History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches, Part 113

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co.
Number of Pages: 698

USA > Illinois > Madison County > History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches > Part 113

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).

477

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

among the first to enlist in the cause. He contracted an illness while in the service, and died in the city of Mexico.

Rev. William Jones, who bought the claim of Major Ferguson, was born in Virginia, and in an early day migrated to Kentucky, and thence to Tennessee. From that state he came to Illinois about 1806, and located on the Sand Ridge, near Alton Junction. A few years later he bought out Ferguson, and moved on to the claim. It was then but a small elearing, co taining but ten acres of land, and a cabin. llis family then consisted of his wife and five children, Martin, John, Lavina, Letitia, and Wil- liam. Seven other children were born to the family after comiog to the state. Only one of this large family is now living in the county, James, who resides in section 18, on the old pioneer farm of his father. William Jones was an active and prominent man in his day, having been one of the pioneer teachers of the gospel, and organized one of the first church societies in the county. He served as county commissioner in 1820, besides filling other places of honor and trust in later days. He died at the old homestead in 1844, at the advanced age of 73 years. Mrs. Jones died several years prior to her husband. Both are buried in the old cemetery in Wood River township, situated in section 24. In the days of Indian troubles a block house was built on the north half of section 18, upon the land then owned by Martin Preuitt, father of Solomon Preuitt, who died but a few years ago. In the spring of 1817, the fort was taken down and removed to the premises of William Jones, and from the information given by James, his son, it would appear that at that time it was used for a residence by the Jones family as the latter informs us, that it was in this block house that he was born. Ephraim Woods, a brother- in-law of the Rev. Jones, came to the township soon after Mr. Jones and settled in the same neighborhood. His wife was a sister of Solomon Preuitt. Robert Wood, residing at Bethalto, is a son of Ephraim, and the only one of the family living in the county. John Finley came from Virginia, and settled here about the same time as Mr. Woods. He settled in section 20, but removed to Green county, Illinois, in an early day. He was one of the first justices of the peace in this part of the State, having been appointed as such by Gov. Edwards in 1810, when Illinois was one of the frontier territories. Jacob Linder and family, came to the county and settled near the Finleys in the same year, but removed to parts unknown soon after the war of 1812. No further history of the family is obtainable at this time. Another pioneer was John Springer, who was born in Har- rod's Fort, Kentucky, in 1784. He emigrated from Wash- ington county of that State to Illinois in the fall of 1810, and stopped in what is now Bond county, on Shoal Creek, near Greenville. When the Indian troubles commenced, two years later, he, with other families of that section, took refuge in the old Jones' Fort. In the fall of 1814, he moved to Madison county, and settled in section 30 of this township. When he first came to the state he drove a four-horse wagon, in which was stowed his little family, and household goods. Three extra horses were brought along, but during his stay on Shoal Creek, they were all stolen by

the Indians. He manufactured a one horse cart, and with this outfit brought his family, consisting of his wife and three children, Sarah A , Elihu, and Susannah, to Fort Rus- sell. He constructed a substantial hewed log house on his land, and was as comfortably situated as the pioneer times could make him. Mrs. Springer died in the summer of 1825, and the following year Mr. Springer again married, his wife's maiden name being Elizabeth Byrd. By this union ten children were born, Thomas O., William M. T., Martha E., Levi C., Nancy E., Emily P., John W., Lu- cinda, Joshua S, and Joseph E. Only three of the family are now residents of the county. Thos. O. resides at the old homestead in section 30. His neat farm residence is built nearly upon the very ground that the old pioneer log house occupied. Mr. Thomas Springer has represented his township in the county board, and is one of the leading citizens of the county. Levi C. Springer lives in Godfrey, and Emily P., wife of R. C. Gillham, resides in Edwards- ville township.

Early in the summer of 1849, the cholera broke out in this neighborhood, and John Springer, the pioneer, and his wife were both stricken with the dread malady, and died only a few hours apart. They were buried the same day, and one grave became their sepulchre. Seven other deaths occurred within a week, and many more were afflicted. In fact, so extensively did it prevail in this neighborhood, that there were scarcely enough well persons to bury the dead and take care of the sick. And what made it more serious for the people, it was in the midst of harvest, and it was almost impossible to procure hands sufficient to secure the crop. Many are the woful narratives related by the old citizens of the hardships and afflictions of that summer.

One of the leading and prominent early settlers was Gershom Flagg. He was born in the State of Vermont in the fall of 1792, and moved with his father to Richmond, Vermont, in 1800. Here he grew to manhood, and when he was twenty years of age, joined the Vermont militia, and saw service in the war of 1812. At the close of the war he commenced the study of civil engineering in Burlington, Vt. Completing his studies in 1816, he turned his face westward, making his first stop in Indiana. He remained here until the winter of 1816-'17, when he took a flat-boat and went to the mouth of the Ohio, and thence overland to St. Louis. The following spring he came over the river to Madison county, and located in the southeast quarter of sec- tion 3, town 5-8, receiving a patent of the same October :0, 1823. Mr. Flagg was one of the government staff of sur- veyors in this part of Illinois, about the time of its admis- sion into the Union in 1818, and from thenceforth became one of the prominent men of his times. He improved an excellent farm and became one of the first horticulturalists in the State. He aided largely in introducing grafted fruit in the orchards of the early settlers. His orchard of grafted fruit was planted in 1822, it being among the first in the county. As late as 1845, Solomon Robinson, of Collinsville, wrote a letter to the Prairie Farmer, stating "That Mr. Flagg, a Green Mountain boy, but not a greenhorn, under- took to make a farm on the prairie in Madison county, and

478

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

was told by the settlers in the thick woods that he was crazy to think of cultivating land that was so poor as not to bear timber." This farm is situated in Liberty Prairie, and is now considered among the valuable lands in the county. In the fall of 1827, he was married to Mrs. Jane Rich - mond, nee Paddock, eldest daughter of Gaius Paddock. But one child was born to them, Willard C. Mr. Flagg died at the old home in section 30, in the spring of 1857. His wife survived him six years her death occurring in December, 1863. Hon. Willard 'C. Flagg, their only child, was born Sept. 16th, 1829. He became a prominent citizen in the community, representing with credit his constituency one term in his senatorial district in the State Legislature. In 1856, he married Miss Sarah Smith, of St. Louis, a highly accomplished lady. He was also an appointee of the United States Government as collector of revenues. He died in the spring of 1878, lamented by a large circle of friends. His widow survives him and at this writing is residing at the old Flagg homestead with her three children, two daughters and one son. Much credit is due to her and her late hus- band for the data of this chapter, and other early history of the county. Willard C, her husband, had contemplated placing in print the early history and events of Fort Russell, but death claimed him before bis noble effort was completed. Mrs. Flagg has kindly furnished the writer of this article with- her husband's historic notes and manuscript.

Another early settler was Gaius Paddock, whose farm ad- joined Mr. Flagg's, and they were, therefore, near neighbors and were close friends until their death. Mr. Paddock was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1758. When in the seven- teenth year of his age he enlisted in the war of the Revolu- tion, where he served until its close. In 1786, he was married to Mary Wood, and the following year moved to the State of Vermont, where he resided until the fall of 1815. The Western fever then took possession of many of the people of the New England States, and he among others said " Westward Ho!" Cincinnati, Ohio, was his objective point, where he arrived late in that year. Subsequently he removed to St. Charles, Mo., and from thence to St. Louis in the spring of 1817. The next year he crossed the Miss- issippi river, and came to Madison county where be pur- chased the northeast quarter of section three, now Fert Russell. Here he resided until his death, which occurred in the summer of 1831. Mrs. Paddock survived her husband nineteen years, dying the 15th of July, 1850. They were a family that stood high in the estimation of all who knew them, and were widely known for their charity and benevo- lence. Ten children were born to these pioneers, Jane- afterward wife of Gershom Flagg, Mary, Salome,-married Pascal P. Enos, Susan, Joanna, Sprout Wood, Julia, after- ward wife of Henry Reily, and secondly of E. C. Blankin- ship, Eveline, Orville, and Elvira. Only two of this large family of children are living, Susan and Eveline, who are residing in section three, at the old homestead. They par- take of the kindness and hospitality which was so charac- teristic of their parents. The latch-string is always out, and the sojourner is warmly welcomed, as was the custom of the olden time. The old Indian trail from Lake Michigan to

the Mississippi river, passed just across the land occupied by their present residence, and this trail, in places, from long usage, was worn to a considerable depth. Mr Paddock was a descendant from one of the pilgrim ancestors who settled in Plymouth, Mass., in early colonial times. Many of the relics of coins, etc., that existed in the time of the Pilgrim Fathers are in the possession of the Paddock sisters, having been passed down from generation to generation as heir looms of the family.

John Estabrook, then a single man, joined with the Pad- docks, and other emigrants, at Marietta, Ohio, and was with the former in their various meanderings until they came to this county. He was born in Massachusetts, and in 1815, concluded to try his fortune in the western frontier. He therefore started out single and alone, and by chance fell in with the Paddock family as above stated. On coming to the county, he was favorably impressed with the appear- ances of the land in Madison, and especially of what is now called Liberty prairie. He, therefore, made his settlement in section fifteen. On bis land he built a small log cabin, where he kept bachelor's hall, mainly, until his marriage which occurred in 1820. His wife was Miss Nancy White, and by their union ten children were born, John, Edward, Lucy A., Emeline, James, Albert, Harriet, William L., Clara, and Sarah ; all of whom were born in the township, except Clara, who was born in Wisconsin while her parents were in that State on a visit for the benefit of Mr. Esta- brook's health. Mr. E. improved a good farm and was one of the substantial citizens of his time. His death occurred on the second of May, 1881 Mrs. Estabrook survived her husband but a few months. They lie side by side in the old Liberty Prairie Cemetery. All of their children are living, except Lucy Ann ; only two, however, are residents of the county, Emeline, wife of William Galt, living in section fourteen, and William L., who at this writing, resides in sec- tion nine.

Mr. William Galt, one of the enterprising farmers of the township, is a native of Scotland, and came with his father to America. The family then consisted of five children, Margaret, Elizabeth, Alexander, William, and Jean. They landed at New Orleans, La , in 1844, and from thence came to St Louis up the Missouri river. The father stopped in Missouri, but William and Alexander came over to Madi- son county, and purchased land in sections 14, 5-8. This was in 1845; Alexander remained here but a short time, and subsequently moved to Galena, where he was ac- cidentally killed by the kick of a horse, in 1847. William is the only one of the family now living, and is enjoying life at the old farm, highly estecmed by all who know him.

Mrs. Galt has in her possession some of the old papers of her father, John Estabrook, and among them we find one, now rusty with age, which is the constitution of the first temper- ance society established in Fort Russell township, and one of the first in the county. This association was a branch of the Madison county Temperance Society, and met at the house of John Estabrook the 23d of March, 1833, when the constitution and by-laws were adopted. The following are the names of the persons signing that instrument : Mrs.

479

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Sarah Newman, Miss Julia Newman, Miss Nancy Cotter, Mrs. Lettice White, Mrs. Rebecca Barber, Lethie Barber, Betsy Barber, Mrs. Naney Estabrook, Mrs. Letitia Robin- son, Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson Polly Ann Robinson, Letitia Gordon, Miss Jane B. Robinson David Swett. David Lin- eoln, Zadoek Newman, John Estabrook, David Robinson, Wm. S. B. Robinson, Charles Hubbard, Mrs. Lueinda Hub- bard, Louis D. Palmer, Elihu J. Palmer, John M. Palmer, Zenas Webster, Mrs. Parnell Webster, Miss Cordelia Webster, Miss Permelia Webster, Winfield S. Palmer, John Speer, Mrs. Betsy Speer, Miss Rebecca Bridgeman, Thomas Fer- guson, Anely Stotts and Mrs. Polly Stotts. Only two of the above named persons are now residing in this part of the county, Wm. S. B. Robinson and Mrs. Jane Chapman, nee Robinson.

One who figured very prominently among the pioneers, and who lived to see the development of his country, and the wilds of the West transformed into comfortable homes, was Major Solomon Preuitt, a native of Virginia. He emi- grated to Illinois from Tennes ee, with his father, Martin Preuitt, in 1806, and located on Sand Ridge Prairie, three miles east of Alton, now Wood River township. It was here that Mrs. Martin Preuitt died in 1807. Solomon was the youngest of the family, and he, with his father, lived alone at this place for some years. In 1813 Major Solomon Preuitt enlisted in the United States service, and joined the Rangers on the frontier, where he served until the elose of the war. Four years prior to his entering the service, he married Miss Rebecca Higgins, who was then seventeen years of age. In 1818 he moved to Fort Russell township, and located in section 18. It was here that his father, Martin Preuitt, died at the ripe old age of ninety seven years. In 1831, when Black Hawk and his braves took the war-path, Major Preuitt was one of the first to enlist in the cause of subduing the Indians. He was elected captain of a company, and served with credit until the disbanding of the regiment, at the mouth of Fox river. On his ar- rival home he was elected Major of the militia, an office which he held for many years with credit to himself and those he commanded. He was twice married, his first wife dying in the fall of 1855. He afterward married Elizabeth Higgins, a sister of his former wife. No children were born by this union. Ten children were born by the first mar- riage, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Martin, James, Elizabeth, William, Nancy, Wiley and Mary, only one of whom is now living in Fort Russell, -Wiley, who is residing in section 18, not far from the farm of his father. Abraham, Isaac, James and Naney, wife of John Dillon, are residents of various parts of the county. Major Preuitt died suddenly at his old home on the 9th of January, 1875, at the age of eighty-five years. He was a history within himself of the pioneer times of Madison county, and if living to-day, many incidents and facts of those days could be recorded that the present historian is not able to glean. Elizabeth, his second wife, passed away nearly twenty years ago. They are now resting in the family burial-ground in section 18.

Daniel A. Lanterman eame from Kentucky to this state in 1818, during the excitement of the grand influx of im-

migration to the Prairie state. He first located in St. Clair county, where he remained for one year. The spring fol- lowing he came into Madison county, and engaged in the profession of school teaching. His family then consisted of his wife, Sally, and one son, William A. He taught his first school in a log cabin situated on the premises now owned by James Jones, familiarly known in early times as the Ferguson improvement. This cabin was arranged with two fire-places, and mud and stick chimneys A log was cut out on one side, a few feet from the floor, for lighting purposes. The teacher's post in the room was also lighted by a small aperture made by cutting through the logs. William A. Lanterman, who was then attending his father's school, informed the writer that his first book was made by pasting letters upon a wooden paddle. This was a very convenient arrangement, as it served the purpose of a primer and also for correcting refractory pupils. Mr Lanterman continued the calling of teaching for a few years, when he b ught the farm of Jacob Linder, in seetion 19. In 1843 he was elected county school commissioner, which office he filled with credit to himself and constituency. Several children were born to the family at this homestead. Mr. L. died here in the fall of 1875, being theu in the eighty- uinth year of his age. William A. is the only one of the family now living, and resides in section 16, where he owns a large and well cultivated farm. flis family consists of his wife and six children, three sons and three daughters. Mr. L. and wife possess the hospitality of their pioneer ancestors, and are enjoying their old age in peace and plenty.

Volney P. Richmond, grandson of Gaius Paddock, came with his grandfather to the county in the year before stated. He was then less than a year old. His mother was Jane Richmond, who afterwards became the wife of Gershom Flagg. At the age of twenty-nine years, Volney P, was married to Miss Victoria West; they have two children, Edward W., and Isabel G. Mr. R. now resides in section ten, and is a thrifty and prominent farmer. He has in his possession the old compass that was used by the govern- ment surveyor. Mr. Flagg and John Estabrook were in h's employ, surveying the lands of this part of the state. He also has a valuable relie of the Revolutionary time, consist- ing of a pouch and a powder horn, pieked up on the battle field of Bunker Ifill. The former is manufactured from moose hide, and sewed together with buckskin strings. The buttons, which are used for enclosing the pouch, are cut from rawhide. Even at this time it contains two bullets of different sizes, one of which is said to be British lead and was ex- tracted from the body of the soldier who wore it. The horn is of the ordinary size, and is engraved with the letters, bear- ing the name of Jonathan Lawrence. He also has in his possession the muster roll of Gaius Paddock's company of Revolutionary soldiers. One who figured promiently in the county 'was Enanuel J. West. He came from Indiana about 1820, and located in section 7, on the farm now owned by F. H. Herren. ID 1824, he moved to Edwardsville. Ile had a family of five children, only one of whom is living. She resides in Kentucky. There are two

480

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

grand-children living in Fort Russell, the children of Volney P. Richmond. Mr. West took an active part in politics, and in an early day represented the county in the Legisla- ture. Later he was appointed minister to Peru, South America, and died on the passage to that country. In his lifetime, and while residing in Fort Russell, he was the owner of several indentured slaves. They were afterwards liberated. Another of the early settlers, was Joseph Robinson, a native of North Carolina. He came to the county in 1815, and located in section five, Edwardsville township. He drove a four-horse team overland, bringing his family in a covered w igon so common in those days. His family consisted of his wife and three children, Margaret, Eliza, and William S B. John and Mary Ann, were born in this county. He bought 160 acres of land on which was a small cabin, and here com- menced the life of a pioneer. Only two of the children now reside in the county, William S. B., and Eliza, widow of the late Rev. Joel Kmght. The former moved to the township in 1832, and settled in section 11. Mrs. Robinson died Septem- ber 10th, 1879. She was Miss Letitia A. White, and from this marriage five sons were born, Lewis C. Sidney, W. J., J. A., and J. H., only two of whom reside in the township, Sidney, and J. H. Mr. Robinson now lives with his son Sidney. Edmond Owens, another early comer, was from Tennessee, but born in South Carolina. He migrated from the former state to Illinois in 1838, and first located in Fosterburg township, section 28. He came here with his wife and six children, Gaines, Anna, Susan, Elizabeth, Payton, and Josiah P., only three of whom are now living in Madison, Liza, Gaines, and Josiah P .; the latter resides in section 20, and is a prosperous farmer. His wife is one of the old resi - dents in the county. She was Sarah L., daughter of Martin Jones.

Among others now living who are old citizens, and promi- nent farmers, are Luther W. Lyon, Henry Engelhart, the Belks, C. P. Smith, Nimrod Stillwell, D. C. Scheer, and others. Henry Belk, father-in-law of Russell Newman, is a native of Yorkshire, England, and came to America in a very early day. He is now 94 years of age, and probably the oldest resident citizen in the county.

Mr. Lyon is now residing with his son-in-law, Wiley Preuitt, in section 18. He planted one of the first grafted orchards in this part of the county. He has in his posses- sion a relie of Revolutionary times, being a gun taken from the Hessians at the siege of Yorktown by his grandfather. It has been remodeled by attaching a cap lock, and is in a good state of preservation.

The following are among the first land entries made in the township. On the 15th of Angust, 1814, Ephraim Wood, entered the southwest quarter of section 17. September 12 h, 1814, Martin Prenitt, entered several aeres in section 18, and at the same time Thomas Daniel entered the whole of section 20, except 160 aeres. September 21st, 1814, Isaac Hill entered 344 22-100 acres in section 19. During the same month William Jones entered different tracts in sections 18, 19, and 20. There were quite a num- ber of entries made in the year 1814, but we have given sufficient names to show who were the first to enter their

farms. J. L. Ferguson, son of Isaac Ferguson, the pio- neer, was the first born in the township. His birth occurred in 1807, in section 20. on the farm owned by John Hnron. The first death also occurred in the Ferguson family, about 1807 or'8. The interment was made on the farm now owned by James Jones. The first school was taught by the Rev. William Jones in 1818, at the old block house, then situated in section 18, on the Jones homestead. At this writing a few apple trees cover the spot. The first regular school- house constructed was in 1819, and situated in section 20. A school was tanght in it the same year. Abraham Amos and William Jones were the first to preach the gospel, the former being a Methodist minister and the latter a Baptist. The early services were conducted at the house of Isaiah Dunnagan, in 1809. The Rev. Abraham Amos was then in charge of the ministry in the interest of the M. E. Church in the counties of Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair. The first organized Sabbath-school was instituted by John M. Peck and William Ottwell, in the spring of 1824, at the house of Dunnagan. The German Lutheran denomination constrneted the first church house in 1842, near the store of F. Gaertner in section 23. The second church was built by the Methodist congregation at Liberty Prairie, in 1850. The Baptist congregation commenced their house late in the fall of the same year, but did not complete it until the following year. Both houses are yet standing.

LIBERTYVILLE

Is a little hamlet composed of a few houses scattered along the old Greenville road. At this time there is only a wagon and blacksmith shop, conducted by Ludwig Silland. There was once a store and post-office at this point, but they have some years since been abandoned.

There are several well-kept publie burial places in the township; one of the largest is situated on Liberty Prairie. -

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.

History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches, Part 113

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co. Number of Pages: 698

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co.
Number of Pages: 698