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 92

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : H. H. Hill and Company
Number of Pages: 1164

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 92

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

778

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.

They were two substantial Methodists. In the winter of 1825-6 Rev. Elijah Yager, my school-teacher, held meetings near here. Mr. Cassady used to come down to his meetings. Pretty soon Messrs. Cassady and Williams built a church near their places, say in 1827 or 1828, so that the Methodist church, with all its vicissitudes, has been a church from the first." In regard to Mr. Yager, he adds: "The second school was taught by Elijah Yager, a Methodist preacher from East Tennessee, in the winter of 1825-6, in a cabin, one mile northeast. He introduced more studies and taught declamation." This. of course, was over in Elwood township, but is introduced here to show that these men, who were building up religious institutions, had a healthy belief in the efficiency of common-school education. Some of the preachers whose names are now recalled were Mr. McReynolds, Mr. Buck, Mr. Crews, Dr. Butler, Grenbury Garner, Dr. Davies, Mr. Davidson, Mr. Minier, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Hopkins. Most of the old members have gone ; Mr. Abel Williams only, of the old band who helped to establish re- ligious institutions here, is alive, but has left the county. This appoint- ment is now known as Indianola circuit, with four appointments: the Dallas church, Dickson's school-house, and Gilead and Barnett school- houses. Flourishing Sabbath-schools are maintained at each of the appointments. The new church at Indianola is one of those beauties in proportions and architectural beauty that one meets seldom in the country. Situated on the beautiful hill just west of the village, its elegant spire pointing heavenward, a constant reminder of the hopes and aims of religion, over-looking one of the plainest and unsightly villages, its beauty, and especially its perfect proportions, its substantial workmanship and its tasty appearance are a constant surprise and de- light. If it is not the handsomest church edifice in Vermilion county, it may well be taken for a model for those which are yet to be built. It is 37×65, brick, and finished off in the neatest style, and has cost $5,000.

The Baptist church was organized in 1839 by the Bloomfield Asso- ciation, and was called the Little Vermilion church. Those members of the Bloomfield church who lived on the Little Vermilion, met on the Saturday before the fourth Sabbath in August, 1839, and agreed to be constituted a church. On Saturday before the fourth Sabbath in September, Elder G. W. Riley and Stephen Kennedy constituted a presbytery for the purpose of organizing the church. Then several members of the Bloomfield. Middlefork and Brueletts Creek churches, who were present, were invited to sit in council. Mr. Kennedy acted as moderator and Elder Riley as secretary. The following members were then constituted a church, council agreeing thereto: John Rich-

779

CARROLL TOWNSHIP.

ards, Samuel Porter, Wm. Porter, Elisabeth Waters, Mrs. M. Richards, Jane Yarnell and Sarah Barnett. Mr. Malichi Mendenhall, who would have been of the number, and who was in many respects one of the fathers of this pioneer organization, was absent in Ohio. Mr. Porter, Mr. Mendenhall and Mr. J. Parker were elected trustees, and Mr. Mendenhall, deacon. Elders G. W. Riley and John W. Riley and Freeman Smalley preached for the infant church, and the former was chosen the first pastor in 1844. This organization took place at a log school-house known as the Yarnell school house, which stood on the land now owned by Mr. Barnett. The church, which is still occupied, was built in 1843, is 30×35, and cost $600, and is supplied with a bell. J. W. Coffman, is the present pastor. A Sabbath-school has been main- tained nearly all the while. It numbers eighty, and W. T. Butler has acted as superintendent for twenty years. The church numbers eighty- one members. E. B. Willison, W. H. Adams and Wm. Porter are deacons. The church is at Indianola.

The "Prairie church" of the Cumberland Presbyterians, usually called the Miller church, was organized in 1866, by Rev. James Ash- more, with fourteen members, at the Miller school-house. Silas Clark, Albert Voores and John Carter were the first elders. Mr. Ashmore continued to preach for this congregation ten years. Rev. H. Van Dyne followed him and served the church two years. Rev. J. H. Hess, of Fairmount, is present supply. The church edifice was erected in 1870, on land donated by John Carter - a frame building, 40×50. Sabbath school is maintained summers. The present church membership is about fifty.

The old "Newlights " or Christians, were the first to hold religious services of a general or protracted nature in this county. In 1824 Rev. Samuel Magee held a camp-meeting in the neighborhood where Henry Johnson and Absalom Starr settled, which was on the line between this township and Georgetown. He could command but few hearers, as all that is known as Vermilion county was a howling wilderness, with here and there a little log-cabin. He showed, however, a large amount of religious zeal and enthusiasm, and collected into his fold nearly all who were not of the Friends persuasion, and under his ministration this branch of Zion grew and multiplied. The old gentleman was a master in organization, and did not fail to make friends wherever he went. He was succeeded by his son, who had lacked the ability or dis- cretion of the father, and in a few years succeeded only in scattering the fold his good father had collected, and this first church organiza- tion was blotted out and forgotten, except by a few of the old residents.

Below will be found a list of officials for the township since 1851 :

780

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.

Date. Vote. Supervisor. Clerk. Assessor and Collector. Com. of Highways .*

1851. .. 67 ... Wm. Spicer. .. .. J. B. McHatfie Samuel Sconce. . . A. H. O'Bryant. 1852. .100 ... Wm. Spicer .. . J. B. McHaffie. Samuel Sconce. .. A. Mendenhall.

1853 James Parker ... J. D. Purkins . Samuel Sconce ... Wm. Spicer.

1854. James Parker .. J. B. McHaffie. . Samuel Sconce. . . James Niccum.

1855 G. M. Yapp. J. D. Purkins J. D. Purkins .... A. Sandusky.

G. M. Yapp ..... O. E. D. Culbertson. Samuel Sconce. . . G. M. Yapp

1856.

1857. D. B. Stockton . . L. E. Parker James Parker ... . E. B. Willison.

1858 D. B. Stockton .. L. E. Parker James Parker. . . John Weaver.

. James Parker ... J. A. Gilkey.

1860. .. 234 ... J. S. Sconce

O. S. Calvert James Parker. . .D. Dickson.

James Parker. .S. H. Black.

1862. .. 313. . John Gilgis O. S. Calvert

James Parker. . Wm. Holliday.

1864 John Gilgis O. S. Calvert

James Parker. ... Adam Jackson.

1865 A. H. O'Bryant. . O. S. Calvert.

Michael Fisher. . . C. B. Baum.

1866

A. H. O'Bryant. . J. H. Wells.

1867 A. H. O'Bryant. . J. H. Wells

Michael Fisher. . . James Parker.

1868 R. E. Barnett . .. Michael Fisher

Michael Fisher. .. J. S. Sconce.

Michael Fisher. .. John Mann. 1870 F. Gains ... ... . S. F. Butler.

1871. .. 182. . A. H. O'Bryant. . S. F. Butler.

1872. .. 176. .. A. H. O'Bryant. . S. F. Butler

1873. .. 183. .. A. H. O'Bryant. . S. F. Butler.

J. R. Newkirk ... J. B. McHaffie.

1874. .. 274. .. A. H. O'Bryant. . J. B. McHaffie J. H. Wellst .. .. H. L. Miller. 1875. .. 287. .. A. H. O'Bryant. . J. B. McHaffie J. R. Newkirk ... D. A. Baird.

1876. .. 315.

.A. H. O'Bryant. . J. B. McHaffie

W. F. Manity; .. J. M. McKee.

1877 ... 261 ... E. Snyder .. .. J. B. McHaffie J. R. Newkirk ... E. Snyder.

1878 ... 305. .. L. C. Green) ..... Geo. Heileman J. R. Newkirk ... R. E. Barnett.

1879. .. 316 ... A. H. O'Bryant. . Geo. Heileman J. R. Newkirk. .. J. M. Boman.

* This column gives the name of those elected without reference to date. + J. R. Newkirk. Collector.

+ A. B. Coggshell. Collector.

Justices of the peace : Abel Williams, J. D. Purkins, J. Fisher, James Parker, E. James, Win. Spicer, Wm. McMillen, D. B. Stock- ton, M. Fisher, R. E. Barnett.

INDIANOLA.

The town of many names and few historical incidents which now is known as Indianola, is situated on section 17 (17-12), and is about one mile from the Little Vermilion, about seven from Georgetown, and sixteen from Danville. It was laid out and recorded on the 6th of September, 1836, as Chillicothe. David Baird platted a part of the east half of the southwest quarter of 17, and William Swank a part of the west half of the southeast quarter, making one hundred and fonr lots. The public square in the center had on its north side, North street, on its south side, Main street, on its east side, Vermilion street, and on its west, Walnut street. These four streets extended through the plat, were four rods wide, and were the only streets in the original

1861 ... 208. . John Gilgis O. S. Calvert

James Parker .. .. H. Hedges.

1863. .. 22 .. John Gilgis O. S. Calvert

James Parker. . .T. R. Moreland.

1869 A. H. O'Bryant. . Michael Fisher

J. R. Newkirk ... G. N. Baum.

J. R. Newkirk. .. J. M. Smith.

J. R. Newkirk ... F. Gains.

1859. .. 156 ... L. Patterson .... T. G. Wibley

781

CARROLL TOWNSHIP.

town ; all others were alleys. In 1865 John Gilgis, who had become proprietor of the town, caused a re-survey, which did not change its geography. John Weaver, John Gilgis and W. B. Foster have laid out additions. It was named Chillicothe, probably from Mr. Swank's old home in Ohio, until it came to demand a post-office in 1844, when, owing to there being a town of that name on the Illinois River, a change was necessary, and the citizens then selected the name of the popular candidate for vice-president. After it had been so named, another post- office in the state was named Dallas City, which had the effect of an- noying the postmaster, Mr. Culbertson, who, without the knowledge or consent of the citizens, requested the department to change the name to Indianola. This was very unpopular, and it has never been accepted, thus giving rise to the confusion of names which still attaches to the village. Indianola has never had railroad facilities, and has never out- grown its primitive backwoods appearance. There are more old shabby 2 little houses, with huge out-door chimneys and old-fashioned slab-sided shanties, than in all the other villages in Vermilion county. Sur- rounded on all sides by the wealthiest farming community in the county, it stands, with here and there a notable exception, a memento of days gone by, an architectural phenomenon, which time and taste have had no impression to remove. Its early growth was retarded by the circunistances which, in 1837, overthrew the hopes of all men, and deranged all plans. Mr. Atkinson built, in 1837, a small log house with a frame addition, and kept a few goods there. After his business days ceased, Guy Merrill became the center of business activity. Mr. A. H. O'Bryant came here in 1839, after having lived a year in Georgetown, and commenced the business of shoemaking, which he has carried on here nearly forty years. He is now the pioneer resident, business man and statesman of the village. Besides this Merrill build- ing, there were three log cabins here. Dr. J. W. Baum, the pioneer physician, lived in the one now occupied by Rockhill, where he dis- pensed calomel and ague medicine to all applicants. David Whittaker lived in a cabin which stood where the hotel now stands, and another stood on the hill east of where the Baptist church now stands. Mr. McMillen lived in a little frame building opposite Dr. Baum. Mr. O'Bryant bought the Guy Merrill building in 1841, and for' a number of years carried on the most extensive business in this part of the county. Sale shoes had not yet come into fashion, and people must have shoes. He used to keep three or four hands most of the time. He usually bought his stock in Chicago. The custom then was, among those of the farmers and pioneers who had sufficient skill and mechanical ingenuity, to make their own shoes and even lasts. Some

782

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.

tanned their own leather; but, as tanneries grew up the customs changed. For many years it was common to do custom work at the tan-yards, and every frugal family had their roll of leather laid by, made from the skins of their slaughtered animals, from which the shoes for the family were made by the nearest shoemaker. The farmer no more expected to buy shoes for his family than to buy pork or lard. Mr. Folger had a tan-yard over at Elwood, and there the "slaughter" hides went, and the honest leather returned. Nearly everything went to Chicago in those days, and the wide-awake shoemaker soon learned that he could turn an honest penny by taking horses or produce to that new mart, and buy his leather. He says that he has camped at the Kankakee when there were a hundred teams there. Teams were constantly going there with grain, bacon, apples and produce of every kind. The hogs were usually driven to Eugene or Perrysville, in Indiana, where large packing establishments cut up nearly the entire hog crop of this country. The hogs from all the country west to the Sangamon went through here to the Wabash on foot, and troops of the pioneers, with coon-skin caps with tails hanging down the back, from over on the Embarras, used to come through here going to mill. They were a rough-looking set, and did not belie their looks.

Mr. Atkinson was, in all probability, the first to go into trade here, but he was not heavy enough to carry on trade as was then the custom. Twelve months' time was the rule with merchants, and nobody expected to give any less. There was no crop which would bring money till about Christmas. Some would carry off their wheat to Chicago, but whatever small proceeds came from that was seldom brought back in money, but usually in some commodity which was needed in the fam- ily. No one bought hogs or cattle till fall, and usually it was mid-win- ter before any one had any money to pay a debt at the store or shops. Mr. O'B. once, before he had become acquainted with prices, agreed to take his pay for shoeing a family, in pork. When winter came, the farmer brought in a wagon-load of dressed pork to pay the bill.

Mr. Wmn. Swank put up a house to live in, and had a still-house down in the bottom where he used to make an occasional barrel of primitive cure-all and health-preservative, for the neighborhood. He had attached a little corn-cracker which was run by tread-mill power, which served to do the neighborhood grinding. The post-office was established in 1844, with Dr. Baum, postmaster. That this little neigh- borhood was soundly democratic, in a political sense, is sufficiently at- tested by their choice of a name- Dallas. They held strongly to all the doctrines held dear by the party of Jacksor and Douglas; were for "Polk and Dallas and the tariff' of '42"; were for "fifty-four-forty-or-

783

CARROLL TOWNSHIP.

fight," and " extending the area of freedom " by marching on Mexico. The township retains its democratic majority to this day. Dr. Banm kept the office at his house. The office was served from Georgetown twice a week on foot or horseback, cross-lots, or wherever Hall - who carried the mail for a given amount a trip - could find his way. Hall was a very successful mail-carrier. He used to go by Dave Fisher's house, and David wanted him to leave his mail there as he went by. Willing to accommodate the neighbors, he asked the Doctor to let him carry the key with him so that he could distribute the mail as he came along the road. The worthy postmaster could not do it, as at that time congress had not provided a distributing railroad postal service. At that time every letter had to be way-billed, and entered upon the list kept in the post-office, as express packages are way-billed now ; and every letter cost twenty-five cents postage, usually payable by the person who received it, for it was thought to be the writer's part to write the let- ter, and the receiver's to pay for it.

John Williams kept a general store for a while, and Mr. O'Bryant added a stock of harness, saddlery and clothing to his business. John Gilgis came here about 1842, and commenced selling goods where Dr. Ralston lives. About 1844 he changed his location to where Frank Foos lives, north of the square. Samuel Sconce came here soon after. He had lived on the farm west of town where his son James lives, since 1831. His wife was one of the famous Waters family before alluded to, and is still living. He was a wide-awake business man, and was really the first to work up a large mercantile trade. The country was filling up by this time, and Mr. Sconce found plenty to do in the busi- ness he had undertaken. His son commenced business life in this store, and the characteristics which made the father a leader in business cir- cles, and would have brought success in any business enterprise any- where, have had a controlling influence on the son. For a time Mr. Sconce had as partners in the mercantile business here, Mr. Joseph Bailey, long a prominent business man of this county, and Mr. Gilgis. Mr. Bailey retired in 1857. During the business operation of Bailey, Sconce & Co., it was not an uncommon thing to sell five hundred dollars' worth of goods a day. It was before railroads were built, and this was as good a point to trade as in Danville. This was the golden era of mercan- tile business in Indianola. Sconce and Gilgis are both dead. Dr. Baum continued to live and practice here until his death. William James. was in business here a few years. John U. Grace has had the longest experience of any now here. Mr. O'Bryant is still " pegging away," as the shoemakers would say. The first school-house was builtgin 1843. This was a log house, and answered every purpose until about 1850,

784

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.

when the seminary was built. This was built by donations, and for a number of years a successful school was carried on. Some of the best educators in the country were employed here, and the institution was a success. Among those whose work here was strikingly successful, were Prof. Brownell and wife, and Prof. Marshall and wife. After the state adopted the plan of levying a school-tax, it became evident that this school could not be carried on as it had been, and the building was sold to the district, with the understanding that the upper story might still be at the disposal of the seminary. The present high school sys- tem has taken the place of all these seminaries.

Vermilion Lodge, No. 265, A.F. & A.M., was instituted on the 6th of October, 1858. The charter members were O. P. Wilson, W.M .; Joshua Van Fleet, S.W. ; W. T. Dickson, J. W .; J. S. Sconce, M. M. Redford, John Gilgis and Hiram Brown. The Masters in succession have been : J. S. Sconce, four years ; J. Van Fleet, two years; H. B. Whittington, four years ; J. H. Williams, A. H. O'Bryant, four years; W. T. Butler, three years ; J. R. Newkirk, J. R. Grace, two years. The present officers are: J. R. Grace, W.M .; E. J. Newkirk, S.W .; F. B. Barnett, J.W. ; George Heileman, Secretary ; S. Dickson, Treas- urer; M. F. Cummings, S.D .; Oliver Julian, J.D .; L. C. Rockhill, T. The Lodge owns its hall, and meets first and third Saturdays in each month. It has a large membership, and is otherwise in a prosperous condition.

The Iola Lodge, No. 584, I.O.O.F., was chartered in October, 1875, with the following charter members: H. E. P. Talbott, N.G .; J. H. Whartly, V.G .; R. R. Worthington, Secretary ; Bernard Lamcool, Treasurer; George Heileman and J. L. Rowan. The Lodge has built and owns its hall. It numbers sixteen members, and meets Friday nights. The present officers are: William Mavity, N.G .; George Heileman, V.G .; S. Stevens, Secretary ; L. C. Green, Treasurer; R. R. Worthington, Deputy.

BIOGRAPIIICAL.

J. B. McDowell, Indianola, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Christian county, Kentucky, on the 26th of January, 1802, and lived there about fourteen years. He then, with his parents, settled in what is now Crawford county, Illinois, and lived there seven years. They then, in 1823, came to his present place, and he has lived here since. On the 20th of March, 1834, he married Miss Eleanor Yarnell. She was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, and died here. They had five children, four living : Jane, Wm. R., John A. and Sarah. On the 20th of April, 1850, he married Miss Nancy Ellis. She also died here. His present wife was Miss Sarah Purley. Mr. McDowell was in Capt.

David Dickson

785

CARROLL TOWNSHIP.

Hult's company, Col. Rossmore, during the Winnebago war. They marched to Joliet and built a fort, and scouted along the Fox River. He has hauled produce to Chicago by team as early as 1836. When he first came to this county they had to camp out, and they did con- siderable hunting. He has owned over eleven hundred acres of land, but has given all to his children except one hundred and ninety-five acres in this county and one hundred and sixty in Douglas, which he reserves as a competency for his old age. His father died in Crawford county, Illinois, on his return from a visit in Kentucky, in 1824. His mother died here on the present place about 1849.

David Dickson, Indianola, farmer and stock-raiser, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Lewis county, Kentucky, on the 13th of December, 1806, and lived there until March, 1824, when he came to Illinois with his parents, and settled on his present place, locating in Carroll township, Vermilion county. At the age of twenty he began working for himself, going to the salt works, where he worked until the 15th of February, 1827. He then went to Galena and worked in the lead mines until the fall. While there he saw the vessel on which the Winnebagoes fired and caused the war that followed. On the 3d of August, 1829, he married Miss Margaret Walters. She was born in Stafford county, Virginia, and moved to Kentucky with her parents in 1824, and to Illinois in 1828, settling at Brooks' Point, this county. They had four children, three living : Silas, Parmelia J. and Jamina; Robert died. Mr. Diekson being one of the earliest settlers of this part, knows well the meaning of pioneer life. He has hauled produce to Chicago as early as 1835. He has driven stock to New York and Philadelphia, going on foot, making the trip in eighty-five days, and the fat cattle he fed in 1839 were probably the first ever fed on the Little Vermilion. His three living children are married, and live near by. He has four hundred acres of land, which he reserves as a compe- tency for himself and wife, having given one thousand acres to his chil- dren. Among the many pleasant incidents of his life was the golden wedding celebrated by himself and wife, on the 3d of August, 1879.

J. P. Swank, Indianola, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ver- milion county, Illinois, on the 18th of December, 1824, on a farm on the present site of Indianola, and lived there with his parents until the 18th of February, 1850, when he married Miss Phebe Diekson. She was born in this county on the 27th of May, 1829. After his marriage he engaged in farming on his own account, and in 1855 came to his pres- ent place. They had five children : Albert D .. Gilbert, Robert P., Nancy S. and Edward. He owns three hundred and thirty acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor. His parents, Capt.

786

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.

William and Polly Lloyd Swank, were natives of Putnam county, Ohio. He served in the war of 1812, enlisting as a private, and was promoted to captain. In 1823 he settled in Younts Grove, Vermilion county, Illinois. They had eight children.

John Mendenhall. Ridge Farm, farmer and stock-raiser, is one of the early settlers of this county. He was born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1809, and lived there fifteen years. He then with his parents came to Illinois and settled near his present place. He lived with his parents twenty-two years. On the 24th of November, 1831, he married Miss Rebecca Mills, who was born in Tennessee. After his marriage he began farming on his own account, improving some wild land belonging to his father. In 1834 or 1835 he hauled his first load of produce to Chi- cago. He is no office seeker. He owns two hundred and twenty acres of land in this county, which he has earned by his own labor and man- agement. By his marriage there have been eleven children born, seven living : Miliken, Jane, Sarah, Aaron, John, Rebecca E. and Louisa. His parents, Aaron and Lydia Horney (Anderson) Mendenhall were natives of North Carolina and Nantucket Island. They were married in Greene county, Ohio, and settled here in 1824, where both have since died.

Wilson Swank, Indianola, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Vermilion county, Illinois, born on the 15th of July, 1825, in Elwood township, where he lived twenty-five years. He then went to Wiscon- sin, and lived there five years. On the 25th of January, 1825, he mar- ried Miss Mary Jane Dickson. She was born in this county, and died in 1856. In 1858 he went to Minnesota, thence to Texas, and in 1859 he returned to this county. On the 20th of March, 1865, he married Miss Eliza Bayless. She was born in Mason county. Kentucky. They have four children, three living : Emerson, Rosa A. and Annie. He is no office seeker, and has held no offices except those connected with the schools. He owns one hundred and seventy acres of land in this county, which he has earned by his own labor. He has hauled produce to Chicago as early as 1838, and is well acquainted with the hardships of early days in the county.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 92

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903 Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Chicago : H. H. Hill and Company Number of Pages: 1164

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : H. H. Hill and Company
Number of Pages: 1164