USA > Illinois > Woodford County > History of Woodford County > Part 10
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The storm was of short duration and did not cover a great extent of territory, but wrought complete havoc wherever it went.
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138
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
In June, 1899, a tornado passed over a part of the county doing considerable damage. It came to the ground this side of Deer Creek and moved in a northeasterly direction. It appeared to move up and down, striking one place and skip- ping the next. Southeast of Eureka it wrought havoe in the midst of the timbers. Great trees were uprooted in large numbers, and there were many signs of the storm's terrible. work. The home of Robert Barrett was dashed to pieces. The occupants were absent at the time and suffered no injury. A number of other places were damaged, altho no other house was destroyed.
CHAPTER XIV.
Political Views.
P OLITICALLY the county has usually been democratic, the vote at the first presidential election after the county organization, being Polk, democratic. 322, Clay, whig, 159. There have been occasional lapses from faithful adherence to the democratic party, but the presidential candidates on that ticket had a plurality in the county up to 1896, since which time the tide on presidential years has been in favor of the republicans. Prior to that year an occasional republi- can candidate for county office would be elected, but since then the offices have been almost equally divided between the two leading parties. At the present time the honors are quite equally distributed.
The campaigns for several years have been very close with the rivalry between county candidates especially strong.
Altho the elections were for many years one-sided af- fairs, they were not robbed of their intense interest, Torch- light processions, bands of music, floats, banners, and fire- works were the characteristics of the campaigns for many years. Each side sought to make the greater display, and have the longer procession. There was the old fashioned barbecue, attended by thousands of enthusiastic party ad- herents.
One of the most striking of these was that in which Lincoln and Douglas held their famous debate. Slavery was the vital issue of that day, and the people saw in it the all
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140
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
absorbing question. Woodford county was deeply interest- ed in the solution of the problem. There were men of the Abolition type, who would not hesitate in using every means possible for the nproofing of slavery, and who were especially strong in their opposition to the fugitive slave law.
With men of this stamp in the county and with others of opposite views, it is not surprising that the appearance of Lincoln and Douglas in their famous campaign, should awaken an intense interest, that found veut in great enthusi- asm for the respective senatorial candidates. The issues were closely drawn. Lincoln opposed the further extension of slavery, while Douglas advocated the allowing cach state to decide for itself its attitude on slavery. The candidates for senators made a thoro canvass of the state, and they visit- ed one point in Woodford county, Metamora. It was not one of the seven places at which joint debates were held, but the candidates appeared within about a week of each other. Douglas appeared there September 30th, 1858. The date on which these addresses took place is in doubt. The com- mittee having charge of the preparation of the bronze tablet erected in the park at Metamora at the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the debate, fixed the date of the Douglas address as October 2nd. 1858, while that of Lincoln's address was October 9th. 1858, just one week later. These dates each fell on Saturday. Other evidences seem to point to Thursday, September 30th, as the date of the appearance of the Little Giant. while Lincoln spoke the following Thursday, October 7th.
Thousands of people gathered to hear the Douglas ad- dress. The speaker was met at Washington and was es- corted to Metamora. The delegation was met by the Wood- ford County Men's Democratic club three miles out of town. and delegations from Eureka. Minonk. Spring Bay and other places were in the procession. Minonk had eight four horse teams in line. There were banners bearing such signs as the following: "Popular Sovereignty;" "Let the People
141
POLITICAL VIEWS.
Rule ;" "No Nigger Equality." The meeting was held in the grove half a mile out of town. There was boundless enthusiasm when Col. Roberts made the address of welcome.
Douglas was known as the "Little Giant," and was an effective speaker. He foretold democratic victory.
Mr. Lincoln was hailed by a crowd about equal in size to that which greeted Douglas. He was better known to the people of the county than his opponent because he had practiced here so much and was a general favorite. Ile was not so polished in his manner of address as his antagonist, but there was a clear, forcible logic about his speeches that carried his hearers with him in his argument. The day was characterized by much the same display that was witnessed when Douglas was there. One of the features of the proces- sion was the gaily dressed riders representing the states of the union. Banners, bearing varions inscriptions were borne in the procession. One of these excited a storm of op- position from the Donglas party, and threats were made against it. The banner represented Douglas pulling a boat load of slaves across the Ohio into Illinois.
Lincoln's speech was characteristic of the campaign. At heart he was opposed to slavery, and used all of his eloquence to arouse the people to oppose its extension.
The fiftieth anniversary of this great debate was cele- brated in 1908. The exercises in this county were held in connection with the Old Settlers' picnic, August 27, 1908. A great concourse of people gathered, of which number a few were present at the original Lincoln and Donglas meetings, and took part in the celebration. A bronze tablet bearing the following inscription was erected :
Spoke Here.
Douglas, October 2nd, 1858. Lincoln, October 9th, 1858. Dedicated by Old Settlers and Historical Associations of Woodford County, August 27, 1908.
The tablet was not erected on the site on which the celebrated addresses were made, as that was a short distance
142
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
outside the city, but was placed in the park. Underneath the tablet was placed a box containing coins, papers and other objects that would be of interest in the future.
Another campaign that was of unusual interest was that for the election of county officers in 1865. The excitement was intense, and the entire republican ticket composed as follows, was elected: Superintendent, John Buckingham; surveyor, E. W. Dickinson; county clerk, George Kinnear; treasurer, Joseph M. McCulloch ; county judge, William S. Magarity.
The custom prevailed for many years of holding great political meetings attended by crowds drawn from miles around. One of the great rallies held in the county was the Logan meeting at ElPaso, October 6, 1872. It was attended by thousands of people. Logan was very popular, especially with the soldier class, who loved him for his courage. A special train brought a great crowd from Bloomington, and there was tremendous enthusiasm. More than a thousand came from that city alone, and one of the features of the parade was the full company of colored men from the Ever- green city.
Another great rally was that held at Eureka in the campaign of 1888, when John M. Palmer and Andrew Jackson Bell, candidates for governor and lieutenant gov- ernor on the democratic ticket, were present and made addresses both afternoon and evening. There was an im- mense crowd, a long procession and banners of all sorts.
The next campaign there was a great demonstration at Minonk at which Gov. Joseph W. Fifer was the principal speaker. There was the usual throng of excited party ad- herents, and the great torchlight procession. The Eureka umbrella brigade headed by Stumpf's Military Band was the most attractive delegation in the parade.
Another campaign that had novel features was that in which Benjamin H. Harrison was a candidate for presi- dent on the republican ticket against Grover Cleveland on
143
POLITICAL VIEWS.
the democratic. It derived its novelty from the fact that Mr. Harrison was a grandson of William Henry Harrison, of Tippecanoe fame, who was elected to the presidency in 1840. Features of the campaign of 1840 were introduced into that of 1888. The log cabin, with the barrel of cider by the door, and the raccoon chained to the cabin, were features of the processions. The democrats retaliated with various banners, among which was that with the motto: "Grand-pa's hat won't fit Bennie."
In recent years the campaign of pomp and display has given way to one of newspaper discussion, the so-called campaign of education. Time alone will tell the results. It is no longer necessary to ride for miles to hear a discussion of affairs of the day. The daily newspapers and magazines give a complete resume of the entire subjeet, far more com- prehensive than can be gained from a single address.
There have been other questions aside from the usual political issues that have from time to time drawn the at- tention of the voters of the county. In 1855 a prohibitory proposition was presented to the county, and those interested in local option will notice that the county at that early day stood two to one against the prohibition idea, the vote being 390 for to 668 against it.
Another proposition frequently submitted was that of permitting stock to run at large. After several votes had been taken the proposition to keep stock off the roads ear- ried in 1872 by a vote of 1,128, for keeping up stock, to 929 against it.
The annexed tables give the vote of Woodford on presi- dential candidates since the organization of the county, and also the list of county officers since it was formed.
LIST OF WOODFORD COUNTY OFFICERS.
Date
County Commissioners.
Sheriff
Coroner.
School Commissioner
Surveyor
1841
James Boys, Joseph Meek, Josiah Moore
Matthew Bracken ..
S. S. Parke
1842 |Horace Crocker
1843
Jefferson Hoshor .. James Richardson ..
John Summers
John W. Page
John W. Page .
Ben W. Kindig
1845 Harlow Barney Ira Y. Munn
Wm. C. Martin
Samuel J. Burt
L. C. Blakebec
18.46 1847
James Richardson. Harlow Barney
David Irving
.A. J. Genoways
1849
3 Associate Justice Wm. C. Poynter . . WVm. E. Buckingham
George Ray
Samuel Mundell
Chas. Rich
1852
Win. C. Martin
Evan Trunnell
1853
John C. Harvey Abner Mundell
George Ray
Samuel L. Kirby
Edgar Babcock John G. Walker.
Joseph J. Perry
1856
Abiah Minor
Benj. W. Kindig
J. J. Harvey
1858
Noel B. Meek
Henry Stringer
Edgar Babcock
Joseph S. Hammers Isaac J. Marsh . .
1859 1860
R. L. Sidwell
J. C. Myers
Joseph M. Clark ..
Daniel H. Davison
1862
Lewis H. Bullock . .
Jacob C. Myers
1863
Win. S. Magarity ..
Wm. Hoshor
Levi Clifton
John H. Robbins
Ben W. Kindig
1844
John Summers
Lyman C. Mackder Chas. Rich
Chas. Rich
Mordecia Bullock ..
1850 1851
C. H. Chitty
185- 1855
1857
1861
Joseph M. Clark .. Daniel H. Davison
144
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
1848
Date
Co. Commissioners
Sheriff
Coroner
Superintendent
Surveyor
Cyrus Fairchild
John D. Gardner .
John Buckingham ..
E. W. Dickinson .. Daniel H. Davison
1807 1868 1869 1870
Frank Rohman
Gideon Jeter
Joseph M. Clark
Daniel H. Davison
Frank Rohman
( George Harl
Wm. H. Gardner
Daniel H. Davison
Garman Gish
( George Painter James M. John ..
James Kirk
Daniel H. Davison
J. A. Stephenson
. James M. John
J. E. Lamb Daniel H. Davison
Lewis H. Bullock
James M. John
J. E. Lamb
Daniel H. Davison
Wm. M. Jeter
J. W. Hoffman
J. W. Hoffman
James . Kirk
Chas. Lauenstein
James McCoy W. M. Dunlap
James Kirk
Chas. Lauenstein
Joseph R. Tool
P. L. Tribbey
Chas. Lauenstein
C. A. Robeson
Ferd Seidl
W. J. Whetzel
D. H. Davison
L. C. Gish
D. W. Davison
F. H. Doeden
D. H. Davison .
POLITICAL VIEWS.
1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1884 1886 1888 1890 1892 1894 1896 1898 1900 I902 1904 1906 1908
. . .
.
.
. . .
.
.
.
.
.
. .
George W. Horner Wm H. Wilkerson
George W. Horner
David M. Owen
P. L. Tribbey
Lyon Karr
John F. Sparks
D. H. Davison
T. W. Gish
Ferd Seidl
W. J. Whetzel
D. H. Davison
B. F. Slenker
W. S. Morrison
Wm. M. Plank .. .
1864 1865 1866
W. M. Bullock
.
. . ...
145
Chas. Lauenstein
1871 1872 1873 1874 1875
LIST OF WOODFORD COUNTY OFFICERS .- Continued
1
Date
County Clerk
Treasurer
Circuit Clerk
County Judge
State's Attorney
John J. Perry. . . .
James S. McCord ..
John J. Perry ..
John J. Perry. .
Samuel J. Cross
Jesse Dale
Jesse Dale
Samuel J. Cross
WV. P. Brown. (1)
David B. Campbell
Johsua Jones
Peter Doty
David B. Campbell
Bazel D. Meek ..
Win. E. Buckingham
Bazel D. Meek ..
Peter Doty
Jolın W. Page
B. D. Meek
A. E Stevenson
Robert B. Hanna ..
O. P. A. Myers .
WVm. B. Whiffer
James D. Perry
Jos. M. McCulloch
Wm. S. Magarity
Henry Frantz
Wm. Sumner
Henry Frantz
Samuel J. Cross. (2)
David B. Campbell
Samuel J. Cross
David B. Campbell
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
146
Major W. Packard.
Robert B. Hanna ..
John W. Page
James D. Perry
C. Il. Chitty
A. E. Stevenson
B. D. Meek
184I 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 Edgar Babcock 1850 1851 1852 1853 Edgar Babcock 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1861 1865 Geo. Kinnear 1866 1867 1868 1869 | Henry C. Dent
Date
County Clerk
Treasurer
Circuit Clerk
County Judge
States Attorney
1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 IS79 1880 88! 1 8S2 1884 1886 1888 1890 IS92 1894 1890 1898 1900 1902 I90.4 1906 IO08
M. L. Newell
Henry Frantz
George Thode
Joseph McCulloch.
Thomas K. Mitchell
Ayrs M. Whittaker
Ayrs M. Whittaker
George Thode
Joseph McCulloch.
F. M. Bassett
Ayrs M. Whittaker P. H. Davison W. M. Meek
Nickolas P. Baker ..
Martin L. Newell ..
F. M. Bassett Jacob Ray
P. A. Felter
Nickolas P. Baker ..
Walter S. Gibson. Walter S. Gibson ..
Martin L. Newell ..
John Leys
P. H. Davison
J. C. Irving
A. M. Cavan
Thomas Kennedy . .
George Jeck
A. M. Cavan
George P. Gill .
Ed. C. Engel
Lyon Karr
Thomas Kennedy ..
J. A. Reily
Adolph Woltzen
Joseph Meek
F. A. VanAlstine
J. F. Bosworth
Orman Ridgely ...
I. Prior to 1849 a probate justice was chosen, John B. Holland, James Robeson and Samuel J. Cross served in that capacity.
2. The first recorder was John J. Perry who was then clerk of the commissioners' court.
3. In 1849 the commissioners' court was changed to be made up of a county judge and two associates.
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POLITICAL VIEWS.
Thomas Kennedy ..
Thomas Huxtable. John Leys Ed. C. Engel
John H. Golden
Ed. Hodgson
George Jeck
F. A. VanAlstine . Thomas Kennedy ..
John R. Tweddale ..
Adolph Woltzen
L. C. Gishi
L. H. VanAlstine.
Samuel S. Page
148
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
Date|
Democrat
Whig
Republican
Prohibition
1844 | Polk
322 | Clay ..
159
1848 ! Cass
306 | Taylor.
183
1852 | Pierce
..
635 |Scott
339
1856 | Buchanan
747
Fremont.
596
1860 | Douglas .. 1419
Lincoln
1238
1864 | McClellan 1685
Lincoln
. 1270
1868 | Seymour. 2246
Grant
1862
1872
Greeley . 1732
Grant
1545
1876 | Tilden .. . 2105
Hayes
. 1733
1880 | Hancock 2364
Garfield
. 2007
Dow
7
1884 ! Cleveland 2409
Blaine
.. 1803
St. John 112
1888|
Cleveland 2410
Harrison .. 1812
Fisk
1651
1892
Cleveland 2590
Harrison .. 1738
Bidwell. 223
1896 !
Bryan
2447
Mckinley 2447
Levering 87 |
1900
Bryan
. 2421
Mckinley 2564
Woolley 178 |
1904
Parker
1908
Roosevelt 2371 | Swallow 237 |
1908 | Bryan. . . 2156 |
[Taft
. 220.
Chapin
203
1
ORIGINAL DAVIDSON CABIN.
The above cabin was erected by Caleb Davidson on the farm northwest of Eureka, directly after coming to the county in 1831. It stood until recently when it fell from decay and the roof alone remains. The man sitting in the cabin doorway is William A., the son of Caleb Davidson.
CHAPTER XV.
Industrial.
MILLING.
T HE milling interests of Woodford county were at one time very extensive and every town of any size had one or more well equipped mills. Wheat was an important product and milling property was considered a good investment. In their prosperous days, the mills of the county represented an investment of $200,000. Several mills were each valued at $30,000 or more. Gradually the cultivation of wheat was abandoned. A number of successive failures in the yield discouraged men, who were accustomed to raising wheat, and other grains were raised in its stead. This led to the ruin of the milling business, as wheat could not be shipped in and made into flour in competition with the great mills. They were abandoned one by one until there are now very few remaining as a reminder of more prosperous days.
The history of the first mills erected in the county is contained in the preceding chapters. They were an es- sential part of the early settlements, as communication with the outside world was slow and difficult, and this condition forced the settler to depend on the home mill. The earliest variety was that operated by horse power, sometimes called a "corn craeker." One of these was found in almost every nieghborhood. In 1831 the mill on Panther creek was erect- ed by the Moores, and was the first water mill in the coun- ty. It was soon followed by Crocker's mill at Spring Bay and Hoshor's mill at the same place. In 1839 Richardson
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HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
Brothers built another mill on Panther creek, near Bowling Green. These have long ago passed out of existence. The more modern mill represented a much larger investment than did these early outfits. ElPaso was once an important milling point. The first was erected by H. and E. Ives. It was a two-story structure and was destroyed by fire in 1869. It was then rebuilt at a cost of more than thirty thousand dollars. In 1868. Geo. L. Gibson erected his milling plant at a cost of $33,000. Each of these was sold at a great sacrifice and the machinery was moved to points where the business was on a more paving basis.
Eureka also had two splendidly equipped plants. In 1856. the Eureka Milling Company was organized, con- sisting of John Darst. John Major, George Callender, E. B. Myers and W. S. Bullock. A large flour mill was erected on the site now occupied by the canning factory. It was a large three-story structure, equipped with the best machinery. It Liter passed into the hands of J. A. Davis and R. D. Smith, the latter finally selling his share to JJ. J. Mishler. It was destroyed by fire in 1888. entailing a loss of $30,000 on its owners. The second of these was erected by Van Dyke and Adams, and was located on the southeast corner of the Tot now used by T. J. McGuire as a stock yard. It was under the management of W. G. Van Dyke, one of the best millers in Central Illinois. When roller process Hour became the leading brand, the mill was furnished with new machinery and operated on the new system. It was destroyed by fire in 1882.
In 1869. Col. Sidwell and James Carrol built a mill on the present site of the elevator owned by N. N. Hettinger, in Secor. This was later operated by L. Gassner. Jan. 30, 1879. shortly after 9:00 A. M., the boiler of this mill explod- ed, causing the most terrible tragedy ever enacted in Secor. There were four men killed outright. while another was crippled for life. Two of the men were blown across the track, while the engineer was covered with debris in the
151
INDUSTRIAL.
engine room. A piece of boiler fell on the school grounds, more than a block distant. and another piece fell thru the roof of a house across the railroad. Those killed were
BENSON MILL.
-
-
Christian Mahlsteh. William Collins, Henry Brunce and Charles Wheeler, while Joseph Horn was crippled for life.
152
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
The mill was not destroyed at that time, but it long ago pass- ed out of existence.
The Panola mill also suffered from an explosion of its boilers, but it was by no means so serious in its results as it happened at the noon hour, when no one was there. The accident occurred in 1861 and eaused great consternation among the people of that quiet village. They left the dinner table to rush to the scene of the disaster. The mill, which was owned by Patrick Hines and John Shepler was greatly damaged by the explosion. It long ago ceased to exist.
Roanoke has one of the few mills now in operation in the county. It was erected in 1877, by Isaac Snyder, and is located near the Santa Fe traek, west of the machine shops. It is now controlled by E. E. Husseman.
Benson has for many years possessed a mill that has drawn the attention of men far and wide. It is built on the pattern of the old style Duteh mill. It received its power from four great wings which were propelled by the wind. These were each forty feet in length, and consisted of lattice work, on which canvas could be stretched. When the wind was strong a small amount of canvas was needed, but when the breeze was fainter, a corresponding increase in the amount of canvas was required to produce the needed power. These wings were attached to a revolving cap, that could be turned at the will of the operator in the direction from which the wind was blowing. The machinery was largely made from wood. One of the great wooden wheels which aids in transfering the motion of the wings to the machinery below measures twelve feet and seven inches in diameter. The wooden eog wheels are made with remark- able accuracy and skill. The mill was erected in 1872, by J. M. Schmidt and brother, and was for many years operat- ed by power from the wings alone. In recent years, an engine has been installed and it is no longer run by the wind. It is said that there is but, one such mill in Illinois aside from this. No visitor in Benson is satisfied until he has gone thru the now famous mill. It was owned for many years by
153
INDUSTRIAL.
F. HI. Thielen, but it is now the property of J. H. Monk.
The Minonk mill is now the property of J. Il. Kerrick. It was erected in 1867, by Spark and Norris, and in 1874, passed into the hands of its present owner. It is one of those that has continued to exist long after its neighbors have passed away.
As early as 1836, S. S. Parke had a mill near the present site of the village of Metamora, but it was not until 1868 that M. Tool erected his steam flouring mill at a cost of $10,000.
The same year that witnessed the erection of the Meta- mora mills saw the construction of a large milling plant at Washburn. August Younker came to that city in 1856, and in the above named year entered the milling business. He ultimately gave up the enterprise and the mill has gone into decay.
Aside from the Crocker and Hoshor mills there was one erected at Spring Bay by Joe Hilenbrand and improved by William Burt. It finally passed into the hands of Ernest Fredricks.
The milling history is fraught with the record of heavy financial loss to many of its investors, yet it was the earliest and consequently one of the most useful features of our in- dustrial life.
GRAIN INTERESTS.
Woodford county has always been an agricultural region. Its great wealth has been in its fertile, productive fields that have rarely failed to yield a rich harvest to the efforts of its tillers. The early dealers in grain stored it in warehouses erected for that purpose. It was many years before an elevator was erected. One of the most serious problems that faced the pioneer was a market for his grain. The markets of Chicago required ten days for a round trip. Peoria and Pekin were nearer, but even those cities were too far distant to be convenient market towns. Some time after the settlement of the county began, a market was opened in
154
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
Spring Bay. The first warehouse was erected there by C. A. Genoways and Samuel S. Burt, in 1844. Later Richard Dement built a warehouse, and Lewis and Jackson Williams followed his example and entered the grain and stock busi- ness. This firm also were pork packers, and were engaged in the sale of general merchandise at the time. The dealers would buy grain during the winter and store it in their warehouses. When the river traffic opened in the spring, shipment would be made. As it was the only river town, it enjoyed a large shipping trade. It was located at a point that furnished easy means of transportation, and it was natural that grain should be brought for miles to the Spring Bay markets. On the completion of the Illinois and Michi- gan canal, the facilities for shipment were greatly increased, and for many years the village was the great shipping point for the county. In the height of its prosperity there were four firms buying grain there at the same time. The com- pletion of the railroads thru the county began to undermine the prosperity of the village. More convenient markets were opened and shipments were made by rail instead of by water. There is still, however, a great deal of grain bought in Spring Bay, and the business is a very satisfactory in- vestment. The elevator is owned by Smith, Hippen & Co., . of Pekin and is managed by Louis Warner.
The Illinois Central railroad brought the county in con- nection with the outside world by rail for the first time. New markets were established and these soon became the centers of commercial activity. In 1854 the first grain was purchased in Minonk, Charles Dobson, C. W. Goodrich and Samuel Work being the first dealers. There was no elevator erected until several years after this, but the business grew so rapidly that in 1872 there were four dealers and it was estimated that those shipped 1.250,000 bushels of grain an- nually There are now four large elevators in Minonk, three of them located along the Central, and the fourth along the Santa Fe right of way. In 1905 B. M. Stoddard and J. A
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