History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc, Part 69

Author: Mercer County Historical Society (Ill.); Henderson County Historical Society (Ill.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co.
Number of Pages: 1424

USA > Illinois > Mercer County > History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc > Part 69
USA > Illinois > Henderson County > History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc > Part 69

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New York, who was then here in the interest of that society. Through Mr. Spring's influence Mr. Lemnel Brewster. a benevolent gentleman in New York, was induced to build three houses here, one at Farlow's Grove in section 34, one at Preemption Corners in section 11, and one in Rock Island county ; the $50 donated by Judge Savage was finally used in improving and fencing the Union cemetery at Farlow's Grove. In this house at Preemption the Methodists worshiped until they erect- ed their present commodious church edifice on the southwest corner . of David Little's farm in section 2, adjoining the village of Preemption, in 1867. The old building is still (and may it for many years to come) standing as a memorial to the memory of its benevolent builder.

The perusal of the following pages will be the evidence of how the All-wise Ruler of all things crowned these early, yet feeble, efforts with success. Reverting in the history of the Methodist Episcopal. church to 1865, we find it in charge of Rev. Amos Morey as pastor, with 101 members and fourteen probationers. Rev. Mr. Morey filled this position up to 1868, when he reported three preaching places, 123 members and nineteen probationers, a church worth $3,000, and a comfortable parsonage. The pastors succeeding him were: M. P. Armstrong, W. M. Sedore, and J. E. Rutledge (each one year), J. Q. Adams (three years), Thomas Watson (two years), Charles Atherton (two years), who was assisted in his last year by Frank Doran. At the close of the conference year of 1878, the charge was divided. Rey- nolds taking all the other appointments, leaving Preemption alone, tacitly a station without any ontside appointments, ninety-six members and three church buildings going to the Reynolds circuit, while fifty- nine members, one church and the parsonage were left with Pre- emption.

. In 1879 Rev. Thomas Watson was for the second time appointed to this charge. He died the May following, and his time was filled out by W. C. Knapp and the Rev. B. C. Dennis. In 1880 brother B. C. Dennis became pastor in charge, retaining the same three years, which is the full extent of time allowed by the conference on one charge. During the broken year above referred to no change numeri- ically was made, but during the last three years of Brother Dennis' labors the membership has grown from fifty-nine to eighty-six.

The Sunday school is in a specially flourishing condition, and at the present time (1882) larger than any ever before held in the town- ship. The charge is one of the best patrons, per member, of the missionary.and other benevolent societies of any church in the bounds of the conference, if not of the state. Their missionary collections for the year 1881 were $3,000, and during the last two years the benevo-

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lent collections of the charge have averaged considerably over $11 per member, while home expenses are all paid up promptly in advance, all of which grows out of the fact that a few of the leading liberal and wealthy men in the community appreciate the value of the church and the benefits of its benign influence.

Of the church history from 1845 to 1865 nothing authentic could be obtained, as there are no records earlier than the latter date, and the only party now living who could give any reliable information stub- bornly refused to do so.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCHI.

Quite early in the history of Preemption township, the Conways, Odays, Brenens, and a few others of the Catholic faith, settled in and around the southeast part of the township, and to them occasionally priests from Rock Island would come and minister, holding meetings at the cabins of the carly settlers. This was continued up to 1875, when steps were taken to build a church, which was soon accomplished. On January 23, 1875, a subscription was drawn up by Daniel Mack, who subscribed $100. This was followed by several other $100 subscrip- tions. The Macks, the Conways. the McManises, the Dooleys, and the Lucuses, leading. Many of what might be termed outsiders and members of other churches also lent a helping hand to the enterprise ; foremost among whom was William W. Johnston, who donated twenty- five dollars. On January 30, 1875, the contract to build a church, in size 30×42, of good material, with stone foundation, was let to Mathias Schnell, who completed the work the following July.

On September 9, 1875, the church was dedicated by Rev. Father I. P. Rowles. The edifice cost $1,600, which was promptly paid. In 1878 a vestry, 12×14 feet was added, at a cost of $166. The building now presents a neat and substantial appearance, and the interior outfit and finish would do credit to an older and wealthier congregation. They now have a membership of about thirty families, and have ser- vices every alternate Sabbath. Their pastor is a resident of Keiths- burg, and as both this and the Keithsburg church are one charge. reference may be had to the history of that church for the names of the past and present officiating priests. This, like all other Catholic church property. is vested in their bishop.

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The first clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal church who per- formed mission labor in Preemption township, was Rev. Jacob S. Chamberlain, who was called in the month of December to minister to

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the spiritual wants of Mrs. Rachel Johnston, the wife of Joseph John- ston, Jr., who was at the time on her death bed. This was his intro- duction as missionary in this field. Early in the spring of 1868, Rev. Chamberlain commenced active missionary work, which resulted in 1869 in the erection of the present church building on land deeded by Robert Foster and wife to James Johnston, William Johnston, Thomas Armstrong, and Thomas Doonan, trustees, and described as a part of Sec. 4, T. 15, R. 2 W., bearing date of June 1, 1869; consideration $100. Rev. Chamberlain closed his labors in this field. as missionary, in August, 1871.

In October, 1872. Rev. Wm. Thomas Currie was appointed mis- sionary in the same field, and continued his labors until October 1, 1875. On September 6, 1874, permission was obtained from the standing committee of the diocese of Illinois to organize a parish, and on October 19, 1874, a meeting was held in the church, a parish organized, and officers duly elected, consisting of wardens and vestry- men, as follows: William H. Johnston, John Manes, and Thomas Doonan, wardens ; Thomas L. Johnston, George Clark, and Robert Hix, vestrymen. The organization to be known as St. John's Parish, of Preemption, Illinois. Shortly after the termination of the labors of Rev. Mr. Currie, as missionary, the Rev. T. M. Thorp was called to the rectorship of the parish, but resigned in the spring of 1877. Rev. N. P. Charlot was elected as the rector by the wardens and vestrymen in May, 1877, and entered upon his duties as such July 1, 1877, and resigned, after a labor of five years, on July 1, 1882. The present membership is small, and but little interest seems to be manifested by them in matters pertaining to religion.

MASONIC.

Preemption Lodge, No. 755, A.F.A.M., was organized June 27, 1877, under dispensation, and so held meetings till October 21 of the same year, when they received their charter from the grand lodge. The charter members were W. C. Gray, Henry HI. Hayford, James II. Seyler, H. HI. Hammond, Win. Steinhauer, Geo. Bartlett, B. W. Thompson, J. B. Harris, jr., Win. H. Hickock, Samuel Bailey, S. F. Everett, Geo. C. Gray, Leander Stiles, John Weiler.

The following officers were appointed under dispensation and elected when organized and chartered: Wm. C. Gray, W.M .; James HI. Seyler, S.W .; Joseph B. Harris, J.W .; B. W. Thompson, S.D .; Samuel Bailey. J.D .; S. E. Everett, Treasurer ; H. H. Hayford, Sec- retary ; H. H. Hammond, Tyler; Geo. C. Gray and John Weiler, Stewards. They now have a membership of twenty-six, with seven on

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the way to full membership. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, with the present board of officers : James II. Seyler, W.M .; W. J. Armstrong, S. W .; H. H. Hammond, J. W .; Wm. Steinhauer, Treas- urer ; W. W. Hickock, Secretary. Regular meetings are held on Fri- day evenings on or before full moon in each month. They have lost one member by death, Bro. Geo. Bartlett, who died in Kansas in 1881.

ORANGEMEN.

Preemption Loyal Orange Lodge No. 132, was organized July 3. 1876, by Matthew Mayne, of Chicago, with the following charter mem- bers : James Connelly, W. M .; Thomas Doonan, Deputy W.M .; Wm. Holden, Secretary ; John Holden, Treasurer ; Wm. Wilson, Chap- lain ; Thomas Wilson, Tyler ; and Thomas J. Armstrong, James Gawley, James F. Johnston, Robert Wadsworth, George Wadsworth, John Wadsworth, James R. Doonan, James Allwell, John H. Johns- ton : in all fifteen. There is now a membership of forty.

The first year they held their meetings in the school-house of district No. 2, after which they built a hall on the farm of Joseph B. Johnston, abont two miles west of the village of Preemption. D. W. Little is the present secretary. Their established holiday is on the twelfth of July, when they meet, as is to them a time honored custom, and with sing- ing, speaking and martial musie commemorate the day when prot- estantism gained the ascendancy in Ireland at the battle of the Boyne in 1690.

SCHOOLS.

The first school was taught at Farlow's Grove by Miss Boone, and the second at Preemption corner, on section 11, in the house built by Mr. Brewster, spoken of in connection with the Methodist Episcopal church history. At the present writing there are a goodly number of well patronized schools in the township. The houses are neatly built and present a very attractive appearance to the traveler as he turns at many of the section corners or cross roads.

. BIOGRAPHICAL.

In closing this brief sketch, some little mention must be made of the few noble men who were to some extent the founders of this flourishing section. John Farlow remained here but a short time when he sold his claim to James Boone, made a short move, died a few years later, and his family went, in 1847, with the Millers, to Oregon, where they still reside. James Boone died here in 1842, and his faith- ful wife in 1858. Hopkins Boone enjoys the prosperity his early sacri- fices merit, living in his comfortable home in the village of Viola. A

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fuller account of this worthy gentleman will be found in the history of that place. Rev. Joseph Jones died here some years after his settle- ment. A daughter of his, now Mrs. Joseph Pitman, still resides here. Benjamin Clarke died here in 1844, and his family still reside on the farm first entered. David Little, now the largest land owner in the township, if not in the county, is still living on his first purchase. He was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1815, and came to America in 1834, and started without means except a pair of willing hands and a determined will. In addition to the accumulation of a large amount of property, he has reared a very interesting and prosperous family of eight children, five only of whom are now living. Ilis oldest son, William F., was killed at the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, dur- ing the late war. Of Charles Minick, and John Bierbeau, nothing was ascertained. Among the successful and hardy pionners may be men- tioned Mr. J. Conway, who settled and now owns a large farm in the southwest part of the township. W. W. Johnston also came in an early day, and has since become one of the large real estate owners not only in this township, but also in Rock Island county. Wm. H. John- ston, too, will be remembered as among the industrious and enterpris- ing farmers of Preemption township and for many years its supervisor. . He was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1819, came to this township iu 1848, and settled on section 16, where he now resides. Among the more public spirited and push-a-head men who came in an early day to this township, may be mentioned Mr. John Whitsitt. He settled here on section 2, in 1844, and has devoted much of his time to improving and beautifying his home. He has, for a number of years, been turning his attention to breeding thoroughbred short horned cat- tle. Judge Wm. Wilmerton, whose name has been so familiar to his fellow citizens since his coming, in 1842. enjoys the honor and respect his straightforward course has merited. A full biography of him will be found in its proper place.

In closing, we desire to mention also some of the fine farms and residences which characterize the township. First among these we mention the beautiful home of Mr. Samuel F. Everett, who came from Ohio in 1852, and entered lands in sections 18 and 20. His house was erected at a cost of $6,000, and is acknowledged the finest in the town- ship, and among the finest in the county. Less costly, but very elegant, are the residences of Judge Wilmerton, George Smith, John Y. Johnson, Thomas L. Johnson, D. W. Little. That so many residences are worthy of special mention leaves no room for further comment, or prophecy as to its future prosperity.

WILLIAM WILMERTON is an example of those men who stand out as

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landmarks to rising young men to direct and invite to success, even though life begin in most straitened circumstances. Many a poor boy has worn the honors, civic or financial, 'ere gray hairs counted his allotted years. William Wilmerton was born May 1, 1822, in New Jersey. He is the son of Fenimore and Permila (Van Kirk) Wilmer- ton. His father was a cousin to the celebrated American author, J. Fenimore Cooper, founder of Cooperstown. His father died soon after his (William's) birth, so that the boy was left to the cold graces of the world. At the age of six years he found a home with a Quaker family, with whom he remained till quite able to support himself. He then became a common laborer at whatever might offer, applying his earnings to the acquirement of an education. He attended college some years, gaining a good fund of general information. In the sum- mer of 1842 he made his way to Preemption township, Mercer county, Illinois. The first summer he spent in prospeeting for a location suita- ble to general purposes. He taught school the first winter. He bought a surveyor's outfit and engaged in surveying for some time. His first purchase was eighty acres of land, necessitating the expendi- ture of all he had. He was elected justice of the peace in 1846, which office he filled for over twenty years, doing a very extensive business. His business was largely making collections. This was before the days of so many banks. He was trusted by everybody and performed his business with satisfaction to all. He also served four years as judge. He has accumulated his savings and his earnings till he now owns more than 1,000 acres of land, a mark of his unusual success. Just subsequent to the war he was commissioned an attorney, that he might prosecute soldiers' claims without the certificate of a regular attorney living at a distance. Mr. Wilmerton was married December 10, 1850, to Miss. Rhoda A. Kelsey, a native of New York state. They have three children : Louisa (wife of N. J. McDonald, of Davenport, Iowa), Frank (real estate agent in La Mars, Iowa), and William W. (at home). Prior to the war Mr. Wilmerton was democratic in politics ; since that time he has voted independently.

The family of JOHN WHITSITT originated in Scotland, but his more recent ancestors were natives of Ireland. His father was Benjamin Whitsitt of county Fermanagh, in the province of Ulster. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Fitzgerald. He was a land proprie- tor, and also engaged in mercantile and milling business. There were eleven children, of whom only now are living the subject of this sketch and his sister, Margaret J. (married to Mr. J. C. Morehead), in Ireland. In 1871, his father died at the age of eighty-four years, and his mother many years previous, when forty-eight years of age. A

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second wife still survives the eldest Mr. Whitsitt in the country of their birthı. Mr. John Whitsitt, the second son, fourth child, was born in Rosslea, Fermanagh county, Ireland, June, 7, 1816. He was reared with good advantages of education for business purposes, and also made familiar with farming and stock raising. IIe was married August 12, 1836, to Miss Eliza Henrey, a native of Monaghan county, Ireland, and of Scotch ancestry. In 1844 Mr. Whitsitt and family sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans, where they arrived after a forty-three days' passage, and from that place by river to St. Louis and thence to Rock Island. He selected land in section 3, Preemption township, and bought the claim of Ezekiel Morey, and entered the same at the land office in Dixon. All the rest of his present premises of 600 aeres. he bought, excepting forty, at various prices from time to time. The dairy business first occupied them, and their product was carried to Rock Island and shipped to Galena, then crowded with miners and abounding with wealth. When help was absent Mr. Whit- sitt and wife have milked twenty cows per day, and it is not surpris- ing that the energy and prudence thus exhibited brought wealth and comfort in their train. Their brand of butter always commanded the highest market price, and their commission merchants, Messrs. Camp- bell & Smith, were always anxious to handle their article. In the course of ten years Mr. Whitsitt began to make a specialty of handling blooded cattle, and he was one of the first in this region to appreciate the importance of this interest. He brought on his farm some choice selections from Mr. Alexander's celebrated Kentucky herds. He has

disposed of many fine cattle at private and public sale, and has at present some whose pedigrees are traced back to imported stock and entered in the American Herd Book, Vol. XIII. In 1875 he had on his place two-year old and coming three, cattle that weighed 1,600 lbs. and upward. Misses Elizabeth and Sarah, his two daughters, are living with their parents in their happy home near the village of Preemption. A son, Benjamin, the oldest, who is married to Miss Elizabeth Bitty, is living near them on a part of the original home farm, and another son, Richard H. (married to Miss Henrietta Fitzgerald), also lives upon a portion of his father's place. Both sons have had a due appointment from their father upon their outstart in life. There were two children additional to the above named born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitsitt, now deceased ; one was an infant, Robert, and the other a daughter, Mary Ann, who died in Illinois in her fourteenth year, and whose funeral-mound grows green beneath the orchard trees of her early home. Mr. Whitsitt has never been a politician, but has always held decided views upon the leading questions of the day. He was not

yours Truly Chas, E. Snew

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a republican, but when the question of supporting the administration of his adopted country came up against the other issues of rebellion, Mr. W. was on the side of the union with his money and influence to assist in filling up the quota of the township. His personal integrity and worth were always recognized by his neighbors, so that for four terms he was returned as supervisor of his township when the party with which he was identified was always in a two-thirds minority. With Mrs. Whitsitt, who has always been a devoted wife and mother, and partner in all the plans and purposes of his life, he visited the home and the scenes of her early years. Mr. Whitsitt's affections and duty are fully given to the country of his adoption. They are connected with the Presbyterian church, that stands on land donated by Mr. Whitsitt upon a corner of his farm.

SAMUEL F. EVERETT was born in Marion county, Ohio, February 12, 1834. He is the son of Samuel F. and Sarah (Karr) Everett. His father was a native of Vermont, of Scotch and Irish ancestry, while his mother was born in Meigs county, Ohio. He was reared on a farm where he enjoyed the advantages of good schools, finishing his education with a course at the Marion academy. In the spring of 1852 he came on a prospecting tour to Illinois. Liking the land, and other advantages being equal, he entered a half section in sections 18 and 20, Preemption township, Mercer county, and returned to Ohio. In the fall of the same year, in company with his mother, sister and sister's husband, G. D. Miller, he came by team to the new home. After his arrival here he at once began to make and improve his home, which is now one of the most pleasant in this part of Mercer county, having, in 1880, built a very fine and beautiful residence, at a cost of about $6,000. His real estate comprises 550 acres. June 4, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. McHard, a daughter of William and Mary McHard. She was born in Mercer county, Illinois, January 5, 1840, and is one among the first born here now living. They are the parents of two children, William R., and Sarah R. Mr. Everett's father died in Ohio about 1842, and his mother died at his home in this township in the winter of 1868. Mr. Everett is now actively engaged in farming and stock raising. He is now filling his second term of supervisor.

As a man who not only merits but enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, DAVID ANDREW CLARKE occupies no second place. He was born October 24, 1835, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his parents were married October 31, 1834. In 1838 they came to Mercer county, Illinois, and permanently located on Sec. 1, T. 15, R. 2, Preemption, and there Mr. Clarke, David's father, died in 1844,

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leaving, besides his wife who still survives, five children, three of whom are living : David A., Maggie, and Mary (wife of Henry Ketzel, of Perryton township). Those deceased were: Jane (who died in 1866), Henry B. (died in New Orleans aged twenty years, during the late war, a victim of the malarial fevers of a southern clime). David A. now owns and occupies the old home farm of 360 acres, and is actively engaged in stock raising and farming. He served the township eight years as clerk, and in 1876 was elected justice of the peace, which trust and honor he still holds. He is also a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and contributes largely of his means for its support and prosperity. Himself and mother have been longer residents in the township than any others now living within its borders. His father, Benjamin Clarke, was born in the county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1802, and was reared a farmer, follow- ing that vocation through life. His mother was also a native of Ire- land. Mr. Clarke was married in 1864 to Sarah Ellen Little, daughter of David Little. She died in 1865, and he has not since married.

JESSE CARVER. In the colony founded by William Penn in 1682 were three brothers by the name of Carver. One of these (John Carver) settled in that part afterward set off as Bucks county, Penn- sylvania. * He became prominent in the colonial history of Pennsyl- vania. Jesse Carver, the subject of these lines, is the son of John Carver and the grandson of John Carver, and a descendant of the John Carver above noted. The Carvers were, of course, Quakers or Friends in early days. Jesse Carver was born in Bucks county, Penn- sylvania, January 29, 1816. His education was limited to the common school of his day. Farming has been his avocation all his years, hav- ing been sufficiently successful to save a competency for old age. He was married August 23, 1838, to Miss Sarah W. Lewis. She was born March 10, 1810, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. She is connected with the Elicott family, thoroughly written up in a book set apart to that family alone. After marriage Mr. Carver rented a farm near Buckingham, Pennsylvania. In 1851 he emigrated westward, settling in Preemption township, Mercer county, Illinois, where he entered land in section 14. In the following year he built and soon moved into his own house, a consummation sought for many years. No longer a tenant but a lord. He has added to his first purchase till he owns over 360 acres of good land. He has eight children : Watson T., Letitia L. (now Mrs. Jackson Thornton of Millersburg), Readding L., Thomas E., Edward W., Winfield S., John M., and Marietta (wife of Harvey T. Trovillo).

READDING L. CARVER was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania,

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March 6, 1843. He has spent the larger part of his life in Mercer county. He enlisted in Co. C, 102d reg. Ill. Vol. Inf., August, 1862. Ile carried the colors through the war to the restoration of peace. He was wounded at Resacca, Georgia, having three teeth shot out and his mouth badly shattered. His career is the career of the 102d regiment. At his return he resumed farming, but soon engaged in the mannfac- ture of sorghum. In 1877, at the solicitation of many of his friends, he was induced to embark in the milling business, and he began build- ing in that year in Preemption. His mill has grown from incipiency to flour and feed mill, general machine and repair shops, and grain elevator. Mr. Carver was married June 19, 1872, to Mrs. Jane Geiger, a native of Ohio and daughter of William David. They have five children : William D., Laura, Emma O., James R., and Jesse.

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History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc, Part 69

Author: Mercer County Historical Society (Ill.); Henderson County Historical Society (Ill.) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co. Number of Pages: 1424

Author: Mercer County Historical Society (Ill.); Henderson County Historical Society (Ill.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co.
Number of Pages: 1424