USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, together with historic notes on the Northwest, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources > Part 110
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were recorded. Those of the previous one show no action on the ques- tion of removal; and as it appears by the record that the annual meet- ing of 1858 was held at the Cunningham school-house, we infer that the change of polling-place was voted at the spring election of 1857. The value of the town records is greatly affected by the numerous hiatuses which occur, one of which, in the very important period of the war, covers a space of four years. The annual meetings have since been held at the Cunningham school-house, but at the last elec- tion (April, 1879) the polling-place was transferred to the. Le Neve school-house, where, for the first time, an election will be held in the fall of the current year. Stock has always been permitted to run at large. The town has uniformly been democratic, and may boast with no unseemly pride that it is free from debt.
In 1856 Fremont (now Blount) township was created from Newell and Pilot townships. In the formation of this new town Newell lost about one third of its area.
WAR HISTORY.
The defective town records oblige us to resort to verbal information for much material which otherwise would be documentary and far more complete and reliable. This recourse is especially enforced in an account of the raising of funds to hire substitutes in the time of the war. Whatever errors or omissions occur in this relation should be attributed to the natural weakness and failure of the memory - no more in those who have supplied these scanty materials than in the great mass of men. Sometime in the summer or fall of 1864 a requi- sition was made on Newell township for twenty-eight able-bodied men for the military service. Several public meetings were convened at the regular polling-place at the Cunningham school-house. At the first of these, committees were appointed to obtain subscriptions to a fund for hiring substitutes and filling the quota of the town. Fourteen thousand dollars were subscribed in sums varying from ten dollars to two hundred dollars. Andrew Gundy and Harry Ross were deputed to go to Cairo, Illinois, to contract the required number of men. This duty they performed with entire success and satisfaction. Early in the succeeding winter a demand for twenty-eight men was again made on the township. An election was ordered to ascertain the will of the people in regard to issuing bonds for another quota of money to avert a draft. Authority was given by a large majority to issue fourteen thousand dollars of bonds. This measure met with some opposition from the wealthier men of the town, and it was sought to defeat it by stratagem after it had been decisively carried. The town-clerk was
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secured by this faction to act in their interest. He was to postpone his signing of the bonds until the latest moment, when he was to resign his office, and so leave no competent authority to complete the transac- tion. The party favoring the issue of the bonds got notice of this snare in time to have a qualified person on the ground to be imme- diately appointed by the town board. The arrangement was fully car- ried out on both sides, and the bonds were issued in pursuance of the authority granted by the people. The face of the bonds was twenty- five dollars and fifty dollars, with ten per centum annual interest. They were offered for sale on the fair grounds at Danville, and were disposed of at par. Solomon Starr bought the first one, and Joseph W. Osborne the largest amount, one thousand dollars. When put up for sale, announcement was made that they should be received for the taxes of that year- which announcement, of course, contained no legal obligation. This promise was fairly observed, though it was not strictly lawful for the collector to receive bonds in payment of taxes. To avoid trouble, and to satisfy any scruples which might be felt, the town-clerk (we think it must have been the supervisor) daily receipted to the assessor in a sum equal to the amount of the bonds he had taken.
The present town officers are: Andrew Gundy, supervisor; Richard M. Jenkins, town clerk; William O. Cunningham, assessor; T. J. Scott, collector; Joseph Cunningham, Martin Adams, and J. D. Camp- bell, commissioners of highways; J. S. Johnson and William R. Wil- son, justices of the peace; Stephen Daniels and William R. Osborne, constables.
The Newell Horse Company was organized in 1854, and held its first quarterly meeting in October of that year. It was composed of many of the best citizens of Newell township. The earliest records are not extant. The objects of the association are expressed in the preamble to the constitution to be " to shield us from the depredations of horse-thieves, counterfeiters and swindlers, and to afford mutual assistance in reclaiming stolen horses and in apprelending thieves." Depredations had been extensively committed in the township by horse-thieves. Just over in Indiana was a nest of them, who combined counterfeiting with their other crimes. John Deck, sr., Geo. Luekey, and one or two others who had been sufferers by their operations, after vainly urging upon the citizens the organizing of some means of pro- tection, entered into a compact, pledging themselves to assist and pro- tect one another. Soon others were attracted to the company, and when the number had increased to twenty-five, they effected a perma- nent organization, at the Nauvoo school-house, by adopting a constitu-
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.
tion and by-laws, and electing officers. This body steadily grew in numbers and efficiency, till it became so formidable to the depredators that it was a standing menace to them, and an invaluable protection to the community. They captured counterfeiting presses, recovered stolen property, and ferreted out and apprehended horse-thieves and counter- feiters. They broke up and dispersed the gang that had infested this region of country, and so completely overawed one of the ring-leaders, named Lane, that whenever applied to by them he gave information against his fellows, and rendered material aid in bringing them to jus- tice. He afterward moved to another county, where he and his son became so notorious in stealing and counterfeiting that both were killed. One notable instance of summary execution occurred in the early days of this organization. A horse had been stolen in the vicinity. The company overtook the thief at Beaver Lake. He was about to escape, when Abiah Luckey snatched a fowling-piece from a gamester in their midst, and, after commanding the escaping criminal to halt without heed to the summons, shot him dead. For several years at first this company held meetings at the Nauvoo school-house, afterward at the Rutledge school-house, and still later at the Smith school-house. Like most other mutual organizations, this has lapsed at times in interest and vigilant operations, for want of employment. It is a member of the Wabash General Association of Detective Companies, which in- cludes forty-eight similar bodies.
STATE LINE CITY AND ILLIANA.
The site of State Line City and Illiana was the western terminus of the Toledo & Wabash railroad. The Great Western, built and owned by another company, and a continuation of the same route to the south- west, about the same time formed a junction here, whereupon the town began immediate growth. State Line City was laid out in the spring of 1857, by Robert Casement, and on the suggestion of A. P. Andrews was christened by its present name. Not long afterward that part of the town lying on the Illinois side was laid out by Parker Dresser and Edward Martin, and designated Illiana-a name formed from the first two syllables of Illinois and the last two syllables of Indiana. Two engine-houses and a passenger depot with a large eating-house attached were at once erected by the railroad companies. Passengers changed cars, and all local freight was trans-shipped here. A large region, em- bracing the towns of Covington, Perrysville, Eugene, Rossville, Myers- ville and Marysville, shipped and received freight at this point. About forty railroad hands were kept employed. Some time during that season John Briar and A. P. Andrews, under the firm name of
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Briar & Andrews, built a general merchandising establishment. Will-' iam Toole started a grocery and saloon. In the fall Robert Casement erected two large buildings north of the track, for a grain elevator. The next year Perrin Kent and his son William, and Col. E. F. Lucas, under the firm name of Kent & Co., built, on the same plan, another elevator. Harvey Barkley opened a dry-goods store, and Boyd & Part- low a drug store. Dr. Porter came in the fall. Robert Craig and John Ludlow set up in the blacksmith business. By this time a con- siderable number of shanties had been put up by railroad employés, and also a few good dwellings by other persons. In the fall of this year Prof. Elbridge Marshall, with a view of establishing a mannal labor school, solicited subscriptions to that object, and issued stock certificates entitling the holders to tuition for the amounts subscribed. He purchased ten acres of ground and erected a two-story briek build- ing, 40×42 feet in dimensions, at a cost of $4,000. This institution was named Evans Union College. Marshall was a thorough instructor, and under his able management the school gained a pleasing efficiency. In 1864 his connection with it ended, and John H. Braiden became the controlling spirit in its affairs. Prof. Aaron D. Goodwin succeeded as principal. These changes became the fruitful source of sectarian dissension, and the prosperity of the school rapidly diminished. Two or three years afterward the trustees of Kent township purchased the house for $2,700. It is now nsed for the public school.
In June, 1865, the passenger house and railroad hotel were burned. The two roads having been consolidated, the engine-houses were re- moved to Danville. The town suffered from this last event, and per- haps still more from the building of other railroads, which cut off terri- tory tributary to it, and in consequence has undergone serions deeline.
The question of incorporation having been presented to the people, the issue was decided affirmatively at an election held for that purpose on the 26th of April, 1873. An election for trustees was held in June. The board consists of five members. State Line City contains a popu- lation of about three hundred ; has eight business houses, one large three-story flouring-mill, three churches and two secret societies.
The Methodist society was organized in 1857. Abont 1865 they erected a substantial and imposing meeting-house, whose dimensions are 35 × 55 feet. Samuel Beck was the preacher in charge at that time. A Sunday-school is maintained throughout the year, with an average attendance of twenty-five. The Rev. Jonathan B. Coombs was the pastor during the conference year just closed.
The edifice in which the Presbyterians worship is 32 x 48 feet. The Rev. Edmund Post is the shepherd of this flock. The history of
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.
this society we have been unable to obtain, after using " due diligence " to that end.
In the summer of 1864 the Rev. Jacob Wright came to State Line City, and began holding meetings in the seminary. A society of the Christian denomination was soon organized, when the one at the Wal- nut Corners united with them. In 1867 they began and enclosed a brick church, 36 feet wide by 54 feet long, and 18 feet high from floor to ceiling, and in the following year completed it. The building cost $3,000. Asa Duncan, George A. Miller, John H. Braiden, James H. Simpson and James Hoover were elected trustees. The first two are dead, and the vacancies have not been filled. Not long after the erec- tion of this church the society at the Kiser School-house transferred their membership to this place. Both the church and the Sunday- school have been animated by little interest for some time past, but members express a hopeful belief that there will be an early reawaken- ing. At present no regular preacher is employed.
Mound Lodge, No. 274, A.F. & A.M., received a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Indiana, on the 19th of December, 1860, and a charter on the 29th of May, 1861. The first officers under the charter were Walker Hurd, W.M .; William Jones, S.W .; William Dixon, J.W. In May, 1865, this Lodge purchased the hall in the railroad hotel, which was consumed the succeeding month. The same year, in conjunction with R. Munnell, they erected a building 22 feet wide by 50 feet long, of which he owned the lower half, and they the hall above. The cost of the latter was $850. They own, besides, an undi- vided half of the building lot. Munnell's part of the property is now owned by James Cunningham. The new hall was dedicated on the 21st of December, 1865. The present officers are : E. R. Burch, W.M .; Amos Brooks, S.W .; Lester Leonard, J.W .; C. H. Campbell, Treas .; B. F. Marple, Sec .; A. M. Porter, S.D .; Martin Current, J.D .; John P. Lucas and John D. Campbell, Stewards, and William Barger, Tyler. The membership is thirty-seven. The Lodge enjoys a fair degree of usefulness. Its regular communications are on the first Wednesday of each month, before the full moon.
The charter of Illiana Lodge, No. 240, I.O.O.F., was granted by the Grand Lodge of Indiana, on the 17th of May, 1865, on the application of John Simmons, Divan Smawley, R. S. Burke, Thomas S. Jones and John M. Knox. The Lodge was instituted by Milton Herndon, G.S., on the 13th of June, 1865. The following officers were elected and installed at the same time : John Simmons, N.G .; R. S. Burke, V.G., and J. M. Knox, R.S. The present officers are : Martin Lindsey, N.G .; John W. Clapp, V.G .; B. F. Bonebrake, R.S .; W. O. Cunningham,
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P.S .; A. M. Porter, T .; Job Stevens, W .; S. J. King, C .; T. K. Wil- son, O.S .; A. F. Cunningham, R.S.N.G .; Philo Knapp, L.S.N.G .; Robert Hunter, R.S.G.G .; P. Cavanaugh, R.S.S .; M. Cordell, L.S.S. This Lodge is in a healthy condition, and numbers about forty mem- bers. It was first named Simmons, but was afterward changed to Illiana.
The Order of Patrons of Husbandry was instituted to ameliorate the condition of the agricultural population by fostering diversion and social intercourse ; by combining more calculation with muscle in the operations of the farm; by providing a medium of popular education on all topics relating to their occupation ; and by avoiding unnecessary middlemen, bringing producer and consumer nearer together, and en- abling them to secure better returns for their labor,- not by produc- tion alone, but also by a check upon the waste of profit. It compre- hends the highest and broadest culture, and the encouragement of every useful industry. It may be doubted if any institution, not professedly religious, devoted to more lofty and practicable ends, has ever been de- vised, or has ever reached such a degree of general favor among any class of people as this did. The most noted grange that existed in Newell township was Star Grange, No. 909. It was organized on the 13th of January, 1874, by John Abbott, county deputy, with twenty- three charter members. The first officers were George W. Smith, M .; George W. Woods, O .; George W. Cunningham, L .; Thomas J. Alli- son, S .; James Starr, A.S .; Mary C. Woods, L.A.S .; John A. Wilson, C .; Solomon Starr, T .; Zachariah Starr, Sec .; George W. Allison, G.K .; Cleantha Starr, C .; Jeanette Wilson, P., and Margaret E. Wilson, F. The growth of this grange was prodigions. At the end of the first year the membership amounted to one hundred and fifteen, and at last reached one hundred and forty-five. The present number is seventy- six. Just now the grange is in a lethargy. A revival of interest at an early day may be justly and confidently expected. In 1874, in conjunction with district No. 8, town 21, this grange erected a brick building, 24 x 36 feet, the lower part being used for a school- room and the upper part for a grange hall. The members of the grange subscribed and paid $750 toward the construction of this build- ing. At Stewart's Grove, on the 4th of June, 1874, the Order held a picnic which was a notable affair. A programme of uncommon merit was prepared for the occasion, and Col. R. M. Johnson, and the Rev. Theodore L. Stipp, delivered addresses. Two tables, each ninety feet long, were spread with provisions of such richness and delicacy, as quite to surpass the powers of ordinary description. A year later another festive gathering was held at the same place.
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.
In 1849 cholera raged with great mortality in many northern cities. In July it appeared in Danville township where its ravages were mostly confined. The disease was at its height in August, and the last cases occurred in September. The former month was very rainy, and with every shower it seized other victims. Jacob Herrin's cooper shop was taken for a hospital. The number of deaths was thirty-four. Three of those who died were inhabitants of Newell township, namely : Joab Martin, Jacob Olehy and his wife. The two last volunteered as nurses and died at the post of duty, which discovers the noblest humanity, and compels, if we except truth and honor, the highest sacrifice.
A post-office was once established at the Walnut Corners, which is thought to have been the first in the township. Ambrose P. Andrews was the postmaster. Another, at Myers Mill, was probably opened about 1854. Still another, called "Kentucky," was first located oppo- site Pleasant View church, and was kept by Mordecai Wells, a blind man, who had a little store at that place. He held it only a short time, when 'Squire Philip Leonard became the postmaster, and retained the office above twenty years. The fourth is at Bismark.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
William F. Adams, State Line, farmer, was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, on the 20th of November, 1822, and is the son of Samuel and Nancy (Martin) Adams. His father was born in the same place on the 27th of April, 1800, of Nancy (McCarty) Adams. His grand- father, William Adams, was a native Virginian. His parents were married on the 7th of February, 1822,- his mother being the sister to Joseph Martin, one of the earliest settlers of Newell township, and the first carpenter in it. The family came from Kentucky in 1825, and Samuel Adams located where he now lives. His first wife died on the 31st of March, 1847, and he married a second time, on the '30th of April, 1848, to Sarah Wiles, relict of J. Rails. They have fourteen living children. For a number of years circuit preaching was held at his house regularly each month. Though he never united with any denomination, he has always been a friend to the cause of religion, and a well-wisher of those who were trying to live pious lives, and now in his eightieth year looks back on a life of humble usefulness, and for- ward to a state of reward for those who have done well. The subject of this biography is one of the substantial citizens of Newell township. He was married on the 7th of March, 1844, to Jerusha Price, who was born on the 18th of February, 1824, and died on the 17th of May, 1860. His second marriage, on the 1st of December, 1863, was to
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Josephine Booe, who was born on the 9th of July, 1832. They have five living children : John L., William M., Samuel R., Eleanor S. and Elsie I. In politics Mr. Adams is a democrat, and in religion a Chris- tian or Disciple.
Andy Gundy, Bismark, was born in Ross township, near Myers- ville, on the 20th of November, 1828, and is a son of Joseph and Sally (Davison) Gundy. His father was born in Pennsylvania or Ohio on the 20th of August, 1796. He lived a short time in Indiana, and re- moved to Illinois, and settled in Ross township, Vermilion county, in 1828, where he resided until his death. His business was farming and stock buying and raising. This he carried on quite extensively for the times. Between 1852 and 1854 he owned an interest in the principal store in Myersville. He was an influential and highly respected man, and died on the 9th of July, 1864. Mrs. Gundy died on the 24th of April, 1857, aged nearly fifty-four years. Andy began his school life under the tutorship of George Stipp, a pioneer school teacher, in a vacant private house on the Luke Wiles place, just west of the North Fork, at Myersville, and finished his education at Georgetown, under Prof. J. P. Johnson. At the age of twenty-three he commenced busi- ness on his own account, engaging in merchandising in Myersville. He carried on an extensive outside business in wool, grain and stock. Mr. Gundy has held various offices of trust and responsibility. He was a member of the twenty-ninth general assembly. Mr. Gundy had a large private interest in coal lands, and was recognized as a person well qualified to serve on the committee on mines and mining. He was a member of the finance committee, and one other not remem- bered. He is at present serving his third term as supervisor of Newell township. At one time Mr. Gundy owned about eighteen hundred acres of real estate, but in the failure of the banking firm of J. C. Short & Co. he was a loser to the extent of $150,000. He owns some six hundred or seven hundred acres. He is an original whig; on the dissolution of that party joined the republicans, in which he has since faithfully served. Probably it was out of respect for the wish of St. Paul, that all men were like himself, that Mr. Gundy never married.
James Cunningham, State Line City, Warren county, Indiana, was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of March, 1810, and is a son of William and Mary (Humes) Cunningham. His parents removed with him at an early age to Harrison county, Kentucky. There Wm. Cunningham and his sons, of whom he had seven, cleared one-half of a farm of one hundred and fifty acres. Much of the land in those parts was military land, and the titles were defective. Mr. C. paid for his land twice, when a third man presented himself and his
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.
title to the unimproved half (which was now fenced). Declining to buy this claim, he shortly after sold the remainder and removed to Vermilion county, Illinois, settling in Newell township in the fall of 1829. The subject of this sketch was married on the 8th of Septem- ber, 1833, to Mary Andrews. He was bred to farming, and by hard labor and careful management acquired a good property. He was a member of Col. Moore's regiment during the Sac war. Shortly after his return from this campaign he improved a farm, on which he has always lived until within fourteen years, since which time he has re- sided in Illiana, doing no business. His son William occupies the old homestead. He is the father of four children: Hannah C., Ambrose F., William O. and James A. In politics he is a republican. Both Mr. and Mrs. C. are Presbyterians.
Ambrose Phelps Andrews, State Line City, farmer, was born in Madison county, New York, on the 22d of October, 1808. In Decem- ber, 1818, his parents, Ambrose and Hannah (Phelps) Andrews re- moved, and settled on the Scioto bottom, in Pike county, Ohio. Here his father bought a farm, but, losing it through a bad title, was induced to emigrate to Illinois. Accordingly, in 1829 he settled in Newell township. The subject of this sketch removed hither with him and others who came in company. He was married on the 8th of April, 1832, to Elizabeth Newell, daughter of 'Squire James Newell. She died on the 11th of May, 1856. Mr. Andrews has always been a farmer, which vocation he has followed with profit and success. For some years he was engaged in merchandising in State Line City. He served in the Blackhawk war as a member of Col. Moore's regiment. At one time he owned three hundred and forty-two acres, but has sold all but one hundred and thirty. He has six living children : Amelia H., Sophia, Ellen, Helen Victoria, Austin S. and James O. He is a republican in politics.
David P. Andrews, deceased, was born in Madison county, New York, on the 17th of July, 1815, and was a son of Ambrose and Han- nah (Phelps) Andrews. He was reared a farmer, and pursued that calling during life. His parents removed to Ohio when he was quite young, and from thence to Illinois, settling in Newell township, near Bismark, in 1829. On the 14th of July, 1848, Mr. Andrews was mar- ried to Rhoda Zumwalt, who was born on the 21st of February, 1818. He led a successful life, and acquired the respect and confidence of the community. He died on the 17th of February, 1879, leaving four children: Dewit C., born April 20, 1849; James A., June 3, 1850; Charles R., April 26, 1853, and Clara J., June 25, 1858. He was a republican in politics.
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NEWELL TOWNSHIP.
Joseph Cunningham, State Line City, Indiana, farmer, was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, on the 27th of February, 1828, and is a son of William and Mary (Humes) Cunningham. His father removed to Newell township in November of 1829. Mr. Cunningham was mar- ried to Mary Ann Swisher on the 5th of April, 1849. He is always found on the side of right, encouraging justice, good morals and good government. He has filled the office of commissioner of highways the past six years. He has six living children : Cleantha, Jolm I., Nora, Eddie, Ida M., Joseph S. He owns two hundred and eighty-five acres of land, worth $11,000. In politics he is a democrat, and in religion, a Christian or Disciple.
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