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 75

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 75

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).

659

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

which lodge he has been a member about three years. In 1874 he served as su- pervisor of Lamoine township.

James B. Hendricks, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, on the 1st of July, 1823, and is the son of Frederick and Nancy ( Underwood) Hendricks. He received his schooling in Ohio, and in 1838, he came to McDonough county with his parents, and here located until 1844, when he went to Quincy, and was there engaged in learning brick mason trade. In the same year, he went to Wisconsin, and was there about six months, when he went to Dane county, and there worked in the lead mines some time, and was engaged in various occupations, until the spring of 1849, when he came again . to McDonough county, and was here engaged in work- ing at mason work. In the winter of 1850, he went overland to Eldorado county, California, and then went on to the south fork of the American river, where gold had just been discovered. In 1851, he went up the Yuba river, and staid six months, when he returned to Eldorado county, and there remained until 1853. He then came back to his old home in McDonough county, where he has resided ever since, with the ex- ception of six months in 1872, that he spent in Colorado., Since making a per- manent settlement in .McDonough county, Mr. Hendricks has been en- gaged in farming. He owns 200 acres of land, of which 160 acres are devoted to farming. He has just finished a fine residence, and his farm is now one of the finest in the township. . Mr. Hendricks was married in October, 1856, to H. A. Jackson, who died in 1860, leaving two

children-Ellen and Eugene, the former is dead, and the latter now lives in Ken- tucky. Mr. Hendricks was again mar- ried in October, 1862, to Ellen King, daughter of James and Mary (Thomas) King, both natives of Ohio. Mrs. J. B. Hendrick's was born in Champaign county, and was there reared. They have had seven children-Flora J., dead; Benjamin F., living at home; Bessie, William, John; George, dead; and Nora. Mr. Hendricks is now school director of district No. 6.

Adam Myers, one of the prominent and enterprising men of this township, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, on the 18th of May, 1840. He is the son of Jolin and Elizabeth Myers, natives of Pennsylvania. John Myers was born in 1821, and remained in Penn- sylvania until 1853, when he came to Fulton county, and has since remained there, being engaged in farming. His wife is deceased, leaving five children- Anna M., wife of Henry Miller, à resi- dent of Fulton county; Dina, wife of Samuel Neighbours, now living in Ful- ton county; Adam, now living in Mc- Donough county; Solomon, living in Fulton county, and Elizabeth, who now resides in Pennsylvania. Mr. Myers was. again married to Lydia C. Dress- ler, who is also deceased. Their child- ren are-Jacob, living in McDonough county; Abraham, residing in Ful- ton county. Mr. Myers took another partner, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Vance. They have had three child-' ren-Lucy, wife of G. McLung, living ing in Fulton county; Alice, wife of Nathan Forkenraw, a resident of Asto- ria, and Charley, still with his parents.

660

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Adam Myers came to Fulton county with his parents in 1853, and in 1859 he went to Morgan county, and was engaged in farming until 1864. He then went to Cass county, and was there employed in farming until 1866, when he returned to Fulton county, and there remained about five years. He then came to McDonough county, and in 1871, located on his pres- ent location, where he now owns 105 acres of land, all in pastures and farm land. He pays particular attention to the raising of stock, of which he has some of the finest in the township. Mr. Myers has been school director of dis- trict No. 6, for one term. He is also a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Myers was united in marriage in April, 1865, to Mrs. Elizabeth (Horr) Batsen, a daughter of Martin L. and Julia A. (Oller) Horr. They have had seven children-Willetta, Ida May, Isadore, James Martin, Robert Lee, John Emery and Ella.

Harvey F. Hendricks was born in Lamoine township, McDonough county, Illinois, on the 29th of March, 1842. He received his education in a small log school house near. the old homestead, and remained with his father until in 1862, when he enlisted in the service of the United States, in company I, 10th Missouri infantry, under Captain C. A. Gilchrist. He was taken sick while in the service and was taken to St. Charles hospital, where he was confined about six months, and was discharged at St. Louis, on the 18th of July, 1862. He returned home and staid with his par- ents until 1864, when he again enlisted in company A, 78th Illinois, under Cap- tain Blackburn. He participated in the

battles of Rocky-faced Ridge, Resaca, Altoona, Peach-tree creek, and was under Sherman in his "March to the Sea." He was engaged in all the battles of that march, until reaching Atlanta, when he was wounded in the right hand, dis- abling lıim for duty. He was then trans- ferred to Quincy, by way of Chatta- nooga, Nashville, Louisville and Jeffer- sonville, and was there mustered out in July, 1865. Mr. Hendricks then returned to his father in McDonough county, where he remained two years, and in 1867, he went to Montana, and there was engaged in prospecting in mines about four months. In the fall of that year lie came down the river and stopped at Ft. Berthold, Dakota, where he remained until the spring of 1870. He came home and remained with his father until 1872, when he went back to Dakota and was there engaged as government car- penter for eight years. In 1880 he returned to McDonough county, and purchased a farm in Lamoine township, where he has since erected a fine resi- dence, and has one of the finest farms in the township. Mr. Hendricks was united in marriage in October, 1879, with Caroline Harrington, a daughter of Alonzo and Jane (Wilson) Harrington. They have been blessed with three children-Frederick, Edith and Esther.

George J. Lawyer resides on section 13, Lamoine township, where he owns 135 acres of good land,of which 120 acres are devoted to farming, He has made all the improvements on his farm, and is now raising stock for his own use. He is a native of Fayette county, Ohio, and was born on the 24th of October, 1828. His father, William Lawyer, was born

.661

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

in Pennsylvania, and there followed farming through his early life. He removed to Brown county, Illinois, in the fall of 1835, and in the spring of 1836, he removed to McDonough county, and located in the south part of Tennes- see township, on the place now occupied by Catharine Jarvis. In the year 1856, he went to Appanoose county, Iowa. where he remained, farming, until 1874, when he went to Wayne county, and while there his wife died. He was en- gaged in farming in that county until 1881, when he moved to Union county, and there was taken ill and died, in 1883. He was the father of seven children-Elizabeth, widow of Dr. Horg- land, now living in Missouri; Dedma- rius, wife of William Breeden, now residing in Tennessee township; George J., living in this township; Catharine, widow of Ethan Jarvis, of Tennessee township; John W., now in Washington territory; Samuel, a resident of Bethel township; William, living in Union county, Iowa, and Susan, dead. George J. came to Brown and McDonough counties with his father in 1836, with whom he remained until 1851, when he took up a farm for himself, and has resided on that place ever since, with the exception of one year, wlien he removed to Appanoose county, Iowa. Mr. Lawyer has been school director of district No. 7. He is also a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Law- yer was married in November, 1867, to Amanda C. Wear, a daughter of Hugh and Sarah (Duncomb) Wear. They have had seven children-Sarah C., widow of George Huffman; Nancy E., wife of James Mathews, now living in

Bethel township; William H., living in this township; David J., now in La- moine township; Susan J., Joseph E. and George M.

- EDUCATIONAL.

The county superintendent's annual report, for the school year ending June 30, 1884, shows that Lamoine township is free from any bonded indebtedness, and that the estimated value of school property is $4,400. The amount of tax levy for the support of the schools for this year is $1,833.90. The highest wages paid any male teacher is $50 and the lowest $35 per month, while the highest monthly wages paid female teachers is $32, and the lowest $22. There are seven school buildings in the township, all of which are frame, and in which an average of seven and one-half months of school are taught. There are 300 pupils enrolled in the schools and 390 children of school age in the town- ship.

An early school, in the history of La- moine, was taught on the farm of J. D. Tabler, in 1844 or 5, by Margaret Ful- kerson. The building, which was a frame structure, has since been de- stroyed by fire.

The school house in district No. 1 was erected in 1871 on the northwest quarter of section 8. The first teacher in this building was James Mc Veigh. The first school house built in the district was in 1861, located on the same section.

The school house situated on the north- west corner of section 11, and in the dis- trict known as No. 2, was built in 1862. - The first term of school was taught by

662

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Samuel Jarvis. The present teacher is Lewis McCowan.

The school house located on the line between sections 29 and 30, in school dis- trict No. 3, was erected in 1864, by Wil- liam Ewing. School is taught there at present by Miss Bidwell. The school- house stands on the same site of an old log house erected for school purposes in 1851.

School district No. 4 has a building on section 28, which was erected in 1872. The present teacher is Addie Scott. The first house built in this dis- trict was about the year 1847 or 8, occu- pying the site upon which the present building now stands.

A log school house was built on sec- tion 36, in district No. 5, some time pre- vious to the year 1841. It was replaced by a frame building in 1858, and again rebuilt in 1880. Miss Meek is the teacher at present.

School district No. 6 has a school house on the east half of section 15, which was built in 1870. Richard Breeden is the present teacher in this district, while the directors are-J. B. Hendricks, M. D. Wear and Thomas Robinson.

FLOURING MILL.

The Lamoine mills, situated on the west bank of Crooked creek,on section 21, was erected in 1837,by Butler Gates and a man named Matthews. It was afterward owned by Samuel Doyle. A number of different parties operated the mill before the present proprietors, Marvin Bros., took charge of the institution in the fall of 1867. Since that time the mill has

been run with comparatively good suc- cess, as it is the only mill in the town- ship. It is operated by water power.

CEMETERIES.

There is a cemetery located in the cen- ter of section 4, on the farm of J. D. Tabler. The first burial occurred in 1835,; and was the body of James Waddill.

Another cemetery is located on section 11, and is known as Rice's burying ground. The first interment was that of Reuben Rice.

A burying ground is also located on section 30, on the farm of Dr. King, and contains about one acre. The first burial was a small child of Isaac Smith, about the year 1841. For a number of years it was used for interment purposes by the town of Plymouth. It is not in use at all, at present.

RELIGIOUS.

The house occupied by Samuel F. Mor- ris, on section 35, was formerly used for a public meeting house, about the year 1840,Rev. Loring being the first preacher. A class was organized there by the M. E. society.

HISTORIC NOTES.

The first religious services were held by Jesse Chapman, at an early day, at the home of John Jarvis, the father of Edward.

Old Father Bradley and Thomas Ow- ens, delivered the first sermon, at the house of Elijah Poole, on Round Prairie, in the year 1832.

The first marriage in the township was that of Charles Hills and Charlotta David. The ceremony was performed at the home of the groom, on section 12, July 31, 1836.

663

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

The first birth was Sarah, daughter of David Fees, in the year 1830.

The first frame building in Lamoine,. was erected in 1840, by Marcus Rice, on section 11. It is unoccupied at present, and is in the last stages of decay.

Charles Hills and David Fees built the first log cabin in the township, on the northeast quarter of section 12, in the spring of 1830. It is occupied at present by John Hills, as a blacksmith shop.

Anearly death was that of James Wad- dill, in the year 1835.

The first mill was erected on section 21, in 1837, by Butler, Gates and a man by the name of Matthews. It still stands and is the property of Marvin Bros.

The first school was taught by William S. Hendricks, on section 11, about the year 1839. This gentleman afterward served as justice of the peace, in Macomb township.

The first justices of the peace were Hugh Wear and Isaac Smith. John S. Holliday was the first supervisor.

The first brick dwelling in the town- ship was erected by Frederick Hendricks, on the east half of section 11.

ORGANIC.

At the general election of 1856, the question of township organization was submitted, and having received the requisite number of the votes of the county for such organization the county judge appointed a committee, December 4, of that year, to divide the county into townships, and in due time the committee reported that they had performed that duty. By the action of that committee this township was called Lamoine, and

comprises 36 sections, or a full congres- sional township. At the first township election, held April 7, 1857, the following officers were elected: John Twidwell, J. S. Holliday, justices of the peace; and Robert Dorothy, constable.

The officers for the year 1885 are as follows: Thomas Clark, supervisor: James Robinson, clerk; S. T. Martin, assessor: John A. Wear, collector; Dan- iel Hines, highway commissioner; John Twidwell and William Valentine, jus- tices of the peace; George W. Shawgo and G. F. M. Twidwell, constables; Wil- liam Jenkins, school trustee.

VILLAGE OF COLMAR.

This town was laid out in the fall of 1857, by W. M. Graves. The plat lies in the southeast quarter of section 7, and west of the Quincy branch of the C. B. & Q. railroad, which runs in a northeast- erly and southwesterly course through this part of the county. The plat is com- posed of 80 lots, 50x125 feet, in blocks of 10 lots each. At one time consider- able life was manifested and several stores sprang up, making the prospects for a business point quite flattering, but at present there is only one store of gen- eral merchandise, operated by John Mc- Allister. The location is rather unfav- orable for a town, large proportions of the surrounding country being timber land. The principal shipments of the place are wood and grain. During the year of 1884, 24 cars of stock, 43 of grain and 61 of wood were shipped from this point. Johnson & Company opened the first store, carrying a general stock. The first house was erected by Mrs. Ann Pow- ell, which is now occupied by H. A. Hen-

664

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

dricks. The first school was a three months' term, taught by Mr. Simmons, in a dwelling house. The nearest school at present is located one mile northi, and is at present taught by W. M. Matteson.

POSTOFFICE.

The Colmar postoffice was established in the depot in 1859, and J. D. Berry was commissioned postmaster, who also received the first letter, who is also the present incumbent of the office, and en- joys the confidence of all.

The first religious services were held at Colmar in the summer of 1860. Dr. William Boog conducted the meeting in the freight room of the depot. The near-

est place of worship at present is St. Mary's church in Hancock county.

WHITE FLOCK CHURCH.

This church, which belongs to the Methodist denomination, is situated on the east half of section 11, and was built in the summer of 1866. Rev. Saunders preaches every two weeks.

UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH OF LAMOINE.

This church was erected on section 20, Lamoine township, in 1862, by Newton Schrakes. The first pastor of the or- ganization was John Condon. At pres- ent there is a membership of about 12, with John Willstead as pastor.

CHAPTER XXVI.

EMMET TOWNSHIP.

This township lies in 6 north, 3 west, and is about equally divided between timber and prairie land. It is bounded upon the north by Sciota, on the east by Macomb, with Chalmers and Colchester on the south, and Hire township on the west. A considerable portion of the city of Macomb is on section 36, of this township.

The township is well watered, and is an excellent stock country. Crooked creek passes through the southeastern portion, entering on the northwest quar- ter of section 25, and leaving on the

southwest of 34. Spring creek and tributaries run through the greater por- tion of it, and furnish living water at all seasons of the year. There are many excellent farms here, and the farmers are, as a rule, well-to-do men. There are about 23,000 acres of land in the en- tire township, the majority of which is improved. In churches and school houses the township will compare favor- ably with any other in the county. The Quincy branch of the C., B. & Q. rail- road passes through the southwest cor- ner of the township.

665

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Many interesting facts cluster 'round the early settlement of this township, which will be vividly brought to mind by the mere mention of pioneer days. · The difficulties attending the first set- tlement of this country cannot be real- ized, or the hardships and privations undergone estimated, by any comparison with the new settlement in the west of to-day. Now, lines of railroads traverse the lands, markets for agricultural pro- ducts are at hand for the settlers, buyers of grain and stock appear upon the scene, and ready money is always at hand for any and everything, for which a demand exists, and the so-called "pio- neers" of the west to-day have compara- tively an easy time. Penetrating the forests and wilds of this country over 50 years ago, making the tiresome jour- ney with teams, settling remote from railroad or trading point, without society and with but little shelter, means almost hermitage, and all honor is due those brave men and women, who so nobly, in years gone by, endured these things, and placed in motion a series of events which have developed so rich and goodly a land; until Emmet township stands forth to-day in all its beauty and devel- opment, with desirable homes and happy surroundings, well tilled farms and com- fortable houses.

The first to effect a settlement in Em- met township was Peter Hale, in 1830; he was also the first county coroner. He erected his cabin on the quarter west of Macomb, where the old graveyard is located.

Wm. Pringle settled a short distance further west at about the same time.

Samuel L. Clarke came with his father, James Clarke, from the state of Kentucky to McDonough county, in the 'spring of 1830. They settled on section 36, within the present borders of the city of Macomb. Samuel remained at home until his marriage, which occurred in 1853, to Nancy A. Hardin. They are the parents of four children-David H., James D., Clara and Samuel L. Samuel L. was born September 29, 1822, in the state of Kentucky, and was a son of James and Mary (Lewis) Clarke. His death`occurred February 8, 1863, and he is interred in the Russell cemetery.

In the year of 1831, William Penning- ton removed from Pennington's Point, and located upon Spring creek, about eight miles northwest of Macomb, on section 8, where he resided until his death, although he spent a few years in the town of Blandinsville. Alfred and Perry, his sons, remained.on the home- stead a number of years, when they re- moved to the town of Blandinsville, where they still reside.

William Pennington came to McDon- ough county in 1828, from Schuyler county, this state, and was born in South Carolina; but removed to Kentucky, where he grew to manhood. His first settlement was at what is now called Pennington's point, in New Salem town- ship, but in 1831, he removed to Emmet township. Coming as he did, with' a small amount of money, he succeeded in buying considerable land, which im- proved in value, and at his death made him worth considerable property. He was not possessed of a very strong con- stitution, and was sick a great deal of the time. He was quite a religious man,

666

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

and not given to political aspirations. When he went to the polls he cast his ballot with the democratic party. His wife preceded him over the dark river, and they both lie on section 7, in Emmet township. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pennington, as follows: Moses, now in Arkansas; Alfred, in Blan- dinsville; Nancy W., deceased; Perry, in Schuyler county; William R., Eli A., Joel R., John, deceased; Elijah and Eli- sha were twins, and died young. Eli

still lives on section 8, where he owns 91 acres of land. and 61 acres on séction 18. It is a pleasure we do not all have, that of being born and reared, and after marriage live on the same place; but such is the fact in Mr. Pennington's case. His marriage with Emeline Grills, occurred May 29, 1870, she being a na- tive of East Tennessee, but was married in this county. Two children help to bind the hearts of these people-Mamie N. A., born December 19, 1872, and Al- fred, born January 22, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Pennington are members of the Missionary Baptist church.

James Head, a native of Virginia, moved to the state of Kentucky when young, and in 1832, came to McDonough county, settling in Emmet township, southwest of the village of Sciota, on sec- tion 5. He resided there until 1855, when he removed to Macomb and there lived a retired life until his death, which occurred March 2, 1863. He improved the farm in this township, and raised a family of 12 children, three of whom still live in the county-Thomas, Maria, wife of Jefferson Hays, and William B.

Thomas W. Head, came with his par- ents to Emmet in 1832, arriving at sec-

tion 5, on Christmas day, where they made a settlement. Thomas remained here until March, 1848, when he removed to Sciota township, where he still resides.

Richard H. Churchill made a settle- ment on section 14, in Emmet township . in 1832.

Job Yard, settled on section 30, in April, 1833, where he entered 240 acres of land, 80 of which was on section 16. He improved the land on section 30, where he made his residence.

Job Yard, Jr., a native of McDonough county, was born on the same farm he now lives on, a part of the old Yard homestead, owning 110 acres of the same on section 30, southeast quarter. He was born May 1, 1837, the youngest child of the family now living. He enlisted in August 1862, and was mustered in at Springfield, Illinois, September 10, in company I, 124th regiment. He partici- pated in the battles at Mobile, Vicks- burg, Champion Hills, Black River, and other severe engagements, in all about 20 battles, and was not wounded, but at Vicksburg was injured in falling from a precipice, injuring his spine, and was in the hospital. His marriage occurred February 13, 1873, to Sarah Webster, a daughter of John Webster, a farmer near Colchester, but formerly a druggist in Colchester. Four children bless this un- ion-Francis E., John W., Etta J. and Isabel, now deceased. Mr. Yard is a republican and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Thomas C. Yard is one of Emmet town- ship's most successful farmers. He worked at home, assisting on the farm until his father's death, when the respon- sibilities of the place and business were

667

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

all vested in him, he took the matter in hand and was highly successful in carry- ing out the plans of his father, and until his mother married again, he was the sole manager. Job Yard Sr., spoken of in another place, was his father. Thomas had learned the trade of a stone mason, at which trade he worked for 12 years, five years of the time, however, he was engaged in lettering tomb stones, being very proficient in the art. Starting with nothing to speak of, he gradually worked his way up and is now one of the most prosperous farmers in the county, own- ing 600 acres of land and property in Macomb. His buildings are nice and neatly kept, showing thrift and good judgment, while on his land roam herds of good cattle,and droves of hogs-some- times buying, feeding and shipping to Chicago on his own account. His wife was Louisa Phelps, a daughter of L. P. Phelps, who met his death in Macomb, in such a tragic manner in 1872. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Yard, four of whom are living-Clara A., Ed- ward L., Truman P. and Jessie O. The deceased are-Francis E., William C., Emma L., Leander P. and Alva T. Mr. Yard is a strong republican and an active man in its cause.

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 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 75

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