USA > Illinois > Massac County > History of Massac County, Illinois with life sketches and portraits > Part 13
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
He was taken back to the jail and put into the dungeon with the others-he had been kept separate from the others and in better quarters. Ahab Farmer, a young man of nine- teen or twenty years, whose father and brothers were respecta- ble and honest citizens, was taken out and gladly accepted the terms that had been given to Hazel. He testified before the grand jury, a true bill of indictment was returned into court, and the next day set for a hearing of the cause.
Upon being arraigned the prisoners, one and all, plead "Not guilty," and filed an affidavit for change of venue, and the court ordered the case to Johnson county. As the John- son county court did not meet until late in September, and there being no special term asked for, the prisoners had to be kept over. They thought that they would be immediately re- moved to Vienna for safe-keeping, and hoped to escape from the jail there, and were disappointed when informed that they would remain in jail at Golconda. Then came a long term of guarding the jail, as it was not very secure, being made of logs.
The work of the Regulators thus far had been of the na- ture of a "posse comitatus," more than that of an irresponsi- ble body of citizens, but now they were necessarily to assume a more independent position, and to assume a character that in some respects was outside of the law of the land. It became necessary to maintain a strong guard around the jail, espec- ially at night, and the expense of such a guard being too great for the finances of the county, volunteers were received and organized. Five or six men would become responsible for a guard for one night each week, and others for each other
163
. MASSAC COUNTY.
night of the week, and each guard knew his own night for duty, and only that guard would report. Sometimes as many as thirty men would be on guard at one time.
During the interval between the special term of Pope cir- cuit court-some two months-and the Johnson county court, a plan was laid by the friends of the prisoners for their release. The town was to be fired, and during the confusion that would ensue, the jail was to be broken, and the prisoners set at lib- erty. Spies were sent to town at night to know the strength and watchfulness of the guard. On the west side of the coun- ty it was known just who were on guard on a given night, and on one occasion it was known what they took for their mid- night lunch. The emissaries who were riding and notifying the parties, made the mistake of notifying the wrong man, who dissembled until he had as much information as he wanted, and the emissary gone, mounted his horse, and by pathways hurried to Golconda and gave notice of the game. Not many hours elapsed until that particular agent was in Golconda under a guard.
On his arrival at town a somewhat laughable-but to him humiliating-scene took place. He had some days previously been seen talking with the prisoners, and crying over their pitiable condition-he not being related to any of them-the matter was noted as being an unnecessary manifestation of feeling on his part towards such characters as they had proven themselves to be. So on his arrival in Golconda quite a crowd gathered around him, and pressing close to him, even leaning over him, began to cry over him and lament his unfortunate condition, while the crowd continued to increase and the cries became louder, and the tears more copious. The hills which rise around Golconda echoed the lamentations for quite a time. A stranger to the scene might have supposed that some dire public calamity had befallen the place. No personal violence was offered to him, however, but after some days' detention -- his father-in-law having interceded for him as of a weak consti- tution-he was given a coat of tar and feathers, and permitted to make his escape, since when he has not been heard from,
164
HISTORY OF
Others who had been active participants in the scheme, were arrested, and after being detained for a longer or shorter period, were permitted to leave, which they did as soon as leave was given. One, George Vanduser, who had been elected county commissioner, had manifested considerable sympathy toward the prisoners, came on the first Monday of September to take his seat with the others to transact the county busi- ness. He was waited on by a committee and advised to re- sign his office. Reasons were given and urged with such ear- nestness that he saw the force of them and acted in accordance with the advice given.
In a few instances the Regulators departed from the main object of their organization-the Sides outrage to arrest and confiue other persons for other offenses. Some were arrested for larceny, one for passing counterfeit money, and perhaps some for minor offenses. One John Nokes, who had habitual- ly maltreated his wife, was arrested, and for want of room above, was put into the dungeon where the Sides robbers were confined and left there for a time, when his cries for help brought assistance and he was removed. Some shingles had inadvertently been dropped into the dungeon, and the vile wretches had improved the opportunity afforded to vent their spite on poor Nokes until he was unable to sit up for quite a time.
The prisoners believing that taking the money was the gist of their crime, and that if it was recovered they would be prosecuted with less energy, told where it was concealed; but upon search it was not found. Green said that he could find it if given the opportunity. Accordingly he was taken out under a strong guard, a distance of ten or twelve miles, and he found the money, and was conducted back to jail, much to his disgust, as he thought that opportunity for his escape would be given.
The time for holding court rolled round, and the prisoners heavily ironed, were placed in wagons, accompanied by about one hundred armed men, safely arrived at Vienna. It was expected that an attempt for rescue would be made on the
165
MASSAC COUNTY.
route, as the way lay through that part of the county where the supposed friends of the prisoners lived-hence so strong a guard -- but no demonstration was made.
The trial was bad, the prisoners were convicted and sen- tenced to a term in the penitentiary, and the object of the Reg. ulators being accomplished, they disbanded the organization, and their work for good or ill, became a part of the history of the county. Four of the six convicts died during the term of their sentence, and two only, to-wit, Hite Green and William B. Hazel, returned. Hazel settled down and went to work for his living, and so far as known acted honestly and honorably, and to some extent retrieved his lost character. Not so Green, who had not reformed even outwardly, but was more cautious in his actions than before he had experience of the power and will of the law and order loving people of Pope county. He lacked one more demonstration of the wishes and determina- tion of the people, which demonstration he received in due time.
We will follow up the history of the Regulators of Pope county with an episode, which has some relation to the time of the Regulators, both in the personnel, and the character of those times.
Hiram -- or Hite-Green, after completion of his term in the state's prison, returned to his old haunts. His father had died in the meantime, as also his wife, an unmarried sister with his two children, lived in the old homestead. He only made the old home his headquarters, while the larger part of his time was spent in other parts.
At one time he and a "pal" remained longer than was usual at headquarters, and from their actions the people were satisfied that they were planning some evil scheme to be car- ried out, or were in hiding for some crime already committed. They made no attempt to mingle with the citizens surrounding them, so far as known, spent their days and portions of the night in the swamps adjacent to the creek, and a part of the night at the old home, for learning any news, and to lay in supplies. It was thought by some that to prevent erime was
166
HISTORY OF
better than to punish it after it was done. A meeting was privately called at an out-of-the-way place to consider the mat- ter. At the place appointed sixty or seventy persons met who lived near the place of rendezvous. On consulting together, some one announced that parties in Golconda had stated to him that if the two men were put into their hands they would see that they should trouble the country no further.
It was argued by some that the only thing to do was to capture the men and deliver them. There was in the assem- blage a magistrate who told them "no." That if there was any one in the crowd who could file the necessary affidavit he would issue a warrant for their arrest, and that they must proceed orderly, and according to law. A man came forward and truthfully filed the affidavit. A warrant was issued, and there being no constable convenient, the magistrate appointed a special constable, who immediately summoned the whole company to assist him in making the arrest.
The company acting under orders, were divided into squads and their course indicated. The result was that the parties were found, run down and captured in a short time, were taken to town and no one caring to receive them, they were turned loose to go where they pleased.
Green and the other were loud in their threats against all concerned in the matter, but especially against the party who had run them down and captured them. This continued until it was thought best to ignore it no longer.
A private meeting was held for consultation at which the eight young men who had captured the two men were present, together with two or three men of age who were called iu to counsel them. After hearing the different opinions advanced, the old men asked them if they believed from their knowledge of the men that their lives were in danger, and that an oppor- tunity would be sought to secretly kill them. On their answer- ing in the affirmative, the old men gave them their opinion.
"That if they-the old men-believed that these men would seek an opportunity to kill them secretly, they would
167
MASSAC COUNTY.
not give them the opportunity, but would be beforehand with them."
This meeting being held after night, the eight who had been threatened, repaired to the old Green homestead and se- creted themselves within sixty yards of the house to wait for the appearance of the men sought for. Some time in the night they were seen to approach the house from the other side from where the ambush was laid. It had been agreed by the party that when the men sought for should be in gunshot, that all should bring their guns to bear upon the game, and wait until one who was designated, should fire his piece, then all should fire as quickly as possible. The one selected to fire was so chosen because his gun was sure fire.
About one o'clock in the morning the moon rose, and about two o'clock the men left the house from the front and came within forty yards of the ambuscade, when the man with the sure fire gun, sighted his piece on Green and pulled trigger, when the cap bursted without discharging the gun. The two men sprang like hunted deer, while a rattling volley followed them, doing, however, no damage, so far as known.
Before sunrise the two men were at the Brooklyn ferry, without coats or hats and very anxious to cross the river. They were detained, however, until a runner was sent to know if they were wanted. The reply was to set them across the river. Since that time if Green has been back in his old haunts it has been secretly. Nothing certain is known of him since, but it was reported that during the war he headed a band of guerillas, and was killed during some of his predatory excur- sions. From the known character of the man Green, the re- port was deemed to be true.
This statement is now for the first time given to the public, the more freely that all of those who actively participated in the matter have passed to that bourne from whence no trav- eler has ever returned. And, perhaps, there is but one person living who was cognizant of all the facts as they occurred.
Some time in the early forties, a free colored man, who was known by the name of Elijah, settled about two miles
I68
HISTORY OF
from Golconda with a family of four children, aged from ten years upward, and lived a quiet, peaceable life, and won the respect of his white neighbors, so far as colored men received the respect of whites in those days.
Some time in the year 1843, a raid was made in the night upon Elijah and his children were carried off by parties who were unknown. The alarm was given by the father before light, and such endeavors were made to trace them up by the neighbors as were thought necessary, but without the least success. The kidnappers had covered their tracks pretty ef- fectually. Certain parties were arrested on suspicion, and witnesses were examined who were supposed to have knowl- edge of the matter, but without avail. The witnesses dis- dained any knowledge of the matter, and as a result the pris- oners were released. It now appeared that the guilty parties would escape punishment due them for their crime. Some ef- forts were quietly made by certain parties to find the abducted children and restore them to their father. It was evident that there could be but one object in view by the kidnappers, and this limited the search to the slave-holding states.
After a time such information was received that led to the conclusion that the children were on the farm of a Mr. Dorsey in the state of Mississippi. Mr. William Rhodes, who was then the sheriff of the county, accompanied by Elijah, went to see them and if the information proved true, to recover them and bring them home if possible. On reaching the farm of Mr. Dorsey they informed him frankly of their business, and inquired if he had about that time purchased such children as were described to him. He admitted the purchase of such children, and thought that he had a good title to them, having purchased in good faith, but that if he was deceived, he would upon sufficient proof give up the property.
In answer to inquiry he stated that the children were at that time out on the farm, hoeing cotton. Mr. Rhodes then made him this proposition: They three would walk out through the field near where the children were working, and if they were the children of Elijah, he, Rhodes, thought that
169
MASSAC COUNTY.
they would recognize him, and they would certainly know their father. And if such recognition did not occur, he should lay no claim to them, but should they know them, Mr. Dorsey should surrender them to their father.
This proposition was accepted, and the three persons went out to the farm where the children were engaged at work. They walked slowly, pausing here and there, as though exam- ining the growing crop, and went so as to pass near the chil- dren without going directly to them. While yet at some dis- tance from the children, they could see that they were observ- ing them, and when they were nearer-Elijah being in the rear -- one of the children called out, "La! yonder comes Mr. Rhodes, yes and papa, too!"
And dropping their hoes, the children came running to them at their utmost speed. Mr. Dorsey said that he was sat- isfied, and would not contend against the evidence so brought before him, but that the old man should have his children re- stored to him, which was done, and Mr. Rhodes returned home with his charge, the father and children.
Mr. Dorsey having shown Rhodes his title to the "proper- ty," he found that he had a bill of sale for the children, accord- ing to the laws of Mississippi, "in such cases made and pro. vided," which was signed by William H. Vaughn, who was known to Rhodes, and was at that time a resident of Pope county.
This Vaughn was a man who bought the tract of land on the Ohio, at the mouth of Big Bay creek, known as Bayfield. He was a man of considerable means, and nothing was known of his antecedents, but from his constant watchfulness, and his "armed occupation," coupled with his entire silence in re- gard to his previous life and place of residence, he was thought to have been a member of some of those bands of pirates who had infested the Gulf coast some years before. He kept a sa- loon sometimes at Bayfield, and for a time at Golconda.
While at Bayfield he was often visited by men who, so far as his neighbors knew, had no business relations with him, and who were entirely unknown, but who would come and go at
170
HISTORY OF
irregular intervals, which perhaps gave rise in part, to the suspicions in regard to his former life. He also had a gun in his possession, which was of a kind unknown to the citizens around him.
This gun was one and a half to two inches in the bore, the barrel was about three feet in length, and there was an extra trigger underneath, and upon pulling it, a long dagger or spear, would fly out and stand fixed from the muzzle of the gun like a bayonet. Vaughn would only say of it, that he "would not like to be where it had been."
On lying down to sleep, he laid two pistols on a table near his bed, and kept a rifle and shot gun in reach where he Jay. Such was Wm. H. Vaughn. At the May, 1844, terin of the Pope circuit court, the grand jury called this Vaughn be- fore them to state from whom he procured the children whom he had sold to Dorsey. He hesitated, and after admitting that he knew the parties, declined to testify. On being brought before the court, and the court having plainly pointed out to him the consequences of a persistent refusal to answer the question, he stated that he feared to make the parties known. He was assured by the court of protection. He said that he did not fear personal violence, as that he could meet, but that he had a "reputation"-God save the mark-which would be assailed, and in that regard the court could give him no ade- quate protection.
Of course the court could not entertain his plea for a mo- ment, and he was returned to the grand jury room, where after reflecting for a time he announced his willingness to answer such questions as the jury should ask him. He stated to the jury that lie received the children on a bill of sale, and that they were delivered to him by Joshua Handly, Peyton Gor- don, Caleb Slankard and John Simpkins of Pope county, and Joe Lynn and Hiram Campbell of Massac county. The par- ties were indicted, warrants were issued for the arrest of the parties, and delivered to the sheriff in the afternoon, and be- fore daylight the next morning Handly and Gordon were lodged in jail, Slankard was brought in early in the day, and
171
MASSAC COUNTY.
Simpkins at a later hour. Lynn and Campbell came in volun- tarily with their bail, and were not committed to jail. Within ten days after this William H. Vaughn was dead, and every one on being informed of his death, asked who killed him. His death was caused by apoplexy, and there being no other witness against the prisoners, they were discharged from cus- tody.
HISTORY
OF
MASSAC COUNTY, ILLINOIS
STATEN
SOVEREIGNTY
TIONAL UNION
VAT
WITH
LIFE SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS.
BY O. J. PAGE, Editor "Journal Republican." Member Forty-First General Assembly.
IN TWO PARTS.
PART II .- LIFE SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS.
1
HON.[CHARLES P. SKAGGS.
SANDERS. STAMS
METROPOLIS HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.
(See page 132).
175
MASSAC COUNTY.
PART II.
METROPOLIS PRECINCT-(Formed 1843. )
ROBERT WILSON MCCARTNEY (DECEASED).
Robert Wilson McCartney, descended from John McCart- ney and wife, nee Jean Brown, both Scotch people who emi- grated to the "Western Reserve" in 1838 or '9. He was born near Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio, March 19, 1843. At six his parents took him to Eastbrook, Pa., where his mother died in his tenth year after which the family moved to Youngs- town, Ohio, where Robert worked steadily in the Woolen mills until the war broke out. In youth he attended the public schools. After the war he graduated at Duff's Business Col- lege, Pittsburg, attended a course of law lectures at Cleveland, came to Illinois and was admitted to the bar in 1868.
At eighteen, hc enlisted as a private, Sixth Ohio Cavalry, was aide to General Sickles at Gettysburg and was almost fatally wounded in the shoulder as he carried orders to Geu- eral Ellis. For two days and nights he lay helpless on that historic field when he was discovered and carried to the hos- pital at Harrisburg. Partially recovered, he was assigned to clerical duty for the provost marshal. When sufficiently re- covered he was commissioned Captain of Company I, Eighty- third Volunteer Infantry, and sent at once to join the armny of the Potomac. Passing through the hard fought battles of this campaign and witnessing Lee's surrender, he took part in the "Grand Review" to be later mustered out at Harrisburg,
1 76
HISTORY OF
Pa. Entering his country's service a vigorous youth he sac- rificed his physical manhood upon its altar.
In the events of his life among us, we are more interested. Coming to Metropolis, he associated with his brother, Captain J. F. McCartney in the publication of "The Promulgator"-the legal progenitor of the Journal Republican, and was also his law partner. He was also associated with William Towle in operating the enormous Towle Saw Mills, later selling out to Mr. Towle that he might practice law, which was more con- genial to his taste.
An elegant brick residence, and the commodious Julian Hotel were built by him. The one ambition of his life was to erect a modern brick Music Hall containing a library and read- ing room. In this laudable design he succeeded before his death and left in his will a provision stipulating that the rooms should not only be perpetually used for public reading and library rooms, but also made $100 payable to the library trus- tees upon settlement of his estate, which provision his estima- ble wife has seen fulfilled. The library, organized first as an association, was named the R. W. McCartney Library, and later passed under the control and support of the city. He was a moving spirit in the organization and operation of the First National Bank of Metropolis, later becoming its presi- dent.
Politically, Mr. McCartney was a staunch Republican and attained eminent success. Elected city attorney, he was pro- moted to county judge in 1873, serving for nine years; in 1882, lie was a member of the General Assembly, and in 1885 his party elected him circuit judge. He served with distinction, and could have been re-elected but for failing health and ex- tensive business interests. In his social life he was a respect- ed member of the Grand Army, an honored Odd Fellow and a loyal Mason. In religion, he affiliated with the Methodists, for years a trustee of that influential body. All the fraternal bodies participated in his funeral.
Judge McCartney married Miss Mary, daughter of Profes- sor Priestly, Sept. 8, 1868, and to them were born two sons-
MASSAC COUNTY. 177
William Priestly and John-the latter dying in infancy. Oc- tober 18, 1871, Mrs. McCartney died, and March 19, 1873, he was married to Miss Julia Scofield, the amiable daughter of Rev. Scofield, an eminent Presbyterian minister. From this union Robert W. and Jean Elizabeth were born, the former dying while young. Miss Jean, born March 6, 1878, graduated from the Metropolis High School as valedictorian of the class of '94, received her diploma from the famous Western Female Seminary, Oxford, Ohio, June, '98, and entered Chicago Uni- versity to take a elassical course. Unfortunately by a fall, precipitating fatal complications, her young, brilliant and promising life was ended in Chicago Feb. 17, 1899. In one more year she would have returned home with honors from the great university, but instead tender, loving and sympa- thizing hands placed her to rest beside her father. Over their graves the widow has lately erected the finest monumnt in Massae county. She quietly resides in the family home in Metropolis, carrying out the wishes and revering the memory of her esteemed husband and lamented daughter and doing what she can to advance the interests of the community.
SAMUEL ATWELL,
COUNTY CLERK.
Captain Samuel Atwell's grandfather was a native of Maryland, early moved to North Carolina, thence to Barren county, Ky., and engaged in farming. Thomas Atwell, the father, was born in Maryland, Jan. 24, 1789, reared in Ken- tueky, and married Naney Harlow. She was born in Ken- tucky, 1800, descended from Revolutionary ancestors, and died in Massac county, August, 1851, leaving ten children.
Thomas Atwell and wife moved to Harrison county, Ind., 1832, landed at Brooklyn, Ill., in a flat boat March 1, 1849, and farmed near that place until his death Aug. 18, 1862.
Samuel Atwell, his son, was born December, 1834, in Har- rison county, Ind., attended the primitive schools, taught sehool, 1855 to '59, and at eighteen was converted in the Reg-
12
178
HISTORY OF
ular Baptist church. He spent '59 and '60 in Shurtleff Col- lege, Alton, Ill., began preaching in '61 and enlisted, the same year, a private in Company A, 56th Illinois Infantry. He was promoted to Sergeant in '62, and made captain the same year. Corintlı, Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, Savannah and Bentonville were fields of his active service. From Chatta- nooga to Atlanta his regiment was rear guard. He saw Col- umbia burn, was in the grand review and retired commissioned Major in '65. He was discharged at Little Rock, Aug. 12, 1865, and returned to the walks of peace with honor.
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.