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 78

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 78

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).

687

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

itt, who located in 1837 on section 24 of this township. After marriage Mr. Elt- ing lived upon section 13, where John Elting now resides, remaining there until about the year 1860, when he re- moved to section 12, the present resi- dence of his widow. Mr. Elting was a shrewd business man, honest and upright in all of his dealings, and much re- spected. Nine children of Mr. and Mrs. Elting are now living-Charles M., Levi Jones, Harriet A., James, John, Francis C., Nellie M., Philip E., and Harry L. Robert, Mary E. and Mar- garet are deceased. These children have all enjoyed the advantages for ob- taining a liberal education, and are intel- ligent and refined. They are Method- ists.

Charles M. Elting, son of P. H. and Margaret (McSpiritt) Elting, was born in McDonough county, November 22, 1839. He has always resided here, mak- ing his home with his parents until his marriage to Sarah McCahn, who was a native of Ireland. They were married March 4, 1863. In February, 1873, Mrs. Elting died, and March 15, of the fol- lowing year, Mr. Elting was married to Anna Anderson, a native of Sweden, and daughter of Benjamin Anderson, of Blandinsville township. Mr. Elting set- tled first on what is known as the county farm, on section 13, Emmet township. One year later he removed to Walnut Grove, where he also lived one year, then removed to section 12, Emmet, and re- mained two years, after which he bought 80 acres on section 23, on which he re- sided until about 1879, when he removed to his mother's farm. Two years later he returned to section 23, where he now

lives. He owns the east half of the southwest quarter, and the west half of the southeast quarter of that section. Mr. and Mrs. Elting are the parents of five children-Alice A., Nettie V., Wil- liam L., George H. and Margaret. The improvements upon Mr. Elting's farm have been made mostly by himself. He is engaged principally in stock raising, and is a successful farmer. He has been commissioner of highways nine years, and has also held the office of school director.

John Elting was born June 7, 1849, in Emmet township. His parents, Philip H. and Margaret Elting, resided at that time, on the south half of the northwest quarter of section 13. John remained at home until his marriage, February 3, 1876, to Lucy McLeod, daughter of Wil- liam and Mary W. (Miller) McLeod, formerly residents of Missouri, where Mrs. Elting was born. Mr. Elting set- tled where he now lives, soon after mar- riage. He owns the south half of the northwest quarter of section 13, and has a good farm. Mr. and Mrs. Elting have four children-Edna E., born February 1, 1877; Wilmot R., born June 30, 1878; Mary M., born June 24, 1881; and Rob- ert C., born in 1882. Mr. Elting is a republican in politics.

Charles H. Chatterton resides on sec- tion 15, Emmet township, where he loca- ted in 1873. He purchased the south- west quarter which was then all timber land, and proceeded to improve it. He now has 45 acres under cultivation and is engaged in the business of stock rais -· ing. Mr. Chatterton was born in this county and resided with his parents on the northeast quarter of section 11, Em-

688

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

met township, until his marriage, Nov- ember 5, 1868, to Elizabeth Laughlin, daughter of P. Laughlin, of Emmet township. Their union has been blessed with five children-Arthur, . born Janu- ary 29, 1871; Evan, born July 15, 1873; Nellie,born July 19, 1876; Orm, born July 20, 1879; and Alfred born Novem- ber 27, 1883.

Charles W. Wettengel was born in Austria, October 27, 1831. He left his native country for America to avoid mil- itary service, starting July 10, 1850, upon a sailing vessel called the "Jeannette," which was 56 days in crossing the ocean .. He landed at New York and went imme- diately to Pittsburg, where his brothers had preceded him. His parents, Chris- topher and Elizabetlı Wettengel, came to America in 1852. Christopher Wet- tengel was a nailsmith by trade, which he taught his four sons. He followed farming close to Pittsburg until his death. Charles W., learned the shoe- maker's trade in Pittsburgh, serving a two years apprenticeship, after which he followed the same four years in that city. He then went to Quincy, Illinois, where he was employed for a time, thence to Colchester, McDonough county, and there opened the first shoemaker's shop in that town on the 8th day of May, 1857. The first farm which he owned was loca- ted on section 20, Emmet township. It forms a portion of his present farm of 160 acres, 80 acres of which lies in tliat section and 80 on section-21. This land was partly improved at the time of his purchase and is now in a good state of cultivation and well improved. He is engaged in stock raising, for which his farm is well adapted. Mr. Wettengel

was married February 7, 1861, to Sarah M. Zimmerman,of Hire township. She is a native of Ohio, and a daughter of John and Christena ( Kaiser) Zimmerman, na- tives of Bavaria, Germany. They came to America, in 1840, and settled in this county in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Wetten- gel have six children-Albert B., in Pull- man, Illinois, married to Dora Thisius; John C., in Oswego, Kansas, married to Florence V. Hicks; Clara A., Charles N., Henry P. and Lena M. Albert B., is now employed as painter at the Pullman Palace car works in Pullman. Mr. Wet- tengel is a member of the Lutheran, and his wife of the M. E. church.

James V. Guy, youngest son of Geo G. Guy, was born September 12, 1841. upon the place where his father now lives, on section 20, Emmet township. His childhood and youth were spent in attending school and working upon his father's farm, where he remained until February 16, 1866. He was then united in marriage with Alvira A. St. Clair. Her parents, George and Sarah F. St. Clair were at that time, residents of Tennessee township, but formerly lived in Adams county, Illinois, where Alvira A. was born. Mr. Guy lived after mar- riage, on section 17, and later, on his father's farm. He moved to his present home in 1884. He owns 75 acres on section 17, all of which is under cultiva- tion, except 15 acres. He carries on general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Guy are members of the M. E. churchı. He is politically, a republican.

Andrew Jackson Hamilton, is a native of Kentucky, and was born October 15, 1819. He lived in that state until he came to McDonough county with his

689

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

parents, in 1838. He may therefore be properly called an old settler, and has witnessed {the development of this county, from a state of natural wild- ness, to one of civilization and prosper- ity. He has seen the transformation from vast stretches of open prairie, with few settlers, where the wind and bliz- zards, untrammelled, swept furiously along, to pleasant and comfortable · homes, well improved -farms, occupied by a happy people. This change has not been the work of a day, but has through a series of years, been gradu-

1 ally wrought out, first, by the toil and sacrifice of the pioneers, and later, by the brain and muscle of their children, by whose energy and perseverance, the land has become a desirable home for those of still later years, who did not participate in the trials, incident'to pi- oneer life. McDonough county has been the home of Mr. Hamilton ever since first coming here, and he has been outside its borders but little. In 1844, concluding it was not good for man to be alone, his thoughts wandered back to the scenes of his childhood, and he re- turned to his native state, and took unto himself a wife from among the daugh- ters of the Kentucky state, by the name of Julia Douthit. The ceremony occur- red on the 4th day of October, and during the same month, he came back with his bride, to this county, and set- tled on the farm, in Emmett township, where he now lives. He there engaged in general farming, first raising flax, from which they made their own clothes, and later, wheat, rye, corn, and oats. He has also raised cattle, hogs, and sheep. They have had 12 children, five of whom

are now living-Eliza Ann, the wife of William C. Griffith; Nancy; Geneva, who was married to Thomas Fife; Henry and Addie.

Patrick Laughlin, a native of county Meath, Ireland, was born March 1, 1814. His father, David Laughlin, was a mil- ler by trade, and died in Ireland. His mother, Margaret (Connell) Laughlin, also died in that country. At the age of 15, Patrick had mastered his father's trade. He then left home and went to learn the carpenter's trade. In 1836, he left his native land for America, landed in Boston, where he worked for a time, at carpentering. He afterwards fol- lowed the same occupation in Frederick- ton, New Brunswick, and at Bangor, Maine. He removed to McDonough county, Illinois, in 1842, and settled in Emmet township on section 23, where he owned 160 acres of land. He followed his trade one year, after coming here. He purchased his present farm, consist- ing of 160 acres, the northeast quarter of section 13, same township, in 1844. His farm is well improved and cultiva- ted. He has a commodious and sub- stantial dwelling, erected at a cost of $3,000. He makes a business of stock- raising, keeping a herd of 40 or 50 head of cattle and other stock. He owns the southeast quarter of section 28, which he uses for a pasture. Mr. Laughlin was married February 11, 1839, to Mary Campbell. daughter of Francis and Bridget (Bogue) Campbell, natives of Ireland. Their marriage took place in St. Johns, New Brunswick. Nine children have blessed their union, five of whom are now living-Margaret, Elizabeth, Catharine, Daniel and Ellen.

690

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Francis, Jane, Agnes, and Frances are deceased. Mr. Laughlin and his family are members of the Catholic church. He has held the office of school trustee and commissioner of highways in this township, His son, Daniel is well edu- cated, and has held the offices of town clerk and assessor. Mr. Laughlin came to the county in limited circumstances, but, by wise management, industry, and economy, has succeeded in accumulat- ing a competence.

Edmund Rorer, a native of Pennsyl- vania, was born in Frankford, Philadel- phia county, January 13, 1810, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Caster) Rorer. He has been considerable of a rover, and traveled over much country, and engaged in various occupations. When 20 years old he went to Florida and remained One year, or until 1831, when he was run out by the Indians and went to New Orleans. In that city he looked for employment, and there it was his trade of carpenter was of some assist- ance, and he engaged in the manufacture of coffins. From New Orleans he went to Grand Gulf, Mississippi, thence to Port Gibson, and worked at that place about seven years at his trade. He then went to St. Louis, and remained 14 years, working by the day and by the job. He then went to Philadelphia and remained a few months, then returning to St Louis, he secured a situation as carpenter on a steamboat, then went again to New Or- leans; but soon coming back to St. Louis, engaged in building bridges for two years, then went again to Philadelphia, remained a few months and went again to St. Louis, thence to Washington, and after witnessing the inauguration cere-

monies, went to New York; thence to Long Island, and again returning to Phil- adelphia, worked at his trade for some time. Subsequently he made another trip to New York; thence to Pittsburg, Wheeling and St. Louis; then working on a steamboat, went up the Red river; then back to St. Louis, and to Philadel- phia; then after 18 months returned to St. Louis, and traveled on the river a few years. He made a trip to Texas, and upon return enlisted in the army with Le Clede rangers, under Captain Hud- son, went to New Mexico, was at Palo Alto and Buena Vista; then he went again to New Orleans and St. Louis, thence to California and lived a short time. Thus he wandered about from time to time and from place to place, until 1862, when he came to this county and has since lived here. In 1852, December 16th, he was married to Helen Marsh. They have nine children-Adelia A., Melinda B., Candace A., Lewis W., Chas. O., Anna L., Virginia L., Freeman W., and Mary L. Mr. Rorer has learned much by observation, having been in nearly every state of the union. He carried the mail across the plains for a number of years, and has seen humanity presented in its various phases, from high to low, from rich · to poor, and is consequently a good judge of human na- ture, and well informed upon all matters, and elements which contribute toward the general "make up" of society.

Samuel Statler, a farmer of Emmet township, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Clinton county, July 6, 1853. He is a son of James and Hulda (Mur- phy) Statler. In 1855, his parents moved here with him; and engaged in

691

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

farming. Subsequently they moved to Macomb, and there Samuel received his education, and afterwards returned to the farm. In 1881 and 1882, he was in Blandinsville, buying grain at that point, and while there, in February, 1882, he was married to Elizabeth Clark, of Clarinda, Iowa. In 1883 lie again re- turned to the farm, and has since been managing the same, having 211 acres, and engages principally in raising and feeding stock. Politically he is a repub- lican.

EDUCATIONAL.

According to the annual report of the county superintendent, for the school year ending June 30, 1884, Emmet township has an estimated value of school property amounting to $4,800, and a tax levy for the support of her schools of $2,230. There is no bonded school debt in the township. The high- est wages paid any male teacher is $40, and the lowest, $20 per month, while the highest monthly wages paid lady teachers is $35, and the lowest, $25. There are eight school buildings in the township, all of which are frame, in which an average of- eight and one- sixteenth months of school are taught annually. There are 356 children of school age in the township, 213 of whom are enrolled in the schools.

Union district No. 1 .- School was taught in a log house near Clark's saw- mill by Henry Hardin, as early as 1835, and in 1840 a log house was built on section 10, near where the present build- ing now stand, for school purposes, and the first school was taught by J. L. Cross. For several years, or until about

1854, this log house was used as a school building, when a difficulty arose among the parents in regard to a teacher then employed, and, in order to prevent the school being continued, the house was one night torn down, or made unfit for use. The term of school, however, was finished in the house of T. G. Painter by Jane Maxwell. Soon after, perhaps the same year, a frame building 22x28, was erected, at a cost of about $500. This was used by the district until 1881, when the present house was built on the southeast corner of the northwest quar- ter of section 9, which cost $875. The present teacher of the district is Nellie Ingram.

The first building erected for school purposes in district No. 2 was in 1841, on the northeast quarter of section 5. It was constructed of logs and built by gen- eral contribution, A. W. Kennedy teach- ing the first school therein. This was used until 1864, when a frame structure, 20x30, was erected on the southwest quarter of the section, at a cost of $600. Annie P. Shaw taught the first school in this building. This house was recently destroyed by fire, and in the fall of 1884 the present building was erected, at a cost of $650. Dora Hainline teaches the school at present, and J. L. Hain- line, Isaac Griffith and John D. Hain- line are the directors.

The school house on the southeast quarter of section 17, in district No. 6, was built in the fall of 1863. It is 18x36 feet in size, and cost about $900. Emma Whitson taught the first term of school in the building. The first directors of the district were John Ledgerwood, Franklin Guy and Jefferson Bayless.

692

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

The school house in district No. 7 is located upon the southwest corner of section 13, and was built in 1876, at a cost of $550. . The old building which stood upon the same lot, was sold to the township, and was used for holding therein elections, town meetings, etc. John Casto taught the first term of school in the new building.

The school house situated on the north- west quarter of section 29 was built about the year 1864, at a cost af $1,000, and is 24x36 feet in size.

School district No. 8 was formed by the division of No. 7, and a school house was erected in 1877, on section 22, at a cost of $350. Alice Newell taught the first term of school in this. building. The lot on which the school house stands was donated to the district by Cary Grif- fith, and consists of one acre on the northeast corner of the southwest quar- ter of the above section. Cary Griffith, Hugh White and Michael Callahan were the first directors, the present being John Hillyer, William Burton and Menard Granenwold. Alice Dorigan teaches the school at present.

CHICKAMAUGA STOCK FARM.

This excellent farm is the property of A. V. Brooking, and consists of 340 acres located mostly on the east half of sec- tion 24, Emmet township. It is well improved having a barn 76x100 feet, hav- ing all modern improvements, and con- veniently arranged for the business. It was built in 1876, at a cost of $4,000. Mr. Brooking the gentlemanly proprietor, devotes his attention mostly to the rais- ing and breeding of fine horses; he has from childhood evinced an interest in

good horses, and with maturer years this interest has not diminished,but increased, and with his experience and natural adaptability, he is well qualified to super- vise a place of this kind. He has done much toward bringing McDonough up to its present high standard as a stock county. This farm is headquarters, for roadster horses, and brood mares, from good strains of trotting stock. Some of them having a record of 2:32, and doubt- less many of them would be able, under a proper course of training, to make rec- ords low in the twenties. These supe- rior animals are being bred to stallions of undoubted merit, and the outcome of the business as conducted by Mr. Brook- ing can but be successful, and he is, and will be able to furnish not only good roadsters, but animals having the speed and endurance necessary for the turf. He has some imported horses, keeps on hand from 30 to 40 animals of good blood for breeding purposes, and each year adds to the number of good horses from Chickamauga stock farm, which is getting to be quite well known in this and adjoining states. It is a farm not only well improved, but one naturally adapted to this business, having among other things a spring of never failing water, flowing unceasingly, winter and summer, furnishing a full supply for seven different enclosures.

VINEYARDS.

About five acres on the northeast quar- ter of section 35, is devoted to the growth of grapes by Joseph Marks. He com- menced raising the fruit about 20 years ago, and some 16 or 17 years since began the manufacture of wine; at times mak-

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY. 693

ing 50 or 60 barrels per day. A. Krauser has three acres and A. Switzer has about one acre devoted to the industry.

CEMETERIES.

The Guy cemetery is situated on the northeast quarter of section 20, and con- tains two acres, which was deeded by George G. Guy, to the Methodist church. It is pleasantly situated and kept in fair improvement. George W. Guy was the first body interred therein.

A private cemetery belonging to John D. Hainline, is located on the northeast quarter of section 6, and consists of one- half of an acre. The first burial was the first wife of Mr. Hainline-Margaret Ann. It is now a burying ground for all relatives of the Hainline family, but as yet, none other than Hainlines lie there.

A public cemetery is situated on the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 5. It consists of two acres of land, purchased of Thomas Head for $200. The first buried there was John Mayfield.

COAL BANKS.

This industrial enterprise is located on the northeast quarter of section 6, and has been in operation since 1870, cover- inf an area of about 40 acres. It is owned by John D. Hainline and operated by James and William Anderson. The vein is 20 inches in thickness.

In 1854 the coal bank on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of sec- tion 32, was opened. The present owner of the land is J. W. Wilson, who pur- chased it in 1866, but had previously worked the same for about three years. After he purchased the bank he began

taking out about 50 bushels of coal per day. The vein is 26 inches in thickness and extends over about eight acres of land, although it originally covered about 18 acres. The product of the mine is as good a grade as is found, and sells at eight cents per bushel, yielding a good profit yearly.

BRICK YARD.

In 1867 James M. Chase commenced the manufacture of brick on section 34, about a mile and a half west of the city of Macomb, where also is found a super- ior clay. The yard has averaged about 450,000 brick each season, giving em- ployment to 12 hands, as all the brick are hand-made. Mr. Chase is sole pro- prietor of the yard, which is used for local purposes only. Nearly all the brick which entered into the construction ot the court house at Macomb were manufactured by him. -

FISH PONDS.

Two ponds, devoted to the hatching and propagation of piscatorial varieties, are located upon the farm of Cary Grif- fith, on section 22, and are also owned by that gentleman. The first one was established in 1883, as a carp pond, in which Mr. Griffith placed about 45 of this variety. During the year of 1884 they made a growth of about four pounds each. This pond covers about one-fourth of an acre, and is six feet in depth, the water being supplied by springs. In 1884 the second pond was established, a short distance below the other. In this small body of water there are 14 varieties, including 12 game and 2 of cat fish. Mr. Griffith intends

694

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

making this a business, and affording the markets a specialty of desirable fish.

GOOD TEMPLARS.

A lodge of this order was organized in the township in 1860, and for more than ten years did most excellent work. For interest in business and temperance work it had no superior in the county. After an interval of 12 years, the second lodge, the other having become extinct so long ago, was organized at Mr. Lyle's, and usually meets every Saturday even- ing.

HISTORICAL.

Elder John Logan, the noted pioneer preacher delivered the first sermon in the township, at the Spring Creek settle- ment, in the year 1832, at William Pen- nington's house.

David G. McFadden and Dorcas Bowen were the first couple married in Emmet, the ceremony being performed by James Vance, Sr., a justice of the peace, May 16, 1833. This McFadden was one of the two who were hung two years later for the murder of John Wilson.

The first justice of the peace was Man- kin Champion.

Tobias G. Painter was the first super- visor.

ORGANIC.

Emmet township was organized at the time of the division of the county, in 1856. It was first called Spring Creek, but at the first meeting of the board of super- visors of the county, in May, 1857, the name was changed to that of Emmet. At

the first township election, which was held April 7, following, B. F. Naylor was elected justice of the peace and J. T. Painter, constable. The present officers of the township are as follows: Super- visor, Julius Hartung; clerk, P. E. Elt- ing; assessor, James A. Monger ; collector, L. Flemming; highway commissioner, Daniel Sullivan; school trustee, Byron Bagby; justices of the peace, Joseph Howing and Timothy Sullivan; consta- bles, Washington Dixon and Riley Sut- ton.

CLAY BANK.

On section 25, and on the northeast quarter of said section, is found the largest deposit of fire brick, and tile clay probably in the county. The land be- longs to Mr. Charles Shevalier, of Ma- comb, and through his endeavors has this matter been brought out, and it was un- doubtedly due to his exertions, that the Macomb tile works came into existence. Along about 1835, a man by the name of Cleveland drew some of this clay to Rip- ley, and made itinto tile and sewer pipe, and not until 1879, was this bed of wealth - again disturbed. Joseph Patterson com- menced drawing to the Eagle pottery, in Macomb, from this bank, but only used it one year; but when the tile works started up, they used all the clay they made up into ware, from this deposit, and at the present time are using 40 to 50 tons daily. This bank is 17 feet in thickness where it has been worked, and crops out in numerous places; the depth varies of course, but evidently there is enough clay here to supply the whole state.

695

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXVII.

BETHEL TOWNSHIP.

This township lies in the southern tier, being 4 north, and range 3 west. It is bounded on the north, by Chal- mers and Colchester townships, on the east, by Industry, with Schuyler county on the south, and Lamoine township on the west. The southern portion is prin- cipally timber land, containing some of the finest in the county, and is, also, the depository of immense beds of coal and a great amount of stone for build- ing purposes. Copper, zinc, and iron, have been found, though but little ef- fort has been made to test the matter as to whether it can be found in paying quantities. The northern part of the township is mostly prairie land, and here is found some of the finest farms of the county. The township is one of the best watered of any in the county, the two forks of Crooked creek, Camp and Grindstone creeks, passing through its entire length, the latter coming in at the southeast corner of section 24, while the former enters the township at the southeast corner of the northeast quar- ter of section 1. These two streams form a junction on the northeast quarter of section 31, and leaves the township at the extreme southwest corner.

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 78

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