USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough county, Illinois, its cities, towns and villages with early reminiscences, personal incidents and anecdotes and a complete business directory of the county > Part 11
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Among the more general forms of amusements was the "quilt- ing bee," the corn-husking, or " corn-shucking," as generally called in this country, and the " apple-paring." Our young read- ers will doubtless be interested in a description of these forms of amusements, where labor was made to afford fun and enjoyment to all participating. " Quilting-bee," as its name indicates, was where the industrious qualities of that busy little insect that
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" improves each shining hour " was exemplified in manufacturing quilts for the household. In the afternoon the ladies for miles around gathered at the appointed place, and while their tongues would not cease to play, their hands were busily employed in making the quilt, and a desire was always manifested to get it out as quickly as possible, for then the fun would begin. In the eve- ning the gentlemen came, and the hours would then pass swiftly by in playing some boisterous yet innocent game, or in the dance. " Corn-husking" was where both sexes united in the husking. They usually assembled in a large barn which was prepared for the occasion, and when each gentleman had selected a lady part- ner the husking began. When a lady found a red ear she was entitled to a kiss from every gentleman present ; if a gentleman found one he was allowed to kiss every lady present. This fea- ture of the general programme was particularly enjoyable, and a source of unlimited fun and frolic. After the corn was all husked the floor was cleared, the old violin brought out, tuned up, and the merry dance begun, usually lasting until " broad day light in the morning."
"Apple-paring " often called the young folks together when the apples were pared for the winter's sauce. The same kind of sport was enjoyed after the supply was obtained, as in the case of husking and quilting bees.
" The little brown jug " spoken of as having a place upon the mantle, was often brought into requisition, it affording a means of enjoyment that nothing else could supply. No caller was permitted to leave the house without an invitation to partake of its contents ; not to so invite was a breach of hospitality not to be thought of for a moment. It was brought out upon all conceiv- able occasions, and freely dispensed to old and young alike, with no thought of danger. It was a thing of prime importance in all the assemblages of men-at log rollings, huskings, house raisings, &c. It was essential at all births, and even at funerals. It has often scemed a great wonder to us that the entire country was not devoted to drunkenness, for in the early settlement of all its parts, the same universal custom prevailed. No one then seemed to think there could be danger; now and then a drunkard was made, but he was more pitied for his misfortune than for his want of manhood or self-control; it was not the use but only the abuse of it that seemed wrong. It was thought impossible to work
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without it, and it was therefore always present, and the drunken broils occasioned by its use were soon forgotten.
Hunting was a favorite pastime of the men. Game was killed more, however, for amusement than to supply the wants and necessities of their families.
House-raisings furnished another occasion for assemblage and enjoyment. Buildings were then made of such massive timbers that it required a large force of men to erect them, which was was done solely by musenlar power, all the appliances of modern inventions for this purpose being entirely ignored if not unknown. On these occasions liquor was always free to all present. These raisings were usually important events in every neighborhood, and people from far and near came to witness and enjoy them. Log-rolling was another mode of useful recreation. When a man had felled the timber on a considerable space of ground, covered as it was with a large growth, it was impossible for him, without aid, to get the logs together so as to burn them. IIe therefore made a log rolling and invited all his neighbors, who came, and with good will and strong muscles, brought the logs together, the work ending with a good supper and a social good time.
Election days were observed as holidays. The men came to town, voted, drank whiskey, smoked, swore, wrestled and fought, all for a little fun.
Look as we may upon the questionable amusements of the early times, we know that kind hearts, neighborly acts and universal good will for all mankind was a gennine passion, and therefore we forbear all criticisms.
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CHAPTER XII.
VARIOUS MATTERS.
The crime of murder has been rare in this county; in fact, we believe that in proportion to its population there has been less crime in McDonough than in any other county in the State. Oc- casionally we are shocked with the announcement of a terrible murder committed in our midst. This was true on the morning of the twenty-eighth day of May, 1854. On the evening before at about nine o'clock, the alarm was given that James Dye, a wealthy farmer living in the west part of the county on a farm known as the "Prentiss farm," was murdered. Neighbors of the deceased at once gathered, and an investigation was made, when it was discovered that Mr. Dye had been killed while lying in bed. An inquest was held upon the body by S. H. McCandless, the coroner of the county. After examining the body and care- fully investigating the matter, the jury returned a verdict that the deceased came to his death by violent and unlawful means; by the hands of his own wife Rebecca, assisted by two accessories, David B. Burress and S. P. Ray, all of whom were immediately arrested and committed to the county jail to await a hearing be- fore the Circuit Court.
On the tenth day of October following the grand jury of the county found a true bill of indictment against the above parties. The case being called in the Circuit Court, a continuance was granted until the next term of the court. At this term a change of venne was granted to David P. Burress, to Warren County, and Mrs. Dye, to Fulton county. A nolle prosequi was entered in the case of Ray and he was discharged from custody.
Mrs. Dye was duly tried at the April term of the Circuit Court of Fulton county, the trial lasting nine days. It was probably the H-8
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most exciting one that ever took place in that county. The court room was crowded at every session, many ladies being con- stantly in attendance. The counsel for the people were Messrs. Goudy, of Fulton, Wheat, of Adams, and Schofield & Mack, of Hancock. For the defense, Mrs. Dye secured the services of Messrs. Manning, of Peoria, Kellogg & Ross, of Fulton, and Cy- rus Walker, of MeDonough. Probably a better array of coun- sel could not have been secured in the entire State of Illinois. They were all able men.
William C. Goudy opened the case for the people. IIe told the jury that they "were called upon to discharge the most solemn duty that ever devolved upon man, in the discharge of which in- volved the life or death of a human being. The evidence they had to offer was purely circumstantial. No living being was known who saw the inhuman crime committed. But circumstantial evi- dence, in many cases, was better than positive testimony-the guilty mind always acts inconsistent with its innocence, and this marks out its own accusation. This is one of God's marks upon crime. To hunt out, follow up, and arrest a criminal are its daily uses. By its aid the police of our cities are constantly bringing to light and arresting the perpetrators of evil deeds, who would otherwise continue their crimes unmolested The prisoner before you is indicted for the murder of her own husband. The deceased came to his death by a blow upon the head from an axe or ham- mer, or from a slung-shot in the breast, or from both. Three persons are named in the bill of indictment, but you have only to inquire as to the guilt of the prisoner before you. We expect to show aets and words between Burress and the prisoner that will show their connection with the murder, and bring to your mind uncontrovertable evidence of the prisoner's guilt. Should we do so, you have but one duty to perform, and that we shall expect at your hands."
Cyrus Walker, for the defense, opened the case, and spoke sub- stantially as follows: "The arrangement has been made by the counsel for the defense that I should make the opening statement. I agree with the gentlemen that this is an important case. You, gentlemen, are to decide a momentous question. The Emperor of the Russias possesses no more power over the life of his subjects than you have over the life of that lady. Her life is in your hands. You can hang her up between the heavens and the earth, or you can send her home to her children, from whom she has been torn
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by the iron rule of the law. You must expect the case will be somewhat tedious ; the issues involved are such it cannot be other- wise. That woman before you, whose lite you hold in your hands, is accused of an unnatural crime. The difference between murder and manslaughter has been fully and accurately stated to you by my friend, and it is in your province to find her guilty of either, if the evidence should thus convince you. Certainty, beyond a reasonable doubt, is required in all criminal cases-the law rejects preponderance. James Dye, the deceased, was a man be- tween seventy and eighty years of age. He was married twice. By his first wife he had twelve children. Six years ago he was married to the accused, by whom he had three children, one at the breast at the time of his murder. On Saturday, the twenty- seventh ot May last, he was found dead in his bed, shot through the breast, and his skull fractured just above the left eye. As is very natural in such a case, there was much anxiety to find out the perpetrators of the deed. Suspicion took the smallest circumstance and magnified it; and the natural disposition in every community to find out the cause-that restless, eager energy that seizes every point-directed attentiou toward the accused. I warn you, gentle- men, against such restless eagerness, against that suspicion that blights without investigation, and condemns without proof. There is no contest here, but as to who murdered Dye. James Dye was a large farmer, a hard working man. I am bound to do justice to the living. I must speak of the faults of the dead. The deceased was an honest, industrious man, but he sadly neglected the educa- tion of his children-their moral and intellectual training was un- provided for ; while his great aim was to accumulate property. He had frequent quarrels with his sons, fights and law suits. These en- gendered a bitter feeling between them, which often led to vio- lence. After the old man's death, the boys were active to show the prisoner's guilt-they charged her with the murder and hinted of circumstances to cast suspicion upon her. The old man died intestate. There was a large dower coming to the prisoner. They had various motives to induce them to be forward in settling opin- ion against the accused. Knowing their previous quarrels, they sought to divert suspicion from themselves, and have sought every means to throw the guilt upon the prisoner. The prosecution has stated the rules of evidence. I wish only to add, as the enormity of the crime increases, so the character of the proof should be more certain. There never was a greater error committed than
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that from the pen of Dr. Paley, when he said that circumstantial evidence could not lie. It was a fine theory, and having received the sanetion of so great a mind, has been handed down as incon- trovertible. One ounce of sober sense upon such a point is better than the speculative wisdom of the world. Remember, you are not to enquire who murdered James Dye, nor, if she didn't, who did? You are only to decide as to the prisoner's guilt."
Some eighty or ninety witnesses had been summoned and were duly examined. As outlined in the remarks of the attorneys, the prosecution endeavored to prove criminal intercourse, or at least criminal intentions, on the part of Burress and the accused ; and that they might more surely and securely carry out their evil designs, it was necessary to get the old man out of the way. That they made a strong case against the accused cannot be denied. The defense, on the other hand, brought forward witnesses to prove the good character of their client, showing how she many times acted as peace-maker between the old man and his sons ; how the old man regarded her as worthy of all confidence, giving her all the money she wished for, and making her his " banker," as he said ; how that, in nature, he could live but a little while, and that his intention was to leave all his property to the accused and her children; that the supposed facts, as set forth by the prosecution, was entirely inconsistent with the state of affairs as they existed. The case was ably argued on both sides. After being out fifteen hours the jury brought in a verdict of guilty, and sentenced the accused to five years in the penitentiary. It is said that on the first ballot the jury stood four for acquittal and eight for conviction, and the verdict, as given, was a compromise.
Mrs. Dye was in due time removed to the State's prison, but on account of uniform good conduct, and on the recommendation of the Warden, she was pardoned long before the expiration of her term. As to her guilt or innocence, we are not prepared to judge ; suffice it to say, that, on receiving her pardon, she returned to Macomb, where she resided for many years, enjoying, we believe, the respect of all who knew her. She died in the year 1874.
The success attending the vote on the proposition of taking stock in the Northern Cross Railroad, and the certainty of its carly completion, made the people enthusiastic on the subject of railroads, and the belief became general, that, with their aid, the county would become very wealthy and populous within a few
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years. Other railroads had been projected, and their companies were desirous of running their lines so as to obtain the most money -a straight line being no object if a larger amount could be ob- tained by deviations. On the seventh day of December, 1855, a petition was presented to the County Court, praying that it be submitted to a vote for or against taking subscription to the cap- ital stock of the Wabash and Mississippi Railroad to the amount of $75,000. The prayer of the petitioners was granted, and a vote was ordered for the twenty-sixth day of January, 1856. The vote was taken, resulting in the defeat of the proposition. This did not dishearten the friends of the project, and on the seventh day of June another petition was presented, signed by a large number of voters, for the purpose of having submitted the prop- osition of voting aid to the amount of $100,000 to the Wabash & Mississippi and the Rock Island and Alton Railroads, $50,000 to each. The prayer of the petitioners was granted, (Silas J. Grigsby dissenting), and the election was ordered to be held on the fourth day of August. The conditions of the proposition to be voted on were that Macomb should be a point in both of the above named roads, and that no bonds should be issued until the roads were completed to Macomb.
On the twenty-eighth day of June, at a special session of the County Court, Charles R. Hume, of Blandinsville, presented a petition, signed by a large number of citizens, praying that the Court would amend or change its former order, made on the sev- enth day of the present month, so as to make the towns of Blan- dinsville and Bushnell points in the Wabash and Mississippi Rail- roads, instead of Macomb. The prayer of the petitioners was refused. This led to the defeat of the proposed measures.
On the sixth day of September still another petition was pre- sented to the Court, and an order made for voting on the proposi- tion of taking stock to the amount of $50,000 to the Rock Island and Alton Railroad on the same conditions as previously stated, viz : that Macomb should be made a point. The election. was held on the fourth day of November, and was carried by a re- spectable majority.
At a meeting of the County Court on the sixth day of Septem- ber, this same year, J. M. Clark and one hundred and thirty-six other legal voters of the county presented a petition praying that an order be made for an election to be held on the fourth day of November, that a vote might be taken upon the proposition of
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adopting the township organization law. The prayer of the peti- tioners was granted, the election held, resulting in a majority in favor of the adoption of the law.
At the December term of the Court an order was made appoint- ing commissioners to divide the county into towns, or townships, and Levi H. Bradbury, of Prairie City, Harrison Hungate, of Blandinsville, and William R. Downen, of Industry, were ap- pointed. The commissioners reported, dividing the county as it at present stands, save Prairie City and Bushnell townships were. then one and called by the former name.
The old jail becoming too small, and inconvenient in many par- ticulars, the County Court decided upon building a new one. The contract was immediately let, Hector McLean taking the stone work, and W. O. Thomas & Co. the brick and wood work, and Ingram & Painter the painting. The total cost of the build- ing was about $3,500. We can not say much for it, it being a continual expense to the county every year. Prisoners broke out without trouble, necessitating an almost constant watch. As a general thing we can commend the wisdom of our County Board of Supervisors, they conducting the affairs of the county in a very prudent and economical manner, but in this respect their economy is not to be commended. Although we have not the figures at hand, we verily believe more money has been spent for repairs, guarding the jail, and re-capturing prison- ers, than would have built as fine a building as we have in the Military Tract.
The old log-jail, in due time, by order of the Court, was sold by the Sheriff, the city of Macomb becoming the purchaser, for the sum of $275. It has been in use by the city ever since as a city prison, and is known as the old calaboose.
On the eleventh day of April the County Court assembled for legislative purposes, for the last time. Present, Hon. Thompson Chandler, presiding judge ; Samuel Calvin and Silas J. Grigsby, Associates. The last order made by them was for ironing the new jail, after which they adjourned sine die, being succeeded by the Board of Supervisors.
With reference to Burress, arrested for the murder of James Dye, his trial was never held. On the night of August 11, 1855, he escaped from the county jail, at Macomb, but returned, after an absence of about ten days, and gave himself up to the authori-
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ties. On the evening of the tenth of November, following, he again escaped. A reward of one hundred dollars was offered for his capture. He was traced to the State of Indiana, and a party went in pursuit of him, but when they reached the place where he was seen, he was gone, since which time he has never been heard from. Whether guilty of the crime charged against him will probably never be known.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
CHAPTER XIII.
DIVISION OF THE COUNTY.
The committee appointed for the purpose of dividing the county into townships reported in due time that they had performed that duty. By their report the county was divided into sixteen town- ship, having the following names : Eldorado, Industry, Eagle Town, Lamoine, New Salem, Scotland, Erin, Tennessee, Mound, Macomb, Spring Creek, Rock Creek, Prairie City, Walnut Grove, Sciota, Blandinsville. The first election for township officers was held in April, 1857, and the Board of Supervisors held its first meeting May 11, 1857. At this meeting the name of Eagle Town was changed to Bethel ; Rock Creek to Hire; Erin to Chalmers, and Spring Creek to Emmet. A petition was presented praying that the town of Prairie City be divided into two townships, but the prayer of the petitioners was refused. The following are the names and location of the various townships :
Eldorado, 4 N., 1 W. ; Industry, 4 N., 2 W. ; Bethel, 4 N., 3 W .; Lamoine, 4 N., 4 W .; New Salem, 5 N., 1 W. ; Scotland, 5 N., 2 W. ; Chalmers, 5 N., 3 W .; Tennessee, 5 N., 4 W .; Mound, 6 N., 1 W .; Macomb, 6 N., 2 W .; Emmett, 6 N., 3 W .; Hire, 6 N., 4 W .; Prairie City, 7 N., 1 W .; Walnut Grove, 7 N., 2 W .; Sciota, 7 N., 3 W. ; Blandinsville, 7 N., 4 W.
By the above we were entitled to sixteen members of the Board of Supervisors, since which time Macomb City has been allowed two representatives, and Prairie City township has been divided, the west half called Bushnell. Bushnell township is given one rep- resentative, and Bushnell city one, making in all twenty members of the Board of Supervisors. We here subjoin sketches of the various townships, beginning with-
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Eldorado .- This township lies in the extreme southeast part of the county, 4 n., 1 w. It was first settled in 1831; A. J. Foster building the first house on section 2, in the northeast portion of the township, the settlement being known to this day as Foster's Point. About one-fourth of the township is timber land, the bal- ance being a beautiful prairie. The timber land all lies in the southern part, with the exception of about seven hundred acres in the northeast part, comprising all of section 1 and part of section 2. Divided up, we have 21,292 acres of improved land; 1,490 acres of unimproved. In the southeastern part of the township, coal and building stone are found in great quantities, and of a good quality. Several small streams run through the township, fur- nishing living water for stock in all seasons of the year. Sugar creek and its branches are the principal water courses.
As showing the value of the township for all purposes we com- pile the following facts and figures of its products for the year 1875, together with the number of head and value of all kinds of stock: There were 21,293 acres of improved land, of which num- ber 7,634 acres were in corn, 1,457 in wheat, 1,467 in oats, and 656 in other products. There were also 2,270 head of cattle, -value, $47,574 ; hogs, 4,192-value, $22,982; horses, 747-value, $31,200.
At the residence of Father Harris, living on section 1, was per- formed the first marriage ceremony in the township-Mr. Cleon Reddick and Miss Lucy Harris, by Rev. Aaron Kinney, a Univer- salist minister, in the year 1839.
The first birth was Samuel J. Foster, son of A. J. and Sarah Foster, who was born in the fall of 1831. The first death was Nimrod Foster, son of Henry Foster, in the fall of the same year.
Miss Lucy Harris taught the first school, in 1837.
Eldorado Township, politically, is Democratic. As members of the Board of Supervisors it has sent John Price, James Keach, Thomas Lawyer, William Marshall, Milton Amrine, Thomas Cox, James Irwin, Isaac Chandler, Job Marshall and A. J. Herron, the present efficient member.
There are no towns in the township, and her people can truly be said to be agricultural in their tastes and habits.
In churches and school houses the township is behind none. On the southwest corner of section 15 is a good town hall, known
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
as Eldorado Hall. This building was erected about the year 1869, at a cost of $1,800. It is used for all public purposes, such as elections, meetings of town officers and general public meetings.
New Salem .- New Salem township lies in range 5 north, 1 west, and is generally believed to contain the finest body of land in the county. With the exception of a small tract of thirty-eight acres of timber in the southern part, it is entirely prairie land, and for richness of soil and adaptability to the various products of this country, is unsurpassed. The township was first settled in 1828, William Pennington erecting his cabin in the region now known as Pennington's Point. There was probably at that time a little more timber in the township than at present, and the early settlers made their homes so as to have the benefit of it. No attempt was made to settle the prairie for many years after, though we believe it was the first township in which this was generally done.
No better improved farms are to be found in the Military Tract than in New Salem Township; and herein live some of the most wealthy and honored of our citizens. The hospitality of her citizens is unbounded, and the "latch-string always hangs out" and the weary traveler finds a hearty welcome.
Among the early settlers of this township we may mention William Pennington, Stewart Pennington, Major Yocum, J. E. D. Hammer, Salem Woods, and William Moore. Salem Woods, although he did not effect a settlement in the township until 1830, visited it in 1828, coming from his home in Pennsylvania on foot, for the purpose of examining the land he had purchased the year before, in 1827. Not finding the country as well settled as he anticipated, he returned to his old home, but came out again two years after, settled down on section 30, where he has resided ever since, retaining the original deed. Mr. Woods brought the first stove ever seen in MeDonough County,-a stove that was a great wonder in its day. We have heard of women making their bread, and carrying it a distance of nine miles to have the honor of baking it in that stove. Mr. Woods has yet a portion of it. One of the most jolly, good-natured souls that ever lived was Major Stephen Yocum, and the citizens of the Point will long remember him.
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