USA > Illinois > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Illinois, together with an outline history of the State, and a digest of State laws > Part 52
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TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.
The Supervisors, Town Clerks, Assessors and Collectors of this township are as follows, with perhaps some unavoidable omissions:
564
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
SUPERVISORS.
Alexander McDonald. 1850
J. C. Knott. 1871
David Wigle. ..
1851
John J. Guthrie.
1872
Sylvester H. Crouch.
1858
Bradley Hecox
1873
M. T. Hart
1861
James M. Nelson.
1875
Charles Overman
1862
James B. Moore
1876
S. H. Crouch.
1864
Wm. H. Zinn ..
1877
David Wigle
1866
Wm. P. Sutherland.
1880
John J. Guthrie.
1867
CLERKS.
William Hart.
1855
E. B. Tuttle. 18+1
Alexander McDonald.
1856
Milan Smith. 1872
A. B. Crooks ...
1858
Calvin S. Clark. 1873
WV. B. Stanton.
1861
George W. Wolf.
1874
Marcus L. Fite.
1862
Geo. W. Guthrie.
1875
W. B. Stanton. ..
1864
WVm. A. Davis.
1878
Geo. W. Guthrie
1866
Charles M. MeMillan.
1879-80
James Wigle.
1867
ASSESSORS.
James Knott.
1855
J. W. Madison. 1871
William Fite. .
1856
B. B. Tuttle.
1872
Samuel Zinn.
1858
Peter Frey
1873
Lavalette Kinney
1859
R. W. Harding.
1874
James McClintock.
1861
John F. Hart. .
1875
J. F. Hart. .
1862
Samuel W. Layton.
1876
Aaron O. Dayton
1866
E. B. Rhodes.
1877
Peter Frey.
1868
Lewis Martin.
1878
Lavalette Kinney
1870
Elijah B. Rhodes.
1879-80
COLLECTORS.
Lavalette Kinney
1855
Sam'l W. Slayton. 1873
J. F. Hart ....
1862
Geo. W. Wolf.
1874
Levi P. Bissell .
1864
Arthur F. Day
1877
John F. Hart.
1866
Geo. W. Linn
1878
S. L. Symmonds
1868
Arthur F. Day
1879-80
1
Peter Frey
1869
WALKER TOWNSHIP.
The township No. 3-8 was named Walker, from Hon. George Walker, one of its earliest and most honored citizens. Its north half'is a most excellent tract of rich prairie country, and well settled by well-to-do farmers. Its south half is principally timbered, on the waters of Bear creek, and considerably broken, though contain- ing good farms and farming lands. This township contains two villages:
Breckenridge, on the east side, was laid out by C. P. Smith and C. N. Gentry, March, 1857; and,
Tioga, laid out by George Ensminger, in March, 1855, near the south line of the township. This latter occupies the site of what was Yelrome, or Morley Town, in the Mormon days, and which was so ruthlessly burnt ont in the fall of 1845, and its inhabitants driven away. [See Chapter VI.]
The first settlers in this township were Hon. George Walker, from whom it was named, Col. Levi Williams and sons, John Harris, Elder Joseph Hatchett and his sons, Enoch Hankins, Robert and Eli D. Gillham, Harrison Grant, B. F. Howes, Harrison Kan es, and others.
Mr. Walker was a conspicuous man in the county, having served in the Board of County Commissioners and several times in the Legislature, as will be seen in other chapters. Mr. Williams was also a conspicuous leader in the Mormon war, was Colonel of one of the regiments at the time the Smiths were killed, and was one of the nine indicted for that offense. [See Mormon History.] He was a settler of about 1832, and on coming to the county first located at Calamus Spring, below Fort Edwards, in the cabin that Major Marston had occupied. He soon afterward took a claim up in Green Plains, where he resided till his death.
Esquire Walker and Col. Williams were neither of them educated men, yet were each leading men in the community-the one an unswerving Democrat and the other as pronounced a Whig of the old school.
Rev. Joseph Hatchett was a Virginian, a descendant of the French Huguenots; was reared in Kentucky; emigrated to Indiana in 1821, to Illinois in 1833. Has children now residing in the township. Logan Hatchett, a young son, went, about 1834, across the river to help build Fort Des Moines, where he died and was buried, Dec., 1834. His brother Livy, and brother-in-law, John IIarris, went to Montebello, crossed the river in a skiff with Hazen Bedell and Cyrus Felt, in the ice, saw the body buried, and returned the same evening.
(565)
566
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Of Enoch Hankins the least said the better. He has the reputa- tion of being the first murderer in the county. His story is told, however, in another chapter.
The first school taught in the township was probably by Rev. Hatchett, in 1833 or 1834. The first school-house built was of logs, located on Col. Williams' farm, and in it the first teacher was Mrs. Kinney, the mother-in-law of John R. Wilcox, at Fort Edwards.
The first deaths were probably two of Col. Williams' children; Mrs. Joseph Hatchett died near the same period-1833.
The first child born is supposed to have been Mrs. Elizabeth (Harris) Vaughn, now of New Mexico, in the spring of 1834. £ It is claimed that one of Mrs. Williams' (Mrs .. Hardin Massey) was earlier. John E. Walker, now of Warsaw, was born in 1835.
RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.
As stated, Revs. Hatchett and Knox were the earliest preachers about Green Plains. They each held meetings in the neighborhood, at the houses of settlers; often at the residence of Col. Williams. Mr. Walker was also an occasional exhorter. It is stated that Rev. Norman Parks, a Missionary Baptist, was ordained to preach at the Colonel's house, what year not recollected. Of later Church organizations and work we are not informed.
In continnance of the local history of the township we will give personal sketches of many of the old settlers and prominent men of the same:
Lafayette H. Frazer was born in Harrison county, Ky., Sept. 11, 1818, and is a son of George Frazer, deceased, so well known in the early history of Adams county, Ill. George Frazer emigrated with his family to Adams county in the spring of 1827, where he labored hard, and, like other pioneers, endured many privations in preparing the way for the prosperity of future generations. The Indians at that time were numerous, and the wild animals were to be seen on almost every hill, and in every valley of the land. While these pioneers endured untold hardships, they never lacked meat. Wild honey was also to be found in great abundance. Our subject was raised a " farmer's boy," and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, and resides on section 30, Walker township. He was married Feb. 10, 1848, to Miss Caroline Wilson, daughter of Isaac Wilson, deceased, an early settler of Adams and Hancock counties. This union has been blessed with 2 children; viz., James C. and George W.
Win. Guymon was born in North Carolina Jan. 23, 1815, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah Guymon, deceased. He came to Edgar county, Ill., in 1827, where he remained until 1838, when lie removed to this county. He was married in 1834 to Miss Sally H. Hanks, daughter of Cornelius Hanks, deceased. They have had 13 children, of whom but 6 are living; viz., Julia A. (now Mrs. Robert F. Laughlin, of this county), Washington, Jefferson, Alonzo,
Sam! & Mclaw
PRAIRIE TP.
569
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Charles H. and John E. Mr. Guymon has always been a farmer, and now resides at Breckenridge; P. O., Hickory Ridge.
Bazel D. Howard was born in North Carolina Oct. 13, 1817, and is a son of Leven and Tabitha Howard, deceased. He came to Adams county about the year 1844. He was married Feb. 17, 1848, to Leah M. Brenneman, by whom he had 9 children. Of these but 3 are living; viz., William, Jasper and Walter. Mrs. Howard died Oct. 2, 1871. She was a consistent Christian and worthy member of the M. E. Church. She was a kind wife and tender mother, and none knew her but to respect her. Mr. Howard resides on sec. 36, Walker tp., and is engaged in farming and stock-raising.
Dr. Virgil Kingsley, physician and surgeon, Tioga, Ill. The Doctor is a native of Hancock county, Ill., and was born April 7, 1852, in the old Montebello House, near Hamilton. His parents were A. S. and Cynthia Kingsley, who came to Illinois about 1845. The former was a prominent farmer of this county, and was sadly missed after his death, which occurred Feb. 3. 1878, at the age of 70 years, 9 months and 17 days. Our subject is related to the well known Piggotts, who were among the first settlers of St. Louis. The Doctor graduated at the Keokuk College of Physicians, June 14, 1877, with high honors. He also attended lectures in the St. Louis Medical College during the session of 1875-'6. He began . practice July 25, 1877, in Tioga, this county, where he now has a good patronage. He was married Sept. 15, 1874, to Miss Pearle O. Howes, daughter of F. M. Howes, of Montebello tp., an early settler of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley have 2 children,- Chester II. and Cleo M. The Doctor has also made a very fine collection of geological specimens, and is still pursuing this study
with energy. During the winter of 1878-'9, he delivered a course of lectures to the citizens of Tioga, on the subject of human anatomy, the laws of health, and hygiene.
Dr. Isaac Lockwood, P. O., Hickory Ridge. The Doctor is a native of Cayuga county, N. Y., and was born April 27, 1805. His parents were Daty and Anna Lockwood. He removed to Penn- sylvania in 1834, to Cleveland. Ohio, in 1838, to Indiana in 1845, to Kentucky in 1857, to Iowa in 1859, and to this county in 1861. Hle is a physician of the Eclectic School, and has had a large prac- tice. Being very old he does not ride much now, but makes the curing of cancers a specialty. Ile has never failed to cure the cancer in a single instance. Ile cures them withont cutting or burning. He was married in 1837 to Miss Elizabeth Baird, by whom he had 7 children (all dead ). Ile married a second time in 1846, this time Anna M. Riggin. This union was blessed with 3 children; viz., Cordelia J .. Nancy A: and Laura Bell.
James Ramply was born in Hartford county, Md., Ang. 11, 1803, and is a son of Thomas and Christiana Ramply (dec.), natives also of Maryland. Our subject was reared on a farm and educated in a subscription school. He came to Adams county, Ill., in 1847,
34
570
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY,
where he remained for two years, when he removed to this county and settled on sec. 24, Walker tp., where he still resides, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He also carried on the coopering business in connection with farming, for several years after he located here. He was married in 1831, to Miss Elizabeth Cheney, by whom he has had 7 children, of whom 5 are living; viz., Thomas, Riley, John, Martha and James. Martha is now Mrs. John Loft. Riley, John and James were soldiers for Uncle Sam during the late Rebellion, and fought nobly for the stars and stripes, and won laurels that will ever be remembered.
J. W. Rankin was born in this tp. March 26, 1849, and is a son of J. S. Rankin (dec.), an early settler of Adams county, Ill., and who came to this county in 1847. He was a farmer and resided on sec. 23, Walker tp., where Mr. J. W. now resides. The latter was raised a farmer's boy and educated in the common schools. He was married March 29, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth Symmonds, daughter of Dr. S. L. Symmonds, of Breckenridge. This union has been blessed with 2 children, Sanford and Sarah E.
Adam Snyder (dec.) was born in Washington county, Ind., Feb. 9, 1815; was a briek-molder and worked as such until his death. He came to Indiana in 1838, where he married Miss Catharine Burns, Jan. 21 of the same year. They emigrated to this county in 1840, where Mrs. Snyder still lives on the old home place on sec. 30, Walker tp. They had 5 children, of whom 3 are living; viz., John S., Mary J. and Geo. Thomas. Mr. Snyder died June 27, 1852.
TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.
Below is a list, somewhat imperfect, of the Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and Collectors of the past and present Boards of Walker township:
SUPERVISORS.
Allen
1850
B. F. Rankin 1870
George Walker.
1851
Eli D. Gillham.
1871
Jackson Ewing
1856
W. H. Shepherd.
.1872
Thomas Crawford
.1858
Geo. W. Barnett. 1874
John B. Hill.
1862
Philip Ensminger. 1875
George Walker.
1864
Geo. W. Barnett. 1876
Jackson Ewing
1866
A. N. Cherry 1877
B. F. Rankin. .
1868
William Guymon. 1879
Philip Ensminger
1869
A. N. Cherry
1880
CLERKS.
John S. Jenifer.
1855
W. H. Shepherd 1870
G. Ensminger.
1856
Eli D). Gillham .. 1872
George Carnes.
1858
Washington Guymon.
1873
James Harrison.
1862
Jos. H. Ensminger.
1875
Eli D. Gillham.
1866
Richard Stringer-, 1877
J. T. Hopkins
1868
D. Anderson
1879-1880
A. W. Simmons
1869
571
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
ASSESSORS.
Pliny Hatchett.
1855
A. J. Ewing. 1872
S. Sutton.
1-56
1. P. Bissell
1873
Pliny Hatchett.
1858
(). J. Reese. 1874
B. F. Rankin.
1862
Jesse Berry
1877
Eli D. Gillham.
1868
(). J. Reese.
1878
L. P. Bissell. .
1869
L. Weiler.
1879
George W. Berry
1870
J. L. Wesler. .1880
COLLECTORS.
M. J. Jenifer.
1855
James T. Frazce. 1872
B. F. Rankin.
1856
Geo. W. Ewing. 1873
And. Lindsay.
1862
J. H. Oliver ..
1874
E. D). Gillham
1865
I. N. Harris.
1875
Benj. F. Rankin.
1866
J. H. Oliver .. 1876
R. F. Laughlin.
1868
Charles Humke.
1877
G. W. Barnett.
1869
J. T. Battles ..
1878
A. J. Ewing.
1870
B. F. Rankin
1871
J. II. Ensminger. 1879-1880
ROCKY RUN TOWNSHIP.
This township at the present writing (July 1, 1880) about half under water, embraces No. 3 north, 9 west, and what the Missis- sippi has left of 3-10. It receives its name from a stream that runs through it from the prairie of Walker township. Three-fifths of this township is bottom land, composing the rich alluvial bot- toms bordering the river, and subject to overflow in seasons of high water. It is interseeted by numerous bayous (called sloughs) from Warsaw down through Wilcox and Rocky Run, and emptying into a broad pond on the south line of the county, called Lima lake. This bottom land is generally warm. sandy and rich; and the best and most productive corn land in the county. A portion of it was covered with a fine growth of valuable timber, most of which has now been cut off by its owners, thousands of cords in old times having been sold to steamboats, or sawed into lumber.
An effort has been made to reclaim this land from overflow, by leveeing, under the State Drainage act, with encouraging prospects. In ordinary spring rises, this will be probably ample protection; but when the Father of Waters gets on a boom, such as we have witnessed four or five times within the last forty years, it will be found that his efforts to spread himself' will not be so easily con- trolled.
The portion of the township on the bluff is mostly broken tim- bered land, among which are some good farms and thrifty farmers. It is excellent for wheat, and cannot be excelled in the county for fruit. a fact which its citizens are not slow to profit by, as the in- crease of orchards there will testify.
Among the early settlers of Rocky Run may be named several who were in the county previous to organization; viz., Luther Whitney (resided at one time in Montebello), Daniel Crenshaw. Davis Hill, Curtis Caldwell, Henry Nichols, Leonard L. Abney and Charles Hill; others later are Henry Newton, Stephen S. Weston, Charles C. Stevens, Hiram Woodworth, John Banks. John Harness, Luther Perry, William Shipe, John A. Morrison. James Carmean. Daniel P. Clark, John Fletcher, A. Daugherty, Joseph Caldwell, the Jen- ifers. Fraziers, Fredericks, Bolts, Worthingtons, etc.
Andreas' Atlas of Hancock county states that Luther Whitney built the first house in Rocky Run in 1822: a statement that needs confirmation. That was two years before the evacuation of Fort Edwards by the soldiers: and we nowhere meet with any evidence of a settlement below the fort previous to that event. A relative of Mr. Whitney informs us that he came to the county just previ- uns to the Black Hawk war, a statement wide of the mark, as he
572)
573
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
was a juryman in Adams previous to the separation, and had a ferry license granted him at Montebello soon after organization in 1829.
If, however, Mr. Whitney was a settler in 1822, he was the earli- est one in the county of whom we have any account, antedating Col. Whipple of St. Alban's by one year, and Capt. White and John Waggonner, of the rapids, by two years.
The son, Edson Whitney, so long Sheriff of the county, resided for many years on a farm about nine miles below the fort, near where Judge Henry Nichols, his brother-in-law, also resided. The first marriage in the township is said to have been Mr. Nichols to Miss Sophronia Whitney. The Crenshaws were early settlers, the elder being one of the first officials; and the first death reported is said to have been a member of the family.
RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.
The first preaching in this township was doubtless by those same pioneers who led in Walker and Wythe, namely, Walker, Hatchett and Knox, as they were in close proximity. Of this we have no data. There are two or three church organizations in the township, with church buildings, but we fail to obtain statistics concerning them.
BIOGRAPHIES.
The personal mention of any community forms a most interest- ing feature of its history; therefore, as part of the history of Rocky Run tp., we make mention of the following early settlers and prominent citizens :
David Ayers, deceased, was a native of Ireland, and came to America in 1836, and to this county in the fall of the same year, settling in Rocky Run tp., where he resided, engaging in farming and stock-raising until his death, which occurred in June, 1876.
David Clair, the subject of this sketch, was a native of West- moreland county, Penn., and was born Sept. 20, 1829, the son of Benjamin Clair. He was married in the year 1857, to Miss Martha J. Martin, of Indiana, by whom he had 7 children; of these 6 are living; viz., Benjamin, John, Mary A., Joseph W., Jennie M., Jessie M. Mr. Clair came to Adams county, Ill., in 1850, and to this county in the year 1851, and located in Rocky Run tp., where he has since resided. He was here during the time of the Mississippi overflow, and when game was very plentiful, such as deer, wolves, turkeys, prairie chickens, etc., and he participated in many a hunting expedition in the forests of this tp. He owns a farm of 154 acres, located on secs. 2 and 3.
Benjamin F. Crenshaw, sec. 26. The subject of this sketch is a native of Jefferson county, Ill., and was born Sept. 30, 1818. His father, Daniel Crenshaw, was a native of Virginia, but resided in Georgia a short time, and then started for Illinois, placing all his chattels on a keel-boat, which sank on the way, and all his goods were lost. He was one of the first settlers of Jefferson county, and
574
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
did much toward improving and making that county. In a few years he removed to Jefferson county, Mo., where he remained until 1827, when he returned to Ill., and settled in Hancock county. He is the youngest of 8 children, 6 boys and 2 girls; was raised a farmer's boy, but spent a portion of his time in mining, selling goods and blacksmithing; but his general vocation is farming and stock-raising. He was married in 1845, to Miss Teresa A. Allen, a native of Jefferson county, Ill., and they have had 6 children, of whom 3 are living,-John T., Joel F., and Celatha A. Mrs. Cren- shaw died Sept. 28, 1860, and Mr. C. again married in December, 1861, Miss Martha A. Ellis, by whom he has 6 children; viz., Lucy J., Wm. D., Charles L., Sarah E., Henry W. and Isaac W. When Mr. Crenshaw first came to this county the Indians were very numerous. He traded a great deal with them, and learned to speak their language. He took part in driving the Mormons from this county during the Mormorn war.
David Frederick was born Jan. 22, 1831, near Lancaster, Fair- field county, O., and was of German descent. His parents, Abra- ham and Catharine Frederick, were Germans. Our subject was married Dec. 28, 1858, to Miss Harriet Huse, by whom he had 10 children. Of these, 9 are living; viz., Henry C., Waldo S., Flora A., Willard T., Edwin P., Maurice H., Charles K., Harriet A., Fred. C. Mr. Frederick came to this county April 11, 1848, and located in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising. 'Our subject owns a farm of 287 acres; of this, 160 acres are in the Mississippi valley and the rest are in two different lots.
William W. Jones is a native of Hancock county, and was born March 17, 1852. His parents are Thomas and Nancy Jones, of Rocky Run tp. Mr. Jones is a farmer and stock-raiser, and resides on sec. 11, this tp. He is the present Constable for this tp., and performs the duties of the office to the entire satisfaction of his many constituents.
Geo. W. McKinzie was born in Clarke county, Mo., March 28, 1838, and is a son of James McKinzie, deceased, who emigrated to Clarke county, Mo., from Henderson county, Ky., in the year 1832. James McKinzie and a brother, Wm. H., were in the Black Hawk war. The McKinzies were among the first pioneers of Clarke county. Our subject's grandmother, Webb, lived to the age of 104. Mr. McKinzie came to this county in 1852, and worked as a farm hand for Mr. John Morrison, now of Rocky Run tp. His mother died when he was but two years old, and at the age of about five years, his father obtained a new mother for him, who did not seem as a mother to him. He therefore left home to battle with the cold and heartless world. He first resided with his brother-in-law, A. A. Weston, for two years. He then worked with Mr. O. Freeman, at eight dollars per month, for nearly a year. Then he went to Winchester, Mo., where he engaged in breaking prairie; returned to Illinois and labored for J. A. Morrison until 1856, when he emi-
575
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
grated to Lake Pepin, Minn., where he engaged in driving and herding cattle until autumn, when he returned and worked for Mr. Morrison again until 1858. He then went to the Rocky mountains in the spring of 1859, and while on the head waters of the Republican river, was captured by the Ute Indians,and was held by different tribes until August, when he escaped in the night and arrived at Fort Riley, Kan., and remained in that vicinity until in September, when he returned and began work for Mr. Weston. He remained here until 1861, when he went to Alexandria county, Ill., but he soon returned and enlisted in the army, in Co. E. 7th Mo. Cav., and fought for Uncle Sam until Nov. 20, 1864. Of 136 who went out in that company but 15 returned. They were known as the " South- western Missouri Scouts" in the service of the United States. He was married Sept. 17, 1865, to Miss Lucinda Worthington, daughter of Samuel J. Worthington, of this tp., and they have had 8 children, of whom 5 are living; viz., Clarissa S., Willis H., Viola, James S. and Arthur. Mr. McKinzie is engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing, on sec. 15.
James H. Morrison .- The subject of this sketch was born in this (Rocky Run) township, Nov. 23, 1852, and was married Feb. 18, 1875, to Miss Florence B. Richardson, by whom he has had 2 children; of these, one is living, Alfred M. Mr. Morrison is engaged in bee culture, and is very successful.
William S. Shipe is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born July 12, 1832, the son of John and Sarah Shipe, and was married Nov. 7, 1853, to Miss Mary C. Shipe, by whom he has had 8 chil- dren; of these, 6 are living; viz., Martin L., Rebecca E. (now Mrs. Frazier), Emma J., Cora A., Hattie G., and Catie. Mr. Shipe came to this State in 1842, and in 1852 came to this connty, locating in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in agriculture, stock- raising, and fruit-tree culture. Mr. Shipe is a very prominent man in this vicinity, and has been elected to some of the most important township offices, but declined to fill them. He owns a valuable farm of 280 acres on sec. 25, and his residence is the finest in that vicinity.
James M. Shipe was born in Hancock county, Ill., in the year 1856, and is a son of John and America Shipe, of this county. He received a common-school education, and was raised a farmer's boy. He was married Jan. 20, 1876, to Miss Susan E. Quick, by whom he has one child, Rosa. Mr. Shipe is engaged in farming and raising stock. He has two very fine horses,-one, Eureka II., sired by Eureka, of French Percheron stock. The latter was imported from France about the year 1872 or '73. His other horse is Romeo, sired by same. Enreka II. is four years old and weighs 1,450 pounds.
H. C. Parker was a native of Kentucky, born March 14, 1834; was the sun of William and Rebecca Parker; was married March 23, 1854, to Miss Eliza E. Weaver, by whom he had 10 children; of these 7 are living; viz., Mary A. (now Mrs. Peoples), Gustina H.,
.
576
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Susanah H., Emmit J., Lewis E., Annetta B., and Florence L. Mr. Parker came to this county in the year 1851, and afterward located in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in agriculture and stock-raising, and owns a very fine fruit orchard. Mr. Parker lives in one of the finest residences in that part of the tp.
George A. Trautvetter is a native of Germany, and was born Aug. 16, 1842; was married Jan. 20, 1869, to Miss Anna Schildt- mann, by whom he had 4 children; viz., Elizabeth, Anna S., Henry Harman, and Francis L. Mr. T. emigrated to America July 3, 1853, and located in this township Sept. 10 following, where he has since resided. Mr. Trantvetter was a soldier in the late war, in Co. H, 14th Ill. Vol. Inf., under Col. Hull and Gen. Stallbrand; served one year, during which time he traveled over Virginia and North Carolina. When he was on his way to Kansas to pro- tect the white settlers on the frontier, on arriving at Ft. Scott the army was disbanded and he returned home and resumed his former occupation, farming and stock-raising. Mr. Trautvetter has in his possession a sword which his great-grandfather used at the battle of Waterloo, under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte.
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