USA > Illinois > Tazewell County > History of Tazewell 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. History of Illinois Digest of state laws > Part 39
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421
HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
James P. Martin, retired farmer, is worthy a notice in this vol- ume. His generosity and public spirit in all worthy matters are unquestioned. He was born in the county of Donegal, Ireland, Sept. 15, 1804. His father was Alexander Martin and was born in the same county in 1782; but little is known of his early life. He was raised a farmer-boy and on attaining his majority he was united in marriage with Miss Mary MeCorkle. She was born in the same county, and was a daughter of James MeCorkle. There were born of this marriage nine children, four of whom grew to mature years : William, deceased ; Alexander K., married Miss Hoblett, of Logan county ; Mary A. married David Gibbs, and now a resident of Iowa. Alexander Martin, who is deceased, was a man of unusual force of character and energy; he crossed the Atlantic and landed in Philadelphia, from where, with his family, he proccedad to Bed- ford county and there passed the remainder of his life, as also did his wife. Our subject, James P., received a good common school edu- cation, and at the age of 25 was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Skeen, of Westmoreland county, Pa. Previous to his marriage, he learned the trade of weaver, and for a while worked at this vocation in Pa. and Ohio. He then turned his attention to farming, and in 1845 settled in Logan Co., Ill., where he purchased a farm. He resided there till 1850, when he located upon the Delavan Prairie in this county, where he purchased land at from 90 cts. to $30 per acre, amounting in all to 1100 acres. This, by the exercise of unu- sual energy, he brought to a high state of cultivation, and planted 25 miles of hedge fence, which is still in a thriving condition. For many years he was the largest hedge-grower in the State, and took a just and an especial pride in advancing and improving the agri- cultural districts of Tazewell county. He bent his powerful energ- ies to the accomplishment of this one laudable object and well did he succeed. His life-work speaks in language both stron- ger and more fitting than we can express in words. Eight children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Martin, five of of whom grew to maturity ; William H., married Miss Jane Quin- senberry ; Thomas A., married Miss Alice Mountjoy, and is now a resident of Kansas; James A., married Caroline Hoblett; George B., married Matilda Merrill, and now lives in Missouri ; Mary E., married Mr. Hawley, a prominent farmer of this township. In 1862 Mr. M. made an equal division of his property among his children, and after a life of great activity and unusual success, determined to rest from labor, as consistent with his wealth and time of life and spend the remainder of his days in quietude. At present he is living with his son-in-law, Norman C. Hawley, a man who is prominently identified with the interests and wellfare of Tazewell county and of whom we speak elsewhere in this volume. In drawing this sketch to a close we cannot refrain from referring
422
HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
to Mrs. M. as a pioneer wife and mother. She was born in Penn. in 1811, and is a fine type of the pioneer woman. She has been an ernest worker in the Christian Church for nearly 40 years. She was formerly a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Martin is also a consistant member of that Church and is respected and es- teemed by all who know him. There are but few men living in the county who have done more to advance its interests than Mr. James P. Martin. The very fact of his accumulating in a short life time such a vast property as he has is the best evidence in the world of a well spent life. It is a source of pleasure for the biographer to meditate upon a life thus useful and passed, that while he did much good in his strong and vigorous manhood and while in the decline of life he still, by example and precept, is found battling for the right his works will live long after the last sad rites have been paid him by those who loved and esteemed him life, and will not forget to honor his memory when he is no longer in their midst. Now, in the evening of life, as both Mr. M. and his good wife are beckoned to that brighter and better land, we realize that the hand of the diligent maketh rich, and the happiness of the Christian is worthy emulation. We give their portraits in this work.
William Coddington, farmer, sec. 16, Boynton township; P. O., Boynton. He is a native of Warren Co., O. and was born Nov. 1, 1838. His father, Wm. Coddington, was a native of Essex Co., N. J., and was born in 1784. He was a farmer by occupation. At the age of two his parents moved to Maryland, where he grew to manhood. He married his first wife in Pennsylvania. Her name is not now remembered by William. His father, William Coddington, Sen., was married twice after: his last wife and mother of the subject of this sketch was Miss Nancy Price. In 1808 his father moved to Ohio where Wm. was born and grew to manhood. He moved to Shelby Co., Ind., and married Miss Miner- va E. Kellogg, in Oct., 1865. He came to this township from Ind. His children are Clara M., Lilly, Wm. W. and Charlie E.
Daniel M. Rankin, deceased, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Oct. 31, 1903. Mr. R. attended the schools of his native State, where he received a good common school education. He was raised on a farm until he was seventeen years old, when he began to learn the trade of blacksmithing. He was united in marriage, July 7, 1825, to Miss Esther Lefevre, a native of Penn. Mrs. R. died Ang. 6. 1855. They had fourteen children. Mr. Ran- kin has followed his wife to that world from whence no traveler returns. A portrait of Mr. R., and also one of his son, John S., may be found in this work.
August Kastens, a native of Brunswick, Gr., born in 1839; came to Tazewell county in 1832. He lives on section 13, where he is engaged in farming; post-office address, Pekin. He is the son of
GERD. ALFS.
TIMOTHY LARIMORE
DANIEL RANKIN (DECEASED)
a
JOHN RAN KIN
JOHN GAINER,
CINCINNATI TOWNSHIP.
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
Henry and Adelhelt Kastens. In 1869, he was married to Marga- ret Baker. Louis Henry and Rhoda, are their children. They were born in 1870 and 1878 respectively. He united with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1870.
Timothy Larimore, a prominent farmer in this township, resides on section 26; was born in Hampshire county, Va., in 1826. His parents were William and Nancy Larimore. Mr. Larimore is one of the oldest residents of Tazewell Co., having come to the county in 1831, where, in the common schools he received his education. For the last fifteen years Mr. L. has held some township office, either Collector, Supervisor, or some other position. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1857 he married Mary Dillon. They have had six children born to them, all of whom are living. They are William Edgar, Arnold J., Effie A., Lillie I., Alpha E., Udie E. Post-office address, Pekin.
Frank Loyd, a native of Yorkshire, England, having been born there in 1827. He came to Tazewell county in 1865. He attended only the common schools of England. His parents were Frank and Jane (Ward) Loyd. He was married to Sophia Porter, also a native of England. They are the parents of three children - Frank, who was born in 1854; Carrie, born in 1856 ; and Jennic, born in 1861. Mr. Loyd's present wife he married in April, 1871. Her name was Elizabeth Rankin. Post-office, Pekin.
Frank Harland Loyd, farmer, and resides on section 19; was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1854. His parents, Frank and Sophia (Porter) Loyd, were also of English birth and parentage. Frank came to this country, with his parents, in 1865. He was married Feb. 5, 1879. In politics he is Republican. Pekin is his post- office address.
Alonzo McCain was born in Peoria, Ill., in 1839. His parents, N. H. and Harriet McCain, were from Ohio. He received his education in the common schools of Peoria. In 1862, when treason was gaining victories at the South over our Government, he enlisted in the 85th Ill. Infantry, to help defend his country. He served three years and three months, and during this time laid in the worst prison pen of the world's history for nine months and ten days. Yes, for almost a year he was tortured with all the fiendishness the ingenuity of those in charge of Andersonville prison could invent. Language can not convey an idea of the enormity of his suffering. Perhaps the strongest way we could put it would be to simply say, he was confined in Andersonville prison. He was married Nov. 24, 1868, to Phebe Davis. They have two children, John, born Sept. 5, 1869, and A. E., born January 6, 1871. Politically he is a " Black Abolitionist." Post-office, Pekin.
Philip Olt, farmer, sec. 13; P. O. address, Pekin. Mr. Olt was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1817. His parents, Philip and Catharina (Schafer) Olt, were also native Germans. At the age of thirty-four he thought to better his condition in life by seeking
27
424
HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
a home in the New World. He crossed the Atlantic and came direct to this county, and purchased the farm upon which he now lives of James Haines. After farming for four years he moved into Pekin and engaged in the butcher business, returned to his farm and again to Pekin. He also engaged in the brewing business at Pekin. In 1856, after remaining from the fatherland for fifteen years, he sailed with his family for Germany. He passed sixteen months there, amid the pleasant associations of his earlier life. In 1858 he was married to Catharina Sherman. The names of his children in order of their births, are- Catharina, (deceased), Lena, Louisa, Emma and Louis. Lena is the wife of Andrew Soechtit, and resides in Pekin ; Louisa is the wife of Wm. Horn, of Chicago.
Philip Olt, Jr., son of John and Margaret Olt, and was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1834. He was educated in the common schools of Germany, and came to this county in 1852, and engaged in farming, which pursuit he now follows on section 22, and has been quite successful. In 1856 he was married to Margaret Repper. They have four children-Catharena, born in 1861; Margaret, born in 1863; Leonard, born in 1865; and Philip, born in 1868. Post-office, Pekin.
Robert Portufield Mc Clintock is a native of this county, having been born here in 1841. His parents, Robert and Mary Mc Clintock, were from Augusta county, Va. All his opportunities for an education were in the common schools of this county. He resides upon sec- tion 24, where he is engaged in farming. In 1872, Dec. 9, Char- lotte Hafliger and he were married. They have three children. Cyrus Eugene was born in 1873, Letitia Ann, born in 1875 and Clara Mable, born in 1878.
John S. Rankin is a native of Tazewell county and a son of Daniel M. and Esther Rankin. He received his education in such schools as was offered him at home. He is engaged in farming on section 14 of this township. He is a Republican in political views. Post-office address, Pekin.
John N. Reiling was born in the village of Hergeshousen, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, Nov. 17, 1834. He came to the United States in 1846 and settled at Gettysburg, Penn., and came to this county in 1867. The famous and bloody battle of Gettysburg was fought on his farm. His parents were Wendel and Magdalena (Seltzer ) Reiling, natives of Germany. On the 14th of June, 1870, Mr. R. was united in marriage with Catherine M. Starek. Their children are, John Edward, born May 7th, 1871, and Philip Martin, born March 16th, 1873. The parents of Mrs. Reiling, George and Magdalena ( Morehead) Starck, were natives of Hess Darmstadt. She came to this county June 14, 1870. She and her husband are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Mr. R's post- office address is Pekin.
Gottfried Schreck, farmer, P. O., Pekin ; was born in Saxe Coburg, Ger., March 6, 1821. His parents were Gottfried and Christiana
425
HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
Schreck. Mr. S. received his education in the common schools of Germany and came to this county July 6, 1855, and resides on sec- tion 12. His wife, Susanah Eichlieber, became such in 1849. Their children are- Adam Jacob, born in 1853, Jan. 31, and Elizabeth, born March 22, 1855. He has been connected with the Evangelical Luthern Church since 1858.
Jacob Stockert was born May 13, 1817, in Hesse Darmstadt, Ger- many. He thought to better his condition in life by coming to America, which move he made in 1854, arriving in Missouri in June of that year. He remained there but a little time, however, when he came to Illinois and located in Tazewell county. Mr. S. is a · well informed man on the general topics of the day. He received a liberal education in Germany, and, although devoting his attention to farming, he takes a deep interest in geology, astronomy and other kindred sciences. He is also a practical mechanic, making articles of use and convenience for family and farm use. Mr. S. is consid- erable of a philosopher and enjoys tracing effects to their causes. On his farm, section 12, are three veins of coal which are not over forty feet from the surface. He has found relies of Indian and say- age warfare on his place, which goes to show that the Indians once had a destructive battle there. In 1845 he was wedded to Mary Catharina Schwim, who died Aug. 5, 1867. She bore him five chil- dren only one of whom, Jacob Stockert, jr. is now living. Mr. S. is a member of the Evangelical Luthern Church. Post-office, Pekin.
George Stæhr, farmer, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1825. His parents were George Nicholas and Elizabeth (Hilbert) Stohr. He came to this county May 25, 1847, and resides on sec- tion 20, Cincinnati township. He was educated in the common schools of his native country and followed the tailoring business there. Mr. S. held the office of Supervisor of his township for six consecutive terms. He has been twice married. In 1852 he was joined in marriage with Elizabeth Eidman. His second marriage was to Mary M. Weiroch. His children are Mary Ellen, born in 1861; Alice L., born in 1863; Louisa W., born in 1865; George Henry, born in 1869; Laura, born in 1872, and Charles, born in 1875. Elizabeth, the child of his former marriage, is the wife of Peter Meisinger. Post-office address, Pekin.
Enoch P. Walker. In 1832, while Jesse and Sarah Walker were living in Shelby county, Ill., they had born unto them a son, whom they christened Enoch. Twenty-four years thereafter we find he was married to Clarissa Davis, also a native Illinoisan. Their chil- dren number seven -five of them living, two dead. Their names are Thomas F., Sarah, Annie J., Emma, Ella, Harvey and Enoch. Ella and Enoch sleep in their graves. Mr. Walker is engaged in farming upon section 26. Post-office, Pekin.
Jacob Weyhrich, a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, was born in 1832 and came to this county in 1857. His parents were Philip
426
HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
and Elizabeth (Stæhr) Weyhrich. He was educated in German schools, and since his coming here has held the office of School Director. The same year Mr. W. came to Tazewell county he took unto himself a wife in the person of Mary Kulper. They are the parents of nine children, three of whom sleep with the dead. These are, Louis, who died at the age of four years, John, a baby of four months, and Catherine was taken from them, a girl of eight sum- mers. The children living are Philip, born Oct. 11, 1858; Eliza- beth, born May 20, 1860; George, born April 2, 1864; Peter, born Sept. 20, 1868; Eve, born Feb. 18, 1870, and Jacob, born Nov. . 15, 1874. Mr. W. is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Post-office, Pekin.
The following is a list of township officials from its organization to the present time, with dates of the years served :
SUPERVISORS.
Samuel P. Bailey
1850-52
John W. Coleman
1863-65
Lemuel Allen
1853-54
James S. Hawkins
1866
G. H. Rupert.
1855-57
Timothy Larimore ..
1867-68
Samuel P. Bailey
1858
John Eidman
1869-72
Samuel Woodrow
1859
George Stoehr
1873-78
James Hawkins.
1860-61
John Eidman
1879
TOWN-CLERKS.
James R. Babcock
1854-58
John H. Baker.
1868-76
W. F. Copes ...
1859-61
John H. Baker.
1877
F. B. Chapman
1863-66
T. Larimore
1878-79
Wm. L. Pratt.
1867
ASSESSORS.
Thomas King
1854
G. G. Mcclintock 1865
Geo. H. Pike.
1855
E. T. Williams
1866
Samuel Woodrow
1856
Bennett Bailey.
1867-68
John Coleman
1857
G. W. Mitchell.
1869
Samuel Woodrow
1858
Bennett Bailey. 1870
John Coleman
1859
Timothy Larimore
1871-72
Enos West.
1860
Leonard A. Beck.
1873
Thomas A. Orr
1861
Jonn Hatfield
1874-76
Enos West.
1863
James S. Hawkins
1877-79
Theodore Tharp
1864
COLLECTORS.
Enos West
1854
Andrew Arnote 1867
Joel White.
1855
John Hatfield.
1868
Apollas Cane
1856-58
George Stoehr
1869
Enos West.
1859
John Lohnes
1870
A. J. Arnott.
1860
J. H. Baker.
1871
Enos West ..
1861
Timothy Larimore.
1874
Thomas A. Orr.
1863-64
J. H. Baker.
1875-76
M. P. Chapman
1865
T, Larimore
1877-79
T. Larimore
1866
MARY M.STOEHR.
GEORGE STOEHR.
CINCINNATI TOWNSHIP.
١
427
HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
This township received its name from the creek which runs through it, by that name, and it was christened by Major R. N. Cullom. James Allaway was the first settler in the township, and Major Cullom the next. Soon came John Small, James Harvey, A. Hughes, Eli Swarens, James Perry, James Robinson, James Har- land, and others. None of these are living, and but few of their descendants now reside here. Juliette B., daughter of R. N. and Betsy Cullom, was the first white child born in the township. The day of her birth was January 22, 1832. She is the wife of Alvord Parker, of Sedalia, Mo. The first death in the township occurred in November, 1830. It was the death of James, infant son of Major Cullom, and twin brother to Governor Cullom. The first school taught here was by Nancy Parker, on section 27, in 1835. Rev. William Brown, an M. E. preacher, delivered the first sermon, at the residence of James Perry, in 1833. There are now three Churches in the township- Baptist, Presbyterian and Methodist.
Deer Creek Baptist Church is located on Wm. Huxtable's farm, section 4. They have good frame edifice, 28 by 40 feet, which was erected in 1868, at a cost of $2,000. The congregation was organ- ized Jan. 22, 1860, with the following members: C. Shaffer, W. Huxtable, W. Lockwood, B. C. Allen, W. Ammerman, Joseph Green and their families, and others to the number of 35. The following pastors have served the Church : Rev. A. J. Ammerman, Geo. Sutherland, W. E. James and H. A. Nixon. The present officers of the Church are James F. Lane and Wm. Huxtable. The present membership is 61, who contribute for the support of the Church $600 per year. They have a Sunday-school, which was organized in 1869, with an average attendance of 73; annual con- tribution, $25.
Deer Creek Presbyterian Church building is a good plain frame, located on section 8. The pastors who have served this congrega- tion are W. L. Adams, Rev. Mr. Wood, John Wilson, and the present pastor, Thomas Martin. The Elders of the Church are Peter Doward and G. W. Smith. The congregation raises $640 per year. They have a Sunday-school, with an attendance of 68.
The Deer Creek Methodist Church is located on the northwest quarter of section 20. It is a good frame edifice.
There are four whole and four fractional school districts in the
428
HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
township. The character of schools are good ; the County Superin- tendent pronounces them first-class. The streams in the township are, the Mackinaw river, Allaway's branch, and Deer creek. The archeologist could find a rich field for investigation in this township, near these streams. On section 35 is a mound in which has been found the remains of Indians. Mr. Joseph Dean dug into one of the mounds here, preparatory to erecting a building. Among other curious remains was a grave of three different departments}, one above the other, and separated by layers of clay. In the top one was one skeleton, while in the second and third were two each. The bodies appear to have been burned, or else the grave had con- tained fire before their interment, for there were ashes and coals in the graves, and the walls of the graves were burned until red as brick. The bones were quite entire. One skull was perfect, and every tooth in its place, and retaining their gloss as in life. One thigh bone was found, judged to be three inches longer than that of a man six feet in height. Flint darts, or arrow heads, some ten to twelve inches long, made of red flint, were found. A stone hatchet with stone handle, solid, and which weighed six or seven pounds, was found here. · Also a grindstone about a foot in diameter, of same material as the hatchet. A material similar to plush or red flannel was found with the skeleton in the upper grave. These were exhumed some fifteen years ago.
Mr. Perry M. Stephens tells of a burying place here, where the inmates of the graves were burried in a sitting posture. One, which was found, had his steel trap and gun by his side. There was also a loek of hair done up with a little silver band and plate. Upon this plate was a rude engraving of a woman. We might surmise that the individual consigned to this tomb was a chief, and the lock of hair was given by his sweetheart; and the engraving represented she whom he loved. These were exlmed near the iron bridge over the Mackinaw.
There is a post-office in the center Of the township by the name of Deer Creek. On section 32, John W. Osborn laid off the town of New Castle, in 1861. In giving the history of the township, we would also mention a few of the po'sons who have and are making its history. Among this number we find
Eri Bogardus, residence, section 21. Post-office address, Deer Creek.
Abraham Chaffer, deceased. Mr. Chaffer was born in Essex Co., Eng. March 6, 1806. His parents, John and Mary (Stanley )
429
HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
Chaffer, were also English by birth. When ready to embark in life for himself he looked to the United States for a home, and a field to labor in. He accordingly crossed the ocean, in 1832, and three years later came to this county. Before he left England he had learned the wheelwright's trade and worked at it until he bade his native land adieu. He came here and engaged in farming, and, until shortly before his death, he continued at that pursuit. He died March 5th, 1874, respected and loved by all who knew him. He had retired from business and moved into Washington only a few months before his death. He held many local official positions, and had the confidance of the whole community. Soon after com- ing to this country he married Eliza Osborn, in New York City. She died Dec. 19th, 1845. He was again married, Feb. 5, 1847, to Sarah Huxtable, who was born Sept. 11, 1817, in England, and came to this county in 1838. She lives with her sons, Daniel, who resides at Washington, and Elijah, who lives at the old homestead. Her P. O. address is Morton.
James Cornwell is the youngest subscriber we have for this work, and was encouraged to interest himself in it by his mother, Susan (Little) Cornwell. His father's name was Price Cornwell, both his parents were natives of Ohio. James was born in Belmont Co., Ohio., Aug. 24, 1864, and was brought to this county in 1872. He is yet a scholar in attendance upon the common schools, and has a choice for farming. Residence sec. 6; P. O., Washington.
Henry Danforth, farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Washington ; was born in St. Albans, Vt., Feb. 26, 1823. He is the son of Jonathan R. and Amanda (Walker) Danforth, also natives of St. Albans. He came West when young, and in 1848 located in this county poor, but now owns 480 acres of fine land. He does not believe in the credit system and has not asked for credit for twenty years. Jan. 12, 1846, he was married to Abigail Hathaway, of Swanton, Vt. They have had born to them six children. - Jonathan R., born Jan. 19, 1847; Henry P., Dec. 28, 1849; Byson W., Jan. 23, 1852; Louis J., Sept. 13, 1858 ; James A., April 23, 1861; Mary A., Sept. 7, 1863. Jonathan died May 7, 1863. Mr. D. united with the M. E. Church in 1854; politically, Republican.
William Huxtable, farn Devonshire, Eng., Nov. 11 English people. They left that coun- try, crossed the Atlantic
sec. 4; P. O., Cooper; was born in 321. His parents, George and Ann (Rottenberry) Huxtable.
DIl' were landed on the shore of America with their eight chi' county, where they came here a young
and by the year 1838 arrived in this ed the remainder of their earth-life. He 'in, and Ar a period of over forty years has lived an exemplary life, honored and respected by all. For a period of thirty years he has been a member of the Baptist Church, first uniting with the Church at Tremont. He has served eight years as Justice of the Peace, and given satisfaction. His life thus far has been successful. "He now possesses 530 acres of good land. Jan. 1,
430
HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
1846, he was married to Barbara Robison, daughter of James and Isabella Robison, of Elm Grove. His wife died and he was again married, in 1879, Feb. 19, to Levina Culbertson, daughter of Chris- topher and Elizabeth Schæffer, of Morton.
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