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 49
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James W. Herndon, farmer, was born in Christian county, Ky., Oct. 5, 1823, and was brought to Tazewell county when a lad of only seven summers, and is therefore one of the " old settlers." His parents were Benjamin and Nancy Herndon, of Virginia. Mr. H. has served his township as Constable and Collector. He was joined in the holy bands of matrimony with Frances Wilson, on the 24th of July, 1850. They are the parents of six children -three boys and three girls - five of whom are living. He casts his influence and ballot on the Democratie side of politics. P. O., Minier.
Elwood Hicks, farmer; P. O., Minier; came to this county in the fall of 1837. In 1859 he went to California with a drove of cattle,
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
and returned in Dec., 1862. He is the son of Asa and Annie Hicks, of Georgia, and was born in Belmont county, Ohio, Feb. 3, 1833. He came to the county when a child, grew up, attended the common schools, and settled down here and is rearing a family. He has served as School Director for seven years. March 5, 1863, was the day upon which he married Eliza A. Shumaker, who has borne him six children - four boys and two girls-five of whom are living. Religiously he was raised a Quaker ; politically he is a Republican.
Francis O. Kilby came to Tazewell county at an early day and when quite a small lad, being only eight years old. He is the son of St. Clair and Ellen Kilby of Virginia, and received his education in the common schools of the county and entered the agricultural pursuit and resides on section 6. He confessed his Savior before men and united himself with the Christian Church. Sept. 1, 1853, he was joined in marriage with Mary E. Allensworth. They have two children, a boy and a girl. Post-office, Mackinaw.
N. L. Kilby, farmer, was born in Rappahannock county, Va., Feb. 17, 1832. His parents, who were also Virginians, were St. Clair B. and Ellen Kilby. They brought their son, N. L., to this county when a boy of five years of age. He attended the common schools where he received his education, grew up and made the good confession and united with the Christian Church. He was married to Margaret Allensworth Sept. 19, 1854. They have been blessed with five children-two boys and three girls-but their home has been saddened by the death of one. Post-office, Mackinaw.
William Lilly, farmer, son of Joseph and Mary Lilly, of Mary- land, was born in Alleghany county of that State, Aug. 12, 1822. He came to Illinois when a lad of thirteen, and two years later (1837) came to Tazewell county. All the advantages for an educa- tion offered him were such as were afforded him in the log school- houses of Ohio and Illinois in pioneer times. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for thirteen years. July 28th, 1859, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Aldridge, who has borne him four children, three of whom are living. He is identified with the Re- publican party. Residence, sec. 12; post-office, Minier.
James C. Mc Clure (deceased), was born in Huntingdon county, Pa., July 25, 1828, came to this county in 1850, and died May 28, 1877. He was educated in the common schools of his native coun- ty. He learned the carpenter trade which he followed until his mar- riage, and from that time until his death he followed farming. Jan. 30, 1859, he was married to Lucinda Robinson, who was born in Green county, Ohio, Nov. 18, 1831. She is the mother of four children -George E., born Dee. 30, 1859; Wilbur C., born Sept. 4, 1861 ; William A., Aug. 31, 1863; and James C., Oct. 27, 1866. Mr. MeClure was a life-long Democrat. His widow lives on see. 6, where she is engaged in farming. Her post-office address is Maeki- naw.
Elder George W. Minier. The subject of this sketch was born in
GEORGE W. MINIER.
MRS SARAH MINIER,
.
THEODORE .. MINIER, LITTLE MACKINAW, TOWNSHIP.
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
the township of Ulster, Bradford Co., Penn., October 8, 1813. His father, John Minier, was of German descent and educated in the German language. His mother was of English parentage and born in the State of New Jersey. Both his grandfathers were soldiers in the American Revolution, and he now says he desires no better blood in his veins than that which resisted the oppressions and usurpations of the English King and Parliament and gave freedom to the thirteen colonies of North America. Aside from the public schools of the rural district in which his father lived he had the ad- vantage of an academy in the village of Athens. At this school young Minier worked for his board and tuition, nights, mornings and Saturdays, at a hotel kept by an old lady. His younger brother, the Hon. T. L. Minier, ex-Senator, of Elmira, N. Y., attended the same Academy. He returned to his father's house and labored with and for his father, and at times seeking employment of the neighboring farmers. At nineteen years of age our young friend found himself in possession of nearly $5 ready cash and a suit of clothes. Through a friend he obtained a school in New York and began in earnest the office of an instructor. He continued teaching until the spring of 1837, when he started for Illinois. One of his first efforts in this State was the surveying of a State road from Peru, on the Illinois River, to Knoxville, in Knox Co. On the 1st day of Jan., 1839, he was married to Miss Sarah Ireland, with whom he still lives. The fruits of this union has been twelve children, six of each sex. Ten of these are living. In 1847 he removed to Bloomington, McLean Co. and opened a high school for boys and girls. In 1848 he opened the first high school exclusive for young ladies that was ever attempted in Bloomington. In 1850, his health being impaired, he sold his school-house and " good will" to a Mr. Finlay, and Professor Wilber took his place as principal. In the autumn of 1851 he removed to the farm on which he still lives and began farming, to which pursuit he is enthusiastically devoted. He purchased his land of the Government by laying a soldier's warrant, and so got it for about eighty-three cents per acre. He united him- self with both the Horticultural and Agricultural Societies of the State, and was connected with them as one of the Vice-Presidents for a number of years. Here he rapidly improved in what he still calls the " divine arts of tillage," emphatically declaring that " Hor- ticulture is the religion of Agriculture." Mr. Minier was conscien- tiously opposed to human slavery ; an early and outspoken abolition- ist, and during the time of enlisting soldiers for the late war, he made many able and eloquent speeches in favor of volunteering. During August, 1839, Mr. Minier took the survey and topography of a portion of the Illinois river, surveyed the bars and islands, and ascertained by quadrant the altitude of "Starved Rock," which was found to be 96 feet. In 1867, in company with Messrs. Blackstone, Boyer and Stront, he platted the village which bears his name, which is located three and one-half miles south of his residence, and
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
numbers already some 800 inhabitants. Mr. M. entered the minis- try nearly forty years ago. During all these years very seldom a Sunday passed that did not find him in the pulpit reproclaiming the Gospel, and during the week among his books or in his fields and among his herds and flocks, living like the Patriarchs with his floeks and herds around him. Having the advantages of an extended ae- quaintance he has probably had the pleasure of uniting in wedlock as many persons as any other man in Central Illinois.
Theodore L. Minier, merchant, miller, real estate dealer and agent, Minier ; is a son of George W. and Sarah Minier, the former from Pennsylvania, the mother of Virginia. He was born in Putnam county, Ill., May 18, 1842, and came to this county in 1850. He was liberally educated by his father. After attending the common schools he entered Bryant & Straton's Commercial College, Chicago, from which he graduated. He also attended Wesleyan University, Bloomington. He enlisted in company I, 94th Ill. Infantry ; was elected Sergeant and promoted First Sergeant and then Second Lieutenant. He was appointed agent for the State of Illinois and the Northwest for the Paris Fxposition in 1866. He is an active member of the Christian Church and Superintendent of the Sunday- school at Minier. He was married Aug. 3, 1870, to Ellen Arming- ton. They have two children, girls.
Rodney J. Mitchell, banker and grain dealer, Minier; was born in Rutland, Meigs Co., O., Oct. 31, 1833. His parents, James G. and Sophia (Williams) Mitchell, were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. His father for nearly half a century has proclaimed the Gospel, being a minister in the Christian Church. His son united with that Church in 1850, and has been an active member since. He received only a common school education. He came to this county in 1855 and located on section 10, this township, and en- gaged in agriculture. He remained on the farm for twelve years when he moved into Minier and embarked in commercial life. Mary E. Railsback, his wife, and to whom he was married Dec. 24, 1858, is the daughter of Thomas T. Railsback, one of the pioneers of the county. Mr. M. has served his township as Supervisor sev- eral terms and filled other official positions. He casts his ballot and influence with the Republican party.
Johnson A. Myers, farmer, P. O., Minier ; was born in Armstrong · county, Pa., July 2, 1828, and was brought to Tazewell county seven years thereafter. Thus we see his life has been almost wholly passed in this county. His parents were John and Catherine Myers, natives of Pennsylvania. He was sent to the common schools of this county in primitive times. Carolina A. Davis, his wife, he was married to Sept. 21, 1847. Ten children-three boys and seven girls- have been born to them, only five of whom are now num- bered among the living. He is a member of the Christian Church, and in life has been snecessful.
Henry A. Peyne was born in Germany April 3, 1844, and came,
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
with his father, to this country at the very tender age of one year, and as far back as'49. When Henry was but 5 years old his father settled at Hittle's Grove, this county. They settled in Little Macki- naw township in '53, when they engaged in farming. Mr. Peyne married, Jan. 31, 1871, Miss Caroline Buehrig ; four children have been born to them, 2 boys and 2 girls. Mr. P. was very successful as a farmer but wishing to engage in the mercantile business, he sold his fine farm and engaged in trade at Minier, where he is now conducting a successful and growing business.
John F. Quigg, whose ancestors point with pride to the Keystone State as the land of their nationality, himself has the proud distinc- tion of being born in Tazewell Co., which event occurred on the 13th day of Dec. 1841. He is one of the firm of Williams & Quigg, bankers and grain dealers at Minier. Both branches of their busi- ness have grown to be both extensive and lucrative, and their methods of business transaction, has made for them a record to which they can refer with satisfaction and feelings of pride. Mr. Quigg dates his wedding day, and therefore his truest happiness, from Dec. 28, 1871, at which time he clasped the hand and recorded a vow in high heaven, that he would love and protect Miss Sheets until death did them sever. Two little boys were sent to gladden their home. He lives in the faith and embraces the religion of the Christian Church.
James E. Railsback, senior member of the firm of Railsback & Mitchell, Minier, and a native of this county, was born Nov. 17, 1833, only a few years after the formation of Tazewell Co., and before the native soil of these beautiful prairies had been turned by the pioneer plowman. This firm, in addition to a general banking business, carry on an extensive grain and lumber trade, and are rated among the solid business firms in this county, and, indeed, their commercial transactions and business reputation extends beyond the boundaries of a single county. Mr. Railsback was married, Oet. 3, 1855, to Susan M. Howell, whose death occurred Jan. 28, 1861, and March 3, 1865, was married to Ann P. Adams, and is the parent of four children. Mr. R. has, since 1849, been a member of the Christian Church, in whose cause he has labored assiduously during all these years.
Philip G. H. Railsback was born in Montgomery Co. Tenn., Feb. 14, 1822. His parents, Thomas F. and Louisa V. Railsback, were Virginians. He came to the county with his parents in 1830. His father was one of the leading pioneers and served for a number of years County Commissioner. Philip had only such education as the common schools of this county afforded at an early day, but, nevertheless he has been very successful in life. He is engaged in farming on section 6. He is a member of the Christian Church ; politically, a Democrat. Feb. 15, 1842, he was united in marriage with Susan M. Adams. They have five children living, three dead. Post-office, Mackinaw.
1
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
David P. Richardson, mason, Minier; son of George W. and Mary Richardson ; the former of England, the latter of Vermont. He was born in Clinton county, Ind., May 26, 1838; was educated in public schools of Indianatown, Pa., and Methodist College at Thornton, Ind. In May, 1861, at the breaking out of the Rebell- ion, he enlisted as a private in company I, 20th Ill. Infantry. Hc was appointed Corporal, promoted to first Sergeant then to first Lieutenant and finally Captain of the same company. He was dis- charged July 16, 1865. He has served as United States Collector of internal revenue for Iroquois and Ford counties and Collector of his own township. Politically he is a Democrat. On the 30th day of March, 1864, he was married to Lydia Parker. They have two children living, one dead.
William F. Rowell was born in Crafton county, N. H., Sept. 15, 1839. His parents, Jonathan B. and Cyntha Rowell, were also natives of New Hampshire. Mr. R. was educated in the common schools of New Hampshire and Illinois and Lombard Universities, this State. He came to the State in 1849 and to this county in 1871. Among the first that went in defense of our flag, when it was assailed by rebel hands in '61, was Wm. H. Rowell. He enlist- ed in June, 1861, in Co. D, 8th Mo. Infantry and served till July 4, 1864. Another important event of his life occurred Oct. 20, 1869. Upon that date he was united in marriage with Belle Diekinson. They have four children, two girls and two boys. Politically Mr. R. is a Republican. He is a farmer and resides on sec. 13. Post- office, Minier.
John Shreeve, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Minier; was born in Perry county, O., March 14, 1811; came to this county in 1855 and set- tled in Deer Creek township. He rented the Cullom farm there for nine years, when he purchased the farm upon which he now lives and cultivates. Mr. Shreeve's parents, Israel and Mary Shreeve, were natives of Pennsylvania. He has been twice married, the first time April 11, 1833, to Catherine Koons, who died Aug. 5, 1864. March 9, 1865, he was married to Angeline Cooper. He united with the Methodist Church in 1855 and in politics he adheres to the Republican party.
William Moss Shreve, farmer, is a native of this county, having been born in Morton township, Tazewell Co., Dec. 15, 1833. He attended the common schools in his boyhood days and gleaned a good common school education. His parents, Israel and Elizabeth Shreve, were natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. . Mr. S. at present holds the offices of Justice of the Peace, Highway Commissioner and Town Trustee. He was married to Mary E. Eggman Sept. 28, 1857, who has borne him eight children- two boys and six girls-all of whom are living save one. He is a member of the M. E. Church. In politics he stands upon Repub- lican platform. He is engaged in farming on section 36, where he has a fine farm and good improvements and displays much taste in
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
ornamental and shade trees and the improvement of his grounds. Post-office, Minier.
Philip W. Smith, is a son of Philip H. and Catharine Smith, Philip W. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., Sept. 12, 1842; was educated at the public schools of of Philadelphia, Penn. By occupation he is a shoe-maker and re- sides in the town of Minier. Mr. S. was Drum Major in the 5th Penn. Reserves, during the late war. He was united in marriage Feb. 21, 1868, to Miss Emma Roothadrawl. They have six chil- dren -three boys and three girls; is a member of the Christian Church. Post-office, Minier.
The following gentlemen have guided the public affairs of the township since its organization.
SUPERVISORS.
B. F. Orendorff. 1850 John S. Briggs. 1864-67
A. B. Davis
1851-52
Rodney J. Mitchell.
1868-69
D. W. C. Orendorff
1853-54
William Bennett
1870-71
J. L. Summers.
1855-61
Asa Hicks
1872-79
Zerah Munsell
1863
TOWN-CLERKS.
Wm. R. Adams
1854
Wm. Barrett
1867-68
J. L. Summers.
1855
Ezra E. Howard
1869-73
Zerah Munsell.
1856-58
J. M. Edmiston
1374
R. J. Mitchell.
1859
George W. Ferree
1875
John Hunter ..
1860-61
Win. Beuhrig.
1876-77
John Henderson
1863
George Whitman. 1878
Jolin S. Daly.
1864
Wm. Beuhrig
1879
R. J. Mitchell
1865-66
ASSESSORS.
James Galbraith
1854-56
G. W. Minier 1865-66
George W. Minier
1857
Wm. M. Shreeve.
1867
James Galbraith
1858
J. S. Briggs.
1868-69
J. B. Hicks
1859
William Bennett 1870
J. S. Briggs
1860-61
J. S. Briggs
1871
W'm. P. Allensworth. IS63
William Murdock
1372-78
J. L. Summers.
1864
B. C. Allensworth
1879
COLLECTORS.
T. F. Railsback.
1854
John Rupp
1864
J. H. Ross.
1855
J. E. Railsback
1865-66
Samuel B. Buckley.
1856
T. J. Brown ...
1867-69
Richard C. Gaines.
1857
Richard C. Gaines.
1870-71
S. B. Buckley
1858
/ Adam Hample 1872-75
R. C. Gaines
1859-60
John Ling. 1876
John Hunter
1861
Adam Hample. 1877
Wm. P. Allensworth
1863
D. P. Richardson
1873-79
526
HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
MALONE TOWNSHIP.
This was the last township of Tazewell Co. to receive its first settler. His advent was not until 1850, over twenty-five years after settlers came into other parts of the county. Much of the priarie land, before the county was generally cultivated, was so wet that many supposed it never could be tilled profitably. In this respect Malone was worse than most any other portion of the county. We find a very good description of the state of the land in an early day in a report made by a commission appointed by the Legislature to survey and appraise the swamp lands of the county. This survey was made in 1852, and the report reads as follows: "The whole of this body of land is such as would be generally denominated wet prairie land. During the spring months of April and May water stands upon the ground to the debth of from one to two inches to one to two feet. The higher ground on the west side is compara- tively dry, and is composed of sand ridges interspersed with small oak timber, but the prairie on the north, cast and south sides is among the best for farming purposes to be found in this section of the county. In the course of a few years this low land will become very valuable, both for pasture and meadow. At a little expense a ditch could be cut into Crane lake, when the land would be dry enough for the slough." Upon such lands as they adjudged swamp or over- flowed lands, they put a valuation of from 50 to 80 cents per aere. In Spring Lake they valued some land as low as 10 cents per acre. Several years age a large ditch was cut through the township which, with numerous small ones, a fine system of tiling and cultivation, has relaimed this rich soil, and now some of the finest farms in the county are located here.
Among the earliest settlers here were Silas Dowed, Thos. Perry, James McCoy, James and John Wilson, Calvin F. Buekman, Dr. Hubbard, S. and William Latham, Joseph Watts, and William Boyer. John A. Kerman was the first to train the children in the school room. The first marriage occurred in 1850. Francis M. Griffin and a daughter of James McCoy were the contracting parties.
Mr. Wm. Boyer relates some incidents of early life here, that will be read with interest, no doubt. He says Ohio, the State he left when he came here, abounded in game, and in consequence he had hunted a great deal. On his arrival here he found game equally
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
as plentiful, and he has enjoyed many exciting hunts after deer, brant, geese, etc. One winter he, with his son, John P., Ed. Vancil and Manuel Purcell, went on a deer hunt. A heavy snow lay upon the ground. They started in a sleigh and soon discovered some deer, and succeeded in killing two of them. Across the "flat" there were two groves-one called Swamp Grove the other Ash Grove. Between the two the deer were generally numerous. The party saw some deer about a quarter of a mile away, and arranged it that Ed. Vancil should circle around them with the team and drive them through these groves, where Mr. B. and the others were to lie in wait for them. In a short time Vancil returned and re- ported that " the deer did not scare worth a cent." Indeed, instead of running at his approach, they came right up to the sleigh, struck at him, shook their antlers, and manifested unmistakable signs of fight. At least to such an extent that Vancil acknowledged being afraid to shoot, although well armed. At the conclusion of this singular report the party hurried to the spot, and succeeded in get- ting only one shot, and secured another deer. In this herd forty- seven deer were counted by Mr. B. He relates that at that time he could find deer at any season of the year in what was called Crane lake swamp. This was previous to the cutting of the county ditch and it was therefore very wet.
Wolf hunts were not unfrequent in an early day here. The wolves were so numerous and troublesome that regularly organized raids were made upon them. With dogs, guns, and other weapons, the people would turn out and drive them to their coverts. At one particular hunt, which is spoken of by John P. Boyer, six men engaged to exterminate or intimidate the marauding rascals, to such an extent, at least, as to afford temporary relief. The hunt was carried on with dogs, used for the purpose of tracking them. The men went on foot, and often started up several and followed them for miles. The wolves were driven to their burrows, where the party succeeded in capturing nine young ones. These were divided among the party, taken home and trained, and grew to be well be- haved dogs, save they were bound to live on spring chickens, camp- meeting or no camp-meeting.
The personal sketches and family history of the following persons of this township properly contribute to make up its history :
. George Ail, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Green Valley ; son of George and Mary (Brown) Ail, natives of Germany, having lived on the
32
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
river Rhine. The subject of this sketch was born in Ripley county, Ind., Sept. 22, 1837 ; received a common school education, and came to this county in 1855; has held several local offices ; was married, April 26, 1859, to Mary Jane Thompson, a native of Hillsdale Co., Mich. She died Aug. 16, 1878; she was a consistent Christian lady and a member of the Christian Church. They were the parents of Henriet E., born Jan. 21, 1860; Lilly Olive, born Sept. 30, 1863; George Leander, Feb. 28, 1866; Jennie Maud, July 27, 1875.
Joseph Ary, farmer, sec. 8; was born in White Co., near Carmi, this State, Oct. 20, 1820. His parents, George Ary and Susan Dosier, his wife, were natives of Virginia. Joseph received a com- mon school education, and while quite young worked at the cooper's trade ; has served his county in several local official positions ; was married, in 1839, to Frances Griffin, a native of Ky. The union has been blessed with nine children, only three of whom are living. They were born as follows : Lucinda,* Aug. 13, 1840; J. Henry,* Sept. 6, 1842; John Anderson, Feb. 5, 1845; Mary A.,* April 13, 1847; Millessa,* Aug. 8, 1849; Minerva A., Aug. 14, 1852; Geo. Alonso, Nov. 13, 1855; Presilla,* Feb. 2, 1859. Those marked * are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ary have been members of the Chris- tian Church for 30 years. His grand parent, Adam Dosier, served in the Continental army for seven years under Washington ; Mr. Ary remembers distinctly of hearing him recite the many exciting times he had witnessed, and many hardships he went through, in the war for Independence. He died in White Co., Ill., at a very ad- vanced age.
Jerome Bonaparte Bailey, farmer and blacksmith, see. 11; P. O., Green Valley ; was born in Hillsboro, N. H., May 31, 1839. His parents are Josiah Gordon and Catharine (Barnes) Bailey. Jerome B. came to this county in 1853, attended school at Pekin, and was married, July 7, 1864, to Ada Noel, of Green Co., Ill. They have two daughters, Jesse N., born Oct. 23, 1869, and Mabel Lec, born March 16, 1875. Mr. B. is paying special attention to the culture of strawberries. In 1878 he raised on a small patch 54 bushels, being at the rate of 675 bushels per acre. He has 12 acres, which is a very large strawberry bed.
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