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 31
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KINKAID TOWNSHIP.
FROM FACTS FURNISHED BY CAPT. W. E. TALBOTT.
HIS lies in the northwestern part of the County, being bounded on the north by Bradley, on the east by Levan, on the south by Big Lake, and on the west by Degognia. This township was settled early in the history of the County. The first settlers located under the bluffs, before the township was laid off into sections by the governmental surveyors, or prior to 1808 and after 1806, and consisted of a family named Taylor. They located on what is now known as section 35, where the farm and residence of Willis Crane is now situated.
The next permanent settler was Mr. Brillhart, who located, or as the quaint language of that day was, squatted on section 29. After the death of Brillhart, which occurred before 1820, certainly, a Peter Woolrick, whose family comprised three boys aud two girls, entered this land according to law. This was in 1820 or 1821. Shortly after Mr. Woolrick came to a sudden death. He was engaged in clearing out a spring then situated where the bluff now passes, when without a moment's warniug, a tree fell on him and killed him on the spot. William Booue, the noted ranger captain, and Parker Grosveuer, about this time, settled ou section 30, and Adam Wool- rick, a son of Peter, located on section 29. The farm of 160 acres is a very excellent one to day, and is owned by W. P. Wilson. On section 34, Isaac Glenn built his residence and opened a farm. This was on the east half of the section, and this farm he sold to Mr. Samuel Cochran, and settled upon and improved the west half. John Haun made a settlement near the date of the sectionization of the townships. These constituted about all that were made between 1808 aud 1822. The country was a wilderness, and immigrants came in very slowly. It should have been stated that the farm opened by Mr. Hann is now the property of W. E. Talbott. About the year 1822, settle- ment was made ou sectiou 22, by Isaac Jarrett, another on section 2, by Richard Sorrels.
The first school was taught during the winter of 1826 and 1827, by John Craue, a miau who subsequently rose to distinction in Washington County to which he removed. He was elected sheriff of the above-named county, and performed the duties of that high and responsible office so satisfactorily, that he was chosen to represent his district as State Senator in the halls of legislation. Mr. Crane taught the first school in an out-building on section 33. The first school-house was erected on section 34, and Mr. Crane was employed to teach the first term.
The first sermou ever preached in Kinkaid was delivered by Rev. Richard Lee, in about the year 1823. There was no church building in existence at that date, so the meetings were held in the houses of the settlers, or out in the groves which were "God's first temples." Many years elapsed after this, before a house of worship existed. It is said to have been in the year 1838, when the first house of worship was built. The first religious society organ- ized was that of the Free-will Baptists, in the winter of 1838-39. Its organ- ization was owing to the efforts of Simon Hiller and William Lindsay.
During the same winter, and but a short time subsequently, another or- ganization was effected by the United Baptists, chiefly by the instrumentality of Ro' ert Gentry and James Ferrel, who came from Union County. These
churches have done much to increase morality amongst the citizens of this portion of the county.
Mr. Brillhart's death was the first that occurred in the township, and this was followed by that of Peter Woolrick, the manner of whose taking off has previously been narrated. The next to fall beneath the keen sickle of the stern reaper, death, was Parker Grosvener.
It is probable that the first marriage was that of William Davis, who wooed and wou a daughter of Peter Woolrick. It would be interesting to have an account of this wedding, but none survives.
Hiram Corrith is supposed to have been the first child born in the town- ship, and this event must have taken place as early as 1816, at which time the organization of the County was effected.
Those portions of the township which did not border on the Bluff road, settled but slowly. The whole of the township was heavily timbered, and the work required to fell the trees, burn the logs and brush and stumps, was indeed great. The settlers of the earliest days raised Indian coru, aud scarcely attempted any other kind of grain. Glenn and Woolrick were the first wheat growers. Five acres were thought to constitute a large wheat field. The wheat was reaped with a sickle, for cradles aud reapers were not dreamed of, and was tramped out by oxen or horses, for the modern thresh- ing machine had as yet nò existence even in the most daring imagination. The farmer paid toll to his neighbors for their aid in trainping out bis grain, and if he had left 75 bushels for himself, the neighbors would express great surprise, as to what a man could possibly do with so much wheat. It is said that a five acre field of golden grain required the aid of all the able-bodied men in the township to help gather it in.
As late as the period when William Worthen was sheriff of Jackson Coull- ty, the scarcity of money was so great, that the currency consisted of coon- skins, musk-rat skins, furs and peltries. Coon and musk-rat skins passed at 25 cents each. The lack of money, however, in those days, was not considered a disgrace. Each man saw his " little lot the lot of all," aud was content.
The deer was so plenty that it was not an uncommon occurrence for a sportsman to kill half a dozen in a day's hunt ; and to catch 15 or 16 coons in a day, was not unusual. Even at this period of writing, there are a few deers, while coons, musk-rats and wild turkeys are far from being extermi- nated.
The township is gradually but surely filling up, and improvements are go- ing on rapidly on all sides. Commodious and substantial farm houses are being multiplied, and many most excellent farms appear, where less than a half a century ago the savage roamed at will through forests whose interlac- ing branches almost excluded the light of the sun, and where wolves in large packs ran in search of prey.
The principal products of Kinkaid are wheat,-which is the chief staple- maize or Indian corn, which comes to great perfection in the rich bottoms,. oats, hay, and fruits of various kinds. The township is well watered and drained, and the soil is fertile, being in nature a sandy loam.
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THE HOME FARM AND RESIDENCE OF W. E.TALBOTT SEC. 22 T.8. R. 4 (KINKAID TP.) JACKSON CO. ILL.
431
WILSON FAMILY GRAVE
AVE YARD
FARM RESIDENCEOF W.P.WILSON SEC 6 T.8. R.4. (KINKAID TP) JACKSON COILL. FARM RESIDENCE OF AARON JONES SEC. 7 TP. 8 R.4 (KINKAID TP) JACKSON CO. ILL.
RESIDENCE
VIEW FROM THE SOUTH
TENANT HOUSE.
VIEW FROM THE NORTH
THE FARM AND RESIDENCE OF WILLIS CRAIN SEC.35 T.8 R.4.
(KINKAID TOWNSHIP) JACKSON CO. ILL.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
WILLIS CRAIN, EsQ.
AMONG the names prominent in the history of Jackson County, that of Crain occupies an honorable place. Squire Crain, the father of the subject of this history, emigrated from Tennessee-of which state he is a native- to the territory of Illinois, and settled at a place, near where Chester, Ran- dolph County, Illinois, now is. At that time the country was infested with Indians, who, becoming quite troublesome, caused many of the settlers to en- list. Among these was Mr. Crain, who enlisted in the regular army as scrub and ranger. Five arduous years he spent in the service, and was engaged in the fight, that resulted in the capture of the Fox Indians. Was with General Rogers Clark at Portage De Sioux, where a treaty of peace was ef- fected. At the conclusion of the war, he returned home, and about the year 1817 married Miss Louisa Mansker, about which time he removed to Jackson County, and engaged in farming, and died there in 1847; his wife survived until 1855. They had a family of fourteen children, of whom Willis was the fifth and was born, Jan. 31st, 1827 at the old homestead, where he still resides, an elegant view of which the reader will find in another part of this work.
During Mr. Crain's boyhood, children did not have the advantages of good schools as they now do, and to get even the rudiments of an education, required those sterling qualities, a strong will and great perseverance. These, Mr. Crain possessed, and during his childhood and youth which was spent in helping his father on the farm, he managed to get a fair English education. On the 19th of May, 1853, he married Miss Mary Grosvenor, daughter of John and Agnes Grosvenor, one of the old families of this section, Mr. Grosvenor being a native of Jackson County, his wife was a native of Ten- nessee. Mr. and Mrs. Crain had by this union nine children, five of whom are yet living. Lydia, wife of Daniel Whitson, resides on a farm in Kin- caid Township, Halleck, Ida, Albert and Hattie still residing at home, all of whom have enjoyed the educational facilities, with which Jackson County is now so well provided, his son Halleck, having also attended for two terms, the high school at Benton, Franklin County, Illinois. Mr. Crain commenced life without capital, but by a strict course of honesty and in- dustry has acquired considerable property, and has two among the best bot- tom farms in the district, which annually produce about twelve hundred bushels of wheat, besides other grain and stock.
He has never sought or allowed his name to be used for political pur- poses, although always manifesting a lively interest in public affairs. His political views have always been in accord with the Democratic party, whose principles and nominees he has always supported, from the time of casting his vote for President Pierce, until the present time, (1877). At the break- ing out of the war and during its progress, he belonged to that wing of the party known as War Democrats, and was an earnest and uncompromising defender of the cause of the Union. Having the foresight and perception, he saw and realized that a vigorous prosecution of the war, and the success of the Union cause, was absolutely necessary to the continued well-being and prosperity of the entire country. Mr. Crain, is one of those men, who by an upright, honorable and industrious life has secured the confidence, and re- spect of his neighbors and friends, and love and admiration of wife and chil- dren, who, when he receives his summons to take that long and last journey will have the comforting knowlege, that his memory will still sur- vive and remain green in the hearts of those who knew him. To his chil- dren he will leave that heritage, more precious than silver or gold, a spot- less and unsullied name.
PARKER GROSVENOR, EsQ.
Is a native of Jackson County, Illinois, and was born on the farm on which he now resides, February 13th, 1833, being the oldest child of John and Agnes Grosvenor. His father, John Grosvenor, also a native of Illi- nois, was born in that territory in 1811, and was one of the few men who witnessed the remarkable growth and increasing prosperity of the garden State. His wife was a native of Tennessee.
His parents emigrated from Vermont and settled in this, what now is Jackson County. He served for a time as Justice of the Peace, but devoted his time almost exclusively to farming. He died May 5th, 1847. His widow who was a Miss Lawrence, still survives him. Mrs. Grosvenor's father figured in the Indian wars in the early settlement of the territory. Parker Grosvenor, the subject of this biography, like most boys of that early day, had very few opportunities for getting an education, but he improved such as he had. His perseverance, together with a natural aptitude for study, enabled him to acquire a good knowledge of the rudiments of an English education. His early years were spent on the farm, assisting his father, who died when Parker was quite young. After his father's death, he continued to work the farm and support his widowed mother. He married on the 14th of May, 1854, when twenty-two years of age, Miss Eliza Jane Herring, daughter of Jonathan Herring, one of the pioneers who early emigrated from Virginia to this County. The result of this union was five children, only two of whom are living, John S. and Albert R., who still remain at home. On the 23d of Jan., 1863, Mrs. Grosvenor died at her residence, having lived a pure and useful life. August 30th, 1864, Mr. Grosvenor married Mrs. Louisa Hiser, a native of Jackson County, by whom he has had nine children, of whom two are deceased, six boys and one girl still sur- viving. He has always been a staunch Democrat, casting his first ballot for Mr. Buchanan, and is one of the leaders of his party in his township and portion of the county. - In the summer of 1862, he enlisted in Company A. 80th Illinois infantry, at Rockwood, Illinois, but failing to pass the required medical examination, he returned home. He was a strong advocate and sur- porter of the war for the union, and would have practically carried out his sentiments had he been permitted. Although Mr. Grosvenor is a prominent Democrat, and one closely identified with the party in his section, he has not only never sought office, but has always refused to allow his name to be used for political purposes. He has rather preferred the life of an agriculturalist, of which he ranks among the first of his County. His farm consists of about five hundred acres, of which one hundred and fifty is under a good state of cultion. From twelve to fourteen hundred bushels of wheat, besides other grain, is annually raised by him. Mr. Grosvenor is a straightforward, honest man, who has gained and retains the well-merited confidence and respect of the community.
WILLIAM E. TALBOTT.
MR. TALBOTT is one of those practical men whom we meet once in a life- time, who are not easily led astray by glittering show or fiery eloquence. He reduces every proposition to an axiom, and makes it apply to some of the essential relations of life. He is firm, and yet reasonable, social, if not jovial, quick perceptive faculties, and full of solid prose. He was the son of William R. and Martha Talbott. William R. Talbott was a native of Virginia. He settled in Smith County, Teneessee, when quite young. He
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
was a soldier in the War of 1812, in the volunteers six months, and in the regular army eighteen months. He fought under General Jackson, at the Battle of New Orleans, for the freedom we now enjoy. William R. Talbott, with his wife, in about the year 1820, emigrated from Tennessee to Randolph County, this State, and settled near Kaskaskia. He brought his family and all his worldly effects from Tennessee on three pack-horses. The subject of this sketch was then about two years of age. They resided near Kaskaskia about two years, then moved to Jackson County; lived in this County five years, then removed back to Randolph County, north of Rockwood, and re- mained four years, when they again moved to Jackson County and settled permanently in township 8-4, section 33, where William R. Talbott died, November 16th, 1847. His wife died April 12th, 1841. The subject of this sketch was raised on the old home-place. He still owns and farms the same; but by his own energy he has added many acres to its former size. He had but meagre advantages for schooling, the most of his knowledge being obtained in the experience of life, twelve months at school being all he re- ceived ; but by his own perseverance he has acquired sufficient education to transact most any ordinary business ; and we find him well posted in his- tory. Mr. Talbott was married January 14th, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth Crane. To this union they have had born to them twelve children, of whom there are seven living, viz. : Martha, now wife of William C. McCormick ; S. A. Amanda, wife of Willis Cross ; Thomas R .; P. K .; Sophronia, wife of Henry Austin ; William R., the youngest, now living at home. Mr. Talbott is an unwavering Democrat, and loyal to his convictions of right. He never scratches a ticket, believing the men nominated on his ticket by the convention are the men to vote for. Mr. Talbott was a member of the board of supervisors while the County was under township organization. He has never aspired for political favors. His recollections revert back to the time when the skins of animals passed as currency through this County, and the county tax-collector took them in payment for taxes, and made his detour through the county gathering up the same, on horseback. He still lives to enjoy the blessing of a country made productive by the toil and pri- vation of those who faced the dangers and overcame the difficulties of a pioneer life; and now, in his declining years, he has all the comforts of a well-spent life, where he and his excellent wife can spend their remaining days in their beautiful home, a view of which can be seen in this work.
AARON JONES.
To the South can be given the credit of furnishing more of the pioneers of Jackson County than any other section of the country, and among the worthy
men she sent forth is the name of Aaron Jones, born in Lincoln County, Tennessee, Oct. 5, 1816, the son of Andrew and Mary Jones, who had twelve children. Aaron was the eighth in number in the order of their birth, and the only one now living. His father and mother were both born in the State of South Carolina, near Charleston, and after their marriage became residents of Tennessee, and on the breaking out of the war of 1812 Andrew Jones enlisted. However, before he became engaged in any active service, peace was declared. In the year 1824 he removed with his family, by wa- gons, from the State of Tennessee to Randolph County, Illinois, and pur- chased and settled on a tract of land about three miles from Sparta ; lived there until 1833, when he purchased and moved on the farm where his son Aaron now resides. Two of his sons, Moses and Andrew, served in the Black-Hawk war in 1832. During his lifetime he was a man of consider- able prominence; was County Commissioner for a time, and Justice of the Peace twenty years. In politics a Democrat, and a member of the Associate Reformed Church, a branch of the Presbyterian denomination. He died at the old homestead, in Kinkaid Township, November, 1862. A view of the home place can be seen elsewhere in this work.
About all the educational advantages which Aaron Jones had was while living in Tennessee ; however he attended school a short time in Randolph County. He was about sixteen years old when his parents came to Jackson County. Mr. Jones, when young, was one of those boys who were never afraid of work, and as the result of his energy and industry he now has a comfortable competence, and one among the best wheat-growing farms of Kinkaid Township. On the 22d day of August, 1839, Mr. Jones married Jane Milligan, the daughter of John Milligan, an old resident of Williamson County, Illinois. By that union they have been blessed with ten children, (three deceased) seven still living. In the order of their ages : Sarah, the wife of Jefferson Mifflin. John is also married, and farming in this Town- ship. Margaret is the wife of George Cochrane. The above three are resi- dents of Kinkaid Township. Elzira, the wife of Charles Manwarren, of Randolph County, Ill .; Mary, the wife of James Moore. Their farm joins the home place. Kimball and William are living at home. Mr. Jones and wife have been fortunate in rearing a large family, all of whom have proved good, worthy citizens, and are comfortably settled in life. Mr. Jones has been a life-long Democrat, and is known as one of those men who never scratch his ticket. He is a fair representative of the early pioneers of the County, being liberal and kind-hearted. His neighbors say the word of Aaron Jones is as good as his bond. It must be a pleasing reflection for him to know that he is respected and esteemed by men who have known him these many years. He dispenses a liberal and generous hospitality to his friends.
WILLIAM P. WILSON
MRS. MARGARET WILSON
Among the prominent farmers and successful business men of Kin- kaid township, appears the name of the gentleman that heads our arti- cle. Born on the eastern shore of Maryland, about thirty miles from Elli- cott's Mills, January 9th, 1815, the only child of Henry and Nancey Wilson. Mr. Wilson was descended from a long line of English ancestry, noted for the purity of their morals and Christian devotion to those sacred principles that characterized the noble yeomanry of "Old England," and we are pleased to say that they have preserved those principles in their pristine purity, and that the race has lost none of those excellent attributes in the ever active and progressive life of the "New World." Mrs. Wilson, the mother of Mr. P., is a native of the " Emerald Isle," that land of poetry and song, chivalrous deeds, warm impulses, and generous and noble natures. Mr. Wilson died when his son William was a small boy. The early advantages of young Wilson were limited. At the early age of fourteen he set out to do for himself; went to Winchester, Virginia ; there becarne an appren- tice to learn the saddlers' trade ; remained there four years, and then went to Wheeling ; remained there a short time, and got employment on one of the steamers plying on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers; and operated in that capacity a number of years. On the 21st August, 1838, he married Miss Margarett Maricle, the daughter of Samuel Maricle, of Jefferson county, Ohio. In the fall of 1839, he removed with his family to Jackson county, Ill., and purchased a tract of land in Kinkaid township, where he engaged in farming. Ten years after he sold his place and moved. to Muscatine
county, Iowa. Not liking the climate, he sold out the following spring and returned to Jackson county, and purchased the farm where he now resides- a view of which can be seen on another page of this work. His home-farm comprises upwards of five hundred acres, besides a farm of four hundred acres on the Mississippi Bottom, a few miles from his residence. Mr. Wilson ranks among the leading agriculturists of the county. Mr. Wilson and wife have had a family of thirteen children, ten of whom are now living. Those living may be mentioned as follows : Mary Ellen, the wife of James Gordon, of Randolph county ; George W., also a resident of Randolph county, living near Sparta ; Nancey Maria, the wife of John Farris, residents of Perry county, Ill. ; Margarett Jane, the wife of A. J. Gordon, also of Randolph county, Ill .; Samuel H, resides in the same county ; William Perry; Jr., is a farmer in Kinkaid township; Aaron E., Abner M., Sarah Catherine, and Hiram C., the four latter residing at home with their parents. Those of their children who have married are well and comfortably situated in life.
In politics Mr. Wilson was originally a Whig ; and on the breaking out of the late civil war he was among the ardent supporters of the Union cause. In looking back over the past career of Mr. Wilson we find a man who has accomplished considerable, besides raising a large and intelligent family of children. He has contributed largely to the wealth and prosperity of the locality in which he dwells. He is a fitting example of what industry and energy can accomplish.
GRAND TOWER TOWNSHIP.
JUDGE M. F. SWORTZCOPE.
T is probable that the first settlement by white persons on the Mis- sissippi River, in this part of the State, was made within the territory now knowu as Grand Tower Township. This township lies along the western border of the county, and is washed on the west throughout its length by the waves of the mighty Mississippi. The scenery is justly considered magnificent, and attracts many tourists, while the region is cousidered by the geologists as the most interesting of any to be found in the State.
To attempt to describe it for the benefit of the citizens of Jackson County would be the very height of absurdity. Word-painting would fail to convey any adequate conception of the beauty and grandeur that make this the most attractive part of our County and State. The bold, precipitous cliffs, the forest-clad slopes, the views of the mighty stream, must be seen to be ap- preciated.
The indications are uumistakable that the ancient bed of the river was east of its present. The "Devil's Oven " and the " Devil's Back-bone," which constitute one of the remarkable features of this remarkable locality, then formed the western, as they now form a portion of the eastern shore. Grand Tower was a landing-place for flat-boats as early as 1800. Colonel James Gill, family and slaves settled at the "Devil's Oven " in the year 1806. He was a South Carolinian, born in 1781. When he first arrived in Illinois, he settled in Randolph County, and in 1805, was married to Janette, daughter of Alexander Gaston, Sr. William Gaston, his wife's brother, settled north of him. Gaston was a noted lawyer.
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