USA > Illinois > Washington County > History of Washington County, Illinois > Part 5
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The home of Major Wood was headquarters for politicians in those days. The Major and his wife both took a lively interest, and the Major an active part in the politics of the day.
The following persons were among the early settlers of Washington county, besides those above mentioned :
David Ramsey, Nicholas Darter, Chas. McCord, Robert Burns, Samuel Y. Henry, Dempsey Kennedy, Livesay Carter, Rev. Horatio Burns, L. D. Live- say, Marcus Falkner, Rev. Robert P. Carter, Champness Ball and David White.
A peculiar characteristic of the early settlers all over Southern Illinois, as well as Washington County, was to settle in or near the timber. One very obvious reason for this was that the country, and especially the prairies, at that time were so badly infested with the " greenhead fly," that it was impos- sible for stock, at some seasons of the year, to live at any distance from the shade. Instances of the death of horses, from the annoyance of these pests, are by no means rare.
Another consideration, was to get out of reach of the prairie fires, that were of common occurrence in the autumn. The prairies were covered with the tall Pampas, or prairie grass, often of sufficient height to completely hide from view horses and cattle. When this grass became dry, in the fall of the year, and by accident got fired, the devouring element swept everything before it. The prairie on fire, when the wind is blowing a gale, presents a scene peculi- arly fascinating, and terribly sublime.
In the month of November 1838, George McNair, and Robert Kelso, two farmers, residing about eight miles south-west of Nashville, came to Nashville to mill, in a wagon made of wood alone, drawn by oxen. On their way home that evening, they traveled by the Sparta road, either side of which was skirted by a prairie covered by tall grass, very thick upon the ground. They drove along, chatting gaily, totally unconscious of the terrible danger that
threatened them, and that was fast closing in upon them. Hearing an un- usual noise, they turned in the direction from whence it came, and beheld, what appeared to them a vast ocean of fire, whose red billows, were leaping high in the heavens, sweeping irresistibly onward in its course.
McNair, who was a native of the Emerald Isle, with that poetic nature peculiar to his nationality, stood for a few moments gazing admiringly, wrap- ped with astonishment and awe at the grandeur and sublimity of the scene, but he was soon brought to a consciousness of the danger that threatened him and his companion. His first impulse was to run to a creek about half a mile distant, whither he started, with a swiftness urged on by the hope of life, or fear of death. He had proceeded but about one hundred yards when the fire over- took him. He had on a heavy wool hat and woolen clothing. He pulled his hat over his eyes, and attempted to run through the fire. He says that he does not know where he run to. His hat protected his face and. eyes, but his hands were so badly burned that he could not feed himself for several weeks. It left its traces on him by drawing his hands out of shape, and leaving ugly scars.
Kelso protected himself by the wagon, and escaped any serious injuries.
About the year 1834, David Mckenzie and John Steele, were riding on horseback, on the prairie south of Nashville. They suddenly discovered that the prairie was on fire. Nearer and nearer it came, the hissing, crackling, roaring flame, sending their fiery tongues heavenward, and sweeping on toward them with incredible speed. Every avenue of escape seemed shut off; and they had almost given up to despair, when a bright thought struck them-they dismounted, took their saddle blankets, and hoodwinked their horses, mounted, put spurs to their now blinded steeds, and dashed through the fire, compar- atively harmless.
The Locust Tree .- On the 24th of December 1807, a short distance east of what is now known as the Dempsey Kennedy farm, along the old Indian trace, then known as the old Post Vincennes trace, on horseback in Indian file, a family of six or more persons were traveling. They had come from eastern Kentucky, by way of the falls of Ohio and Vincennes -had been on the journey many long and bitter cold days-hungry, cold and tired, their little stock of provisions, that had been procured at Vincennes, had been exhausted for nearly two days-no game was to be had to relieve them in their sufferings, and starvation stared them in the face. At this juncture they met the "Post Rider," carrying the mail or dispatches from Kaskaskia to Post Vincennes. In reply to their anxious entreaties for food, he informed them that he had with him barely sufficient provisions to last him through his journey. He told them, however, that he had deposited some meat and bread in a locust tree a mile or two beyond the next strip of timber through which they would pass to which they were welcome if they would stop and get it. The sharp pangs of hunger caused them to urge for- ward their horses with greater speed, until they reached the spot described where the locust tree was to be found. The father left the group, followed the directions given by the Post Rider, and soon returned with the hidden provisions, a scanty one indeed, out of which to make a Christmas Eve meal, but it was dispatched with a relish and sincere gratitude, that would have done honor to many a nobleman's banquet hall. That was the family of Henry Dexter, Senior. John Darter, Barbara Hutchings, and Rhoda Smith now citizens of Washington County were of the party. They proceeded to St. Clair County, where they resided for a few years, when they returned to this county, where they afterwards lived. The circumstance of finding the provision in the locust tree gave rise to the name of "Locust creek," a name which the creek that flows south from this point retains to this day.
PIONEER MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL.
Among these were Daniel Whittenberg, and Rhodum Allen, who minis- tered to the Methodist Episcopal organization at Beaucoup as early as 1820. Revs. Horatio Burns, Lewis Pate, and James Walker, came soon afterwards, and the moral and religious sentiment of the country was in a great measure moulded by these men. Robert P. Carter preached in the county as early as 1817. Revs. David Wells and William Rountree, were ministers of the Bap- tist faith, and they preached to the settlers previous to 1820. At that time an organization was formed at Rountree's.
In 1821, a Presbyterian organization was effected at Sawyer's Point, by Cyrus, and James R. Sawyer and others.
Rev. Samuel Wylie, an able preacher of the Old Light Covenanters, who lived in Randolph County, preached to the members of this denomination prior to 1832.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
PIONEER TEACHERS.
Revs. James Walker, Horatio Burns, Andrew Foster and others taught school previous to 1824.
EARLY MILLS.
Many of the old settlers still remember the Horse Mills, owned by Joseph Kinyon, near Venedy; John Bird in the Williams' settlement; Reuben Wheelis at Plum Hill; David Wells, near William Smith's; Archy Hood, west of Pilot Knob and Dickey and East on Mud Creek; Cole, in Three Mile Prairie; Anderson, near Merker's; White, on the Thornhill Ballard farm ; Davis, on the John Huegley farm ; John White, on the Ashley Road; Dieckerman, near Ashley; and John Faulkner, on Grand Point.
A Mr. Moore was the first to run a tread mill, after which they were in- troduced generally, and took the place of the "horse mill." James McClur- ken built the first steam mill in 1831 or 1832. The next steam mill was built in or near Nashville by Robert Murphy, John T. Watts, and John Alexander in 1836 or 1837. In 1840 or 1841, it was removed to a place six miles south-east of Beaucoup, to Beaucoup creek, to obtain water, it never occurring to them that they could obtain plenty of water by means of dams, etc. In 1830, Livesay Carter, built a "tread " saw mill, two miles east of where Nashville stands; this mill sawed the lumber for the first buildings in Nashville. Hon. George T. Hoke, then a small boy, drove the oxen, to haul the logs for these buildings.
Neighborhood Troubles .- The "squatters," as they were called, that made the first settlement at or near Richview, or as it was then called, " Little Mud- dy," about the year 1840, became very jealous, from the encroachments upon their rights as they thought, of some "new comers," and set about to rid themselves of their objectionable neighbors. They annoyed the " new comers," in every conceivable way ; throwing down their fences, exposing their grow- ing crops to the stock, that run loose upon the prairies, etc. This not suc- ceedling, they determined upon resorting to more summary measures.
They held a consultation and agreed that upon a certain Sunday night, they would proceed in a body to the residence of one Hansel W. House, and burn a new building he had recently erected for a home for himself and family.
Some individual, in the party of old settlers, having more of the " milk of human kindnes+" in his breast than the others of his associates, could not find it in his heart to visit his neighbor, House, with such intent, when he had been guilty of no crime, and he at once informed the House and Carter families. Robert Carter was at once dispatched to Nashville with the news, and a request for aid to defend the " new comers " and their homes.
A company was soon formed, armed with guns and pistols and started for the scene of the trouble. They encamped about half a mile south of where Richview now stands, on the farm at present owned by John Newman. The same man who had apprised the "new comers " of the dangers that threat- ened them, returned to the camp of the old " squatters" and informed them of the presence of armed men, to protect the persons and property of the " new comers," and assured them that the only way to avert serious trouble was for them to abandon their wicked intentions. When the "squatters " realized that the " new comers" were prepared to meet force with force, it had the effect of cooling their passions, and they immediately dispersed. The company from Nashville remained until one o'clock in the morning, when they fired off their guns in the air, and returned to Nashville. This ended the troubles between the "old settlers " and the " new comers."
The men who composed the company, who went from Nashville for the protection of the " new comers" were, G. T. Hoke, Robert P. Carter, Live- say Carter, Samuel Y. Henry, Henry White, John Tate, Joel and Richard Carter. They were joined by Richard, Hansel and Anthony House, of the " new comers."
In the south-western part of the county, in early days, there was considera- ble dissension between the religious denominations, known as " Old Cove- nanters and "Outsiders," but happily, the troubles have long since disap- peared, and are known now only in the memories of the old settlers.
Below will be found a list of the names and post-office addresses of a few of the old pioneers whoare yet living in the county.
NAMES.
POST-OFFICE.
CAME TO COUNTY.
D. R. Spencer.
Dubois
1834
Maj. John White ...
Ashley
1814
Dr. James II. Means
Nashville
1×47
L. M. Phillips.
1833
Amos Watts
1833
J. L. Runk
1849
1839
44
1830
W. W. Hutchings ....
1827
Greenville Rountree ...
Hugh Adams
1835
Robert Torrans.
1836
Mra. John D. Wood
1821
Robert McAffee ..
Elkton
1835
Perry W. Nichols
Ashley
1827
Rev. George Lowe
Hon. George T. Hoke
C. H. House ...
Ashley
1841
J. B. Farmer.
Richview
1831
R. P. Carter ..
Ashley
Wm. A. Patterson
1826
James R. White
1818
Wm. Woodman ...
1827
J. W. Barnes.
Richview
1832
S. J. House ...
1831
James Smith
Ashley
1828
Jumes R. White.
1818
A. White ..
Beaucoup
1818
H. M. Carter.
Nashville
1832
Mrs. Martha Vernon
=
1833
John Darter ..
.
1818
Marcus F. Falkner
Irvington
1831
CHAPTER III.
THE GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES, COMMERCIAL INTERESTS, AND AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES.
BY B. F. SHIPLEY.
ASHINGTON COUNTY belongs to the group of the Kaskaskia.
It is bounded on the north by Clinton county, on the east by Ma- rion and Jefferson, on the south by Perry and Randolph, and on the west by St. Clair county. It lies between the 38th and 39th parallels of north latitude, and between the 12th and 13th meridian of west longitude, from Washington. Its area is about 368 640 acres, or about six- teen congressional townships.
Form-In form Washington county is a square, with the exception of a portion of territory which is cut off on the north-west by the Kaskaskia River.
Population-The population is estimated at twenty thousand, composed of Americans, Germans, and a few Poles in the south-east part of the county.
Land Surface-The land surface is divided between timber and prairie- the greater portion being prairie. The surface is undulating-no hilly or mountainous country.
Waters-It is watered by the Kaskaskia River and its tributaries, which consist of branches, creeks, etc. This river flows along, and forms the north- west boundary of the county. The Kaskaskia bottom lands are covered with a thick black soil, which is highly productive. The various creek bot- toms have a rich and fertile soil, and are in a high state of cultivation.
Climate-The climate of Washington county is of about an average tem- perature of the State.
Minerals-Like most of the counties of Southern Illinois, Washington is underlaid with coal-fields, but as yet they have not been developed. Stone of different varieties is said to exist in the county.
Political Divisions-The political divisions of Washington county, are Pre- cincts. They are as follows :- Irvington, Richview, Ashley, Dubois, Hoyle- ton, Covington, Nashville, Pilot Knob, Okawville, Plum Hill, Elkton, Ve- nedy and Lively Grovr.
Its local government consists of three Commissioners, one of whom is elected annually, and each serves for the period of three years. They con- stitute the Commissioners' Court, and transact the county business.
Irvington Precinct is in the north-eastern part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Clinton county, on the east by Marion and Jefferson coun- ties, on the south by Richview, and on the west by Hoyleton. The surface of this precinct is level-its soil is composed of black alluvial lands. Pro- ductions .- Its productions are wheat, oats, corn and fruits. It is composed principally of prairie lands, which are exceedingly fertile and in a high state of cultivation. Its population is composed principally of Americans.
The village of Irvington is situated on the main line of the Illinois Central Railroad, and has a population estimated at 200, a larger portion of which are Americans. The village is well provided with church and school facili- ties. " Illinois Agricultural College " is located here. Milling and manu- facturing interests are prosperous.
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H. C. Adams
NAMES.
POST.OFFICE.
CAME TO COUNTY.
Dr. W. H. Burns ..
Richview
1830
1832
1822
Reuben Wheelis.
1820
Mr. McElhanon, Sr
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Richvisw Precinct is bounded on the north by Irvington and Hoyleton precincts, on the east by Jefferson county, on the south by Ashley precinct, and on the west by Nashville precinct. The surface is somewhat broken, and composed of timber and prairie lands. Soil, light, sandy loam. Produc- tions, corn, oats, wheat and fruit. Villages, Old and New Richview; the population of both is estimated at 1000; principally Americans. Both towns are situated on the Illinois Central Railroad. Large quantities of grain, fruits, and other farm products, are shipped from here. Mercantile and man- ufacturing interests are in a flourishing condition. Educational and church facilities are good. In Old Richview " Washington Seminary " is located.
Ashley Precinct has the following boundaries: Richview on the north, Jef- ferson county on the east, Dubois precinct on the south, and Nashville pre- ciuct on the west. The surface is level, and the soil is composed of rich allu- vial lands. The principal part of the lands is prairie, with some timber. Pro- ductions same as Richview.
Town of Ashley-Mercantile and manufacturing interests in a state of prosperity. Milling is carried on in this town extensively. Large shipments of grain and other farm products, as well as large quantities of flour, are made from this town. The advantages offered by this town, as a shipping point, are in excess of any other point in the County, in consequence of its location, being situated at the crossing of the Illinois Central and the St. Louis and South Eastern Railroads. It numbers about 1500 in population, including Americans and Germans, principally Americans. Educational and church interests are in a healthy condition.
Dubois Precinct-Bounded on the north by Ashley, on the east by Jeffer- son county, on the south by Perry county, and on the west by Nashville Pre- cinct. Surface, undulating; timber lands in the north and east, in the south and west, prairie. Soil is black, sandy loam, and very productive. Pro- ducts same as adjoining precincts. Commercial and manufacturing interests fair. Mining has received some attention in this Precinct. Kingsbury and Company's coal mine is located here.
The Village of Dubois is on the Illinois Central Railroad, and has a popu- lation of about 300, consisting of native Americans, Germans and Poles. Commercial interests, fair. School and church facilities, good.
Huyleton Precinct is bounded on the north by Clinton county, on the east by Irvington precinct, on the south by Richview, and on the west by Coving- ton and Nashville precinets. The surface of this precinct is undulating prai- rie lands, covered by a rich, black soil, that is highly productive. The lands of this, precinct are in a high state of cultivation. Productions are wheat, corn, oats, fruit, and other farm products. This precinct is well provided with mills, mercantile establishments, churches and schools. Mrs. Bettie Gra- ban's Female Institute, for the education of young ladies, is located in the village of Hoyleton. The village has a population of about 300 inhabitants, principally Germans. This is a pleasant village, surrounded by a beautiful and productive country, in a high state of cultivation.
Covington Precinct is bounded on the north by Clinton county, on the east by Hoyleton precinct, on the south by Nashville. and on the west by Okaw- ville. Surface-on either bank of Little Crooked Creek is a broken tim- bered country; the remainder of the precinct is undulating prairie lands. The whole of the land is covered with a rich, black, alluvial soil. The lands are in a fair state of cultivation.
The Village of New Minden has a population of about 400 inhabitants, mostly Germans. In this village milling, mercantile, church and school in- terests are in a prosperous condition.
Nashville Precinct is bounded as follows : On the north by Covington, on the east by Hoyleton, Richview, Ashley and Dubois, on the south by Perry county and Pilot Knob precinct, on the west by Elkton, and Plum Hill precincts. The surface is undulating prairie land. Soil, black, alluvial, highly productive. Productions-wheat, corn, oats, and other farm pro- ducts.
City of Nashville is situated on the St. Louis and South-Eastern Railroad, forty-nine miles from St. Louis. It has a population estimated at 2300, com- posed of Americans and Germans. Milling and manufacturing is carried on extensively here. A more detailed account of the commercial interests will be found elsewhere in this work. Church and school interests are in a flour- ishing condition.
Beaucoup is a thriving little village in Ashley precinct, 4 miles east of the city of Nashville.
Pilot Knob Precinct is bounded on the north and east by Nashville pre- cinct, on the south by Perry county, and on the west by Elkton precinct. Surface level, composed of timber and prairie lands, covered with rich, black
soil, highly productive. Productions, same as adjoining precincts. The pre- cinct is well provided for in church and school facilities.
Okawville Precinct is bounded on the north and north-west by Kaskaskia River, on the east by Covington, and Plum Hill precincts, on the south by Elkton precinct, and on the west by Venedy precinct and St. Clair county. Surface, undulating prairie land. Soil, black, sandy loam, highly productive. Productions same as adjoining precincts.
Okawville Village, on the St. Louis and South-Eastern Railroad, has a population of 400, principally Germans. Commercial, manufacturing, church and school interests are prosperous. Large quantities of grain and other agricultural products are shipped from this point.
Venedy Station, a thriving little village of 150 inhabitants, is located in this precinct, about 4 miles west of Okawville.
Plum Hill Precinct is bounded on the north by Covington and Okawville, on the east by Nashville, on the south by Nashville and Elkton, and on the west by Okawville. Surface, undulating prairie. Soil, rich, black loam. Products, same as adjoining precincts.
Addieville, a thriving little village of 100 inhabitants, is located in this pre- cinct, 4 miles west of the city of Nashville. School and church facilities are good.
Elkton Precinct is bounded on the north by Plum Hill and Okawville, on the east by Nashville and Pilot Knob, on the south by Perry county, on the west by Lively Grove. Surface, undulating prairie lands. Soil, black, alluvial lands, highly productive. Productions, wheat, corn, oats, hay and other farm products. Commercial, educational, and church interests are prosperous. Elkton and Oakdale are prosperous little villages in this pre- cinct.
Lively Grove Precinct is bounded as follows: Venedy on the north, Elk- ton on the east, Randolph county on the south, St. Clair county on the west. Surface, undulating prairie lands. Soil, rich, alluvial lands. Productions same as Elkton. School and church improvements good.
Venedy Precincts has Okawville precinct on the north, Okawville and Elkton on the east, Lively Grove on the south, and St. Clair county on the west. Surface, beautiful, undulating prairie. Soil, black, rich loam, highly productive. Products same as Lively Grove. The lands of this precinct are in a high state of cultivation.
Venedy and Johannesburg, two thriving little villages, composed principal- ly of German inhabitants, are located in this precinct. Mercantile, church and school interests are in a prosperous condition.
On the next page will be found a table showing the agricultural statistics of Washington County, by townships, as compiled from the Assessor's books for the year 1877 Also the assessment of the principal articles of personal property, for the same year, with their assessed valuation for the year 1878. They will'speak more eloquently of the resources of the county than anything we could say.
ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD LANDS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
The Illinois Central Railroad Company offer for sale about eight thousand (8,000) acres of good farming lands in Washington county at greatly reduced prices, which offer superior facilities to the farmer, fruit-grower and stock raiser.
Winter wheat of the finest quality (and an almost certain crop), is raised every year in this timber region, and will yield from fifteen to thirty bushels per acre. Corn will yield from thirty to sixty bushels per acre; oats from forty to sixty bushels per acre; timothy and clover, as well as many other kinds of grass, from one and a half to three tons of hay per acre. Other farm products yield in the same proportion, and always find a ready market and command good prices.
Horses, cattle, mules, sheep and hogs do well in every part of the State of Illinois, but especially in the timber region, where these lands are located. The climate is mild, and but little shelter or stabling is necessary either in winter or summer.
We would call particular attention to the raising of sheep, in the southern part of the State, say from any point twenty-five miles north of Cairo. At the present time but few farmers have more sheep on hand than will supply their own wants in the way of food, and wool for the family clothing. A few have gone into the business extensively, and with great success. Sheep require little more food or water, beyond what they can pick up themselves in the fields or wood pastures. They yield a fine fleece of wool each spring, and mutton will always find a ready market, particularly in the summer months.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS, &c., OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS, FOR THE YEAR 1877.
TOWNSHIPS.
Bushels of Corn ....
Bushels of Wheat.
Bushels of Outs ...
Bushels of Rye ..
Bushels of Irish Potatoes ...
Bushs. of Sweet Potatoes .........
Bushels of Apples ..
Bushels of Peaches.
Bushels of Pears ...
Pounds of Tobacco ..
Tons of Hay ..
Gallons of Molasses .........
¡Gallons of Wine.
Acres of Pasture ..
Pounds of Wool.
Pouds of Butter.
No. of Fat Cable Sold ...
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