History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 103

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens > Part 103

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

15, 1858, as New Hope, No. 263. In 1867, the present hall was built, at a cost of $1,000. The present membership numbers 33, with the following officers: M. A. Terry, N. G .; George Russell, V. G .; S. Thompson, R. S .; C. J. Saunders, P. S .; A. P. Hopper, treasurer. The or- der is in a flourishing condition.

The Order of the Iron Hall was first organized March 28, 1881, at Indianapo- lis, Indiana, with beneficiary objects in view. October 15, 1884, an organization was effected at Blandinsville, with the following charter members: H. N. Ma- son, C. E. Ballou, J. M. Duncan, M. D., J. F. Anderson, James K. Boughman, W. S. Bailey, J. B. Bailey, Marion Hus- ton, P. D. Campbell, N. S. Campbell, W. F. Bond, C. N. Wilson, J. M. Foley, J. M. Hainline, W. H. Nichols, S .. W. Blandin, John Miller, T. P. Fagley, T. F. Woodside, E. T. Sapp, J. M. Nara- more, J. H. Grigsby, and Joseph Edel. The present officers of the lodge are J. F. Anderson, C. J .; T. F. Woodside, V. C. J .; J. M. Naramore, A. C. C. T .; J. B. Bai- ley, A. A. J .; P. D. Campbell, prelate; H. N. Mason, herald; W. H. Nichols, watchman; J. M. Duncan, M. E. The society meets in the opera house every second and fourth Tuesday of each month. I ler, S. D .; C. Newton Wilson, J. D.

Since the organization of the lodge, three sick bonefits have been paid, amounting to $125. The present condition of the lodge is excellent, and its future pros- pects are very flattering indeed.

The Ancient Order of United Work- men was organized November 9, 1876, with 33 charter members. At the time of the organization, the following officers were installed: J. W. Fowler, M. W .; M. A. Terry, P. M. W .; H. H. Mason, recorder; J. C. Fergley, financial secre- tary; J. H. Grigsby, treasurer.

Blandinsville lodge, No. 233, A. F. & A. M., was organized at Blandinsville, October 7, 1857, with the following char- ter members as first officers: Richard D. Hammond, W. M .; John E. Hudson, S. W .; Henry G. Bristow, J. W .; Clem- ent Gillihan, secretary; Charles R. Hume, treasurer; William F. Frost, S. D .; Man- uel C. Parkinson, J. D. The present condition of the lodge is excellent. They own the building in which the hall is sit- uated, which was erected in 1877, at a cost of $2,000. The present officers are: George S. Fuhr, W. M .; James M. Dun- can, S. W .; Marshal A. Terry, J. W .; Thomas H. Williams, secretary; Marion Coffman, treasurer; Reuben E. Spang-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXXV.

NEW SALEM TOWNSHIP.

This township is one of the best for agricultural purposes in McDonough county. It is bounded on the north by Mound, on the east by Fulton county, on the south by Eldorado, and on the west by Scotland, and embraces all of congressional township 5 north, range 1 west.

The land, for the most part is level and gently rolling prairie, with a patch of timber about Pennington's Point, and little belts in the northeast and south- east corners of the township.

Camp creek has its origin in New Salem township. This stream was so named from the fact that William Os- born camped on its banks all the sum- mer of 1828, on what is now the farm of Theophilus Walker, in Scotland town- ship. Its two branches, commencing re- spectively in sections 3 and 25, converge at a point on the northwest quarter of section 21, forming the main body of Camp creek, and passing into Scotland from the southwest corner of section 19. These streams, with the many little riv- ulets, serve to irrigate the farm lands, and also afford water for stock raising purposes in sufficient quantities.

The Rock Island & St. Louis division of the C., B. & Q. railroad, runs through a good portion of the township. Com- ing in from the north at the center of the north line of section 3, it runs directly

south until it touches Reedyville, when its course is changed to the southeast, and it passes into Fulton county from the southeast corner of section 25.

No township in the county has a bet- ter record in the matter of stock raising than New Salem.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

To William Pennington belongs the honor of having made the earliest set- tlement in New Salem township.

He came to McDonough county in 1828, and on the 1st day of January, of that year, located at what is now called Pennington's Point, the locality having been given its name in honor of Stewart Pennington, in 1834, by Cyrus Walker. William was the first settler in that im- mediate vicinity, and may be justly ranked among the pioneers of the county. He was born in the state of Virginia on the 25th day of March,. 1799, and, when a boy, moved with his parents to Greenbrier county, Kentucky. On reaching manhood's estate, he left home and removed to Indiana. After a few years he removed to Illinois, and finally brought up in McDonough county as stated. He engaged in farming, and subsequently purchased land in Emmet township, which is yet owned by his sons. He was married, while a resident of Indiana, to Rebecca Osborn, a native

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

of North Carolina. They both have passed away since coming to this county, but the names of their descendants are still familiar in some localities of the county. They were the parents of ten children, six of whom are now living. Their names are as follows- Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Nancy, Alfred, Oliver P., William R., Eli A., Joel R., and John L.

Salem Woods bought the land on which his son Edward now resides, in 1827. He came out from Pennsylvania, to look at it, in 1828, but, finding this region of country too thinly settled to suit him, he returned to Pennsylvania, and did not bring his family here to make a permanent settlement till the fall of 1831.

Salem Woods, deceased, is a native of the state of New York, and was born in Madison county, June 4, 1799, His father was Samuel Wood. He was reared in the state of New York, and removed thence to Erie county, Penn- sylvania. There he followed the oc- cupation of saddler and harness mak- ing, having learned the trade in his na- tive state. He left Pennsylvania, and came on foot to McDonough county, in 1828. He looked over the land in this county, particularly a tract, now on sec- tion 30, of New Salem township, which he had purchased before coming here. He remained a few weeks and then re- turned to Erie county. But he was much pleased with the country here, and thought he saw in the rich soil great pos- sibilities for the future, and having de- termined to make this his home, he came again in the fall of 1831, and took up his permanent abode on section 30, New Sa- lem township. The following is taken

from S. J. Clarkes history, as a reminis- ence of this old pioneer:

"I left Erie county, Pennsylvania, May 28, 1828, and came to Terre Haute, Indi- ana, intending going to Vandalia, then the capital of the state of Illinois. While in a store in Terre Haute, I met the cap- tain of a boat who told me he would take me to Vincennes, if I would work my passage. While Vincennes was no nearer Vandalia than Terre Haute, the country was better settled, and I decided to ac- cept his offer. Arriving at Vincennes, I at once started on foot to Vandalia, trav- eling one day 30 miles and passing but one house. At the capital I called upon the state auditor and told him I wanted to pay my taxes on a quarter section of land, the same I now own and on which I have lived for 47 years. He asked me if I had any state paper, when I an- swered that I had nothing but silver. My taxes were $1.60. He took one-half of a $3 bill, telling me to add 10 cents to it and it would settle the bill. This he let me have for 75 cents. I therefore paid my taxes for 85 cents Being very anxious to reach McDonough county, I started from Vandalia late in the after- noon, thinking to stop at a house I was informed was only six miles on the road. This house I reached just before sun- down, where I found the woman sick and was refused admittance. I then had to trudge on six miles to the next house, endeavoring to make it in as short a time as possible. The night was very dark, and a thunder storm came up, and in a short time I was drenched to the skin. By the lightning's flash I noticed a point of timber some distance ahead, and reaching it gave several yells, thinking

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

it possible some one might live there. I received no answer, and would fain have stopped there for the night, but was afraid to on account of the wolves, which were then in great numbers. I passed on, crossing a creek and coming to an- other open prairie, and after traveling some distance, I was met .by a pack of dogs. I called loudly for some one to take off the dogs, and my call was an- swered by a man, who kindly took me in. I asked for some bread, but this they did not have, and for a supper I had a bowl of milk. I then lay down on the floor in my wet clothes and slept soundly during the remainder of the night. In the morning I was directed to Beard's Ferry, now Beardstown, where I intended to cross the Illinois river. There was but one house there at that time, al- though the town had been laid out. I came out into Schuyler county, where, on Sunday, I met several people going from church. Of them I enquired of certain lands, telling the township, range and section. One of the party spoke up and said that he had the adjoining farm. This was William Pennington, who now lives in Emmet township, and who had come down to mill and was compelled to wait several days for his grist. He di- rected me on to Carter's settlement, where I met for the first time, Elder John Logan, the pioneer preacher. From this settlement I passed on to hunt my land, intending to stop at William Pen- nington's. On arriving near where I thought the place ought to be, I could find no house, no path, or any signs of life, until after a long search I heard a rooster crow. This led me to Mr. Pen- nington's house, which was then the only

one in the township. I found my land beautifully located near the timber, which I thought would soon be cut away.

"There was a piece of land north of Crooked creek, that I desired to see, and I told Mr. Pennington that if he would accompany me, I would work for him as many days as he should be gone from home. He accepted my offer, and we started out, having plenty of "corn dodg- ers" and pork to take along. Southwest of the present town of Macomb, we came on to a number of wigwams, from which the Indians had vacated, but very re- cently. We crossed Crooked creek, where Bacon's mill was afterwards built. West of Macomb, after passing through the timber, which but few white men had ever trod, we came to a-large prairie. Here we halted and could see nothing beyond. I told Mr. Pennington it was no use to go further, as I did not want the land thus situated. So we retraced our steps and arrived at the home of Mr. Pennington the next evening. I thought it a beautiful country, but not enough timber to fence even a small portion of the vast prairie.

"Some years after this I carried eight bushels of wheat to Bacon's mill, on Crooked creek, to get ground, but on ac- count of low water I was unable to get my grist. I came up from home after it two or three times, and still failed to get it. Being out of flour, I took my wheat to Ellisville, in Fulton county, and find- ing so many teams here before me, I knew my chances were poor, so I took my eight bushels of grain on to Rush- ville, where, after waiting a considerable length of time, I succeeded in having it it ground. At Ellisville I met two four-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

horse teams all the way from Burling- ton, Iowa, and, like me, they had to go on to Rushville to have their grain ground. Such experience as this would terrify the modern farmer, but they were only a specimen of what the early settler had to undergo."

Mr. Wood was married in New York state June 12, 1823, to Cornelia Grow, a native of New York state. They were the parents of six children-Morillo, who married Martha Hall, living in Clay county, Nebraska; George H., married to Nancy Jane Harlan, now deceased, and he is living in Conejos county, Colo- rado; Daniel D., married to Jemima Hammer and living in New Salem town- ship; Almeda L., wife of Randolph Hall, living in Table Grove; Edward, whose personal sketch may be found elsewhere, and Jonas Platt, who died in 1844, aged aged four years and ten months. As may be seen, Mr. Salem Woods was one of the pioneers of this county, and some of his descendants are still among her representative citizens. He lived within her borders from the time of his settle- ment until his death, which occurred September 27, 1879, making a continu- ous residence of nearly half a century in McDonough county. His widow is now living with her son Daniel D., at the advanced age of 81 years.

Edward Woods is the youngest son of Salem Woods, and was born on section 30, New Salem township, July 4, 1832, and now, after three years more than half a century, is still residing on the farm which was his birth place. He was reared and received his education in New Salem township, and never called any other place home. He may there-

fore be called a McDonough county man. He was married January 8, 1857, to Sarah Adcock, a native of Washing- ton county, Kentucky, her parents being Thomas and Ann (Hall) Adcock, who came to this county in the fall of 1837, and located in Chalmers township, where they lived one or two years and then re- moved to Macomb. Her mother died there July 3, 1858, and her father died in Nodaway county, Missouri, October 24, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Woods are the parents of three children-Manford, now married to Mary E. Harlan, and living in this township; Lawrence, who died January 12, 1879, aged 16 years 6 months, and 25 days; and Orel, living at home. Mr. Woods is a live, energetic man, has been commissioner of highways three terms, and has been connected with the schools of district No. 9, as director. He has 135 acres of land, 125 of which are under cultivation, and the remainder timber land. He devotes his time to general farming, and to some extent raises stock.

Daniel D. Woods, a native of Erie county, Pennsylvania, was born April 1, 1827. In 1832, he emigrated with his parents to McDonough county, Illinois, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 30, New Salem township. He resided in this vicinity till 1850. In March, of that year, he started with an ox team for California, crossing the plains, he arrived at his destination in September, of the same year. He re -. mained in the land of gold about two and a half years, then returned home. March 2, 1854, he was married to Jemima H. Hammer, who was born October 12, 1832, in Monroe county, Kentucky. In

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

1855, Mr. Woods purchased and moved to the farm he now occupies, comprising the northeast quarter of section 8, New Salem township. His residence was destroyed by fire in the fall of 1880. The following year he erected the more commodious and comfortable dwelling, in which he now lives. He has good farm buildings, including, barn, sheds, etc. He has 700 rods of Osage hedge, in good condition, and about the same amount of drain tile. Mr. and Mrs. Woods have had five children born to them, four of whom are living-Licetna A., born December 13, 1854, and married February 15, 1872, to Whitney S. Leighty, of Kansas; James B., born March 19, 1856, and married December 19, 1878, to Luella Seaburn, and living in this township; Clara G., born October 6, 1859, and married April 19,.1877, to Austin Pontious, of this township, and Laura C., born August 1, 1861, married to W. O. Thomas November 20, 1881,and living in Kansas City. Edgar H. was born June 11, 1858, and died November 11, 1876. He is buried at Pennington's Point. Mr. Woods is an enterprising and successful farmer, and politically a republican.

T. J. Pennington caine to McDonough county in February, 1831, and located at Pennington's Point, in the southwest corner of New Salem township. He died on the 27th of September, 1875. His widow now resides on section 17, Indus- try township.

Stewart Pennington was a settler of 1830, entering the northwest quarter of section 30. He was born in North Car- olina in 1793, and was a son of Richard and Hannah (Boone) Pennington, the

latter of whom was a sister of the cele- brated Daniel Boone. Mr. Pennington's death occurred September 20, 1859, at the residence of his son-in-law, W. B. Pile, in Industry township. Mr. and Mrs. Pennington were the parents of 13 children-Nicholas H., Thomas J., Nancy, Richard, Abigail, Warner, Han- nah B., Elizabeth Z., Stewart M., Mary M., Leander W., Joshua J., and Wm. T.

In the spring of 1833, Major Stephen Yocum came with his family to this township, settling on section 19. He was born in Montgomery county, Ken- tucky, on the 17th day of February, 1800. His parents were George and Re- becca (Powell) Yocum, natives of Vir- ginia, who emigrated to Kentucky before the beginning of the present century, where they engaged in farming, and also, for a number of years, in the milling business. Their family consisted of 11 children, four boys and seven girls. As might be inferred, Mr. Yocum was raised on a farm, and in the occupation of tilling the soil, he labored until called .to his rest. Mr. Yocum remained with his parents until after he reached his majority, when he went forth into the wide world, with nothing but a brave -heart and willing hands, to labor for himself. . For two years he remained in Kentucky, making his home with a married sister, when, thinking to better his condition in life, he turned his steps toward the newly opened Prairie state, and settled in Marion county, where, on the 29th of September, 1829, he was mar- ried to Mary Dorris, daughter of John Dorris, who emigrated from Smith county, Tennessee, to Marion county, Illinois, in 1827. About four years after

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

their marriage, the worthy couple came to make their home in McDonough county, arriving here in the spring of 1833, settling on the north side of Camp creek, where, in the edge of the timber, he erected his cabin, and commenced to improve the land he had entered. They were the first couple to settle upon the north side of the creek, and to encroach upon the broad, fertile prairie, which is now dotted over with fine farm houses and barns, being, without doubt, the wealthiest portion of the county. Mr. Yocum settled upon section 19, and there lived and labored the rest of his life, rearing a large and respected fam- ily, and improving one of the best farms in the county. While living in the south- ern part of the state, Mr. Yocum was elected lieutenant of the state militia, and afterwards promoted to the cap- taincy. When the war against the cele- brated Indian chief, Black Hawk, broke out, he was by the governor, commis- sioned as major, and as such, served faithfully during the war. By the title bestowed upon him he was ever after- ward known. Mr. Yocum was always kind to his children, and liberally pro- vided for each. There were in all 11 children, nine girls and two boys, one of the latter dying in infancy, the other reaching his majority, and enlisting in the service of his country as a member of company C, 84th regiment, Illinois vol- unteers. He was made regimental color bearer, and at the battle of Stone river, · December 31, 1862, he laid down his life in defense of his country. Unfortu- nately, that part of the field was taken 'by the enemy soon after he fell, and whether they buried him, or his body

was interred by others, was never known, as his body was never recovered. This was a sad loss to his loving parents, who doted on him as an only son, and would have sacrificed anything to give him a christian burial. A beautiful monument has been erected to his memory in the cemetery at Pennington's Point. - Major Yocum departed this life on the 22d day

of October, 1874. His funeral

was

preached by the Rev. W. S. Campbell, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, and his remains were consigned to the tomb at Pennington's Point, this county. His loss was deeply felt by a large circle of friends all over the county, as well as elsewhere.

William B. Pile was a settler of the year 1833. He resided here until 1838, when he removed to Macomb, where he resided many years. His wife, Hannah Boone Pile, nee Pennington, was a daughter of Stewart Pennington.

William Moore came to Pennington's Point in November, 1835, and located on section 31, where he bought 53 acres of land, on which he now resides. He was born in Monroe county, Kentucky, in 1802, and was reared in that county, and resided there, until coming to this county.

OTHER PROMINENT PEOPLE.

Below is given an account of the set- tlement and other facts necessary to give a proper representation to those who, while they were not pioneers in this township, have been active and prominent in the affairs of their town- ship and county:

Stephen Blackstone is a native of Wis- consin, having been born on the 17th of

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

. January, 1838, in Lafayette county, that state. In 1840, while he was still an infant, his parents removed to McDon- ough county, Illinois, and having pur- chased a quarter section of land in New Salem, of John Greenup, for some $300, settled down to make their improve- ments. Stephen is the oldest child, and only son, of Beverly and Elizabeth (Blisset) Blackstone, having two sisters now living, one in Iowa and one in Ne- braska. Beverly, the father, was born and reared in the state of New York, and the mother was a native of England, coming to the United States when but nine or ten years of age. Beverly Blackstone emigrated from New York to Wisconsin, about 1836 or 1837, and tò McDonough county, Illinois, as above stated, where he died, January 2, 1861. Stephen Blackstone is one of the sub- stantial farmers of the county, having followed that occupation all his life, and. giving his whole attention to it. He has a fine farm of 640 acres, all finely im- proved. He has put in 2,200 rods of drain tile, and otherwise brought the place into a high state of cultivation, and takes a just pride in his place. He is largely engaged in raising and feed- ing stock, mostly cattle and hogs, a busi- ness which he commenced about 1860. He was elected, in the spring of 1885, to represent New Salem township on the board of supervisors. March 2, 1865, Stephen Blackstone and Mahala Smith, daughter of Reuben and Mary Smith, were united in matrimony. They have five children-Beverly, Lizzie, George, Nettie and Clara. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were natives of Kentucky, who came from their native state to McDonough

county, about the year 1848, and bought a farm near Bardolph, where Mrs. Smith still resides. Mr. Blackstone is a con- sistent member of the Methodist Epis- copal church, having made a profession of faith during the winter of 1857-58. He stands very high in the community in which he lives, and is truly one of the representative men of the county, one of the bone and sinew that have helped build it up until it holds the place it does in the bright galaxy of counties of the state of Illinois.

James E. D. Hammer may properly be classed among the pioneers of this county, coming here in June, 1834. He found the country in its state of natural wildness, with few exceptions. The virgin soil was yet unvexed by the plow. The nimble deer, thoughtless of danger, lightly bounded o'er the prairie, or con- tentedly grazed upon the succulent grasses of the plains. Mr. Hammer has witnessed the development of this country, and contributed his full sliare in effecting the transformation. He is a native of Tennessee, and was born in Washington county, April. 28, 1809, his parents being Richard and Anna(Fisher) Hammer. When he was 10 years old the family removed to Monroe county, Kentucky, where in 1844 his father died, and liis mother in 1854. In 1834, James E. D. left Kentucky and came to this county, locating on section 24, of Scot- land township, where he built a house and commenced improvements. . He broke and fenced 200 acres. In addi- tion, he had 100 acres of timber land, a part of which was located on section 19. The home of his family was on the original farm in Scotland township un-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

til 1845, when lie removed to Penning- ton's Point, in New Salem township, and located on section 30. He was mar- ried in Monroe county, Kentucky, April 15, 1821, to Nancy Pennington, a daugh- ter of Stewart and Jeremiah (Houser) Pennington. Her parents were both born in Tennessee, and came to McDon- ough county in the fall of 1830, and located on section 30, at what is called Pennington's Point, on the place now occupied by James Hammer. Stewart Pennington was born June 10, 1784, and died in this county September 20, 1859. Mrs. Stewart Pennington was born February 24, 1788, and died Sep- tember 22, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Hammer are the parents of nine children: U. J., Stewart Franklin, who married Marga- ret Harlan, and is now living in Linn county, Oregon; Jemima H., married to D. D. Woods, living in New Salem town- ship; Richard McKenzie, married to Susan Bowles, living in Adair; William Jefferson, married to Louisa Woolley, residents of Crawford county Kansas; James, who died at the age of 25 years, September 19, 1866; Josiah Yancey, married to Mary Hall, and living at Pen- nington's Point; Lianda Jane, married to William Jones, living in Scotland township; David Taylor, who died at the age of 27 years, November 29, 1876, and who was the husband of Clarissa ( Woods ) Hammer; and Eva Virginia, the wife of Grow Hall, residents of Table Grove. Mr. Hammer now owns 200 acres of good land, 150 of which is under culti- vation. He is a prominent example of what pluck, energy and perseverance can accomplish. Upon his arrival here he had but 75 cents in money. He cut

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History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 103

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150