History of Iroquois County, together with Historic notes on the Northwest, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources, Part 118

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co.
Number of Pages: 1180

USA > Illinois > Iroquois County > History of Iroquois County, together with Historic notes on the Northwest, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources > Part 118

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

1879, a compromise was effected by paying the holders of the bonds 50 per cent of the indebtedness, thus relieving the town of railroad debt.

CHURCHES.

In the history of a township the religious sentiment of its settlers is one of the best criterions of its true worth, for without a whole- some christian feeling pervading all interests, we are but a few paces ahead of barbarism. In this direction the town can claim a place in the front ranks of the county's history. As in most new countries the Methodists were the first and for many years the only denomi- nation holding meetings in the town. In its infancy Ash Grove was a part of the district running from the south line of the county to the Kankakee river. The pioneer minister was a gentleman by the name of Springer, who preached at the house of Hon. Lewis Roberts, in the summer of 1834, where a congregation of about twenty persons greeted him once every four weeks. He was fol- lowed by Joseph Rymond, and he in turn by John Parsons. During the time Mr. Burr was on this charge, the meetings were removed to the house of Thomas Hockins, a place nearer the center of the neighborhood, in which place they were held until the spring of 1841, when they were moved to the school-house just completed on section 19. At this place Nathaniel Jenkins, a local minister of more than average ability, preached the first sermon to a congrega- tion of about twenty persons. The school-house was used until the building of Wesley and Flowers chapels, in the spring of 1855. These are credited as being the first frame churches erected in the county. The cause of building these two places of worship was not on account of any "split " among the members, but on account of the creek. Those on the south side claimed they could not attend church all the time on account of the distance and high water, while those on the north side, through priority of settlement, claimed the right to build north of the stream. Accordingly in the spring of 1855 each faction commenced a church. That on the south side, under the name of Wesley chapel, was first to be commenced, but the one on the north side the first to be completed ; this was built on the S.E. ¿ of N.E. ¿ of Sec. 24, T. 25, R. 14, on an acre of land donated by Alonzo Taylor ; the building was 24×44, and cost near $1,000, and named Flowers chapel, in honor of J. W. Flowers, who preached the dedication sermon February 2, 1856, at which time the church was entirely paid for. At the dedication nearly all the citizens of Ash Grove were present, and many from Milford and Onarga. The first quarterly meeting was held here

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ASH GROVE TOWNSHIP.

before it was finished, July 22, 1855, Elder Walker officiating. The first presiding elder visiting Ash Grove was Hooper Crews, a most extraordinary man, well fitted to inspire hope among thie pio- neer Methodists. Under Rymond there were but eight active members of the M. E. church in the town, but under the earnest toil of the sturdy christian men who guided the organization, a con- tinually increasing interest was developed, until in the summer of 1868, when the building was moved to Glenwood (where it is still used), there was a membership of sixty-five. W. H. M. Brown is the present pastor. In this township Bishop Roberts preached three times while on visits to his relatives. The first of these elo- quent sermons, which drew everybody from far and near, was delivered in his brother Lewis' house on the Keath farm, in April, 1838. His second was preached at the head of the grove, in the house of Lewis Brock, being the next Sunday, at which time he preached from the text in the ninth chapter of Jeremiah, a part of the twenty-third and twenty-fourth verses: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might ; let not the rich man glory in his riches, but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth." His last was in 1845, being delivered in the grove about one hundred yards southeast of Thomas Hockins' house. About two hundred persons were present, while eight joined the church, and as many were baptized.

The Society of Friends at one time had the largest membership of any denomination in the town, numbering about 300 members in 1869; but owing to so many removals there remain but eight or nine families. In the fall of 1864 the society built a church in the southern part of the town, 24×24, but in less than one year the membership grew so rapidly and became so large as to demand a larger building ; hence, in the fall of 1865, an addition was built, making the structure 24×60, costing near $1,100, which still stands on the original spot. The first monthly meeting of the Friends was held in the church before it was completed, October 21, 1865, at which meeting Henry W. White was appointed its first clerk, and at the next meeting for the transaction of business, Enoch Lindley was appointed the first treasurer. The following persons were then appointed overseers, whose duty it was to look after the business of the church generally, and to report any members who had willfully violated any of the rules of the organization : John Haworth, Jehu Ballard, William Hormada and Joseph Mote. The committee on

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

education was composed of W. O. Mendenhall, Samuel Spear, Henry W. White, J. T. Cox, Rebecca Newlin, Anna J. Dixon, Mary A. Mendenhall and Caroline Hormada. A committee was also appointed to procure and distribute tracts upon various religious subjects. The society, at the close of the war, appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions from the members of the church to assist the freedmen, and through its liberality and sympathy much money and valuable necessities were sent south for the benefit of the suffering negro. Many tracts, containing excellent advice, were also sent at various times. Mary Rogers was the first permanent minister of the Friends. Coming in November, 1867, she continued her work with unceasing energy and success until the fall of 1870.

The Missionary Baptist church, situated on the S. W. ¿ of Sec. 35, T. 25, R. 14, is one of the best finished' churches in the county, being a building thirty feet wide by forty feet long, with sixteen- foot posts, and arched overhead, making it about twenty-three feet high in the center. It is beautifully finished, both inside and out. It is furnished with a baptistery under the pulpit. The auditorium will comfortably seat 250 persons. The steeple, in which swings a large, clear-toned bell, is built on a firm foundation separate from the church, forming a vestibule of the church, and is eighty feet high. Edmund King and John Depuy were the first Baptists in this por- tion of the town-the latter coming in 1870. Until the building known as the Heath school-house was erected, the meetings were held at Mr. Depuy's house, which soon became so largely attended, owing to the eloquent sermons of C. B. Seals, that they were com- pelled to move to Mr. Depuy's barn, in which they continued to be held until the finishing of the school-house. In a short time, by the zealous efforts and skillful management of the pioneer Baptists, the congregation outgrew the dimensions of the school-house. In the winter and spring of 1877, quite an interest was taken in regard to building a church, but owing to the lateness of the season when they had thoroughly made up their minds, it was postponed until the fol- lowing August. In the latter part of July the failure of the crops prompted many members to object to building. But when " Uncle John " stepped forward and offered to build a church such as was desired, letting the society bear such a portion of the debt as they saw fit, they unanimously consented ; consequently the building was commenced August 1, 1877, and was finished the latter part of Octo- ber, at a cost of near $2,500. Of this amount $1,000 was repaid to Mr. Depuy by citizens generally about the neighborhood who were in sympathy with religious work. It was dedicated by J. M. Hobart,

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ASH GROVE TOWNSHIP.

of Chicago, October 28, 1877, at which time there was an active membership of 46 persons.

Evangelist Lutheran St. Paul church. Prior to 1870 there was scarcely a German family in the township; but ten years from this date it may be safely said the people of this nationality were in the majority. Soon after the arrival of a few of those men who seem to be born with the spirit and ability to lead, the building of a church was made the central idea, and as soon as the subscription showed a sufficient guaranty for all monies that might be expended, a place of worship was commenced on eight acres of land in the N.E. 4 of Sec. 5, T. 25, R. 13, donated by Mr. Hartman and Mr. Scheiee, and to-day a building well finished, 30 feet wide by 46 feet long, built at a cost of $2,400, stands as an honor to the energies of these people, and a nucleus around which a large majority of the German population gather every Sunday to be taught, that noblest of all lessons, the christian religion, by their excellent and conscientious pastor, C. F. Hartman. Prior to the finishing of the church the meetings were held in Mr. Lucke's house, which is now used by tliat gentleman as a granary. Their first minister was Gotlieb Traub, who came once every four weeks from Crete, Illinois, from the spring of 1872 up to the time of the dedication of the church and the in-tall- ment of Mr. Hartman, and delivered a splendid sermon. The inter- vening Sundays they would assemble, and after Sabbath-school would listen to a sermon read by August Lucke. At the beginning of the church in the fall of 1873, there were but nine families connected with the organization, but now it has an active membership of seventy-two families. The first stewards of the church, who are elected every year, were: William Schmer, Philip Rediker and August Pfingsten. The first trustees, who are elected for a term of five years, were : August Lucke, Henry Munstermann and Dedrick Langelette. The present stewards are: August Lucke, Henry Reborg and Henry Bultmann. The present trustees are : August

Pfingsten, Henry Munstermann and Philip Rediker. There is also a German school connected with the church. C. F. Hartman was the first teacher, and as such taught nothing but German four days in the week, using the remainder of the week to prepare his sermon for the following Sabbath. This continued until the fall of 1878, when the services of Herman Richert, a graduate of Edison College, Illinois, an institu- tion under the direction of the Lutheran denomination, were obtained, who teaches German in the morning and English in the afternoon. There are seventy scholars in attendance. They have just completed

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

a frame school-house, two stories high, twenty feet wide by twenty- eight feet long, situated east of the church, at a cost of near $1,000. It is well finished and furnished.

VILLAGES.

GLENWOOD, alias Pitchin, is the principal village of the township, and the political headquarters of all parties. It is situated about the center of the S. E. ¿ of Sec. 19, T. 25, R. 13, and is a village of about 150 inhabitants. Various stories are told as to how it received the name of Pitchin. The one having the most general circulation is that a suit was being tried wherein Stockwell was plaintiff and Bratton defendant, before Stephen Gipson, a justice of the peace, in 1864, the former suing for $5 due him as wages. After the trial the jury were out but a few minutes, when they brought in a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for $7, at which time a man by the name of Haun, a brother-in-law of Stockwell, began quarreling with Bratton and talking fight, when Bratton, who was all but coward, threw off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, squared himself and said, "Pitch in, if you are ready." John Peed was standing near, and said the place had been wanting a name long enough, and henceforth it must be called " Pitchin," which name it has since retained. Mr. Luther T. Clark, the ex-sheriff, whose former home was at this place, says that Stephen Gipson, an early blacksmith, and a fellow who, like many others, talked more than he thought, was first to call it "Pitchin.". Every effort was put forth by the citizens to change this "horrid name," but to no effect, when, at the suggestion of John W. Riggs, the present circuit clerk, a meeting was held in his store one evening for the purpose of naming the "critter." Mr. Riggs was unanimously voted chairman, and after calling the meeting to order, stated the object and requested them to suggest a few names from which to select, whereupon the following names were proposed : Sherman, by Mr. Carlton ; Eagle Village, by William Smith ; Grant, by one of his admirers, and Sheridan, by a soldier. But when J. W. Riggs proposed the name of Glenwood, it was carried amid a perfect storm of applause.

The first building was the house erected by Mr. Nunamaker, who occupied it with his family for many years. It has since been de- stroyed. But soon after another was finished on the original spot by Luther T. Clark, which is now owned by Wesley Harvey. The Meth- odist parsonage, a dwelling 20×24, one and a half stories, was next, and was built in 1851 or 1852. It is still standing, and occupied. Mr. Nunamaker about this time commenced keeping a few goods for

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ASH GROVE TOWNSHIP.

sale, and continued selling until almost the time when the farm was sold to Mr. Clark. . Mr. Clark brought some goods from Dearborn county, Indiana, and after erecting a building 18×32, east of the house, on the Nunamaker farm, was engaged in the mercantile busi- ness some years. About this time Mr. Alonzo Taylor also kept a few goods for sale. Mr. Boggs was the next to build, his being a box house 16×18. About this time he also built near his house the first steam saw and grist mill in the township, near the present site of Mrs. Hamilton's house. Dr. Horner moved a house here in 1856, which was situated between five and six rods west of Boggs' mill. Stephen Gipson soon followed, building a house and blacksmith shop about eight rods south of the mill. Here he worked a few years, when he sold to Joseph Davis in 1860. William T. Duke was the pioneer wagon maker, having his shop in a portion of the blacksmith shop. William B. Crider built a two-story house, now occupied by Mr. Buckley, south of Mr. Harvey's store about ten rods. . In 1864 Joel R. Smith built a house and grocery store combined. In 1866. Mr. Smith sold to Mr. Harvey, who moved the goods into the store building used by J. B. Clark after it was moved on the school-house lot, south of the place now occupied by his present store. In 1867 Mr. Harvey sold a half interest to Mr. E. S. Hamilton, who continued a partner until 1870, when the whole passed into Mr. Hamilton's hands. But at his death, in 1876, Mr. Harvey became the owner. The building now used was built in 1873, 24x50, with an addition 24×16, being tlie largest business house in Glenwood. In the spring of 1865 John W. Riggs built a store and dwelling combined, two stories high, east of Mr. Harvey's store, where he lived and sold goods about three years. He sold to James Hocket, who sold, after two years' experience, to Charles Newel. He soon disposed of the stock of goods, and converted the building into a hotel, thius gaining the honor of being the first landlord of the "Grand Pacific" of Glen- wood.

The Ash Grove Lodge, No. 376, A.F. and A.M., was instituted in 1864, holding its first meetings in the upper story of the house now owned by David Montgomery, and afterward in a room fitted up in the second story of Mr. Hamilton's house, with the following officers and charter members : George F. Keath, W.M .; George W. Redkey, S.W .; Clement Thomas, J.W .; E. S. Hamilton, treas- urer; Joel R. Smith, secretary; George Nunamaker, William F. Horner and Wesley Harvey. At the height of its prosperity the lodge numbered 25 members, but owing to so many moving to vari-

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

ous parts of the county the organization became small, and surren- dered its charter in 1876.

WOODWORTHI, located on the northwest corner of Mr. Lucke's farm, in Sec. 4, T. 25, R. 13 W., began its history with the black- smith shop of Fred Krueger in the year 1874. On the 1st of May, 1875, Fred Meyer opened a store with a stock of goods. In the summer of 1875 came Fred Hartman, a wagonmaker, who was fol- lowed, in the course of a year, by Hardekolp, the shoemaker, with his family. William Becker opened a harness-shop in the fall of 1879. The town was named after Mr. Woodworth, of Milford, to repay him for his services in assisting them to secure their post- office, which is held in Mr. Meyer's store, with himself as post- master.

QUEEN CITY is situated on the S. E. ¿ of Sec. 2, T. 25, R. 13, and received its name from John Schmer, an enterprising business man, who for the past six years has been engaged in a prosperous mer- cantile business, building the first store in the place. His was also the first dwelling erected in the village. There is now in this little place a blacksmith, a wagon and carriage maker, and a shoemaker, each doing a fair business. A Lutheran church is in course of erection.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Clement Thomas, farmer, Ash Grove, is one of the grandest characters in our history. The lights and shadows of sixty long years have come and gone, but left a venerable old pioneer hale, buoyant and genial, possessed of a memory retaining the character- istics of men and course of events with a tenacity truly astonishing and wonderful in the extreme, who has seen and is able to correctly narrate more of the early history of the first settlements than any one of the old settlers now living with whom he was connected by the ties of early recollections. He was born June 22, 1820, in Adams county, Ohio, near the Marvel furnace. Living here about eight years, he with his parents came to Indiana, settling about ten miles south of Lafayette. In March, 1831, the family came to Iro- quois county, settling on the prairie about a mile east of the present village of Milford, preëmpting a quarter-section, which after three years was sold to David Cleaver. They then moved one mile south of Milford, purchasing the improvements . of James Osborn, on the N. ¿ of S. W. 4 Sec. 22, T. 25, R. 12, which to this day is known as the Thomas farm. When Mr. Thomas had arrived at the age of twenty-two years lie purchased a farm of 80 acres for himself, about a mile east of his father's place, in the spring of 1843. This he

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ASH GROVE TOWNSHIP.

worked until he purchased the water-mill property in Milfor.1, in the spring of 1852. Here he was engaged in sawing and grinding six years, at the expiration of which time he moved south of Milford, but in the fall of the same year again returned, running a blacksmith shop during the winter. He again moved south of Milford, and in the spring of 1860 came to that portion of Ashi Grove township now set off as a portion of Fountain Creek, and from here, in 1874, to his present home, on Secs. 20 and 29, T. 25, R. 13. Mr. Thomas was first married, April 21, 1842, to Miss Mary Lewis, near Milford, and is now living with his fourth wife, to whom he was married at Cov- ington, Indiana, June 5, 1875. Her former name was Nancy Pay- ton. He is the father of twelve children, four of whom are living : Samuel, Lavina, Marcus and Emma. He is a Mason, having joined that order at Middleport in 1848, since which time he has been a charter member of both the Milford and Ash Grove lodges. He is a republican, formerly a whig, as was also his father, who died in April, 1870, and his mother in the fall of 1832. Mr. Thomas has, we dare say, the first bond ever given for a deed in the county. It was inade by James Osborn to Asa Thomas for land in Sec. 22, T. 25, R. 12, dated March 12, 1834, and written by Hugh Newel, the first clerk at Bunkum.

Wesley Harvey, the successful merchant of Glenwood, is the only one of the old pioneers of this section of country left. All save him have passed the line of human woe. He is an honest, earnest, prac- tical christian gentleman. He came to Ash Grove in the summer of - 1837, and has had a large and varied experience in frontier life. He was born near Salem, the county seat of Washington county, Indiana, on a farın, January 1, 1821. His mother dying when he was but three years of age, young Wesley went to live with his uncle, William Harvey, where he stayed until his father married again. Returning home, he lived with his parents until eight years old, when he again went to live with an uncle, this time Lewis Brock, Sr., and here he lived until he was twelve, when through adverse circumstances Mr. Harvey was thrown out upon the cold world to care for himself. He immediately hired for $3.50 per month to Isaac Ferris, in Lawrence county, Indiana, early in the spring of 1833. Here he stayed but three months ; his father, learning his whereabouts and condition, came and took him to his home in Monroe county, Indiana, where he stayed about two years, in the summer working for from $4 to $6 per month, and in the winter attending the public school. In June, 1835, he arrived at his uncle's in Washington county, but sickness prevented him from working until in the fall, when he started for

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

White county, Indiana, to live with his brother-in-law, Allen Brock. This was made his home until the summer of 1837, when he, a boy of but sixteen years, accompanied Mr. Brock to Iroquois county, and made the home of this genial gentleman his until he was married in 1841. Mr. Harvey then built a cabin and improved a farm on government land in Sec. 30, T. 25, R. 13, now owned by E. Hick- man. This place was tilled nearly three years, when he purchased the old Lewis Brock, Sr., farm, improving a couple of others, and finally purchasing the old Nunamaker farm on section 19 of a quarter- section, which he still owns. Here Mr. Harvey worked until his health failed him, and being no longer able to perform the hard work on a farm, purchased a small stock of goods of Joel R. Smith of about $800. To this he has been continually adding, till he has a fine stock of general merchandise, varying from $4,000 to $5,000, in which business he has since remained in various capacities. His was the sixth wedding that occurred in the township, March 26, 1841, to Miss Mary Henry. They had but one child : George Allen, who died when but two years old. His wife also died August 27, 1859. Mr. Harvey was married the second time, February 10, 1861, to Mary A. Brock. By this union they have had two children : George William, who died in his third year, and William Henry, now in his sixteenth year. Mr. Harvey is a Mason, joining that order in 1865 ; is a republican in politics, formerly a whig, and joined the M. E. church in 1845, and has held the offices of steward and class leader for many years. He has also held the office of supervisor, being the township's second officer. He has been justice of the peace, assess- or, and has held various other positions.

B. F. Hillis, farmer, Ash Grove, is a young man of more than ordinary ability, and one whose reputation as a literary character is by no means confined to his township. Every reader of the " Wat- seka Republican " has perused that portion written weekly by this correspondent and essayist with satisfaction and delight, and this alone has won for him a most enviable reputation throughout the county. He was born on a farm near Lebanon, Indiana, July 6, 1842. Here his parents died while he was quite young, at which time he went to live with his brother-in-law, G. F. Keath, and came to this county with him in the spring of 1852, settling ou a farm in Fountain Creek township. Mr. Hillis attended school in Lebanon, Indiana, in 1857, and at Sugar Grove academy, Indiana, during the academic year of 1858-59. Starting to Greencastle, Indiana, in the fall of 1859, he pursued an excellent course of instruction until the fall of 1861. While here that patriotic sentiment which at this time

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filled so many hearts, throbbed in his, and through a sense of duty to his country, he enlisted to protect ber freedom October 20, 1861, at Ash Grove, in Co. C, 10th Ill. Cav., under Col. James Barrett, and was mustered out February 5, 1864. His principal engagements were Brownsville, Arkansas, Marmaduke's raid, Bayou Matarie, and Little Rock. His regiment was also sent to reinforce Gen. Banks, at Shreveport (but never reached that point, owing to so strong an opposition, being under heavy fire for many days), and Saline river. Since his return from the army he has been engaged in sinking artesian wells, and by frugal habits and dint of a grim determination, has a beautiful little home of 40 acres on Sec. 18, T. 25, R. 13. He joined the M. E. church at Wesley chapel, in the winter of 1868. He is a stalwart republican.

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History of Iroquois County, together with Historic notes on the Northwest, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources, Part 118

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903 Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co. Number of Pages: 1180

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co.
Number of Pages: 1180