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 35
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
thinking the principles advocated and fought for by the Republican party were right, he identified himself with it, and has since remained true to its teachings. He furnished three of his sons to the army, one of whom was sacrificed to the cause of liberty and justice, two of the cardinal principles of our Government, and fought for by our revolutionary forefathers.
Mr. and Mrs. Barrow are both members of the United Baptist Church, and they both seem to be living for their families and their religion. Mr. Barrow is one of the Pioneers of the State, and the oldest settler of this (Bradley) Township. Although he is almost blind, he still retains all bis mental faculties in an eminent degree, and much of his physical ability. Mr. Barrow has bought about 640 acres of land, entirely by his own exertions, which he is giving to his children as fast as they come to maturity.
JACOB SWARTZ.
ONE of the oldest settlers in Jackson County, and one who has been iden- tified with its interests as largely perhaps, as any man in it, is Jacob Swartz, who came to the territory of Illinois in 1817. He was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. July 30th, 1804. He was the fifth of a family of eight children, only two of whom are now living. His parents, Jacob and Catharine Swartz, were both born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and moved with their family to this County, in 1817, and settled near old Browns- ville, where they lived for a number of years. Mr. Swartz, the subject of our sketch, commenced life as a merchant in company with his brother-in-law, Jas. Harrold, and continued in that business until his eyes failed him, when he sold out and moved on the farm where he now lives, in Makanda town- ship. He was married October 10th, 1839, to Margaret Edwards, of Ohio. They had one child, James, who is still living near his father. His first wife dying in 1841, he was again married to Mary Paterson, July 24th, 1851 ; she is still living. They have had eight children, viz: Jacob P., George G., Ellen C., Sarah S., William H., Edward A., the other two dying in infancy.
In 1832, Mr. Swartz was in the Black Hawk, war under old Governor Jenkins, as Corporal.
He has a vivid recollection of the Kaskaskia Indians, who were very numerous in Jackson County at that time, although perfectly peaceable. In 1844, he and his partner Harrold, built the only steamboat ever built in Jackson County, the Convoy of St. Louis, for Captain Garrison, who failed
to pay them for it. Mr. Swartz has always been largely identified with the interests of the County, coming here when it was nothing but a wilderness, he has lived to see it become one of the first Counties in the State, and to acquire a competence for himself and family. He remembers all the first settlers, having shared with them all the trials and hardships of a pioneer's life.
Politically, he was an old time Whig, while that_party lived ; since then, he has tried to vote for the best men, without regard to politics.
He and his family belong to the good, old Methodist Church. His neigh- bors give him credit for being an honest, charitable man, such as all commu- nities need.
NEWTON J. POWERS.
To Tennessee seems to belong the honor of being the banner state, in send- ing her sons to people the southern part of this great state, the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this history, being one of them. He was born Dec. 15th, 1837, in Marshall County, Tennessee. He is the fifth child of a family of seven children, of John and Levina Powers, who were natives of and emigrated from South Carolina in 1824. Mr. Powers lived in Ten- nessee until his death, which occurred about 1839. The family remained in that state until 1853, when they removed to Union County, Illinois, where they were engaged in farming until 1865. All the members of the family early embraced religion, and connected themselves with the Baptist denomi- nation, of which they remained consistent members. Newton J. Powers re- ceived his education in the common schools of Tennessee. He improved liis opportunities then as he has since, and is a gentleman of good general infor- mation. In 1865 he located in Makanda, Jackson County, Illinois, and was for a time engaged as clerk with E. Cover, in a general merchandize store. Since 1871, Mr. Powers has been engaged in the drug business, and has proven himself worthy of the confidence and respect of the people, by his strict integrity and close application to business. He has also met with that success which such habits invariably result in. Mr. Powers was married, August 9th, 1863, to Miss Ellenor A. Guilliams, of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Powers are still living, and are held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. Mr. Powers furnishes another example to the present generation of boys, as to the enviable position a man can raise himself to by his own unaided efforts.
BRADLEY TOWNSHIP.
HIS lies in the extreme north-western party of the County, and was named in honor of Judge Wm. Bradley, a highly honored citi- zen of this County, whose services to the County deserved that his name be thus rescued from decay.
Bradley is bounded on the north by Randolph County, on the east by Ora and Ava, on the south, by the three townships of Ava, Kinkaid and Degog- nia, and on the west, by Randolph County, Degognia Creek being the line of demarcation. Kinkaid and Beaucoup Creeks, have their source within its limits, the first, flowing to the south ward and the latter, in a northeasterly direction. It is further drained and watered by Degognia Creek and some of its eastern tributaries.
The St. Louis and Cairo Railroad enters it from the north and runs a south. easterly course through it, passing out in the east, a little more than a mile from the south line.
This township contained a few settlers before the organization of the State, in 1818.
It contains one town, Campbell Hill, situated on the railroad named above, four miles from its rival Ava.
This village was surveyed and laid off by Edward Newsome, County Sur- veyor, and certified to, on January 10th, 1874. The plat was filed for record with R. W. Hamilton, Circuit Clerk and Recorder, on the 19th of
March in the same year. St. Louis & C. R. R., has a station here, and Bradley is deserted, and its glory has paled in the presence of the more youthful competitor.
Campbell Hill claims a population of 300 inhabitants, and is under town organization. The town officers are as follows : Dr. W. R. Gordon, Presi- dent of the Council; Mr. Mohlenbrock, Mr. Underwood, John McDonald, Mr. Downen and Peter Stoffle. George Gordon, is Clerk of the Board, and Henry Loy, is Magistrate.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The school-building is new, comfortable, and furnished with the best style of school-desks and seats. It was built in 1877, at a cost to the taxpayers of about $1200, and reflects credit upon their taste and culture, and exhibits an interest in the cause of education, worthy of commendation.
. The hotel is kept by Mr. Benson, and its reputation may be inferred, from the fact that it is at his hotel the passengers northward or southward on the railroad, get their dinners.
There is but one church edifice in the town, which was erected by the Bap- tist society, known as "Looney Spring " Church. George Gordon is the pastor. The building is of brick, and is not yet entirely finished. This is the strongest religious organization in that part of the County. Judge Brad-
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
ley has been its pastor. Among the members of this church, in its early years and at the present, mention is made of David Underwood, his sons and families, the Gordons, the Phoenixes and Downens. A prosperous Sunday- school is connected with the church.
FIRMS.
Gordon & Co , are dealers in general merchandise. Augustus Dudenbas- tle is postmaster and dealer in dry goods and groceries. John Hanna, has a drug store. The custom and merchant mill, which was formerly run by Thomas Woods, is now operated by William Mohlenbrock. Itis a large and well-conducted establishment, and affords the farmers a home market for their grain.
Among the substantial farmers of Bradley township, or as it was called until of late years, Bradley precinct, we make mention of Cyrus Bradley, Mr. Phoenix, Mr. Tucker, Jonathan. McDonald, Mr. William Downen, Peter Stoffle, Mr. Ward, the Underwoods. Among the first settlers we mention
Mrs. William Kimmel, 1817, and Mr. Barrow. Josiah Cully came to settle in the Bradley settlement in 1836.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
A very considerable portion of this township consists of land suitable for agricultural purposes. In the eastern part, the land is somewhat broken, but of good quality ; in south and west the surface is smooth. Some exceedingly well-tilled farms, are found in this section, and the traveler through Bradley meets evidences of thrift and plenty on every hand. The people are honest and wide-awake, and are marching abreast of the times.' The old log school- houses have largely disappeared, and new frame buildings, comfortably seated and well lighted, are superseding them.
This was all heavily timbered before " his echoing axe, the settler swung," and there is yet an abundance of the very best timber. Good qualities of building stone abound.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
EX-SHERIFF JAMES C. THOMPSON.
GENEALOGY in this country, has in the past not only received little at- tention, but has been looked upon with contempt by a great majority of our people ; who belicving it a relic of monarchism, have consequently thought it inconsistent with our Democratic tendencies and professions. But happily these ideas are rapidly undergoing a change, and people are beginning to recognize that an old and respected family name and history, is something to look upon with pride, and to cherish and protect, as something not entirely their own, but rather as something they hold in trust for the benefit of future generations. Among those of this county who can point with pride to his family history is ex-sheriff James C. Thompson. He was born in St. Charles County, Missouri, July 7th, 1820, the fourth child of a family of twelve chil- dren of William and Jane Thompson, five of whom are still living. Wm. Thompson and his wife were both natives of North Carolina, his family originally being Irish, and Mrs. Thompson English. The families of both emigrated to Kentucky when they were children, where they soon became acquainted, and were married. In 1815, they removed to St. Charles County, Missouri, locating on a tract of land, near where the city of St. Charles now is. Here Mr. Thompson's health became impaired, and he re- moved to Livingston County, Kentucky, where he resided for a period of fifty years. He died Sept. 8th, 1871, at the residence of his son, Dr. Pink- ney Thompson, of Henderson County, Kentucky. His wife survived him but a short time, and died Jan. 30th, 1872 at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth, relict of Dr. Lee of Princeton, Kentucky. Mr. Thompson, at his death, was an octogenarian, a fact that speaks more strongly than words of an abstemious, and virtuous life. And during that long and eventful life such was the goodness of his character, the justice of his inten- tions, that on no occasion did he ever have to appeal to the courts for any settlement of differences that might have chanced to arise between him and his neighbors. Both himself and wife were for many years active and con- sistent members of the Presbyterian Church. He was one of the second generation of patriots, who heroically met, and successfuly defeated the second attempt to subvert our institutions, and enslave a nation of freemen. He was present at the battle of Tippecanoe, and also when Tecumseh was killed. He was a whig and a great admirerer of Henry Clay. During the rebellion he was a staunch supporter of the Union course, and manu- mitted all of his slaves prior to the war. His son Theodore was twice Sheriff of Livingston County, Kentucky, and twice a member of the Legislature. James C., another son and subject of this history, enjoyed the advantages of a good common school education. At the age of twenty-one he came to Illinois, and located near Marion, Williamson County. In 1841 he en-
gaged in teaching school, which he continued for three years. After which, he farmed and taught alternately, winter and summer, until 1846. On the 20th of January, he married Mrs. Cynthia Bradley, relict of John Bradley. Her father, Thomas Framel, was of English extraction and a native of North Carolina. Her mother was a Virginian. They came to the territory of Illinois shortly before it was admitted as a state, and settled in what is now Williamson County. Their daughter, Mrs. Thompson, was born in Franklin County, Illinois, April 1st, 1821. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have had a family of twelve children, the following of whom are living : Harriet E., wife of George Woodward, of Kinkaid Township; Mary E., wife of J. W. Jones, of the same place; James P. Thompson, residing near home place ; R. E., residing with his parents ; Sarah C., wife of Dr. P. H. McMillan, of Shiloah, Randolph County, Illinois ; Emily J., Edgar A., and Wm. J., resid- ing at home with their parents. In 1847 Mr. Thompson purchased land in Degognia, on the river near Hat Island, below where Mr. Price now re- sides. He remained there ten years engaged in farming and selling cord wood. In 1857 he moved to Kinkaid Township, where he remained two years, and for a time was engaged in the saw-mill business. He after- wards purchased a farm in the neighborhood, where he remained until the spring of 1864, when he removed to Carbondale Township, on a farm [two and one half miles from Carbondale, which he had purchased. In the fall of 1864, he was elected Sheriff of Jackson County, as a nominee of the Demo- cratic party. At the expiration of his term of office, owing to the then ex- isting law, he could not be a candidate for re-election. But such was his popularity that after a retirement of two years, he was again brought for- ward and re-elected. He proved a highly efficient and capable officer, and a most satisfactory one to the people of Jackson County. - In 1871 he. pur- chased and removed to the farm where he now resides in Bradley Township. His farm consists of two hundred and twenty acrcs, all in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Thompson, taking a leading position as a successful agri- culturalist. He was a Whig in politics until the passage of the famous Lecompton Constitution of Kansas, when he became a Democrat, and a great admirer of Stephen A. Douglass. Mr. Thompson, having always been a strong opponent of slavery, was a firm supporter of the Union cause during the rebellion. He has through a life of honest and persistent effort, suc- ceeded in accumulating a handsome competency, and which he enjoys, sur- rounded by his children and grand-children. He is a man of considerable literary ability, and a most estimable gentleman in all of his relations in life. Generous and hospitable, his home is one in which his friends and ac- quaintances delight to gather and do honor to their host. . " May his shadow never be less," is the hearty wish of the writer of this biography. A view of his extensive home place appears in this work.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
ELI WEBB, EsQ.
VIRGINIA, Kentucky, and the Carolinas bear the palm for sending .the greatest number of hardy and thrifty men and women to the southern por- tion of this State. The New England States have sent comparatively few ; but they are (none the less) worthily represented. Among the prominent citizens of Jackson County who are of New England nativity, is Mr. Eli Webb. He was born December 7th, 1827, in Knox County, Maine, and was the eldest child of Solomon and Mary W. (Ryansen) Webb. His fore- fathers were English, and settled near Portland, Maine, at an early day. Mrs. Webb's ancestors were Irish.
In 1839, Solomon Webb, with his family, moved to St. Louis, where he remained until 1847, when he moved to Randolph County, Illinois, locating near Chester, where he died, iu 1864. His widow still survives, and lives near the old liome-place. Young Eli had very good advantages in getting an education, attending the common schools of St. Louis. These advantages he profited by, and enjoys the satisfaction of having a fair English education. He enlisted in the fall of 1846 as a volunteer to fight the Mexicans, and was mustered in at Fort Leavenworth. The regiment disbanded in October. Mr. Webb then weut in a Government train to Santa Fe, and joined Company A, Santa Fe Battalion, under command of Sterling Price; proceeded to Chihuahua, and garrisoned the place for about six months ; was mustered out at Independence, Missouri, in 1848. He returned to Chester, and after a short stay went to Mississippi, where he remained nearly four years, and accu- mula'ed some money. In 1853 he returned, and iu 1854 married Miss Martha Ann, daughter of Michael Montrueul. She was born in Randolph County, Her mother was a native of Maine, and her father of French extraction. After their marriage they moved to Perry County, where Mr. Webb en- gaged in farming. In 1864 he removed to his farm in Jackson County, where he now lives. They have had a family of six children, four sons and two danghters, all living at home. They have all received a good education. His two eldest sons are now engaged in teaching. Mr Webb was a Demo- crat until 1860, when he identified himself with the Republican party, of which he has ever since been an influential member. During the war be was a patriotic and outspoken Union man. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for a number of years; but has rather avoided entering into politics, preferring to be known (which he is) as a first-class agriculturalist. He is one of the meu who lias by his own exertions risen from nothing to a position of prominence and wealth, and has the reputation among his friends and neighbors of being an honorable, high-minded gentleman.
DR. GEORGE A. ROGERS, (DEC'D).
DURING his lifetime, one of the prominent physicians of Randolph and Jackson Counties, was born in that State; long siuce noted for its learning and piety. We refer to the old Bay State, (Massachusetts). Born on the natal day of the republic, July 4th, 1824. He was the son of Dr. John Rogers, who practiced in Massachusetts for many years, and iu 1832 moved to Waterloo, Monroe County. He was quite a noted physician, being a graduate of three colleges, among which were McDowell's College, St. Louis. Dr. George A. Rogers had good opportunities for early culture, and by assiduous indus- try, became a man of considerable literary attainments. During his earlier years he taught a high school, as well as pursuing his studies under the care of his father, and in due time graduated from McDowell's Medical College, St. Louis, engaged in the practice at Waterloo, and subsequently married a daughter of Rev. Atlas Moore, a Baptist clergyman. They had four children, only one of whom is now living, a son, Omer I. Rogers.
Mrs. Rogers died May 11th, 1858, and on the 21st of December, 1862, Dr. R., married Mrs. Sarah Jane Tomes, the widow of the esteemed Florence Tomes, of Pittsburg, Pa. In 1869, Mrs. Tomes settled at a place known as Crystal City, Jefferson County, Missouri, with her father and mother.
By her first husband, Mrs. Rogers has one ron, Alonzo W. Tomes. Dr. Rogers and wife had born to them, four children, two deceased, aud one boy and one girl are yet living. Almost immediately after their marriage, Dr. R. and wife moved on the farm where she still resiues. They subsequently lived for a time at Rockwood and Ellis Grove, where he enjoyed quite an extensive practice, afterwards retired to the liome place a' Campbell Hill, where his death occurred November 6th, 1874, of heart disease. The Dr. and wife were both members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
In politics, be was a Republican, and a warm friend of the union cause during the late civil war. Dr. Rogers was in many respects a remarkable
man. A gentleman of fine literary culture, and excellent professional quali- fications.
JESSE MORGAN.
THE subject of our sketch was the third child of Enoch and Mary Mor- gan, both natives of Virginia, Fairfax County : they moved to Kenton County, Kentucky, and were married and continued to live there until their death, both of whom lived to the advanced age of ninety years or upwards. Mr. Morgan and wife had born to them, ten children, several of whom are still living at a ripe old age. The subject of our sketch, Jesse, was married in Kenton County, Kentucky, to Cassandria Sanders, January 15th, 1823. Two children were born of this union, Enoch and Joshua, both are dead, the latter dying in the Mexican army, under General Zach Taylor, near Buena Vista. Mr. Morgan's first wife dying in June, 1827, he was again married in November 1831, to Maria Adams; she has presented him with twelve children ; eight are still living at and near the old homestead.
Mr. Morgan came from Kentucky by boat to Chester, from therc to Brad- ley township, where he now lives ; to use his own words, he was " about flat," when he commenced life on his own account, now he has one of the best wheat farms in Jackson County.
In politics, he is one of the old type of Jackson Democrats, and glories in it : although a staunch party man, he has never sought office, preferring rather to make his mark as a good and successful farmer.
We find him at the age of seventy-six (he being born January 26th, 1802) a hale, hearty gentleman, one of those generous, hospitable men, once so plentiful in Kentucky and Virginia.
During our late rebellion he spared one of his sous for the defense of the country. He was attached to General Buel's command, and served with lionor to himself and credit to his family.
MAJOR THOMAS J. CROSS
WAS born in Jackson County, August 10th, 1840. He is the youngest of a family of ten children (six of whom are still living), of Arthur and Millie Holhuan Cross. Arthur Cross is a native of Virginia, and of English de- scent. He went to Tennessee when fourteen years of age and resided with an uncle. His father died while he was quite young. His mother survived her husband and lived to the venerable age of one hundred and twelve years, and died iu Virginia. He met and was married, in Tennessee, to Mrs. Holl- man. About the year 1815 he emigrated to the territory of Illinois, and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his son Thomas J. Cross, in what is now Bradley Township. In 1813 he enlisted under Gen. Jackson in the Creek Indian War, and was engaged in the battle of Talladega. Nov. 8th, 1813, he was under command of Col. Samuel Lauderdale. He was also in the campaign of 1814, and was inustered out with the rest of his regiment, August, 1814. Mr. Cross was always engaged iu farming, in which he met such suc- cess as could be expected in those days, when everything had to be literally dug out of the ground. In a day before science and mechanics had come to the farmer's aid in assisting him to make the generous soil yield a yet more bountiful harvest. And in elevating the character of the business and those following it, until the time has come, when the successful and educated farm- er takes high rauk among his brethren in the other learned professions. In religious faith he was a Baptist, in politics a Democrat. Thomas J. Cross had but few advantages during his youth ; but he had what was perhaps better, a strong desire to learu. And as is always the case with men so con- stituted, he profited more by the limited advantages he had, than many young men who spend a respectable life-tique in schools aud colleges. He attended the High School at Chester, Illinois, during one summer, aud the one at Nash- ville, Illinois, during one winter. In the summer of 1861 he commenced teaching. and taught three terms in the public schools of Kinkaid Township. He eulisted August, 1862, in company C, 18th Regiment, Illinois Voluntcers, and was mustered in at Camp Yates the following September. The regiment shortly after went to Jackson, Tennessee, where they were mounted, and spent the winter skirmishing. Here Mr. Cross was taken ill; upon his re- covery he was placed on detached duty, where he continued until after the fall of Vicksburg, when the regiment was ordered to Arkansas. In Septem- ber, Gen. Steele in command of the Union Army, moved from Helena, de- feated Marmaduke, and drove Price out of Little Rock. During this time Mr. Cross was on detached service at Memphis. In 1863 he joined his regi-
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
ment at a village near Little Rock, and was promoted to Sergeant Major, and shortly after commissioned 1st Lieutenant of company G, at this time doing garrison duty at Little Rock. July, 1865, he was commissioned Ma- jor, and subsequently acted as Assistant Adjutant General under Gen. Steele. They left Pine Bluff. December 16th, for Springfield, Illinois, where they were mustered ont January 6th, 1866. Major Cross then returned to his home in Jackson County, and resumed teaching, which he continued in until 1873, when he engaged in farming. May 11, 1872, he married Miss Minnie, daughter of David Carson, of Randolph County, Illinois. They have had two children, Arthur Goulsby and Ethan Allen. Mrs. Cross is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Cross early became an adherent and suppor- ter of the Republicau party, and cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He is now identified as oue of its most influential members in his locality, and is a member of the County Central Committee. He is a member of the Ma- sonic Lodge at Shiloh Hill, of which he was master for three years. Mr. Cross is still a young man, but his life has been one of untiring energy and industry. He has been an eminently successful man, whether it be as an agriculturist, a disseminator of knowledge, or as a valiant and patriotic sol- dier, and one who will leave his impress in the community of which he is a distinguished and respected member.
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