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 67
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SOCIETIES.
Milford Lodge, No. 168, A.F. & A.M., was organized October 2, 1855; James Anderson, G.M. The charter members were: Darius Hartwell, Dr. Hartwell, Joshua Seth, Allen Latham and others. Pres- ent membership about forty-two.
Farmers Lodge, I.O.O.F., No. 253, instituted March 31, 1858, by John Hogle, deputy district G.M. The charter members and officers were: William Vennum, N.G .; Conrad Secrest, V.G .; E. K. Farmer, P.S .; J. V. Fullinwider, R.S .; James Hazlett, treasurer. This lodge continued in operation until June 13, 1863, when meetings were dis- continued until June 22, 1867, when it was reorganized.
Phoenix Lodge, No. 212, of Good Templars, was organized Decem- ber 7, 1877, with the following officers: William Sommers, W.C.T .; Maggie J. Woodworth, W.V.T .; S. S. Gruber, W. Chap .; Olena Gru- ber, W.A.S .; J. J. Stevens, W.F.S .; James A. Laird, W.T .; Johnson Hix, W.M .; Howard Hix, W.I.G .; Anna McConnell, W.R.H.S., Tiny Hastings, W.L.H.S .; N. H. Gasaway, P.W.C.T.
CHURCHES.
The first Methodist Episcopal class was organized in 1834, in John Nilson's house, by Rev. Elilin K. Springer. His circuit comprised
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Kankakee, Spring Creek, Ash Grove and Milford. Preaching services had indeed been held at irregular intervals previous to this time, but no regular service. Mr. Springer preached once in four weeks. After the first school-house was erected in the village of Milford, these ser- vices were held there so long as this building was used for school purposes ; afterward the class met frequently in Isaac Bennett's tavern, and after a new school-house was built the meetings were held there until the erection of the present church building, in 1861. The pres- ent membership is 170; of the Sabbath school, 95.
Of the United Brethren no very definite information can be obtained. It has been organized for several years. They worship in the M. E. house at regular intervals. Among the early preachers were the Ken- overs-father and son. The Milford society belongs to the Milford circuit. Present number of members in circuit about seventy.
The Christian chapel was organized April, 1879, by Rev. C. B. Austin. This church lias recently completed a new and tasteful liouse, 30×50 feet in size, and having a beautiful spire. It is centrally located, and together with the lot cost about $1,600. The first service in the new house was held September 13, 1879. The members number about fifty.
SCHOOLS.
The first public institution established in Milford was a school- house. In 1836 or 1837 a log school-house was built in the village of Milford, and a number of the present inhabitants received their first induction into the mysteries of science in that building. It served the purposes of school-house, church, and public hall until about 1854, when it was sold to Mr. Samuel Bowers, who converted it into a black- sinithi's shop. About the last meeting held in it was a political one during the Fremont campaign. A new and larger building was then erected some distance east of the log house. It may be of interest to know that Mr. Bowers continued to use this building as his shop until September 23, 1879, when it was torn away to make room for a new building. The new brick school-house is a very fine and commodious structure. It was erected in 1875 at a cost of $4,000. The building is of brick, 45 × 55 feet, and 32 feet high. It contains four large rooms, well lighted and furnished with first-class appliances, as seats, charts, globes, etc., at an additional cost of $1,000. The school population of this district, including all under twenty-one, is 328; the average attendance is about 200. The board, under whose supervision this building was erected, were: A. J. Endsley, William Sommers and M. A. Thompson.
The township is divided into nine school districts, eiglit of which
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contain good school-houses. District No. 3 is not organized. The amount of township school-fund is $6,027; the number of persons in the town under twenty-one and over six years of age is 483; amount of school-fund apportioned the last year and paid to township treasurer was $448.43.
Milford was made a money-order office July 1, 1874. The present postmaster, James Woodworth, was commissioned October 18, 1872. The number of money-orders issued since that date up to August 20, 1879, was 3,775, of an aggregate amount of $75,000. In the year 1872 the post-office business amounted to $150. In 1879 it had increased to $25,000. It was made a third-class office January 1, 1878. This remarkable result is due to the untiring efforts of Mr. Wood- worth. The estimation in which his work is held by the Post-office department, is indicated by the remark of a special agent, publicly made : "It is the best conducted office on the road." And when the new office is completed there will be nothing left to be desired.
The cemetery in Milford is situated southeast of the village and just east of the Methodist church. This cemetery is located in a grove, and burials continue to be mnade there, as also in the Vennum grave- yard. Mr. John Fairman has recently purchased ten acres just west of the village to be used as a cemetery. The location is a beautiful one : of a gently rolling surface and covered with a growth of young forest trees. The site of Anthony Stanley's log house, erected in 1830, is at the western extremity of this tract.
The Milford "Herald " was first issued July 21, 1876, by J. R. Fox, editor and proprietor. Mr. Fox continued its publication nearly two years, when the entire outfit was purchased by Edward L'Hote, of Marshall, Illinois. Mr. L'Hote is a practical printer, and under his management the circulation is rapidly increasing. The "Herald " ably represents the interests of the township and advocates the principles of the greenback party. It has over 400 subscribers.
The Milford "Genius" is a lively paper recently established, and is edited and published by J. W. Sargent. It has a good patronage both in subscription and advertisements, and bids fair to become one of the leading journals of the county.
The township is traversed by the Chicago & Eastern Illinois (formerly the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes) railroad. This road, which divides the town into nearly equal parts, was completed to Mil- ford village July 4, 1871. Its construction has given a wonderful impetus to every department of business. It has been justly remarked that the eras or periods of development in this state are marked by
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the building of the railroads across the country. This is emphatically true as regards this section.
The Milford Live Stock Importing Company was organized May 17, 1875, by twelve substantial farmers of this township, largely through the influence of B. F. Masters. The first officers were : John Webster, president; P. Crink, secretary ; and Geo. Martin, treasurer. The object of the association is to improve the breed of draft horses in this township by importing blooded animals from abroad. Mr. Martin was sent to France to make purchases, and two Norman stallions and one Percheron were received July 31, 1875. The company has since obtained a fine Clydesdale horse. These were the first importations into the eastern part of the county.
Milford was not behind her sister towns in responding to the call "to arms" at the beginning of the civil war. Many of her sons made a brilliant record during these years of strife and bloodslied. Many of her homes were made desolate by the loss of loved ones who took up arms to maintain the integrity of our country. Some who returned will carry to their graves the marks of that memorable conflict. A minute history of the war will be found on another page.
At present Milford can boast of but one literary society, "The Blue Ribbon Society," which is well sustained; and it may be here remarked that not a saloon or place where liquor is sold can be found within the limits of Milford village.
The present population of Milford township is about 2,000. The population of the village is estimated at 800.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
The biography of Mr. Aaron Thomas cannot be written without writing the early history of Milford township. A large part of this early history, as presented in the "History of Iroquois County," was obtained from Mr. Thomas himself. His father, Mr. Asa Thomas, was one of the earliest, if not the earliest, settler in this township. Aaron Thomas was born in Adams county, Ohio, May 21, 1822. In 1831 he came into this township with his father's family, and has since lived on or near the place he now occupies in section 22. Aaron was married in May, 1855, to Barbara J. Pankake, whose parents were also early settlers in this township. Mr. Thomas is a republican; he is also a Master Mason, and a member of the Sons of Temperance. For a more ex- tended notice of Mr Thomas' life, reference is made to the early history of Milford township.
Asa Thomas, farmer, Milford, was the fourth son and seventh child of Asa Thomas, the pioneer settler in this township. He was born in
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Adams county, Ohio, August 14, 1824. With his brothers, his boyhood days were passed amid the privations and alarms incident to frontier life. While his brothers became heads of families, Asa seemed to be designated as the one to remain at home and care for the aged father. Consequently he married much later in life than his brothers. He was married Jnly 14, 1867, to Mary Jane Bragg, and continues to reside quietly among scenes made memorable by the incidents of former years. Mr. Thomas is a republican, and has always manifested a strong interest in local affairs.
Benjamin F. Thomas, farmer, Milford, son of Asa and Eleanor Thomas, was born in Welaw Plains, Indiana, May 20,1830. TheThomas' settlement in Milford township is fully described in the history of that town. He was one of the children carried away in the flight that occurred on the supposed advance of lostile Indians. Mr. Thomas has . lived in this town since very early childhood, and from him are derived many of the early reminiscences, particularly the description of the "ancient " log school-house, given in the same history. He located on section 4, where he now resides. Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Amanda A. Hoover, March 11, 1858, who died December 5, 1874. His brother Fantleyroy was killed at the Raymond, near Vicksburg, after having served three years in the 20th Ill. Vol., without a scratch. Mr. Thomas is a republican, and also a Master Mason, having served as Master of Milford Lodge. He has always been a pronounced temperance man.
Samuel Thomas, farmer, Milford, son of Asa Thomas, the original settler in this township, was born October 30, 1826, in Adams county, Ohio. He came to Illinois with his father's family in 1831, where lie has since resided. Mr. Thomas lias been twice married. His first wife was Catherine Pankake, to whom he was married December 23, 1850. In November, 1858, he married Maria L. Lewis, with whom he is still living. Many of the incidents contained in the early history of Mil- ford township are furnished by Mr. Thomas. He was an eye-witness of all that he relates, and the early history of Milford is a record of the Thomas family since 1831. Mr. Thomas is a republican.
Bethuel P. Williamson, farmer, Milford, son of Samnel and Saralı Williamson, was born in Adams county, Ohio, April 7, 1816. Mr. . Williamson's grandfather manufactured gunpowder for the American army during the American revolution. For this powder he received lis pay in Continental money, and in the financial collapse at the close of the war he lost the avails of his seven years' work. Mr. Williamson's father served in the war of 1812, under McArthur, and was present when Flynn and Coy were murdered by Indians. He was one of the
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scouts sent after the Indians. The family removed to Fountain county, Indiana, in 1825, where they remained seven years. They then came to Iroquois county and settled in Crab Apple, where they remained seventeen years. The father died in Belmont. Mr. Williamson con- tinned with his father until his marriage, in 1840, to Miss Margaret Williams. His second wife was Ellen Kelley. He was married to his third wife, Miss Ellen Huston, November 22, 1860. Miss Huston is the daughter of Mrs. Susannah Tullis, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, December 21, 1808. Mr. Williamson's house was en- tirely consumed by fire early on the morning of January 2, 1875, dur- ing a furious snow-storm. The family barely escaped, saving but few articles. The origin of the fire was never discovered. Mr. Williamson is one of the very early settlers of Iroquois county, and has experienced the hardships and vicissitudes of frontier life. He saw many Indians. He also witnessed the first hanging in this county, at Bunkum. Mr. Williamson, together with his father and brother, assisted in building Pickerel's horse-mill, at Milford. Two of his sons served through the civil war in the 76th Ind. Vol. These sons were engaged in the battles around Vicksburg, and at Fort Blakeley, and were nearly lost in the steamer Peabody during the passage from New Orleans to Mobile. Many of the incidents related in the history of Milford are furnished by Mr. Williamson. In politics he is a republican.
Hiram Vennum, Milford, farmer, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1814. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth Vennum. His father held the rank of colonel in the war of 1812, and was detailed to serve on a court-martial summoned to try a company of soldiers who were enlisted in his county, and left the field and re- turned home without being discharged. The family came to Milford in the fall of 1834, and first settled on Sugar creek, where they re- mained three years. Mr. Thomas Vennum then entered a large tract of land on the prairie in the north part of the township, and their future home was established on "The Mound," lot 8 in the N.W. ¿ of Sec. 2, where Hiram Vennum now resides. Mr. Vennum was married March, 1844, to Miss Nancy Wagner. Many of the details of the early history of Milford are furnished by Mr. Vennum. He has been intimately connected with the events that have transpired during his long resi- dence here. Mr. Vennum's parents and many relatives now lie buried in the graveyard west of Mr. Vennum's house. Mr. Vennum is still in the enjoyment of good health. He says that he never used liquor or tobacco in any form, nor ever played a game of chance in his life.
Robert Nilson, Milford, farmer, son of John and Susanna Nilson, was born in Brown county, Ohio, September 20, 1817. His father served 10
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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.
under Gen. Harrison in the war of 1812. In 1827, they moved from Ohio to Fountain county, Indiana, where they remained five years. In the spring of 1834 they removed to Milford township, where their parents died. Mr. Nilson was married, March 12, 1839, to Miss Susan L. Wagner, and has since continued to reside in the township. Mr. Nilson was for many years county surveyor, and there is scarcely a forty- acre tract that he has not traversed. At the time of his coming here the county-seat had not been located, and the county court was, for one or two years, held at Mr. Nilson's house. At that time not a house stood on the prairie. Mr. N. has been largely identified with the growth and progress of Iroquois county, and is held in high estimation by his townsmen. He has held many important local offices, and both he and Mrs. Nilson are still in the enjoyment of health and vigor. Mr. Nilson has a vivid remembrance of the " olden time," and many of his experiences are recorded in the history of Milford township.
Mrs. Susannah Beck, Milford, was born in Mifflin county, Penn- sylvania, June 2, 1821. Her father, Isaac Body, is still living and in his ninety-sixth year. The family removed to Indiana, near Coving- ton, where they remained several years, and in 1835 came to Milford and settled near Sugar creek on section 10. Miss Body was first married to George Gray, October 21, 1841, who was born June 26, 1819, in Warren county, Ohio, and died August 8, 1861. She afterward mar- ried Jacob Beck, in August, 1863, with whom she is still living. Mrs. Beck well remembers and describes the peculiar incidents of pioneer life. She is a member of the United Brethren church. Her father has been a man of remarkable physical powers, as is shown by the great age he has already attained.
Robert L. Williams, Milford, farmer, was born in Indiana, February 19, 1828. His parents came from Ohio to Indiana, where they lived several years. They then removed to Illinois, and settled where Joliet now stands. At the commencement of the Black Hawk war, the parents returned to Indiana, settling in Warren county. About the year 1835 they again left Indiana, and located on Sugar creek in Milford township, and died there. The son, Robert, came with them, and has remained ever since in this township with the exception of seven years, from 1840 to 1847, when he lived in Vermilion county. In 1850 he married Diana Rothgeb; she died March 28, 1855. He was subse- quently married to Mrs. Priscilla Sturdevant, February 13, 1865. Mr. Williams has a fine location, and is a prosperous farmer. He was a democrat until two years since, when he united with the greenback party.
Michael Harness, Milford, farmer, was born in Ross county, Ohio,
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September 12, 1813. His parents were John and Prudy Harness. The family emigrated to Indiana in the fall of 1829, when soon after the father died. The mother died in 1820. Mr. Harness' father and an uncle, George Clifford, served in the war of 1812, and were among the forces surrendered by Hull at Detroit. His uncle died while in the United States service. Mr. Harness came to Illinois, and afterward returned to Warren county, Indiana, where he remained several years. Returning to Illinois, in 1836, he settled in Iroquois county, town of Milford, where he was married July 22, 1836, to Miss Sally Thomas. She died in the fall of 1857. As will be seen, Mr. Harness is one of those who participated in all the privations incident to frontier life, and whose record is a part of the early history of this county. Mr. Har- ness did not marry again, but himself reared the eight young children left by his wife, giving them his undivided and devoted attention. Mr. Harness is still in vigorous health, and lives with his children. He is one of the men who make history. In politics he is a stanch republican.
Asa B. Thomas, Milford, farmer and constable, was born in Milford township, September 27, 1838. His parents were William and Mary Jane Thomas. The family moved from Wehaw Plains, Indiana, to Illinois. He received the rudiments of a common-school education in a log house southwest one mile. His parents were among those who were occasionally alarmed by reports of hostile Indians, mentioned in township history of Milford. ' Mr. Thomas was employed on the farm until twenty-one years of age. No events of special interest had occurred in his life up to this time. On December 9, 1863, Mr. Thomas enlisted at Danville in Co. K, 76th Ill. Vol. Inf., and served in this regiment until August, 1865, when he was transferred to Co. K, 37th Ill. Vet. Vol. Inf., at Galveston, Texas. While in the 76th Mr. Thomas saw severe service, participating in the battles of Jackson and Canton, Mississippi, and of Fort Blakeley, Alabama. In July, 1864, while on the skirmish line, he was sun-struck and fell into the enemy's hands. He remained a prisoner about sixty days; was also sick three months with measles; has been twice wounded. From Fort Blakeley he was sent to Selma, thence to Mobile, thence to Galveston, where lie was actively employed until honorably discharged May 15, 1866. After working as carpenter for eighteen months at Hempstead, Texas, Mr. Thomas went to Limestone county and followed tlie busi- ness of potter. Here he was married to Miss Mary E. Knox in November, 1866, whose parents had previously moved to Texas from Illinois. Mr. Thomas continued to work as a potter until 1871. At this time he became involved in a serious difficulty withi Shirley Hen-
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derson, who had attacked him. The result of this was the death of Henderson. Thomas gave: himself up, but fearing inob violence subsequently made his escape to Illinois. While working here he was arrested by the sheriff of Limestone county, taken to Texas, tried, convicted and sentenced to be hung. He succeeded in obtain- ing a new trial; a change of venue was had, and Thomas was hon- orably acquitted. To show the direction of public opinion in the matter, it is only necessary to state that bail to the amount of $50,000 was promptly offered, but refused by the court through fear. He has since resided in Milford, and served as constable in this township.
Mrs. Sarah Strain, Milford, was born in Washington county, Indi- ana, September 22, 1823. Her parents were Robert and Sarah Harvey. Two of her brothers served through the Mexican war, and four brothers: William, Elliott, James and Wallace served through the war of secession. William fell at Shiloh, while acting colonel of the 8th reg. Ill. Vol. Elliott was a captain in an Iowa"regiment ; James and Wallace in Indiana regiments. Sarah Harvey was married to David Strain, April 2, 1840, having come to Illinois in 1839. He died January 12, 1866. He was a farmer. Of two sons, one is living; the other, James H., enlisted in the 113th Ill. Inf., and died at Memphis of measles, December 24, 1862. John Strain, father of David, one of the earliest settlers of Iroquois county, served in the war of 1812, moved to Illinois in 1834, and died March 29, 1866. Mrs. Strain has six daughters living, and through life has been a devoted member of the Methodist church.
Zimri Hobson, farmer and local preacher, Milford, son of Andrew and Ruthea Hobson, was born in Highland county, 'Ohio, January 27, 1820. The family left Ohio in 1827, and settled in Warren county, Indiana, and afterward moved to Iowa, where the parents died. Mr. Hobson was married in Indiana, March 21, 1841, to Miss Mary A. Way- mire, and settled in Iroquois county, Stockland township, until the fall of 1876, when he came to Milford. Having sold his farm 'he invested a large share of his means in merchandise, but lost his investnient. He is domiciled in a pleasant home. Mr. H. has been a prominent and con- sistent Methodist for thirty-nine years. He is a Master Mason, and has filled several township offices acceptably. Mr. H. has shown in his life how a strong determination can triumph over early defects in education. He is entirely self-taught, and yet is proficient in the ordinary branches of an Englishı education. He has led a laborious and Christian life, and is highly esteemed.
The Strickler family was among the first located in the present town of Milford. The father, John B. Strickler, was born in Page county, Vir-
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MILFORD TOWNSHIP.
ginia, in 1803, and in 1824 was married to Miss Barbara Brubaker, who survives him. While living in Virginia Mr. Strickler was extensively engaged in milling on the Shenandoah. In 1837 the family came to Milford, where he again engaged in milling. He also kept a store and erected the first brick'house in town. In this house he lived many years keeping tavern, and was also postmaster. Mr. Strickler's father served through the American revolution with the rank of colonel. He himself served in the Mexican war with the rank of major. The incidents connected with the early settlement of this family in Milford will be found in the township history. The father died in March, 1867. Of the children, three sons and two daughters survive. Of the sons, Isaac N. was born in Newton, Indiana, August 10, 1846. He attended school for two years in Chicago. At the age of eighteen years he enlisted in Co. D, 150th reg. Ill. [Vol. Inf. This regiment was sent to Tennessee, and served in the closing campaigns of the war. He was honorably discharged, February, 1866, at Atlanta, Georgia. He received a saber-wound on the hand which nearly disabled him. With the exception of three months, he was always ready for duty. He was married, April 22, 1874, to Miss Minnie Misch, of Milford. John M. Strickler was born at Milford, May 27, 1842, and in October 1874, was married to Miss Hannah Collins. John M. has always lived in Milford ; he was brought up on the farm. He has filled several important local offices. The brothers, John M. and Isaac N., constitute the firm of Strickler Bros., and since the close of the war have been engaged in manufacturing wagons. They are now conducting an extensive and prosperous business. Isaac is a Master Mason ; John is a member of the United Brethren church. Both the brothers are democrats.
Harvey Rush, farmer, Woodland, son of Samuel Rush, Jr., and Anna Rush, is a native of Milford township, and was born August 12, 1851. He attended the school in his district until he was sufficiently advanced in his studies, when he was sent to Onarga Seminary, where he remained two years. From the school he returned to the farm, and has since devoted his energies to the successful conduct of his farm. He was married, November 7, 1876, to Miss Hattie Garner. He is now living on lot 8 of the N.E. ¿ of Sec. 6, which he inherited from his father. It is known as the " Grandfather Rush " farm. That Mr. Rush has established a character for business enterprise and capacity is well shown by the fact that he was named in his grandfather's will as the executor of his estate. In politics he is a republican.
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