USA > Illinois > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of its scenery and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 29
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DEGOGNIA TOWNSHIP.
HE name of this township was conferred upon it in the year 1872, when township organization was adopted by the people. The name was derived from Degognia Creek, which had been so named in honor of a Frenchman named Degognia, who was one of the early settlers in the township. This township lies in the northwestern part of the county, and is almost triangular in shape. Tradition has handed down little regarding the Frenchman, whose name, by being united to one of the most beautiful streams, and linked to one of the fairest portions of the county, has been rendered historic and immortal. He lived, he suffered, he joyed, he died. Mr. Reed was the first settler in the township and County. In the year 1804 he located, and built a cabin on the creek, which will ever perpetuate his name and the memory of his untimely end. He was foully murdered by his only neighbor, Mr. Jones. No motive entirely satisfactory has been assigned for this heinous crime, which deeply stained the first page of our County's history. Some have supposed the motive was to gain pos- session of the little money and few traps owned by Mr. Reed. This was certainly not a very great inducement for one to jeopardize life. But if the motives that impelled Jones to the committal of so dark a crime as murder were ever known, they have now been long forgotten. For many years the fornis of both the victimn and his murderer have been mouldering in the grave. Jones was arrested notwithstanding his flight; conveyed to the then seat of government, Kaskaskia ; given a fair, but specdy trial ; found guilty ; sentenced to death upon the scaffold. Thus perished the first murderer of Jackson County. Among other early settlers in Degognia township we mention James Isom, John Luncy, William B. Pike, Jr., Pierson and William Duncan, and Enoch Lively, who had quite a local celebrity as a hunter. Many anecdotes are still related of his skill in woodcraft and ac- curacy with the rifle.
The first school-house was erected in 1839, and stood near the present residence of Mr. Isom. It was known as the " Hopewell School," a name at once poetical and appropriate. The first teacher who gathered the youth within its walls, to instruct them in the rudiments of an English education, was a Mr. Gatewood, whosc name is mentioned with respect by his pupils. He was succeeded by Mr. Holworth, who had charge for some time; just how long cannot be ascertained. In 1848 Dr. Hodge taught school there.
The first physician who located in the township was Dr. Hezekiah C. Hodge. He settled within its limits in 1847.
Rev. Robert P. Gentry is said to have preached the first sermon. The services were held in the Hopewell School-house. He was a Missionary- Baptist, and at the time there is said to have been but one professing Chris- tian. This was Mrs. Jones, the wife of William Jones, who is still living. Since then the means of grace have been multiplied ; faithful witnesses for the truth of revealed religion have directed the attention of the people to their need of religion, which contains a perfect adaptation to all their wants; the morality of the inhabitants has been greatly improved, and the cause of truth and Christianity has greatly prevailed. Instead of one witness for Jesus there are now many. There is, however, but one regular church organization in the township, which is known as the Buchanan Church. and is of the Christian denomination. Many of the people attend on divine worship at Rockwood, a little village just over the line, in Randolph County: and other places. The first deathi was that of Mr. Reed, who died by the hand of violence, as has previously been noticed.
Mr. Henry Albridge, in 1848, built the first mill, which was a saw-mill, and which found plenty of work in sawing good lumber so abundantly fur- nished by the Degognia forests.
The first store was kept on the bank of the Mississippi by Henry Beauvais. The largest portion of the township is level, and consists of bottom land, uncqualled for fertility. Corn, especially, yields most abundantly, while the facilities for getting the products to market at chcap rates are unusually good, as the western boundary of the township is the great Father of Waters. The hills are not so rocky and precipitous as to render them unsusceptible of cultivation. The staple productions of this township are wheat, corn, clover, and fruit, all of which are produced in great quantity. The township is well improved, and the beautiful hills and rich bottoms are chequered over with noble farms that speak of wealth and plenty. There are many good home- residences, evidently abodes of comfort and refinement. The people of Degognia are thrifty and contented, enterprising and intelligent, moral and industrious. They are proud of their homes, and year by year are improv- ing them, rendering them more attractive, and their farms more productive.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1
WILLIAM BRANDON PIKE.
AMONG the prominent gentlemen, old settlers, and successful farmers of Degognia township, we record with pleasure the name of Mr. Pike, a native of Sumner County, Tennessee, born January 19, 1822. He is the fourth child of William Baker Pike and Margaret (Brandon) Pike. Mr. Pike was of Anglo-Saxon or English descent; his wife of Celtic origin ; both repre- senting the productive and industrial interests of the fatherland, carrying their thrift and enterprise in the channels of every-day life. Mr. Pike and wife had seven children, three of whom are yet living. Mary G. is the wife of David Eachus, of California; Hetishey, wife of David Lung, of this township. William Baker Pike was born in South Carolina. His wife is a native of North Carolina. He emigrated with his parents when a boy to Tennessee, and on the breaking out of the war of 1812 he entered the army, under Gen. Jackson. Quoting, verbatim, the language of his discharge, which is now quite an historical souvenir : "I certify that Wm. B. Pike en-
rolled himself, as a volunteer under the Acts of Congress of Feb. 6, 1812, and July 6, 1812, and that he served as such, under my command, on a tower to the Natchez country, from the 10th of Dec. 1812, to 22d of April, 1813. He is hereby discharged.
A. JACKSON, Maj .- General."
He also served in the war against the Creek nation.
" Pursuant to the orders of Gov. Blount, I do hereby certify that Win. B. Pike, Corporal in Capt. Lauderdale's Company in the First Regt. of Ten- nessee Volunteers, was in the service of the United States, in the Creek Nation, under the command of Maj .- General Andrew Jackson, from the 26th day of Sept. 1813, until the 28th day of December, 1813, and has performed his duty faithfully as a good soldier, and is hereby honorably discharged the service. Given under my hand and seal, this 20th day of Aug., 1814.
E. BRADLEY, Col. 1st Regt. Tennessee Inft."
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VIEW OF RESIDENCE &C. FROM THE SOUTH. 2. PRINCE BY WAR EAGLE JUNE OSCEOLA, 3 RESIDENCE FROM THE EAST, 4. GENERAL VIEW OF FARM. SCENES ON THE HOME FARM (120 ACRES) OF WH B. PIKE . SEC. II TP. 8 R. 5 (DEGOGNIA TP.) JACKSON COUNTY ILLINOIS.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
These old papers, nearly three-quarters of a century old, are still pre- served in the family of Mr. Pike. It was in Tennessee that Mr. Pike became acquainted with and married Miss Brandon, and in November, 1828, they moved to Illinois, first locating in Randolph County ; remained there oue year, then moved to and settled on a farm, which is now embraced in Brad- ley township, this County. On the breaking out of the Black Hawk war, the old veteran was among the first to enlist to aid in protecting the lives and homes of the hardy pioneers of the then infant State of his adoption. He served under Col. Gabriel Jones, and participated in the principal battles of that campaign. Mrs. Pike died at their residence in 1846, and in 1847 Mr. Pike removed to Randolph County, where his death occurred in the year 1849.
The subject of our sketch, when a boy, had only limited literary oppor- tunities-such advantages only as were afforded during the " log school- house period." By a diligent use of the means afforded, he has managed to secure a fair business education. He has been a business man from the first, being in early life thrown on his own resources, from which time he has struggled with fickle fortune on the golden slopes of the Pacific, and amidst the bayous and forests of the sunny South, as well as in the more desirable and peaceful avocations of rural life, surrounded by family and friends. Few of us to-day fully appreciate the trials and labors incident to the first settlement of a new country. Without the many comforts and conveniences which we possess to-day, on entering some lately developed territory, the pioneer, at that time, relied on mother earth for the necessities of life in lieu of the luxuries of modern times. Thus, under many hardships, their diet, consisting of plain and homely fare, they exhibited such heroism as the world has been wont to dwell upon, and to regard with mingled sentiments of surprise and admiration.
Mr. Pike may be regarded as among the most industrious and enterpris- ing of those brave men, who at that period were laying the foundation of Jackson County's future growth and development. It would be a great pleasure to-day to read the complete history of the doings of the settlers prior to the "deep snow." The student is accustomed to admire the classic versc in which are depicted the labors of _Eneas and his brave Trojans while endeavoring to found a State: so we desire to read the scanty records of those times, when the fate of Illinois seemed trembling in the balance, and the settlement of old Jackson seemed postponed to some more favorable period. No Virgil has portrayed their trials in heroic metre. No muse has sung of their achievements; but yet, we trust, their names and their memo- ries are stamped upon the hearts of the present generation, never to be effaced.
Ou arriving to the age of twenty-one Mr. Pike left home, and set out to do for himself, going to Wisconsin to seek his fortune in the lead mines, and remained there five years working in and about the miues. Not finding it as profitable as he anticipated, he left Wisconsin and went to Louisiana in 1847, where for three years he was engaged in lumbering, and where he suc- ceeded iu accumulating some money.
He returned to Jackson County, and remained here about eighteen months. In the spring of 1852 he set out with a small party, on an overland trip with teams, to the golden State, arriving at Sacramento city after a toilsome and tedious trip of four months. From there he at once set out for the moun- tains, and worked in the gold mines about seven years. He was quite suc- cessful, and brought home considerable of the glittering metal, with which he was enabled to purchase the farm on which he now resides, a fine litho- graphic view of which is shown on a page of this work, to which we invite the reader's attention.
On the 5th of June, 1862, Mr. Pike was married to Miss Eliza Tudor, daughter of Samuel and Jane Tudor, residents of this County, but formerly of Haverstraw, New York. Mr. Tudor and wife were both natives of Eng- land. Both emigrated with their parents when quite young, and settled in New York State. There they grew up, became acquainted, married, and subsequently moved to Jackson County, Illinois. Mr. Tudor died in Sept., 1854, and his wife survived him until June, 1858. By the above union Mr. Pike and wife have had born to them seven children, three of whom are de- ceased. Those liviug are-Albert, (Edgar Conness), Nellie Bernice, and Murry Asgil Pike. One of the deceased children was named Tessa Bran- don Pike, and the other.two died in infancy.
While residing in California, on July 4, 1855, Mr. Pike became a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and has remained a consistent member since. During the early part of his life he was in politics a Democrat, and his first vote for President was cast for James K. Polk. He continued to vote with
that party until 1856, when he voted for Fillmore. He also voted for Douglass in 1860, and after that acted with the Republican party, since which time he has been among its earnest supporters. The amiable partner of his joys and sorrows, Mrs. Pike, is a lady of refinement and of the highest social 'standing, but also combines those rare elements of gentle firmness and business tact, so essential to a mother and wife in the government of a household and the administration of a multiplicity of interests which, at times, will fall necessarily to the management of a farmer's wife. She takes a pleasure in assisting her husband to dispense a generous hospitality.
MADISON PRICE, EsQ.
MADISON PRICE is the eldest living child of Columbus and Lydia Swan Price, and was born February 1st, 1841, in Perry County, Missouri. His father, Columbus Price, was of Welsh descent. He was born in North Caro- lina, and came while a young man, with his parents, to Perry County, Mis- souri. Here he entered land, and made the farm on which his son Madison was born. He married Miss Lydia Swan, of Cape Gerideaux County, Mis- souri. In 1865 he settled on the farm in Jackson County, (now owned by M. and R. B. Price) where he remained until 1869, when he returned to the old farm in Perry County, where he died, February 9th, 1873. His wife died September 9th, 1865. Madison Price obtained the ground-work of an education in the public schools of P'erry County, the superstructure in the high schools of Arcadia and Pleasant Hill. He took particular delight in mathematics, and is well versed in the higher branches of algebra, trigono- metry, &c., and is a gentleman of more than ordinary culture and ability. He came to Jackson County after leaving school, and his first employment was chopping cord-wood. February 25th, 1873, he married Miss Amelia Gordon, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Gordon, of this County. They have had one child, Bertha L. In politics Mr. Price is a Jacksonian Demo- crat, and is a strong adherent of the present Democratic party, and was a strong supporter of Mr. Tilden for the Presidency. He was elected super- visor of his (Degognia) township, which position he filled acceptably for one year.
Mr. Price, however, is not a politician, but devotes most of his time and attention to his farm, which is one of the best in that section, and delight- fully situated on the banks of the Mississippi river.
As an agriculturalist he has met with that success that strict attention to business always brings, and annually raises from twelve to fifteen hundred bushels of wheat. He is considered one of the leading men in his business in Jackson County, and is besides a clever and a cultivated gentleman.
GEORGE WASHINGTON JOHNSTON.
GEORGE WASHINGTON JOHNSTON is the eldest child of H. and Maria Johnston, of Licking County, Ohio, where he was born, Junc 17th, 1823. He is one of five survivors of a family of eleven children. In 1839 his father removed with his family to Jackson County, Illinois, and located near where Aaron Jones now lives, in Kinkaid Township. Hc afterwards moved to a place about a mile south of his son's residence, in Degognia Township; where he continued to live until his death. George W. had no opportunities during his youth of acquiring an education ; and all the information he has been able to glean he has done since he was married. When twenty years of age he went to Jefferson County, Ohio, and commenced working at the cooper's trade, at which he remained about five years. On the 22d of February, 1844, he married Miss Rebecca Rouse, daughter of David Rouse, of Jefferson County. In 1849, he returned to Illinois and located in Shelby County. Not liking the locality, he, after a year's residence, removed to Peoria, where he worked at his trade twelve months.
From there he went to Fulton County, locating at Lewiston, where he continued to reside until 1863, when he removed to his present home in this County. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have had a family of eight children, two of whom died in Fulton County and one in Jackson County. Their eldest son, William H., is married ; Emily, Enozy and their youngest son, An- drew, are still living at home with their parents. Mr. Johnston is, and has always been, a strong Democrat, and is, as he has himself said, one of those men who never scratches his ticket. During the war he was an advo- cate and supporter of the Union cause. He is now a man in the prime of
86
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
life, enjoying the fruits of his early life of industry and self-denial on his fine farm, surrounded by his wife and children, and is a man who, by his straight- forward conduct and honest endeavors, has won the respeet and confidence of friends and neighbors.
ARCHIBALD HAMILTON.
To our sister State, Indiana, belongs the credit of being the birth-place of one of the best citizens of Southern Illinois. Archibald Hamilton was born in Washington County, Indiana, April 27th, 1818. He is one of four sur- viving children of Arehibald and Susanna Hamilton, who were both natives of North Carolina. They came to Indiana in 1817, where they remained until their deaths. Owing to the condition of the country at that time, their son Archibald had few advantages, but unaided he sneeeeded in gaining a good deal of practical information. When twenty-one, he set out in life on his own account, first living with relatives near the Osage River, in Missouri. He soon after returned home and eommeneed operations on a farm, near the old homestead, given him by his father. When twenty-five years old, he married Miss Ellen Overton, who lived only seven months after the union. In 1845 he married Rebeeea Wells, of his native county. They have had nine children, five of whom are still living. One died in infancy. Ellen and Henrietta died young. James B., their second son, died Feb. 29th, 1877, having been married only two months prior to his death. Sarah, wife of John Morgan, resides in the County. Marcus S., Angeline, William, and Charley, still live with their parents. In 1856, Mr. Hamilton, with his family, removed to Randolph County, and located on the island opposite Rockwood, where he engaged in the wood trade. In Sept. 1861, he enlisted in Company K., Col. Wilson's 5th Illinois Cavalry. Went to Camp Butler, where he remained until the following March, when they went to St. Louis, thenee to Pilot Knob, then joined the army under Gen. Steele, then marehed through Arkansas to Pochahontas, having a skirmish just before reaching the latter place. They then went to Helena, where they were on duty about a year. After which, they joined the inain army at Vicksburg. After its surrender, they went to Jackson, Mississippi, where they met and defeated Gien Johnston. and counter-marehed to Vicksburg. Where, after some time spent in recruiting, they started on a raid, and captured the road from Jack- son to Memphis. They then returned to Vieksburg, where they were mustered ont, Oct. 31st, 1864. Mr. Hamilton met with no other misfortune during this long period of active service, than being captured and detained as a prisoner of war, for about six months. At the expiration of which time, he was exchanged and rejoined his regiment at Helena. In 1867, he pur- chased the farm where he now resides. It contains four hundred and fifty acres of rich, alluvial deposit, peculiar to bottom lands, and is considered one of the best in his neighborhood. It is in an excellent state of cultivation, and has been handsomely improved by Mr. Hamilton.
In early life he was a Whig, but has been a staunch Republican ever since the organization of that party, and demonstrated his faith in its policy by shouldering his musket and going to the front, to vindicate its principles and help to establish its supremacy.
WILLIAM MONTGOMERY DUNCAN
WAS born in Lancaster distriet, South Carolina, Nov. 1st, 1815, he being the cighth of ten children of Pierson and Sarah Dunean. When William was about eight years old, Mr. Dunean moved and settled with his family in Jackson County, Georgia, and in the fall of 1827, he started for Illinois, bringing his wife and children, and a few household goods, landing at his destination on Christinas day, in Jefferson County, locating on a farm three miles south of' Mt. Vernon. In the fall of 1829, he removed to Randolph County, and settled abont eight miles above Kaskaskia, where he made one erop, and in the spring of '31 moved to Jackson County, and settled on a tract of land about half a mile from the home place of Wm. Dunean. His death occurred about the year 1843. His widow survived him three or four years. Wm. M. Dunean was married June 22d, 1835, to Sarah Atkins, of Randolph County. They had ten children ; five are yet living. She died Nov. 25th, 1854, and on the 8th of July '55, Mr. D. married Caroline Tyn- dall. They had four children, three of whom are still living. Mrs. Dun- can died, April 30th, 1865, and on the 5th of September following, he mar- ried Mrs. Marilla Hobbs. By that union they had four children-two boys
yet living. Mrs. D. died Sept. 6th, 1875, and on the 28th of Jan., 1876, Mr. Duncan married a sister to his former wife, Mrs. N. Hobbs, who is still living.
In polities, our subjeet is a member of the Democratie party. His first vote for President, was east for Martin Van Buren. He is now enjoying good health, and is among the old residents of his township.
ROBERT BURNS MORGAN, EsQ.
Is one of three surviving members of a family of eleven children of Carey and Eliza Caroline Morgan. He was born May 6, 1840, in Arkansas. While still an infant, his parents removed from Arkansas, and settled on a farm near Nashville, Washington County, Illinois, where they remained uutil 1855, in which year, they again moved, this time settling on a farm in the celebrated American Bottom. The farm was situated on what is known as the Middle Alton Road, in Madison County, and is about six miles from St. Louis. Here they continued to reside until 1862, when they moved to Degognia, Jackson County, where they remained until their deaths. Young Morgan had few advantages during his youth, and the knowledge, of which he possesses sufficient, for all practical purposes, was gained by steady and industrious effort. He started in life for himself in 1860, and on the 11th of October of, the same year, was married to Mary Bishop. Her father, Jonathan Bishop, was one of the early settlers of Madison County, in this State. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have had a family of nine children, six of whom are still living.
In the summer of 1864, Mr. Morgan purchased, and removed with his family to the farin where they now reside, in Jackson County. As a farmer, he has been quite sueeessful, and the condition of his farm, which is one of the best in his township, shows that he is thoroughly eonversant with his busi- ness, and is an industrious and energetie inan. He usually raises for market from one thousand to twelve hundred bushels of wheat, a faet that places . him in the ranks of the producers of the country, and one of those to whom she owes her wealth and prosperity. Although never an office-seeker or can- ditate for office, he has always been warmly attached to the Republican party and its policy.
Mr. Morgan belongs to that class of men ealled self-made. He commenced life with scarcely anything but industrious aud temperate habits, and a strong will, aided by willing hands, with whieli he has accumulated a competency. And he has the supreme satisfaction of kuowing that his success is duc to no fortuitons eirenmstanees, but is the reward of economy and honest toil.
JOHN CLAIBOURN ISOM.
WAS born in Jackson County, April 18th, 1833, on the farm where he now resides. His father, James Isom, was born in North Carolina in 1790. When quite young, his parents moved to Tennessee. James afterwards went to Alabama, where he married Martha King, and moved to this State in 1830.
He was in the war of 1812, and was guarding Indians during the battle of New Orleans. He died at his home, Sept. 23d, 1867. His wife still sur- vives him, now at the advanced age of eighty-seven years.
They were for a time members of the Missionary Baptist Church, Mr. Isom afterwards becoming a member of the Campbellites, and his wife of the United Baptist Church. Their son John, enjoyed few advantages when young, but by steady effort, gained a practical cducation. He married, Jan. 21st, 1857, Margaret E. daughter of J. II. Johnston. They had six children, four of whom are living. Mrs. Isom died Oct. 27th, 1869. March 7th, 1871, he married Susannah C. danghter of Alexander Gordon. They have two children living. Mrs. Isom is a member of the Christian Church. In early life Mr. Isom was a Democrat. But in 1861, believing in the principles and poliey promulgated by the Republican party, he joined its ranks, and has since remained there. He was, during the late war, an avowed union man and strong supporter of the administration of Mr. Lincoln. He has been industrious and economical during his life, and has accumulated considerable property. He has one of the best farms in his township, and is classed as & successful agricultura,ist, a clever gentleman and a respected citizen.
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