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 74
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When the land sales came off in October, 1829, at Vandalia, there was a gathering of pioneers from the township offered for sale, at which no speculator was allowed to purchase until all set- tlers had made their selections, -- rather a high-handed proceeding, as it would now appear, but one which was justified by the exist- ing circumstances.
The first person visited by the cold hand of death in this town- ship was Mrs. Amanda Davis, who died in 1831, a daughter of Rev. W m. Blair. The first birth was a daughter of Samuel and Lucy Blair, the first couple married in the township.
Barry is settled by an excellent class of agriculturists, many of
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
whom we make personal mention of, further on in this sketch. The township is beautifully divided between prairie and timber, well watered, the soil fertile and rich, and is both an excellent grain and stock country.
A doctor named Ludley, who lived in the bottom, was the first physician in the township. The earliest doctors were about all Thomsonians.
BARRY.
This city is beautifully situated on the north half of sec. 25, and upon an eminence commanding a fine view of the surrounding country. For miles either way there is presented to the eye a grand panorama of nature's beauteous handiwork, changed, it is true, by the hand of man from what it was half a century ago, yet a charming scene it is to-day. Where once grew the tall, verdant prairie grass the eye now beholds waving fields of corn, wheat and other cereals. The wild flowers that gave to the dead monotony of undulating grassa charm, and a beauty unrivaled in grandeur by any of the fine scenes now presented by growing fields, have long since faded away. These only exist in the memories of the pioneers yet surviving. These tell us that the magnificence and beauty of the prairies as seen in their native condition, can never be ade- quately pictured by language.
During the period of the great internal improvement system of Illinois, which we have so frequently alluded to, and during which time so many towns were platted in this county, as well as all over the State, the city of Barry sprung into existence. Fortunately, it has fared better than many of the other towns projected, even in Pike county, for it has assumed rank among the small cities of this part of Illinois, while many have been long since pronounced dead, or that they had obtained their greatest growth. Barry was laid out by Calvin R. Stone, of the firm of Stone, Field & Marks, of St. Louis, and christened "Worcester." Mr. Stone was killed by the explosion of the boat " Montezuma," on the Mississippi. It was found that there was another town by that name in the State, so Worcester was changed to Barry. Mr. Brown, who had lived in Barre, Vt., suggested that it be called after that town. A petition to this effect was drawn up by Dr. Baker, who printed the name Barre in large Roman letters, but the enrolling clerk spelled it with a final y, instead of an e. That was the name, however, of the Postmaster-General under President Jackson, so it was accepted and has since been known by it.
Bartlett & Birdsong, who laid ont Barry, as the agents for Stone, the owner of the land, kept the first store in the place. This was in a little log cabin. Stone, Field & Marks erected a mill here to grind the grain for the settlers. This was sold to Brown & Mc- Tucker, in 1836. In 1837 a grist mill was run by Mason & Ed- wards. It was a little overshot water-mill, located in a log building where the woolen factory now stands. The next one below it, on
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Hadley creek, was by Win. Lippincott. B. D. Brown and Josiah Lippincott erected a saw-mill in 1838, northeast of the Public Square, which was burned. The second mill was erected by Isaac Israel in 1845. He ran it three or four years. He also packed pork, and it was surrounded by 18 dwellings, a pork house, 3 large stores and a saw mill. He' mortgaged it and it passed into the hands of J. Clines, and finally Brown & McTucker owned it. In a cave, lo- cated where the woolen factory was built by Wike Brothers, the skeleton of a human body was found in 1841, when the cave was opened. Water-power was secured from the water that came from this cave. It is a natural curiosity, and has been entered for about 300 yards. The source of the water above mentioned was always unknown. It is affected by the rise and fall of water in the streams.
John Grubb and Mr. Wike, while improving the factory, were quarrying rocks and came across a den of rattlesnakes of the larg- est kind, of which they killed great numbers, from which fact this place is called " Snake Holler " to this day.
The first tavern in Barry was kept by Johnny DeHaven. The first postmaster was Stephen R. Gray.
The Methodists were the first denomination of religious people to become established here, and erect a house of worship. The Baptists were second, who built a church about the same time. The building is now torn away. The Christians were third, and the Congregationalists fourth.
In the fall of '37 a camp-meeting was held near Levi McDaniels' farm-house, which lasted 12 days. This, it is said, was supported by people of all denominations, and all were united in the great work. Quite a number joined the Church during this meeting. In 1838 another was held in the same place. Settlers came from a distance of 30 to 40 miles to attend these meetings.
The first school was taught in the Methodist church by Deacon Mason. Then there was a little frame school-house erected north of Bright's saloon. It was moved several times afterward, and a difference of opinion exists in regard to its original location.
Barry grew and prospered at times, and again, like other towns, it suffered seasons of stagnation. To-day it is a beautiful little city with fine church edifices, large, magnificent school buildings, good business houses, neat and beautiful residences, and indeed a live, enterprising little city. The high grade of society existing here is something worthy the boast and pride of its residents. The courtly Southerner, the careful Easterner and the thrifty New Yorker are met here, and it is therefore natural that a social system should be established which is culled from the high standard of the sections named. These, taken with the enterprising spirit and practical character of the Westerner, give origin to a new society, more pleas- ant than either, with the best social ethics of all, mingled in one common fountain, from which flow the elements of the best society.
In educational matters no city or town in the county takes a greater interest. In religious teachings and Christian morality
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Barry compares favorably with those towns having a larger num - ber of church spires pointing heavenward. In those movements to raise the fallen and degraded, to help the poor, to encourage the weak, the good people of Barry are ever engaged. Some grand efforts have been made in the temperance cause by the noble peo- ple of this city. The cause of temperance is like that of Christian religion in this respect, that it is found in great variety of shapes and methods. In other words, it has taken upon itself the most remarkable forms in the way of organizations. But, unlike Chris- tianity, which is historically traced through the narrow sects and societies, the cause of temperance seems to run through the most wonderful changes. As soon as one particular form of labor has lost its interest to the public, the friends of temperance re-organize, and are found laboring in a different manner. Hence we find it impossible to trace properly, in the short space allotted, the history of the different forms and shapes in which the friends of temper- ance have been organized.
With the enterprise characteristic of the city, an artesian well was begun to be put down during the month of October, 1879. The city agreed to pay two dollars and fifty cents per foot for the first 1,500 feet, and after that depth was reached, if not a sufficient flow of water, the contractors were to receive three dollars per foot for the next 500 feet. The city had appropriated, up to March 20, 1880, $5.000 to carry on the work. The site of the well, which is in the park in the Public Square, is the highest point of ground in the county, and therefore a great depth will necessarily have to be reached before an abundant supply of water is obtained. At the present writing water does not yet flow, and work still goes on. The city, we are told, will undoubtedly go 2,500 feet in order to obtain a supply. The top entting is six inches in diameter, di- manishing to four and five-eighths and three and one-half.
Barry was incorporated as a town in 1856. An election was held Jan. 14 of that year to vote for or against incorporation, when 92 votes were cast for, and none against the measure. The follow- ing Trustees were then chosen and held their first meeting Jan. 31 : A. Grubb, John Watson, N. Cromwell, J. M. Dabney and C. S. , Allen. These were sworn in by Justice M. Blair, when they elected John Watson as President and John Shastid, Clerk.
Nov. 18, 1872, Barry was organized as a city. The present City Council is composed of the following gentlemen: E. R. Burnham, Mayor; J. R. Roward, J. Weber, T. Davis, Matthew Peterson, S. Mors and James Watson, Aldermen; C. C. Roasa, City Clerk; W. I. Klein, City Attorney ; J. C. Brown, Treasurer; John Whettleton, Marshal, and J. E. Haines, Street Commissioner.
SCHOOL, CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES.
The fine brick school-building of the city was erected in 1874, at a cost of $15,000. It was built by Wm. T. Mitchell, of Barry. It is beautifully situated, and presents to the stranger as he enters the
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
city by rail a most magnificent view. The School Directors in 1863 were Calvin Davis, N. P. Hart and J. H. Mallory. The pres- ent Directors are E. A. Crandall, N. P. Hfart and Alexander White. There are enrolled 401 scholars. The principal is Prof. J. F. Clark. The teachers are, first assistant, Miss E. Greene; first grammar de- partment, John M. Woodby; second grammar, Prof. Geo. W. Smith; intermediate, Miss Ella McMahan and Wm. Triplett; primary, Ida Luthey and May Poling.
Rev. A. M. Danely is Pastor of the Methodist Church. There is connected with the congregation a good Sunday-school, which meets at 9:30 A. M.
Rev. William Greene is Pastor of the Baptist Church. Services are held on the second and fourth Sundays in each month.
Elder W. E. Berry is Pastor of the Christian Church. Services are held every Sunday morning and evening. Sunday-school at 9:30 A. M.
Barry Lodge, No. 34, of the Masonic order, was organized Aug. 29, 1845. Michael Gard was the first Grand Master; Jos. Jack- son, Sen. W., George Wike, Jr. W .; W. J. Alkire, Treasurer; Elisha Hurt, Secretary; Eli Longnecker, Sr. Deacon; Joseph Al- kire, Jr. Deacon; Joseph Lippincott, Tyler. These constituted the original officers, only two of whom are now living, namely, E. Hurt and W. J. Alkire. The present officers are, D. W. Greene, W. M .; A. R. Gray, Sr. W .; George Wike, Jr. W .; John P. Grubb, Sr. Deacon; R. D. Osborne, Jr. Deacon; B. McConnell, Treasurer; M. G. Patterson, Sec'y .; M Lane and John Palmer, Stewards; J. F. Phillips, Chaplain, and J. L. Terry, Tyler.
Barry Lodge, No. 336, I. O. O. F., was organized Oct. 9, 1866. Alexander White, E. M. Call, Alexander Easly, J. B. Keever, R. B. Higgins, W. B. Clancy and J. Rosenburgh were its charter mem- bers. The present officers are-J. W. Mitchell, N. G .; C. C. Roasa, V. G .; J. N. Widby, R. Sec'y; Thomas Retalic, Financial Sec'y; W. Chrysup, Treasurer. The present membership numbers 116.
The Evening Star Lodge, No. 21, Daughters of Rebecca, was organized Oct. 11, 1870, with 14 charter members. The present officers are-Alexander Easly, First N. G .; Miss Nellie Bingham, N. G .; Mrs. G. W. Doyle, V. G .; Miss Ella Furniss, Rec. Sec'y ; G. W. Smith, Financial Sec'y; Miss Lizzie Furniss, Treas- urer. This Lodge has a membership of 72.
Progress Encampment, No. 162, I. O. O. F., was organized in October, 1876, with 18 members. At present the officers are- G. D. Mayes, C. P .; Z. B. Stoddard, Scribe; James Smith, Treasurer. Membership 45.
Goodwill Lodge, No. 1,791, K. of H., meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. J. Weber, D., and J. S. Gorton, R.
Barry Chapter, No. 88, R. A. M., meets Monday night on or before the full moon in each month. J. J. Topliff, H. P .; F. M. Dabney, Sec'y.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT.
In connection with, and as a part of the history of Barry town- ship and city, we wish to speak personally of the old settlers and prominent citizens, which we do below, arranged in alphabetical form.
A. B. Allen, jeweler, Barry, is a native of Monmouth county, N. J., where he was born in 1844; came to this State in 1853 and settled in Lincoln; subsequently he removed to Logan county, thence to Macoupin county, and to this county in 1873, when he established himself in his present business, and where he has since made it his home. He was married in 1872 to Miss Mattie Harris, a native of this State, and they have 1 child living, Leata. Mr. A. is a man of considerable inventive capacities, which is being used to practical purposes. He has a fair trade and is a good citizen.
Lewis Angle was born in Lynchburg, Va., Jan. 7, 1823. He was a son of Alfred and Sarah (Green) Angle, who lived for many years in Lynchburg, Va., where they died and were buried. The subject of this sketch resided with his parents until his 18th year. when he left his native town to seek a home in the West, came to St. Louis, Mo., thence to Hannibal, where he resided until 1846, when he came to Barry. In March, 1852, he united with the Barry Baptist Church. In May, 1853, he was elected Deacon, which office he held to the day of his death. He was united in marriage July 19, 1852, with Miss Harriet E. Crandall. They have 3 children, Alice E., now the wife of John L. Cassidy; they were married Oct. 20, 1877, and reside in St. Louis, Mo .; Della M. and Freddie L. Mr. Angle died in Barry March 19,' 1878. where for more than 30 years he was one of the most prominent and energetic business men of the county. During this time he was engaged extensively in the dry-goods and grocery trade, pork- packing and produce buying; a partner in the Barry Woolen Mills and lumber trade, and in the Barry Exchange Bank. He was a model man in all the relations of life, kind-hearted, benevolent, prompt to fulfill all the duties of husband, father, friend, Christian and citizen. The church lost a faithful member, the community an energetic friend; his family a kind husband and loving father; the poor a benefactor, for to them he gave work by which they could earn something. His credit was unbounded, integrity un- tarnished, and honesty unimpeached. He was buried Thursday, March 20, 1878. The sermon was preached by his Pastor, Rev. Wm. Green, from the text, John xiv, 2, last clanse : "I go to prepare a place for you." The different denominations, Masons and Odd Fellows, united in the funeral services. His body was followed to the grave by the largest concourse of people ever in procession to the burying ground in this part of the county. A portrait of Mr. Angle will be found in this work. Mrs. Angle still resides at the old homestead at Barry.
BARRY
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Thomas Ardron, P. O., Barry, is the son of William and Ann (Booth) Ardron, natives of Yorkshire, Eng., who emigrated to this country in 1848, and settled in Hadley township the following year, stopping one year in N. Y. Traveled from N. Y. by way of the canal and lakes to Griggsville Landing. The subject of this sketch was born in Yorkshire, Eng., where he was married in 1837 to Miss Ann Broadhens, a native of Cheshire, Eng., and daughter of Thomas and Susannah (Cheatham) Broadhens. Mr. A. began the struggle in life without capital, and has made a success. He is agent for Lyman Brown's Seven-Barks medicine, and has a lucra- tive trade.
Jacob Auer, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., Kinderhook; was born in Germany, in 1823, where he was married in 1847 to Miss Gotleben Hendte. He emigrated to America in 1853; she came in 1855, and they settled in Pennsylvania, where he lived until 1860, when he moved to this county and settled on Bay creek. In 1864 he moved on his present farm of 40 acres and a large vineyard, from which he has some trade. They have 6 children, Rosena K., Char- lotte G., Mary, Caroline, Sally and Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. Aner are members of the German Lutheran Church.
A. C. Baker, M. D., was born in London, Eng., in 1813, and is a son of Edward and Lucy (Dickinson) Baker, who emigrated to this country in 1815 and settled in Philadelphia, where he engaged in teaching, until 1825, when he moved to White county, Ill. Sub- sequently he moved to Greene county, where he died in 1835. The subject of this sketch began the study of medicine with Dr. Worth- ington, at Pittsfield, and attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1837. He began the prac- tice of his profession at Pittsfield, and the following year moved to this city, where he has since been in constant practice. He was married in 1844 to Miss Martha A., niece of John Barney, of Pittsfield, and daughter of West Barney, by whom he has five chil- dren living. In the winter of 1850-1 he went with laborers to Pa- nama and opened the Panama railroad, cutting and grading it. Col. Baker, his brother who was killed in the army, had the con- tract for this work. In 1853 he crossed the plains to California with a herd of cattle from this place, and returned without acci- dent the following year. He has been hunting along the Humboldt river in the midst of Indians, and was always well treated. He served two years as Surgeon in the 71st Penn. Reg., in;Col. Baker's Brigade. He is the oldest practicing physician in Barry, and one of the oldest settlers of the township.
Col. Benjamin Barney, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Pike county, and to whom reference is so often made on the pages of this volume, was born in Berkshire county, Mass., Sept. 4, 1795. The first of his ancestry in America in the paternal line was William Barney, a native of Ireland, a great-grandfather of the subject of this biographical notice, who emigrated to Massachu- setts about 200 years ago; the next in line was William again, and then
46
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Benjamin, the father of the Colonel, who enlisted in the Continen- tal army under Gen. Washington when but 14 years of age; at the close of that war he married Miss Elizabeth Crape, who both died at the age of 60 years, and within a year of each other. They had 6 sons and 5 daughters, all of whom grew up to adult years, namely, Joseph, Margaret, Polly, West, Ann, Benjamin, Hepsey, Marshall, Manly, Deborah and John. Joseph served in the war of 1812, and was mortally wounded at the battle of Sackett's Harbor. He was Lieutenant, but during that action was serving as Captain.
The subject of this sketch, Col. Barney, first came to Pike county in 1826, locating at Atlas, then the county-seat. IIe was a black- smith by trade, and thinks he started the first blacksmith forge in the county, and perhaps made the first plow. In 1830 he was elected one of the three County Commissioners, the other two being Charles Stratton and Andrew Phillips. In April, 1833, the county determined to move its capital to a more central place, and finally it was decided to place it where Pittsfield now stands, when arose the difficulty of borrowing the necessary $200 to enter the quarter section. The money was eventually obtained on the individual notes of Col. Barney and George W. Hinman, in April. In June the land was surveyed and laid off, Col. Barney and Messrs. Hin- man and Judd reserving lots on the north side of the Square for the use of a Court House, but the site was finally changed to the cen- ter of the Square, as it is now. As soon as the survey was completed, the lots were sold at auction, bringing enough almost to complete the county buildings. In September, 1833, the Commissioners had a house built by Mr. Hurt, in which, before it was finished, they held a session of their court.
In April, 1832, while Col. Barney was working at his forge in Atlas, about 11 o'clock, A. M., he was notified by Col. Ross of the Governor's order to raise a company of 100 men to serve in the Black Hawk war, and to report at Beardstown the following Mon- day. He immediately started on horseback to rally a company. and was successful. In the election of officers the next day Mr. Barney was made 1st Lieutenant. They arrived at Beardstown about 4 P. M., Tuesday, where the company was divided into two, Mr. Barney being elected Captain of one, and receiving his com- mission from Gov. Reynolds. The company was in the service 50 days, when they were relieved by regular U. S. troops. In the fall of 1832 Col. Ross resigned, and Capt. Barney was elected Colonel of the 16th Ill. Vol. Mil., and acted fas such until 1838 or 1839. Politically Col. Barney was a Whig and now is a Republican. The portrait of the Colonel given in this book is from a photograph taken when he was 74 years of age, and the fac-simile of his auto- graph from his writing at the age of 85. .
His brother, John Barney, of Pittsfield, has been Treasurer of the county, and is several times referred to on the pages of this history.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Calvin D. Blair, farmer, sec. 36; P. O., Barry; was born in this tp. Dec. 8, 1851, and is a son of Samuel and Eliza (Gose) Blair, natives of Virginia, who settled in this township in 1828. The subject of this sketch was married in 1876 to Miss Dora Blake, a native of this county. He settled on his present place of 32 acres, in 1877. Is School Director at present time, and he and his wife are descendants of Pike county's early pioneers.
Harvey Blair, deceased, was a native of Indiana, and came to this county at a very early day, where he was married to Miss Millie A. Cunningham, daughter of John Cunningham, an early settler in Pleasant Vale tp., and widow of Jas. Lutteral. Mr. B. settled on his present estate in 1840, where he resided until his death in 1879. Mrs. B. has a farm of 230 acres, valued at $60 per acre ; also 25 acres in Pleasant Vale tp., where her father is a resi- dent. She resides on sec. 35; P. O., Barry.
Samuel Blair, farmer, sec. 35; P. O., Barry; is a son of William M. and Martha (Quiet) Blair, natives of Kentucky, who came to this county and settled in Barry tp. in 1828, where they both died. The subject of this sketch was born in Madison county, O., Oct. 1, 1806, and came to this county with his parents. He settled on his present estate in 1834, consisting of 110 acres, valued at $75 per acre. In 1830 he was married to Miss Anna Brewster, a native of New York, who died in 1840. By this union 1 child was born, Louisa. His present wife, Eliza, nee Gose, is a native of Virginia. To them have been born 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls : Calvin D., William S., George C., Alta C., wife of G. W. Smith, Lucina and Martha Q. E. Mr. Blair numbers among the living pioneers of Barry tp. Politically he is a descendant of the old Democratic school, and is well known throughout the county.
Leander Blake, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Barry; was born in Cum- berland county, Maine, in 1814, the son of Ephraim and Desiah P. (Higgins) Blake, natives of that State, who came to this county in 1847, and settled on the present place, consisting of 321. acres, val- ued at $40 per acre. He resided here until his death in 1875; she died in 1879, both 86 years of age. Leander came to this county in 1842 and landed in Barry with but 2 five-franc pieces in his pocket. His first work was at rail splitting, for which he was paid 5 bits per hundred, taking pork in payment at 2 cents per lb .; but by economy he was soon enabled to purchase a little land, and now owes no man a dollar. His present farm has cost him $6,500 be- sides the improvements. He was married in Pennsylvania in 1839 to Miss Mary Charles, a native of that State, where she was born in 1819. She was a life-long cripple, and died of the effects of a fall from a buggy in March, 1880. They had 8 children, 4 of whom are living,-Preston, Ella, Dora and Ebenezer. Mr. B. had a thorough New England schooling, and is well versed in the differ- ent languages. He was for some years engaged in teaching school in his native State and Pennsylvania. Has been Assessor one term, and has held other official positions. In politics he used to
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
be an old-line Whig ; was a strong Douglas man, and is now a thorough Republican.
A. G. Bliven, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Barry; was born in Genesee county, N. Y., in 1830, the son of Samuel G. and Mabel M. (Wheeler) Bliven, natives of that State, who emigrated to Illinois in 1834 and settled near Quincy, where they still reside. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1856 and settled on, his present estate, consisting of 160 acres valued at $50 per acre; also has 241 acres in Richfield tp., Adams county. He was mar- ried in 1853 to Miss Eleanor Foster, who was born in Hamilton county, O., in 1830. In 1862 he enlisted as Orderly Sergeant in Co. F, 118th Ill. Vol .; was promoted 1st Lieut., in which capacity he served until he resigned by reason of a wound received at Port Hudson, La., April 7, 1864. The ball entered the hip and lodged in the left leg, where it still remains, and has crippled him for life. He was a participant in the battles of Jackson, Miss., siege of Vicksburg, Port Hudson, Vermillionville, Chickasaw Bluffs, Por- Gibson, and the first battle at Vicksburg, under Sherman, Arkant sas Post, and all engagements in which the Regiment participated, Mr. B. is confined the most of the time to the aid of crutches, and is a living relic of the Rebellion. His home was burned to the ground May 23, 1865, and Oct. 28, 1871, his barn with seven head of horses and mules was destroyed by a supposed incendiary. Notwithstanding all these reverses, Mr. B. has successfully over- come all obstacles and trials, and through his perseverance and energy has erected a fine residence on the same site of ground, and accumulated a good landed property. His opportunities for education were limited, but his principles were always earnest in the cause of his Government, and the promulgation of Republican principles. He is the father of 3 children, Willis E., Salina A. and Ida M.
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