History of Wayne and Clay counties, Illinois, Part 46

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Globe Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 704

USA > Illinois > Clay County > History of Wayne and Clay counties, Illinois > Part 46
USA > Illinois > Wayne County > History of Wayne and Clay counties, Illinois > Part 46

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).

During Mr. Hall's three years' administra- tion, the school was thoroughly graded and a practical course of study arranged. This course was intended to prepare the student to enter the State University without further examination.

Mr. Hall was succeeded by G. W. Smith, who had charge of the schools from 1880 to 1883.

The following have completed the course of study, and now hold diplomas as gradu- ates of the Flora High Schools.

Class of 1879-Frankie Presley, Mary Nields, Mary E. Wright, Edward L. Howett, William L. Howett.

Class of 1880 -- Mary Lowrey, Welland E. Walcott.

Class of 1881-Luell Noel, Hannah Mar- tin, May Hinkley, Mamie Wilson, Martin T. Snyder, Adda M. Stevens.

In 1882, another year was added to the course of study, and hence there was no class of 1882.

Class of 1883-Florence A. Staples, Agnes Howett, Tena Williams, Emma Shadwell, Will Richey.

The school is now in a prosperous condi- tion, under the management of Mr. D. Ed. miston.

In 1867, Dr. B. F. Cunningham com- menced doing a banking business in Flora. This was called the Savings Bank, and in 1868 George Harter was taken in as a part- ner. These gentlemen, in their business, owing to their well-known integrity and financial standing, had the confidence of the community. They did a successful business

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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

for six or seven years, when Harter died. Dr. Cunningham continned the business for about a year, and then wound up the affairs of the bank, which were in a most satisfac- tory condition, and returned to his farm near Flora to enjoy the rest and recreation which a long and successful business career re- quired.

In about 1869, our estimable townsmen, Messrs. Kenner and Rider, commenced doing a general banking business, and in 1871 they sold their business to L. F. Wilson & Co., who started the Clay County Bank. This was organized as a National Bank, and re- ceived its charter in April, 1872. The fol- lowing well-known citizens were its first stock- holders: William Hopkins, A. W. Bothwell, M. H. Presley, A. R. Kenner, Rufus Cope, W. W. Stewart, Robert Durland, T. P. Van- daveer, D. M. Smith, W. J. Moore, S. Web- ster, L. F. Wilson, Morris Brissenden, J. K. Bothwell, John L. Moore and Sylvester Rider. The capital was $75,000, divided into 750 shares of $100 each. Among the largest holders of stock were L. F. Wilson, who bad 260 shares; William Hopkins, 150; and Hon. Osman Pixley had 100. At the first meeting of the stockholders, Hon. Os- man Pixley was elected President ; Capt. William Hopkins, Vice President ; L. F. Wilson, Cashier; and the following as the first board of directors: Osman Pixley, Will- iam Hopkins, W. H. Presley. Rufus Cope, W. W. Stewart, A. R. Kenner, L. F. Wilson, Sylvester Rider and Morris Brissenden.

March 31, 1878, the stockholders bought the interest of L. F. Wilson, reduced the capital to $50,000, and elected Randolph Smith Cashier. There has beeen no change in the office of President or Vice President since the first organization. This bank is one of the soundest and best managed finan- cial institutions in Southern Illinois. The

directors are among the wealthiest and safest business men in the county. Its surplus is now over $15,000; the deposits exceed $150,- 000; and has total assets of over $260,000. It is strongly conservative, and has by its fair and straightforward dealings increased its business more than 200 per cent in the last six years. No better evidence of its strength and usefulness can be had than the universal good name given it by its patrons and the community at large.

Secret Societies .- October 7, 1856, Flora Lodge, No. 204, A. F. & A. Masons was constituted with A. B. Morgan, Oliver P. Vail, Samnel J. Kinaman, Peter Auspach, John J. Hill, Lafayette White and James Johnson, as charter members. Bro. A. B. Morgan was the first Worshipful Master, O. P, Vail the first Senior Warden, and Samuel J. Kiniman, Junior Warden. The first lodge meetings were held in a second story room of the residence of. Mr. N. B. Russell, who then lived in the residence now owned by Mr. John Kenner, in the western part of the town. The meetings were held here for some time, when the lodge was moved to the second story of the brick building now occupied by Mr. J. C. Ely and known as the D. M. Smith property. In 1865, it was located in the Vandaveer building, where it has remained ever since.

The lodge has always been in a prosper- ous condition, and numbers among its mem- bers some of the best men in the county. H. G. Gunn is now the oldest member of the lodge.

October 4. 1872, Flora Chapter, No. 154. Royal Arch Masons, was organized with the following constituting the charter members: Peter J. Raymond, O. H. Clark. George T. Saxton. Charles James, Joseph F. Wilcox, Andrew Lebus, Matthew Law. W. W. Saw- hill. John F. Barr, Edmond C Park, John

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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

F. Shadwell, Mills B. Fletcher, James M. Williams and William Westerman. The membership has grown steadily till now it is one of the largest chapters in this part of the State.

Among the many good secret societies, the Ancient Order of United Workmen ranks with the best. This order is maintained for the purpose of furnishing to its members life insurance. March 21. 1877, a lodge was formed here with J. H. Gunn, M. G. Dur- land, C. H. Vandaveer, E. H. McPheters, W. M. Campbell, A. Nichols. Alfred Conley. H. V. Russell, Edward Pindar, J. F. East- man and William Locke as charter members.

The order has paid $10,000 since its forma- tion here to deceased members families, and has been the means of doing much good, and no doubt saved the poor farm inmates. The lod e now has forty-seven members.

In 1880, a Grand Army of the Republic post was organized in Flora with ten charter members, and was called Alexander Post in memory of Col. James F'. Alexander, of the Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers, who was killed at Chickamauga. It now has a mem- bership of eighty.

The various temperance societies have been organized and for a time maintained, but at present none are in existence.

March 12. IS54, a council consisting of Elders Joseph H. Odell and Stephen Blair, inet at the residence of William White and organized the first Baptist Church of Flora. Previous to this, missionary work had been done by Elders I. H. Elkin, Joseph H. Odell and Stephen Blair-three good men. Twenty-four members constituted the first society, and they called as their first pastor Rev. Jesse Kenady, who preached one year. He was succeeded by Rev. M. C. Blankenship, who did much good work for the church.

At the church session in October, 1854, al

site for a church building was selected and preparations were immediately made for the erection of an edifice. Owing to the small number of members and none of them being incumbered with worldly goods, much diffi- culty was experienced in raising the neces- sary funds, and it was not till 1859 that the building was completed and ready for oc- cupancy.

The church was dedicated to the service of God on the first Sunday of April, 1859, by Elder I. H. Elkin. It has a seating capacity of about 400. Rev. 1. H. Elkin was the first pastor in the new church. His work was very successful and the membership has gradually increased till now it is about eighty. The congregation of the Cumberland Presbyte rian Church was organized by Rev. H. W. Eagan November 30, 1863, with the following charter members:

John W. P. Davis, Elvira P. Davis, Oliver H. Myers, W.B. Wilson, Margaret I. Wilson, Martha Vandaveer, Arabella J. Weed, Cath- arine Medley, Anna Williams, James M. Williams, Carrissa Eddy, Sarah Hawkins, Mary Chamberlain, Louisa Maria Beekman. At the organization, John W. P. Davis and Dr. W. B. Wilson were chosen Ruling Elders. and James M. Williams and Oliver H. Myers were elected Deacons. All were or- dained by Revs. H. W. Eagan and J. H. Nickell. Soon after this organization of the congregation, a churchi edifice was erected. The membership of this church has never been large, but it has always been noted for the earnestness and devotion of its members. Rev. C. C. Young is now the pastor.

The first Presbyterian Church was organ- ized at Xenia, Ill .. by the Presbytery of Kas- kaskia. April 21, 1858, Rev. R. M. Roberts and P. R. Vanatta and Elder T. W. Sweeny officiating. It commenced with eleven mem- bers, viz. : William Townsley. J. M. Haines,

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IIISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

Eliza Taliafero, Nancy J. Henderson, Mar. house was built in Flora, where the meetings garet Walker, Amelia Townsley, Henry S. Watson, E. Jane Maimagh, Jane Belding, S. J. Holman and Belinda Haines, and Will- iam Townsley was the first Elder. The church was ministered to occasionally by Revs. P. R. Vanatta, F. H. L. Laird and D. R. Todd. The majority of the members and the only Elder having moved to Flora, on the 28th of May. 1864, Rev. John Crozier and Elder Thomas Buchanan, a committee of the Presbytery of Saline, met at Flora and re-organized the church, and April 15, 1867, the Presbytery, then in session at Flora, changed the name of the church of Xenia to that of Flora, and received it under their care by that name. The first regular pastor was Rev. R. C. Galbraith.

In 1870, two lots, on one of which was a building suitable for a manse, and the other suitable for a church building, were pur- chased.

The house was erected, and on the third Sabbath in May, 1871, dedicated. Rev. William Reed was the pastor from 1874 to ' 1875; Rev. M. V. B. Van Ausdale from 1875 to 1876. The last regular pastor was Rev. Allen DlcFarland, who died in 1883, after a lingering illness of several months. He was a useful man in the church and in society, and was greatly beloved by all who knew him.

The Christian Church was organized in 1855, by Father Schooley in an old log school- house which stood about one mile west of Flora. Nine persons composed the first con- gregation, among whom were Walter Kina- man, Henry Kinaman and wife, Felin Poe and wife, James Moore and wife, and Samuel Kinaman and wife.

The meetings were held at this schoolhouse, at Henry Kinaman's residence and at the houses of other members till the frame school-

were held till 1861, when the present church building was erected at a cost of about $2,000. This building, which is one of the neatest and best arranged churches in the county, was used for several years with only boards placed on blocks for seats. Among the first preachers was Father Schooley, who preached occasionally. Rev. Felin Poe was the first Elder. Rev. John Tinkler was also an occasional preacher. Rev. John Flick was the first regular minister. From the begin- ning, the congregation increased rapidly in numbers, and when the church was com- pleted numbered nearly three hundred. The congregation has always been prosper- ous, and has had some of the best preaches in the State for its pastors.

Rev. M. T. Hough is now the pastor hav- ing been unanimously retained for the sec- ond year.

During the construction of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, a large number of Catholics were residents of this place, and it is one of the cardinal principles of that faith to not let their people go without religious instruction, a priest occasionally visited them, and mass was said at Louis Val- bert's residence south of town; Father Fisher, of St. Mary's, was the visiting priest. The next place where mass was said was at Jerry Hagarty's where S. T. Hinkley now lives. The society was visited once a month by the priest from Olney. For about a year before the church was built mass was said at S. Rider's. After the completion of the church Father Day, of Olney, visited them once a month. Father Shagle was the first resident priest; he remained about eight or ten months, and was succeeded by Father Rasin, who had been with the church since 1878. Louis Valbert, Jerry Hagarty, Dennis Whalen and Tim Buckley were among the first members,

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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

and Jerry Hagarty and Sylvester Rider were the first trustees. The congregation now numbers fifty-five families. They have been visited at different times by Bishops Junker and Baultes, of Alton.

The Flora Circuit of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, Southern Illinois Conference. was formed in the fall of 1860; Rev. Jacob S. Moore was the first pastor. In the spring of 1861, when our country was calling for defenders, he resigned his charge, raised a company of volunteers and went to the war. The circuit was without a preacher for some time. The place was finally supplied by Rev. Richard Randall; owing to the small number of members this circuit was in 1862 connected with the Mt. Erie Circuit, and the different societies had preaching once in about every four weeks. In 1864, the two charges were disconnected, the Flora Circuit had then about 150 members, and Rev. R. H. Peter was the paster.

During his pastorate, an effort was made to raise funds to erect a church building; about $3.000 was subscribed and $1,000 paid in. In 1865, Rev. S. L. Rea was the pastor, and the church building was completed at a cost of $2,600. In 1866, Flora was made a sta- tion with about 200 members, and Rev. W. H. Corrington was the pastor. The follow- ing have been stationed here since: Revs. A.

B. Morrison, Asa Coho, A. B. Nesbitt, O. H. Clark, Dr. John Van Cleve, W. D. Mabry, B. R. Pearce, M. N. Powers and J. B. Rav- enscroft.

During Rev. Clark's work here, he began to build the parsonage, which was completed soon after he left. Rev. Mabry improved the church property materially, adding a new brick front and tower, and a room above the entry for a pastor's study. The present pastor is Rev. J. B. Ravenscroft, who is now on his second year's work. He was born in England in 1836; came to this country with his parents in 1839; settled in Indiana, where he grew to manhood; he entered the minis- try in 1852, and for several years sustained the relation of a local preacher. In 1867, he became an active member of the Southern Illinois Conference, and is now recognized as one of its most effective and popular preach- ers. With this we close our part of the his- tory of Clay County. In a work of this char- acter, in which so much depends on early traditions or somewhat incoherent records, it is but probable that some errors will occur and many things be omitted; we have tried to guard against these, and to give such matter as will aid the future generations in getting at least a partial knowledge of our past history, and if this has been accomplished we shall be satisfied.

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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

CHAPTER X.

LOUISVILLE TOWNSHIP-CONFIGURATION, BOUNDARIES, ETC .- DRAINAGE-EARLY PIONEERS- WATER MILLS-EARLY INDUSTRIES-LIFE ON THE LITTLE WABASH-BOATING-FIRST BUILDINGS AND BUSINESS HOUSES-"BLIND TIGER" AND "HORNED ROOSTER"-THE OLD AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS-TOWNSHIP RECORDS, ETC., ETC.

T THE traveler, as he journeys westward 1

over our Illinois prairies, enjoying the comforts of a Pullman Palace Car, and borne onward with the speed of the wind does not realize that the country he is borne over, and on which his languid gaze notes herds of cat- tle and sheep in pastures, improved farms, good roads, churches and schoolhouses, and where the tiller of the soil seems surrounded by ease and comfort- the danger. the toil and hardships which the early settler en- countered as he with his ox-team slowly wound his way over hill, unbridged slough and trackless prairie. This is not the time nor place to eulogize the early settler and the heroic efforts put forth by him and his self-sacrificing wife and children to create a home and surround it with the comforts of civilization. If we could but picture the lit. tle scene, as the mover by wagon finally stops at the place which is to be the future home, and knew the thoughts which surged through the minds of the little colony; how the faithful wife looks around in the wilderness in which is still heard the howl of the wolf and the scream of the panther, and with a brave heart assists in planning the new home; or if we could but know the thoughts of the husband as he fells the first tree which is to be a part of the log cabin which is to shel- ter them from the bleak storms of winter. the picture would be interesting. But we

have few records of these early times, and we must fall back on tradition, and let our imagination picture to us those early scenes of pioneer life, which were the starting points of our present prosperity. Though the heroes of those early days sleep peacefully under the soil which they wrested from the wilderness, which now teems with the life and light of civilization, their deeds and memory should be perpetuated in the annals of local his- tories. Meager indeed are the results of the laborious and extensive researches of the historian, whose task it is to gather the facts clustered around the early settlement of that part of Clay County known as Louisville Township, situated in Town 4 north, Range 6 east.

It derives its name from the county seat of Louisville, which was named after some old families by the name of Lewis, wherefore the proper way would be to spell the name Lewisville, the mistake having been made by Mr. Blackburn, of Vandalia, who made the plat of the town. The soil of Louisville Township is well adapted to raising grain and corn, but although it can compare favor- ably with other townships in agriculture, we think that it is best adapted to horticulture. which fact is well illustrated by the many orchards that are dotted over this locality. It is well timbered and watered, and seems also especially adapted to stock-raising. The

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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

timber consists of several different species of oak, and a number of other varieties of hard and soft wood, such as are found in other parts of Clay County, principally along the water-courses. A natural system of drainage is produced by the Little Wabash River, which flows diagonally through the township, entering it in Section 4 and leaving it in Section 36. Into it flow a number of tribu- taries, of which the principal one on the east side is Panther Creek, and on the west Dis- mal and Crooked Creeks. Buck Creek flows through the southwest corner of the town- ship. The Little Wabash River was quite a commercial highway in an early day when the railroads were unknown, and for many years it was the only means by which ex- ports, such as grain, beef, pork and other produce could be shipped to more thickly settled countries, mainly New Orleans. It was in the Legislature declared navigable in an early day by the Committee of Internal Improvements, even north of Clay County. However, more in regard to the shipping busi- ness will appear further on.

The boundaries of Louisville Township, are as follows: On the north by Blair Town- ship, on the east by Hoosier Township, on the south by Harter Township, on the west by Oskaloosa Township. Probably the first set- tler in the limits of Louisville Township was George Goble, who came here from Indiana, and settled here in or before 1820, at least he entered eighty acres of land that year, in Section 23, where Louisville now stands. Little did this old pioneer dream that the land which he entered would be honored by having the county seat located on it in after years. He at one time owned the old water mill on the Little Wabash, the first in the county, and for twenty years afterward it was called Goble's Mill, though its former owner had long ago gone to that bourn from

whence no traveler returns. He lies buried in the old Louisville Graveyard. He had sold his land to Crawford Lewis, who im- proved it mainly. George Goble has no descendants living in this county. His brother, John (toble, lived south of him, he having come here several years later, and is the parent of George, Benjamin and Polly Goble. George Goble has one son named Benjamin yet living in the township. Ben- jamin Goble married Elizabeth Surrells; his son Gus is also living in town. Polly Goble married Jesse Kinkaide. Another old settler was Grissom Lee, who came here from In- diana about the time the Gobles did. His two children, Grissom, Jr., and Ellen Burton are yet living in the State.

The Lewis families came here about 1830; there were five brothers, viz., William, Robert, John, David and Crawford. They came here from Indiana. Crawford Lewis bought George Goble's farm and mill. He improved the land and set out a large orchard, which was situated between the river and the pres- ent new town of Louisville. He was an industrious. well-behaved man, and much esteemed by his neighbors. He was fond of the chase, hunting and trapping, and when more people settled around the old water mill he sold ont to Dr. Green, and moved to the north part of Blair Township where the game was more plentiful, and where more of the name of the man appears after whom Louis- ville is named. The Williamses were also among the early settlers, and have descend- ants living in the county. They were also natives of Indiana.

Old Uncle Isaac Martin came here in a very early day. He was conspicuous in the building of flat-boats, and is the father of the following children, viz., Hanson, Isaac, Jr., and Charlotte Erwin. His brother, Abraham Martin, came here about the same

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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

time, and ran a blacksmith shop, and died here. Adam Cullum, Sr., came here later, and married Sarah Lewis, a daughter of John Lewis. The Surrells came to Maysville from Morgan County, Ill., in 1833. There were four brothers, viz., Peter, Jesse, Jor- dan, James and Richard. They all finally came to Louisville about 1838, and assisted in the building of flat-boats and running them down to New Orleans. Phoebe Surrells, who yet resides in Louisville, was a sister of the above, and her son, Benjamin Surrells, is yet among us.

Another old settler was John Golden from Kentucky. John W. Sullivan is one of the few old landmarks left of the early settlers of Louisville Township. He was born July 28, 1809, in Pendleton District, S. C. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Wood) Sulli- van. James Sullivan was a native of Ire- land, educated in Dublin, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

John W. Sullivan, Sr., came to Clay Coun- ty in 1828, in company with his brother Paul. He staid about two years, spending most of his time in hunting; then followed the river till 1834, when he once more came to Clay County, locating in Maysville, where he was married in 1838 to Margaret Green, a daughter of Dr. Green. About 1838, he came to Louisville, with which place he has been identified ever since. He carried the first mail that left the Louisville office to the O. & M. Railroad, delivering it near the new graveyard, and, with the exception of about ten months, has carried it ever since.

John Ochiltree was a native of Kentucky, but came here from Wabash County, Ill. In 1836, he entered land in Section 23, and was married here to Martha J. McCawley. He died here. It is said that while living at Maysville, where he officiated as Postmaster, he carried the United States mail in his large hat.

Between the years 1850 and 1860, a num- ber of people came from Ohio to this coun- try. Some of them were good farmers, and proved a valuable acquisition to the town- ship. Among that class we find S. B. Moore, Sr., who lived in Section 17, where he en- tered land in 1838. His expression of " We Ohioans " is well remembered. He reared a large and respectable family, whose descend- ants are yet living among us. He was the father of the following children, viz., Perry, Daniel, Sylvester, John, Samuel, Uantha Hortenstine and Martha Lampkin. Of the above, Sylvester has gone to Texas, and Dan- iel was killed by jumping on a crowbar. He died October 31, 1882. The people that came here from Ohio were, generally speak- ing, of a very industrious class, who have added materially to the development of the county. Among them were a few who seemed to think that they were a trifle smarter than the " Suckers," but after dealing with them some years concluded to give it up and moved back to Ohio.

The first water mill built in Clay County was built by Weatherspoon at the old town of Louisville. It finally passed into the bands of George Goble, and then became the prop- erty of Crawford Lewis, who rebuilt it and then sold it to Dr. Peter Green, who sold it to Sewell, who let it go back to Green, and after passing through several hands it became the property of P. P. Brown, and after that William Huddleson's, when it was abandoned. In 1858. John Frowley and James Monroe erected a steam mill in Louisville; it was used for a saw and flouring mill, and is yet in operation, owned by L. R. Bounds. In 1882. the Brissenden Brothers built a new flouring mill with the improved roller process. It is one of the finest in Southern Illinois, and the change from the rude water mill to the present fine mills in Louisville is very great, and marks the progress of the times

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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY.

The land in Louisville Township was not settled very rapid - yer in 1840 the sir ilus of grain in i. aml ad wning townships was large en u tor tion , some way to export it a tare was ha www. demand at home, and col Ore extin e of other settle- ments a on- fh- LiMy. Wabash. they began very er to say they produce down the river. The floor s whom were used for this purpose were many tated on the banks of the my b. the farmers who used theth, though it si/seqneuf . became & consideraldo bueno warme day of their entre attente. some o fin shed boat at $1 and someone. $ per Linear foot. The plan was to taw : fic perdr or sye: more tree. hew it iu rech ignfar shape about 15x24 inches. This was split thro mb the middle. or sawed with a who s: w. leaving strips about 12x18 inches, and of fogth varying from fifty to seventy feet. These were the " gunwales." and formed the main strength of the structure. The hard side was placed outward. and on the inner and lower e quer was cut a " gain " large enough to allow the two inch flooring to rest in it and come to the level of the bottom of the " gunwale." The width of the boat was from sixteen to twenty feet. and was strength- ened by cross pieces framed in the " gun- wales " at moderate distances apart. Length wise the boat was further strengthened by "stringers " running parallel with the " gun- wales " about four feet apart. Upon this frame work, securely framed and fastened together. a flooring of two-inch plank was laid double, pinned with wooden pins, and later on with heavy nails. The boat thus far constructed was bottom-side up, and after being well caulked the difficulty was to turn it over to be finished. The practice was to choose a location on the bank of the river convenient for launching, and, when the work reached this stage, to turn it on the land,

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History of Wayne and Clay counties, Illinois, Part 46

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : Globe Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 704

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Globe Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 704