USA > Illinois > Mercer County > History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc > Part 48
USA > Illinois > Henderson County > History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc > Part 48
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When the law was passed creating the state board of agriculture, our society reorganized under its provisions, under the name of the "Mercer County Agricultural Board," a name it still bears. Substan- tial buildings, stalls, pens, etc., have been erected as the finances would warrant. The board during the past year paid the last of its indebtedness for land, and has kept other bills paid up. A fine exhi- bition hall is now in course of erection, in the shape of a Greek cross, which will cost about $2,000. On the grounds is a splendid one-third mile track, and fronting it a commodious amphitheater, built, how- ever, more for use than ornament. A sufficient number of wells supply all the water required, and more hay is raised on the ground enclosing the track than is required to feed the stock brought for exhibition.
Gambling and the sale of intoxicants have ever been rigidly
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MERCER COUNTY AGRICULTURAL BOARD.
excluded, and many have favored the abolition of trotting or racing of any kind from the grounds.
There was a time when this feature threatened to overshadow all else, and our fair became what so many others in the state had merged into- a three-days' horse-race, with a few. implements and farm products as a kind of side-show. Taking warning, however, by the bankruptcy of neighboring societies, resulting largely from this course, our board adopted a happy medium, which has so far resulted to the best interests of the board, financially, while satisfying all but the ultra advocates of either side. Trials of speed are reduced in number and almost entirely confined to horses owned within the county, and the premiums are liberal without being excessive. Pre- miums on stock and farm products, together with manufactured articles of all kinds of home production have been. advanced ; while machinery, farm implements, etc., from foreign manufactories, are simply awarded a diploma.
The ladies' department, including needle work, embroideries, samples of culinary skill and dairy work, have ever been an inter- esting, attractive and important feature of the exhibitions, and too much praise cannot be accorded to the ladies for their interest and unremitting efforts to make these departments attractive, and we can say of them what can be said of no other department : the display has always been full and large.
In the exhibition of fine horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep, our fairs have never been surpassed in quality by the state fair, and some years scarcely equaled in quantity ; while in fruits, farm products, and vege- tables, our average display would be creditable at any state exhibition, and in exceptional years is never surpassed anywhere. .
The board offer from $2,000 to $2,500 annually as premiums. All articles and animals are admitted free, except horses, entries for speed, and sweepstakes on all other stock. These pay an entrance fee of ten per cent on first premium, except entries for speed, which pay ten per cent on purses offered. Sheep, however, pay no entrance fee on sweep- stakes, as only a diploma is awarded in that class.
We cannot give a list of the officers of the society from its organiza- tion, and must content ourselves with a mention of a few whom we know to have been prominently connected with it, while others who have perhaps been more prominent are necessarily omitted. In addition to those first mentioned are J. E. Harroun, A. J. Streeter, Henry Lee, David Calhoun, D. W. Sedwick, E. B. David, Joseph B. Lair, Samuel Wharton, C. F. Durston, J. U. David, A. P. Petric, A. B. Swisher, James Feather, William I. Nevius, Robert Candor,
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
John Brady, O. A. Bridgford, Walter Lloyd, L. B. Lloyd, J. M. Mannon, William Doak, G. D. Miller, John Whitsett, John A. Gilmore, D. T. Hindman, W. K. Fulton, D. H. Hayes, J. M. Warwick, M. L. Marsh, J. Taylor Gilmore, L. V. Willits, J. H. Purdum, R. J. Cabeen, L. B. Howe, J. J. Huston ; and right here we will stop, for their name is legion.
Robert Holloway has added much interest to the horse show for the past few years, by an exhibition of his fine imported horses, while William Drury is entitled to the same credit for a much longer period.
As a fact worthy of record the fairs of the Mercer county agricul- tural boards have been more uniformly successful in every way than any other fair in the state, and our exhibitions deservedly stand at the head, taking them as a whole, and have so stood for a number of years. For this proud position credit is due to the citizens of the county generally, who have ever shown their interest in its success by attending its exhibitions and contributing in every possible way toward its advancement. Wise selection of officers and careful management on their part has insured a sound financial basis upon which future im- provements may be safely inaugurated.
The twenty-ninth annual fair of the board will be held on Septem- ber 19, 20, 21 and 22, 1882, at their grounds near Aledo. The fol- lowing are the officers for the current year: president, A. B. Swisher, Eliza; vice-president, R. J. Cabeen, Keithsburg ; treasurer, E. B. David, Aledo; secretary, J. F. Henderson, Aledo ; executive com- mittee, David Calhoun, Keithsburg; J. B. Lair, Aledo; G. D. Mil- ler, Aledo; D. W. Sedwick, Suez; J. U. David, New Windsor; J. B. Chandler, Sunbeam; Mrs. W. D. Fleharty, New Windsor; Mrs. H. B. Frazier, Viola; Mrs. W. A. Lorimer, Aledo; Mrs. J. M. Man- non, New Boston ; general superintendent, Robert Candor, Aledo; marshal, Samuel Wharton, Aledo; marshal of the ring, John F. Harvey, Aledo. Capt. E. B. David, present treasurer, was for five years secretary of the board, and is now vice-president of the state board of agriculture for this district.
DUNCAN TOWNSHIP.
This township was named by the first settlers in honor of Buford Duncan, who was himself the first of all. The soil in this township is susceptible of a high grade of cultivation, being composed of rich, black loam. Camp creek, the principle stream, runs through the southeast portion, and Eliza creek forms in the northwest part of the township,
1
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DUNCAN TOWNSHIP.
and runs in a southwest course through Duncan and Eliza townships, emptying into Bald Eagle lake, five miles from New Boston. In places Camp creek is skirted with heavy timber along its banks, to which the various wild climbers cling for support. All along the banks of Camp, from Bald Eagle lake to its source, wherever shaded by tim- ber, was once the favorite camping ground of the red man, and hence the creek derives its name; but they have long since disappeared with the advent of the few first white settlers. They have gone, but have not forgotten the place they once controlled, and those of them who still survive in lamentable tones portray their recollections of the home of their childhood; that once delightful hunting ground. But time has wrought many changes since then; where once was the site of the wigwam are now fields of waving corn. The old mill once in active operation upon its banks just west of Millersburg, has also disappeared, giving way to more powerful modern improvements, and not a vestige of it remains except the recollections of its former usefulness in grinding out its allowance to hungry settlers. Around it was a pleasant spot in summer time, when the woods were green around and the pond like a shield of polished silver, with the water . flying in showers of spray over the huge, slowly turning wheel. But in winter, when the trees were bare and the snow lay piled in drifts upon the ground, a weary, desolate place was the mill of Camp creek.
Where once could be seen one vast sea of unbroken prairie, well cultivated farms and handsome farm houses now meet the eye; and dotted here and there with churches and school-houses on every hand, which note the progress that intellect and industry have made.
This township is comprised of No. 15, R. 4 west of the 4th P. M., and is well supplied with coal ranging from two and a half to five feet in thickness.
FIRST SETTLERS.
The first settler in what is now Duncan township was Buford Duncan, as early as 1834 or 1836. The township took its name from this man. The next family to come was Duncan's son-in-law, James Vernon. William Epperly came also about the same time. These settled in the same neighborhood, on section 16, school land. The first school-house was built on some of this land, of which Duncan donated one acre. It was called the Duncan school-house then. Joseph King was another of the early comers. He settled farther south toward the line between Duncan and Millersburg, on section 23, now owned by J. C. Staley. From about 1837 arrivals were numer- ous. Among these later settlers were Ebenezer Bunting, Joseph N.,
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
Elbridge G., and Lucian B. Howe (brothers), Tyler McWhorter, and his brother-in-law, William S. Roe. They settled together. McWhorter started a nursery, made a handsome place, and finally removed his nursery to his present location south of Aledo.
[The following from an early resident of Duncan township (Tyler McWhorter, Esq.) will be read with interest .- ED. ]
The first settler of this township was Buford Duncan, who located on section 16 in the year 1838. Buford Duncan came from Indiana. He was a man characterized for plainness of manners and the strictest honesty. He was already somewhat advanced in life and was the father of a considerable family of children, most of whom settled in the same neighborhood. Soon after Buford Duncan had located in the township, his brother, Braxton Duncan, located on section 17. Brax- ton Duncan was of a slender constitution and only survived a few years. Subsequently several persons connected with the Duncan family located in the same neighborhood and formed a nucleus of what became known as "Duncan settlement." Among the early settlers of that neighborhood should be mentioned William Epperly and James Vernon. Buford Duncan has been dead many years. Among the early settlers of the township of Duncan was also Luman Castle, who . located on the south boundary of the township (section 36) near the town of Millersburg.
It was also at an early date that Joseph King located on the south side of section 33. It was near the same time that Robert Morris located on section 25. Robert Morris was from Scotland. IIe was a man of some mathematical education. In 1844 he was elected county surveyor. IIe also served as the first township treasurer of Duncan township, and held that position till the spring of 1846, when, being attracted to an overland adventure to California, he resigned his charge as township treasurer, and the writer of this sketch became his suc- cessor. Mr. Morris died in California. About the spring of 1844 Elbridge G. Howe and Lucian B. Howe made a location on the north part of section 33. It was in the summer of 1845 that the writer of this sketch, accompanied by a brother-in-law (William S. Rowe), located on section 31. It was then the sole purpose of the writer, with the limited means at his command, to start a large experimental orchard in con- nection with the nursery business. The name chosen for the nursery was "Pome-Roy (Royal Fruit) Nursery"; and by that name the neigh- borhood is still known. It is scarcely necessary to add that "Pome-Roy Nursery " subsequently produced the trees for most of the oldest bearing orchards of this county, and for some of the adjoining counties. At this early date very few public roads were yet laid out in the township.
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DUNCAN TOWNSHIP.
The few traveled roads wound their way over the prairies, following the most favorable make of ground.
The small number of domestic animals had very little effect in sup- pressing the free growth of the wild prairie grass which on all sides grew up and waved to the summer winds. For many years the early settlers could mow a full supply of hay on the open prairies, and when the frosts of autumn had killed the prairie grass it was with watchful care that the early settlers felt the necessity of protecting their prop- erty from the sweeping destruction of prairie fires. These fires were often started ten or fifteen miles distant; how or by whom started could seldom be ascertained. On many occasions both men and women were rallied out through the hours of night to defend fields and fences against the approaching prairie fires. Some very serious losses occurred in the early settlement of the country. It was the prac- tice to plow "fire guards " around exposed sides of farms.
At the time the writer of this sketch first settled no school-house was built in the township, and the only religious services that had yet been held were conducted by a branch of the Mormons. It was under a preacher by the name of Hinckle that these exercises were mainly conducted, but a more noted revivalist, by the name of Ringer, came to his assistance. Considerable zeal 'and earnestness were awakened. But subsequently this movement met with some unfortunate disasters.
The first school-house was built in the Duncan settlement, the whole township being taxed as one district. Subsequently another dis- trict was set off on the south side of the township, called the Pome-Roy district. Several other divisions of school districts have since taken place. It now has nine school-houses and three churches. It has become a prosperous agricultural township, and sustains an able and industrious population. But this township is so peculiarly situated that it is not crossed by any of the leading lines of travel.
TYLER MCWHORTER.
CHURCHES.
There are four churches in the town. The Wesleyan Methodist was the first to organize, December 7, 1855. In the spring of 1833, E. R. Powers and George Keneday moved with their families from Ohio to Illinois. Being members of that church in the former state, they brought their letters of recommendation with them. They purchased land in Perryton township. There was no religious organization near where they settled, and they were anxious to promote the cause of christianity, and had a preference for a church that did not recognize slave-holders and which did exert its influence against intemperance,
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
war, and secret oath-bound societies. They had been in Illinois nearly a year before they found a member of that order. Finally learning that there were Wesleyans at Millersburg, they went there to obtain a preacher, and after a short time the Rev. Mr. Mekpam came to their place and preached the first sermon listened to in Perryton, and preached by a Wesleyan. About two weeks after this, a young man named B. F. Haskins preached at the same place. These ser- mons were delivered some time in April, 1854. In the month of July following, the Rev. J. M. Snyder visited the neighborhood, and preached by appointment. His field of labor included Perryton, and here he made appointments to preach once in four weeks on Sabbath. These exercises were held, alternately, at the houses of Mr. Powers and Keneday. At the beginning of the next conference year the citizens of Perryton erected a school house near the Hamlet postoffice, where the services were then held. The Rev. Mr. Snyder having dispensed with his former field of labor, he was now able to preach to them once in two weeks, on Sunday. During this time a revival was held and twenty-seven members were added to the church. Mr. Powers and Keneday, with their families had, a year previously, joined the church at Millersbusg, but by request changed and joined the church in their own neighborhood. The first officers of the church were: J. M. Sny- der, officiating elder; Levi Cooper, clerk. The first members were : Ebenezer R. Powers, Cornelia Powers, George Keneday and his wife, Celestia Keneday, Levi Cooper and his wife, Lucy Cooper, Jonas Fender, John Cooper, M. Welch. On the 16th of December of that year, were added to the church: Daniel Bopes, Henry Freeman, Joseph F. Cooper, D. H. Cooper, Sarah Cooper, Sarah McIntyre, Ann Asquith. Up to 1856 they had thirty-one regular members and twenty- one probationers. This church was prosperous from the first; but having no place in the township large enough to accommodate all who thronged to the place of worship, they accordingly built a church of their own on the center of section 24.
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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DUNCAN TOWNSHIP.
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 Mclaughlin 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 McWhorter, clerk, pro tem. At this meeting it was decided to elect four poundmasters, and the
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
ones chosen were : W. S. Roe, Michael Miller, Buford Duncan and Samuel Herson. Tyler Mc Whorter 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 dung 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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DUNCAN TOWNSHIP.
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- tinning 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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