USA > Illinois > Henderson County > History of Mercer County : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc., gathered from mattter furnished by the Mercer County Historical Society, interviews with old settlers, county, township and other records, and extracts from files of papers, pamphlets, and such other sources as have been available : containing also a short history of Henderson County > Part 48
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Antioch Baptist church was organized July 22, 1866. This church owes its existence to George Miller, who, living at Sugar Grove, was a prominent member of that denomination, and church services were held at his house at an early period. When Mr. Miller left this county for Oregon, the place of holding meetings was changed to Lunn's school-house. This was called the Sugar Grove church. It increased in membership until finally they were joined by a few from Edgington, and a new church formed at the above place. The mem- bers most prominent in the movement were : John Young, James Young, L. H. Castor, B. F. Miller, and Frederick Volkel. At the school-
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house preaching was held until 1870, at which time a new church was erected on section 1. This edifice was built by subscription at a cost of $2,300. Among the first early preachers were : Henry D. Kline, John Young and Alexander Sutton. A revival took place in 1867, under the preaching of one Pickert, an evangelist, which was the first revival after occupying the new church. The next was under the super- vision of James Young, in 1863. The next, conducted by J. R. R. Young, added fifty-three new members to the strength of the church. Among the early membership of the church were : Lewis Landreth and wife, John Downing and wife, Milton Elliott and wife, James Elliott and wife, L. C. Elliott and family, E. W. Miller and wife, B. F. Miller and wife, John MeLaughlin and wife, T. C. Lewis and wife.
Among the first organizers of the Buffalo Prairie church, of Dun- can, Jesse L. Adams took an active interest. He was born in Bucks county, Ohio, March 23, 1808. He subsequently moved from that state to Madison county, Indiana, and settled in the wilderness. In 1822 he went to visit his older brother, who was then living on the Wabash river. While sojourning he united with the Church of Jesus Christ, and was called to the office of elder in 1835. In 1835 he moved to Mercer county, settling near Glancey's lake, in Eliza town- ship. He being enthusiastic in the faith, immediately began the agi- tation of establishing a church, and accordingly in 1862, the church was organized with eleven members. Winthrop Holmes was called to the eldership. The first meetings were held at the houses of the different members. The services were conducted by Elder J. W. Gillon, J. H. Gurley, and W. Holmes. The latter named dying in 1865, his place was filled by J. F. Adams. Up to 1865 the church had a membership of twenty-seven. In 1868 a revival took place, at which time 103 were added to the church, making in all 130 members, and they immediately set about building a church by subscription. This was dedicated September 5, 1868. In the fall of 1873 J. F. Adams resigned the eldership of the church, and David S. Holmes was called ; he resigned in 1875, and E. F. Bryant was called. Under his administration the church reached 256 members.
ORGANIZATION.
Pursuant to notice given for township organization, an election was held on April 4, 1854. at the school-house in district No. 1. The meeting was called to order by choosing George W. Bennett clerk, William Epperly, moderator, and Tyler Me Whorter, clerk, pro tem. At this meeting it was decided to elect four poundmasters, and the
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ones chosen were : W. S. Roe, Michael Miller, Buford Duncan and Samuel Herson. Tyler McWhorter was chosen supervisor, receiving thirty-two votes ; Alvah Sutton, town clerk ; Caleb Vernon, collector ; William S. Roe, assessor ; Samuel Herson, G. W. Bennett, John Page, Buford Duncan, and James Vernon, overseers of poor ; Wil- liam Summers and James Lloyd, commissioners of highways ; Wil- liam Ducan, constable ; James Vernon, justice of the peace. At this election thirty votes were cast. A resolution restraining swine, sheep, and cattle from running at large was adopted.
One mile north of Millersburg, on a high ridge of ground covered with oaks, is located the Millersburg cemetery. This ridge of ground extends toward the north and slopes gently to the east and west. The lettering on many of the old head-stones still standing has been obliter- ated by the elements, showing that the place has been in use for that purpose for many years. It is perhaps the first burial place in the county. Over two hundred are reposing beneath the shades of the surrounding oaks.
Until 1881 Duncan township was without a postoffice. At that time Mr. Leonard Gorber built a store-house on section 2, and John Ball was appointed postmaster. He was also the first merchant in the township. In the spring of 1882 he sold his stock to John Bolting- house, who was appointed in his stead. April 17, 1882, a second post- office was established in Duncan township, and Edward Cornell was appointed postmaster. This is situated in the extreme southwestern corner of the township.
A mill was built on Camp creek in 1835, on the line between Dun- can and Millersburg townships. This was a grist and saw-mill. It has long since been numbered with the things of the past, and only a few of the old timbers remain to mark the spot where the early pioneer patiently awaited his turn to be accommodated.
Luman Castle was the first discoverer of coal in Duncan township. This was about 1845 or 1846. One McDonald was the first to mine coal. Until he commenced, people who wished dug what they wanted out of the side of the ravine. There being plenty of timber then there was not much demand for coal, but as the population of the township increased they began using coal in order to save the timber for making rails and other purposes.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
HENRY DUNN, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1831, where he received the advantages of a common school education, and began to assist about the farm at the age of sixteen.
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On coming to this county he first stopped at New Boston, and after a six months' stay he removed to Eliza township, where he remained ten years. He afterward resided a year each in Mercer and Millersburg, and in 1863 bought land of James Vernon in section 21, near Dunn's school-house, which took its name from him. He was married to Miss A. Waters, formerly of Ohio. Her parents came out soon after, and being dissatisfied with the country he took them back and returned with his own parents. Mr. Dunn possesses a rare combination of good qualities, which fit him for the business in which he is engaged. He is a man of independent ideas, indomitable energy and fine business tact, all of which has been the secret of his success in life.
DAVID H. LIVINGSTON was born in 1827 in Columbiana county, Ohio, where he received a common school education, and after learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until 1851. At that time he came to Rock Island, where for the first year he followed the business. He then moved to Mercer county, settling first at Millersburg, still con- tinuing the business there. Here he lived for ten years. In 1861 he bought his first land, on the S. E. { of Sec. 6, in Duncan township, and in 1863 bought on the S. W. ¿ of Sec. 7, and other lands adjoining, until at the present time he owns 225 acres of choice land, which is the result of hard labor and careful management. He returned to Ohio in the spring of 1852, and was married to Miss Nancy McDevitt, of his native county. Four children were the result of this union, as follows : Jo. W., Minnie A., J. G., and Lizzie.
WILLIAM EPPERLY, SR., (deceased) was born in Montgomery county, Virginia, August 12, 1796, and was married in 1819 to Miss Alley Wade, of the same county. Somewhere between the years 1831 and 1833 they removed from Virginia to the State of Indiana, at which time the family consisted of seven children. After a residence of thirteen years in Indiana, they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, where he spent the remainder of his life. Soon after his arrival here he pur- chased 320 acres of choice farming land, and by industry, economy, and the assistance of his faithful wife, succeeded in obtaining a title to the same, besides saving considerable money. While residing in Indiana three children were added to the family, and six in Illinois. Mr. Epperly was one of the early settlers of Duncan township, and was widely and favorably known. After having spent a long and useful life, he passed away, August 10, 1879, at the good old age of eighty-three. He was a member of the reorganized church of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints, having been identified therewith for ten years prior. He died in full faith of the doctrine of the church. After his decease his property was divided among his children, he having
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made the arrangements before his death concerning the same. Ample provisions were made for his wife, who still survives him, and for his daughter, who will receive a dividend of the remaining portion of the estate.
SAMUEL SHEESE, though not an early settler of Duncan township, is nevertheless a good illustration of a limited class of citizens who came early to this township and learned to adapt themselves to the anoma- lous and changing circumstances of early settler life, and who wrung success from hardship and privations of an age when financial derange- ments were common. He was born in the State of Ohio in 1834. At the age of twelve he went with his parents from his native state to Indiana, where he spent his youth in working on a farm. His financial condition of life at that time was a barrier against an educa- tion, there being no free schools. From Indiana, at the age of twenty, he came to Clay county, Illinois, whither he was followed a short time after by his mother and two sisters. In 1857 he came to Mercer county, planted a crop and built a house. He was married to Miss Mary Fender about twenty-eight years ago. By this marriage they have twelve children born to them. Barehanded and without even the advantages of an education, Mr. Sheese began life for himself; but his 550 acres of well-improved land and fine buildings are a proof of his ability to gain wealth.
CHARLES ELSWORTH LUNN, son of John and Mildred Lunn, was born in Mercer county in 1861. His father was among the oldest settlers of the county. He died while our subject was quite young, and his mother married a second time and moved to Port Royal, where he received a part of his education. On their return he was married, in September, 1881, to Miss Eva, daughter of Charles York, after which he moved upon his father's farm which he had made in 1853.
JONAS FENDER, son of Lewis and Jane Fender, was born in North Carolina, May 16, 1834. ITis parents and grandparents were also born in that state. His grandfather, Andrew Fender, is now living with him at the golden age of 100, and up to the winter of 1882 was active and worked about the farm. He has been four times married. His last wife is still living at an advanced age. Mr. Fender is the parent of three generations of children, sixteen in number. He was twice en- rolled for the draft of 1812 but was not chosen. He first moved from North Carolina to Indiana, and to Illinois in 1856. Jonas Fender, the subject of this sketch, moved with his parents from their native state to Indiana, and thence to Illinois in 1853, in which year his father's death occurred. Soon after his arrival in the county he pur- chased a farm containing 302 acres in section 24, which he has
WILLIAM RETHERFORD. (DECEASED )
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improved, and erected upon the same a handsome dwelling-house with all the modern improvements. Ever since he began the improvement of his farm he has been engaged in the coal business, of which his farm contains a fine supply. Mr. Fender is a member of the Wesleyan church, and was one of the founders. It stands just a few rods from his house. He is also an enthusiastic temperance worker. The esteem here placed upon his character is the willing testimony of many who have known him for years.
Among the men of progress in Duncan township there will be found no name more distinctly representative than that of GEORGE VATER (deceased). From early childhood his life had been an active one. To him many owe the advantages of improvement in their stock. This was his study and delight and the principal part of his business. He came to America in company with his brother in an early day, and for the first few years rented land, until 1865, when he bought John Mitchel's interest in 260 acres of land, and subsequently added to it 150 aeres in section 13. To this he added substantial improvements, notwithstanding the fact that when he arrived here he had nothing but his hands to assure this success in life. At the time of his death, in 1879, he left his widowed wife with this estate unincumbered. Mr. Vater was born in Germany in 1836. His father having died while he was young left our subject to his own resources. He was married in 1863 to Miss Winegard, of Rock Island county. The result of the marriage was seven children, five girls and two boys.
The subject of this sketch, JOHN BRAUCHT, who is now passing his declining years on his farm in Duncan township, with all the comforts of life around him, was one among the enterprising first settlers of that township, at a time when industry and energy were requisites to success in life. Mr. Braught was born in Dauphin county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1821, his parents having also been born in Lancaster county in that state. From there they moved to Dauphin county, and thence to Ohio. In the fall of 1852 Mr. Braucht came with his parents to Mercer county, first settling a few miles south of Aledo, where our sub- ject resided one year, or until 1853, when they bought in Duncan town- ship of James Hartman. On this place he still resides. He has devoted all his energies to improvement, until he has now one of the best improved farms in the township. He was married in Ohio. His wife died in 1881.
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The family of JAMES LLOYD originated in Wales, but his more recent ancestors were raised in this country. His parents were Benijah and Elizabeth Lloyd, who moved to Erie county in an early day, where James was born September 3, 1827, and moved with his parents to
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
Mercer county in 1834. His father hired a man and team to bring them to Mercer county, but on arriving at the river Nile he became dis- couraged and would go no farther. Here they took passage on board of a schooner for Chicago, where they happened to meet with some farmers who had brought wheat from Putnam county. With some of these teams they were brought as far as Monmouth, where, after a few days' stay, they engaged a man and team to bring them to Millersburg. This was an eventful trip for the whole family. Shortly after leaving Monmouth their younger brother fell from the wagon in which they were riding and was instantly killed. On arriving at Millersburg they found an Indian camp all along Camp creek, which sight did not add much pleasure to their mother's anticipations of the new country. The Indians would come to their house in squads of twenty or more in quest of potatoes and such other provisions as they had to spare, never taking anything, however, without paying for it. They were treated kindly by the Lloyds, whom they duly appreciated. Mr. Lloyd's mother had been in Mercer county for nearly a year before she saw the face of a white woman. In 1860 Mr. Lloyd made a trip to Pike's Peak, and on this trip he met an old Indian who had many times been at his father's house while they were encamped at Millersburg. They both recognized each other at once. He was quite aged. but still remembered all that had transpired during their encampment at Camp creek, at which time Mr. Lloyd was but a small boy. Mr. Lloyd bought his first land on S. W. Sec. 32, in 1849, of Dr. Samuel West, who had bought the tax title. He did not settle until 1857. He remembers Capt. Kinkade and a party of twelve stopping at his father's house while on their way to Rock Island to make a treaty with Black Hawk. James Lloyd's ancestors on his mother's side were German. His mother died in 1879, at the age of eighty-one years. She will always be remembered by those who knew her on account of her generous hospitality.
EDWARD M. CASTLE was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, July 7, 1838. His grandparents were born in America. Luman Castle, his father, was born in Ontario county, New York, and his mother in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. His father came to Illinois in 1832, where he was married to Miss Catharine Murry, in Tazewell county, about 1837, and moved to Mercer county in 1842. He first settled one mile east of Millersburg, which place he sold to James Wharton, and moved to Nebraska, where his wife died in 1861. The subject of this sketch entered the service of the war of the rebellion as a private in company G., 27th Ill. Inf., and during the time which he served participated in all the battles in which his regiment was
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engaged. Belmont being the first. He returned home after the war and bought land in section 5, which had been owned by one Hatch, of Ohio, and who had traded a hotel property for it. He also bought in section 8, which was formerly owned by Kendall, Specker, and Almen- dinger, who had bought it of I. N. Bassett. Mr. Castle is well and favorably known throughout the section of country in which he lives, having taken an active part in the affairs of the township. He was several times chosen supervisor, assessor and collector. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian church and a deacon of the same.
CALEB VERNON was born thirty miles from Cincinnati, Warren county, Ohio, in 1817, and when fourteen years of age moved with the family to Indiana, where he received a common school education and learned to farm. His father was born in England, and, while young, was left at home with his mother, while his father came to America, but after a few years took ship to return home. The vessel was wrecked and he was never after heard from. For the first few years after Mr. Vernon's arrival in Illinois he followed mining in the lead mines of Galena. He was married in St. Louis, July 6, 1847, to Miss Nancy Walston, whose mother was a native of Kentucky. Vernon's parents came to Illinois when he was but a small child. but he distinctly remembers the wilderness-like appearance of the country at that time. There were but a few houses then in the county. He once left Rock Island for Millersburg, at which time Daniel Mont- gomery's house was the only one between the two places. There he took dinner and started on his journey. Darkness overtook him, and when near Millersburg he lost himself on the hills of Camp creek. He became bewildered, and made several trips back and forth from Camp creek to Eliza. Wolves were plentiful at that time, and he remembers of them following him while plowing in the fields. He is engaged in farming a small fruit culture. His handsome residence is shaded by large trees of his own planting, consisting of chestnut, maple, elm, ash and beech.
JOSEPH ANDERSON was born September 13, 1845, his parents being William and Achsah Anderson. His grandparents, on his father's side, were Americans, and on his mother's side. German. The sub- ject of the sketch is the youngest child of a family of four children, and the only son of the family. His oldest sister, Louvenia, married Wal- ter Balfour, and resides in Pocahontas county, Iowa. Annie married Samuel Powell, a resident of Rock Island county. Emmaranda resides in that county, also. Joseph Anderson came with his parents to this county in 1857. Here he received the benefits of a common school
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education, and was raised to farming, at which he was engaged until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted as a private in the 9th Iowa cavalry. He served only a few months with his regiment and was detached for special duty as a scout and dispatch carrier, at which duty he served three years, and was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas, after which he immediately returned home to resume farm- ing and stock raising. He has never sought office, but has been several times elected to fill the various offices in his town, and in 1882 was chosen supervisor. When he first settled in the township he bought his first land of Jacob Almendinger, on the N. & of Sec. 9. He resides, however, on section 4, land owned by his father-in-law, Mr. Isaac Rob- bins, whose daughter, Carrie, he married. Mr. Anderson is a repub- can, and a member of the Aledo masonic lodge.
MILTON BORUFF, son of Valentine and Louvina Bornff, was born in Eliza township in 1843. His father was born in Clay county, Tennes- see, and moved from there to Monroe county, Indiana, and to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1846, settling first on Pope creek, and later moved to Eliza township, where he was married to Miss Louvina Epperly. Milton Boruff was educated at a common school in the township in which he was born, where he was also married in 1865 to Miss Emaline, daughter of Martin Bear. By this marriage, Mr. Boruff and wife have had six children born to them, all of whom are now living at home. Mr. Boruff bought his first land in section 31, in 1865, which he has largely improved by commodious residences and other fine buildings.
MICHAEL MARDOCK Was born in Tennessee in 1813, and at the age of eight years moved with his parents to the state of Ohio, and from that state to Indiana. Here he received a liberal education and learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until his removal to this state. His first settlement was in Eliza township where he improved a farm and resided until his removal to section 6, Duncan township. He was joined in marriage in 1839 to Miss Nancy Miller, which happy union was blessed by the birth of five children. From humble beginnings, by industry and good management, Mr. Mardock has acquired a hand- some estate which he lives to enjoy, as well as the respect of his friends about him. He is a democrat in politics, and an honored member of the masonic order.
MICHAEL MADER, son of Adam and Barbara Mader, was born in Germany in 1832. In his father's family were four boys, among whom Michael was the youngest. He came to America in 1859, in company with Michael Vater's family and sister. At this time our subject had barely enough money to pay his passage to New York and Chicago, where he borrowed six dollars of his friend Vater, to bring him to
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Rock Island. Immediately after his arrival he sought and obtained employment as a farm hand, at which he worked faithfully for eight years, at which time he invested the money that he had saved in 160 acres of land in the northeast of section 11. IFe subsequently bought eighty acres more just across the road in section 2. Ile has made some handsome buildings upon his place, all of which he has done by hard labor and good cultivation. Mr. Mader is a social gentleman, free in his habits and opinions, and liberally supports the cause of education, good morals and public progress.
LEONARD GARBER was born in Baden, Germany, in 1832, a country which has furnished many of our most prosperous emigrants, as may be seen by viewing their handsome improved farms throughout the township and elsewhere within the borders of Mercer county. Mr. Garber came with his parents to this country at the age of fourteen. The family landed in New York, from which place they immediately proceeded to St. Louis, where for two years our subject worked by days' wages in a brick-yard. He managed to lay up some money in the hands of the company, but the firm failing he lost all. They then moved westward, locating in Rock Island county, near Illinois city, where his father bought a farm and where Mr. Garber spent his youth at work. He here received a liberal education. In 1856 he was married in Rock Island county to Miss Margaret Bower, of the same county. Soon after his marriage he began business for himself. He first bought land in Rock Island county, which in 1862 he sold to George Wise and moved to Mercer county, where he bought 120 acres of partly improved land in section 1. He next bought eighty acres adjoining, of Nicholas Leuze. He next bought eighty acres adjoining, of Owens Tolbert. This he afterward sold. He then bought eighty acres of Mr. Cline, and next 160 acres of William Neff, in section 14, and besides another thirty acres, making in all 470 acres. His farm is well improved and contains more barns and outbuildings than any other farm in the township. His farm is also well adapted to stock-raising, which business occupies his attention. His pleasant home is shaded by large trees of his own planting, and he lives in case and pleasure among his family of five children : Barbara, Maggie, Emma, Sadie, and John.
GEORGE LEUZE was born in Baden, Germany, December 26, 1813. His parents were Peter and Margaret Lenze. His father was born on the river Rhine in the year the Russians crossed the river during the Napoleon war. In his father's family there were nine children, five boys and four girls. His father lived to the age of eighty-two and his mother eighty-five. Our subject was married in Germany, in 1841, to Miss Mary Ghist, by which marriage they had four children born to
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