History of Hancock County, Illinois, together with an outline history of the State, and a digest of State laws, Part 66

Author: Gregg, Thomas, b. 1808. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, C.C. Chapman
Number of Pages: 1046

USA > Illinois > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Illinois, together with an outline history of the State, and a digest of State laws > Part 66

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

While in Cincinnati Mr. Ferris and Mr. Carman were approached by a man named Austin, who endeavored to persuade them to divert their course to Texas, offering to each several leagues of good land free of charge if they would go there with their families; but, having made other arrangements, they declined the tempting offer. Austin was afterward prominently identified with Texas and its struggle for independence from Mexico. The town of Austin, now the capital of Texas, was named after him.

On the arrival of the steamboat Niagara at Jefferson Barracks, eight miles below St. Louis, it was obliged to wait some eight hours, unloading Government stores. It happened that the celebrated Indian Chief, Black Hawk, was a prisoner of war at the barracks at that time, and Mr. Ferris, accompanied by his son Hiram G., then 10 years old, went up to the barracks and saw the chief and talked with him.

Arriving at St. Louis, it seemed as if the lateness of the season would compel the party to seek winter quarters in that vicinity; but luckily a small steamboat called the William Wallace was about to attempt the trip to Traders' Point, now Keokuk. Mr. Ferris engaged passage for himself and family, although the Cap- tain would not agree to carry them to any particular point in view of the possible closing of navigation at any hour. On arriving at Quincy the Captain declined going any farther unless liberally paid for it. Mr. Ferris and others paid the price demanded, and the avaricious Captain-who was in addition to his rough manners a brutal fellow-came on to Traders' Point, landing there about the 10th or 11th of December. At that time Traders' Point com- prised three or four log cabins at the base of the hill. The popu- lation consisted of three or four traders and their families, and 100 or so of Indians and half-breeds who were loafing about. There was no house where Hamilton now stands. The first house above

709

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Fort Edwards (now Warsaw) was the cabin of Abraham Smith, abont two and a half miles above the present town of Hamilton. Desiring to cross the river to Mr. Smith's place, Mr. Ferris paid a man $16 to ferry his family and personal effects across the river. The boat was a crazy affair, very leaky and not at all adequate to the burthen imposed upon it. After loading the boat with its living freight and household goods, it was towed some three miles up the river by horses, and from that point "poled" across. In the boat, in addition to Mr. Ferris' family and effects, were Mr. Stearns and his family and effects, and a horse and wagon. After various and exciting besetments with the rapids and rocks, the boat, about one-third full of water, was finally landed not far from Mr. Smith's cabin, and the long and tedious journey by water was ended.

As landed upon the shores of Illinois, Mr. Ferris' family com- prised himself and wife and 6 children, as follows: John M., the eldest son, now a prominent citizen of Carthage; Leonard T., second son, now a prominent physician at Fountain Green; Fran- cina R., the eldest daughter, afterward the wife of S. H. Tyler, Jr. (died at Fountain Green in fall of 1859) ; Hiram G., third son, now President of the Hancock County National Bank, of Carthage; Dorothy L., second daughter, died at Fountain Green, Sept. 5, 1842, in her 17th year, unmarried; Fidelia B., third daughter, first wife of Dr. A. J. Griffith, and mother of W. H. Griffith, Esq., of this city. This lady died in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 28, 1849, in her 19th year. Her remains were brought back and buried at Fountain Green.

The crossing at Traders' Point was made on the 13th of Decem- ber, 1832; and on the following day Mr. Ferris and his son John M. walked across to Horse Lick Grove (now Fountain Green), some , 22 miles, where they employed a man named Geo. W. Howard to haul his family and goods to their destination. The trip was made with an ox team to haul the household goods, and a one-horse wagon to haul the family. They arrived at Fountain Green Dec. 15, 1832. Mr. Beebe and family, having arrived the year previous, had a comfortable double log house, which he shared with Mr. Ferris' family until spring. Mr. Ferris then purchased of Mr. Beebe 110 acres of land, upon which, on the ground now occupied by Mr. McClaughry's residence, in Fountain Green, he built a com- fortable log house; in the spring of 1833 he opened out the farm and built a small tannery. The latter, after a fair trial, proved impracticable on account of scarcity of bark. Some five years later he built a small saw-mill on the creek not far from Fountain Green. This proved unprofitable, and thenceforward until 1845 he gave his attention mainly to farming. July 15, 1836, he sold the most of his farm to Mr. McClaughry. Sept. 14, 1860, his wife died at Fountain Green. Then he came to Carthage and made his home with the family of his son, Hiram G. Ferris, where he lived, with few absences, until his death, which occurred on the evening

710

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

of November 29, 1876, while on a visit at the house of his son, Dr. L. T. Ferris, in Fountain Green, at the age of 88 years, 3 months and 18 days. He was buried in the village grave-yard by the side of his wife, where lie the remains of other members of. his family.

Stephen G. Ferris, besides being one of the earliest pioneers in this county, is given the highest tribute, by those who knew him best during his life-time, as being in an eminent degree an honest man, a good neighbor, a kind friend and Christian gentleman. In early life he became a . member of the Baptist Church, and main- tained that membership and the faith it taught until his death. When he first settled at Horse Lick Grove there were not to exceed 200 people within the present boundaries of Hancock county. The nearest mill was 60 miles distant; and in lieu of flour, people had to be content with coarse meal pounded from dry corn in a wooden mortar. These, among others, were some of the vicissitudes and hardships endured by the pioneers, that we might enjoy the con- veniencies and luxuries of the present day.

John Fletcher, farmer,sec. 21; P. O., Carthage; is the eldest son of William and Ann (Davidson) Fletcher, and was born in Scotland in August, 1831. When five years of age his parents emigrated to America, stopping one year in Canada, and located in Hamilton county, O., the following year, where they resided until Nov., 1841, at which time they settled in this tp., where he is still living, in the 79th year of. his age. His respected wife has attained her 80th year. The subject of this sketch was married in 1853, to Miss Amanda Powell, a native of Ohio. By this marriage 5 chil- dren have been born, 4 of whom are living: Margaret A., William A., Edward U. and Minnie; Mary E., deceased. After marriage he settled south of his father's farm, on his present estate, in the fall of 1863, which he improved, and erected a fine, commodious dwelling. This farm, consisting of 300 acres, is valued at $55 per acre. Mr. F. has dealt considerably in stock since 1862, besides attending to the farming interests, and the duties of his public position. He has filled the office of Chairman of the Republican Committee for 15 years, Justice of the Peace five years, Commis- sioner of Highways, Treasurer of the Board, and School Director a number of years, was elected Collector in the spring of 1880, and has otherwise been prominently distinguished. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and in a strict sense of the word is a self-made man. He commenced life in very limited circumstan- ces, but, through energy and good management, has attained success. Being an active politician in the Republican ranks, he exer- cises considerable influence, believing that the principles of Repub- licanism are the only ones calculated to advance the best interests of this country. The family number among those of the early and respected families of the county.

George Flynn, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Carthage; was born in Ireland in 1835, emigrated to America in 1850, and settled in Butler county, O., where he worked on a farm and teamed it be-

711

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

tween that point and Cincinnati. In 1858 he came to this county, and rented until he had, by prudence, secured enough means to purchase a portion of his present estate, now consisting of 160 acres, with 50 acres on south side of the road. This farm is one of the most valuable and productive in the tp. Mr. F. was mar- ried in 1859, to Miss Delia Donohue, a native of Ireland, who died in 1876, leaving 6 children, all of whom are living; George O., Frank, John, William H., Mary J. and Delia. His present wife, Ellen A. Kelly, is a native of Ireland and danghter of Laurence Kelly, of Rock Creek, who came to this county in 1850, is still a resident of this tp., and in the 78th year of his age. By this marriage, one child has been born, Catherine. The family are members of the Catholic Church at Carthage. Mr. F. values his land at $50 per acre. He dealt largely in stock during the war, and is considerably engaged in that business at this time. Politically, he does not bind himself to any party, but votes for the man most worthy of support.

John L. Foutch, merchant, firm of Foutch & Shultz, was born in Washington county, Md., March 3, 1824; is a son of William and Catherine (Caashter) Fontch, natives of Virginia, who emigrated to Maryland, where they both died. He came to this State in 1847, and located in Springfield; same year he removed to Canton, Fulton Co., where he lived until 1857, when he moved to this city. He was a blacksmith and worked at his trade until he enlisted in 1862, as 2d Sergt. in Co. K, 118th I. V. I., and served until Oct., 1865. He participated in the battles on the Yazoo, Ark. Post, Milliken's Bend Vicksburg, Thompson's Hill, Raymond, Champion Hills, Black river bridge, siege of Vicksburg, Port Hudson, Baton Rouge, and all the smaller engagements in which the regiment was engaged. He was mustered out Oct. 1, 1865; was married March 14, 1849 to Miss Mary Cutler, a native of Erie county, N. Y. Two children have been born to this marriage, one of whom is living, Amanda, wife of A. C. Shultz. Mr. F. is a member of the Baptist Church, and is Republican in politics.

Chas. W. Goodrich, farmer sec. 22; P. O. Carthage; is a son of Neshach Goodrich, who was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y. in 1794. When 16 years of age he went to Shenandoah county, Va., where he was married in May, 1815, to Miss Rebecca Ruddell, a · native of the same county. In 1818 he purchased the land of his present estate of 160 acres from the soldiers, it being patent land, and settled on the same in 1839. He raised a family of 12 children, 7 of whom are living, Susan, Sarah and John, all residents of San Francisco; Charles, Amanda, wife of Wm. Raleigh, a descendant of Walter Raleigh, residents of Chicago; James, who lives in the township, and Frank, of McDonough county. Mr. G. was drafted in the war of 1812, but the retreat of the British secured him his discharge. He is one of the oldest living pioneers of the county. For two years past he has been an invalid, and confined most of the time to his bed; lic became associated with the Christian

712

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Church when 19 years of age and has always led a devout Christian life. The subject of this sketch was born in this township in 1843. He was united in matrimony to Miss Mildred D. Davis, a native of Virginia. Their children are: Ada E., John F., Charles E. and Emma M. Mr. G. has resided on the homestead all his life; has a farm of 60 acres, and 40 acres in sec. 26, and numbers among the pioneers of the county. Politically, is Democratic. The family are lineal descendants of the Goodrich family that emigrated to America in the days of early pilgrimage, and are extensively known.

A. J. Griffith, physician, was born in Highland county, O., in 1822; is son of L. L. Willin and Hannalı (Hope) Griffith, who emigrated to Illinois in 1842, and settled in Fulton county, where they resided until 1856, when they moved to this county and settled in Fountain Green where his father worked at his trade, wagon-making. He began the study of medicine in the office of P. S. Secon, at Fountain Green; was educated at Missouri Medical College, and attended medical lectures at the Jefferson Medical School at Philadelphia; in 1846 he began the practice of medicine at Fountain Green. In 1848 he was married to Miss Fidelia, youngest child of Stephen G. Ferris, a native of New York, who died in 1849 leaving one child, William. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, where he remained two years. In 1854 he moved to this city and followed his profession for some years, when he retired from practice, and in 1865 became associated with the Hancock National Bank, of which he is Vice-President and a large stockholder. He was again married in 1854 to Miss Margaret McClaughry, a native of New York city, by whom he has two children, Kate and Ralph. Mr. G. is largely interested in the Republican press of this city, has been a member of the Masonic order since 1846, and is one of the prominent business men of Carthage. Politically is a Democrat.

William Griffith, cashier Hancock National Bank, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in Jan., 1849, and with his parents settled in this city, where he has since made it his home. In Sept., 1867, he was called to fill his present position in the bank, where he has been continuously engaged ever since. He served as Town Clerk one term and Town Treasurer two terms. He was married Oct., 1873, to Miss Clara M., daughter of David E. Head. By this marriage they have one child, Ethil. Mr. G. is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of the Baptist Church.

Artois Hamilton .- This pioneer settler, whose portrait is given on another page, was born in Tolland, Mass., Ang. 15. 1795; he moved to Montgomery county, N. Y., in 1822, and was married to Miss Atta Bentley, of that county, February 22, 1827. In 1835 Mr. Hamilton removed his family, then consisting of his wife and four children, to Hancock county, Ill .; he traversed the entire distance with horse teams, consuming nearly two months on the road. He arrived at Carthage July 22 of that year. During the first two

if Homilton

715

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

weeks that he spent in Carthage, himself and family slept in their wagons and prepared their food hard by on the prairie. He fed his horses on the grass which he cut as needed on the open prairie, where the court-house now stands. At the end of two weeks Mr. Hamilton leased a dwelling on the site now occupied by the dwelling of Mrs. Dr. Randolph, where he lived some three months. In the spring he purchased a small log house, into which he moved with his family. To this house he added other rooms until it was large enough to entertain travelers, and his dwelling thereafter became by common consent the hotel of the village, which he kept uninterruptedly until 1851, and maintained its repu- tation above the reproach of either "saint" or "gentile." He, withal, had leisure time to enter and improve five or six quarter sections of land in the vicinity of his new home. Close attention to his accumulating interests and prudent management soon made Mr. Hamilton the wealthiest man in the county.

During the eventful period of the Mormon war, he was neces- sarily a spectator to most of the stirring events of that time. His hotel being the general headquarters for the traveling public at Car- thage, very frequently he was compelled to entertain guests at the same hour holding the most antagonistic views on the Mormon question. When Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed at the Car- thage jail, Mr. Hamilton, as soon as he heard of it, went to the jail with a wagon and conveyed the bodies to his house, where he con- structed rude coffins in which they were placed. On the following morning, accompanied by two of his sons and two neighbors, he conveyed the bodies in a wagon to Nauvoo and delivered them to their friends. For this humane act he was cordially thanked by the Mormon people, and was also offered substantial tokens of their gratitude. The last, however, he declined. During the hostiities that followed between the Mormons and Anti-Mormons, an artillery company at Carthage had, for some canse, disbanded, and a six- pound iron cannon belonging to it had, to some extent, be- come public property. Mr. Hamilton, learning that a Mormon squad headed by one Jo Backenstos, a "Jack Mormon" leader, was coming to take away the cannon, unlimbered the gun and hid it in a cornfield, where it staid until the arrival of the State forces, to whom he gave it up.

In July, 1851, a great calamity fell upon Mr. Hamilton, in the loss of five members of his family by cholera. One sister and a daughter died on the 16th; his wife, on the 18th; his oldest son, Marvin, on the 19th, and his remaining sister, on the 23d. In 1852 Mr. H. married Mrs. Susan Smith, who survives him and still re- sides at Carthage.

In 1855 Mr. Hamilton laid out the town, now city, of Hamilton, opposite Keokuk. This enterprise did not prove a pecuniary suc- cess. His reticence during his life relative to this enterprise neces- sarily abridges what would doubtless have been a valuable and in- teresting portion of the history of the " City of Hamilton." It is

716

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

said by some that Mr. H. never had but one hobby in his life, and that was the 4th of July. . It was his habit from childhood to regard the day as one of peculiar significance to Americans,-a day to be observed and honored with ceremonies appropriate to its patriotic inspirations. He was a leading and directing spirit in every 4th of July celebration taking place in the town or vicinity.

For the celebration of the 4th of July, 1873, at Carthage, Mr. Hamilton had spent much time, labor and expense. The programme for the day was mostly gotten up by him. It was to consist, in a large part, of a military display and mock battle by the "Army of the Revolution," as Mr. Hamilton delighted to call it. This army consisted of some 300 boys, for whom military hats and wooden guns had been provided by Mr. H. The military parade took place, the mimic battle was fought to the satisfaction of all, and the general programme for the day was carried out as the old vet- eran had devised. The troops were then inustered into line and marched to his residence, after which arms were stocked, and the troops were dismissed. While there, assembled at his well, he made the boys a little speech. "Boys," said he, "you have done nobly to-day; you have acted like patriots and gentlemen, and I am proud of you. This is the last 4th of July I will ever celebrate, boys, and I want you to remember this: Mind your parents and remem- ber the 4th of July, and you will all make good men and be an honor to the country." The boys then dispersed to their homes. Mr. Hamilton then sat down on the porch of his home to con- verse with his family and visiting friends. In a short time he com- plained of feeling sick. He went into the house and lay down, while his daughter fanned him. Shortly he said he felt better. His sons, William and Elisha, were with him, and he conversed with them easily and cheerfully some minutes. Soon he ceased to con- verse, and lay with his eyes closed, as if asleep. It was then dis- covered that his limbs were quite cold, and that he was unconscious. Physicians were sent for and restoratives applied, but he was beyond the aid of medical skill, or the kind offices of friends. The old patriot was dead. He passed away as peacefully as an infant falls asleep in its mother's arms. The precise moment of his death is not known, but it could not have been far from one-half past six o'clock P. M., or about one hour after he had dismissed the " boy soldiers," at his house.

Thus lived and died the patriot citizen; doubtless had he been permitted to select the hour of his death, he would not have wished it differently. The celebration he had planned and labored for with such zeal, had happily passed off to his complete satisfaction. He had said, " Boys, this is my last 4th of July." He evidently thought that it was, and thus feeling, he doubtless welcomed the summons to rest. Four of his children yet survive him, whose names are as follows: William R. Hamilton, who was born in Johnstown, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1829; he was elected Sheriff of Han- cock county in 1858, and has filled various other offices of trust

717

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

and honor, among which is Supervisor, etc., etc. He now resides at Carthage. John D. Hamilton wa's also a native of Johnstown, N. Y., and born April 30, 1833. He served as Sergeant Major in the 16th Ill. Vol. Inf. during the war of the Rebellion. He is now a Clerk in the Illinois Penitentiary, at Chester, Ill. Mary B. Hamilton, the only surviving daughter, lives at Carthage. Elisha B. Hamilton was a soldier in the late war, and acted as Ist Lient. Co. B, in the 11Sth Ill. Vol. Inf. He is a lawyer by pro- fession, and resides in Quincy, Ill. He is now Inspector General of the Illinois National Guard, and a member of the Governor's Staff.

Elisha Bentley Hamilton, youngest son of Artois Hamilton, was born Oct. 5, 1838, at Carthage, Ill., in the old house there, then known as " Hamilton's Tavern," situated on north Main street. Spent his early life about the farmn, saw-mill and tavern, and in 1856 entered Illinois College, at Jacksonville; graduated in June, 1860, with the degree of B. S. Enlisted as a private, in August, 1862, and assisted in raising Capt. McClaughry's company, which became Co. B in the 118th Inf. Vols., and on the formation of regiment at Camp Butler, was appointed Quartermaster Sergeant ; was promoted to 1st Lieutenant Co. B, Nov. 14, 1863. Served almost continuously with the regiment, which was with Sherman at the first attack on Vicksburg, at the capture of Arkansas Post, through the Vicksburg campaign and capture, capture of Jack- son, Miss., Franklin's campaign in Western La., in 1864, and Gen. Davidson's march to the Gulf. [See Hist. of 118th Regt.] Was mustered out with the regiment at Springfield, Oct. 13, 1865, having served over three years. In June, 1866, Lieut. H. entered the office of Warren & Wheat, at Quincy, Ill., to study law, and was admitted to practice in the State Courts June 1, 1868, and the U. S. Circuit and District Courts in January, 1872. On admis- sion to the Bar, he was taken as a member of the firm, which became Warren, Wheat & Hamilton, afterward, Wheat, Ewing & Hamilton, at present, Ewing & Hamilton. On March 3, 1868, Mr. H. was appointed Surveyor of Customs for the port of Quincy, by Pres. Johnson, and re-appointed by Pres. Grant April, 1872, which office he resigned July, 1875, and recommended its abolition Jan. 14, 1873. Mr. Hamilton was commissioned by Gov. Oglesby as 1st Lieut. of the Quincy National Guards, a fine military organ- ization, and was, May 26, 1876, commissioned as Captain of the Co. by Gov. Beveridge. By direction of Gov. Cullom, he took command of the Sth Regt. of I. N. G., and went to East St. Louis, during the riots of 1877, and received for his course on that occa- sion warm praise from the commanding General. Feb. 26, 1878, was placed on the staff of Gov. Cullom, as Brig .- Gen. and Chief of Artillery; and on Jan. 5, 1880, was commissioned by the Gov- ernor as Inspector General of the I. N. G., which position he now holds. In June, 1878, Illinois College voluntarily conferred on

718

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Gen. Hamilton the degree of M. A. Married Sept. 10, 1878, to Miss Mary E. Fisk, at Quincy, Ill.

William R. Hamilton, Deputy Circuit Clerk, is a son of the venerable Artois Hamilton, whose biography is given elsewhere in this volume, and was born in Johnstown, Fulton county, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1829. He was married in this county in June, 1854, to Miss Martha H., daughter of Warren Miller, a native of Elmira, N. Y., by whom he has 3 children: Ida A., Willard C. and Herbert. In 1855 Mr. H. was appointed Census-taker, and com- piled the records of the census of that year. He served as Super- visor five years in Prairie township, and was elected Sheriff in 1858, serving two years; in fact, his whole life has been spent in an official capacity. Mr. H. is one of the oldest pioneers of Hancock county, and at present fills the position of Deputy Circuit Clerk. He is grandson of Gad and Ann Hamilton, the former born April 12, 1768, and died May S, 1848; the latter born March 11, 1776, and died Aug, 3, 1851.

William T. Hannon, physician, was born in Wood county, O., in 1839. He commenced the battle of life without means, and ac- quired his education by his own energy and industry. His early schooling was obtained at Waterville, O., and when 17 years of age took charge of the seminary in Coles county, O., which he conducted one year with satisfaction. He then read law one year, and commenced the study of medicine with P. G. Corkins, of Lib- erty, Adams Co. When the dark cloud of Rebellion broke over the land he enlisted in Co. D, 4th I. V. I., and served one year; was severely wounded on the Gasconade river, Mo., while on picket duty, by a minie-ball through his foot and two bayonet thrusts in his body. He was confined in the field hospital some time, and taken to the home of a local physician, where he was kindly cared for until able to return home in May, 1862. He returned to his stud- ies with Dr. Corkins, and attended lectures prior to his army ser- vice at Ann Arbor, Mich. In 1869 he received his diploma from the Iowa University. He instituted the class of anatomy in that school, and was connected with that college for four years. He first began practice in Denver, Hancock Co., and in 1871 moved to this city, where he has since been in active and successful practice. In the fall of 1863 he married Miss Emma S. Young, a native of Fort Madison, Iowa, and daughter of Colonel Thomas E. Young, of Pennsylvania. They have 5 living children: Mary L., William H., John T., Bertha J. and George R. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic order and one of the most prominent and success- ful physicians of the county. Politically, he usually votes the Democratic ticket. His parents, John and Fannie (Barr) Hannon, were natives of Ireland. His father was born in Narragansett Bay, while the vessel was en route to America. He settled in Ohio, in 1825, where they both died during the boyhood days of our subject.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Hancock County, Illinois, together with an outline history of the State, and a digest of State laws, Part 66

Author: Gregg, Thomas, b. 1808. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago, C.C. Chapman Number of Pages: 1046

Author: Gregg, Thomas, b. 1808. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, C.C. Chapman
Number of Pages: 1046