History of Macoupin County, Illinois, Part 79

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co.
Publication date: 1879
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 440

USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois > Part 79

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John is the eldest son. He is justly reckoned among the most thrifty and energetic farmers of Shaw's Point township. He received his early educa- tion in Germany, and emigrated to America when sixteen years of age, in December, 1847. Some weeks later he landed at New Orleans, where he worked at shoemaking until March, 1848 ; then he went to St. Louis, where he engaged in coopering for three years, after which he moved to Macoupin county, and worked with several farmers until the spring of 1853, when he joined his father in farming. In the spring after his father's death, he, with his sister, two brothers, and step-mother removed to a farm on Hickory Grove. On September 25th, 1857, he was united in marriage by Father Owen to Miss Margrata Leefers, daughter of Herman Leefers.

He bought a farm on section 18, where he now resides. The farm at that time was new and not much improved. He has now about one hundred and sixty acres, with a good brick-house and other improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Bloome have had born to them nine children, eight of whom are now living, four boys and four girls.

He is not a partisan politician, but believes in supporting the right man. He now holds the office of school director, which he fills with excellent satisfaction ; he has no inclination to make himself prominent in politics,

and the above office he accepts solely from an interest in education. He has the welfare of his adopted country at heart; and, like many of his countrymen, he has assisted to make the state of Illinois what we find it to- day. We have thus briefly sketched the outlines of Mr. Bloome's life. As already intimated, he came to this country a stranger in a strange land ; but he was welcomed to the protection of American liberty. Aided by his wife, he has acquired, by industry and frugal habits, a comfortable com- petency. In the management of the farm he has been very successful. Among his neighbors he bears the reputation of an honorable and upright citizen.

DR. C. D. BUFFINGTON

WAS born in Jersey county, Illinois, in 1846. His father came from Penn- sylvania while yet a young man ; he is a physician, and now one of the oldest in Jersey county. Our subject being a natural student, and of an investi- gating mind, gave his early attention to the loved and honored profession of his father's choice. To enlarge his field of observation, he read medicine under the direction of Drs. Duhadway and Lyon, of Jerseyville, after- ward practicing with them until he located at Shaw's Point township, in 1869. Although a young man, he soon had a lucrative and extensive prac- tice. The doctor certainly deserves the esteem in which he is held by the community as a physician. November 29th, 1875, he married Miss Jennie Masters, the daughter of John B. Masters, whose biography is also given in this history. She is a most amiable lady and an excellent housekeeper, possessing the qualities which make home attractive.

R. B. CLARK

WAS born May 22d, 1820, near Lexington, Ky. Samuel B. the father of the subject of this brief memoir, moved to Illinois about 1830, and finally settled on Brushy Mound Prairie, where he lived until his death, which oc- curred in 1841. His family consisted of six boys and two girls, all of whom are now living. R. B. Clark was the third child, and his early life was spent on his father's farm. A log school-house, with a hole for a window, and a slab for a seat, was the style of the building where he received his early education.

His time was given him at the age of eighteen, and he immediately hired to Calvin Record for one year, at $12 per month. He gave such excellent satisfaction, that at the close of that year he was offered $15 per month to continue, which he did, for one year and a half more. He saved his money and bought eighty acres of government land. Dec. 27th, 1842, he married Miss Artamasiah Mitchell, by whom he had fifteen children, eleven of whom are now living. She died May 3d, 1870. Mr. Clark was now surrounded with a large family of small children. Oct. 13th, 1870, he married Mrs. Sarah W. Lambert. From this union they have had two children.

Mr. Clark started life from the bottom of the ladder. He has always followed farming, and has succeeded quite well. His religious views are those held by a class known as United Baptists. He is a liberal contributor to all charitable objects, and is a social and highly moral man. He is highly es- teemed by all who know him.

CHARLES . HARRINGTON

Is a native of Madison county, Illinois. He was born February 12th, 1842. He is the third child of a family of eight children. His father's name was William O .; he was also a native of Illinois. His grandfather came from Alabama. Charles came to this county in 1849, and it has been his home ever since, except about four years spent in Logan county. At the break- ing out of the war he enlisted in Company H, of Seventh regiment of Il- linois Volunteers, commanded by Col. John Cook ; he was mustered in at Springfield, Illinois, April 25th, 1861, and was among the men from Illinois who went to fill up the Illinois quota of the three months' call. On his re- turn he enlisted in the 32d Illinois regiment, commanded by Col. John Logan of Carlinville, Illinois; he was mustered in at Camp Butler, Decem- ber 31st, 1861. He took part in all the battles the regiment participated in, except the one at Jackson ; after the expiration of the war he returned home. He was married September 19th, 1875, to Mrs. Julia Lofton, widow of Thomas G. Lofton. Mr. Harrington has been a supporter of the prin- ciples of the republican party.

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NORTH OTTER TOWNSHIP.

HIS township is situated in the extreme north part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Sangamon county, on the west by North Palmyra, on the south by South Otter, and on the east by Virden and Girard townships. It comprises township 12 north, range 7 west.

It derived its name from " Otter Creek," which flows diagonally through the eastern portion of the township. This creek was called Otter, from the fact that large numbers of otters were found on its banks.

There is no town or village within the township, and the inhabitants are confined strictly to agricultural pursuits. The soil is rich and productive, and is well drained by Otter creek and its branches.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

In the year 1829 the township was first settled by the following persons, all being heads of families :- Hugh Gibson, John Pope, John Chandler, Jesse Cox, John Stewart, and G. L. McGinnis. William C. Crump settled in 1833, and W. C. Alderson in 1834; both of whom, together with G. L. McGinnis, are still residing in the township. These families were natives of Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, and came here from Sangamon county. The men who formed the first settlement were well suited to the task. They were men of irreproachable character, fearless and industrious, and soon changed the rough, unbroken prairie into fields of waving grain. As skilled in the use of the rifle, as with implements of toil, the deer and turkey furnished them an ample supply of meat for food.

The first birth in the township, was that of William H. Cox, on the 22d day of November, 1829.

The first preacher was Father Stewart, known throughout this locality as " Uncle Johnny " Stewart. He was a local preacher of the Methodist Church.

The first church was erected about 1866, by the Methodist Episcopal de- nomination, and is valued at one thousand dollars. There is also a Union Church in the township.

The first school was taught by George Boggess.

Mills .- The first mill was built by Thomas Sprouse. It was a rudely constructed horse-power affair. The machinery consisted of a large hori- zontal cog-wheel, which geared into a trundle-head and the shaft to which the upper stone was attached, all of which was of home manufacture. The present milling facilities are ample.

Dr. Goode was the first resident physician, who located here nearly forty years ago. Dr. Chapman located here two years ago, in 1876.

Most of the grain and produce raised here is carted to Virden and Girard.

Murder .- A base and mercenary murder was committed here in the spring of 1840. Two brothers, William and Aaron Todd, of Indiana, were visiting relatives in Scott county, of this state, and when ready to return, they persuaded their cousin, a young man named Larkin Scott, to accom- pany them, which he consented to do. He had on his person thirty dollars in money, of which fact the Todds were aware, and for which they planned to murder and rob him. When near Elm Grove, in this township, and on

what is known as " Gopher Hill," they stopped to rest, and Aaron came up from behind and struck Scott a heavy blow on the head with a large hicko- ry walking-stick, which felled him to the ground, and notwithstanding the piteous beggings for life by his cousin, Aaron finished his horrible deed by stabbing him several times with a large dirk. They then took his money and clothes, leaving his body nearly naked lying on the snow, where it was discovered a few weeks afterwards. A clue to the deed was obtained, and the perpetrators followed by James Clark and others, arrested, brought back, and held for trial.

William Todd turned states evidence against his brother, and was acquit- ted. Aaron Todd was convicted of murder and hung.

The first land entered .- The following are the first land entries in the township: Owen T. Merry, Nov. 10th, 1828, eighty acres in section 19; Hardin Lodsdew, Nov. 24th, 1828, eighty acres in section 19; James Mc- Ginnis, Feb. 24th, 1829, eighty acres in section 19.

We give below the statistics of North Otter township, as taken from the assessor's book in July, 1879 :

Number of acres improved lands, 19,332; value, $142,854; acres unim- proved lands, 3,737; value, $12,865; total value of lands, $155,719. Of horses there are 777, valued at $12,478 ; cattle, 2,067 ; value, $15,821 ; mules, 83; value, $1344 ; sheep, 510; value, $539; hogs, 2,397; value, $2,489; 1 steam engine; carriages and wagons, 262; value, $2,629 ; 191 watches and clocks; 84 sewing machines, 11 organs. Total value of personal property, $48,968.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

Supervisors .- Andrew A. Atkins, elected in 1871, and (Chairman) in 1872, 1873, 1874, and 1875. Wm. A. Gardner, elected in 1876, and 1877. D. W. Solomon, elected in 1878. Enoch Hall, elected in 1879.

Town Clerks .- C. A. Woolley, elected in 1871 ; A. W. Brickey, elected in 1872, 1873, 1874 and 1875; J. L. Ditson, elected in 1876; F. P. Brickey, elected in 1877 ; I. York, elected in 1878; J. W. Crump, elected in 1879.

Assessors .- J. G. Hayler, elected in 1871 ; E. Hall, elected in 1872; C. A. Woolley, elected in 1873, and re-elected in 1874. W. H. Cox, elected in 1875 ; D. C. Ashbaugh, elected in 1876 ; W. B. Chapman, elected in 1877, and re-elected in 1878; N. Chamberlain, elected in 1879.

Collectors .- N. Chamberlain, elected in 1871, and re-elected in 1872 and 1873; E. Hall, elected in 1874; G. A. W. Cloud, elected in 1875 and re- elected in 1876; N. Chamberlain, elected in 1877; E. Hall, elected in 1878; J. Deck, elected in 1879.

Justices of the Peace since Township Organization .- Ben. F. Reble and W. H. Hart, elected in 1871; G. A. W. Cloud and W. H. Hart, elected in 1873 ; G. A. W. Cloud and I. Hays elected in 1877.

Constables .- T. D. Kramer and J. W. Hayler, elected in 1871; B. Ad- cock and H. C. Sanders, elected in 1873 ; B. Adcock and H. T. Hayler, Jr., elected in 1877.

Commissioners of Highways .- 1871, S. L. Twichel, J. Deck, A. Hayes; 1872, S. L. Twichel; 1873, A. Hayes; 1874, Samuel Hall ; 1875, Benjamin F. Kable; 1876, Wm. M. Drennen ; 1877, Wm. S. Bond ; 1878, S. J. Hayes; 1879, Wm. C. Crump.

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OLD HOMESTEAD."

SHIP.

I'll." they stoppel to reet, and Aano st t a heavy blow on the head with a large Et 4 him to the ground, and notwith-taufzas his cousin, Aaron finished his horribled -; with a large dirk. They then tok his mus ; nearly naked lying on the snow, where i Ta wards. A clue to the deed was obrait-de James Clark and others, arrotri bes:

no evidence against his brother, and were Fond of murder and hung. The following are the first land rotrieste . Nov. loth, 1828, eighty aens in xie. 1, 1-28, eighty acres in section 19; Je-k Aty arte- in section 19. ye of North Otter township, se taken iz? :

- land-, 19,332; value, $142.354: 32M=> ... $12. 65; total value of lands, #15529 " at $12.478 ; cattle. 2.067 ; value. #1582 := > ": value. 8039 ; hogy 2397: value: 2% I wagons, 262; value, 82,629 ; 19] vatel= =: 11 organs. Total value of persons! pro

LOW S-HIP OFFICERS.

Atkins, elected in 1871, and Chairasn in DE. Win. A. Gardner, elected in 1878, sol 3. ** Enoch Hall, elected in 1879. ley, elected in 1871; A. W. Bricker, 2x 5; . J. L. Ditson, elected in 1876; F. P. B ... rtod in 1878; J. W. Crump elected in 15. Horted in 1871 ; E. Hall, elected in IS2:03 und re-elected in 1874. W. H. Cor ..... ind in 1876; W. B. Chapman, elected aos" Chamberlain, elected in 1879. ain, elected in 1871, and reflected in 15. 74; G. A. W. Cloud, elected in 1877 sz rlain, elected in 1877; E. Hall, electeda."

T.uship Organization .- Ben. F. Bebe si G. A. W. Cloud and W. H. Hart, che I. Havs elected in 1877. r and J. W. Hayler, elected in 1871; R.J. tel in 1873; B. Adcock sud H. T. Har.a.

w% -1871, S. L. Twichel, J. Deck, L. Hus . Haves: 1874, Samuel Hall; 1875, Beyaz vunen ; 1877, Wm. S. Bond ; 1878, S.J. Has

RESIDENCE & STOCK FARM OF WILLIAM H. JENKINS, SEC. 29. NORTH OTTER TP .. MACOUPIN CO., ILL.

"TENANT HOUSE."

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RESIDENCE & STOCK FARM OF JAMES WILLIAMS, JR., SEC.12, NORTH OTTER TP., MACOUPIN CO., ILL.

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SOUTH OTTER TOWNSHIP.

HIS township is situated in the more northern part of the county, and is bounded on the north by North Otter, on the west by South Palmyra, on the south by Carlinville, and on the east by Nilwood township. It is geographically known as township 11 north, range 7 west. In the eastern portion and most of the southern the land is a beautiful prairie, of a deep, black soil. The north-west portion of the township is covered with a fine growth of timber, the principal kinds be- ing oak, hickory, and cottonwood. Formerly the west and north-west sides, comprising about one-fourth of the township, were timber land. The princi- pal streams are Otter creek and its tributaries. The lands adjoining this stream are heavily timbered, and thus afford an excellent opportunity for stock husbandry. The general surface is undulating, but near the creek the bluffs are quite abrupt, and the soil is mostly clay. The drainage is princi- pally effected by Otter and Grove creeks and their tributaries. Lasting water is found in abundance at distances varying from fifteen to thirty feet below the surface. This township, as well as its principal stream, took its name from the number of otters formerly found along the creek. A part of the village of Nilwood is within its eastern limits.

The first settler, within the present limits of South Otter township, was a man by the name of Days, who moved a log house across Otter creek, from South Palmyra township. The first new buildings were erected by Samuel and Henry Miller; the former completing his house first. Prominent among the earliest settlers of the township may be ranked the names of Henry and Samuel Miller, Irvin and Martin Pullam, Joel Bond, Alvey Graves, William Etter, Comfort Smith, Samuel Clark, David Davidson, J. Adams, T. S. Barrow, M. M. Ross, Robert and Thomas Bacon, G. D. Crawford, and others.

The first physician who came to the township was Dr. Vance.

William M. Clark, son of Samuel and Mary Clark, was born March 14, 1838, and was the first birth in the township.

The first death was that of Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, in September, 1838, at her son's house, on section 30.

The first party married was Samuel Raffurty, to a Mrs. Hoover, in the fall of 1837.

A log school-house was built on section 30, at an early date, and Mrs. Mary Bacon was the first teacher. Annie Dorman succeeded her.

In 1839, Mrs. Mary Bacon organized a Sunday-school at her house, in section 19, which was the first in the township.

Rev. William Vance, a Methodist, and a Rev. Williams, a Presby- terian, preached in the school-house, on section 30, at an early day. The Baptist church, at Hickory Point, was erected in 1869, and is the only one in the township.

Daniel Snyder was the first regular carpenter in the township.

A saw mill, built by Henry Miller in section 30, and run by horse-power, was the first, and in fact the only one in the township. He abandoned it about the year 1850.

The first land entry was made November 8, 1831, by M. P. Pullam and M. Witherow; it consisted of ninety-two acres in section 2. The second, com- prising forty acres, lying in section 6, was entered December 5, 1833, by Peter Lair. Another entry, comprising forty acres, situated in section 10, was made on the 26th of May, 1834, by Casper Roland.

Present Old Settlers-The present old settlers of the county, residing in this township, are :- T. G. Barrow, J. Adams, David Davidson, and M. H. Ross, all of whom settled here in the year 1830; G. D. Crawford, who came in 1832, and Robert Bacon, Thomas Bacon, and J. M. Lair, whose residences date from the year 1837. Below we give the statistics of the township from the assessor's book for this year.

Acres improved lands, 17,380, value 8107,403; acres unimproved lands, 5,591, value $11,641 ; total value of lands, $119,044 ; value of lots, 81,555. There are 668 horses, valued at 88,587; cattle 1,002, value 85,857 ; mules 137, value 81,958 ; sheep 694, value 8741 ; hogs 1,596, value $984; carriages 188, value 81,050; 164 clocks and watches, 68 sewing machines, 1 piano, 10 or- gans. The total value of personal property is 822,245.

The chief agricultural productions are wheat, corn, oats, and hay ; and the principal stock raised are cattle, horses, hogs, and sheep.

LIST OF OFFICERS SINCE TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.

Supervisors-William H. Johnson, elected in 1871 ; Robert Bacon, elected in 1872, and '73 ; Moses Yowell, elected in 1874, '75, '76, and '77 ; Thomas Mahan, elected in 1878; Moses Yowell, elected in 1879.

Town Clerks-J. M. Yowell, elected in 1871, and '72 ; P. R. Cox, elected in 1873; W. D. Metcalf, elected in 1874; T. Bacon, elected in 1875, '76, and '77; I. Conlee, elected in 1878 and '79.

Assessor8-T. Bacon, elected in 1871 ; J. D. Johnson, elected in 1872, '73, '74 and '75; R. Bacon, elected in 1876; T. P. Carmody, elected in 1877 ; R. Bacon, elected in 1878 and '79.

Collectors-M. Smith, elected in 1871; R. Z. Johnson, elected in 1872, and '73; T. Mahan, elected in 1874 and '75; J. W. Johnson, elected in 1876; R. Bacon, elected in 1877 ; T. Cole, elected in 1878; J. S. Hart elected in 1879.

Justices of the Peace -- A. Cunningham, and I. D. Crawford, elected in 1871 ; J. W. Johnson, and J. M. Lair, elected in 1873 ; H. J. Howard, and E. J. Palmer, elected in 1877.

Constables-W. B. Gilmore, and B. V. Carey, elected in 1871 ; T. M. Lair, elected in 1872; G. F. Jones, and S. S. Cole, elected in 1873; L. Har- bor, elected in 1874; E. B. Crawford, and T. Bacon, elected in 1877.

Commissioners of Highways-1871, John Conlee, M. Crouch, Joseph Craw- ford ; 1872, M. Smith ; 1873, John Conlee; 1874, M. Crouch; 1875, Morti- mer Smith ; 1876, David Zweifle; 1877, W. H. Jenkins ; 1878, M. Crouch, R. Z. Johnson ; 1879, R. Z. Johnson, C. F. Alford.

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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

( whent 1Bacon

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AMONG the representative men of South Otter township none stand forth more conspicuously than does Robert Bacon. Although not one of the first settlers in the township, yet by great industry, coupled with sound practical economy and excellent judgment, he has rightfully assumed a place with the largest farmers and most substantial business men of the county. As ex- hibiting an example worthy the emulation of all, particularly the young, we herewith present a brief sketch of Mr. Bacon's life and character, feeling as though the history of South Otter township would be incomplete without a> notice of that gentleman. He is now the present nominee of the republican party for county treasurer; is a native of England, and was born in Nor- folk, near the city of Norwich, on June 10th, 1825. His father, Richard Ba- con, was a farmer in comfortable circumstances, and his wife's maiden name was Mary K. Sayers. Robert Bacon was the second of eight children. From the time he was old enough, he was sent to school quite regularly, and laid the foundation for the main part of his education in England before coming to America. He had little opportunity for attending school after coming to this country, and with the exception of the opportunies he had in England, his education is mostly the result of his own efforts. In 1835 his father emigrated with his family to America ; came across in a sailing vessel, the voyage occu- pying about a month, and reached New York June 1st, 1835. From New York they went to the city of Troy, where the family remained until the fall of 1837, and then removed to the West. Reaching St. Louis, the family came at once to Carlinville, settling there on the recommendation of Dr. Gideon Blackburn, whom his father had met in Troy. On coming to the county his father moved on Dr. Blackburn's farm, near Carlinville, and lived there one year, and then the family moved to Chesterfield township, and rented the farm now owned by Nicholas Challacombe. While living there, Mr. Bacon's father died, in August, 1839. His mother moved then, with the family, to a farm north of Cariinville, and in the spring of 1840 his mother entered forty acres of land in section 19, town 11, range 7, where she lived for some years, and where the children were raised. Her place was Mr. Bacon's home until he was twenty-four years of age. For a couple of

years he worked by the month in Chesterfield township, and the remainder of the time was employed in farming at home, until his marriage, which oc- curred November 18, 1849, to Miss Mary A. Miller. Mrs. Bacon was born in Floyd county, Indiana, and became a resident of Macoupin county in 1836. Her father was Henry Miller, who came to the county that year and settled on section 30, South Otter township. After Mr. Bacon was married he went to farming on his own account where he now resides, and has ever since been engaged in farming. His farm consists of 240 acres, and a view of his residence is shown elsewhere among the illustrations in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have had three children : Emily, who married George M. Killam, and is now deceased ; Henry R., who died in infancy, and Anna M., wife of John C. Wiggins. Mr. Bacon began his political life as a mem- ber of the old whig party, and cast his first vote for president in 1848. He voted the whig ticket until the dissolution of that party, and when the war broke out he became a strong and earnest republican, and has remained a member of that party ever since. In 1872 he was chosen supervisor of South Otter township, and was re-elected to that position the succeeding year. He was one of the board of supervisors during the period when the trouble became most prominent regarding a levy of a tax with which to pay the indebtedness incurred by the county in building the court-house. He took a determined stand against paying anything of what he believed to be an unjust claim until the matters had been compromised on a just and equi- table basis. As a member of the board, he voted against the levy of a tax in compliance with the mandamus of the United States circuit court, and was one of the seventeen who were fined one thousand dollars each for re- fusing to comply with the mandamus and levy a tax. In 1876 he was the republican candidate for circuit clerk, and made a race creditable to himself, receiving more votes than the majority of the ticket. In 1879 the republi- can convention nominated him by acclamation as their candidate for county treasurer. Mr. Bacon is a man who stands well among the citizens of the county. He is a gentleman of personal honor and integrity, and has been influential in the counsels of the republican party in Macoupin county. In

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FARM RESIDENCE OF ROBERT BACON , SEC.30. SOUTH OTTER TP., MACOUPIN CO., ILL.

THE FARM & RESIDENCE OF JEFFERSON ADAMS , SEC.15. SOUTH OTTER TP, MACOUPIN CO. IL.

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THE FARM RESIDENCE OF T. W. THACKER . SEC.7. NILWOOD TP., MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILL.

FARM RESIDENCE OF JOHN DUFNER , SEC. 11. SOUTH OTTER TP., MACOUPIN CO., ILL.

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FARM RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM P. ALLEN , SEC. 22, SOUTH OTTER TP., MACOUPIN CO. IL.

BLOOMING GROVE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

BLOOMING GROVE SCHOOL HOUSE.

VICTOR

RESIDENCE & STOCK FARM (220 ACRES ) OF THOMAS MAHAN, SECTION 6. SOUTH OTTER TP., MACOUPIN CO., ILL.

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History of Macoupin County, Illinois, Part 79

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co. Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Number of Pages: 440

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co.
Publication date: 1879
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 440