USA > Illinois > Woodford County > History of Woodford County > Part 2
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Spring Bay.
The region of Spring Bay early became the home of a thriving class of pioneers. Not great in wealth nor extended in power. yet having a wealth of patience and courage that enabled them to bring the river bottoms under cultivation.
Among the most prominent of these pioneers was the Belsley family. In 1831 Joseph Belsley settled in Woodford county. He lived on the west side until 1879, when his death occurred. Several of the descendents of this family are quite widly known through the county. being now residents of Roanoke. Beside Joseph Belsley there were
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THE WEST END.
Christian, Michael and Peter, who settled in the same vici- nity. Michael only remained a short time and moved to Tazewell county. Peter died there, and of the four, Christian is the only one living in the county today. He is 81 years of age and has resided here since he was seven years of age. They came from Europe, and were among those settlers who came on the river.
Horace, Austin and Rolland Crocker came from Col- umbia county, New York, and for a number of years were prominent figures in Spring Bay life. They came among the earliest settlers in the county, and soon erected the Crocker mill. For more than hall' a century this served the people of the west end, but it has long since gone to decay.
Another well known miller was William Hosher, who came in 1830 from Ohio. He was accompanied by his brother Jefferson, who served as county com- missioner for several years. Hoshor's mill was another of the early enterprises of the county. A part of it still stands as a relie of its former prosperity. The Williams family was also well known figures in the township, the three brothers, Richard, Lewis and Jackson, being connected with the business interests of the town. C. A. Genoways was another who hold a prominent place in the business life of Spring Bay. J. C. and Phineas Shottenkirk came in the early 30's from New York. They bought land and prospered in their newly founded home. There were numerous other prominent settlers aside from these, among whom were William Blanchard, who settled in 1822 in Tazewell county and later moved to Spring Bay township. Jesse Day who began to farm there in 1829, An- gus MeQueen in 1837 came from New York. being a native of Scotland. Isaac Phillips, Jacob Wilson, Elzy and Sampson Bethard, George Sommers and William Barker were other pioneers of that region.
These settlers had been here but a few years when they began to make plans for founding towns. Spring Bay was one of the early villages of the county. It was founded in
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IHISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
1836, before the organization of Woodford county and was at that time a part of Tazewell county.
The first schools were taught in the cabins of those interested in education. The township now has two schools expending about $1,100 annually in their support.
For many years Spring Bay was without a church, but in recent years a church has been erceted there and it has a small congregation.
When the townships were formed the portion of the county forming the subject of this discussion was laid ont as a township, altho it was not half the size of a congres- sional township. The name of the village within its borders was assigned to the newly created township. The first officers were as follows: Supervisor. G. W. Schnibley ; assessor, john Hazard; collector, C. A. Genoways; town clerk. C. S. Shults.
The present township officers are as follows: Super- visor, Alfred Hosher; collector, William S. Eichorn ; asses. SOP Adolph Hoffman; clerk. Henry Bieber : (.011- missioners. Fred J. Loser, Gottlieb Koch, Robert Miller; Justices, Peter Loser, George Winkler; constables, Otto Ur- ban and Lewis Mackey.
Partridge.
To Partridge township belongs the honor of being the home of the first white settler in the county, for altho Wil- liam Bleylock merely lived Indian fashion in the woods and hills, he must be considered a settler, since his family resided with him in their tent or wigwam. It was several years be- fore settlers of a more permanent character began coming to the forest elad hills. The first among these was Francis Avers, who came from Ohio in 1831, having previously stayed a short time in Metamora township. Joseph Belsley, fam- iliarly known as "Red Joe" came to Partridge from France in 1831. Shortly afterward Louis A. Guibert came from the same ountry, settling in that township in 1833.
Joseph Johnson came to the township about 1834, and operated a grist and saw mill. John, Isaac, David and Peter
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Snyder arrived in 1834, coming from Germany. John Sharp came from Peoria in 1835. Other settlers were Chauncey Baker, Philip Bettelynne, John M. Clingman, Daniel and Samuel Hedlock. Daniel Sowards, Benjamin Young and William Hunter. There has never been a town in Partridge township, but there was at one time a store, conducted by George Ramey. The first blacksmith shop was opened by Jeff. Tolafero. It ultimately passed into the hands of Mr. Johnson. A postoffice was maintained at the home of Chauncey Baker for a number of years, and mail was brought over from Chillicothe by any one going over.
The earliest preachers in the township were Rev's Day- enport, Palmer and Pigsley. For many years the people of Partridge were without a church, but in recent years one has been erected about four miles southwest of Cazenovia. Here the settlers have enjoyed the privelege of hearing the gospel proclaimed since its dedication. It is of the Christian denomination. The first schools were taught in the homes, Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Plummer being the pioneer teachers. There are now in the township three schools, expending annually about $1.200 for their support.
When the townships were formed in the county, Par- tridge was named for the Indian chief, Black Partridge, and Jefferson Hoshor first acted as suprvisor. The township is at present represented by the following officials: Supervi- sor, Solomon Winkler ; clerk, Ross Beavers ; assessor, Andrew Butte; commissioners, John Bohlander, Louis Curry, Ben Fuchs; justices, Louis J. Johnson and Wm. Jones; constable, lienry Spilliman.
One of the most important undertakings ever launched in the county was begun a few years ago by citizens and land owners in Partridge township. It was known as the Partridge Drainage district. A petition was presented in the county court for the formation of a drainage district that would drain land valued at more than a million dollars. The cost of the work would probably reach one hundred
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HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
thousand dollars. b. A. Guibert was appointed commissioner. but the work was never completed.
One of the pleasant occasions for the gathering of the people of Spring Bay. Worth and Partridge townships is the annual fish Try. People gather for miles around and enjoy the music, amusements and speeches. All are treated to all the fish they can eat. and enjoy a general good time.
Worth.
South of Partridge and east of Spring Bay lies Worth township. Early in the history of the county Worth be- gan to attract settlers to its territory. Among the earliest of these was Zedock Hall, a pioneer Methodist preacher. For years no figure in Methodism was more prominent in Woodford county than was this early expounder of the gospel. His message was heard far and wide, and was productive of much good. For many years his son Lewis Hall lived in Worth township. Among other early settlers may be found the names of Peter Weber, Christian Smith. Charles Molitor, Joseph Schertz, Christian Belsley, Jacob loerger, Martin Sommers, Peter Naffzinger. "Red JJoe" Bel- sley, M. Wagner, John J. Tool, David Kindig, James West. john, Christian and Thomas Brownfield, Simon Groves, Sammel Beck, John Sunderland and Thomas Sunderland, Jr. Peter Klein opened the first blacksmith shop, while William Hoshor owned the first hotel, which was called the German- town House. Peter Saale conducted a bar and grocery there for a number of years. This was also kept at one time by Frank Tropp. Later a saw mill was erected by Mr. Hoshor. This little hamlet was known for years as German- town. Another well known resort of former days was the I'nion House on the state road five miles west of Metamora. The later comers numbered among them Henry Wald- schmidt. Peter Barner, John Miller, Valentine and Conrad Rohman, Adam and George Wenzel, Peter Gingerich. Charles Molitor. Conrad. Jacob and John Alig and George Greiner.
A minnher of these early settlers came from Lorraine.
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THE WEST END.
They brought their household goods to the sea shore, sokdl their horses, put their goods on a sailing vessel and came to New Orleans. They were two and a half months on the trip. They then came on the Mississippi and Ilinois to Spring Bay, which was as large as Peoria at that time. They are said to have brought the first wagons to the county. They hauled grain to Chicago in those days, and it required ten days to make the trip. The greater part of these early settlers built themselves log cabins. A number of these are still in use by residents of Worth township.
An interesting story is told by Mayor Frank Giehl, of Metamora concerning the first stand of bees in the western part of Woodford county. One of the pioneers was return- ing home one day, when he saw a swarm of bees that had settled on a tree near by. He was very anxious to have them, and improvised a novel means to capture them. A part of a hollow log was secured and a piece of his clothing was tied around the lower end and the bees were caught in the log. When they were all in he tied up the other end of the log and went on his way rejoicing. At home, he made a hive for his prize from another hollow log, and from this start he received his first honey
Lourds was at one time a postoffice, the first postmaster being Henry Theobald. Mail was delivered there from Meta- mora.
Bricktown as it is named was a settlement so called from the fact that a large brick yard was at one time conducted there.
One of the earliest schools in the county was taught in Benj. Williams' barn by Mr. Ellmore, but the first school house was built at a much later date. As early as 1846 school was held in a log school house at Lourds. In 1882 a new building was erected. There are now six schools in the township which require an annual expenditure of about $2,300 for their support.
Worth has one point of general interest that is the Church of Immaculate Conception at Lourds. The organi-
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HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
zation was formed in 1837. and for several years held servi- ces in a barn. In 1840 a little log church was erected. This was the first congregation in the county to build a church, and it is said to have been the first church built between Peoria and Chicago. This served for a number of years as a meeting place. The church was first served by a priest from Joliet. In 1854 Rev. Father M. Gipperich came to the organi- zation and remained two years. About that time work on the new church was begun. It was built from brick made by Peter Wiltz in his brick yard, which was quite an extensive establishment. The church was finished in 1858, and in the storm of that year, the roof was blown off. It was at once replaced and the church still serves as a convenient place of worship. The structure cost about $12,000. It has con- nected with it a large cemetery. There was at one time a log church under the control of the Lutheran denomination, but this long years ago passed out of the memory of the greater part of the people. An old Amish church was built on the State road in more recent years.
The township was organized in 1855, and Jacob Schuck was elected as its first supervisor.
The officers at present are as follows: Supervisor, Leo F. Schwenk: clerk, John Meister; assessor, Jobn G. Eck- stein ; collector. JJohn G. Fandel; commissioners, Wm. Roh- man, Peter Kieswetter. Adam Geigerich; justice, Conrad Dubois, Ed. Noe : contables, Conrad HI. Kerker, Charles Studer. Among the early settlers was George Schneider, a resident of Benson at the present time. He remembers many incidents connected with pioneer life, altho he was not among the first settlers.
CHAPTER III.
Metamora.
T IIE earliest settlers came to Metamora township when the county was but in its infancy. The pioneers were attracted to its picturesque woods, and soon had a flourish- ing little settlement. Around the site of Metamora chuister a host of historie memories that serve to make the actors in these important events the center of interest in the county. Even before the coming of the first settlers, the region was important in the Indian life of prehistoric days. No single portion of the country is so rich in historical data as is this.
The first settlers to make their appearance on the scene of action were Danial, William and Solomon Sowards. The exact date of this settlement is in doubt, but it was probably about 1824. The example set by these bold pioneers was fol- lowed by others and within a few years the region number- ed a score of families. So rapid was this settlement that by 1836 there was a demand for a postoffice and in that year one was established about three miles north of the present . site of the town, in the home of James Boys, who was the first postmaster in the county. It was discontinued in a short time and one was opened at Partridge Point. The first post- office had been named for the chief, Black Partridge, and the name of the second again honored the old Indian chief. Partridge Point was near Metamora, the postoffice being at Parks' saw mill. William Davenport was the first post- master there.
The year of 1836 was an important one in the growth of the county, as it witnessed the establishment of four
(25)
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IHISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
towns in quick succession, the first in the county. Meta- mora or Hanover as it was then called, was among this number.
Settlers came from various states and the region soon became one of the most populous parts of the county. In 1828 George Kingston settled in the township, coming from Ireland. Peter Engle, Sr., John Engle. Franeis Bregeard. Christian Engle. Joseph Bachman and Michael Joerger came from France.
From Kentucky there came Robert T. Cassell, who was connected with the history of Metamora for many years; JJoseph Wilkerson. William H. Delph and Jesse Dale. The latter was twice elected county treasurer of Woodford county.
Another prominent family from Kentucky was that of Jacob Banta, who came with his sons. David and Cornelius D., in 1832, and who was followed by a third son. Albert .I., the next year. This family became one of the most influen- tial in the county. Mr. Banta was a native of New Jersey, as was his grandfather. Albert Banta. The family originated in Holland and came to America in carly colonial days. The first one to come over was Epke Jacob Banta in 1659. Ile settled at Bergen, now a part of New Jersey. Albert Banta was one of the fifth generation and was grand- father to JJacob Banta, the subject of our sketch. The latter was born in Hackensack, N. J., March 13, 1771, and was fourteen years old when he accompanied his parents to Kentucky. He came to Ilinois in 1832 and lived a short time near Washington, then came to the region of Metamora. Ile became a prosperous citizen. living to be 90 years of age. Hle died Feb. 26, 1861. His sons, Cornelius D., David and Albert became prominent members of the rapidly growing community. Cornelius took up land near Metamora, as did also Albert. Among the most prominent members of the Banta family was Jacob Banta, an carly settler of Roanoke, and later resident of Eureka. His son. Dr. C. F. Banta, is engaged in the practice of medicine in the latter city. The
JACOB BANTA, Early Settler of Metamora Township.
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TOWNSHIPS-METAMORA.
members of the firm of Banta Brothers, of Low Point, A. Lincoln, John L., Frank D. and Archie D. are sons of Cor- nelius Banta.
George Ray came to Illinois from Ohio in 1836 and soon came to Metamora, where he resided at the time of his death. He engaged in the cattle trade quite extensively in the early years of his life here. He soon became a prominent figure in the county and in 1850 was elected sheriff and in 1854 was again elected to that office. He was the father of Jacob Ray, who has been connected with the political life of the county for many years. In 1882 the latter was elected county clerk.
Welcome P. Brown came to Illinois from New York about 1833. Hle first settled in Bloomington after visiting several other points. He finally came to Woodford county and was chosen the first county judge in 1849.
In 1835 John Page, Sr., and Ebenezer Page came from New Hampshire to Woodford county and settled in the vicin- ity of Hanover. The members of the Page family trace their geneology back to John Page, who was born in Dedham. England, in 1586, and came to America with Governor Win- throp in 1830, The members of this family were prominent in their new home, and held various responsible positions. John Page, Sr., died at Metamora in 1855. Ebenezer Page died there also after a long and useful life. Of the decend- anis of these pioneers it is necessary to name three, John W, Adino and Samuel True Page. Of these the former was the most prominent. Ile held numerous prominent position. He was the first school treasurer of his township. In 1845 he was elected county commissioner of schools, hav- ing been elected as coroner the year before. In 1857 he was chosen county treasurer and was re-elected in 1859. Aside from these county offices he held various other positions. Hle was supervisor, school director, village treasurer, etc.
Ile erected the first house in Metamora, and was con- nected with the business interests for many years, being engaged in banking and the sale of merchandise.
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HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
Adino Page was also quite prominent. He was for eight years superintendent of the Woodford county poor farm, having held a similar position in Massachusetts. He was justice of the peace for about 18 years, and was engaged in business with John W. Page.
Both John W. and Samuel True Page enlisted in the Mexican war in 1846. Sanmel Page also served in the war of the rebellion in the 108th regiment. Another prominent p ember of this Family is Judge S. S. Page of Chicago, who holds a high rank as an attorney and judge. Dr. J. F. Page of Eureka is a member of this well known family.
Deacon Joel Ranney came to Metamora township in 1838 from Stockbridge, Vermont, making the journey across the country in a wagon drawn by two horses. He bought a tract of prairie land in what is now Metamora township. In 1848 his death occurred. Two children remained, Hon. J. 1. Ranney and a daughter. Esther JJ. Packard. The former is still a prominent character in Metamora township. He was deeply interested in the solution of the slavery ques- tion and on one occasion was conductor on the underground railroad. He became prominent in the republican party and in 1876 was elected as a member of the legislature and served in the general assemblies of '77 and '79.
No account of the history of Metamora would be com- plete without a sketch of the Morse family, which was so prominently connected with the work of the underground railroad.
Parker Morse came to Woodford county in 1835. The family first settled in the vicinity of what later became Low Point, but in a short time they moved a mile south of the present site of Cazenovia, in Metamora township. There were several members of the family and the vicinity soon became known as the Morse settlement or Morsetown. Levi P. Morse was but 15 years of age when he came thru with his father to Illinois but he drove a team the entire distance from Vermont. Other members of the family were Joseph
1.3
JOHN W. PAGE, Early Settler of Metamora Township.
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TOWNSHIPS-METAMORA.
T., Milton and Mark Morse. These were among the first abolitionists who came here, and they were active in the work of the underground railroad, mention of which is made here- after. Miss Love K. Morse is said to have taught the first free school in the county. It is appropriate that an account of the work of the underground railroad should appear at this point. Only one remains of all those connected with its work, J. A. Ranney, and he is able to tell many interesting incidents in connection with it.
The Underground Railroad.
The Fugitive Slave law aroused great feeling among the opponents of slavery over the entire north. It was es- pecially obnoxious to those who had belonged to the Abolo- tionists. So great was the opposition to its enforcement that concerted plans were made to evade it. These led to the formation of certain well defined routes that were taken by the slaves in their effort to reach Canada, where they vonld be free from pursuit. Since travel along these lines was done as secretly as possible, they came to be known as underground railroads.
Woodford county was no exception to the general rule, and there was bitter opposition to the enforcement of the Ingitive slave law. This condition was not surprising, since the county had men, who were strong opponents of slavery and likewise men who would make any sacrifice to have the institution stamped out. Over this branch of the under- ground road many a run-away slave passed on his way to freedom. There was such a strong sentiment against the traffic that conductors and stations were found in sufficient number to carry on the work successfully.
Fugitives came into Woodford county from what was then called Deacon street, between Tremont and Morton. They passed around Washington, which was regarded as unfriendly toward plans for their escape, and came to the place of Deacon Dutton, half way between Metamora and Washington. Deacon Dutton himself was the principal con-
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HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
ductor from that station, altho George Kern also acted in that capacity. Patterson Scott was one of the conductors south- east of Washington. Mr. Dutton usually brought them to what was called Morsetown. This was a settlement of the Morse family and was south of Cazenovia, near the Morse- town cemetery. Captain Parker Morse and Joseph T. Morse were in hearty sympathy with all efforts made for the escape of the slave. From there the fugitives were taken to a point beyond Magnolia, to the home of a Quaker named Lewis, or if there happened to be no excitement, they were taken to the home of a man named Werk, near Crow creek, this side of bacon.
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TOWNSHIPS-METAMORA.
J. A. RANNEY.
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HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
Deacon Parker Morse was an important character in this work of escape. North of Low Point, James G. Bayne. and the family of John McCoy, took an active part in aiding slaves, James Piper, east of Low Point, was also a strong sympathizer with those seeking liberty. J. A. Ranney, who still resides south of Cazenovia, once acted as a conductor on this road, and has a vivid recollection of some of his ex- periences on that trip, altho he was quite young at the time. He reached the home of Lewis, three miles beyond Magno- lia, with his party about three o'clock in the morning. The Family was aroused and Mr. Ranney still remembers the welcome sight of the room into which they were ushered on their arrival. He styles it the best looking room he ever saw.
In these trips the towns were avoided as much as pos- sible as there was more danger of betrayal attached to going thru a town. It was a common occurrence to see bills posted offering a reward of $50 to $100 reward for the capture of some run-away boy or girl. Occasionally the reward was even greater than that. This was an incentive to aid in the recovery of any fugitive that might be seen. and made it necessary to take the quiet roads. Much of the traveling was done at night, and every precaution possible was taken to prevent discovery. All aid granted to these fleeing slaves was a violation of the fugitive slave law. yet in spite of this the work went on with very little molestation for a long time in this county. The efforts of the conductors were known in the community, but the general disposition scemed to be one of non-interference, altho there was an occasional marmer of disapproval.
On one occasion Joseph Morse was arrested for aiding in the escape of a slave. At that time Woodford county had no jail and he was taken to Pekin in Tazewell county, by William T. Magarity, who was sheriff at the time. The jailer was not at home when Mr. Magarity arrived with his prison- er so that Mr. Morse was left until his return. On the jailer's
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TOWNSHIPS-METAMORA.
appearance, the prisoner was discharged as his papers were not sufficient to warrant his detention. The indictment against him was finally quashed. This appears to be as far as the open opposition to the work of the road appears to have gone.
Schools.
The educational interests of the township received at- tention at an early date. The first school was taught in 1836 by Miss Betsy Page. The first public school has been re- ferred to as having been taught by Miss Morse. The trustees at that time were James Owens, Thomas Jones and Parker Morse. The work of education prospered and Metamora township has now nine schools in the township requiring an annual tax levy of $7,000.
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