History of St. Clair County, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 72

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Brink, McDonough
Number of Pages: 530

USA > Illinois > St Clair County > History of St. Clair County, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 72

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March 2d, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss E. D. John- son, a daughter of Isaac Johnson, of St. Clair county. Mrs. Guthrie died September 13th, 1865, leaving one son, John. Mr. Guthrie was married to his present wife, January 8th, 1867, who was a Miss Rebecca Mcclintock, a native of Ireland, but raised in Ran- dolph county, and daughter of David McClintock. They have had boru to them a family of four children, viz., David, Elizabeth, Joseph (now deceased), and George W. Mr. Guthrie has made farming his life occupation, and has a good farm of 179 acres situated on the county line, between St. Clair and Randolph coun- ties, a view of which can be seen in another part of this work. The principal part of this place he has gained by his own energy, and practicing economical habits. In politics he has always been a democrat. The above is a brief mention of one of the prominent young farmers of Athens precinct.

HUGH NAIRN.

AMONG the prominent farmers of Athens precinct may be men- tioned the name that heads this sketch. He was born in parish of Ayrshire, Scotland, in the year 1821, and was the son of James and Susan Nairn, who were natives of the same place. The family de- scended from the Highlanders of Scotland. Mr. Nairn was one of nine children, and brought up on a farm. He attended the schools of his native land, where he received the rudiments of a business education. He married Miss Margaret Watt, and imme- diately set sail for America, landing in New York, August 7th, 1842, coming directly to Randolph county, Ill, where his wife had three uncles. In the winter of 1842, he entered eighty acres,

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

where he now lives. Two years later he settled here, and began the improvement of the farm where he has since resided. His wife died in 1865. There were a family of eight children born to this union, six now living, viz: Margaret, now Mrs. Robert Dixon ; James, Hugh, John, Jenette, now Mrs. Thomas Blasdell, and Rob- ert Watt. All but the youngest are married and have families. September 7th, 1868, Mr. Nairn married Mrs. Jenette Kirkpatrick. They have two children, David and Samuel W. Mr. Nairn has a well-improved farm of 187 acres. A view of the residence and build- ing we show in this work. Mr. Nairn is a member of the United Presbyterian church. Politically he is a republican. Such is a brief sketch of one of the much-respected citizens of Athens precinct.

JOHN K. WHITE (DECEASED),

WAS born in Chester District, South Carolina; was a son of John and Margaret White. John White was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America, where he afterwards married Miss Margaret Kennedy, who was also a native of Ireland. John White improved a farm in South Carolina, where he resided until his death, leaving a family of seven children, John K. being the youngest of the family. After John White's death, his widow emigrated with her family to Indiana, where she remained only a short time, and then came to Illinois, and settled in St. Clair county, this being about 1842. She had two sons grown, William and Frank, who entered land and began the improvement of a farm in Athens township, south of Marissa. At this time Jolin K. White was about eighteen years of age. He assisted his mother on the farm until he arrived at the age of maturity. Subsequently he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hamilton, youngest daughter of Joliu and Sarah Hamilton, who were early settlers here, and a much respected family, John Hamilton being a native of South Carolina, and is favorably mentioned among the old settlers of this township. Mr. White was a carpenter, but his principal occupation was that of a farmer, in which he was successful. At the time of his death, August 28, 1866, he owned a well-improved farm of near three hun- dred acres, two miles south of Marissa, where his widow now resides, a view of which can be seen in another part of this book. His farm residence was the original Marissa post-office. Mr. and Mrs. White raised a family of five children, one son and four daughters, as follows :- Sarah C., now the wife of James A. Wylie; Margaret J., now the wife of John T. Nixon, living in this township; John K., Nancy J., and Martha E. The three latter are still beneath the parental roof. Mr. White, in character, was honest and up-

right; in disposition kind and charitable. He was an affectionate husband, a loving father, a firm friend, and held in esteem by his neighbors.

DR. R. I. WATTS.

ONE of the great problems of life is " For what calling am I fitted ?" Many mistake their vocation and drag along forever in the wrong groove. Not so with Dr. Watts; nature especially fitted him in disposition, in energy, and in quick perception for the practice of his chosen profession. He was born near Nashville, Washington county, Ill., Oct. 30th, 1843. His father was a farmer, and in common with farmers' sons generally the doctor labored upon the farm and attended the winter schools by turns. His common school training was supplemented by attendance at Nash- ville College, a school under Presbyterian guidance, near his home; here he studied the classics and mathematics, and acquired a taste for scientific research that has ever followed him. In March, 1868, he graduated in the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. He had for four years prior to this studied medicine with Drs. Pierce, of Okawville. After graduation, not yet willing to fully trust himself in the practice, he continued his studies under Dr. Means and Carter, of Nashville, one summer, then located in Ma - rissa, where he practiced two years, thence to his present home (a view of which may be found in this work) in New Athens. His ability as a practitioner is acknowledged on all hands, and few physicians are oftener called in consultation in the management of difficult cases by their professional brethren than he. When not actively engaged he may often be found in the quiet of home pur- suing his favorite themes in science, in whose aid he invokes the microscope and applies chemistry. Politically the doctor is a sound republican, gets greatly warmed up during exciting campaigns, and " takes a hand " with a will. Was president of the Garfield club during the last presidential campaign. Some years ago he united with the Christian church, whose faith he yet avows. He was married to Eliza Ellen Boggess, May 29, 1864. His parents, Benjamin and Lucinda Watts, came from Georgia and first located on Turkey Hill, from whence they removed to Washington county. The doctor has a family of four children : Edward Ivy, Ernest Everett, Clara Viola, and Ada Ellen. Three are deceased. He is an active member of the medical societies of the county and of the Southern Illinois. He is also a member of Freeburg Lodge, No. 518 A. F. and A. M., in which order he is and has long been deputy, and is now its representative. Active in his profession, he richly merits success as his reward.

CREEN

.....

GRAVE OF J. W.GREEN, LATE HUSBAND OF MRS. NANCY HENDREN, MARISSA CEMETERY.

RESIDENCE OF JOHN H. HENDREN MARISSA, ILLINOIS

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VIEW ON THE FARM ADJOINING THE TOWN OF MARISSA, ILL. [ ATHENS PRECINCT.] THE PROPERTY OF THE HEIRS OF THE LATE

J.W.GREEN.

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

269

FAYETTEVILLE PRECINCT.

HIS precinct is irregularly shaped, located in the south-east central part of the county, bounded on the north by Belleville and Mas- coutah; on the east by Mascoutah, from which it is separated by Silver creek and St. Clair, from which it is separated by the Kas- kaskia river; on the south by Athens, the Kas- kaskia river intervening, and on the west by Richland township. It contains an area of 58% square miles, or 37,680 acres. Has a population of 3,338.

The Kaskaskia river, and Silver creek, which enters the township on its northern boundary, flows a southerly course, emptying into the Kaskaskia, and their tributaries furnish water for stock and other purposes. The streams are skirted with a fine growth of timber. The surface is gently undulating, with con- siderable stretches of rich prairie. The noted Tamarois prairie, named for a tribe of Indians who, many years ago, occupied it, lies partially in this township. Coal is found in veins of extraor- dinary thickness, at one point, on Solomon Teter's farm, cropping out at the surface. The workable thickness of one of the veins, near Freeburg, exceeds nine feet. The soil is well adapted to all cereals, and produces abundant crops.

THE FIRST LAND ENTRIES

were by James Adams, 160 acres, it being the N. E } of section 19, September 12th, 1814; by Matthew Atchison, 160 acres, being the S. W. ¿ section . 22, September 29th, 1814; by Pierre Menard, 160 acres, being the S. E. } section 22, April 29th, 1815; by Daniel Howell, 160 acres, being the N. E. } section 25, April 27th, 1815 ; by William McIntosh, 320 acres, being N. } section 22, April 25th, 1815, all the above being in T. 1 S. R. 7 W., and by Samuel Griffith, 35.54 acres, in section 4, March 4th, 1815; by Heirs of G. Hendricks, 303 acres, in sections 8 and 9, April 15th, 1815; by Samuel Mitchell, 160 acres, being the N. W. } section 10, August 14th, 1817, all in T. 2 S. R. 7 W .; also by William Goings, 147 91 acres, it being the N. W. ¿ section 17, September 7th, 1814; by Thomas Pulliam, 160 acres, being the N. E. ¿ section 18, Sep- tember 9th, 1814; by same, 252.82 acres, in section 8, being the location of his ferry, February 6th, 1817; by Daniel Stookey, 160 acres, beiug the S. W. } of section 17, July 31st, 1817, all in T. 2 S. R. 6 W. Prior to these entries some claims to lands had been made and confirmed. They were as follows : Survey 386, claim 523, 400 acres, was made by Theo. G. Hendricks, Nov. 29th, 1798, for militia duty in 1790. The tract was sold by his heirs to Stephen Whiteside in 1820; survey 387, claim 227, 400 acres, by William Biggs, November 20th, 1798 ; survey 388, claim 759,

400 acres, by Larkin Rutherford, in 1799. About 500 acres of the celebrated Tamarawa claim, being survey 607, claim 2209, made by J. Edgar, November 20th, 1798, lies in this township; also claim 776, 200 acres, by same party, claimed in payment for services as Indian agent, made same time.

Two enterprising back woodsmen, Jacob Short and Moses Quick, from a settlement to the south-east, penetrated the forests skirting the Kaskaskia, opposite the present site of Athens, in 1811, and, with an eye to business, at once commenced felling timber, pre- paratory to the construction of a raft. This was not a settlement ; no cabin was erected. With the broad skies as a canopy ; mother earth spread with furs as a bed ; game, brought down with their unerring rifles, for their subsistence, they worked with energy. Once completed, they launched their raft at a point about three- quarters of a mile below Athens, and calmly floated down the tide in the month of March. On their way they bought beef cattle, corn, furs, etc., which they took on with them to New Orleans, where they disposed of their raft and "plunder," and returned to seek new homes in St. Clair. This was the first boat built on the river in St. Clair county, and the first to disturb the waters of the Kaskaskia above Levens, save the canoes guided by Indians.

In 1797 Abraham Teter moved from Randolph county, Vir- ginia, to New Design, Monroe county, this state. In 1803 or 1804, in company with Peter Mitchell, Barbara Shook, Isaac Griffen and families he came to this township, followed up the meanderings of Silver creek to section 33, T. 1 S., R. 7 W., where he found a double log cabin occupied by a Mr. Cook. He bought Cook's claim, agreeing to occupy one end of the cabin, and Cook the other, the first winter. Mitchell and Griffin located near by. Across the creek lived a family named Radcliffe. So that Cook and Radcliffe are believed to have been the first settlers. Among the early settlers was a rumor to the effect that a family of three-husband, wife and child had, prior to this, attempted to erect a cabin near the mouth of Silver creek, but, before its completion, had met their deaths. Their decomposed bodies were found by hunters from New Design, and buried underneath a large hickory tree which was often pointed out. This was about 1797, when militia claims were being selected. The names of the parties and all facts are matters of oblivion.

Mrs. Cook enjoyed the reputation of being bewitched. Neigh- bors in the vicinity of Turkey Hill (in those days ten, or even fif- teen miles was looked upon as being in the neighborhood) verily believed her a witch. Mr. Radcliffe, living on the other side of Silver creek, some two or three miles distant, laid claims to being a witch-master, and by a singular coincidence established his claim firmly in the minds of the people. Once Messrs. Teter and Mit- chell had occasion to remain over night with him. At midnight

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

they were areused by loud laughter, and waking, saw Radcliffe sitting bolt upright in a bed on the floor laughing heartily. Said he, " Mrs. Cook just came down the chimney, and I have kicked her into the fire. Imagine Teter's surprise on the following morning at hearing his wife's greeting him with a statement that Mrs. Cook had "just been in and said she came near burning up last night. Some coals had rolled out of the fireplace and burned her bed partially and awakened her by burning her feet." Therefore Radcliffe was authority in matters of witchery, and Mrs. Cook was more a witch than ever. The following spring they left the settlement. Isaac Mitchell was born in the fall of 1805, beiug the first male child born there.

Solomon Teter was born Feb. 19, 1809, and is the oldest native born person now living in the precinct. He was one of a family of eleven children, ten of whom, five boys and five girls grew to years of maturity. His sister Rebecca was the first female child born. She was born in 1805.

David Hill, the oldest settler now living in this precinct, and among the oldest in the county, was brought an orphan boy from Pennsylvania in 1808, to what is now Richland precinct. He mar- ried Isabella Bennet, who was also an orphan brought to St. Clair county, from Kentucky, in 1815. Mr. Hill is yet in the enjoy- ment of his faculties at the age of 88 years. He was a soldier from this county in the war of 1812, and is one of the few who draws a pension as such.

A child of Peter Mitchell was the first death, occurring in 1806. It was buried on section 34. The old burial ground thus set apart was used until some fifty or sixty graves were made, then abandoned.

Peter Mitchell was the first justice of the peace, and many were the hearts he caused to thrill with happiness as he tied hymeneal knots. As a justice he held high rank, and was for many years re- tained in that capacity.

On April 28th, 1813, Patrick Huggins and Elizabeth Mitchell, also William Huggens and Darter Barbary were married by Na- than Arnett, a preacher of the gospel. Thus the list of marriages commenced with a double wedding.

As early as 1815 John Boucher taught subscription school in the Silver creek settlement. The school-house had an open fire-place which occupied all of one end of the building. On dark days part of the roof was raised for admission of light.

The early settlers were a devoted people, conscientious and straight-forward in the observance of religious exercises. On the 21st day of March, 1811, they organized the Silver Creek Baptist Church, with seven members. Met from house to house until 1817, when a log church was built. At their first meeting they adopted a consti- tution which begins, " We agree to unite and be constituted on the Bible of the Old and New Testament, and to be known by the name of the Baptized Church of Christ, Friends to Humanity. Denying union and communion with all persons holding the doctrine of Perpetual, Involuntary, Hereditary Slavery." In their constitu- tion was a clause to the effect that, " all persons failing to attend regular church meetings for three meetings in succession, shall be subject to be cited to attend and answer for neglect of duty." Such rigorous strictures now would soon deplete the church roll of many organizations.

On the east side of Silver Creek, sec. 3, Joseph Mckinney put up the first mill in 1815 ; it was a band-mill. Each patron fur- nished his own power. It would grind from ten to twelve bushels of corn a day. When wheat was ground, they used what McKin- ney called "sarchers," or sieves, to sift it with. A great improve -. ment on this was the mill built by William Whitchinck and his

son in 1828. They did all the work themselves, except the black- smithing. The stone, which they dressed themselves, was found in David Pulliam's branch, about three miles south-east of Fayette- ville. It was a round rock about 5} feet in diameter. It was claimed by millers to be equal to any French burrstone. By changing teams, the mill would turn out seventy-five bushels per day. Oxen were mostly used in grinding.

An amusing story is told of the administration of justice in early days, or rather how the ends of justice were defeated. One C- F-, who was near-sighted, was placed on a stand when deer- hunting. He shot at a deer, as he supposed, but the ball struck a rider and his horse, severely wounding the rider in the leg. For this accident, as he claimed, he was arrested and tried in a school- house by a jury. The house was crowded to suffocation. The case was heard. All parties were requested to leave the house, to enable the jury to consult together ; whereupon some wags stuffed the chimney with prairie-grass, smoking out the jury, who adjourned procipitately without rendering a verdict.

This precinct was represented in the Black Hawk war by Solo- mon Teter, Aaron Land, Isaac Griffin, John Baker and Myram McMullen.

The Cairo Short Line Railroad crosses the precinct diagonally through the western half from north-west to south-east, a distance of nearly ten miles.

Drum Hill, in this precinct, is one of the finest farming sections of St. Clair county. It is in the north-eastern part, and derived its name from the fact that a man named Carr, a drummer, settled there in an early day. So habituated was he to drumming, that morning and evening found him out in front of his cabin, beating the drum-call-hence the name.

In the south-eastern part are several lakes, the largest of which (Swan lake) covers an area of five hundred acres, and is nearly two miles long. It lies in secs. 11, 12, 13 and 14. To the east and near by are Bluff and Horse-shoe lakes, while to the south-west are Gimblet and Dry lakes. Hunting about these lakes has fur- nished rare sport. The precinct was established June 5th, 1839, and called Jefferson, which name it held until by common consent the name Fayetteville was substituted. The first election was held at Marshall's store, Jefferson. The judges were Philip Land, Jas. Mason and William D. Ross. On petition, almost unanimously signed, the polling place was changed to Henry Douth's, on Silver Creek, June 6th, 1843.

TOWN OF FREEBURG.

On Nov. 11th, 1836, the town of Urbana, as it was first called, was platted by John T. Lemen. It comprised eight blocks, divided into 128 lots. Geographically, it was the south-east quarter of the south-east quarter section 19, T. 1 S., R. 7 W. A large public square was planned in the centre. Various additions have been made to the original town as follows: by Thomas Temple, 36 lots east of town, October 19th, 1853 ; by D. C. Wallace, 90 lots, Sept. 5th, 1853; by Reazin Thrifts, 8 lots, July 31st, 1857 ; by Philip Rauch, 14 lots north, Aug. 23d, 1854; by Geo. W. Smith, 3 blocks east, Sept. 1, 1853; by mill company, 12 blocks north of town, and others at a later date-in all fourteen different additions. The name was changed from Urbana to Freeburg in 1859, and Joseph Reichert made the first addition of 42 lots Dec. 30th, 1859, to Free- burg. The post-office was located in 1851, with Geo. W. Smith as postmaster.

Henry Barthel was the first justice of the peace in the village ; first chosen in 1857, and served continuously until 1878.

Harbert Patterson was the first man to keep a stock of goods, which he opened shortly after the location of Urbana was made.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Mr. Welden was the second. Mr. Reichert was the first cooper- he came in 1847.

Prominent among the industries are the mills. The first built was what is now called Reichert's, in 1853-4, by Temple, Potter & Co. Its original cost was about $25,000. Has five run of stone. Capacity 250 barrels per day. It, together with the cooperage at- tached, gives employment to thirty men. The flour is shipped chiefly to St. Louis. Four different brands are made: No. 1, "Potter's Mills;" No. 2, "St. Clair;" No. 3, "Southern Star ;" and No. 4, "Urbana." Joseph Reichert, proprietor.

Frederick Mills, in the northern part of the town were built in 1866, by Darmelatter, Meng & Co., at a cost of $40,000. Has five run of stone, with a capacity of making 200 barrels of flour per day. Is well equipped with first class machinery. W. H. Wilder- mann became proprietor in 1877.

A brewery was built by Heizmann and Barthel, in 1859. Now owned by Joseph Reichert, and operated only sufficiently to supply a local demand.

Freeburg was incorporated March 4th, 1867, by a unanimous vote of her citizens. Population by census of 1880, was 1040.

LEADING BUSINESS HOUSES.

General Stores; Henry Barthel, Andrew Krause, Philip Hoff- mann, Peter Hermann, H. Huber.

Druggists ; Philip C. Dare, Charles Kring. Furniture; Charles Weber.

Hotels ; "Freeburg House," by Adam Wolff, "St. Clair," by Conrad Soerg, Mrs. Conrath's, John Reichert's, Jacob Rader.

Blacksmiths; Groh Bros., Charles Frank, Daniel Borger, Tony Meyer.

Hardware; Philip Conrath, Barthel Franz.

Livery : Peter Carwright Hill.

Physicians; Frederick Koeberlin, M. S. Carr, Henry Hertel.

There is a Lodge of A. F. and A. M., Freeburg Lodge, No. 418. Instituted July 15th, 1864, with nine charter members. First W. M. F. Koeberlin. Present W. M., W. H. Wilderman.

A singing and literary society, which is in a very flourishing condition, having 38 members, and about 600 volumes in its library, was organized March 5th, 1867.

Freeburg Fire Co., No. 1, was organized April 12th, 1876, with forty-nine members. Have an engine manufactured in Philadel- phia, costing $1000. Peter Etting, present captain. Have an engine house, the property of the company.

Upon the incorporation of the town Messrs. James Hill, Sr., Philip J. Koesterer, John Klingel, Christ. Barthel, and Fred. Koe- berlin, were elected as Trustees. The present officers are Charles Weber, Pres., Joseph Koesterer, Jaoob Ratherni, Nich. Groh, Jacob Roeder, Henry Serth, Otto Heizmann, Clerk; William Bar- thel, Treas., and Val. Volz, Constable.

FAYETTEVILLE,

Situated on the west bank of the Kaskaskia, was laid off by Abjiah Whiting and Thos. J. Pulliam, May 15, 1837, in 28 blocks, the cen- tral one of which is a public square. Each of the other 27 is divided into twelve lots. Thos. J. Pulliam made an addition of 180 lots April 26, 1855. It has a population of about 350 inhabitants. The first house was built by Thos. J. Pulliam, who for many years kept the ferry. This village has had its " ups and downs." When navigation of the river was thought to be an assured fact, property commanded good prices and trade was brisk ; mills were built; many residences were erected; stores were teeming with pilcd up goods, and all seemed fair for the future. Fires contributed much

to the destruction of business. Henry Voskamp was the first post- master-appointed about 1840. He also opened the first store in 1836. L. Grossmann had the second store, opened shortly after Voskamp's. J. Brannum built the first mill in 1854-55; it was subsequently destroyed by fire. A brewery, built in 1875 by Louis Hedwegwas, burned down the same year. Being well insured, it was rebuilt, but lack of business has occasioned it to stand idle for the past year.

The business of Fayetteville is conducted by :

General Stores .- Philip Wasem, Leroy Free, Gertrude Mitten- dorff.

Druggist .- Dr. Rembe.

Hotel .- "Okaw House," Vahlkamp & Bro., Fritz Baumgarte, Mitchell Funk, John Suess.

Blacksmith .- Adolph Kreikemier.

A large mill, having three run of stone, was built in 1863 by William Maguire. It sold at one time for $20,000. It has been idle for more than a year past .. Is owned by August C. Miller.

A wooden shoe factory is run, which supplies the home market. In 1856 a floating or pontoon bridge was built across the river here, supplanting the ferry. This bridge was carried off by the high waters in February this year.

There are two churches in Fayetteville-the Lutheran, built in 1854 by Henry Feitsam, contractor, and the Catholic, built in 1868.

JEFFERSON

Was platted Sept. 13, 1836, some months before Fayetteville, by Pennington Power, Aaron Land, and Fielder Power. Its location is on the west bank of the Kaskaskia, about three miles above Fay- etteville. A saw mill was built, two stores were opened-one by Francis Wilderman, the other by Marshall, and all seemed merry as a summer day. The destruction of the saw mill by fire destroyed all hope of making a city of Jefferson. July 29, 1865, it was va- cated. Down the river, on the Tamarawa claim, being No. 2209, Survey 607, Adam Snyder (father of Judge Snyder), and James Semple, selected a town site, and located Tamarawa, May 21, 1836. Its location was sightly. It was on the great thoroughfare from the east to the west, at what was claimed to be the best ford on the river. For a time business bid fair to lay hold upon Tamarawa and claim her for her own especial pride. So sanguine were friends of the fu- ture of the infant city, which had already been planned on a most liberal scale, that an addition was made July 8, 1837. But how idle human speculations often prove! How are castles in Spain ruthlessly dashed to earth? Tamarawa is no more, and Crescent Place, now owned by Chauncy Hinckley, occupies the site.

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History of St. Clair County, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 72

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : Brink, McDonough Number of Pages: 530

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Brink, McDonough
Number of Pages: 530