USA > Illinois > Knox County > History of Knox county, Illinois > Part 39
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71
Swine .- This stock was first introduced in to this State by the French, but was not extensively used, as they lived more on vegetable diet that the Americans. Woods says of the swine in the Wabash country in 1820: "Pigs are numerous, being easily raised; they are of various sorts, but many of them are of a sandy color and some with wattles,- that is a piece of flesh about two inches long and a half inch thick, growing out on their cheeks. They are of a middling size, but from very hard keep they do not rise to much weight. It is not un- common for one person to have from 60 to 100 in the woods, and left to shift for themselves, except giving them now and then a little salt. During the summer when grass and herbs are dry, and before the frosts begin to fall, it is almost impossible to describe how excess- ively poor they are. Most of them run until they are two and some- times three years old before they are killed. Some years when there are a large quantity of acorns and hickory-nuts, they are said to get good pork. A hog of 200 weight is called a ' fine chunk of a fellow.' "
This class of stock has received great attention from the farmers of Knox. Notwithstanding the large number that have yearly been car- ried off with the cholera, none seem to abandon the business. The large yield of corn, the readiness with which the hog fattens and the advanced market price all together afford abundant compensation to the farmer or stock-raiser. In 1840 there were 28,854 head of hogs in Knox county: in 14 years they had increased to 44,729, and 24 years later the number is almost double, being 73,101. But it must be borne in mind that the table was compiled from the assess- ment made in May, when there are a less number than at any other season in the year, sucking pigs never being counted and nearly all the marketable hogs shipped. The assessment will never show the true number, for many pigs that are not assessed are sold before the next yearly assessment. Thus we see a steady but rapid increase. In 1867, 62,723 hogs were marketed, the average weight 304 pounds, which makes 19,067,792 pounds of pork sold from the stock Knox
S
398
IIISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
county raised for one year. Henderson township took the lead in point of number, there being 4,046 sold from that township, having an average weight of 325 pounds. The heaviest hogs were from Lynn the average weight of 3,037 being 345 pounds. The very large number of 48,817 hogs and pigs died with the cholera during the same year, the average weight being 85 pounds. Rio was the heaviest loser, where 7,768 head, with an average weight of 108 pounds, died from this dreaded disease; while in Ontario, the adjoining township, but 219 died, the average weight of which, however, being 150 pounds.
Orchards .- As a country grows older, the more extensive are her orchards and abundant her fruit crop. Knox county now ranks among the foremost fruit-growing counties in the State, in regard to both quantity and the quality of fruit grown. In this county there are now 5,585 acres devoted to this purpose, which if we calculate 80 trees to the acre would make a total of 446,800. This number is divided among the different kinds of fruit grown, such as apple, pear, peach and plum.
Apples .- The greater part of the orchard ground is devoted to apples; the principal kinds grown being jenneting, winesap, rambo, bell-flower, Ben Davis, Jonathan, Pennsylvania red-streak, red June, and early harvest. These are now considered standard. Formerly were grown to a considerable extent Roxbury russet, Rhode Island greenings, Baldwin, . white winter pearmain, and phoenix. There were last year 4,462 acres of apple orchard, which yielded 47,466 bushels. Galesburg having 422 acres, 'yielded only 2,706 bushels, while Chestnut, with 157 acres, raised 5,270 bushels, being the largest yield per acre of any township, and there only 34 bushels. This clearly shows the crop to have been light; but it was light throughout the Northwest. The yield the present year will be large. About 600 bushels to the acre is considered an average crop. Reckon- ing upon this basis, the crop would be over 2,500,000 bushels; but in many places the heavy hailstorms destroyed the crop. In the orchard belonging to Mr. Geo. Ratekin, three miles southeast of Galesburg, the fruit was totally destroyed. Mr. R. has 3,000 trees (perhaps the largest apple orchard in the county), and it is evident it would have produced 15,000 bushels had the hailstones in May last not beaten off the germs.
Peaches, Pears and Plums .-- These are not especially adapted to this climate, and seldom yield enough to justify their culture. The quality. of the peach is very poor. Formerly large quantities of good peaches were raised, but climatic changes have operated against them.
Conley Avenue ,
401
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
The pear and plum trees grow well, but the fruit is generally poor, the pear being destroyed by blight, and the plum by the curculio.
Cherries .- The principal varieties of this fruit grown are the Eng- lish Morello, Early Richmond, and May Duke, the two former being superior in quality to the latter, and more certain to bear. The yield is usually large and of a superior quality.
Grapes .- This fruit is becoming one of the staple products of the county, the yield generally being very heavy, when the proper care and attention is given. The market is good, and at prices that make its culture profitable. The varieties mostly cultivated are the Concord, Delaware, Hartford Prolific, Isabella, and Catawba. In 1877 there were raised, as reported, 37,891 pounds of grapes: 11,600 pounds of them were credited to Salem.
Small Fruit .- The small fruit cultivated in this county are the currant, gooseberry, raspberry and strawberry, all of which yield well and are found quite profitable. The quality of each is good. It has been only in the last few years that any attention has been given to the raising of small fruit; but as it is found to be profitable, doubtless ere long it will be largely engaged in.
Carriages and Wagons .- Knox county appears well supplied with vehicles of all kinds; and as the county grows in wealth more will be used, especially of the finer grades. There are 5,999 of such vehicles, valued at $157,971.
Nothing can better show the wealth, importance and standing of Knox county than a comparison of assessments with other counties of the State. Such a comparison, which is by no means unfavorable to this county, will clearly set forth the resources of Knox county as in relation to the other counties of Illinois. It is not our desire or in- tention to make a commendable representation when not substantiated by facts; we only propose showing wherein this county is excelled by others, and also wherein she is a successful competitor. We give nothing but authentic figures, such as are filed from each county with tlie State Auditor, and therefore may be relied upon as bold, stubborn facts.
We will take the assessment for 1877, which, although a small per cent. larger than that of the present year, is the latest we have of all counties, as reported by the State Board of Equalization. For that year there were 426,987 acres of improved land in Knox county, val- ned at $9,878, 365. In point of number of acres of this land she was excelled only by Bureau, Henry, La Salle, Will, Iroquois, Livingston, Sangamon, McLean, Champaign and Vermillion, all of which coun- ties are much larger than this. In the value of such land it was sur-
402
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
passed only by Ogle, La Salle, Sangamon, McLean and St. Clair. There were bnt 21,264 acres of unimproved land in the county, which was a less number of acres than any county of half its size had, except De Kalb, Grundy, Will, Livingston and Douglas, and a fewer num- ber of acres than had any county of like dimensions, save Will. The average value of this land is higher than in any county with the exception of Boone, Cook, Ogle, Kane, Stephenson, Grundy, Kendall and Macon. Knox had 7,226 improved city and town lots, a larger number than possessed by any other than Cook, Kane, La Salle, Sangamon and McLean, all of which contain large cities; and a less number of unimproved lots than any other county containing so large a number of lots.
The total value of personal property, lands and lots was highier in Cook, Ogle, La Salle, Adams, Sangamon, McLean and St. Clair than in this county.
In comparison of stock, Knox also ranks high. But seven counties had a larger number of horses, and of these in but two were they more valuable. In cattle, twelve counties excel Knox in numbers. In but five of these, however, was their cash value relatively higher. Knox was far behind in number of inules, sixty-two counties having a greater number, several of them four or five times as many. This animal is used mostly in the southern counties. There were, however, accord- ing to the report of 1877, only seven where the average value exceeds that of this county. As in the "mulegtrade, Knox county evidently makes no pretensions to sheep-raising, twenty-nine counties having, in 1877, a larger number. The average value, however, was exceeded in but seven. In number of hogs, Knox stood fifth, Henry first. La Salle, Bureau and Livingston excel. There were 68,545 hogs, as reported-5,000 less than the present year.
Twenty-five counties had a larger number of billiard and pigeon- hole tables, twenty-four others an equal number, this county having twenty-nine, since nine have been added. Fourteen counties exceed in number of wagons and carriages. There are, however, but four counties whose people ride in finer and costlier vehicles, being ex- ceeded only by Ogle, Cook, Calhoun and Shelby.
The citizens of Knox county are certainly lovers of music. This is practically evident by the large number of musical instruments owned in the county. In number of pianos only eight counties exceed, and in average value none of them are higher. In melodeons and organs but seven counties have a larger number, and the average value is exceeded by none.
In material and manufactured articles thirteen counties are alead
-
403
IIISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
of this, and nine with more money invested in manufactures, tools and machinery. There are but six having a larger sum invested in agri- cultural implements. In household and office property but five have more money invested. But five have more money invested in shares of State and national banks. These are Cook, Winnebago, La Salle, Morgan and Sangamon.
In railroad property Knox ranks among the leading counties of the greatest railroad State of the Union. She is excelled in amount of personal property of railroads, as well as the value of all railroad property, by Cook, Kane and McLean. There are 79 miles of rail- road in this county-71} miles belonging to the main lines of the C., B. & Q., 2 miles to the P. & R. I., and 5} to the St. Louis division of the C., B. & Q. In connection with the C., B. & Q. were 21 miles of side track in the county,-a larger number of miles than a single road lias in any county of the State excepting Cook, and a larger number of miles of all roads in any county save Cook, Kane, La Salle, Peoria, St. Clair and Will; and these have several roads passing throughi them.
23
404
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
CHAPTER XVI.
POLITICAL.
In the early history of Knox county the political views predominant among the people were those promulgated by the Democratic party. The old Whig party always fought hard and often successfully for nominees placed upon its ticket.
During the first few years party lines were not drawn nor conven- tions held, and no organized mode of placing candidates in the field. The following incident illustrates the manner of running candidates, and occurred shortly after the organization of the county. Henry D. Bell and Peter Frans were candidates for the office of sheriff. The contest between the two gentlemen was not based upon political dif- ferences, but each one claimed he was a candidate before the other. They were neighbors, and everybody was surprised to see them running for the same office in opposition to each other. They traveled over the county together, on an electioneering tour, basing their claims for votes upon the argument that each was in the field before the other. Election day came. All the voters in the county assembled at the old log court-house in Knoxville, to cast their ballots. Bell was victorious, having a majority of two. It took but little time to run up the tally sheet and announce the result. All the voters had remained to learn this, for if they should return to their homes in various portions of the county, it might be days and even weeks before the result would reach them. While they yet stood around the old building (there being about 250, whichi was then con- sidered a large crowd), and after the result was announced, Peter Frans stood in the only door of the old court edifice and made the the following announcement: "Oh, yes! oh, yes! I'now announce myself candidate for High Sheriff of Knox county at an election to be held two years hence, lest again it be disputed that I am not the oldest candidate in the field." Frans had then an undisputed claim upon the priority question for the next campaign, and accordingly at the next election he was chosen for the office of High Sheriff.
The only person that voted for the first Free Soil candidate (Martin Van Buren) for President at Henderson was Amnos Wilmot. There were other Free Soilers in the vicinity, but they went to Galesburg, as
405
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
at that time a person could vote any where in the county. Votes were given viva voce, and the judges objected to receiving Wilmot's vote as it would make too much extra work to write a single vote. William Riley, learning the state of affairs, urged them to accept this vote. After much discussion his vote was taken and recorded.
1836 .- We have no record of a party caucus or convention being held previous to the 'year 1836. During this year the Democratic party held a convention at Henderson. Hon. Julius Manning deliv- ered one of those interesting and telling speeches which almost he alone was capable of doing. Hon. William McMurtry was put in nomination to represent this and Warren counties in the Legislature, and was elected. The Whig party held no convention until some time after this.
An incident illustrating the strong feelings held against Abolition- ists at an early day is related by I. M. Wetmore, who came to the county in 1836. He says the first general election he attended was at Henderson. The candidate's name and office were announced by the person voting, and written down by the clerk. This, of course, re- vealed the principles of the voter. A few Abolitionists came to vote, when they were informed that they "didn't allow the d -- d Whig Abolitionists to vote there." One of the judges even arose, pulled off his coat, shook his fist in their faces, declaring they could not vote for such candidates in that place. The five however cast their ballots as they desired, and were not harmed. John Denny was the first Whig Representative elected from this county. This occurred in 1840.
The first county Anti-Slavery Society was formed late in 1838, or in the winter of 1838-9. J. M. Holyoke writes that he very dis- tinctly remembers this meeting, which was held at Knoxville, as he with several others went to that place for the purpose of organizing such a society one very bitter cold, stormy day in that winter. Wil- liam Holyoke presided at this first meeting. He afterwards was one of the six presidential electors of this State on the first Liberty party ticket brought out, which was in 1840, when James G. Birney ran for President at the head of the Liberty ticket. Col. Matthew Chambers was elected president of this society. Among those who dared to come ont boldly and make a firm and decided stand in opposition to slavery in every form at that time were Samuel Metcalf and his son Michael, Abel C. Thomas, who afterwards, ran for Representative, Nehemialı West, Rev. G. W. Gale, Rev. John Waters, Rev. John J. Miter, William Holyoke, and others, mostly from Galesburg. That city was known far and wide as an Abolition town, in fact most of the inhabitants at that date, especially the women, were Abolitionists.
1
406
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
But few, however, joined the political movement known as the Lib- erty party till after 1840, the feeling prevailing generally among the people that the time to take the matter into politics had not yet come. There were only 13 in Knox county who voted for James G. Birney, candidate for President on the Liberty ticket in 1840. We are truly glad to be able to present the names of these brave men. The present and the future generations may never fully appreciate the stand taken by tliem, for at present even it is looked upon as the only rational and humane one possible. The 13 were the fol- lowing: William Holyoke, Levi Spencer, Patrick Dunn, John Mc- Mullin, Deacon Samnel Metcalf, Thomas Simmons, John G. West, Loren C. Conger, G. A. Marsh, George Avery, Abram Tyler, Leonard Chappell, and Horatio Foote. Conger was a Democratic Abolitionist. Almost all of the Galesburg Abolitionists had been Whigs and in- sisted on voting for " Tippecanoe and Tyler too," as the heads of the Whig ticket were styled.
Rev. Horatio Foote, now of Quincy, was pastor of the First Church, Galesburg, during this period. He made a stirring speech in favor of the Liberty party movement. He was opposed by Hiram Marsh and others, and the consequences were that all votes were polled for Harrison, save the 13 above alluded to. From that period the votes of the Liberty party increased until they numbered enough to hold the balance of power, and in 1854-6 was merged into the Repub- lican party and followed its standard to victory in 1860.
We are unable to trace the political history year by year until we come to 1849, or to give the returns of elections held prior to that time. There were no county papers published previous to 1848, and the poll-books and abstracts of the early elections were burned, leav- ing not a vestige from which we could glean any information.
1849 .- In the fall of 1849 there was but little interest manifested in the election, altliongh the people were to choose officers for four years' service and vote on township organization. The Knoxville Journal, a neutral paper, was issued the day after the election, but had not one word about the matter. The next number, however, gave the official returns. A majority of the votes cast was given for township organization, but the question was soon afterward raised whether the law did not require a majority of all the voters in the county, and it was again submitted at a subsequent election, and carried by a large vote.
1851 .- In 1851 there was also very little excitement. The mutual confidence of the pioneers was so prevalent that there was no thought of introducing personalities into thie canvass, if indeed it can be said
407
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
that there was any " canvass " at all. E. T. Byram, however, was so popular that, after he had failed of a nomination by either of the par- ties for the office of County Surveyor, and had nominated himself, he received more votes than both the regular candidates together. The Knoxville Journal, in giving the proceedings of the Democratic county convention, mentions the name of but one candidate nomi- nated, namely, David Edgerton for Treasurer. A Democratic con- vention (of the senatorial district, we believe) met at Henderson and nominated a candidate for State Senator, and the next week a similar convention of the same party met at Cambridge and superseded the former action by nominating another man ; and signified a preference for Stephen A. Douglas for President of the United States.
1852 .- At a Democratic convention, held April 3 of this year, at the court-house at Knoxville, a very strong love was expressed for Senator Douglas. It was resolved "That Senator Douglas' political and official life is stainless and pure; that his statesmanlike and original mind can embrace in one view all the varied interests of this mighty nation, from the Atlantic waves to the golden shores of the Pacific. As Chief Magistrate he would be the ruler of a free people, commanding respect at home and abroad, and would bind this great confederacy together with the cords of affection, fraternity and peace." No local question of note was raised this year.
1853 .- The election campaign of this year gives us no incident of which we can find any record.
1854 .- The Whigs and Republicans fused this year, and, with the many Democrats who joined them, elected their entire ticket by a large majority.
1855 .- In the autumn of 1855 the Republican party was under full headway and excitement raised to a white heat on the slavery ques- tion, each party nominating its own candidate for every office, no mat- ter how small. The Republicans succeeded in electing one candi- date,-William McGowen, for Treasurer, by 327 majority. The Demo- crats elected all the other officers.
1856 .- On the death of the Whig party there sprang up two parties, neither of which could really claim to possess any of the vital princi- ples that gave power to the old party. The American party, believ- ing the country in danger by the influx of foreigners and the [alarm- ing growth of the Roman Catholic power, emblazoned on their ban- ners, " Americans must rule America;" "Put none but Americans on guard." Republicans pleaded for " Equal rights to all;" "Free press and free speech." The American party made very rapid growth in many of the States, particularly in the South, while the Republican
1
408
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
party only secured a foothold in the North, its principles being deemed antagonistic to some of the peculiar institutions of the South. In 1856 we find both of these parties in this county in very considerable num- bers, each striving for power, and both battling against a common enemy, the Democratic party. A partial alliance was formed between them for the purpose of securing local offices.
In the campaign of 1856 the question of removing the county seat to Galesburg was agitated, as also the charter of a railroad from Bath to Rock Island. The strife between Knoxville and Galesburg com- pelled all the citizens of the county to take sides; and one of the ques- tions now forced upon them was whether this railroad should go through the one place or the other.
One interesting little incident of a personal character occurred this fall. In order to draw votes away from George W. Enke, Republican candidate for Sheriff, some one published in the papers that he was a Spiritualist,-which charge, however, was promptly denied for him by a friend.
1857 .- In the autumn of 1857 the Democrats and Republicans had another square fight over the county offices, both parties being proud of the men on their ticket. The Republicans claimed that the Demo- crats made up their ticket by a very secret caucus, and put two "Know-Nothings" into the field to catch the votes of that party. David Sanborn, who had but a short time before been removed from the Galesburg post-office, " because [as was alleged] he wouldn't help get subscribers for the Chicago Times," was also placed in nomination by the Democrats, without his knowledge, for Treasurer. On the Republican ticket was John S. Winter for County Clerk, who had in Zelotes Cooley a foeman worthy of his steel. Mr. Cooley had held the office for four years, and was nominated for re-election. In this cam- paign the Republicans won by an average majority of about 500.
Having spoken of Mr. Winter, we may as well in this connection relate an incident showing the importance of preserving papers. The Board of Supervisors met at Knoxville in January, 1856, and seeing a lot of old documents on hand for which they could see no use, con- cluded they would relieve the office of cumbersome material by or- dering them burned. Accordingly they were taken,-two or three wheelbarrow loads,-dumped into the street, and set on fire. Mr. Winter, seeing the conflagration, hastened to the place and rescued all the papers that he could. They were mostly election returns, of which there was no other record. Hence we are unable to give in this history the election returns previous to 1849, as they were con- sumed in that fire. The destruction of papers, which might possibly
409
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
be valuable at some future time, is nearly always sure to be a source of trouble, and these perplexities seem to increase with the lapse of time. As another instance inculcating the same lesson, there was once a case in this county where an estate worth several thousand dol- lars was in dispute, the settlement of which depended upon an adver- tisement in a newspaper which could not be found.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.