USA > Illinois > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Illinois, together with an outline history of the State, and a digest of State laws > Part 74
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THE KEOKUK AND IIAMILTON BRIDGE.
A railroad and wagon bridge was built under a charter from the States of Illinois and Iowa, ratified by Congress, and was opened to the public in June, 1871. It is constructed entirely of iron, excepting the road bed, which is of heavy-sawed white-oak lumber. It was about two years in building, delayed at several different times by ice and high water. Its cost was one million and five thousand dollars ($1,005,000). It is two thousand one hundred and ninety-four (2,194) feet long, and rests on eleven stone piers, exclusive of the abutments. Its draw, for the passage of steam- boats and other river craft, is 378 feet in length, turned by steam machinery on a pivot in the center. One end of this draw, when in place, rests on the abutment at the Iowa shore-the main chan- nel of the river being on that side, as it sweeps around the point. The bridge was built by the Keystone Bridge Co., of Pittsburg. As a matter of public interest, and for future reference, we insert below its
RATES OF FARE.
For a foot passenger. $ .05
For man and horse. .15
For one-horse vehicle. .20
For two do. do. .25
Head of cattle, each. .10
Head of sheep and hogs, each. .05
President of the Bridge Company, ANDREW CARNEGIE, New York; THEODORE GILMAN, Treasurer, New York.
Hazen Bedell was the first Postmaster in Montebello, appointed by President Jackson in 1829, and holding it till 1835, when he died. Was succeeded by John Johnson till his death in 1836; then Cyrus Felt, till 1841; then Enoch D. Brown for abont a year, when it was removed to Dr. Allen's town, Des Moines city, and there kept by Levi Jackman. In 1843 again at Montebello, E. D. Brown, P.M. In 1845 Mr. B. removed to Quincy, and B. B. Gates was P.M. Brown returned in '47, and was reappointed, and held it till 1853, when it was removed to Hamilton. Here Dr. Githens was first P.M., then John C. Cox to '57, Thomas Reid to '61, Benjamin J. Welch to '64, E. C. A. Cushman to '66, James Nolan to '69, Thomas Gregg to '76, and then and ever
46
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
since Dr. Githens again, after an interregnum of a quarter of a century.
RELIGIOUS PROGRESS.
The first preaching in Montebello remembered by Mr. Gordon, then quite young, was by Rev. John Lawton, of Carthage, in 1834, '5 and '6. As Revs. Peter Williams and Charles Robison both resided in the vicinity precedent to organization, there doubt- less must have been preaching years before Mr. Lawton came to the county. Of this, however, we have no proof.
The first Church organization of which we have any account, in Montebello, was at Riverside, about 1859. Rev. Joseph Mason officiating as Pastor for some six months. The membership was limited to nine, six female members and three males. namely: John Morse. William Donald and A. H. Leavings. Mr. Mason was followed by Rev. John G. Rankin, of Warsaw, Rev. Mr. Henry, and by Rev. Wm. C. Merritt, who remained its Pastor till 1856. About this time the society built a new house of worship at Oakwood, and soon afterward Rev. Mason again became its Pastor, and so remained until in 1859. when such changes in his doctrinal views occurred as led to his removal. During the early period of the Rebellion Rev. E. N. Bartlett, who had been driven from Missouri for his Union sentiments, was engaged as Pastor between this Church and the young Church at Hamilton.
This Church was organized in 1859, with a membership of fifteen persons. names not obtained. Mr. Bartlett remained two or three years. In course of time the Presbyterian element becoming pre- dominant. the organization was changed to Presbyterian. They were without a church building until 1874. when a neat little church was erected. the society previously using the Baptist church part of the time.
The Baptist Church (Missionary Branch) was organized in 1852 by Elder Henry Davis, who removed to Texas in 1856. In 1857. Elder Caleb M. Sewell organized a Free-Will Baptist society, and the Brick Church was soon after built by them. Mr S. resided in the town, and remained its Pastor mainly until his death in Nov., 1875. Since his death the society has been without a regular Pastor most of the time. Latterly Rev. D. C. Miller. a physician of the town, occasionally supplies the pulpit.
The M. E. organization was effected about the time the town was laid out, with a small membership. The church building they oc- cupy was erected say six or eight years thereafter. Latterly its membership has been about 60. which is as large as that of any of the others.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
Short biographies of many of the most prominent settlers and resi- dents of Montebello township afford the most interesting feature of its history. and they here follow:
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
J. A. Anderson, Hamilton, was born Sept. 25, 1816. He was taken by his parents, Robert and Naney Anderson, when quite young to Clark Co., Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. In 1850 he engaged in the manufactory of cars and agricultural imple- ments in Springfield, Ohio. He continued at this business until 1855, when he went to Minnesota. He was one of the framers of the constitution of that State, and also served in the 2d Minnesota Legislature. He came to this county in 1873, where he has since resided. Mr. A. was first married in 1843 to Catharine Miholland, who died in 1856. In 1859 he was again married to Louesa Ritcli, by whom he has had 3 children. He also had 3 children by his former wife.
R. W. Alvord was born in Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., Dec. 29, 1823. His parents were Samuel and Ursula (Smith) Alvord. Mr. Alvord was raised on a farm, and received a common-school education. He came to this county in 1846, and was engaged in farming. He was married in 1850 to Miss Angeline Sullivan, by whom he had 4 children, of which only one is living; namely, Susannah (now Mrs. Amasa Hager). Mr. Alvord is engaged in fruit-growing and gardening.
Rev. Samuel Alvord, father of the above, was born in Mass., Mar. 16, 1784, and died in Hamilton, Ill., Ang. 13, 1871, in the SSth year of his age. In 1804 moved to Madison Co., N. Y .; in 1810, to Lockport; in 1825 to Chautauqua county; in 1830 to Warren Co., Pa., and finally, in 1846, to Hamilton. Was twice married; to Miss Bates in 1809, and afterward to Miss Ursula Smith, with whom he lived nearly 51 years. United first with the Presbyterian Church at 17; afterward, 1809, with the Baptist. Licensed to preach in 1812, was a successful and earnest preacher. Pastor of several Churches in N. Y. and Pa. Never resumed pastoral labor in Ill., but frequently preached to destitute Churches, as op- portunity offered. He was a great sufferer during the latter years of his life, but calmly awaited the end.
Rev. B. Applebee is a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, where he was born Sept. 5, 1820. He is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Ghoist) Applebee. At the age of 17 years he was brought by his parents to Fulton county, Ill., where he remained till he was of age.
He was educated at Marietta, in that county. He is conversant in all languages connected with his ministry. He was licensed to preach, July 25, 1845, and was ordained Elder in 1850. In 1847 he traveled Carthage circuit, which then comprised all of Hancock county and a part of both MeDonough and Schuyler counties. His work in this itinerancy was blessed with glorious results; on the above named circuit the first and second years. Two hundred and twenty-five accessions were made to his societies. He re-organized the societies which had been scattered by the Mormons. He also organized the first Methodist society in Hamilton. Rev. Applebee was Pastor of the M. E. Church at the following important stations:
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Carthage three years; Galesburg, and built the first church there; Peoria four years, and many others. He is the present Pastor of the M. E. society in Hamilton, and is closing up the 35th year of his ministry. The following is an extract from the Nauvoo Independent:
" The Rev. B. Applebee is a minister of great convictions, of ministerial obligations, as well as marked pulpit and revival ability, and a leader in the great moral and religious reforms of the age. He was the first Pastor of the M. E. Church in Hancock county to re-organize Methodist societies and Sunday-schools, after the Mormon trouble, throughout this county. In 1847 he came to Carthage, as I have before stated. He was a most efficient minis- ter, then a young man acting a prominent part in the public gatherings connected with Sunday-school celebrations; and on the 4th of July, 1848, he visited the city and addressed the Sunday- school which assembled on that day in the Hibbard Grove, south of the city. He visited the city again in 1856 and conducted a quarterly meeting. He is now (Feb. 20, 1880) again in the city, and has met with a cordial welcome in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz, besides the love and respect of many others."
Rev. A. was joined in the bonds of holy matrimony, Feb. 12, 1849, to Miss Catharine Gardener, daughter of an early pioneer of this county, 4 children being the fruit of this union; viz., Mary M. (now Mrs. D. B. Spencer), of Iowa; Jabez O., a fine scholar, having graduated in the Wesleyan University; John W. (dec.) and Pytsea B.
J. M. Berry is a native of Merrimack county, N. II., and was born April 25, 1821. He is a son of Joshua and Patience C. Berry, who were both natives of the same State. In 1858 he was joined in marriage to Miss Harriet M. Berry, of his native State. This union was blessed with 3 children: of these only one is living, Mary (now Mrs. Gilman), who resides in Burlington, Iowa. Mr. Berry came to this county in 1858 and settled in Montebello tp., where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock- raising. He owns a farm of 123 acres in sec. 36.
Homer D. Brown was born March 9, 1846, in Quincy, Ill., and is a son of Homer and Hannah Brown. He was married, Oct. 26, 1869, to Miss Alice Harvey, by whom he has 2 children: Nellie and Harvey. Mr. Brown is the proprietor of the Montebello Nur- series, of Hamilton, and has a large local trade. In 1880 he was unable to supply the demand. He makes a specialty of the Ben Davis apple; has this year (1880) over three acres of this kind alone. Mr. Brown is also proprietor of the Wildcat Springs, that are becoming popular as a place for summer resorts.
Dr. Thomas J. Bull, dentist, Hamilton, was born July 6, 1810, in New York. He was brought by his parents to Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. He staid there until 1855, when he came to this State, and soon after to this county, where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his profession. He was educated
799
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
in this business in St. Louis. The Doctor was married Dec. 16, 1834, to Nancy A. Westcott, by whom he has had 12 children; 9 living,-5 sons and 4 daughters.
J. M. Campbell, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Elvaston; was born Jan. 28, 1843, in Pennsylvania. He was brought by his parents, James and Eliza Campbell, to this county in 1852, when nine years of age. Here he was reared, and in 1862, when he was only 19 years old, he enlisted in the military service in Co. A, 118th Reg. Ill. Mounted Infantry. He was mustered out Nov. 7, 1862. He par- ticipated in the battles, siege, and surrender of Vicksburg, Cham- pion Hills, Thompson's Hills, Arkansas Post and many others. He returned home in October, 1865, having served three years. Mr. C. was married Nov. 21, 1872, to Harriet Houston, and of their 4 children 3 are living; viz., James W., Anna G. (deceased), Her- bert L. and Thomas O.
Ebenezer Carrier was born in Connecticut Sept., 1811; came to this county in 1840, and was married the same year to Martha S. Winans, daughter of Alfred L. Winans, an early pioneer of this county. Mr. Carrier has resided in Hamilton ever since his settlement in this county. He took an active part against the Mormons, at one time just escaping death at their hands. They stole wood from him and he had them arrested and tried at Warsaw, and was coming home after night when they, intoxicated, took him out of the wagon to kill him, and would have succeeded had it not been for Mr. Hyde.
Joseph Cate, who has traveled from ocean to ocean, and wit- nessed many interesting sights, was born in Stafford county, N. H., Jan. 20, 1811, and is a son of Walter and Polly (Wiggins) Cate, the latter of whom is deceased. He was reared on a farm and educated in a common school. He came to Quiney, Ill., in 1837, where he became acquainted with Miss Sarah J. Wilson, whom he married March 8, 1838. They have had 5 children, of whom 3 are living; viz., Margaret J., George A. and Horatio W. The latter is now in California. Another son, Joseph, was killed at the siege of Vicksburg in the struggle for liberty during the late war. During the first gold excitement in 1849, Mr. Cate went overland in an ox wagon to California. In 1851 he returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama. In 1852 he again went to California, and returned in 1854. In 1855 he removed to this county, where he still resides. He was a farmer until he became disabled, when he sold his farm and removed to Hamilton, where he now resides in that portion of the town known as Oakwood.
Charles L. Cochran was born Feb. 20, 1823, in Randolph county, this State. He was brought by his parents, John and Mary Cochran, to this county when eight years of age (1831), where he was reared to manhood. His educational facilities were much limited. He went to the first school that was taught in Mon- tebello tp. The school was held in a log structure about 14 by 16 feet, by Mrs. McKinney. About that time the Black Hawk war
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
was under way. Charles L. had one brother, who was a soldier of the " band of rangers." Time rolled on and nothing transpired worthy of note till the rise and trouble of Mormonism, when the Smiths were killed. About this time he took an active part in expelling them from the State. Mr. Cochran remained here until 1854, when he went to California. He remained in the Western Territories and along the Pacific coast for 17 years, when he returned home. His vocation is that of farming, etc. His father died Jan. 10. 1843, at the ripe age of 72. Mr. Cochran is Vice-President of the "Old Settlers' Association."
Dr. Sylvester L. Comer, deceased, was born Sept. 9. 1830, in Ohio. He was brought by his parents, when a child, to Carthage, this county, where he was reared and educated. He also at- tended school at Jacksonville, and after studying medicine under some very skillful physicians here, he attended the Chicago and the Keokuk medieal colleges, at the latter of which he graduated with honors. During the war Dr. Comer was Surgeon in the Keo- kuk hospital. After the war elosed he came to this county and followed his profession till his death, March 3, 1879. Dr. Comer was married Sept. 2. 1862, to Alice Griswold. To them were born 4 children. 3 of whom are living-Hattie L., Samuel H .. Frank G.
Emulous Carlos Allen Cushman was born at Hartford, Vt., June 5, 1811. llis father. Joshua Cushman, was born Sept. 20, 1778. at Mansfield, Conn., and his mother, Mary Dorman Bridge- man, was born Nov. 24. 1783. at Hanover, N. H., near Dartmouth College. Mr. Cushman was a descendant of the Cushmans who were connected with the expedition of the Mayflower, and a relative on the one side of the celebrated Laura Bridgeman, and of Char- lotte Cushman on the other.
At Lebanon, N. H., Mr. Cushman in his youth. learned the trade of machinist, which, however, he never followed, except as manager.
On May 30, 1838, having emigrated to Ohio, he was married in Muskingum county to Miss Margaret A. Bainter, who still sur- vives him. In Licking county in that State and afterward in St. Lonis. Mo., he was engaged for several years in the manufacture and sale of the Parker Reaction and Percussion Water-wheel. IIe removed to Ohio in 1834, to St. Louis in 1840, to Hancock county (Pilot Grove) in 1851. and to Hamilton in 1853. Here he was one of the first settlers, and was ever one of its most public spirited men, frequently holding office under the town and eity government. His main business was that of real estate and insurance, but he also long held the position of Justice of the Peace and Notary Public and that of Postmaster. During the Rebellion he was enrolling and drafting officer for this district. And in all these positions, public and private, he was esteemed for his courtesy and kindness of heart. He was, in addition, one of the charter mem- bers of the Black Hawk Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter of Masons, and held high office in each.
601
HETORY OF HANCOCK COUSTY.
Mr. Cushman was never connected with any Church, but was chosen trustee of the Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, which be held from its organization till his death. always taking an interget in its welfare and contributing liberally to its support. He made no profession, yet was a firm believer in the Christian religion, and died trusting in the Savior. He died May 21, 1:79, having gained the esteem and affection of his friends, and much lamented by all.
Charles Dadant, a very prominent bee-culturist in this tp., was born in France May 22, 1817; came to this country in 1563 and settled in this tp., where he has since resided, engaged in the keeping of Italian becs (imported). He has at present 500 stands of these. all raised from two stands. He also manufactures bees wax (refined). In the year 1979 his bees made 15,000 lbs of honey. Mr. D. was married in 1847 to Gabrielle Parison, and they have had 3 children: Mary D., Emile D. and Eugene D. His post- office address is Hamilton.
Henry R. Dickinson was born in Keene, N. H., Dee. 10, 1815. His education was limited to the common school of the town, in those days not remarkable for their excellence. At the early age of twelve he engaged as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade, which he followed industriously for six years in New Hampshire, and then, at the age of about le, emigraved to Greene county, IIL At Carrollton, the county best of Greene, he followed the business till, in 1549, he removed to and settled in Hancock. His first locs- tion here was in a cabin in the woods, near the big spring. on the present site of Hamilton. This was two or three years before the town was laid out. In 1:50. in conjunction with Bryant Bartlett, his brother-in-law. a charter for a ferry was obtained between Keokuk and this shore; and in 1952 the town of Hamilton was laid out by them and other parties, a notice of which will be found elsewhere. At great expenses and an immense amount of labor a roadway was constructed across the bottom to the river shore, and landings built, much of which had to be renewed every year, till finally the steamer Salina was put on and the ferry fally estab- lished. Mr. Hugh W. Sample, of Keokuk. becoming associated with them. In this enterprise Mr. D. and his co-partners are thought to have expended not less than 810,000 in securing the ferry road and approaches, independent of all other expenses. But it proved a success and a great public benefit for many years, until it was anperseded by the great iron bridge. Much of its success was due to Mr. Dickinson's energy and means. He withdrew from the concern a number of years before it was discontinued, and has since employed his time and means in carrying on two or three farme, and in the lumbering business in the town.
Mr. D. is the parent of 7 children-5 sone and 2 daughters, the eldest of whom, Oscar, was one of the fret men killed in the 16th regiment. (See page 467.) The othere are still living.
Mr. Dickinson has held several offices of honor and tront: that
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
of Mayor of Hamilton for two terms; Alderman for six or eight years, and several times Assessor of Montebello township. He has also long been a member of the Masonic order, in which he has held responsible positions.
Dr. T. J. Dodge, the renowned " magnetic healer," is a native of Fulton county, Ill .; born Jan. 24, 1844. He is a son of Henry and Lorana Dodge; was principally raised in McDonough county, this State. He received a common district-school education. He engaged in general business until 1871, when he started as a Bap- tist evangelist; traveled for 6 successive years, and wonderful were the results of his preaching. Sometimes infidels would fall as if the shaft of death had pierced their hearts, so affecting was his preaching. About the year 1875 he perceived that he had the " gift of healing," and frequently and instantaneously healed persons of various diseases while in Church. Dr. Dodge was an infidel in belief prior to his conversion, which occurred Feb. 5, 1860. He soon after felt convinced that he should preach, and immediately entered the ministry. In 1877 he had strong convictions to cease the work of an evangelist, and to devote his time principally to healing the afflicted. Jan. 1, 1878, Dr. Dodge entered partnership with Dr. Ringland in the " Riverside Institute." His treatment is followed by unprecedented success in the permanent healing of patients. His first cure wrought in the Riverside Institute was a case of apoplexy of several years' standing, which he cured in less than five minutes' time. Dr. Dodge has a wonderful magnetic power, and at will can make a person stand or sit unmovable as a statue. He frequently preaches at the Institute and in the surrounding country. Dr. D. was united in marriage Sept. 25, 1863, with Caroline Atwater, and they have 8 children-5 sons and 3 daughters. Heis now 36 years of age and weighs 310 pounds.
Charles Dorman was born in Gloucester county, N. J., Nov. 28, 1817, and is a son of James and Amy Dorman. He served an apprenticeship at blacksmithing when but a boy, at Good Intent, a manufacturing village of his native State. His father was a cabinet-maker. Mr. Dorman followed blacksmithing until 1863, when he enlisted in the 133d Ill. Vol. Inf., and served as a soldier in the late war. He was married in April, 1838, to Miss Anna M. Northrop, by whom he has had 7 children; of these, 5 are liv- ing; viz., Albert, James, Hattie, Amy and Anna. Mr. Dorman engaged in the mercantile business in 1865, in that part of Hamil- ton known as Oakwood, where he carries a stock of about $2,000, consisting of hardware, groceries and notions. His grandfather, Ned Parker, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his father was an officer in the war of 1812.
James B. Gilliland, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Elvaston; was born in New York city, and was raised there and in Philadelphia. He was married in New York, Oct. 27, 1836, to Miss Margaret S. Glenn, daughter of David Glenn. (The Glenns were early settlers of Philadelphia.) Eleven children were the fruit of this union, of
Simus, L. Wiley DURHAM TP.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
whom 5 are living; viz., Stephen R., George W., William M., James P. (missionary in S. America), and Sarah (a Holiness preacher). Mr. Gilliland and family came to Pekin, Ill., in 1854, and to this county in 1858. While in Philadelphia, Mr. Gilliland engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods, but is now engaged in farming.
Dr. W. H. Githens was born in Ohio, Dec. 11, 1826; he is a son of John Githens, who was a native of New Jersey. He was reared and educated in his native State. He also began the study of medicine there about the year 1847, and in 1850 came to Keo- kuk. Iowa, where he finished his course of medical study, and graduated; in 1852 he came to this county and began the practice of medicine. March 4, 1849, he was married to Sarah P. Robbins. To them were born 10 children; only + are living; viz., Louise I. (now Mrs. Anderson), Wm. R., Helen M. and Mary A.
Mr. G. was a Surgeon in the 16th Ill. Vol. Inf. for a time. when he came to Keokuk and was in the Government service, in the hospital of that place, for one year, when he went back and served the remainder of the war, under Gen. Sherman. He partici - pated in the following battles; viz., Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Vicksburg, Lookout and Kenesaw Mountains, and many others.
Samuel Gordon, one of the pioneers of this county, was born in Peterboro', N. H., May 3, 1825; emigrated with his parents to Montebello, in Hancock county, when it contained less than 500 inhabitants, in Oct., 1831. In the spring of 1833, he removed to the farm on which he now resides, twenty years before the city of Hamilton was laid out. He received his education from the com- mon schools in the neighborhood.
Mr. Gordon has been an office holder; held the office of Clerk of Montebello township for 14 years, between 1857 and 1874; was 20 years a member of the School Board; two years City Clerk; six years City Treasurer, and twice a member of the City Council of Ham- ilton. In Ang., 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. C, 118th Ill. Inf. Vol .; was on continuous duty for three years and two months, until Oct. 13, 1865, when his regiment was discharged. He partic- ipated in the following battles: Chickasaw Bluffs, near Vicksburg, Dec. 26 to 30, 1862; Arkansas Post, Jan. 10 and 11, 1863; Thomp- son's Hill, May 1, 1863; Champion Hills, May 16, 1863; Black river bridge, May 17, 1863; siege of Vicksburg until after the assault of May 23, 1863; Grand Caton bayou, Nov. 3, 1863; as- sault on Port Hudson, Apr. 7, 1864.
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