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 70
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DANIEL MACK is a son of John and Bridget (Conway) Mack, and was born in county Clare, Ireland, in May 1849. His father died, and,
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
early in the spring of 1853, he, with his mother and her family, set sail for America in the sailing ship Mary Pleasant, and all safely landed in Philadelphia on May 10, 1853. In the spring of 1855 they removed to Rock Island, Illinois, where our subject spent the next four and a half years clerking in a hotel and working at other odd jobs from which he could earn an honest .penny, at the same time making the best use he could of all spare time in securing an education. Though he did not have the advantage of a college course of instruc- tion, lie is one of those practical, self-made men occasionally found among the emigrants to this county who were by poverty thrown upon their own resources. After coming to Preemption township, in 1859. he engaged in breaking prairie, and became known as Dan. Mack, thie prairie breaker. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H, 84th Ill. Vol. Inf., and served his adopted country until the close of the war. While in the service he was wounded at Chickamauga, September 19, 1853. January 1, 1866, he was married to Miss Catharine Oday, a daugh- ter of John and Margaret (Burk) Oday, who is also a native of Ire- land, and came to America in about 1860. They are the parents of seven children, living: John W., Daniel, Thomas F., Elizabeth, Will- iam, James P., Joseph C., and three deceased. Though Mr. Mack began a poor boy, he is now the independent owner of 510 acres of land in this township, and is actively engaged in stock raising and shipping as well as farming.
ROBERT FOSTER is a son of Robert and Margaret (Nickson) Foster. He was born in the county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1820, and was reared on a farm, at the same time receiving a good education. On March 17, 1845, with his brother John and others of his father's family he left his native home for America, and about May 1 of the same year arrived at Rock Island. Illinois. The first summer was spent by him working in a brick-yard at Rock Island, while John worked the first season in Preemption township for John Whitsitt, Esq. Thus they made their start " slow but sure." The brothers finally purchased land in section 3, in Preemption township, where Robert still lives, and where John lived till the time of his death, December 30, 1881, in the seventieth year of his age. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he gave liberally of his means, making it a point to give annually fifty dollars toward the support of the church of which he was a member. Some years before his death he gave a house and lot in Rock Island to the Methodist Episcopal Church there to be used as a parsonage, and a short time previous to his death he willed to the missionary society of Rock Island property to the value of $2,000, the proceeds of which is to be
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COMPANY A, THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
used in foreign missionary work, and during the last year of his life he contributed in cash $100 to the missionary fund. In 1859 Robert was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Kennedy, a native of county Fermanagh, Ireland, by whom he became the father of twelve children, seven of whom are now living: Matilda, John, William, Walter, Sarah J., Abba M., and Robert D. The oldest daughter, aged twenty years, and the third son, aged fifteen years, fell victims to that dread scourge diphtheria, as well as did some of his family in younger years. Mr. Foster and wife are consistant members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
COMPANY C, THIRTY-SIXTHI REGIMENT.
Quite a number of Mercer county men entered this company, which was organized in Warren county and was officered almost entirely by men from that county. The organization took place August 20, 1861, and the muster-in took place about one month later at Aurora. A day or two after the organization the regiment went to Quincy, Illinois, and thence to St. Louis, Missouri. Some of the principal battles in which this regiment was engaged were : Bentonville, Pea Ridge, Perryville, Stone river, Chickamauga creek. Many other skirmishes and light engagements were participated in by this regiment. Nine of Mercer county's citizens died at the enemy's hands or from disease contracted in the service.
COMPANY A, THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
This was a Rock Island county company, and like many other com- panies and regiments from adjoining counties, drew liberally on Mer- cer county for men. The regiment was made up of squads from all parts of the state and from other states. Company A, to which the Mercer county boys attached themselves, was organized August 14, 1861, and a month and a few days later the regiment was organized and the men mustered into service at Chicago. The war had then begun to be a reality and troops were not kept in the state long for show or drill, but, as was the case with the thirty-seventh, were sent immediately to the scene of action. The next day after the completion of the organization this regiment was sent to St. Louis, and a few days later to Booneville, Otterville and Springfield. On January 24, 1862, the regiment was in the battle of Pea Ridge and September 29 at New- tonia, the battle of Fayetteville soon after being the scene of an engage-
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
ment in which this regiment participated. The regiment was mustered out May 15. 1866. Twelve names on the monument at Aledo attest the devotion of Mercer county's heroes to the old flag.
COMPANY I, SEVENTEENTHI REGIMENT.
Co. I, of the 17th reg. Ill. Vol. Inf., was raised from men at New Boston. Keithsburg and Aledo. Dr. E. P. Wood, of New Boston (afterward lieutenant-colonel of the regiment), Geo. W. Sanders, William Avery, E. S. Bruington, and D. T. Hindman were leading spirits in organizing the company. Enos P. Wood was afterward (April 20, 1861) elected captain, and a month later, on the organization of the regiment, elected lieutenant-colonel; Edward S. Bruington, second lieutenant (afterward captain); and Geo. W. Sanders, who also afterward was promoted to the captaincy, as first lieutenant. William Avery succeeded from second to first lieutenancy on the formation of the regiment. Wm. A. Lorimer was promoted to second, then to first lieutenant, and was mustered out as captain of the company. Theo- dore Glancey was chosen second lieutenant April 2, 1863, and after- ward, and until the expiration of his term, promoted to second lieutenancy.
The company left New Boston April 19, 1861, for Monmouth, whither they marched. At Monmouth they tarried four days, and in the meantime were met by company F, of Warren county. April 23 they took the cars to Peoria, and went into camp, the camp being named Camp Mather. Company I was raised as a three months' company, but the call for the three months' men was already full and overflowing when they arrived in camp. It was generally understood before arriving there that such was the case, and nearly all were ready to enlist for three years. A few, however, declined and returned home. May 24 the regiment was organized, and company I, with as brave a lot of men as ever carried the musket, was assigned the position indicated by the letter given above.
One item in the history of this company will be remembered as long as a member of it remains. Though rough usage and privations incident to army life left their impressions, yet they were not suffered to sink so deeply into the heart of the rough soldier as did the act of kindness of the citizens of Monmouth during the four days of their stay in that city. The best and foremost people of the town opened their doors, their cupboards, and their hearts to the boys, and nothing was considered too good for them. Long years have passed and many
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COMPANY I, SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT.
of the incidents of the war have been obliterated from the minds of the grim warriors, but these acts, which went down deep into the heart. are as fresh as though performed but yesterday.
The Seventeenth Regiment of Ill. Vol. Inf .. was mustered into the the United States' service at Peoria, Illinois, on May 24, 1861. and left camp on the 17th of June for Alton, Illinois, for the purpose of more fully completing its organization and arming. Late in July it proceeded from Alton to St. Charles, Missouri, remaining but one day ; thence went to Warrenton. Missouri, where it remained in camp about two weeks: company A being detailed as body guard to General John Pope, with headquarters at St. Charles.
The regiment left Warrenton for St. Louis, and embarked on transports for Bird's point Missouri : remained at Bird's point some weeks, doing garrison duty ; then proceeded to Sulphur Springs Land- ing : debarking there proceeding via Pilot Knob and Ironton, to Fredericktown, Missouri, in pursuit of General Jeff. Thompson, and joined General B. M. Prentiss' command at Jackson, Missouri. They thence proceeded to Kentucky and aided in the construction of Fort Holt. They were then ordered to Elliott's mills ; remained there a short time and returned to Fort Holt. They went from thence to Cape Girardeau, and with other regiments were again sent in pursuit of Gen. Jeff. Thompson's forces ; participated in the engagement near Green- field : lost one man killed and several wounded, and returned to Cape Girardeau, doing provost duty until early in February. 1862, when they were ordered to Fort Henry ; participated in that engagement and Fort Donelson, losing several men killed, wounded and taken prisoners. They then proceeded to Metal Landing, Tennessee river, and embarked for Savannah, Tennessee : from thence to Pittsburg Landing and were assigned to the First Division, Army West Tennessee, under Gen. John A. McClernand ; were engaged in the battles of April 6 and 7. and suffered great loss in killed and wounded
They were with the advance to Corinth. After the evacuation of Corinth they marched to Purdy, Bethel and Jackson, Tennessee, and remained there until July 17, when the regiment was ordered to Bolivar. and was assigned to duty as provost guard. They remained at Bolivar until November, 1862, during which time they participated in the expedition to Iuka, to reinforce Gen. Rosecrans, and afterward at the battle of Hatchie. They returned again to Bolivar, and remained there until the middle of November. They were then ordered to Lagrange, reporting to Major Gen. John A. Logan, and were assigned to duty as provost guard, Col. Norton being assigned to the command at that post. Early in December they marched to
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
Holly Springs ; thence to Abbeyville guarding railroads, and thence to Oxford. After the capture of Holly Springs the regiment was assigned to the Sixth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, under Maj. Gen. McPherson. They then proceeded, via Moscow, to Collierville ; from there to Memphs, and the regiment was assigned to duty at the navy yard. They remained there until January 16, and then embarked for Vicksburg ; re-embarked and proceeded to Lake Provi- dence, Louisiana, then the headquarters of the Seventeenth Army Corps, doing duty there until the investment of Vicksburg commenced. Arriving at Milliken's Bend, on or about May 1, they commenced to march across the Delta to Perkins' landing, on the Mississippi river ; thence to the crossing below Grand Gulf, advancing with MePherson's command, via Raymond, Champion Hills, Jackson, Big Black, and to the final investment of Vicksburg. After the surrender of that city, the regiment remained there doing garrison duty and making incur- sions into the enemy's country as far east as Meridian, and west as far as Monroe, Louisiana. Returning to Vicksburg they remained there until May, 1864, the term of service of the regiment expiring on May 24, of that year.
The regiment was ordered to Springfield, Illinois, for muster-out and final discharge, when and where those of the original organization who did not re-enlist as veterans were mustered out and discharged. A sufficient number not having re-enlisted to entitle them to retain their regimental organization, the veterans and recruits whose term of service had not expired consolidated with the Sth Ill. Vol. Inf .. and were finally mustered out with that regiment and discharged in the spring of 1866.
Seventeen names are engraved on Mercer county's soldiers' monn- ment as having given up their lives for their country's warfare. Some of these were killed on the battle-field; some were wounded, and, after long and painful suffering, died from the effects of wounds ; and some were victims of diseases brought on by exposure in the camp and on the march.
RICIILAND GROVE TOWNSHIP.
EARLY HISTORY.
Arasmith Grove was changed to Richland Grove in 1837. The circumstances connected with the change were these: Josiah Jordan was building a house, and a talk arose as to the name of the grove. He proposed to those present that, as some did not like the name
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RICHLAND GROVE TOWNSHIP.
Arasmith, they there and then change the name to Richland Grove. The name was almost unanimously adopted, and has come down to the present time. In 1834 the township was a solitary tract of desert waste, not a single house having yet been built.
The first house was built by Abner Arasmith, in the S. W. 4 of See. 13. The first store was kept by Asa MeMurtry, and the second by Willis Peckingpaugh. The first blacksmith shop was kept by George Loranee and the second by Luther Barnard.
Chancy Stanard, the hero of those early days, taught the first school, in the winter of 1837-8, in a log-house (size 12×14 feet) which stood on the Peter Metzler farm (S. E. } of S. E. } of Sec. 14). Chancy Stanard also conducted the first Sunday school, in 1837, near the same place.
In 1835 Wesley Arasmith, Sr., Abner and Alvin Arasmith, and Thomas Sellers constituted the settlers. In 1836 Peter and John Metzler, George and John Love, Hugh Montgomery, Charles Norman, Sr., Henry Stowers, Henry, George and John Peckingpaugh. Thomas Chires, Sr. and Jr., William Parker, Hugh McMullen, Almond Wilcox, James Manning, Daniel Valentine, and Levi Shaw, came to the township.
In 1837 James Glenn, Alden Perce, Chancy Stanard, Alfred Dorsee, Parker Tinney, Wm. Lowther, Jonathan Smith, and Albert Merryman settled here, and in 1838 Thomas J. Jordan, John A. Jordan, John Rhodenbaugh, Lucius Dimmoek, L. F. Langford, Joseph B. Trego, John Morey, and Abner Vanmeter. Of those named who are known to be living there are: John Metzler, George Love, Charles Norman, Sr., Henry Stowers, Thomas Chires, Jr., Alfred Dorsee, John A. and Thomas J. Jordan, Parker Tinney, L. F. Langford, Albert Merryman, John Rhodenbaugh, Joseph B. Trego, and John Morey. The graveyard west of Swedona contains many honored dead of those early days, and as the early settler talks of his old associates, the tears will fill his eyes, thinking of the many happy days spent together.
VILLAGE OF SWEDONA.
The village now known by the above name was laid out in 1838 by Abner Arasmith, now of Kansas. Being located on what was known as the state road, between Knoxville and Rock Island, it became' quite a thriving village, reaching at one time a population of about 500. The first store building was erected by Asa McMurtry. The name was changed from Berlin to Swedona in 1869, and, as the name implies, the population consists largely of Swedes.
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SWEDONA.
The society of American Methodists was organized by Rev. Asa McMurtry in 1837. The leader was Chancy Stanard. Some did not join for some time, but all remember the early days. The names are : Chancy Stanard, leader, Mrs. Stanard, William and Mrs. Lewis, Lucius Dimmock, Alvin and Mrs. Arasmith, Thomas and Mrs. Chires, Thomas Chires, Jr., Ann and Sarah Chires, Mary Love, Stephen and Mrs. Smith, Thomas and Mrs. Brittingham, Mrs. William Smith, John Rhodenbaugh, Stower's family (four), Mr. Consider, and Mrs. Barney, Sr., Joseph Crawford, Irvin and Mrs. Stone.
The building now occupied by the congregation was completed in 1848. although services had been held in it years previous to that date.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN (SWEDISH), SWEDONA.
The Lutheran church society was organized by Rev. Jonas Swanson in 1858 with fifty communicants. The church was built in 1859. This society has continued to grow until now it is one of the largest, if not the largest, in the county. There are now over 500 communicants, aud they always have a large congregation. Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Chilberg, who are the oldest Swedish settlers in the township, still live near the church, and they look back with pleasure over the history of the society.
UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
The American Society of United Brethren was organized by the Rev. Abner Norman in the winter of 1871-2, with a membership of about thirty. The church building was erected in 1873.
The Swedish Methodist Episcopal church society was organized by Rev. Victor Vitting in 1856 with a small membership. The church was built in 1860. The society has continued to grow and is now large and prosperous.
GRIFFIN BROTHERS' TILE WORKS.
On the S. W. } of Sec. 34, are situated the tile works owned and operated by the Griffin Brothers. The works were established in 1879, and since that time these enterprising gentlemen have been scarcely able to meet the great and increasing demand for their tile. The clay underlying their land is of a very fine quality, and is pro- nounced by Prof. Weber equal to any in the state. These gentlemen are sons of William E. Griffin, Esq. (deceased), who was for many years supervisor of the township.
[For the above matter, collected from Jolin A. Jordan, we are indebted to B. F. Eckley, Esq .- ED.]
SAMUEL CLARK. ( DECEASED )
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RICHLAND GROVE TOWNSHIP.
CABLE.
The population of this village consists chiefly of miners in the em- ploy of the Cable. A shaft and slope are operated here under the supervision of Robert Lee. The aggregate capacity of the two mines being about 80,000 tons annually, about 400 men are constantly em- ployed, besides eight mining machines, each performing the labor of about six men. The coal is transported over the Mercer County rail- road to Rock Island, and thence to surrounding towns.
On the afternoon of June 5, 1844, a mass of angry clouds were seen gathering west of Swedona, which, owing to their peculiar appear- ance, attracted considerable attention. About five o'clock in the even- ing they began to move rapidly eastward, and in a few moments the storm burst with terrific fury upon the village and surrounding country. The air seemed full of electricity, the crackling of which sounded like the discharge of musketry. Huge trees were torn off, a great many barns and dwellings were badly damaged, and a number of people killed, among whom were Mr. Trego and son a few miles northwest of Swedona. This storm was probably the severest ever known in this locality, but the country being very sparsely settled the fatality was not so great as attends some of those whirling monsters of later days. An eye witness states that for some time after the storm had subsided, streaks of phosphorescent light were seen creeping over the ground, and the air had a peculiar smell resembling sulphur. The storm moved eastward strewing death and desolation in its path, and was last heard of in Henry and Bureau counties.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Among the many men and women who in early times bade farewell to friends and kindred and took up their abode in the wilds of Illinois, none are more deserving of the reverence of posterity than SAMUEL CLARK, and his wife, SARAH CLARK. The burden of life which they had borne together through so many years has been laid down by the wayside, and the venerable couple rest side by side in the peaceful sanctuary of the tomb. Samuel Clark was born near Londonderry, Ireland, in 1813. He emigrated to America in 1833, and located in Brooklyn, New York, where he remained two and a half years. In the fall of 1836 he came to Mercer county, and located on section 12. He was married in 1838 to Miss Sarah Huyck, of Dayton, Ohio. Five children were born to the couple, whose names are as follows: James G., Jennie (deceased wife of Dr. Ansley), Louisa (deceased in infancy), Florence (deceased), and Florence (now residing in Swedona). Mrs. Clark died April 5, 1878, and Mr. Clark in May, 1882.
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
GEORGE ECKLEY was born in Richland county, Ohio, January 3, 1821. He emigrated with his parents to Fulton county, Illinois, in 1834, and from there to Stark and Knox counties, in the latter of which, November 23, 1843, he married Miss Melinda Cullenson. Togetlier they removed to Rivoli township, Mercer county, in 1851, and finally to Richland Grove township, Swedona, where they now live. In August, 1862, Mr. Eckley enlisted in Co. C, 102d reg. Ill. Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the rebellion. After the rebellion he was the leader in the long struggle against saloons in Old Berlin, and they were finally banished the place. His education is limited, but with many other early day men he has good general information. He is an ardent republican and supporter of republican principles. A member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for many years leader of the class in Swedona. Mr. Eckley is a man of energy and firmness, and when he undertakes a work he is determined to carry it through. Mrs. Melinda Eckley was born in Knox county, Ohio, November 18, 1821, and came to Illinois with her parents in 1842, and marrying Mr. George Eckley November 23, 1843, her work has been to assist in all that could make home pleasant and prosperous. They are the parents of eight children, four of whom are living: Rebecca Jane, Margery Ellen, Susan Caroline, and Benjamin Franklin. If you ever visit Swedona be sure and call and see uncle George, who still lives on his farm west of the village.
C. BEECHER BRISTOL, was born in Oxford, Connecticut, Septem- ber 14, 1798. His great grandfather was born on the ocean, in 1714. He located in Connecticut when the New England states were almost. a wilderness, cleared a farm and built a home where our subject and his father and grandfather were born. Early in life Mr. Bristol experi- enced a desire to enter the ministry, and he began studying for that pnr- pose. After having received an academical education, he entered the Princeton seminary, receiving his diploma from that institution at the end of three years. He officiated as pastor of various congregations until 1856, when he came to Preemption township, where he was sent as stated supply. He was married, shortly after completing his studies, to Miss Maria Henderson. Four sons and four daughters were the fruits of this union, two of whom died in infancy. One of his sons, Beecher, enlisted in the 60th Ill. Inf., and after two years re-enlisted as veteran. He is now located in Monmouth, as is also a younger son, Leavitt, who recently graduated from Monmouth college. This venerable gentleman has lived to a ripe old age, and can feel that lie has not lived in vain.
Dr. J. M. ANSLEY was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsyl- vania, May 21, 1833. He received an academical education at Glade
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RICHLAND GROVE TOWNSHIP.
run academy, after which he went to Philadelphia, where he received his medical education, graduating from Jefferson college. After finish- ing his studies he practiced about five years in his native state, after which he came to Illinois and located at Swedona, where he now has a very lucrative practice. In February, 1869, he was united in mar- riage with Mrs. Jennie (Clark) Trego, daughter of Samuel Clark, one of the pioneers of Mercer county, who died in May, 1873. Two children were born to this couple, Clark F. and Charley; of these the latter died in infancy.
JAMES G., son of Samuel and Sarah Clark, was born in Richland Grove township, November 7, 1840, and is consequently a production of Mercer county. He received his education in the district schools, attending his first term at Oxford, Illinois. He is the eldest of a family of five children, whose names are given elsewhere. He was married February 20, 1873, to Miss Emma K. Engle. The names of the children born to this worthy couple, are as follows: Charles A., Grace, Jennie, and Samuel. Mr. Clark was elected supervisor in 1879, and is now serving in that capacity a third term. Ile is highly spoken of by his neighbors, and we believe has established a character and reputation that are above reproach.
JAMES S., son of Jesse and Ann Quaintance, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, September 5th, 1831. In 1854 he came to Illinois and located on section 15, Richland Grove township. Married in February, 1857, to Miss Martha A. Hardenbrook. The fruits of this union are seven children, whose names in the order of their ages are as follows : Erwood J., Stella A., Hadley W., Adeline M., Bertha B., Harry, and Jesse C. Mr. Quaintance is a member of the A.F.A.M., New Windsor lodge. He is also assessor in Richland Grove township, and is highly respected by all who know him.
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