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 60
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92
Col. D. D. Hicks, the veteran Cashier of the First National Bank, has long been a resident of the town, and has been a suc- cessful business man and popular public officer.
Dr. Campbell and Dr. Worthington were the first physicians
38
658
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
who settled here. Both were skillful practitioners and energetic nen. Dr. Campbell has been dead for some years, but Dr. Worth- ington is still living. Having acquired a large property, he has devoted his later years to the study of geology and kindred sub- jects, and has been visiting the Rocky Mountains for some time in pursuit of his favorite studies. Dr. Norris and Dr. Comstock came some time later, and both practiced successfully. They have been called from their duties for many years. The widow of Dr. Norris still survives him, and is enjoying a genial and graceful old age. Young in heart and joyful in feeling, she is respected by all, and is especially loved by the young people, whose friend and confidant she is.
Among the local celebrities whose subsequent career has been a subject of pride with this people, is Col. John Hay, now Assis- tant Secretary of State at Washington. He spent his boyhood here, with his uncle, Hon. Milton Hay, now of Springfield. His " Pike County Ballads " have associated his name with his old home, although he exercised more than a poet's license in some of the pictures he drew. The hero of "Banty Tim," the most forcible of the ballads, is still a resident of this town, but his name is not Til- man Joy.
But probably the best known local character is Capt. Abe Butz, proprietor of the Oregon House. A native of Pennsylvania, he came West in early manhood, and has gone through a long life with philosophical cheerfulness. Noted for his patriotism, he observes with religious regularity all the National holidays, anni versaries of battles, etc., and is an especial admirer of Gen. Jackson, for whom he played; and also assisted at the reception of Gen. Lafayette at Philadelphia on his last visit to this country. Mr. Butz is also noted for his kindliness of heart, the poor always finding in him a charitable friend.
Mr. Metcalf opened the first tin shop in the town, and for a long time had a monopoly of that trade. L. Bennett had one of the . first shoe shops, and Samuel Barber a tailor shop.
Robert R. Greene and Austin Barber came from Marietta, Ohio, and settled in Pittsfield when it was laid out. They were con- nected in business for many years, the store of Greene & Barber being known throughout the whole tract. Both partners still sur. vive. Mr. Greene has been an invalid for some years, but Mr. Barber is as vigorous and active as many younger men.
BRICK KILN, ETC.
In 1843 the first kiln of brick was burned, by a man named But- ler, his yard being located west of the fair grounds. Later a brick yard was started on North Monroe street, where the Haskell prop- erty now stands. Since then the business has grown steadily, until this day, when brick, tile, pottery, etc., form an important item in: the industries of the town.
659
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
HOTELS.
The location of the Court-House here, with the consequent influx of strangers during term time, made hotels a necessity at an early day. The Union House, kept by Samuel Crane, and the Mansion Honse, met the demand at first. Then the Kentucky House, now known as the Mansion House, was built. In 1870 the spacious and handsome Pittsfield House was built by a stock company. The three last named houses are still open. These, with Shibley's es- tablishment and the Oregon House, amply supply the town with hotel accommodations. The Union House was a frame building on the north side of the Square. The lower portion of the building is now occupied by the stores of M. R. Peckenpaugh and Dober & Blades.
MAIL FACILITIES.
The first postoffice was in a small log building which stood op- posite the Episcopal Church, and was kept by Merrill E. Rattan. Mails arrived and departed only once a week, by horseback; and although communication with the outside world was limited, it was ample enough to meet the wants of the people. About 1845 a tri-weekly stage was run to Jacksonville by Hill & Watson, carry- ing the mails, and later, tri-weekly mails were extended to Win- chester, Beardstown and Quincy, J. Shastid and Jesse French being the contractors. They were afterward bought out by Thomas Burt, who continued the lines for some time. In July, 1853, the first daily mail was established between Naples and Hannibal, via Pittsfield, Uncle Dayie Stanton and S. P. Duffield being the contractors. Subsequently connection was made with the young and growing towns throughout the county, until now Pittsfield is in direct communication by mail and telegraph with all the outside world.
SHIPPING.
When the old Jacksonville & Naples Railroad was extended to Hannibal, and as the new line was located some six miles north of Pittsfield, it was feared it would retard the growth of the town. To prevent this possible result, in 1870 a branch line was built from Pittsfield to Maysville, connecting with the Hannibal & Naples line, and is now familiarly called the "Bob-Tail." The road is oper- ated by the Wabash Railroad Company, and it is an evidence of the prosperous trade and importance of Pittsfield, that the Compa- ny's returns show the "Bob-Tail" to be one of the best paying sections operated by that important corporation.
For years after the settlement of the town, Florence, on the Illi- nois river, some twelve miles east, was the regular shipping point for Pittsfield, nearly all the goods being received and shipped by wagon to the steamboat's landing at that town. In 1851 a private corporation constructed a plank road, connecting Pittsfield and
660
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Florence. It was kept in good repair for some years, and proved a great convenience, but the extension of lines in other directions di- verted a portion of the traffic, and it was afterward thrown open to the public. In the early days, the settlers had not learned the economy of a division of business, or lacked the means and facili- ties. Then nearly every man who raised stock did his own slaugh- tering, the product being sold to storekeepers, who shipped it to St. Lonis. Large quantities of grain and live stock were also shipped in the same way, and in a few years this trade became so important that a large amount of capital was invested in the business, and the warehouses of Pittsfield and Florence were filled with the products of the surrounding country. Now the facilities of transportation by rail and river have given a different feature to the trade. Much of the wheat finds its way to the far Eastern markets in the form of flour, while the shipment of grain, live stock and provisions is managed as separate lines of business.
PROTECTION AGAINST FIRES.
Although the town has never had a regularly organized fire com. pany, an engine or apparatus, it has been remarkably exempt from de- structive fires. But few buildings have been destroyed by fire, and in each instance the citizens turned out and worked with such deter- mination that the fire was subdued before extending beyond the building where it originated. Although the town has been so for- tunate heretofore, the danger of fires is a subject of solicitude among thoughtful citizens, and it is probable that a company will be organized and properly equipped, in anticipation of future con- tingeneies.
TEMPERANCE.
For years there has been a strong temperance sentiment in this community, and the friends of the cause have repeatedly succeeded in electing an anti-license Board of Town Trustees. At the last two elections, however, they were defeated by a small majority, and four saloons have been licensed at a tax of $1,500 each per annum. During the temperance crusade some years ago, the ladies sue- ceeded in arousing publie sentiment, and license §was abolished. Later, when the Murphy revival was inaugurated, it met with re- markable success here, several hundred persons having enrolled themselves in the blue ribbon organization. Within the past few months the temperance people have organized a new society, and already accomplished much good. The present movement is more quiet in its character than the crusade or Murphy revival, but it gives promise of accomplishing the end aimed at, -- suppression of legalized traffic in liquors within the town.
MILITARY.
After the passage of the inilitia law by the State Legislature three years ago, two militia companies were organized in Pittsfield,
661
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
one, the Pittsfield Guards, and the other, the Pike County Guards. After a few months the Adjutant General ordered the consolidation of the two companies, which was done, the organization taking the name of the Pittsfield Guards. The officers are J. W. Johnson, Captain; W. Steinhauer, 1st Lieut .; and Geo. Barber, 2d Lieut. The company is uniformed and well armed, having a well appointed armory in Dickson's Hall.
A notable day in the military annals of the town, and one long to be remembered, was the Annual Reunion of Army Veterans held here in August, 1878. Preparations for the event had been in progress for many days, all classes of citizens vieing with each other in efforts to make the celebration worthy of the occasion and of the town, and the result more than realized their highest ex- pectations.
Daybreak of the eventful day was ushered in with a grand salute, and at an early hour the streets were thronged with an eager multitude, gathered from all the surrounding country. The build- ings around the Public Square and on the principal streets were decorated with flags and patriotic emblems, while the Square itself presented a novel and most attractive appearance. On either corner decorated platforms were erected, on which were living groups of young girls and boys representing Liberty, the Army, the Navy, Justice, Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, etc., each figure in appropriate costume, and surrounded by implements and emblems illustrating the tableaux. Near the southwest corner of the Square a large platform was also erected for speakers and dis- tinguished guests, and literally covered with flags, evergreens, wreaths, flowers, pictures and statuary. But the most attractive quarter was the north and east sides of the Square, where were spread long lines of tables loaded with all the substantials and lux- uries a bountiful land afforded, while snowy covers, and glittering silver, china and glass, and a profusion of bouquets, festoons of flowers, etc., beautified the scene. Thesc tables were in charge of the ladies, and as each tried to excel her neighbor in the luxury and elegance of her table, the result was such a banquet as was prob- ably rever before spread on a similar occasion.
The Pittsfield Guards and the Pike County Guards, the two lo- cal companies, were under arms at an early hour, and acted as escort to the veterans and their families arriving from abroad. At 10 o'clock the train from Springfield arrived, bringing Governor Cullom, Gen. Reese, ex-Governor Palmer and other distinguished visitors, with the Governor's Guard of Springfield as honorary es- cort, the Winchester Guards, and a long line of veterans in detached squads from Griggsville, Barry and other points. A procession was then formed, and after parading through the principal streets, mustered in the Square in front of the grand stand, where they were welcomed in an eloquent address by Rev. H. D. Clark, Pas- tor of the Christian Church, and himself a gallant soldier. Gov- ernor Cullom responded in an appropriate speech, paying a fitting
662
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
tribute to the patriotism and gallantry of the citizen soldiery. On the platform were a number of distinguished veterans of the Re- bellion and the Mexican war, and a small group of honored heroes of the war of 1812. After appropriate music by the glee clubs and the bands, an adjournment was had for dinner. The immense crowd were billeted at the several tables, and were entertained with profusion, all being satisfied,-men, women and children,-and enough left over to feed a brigade. After dinner there was a gen- eral interchange of greetings among old army comrades, and many an experience of the march, the battle-field and the bivouac re- newed and recounted. Speaking was then resumed, when Col. A. C. Matthews introduced Gen. Palmer in a neat address. The lat- ter was greeted with cheers and spoke for over an hour, giving many amusing anecdotes of army life, all of which were thoroughly enjoyed by the " boys." Short addresses were made by other speakers, followed by a parade and drill by the Governor's Guard, under command of Maj. E. S. Johnson. The remainder of the day was taken up in a general jollification, in imitation of camp life, and other amusements. As the evening shadows fell, the strangers from abroad departed amid the cheers of the people; the citizens returned to their homes, and so ended one of the most memorable days in the history of Pittsfield.
PUBLIC HALLS AND SOCIAL MATTERS.
The first public hall was in the Mansion House block. Before its erection the fun-loving folk held their dances and social gath- erings in the Court-House, and the halls supposed to be sacred to the disciples of Blackstone echoed to the sounds of merry-making, while an occasional Church fair threw the mantle of charity over all. The whole community was noted for its sociability, and pleasant gatherings were of frequent occurrence. The young men were also famous for their skill in athletic sports, foot-racing es- pecially being very popular, and many a youth who has since grown old and staid, has competed in contests of speed, on the " track," along the south side of the Square. The prizes usually awarded would not be sanctioned by the friends of temperance. Horse-racing also was very popular, and is still a favorite pastime with many.
In 1845 a number of the young men organized a full brass band, and thereafter furnished the music on the Fourth-of-July and other public occasions. Debating and literary clubs were also formed, and a taste for literature of a higli order was developed and fostered.
In the summer of 1846 an event occurred which marked a new epoch in the annals of the young town. This was the arrival of Van Amburgh's circus and menagerie. It was the first regular " show" that had penetrated so far among the outlying settlements, and its advent was hailed withi wonder and delight by young and old, the people flocking in from all the surrounding country to see it. Many a veteran who has lived to see scores of such exhibitions
663
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
still remembers with pleasure that first introduction to the delights and glories of the saw-dust ring. This was soon followed by others, and shortly afterward regular .dramatic companies visited the town, and were well received. Now there is no dearth of public entertainments, a good company rarely failing to draw well.
THE MEXICAN WAR.
From the close of the Indian troubles until the declaration of war with Mexico, the people of Pittsfield had no military experi- ences, but the promptness with which troops were raised on the latter occasion shows their military and patriotic ardor. Special messen- gers who had been sent to Springfield hastened back with the news that volunteers were called for. A full company was organized in a few hours, most of the members being from Pittsfield and the immediate vicinity. They started at once for Springfield, arrived there the same night, and, reporting at headquarters, were mustered in as company K of the 5th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Nor had they any time to spare. Next day, Springfield was thronged with volunteers from the surrounding counties, who had to be re- jected. Company K had completed the quota. When organized the officers of the company were : I. B. Donaldson, Captain; - Bostwick, 1st Lient .; Emmet Hicks, 2d Lieut .; and Wm. Kinman, 3d Lieut. On the organization of the Regiment, Capt. Donaldson was promoted a field officer, and Lieut. Kinman was made Cap- tain. The achievements of the gallant 5th are a part of the history of the nation, and company K won its full share of the laurels. All the old officers have answered the final muster save only Lieut. Hicks, who is still living in Pittsfield hale and hearty, and who with some of his old comrades in arms, fights over his old battles, and
" Shoulders his cane, And shows how fields were won."
The same military and patriotic spirit was manifested by the people in the breaking out of the Rebellion. Pittsfield promptly sent a large number of volunteers, who were on almost every battle- field of the South. No soldiers ever acquitted themselves more nobly than those who went from Pittsfield.
COURT-HOUSE.
Immediately after the town was laid out the first Court-House was erected, the order therefor being issued by the County Com- missioners in June, 1833. It was a frame building, located on the north side of the Square, and was not remarkable for size or style. It is still standing, and is now occupied by Joseph Heck as a storc. The coming season a new brick building is to take its place, and the old landmark will be removed. The present Court-House was erected in 1838-9, and was in that early day considered a spacious
664
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
and commodious building. The offices of the Circuit and County Clerks are in a fire-proof building west of the Court-House. The handsome grounds which now surround it were then an uninelosed plat covered with hazel-brush. The stately trees that now adorn the grounds were planted by some of the young men of the town, the young members of the Bar being prominent in the good work. Their tall stens and wide-spreading branches stand as monuments of their enterprise and public spirit, and those who now enjoy the grateful shade should remember with gratitude the thoughtful planters.
PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE BAR.
From the first organization of the county Courts the Bar has been noted for the distinguished men who have ornamented it. Within its walls some who have won national fame earned their earlier forensic laurels. Among its graduates were Col. E. D. Baker, the brilliant orator, the cultivated gentleman, the statesman and the hero, whose brilliant life was untimely ended at the fatal battle of Ball's Bluff; and Col. Daniel H. Gilmer, the genial friend and able lawyer, who fell a sacrifice to his patriotism at Stone River; and Col. Jackson Grimshaw, a keen and able lawyer, irresistible in debate, now gone to his rest; and Maj. Sam Hayes, an able lawyer, a free-hearted and jovial companion; and Archie Williams, and Dick Richardson, and Isaac N. Morris, and James Ward, and J. W. Whitney, are among the members of the Bar who have passed away.
Here in the early day such lawyers as Lincoln, and Douglas, and Browning came to plead. Of the living representatives who have won distinction may be mentioned Hon. Milton Hay, now of Springfield; C. L. Higbee, Judge of the Appellate Court; Wm. A. Grimshaw, member of the State Board of Charities, and who has filled many positions of honor in the State; Wmn. R. Archer, State Senator for many years; Col. A. C. Matthews, Member of the Legislature; Scott Wike, late Member of Congress; Jas. S. Irwin, one of the ablest lawyers in the State; Richard B. Atkinson, ex-County Judge, and the veteran D. B. Bush. There are younger members of the Bar who bid fair to emulate the example of their seniors. Jefferson Orr, the District Attorney, is now filling his second term, and has proved an efficient and industrious officer. Hon. Strother Grigsby, the County Judge, has long been identi- fied with the Bar. In his present position he has accomplished good work, and is the friendly adviser of all who appear in his .Court.
JAIL.
The first jail was built near the site of the present town cala boose. It was not a pretentious building, but was sufficient for the wants of the county for many years. It was afterward sold, and was occupied as a tobacco factory, when it was destroyed by fire. The
James J. Whelsey
PITTSFIELD TP
667
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
present handsome jail, on the northeast corner of the Public Square, was erected in 1861. It is a substantial brick building with a double tier of cells, necessary offices, and residence for the Sheriff.
But one execution has taken place in the Pittsfield jail, Bart. Barnes having been hanged December 29, 1871, for the murder of Mr. Gresham near Pleasant Hill. The execution was private, within the walls of the prison, but so great was the public curios- ity over the event that hundreds of persons from the surrounding country crowded the streets around the jail.
In 1878 an attack upon the jail was threatened, and at one time it appeared as if it would result in serious loss of life. A Dr. Brown, of Milton, was found dead in his door-yard, with a gun- shot wound in his head; and it was supposed he had been mur- dered. Some days before that he had been reported drugged and robbed, and a man named McDonald, a supposed tramp, had been arrested and lodged in jail, being suspected as one of the robbers. His trial was to come off in a few days, and just before that event Dr. Brown was found dead, as stated, and it was thought that some friend or chum of McDonald had murdered him to prevent his ap- pearing against the latter. The friends and neighbors were in- tensely excited over the occurrence, and as the public had naturally become alarmed over the reiterated reports of outrages committed by tramps in other parts of the country, the excitement spread rap- idly. A rigid search was instituted for the supposed murderer and kept up for days, but no one being discovered, the friends deter- mined to wreak summary vengeance upon the prisoner, McDonald. A number of them mustered a short distance from town, with the avowed determination to march in after nightfall, break open the jail, and seize and lynch the prisoner. It was impossible for the sheriff to remove him to another place of confinement, as the roads were watched; whereupon the authorities communicated with Gov- ernor Cullom, and by his authority the militia companies were called out, and a strong force placed to protect the jail. For the first few nights the alarm was kept up, but fortunately the prompt action of the authorities had the desired effect. No attack was made, and the excitement quieted down. The result of the trial, which took place a short time afterward, proved the man McDonald en- tirely innocent of the charge of robbing, and consequently he had no motive for the killing of Dr. Brown, and he was discharged. This was the first serious attempt of the people to take the law into their own hands, and the result of the trial will go far toward pre- venting a similar occurrence in the future. Had the attempt proved successful it is certain that an innocent man would have been sac- rificed. The citizens are proverbially law-abiding, and the McDon- ald emeute was as unexpected as it was unusual. The conduct of the militia during the trying occasion elicited the praise of the community.
668
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Several attempts have been made by prisoners to escape, at differ- ent times, and although some of them have succeeded in cutting their way out, they have been recaptured after a short pursuit.
CHURCHES.
The history of the Congregational Church is intimately associ- ated with that of the early days of the town. It was organized with a membership of twelve, and first worshiped in the Court- House. Rev. William Carter was the first minister in charge, and devoted long years of faithful and earnest work. The first church building was erected in 1838, but in a few years it proved too small for the congregation. The Pastor, aided by Col. Ross and other members, decided to erect a larger edifice, and the present structure was built and dedicated in 1846. They were assisted in the good work by Eastern friends. A project is now on foot for the erection of a large new building, and it is probable that the work will be accomplished at an early day. Rev. W. W. Rose is the present Pastor, and is an earnest worker.
The Christian Church, now one of the largest and most pros- perous in the city, was organized in 1839 with twelve members, the first Pastor being Elder W. H. Strong. At first they wor- shiped in a small frame building which was afterward used as a school-house, and long occupied the lot in the rear of Judge Hig- bee's residence. It was afterward removed to the lot opposite Wm. Henry Harder's, and having been refitted nicely, it is now occupied by the German Lutheran congregation. The present Christian church was built in 1856, and has one of the largest audience rooms in the city, with Sunday-school rooms, etc., in the lower story. The Church has no Pastor, Rev. H. D. Clark, the late Pastor, having accepted a call to a Church in Baltimore, Md.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.