sold his farm, as he thought the care of it was too much for a man of his years, and will take it easy the re. mainder of his life. He has been twice married. First, to Emily Clark, of Greene county, on the 3d of June, 1852; she died April 1, 1878. Hle was mar- ried again, Dec. 30, 1879, to Mrs. Jane M. Baldwin. He had seven children by his first marriage-Elam, born Mar. 11, 1853, died April 29, 1854; Morton, born Oct. 4, 1855, died Aug. 22, 1857; Eunice, born Jan. 15, 1857, died Aug. 23, 1857; Paul, born Oct. 5, 1858, died Feb. 11, 1873; John W., born Mar. 10, 1860, died Feb. 16, 1875; Edgar, born Dec. 9, 1862; and James Everett, born Oct. 7, 1864. He has one child by the last marriage -- Chester E., born Aug. 26, 1881. He is a member of the M. E. church of Fidelity, his wife being a member of the Universalist church. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity of Fidelity. Politically, he is a republi- can. The following resolutions, passed by the Fidelity and Piasa circuit of the M. E. church, April 1, 1878, in regard to the death of Emily Hauskins, wife of J. T. Hauskins:

"Whereas, it hath pleased the Al- mighty God, in his wise providence, to remove from our midst, by death, our

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

much beloved sister; therefore, resolved that in the death of Sister Hauskins, the church has lost a true friend, and the community a good citizen; resolved, that we humbly submit to the will of God, who doeth all things well; resolv- ed, that we, the members of the quar- terly conference of Fidelity and Piasa circuit of the Alton district of the Southern Illinois conference, hereby extend to Brother James T. Hauskins and family our prayers and heartfelt sympathy in their sad loss."

Thomas Benton Aydelott was born in Preble county, O., April 29, 1845. In 1850 he came with his father to this state, to a location near Jerseyville, where they remained until the spring of 1851, when they moved to a place a mile and one-half southeast of Fidelity, liv- ing there two years. They then moved northeast into Macoupin county, and from there came back to the place they had recently occupied in the vicinity of Fidelity, and after living there for a while, in June, 1857, they moved into the village, where his father built a frame residence in the east part of town. On the 15th of April, 1869, Thomas B. was married to Sarah A. Jervis, of Preble county, O. She was born on the 30th of April, 1853. They have a family of five children, three boys and two girls-Thomas A., born Nov. 26, 1870; Mary L., born Oct. 4,

1872; Charles F., born Aug. 19, 1875; Lucy A., born July 17, 1878, and James H., born Aug. 13, 1883. He holds the office of school director and clerk of the school board, and is president of the board of trustees of the village. At one time he held the office of constable for two years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church. His political views are democratic.

SOCIETIES.

Fidelity lodge No. 152, A. F. & A. M., was organized on the 3d day of Oct., 1855. The charter members were: David Jay, Nathaniel Jane, John H. Reddish, and others. The lodge was organized with David Jay as master; Nathaniel Jane, senior warden; John Reddish, junior warden. The officers at present are: W. S. Sirls, W. M .; Henry Kemper, S. W .; James Starett, J. W .; R. D. Simmons, S. D .; Jacob Black, J. D .; Thomas Watson, T .; Jno. R. Garrety, S .; T. C. Wilkerson and F. W. Sears, stewards; John Carney, tyler. There are at present 25 mem- bers.

RAILROAD.

The St. Louis, Jerseyville & Spring- field railroad, a branch of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific, was built through Fidelity in 1882, and in that year the depot was built. Chapter XXV.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXV.

MISSISSIPPI TOWNSHIP.

This township is identical in size with T. 7 north. R. 11 west. It embraces some of the finest farming land, and contains some of the best improved farms in Jersey county. The only run- ning streams in the township are the branches of Piasa and Otter ereeks, and these have their origin in the township. There are also some smaller rivulets, tributaries of the above. Altogether, there is no lack of water supply for the purposes of stock-raising or agriculture. There is but little timber land in the township, and that is confined mostly to the banks of the streams. However, almost every farm has one or more arti- ficial groves, which adds much to the beauty of the surroundings. The C. A. & St. L. railroad interseets sections 2, 12 and 13, in its course through the township. The old village of Newbern is located on section 32. It has never assumed proportions of any magnitude. The new town, or East Newbern, is sit- uated at the corner of section 27, 28, 33, and 34. There is very little uncultiva- ted land in Mississippi township, its in- habitants being an industrious class of citizens, who take a pride in the proper improvement of their places and in till- ing the soil in a careful and painstaking manner. The houses bear evidence to the taste of the occupants, the outbuild- ings and barns are kept in good repair, and everything evinces an honest pride

on the part of the people of this vicinity in such matters.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Judge John G. Lofton and John D. Gillham came to what is now Jersey county, from Madison, bringing their families, in 1819.

Judge Lofton settled on section 31, on land which adjoins the present farm of Addison Greene. The vicinity soon took the name of Lofton's prairie. Mr. Lofton, like many others of the early pioneers, was a native of South Caro- lina, and was a prominent figure among the old residents. He was married to a sister of John D. Gillham. Under John Quincy Adams' administration, Mr. Lofton was appointed receiver of the land office at Lewiston, Fulton county, Ill. He went to that place and assumed the duties of his position, but tiring of it, resigned, after a year or two, and came home. He died about 1837, on seetion 32, in the township where he first settled. His wife also died there. He left three sons-Thomas G., Samuel A. and John G. Judge Lofton was a Baptist in religious belief, and in the early days meetings were often held in his house.

John D. Gillham, who came with the Loftons, was a native of South Carolina, and from that state removed to Ker- tueky. Thenee he removed to Illinois,

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

locating in Madison county, in the year 1800. He settled on section 28, in what is now Mississippi township. He and his brother Ezekiel were connected with the rangers in the days of the early settlement of this part of the state, and were more than once called upon to assist in the defense of the settlement, against the depredations of the Indians. John D. Gillham died at his home, in the settlement, in Oct., 1852. Ilis wife also passed away at the same place. The history of this proud state has mostly been made since the Gillham's came to this county, and an idea of the lapse of time since then may be formed when it is said that another generation of this hardy family has lived and died since then, and the grandchildren are long since grown men and women, with families of their own. Fletcher Gillham, one of the grandsons, lives on the old homestead. Another, Wesley W., lives on the Youngblood place, on section 22, Elsah township. Charles, another grandson, formerly kept a store in Jerseyville.

Joseph White is credited with making a settlement in this township in 1819. He lived here for many years, but is now numbered with the dead.

Josiah Cummings came to Mississippi township in 1819, and made a settle- ment on section II. He was a native of Connecticut, of Scotch parentage. His ancestors were among the pioneers of New England. Mr. Cummings witnessed the battle ot Bennington, Vt., and was a soldier in General Wayne's campaign against the Indians, having participated previously in the disastrous defeat of the army of General Arthur St. Clair. He was among the very earliest settlers

in the state of Illinois, and in this al- most uninhabited wilderness he became acquainted with Mrs. Gilliss, whom he afterwards married. They both died while residents of this county.

Thomas Cummings came to Jersey county, in 1820, and after working for his father for a while in Mississippi township, purchased land here and set- tled. He was born in Monroe county, Ill., March 4, 1800, and was the eldest son of Josiah and Sabra Cummings. He spent considerable time in assisting to make the government surveys, and served some time in the militia or ranger service. On the 24th of Sept., 1824, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann, a daughter of John and Mary Carroll. Immediately after his mar- riage he purchased a farm on section 11, where he resided until Nov. 21, 1856, when he died. He came here with little capital, but by energy, industry and business tact died possessed of a hand- some property, owning over 2,700 acres.

John R. Black made a settlement in this township in 1820. He was quite prominent in early days and was elected and served as the first treasurer of Jer- sey county. A sketch of him will be found under that head in a previous part of this work.

William Davidson was a settler of the year 1820 or '21, in this township, and served as a petit juror in the circuit court, selected at the June term, 1821.

Samuel J. Kincade and John Waddle made their appearance in this town- ship about the year 1821, as we find them both serving as judges of an elec- tion for militia officers in that year. Both have long since passed to their last resting place.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Thomas MeDow, one of the sturdy pioneers of this county, located in the township now known by the name of Mississippi, in the spring of 1823, on section 32. He was a native of South Carolina, born Ang. 12, 1795, and was the son of John and Margaret McDow. In 1807, the elder Mr. McDow immi- grated to Illinois and located in Madi- son county. After living there about a year, he removed to the Mississippi bottom, near St. Louis, where he resided until 1818, when he moved to Boone county, Mo., where he resided until 1824, when he came to this county and made a settlement on section 32, where he died in Oct., 1835. Thomas was married Feb. 25, 1819, to Mary L. Lof- ton, and in 1823, settled here as above mentioned. Here he resided until his death in 1874.

Charles G. MeDow, deceased, was born in South Carolina, Oct. 11, 1797. He was married to Matilda Rice, who was born in Kentucky, March 20, 1805. They immigrated to Illinois in an early day. settling in what is now Mississippi township, Jersey county, Ill. Here Mr. MeDow followed farming until his death, which occurred Feb. 26, 1860. His widow still survives him. They had a family of six children, four of whom are living-Martha, born July 13, 1826; Margaret A., born Aug. 26, 1828, now the wife of William Marshaw, of Elsah township; Sarah A., born April 6, 1831, now the wife of Joseph Mar- shaw, of Mississippi township; and John N., born Aug. 22, 1833. Mrs. MeDow and her daughter Martha reside upon section 31, where they own 90 acres of land. Mrs. McDow is a con- sistent member of the Baptist church,

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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 51

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