USA > Illinois > Pike County > History of Pike County, Illinois : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons and biographies of representative citizens > Part 43
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PERRY TOWNSHIP.
This township, which in many respects is second to none in the county, is in the northern part of the county, and is bounded upon the north by Brown county, on the east by Fairmount township, on the south by Griggsville, and on the west by Chambersburg township. When it was first settled there was but little prairie land within its borders; almost the entire surface was covered with timber; much of it, however, was of small growth. We now behold highly improved and cultivated farms throughout the township, the result of the well-directed labor of the pioneers, their descend- ants, and those who came here in later years. Among the early pilgrims who located here prior and up to 1835, we mention James H. Chenoweth, Robert Gregory, William Browning, James Rit- chie, Matthew Dale, Gideon Bentley, Joseph King, David Johnson, B. L. Matthews, Nicholas James, David Callis, John Bond, Chas. Dorsey, Joseph Cavender, John Hume, Abel Shelley, John Mat- thews, Mr. Lovelady and John Gillaspie. The latter six gentle- men came to the county as early as or even before 1829. James Wells came in 1825, and his son, Stephen V. Wells, who was born the same year, was the first white child born in the township. George Bright, a veteran of the Revolutionary war, came in 1827. Only two or three of these pioneers are living in the township at the present time. Some have moved to other scenes of labor, but by far the greater number are dead. After 1835 settlers came in quite rapidly, and improvements were made throughout the township.
The following very interesting historical article was furnished us by Mr. A. Hinman, and is given in his own language:
"Go back with me 50 years and compare our condition then with what it is at present. Fifty years ago our inhabitants con- sisted of a few hundred hardy pioneers who settled along the river bluffs and around the edges of groves of timber, and were living in little log cabins and subsisting on corn bread, wild game and honey, with such vegetables as they could raise on their new im- provements. We had very few roads then, only such as were naturally made by the settlers passing from one settlement to another. We had no bridges across streams, nor conveyance of any kind except by horseback or in an ox wagon; no railroads or
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
steamboats in those days; what little transportation was done in those days was done with keel-boats. We had no schools nor free- school system, and when our little log school-houses began to spring up it was by the individual effort of the poor settlers. Although these schools were of a very poor character, they were a great benefit to the children of pioneers, who were able to attend one or two winters. We had no churches, stores, shops or manu- facturing establishments; we had no railroads in the State, or tel- egraph lines ; but many of us have lived to see the wonderful changes that have taken place in half a century. From a few hun- dred settlers we have multiplied to many thousands. The land that was bought by the early settler for $1.25 per acre has advanced in price until it is worth from $40 to $100 per acre. 'Public roads have been laid out, graded and bridged. The log school-house has given place to fine frame and brick structures, which are supplied with competent teachers, good books, etc. Instead of horseback and ox-wagon rides we have fine carriages, spring wagons, etc .; and instead of keel-boats we have magnificent steamers plying up and down our noble rivers. In the last few years over 100 miles of railroad have been built within our county, with two bridges spanning the Father of Waters, connecting us with our Western States and Territories. Fifty years ago our State had not a single rod of railroad: now she has 10,000 miles. The first of this grand system of railroads was commenced in 1837 or '38, at Naples, on the Illinois river, and was built to Jacksonville. A few days ago I was on this road at Naples and found still in use some of the old original ties upon which the road was first built. They are red cedar. and were brought from Tennessee.
" We have seen the time when our grand old county's credit was so poor that she could not borrow $200 to buy the 160 acres of land upon which to locate our county-seat. I have seen the credit of onr State so poor that the interest-bearing bonds could not be sold for 25 cents on the dollar; but now these things are all changed; and I feel thankful to the Giver of all Good that I have been per- mitted to live ont so nearly the time allotted for man's existence here. Among all those improvements for the good of our people none has given me more satisfaction than our free-school system, where every child in the land has an equal chance to gain an edu- cation. I pay no tax more cheerfully than my school-tax, although individually I never had the benefit of one cent of the public money for my education, for the reason that I lived a little too early in a new country to get an education at all."
The first school taught in the township was in 1830, in the south- eastern corner; John Cavender was the teacher. He was one of the strict "old masters " who have lived their day of usefulness and have given place to the more modern teacher. Our free-school system was not inaugurated until many years after this school was taught. So much per quarter was charged for each pupil. Evi-
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
dently Mr. Cavender carried on an excellent school,-at least in his own estimation, for his charges were high. Each pupil was re- quired to pay $3.50 per term. Mr. Cavender was remarkably strict as to the deportment of his pupils. He would " blaze " the trees be- tween the boys and girls, keeping them separate; and the one who dared overstep the bounds suffered for it. He made it a rule to "flog " at least one-half the scholars each day.
Perry Springs .- These springs are located in the east part of the township, and are greatly valued for their curative properties. We quote the following descriptive and historical article concerning these springs, published in 1872:
"Perry Springs have received a national celebrity, being the most noted resort in the West. They are situated most beautifully near a creek among the hills west of the Illinois river, and at the confluence of several deep ravines. The surrounding country is very broken, hills are steep, and covered with a beautiful forest growth. These springs have long been known by the Indians. What is now known as the Magnesia Spring gushes through a rock in great quantities, and was called by them "spring in the rock." Its medicinal qualities were well known to them, and they brought their sick to it from great distances to be healed. Little cabins were used by invalids until 1856, when Zack Wade, who was at- tracted there for his health, erected a very good hotel building. To B. A. Watson, Esq., of Springfield, Ill., is due the credit of devel- oping not only this spring but also others in close proximity, erecting another very large hotel, with many extensive improvements; and to, his indefatigable energy and determination through numer- ous unforeseen obstacles, is to be given the praise of furnishing the country the finest natural resort in America. The water is strongly impregnated with magnesia, lime, iron, potassa, soda, salt, etc., etc. There are three springs within a few steps of the hotel build- ing, called respectively Magnesia, Iron and Sulphur springs. Each not only tastes differently, but operates differently ; and what a wise provision of Providence is here illustrated,-three springs but a few rods apart, all strongly medicated and having each different medic- inal properties; and of all the diseases that afflict the human family but very few of them but what one of these springs would relieve, if not wholly cure. It is a singular fact that these springs are not affected in their flow of water by dry or wet weather, or their tem- perature by either hot or cold weather. In the summer the water ranges at 50°, and 'in the winter at 48° Fahr."
The name of the township was derived from the town situated near its center, and the histories of the two are so closely identified that we pass from the history of the township to that of the town.
PERRY.
This beautiful little village is situated on sections 21 and 28 of Perry township. It was laid out by Joseph S. King, Feb. 16, 1836,
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
and first christened " Booneville," in honor of the famous Ken ucky hunter. It was settled largely by Kentuckians, and a great many of these people and their descendants still reside here; but a ma- jority of the population are Eastern people: the German predomi- nate above every other foreign class. There is not a negro in the town. When one occasionally "strikes " the place the boys all gather around him, anxious to see this curious colored man, which annoys this dark-skinned gentleman not a little, and he consequently makes his stay brief.
As above mentioned, the town was first named Booneville, but was subsequently changed to Perry, in honor of Com. Perry, of lake Erie fame. This name was given by David Callis, with whom the honor of naming the town was left. Mr. Callis was the father of Mrs. Reynolds, wife of Thos. Reynolds, now living near Perry.
Joseph S. King, who came to Perry in 1832, was its first mer- chant. Dr. Sutphin, who came in 1835, was its first physician. The town has enjoyed its season of prosperity as well as adversity, and is now quite a business point. It contains several good stores, three of which are quite large establishments. They carry a gen- eral line of merchandise, and a large and well selected assortment. Among the business men and the business houses are the following: Shastid & Cockill, A. S. Whittaker, and J. F. Metz, all general dealers; Dunn & Brengelman and Dana Ayers, druggists; three restaurants; one hotel, kept by H. J. Chenoweth; two barber shops; one livery stable; four blacksmith shops, and one mill. It also contains one school-house, six churches, and one newspaper.
The first school-house in the town was built in 1835. It was a log structure and school was taught here by Hannah French. The present school building was erected at a cost of $4,000. It con- tains four rooms. There are in attendance at present an average of 200 pupils. Prominent among the teachers who have taught here are Mr. Freeman, Richard Noyes and Allen. C. Mason. Mr. Luce is the present teacher.
The Perry Cornet Band was organized in 1876. They have fine instruments, and the band is one of the best in the county. Geo. W. Ham, B. Hume, C. Norris and Frank Bright are all that were members when it was organized. A. Gregory was the first leader, and A. A. Hinman is the present leader.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Church .- A nucleus of the present church at Perry was formed by a few people who met at the house of David Callis about the year 1832. At that time a class was formed consisting of David Callis and wife, Ira Andrews and wife, Mr. Gillaspie and wife, Margaret Matthews, G. W. Hinman and wife, Isaac Davis and wife, B. L. Matthews and wife, N. W. Reynolds and wife, and Susan Beard. From that time regular meetings were held at private houses, but principally at the residences of David Callis and J. B. Matthews. These meetings were held only once in four weeks.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Wilson Pitner was the first regular preacher employed by this So- ciety, his circuit extending as far as Atlas and other points in the county . The first house of worship was built on sec. 28 in 1839. It was about 20 by 24 feet in size, made of hewn logs, and it had a seating capacity of about 100 persons. The first Trustees of this Church were Z. Wade, Isaac Davis, N. W. Reynolds, B. L. Matthews and John McFarland. The first Steward was Isaac Davis. The Society occupied this building for religious meetings until 1848, when a new house of worship was built. This structure was located in Chenoweth's addition, was 30 by 40 feet in size, and cost about $2,000. It has been remodeled at a cost of $1,000. Its present size is 30 by 50 feet, with sittings for 350 people. Among the early pastors were Revs. Wmn. H. Taylor, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Piper, Isaac Kimber, James Matteson. Among others who served in that capacity in later years were Revs. W. F. Gilmer and J. C. H. Hobbs. The present Pastor is Win. H. Wilson, and the pres- ent membership about 200. After the building was repaired the Society bought a good organ, which is still in use. The Trustees are, Dr. Harvey Dnnn, Asahel Ilinman, S. D. Fagin, Rufus Rey- nolds and Z. Wade. The Sunday-school has a regular attendance of about 100 scholars, and is superintended by Dr. R. F. Harris.
Christian Church .- The first meeting for the organization of this Church took place at the house of Nicholas Hobbs, on the southeast quarter of sec. 29, about the year 1837. Nicholas Hobbs and wife, Abraham Chenoweth and wife, Gideon Bentley and wife, Samuel Van Pelt, Wm. Van Pelt and wife, Wm. Chenoweth and wife and others, met at that time for the purpose of organizing a Church. Samuel Van Pelt, Wm. Van Pelt and Nicholas Hobbs were the officiating Elders on this occasion. Religious meetings were held at different private houses throughout the neighborhood until 1839, when the congregation erected a house of worship. This building was a frame 18 by 24 feet in size, and was located on the southeast quarter of sec. 28, which was in the village of Perry. The congregation was supplied with traveling preachers for a number of years, among whom were Elders Wm. Strong and John Kearı. The first Elders elected at the organization were Nicholas Hobbs, Wm. Van Pelt and Wm. Chenoweth. The first Deacons were Abraham Chenoweth and Gideon Bentley. The principal preaching was done by the Elders for the first few years, when the congregation engaged Elder David Hobbs to officiate as Pastor.
In April, 1843, the great revivalist, Elder Wm. Brown, of Ken- tucky, held a protracted meeting in this church, lasting over two weeks. The religious fervor produced by his efforts was very sat- isfactory, and some 80 conversions were made. The old church building being too small to hold the immense crowds that were drawn to hear him, one side was removed and a large shed addition was built, which was capable of holding some 500 people. For the next few years meetings were held in the old building, at the school- house, and occasionally in the Baptist church. In 1851 a more
James. 7. Chenoweth
PERRY T!
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
commodious house of worship was built on lot 4, block 1, Thomp- son's addition. It was 34 by 50 feet, with seats for 400 people, and was erected at a cost of about $2,000. The building committee were James H. Chenoweth, David Johnson and Charles Dorsey. Elder Alpheus Brown for a while previous to this had been regular Pastor. Being a carpenter, he in company with John Reed took the contract for and erected this church. Elder Brown continued his services with the congregation. This building was occupied until 1879, during which time the congregation employed the regular services, as pastors, of Elders Donan, Wm. McIntyre, Samuel Johnson, A. G. Lucas, H. R. Walling, Clark Braden and others. During the labors of these worthy and able men, there was much good done, and many accessions were made to the ranks of the Church.
In April, 1879, the congregation commenced agitating the ques- tion of the necessity for and propriety of building a more modern and commodious house of worship. A building committee was appointed with full power to examine and adopt plans for the erec- tion of a suitable building. This committee consisted of Jon Shastid, Alex. Dorsey, John S. Dorsey, Bennett F. Dorsey, Mat- thias Gregory, Jasper M. Browning, Dr. W. D. C. Doane and James Walker. Jon Shastid was appointed Treasurer of the com- mittee, and Alex. Dorsey and James Walker executive officers. Plans were accepted, contracts made, the work vigorously prose- cuted, and the building completed by the first of January, 1880. It is built in the Gothic style, is 38 by 64 feet in size, with an auditorium finely frescoed and furnished, and with a seating capac- ity to accommodate.500 people. It cost about $4,000, andit is a credit to the society and an ornament to the town. The present member- ship of the congregation is about 330. The Pastor is Elder J. T. Smith, who took an active part in, and was one of the main workers in collecting money for, the erection of the new building. The Elders are Jasper M. Browning, Alex. Dorsey and Bennett F. Dorsey. The Deacons are Wm. Love, Wm. M. Browning, Henry Mays and Edward Wade. Clerk, J. E. Smith, and Treasurer D. S. Rickart. The Sunday-school is conducted by Superintendent J. B. Warton, and has an average attendance of over 100.
Zion Church is located on sec. 4, and was erected in 1852. It is a substantial structure, and meetings have been held in it since its erection every two weeks, with few exceptions. The society had held meetings years previous to the erection of this edifice. Rev. Smith was the first minister. The congregation numbered but 10 members when the house was built; at present the membership is 50. Since the erection of the building they have not missed a month without holding Sunday-school in it.
Lutheran Church .- This Church was organized in 1859, and was the first church of that denomination in Pike county. The congre- gation met for the first 10 years in the Christian church, but in
29
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1869 built a new church, at a cost of $2,200. The present member- ship numbers 80. Rev. Recker is the present Pastor.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
As a portion of the history of Perry and Perry township we give biographical sketches of pioneer and leading citizens, believing such personal mention forms the better part of local history. Those who have made and are making the history of Perry and the township deserve special mention in a work of this nature.
Dana Ayres was born in Massachusetts Dec. 7, 1809; is the son of Jason and Betsey (Holman) Ayres; was educated in the common schools of Massachusetts, and between the ages of 16 and 26 manufactured salt from sea water. In 1836 he came to this county, and in 1838 settled in the town of Perry, since which time he has followed the drug business. In 1838 he married Alice Cleland, and they have 2 children, a son and daughter. In politics Mr. Ayres is a Republican. He voted the Free-Soil ticket in 1840, and in 1842 was elected County Magistrate. He has been School Trustee, Collector, and Trustee for the Corporation.
George W. Baldwin was born in New York city in 1830; is the son of David and Ann (Desney) Baldwin. His early educational advantages were very limited. In 1858 he married Sarah Jane Mason, a native of New Hampshire. Of their 6 children 5 are living, 4 sons and one daughter. One son is studying dentistry, and one of his daughters is a teacher. By occupation Mr. Bald- win is a miller, but has at present retired from business.
Stephen Banning, son of Thomas and Keziah Banning, was born May 15, 1815. His father was from Virginia, and his mother from Maryland; both are of German descent. He was educated in a sub- scription school, and came from Ohio to Illinois in 1837, settling near Chambersburg. December 10, 1839, he was married to Eliza- beth Rigg. Of their 8 children, only 3 girls are living, and are married. Mr. B. has been School Director and Road-master. He owns 160 acres of good land on sec. 26. In politics he is a Democrat.
W. A. Beavers, deceased, son of Wm. Beavers, was born in Mis- souri Dec. 1, 1824; emigrated to Pike Co. in 1869, and followed merchandising for several years. In 1860 he married Mary Eliza- beth Smith, who was born in Pike Co. Aug. 26, 1838. Her parents, Aberland and Lucy A., were natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Beavers have 3 children: Herschel V., born Aug. 26. 1861; Av- erill, born in 1863, and L. F. (a girl), born Sept. 29, 1870. Mr. B. owned 160 acres of land, and followed farming several years preyi- ous to his death, which occurred Jan. 13, 1873.
Williamson Bond was born July 12, 1837, and is the son of John (a native of Virginia) and Frances Ann (nee Aikins, a native of Tennessee) Bond. Both parents are of German descent. In 1858 he was married to Jennie James. They have one daughter, Frances Ann, born in 1861. Mr. Bond has been School Director for 2 years ; is a Democrat. He owns 130 acres of land on sec. 36.
Benj. F. Bradbury was born in Ohio in 1824, the son of Benjamin
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
and Betsy (Davis) Bradbury, natives of Maine, and of English descent. He is by occupation a farmer; came to Pike. county in 1853, where he now has 190 acres of land. Sept. 13, 1848, he married Elizabeth Carlisle. They have 3 sons and 4 daughters. He is a Baptist, and she a Presbyterian; he is also a Granger and a Democrat.
H. H. Brengelman, druggist, Perry, Ill.
Rol ert Brim, deceased, was a fariner on sec. 7; was born in South Carolina in 1832, and emigrated to Pike county in 1846; he ran a restaurant 2 years in Perry, and 2 in Chambersburg. In 1856 he married Catharine Taylor. Of their 6 children 2 are dead. Mrs. B. is a daughter of Simon H. Taylor, who came to Pike county 54 years ago. At one time he owned 520 acres of land in Pike county, and other lands in other counties, entering his choice land at $1.25 an acre. Mr. Taylor is still living, and Mrs. Taylor died in 1876. Mr. Brim was a Democrat.
Archibald Brooks, farmer, sec. 16; P. O. Chambersburg; was born in this county in 1850, and is the son of Archibald and Sophia (Sutlift) Brooks, the father a native of Tennessee, and the mother a native of Indiana; educated in the common school; owns 120 acres of land. In 1872 he married Emily Remington, daughter of Orson R., of Perry. Their 3 children, boys, are all living. Mrs. B. is a member of the Christian Church in Chambersburg. Mr. B. has been 3 years a School Director, and is a Democrat.
Jasper M. Browning; P. O. Perry; born in this township July 1, 1834, is the son of Caleb and Penelope (Power) B., both of Eng- lish descent. His father is a farmer, who came to this county in 1833, but at the present time is living in Kansas. Jasper M. is also a farmer on sec. 15, where he owns 140 acres of land. In 1865 he married Rachel Allen, and they have 5 boys and 2 girls. Mem- bers of the Christian Church. Republican.
Lemuel Calhoun, farmer, sec. 11; P. O., Perry ; was born in Ten- nessee May 30, 1829, the son of Hansel and Harriet (Carpenter) Calhoun; educated in the subscription school; emigrated to this county in 1835, and has lived on sec. 11 for 27 years. In 1852 he married Mary Elizabeth Thompson. Of their 6 children 4 are living, all girls. He has been School Director; is an Odd Fellow; owns 138 acres of land, and pays all his debts once a year; is a Democrat. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church.
Wm. H. H. Callis was born in Brunswick Co., Va., Nov. 7, 1822, son to David and Sarah (Walpole) Callis, natives of Vir- ginia, and of English descent; went to school but one year in his life, and that was in the old-fashioned log school-house in this county, having emigrated here in 1829. He has seen every man, woman and child within 10 miles of his father's house all there at one time, and fed on old-fashioned corn hominy; he has killed many panthers in Perry township. In 1844 he married Harriet Eliza Ingalls; of their 4 children 3 are living and married; one child died in 1845. Mr. C. has given his children a good education, at one time moving even into Iowa for the purpose of sending them
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
to a good school. His son is a graduate of Simpson Centennial College. He is now living on his farm on sec. 25. He drilled with Abraham Lincoln in the Black Hawk war. Mr. and Mrs. Callis are members of the M. E. Church.
John Campbell, undertaker, carpenter and builder, and dealer in coffins, caskets, shrouds, etc., Perry, was born Dec. 21, 1845, the son of A. and K. C. (Coffee) Campbell, both of Kentucky ; educa- ted in the high school at Griggsville ; commenced to learn his trade at 17 years of age, and has followed it ever since. In 1868 he married Emma Smith : Katie, born July S, 1870, is their only child. Mr. C. is a Republican, an Odd Fellow, and belongs to the United Workmen ; and he and his wife are Methodists.
Milton Cheek was born in Bedford Co., Va., Nov. 16, 1804; parents both natives of Virginia, and of English descent ; went to school but two months in his life ; is a farmer : came to Pike county in 1832, undergoing the usual hardships of pioneer life. He once walked 10 miles to Jeff Hume's mill, and offered to split 200 rails for a bushel of meal ; but Jeff did not want rails ; he wanted money. Mr. Cheek was compelled to go home that long distance after sundown without any meal and even without any supper ; and his family had to subsist upon potatoes a while longer. At present he owns a farm of 792 acres. In 1826 he married Martha Carroll, and they had 10 children. Mrs. Cheek died in 1860, and in 1863 he married Marinda Crystal, and they have had 3 children. He is School Director and Road Overseer : is a Democrat.
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