USA > Illinois > Knox County > History of Knox county, Illinois > Part 10
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Yield your possessions to the engineer. Henceforth no more the wild and playful deer 8
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Shall o'er your meadows bound; But rattling, rumbling cars, with ceaseless steam, . And magic speed, propelled by Vulcan's team, Whose whips and spurs are fire and smoke and steam, Shall occupy your ground.
THE BIG SNOW.
The big snow of 1830 will be vividly remembered by all the old settlers. This was the heaviest snow ever known to have fallen in this State. The snow began falling on the night of the 29th of December, and continned to fall for three days and nights, until it reached an average depth of about four feet, but drifting in places as high as from eighteen to twenty feet. Great suffering was experienced in conse- quence. The settlers relied for their daily food npon the Indian corn which they were enabled to raise, together with wild game, which was abundant at that time. Plenty of the former was raised to sup- ply the wants of all until the next season's crop; but when the snow fell very little had been gathered. Game could not be had. The great depth of snow was a barrier to all travel, and it may well be imagined the sufferings of the people were very great indeed. Just previous to the falling of this snow John G. Sanburn and Parnach Owen went to Vandalia, then the State capital. Owen had not made such preparations at home before he left that would permit him to remain away any extended time, so he set out to return for this county on horseback. In company with him was a Mr. Wright, of Canton, and a member of the Legislature at the time. The snow was so deep, and every trail so completely obliterated, that they got lost. They could not turn back and retrace their steps, as no indication whatever remained of their track five minutes after passing along. No house or shelter of any description was near, and the perils of the night, which was fast approaching, were almost certain death if they remained there. To make their situation more appalling, when com- ing across a large prairie in Fulton county their horses suddenly gave out, utterly refusing to move a step. To remain there would be only to freeze to death; so they determined to proceed on foot, and, taking the saddles off their wearied animals, they laid them on the snow and started on. The snow was so deep and the crust so thin 'that they would often break through, making progress slow and tiresome; but probably this action was the only thing which prevented them from freezing to deatlı. At last Canton was reached, but not until the feet of Owen were very badly frozen; indeed, his boots were frozen so tightly to his feet that they could not be taken off until batlied in water for some time. The following morning a man was dispatched
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after the horses, and they were found standing in the same positions and places in which they were left the day before. Owen was com- pelled to remain at Canton for several days, when, after his feet were in a fit condition, he came to his home near Knoxville on snow-shoes, that being almost the only mode of travel practicable at that time. The snow lay on the ground until about the first of April; and we have little doubt that many a weary one during that long winter sighed for the comforts of the "old home;" still, notwithstanding its great dreariness and the greater sufferings of the people, none became disheartened, for we find them in the spring of 1831 as determined as ever to carve out for themselves a home in this truly beautiful country.
GOING TO MARKET.
The early settlers experienced great trouble in marketing their pro- duce. Grain was generally carted to Chicago, especially from the northern part of the county, until the introduction of railroads. Peoria was also a market, but more particularly from the western and southern parts of the county; yet grain and hogs have been marketed in Chicago from all parts of the county. Of course it took several days to make the trip; and as there were few good hotels along the route, the farmers generally slept in their wagons and prepared their own meals along the road. Their cooking utensils consisted usually of a frying-pan and a coffee-pot, and their bill of fare would be hot coffee, bread and fried bacon. At that time Chicago was nothing better than a great, overgrown village, set down in what ap- peared to be the lowest and muddiest spot in creation. The farmers unloaded into a hopper, and the elevators were no better than will usually be seen in most country towns. At times when roads were good and prices a little up there was often a big rush; and as they slowly unloaded and advanced the length of one team at a time, the unlucky farmer would sometimes be delayed several hours before he could get his grain into the hopper and the cash therefor into his pocket.
The price for wheat in Chicago ranged from forty cents to a dollar and twenty cents a bushel, but it seldom reached as high as a dollar: it generally ranged at fifty or sixty cents. The farmers were not in any danger of becoming suddenly rich by selling their wheat at these prices and carting it to Chicago; yet all enjoyed such trips, for many things occurred on the way that make the old men, in now rehearsing them, wish they were young again, and could once more repeat them, as of old.
About 1842, while Jonathan Gibbs with several others were on their
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way to Chicago with wheat, and were sleeping in and about their wagons, they were awakened before break of day by a man on his re- turn trip, who called out, as lie came in sight of the sleepers: "Ho! all ye who are drawing wheat to Chicago for forty-seven cents a bushel, you should be up and rolling on your way."
Gaddial Scott, John Martz, Andrew Osborn, a Mr. Field and others, inade a trip to Chicago one fall. They could get but twenty-five cents a bushel for their wheat in this county; so they thought they would try the Chicago market, which was considerably better for them, as they received sixty-five cents a bushel, which they then regarded as a large price, although they were eleven days and a half in making the trip. Allowing thirty bushels to the load, we find they received $19.50 for the wheat, which, calculating the time spent in marketing, is less than $1.70 a day for man and team. But when we reckon the time and labor spent in growing, harvesting, threshing and cleaning it, especially with their antique and much inferior machinery, we find the compensations received for labor in those days were meager indeed. Several little incidents occurred during the trip of the above men- tioned gentlemen. Mr. Scott had never visited the city before, and when they came in sight of it, noticing the masts of the ships which lay in the river, he thought they were a strip of dead timber. On reaching the city and when near the river, driving along on one of the busy streets, he was so much interested in the tall inasts of the shipping that he forgot to notice his team, which run into the one ahead of him, smashing the feed-box, which was always carried on the rear end of the wagon bed. A dog they had along became so bewil- . dered at the siglits of the city that it forgot to follow its master closely, and was accordingly lost. Several days afterward, however, it returned home, with no desire whatever to take another trip to Chicago.
Mr. Scott brought three barrels of salt home with him, for which he paid $1.50 per barrel; the price for that article here being $3 per bushel. Jonathan Gibbs says he paid that price for salt in 1838, get- ting fifty-six pounds to the bushel. One cause for this staple article being so high was that the Illinois river was so shallow that naviga- tion ou it was prevented.
In the winter of 1841 Judge R. L. Hannaman drove 1,300 head of logs from Knoxville to Chicago. For these he paid $2 per hundred pounds net. He had them slaughtered and packed in that city, and shipped to New York and Boston. In the enterprise, which at the time was a stupendous one, Mr. Hannaman lost $5,000. He had six- teen boys employed to drive the stock, and consumed sixteen days'
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hard work to reach the city. Considerable trouble was experienced in securing places to stop over night, as the number, both of boys and hogs, was so large that but few settlers along the route could aecom- nodate them. One night Mr. Hannaman and his whole company re- mained with Jolin H. Bryant, a brother of the poet, who was then living in a comfortable dwelling on a fine farm near Princeton. In Chicago he stopped at the " Illinois Hotel," kept by Colonel Beanbien, a Frenchman, who was quite extensively known through Northern Illinois. In relating the incidents of the trip, the Judge remarked: " At that early day Chicago gave no hint or suspicion that she would ever become the great commercial metropolis of the Northwest. She was then a small town, situated in the midst of miry swamps, any quantity of which I could have bought for almost nothing, but would not have accepted as a gift."
In the winter of 1842-3 Jonathan Gibbs went to Peoria to sell his pork; bnt the highest offer made him was by Cortennis & Griswold, large packers, which was 1} cents per pound for dressed hogs, and 3} cash or 4 cents in trade, for green hams, and the same for lard. Over a fire-place in Mr. Gibbs' log cabin sixteen barrels of lard were tried out that fall. Such a stupendous job of work would scarcely be un- dertaken by any family at the present time.
MONEY.
Money was an article little known and seldom seen among the earlier settlers. Indeed, they had but little use for it, as all business was transacted by trading one article for another. Great ingenuity was developed in the barter of their commodities, and when this failed long credits contributed to their convenience. But for taxes and postage neither the barter nor credit system would answer, and often letters were suffered to remain a considerable time in the post- office for want of 25 cents, which was then the postage on all letters from any great distance; nor were they carried on the fast express or mail trains. It was only every week or so that a lone horseman, with inail bag thrown astride, would ride into a settlement or village. If, however, the village was on the line of a stage route, the old stage coach would make its appearance as often. It was not common then for persons to get many letters; indeed, one or two a month was considered a large mail. Nor did three cents pay the postage upon a letter at that day. It seldom took less than twenty-five cents, or two "bits," as Kentuckians would say.
Mr. Giles Cook, of Victoria, doubtless very vividly remembers
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the old price of letter postage. He received notice that there was a letter for him at the postoffice, which at that time was located at the residence of Mr. Bradford, about seven miles east of Knoxville. Mr. Cook accordingly called for his letter, but as the postage was due, and the post-master would not permit him to open it until it was paid, which he could not do, he was unable to get it. He at once set about to earn the required amount; and after five or six weeks' extra exertion, succeeded in raising enough to pay the postage on that one letter. When he opened the hard-earned epistle, he found therein a check for $50, which- was abundant compensation for half a year's labor.
While money was so exceedingly difficult to obtain that but little was ever accumulated, yet the pioneers really needed but little. They seldom received a letter, and their taxes were light. For instance, the first year after arrival, A. C. Higgins paid taxes to the amount of five cents. This was on a silver watch he carried, it being the only taxa- ble property he then possessed. In 1836 Gaddial Scott paid his taxes, which amounted to $1.372, with a wolf scalp and 372 cents in money, being three silver pieces of 122 cents each, or three "bits," as they were called in that early day. This was the full amount of taxes upon about $1,100 worth of property.
FIRST CELEBRATION.
The 4th of July, 1836, was the first national anniversary day es- pecially celebrated in Knox county. The exercises were held in Sanburn's Grove, near Knoxville, and were attended by between 600 and 700 people,-one dollar a couple being charged for the dinner, which was sumptuously served. The meat, which consisted of beef, veal, mutton and pork, was roasted in a pit in the ground, by Harrison Bell. Col. Herman Knox was very enthusiastic over the affair and took an active part, furnishing from his store the dishes used. Not being able to clean off the tables that niglit, as doubtless all wanted to partake and not miss any of the pleasures of the festive occasion, " Old Black Joe" was hired to stand guard over them until next morning.
This was a memorable celebration, and for its magnitude at the time many thought it would scarcely ever be surpassed. Indeed, one of the prominent men in addressing another said, "If you live here for 20 years, you will never see this beaten."
Elder Gardner Bartlett made the opening prayer, and Hon. James Knox delivered the oration, after which the audience formed in line and marched to the tables spread under the boughs of a large tree.
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MILITIA.
For many years in the early history of the county the " State militia" organizations held their regular semi-annual drills, which was always a source of much pleasure, and a gala day for all. The company drills were held in the spring in various portions of the county, but in the fall all of the militia-men assembled at one place, when regimental exercises were observed. During the meantime the officers had their drill muster, when instructions. were given. Thomas McKee was chosen Major in 1838, and for several years held the office. In 1846, when the war between the United States and Mexico commenced, Major McKee gave orders to his captains to have the men assemble at Knox- ville on a certain day. The captains informed the non-commissioned officers, and they in turn circulated the call among the rank and file. Upon the appointed day about 1,500 of the militia men assembled. After the usual preliminary forming and marching the Major formed them into a hollow square; then mounting a wagon which stood in the centre, he addressed them on the subject of enlisting in the ser- vice of their country in the war with Mexico. After his stirring speech, which aroused and fired the patriotism of the men, the martial band took up the call and in musical strains discoursed from the drum and fife many of the soul-stirring national airs of the day, which raised their patriotic spirits to a still higher pitch. When the Major at the head of the band called out as they marched off, " Now, gentlemen, all you that want to go to Mexico, come along," immedi- ately 109 men joined him, showing thereby their willingness to go to the front. It was the Major's desire to start right off that night for Springfield to have the company accepted; but many of the older men thought him too hasty; that he had not considered matters sufficiently ; that such a course would be rash and uncalled for: so at their solici- tation he sent the report of his company having been raised, by mail. As the quota of the State was only six regiments, of course it was soon filled; so, when the letter from Major McKee reached Springfield, every company asked for had been furnished and no more would be accepted, which completely dampened the military ardor of the Major and his men. They remained, however, in readiness to answer a call at a moment's warning, but happily for them none was ever made, as they were not needed.
BEE-HUNTING.
During the early settlement of this part of the State, one of the prevailing customs of the pioneers was "bee-hunting." Often a
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small company would travel many miles into a wild, unsettled country, in search of the sweet-flavored honey of the wild bee. Large trees, containing many gallons, and often a barrel, were frequently found by bee-hunters. The little, busy bees would be carefully watched as they flew heavily laden with the richest extract of the flowers that were purely native and unknown to the present generation. They always took a " bee line" for their homes. This was a correct guide to the sturdy hunter, who had studied with care thie ways of the bee and by their knowledge took advantage of the little insect. Once on the trail, good bee-hunters were almost certain to capture the ricli prize. After the bee tree was discovered it was no trouble to get possession of the honey. The tree was felled, and the hunters would rush for their booty ere it was lost by running out upon the ground.
In 1827 Andy Osborn, Andrew Scott, John Slatten and Gaddial Scott, four sturdy young men from Sangamon county, made a tonr through this country in search of honey. They pushed ahead, over prairie and through timber, until Henderson Grove in this county was reached. Here they discovered two well filled trees, and witlı- out trouble were soon possessors of their delicious contents. This little company camped on the land now owned by John Miles, on the Warren and Knox county line. They remained for one week, during which time they met neither white mau nor negro. The only persons these explorers met, from the time of their leaving Sangamon county until they returned, were a Mr. Atwood and his son, who lived south on the old Galena road. .
When we remember that. all 'of this section of the country was not inlrabited save by the red man and wild beasts of forest and prairie, one will certainly come to the conclusion that the Sangamon connty: boys were great lovers of honey, or else were fearless of danger and cared not for hardship. Mr. Gaddial Scott seemed to have formed a good impression of Knox county, for we find him moving here a few years after.
These men were the first, so far as we know, who crossed tlie prai -: ries of Knox county. Hunters and travelers had previously been here, but when, or who they were, is not known. Mr. Scott and Mr.' Osborn subsequently came to the county to live, and the former is at the present time an active citizen.
Knox county seems to have been especially favored in quantity of honey produced by the wild bees. Trees containing them were in great abundance. Indeed, the county was known as a land flowing with honey. There were men living within its boundaries who fol- lowed no other business than gathering honey and the honeycomb.
yours amely Thomas Mikee
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They made their regular trips to market, disposing of their stock. The wax was the principal article, however, that they marketed. While John G. Sanburn was in the mercantile business at Henderson, he sent to St. Louis several barrels of strained honey at one time, to- gether with a large quantity of beeswax. The price generally paid for honey was 372 cents per gallon.
Parnachı Owen took nine gallons of strained honey and twenty-two pounds of wax from one tree, which, although often excelled, was an extra good tree.
Casks were often made of hollow bass-wood logs, from one to three feet long, with a bottom set in. These were made watertight and were used for years.
COURTS.
Although the early settlers were peaceable, neighborly and law- abiding, yet sessions of the Circuit Court were necessary to be held. At the first and second sessions, however, the grand jury found no violation of law coming under their province. Of course the usual preliminary business was attended to. For a more minute sketch of the first sessions of court hield in the county we refer our readers again to Chapter II. The following incident illustrates the habits of the people and the hardships of the legal gentlemen during those times:
Judge Richard M. Young and State's Attorney Thomas Ford traveled together throughout their judicial circuit, which included all the northern portion of the State. On a trip (which was about the first) from Galena to Knoxville, they wandered from the main trail, and soon became lost. On they traveled, yet they failed to reach their destination. Night came on, finding them in a wild country without food or shelter. They concluded they might as well become resigned to their situation, and accordingly lay down upon the grass- carpeted earth in the wild forest and passed the night. On the fol- lowing morning they pursued their journey, yet again failed to come to the little log court-house in the newly laid out town of Knoxville. They kept on and finally brought up at Mrs. Elizabeth Owen's cabin in Haw Creek township. From there they were directed to the right road for Knoxville. But let us go with the two gentlemen still farther. Although both possessed giant minds, yet the difference of their stature was very great, and when seen together approached al- most the ludicrous. Judge Young was an extraordinarily tall and slimly built inan, while Governor Ford was uncommonly small .. While holding court at Knoxville, they put up with Landlord New- man, who kept a store and hotel in his two-roomed log house that
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stood on the west side of the square of that city. Besides the room (to the rear of the store-room) in which the family lived and which was dining-room, kitchen, sleeping-room, parlor, etc., there was a small loft above, the ceiling of which was very low, and the sides extending but two logs above the ceiling of the main story. There were no pre- tensions of this loft being furnished, save a pallet made on rough-hewed boards. This apartment was reached by a ladder which stood in one corner of the store-room. The two statesmen were assigned the loft as their sleeping-room. At night they ascended the ladder, and groping around finally deposited their forms upon their rude couch for a night's rest. Yes, these great inen, one of whom afterward served with dis- tinction in the United States Senate, and the other filled the Guber- natorial chair of a great State, once had no better accommodations than those described above, which are not at all overdrawn.
A landlord from the East, who came to keep the liotel in Knoxville, being accustomed to see judges robed in their judicial gowns, with attendants and considerable pomp manifested, made great preparations on the arrival of Judge Ralston to hold court. He had not seen the Judge, and of course did not know him. Noon arrived, and the land- lord had dinner spread and waiting for the arrival of his distinguished guest. He patiently watched and waited for him, supposing he would come attended by the sheriff and bailiff. So engaged was he in watching that he did not notice a common, every-day sort of a man pass in by him and take his seat at the table without even so much as removing his hat. This individual was none other than the eminent Judge. After much delay the landlord made some inquiries of the gentleman seated at the table, respecting the arrival of the Judge, and great was his amazement when the same gentleman informed him that he was the Judge himself. Even though such great and extra prepara- tions had been made for the reception of the honored Judge, he had about finished the sumptuous dinner spread for him before the land- lord knew who he was; and he was not long in learning afterward that Western jurists made no unnecessary display in matters of dress and manners, but indeed were as other men.
To convey to Springfield the money collected for State taxes, was one of the most risky and dangerous duties the earliest treasurers of the county had to perform. There was one treasurer especially troubled over taking this annual trip to the State capital. He greatly feared being robbed on the way, and therefore contrived an ingenious plan to secrete the money. He had a large, heavy pair of boots made. They were much larger than he usually wore, and in the soles of these he secreted the money, where he thought the unsuspecting high-
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wayman would never think of looking. He took the stage-coach in company with a prominent official and proceeded to - Springfield. During this journey and during all of this time the Knox county Treasurer never once rested his feet by pulling off his boots. In ford- ing a swollen stream he was greatly frightened, as the water came high up into the coach. To prevent his boots from getting wet, and con- sequently the money, he held his feet above his head, and even in this position he felt sure the water was running up his boots, to the great amusement of his fellow passengers, who could see more fun than danger in the dampening of his cow-hide. The money however was in no wise damaged, as the water, like " snakes in boots," was merely imaginary, and he arrived safely in Springfield with his treasure, after so perilous a journey by water and by land.
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CHAPTER II.
IMPORTANT LABORS OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT.
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