History of Sangamon 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 69

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > History of Sangamon 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 69

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).

banners soared over a thousand battle-fields to maintain and preserve.

"No one can yield readier praise and honor than I can, and do, to the bravery and high per- sonal gallantry of those whose mistaken cause went down before these flags. But their lost cause was a wrong cause, and the world while it remembers and admires forever the brave devo- tion of those who fought for it, will yet rement- ber that their blood was vainly shed to establish a Government whose corner stone should have been slavery, and that their cause was trampled into the red mire of battle for, those who fought to preserve and maintain the life of the Republic, whose only life is freedom. These flags are the emblem of no hate, no animosity, no feeling of sectional or individual superiority. The language which they hold, the lesson which they teach, with all the force of all their associations, is the lesson of brotherly love for all who dwell under the flag of our Nation.

" These flags, about whom we can almost fancy still cluster the spirits and cling the affections of those who died under them, speak in one voice to the hearts of men all over our broad land ex- horting all, of every State, to sink every smaller and more ignoble feeling in one of confidence and respect for each other, as comrades of the army of the present and the future, whose tie is that of a common patriotism, and whose de- votion is to a saved, a restored, and forever united Nation."

Governor Palmer then responded to repeated calls in a few extempore remarks, as follows:

"The Governor, very sensibly, deprecated any further prolonging of the ceremonies in speech-making, as the boys were already im- patient for dinner. He remarked, that as he had observed the flags taken from their late depository and borne through the streets to Memorial Hall, which the people of the State had prepared for these mementoes, he had felt that the occasion was one so grand as to be be- yond the reach of oratory. A more sublime triumph could not be desired than would be won by him who could, in fitting language, describe the emotions the appearance of these flags awakened in every mind and every patriotic heart. These banners were mementoes of the greatest and most dreadful struggle this Nation ever had, or ever could pass through. Seventeen years had passed away since he, and many of those who now confronted him, had sworn to uphold these banners and these things they symbolized. They had gone out, and in battle upheld them. Many of them had been by 'angel hands to

430

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

valor given,' and had floated bravely over en- sanguined fields. To-day would see them con- signed to their final resting place to be no more disturbed. The ceremony is emblematic of those that finally would finish the career, in this life, of all who took part in the tremendous drama of which this was the closing scene."

The following poem, by Lieutenant S. F. Flint, of Galesburg, of the 7th, was read:

THE MUSTER OF THE FLAG.

"O, comrades, such a day as this, Of solemn and exultant tears, For what we meet, and what we miss, Comes not again in all the years.

"Go bring them out, their tattered strands, They shall their own brave story tell,

Unroll them all with reverent hands, The old flags that we knew so well.

"Aye, lift them up! A few fair stars, Flash from their faded field of blue,

Gleaming amid the rents of stars, When the wild leaden storm tore through.

" They catch the breeze! They hail the sky, Stained-shorn-out with a look as proud As where of old they streamed on high Like rainbows o'er the battle cloud.

"There spoke the guns! Do I not dream? Comrades, fall in and forward all!

Did I not hear their eagles seream An answer to that fearful call?

"Nay, that is past, thank God! No more We wait for that deep echoing boom

To mark dauntless eagle's soar- Close up the ranks-and march to doom!

" Then let their war-worn glories float And fondle with the breeze of spring;

And let the glad procession shout- Drums roll and crash and cymbals ring.

"Sound, bugles, sound the rallying call, And wake again the thundering gun.

So few! so few? Where are they all? Fall in, you men of sixty-one!

" From Georgia's bare and gullied steeps, To Carolina's wilds of sand;

From Mississippi's forests deep, To Patomac's storied strand.

" On the green hills of Cumberland, By the lone streams of Tennessee,

They rise a grim and shadowy band- Their silent, sad salute I see.

" 'On duty,' speaks that silent sign, Until the last great reveille,

And this stern message down the line Breaths from that mighty grave to-day.

" So bear them on and guard them well In yonder proud Memorial Hall;

The flag-the cause for which we fell- Swear, brothers, it shall never fall.

" Stand up, despite the shattered limb, Here is a creed we all believe:

Dash off the tears of eyes that swim, Aye, reek not of one empty sleeve.

" No traitor hand its glory mars, While yet a man is still alive

Who bore the banner of the stars From sixty-one to sixty-five."

The Veterans then entered the State House basement from the north entrance, and the flags were deposited in Memorial Hall, in the racks prepared for them. Dinner followed, and the Veterans and National Guards surrounding the immense tables were served with a bountiful repast of substantial food, by the ladies, who were heartily cheered for efficiency in dispensing the supplies of the commissary department. An idea of the extent of this grand camp-fire lunch may be gained wnen it is stated that the troops were furnished with eighteen barrels of coffee. Upwards of three thousand one hundred were served.

The dinner over, the Veterans and the Guards- men were dismissed, and visited the State House throughout, and other points of interest about the city, thus occupying the time until the evening festivities. Through the corridors in the State House, the Fifth Regiment Band playing in the rotunda, the Veterans and ladies promenaded, and at a late hour dancing was in- dulged in quite extensively.

Thus ended the re-union and transfer of battle flags. That these, nor similar flags, will have again to be unfurled in a like cause, is the sin- cere prayer of every loyal heart.

431

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

CHAPTER XIX.

OLD SETTLERS' SOCIETY.

A society for the preservation of historical events of a Nation, State, county or town, is a commendable affair. The lessons of the past teach us the duties pertaining to the future. The fires of patriotism, the love of country or of home is strengthened by a narration of such im- portant events as tend to stir the blood or quicken to life those divine affections in man. Many a youth has chosen the life of a soldier from read- ing accounts of the great battles and glorious deeds of an Alexander, a Hannibal, a Napoleon, a Wellington, or our own brave and noble Wash- ington. The lists of statesmen have been aug- mented by the example of a Pitt, a Webster, a Clay, or Calhoun. Patriotism and love of country have been awakened by reading the sublime ut- terances of Patrick Henry, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Stephen A. Douglas. The love of home, love of parents and kindred have been strengthened by oft-told tales ! of the aged father or mother, especially of that pioneer father and mother who toiled early and late, hard and long, in order to give their descendants the priceless boon of a home of plenty and of peace, of refinement and love for God and humanity.

In the spring of 1859, Pascal l'. Enos, a well- beloved pioneer, who now sleeps the "sleep of the just," and who is gratefully remembered by thousands in Sangamon county, circulated the following call :

OLD SETTLERS' MEETING. - The undersigned, desir- ous of preserving the early history of the city of Spring- field and of Sangamon county, now known in a great degree to a few pioneers, would suggest a meeting at the Court House, on the first day of June, of all the settlers who became residents of the county previous to "the winter of the deep snow" (1830-31), for the pur- pose of organizing a permanent society in furtherance of this object.

Pascal P. Enos, A. G. Bergen, Elijah Iles, N. W. Matheny.

Pursuant to the call, a meeting was held June Ist, and adjourned to the 15th, at which time the society was fully organized and the follow- ing constitution was adopted:

ARTICLE 1. This Society shall be called the "Old Settlers' Society of Sangamon County," and shall have for its object the collection and preservation of the carly history of Sangamon county and the city of Springfield.

ARTICLE 2. The officers of this Society shall con- sist of a President, two Vice Presidents, Correspond- ing Secretary, Recording Secretary and Treasurer, who shall hold their offices until their successors are elected.

It shall be the duty of the President to call all meet- ings of the Society and preside at the same, and in his absence this shall be performed by one of the Vice Presidents.

It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to keep a record of the Society's proceedings, and pre- serve all manuscripts, papers and books belonging to the society, and to keep a book in which all qualified persons desirous of becoming members may enroll their names.

It shall be the duty of the Corresponding Secretary to attend to the correspondence of the Society and to preserve the same.

ARTICLE 3. All persons residents of Sangamon county previous to "the winter of the deep snow," viz: 1830-31, are qualified for membership in this So- ciety, and after the first day of January, 1860, appli- cants for membership must show a residence of twen- ty-five years previous to the time of application. The roll of the Society shall constitute the only evidence of membership.

ARTICLE 4. The election of officers shall be an- nually on the first Monday in June, and shall be de- cided by a majority of members voting, and in the same manner at any meeting of the Society. Notice at a former meeting having been given, this constitu- tion may be altered, amended or abolished, and a code of by-laws may, in the same manner and at any meet- ing, be adopted, at the discretion of the Society.

Until the first Monday in June, the offices of this Society shall be filled as follows:

Thomas Moffett, President.

Elljah Iles and A. G. Herndon, Vice Presidents.

Pascal P Enos, Recording Secretary.

N. W. Matheny, Corresponding Secretary.

E. B. Hawley, Treasurer. ARTICLE 5. 181-, the day on which the first cibin was erected in Sangamon county, shall be

432

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

known in the proceedings of this Society as "Old Settlers' Day," and shall be annually celebrated.

It will be observed there is a blank left in the last article. A committee was appointed to inquire on what day the first cabin was erected, which committee afterwards reported, and it was decided that October 20, of each year, should be celebrated as "Old Settlers' Day," in honor of the first cabin in the county having been raised by Robert Pulliam, October 20, 1816.

The committee having decided, a call was issued for the

FIRST ANNUAL CELEBRATION.

The locality selected for the occasion of the celebration was very properly the spot upon which the first house in the limits of the county was erected, being on Sugar creek, about twelve miles south of Springfield, and four miles south- east from Chatham, on section twenty-one, township fourteen, north of range five west The exact date on which the cabin was com- menced or raised, is not known, but the state- ment was made by Martin Pulliam, a son of Robert Pulliam, that it was in October, 1816. It was put up by Mr. Pulliam for the purpose of sheltering himself and four hired men while herding cattle during the following winter. In the winter of 1817-18, the Indians burned out the range, and Mr. Pulliam did not bring his family to the place until May 26, 1818. Mean- while another cabin had been put up a quarter of a mile distant, by Mr. Shellhouse, and there he temporarily lodged his family.

The spot pointed out on which the Pulliam cabin stood, is in an immense grove of ash, oak and sugar trees, a number of which have since fallen and their trunks cumber the ground. The cabin was about sixteen feet square, and fronted east, with the chimney on the south side. The ground slopes off towards the north- east and draining into Sugar creek, which is but a short distance from it. No trace in 1859 was remaining of the house, except a small mound, showing where the chimney stood, and a little hollow showing where there was a cellar. Several trees, ten or twelve inches thick, are growing on the spot. To the south was pointed out where an apple nursery was planted by Mr. Pulliam in the spring of 1817, and the trunk of an old burr oak of immense size, which still lays there, was said to have been used as a por- tion of the fence which inclosed the patch. The Pulliam cabin was long and familiarly known as the "Sugar House," from the fact

that sugar was made in it in subsequent years.

The weather on the occasion of this first cele- bration was gloriously fine the day being a sample of the glorious "Indian summer" days, and the number of persons brought together was probably not less than fifteen hundred, among whom were many of the pioneers of Sangamon county.

The exercises of the day were commenced by a procession formed at the edge of the timber and headed by a band of music engaged for the occasion. Making a circuit through the timber, the procession marched to the identical spot where the first cabin had been erected. Two wagons had been placed over the spot, in which the officers of the society, the orator of the day, and invited guests, had arranged themselves. Judge. Moffett then called the meeting to order, and the festival was opened by prayer by Rev. Mr. Prentiss, Presiding Elder of the Springfield Methodist Episcopal Circuit. The invocation of the reverend gentleman was singularly beau- tiful and appropriate to the occasion, and in the solemn forest which surrounded, seemed to touch a chord in the breast of all who were present. The band then started up "Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue," after which James H. Matheny, the orator of the day, was introduced. As well for its appropriateness and eloquence, as for its being a part of the proceedings of the day, the address is here given. Said Mr. Ma- theny:

"Ladies and Gentlemen :- We meet to-day for a singular purpose. We, the remnant spared by time from an almost forgotten past, meet to revive fading reminiscences of other days- meet to re-kindle recollections almost extinct. We come with varied emotions. Some of you, almost at the foot of life's hill, look back and upward at the path you have trod, while others, who have just reached life's summit, gaze down into the valley of tears with many a hope and fear. You, gray-headed fathers, you have done your work; you have done it well; and now, as the sunset of life is closing around you, you are given the rare boon of enjoying the fruits of your own labor. You can see the land won by your good right arm from its wilderness state, and from a savage foe, pass to the hands of your children, and your children's children, literally, 'a land flowing with milk and honey'-a land over which hovers the white-robed angels of Religion and Peace-a land fairer and brighter and more glorious than any other land beneath the blue arch of Heaven. You have done your work well,

433

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

and when the time of rest shall come, you will sink to the dreamless repose with the calm con- sciousness of duty done.

" In this hour, let memory assert her strongest sway-tear aside the thin veil that shrouds in gloom the misty past -call up before you the long-forgotten scenes of years ago-live over once again the toils, the struggles, the hopes and fears of other days. Let this day be a day sacred to the memory of the olden time. In that olden time, there are, no doubt, scenes of sadness, as well as of joy. Perhaps you remem- ber standing by the bedside of a loved and cherished, but dying, wife-one who, in the days of her youth and beauty, when you pro- posed to her to seek a home in a new, wild land, took your hand in hers and spoke to you in words like these: 'Whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried-the Lord do so to me and more also, if aught but death part me and thee.' Or, perhaps, some brave boy, stricken down in the pride of his strength; or some gentle daughter, fading away in her glorious beauty; or some little prattling babe, folding its weary eyes in the 'dreamless sleep.' If so-if there are mem- ories like these, and the unbidden tear wells up to the eye, let it come, and to-day one and all shed a tear or two to the memory of the 'loved and lost.'

"It is not my purpose to deal in historical facts connected with the early settlement of this county. These are now being gathered by other hands, and will, in due time, be given to the world. To one event I am permitted to allude, and that one is the fact that we this day commemorate the building of the first log cabin in the county of Sangamon.

"Forty-two years ago the stillness of the in- broken forest was startled by the clangor of an axe in a strong man's hands. That day he had rested from a weary journey, but as he stood and gazed upon the beauty of the strange wild scene ab ut him, there arose a longing in his heart to linger there. With that class of men to whom he belonged, to decide was to act. Soon his weary team was loosened from their heavy load, and as we have said, the clangor of his axe rung out, wild and clear, and some brave old tree that had stood the storms of a hundred years, crashed headlong to the earth. Weary- ing of his toil for that day, the camp-fire was kindled, and the rude evening meal prepared and partaken of, and he laid himself down to

sleep. We do not know whether in that stilly hour, when all alone with nature and nature's God, he formally kneeled down upon the green earth and offered up a prayer for protection through the lonely hours of that first night in the strange land to which he had come, but we feel that there must at least have been in his heart a calm and unshaken trust that the guard- ian care of a kind Providence was around abont him, to shield and protect him from every harm. This was a singularly marked characteristic of the early pioneers of the West. They had ' faith in God'-an unswerving trust in His Providence. The stern faith of our fathers, and the calm, gentle trust of our mothers, in an over-ruling Providence, presents a broad con- trast to the hesitating belief of their child- ren. I have always thought that the most bean- tiful of all life's mysteries, is that calm and unshaken trustfulness in a kind Providence, that cheers and sustains in the darkest hour; that brings a ray of sunshine, hidden though it be to the outer world, to the saddest and loneliest of hearts-an abiding faith that a kind Father is ever guarding, with a sleepless watchfulness, the welfare of his wandering children. How desolate would earth be without this beautiful faith in the Providence of God.

" Wonderful are the changes that forty years have made since that lone man halted his weary team on that antnmn evening. The wilderness that then lay before him in its unbroken solitude, now blooms and blossoms as the rose; the red Indian has gone from his favorite hunting ground, far toward the setting sun; the buffalo, in his untamed wildness, is roaming over other lands, and the frightened elk has wandered away from his accustomed haunts. All has changed! Could that old man now come from his silent grave, with what a wondering awe would he gaze upon the scene that now meets our vision. Let us call him from his lonely bed, let us arouse him from his dreamless sleep. In imagination I ean see him coming-in fancy's ear I hear his solemn tread. Slowly he comes, with uncertain tread, as though seeking for the old familiar pathway; now he stands by my side; now he is gazing npon the forms before him. Ah, see! With a mournful shake of the head he turns away. The old familiar faces, where are they? Alas! too many have gone away, and gone forever, and strange forms now fill their places; and now, with wearied, disap- pointed look he goes back to his dreamless bed. Sleep on, old man, sleep quietly. There are many here who still remember thee, and it may

50 --

434

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

be that on some other day, these strangers whom you pioneered to this goodly land, will gather about your humble grave, and erect some monn- ment telling to coming generations where you are sleeping the ' dreamless sleep.'

"A wondrous change, indeed, has come since that antumn day. What was then a wild and unbroken wilderness, is now the smiling home of thousands, blest with all that makes life joy- ous and bright. Cities have sprung into existence since that day; churches upon every hand point their spires heavenward; the whitened school house is to be seen in well nigh every grove; the busy hum of traffic and trade burdens the very air; and the sweet laugh of merry-hearted children floats like music upon every breeze. Ah, yes! a change indeed, a change glorious beyond all conception. It is well for the world's development that man is a creature of change; that he is never satisfied with the present, but is always struggling for better things in the com- ing future. It is this restless principle in man's nature that is ever prompting him to seek in new scenes happiness that older places seem to deny him. So strong is the principle in some men that everything else in life bends to it. The ties of home, kindred and friends are readily torn asunder; the familiar places of childhood are abandoned forever; the comforts and lux- uries of life are scornfully trodden under foot, and alone, or perhaps only accompanied by wife and child, they strike ont into untrodden paths in the still further West, to battle until life's close with the rough realities of a fresher and newer existence. And what is it, where man is? What matter the circumstances surrounding him? Happiness is not a creature of time, cir- cmmstance or place; man can be happy in any spot upon which shines God's bright sun, and in every land can he find a home.

"Å somewhat varied life, checkered with much of sunshine, and some little of shade, has fully taught me this one truth, that 'tis home where the heart is-'tis home, and only home where the loved ones dwell. It is a matter of small moment what our outward surroundings are - whether in the untrodden wild, or in the city full, whether the rude log cabin or the costly palace shelter us from the beating storm; whether we are arrayed in 'purple and fine linen,' or clothed in the humble garb of poverty ; all these matter but little if the heart is within us; if the loved ones surround ns, it is home wherever we are. What is all life worth, un- brightened by home's glad sunshine? How poor an exchange does he make, who barters the calm

contentment of a peaceful home for the honors, the distinctions and riches of earth? How worse than dross are all these, when after years of weary toil we gain them. How the tired heart pauses on its weary way, and with many a sad regret, feels that it is bartering the true joys of life for 'dead sea apples,' that turn to ashes and bitterness on the lips.

" It will be the fulfillment of a beautiful hope, if the hour shall ever come, when every man and woman in all our broad land, shall own some spot, no matter how small, hallowed by the name of home. It would be a time of wondrous beauty; all earth would put on a happy smile; songs of gentle melody would roll on from hill- top and valley, gathering force and power, until at last they would swell into one perpetual an- them of gladness and joy, for it is a truth that well-nigh all that is glorious in life emanates from a love of home. Man with unfaltering heart and unwearied arm is toiling ever to dec- orate and embellish the chosen spot, and woman, with her gentle voice and beautiful smile, is there to cherish and sustain in every weary hour.

" This earth is full of music; glad songs are continually welling up from happy hearts, but the best of them all, the one that nestles closer and fondlier around every heart, is the gentle strain of 'Home, Sweet Home.'

"Nor has the physical earth alone changed. Man, in his social, moral and civil aspect, has felt the influence of thirty years, and yielded to an irresistible tide of an onward progress. How changed in a social point of view. Then a broad humanity, like golden sunshine, rested upon whole communities. The kindly sympathies of the human bosom held full sway. If it was not an age of mind it at least was an age of heart. If misfortunes came sudden, swift and sure, warm hearts and strong hands came unasked to sympathize and assist. Then the latch string always hung on the outside of the batten door; now it is not only pulled in, but the panel door is bolted on the inside. If a neighbor's house then took fire and burned up, they came for miles around and built him another; now the unfortunate victim, whose house is consumed, is simply turned over to the tender mercies of the insurance agent.

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.

History of Sangamon 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 69

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company Number of Pages: 1084

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084