USA > Illinois > Shelby County > Tower Hill > History of Tower Hill and vicinity > Part 3
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Another old graveyard, as they were called in the early days, is the one known as the Middlesworth yard, located on the top of a hill in the middle of a field, about a mile and one-half north of Tower Hill. This ground is in a desperate condition, in fact it is what is known as a deserted graveyard, abandoned to Nature. This spot is of deep interest to me as containing the bodies of my great-great-grandmother Hanson and my great-grandfather John May, besides several great aunts and uncles and lesser kin. There are 84 graves in this spot, and all among the very earliest settlers. This spot is nearly 100 years old, perhaps the next oldest anywhere.
The Knobs is another old sacred spot to scores of present day citizens in that region. It too ranks along toward a century mark in age, as the Knobs was the first settled place in this part of the country, antedating the town of Tower Hill by at least 20 years.
I must confess that my recent visit there was of a disappointment, as to the attention or rather lack of attention, given to this hallowed ground. I was surprised to find it a tangled mass of briars, thorns and shrubs. There is a splendid opportunity for some to add to his laurels in starting a general cleanup, and what now borders on a disgrace, to become an object of admir- ation and beauty. Who will start this project?
Then there is the Robinson Creek and Rocky Branch and several other small burial spots, all containing the resting places of the early settlers, names that are yet familiar to all. A visit to each of these enumerated would reveal names and dates in connection with the early settlement of all this region.
But the present generation is interested more in their own burial ground known as the Tower Hill cemetery. And well they may and point with pride to its well kept grounds. Here is a spot that is pleasing to the eye, and restful to the feelings that their loved ones are lying in a beautiful "God's Acre." Tower Hill cemetery ground was bought from H. P. Faught and laid out in February, 1882. It contains 20 acres, laid out in 477 lots with 240 yet unsold. There are 120 lots in the "permanent kept" list, which is a token of esteem and pride to the owners. This perpetual fund is now $4200 and still growing. There are about a dozen burials in the pauper field, but they are as rich in their possession as the richest of earth. How true that saying, "But two feet of earth make us all of one size."
The first officers were: Robert Fleming, president; H. K. Baines, secretary, and G. W. Fringer, treasurer. The first board of trustees were the following: J. A. Andes, A. M. Craddick, John Morgan. The original board of incorporation was composed of the following: A. M. Craddick, C. M. Ross, G. W. Fluckey, Robert Fleming, H. R. Fairchild, James McKittrick, H. K. Baines, George Cor- ley, J. A. Andes, and G. W. Fringer. There have been only 2 presidents in all this tme, namely Robert Fleming for 28 years and the present incumbent, A. A. Eiler, for 17 years. To show the flight of time, you will note that every one of the original offices of any position at the beginning of the associa- tion are now dead. The present list of officers is as follows: A. A. Eiler, president; W. O. Shanks, secretary; John R. Warren, treasurer. Trustees are: L. B. Fluckey, W. E. Cannon, Charles Ashe, C. E. Sibbitt, S. W. Dutton, Eli Read, H. S. Fairchild and L. W. Morrison.
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TOWER HILL HORSE COMPANY
Tower Hill Horse Company-After the close of the Civil War there spread throughout the country a reign of terror in horse and cattle thieving. It be- came so bad that communities had to organize for mutual protection. Perhaps the most prominent organization of this kind in central Illinois was that of the Tower Hill Horse Company, that not only confined its workings to the immediate community but to neighboring counties. This organization was composed of men of fearless attitude and bravery, men who had seen service in the great Civil War and had no hestitancy in administering very severe treatment to the guilty culprits. This formed the backbone to the organiza- tion and was the means of making it a force not to be reckoned with. Many weird and strange tales had crept out from time to time as to the treatment meted out to captives when caught, and because of this harsh punishment was the effective means that soon cleared this community of the roving bands of thieves. The leader among this effective organization was my grand- father, the late John Sharrock, a man of absolute fearlessness when dealing with this class of citizenry. He was the central figure for many years in its organization. It was he who was sent for when the posse formed for taking up the trail for horse thieves, and he was unanimously always chosen as the judge advocate to deal with the captives. I have many records of personal encounters between he and the pursuit of these tough criminals, who even counted life as of no value in making their escapes. The general headquarters was the place now known as the Eiler church. But the membership scattered far and wide, for men everywhere sought to join its ranks for this mutual protection. It developed that this thievery was carried on by an organized band too often it was found that men living in the community were engaged in that hazardous yet very profitable occupation. But by the extreme means as meted out to the captives, it was effective in a few years in almost wiping out this nefarious trade.
The one event that helped carry on the enthusiasm for the organization was the annual Horse Company picnic. It was an established event and al- ways looked to with great interest. People came from far and near. It was the one great annual event. Great preparations were made in the way of enjoy- ment. To look back upon one of these events from our modern standpoint of enjoyment, appears tame, but the folks enjoyed themselves hugely and were loathe to leave the varied scenes of activity and companionship. But in time, through the clearing of the country of these roving bands of thieves, and the death of many of the principal leaders, the organization ceased its work and annual picnics, so that for years the Tower Hill Horse Company has gone into the records of the past.
"FORTY-NINERS"
"Forty-Niners"-As far as I have been able to find out, Tower Hill has the honor to have furnished only two California gold seekers in that memorable rush of 1849, namely my grandfather, John Sharrock, and his brother-in-law, Lafayette May. About May 1st, 1849 they left the Sharrock homestead in an
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ox-wagon well provisioned for that long, tedious and dangerous journey across the plains and mountains to try their luck in the new gold fields. After six months of traveling, enduring untold hardships and privations un- dreamed of, they came into the gold region with the same ox team, but only a very crude affair of a box fastened upon the two hind wheels of the origi- nal wagon. In fact, they counted themselves very fortunate in arriving in that condition as compared to others in the company of 135 teams that form- ed the original train at Independence, Mo.
Fortunately about forty years ago the writer who had always been inter- ested in the tales of adventure as told by my grandfather, secured his interest and permission to take down in writing the record of that memorable trip. I prize very highly the tale of that woderful journey, which was this personal account printed in the Tower Hill Breeze at the time.
When we compare this wonderful journey with our modern methods of travel one is simply amazed that men would risk their lives for the chance of making a strike in the gold fields. Just think of the separation from the family of wife and children for a year or more and not a single letter either way, and the expensive and dangerous journey across the plains and mountains, inhabited with rovings bands of savage Indians, and the expos- ure to the rigorous winters in the mining camp, and the inconveniences of camp life, with unreasonable prices for food stuffs and clothing which reads like fiction rather than the real facts as they with thousands of others exper- ienced this state of affairs, and all for the chance of a lucky find. Thousands of men never returned to their eastern homes as life was not counted of much value in those days of the mad rush for wealth. The least disputes in the camp were settled by the first at the trigger. Legal action and moral rights were unheard of.
Our grandfather has stated that it was one continual watch against robbery and murder during the entire stay in camp. Because of this condition of lawlessness, and the hardships, and the fact that he had not heard a word from home, such a thing being impossible, he decided to return home. But remembering the awful endurance of the overland journey, he decided to return via the Isthmus of Panama, where the great canal is today located. Landing at the Isthmus is the chstom for safety to start in large compa- nies and very early so as to make the trip across in one day. This one day's walk he said was the worst experience in all his mining adventure. A narrow path leads through the tropical jungle infested not only with wild animals but continuously with bands of robbers lying in wait for the return- gold seekers. To lag the least bit was to be set upon by these human vultures. During the day, eight men becoming weary from the terrible heat and lagging behind were caught by these bandits and waylaid and robbed. There was no use to stop for a defense, because of becoming lost in the jungle and the fast creeping darkness which meant death for all.
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Taking a boat on the Atlantic side, he later landed at New Orleans where he exchanged his gold for currency, because they were allowed more than at San Francisco. Taking a river boat he finally landed at St. Louis where he purchased a horse and started over land for home, arriving at dark the second day. A great surprise for the family for they had never heard a sin. gle word from him since the day he left, over a year ago, refusing to believe that he would never return and always consoling themselves with a fort- unate return.
But what a surprise to him to learn that one of his children had died in his absence, and the death of his father-in-law, John May, but thankful and gracious to greet a new baby born shortly after his leaving.
Verily the hardship and endurance of the early pioneers has been without equal. Truly it has been said, "We are the heirs of the ages."
METEOR OF 1876
Meteor of 1876 - Who of the old timers remember that wonderful meteoric display in the winter of 1876? I was only a lad of eight years, and while I did not see it directly, yet I remember so distinctly many circumstances connected with the visit of this heavenly messenger. The visit of this heavenly body was of much magnitude, and recorded as one of the great- est on record. I have this from the official authority on meteors. It passed over Tower Hill about 9 p.m. on the night of December 21, 1876. My parents were then living in the house on the northeast corner of the block in which is located the Christian church. Suddenly we noticed a very dazzling light in the windows. Father was startled, but mother made this very reply which I remember so well, her saying, "O that was the light from Crawford Ward's lantern as he is coming home from prayer meeting." I have lately consulted a perpetual calendar and confirm this statement, for Dec. 21, was on Thurs- day, the night of the regular Methodist prayer meeting.
The record states that this immense meteor was first seen in Kansas, and and last seen while exploding in Ohio, where many fragments fell. It was accompanied by a terrific, heavy, rumbling noise and the pyrotechnic dis- play is recalled in the annals of astronomy as the greatest ever recorded. Of course it was the subject of much talk that night and even for days. As usual, many saw in it evil omens.
CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION
Centennial Exposition - Tower Hill can boast of being represented at the Centennial Exposition in 1876 held in Philadelphia, it being the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These favored persons were Dr. G. W. Fringer and wife, very prominent citizens, living in the homeplace on the south side of the hill, being the second house east of the school building. On my last visit there, I noticed with sadness, what at one time was considered one of the nicest cottages in the town, now fallen into a decaying condition.
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ASSASSINATION OF GARFIELD .
How many readers of the Times recall the news of the assassination on July 2, 1881? This happened on Saturday at 8 a.m. in Washington D. C. All the news that came to Tower Hill was given out by the local agent of the I. & St. L., as he caught the message over the wires. No details were obtain- able at all as compared to these days of quick transmitting of news, so we had to wait until the next day, Sunday and run the chance of securing a daily St. Louis paper. As expected they were all sold out long before the train reached Tower Hill. But a passenger alighted from the train grabbed a paper from a dozing passenger and ran into the waiting room as the train pulled out. He stood on one of the seats in the corner and read to the crowd as they jammed tightly around him. I was present with my father and other relatives and remembered the occasion distinctly.
PICNICS
Picnics - In the 70's and 80's the universal custom of having a good time in which the entire community could take part was that old fashioned picnic. Foremost of all and I have spoken of it in a previous article was the Annual Horse Company picnic. This was the one that drew the crowds from far and near, because of this organization extending over such a large territory.
The next in importance and as regular as clockwork for many years was the annual Knobs Sunday School picnic. This was the great drawing card for the young folks of the country for invitations were always extended to all schools and a great rivalry existed as to the largest delegations, the most elaborate float, and the best singing and recitations. I can see yet those pro- cessions of schools in wagons and buggies loaded to the limit with children all togged out in their best, and flags, and banners floating in the breeze. White dresses and pink sashes were prevailing fashion. While for eats the "last word" had been said in its preparation. Surely, "them were the days." event that was looked to many months ahead, as to the annual neighbors, cementing all together in a common brotherhood for the best interest of a!',
Then in different sections of the country were the local affairs, heid at Robinson Creek, Rocky Branch, Williamsburg, Zion, etc., each event adding to the communal interest. These annual gatherings were the one great social
But the one great event that seemed to top all other neighborhood gather- ings was the old-fashioned, handed down from forefathers, the 4th of July picnic. This was the real thing and Tower Hill for many years put on this annual gala day. (I wish I had space to do justice to what I am thinking about, but can only touch a few high spots. Some day if all is willing I promise you that I will give you a touch of the real thing.)
I can now after forty years hear the anvils boom, boom, real early in the mornings arousing the populace (and the small boy, too), to the fact that this was the day, and the only day of all the year. Somehow it sont a thrill through your very being, and what you had read in your school history about Bunker Hill and Lexington seemed now as an epoch to that historic event. Some time away back in the earlier history of Tower Hill, so I am told, cannon, yes real cannon, were used to usher in this glorious day and thus make it more impressive upon the public.
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Here is some history that I will vouch for its accuracy, but somehow it stays with me that two of Tower Hill's most respected present day citizens, and very dear friends of mine, name'y Charles Conrad and Crawford Ward, have each gone through life minus a thumb each, lost on this eventful day because they were not trained gunners in touching off the cannon's salute. If I am wrong I beg pardon, but if true they carry with them the record of a sacrifice for their country. This day was the delight of the boy, for with fire- crackers and other noise makers, and red lemonade, he asked for no other delight on earth or Heaven itself.
And the orator of the occasion will we ever forget him? Standing there there on the raised platform with flags and streamers flaunted to the breeze, this important personage spread anew the gospel of patriotism, to as eager a crowd as ever hungered for a recurrence of the doings and valor of their ancestors. Are we losing out because we have drifted away from this time- honored custom? May we ponder well and listen.
REVIVALS
Revivals - With the passing of these annual events of community fest- ivities, there is another phase of early activities of a religious nature that I fear will be a subject for the historian of the future. I allude to the old fashioned revivals of religion as held in all churches at generally the fall or winter season. Space forbids of an extended account of these religious events, of so much interest to me and no doubt to the passing generation. I view with regret and am inclined to be a bit pessimistic to note the passing of this once great uplift of religion and morality in the community. Let us be criticized by those who dare, but give me the church with its annual revivals. There was an awakening in these special services that is not now perceivable with its discontinuance.
COAL MINES
In the latter part of the 80's considerable community talk was going on, as to the possibility of coal lying at a reasonable depth below the surface of Tower Hill territory, and noting the success of our neighboring city of Pana was enjoying from a business standpoint, many spirited citizens of the village formed an organization for the purpose of employing a drilling con- cern to bore a hole into the regions below and ascertain the extent of their dreams.
So the records are, as near my memory serves me, that in the late part of 1891 and early part of 1892, a contract was made with the Diamond Pros- pecting Company, to bore with a diamond drill, so as to preserve a core of the various strata, and settle once and for all if Tower Hill had coal.
I remember so well that drilling operation, which took place in what was then called "Bowman's Pasture," a spot northward about 100 yards from where your citizen Ed S. McLean now resides, and who has furnished the greater part of this coal history.
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It certainly was interesting to note the time of hoisting the drill, and see the core as it was brought to the surface, revealing the different strata that underlie the surface. Fortunately I have this day in my possession a section or two of this core, one showing stone and the other of coal.
Right here is a good place to state that the entire core was eventually boxed and stored in R. E. Cannon's store, but unfortunately was destroyed when this firm had a disastrous fire which destroyed the entire row of build- ings and sad we were to see our tangible evidence of our coal prospects go the way of destruction.
My friend Homer Jones of Chicago has so kindly furnished me with an official coal log signed May 25, 1892, by the driller in charge, a Mr. Harry Cossette, which gives an account of every inch of the 747 feet of this prospect hole, which in a few years led to the opening of a real coal mine in the Hill.
I feel it will be of interest to Times readers to briefly give a resume of the various strata passed through and which were verified by the actual cores, which as we said were later destroyed.
I see by this log that at 87 feet a 6-inch vein of coal was shown, after passing through soil, then limestone and layers of shale.
Then at 157 feet a vein of coal one foot thick was reached, and again at 291 feet another vein of only 7 inches. The strata all the way down were alternating stone, and shale of various color.
At 494 feet a vein of coal again one foot was shown and the citizens were now very hopeful that soon the much expected workable vein of coal would soon be reached.
But as the drilling went on, from day to day, and no coal veins were being shown, the cheerful spirits of our citizens, turned into "Doubting Thomases" and it began to look that our money was going into an empty hole.
One hundred feet passed and no signs, and then another 100 feet was shown and still no coal, and many gave up-when the next 50 feet was the Mecca for which we all had sought, for at 747 feet and 7 inches the drill brought up a core of coal 7 feet and 4 inches.
It was sure one jubilant day and we all had visions of a future Tower Hill surrounded by coal mines and no doubt many industries that would locate in our midst.
And thus finishes the verification of this log and signed on May 25, 1892, and every one felt that they had made a good investment, and time alone would make "dreams come true."
One very interesting event or citation took place during this prospecting, as a Tower Hill hoy, George Weeks, the son of the Postmaster, John Weeks, took a very active interest in this boring process, in fact so interested was he that he became a handy boy around the drilling, being employed, and when this firm of drillers left the town George went with them on the pay- roll, and how strange to relate George followed this firm of drillers into Africa, England, staying with them for years and years, finally dying in England. He became an expert at this diamond drill work.
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After several years, about 1903 the citizens again revived interest in forming a Citizens Coal organization to secure coal rights preparatory to persuading some company to open this wonderful vein of black diamond.
And right here comes my good friend Ed S. McLean with the information that this organization elected Squire A. R. Robinson, as president and Ed S. McLean as secretary. Their duty was to get coal right signers, preparatory to inducing some firm to open the mine.
A total of 2400 acres was secured, some donating, but most were paid, which was the valuable inducement that finally led the Edwards Coal com- pany to begin operations and finally began hoisting coal to the surface, as described later on.
Ed writes me that other members of this coal right organization included A. M. Craddock, Doug Corley, Lewis Eiler, and many others.
Further quoting Mr. McLean, he says that A. M. Craddock was the booster of the community, for opening up a mine, especially when the citizens knew they had the coal, and this organization had gone out and secured coal rights, then the point was to get the company.
It appears from those very familiar with the opening of the mine, such as McLean and Burr Fluckey and other old timers, that our "Bud" Craddock had an old friend, a descendant of the pioneer Brisbane family, namely, Capt. Brisbane, a name perpetuated in the Brisbane school west of town, who was a Civil engineer and in the employ of Edwards & Sons of Minneapolis, Min., coal mine operators, and lumber dealers and very wealthy.
So it was through this Capt. Brisbane that the entire proposition was laid before this Edwards Co., the inducement being coal rights, 15 acres of land donated through the business men's organization, and eventually contracts were signed, and work started on an opening 8 by 8 feet for a shaft to the heavy vein of coal below.
A depth of 820 feet was sunk and the 8 foot vein was reached, and here was what proved eventually a fatal mistake in only making the shaft 8 by 8 when it should have been 8 by 16, so as to allow the hoisting and lowering a cage at the same time thereby lessening the expense practically one-half in raising the coal to the surface."
With a shaft of this small dimension, the company was compelled to compete with Hillsboro, Pana and Nokomis mines. Other fatalities in the operating of the mine will be recorded later.
A very interesting geological incident is remembered in sinking this shaft of 820 feet, which of course passes through many strata of rock, shale of vorious colors, small veins of coal here and there, and at one place a bed of compressed mass of shells, an inch to 2 inches in diameter, was encountered. The excavators brought to the surface a large mass the size of a nail keg, which was on exhibition and was some curiosity. Verily there are mysteries in the earth as well as the sky above. Mr. McLean advances the idea and he is correct in his conclusions-that this strata of shells at this depth is the result of the glacial period in the eons of ages of the past.
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The sinking of the shaft opened work for a lot of men. and when the mine became operative, a force running as low as 100 to the greatest number of 450 brought a lot of business to the village.
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