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 73

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 73

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James Wilson, came to McDonough county in 1833, landing Sunday, Novem- ber 15, in Blandinsville township, locat- ing on section 20, the southwest quarter. This was partly improved, but under the management of Mr. Wilson it became a good farm. On this place he lived until 1855, when he died and was buried on the farm in a private burial lot. He was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, July, 1776. He left Virginia when 16 years of age, and went to Washington county, Kentucky, thence to this county. He was a man of medium size, and in consequence of his father dying when

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

he was quite young, he was bound out, and failed to secure an education. He pos- sessed a good, fair business ability and died in comfortable circumstances. He was twice married. The first wife died, and left one child. Nancy Dorothy was, the name of the second lady who became Mrs. Wilson; she was born in Washing- ton county, Kentucky. By the second marriage there were nine children, six of whom are now living; two in McDon- ough county-William L., and Thos. F.

William L. Wilson was born Novem- ber 15, 1820, and was a son of James Wilson, now deceased. On June 17, 1846, he was married to Nancy J. Huff; her death occurred January 16, 1854, and she was interred in the Baptist cemetery in Hire township. Four children were born to them-Belle, deceased; Andrew, Mary and Dora. Mr. Wilson was again married June 27, 1857, to Mrs. Elizabeth Messer Smith, nee Hill.' She was born in Kentucky, but reared in Indiana, where they were married. . Her parents were Elizabeth and Charlotte (Tucker) Hill. Three children were born to them by Mr. Wilson's latter marriage-Eliza, now the wife of Michael Hainline, and living in Kansas; Susan, at home; and Alice, deceased. When Mr. Wilson lo- cated in Hire township, he settled on section 15, where he bought 80 acres, which he at present occupies, and has it under a good state of cultivation. The time of his coming to his present home being about 1865. The early portion of his life he lived at home, and really made his home with his father until his first marriage. He is a man of good judg- ment, and a social turn of mind. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson live a contented happy

life, and are journeying down the hill happy in each other's society.

James Bice is a native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, but was reared in Wash- ington county, the same state. His father, Nicholas Bice was born in Penn- sylvania, near Carlisle, his father was Joseph Bice, also natives of the same place. Nicholas settled in McDonough county in 1853, and located on section 14, owning 120 acres of the northeast quar- ter, living on that place about 20 years, he sold and removed to Blandinsville, where he died. His wife had preceded him a few years. Her death seemed to so disturb his peace of mind that his property went like the wind, and he died having a very small allowance of this earth's goods. James removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, taking his wife whom he had married August 31, 1843. Her maiden name was Francis Aukrom, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth A. Aukrom, and a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania. In 1854, he again removed, this time to Missouri. Having a desire to visit his parents, with his wife came to McDonough county, and while on this visit bought 80 acres on section 27. He now owns 202 acres in all. Mr. Bice soon after settled on the place he bought, and improved it well, having good build- ings, and a nice hedge surrounding the place for a long distance of Osage orange. This he is trimming in nice shape, using a machine of late pattern which he con- siders valuable. Mr. and Mrs. Bice have eight children-Isaac; Rebecca, wife of Thomas Foley, in Emmet township; Nicholas, living in Hire township; Jane, wife of Thomas Hainline, in Emmet; Lucinda, wife of Edmund Inman, in Em-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

met; Sarah, wife of James Stickland, also in Emmet township; Franklin and David, living at home, and running the farm.

Reece Barnes was born in Highland county, Kentucky, in 1844, and is a son of Elias and Polly (Gilland) Barnes. The family settled in McDonough county in 1853, about three miles north and one west of Macomb. Reece lived at home until he enlisted, April 22, 1861. At first, in the three months' service, after- wards enlisting again, he served his country till August, 1865, being wounded five times. Mr. Barnes was in the bat- tles of Pea Ridge, Chattanooga, Corinth and the siege of Vicksburg. He was wounded three times at Chattanooga, and at Corinth in the breast with a piece of shell. He laid in the hospital some time, and was furloughed home, staying some two months, and is at present a worthy pensioner. He was in the 2d Illinois, company B, also the 32d Illi- nois, company I. He was mustered in at Springfield the first time, at St. Louis the last time. Much more might be said in regard to the soldier's experi- ence, but our work will not admit in this place. Suffice it to say, all honor to the brave boys who saved the nation.

John Fisher, the present supervisor of Hire township, is considered one of the best farmers in the county. He lives near Blandinsville, on section 10, and owns, in all, 369 acres of land, not one acre of which is untillable. His buildings are good and present a neat appearance. The house is two-stories, and the main part is 24x28 feet, with an addition 16x20 feet. His main barn is 38x48 feet. The main features of his

farming consist of raising stock and feed- ing cattle for the eastern markets. He has some fine Norman and Clydesdale brood mares from which he raises some fine draft horses. John Fisher made his home with his parents until 20 years of age, when he went to Morgan county, Illinois, where he remained one year. He is the son of Thomas and Polly (Kells) Fisher, and was the ninth child of a family of 10 children, all of whom are now living,except William, the eldest child. Thomas Fisher was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 11, 1791, and died at his home in Blandinsville, in 1868. He settled in McDonough county in 1844, coming from Hancock county, Illinois, where he had settled in 1840. His first wife died, and he was again married to Elizabeth Brown, by whom there were four child- ren. Being a mechanic by trade, or rather a mill-wright, on coming to Bland- insville he built a saw and grist mill there, besides other mills in the county, working at the trade for nearly 20 years. John Fisher was married in 1857 to Diantha Foster, a native of Michigan. She died September 20, 1881, leaving six children-William, Frank, James, Charles, Mary and Martha. George, the oldest child, is deceased. The second wife was Flora Murray, a daughter of Hiram Murray, of Missouri, and the ceremony was performed June 18, 1882. One child, Grover C., born November 25, 1884, blesses this union. Mr. Fisher has been on the school board for 14 years, and in politics, is a democrat.

Alfred Brown was born in Green county, East Tennessee, June 8, 1810, a son of John and Catherine (Hull) Brown.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

He a native of Virginia, and she of Penn- sylvania, and both were buried in Indi- ana. The family removed to White county, Tennessee, and subsequently to Harrison county, Indiana, living a portion of the time in the adjoining county, Crawford, where they lived at the time of their death. Alfred was married March 27, 1835, to Sarah V. Shields, of Harrison county, a daughter of Robert and Naomi (Little) Shields. In the fall of 1835, with his family, Alfred removed to Ful- ton county, Illinois, where he lived till 1852, at which time he came to McDon- ough and settled on section 1, where he bought 80 acres, afterwards buying 94 acres more. He has lived on this place since; at first living in a small house, but in 1877, he built a fine residence 32x25 and 24x16 feet, one and one-half stories high, costing $1,800. His wife died Aug- ust 3, 1871, and was buried at Blandins- ville, leaving one child-Marinda, now the wife of J. D. Isom, living at the old home, where her father lives with her. She was born May 1, 1849. Mr. Brown is a member of the United Brethren in Christ, as was also his wife and daugh- ter, in which church he has been class- leader for some time. This gentleman is highly respected by all his neighbors, and is considered a very worthy man in every respect.

John Isom is a native of McDonough county, and was born in Blandinsville township, December 25, 1838. His father was Henry Isom, and mother, Jane (Bradshaw) Isom. They settled in Blan- dinsville township in an early day, where they lived and died; both dying in 1842, within ten days of each other, with the dreaded disease, small-pox, and were

buried at Blandinsville. The elder Mr. Isom was quite an enterprising man, and much respected throughout a wide circle of acquaintances. Their death changed the conditions of the family to such an extent, that it was impossible to keep to- gether. John was the youngest of the family and went to live with John Brad- shaw, of Jacksonville, Morgan county, Illinois. With this gentleman he re- mained until he enlisted, September 15, 1861, in company K, 27th Illinois in- fantry, and was mustered in at Cairo. Upon the re-organization of the regi- ment, he went into the 1st brigade. He served under General Grant the most of the time. Belmont was the first engage- ment he was in, afterwards engaging in battles at Columbus, Island No. 10, Union City, Corinth, Stone river and Chickamauga, besides numerous other engagements. At the last named place he was taken prisoner, September 20, 1863. His first place of confinement was at Richmond, where he was incarcerated in Libby prison for 10 months; thence to Danville, Virginia, then transferred to Andersonville, where he was about four months; again trans- ferred, this time to Charleston, Soutlı Carolina, and subsequently to Florence, the same state, where he remained till March 1, 1865, making 528 days in the "pens of death," which constituted the prisons of the South. It don't seem pos- sible for one man to go through what John Isom did and live. His health has never been good since, it is only the won- derful endurance and splendid physique of this man, that could withstand it. At the time of his release, at Wilmington, North Carolina, March 2, 1865, he was

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

acting as chief of police. Returning to Springfield, he was mustered out with his regiment, May 12, 1865. In the meantime his people had removed to Hancock county. He staid with them for one year, or until his marriage, June 12, 1866, to Marinda Brown, a native of McDonough county, and daughter of Al- fred Brown. They have three children living-Francis V., Alfred C. and Ethe- lyn B. Laura died when 15 years old, and they lost two in infancy. Mr. Isom is engaged somewhat in buying, feeding and shipping stock. He belongs to the G. A. R., Masonic, and A. O. U. W. or- ders. In politics a democrat. They are members of the Christian church.

Richard Scott is a native of Marion county, Kentucky, born August 8, 1814, and a son of Richard Scott, Sr., and Jane (Smith) Scott, also natives of Kentucky. Their demise occurred on the farm Rich- ard Scott, Jr., left on coming to McDon- ough county. The first land he owned was on section 13, where he owned 80, and also 100 acres on section 14. He came to his present location on section 13, in 1854, at which place he has lived a bachelor with his maiden sister, Polly. He has a house two stories in height, with two parts, one 18x32, and 12x32. While in the prime of life he was a very industrious man. His motto to all who wish to succeed is "work every day when possible, and don't let your work drive you." By this means he has accumu- lated a fine property. He rents his land, and only tills his garden and attends to his finances, which is enough, he thinks. There were eight children in his father's family; three of whom survive-Polly, Richard, and Matilda. The deceased

are-George, Ann, Robert, Jane and Elizabetlı.

EDUCATIONAL.

From the annual report of the county superintendent, for the school year end- ing June 30, 1884, the following facts, relative to the schools of Hire township, are taken: The estimated value of school property amounts to $7,452, and the dis- trict township tax levy amounts to $2,750. There is a bonded school debt in Hire of $1,160. The highest wages paid any male teachers is $42.60 per month and the lowest is $30, while the highest monthly wages paid female teachers is $35, and the lowest $20. There are seven frame school buildings in Hire and 10 schools taught therein, having an average of six and seven-tenth months of school per year. In the township there are 412 children of school age, 370 of whom are enrolled in the several schools.

School district No. 1, has a building located on section 11. It is I8x22 feet in size and was built at a cost of $400, in 1862.

In 1877, the school house in district No. 2, was erected on the southwest quarter of section 3. The first house, however, was built in 1837, on the north- west quarter of section 4. It was about 20 feet square and was constructed of logs. Cyrus Haines was the first teacher in this house.

District No. 3 was organized in 1864, and had a house erected on the north- west corner of section 8, which was 18x28 feet in size. There are about 50 scholars in the district. .

District No. 4, also known as Rock creek, was organized in 1857. The pres-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY. 1

ent building, which is located on section 17, was erected in 1873. It is 22x30 feet in size and cost $1,060. There are about 50 scholars in the district, with an average attendance of about 30.

The first building in district No. 5, was removed to section 22 in 1862. It was 20x30 feet in ground area, and was valued at $200.

The school house in district No. 6, was erected in 1872. It is located on the northeast corner of section 23, and is 20x30 feet in size. There are about 60 scholars in the district, with an aver- age attendance of 35.

The school house in district No. 7, is located on the northwest quarter of sec- tion 36. It is valued at $300. There are about 30 scholars in the district.

District No. 8, also known as Hick's district, was organized in 1852, and a house built the same year. In 1867 the present building was erected at a cost of $1,200. It is 24x30 feet in size and is located on section 34. E. N. Hicks was one of the first directors of the district.

In 1863, the first school house was erected in district No. 9. It was 18x26 feet in size and was located on section 30. There are about 50 scholars in the district.

CEMETERY.

The Baptist cemetery on the north- west quarter of section 4, was laid out in the year 1837 or 1838. The first burial ' was William Hungate, a son of Adoni- jah. The next burials were Thomas Charter and son, Henry.

ORGANIC.

After the organization of the county into townships, the following were the

first officers elected in Hire, at an elec- tion held April 7, 1857: Samuel Logan, justice of the peace; Reuben Martin and Thomas Branham, constables; E. N. Hicks, supervisor; Joseph Jones, col- lector; S. A. Hunt, assessor. The pres- ent officers of the township are as fol- lows: Supervisor, John B. Isom; clerk, J. L. Seybold; assessor, W. L. Shryack; collector, Frank Welch; highway com- missioner, Wm. Bumgardner; justice of the peace, Geo. W. Keithley and R. M. Folts; constables, Wilson Rogers and William Carlisle; school trustee, Thos. Stookey; pound-master, Calvin Wilson.

HISTORICAL NOTES.

The first religious services in the town- ship were held at the house of Vandever Banks, in 1836. The meeting was con- ducted by Rev. Nehemiah Hurd, a Meth- odist minister.

The pioneer school was taught by Cap- tain Charles R. Hume, in 1838, at the Isaac Oakman place, on section 18. Prior to this, the citizens of the township sent their children to more fortunate set- tlements, to obtain an education. Mr. Hume was justice of the peace for a num- ber of years at Blandinsville.

Josiah Harrison was the first to oc- cupy the position of justice of the peace in the township.

The first township election was held April 7, 1857.

E. N. Hicks, was the first supervisor to represent Hire at the seat of justice, Macomb.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS OF HIRE TOWNSHIP.

The system of township Sunday school conventions, was first introduced

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

into this township in the year 1870. The records of the first convention have not been found, but the following may be relied upon as true. The convention was organized under the supervision of Solomon Hainline, in the month of Aug- ust, 1870, at the Elm Grove church. Sessions were held on Saturday and Sat- urday evening, and also on the Sabbath. S. Hainline was the first vice-president appointed by the county convention, to look after the interests of the Sunday schools of Hire township. Mr. Hain- line was active in his office from the first, and his labors were crowned with success. Mr. Samuel Pedrick was elect- ed secretary of the first convention, and George Keithley also took on active part. The convention on the Sabbath was held in the Grove, near the church, and Rev. David Martin, of Blandinsville, ad- dressed a large audience. In five years from the time of the township organiza- tion, the records begin. According to this, a convention was held at Elm Grove, beginning July 10, 1875. The convention was called to order by vice- president Hainline, after which the min- utes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Near the close of the evening session, George Mourning, of Tennessee, gave an outline of the first schools in M'cDonough county. On Sab- bath morning, July 11, the convention met in Hainline's Grove, near the church, at 9 A. M. Father Alexander, of Bland-

insville, made the opening prayer. All the Sunday schools in the township, six in number, were represented.

The next convention was held at Ar- gyle October 2 and 3, 1875. At the evening session Thos. Parker spoke on the question, "Can our Sunday schools be sustained through the winter?"

The next convention convened at Wil- low Grove, October 7th, 1876. A. B. Newland, of Colchester, was present and spoke on the benefits of early religious impressions. F. F. Myer made an in- teresting centennial address. In the af- ternoon the officers were re-elected. S. Hainline received 19 votes for vice-pres- ident, and S. B. Davis 18. J. T. Murray was continued as secretary.

The 12th convention of the Sunday schools of Hire township, convened at Argyle, Saturday evening, January 6, 1877. Addresses were made at the even- ing session by Joseph Bean and Jesse Martin.

The 14th Convention met at Rock Creek church, September 23, 1877.

Since this time there have been held many conventions, but they are nearly all alike in tenor, and space and good good judgment alike, forbid their inser- tion here. Suffice it to say, that great in- terest is displayed in this laudable work, and nowhere is more labor displayed in advancing the interests of the Sabbath schools than in this township.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXV.

LAMOINE TOWNSHIP.

Lamoine township consists of 36 sec- tions, and has about 23,000 acres of land within its borders, the most part of which consists of timber. That portion of the township known as Round Prai- rie, near the Hancock and Schuyler county line, in the southwestern part, has a soil of a better and more productive quality than other portions of the town- ship, upon which are some fine farms. Troublesome creek enters the township at the northeast corner of section 21 and runs again into Tennessee from the same quarter, coming into Lamoine again on the northeast of 3, and follow- ing in a southwest course through sec- tions 9 and 16, making a confluence with Crooked creek on the southwest quarter of the latter section. Crooked creek en- ters the township and county on the southwest quarter of section 18. It flows in a diagonal course through sec- tions 17, 21, 22, 27 and 34. leaving the township and county at the southwest corner of the latter section. The only town within the borders is a small place on the southwest quarter of section 7, called Colmar. It is situated on the Quincy branch of the Chicago, Burling- ton and Quincy railroad, which passes in a southwesterly course through the northwest part of the township, and has but a few residence buildings, a general store, postoffice, etc. The inhabitants

of the southern portion of the township go largely to Plymouth, Hancock county, to do their trading.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Comparatively a few years have passed since an attempt was made to convert the almost unbroken forests of Lamoine into an agricultural district and homes for civilized man. With a spirit of he- roism have these early settlers toiled, until the forest were laid low, and their herculean labor is manifest in the broad acres of highly cultivated land, upon which stand many fine residences and outbuildings of an expensive character. Over the grounds where the red man chased the bounding deer, and the wild- cat and wolves held their nightly vigils, may be seen the husbandman gathering the golden harvests; where the Indian's wild war-hoop was heard, stands the house of worship and institutions for the education of the rising generation. Transportation of goods by ox teams has given away to the power of steam, and a commerce has been opened up witlı all parts of the civilized world.

The history of this township is pos- sessed of no small degree of interest. While other townships of McDonough were connected with the frontier by large bodies of excellent lands, this seemed shut off from the gaze of shrewd

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

speculators by reason of its heavy growth of timber. They were destined to be- come the heritage of an honest, indus- trious people, and the income derived from the timber and products of the soil has given many of the first comers a handsome competency.

The first settlement in the township. was made in the spring of 1830. At that time, Charles Hills and David Fees entered land on section 12, and erected a log cabin on the northeast quarter. The cabin is occupied at present by John Hills as a blacksmith shop. Char- les Hills now resides on section 1, and is one of the oldest settlers now living in the county. He was born in Kentucky February 17, 1815, and was married July 31, 1836, to Charlotta David, a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth . David, who were early settlers of Eldo- rado township. Mrs. Hills was born May 2, 1817.

John Hills came in the spring of 1830, and is a resident of section 12. He was born in Adair county, Kentucky, August 7, 1817, removing to Schuyler county, Illinois, in 1829, from which county he came to this township. He was one of the volunteers during the Mormon troubles in Hancock county, but was not called upon for active ser- vice. He owns 84 acres of land, 20 of which is timber, the balance under cul- tivation.

In the spring of 1832, William Jenkins settled in Lamoine, coming from Schuy- ler county, Illinois, with his father, David, who now resides in Kansas. He is a native of Washington county, Ten- nessee, born there Feb. 5, 1826. Mr. Jenkins still resides in the township.

During the year 1832, Christopher Yates came and entered the farm now owned by the heirs of Lyons Holton. He erected a cabin and broke out about six acres of land, but soon afterward re- moved to Hancock county, near Augusta, and later went to Nauvoo. He was killed near Quincy, in the spring of 1884, by a team running away with him. He was a native of New York state.

Orvel Sherrel settled on section 31 in 1832, coming from Kentucky. He after- ward went to Newton county, Missouri, with his father-in-law, Elijah Poole, where he also died. The farm he settled on here is now owned by A. B. Shippey.

Elijah Poole settled the farm now owned by Dr. King, on section 30, in 1832, coming from Tennessee. He did not remain very long, but removed to Newton county, Missouri, where he after- ward died.

Abel Friend came in 1832, settling on section 30, but a year or so afterward, removed to section 20, where his wife afterward died, being buried on the place. About the year 1848, Mr. Friend disposed of his farm to Josiah Ralston, and emigrated to Iowa, where he after- ward died. He came from the state of Tennessee to this township.

The father of Abel Friend, together with his family, came at the same time, settling on section 28, on the farm now owned by John Twidwell. One of his sons, Charles, also entered land on sec- tion 28, being a married man.

James Denton came prior to 1833, and located on section 18, on the west side of Crooked creek, coming from Tennessee. After the grist mill was erected on the creek near his place, Mr. Denton deemed.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

it unhealthy to live there longer and sold out, removing to Henderson county.

James King. and a son-in-law, settled the farm now owned by J. D. Tabler, in 1832 or 3, coming from Tennessee. He afterward removed to near Prairie City, where he, later, died. He was one of the pioneer Methodist preachers of the county, and was quite a prominent man at that time.

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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 73

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