USA > Illinois > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Illinois > Part 7
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tions, rode slyly along the by-ways, behind the farms and entered their cabins under the shade of night.
The men comprising this company were blessed with good conversational powers; they were remarkable for sociability and the easy manner in which they entertained their friends, and possessed of a freedom of speech that at all times made them pleasant and communicative companions, but it is a remarkable fact that they always showed a disinclination to dwell upon the subject of their visit to the silver mine. When that subject was introduced in their presence, they instantly became taciturn and seemed to know less about it than any one else. They showed a desire, as long as any of them lived, to keep the matter secret, in which they partially succeeded for, notwithstand- ing the fact that; eighty-four years have passed since this expedition, it has been known to very few persons.
This is no highly work of the imagina- tion, no fancy sketch, but has the merit of being true in every important particular.
EARLY CONDITIONS.
During 1821 the first settlement was made at Kinkead's Point, which was for a long time a landmark in the county. Before roads were laid out or fences built the pio- neers in going from the Macoupin to the Mauvisterre would first steer for Kinkead's Point, then for a similar landmark further on, and so on. The first settler at this point was Andrew Kinkead. He was followed very shortly by his son, William Kinkead, who was well known in the county as 'Squire Kinkead. Martin Burt also erected a cabin
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY
at about the same time. Two or three years later James Kinkead, another son of the original settler, arrived. Every one knew him "with his blue hunting shirt fringed with red and encircled by a belt, to which a sword was suspended, and wearing a tall hat with a feather." As he commanded a company he was prominent at the musters at Carrollton. Very soon after Kinkead's Point was settled John Finley, better known, how- ever, as "Fighting Jack," erected a horse mill south of the present site of Greenfield. Although very loosely constructed, it was a great convenience for the dwellers for sev- cral miles around. Men and boys visited this mill from beyond Carrollton, riding on their sacks of corn and leading horses enough to turn the mill. Strange as this may seem this mill was supplied with neither wheel nor cog. . At an elevation of six feet from the ground, a number of arms were passed horizontally through the driving shaft. They were of equal length and their outer ends were deeply notched for the re- ception of a rawhide band, twisted like a rope. This was passed around the end of the arms or spokes, resting in the notches and thence to the "trundle," being crossed. however, between the latter and the driving wheel, to prevent slipping. To the same shaft that carried the arms was attached a long lever, to which the horse or horses were fastened. This was all the gearing belong- ing to the mill, and from its great simplicity it was easily repaired when out of order. 1 few hickory withes usually secured any part that needed attention. John Finley and his sons afterward entered the site of the Rock bridge mills. The old gentleman settled on the bluff south of the creek, and his son made a home in Taylor's prairie just north of Rockbridge.
Concerning the settlement sert vil Car- rollton, soon after the argintelhagy of the county, an article m the Corrales Pico nf 1860, written by Mr. Tunnell, June the pool- lowing : "The first impres concat-maile mail of Carrollton was made in 1818 er ixigby Martin Wood, who is now beme nimic AAthens, this county. ( Mr. Wood -tied htany years ago .- Editor Past and Present It is now the residence of Luman Coquillea farmer well known to every man in the room- try about Carrollton. ( Mr. Curtin- continued to live on this place until his death m 1805. and some years after it was sold by the heir- to Longmeyer Brothers, who non resile thereon .- Editor Past and Present ). Young Wood was a brother of Martin. By an un- fortunate accident, while young, he was severely burned, disfiguring his face and dis- abling his hands to such a degree as to render them useless but for the skill acquired by long practice in using them, and which en- abled him to write quite legibly and, indeed, to attend to most kind of business with 2 readiness and dispatch really surprising. He was for a long time sheriff of Greene county and occupied at an early day rather a promi- nent position in politics. He died many years ago. His cabin was on the place known as the Turpin farm, and stood just where Turpin's house now stands. Passing thence eastward and northward over to a piece of very muddy land to the place now occupied by Mr. Hinton, you would find the cabins of John Dunn and Davidson James. To reach the next cabin you would trivel eastward as far as the next sixteenth section, perhaps four or five miles, to where Join Cooper had settled, about the spot where Father Boyl resided a few years as The John W. Huitt place was settled by Phonels Finley, who was well known In the city
60
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
settlers. He afterward resided for many years near Greenfield and removed from there to Texas. Mr. Headd and Mr. Brogh- ton improved the land now occupied by Mr. Ballenger, near Dover. One Mr. Blaney soon became its occupant, however, but be- fore he had moved into the cabin, after Headd and Broghton had left it, one Levi Reynolds took shelter under its roof, and re- maining there along for a time, took provis- ions and water, and probably whiskey, to the corps of surveyors engaged in the neigh- borhood."
THE FIRST SENATORIAL ELEC- TION.
In 1822 occurred the most remarkable election of which we have any record in this region. It was the first election for senator and representative in the general assembly since the organization of the county. This senatorial district then consisted of Greene and Pike counties, the latter then including "all the military district lying between the Illinois river and the Mississippi, from the mouth of the former to the north line of the state. Thomas Carlin and Rev. Isaac N. Piggott were the opposing candidates. The late D. M. Woodson, in a centennial address which he delivered, said of these candidates : "Carlin was a man of great nerve and energy and undaunted courage. His personal popu- larity was great, for he had been reared among the pioneers of Illinois, had served as a Ranger and shared with them their hard- ships and perils. Piggott was at that time a Methodist preacher. Hle possessed strong native talent, was a forcible speaker, also personally popular and a powerful opponent. Mr. Piggott's house was south of the Ma-
coupin, a short distance west of Kane. The canvass was prosecuted with the utmost vigor, for each candidate was aware that he was contesting with a foeman worthy of his steel. Each was aspiring and ambitious, and neither was at all oblivious of the honor of being elected the first legislator from the dis- trict. The candidates and their friends la- bored diligently with all the arts then known to politics. Mr. Piggott made frequent speeches to the citizens of the district, and both traveled all over the region, shook hands with every one and made as much use as possible of the influence of their friends. The result of the election was so much in doubt that each claimed to be the success- ful candidate, and in some way each of them secured a certificate. With these they pre- sented themselves at the senate and claimed seats. That body promptly decided that there had been no election and sent the con- testants back to fight the battle over again. Excitement was now at fever heat, and prob- ably a more heated, earnest canvass in so thinly populated district was never known before. The result was a clear victory for Mr. Carlin, and from the legislature he stepped, some years later, into the governor's mansion. Mr. Piggott died in 1874, eighty- two years of age."
SENATORS AND REPRESENTA- TIVES.
From that time Greene county has been represented in the senate by John Allen, Thomas Rattan, James Turney, Franklin Witt, Manoah Bostick, Alfred W. Cavalry, Linus E. Worcester. R. H. Davis, G. W. Ilerdman, F. M. Bridges, J. K. Farrelly and George W. Witt.
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
The several representatives from the county have been Thomas Rattan, John Allen, Franklin Witt, Samuel C. Pierce, William Goode, Charles Gregory, Lewis W. Link, Dr. Cyrus .\. Davis, William Lane, alias William Mitchell, Calvin Tunnell, Re- velle W. English, David M. Woodson, Al- fred W. Cavalry, Joshua C. Winters, Alfred Hinton, Josiah Caswell, William P. Witt,
Charles D. Holger, Messurfen Witt Alex- ander King. Besjanun Ballo, Gde H. Turner, James Il. Pursley. Nadlemmel M. Perry, Henry C. Withus, Thonco JI. Bagel, Jerome B. Nulton, Lucien King. I. M. Bridges, Ornan Pierson, J. S. Carr, I :. 1. Doolittle, F. M. Fishback, N. L. Jones, G. B. Metcalf, W. V. Rhoades, J. K. Farrelly and G. W. Witt.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
Date of Commission.
Office.
Namcs.
February 12, 1821
County Judge
John G. Lofton.
April 14, 1821.
Sheriff
Thomas Carlin.
April 14. 1821.
Coroner
Jacob Waggoner.
July 2, 1821
Surveyor
Robert Avery.
August II, 1821.
Recorder
John G. Lofton.
June 27, 1822.
County Judge
A. Bowman.
August 22, 1822
County Judge
Abram Bowman.
September 5, 1822
Sheriff
Young Wood.
September 5, 1822
Coroner
Christian Link.
January 13, 1823.
Recorder
Samuel Lee, Jr.
February 17, 1823.
County Judge
A. M. Cavarly.
May 7, 1823.
Surveyor
Robert Avery.
September 2, 1824.
Coroner
Christian Link.
December 30, 1824.
Sheriff
Young Wood.
January 6, 1825.
Surveyor
William Scott.
January 18, 1825.
Public Administrator.
John Allen.
January 18, 1825 ..
County Judge
A. M. Cavarly.
September 26, 1826.
Coroner
Christian Link.
December 5, 1826.
Sheriff
Young Wood.
March 29, 1827.
County Judge
John Brown.
October 13, 1827.
Surveyor
Robert Avery.
December 14, 1827.
Public Administrator.
Samuel C. Pierce.
September 11, 1828.
Sheriff
Jacob Fry.
September 11, 1828
Coroner
Peter Fronk.
January 23, 1829.
Surveyor
Samuel Smith.
January 23. 1829.
Publie Administrator.
Samuel C. Pierce.
February 17, 1830.
Recorder
W. B. Whittaker.
August 30, 1830.
Coroner
P. N. Rampy.
August 30, 1830.
Sheriff
Jacob Fry.
September 28, 1830.
Recorder
John W. Skidmore.
January 28, 1831.
Recorder
Jolin Evans.
September 5. 1832.
Sheriff
Jacob Fry.
September 5, 1832.
Coroner
J. N. Whitlock.
August 16, 1834.
Coroner
John Whitlock.
August 16, 1834
Sheriff
Jacob Fry.
January 24, 1835.
Surveyor
Job Collins.
February 12, 1835.
County Judge
Lewis W Link.
August 13, 1835
Recorder
David Pierson.
August 13, 1835.
Surveyor
Job Collins.
August 18, 1836.
Sheriff
Jacob Fry
August 18, 1836.
Coroner
James G Berry.
September 11, 1837
County Judge
D. M Woodson.
October 17, 1837
Sheriff
Young Wood.
August 24, 1838.
Surveyor
J. M Hurd.
February 10, 1831
Public Administrator
William Carlin.
62
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
Date of Commission. Office.
Names.
August 24, 1838.
Coroner
John N. Whitlock.
August 24. 1838.
Sheriff
John D. Fry.
August 17, 1839.
County Judge
Calvin Tunnell.
August 17, 1839.
Recorder
Charles Lancaster.
August 17, 1839.
Surveyor
C. C. Dodge.
August 17, 1840.
Sheriff
Hugh Jackson.
August 17, 1840.
Coroner
John N. Whitlock.
August 7. 1841.
Recorder
J. D. Fry.
August 8, 1842.
Sheriff
Hugh Jackson.
August 8, 1842.
Coroner
James Hopkins.
August 25. 1843.
County Judge
M. S. Link.
August 25, 1843.
Recorder
John D. Fry.
August 25. 1843.
Surveyor
C. C. Dodge.
August 26, 1844.
Coroner
J. N. Whitlock.
September 3, 1844
Sheriff
Hugh Jackson.
May 21, 1845. .
Publie Administrator.
John S. Fry.
August 27, 1846
Sheriff
Hugh Jackson.
August 27, 1846.
Coroner
Richard Ellis.
August 27, 1846.
Recorder
Abram Spencer.
January 24. 1847
Public Administrator.
John S. Fry.
August 9, 1847.
Recorder
Abran, Spencer.
August 9, 1847.
Surveyor
W. H. Ellis.
August 18, 1847
County Judge
M. S. Link.
August 17, 1848
Sheriff
Z. A. Morrow.
August 23, 1848.
Coroner
James Medford.
November 13, 1849.
Clerk County Court.
F. P. Vedder.
November 13, 1849.
Surveyor
\V. IT. Ellis.
November 13, 1849.
Coroner
R. R. Nichols.
November 13, 1849.
County Judge
M. S. Link.
September 4, 1848.
Clerk Circuit Court.
William Carlin.
November 20, 1850.
Sheriff
William Halbut.
November 20, 1850.
Coroner
M. Dulaney.
November 10, 1851.
Surveyor
Samuel Heaton.
November 23, 1852.
Sheriff
Z. A. Morrow.
November 23, 1852.
Coroner
M. Dulaney.
November 23, 1852
Clerk Circuit Court.
Abram Spencer.
November 16, 1853.
County Judge
C. D. Hodges.
November 16, 1853.
.County Justice.
L. E. Worcester.
November 16, 1853.
County Justice.
Thomas Short.
November 16, 1853.
County Clerk.
F. P. Vedder.
November 16, 1853.
Surveyor
S. Heaton.
November 16, 1853.
School Commissioner
Joe Pierson.
November 13, 1854.
Sheriff
Hugh Jackson.
November 13, 1854.
Coroner
M. Dulaney.
November 13, 1855.
Surveyor
Samuel Heaton.
November 17. 1856.
Circuit Clerk.
Abram Spencer.
November 17, 1856.
Sheriff
Lemuel Patterson.
November 17, 1856.
Coroner
M. Dulaney.
November 17, 1857.
County Judge
.C. D. Hodges.
November 17, 1857.
County Justice
L. E. Worcester.
November 17, 1857.
County Justice
Thomas Short.
November 17, 1857.
County Clerk
F. P. Vedder.
November 17, 1857
County Treasurer
William L. Greene.
November 17. 1857
School Commissioner
Joseph Pierson.
November 30, 1858.
Sheriff
Jordan Lakin.
November 30, 1858.
Coroner
A. Headrick.
March 2, 1859.
County Judge
Thomas H. Boyd.
November 18, 1859
County Justice.
L. T. Whiteside.
November 18, 1859.
Surveyor
Henry Bonfoy.
November 18, 1859.
County Treasurer
W. L. Greene.
November 18. 1859.
School Commissioner
S. F. Corrington.
November 15, 1860.
Circuit Clerk.
James S. Vedder.
November 15, 1860.
Sheriff
Jacob Bowman.
November 15, 1860.
Coroner
A. Hendrick.
November 14, 1801.
. Coroner
J. E. Bridges.
November 14, 1861.
County Judge
Thomas 11. Boyd.
November 14. 1861
County Clerk
WV. A. Davis.
November 14, 1861.
Surveyor
llenry Bonfoy.
63
Bmw of Commission, Office.
Freember 6, 1861.
County Justice
December 6, 1861.
County Justice
November 13, 1862.
Sheriff
November 13, 1862.
Corner
November 20, 1863. Coroner
November 20, 1863. Surveyor
.1- M Dyer
November 20, 1863. School Commissoorr
November 20, 1803.
County Treashite:
December 8, 1864.
Circuit Clerk
December 8, 1864.
Sheriff
. George W Chprod.
November 17, 1865. County Judge
. Thongs It Boyd.
November 17, 1865. Surveyor
Samt! ifcom.
November 17, 1805.
County Clerk
George W Dis.
November 12, 1866.
County Judge
. A. Hinton.
November 12, 1866.
Coroner
. Thomas Wright.
November 12. 1866. Sheriff
S. Foster Greene.
November 20, 1867.
Surveyor.
Jay C. White.
November 17, 1868.
Circuit Clerk
Thomas J. Carlin.
November 17, 1868.
Sheriff
James S. Vedder.
November 17, 1868. Coroner
Henry Nash.
December 2, 1869.
County Judge
Jolin Ruyle.
December 2, 1869.
Associate Justice
F M. Fisiback.
December 2, 1869.
Associate Justice
J II. Rives
December 2, 1869.
County Clerk ..
George W. Davis.
December 2, 1869.
County Treasurer
N. J. Andrews.
December 2, 1869.
Surveyor
J. C. White.
December 2, 1869.
Superintendent School-
C. A. Worley.
December 3, 1870.
Sheriff
. F. M. Bell.
December 3, 1870.
Coroner
H. P. Nash.
November 16, 1871
; County Treasurer
A. M. Browning.
November 16, 1871
Surveyor
J. C. White.
November 20, 1872.
Sheriff
N. J. Andrews.
November 20, 1872.
States Attorney
J. J. Fitzsimons.
March 21, 1873.
Superintendent Schools
John Jones.
November 17, 1873
County Judge
L. E. Worcester.
November 17, 1873.
.County Clerk
L. R. Lakin.
November 17, 1873.
. County Treasurer
Joseph Rickart.
November 17, 1873.
.Superintendent Schools
Mrs. Kate Hopkins.
January 17, 1874.
County Commissioner. C. W. Brace.
January 17, 1874.
. County Commissioner
J. F. Ballinger.
January 17, 1874.
County Commissioner
W. 11. Barron.
November 21, 1874.
County Commissioner
John 11. Greene.
November 21, 1874.
Sheriff
FF. M. Bridges.
November 27. 1874.
. Coroner
11. P. Nash.
August 21, 1874.
States Attorney
Henry C. Withers.
November 26, 1875.
County Treasurer
Richard H. Short.
November 26, 1875
County Commissioner
W. B. Robinson.
November 26, 1875.
County Commissioner
George 11. Amos.
November 26, 1875.
Surveyor
Jay C. White.
November 27, 1876.
States Attorney
James R. Ward.
November 20, 1876.
Sheriff
John Jones.
November 29. 1876.
Coroner
A. Headrick.
December 1. 1876.
County Commissioner
William M. Morrow.
December 12, 1876.
Circuit Clerk
J. 11. Short.
December 1, 1877
County Judge
1. F. Worcester.
December 1, 1877.
County Clerk ..
1 .. R Lakin.
December 1. 1877
County Treasurer
W. D. Gullett.
December 1. 1877
Superintendent School
D. F .. King.
December 1, 1875.
County Commissioner.
George 11 \mos.
December 1, 1875. Surveyor
J C White.
November 27. 1876.
States Attorney
James R. Ward.
November 20, 1876.
Sheriff
John Jones
November 20, 1876. . Coroner
December 1. 1876.
County Commissioner.
William M Morrow.
December 12. 1876. Circuit Clerk
J Il Short.
December 1. 1877.
County Judge
1 . Wore ster.
December 1, 1877
County Clerk
L. R Lakin.
November 20, 1872.
Circuit Clerk
Thomas J. Carlin.
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
64
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
Date of Commission. Officc.
Names.
December 1, 1877.
County Treasurer W. D. Gullett.
December 1, 1877.
Superintendent Schools. David F. King.
December 1, 1877. .
County Commissioner. S. F. Greene.
November 25, 1878
County Commissioner
W. M. Maberry.
December 2, 1878. Sheriff
John Jones.
December 1, 1882
County Judge
L. R. Lakin.
December 1, 1882.
County Clerk.
John Jones.
December 1, 1882.
Sheriff
W. M. Morrow.
December 1, 1882 Treasurer
R. A. Short.
December 1, 1882.
Superintendent Schools. W. J. Roberts.
December 1, 1882
Coroner
George W. Thompson.
December 1, 1882
County Commissioner.
W. P. Gilmore.
December 3, 1883
County Commissioner.
James H. Smith.
December 1, 1884.
Circuit Clerk
A. Connole.
December 1, 1884.
Coroner
George N. Thompson.
December 1, 1884
States Attorney
D. F. King.
December 1, 1884.
Surveyor
J. C. White.
December 1, 1886.
County Judg
L. R. Lakin.
December 1, 1886.
County Clerk.
John Jones.
December 1, 1886.
Sheriff
J. G. F. Powell.
December 1, 1886.
County Treasurer
W. M. Morrow.
December 1, 1886.
Superintendent Schools.
Laura Hazle.
December 3, 1888.
Circuit Clerk
Thomas J. Raffety.
December 3, 1888.
Coroner
A. Headrick.
December 3, 1893.
Public Administrator
W. L. Armstrong.
November 26, 1890.
County Judge.
J. C. Bowman.
November 26, 1890.
Sheriff
J. G. Pennel.
November 26, 1890.
Treasurer
W. K. Withers.
December 6, 1893.
Public Guardian.
W. C. Scanland.
January 31, 1894.
Public Administrator
F. M. Roberts.
December 3, 1892.
Coroner
James Squire.
December 3, 1894.
Circuit Clerk
J. A. Pellett.
December 3, 1894.
County Judge.
John C. Bowman. .
December 3, 1894.
Superintendent Schools.
. H. T. White.
December 3, 1894.
Sheriff
R. G. Robinson.
December 3, 1894.
Treasurer
J. G. Pennel.
December 3, 1894.
County Clerk.
W. A. Hubbard.
December 3, 1892.
Surveyor
T. G. Capps.
December 3, 1896.
Circuit Clerk
T. J. Raffety.
December 3. 1896.
States Attorney
D. J. Sullivan.
December 3, 1896.
Coroner
James Squire.
December 3. 1896.
Surveyor
T. G. Capps.
August 27, 1898.
Superintendent Schools. . F. E. Bell.
December 1, 1898.
County Judge D. F. King.
December 1, 1898.
County Clerk. W. A. Hubbard.
December 1, 1898.
Sheriff
Isaac Conlec.
December 1, 1898.
Treasurer
. M. G. Sisson.
November 30, 1900.
Circuit Clerk E. Z. Curnutt. .
November 30, 1900.
States Attorney.
E. W. Painter.
November 30, 1900.
Coroner
J. A. Cravens.
November 30, 1900.
Surveyor
T. G. Capps.
December 13, 1901.
Public Guardian.
William Lavery.
November 22, 1902.
County Judge
D. F. King.
November 22, 1902.
County Clerk. Isaac Conlee.
November 22, 1902.
Sheriff
Paul W. Wood.
November 22, 1902.
Treasurer
Thomas D. Doyle.
November 22, 1902.
Superintendent Schools. . L. K. Jones.
November 22, 1902 November 28, 1904.
Public Administrator
Ed. Miner.
November 28, 1904.
States Attorney.
E. W. Painter.
November 28, 1904.
Coroner
J. A. Cravans.
November 28, 1904.
Surveyor
T. G. Capps.
November 26, 1890.
County Clerk.
M. J. Carmody.
November 26, 1890.
Superintendent Schools
W. A. Hubbard.
December 6, 1897.
Public Guardian.
W. C. Scanland.
December 3, 1892.
States Attorney.
Thomas Henshaw.
December 3, 1888.
December 3, 1888.
Surveyor
J. C. White.
States Attorney. Thomas Henshaw.
December 1, 1898.
Superintendent Schools . F. E. Bell.
Circuit Clerk. .
E. Z. Curnutt.
1,5
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE YOUSTY
INDIANS.
The earliest settlers found on the banks of the Macoupin a large tribe of Indians, who remained for some time, taking advan- tage of the immense quantity of game which abounded in this region. They were friendly to the whites and were frequently to be seen at their cabins to the terror of the feminine portion of the families. Indians in greater or less numbers were frequent visitors of the county for several years, but were never in any way hostile to the settlers. Many of the pioneers, however, retained their feeling of hate for the savages, aroused during the war, and the determination to kill the first one of them that was left alone, was often ex- pressed.
The Indians, however, were not on the best terms with each other, but they usually refrained from any outbreak of personal violence. If a white man passed near one of them in the woods, the Indian often seemed desirous of avoiding a meeting, but if the parties happened to be proceeding in such direction as to render such a meeting inevitable, the red man would walk briskly up to the white man and taking his hand in both of his own, shake. it cordially, calling him "Good man, good man. Me Potta- watomie Indian"( or Kickapoo, as the case might be ). "Me good Indian-Kickapoo no good Indian: Kickapoo steal white man's hogs." In fact. both the tribes annoyed the settlers by killing their hogs.
About this time a band of Indians camped on the Macoupin in the east part of the county. They had with them their squaws and came for the purpose of killing some of the game with which that region abounded. They had not been long in camp before some of their enemies near Carrollton
determinol that the Hours be limon .- 69 The dweller- In the mix Colle pet .. to the presence of the red man boll ardley's were determined to eject then the - cluded to accongamy the sipeloon fum eral Fry led the company, xml somente those from the county were Jolin \ Hoces the two Taylors and More. Mexaaler and Foster. AArriving at the beinit camenicy found it entirely deserted by the less ato . were all absent in pursuit of dleer or Mirkey or other game. The wigwams, the ore noi the squaws with their pappanses were alone to be found. In order to call in site Burzy hunters, and, at the same time tococorps ile time, the party set up a mark and beau ft- ing at it with their rifles. The quick-repented reports produced the desired effect. for the terrified savages soon came rushing ing pont- ing and covered with per-piration al de pecting to find their wives and children brit tally massacred.
They were much delighted to discover that they were unduly frightened. and. awaiting the arrival of the chief, entere I into a friendly contest in marksmanship with the pale-faces. The keen eye and steady nerve of the Indians gave them the victory and they did not hesitate to manifest their - the- faction at such results by loud and bester ons rejoicing. At last the chief arrival sod to him the white men kindly but firmly com- municated their desire that he and lus people should quit the county. They asked the privilege of remaining until the sin Joordl pass over their heads three times, what it- ing granted, they promised to go. cl 001 e course of two or three days had disappe ref This was about the last appearance of In bag. in this county, though an occasional vano lever was seen, even down toa quite recent period On the way home from thos espeilet on the
4
66
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
party came across a dressed deer and a num- ber of skins belonging to the savages, and a few proposed that they appropriate them; but the sense of honor of the majority of them ruled. and the flesh and pelts were un- disturbed. Soon night overtook the party ; those from the town were anxious to push on, but Mr. Huitt and his friends concluded to camp till morning. They passed a very comfortable night and reached home during the next morning, feeling fresh and well, while those who had pushed on walked till nearly daybreak before reaching their own roofs.
SLAVES.
Possibly some reader may be surprised to know that negro slaves were owned in this county during the first years of its organi- zation, yet such is the fact. Early in the history of the county a man named Pullam came to Illinois from Kentucky. He settled on the Barr place, a short distance west of the property known as the David Wright property : he brought with him twenty ne- groes. After remaining here some time and learning that the laws of the state did not permit the owning of slaves, he sold out. Bayman White bought his improvements and he sold to one Pepperdine. Mr. Pullam took all his negroes south with him except one. "Old Strap," and he remained here for several years. During the latter part of his life he was an expense to the county, and this explains the following entry in the rec- ords of the commissioners court which has been a puzzle to many: "Ordered, that Robert B. Scott be allowed four dollars for keeping 'Old Strap.'" Thomas Rattan also brought negroes to this county with him, but upon arriving on free soil he set them at liberty, but he was so kind a master that
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