History of Knox county, Illinois, Part 43

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co., pub
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : Blakely, Brown & Marsh, printers
Number of Pages: 732

USA > Illinois > Knox County > History of Knox county, Illinois > Part 43

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John S. Iliter

COUNTY CLERK

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

were married. Creel died in 1846. Parmelia again married, but was not compelled to run away the second time. She resides, at the pres- ent time, in Iowa.

Married Without License.

Rev. G. W. Gale, in the infancy of the Galesburg settlement, was" called to unite two of the colonists of mature years in the bonds of matrimony. When about to proceed with the ceremony Mr. Gale in- quired of the groom if he was provided with a marriage license. Receiving an affirmative reply, the marrying went on and was con- summated to the mutual satisfaction of the newly wedded parties. A few days thereafter Mr. Gale interviewed the new husband for the purpose of obtaining the license, to append thereto his certificate of marriage, preparatory to filing the same in the office of the County Clerk, as the law requires. Then he was much surprised to learn that no license had been procured. The groom being a comparatively recent comer from the State of New York, where marriage licenses were un- known, was unacquainted with the fact that in Illinois such a requisite, iu the legal construction of matrimony, is indispensable. His affirma- tive reply to the previous inquiry respecting his possession of the re- quired document, it now appeared, was mistakingly given to be then understood whether he had secured the consent, to the union then about to be formed, of the lady who was to become his bride. To avoid the unpleasantness of a marriage of questionable legality, and save the officiating clergyman from the liability to the payment of a fine of $100 for solemnizing an unlicensed marriage, the newly wedded parties again stood up, and the matrimonial ceremony was repeated.

Married in a Wagon.

One of the early settlers of Henderson township concluded to try married life. He was not long in finding a lady of the same state of mind. All arrangements were made, and the day set for the union. When the day arrived, the Henderson pioneer yoked up his faithful oxen to his large ox-wagon and drove to the cabin of the bride's parents, where without delay she got into the wagon, and they both proceeded to Henderson. On arriving in that village, they met the justice of the peace in the road, and thus accosted that official: " Well, 'Squire, are you the man what marries a couple for a dollar?" " Yes," was the reply, "just alight." " Well, no; we'll stand right up iu this 'ere wagon. So go ahead." The ceremony was then performed, the dollar paid, and the happy twain made one turned, their slow but faithful oxen and drove home, where years of happiness awaited them,

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

even, perhaps, to as great a degree as though they were united amid the glitter of gilded parlors, and with the pomp and show of wealth and luxury. This gentleman still resides in Knox county, and is a subscriber to this book.

CATAMOUNT.

Qn the 15th day of April, 1877, three small boys, James Meade, aged 16, William Meade and Lawrence Highland, each 14 years old accompanied by a large Newfoundland dog and a terrier, were stroll- ing about a half-mile east of Oneida on the railroad, when they came upon a male catamount 17 inches in height. The dogs at once at- tacked the cat, whichi seized the little dog by the head. James ran up and put his foot on the animal's neck, thinking to release the dog. In the mean time the large dog, catching the cat by the body, brought his jaws together with such tremendous force that he sent one of his- canines to its heart. 'This was the only perforation made in the ani- mal's skin. Dr. D. D. Martin, of Oneida, taxidermist, has this cata- mount's skin preserved in his office. The female and her young ones were seen afterwards in the neighborhood, but not being captured left for other parts.

WOLVES.

This country, in the early times, was filled with wolves. One even- ing, at the place of Leonard Chappell, two of the women went out to milk, and saw in the barn-yard what they supposed to be several dogs, but upon closer inspection the supposed dogs proved to be six large wolves.

S. W. Allen and A. C. Higgins killed a wolf on the site of Gales- burg in 1838. Mr. Higgins took a singletree, hit it over the back and so crippled it that Mr. Allen soon followed up and dispatched the animal. Mr. Higgins carried it to Knoxville, and received $2 for the scalp.

HIS FIRST TRIP.

Mr. A. C. Higgins, on his trip from New York to this county, left the boat at Oquawka, after fourteen days' travel on water. He walked from there to Log City, coming across the big prairies this side of that town. Being very tired lie lay down about the middle of the afternoon, on the ground, amid all the vast wildness, in the hot June sun, and slept until about 5 P. M., when he awoke to see a large "prairie schooner" (as certain of the wagons in that early day were called) coming, with one man seated in it. Being glad to see a human

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

being, Mr. Higgins asked if he might ride, and was told by the driver that he would " haul him to yon timber for two bits."

AN OLD HATTER.

William Dunbar, who was one of the pioneers in Lynn township, was a hatter by trade. He plied himself at that business after set- tling there; and although his means were meager and his shop rude, he made good head gear, and in several styles. Indeed, they were of such lasting material, and so substantially constructed, that he fre- quently renovated and remodeled them two or three times, making them into as many different patterns. He manufactured the beaver hat with the beaver nap, the otter hat with the fur of the otter, and wool hats from lamb's wool, besides a cheap grade of fur one from rabbit skins. Not possessing a very commodious or attractive sales- room for his wares, and customers not being very numerous, Mr. D. used to sew a lot of them to the back of his coat, mount a horse, and go about the country peddling them. Mr. Dunbar was also in the habit of making shoes to supply his family. They were not always constructed after most modern box-toe pattern. Sometimes, for the want of sole-leather, he would shave out and shape soles from a piece of basswood, and tack the uppers on to them. They were more noted for utility than beauty, for they frequently wore very well.

AEROLITE.

A meteoric stone of considerable size fell in the suburbs of Knox- ville, in the day time, during the year 1868. Although the day was bright, yet it so far exceeded the light of day in brightness that it attracted great attention. When it reached the ground it plowed along in the soil for some feet; and when dug up at the time, it was so hot that it could not be handled. It lay there for several years, and was used as a weight on a harrow during the seasons when the earth was being prepared for seed. It is thought to be there at present, although a slight search made this year failed to discover it.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

TABLE OF DISTANCES.

The following table gives the distances by rail and wagon-road, from Galesburg to the various towns in the county :

RAIL- WAGON

RAIL-

WAGON

ROAD.

ROAD. ROAD.

Abingdon.

ROAD. 914

()neida

St. Augustine.

15-4

1714

Altona.

Knoxville.

Union Town

2212

Gilson

104

Hermon

Maquon

151%

Henderson

Summit.

191%

2112

Rio. .

1315

Yates City.

2314

2512

Victoria

1919

Center Point.

337

Eugene

Wataga

71/2

Elba Center

COUNTY FUNDS.

Commencing with county order No. 1, which was paid to Jacob Gum, March 7, 1830, the number ran up to 9,933 by April 4, 1866. On that date a new regime was inaugurated, and the number of county orders began again with No. 1. By April, 1876, just ten years, tlie number had grown to be 10,000. Again No. 1 was taken up, and since, to October, 1878, 2,460 orders have been paid by the County Treasurer, thus making a grand total of all county orders paid since the organi- zation, of 22,393, representing millions of dollars.

The amount of money annually handled by the County Treasurer is vast. The past year, $182,422.40 has passed through his hands. Knox county is entirely out of debt, and on the 31st day of August, 1878, had $18,553.17 in its treasury.

FIRST THINGS.

This article is devoted to first occurrences of every description, and is compiled only after careful investigation and comparison of dates.

First settlers -- Daniel and Alexander Robertson and Richard Mathews, settled in Henderson township, in the latter part of Feb- ruary, 1828.

First sermon was preached by Elder Jacob Gum, a Regular Baptist preacher, at the house of John B. Gum, in 1828.

First Birth .- The first child born was J. B. Gum, son of Zephaniah and Jane Gum, in 1829.

First Death .- The first death occurred Jannary 9, 1829. A young man named Philip Nance, aged 17, who was buried on section 16, Henderson township. His grave is alone. A few years ago a neat stone slab was placed above it.

First election was held at John B. Gum's house, July 3, 1830.

First County Commissioners were Riggs Pennington, Dr. Charles Hansford and Philip Hash.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

First meeting of the Commissioners' Court was on July 7, at the residence of John B. Gum.

First court house was the residence of John B. Gum.

First hotel was kept by Samuel S. White.

First saloon was kept by Samuel S. White, to whom also was the first tavern or any kind of license granted.

First meeting of the Circuit Court was held October 1, 1830.

The first case before the Circuit Court was a bill for a divorce.

First county order was paid March 7, 1831, to Jacob Gum, for 75c. The first. County Clerk was John G. Sanburn, also first Circuit Clerk. First Treasurer was John B. Gum.

First Sheriff was Stephen Osborn.

First School Commissioner was William McMurtry.

First Probate Judge was John G. Sanburn.

First marriage occurred in July, 1829. This was a double wed- ding. L. S. Hash and Miss Elizabeth Razor, and Alexander Osborn to Miss Annie Hendricks, were married by Philip Hash. The licenses were obtained at Lewistown, Fulton county.

First marriage license was issued to Daniel Robertson, in 1830.

First town was laid out in 1830. It was then called Henderson, but the following year was changed to Knoxville.

The first church and school-house erected was at Cherry Grove, in 1832.

The first court-house was erected in 1831.

The first jail was erected in 1832.

First Circuit Judge was Richard M. Young.

First State's Attorney was Thomas Ford.

First murder was committed in the winter of 1837. Dr. Dalton was shot by Silas Rude, at Knoxville.

First hanging occurred in March, 1873, at Knoxville. John M. Osborn was hung for killing Mrs. Mathews.

First county fair was held in 1839, at Knoxville. This association, however, failed in a year or two, and in 1853 the Knox County Society held its first fair.

The first paper, the Intelligencer, was issued at Galesburg, in the early part of 1849.

First physician in the county was Dr. Charles Hansford.

First drug store was kept by Dr. Duncan, at Knoxville.

First steel plow made in this or any other county, was by H. H. May, of Galesburg, in May, 1842.

First county anti-slavery society formed in 1838.

First Republican elected to office was in 1854.

452

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE BAR AND OFFICIALS OF THE COUNTY.

THE BAR.

Since 1877 Knox county has been in the Tenth Judicial Circuit, which is composed of Rock Island, Mercer, Henry, Warren, Hender- son and Knox counties. Originally it was in the Fifth Judicial Cir- · cuit, which included all that part of the State known as the "Military Tract," and extended across the northern part of the State, including 4 the counties of Cook and Jo Davies. Then it was changed to the Tenth and in 1873 to the Eighth. Below are brief personal sketches of the Judges and State's Attorneys serving this Circuit and county since its organization :

Richard M. Young .- The first judge of this circuit was the Hon. Richard M. Young, who was appointed in the year 1828, and made his residence at Galena; afterwards in 1833 he resided in Quincy and remained in office until January, 1837, when he resigned, having been by the Legislature elected United States Senator for six years. Judge Young was a native of Kentucky, and was one of the first settlers of Northern Illinois. He ranked high in his profession, and his coun- sels did much to shape the policy of the State. In his manners he was gentle, courteous and entertaining, which qualities rendered him attractive and popular. He was generous in his feelings and liberal in his views, and hence stood high in the esteem of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He possessed a liberal. endowment of intellectual ability and literary and legal acquirements, and these with his other qualifications admirably fitted him for the post he was called to fill. Upon all with whom he came in contact he left a last- ing and favorable impression. His course in the United States Senate brought him to general notice, and after the expiration of his term he was appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office, by Presi- dent Polk. He also discharged the duties of other offices, at the city of Washington, with honor to himself and advantage to the country.

James H. Ralston .- The Hon. James H. Ralston, a native of Kentucky, was elected by the Legislature in 1837 to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Young, and in Angust of the

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

same year he resigned on account of his health, with a view of going to and living in Texas, whither he went, but soon returned to Quincy, his former residence, and resumed the practice of his profession. In 1840 he was elected State Senator. In 1846 President Polk appointed him Assistant Quartermaster of the United States army, and he was ordered to report for duty to the Commandant of the Illinois Volun- teers, then en route for Mexico. Having discharged the duties of his station faithfully during the war with Mexico, he returned home and soon after emigrated to California.

Peter Lott .-- The Hon. Peter Lott, a native of New York, was elected thie successor of Judge Ralston, and continued in the office until January, 1841. He was subsequently appointed Clerk of the Circuit Court of Adams county, in which capacity he served until 1848, when he was elected to the same office under the provisions of the new constitution, and served until 1852; he then went to Califor- nia and was appointed Superintendent of the United States Mint in San Francisco, by President Pierce, and was removed in 1856 by President Buchanan, and afterwards moved to Kansas and lived in humble life.

Stephen A. Douglas .- Hon. Stephen A. Douglas was elected Judge by the Legislature in 1841, and continned in office till August, 1843, when he resigned, having been elected to Congress from the Fifth Congressional District. The life and career of this great man is so well and widely known as to render any extended notice of him useless. It is sufficient to say that the circumstances under which he entered upon the duties of the office were sufficient to try thoroughly the force and scope of his abilities. The circuit was large, and the previous incumbent of the office had left the docket loaded with un- finished cases; but he was more than equal to the task. He "cleaned out the docket" with that dispatch and ability which distinguished his subsequent course; and so profound was the impression which he made upon the people that, in the first Congressional election which occurred after he was established in his character as a judge, he re- ceived the nomination for member of the lower house of Congress, and was elected. Through the distinguished abilities which he dis- played as a statesman, he received the appellation of the "Little Giant," and became the recognized leader of a great political party. In 1860 he received the nomination for the Presidency, but was beaten by Abraham Lincoln, his competitor for the United States Sen- ate two years previous.

On the inauguration of President Lincoln, and the subsequent withdrawal of the Southern States from the Union, and the war fol-

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

lowing, Mr. Douglas took strong Union ground and declared hence- forth there could be but two parties in the country, patriots and trait- ors. In a few days thereafter he was taken sick, and died on the third of June, 1861, sincerely mourned by the whole nation. But two men have ever been more sincerely mourned than Stephen A. Douglas,- George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Jesse B. Thomas .- Hon. Jesse B. Thomas succeeded to the office. He was appointed in August, 1843, and continued in it until 1845, when he resigned. Judge Thomas possessed high legal abilities and acquirements, and discharged the duties of the office with honor to himself and to the satisfaction of the people. After his resignation he was appointed to another circuit and soon after died.

Norman H. Purple .- Hon. Norman H. Purple was the next in- cumbent of the office. He was elected in 1845, and served till May, 1849, when he resigned. The probable cause of this was the insuffi- ciency of salary. The people of this district were anxious to retain him as judge, and probably would but for the cause stated. He was distinguished for high legal abilities and executive talents, and the office was rendered the more honorable by his having occupied it.

Wm. A. Minshall .- This man was the next judge. He was elected in May, 1849, and continued in the office until his death, which was in October, 1851. Judge M. was a native of Tennessee, and came early into the State. He was an active and successful lawyer and at- tained distinction in his profession. Previous to his election as judge, he had been a member of the Constitutional Convention, and also a member of the State Legislature.

Wm. Kellogg .- From 1849 to 1852 Hon. Wm. Kellogg of Canton, Fulton county, held the office of Circuit Judge. He was a relative of Wm. Pitt Kellogg, of Peoria, now ex-Governor of Louisiana. Judge Kellogg was an eminent lawyer for many years previous to his elec- tion.

The Knoxville Journal of April 17, 1850, in reviewing the proceed- ings of the court which had just closed, refers to Judge Kellogg as fol- lows: "Throughout the court Judge Kellogg presided with dignity and dispensed justice with impartiality, giving general satisfaction. Those who have heretofore contended that judges should be chosen directly by the people have lost nothing in the argument by the election of Judge Kellogg. Courteous but firm, mild but decided, willing to hear the authorities of law and the arguments of reason, but unwavering in an opinion once formed, lie is possessed of the elements, intellectual and inoral, which cannot but render him an efficient and respected judge."

455

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

H. M. Weed .- This judge occupied the bench from 1852 to 1855, serving with entire satisfaction to the people. He died several years ago.

John S. Thompson .- Hon. John S. Thompson, of Aledo, was judge from 1855 to 1860, and again from 1864 to 1866. He is now in Cali- fornia, where he has accumulated a fortune.

Aaron Tyler .- This gentleman served in 1860-1 (since deceased).

Charles B. Lawrence, of Galesburg, 1861-4. Mr. Lawrence lias since served on the Supreme bench of the State, and is now in Chicago. He has always been very highly esteemed by the citizens of Galesburg, as a lawyer, a judge, and as a gentleman.

Joseph Sibley .- Hon. Joseph Sibley, of Quincy, presided in 1866-7.

Arthur A. Smith .- In the fall of 1867 the present incumbent, Hon. Arthur A. Smith, of Galesburg, was elected, who has been kept in office ever since.

In 1877 the Eighth Circuit, comprising Knox, Warren and Hen- derson counties, was consolidated with the circuit north, consisting of Mercer, Henry and Rock Island counties, and the whole is now de- nominated the " Tenth Judicial District," for which three judges are elected, viz: Arthur A. Smith, of Galesburg, John J. Glenn, of Mon- mouth, and George W. Pleasants, of Rock Island. These judges divide their work among thiemselves.

STATE'S ATTORNEYS .- The gentlemen who have filled the office of State's (or prosecuting) Attorney for the district of which Knox county forins a part, deserve more than a passing notice. Like the judges, they form a galaxy in which the citizens of the county may justly take pride. If it were possible, we would be pleased to give a more extended notice of the life work of each, but our space forbids.

Thomas Ford .- The first incumbent of the office was the Hon. Thomas Ford. This gentleman served from the organization of the county until January; 1835. Possessed of high and noble qualities of manhood, a thorough student, a keen, energetic, untiring lawyer of strict integrity and high and laudable aspirations, lie was universally esteemed and respected. Afterwards became judge of the northern district; and when he became known over the State he was chosen Governor by a spontaneous movement of the people. He held this office during the Mormon war.

William A. Richardson .- The successor of Mr. Ford was the Hon. William A. Richardson, who served till 1837. Mr. Richard- son's personal merits and characteristics are too well known to the people to require any delineation. His predominating traits were courage; unyielding perseverance, and unvarying adherence to the

456

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

course to which he was committed. He liad command of a regiment of Illinois volunteers in the Mexican war, and in the battle of Buena Vista his cap was carried from his head by a musket ball. At the close of the war he returned home, where his services were recognized and rewarded by a generous people by an election to Congress. He was re-elected five times. His last election was in 1860. He was also appointed Governor of Nebraska, by President Buchanan. This post lie resigned after a year's service.

Henry L. Bryant .- Hon. Henry L. Bryant succeeded Mr. Rich- ardson, his time commencing in 1837 and continuing until 1839. He is characterized as a gentleman of fine qualities and an able lawyer.

William Elliot .- This man was the next occupant of the office. He served from January, 1839, till January, 1848. He was esteemed as a worthy man, a warm friend, and a good lawyer. He served in the Black Hawk war, and was wounded in a hand-to-liand conflict with a single Indian, whom he killed. He was Quartermaster in the Fourth Regiment of Volunteers during the Mexican war, and served through. He returned to Lewistown after the war, and soon died.

Robert S. Blackwell .- This gentleman was the successor of Mr. Elliot, and served from 1848 till 1852. Mr. Blackwell was one of the mnost distinguished lawyers in the State, and is the author of "Black- well on Tax Titles."

Harmon G. Reynolds .- From 1850 to 1854 Hon. Harmon G. Rey- nolds, of Knoxville, held the office. Mr. Reynolds was an attorney at law, and an active man in all beneficent enterprises. He came from Rock Island to Knoxville some time between 1851 and 1855, where he practiced law, was State's Attorney and Postmaster, and held prominent positions in the Masonic order. He moved from Knoxville to Spring- field, where lie served as grand secretary of the order. He now re- sides in Kansas.

William C. Goudy .- Hon. William C. Goudy, of Lewistown, Ful- ton county, succeeded Mr. Reynolds for about one year in Knox county, although he served in other counties for a much longer time, the judicial circuits being divided occasionally. Mr. Goudy was a shrewd Democratic politician in earlier days, as well as a faithful ser- vant of the people as a delegate to conventions, as a member of the State Senate, etc. Since 1859 he has resided in Chicago.

James H. Stewart .- Hon. James H. Stewart, now of Monmouth, Illinois, was appointed pro tem. in the autumn of 1855; was elected a few weeks afterward, and re-elected, until he had served about ten years.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

James A. Mckenzie .- Hon. James A. Mckenzie, of Galesburg, was elected in 1865, and served as State's Attorney until the fall of 1872, when the present incumbent,

Hon. J. J. Tunnicliff, of Galesburg; succeeded him. (See bio- graphical sketch.)

The successive re-elections of the three last named sufficiently attest the acceptability with which they served the cause of the people vs. all the criminals.

We append sketches of the two following lawyers, who were emi- nently public men, and both of whom departed life young, and while residents of Knox county :

Hon. Julius Manning, one of the most eminent lawyers of West- ern Illinois, was born in Canada, about ten miles from Chateaugay, New York. He passed the most of his younger days in the State of New York, but completed his school education at Middleburg College, in Vermont. He came to Knoxville in 1839, where he resided until 1853, when he removed to Peoria. During his life lie was County Judge, a member of the Legislature, and was a member of the Con- stitutional Convention of 1862, where he was chairman of the judiciary committee. He was an invalid for several years before he died, and his death occurred July 4, 1862, in Knoxville, and his remains were interred in Knoxville Cemetery. In politics he was an anti-slavery Democrat, and as an eloquent pleader at the bar he was scarcely equaled in the West. . As a citizen, he was highly esteemed by the entire com- munity. His widow now resides in Galesburg. His principal law partner during life was Judge R. L. Hannaman.

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History of Knox county, Illinois, Part 43

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co., pub Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Chicago : Blakely, Brown & Marsh, printers Number of Pages: 732

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co., pub
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : Blakely, Brown & Marsh, printers
Number of Pages: 732