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 59
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
gress, Dec. 20 of that year; she was a native of Ohio. In 1877 they emigrated to this county and now reside on sec. 4; P. O., New Salem. James Anderson is their only child. Mrs. S. is a member of the Christian Church.
Jonathan Starkey, fariner and stock-dealer, sec. 4, P. O., New Salem, and whose portrait appears in this volume, was born in Culpepper county, Va., in 1813. His parents were John and Mary (Groves) Starkey, also natives of the Old Dominion ; they emi- grated to Ohio when our subject was 7 years of age, where he remained until he was 23 years of age, when he came to Pike county, locating in New Salem tp., being one of the early pilgrims to this locality, and where he has since remained. When he first came he had but $40 in money, but through the kindness of a friend, from whom he borrowed $50, he was enabled to purchase 50 acres of land, which he did on sec. 9. Upon this land, which was then in its native condition, he erected a log cabin 14 by 16 feet in size, in which he lived for 5 years. Being a man of great energy, industrious, and of economical habits, he was enabled to add to his small means, until he has become one of the most extensive farmers and stock dealers in Pike county, owning at one time over 1,200 acres of fine farming land, and feeding from 100 to 150 head of cattle, and from 200 to 300 head of hogs annually, besides a large number of horses and sheep. He has provided liberally for his children, giving them nice farms, until now he has only a little over 200 acres left in the home farm, which is on sec. 4, and one of the finest farms in the county. Mr. Starkey has been a hard-working man, and has done as much perhaps as any one man in developing the wonderful resources of this fair county. Although a member of no church, he has never been behind any of his most enterprising neighbors in favoring any and all enterprises which he has been called upon to help push forward, having paid considerable to help erect school-houses and churches, and to pay the ministry. In fact, Mr. S. is one of Pike county's old, useful and honored citizens, and as such we present to our readers his portrait.
Mr. Starkey has been twice married,-the first time in Pennsyl- vania in 1834, to Jane L. Langhtery, who was born in the Key- stone State in 1815. She died Sept. 28, 1876. To them were born 9 children, of whom 8 are living: Charles, Rachel, James, Nich- olas, William, Mary, Maria and David. John was the name of the deceased. July 30, 1879, Mr. S. was again married, this time to Sarah, daughter of Thomas J. and Margaret Carothers.
William Starkey, farmer and stock-raiser, Baylis; was born in this county in 1846, the son of Jonathan and Jane Starkey, spoken of above. In 1873 he married Emeline Seybold, who was born in this county in 1850. Their children are Olive, Cora and Harry. Mr. S. is a prominent farmer, owning 215 acres of nice land. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and liberal in all public enterprises.
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Jonathan Starkey
NEW SALEM TP
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
William II. Stauffer was born in this county, Jan. 23, 1847. His parents were John and Sarah Stauffer, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Virginia; his father came to this State in 1836, and settled in Fairmount tp., where he still resides. Our subject was raised on a farm, and follows that occupation. In 1871 he was married to Rachel E. Wood, who was born in 1851 in this county. They have 2 children,-George E. and Nelia A. Mr. S. owns 80 acres of well-improved land, with good buildings. P. O. Baylis. Residence, sec. 8.
Rev. T. H. Tabor was born in Rutland county, Vermont, in 1824. His parents were Arden and Phoebe Tabor, and moved to New York when our subject was 9 years of age. Mr. Tabor studied for the ministry, and by his own effort accomplished his work. In 1843 he married Eliza Leonard, who was born in 1824 in Hampshire county, Mass., and died in June, 1850, leaving 2 children. In 1856 he married Miss B. A. Morris, who was born in 1831 in Steuben county, N. Y. His 2 sons are also ministers, preaching the Universalist doctrine. Mr. Tabor's first work was in South Dansville, New York; thence in Oct., 1854, to Earlville, LaSalle county, this State ; next to Woodstock in 1856. then Briggsville, Wisconsin, in 1857; then went to Markesan, Wiscon- sin, remaining 6 years; next, in 1864, to Blue Island, and remained there until September, 1867. He there erected a church. In 1867 he went to Macomb and remained until the spring of 1872, then to Kirkwood, till 1874, next to Yates City, then for 2 years divided his time between Bradford and LaFayette, and occasionally visited New Salem; then in the fall of 1876 went to Bloomfield, Iowa, re- maining one year ; then came back to Monmouth and remained until March, 1879, then came to New Salem, where he added 27 members to the society. He has been an ardent worker in the Master's cause. Residence, New Salem.
Capt. Isaac H. Walling, son of Isaac and Mary H. Walling, natives of New Jersey, was born in 1836 on sea, off Cape Hatteras, on his father's ship " Chingaoria;"at the age of 12 years he went to sea as cabin-boy, then as able seaman 2 years, then as mate for 4 or 5 years. In 1855 or 1856 he shipped on schooner "Kenosha." in Buffalo, N. Y., to run from there to Chicago; served 1 year, then went back to New York and shipped on a cruise to Liverpool, Isle of Man, and to Sligo, then back to New York; then shipped on schooner "T. A. Ward," Capt. Hoff, commander, and went to Cadiz, Malaga, Salona, Genoa, Barbary States, Rio Janeiro, S. A., and back to Baltimore; then shipped on a wrecking vessel, where a fortunate circumstance occurred to our subject, but fatal to a cousin of his named Bainbridge. He exchanged places with him to accommodate him, so that he might go to port and purchase supplies; while on the way the ship and all its crew were lost. He was first at the wreck of the "New Era " and " Powhattan," the latter of which, laden with human freight, sunk in sight, and all on
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board perished. After this Capt. W. took many voyages; was shipwrecked several times; was taken prisoner at Charleston, S. C., by a man-of-war, during the Rebellion when he was at sea. On the schooner " Harriet Harker," which was owned by our subject, he was cast away 35 miles north of Cape Hatteras, where he lay three days and nights in the water without anything to eat or drink, but at last landed safely. At another time he escaped a watery grave by not taking a schooner when going to rescue another vessel, as it was taken by another party and was lost with all on board. Then went to launch a brig " Kedstow," 50 miles south of Cape Henry. In 1876 he was again wrecked near Cape Charles, at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. This was his last trip at sea. By the persuasion of his family, and being tired of sea life, he came West and located at Baylis, where he embarked in the mercantile trade, in which the wrecks are not so dangerous to life.
John White, farmer, sec. 31; P. O. New Salem; was born in Ireland in 1809. His parents, John and Margaret White, were also natives of Ireland. He came to America at the age of 22 and located at Philadelphia, where he remained 6 years, and most of the time followed weaving; then came to Quincy, this State, and fol- lowed teaming; came to this county in 1839 and located at New Philadelphia, then bought land where he is at present living. In 1845 he married Margaret White, who was born in Scotland, and they had one child, now dead. Mrs. W. died in 1846, and in 1856 he married Mary E. Cunningham, who was born in 1834 in Ire- land, and came to America in 1856. Their children are: William, Margaret, Anna B., Mary J., Joseph, Robert, Emmet, Emily and Frank. The deceased are Thomas J. and an infant. Mr. W. owns 640 acres of land at the home place and 80 acres in Pleasant Vale tp., all of which he has accumulated himself. He and his wife are Presbyterians.
William H. Winterbotham, physician, was born in Massachusetts, in 1847; his parents, Jonathan and Margaret, are natives of Eng- land, who came to America about the year 1842 and located in Bristol, Rhode Island, then moved to where our subject was born. At the age of 2 years he came with his parents to this county, where he was raised on a farm, and attended the common schools; at the age of 19 he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. J. Sykes, of Beverly, Adams county, studied 2 years, then attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, gradu- ated Feb. 22, 1872, and the March following began his practice in Baylis. Feb. 24, 1870, he was married to Martha E. Harvey, who was born in June, 1846, and they had 4 children. The Doctor is a Trustee of Schools, a member of the State Medical Association, and of the Masonic Order.
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP.
This township is situated inore nearly in the geographical center of the county than any other. It is a full Congressional township and is officially known as township 5 south, and range 4 west of the 4th principal meridian. In an agricultural point the township ranks among the finest in this favored county. It contains a wealthy and intelligent class of agriculturists, who have made the very best of improvements throughout the township.
We shall not dwell at length upon the history of the township, as we give an extended sketch of the town of Pittsfield, which largely embraces the history of the township; and we also speak at some length in the personal sketches of the leading farmers of this community.
The pioneer who first located here was Joel Moore. He erected a little cabin on the northeast quarter of sec. 12; then came Ephraim Cannon and Moses Riggs, all of whom became promi- nent in the early history of the county, and located on secs. 20 and 23 respectively. In 1833 a site was chosen in this township by a special commission of the Legislature for the location of the county seat, principally because of its being more nearly in the center of the county, and a desirable and healthy location. At this place the principal scenes in the history of the township have been enacted, which we will now begin to chronicle.
PITTSFIELD.
Although but 47 years have passed since the town of Pittsfield was founded, it is difficult to realize the changes that have been made in its appearance and surroundings since then, or that so much has been accomplished in so brief a period. Where now stand stately public buildings, school-houses and churches, spacious stores and business houses, busy mills and workshops, elegant res- idences, surrounded with evidences of refinement and culture, tasteful cottages, the homes of a thrifty and contented people, miles of well-graded streets and sidewalks, filled with all the busy life of an energetic and prosperous town, but a little over a generation ago was an unpeopled waste, the beauty of its site unknown save to an occasional hunter or the Indian nomads. Many are still living in the town in the enjoyment of a hale old age, who aided in the foundation of the new town and erected some of its first rude
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buildings. They have lived to see the log cabins replaced by large and substantial buildings of frame or brick, have seen the little town spread out from the nucleus around "the Square," until its well-built streets extend in all directions, and the little village has become an important business mart, the center of a thickly settled and wealthy community.
ORIGIN OF PITTSFIELD.
Having decided to locate the county-seat in the center of the county, George W. Hinman, Hawkins Judd and Benjamin Barney were selected as commissioners, who in March, 1833, laid out the site of the town, purchasing the quarter section of land from the United States Government at a cost of $200. The first sale of lots took place May 15, 1833, 11 lots being disposed of on that day. Several lots were reserved for public purposes, and the block in the northeast corner of the town, immediately north of the present residence of Jas. H. Wheeling, was set apart as a burying-ground, and a number of interments were made therein, until the South Cemetery was opened, and later the West and Episcopal Cemeteries, in the western limits of the town, when the old ground was no longer used for its original purpose.
EDUCATIONAL.
The location of the county-seat, and the natural beauty of the site, gave the young town a good start, and from the first its growth has been steady. It was named "Pittsfield," after the city of the same name in Massachusetts, whence many of its earliest and best citizens had come; and that infusion of New England enterprise, thrift, morals and culture has helped to give tone to its people, and aided in its subsequent career. From the earliest days, when no regu- lar system of schools was yet established, it is an evidence of the pub- lic-spirited liberality of the young men of the town, that they voluntarily contributed for the support of the schools first opened for the education of the children; and the place has always been noted for the fostering care bestowed on this important branch.
The first school building was of wood, located on the west end of the lot now owned by Geo. W. Sanderson. It was a small affair, and painted the regulation color, red; and many a man who has since won distinction at the bar, the forum, or in letters, learned the first rudiments within its noisy portal. As the town grew, ex- tended accommodations were needed, and several other small schools were started. Later the lower portion of the Christian Church was rented for a public school. In 1861-3 the public spirit fonnd full expression in the erection of the present spacious and beautiful building, one of the largest and best in the Military Tract. Here, with a graded system and a large and efficient corps of teachers, pupils are instructed in all the ordinary branches, the High School department fitting students for college. A large clock with a fine
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WY MACKWITZ ENSK
PITTSFIELD HIGH-SCHOOL.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
bell attached, was placed in the dome shortly after the completion of the building.
The town also has a Library and Free Reading Room, organized by the Ladies, and heretofore supported by the subscriptions of the members. There are about one thousand volumes, many of them of a standard character, besides a number of papers and periodicals. At the election last year the citizens voted to levy a small tax to support the institution, and extend its field of usefulness.
NEWSPAPERS.
In 1842 the first newspaper was started by Michael J. Noyes, and was called The Sucker. This was succeeded by the Free Press, started by Garbutt & Abbott. Later it was edited by John G. Nicolay, now Marshal of the United States Supreme Court at Wash- ington, and at one time Private Secretary to President Lincoln, and afterward Consul at Paris. The Free Press was followed by The Journal, and it by The Old Flag, which is now published and is in a prosperous condition. These papers were Free-Soil, Whig and Republican, in natural succession.
The Sentinel was the first Democratic paper, and was started in 1845 by Turnbull & Smith. It was followed by the Union, in 1849, and it by the Pike County Democrat, in 1857, which still flourishes as the organ of the Democrats of the county. Several other newspaper ventures were made, but they existed only for a brief period. The mail facilities now enable the people to secure promptly the daily papers from the larger cities, and a large num- ber are circulated.
STREETS.
Those who now admire the fine condition of the streets of the town, the easy grades, the long reaches of macadamized and grav- eled roads, and the miles of broad sidewalks, can hardly realize the primitive character of the thoroughfares that preceded them. The roads and streets were almost impassable in rainy weather, and the best efforts at sidewalks were eighteen-inch logs split in two and laid side by side, the round side down, and these only in the most favored localities. Elsewhere pedestrians did the best they could, and on dark nights they had a hard road to travel. During the past two years the corporation has spent about $10,000 in the im- provement of the streets alone. And now, with public lamps in .all the streets, over a district about a mile and a half square, travel is safe and comfortable.
THE PUBLIC SQUARE AND BUILDINGS AROUND IT.
A description of the Public Square and the short streets imme- diately around it, in the early days, should prove interesting. Nearly all the old buildings have been pulled down or removed, and the few landmarks that still remain must soon meet the same
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fate. On the north side of the Square there were but four build- ings. A grocery or saloon occupied the corner where Shadel's meat market now stands; next west was Thomas Dickson's small frame store which long occupied the place of the present two-story brick edifice, and is still standing in the rear of its old site; next was the Court-House, now Joseph Heck's store, and next a one-story frame, which was afterward enlarged, and is now occupied by Field's jewelry store. In the lower portion of the lot, where the Pittsfield House now stands, was the house of Michael McGuire. The first store on the west side was that of Green & Barber, the building now occupied by Clayton's hardware store; next was the store of Jacob Hodgen, who afterward built the first brick store in town; and next, near the sonth corner, the harness shop of Hamil- ton Wills. On the south side was the log store of Jonas Clark, which stood where Seeley, Lloyd & Co.'s big store now stands; then the store of Talcott & Co., and then the Mansion House, which was then but two stories high and having about half its present frontage. East of this was Mrs. Mary M. Heath's house. (This venerable lady, who is said to have been the first white child born in Cincinnati, O., is still living in the town, and is looked upon and respected as one of the few living links connecting the present with the past generation.) East of Mrs. Heath's was Frank Spencer's blacksmith shop. On the east side of the Square, and occupying the site of Winans & Platner's furniture store, was the residence of Miss Bush, and north of that J. U. Grimshaw's store.
The Square itself was an unfenced playground, ornamented with a dense growth of hazel-brush.
OTHER BUILDINGS.
Scattered at some distance on the streets running from the Square were the dwellings of the citizens, none of them presenting much architectural beauty. The large two-story frame residence now occupied by Thos. Burt, was built by Col. Wm. Ross, when he first moved to the town. It was probably at that time the finest private dwelling in all the surrounding country, and its large rooms, wide halls and lofty ceilings were the admiration of all. In 1847 Col. Ross built the large brick residence just east.of town, where he resided up to the time of his death. Mr. Oran Green, a hale and active veteran, still lives to boast that he carried all the mortar used in the erection of that fine building.
Near where Hicks' stable now stands was Turnbaugh's Row, a block of four stores, "all on the ground," all occupied by the same firm, and filled with a miscellaneous stock.
The building now occupied as a residence by Dr. Worthington, situated on one of the handsomest sites in the town, and surrounded by beautiful grounds, was intended for a seminary for young ladies, but for some reason the attempt to establish such an institution here was abandoned.
Jas. Ward and Samuel Smith built and kept a livery stable north
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of the present postoffice. Between that and the corner of the Square was a deep hollow, overgrown with hazel brush.
Fletcher & Huckaborn had a blacksmith and gun-shop back of Hunter's present shoe shop. Dorus Bates also had a blacksmith shop near his wagon manufactory.
Where Shibley's carriage factory now stands, was erected the first carding-machine. It was run by horse power, and was a ponderous concern, with broad wooden cog-wheels. and beams. Here a child, who afterward lived to assume a noted manhood, had a miraculous escape from a horrible death. While the machin- ery was under full beadway, he climbed upon the horse power, but slipped and fell. His head was caught, between one of the broad spokes of the wheel and the timber of the frame. It was crushed nearly flat, but stopped the machine!
The child recovered and grew up to serve his country gallantly and well. That was one of the many escapes of Major D. E. Bates.
The first steam flouring-mill, now known as the " Old Mill," was built by Jonathan Frye and Stephen Gay in 1849, and for years was the largest in this section. The new mill was built in 1870 by Shaw, Rupert, Adams & Chapman, and is a fine large brick building, filled with the best machinery. Both mills are doing a heavy business, and Pittsfield brands of flour command a high price in the markets of New York and Boston.
The oldest building in the town was erected by William Watson. It is a small log store, and is now standing in the lot in the rear of the Mansion House. Mr. Watson was soon followed by Messrs. R. R. Greene and Austin Barber, who built and occupied the store owned by W. H. Clayton.
Mr. John U. Grimshaw had the first regular dry-goods store in town, near where L. Klemme's building now stands, but also car- ried a stock of miscellaneous goods. He was an Irishman by birth, well educated, and with a high sense of business integrity. He has been dead for some years.
PROMINENT CITIZENS.
The name of Col. William Ross is intimately associated with the early history of Pittsfield, and with its advancement and pros- perity, up to the time of his death. He was its most prominent citizen, and aided nearly every enterprise. He was born in Mas- sachusetts in 1792, emigrated to this county in 1820, subsequently removing to the new town of Pittsfield. A good sketch of his life is given in the biographical department of the history of this township.
Col. D. B. Bush, also a native of Massachusetts, born in 1790, settled in Pittsfield a year after the town was laid out, and has been a prominent and active citizen ever since. He practiced at the Bar, and has held several offices. He is still remarkably healthy for
MmWatson
PITTSFIELD
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his years, and can be seen almost daily greeting his many friends ·with genial humor.
Hon. William R. Archer, the veteran member of the Bar, is still in active practice. He was born in New York in 1817, and emigrated to Pittsfield in 1838. He has repeatedly represented this district in the State Senate, and is known and honored through- out the State. He has a numerous family of sons and daughters, and the whole community call him friend.
Mr. Samuel Crane, who conducted the Union House for many years, is another surviving veteran, who can be seen any morning in the week, basket on arm, doing his own marketing. He has a neat place in the west part of town, and is a noted gardener.
Mr. Frank Keys, another of the early settlers, is about to remove to Logan county. He first engaged in store-keeping in Pittsfield, but later devoted his attention to farming and stock- raising, amassing a large property. He is of Scotch-Irish birth, and has all the energy and perseverance of that canny race.
Squire Hickerson, who lives some distance east of town, was probably the first settler in that vicinity. He is still a very active man, and is now serving as Collector of Newburg township. He has a remarkable memory, and is a veritable chronicle of the early history of the town and county.
James Ross is probably the oldest living resident of the town. He is a native of Ireland, and settled at Atlas in 1826. When Pittsfield was located he moved here, where he has since resided.
Thomas Dickson, who is a native of the island of Orkney, removed from New York to Pittsfield in 1839. He acted as clerk in William Watson's store for some years, and then engaged in business for himself. He is still an active business man, and gives promise to continue so for many years.
Capt. W. N. Shibley, another Mexican veteran, who is still carrying on his old business of carriage-making, was among the early settlers; and although he has had a career of considerable adventure, is as active as he was 30 years ago. He served through the Mexican war, and later spent many years fighting Indians on the Texas plains. He still has in his possession some of the scalps taken in his adventurous days, hideous trophies of border warfare.
Hon. Henry Mudd, now a prominent citizen of Missouri, wa's among the earliest merchants of Pittsfield, where he conducted a successful business for many years.
H. Atkinson, now the respected Vice President of the Pike County Bank, was an early comer. He came from Philadelphia and opened a tailor shop near the southwest corner of the Square. Afterward he engaged in the drug business, and later had a furni- ture and hardware store.
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