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 70

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 70

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).

The soil for the greater part is a heavy, black sandy loam. In certain localities, principally confined to the high lands of the western portions, it becomes a light sand. In general it is well adapted for growing the cereals common to this climate, and well sustains the accredited productiveness of the prairie, of which this locality is a part. Corn is the prevailing crop, and in favorable seasons the yield is enormous ; wheat, oats and flax do well and are extensively raised, and grazing is carried on to a considerable extent.

EARLY HISTORY.

Formerly Sheldon township was embraced within that of Concord, and therefore the early history of the one could include that of the other. But in the present instance we shall endeavor to give a reci- tation of the events occuring within the present limits of the town- ship of Sheldon, and form a separate account of same. In the early days, when ox-teams were the rule and distant markets a necessity, the now much lauded prairie was literally a desert waste without habitation, and remained so until quite a recent period, the friendly shelter of forests, skirting the neighboring streams, luring the pioneers away ; and so we find in all the early settlement of our country, the timbered water-courses peered out to the hardy pioneer, like the north star to the mariner, directing him across the mighty sea. So it was with Sheldon in the extreme northwest corner, a little point of timber skirting the Iroquois extends into the township. It was in this timber that the first settlement was made, the date of which is

" Away far back in the bygone times,

Lost mid the rubbish of forgotten things."

It is highly probable, however, that Jesse Eastburn and family mnade the first settlement within the present limits of the township. He was a native of Maryland, and was born in the year 1770. The exact date of his settlement is not known, but he settled in the timber on section 5, near the center of its western side, where he built a mansion, 18×20, of unhewn logs. The cracks were plastered with mud. A stick chimney reared up at the end, a little old quaint door and window, and an oak clap-board roof completed the house, near which stood the sweep stake with "the old oaken bucket that hung

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SHELDON TOWNSHIP.

in the well," which was curbed up with the gums of an old sycamore. A certificate of entry, in the possession of one of his descendants, bears date October 10, 1833, and is probably near the date of his settlement. Next, and probably early in 1834, came William Lister and family ; he was a native of Tennessee, and settled on section 6, in the point of timber on the branch (both of which bear his name), and in addition to the farm he conducted a blacksmith shop, it being the first in this portion of the country. Next came Samuel Jones, a native of Kentucky, who is living near his early settlement at this writing. He came here from Indiana in December, 1834. An in- strument of writing, dated September 25, 1835, between Jesse and his son, J. B. Eastburn, shows that the latter sold his place in Concord township, and came to and got possession of his father's farm, and conducted the same, and looked after him in his old age. Other early settlers were: P. Shearls, R. Lister, Frank Clark, and William Young, none of whom are here now, locating in the timber which was the scene of all settlement until about 1848; when Zedic Parks-a native of Coshocton county, Ohio, who had been living near Iroquois for a number of years-Cortez-like marched far out into the sea of prairie, and pitched his tent in its midst on the road leading from La Fayette to Chicago, via Iroquois, at a point about one-third of a mile northeast of the present railroad crossing at Sheldon ; he engaged in keeping hotel, which was probably con- ducted on the "corn bread and common doings plan," and also did a little at farming ; but he seemed to be a migratory character, for soon he moved back to the timber, and later he

" Folded his tent like the Arab, And as silently stole away."

In 1850 O. P. Bookless settled in the timber on section 6, and in 1851 he moved to his present place on the prairie adjoining same. The year 1852 brought Robert and Isaac N. Caldwell, who settled on the prairie about two iniles southwest of the present village of Sheldon ; J. Davis, also, is said to have settled here the same year. The next year brought J. Daisy, and in 1854, N. H. Waity, Stephen Amos and John Darrough were added to the residents; and in 1855, E. B. Bishopp, from England, and J. W. Murray made settlements. The latter had been living near Iroquois since 1836. Thus the prairie, so long unnoticed, and that seemed a place unfit for the habitation of man, gradually became settled and was soon trans- formned to a land of beauty, "flowing with milk and honey," where the vine and plant thrive, and where beautiful and pleasant homes have become too numerous to mention. The panting deer and

178

HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

howling wolf have given way to the domestic animals that may be seen on every hand in countless numbers browsing on the grasses and adding life to the beauty and grandeur of the great prairie, which, brightened by the sun's rays, seems to smile at the early pioneer wlio formerly chose the dark and lonesome forest for his abode.

Midst all their trials and privations, the early settlers also liad their joys and woes. As early as August 11, 1836, death invaded the then young settlement, and called Rebecca, daughter of William Lister, from earthly care. To this family is also accredited the first birtlı, that of Riley Thomas Lister, April 15, 1837. Another early birth was that of Parker T. Eastburn, November 20, 1838. The latter is a present resident of the township. The first marriage occurred August 19, 1860; the contracting parties were David Mathews and Catharine Robbins; the hymeneal knot was tied by Robert Caldwell, who was also the first justice of the peace.

RELIGIOUS MATTERS.

The little strip of timber in the northwest portion of the township was the scene of the early religious gatherings. In those times no cloud-piercing spire marked the spot, nor silver-toned church-bell the hour, when

" Amidst the cool and silence they knelt down,

And offered to the Mightiest solemn thanks and supplication."

As early as 1834 a minister by the name of Springer, of the Methodist persuasion, preached in the residence of Jesse Eastburn on section 5. Owing, however, to the death of his horse he soon turned his charge over to brother Essex, who completed the year. The following year brother Walker presided. He was succeeded by brother Olivar, who seemed to begin in earnest. He went among thie people and asked them if they wanted religion. Receiving answers in the affirmative, he set about organizing a society which soon numbered twenty-four ; but owing to a disagreement regarding the Methodist discipline lie would not make them full members. When his year was up he left; Brother Kenoyer, a United Brethren missionary, came and preached, giving the discipline of the United Brethren church, which was accepted and all joined. Frederick Kenoyer preached the first two years. J. F. Miller is the present minister, and preaches at the West Union school, district No. 3, every third Sunday. The society numbers sixty-four members. Connected with the same is a Sabbatlı school of forty members. It was organized about 1862. The next and success- ful advent of the Methodists in this township, was in the spring of

179

SHELDON TOWNSHIP.

1858, when meetings were held in the Hesperian (West) school-house, district No. 2-the Revs. D. Ackerman, A. Irving and O. Smithson, members of the Iroquois circuit, rotating every four weeks. In 1861 a six-room frame parsonage was built at Sheldon. On July 27 of the same year, at a meeting of the Iroquois circuit, it was unanimously decided to change the circuit from Iroquois to that of Sheldon. The first quarterly conference was held at the Hesperian school-house in April, 1862. Preaching continued to be held at this school, and at a house in Sheldon, until 1867, when the present church used by this denomination was built. It is a frame building, size 34×48, and cost, when ready for occupancy, about $3,000. It was dedicated, July 14, 1867, by Rev. Dr. Munsel, of Bloomington, and now has 236 members. Connected with this organization is a Sabbath school, organized the first Sabbath in January, 1868, with forty members, which has flourished to this day, tlie attendance now numbering 140. The second society of United Brethren in this township was organized in the Enslen school-house, near Iroquois, about the year 1850, by Jacob, son of Frederick Kenoyer. This school-building served as meeting-house until the winter of 1875. On December 19 of this year, the present church at Sheldon, used by this denomination, was dedicated by the Rev. J. W. Hott. It is a frame building, 20 foot story, size 30×50, and cost about $2,500. They have preaching every Sunday by Rev. J. Cowgill. Connected with this church is a Sabbath school, organized in 1876, and has a fair attendance.

SCHOOLS.

Education, that bright and glittering gem, the peer of prince or fortune, early received that consideration from the inhabitants of this township which its importance demands. From the beginning they manifested an interest in, and lent their support to, the establish- ment of schools in their midst. Thus as early as 1850 when scarce half a dozen families lived in the township, we find Olivar P. Bookless busied in the cares of a subscription school,-an old log house on the farm of Jesse Eastburn serving as school-building, in which he taught several terms. December, 1856, he began a term in the first district school in the township,-an old log building, 12×14, located on section 8, being the scene of this event. The logs of this ancient tem- ple of learning now form a shed in Mr. Bookless' yard, not far from where they stood in their former grandeur. Another early instructor was Charles B. Harrington, who taught as early as 1857; and though schools may have been in their infancy, the fact did not enhance the salaries paid, at least not so in all cases, as about this time Mrs. Eliza-

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

beth Waity furnished the building and taught a three-months term for $40. The first school-house built in the township was in district No. 9, during 1859,-Sarah Darrough being the first teacher in the same. At present there are nine districts and ten schools in the town- ship. District No. 1 has two schools; one, a graded school, is located in Sheldon. It is a large two-story frame building, which was put up at a cost of nearly $7,000 including furniture. It is presided over by a competent faculty, and a board of directors ever watchful of its best interests, who make it

" A temple of learning and monument of enterprise,"

of which the citizens of this thriving village and surrounding county may well be proud. The remaining schools of this township are in good order, well located, and presided over by competent instructors. The first school treasurer was John McDermet.

ORGANIZATION.

Sheldon township was organized April 7, 1868, by the election of the following officers: Supervisor, Dr. L. B. Brown ; town clerk, D. W. Ayers; assessor, Parker T. Eastburn; collector, Owen King; mag- istrates, Robert Caldwell and D. W. Ayers; highway commissioners, A. B. Caldwell, W. Ewen and Jacob Wingard ; constables, Seth Bur- dick and John Danough. The present officers are: Supervisor, B. Bishopp ; town clerk, D. J. Eastburn ; assessor, E. J. Allhands ; col- lector, A. C. Mantor; commissioners of highways, A. D. Russell, George W. Eastburn and John Fleming, Jr .; magistrates, Dr. D. Greenlee and J. R. Russell ; constables, James R. Burk and James T. Dunn. The number of votes polled at organization was 99; at present the number reaches 500. The first assessed valuation of property was about $120,000. The last assessment reached $343,472. The popula- tion is estimated at 2,000. Though very close and uncertain, it is con- sidered to be republican in politics.

The first road within the township was one skirting the timber in the northwest portion of the township; it led to Chicago via Iroquois. Another early road was one from La Fayette to Chicago via Iroquois. It passed through the eastern side of the township. Owing to the late settlement of the township there were few permanent roads until quite a recent date. At present the township has roads laid out on all the section-lines, and excepting a few miles extend their entire length. Liberal appropriations have been made for the improvement of the roads, nearly all of which have been graded, and their condition com- pares favorably with those of the other townships of the county.

181

SHELDON TOWNSHIP.

The township has splendid railroad facilities. The Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw passes through the northern tier of sections from east to west, and the Cincinnati, La Fayette & Chicago crosses the northeastern portion, furnishing an outlet north and south. The Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw was finished in 1860, and proved the beginning of the era of settlement, which was pushed to a wonderful extent after the comple- tion of the Cincinnati, La Fayette & Chicago in 1871. Owing to the very sparse settlement in 1860, but little was done in aid of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad, the few residents along the line of road subscribing limited amounts of stock. The Cincinnati, La Fayette & Chicago was put through in 1871. Previous to this the township voted $25,000 bonds to the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes railroad, the pro- gramme of which was carried out by the Cincinnati, La Fayette & Chi- cago, to which company the bonds were delivered. But owing to some misunderstanding. or disagreement, the payment of the bonds was re- fused, and the matter has been awaiting the decision of the courts.

VILLAGE OF SHELDON.

The years 1859 and 1860 will ever be memorable in the history of the broad prairies south of the Iroquois. The latter days of the former year dawned on the completion of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw rail- road, which proved to be, comparatively, the beginning of the era of settlement of the vast prairies through which it passed. As early as January, 1860, a switch was placed on Sec. 2, T. 26 N., R. 11 W., and named Sheldon; thus, during that cold winter month, the seed of a future city was planted. Soon after the completion of the switch, Messrs. Sherman & Smith put up a small shed and pair of scales, and began grain-buying. This firm was the first to ship goods outward from the switch. Probably the first goods shipped to the switch were five cars of lumber to Mr. Jacob Wingard, who was improving on his farm about one mile south of the switch. The business of the station was transacted from Gilman until March 1, 1860, when William B. Fleager came from there and took charge of the switch-a charge that would have sent less energetic men away in despair. The first day he failed to find a place to board, and so returned to Gilman that night. But the next day found him there again, and he was more successful, finding a boarding place with Mr. William Bussert, who lived about three-quarters of a mile from the switch. He, however, remained there but a short time, as the walking was so very bad, and so he concluded to " batch" it. Accordingly he procured a car, placed it on the switch, and had it serve as residence, depot, freight-house and all combined. He dwelt there until some time in May, when he erected the first resi-

182

HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

dence at the switch, the style of which was two buildings, size 14×20 and 12×16, one placed two feet behind the other. Upon their com- pletion they were occupied by himself and family. In September fol- lowing, Mr. H. Messer, the county surveyor, surveyed the village of Sheldon, the plat consisting of one ten-acre piece along the railroad, and about 200 lots around the same. The place was laid out on land be- longing to the Hon. Judge Chamberlain and James Lawrence, who became the proprietors of the town. The lots were priced from $25 to $75, and the sale began at once. The first purchase was two lots for $100, made by William B. Fleager, who in October following built the first store at the place, and occupied the same with a stock of gro- ceries in November. Later he received the appointment of postmaster. Other early settlers in the village were William Smith, Dr. Barry (who was the first physician to take up a residence in the township), Hugh Mccutcheon and William Wood. Dock Brandon opened the first blacksmith shop in the village about 1862. October 8, 1865, · Messrs. E. G. Collins and John Steele began business in their steam flour-mill. In 1870 a steam elevator was erected by William B. Fleager. Thus the village steadily increased, and on December 26, 1871, it was incorporated ; the vote stood, for incorporation, 24; against, 1. Janu- ary 2, 1872, the following trustees were elected : William B. Fleager, S. A. Barry, Thomas Thornil, W. B. Fowler and J. R. Tyler. At a meeting held January 8, they elected S. A. Barry, president, and David Greenlee, clerk. On May 5, 1874, under Art. II of the act for the organization of villages, Sheldon was reorganized; the vote standing, for reorganization, 44; against, 13. The trustees were B. Bishopp, J. R. Tyler, R. Ross, William Sloan, O. King and R. Carroll ; A. B. Caldwell, police magistrate, and David Greenlee, clerk. The first meeting of the new board was held June 17, 1874. B. Bishopp was elected president, and J. R. Tyler, treasurer ; all were sworn in by D. Greenlee, justice of the peace. The village pursued the even tenor of its way, each year adding to the number of its residents and business houses until 1875, when a movement initiated by W. B. Fleager, and joined by other leading citizens, produced a scene of activity seldom ever witnessed outside of the larger cities,-it being no less than the building in one continuous block of fifteen two-story brick store-build- ings, known as "Central Block," thus securing to Sheldon not only the best business block in the county, but the best for many miles around. But such has been the magnitude of the improvements of this thriv- ing, growing city, that they are not confined alone to the "Central," south of which stands the old pioneer, " Fleager's Bank Block," which is a two-story brick, containing the bank and a large double-front store-

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SHELDON TOWNSHIP.

room, between which a broad hallway leads to Fleager's hall and the "Enterprise " office. East of the north end of the "Central " is " Com- mercial Block," which consists of three adjoining one-story brick store- rooms. These blocks, with the single one-story brick store-room.oppo- site the "Central," complete the list of brick business stands in the city, the remaining places of business being frame.

The city is located at the crossing of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw and Cincinnati, Lafayette & Chicago railroads, and is noted for its activity in all branches of trade, more particularly the grain trade, in which it has a great and growing interest, stimulated by an active com- petition.

March 10, 1871, Messrs J. B. Spotswood and E. A. Burns began the publication, from a press in Kentland, Indiana, of a six-column folio, weekly independent newspaper, called the "Sheldon Courier." It was supported by a liberal number of cash advertisements and subscrip- tions, but expired in a few months.

The " Sheldon Enterprise " is a five-column quarto, weekly inde- pendent newspaper, first published December 31, 1874, by H. R. Fields and H. L. Henry. The first copy was sold for $2.50 at auction, to Joe Bell. Since February 1, 1877, it has been under the manage- ment of D. J. Eastburn, the present editor and proprietor.

FIRES.

Though comparatively a new township, many of its citizens have been sufferers by fire, as will be seen by the following tabular state- ment :

NAME.

PROPERTY.

MONTH.

DAY.

YEAR.

LOCATION.

E. B. Bishopp

Residence

October

1859

Township.

John Brandon.

Blacksmith Shop Hotel.

April

1871

George Hayby

Residence.

February

1873

Township. 66

T., P. & W. R.R.Co. E. Julien .

Tenement House.

October. ..

1874

J. F. Goods.

General Store.

September

1876

Village.

C. W. Loy.

Barn and Implements. .

July

1877

Township.

J. T. Dunn.

Livery Stable.

May.

1879

Village.

Job Voak

Steam Flour Mill

1879

P. O'Brien

Barn

August.

1879

Township.

1860

Village.

J. Russell. .

Hotel

1874

SOCIETIES, ETC.

Sheldon Lodge, No. 609, A.F. and A.M., was chartered October 5, 1869. The charter members were: James Cauvins, William Wood, John Hill, L. B. Brown, C. B. Willard, Scott A. King, Enos T. Soper, A. C. Mantor, A. J. Willard, H. J. Miller, William Warrick and Jacob

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

Wingard. The first officers were : James Cauvins, W.M. ; William Wood, S.W .; John Hill, J.W .; L. B. Brown, Treas .; C. B. Willard, Sec. The present officers are: A. C. Mantor, W.M .; S. H. Atwood, S.W .; William Wood, J.W .; J. R. Tyler, Treas. ; J. A. Day, Sec. The lodge has a fine hall, and is in a flourishing condition. It num- bers thirty-eight members.

Sheldon Lodge, No. 349, I.O.O.F., was chartered October 9, 1867. The charter members were: W. B. Fleager, D. D. Tullis, James Greese, M. H. Soper, J. W. Darrough, D. M. Brenner and C. L. Hogle. The present officers are : B. M. Michaels, N.G .; G. W. Enslen, V.G. ; Charles E. Tullis, R. Sec. and P. Sec., and J. S. B. Jewett, Treas. The lodge has a fine hall, and is in a flourishing condition. It num- bers thirty members.

Sheldon Lodge, No. 209, I.O.G.T., was reorganized by John Q. Detweyler, December 2, 1877. The present officers are : J. A. Holmes, W.C.T .; Mrs. John Steele, W.V.T .; Miss Lydia Patterson, W.S .; John Steele, W.T.S. ; Mrs. E. Patterson, W.T .; Jolın Brubaker, P.W.C.T.

Sheldon Lodge, No. 1098, Knights of Honor, is a mutual benefit society, and was organized by L. D. Roberts, D.G.D., May 30, 1878. It meets in Odd-Fellows' hall every two weeks. It has a membership of thirteen.

The village of Haxby was surveyed, May 19, 1868, by E. W. Dod- son, for George Haxby, on land belonging to the latter. The survey was recorded July 17, 1868. The plat contains about 12 acres, located on the north side of the railroad, at the state line, in Sheldon township. The population is about 75 to 100. Albert Salsbury bought the first two lots for $50. Oscar Bishop built the first house in the winter of 1862, and sold liquor in the same. In the winter of 1862 the railroad company built two frame engine-houses and a hotel. A few other saloons, and a general store for a short period, constituted the business of the place. Its close proximity to Sheldon excludes a post-office. In the spring of 1879 a school-house was erected on a lot donated by Mr. Haxby. The chief and perhaps only object of the village is to afford convenient accommodations to the railroad hands who constitute the population.

Though a few pioneers made settlements within the present limit of this township as far back as the thirties, they were confined to the timber in the northwest corner. The vast prairie, embracing almost the entire township, was not settled until a much later date, and surely the pioneer period extended until 1860, if not later. Since that time the broad expanse of wild prairie has been transformed into a scene of

185

SHELDON TOWNSHIP.

industrial activity, scarcely equaled by any township in the county. Since that time two railroads have passed within the bounds of the township, affording an outlet to all the cardinal points of the compass for the surplus products ; nearly 2,000 people have become residents ; a city of 1,000 people has sprung up, as if by magic; the rude log cabins and shanties have all disappeared, and have been replaced by beautiful specimens of modern architecture, until on every hand we seem to be reminded that this is wonderland.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

The Eastburns. Prominent among thie names of the early settlers of Iroquois county is that of Eastburn. The name appears as early as 1830, since which time five generations have appeared in this county. The early history of the Eastburns traces through a long line of ances- try back to England. Those who came to this county were descendants of Jesse Eastburn, who was born in Maryland in the year 1770. He was twice married, first to Miss Abigail Phillips, of Pennsylvania, and next to Mrs. Barbara Pitinger, of Ohio. By the second marriage there was one child, which died in Ohio, where Mrs. Eastburn had returned after the death of her husband. By the first marriage there were nine children, four of whom have lived in this county: Hezekiah, Joseph B., Jesse Jr., and William, all of whom were born in Adams county, Ohio. Jesse Eastburn, Sr., came to this county about the year 1833, and settled on section 5 of the present township of Sheldon, where he lived until his deatlı. He had been preceded by his son Hezekiah, who settled about three miles southwest of the present village of Iro- quois in the spring of the year 1830, and died October 29, 1832. June 6, 1822, he was married to Miss Ann Black, by whom he became the father of five children, three of whom are living: Margaret, Jesse R., and Mary J. May 4, 1836, Mrs. Eastburn married James Crozzar, who settled in this county in the fall of 1830, and died in 1869. Mrs. Crozzar is now living with her daughter, near the place of her early settlement. Joseph B. Eastburn settled in Iroquois county about the year 1833. He married Miss Sarah A. Truitt, a native of Adams county, Ohio. They settled in what is now Concord township, and in 1835 moved to his father's farm in the present township of Sheldon, where he lived until his death, April 14, 1850; she died August 28, 1870. Of their nine children four are living: William L., Parker T., A. M., and David C. Jesse Eastburn, Jr., married Miss Jane Smedley in Ohio, April 7, 1831. She was born in Pennsylvania, January 18, 1809. They settled near Iroquois, in this county, in 1835. In 1870 they moved to Sheldon, where, September 3, 1873, he died. They

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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 70

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