Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 134

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130

USA > Illinois > Knox County > Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois > Part 134

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The First Presbyterian Church was organized May 4, 1863, at the school-house in District No. 3, by Rev. C. B. Bristol. Joseph Findley and James B. Rals- ton were chosen and ordained as Elders. By order of the Presbytery the name was changed from the First Presbyterian Church of Ontario to the present

name. They have a good church building, a par- sonage and a fair membership. Rev. Edmond H. Post is the present pastor.

Methodist Episcopal Church. This society was or- ganized as early as 1845, by Rev. R. N. Morse. It was subsequently located at Oneida and had a men- bership at one time of 125. A church building was erected at a cost of $2,500, and a parsonage at a cost of $1,200.

SOCIETIES.

Oneida Lodge, No. 337, A., F.& A. M. Dispen- sation was granted for the organization of this lodge, March 26, 1860. First officers : E. W. Roberts, W. M .; W. L. Hubbard, S. W .; James Suncox, J. W. ; N. Maul, Tiler. It was chartered Oct. 3, 1860. Present officers : S. C. Whitcomb, W. M .; C. G. Graves, S. W .; David Hamilton, J. W. ; A. B. An- derson, Treas .; E. Marsh, Secy .; Frank Prouty, S. D) .; John Talbot, J. D .; William H. Moore, Tiler. Present membership, 60. Good working condition ; money at interest. At present they have a rented hall, but they propose to build one soon.

Oneida Chapter, No. 173, was chartered Oct. 26, 1876, with 23 members. Previous to this the Chap- ter worked under dispensation for about one year. The officers under dispensation were: G. L. Ste- phenson, H. P .; F. Murdock, K .; T. A. Wetmore, Scribe; A. B. Anderson, C. H .; B. F. Brown, P. S. Present officers: G. L. Stephenson, H. P .; O. P. Cooley, K .; D. Hamilton, Scribe ; C. G. Graves, C. H .; E. Marsh, P. S .; A. B. Anderson, Treas .; T. A. Wetmore, Secy .; S. C. Whitcomb, R. A. C .; F. Murdock, G. M. 3d V .; Thomas Hosler, G. M. 2d V .; S. S. Russell, G. M. Ist V .; W. H. Moore, Tiler. Present membership, 25.

I. O.O. F., No. 228, was chartered Oct. 15, 1857. This charter was surrendered in 1861. June 3, 1874, the Lodge was reinstituted, preserving the same number. The Lodge was burned out in 1857. First officers: R. Voris, N. G .; J. W. Tate, V. G .; C. C. Scudder, Secy .; A. B. Anderson, Treas. Present officers: F. Murdock, N. G .; M. G. Waldron, .V. G .; E. C. Hammond, P. G .; F. Beals, L. D .; A. B. An- derson, Treas. It has a membership of 21, is in good working order and financially good. It meets in the Masonic hall.

KNOX COUNTY.

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TOWNSHIPS

ISTORIES of townships are an essential and prominent part of the county history. The various parts of Knox County were settled by men most of whom have representatives now living in the county, or are still living here themselves. A careful reading of the incidents relating to the early settle- ment of the several townships will repay the reader, as each one con- tains the names of the first settlers, and many other items which are re- quired to make the history complete. The township histories are given in their alphabetical order, and the sketches of the vil- lages are included in their respective townships.

CEDAR TOWNSHIP.

HE first settlement made in this township was by Azel Dorsey, who with his family located on the northwest quarter of section 18, in 1878. He sold out soon after to Mr. Finch, who was a Methodist exhorter, and moved to Fulton County. Mr. Finch subse- quently sold out and moved to Missouri.

With Mr. Dorsey came Rev. Hiram Palmer, who

located near him on section 7. Mr. Palmer was a Methodist preacher. He subsequently, in the spring of 1832, moved to the southeast quarter of section 32, where the Abingdon Cemetery is now located.

In 1829 Abraham D. Swartz and family, from Warren County, moved in, settling on the southwest quarter of section 17. This place is now occupied by James Kays. He had settled in Warren County, to make a home there, but being an ardent Method- ist, and learning that there were some of his faith here, he moved over, in order to be with his brethren. With him came his nephew, Josiah Stillings. It was Mr. Swartz who first conceived the idea of founding a college at Abingdon. Over twenty-five years, however, passed away before this project was carried ont, and then Mr. Swartz had gone to his long home. The establishment of Hedding College is due mainly to the earnest efforts made by this noble Christian gentleman.

He died in 1852, and was buried in Abingdon Cemetery. His devoted wife had preceded him to that better home. They died of typhoid fever. It was Mr. Swartz who laid out the town of Abingdon. They had eight children, three boys and five girls. They are all dead but one boy and two girls. The oldest girl lives in Washington Territory, and the youngest, Sarah E., who married Mr. Thos. R. Wilson, is also living in Washington Territory. The son is living in Kansas.

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KNOX COUNTY.

The next settler was Joseph Latimer and family of four children, from Tennessee. They moved in in 1831, and made a claim on the northwest quarter of section 29. Mr. Latimer was a good citizen, and built him up here a fine home. He and his wife died at their home and were buried in Cherry Grove burying-ground. George Latimer, son of Joseph, came in 1831 and settled on section 29. He was followed in 1832 by his brother Jonathan, who set- tled on section 28. He came from Sangamon County, where he had been living awhile. Jacob West, father-in-law of Jonathan Latimer, came with him, settling near by. In 1833 Joshua Blaud came with a large family, settling in section 16. Dennis Clark came in this year and lived with Col. Geo. G. Latimer. He was a smart, active and intelligent young man and made himself very popular as well as useful about the settlement. Mr. Bland was quite a benefactor to this new settlement, manifesting this element in his nature by erecting a corn-cracker. It was started in 1833 and located at the head- waters of Branch Creek, as it was called. It was moved by horse power, and rather a primitive ar- rangement, yet it was as welcome as the night dews to the withered flowers. Before this mill was started the settlers went to Ellisville, on Spoon River, to have their grain ground, and afterward, too, for his little mill was not equal to the increasing demand made upon it. Ellisville Mill was very good for those days, and was largely patronized from an extended area of territory. People going there for their grists were sometimes obliged to wait a whole week before they could turn their faces homeward; and often, while there, kept body and soul together by eating parched corn. There was only one dwelling- house at the mill; and that was not set up as an eleemosynary institution and could not be expected to feed all the hungry people waiting the slow turn- ing of this mill. While this was not a mill of the gods, yet it was not fast in the grinding.

Wm. Bevins and family made an addition to this settlement in 1834, locating on section 23. He was a son-in-law of Mr. Bland. After dwelling here for six years his wife died, and he subsequently re- moved to Iowa, where he died. Lewis and Bennett Spurlock also moved in this year, settling on section 23. Lewis was a great deer-hunter. His success in hunting this game kept the settlement very liberally supplied with venison. After all, this settlement fell

under very propitious circumstances, for Bevins was a great bee-hunter, and with plenty of corn-cake, honey and venison, they were not likely to go hun- gry. Bennett Spurlock moved away; Lewis lived and died here. Reuben Castle, hearing of this happy and thrifty settlement, came in this year, making a claim on section 12. A greater claim, how- ever, was made by this pioneer, to the hand of Miss Lang, which he took with the owner, to strengthen and brighten his castle. Neither of these persons has had cause to regret this action, for many years have rolled by to bless the union, leaving them yet living happily together at the old homestead. About this time Hugh A. Kelly and wife, a brother-in-law of Castle, came in, settling on section 15. He was an active man in township matters and is still living. In mentioning the early settlers, Mrs. Catharine Reed should not be overlooked. She was a widow of John Reed, who settled on section 17 in 1836. His location was made on the ground the Indians camped on before the Black Hawk War. Mrs. Reed was born in Scotland in 1790, and emigrated to this country in 1796.

The first couple to join their hearts and hands as one, in this township, were U. D. Coy and Susan Latimer in December, 1832. They afterward moved to Iowa, where they died. Mr. Coy was inthe Black Hawk War.

The first natural increase to the population of this settlement was in the person of little Miss Ellen Swartz, November 29, daughter of A. B. Swartz, whose advent into this community was as welcome as a bright May morning.

The first death was Miss Olive Strange, who died in 1834. She was a niece of Rev. John Strange, of In- diana, and came to this place with John Kays, in 1833.

The first school taught here was in the winter of 1835-36, by Mr. Seymour, at Cherry Grove.

Rev. Hiram Palmer was the first man to administer religious food in the way of preaching to the people. Service was held at this time at the residence of A. D. Swartz.

Wolves were quite plenty here in the early days and were very troublesome to the settlers. Some of the cabins had no doors other than straw bedticks hung up at the entrance to keep out the cold. When the husband would necessarily be compelled to be absent of a night the wife would keep up a bright

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KNOX COUNTY.

fire during the long hours, to prevent any invasion by these hungry and dangerous animals. These wolves not only annoyed the settlers by their prowl- ing about the cabins, but were constantly preying upon the sheep and young stock. Panthers were also seen occasionally about the settlements.

Cedar Township is numbered ten, north of range one east, and is bounded on the north by Galesburg, on the east by Orange, on the south by Indian Point Township, on the west by Warren County.

It is watered by Branch Creek and other little streams. A greater portion of the township is un- dulating prairie with a rich soil.

April 5, 1853, a meeting was held for the purpose of perfecting a township organization. The voters selected Hugh A. Kelly, Moderator, and L. W. Con- ger, Clerk, and then proceeded to cast their votes. E. P. Dunlap was chosen Supervisor; Wm. Marks, Clerk; Wm. Lang, Assessor; James W. Smoot, Col- lector ; J. W. Stephens and W. H. Heller, Commis- sioners of Highways; P. M. Shoop and Joseph Har- vey, Justices of the Peace; Thos. S. Bassett, Over- seer of the Poor; Sol. Stigall and Eli Butler, Con- stables. The election was held at what was then Louisville, about two miles north of Abingdon, on section 16. A vote was also taken for the place of holding the next election, which resulted in favor of Louisville.

This township was organized as Cherry Grove, but was changed to Cedar. In 1855 the place for hold- ing elections was changed to Abingdon. The same year the township was furnished the means of trans- portation by the completion of what was called the Northern Cross Railroad, from Quincy to Galesburg. There is but one town in Cedar, which is Abingdon, and is located about midway on the southern line of the township. It is highly cultivated, and splendid farms, with fine houses and farm buildings, can be seen in every part of it. Special attention has been given, of late years, to the cultivation of blooded stock -Short-horns and the hornless breed-and in this line Cedar ranks first of the townships in the county.

Cedar Township has eight school districts, all of which have ungraded schools. Value of school property, $8,000, with two brick and six frame school- houses. Number of libraries worth $200, four. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 448, of whom 345 were of school age, 320 being enrolled.

The highest wages paid male teachers were 845, the lowest $30; the highest paid female teachers were $40, and the lowest $25. The tax levy was $2,355.

The population of Cedar, in 1880, was 1,976, which is about the number of inhabitants at the present writing.

SUPERVISORS.

Below are given the names of the citizens who have been honored by the votes of this township with the office of Supervisor : E. P. Dunlap, 1853-54; J. R. Johnson, 1855 ; Thos. B. Mount, 1856-57 ; H. A. Kelly, 1858 ; J. W. Stephens, 1,859-62 ; James Mc- Kinnie, 1863; Shaftoe Lowrey, 1864; E. S. Hardin, 1865-68 ; M. C. Bates, 1869 ; E. S. Hardin, 1870 ; M. C. Bates, 1871-72; P. M. Shoop, 1873-74; M. C. Bates, 1875-76; J. S. Latimer, 1877-79; M. C. Kimball, 1880-85

CHESTNUT TOWNSHIP.

HESTNUT TOWNSHIP is located in the southern tier of townships and is num- bered 9 north of range 2 east. It has for its northern boundary Orange Township, its eastern Maquon, on the south lies Fulton County and on the west Indian Point Town- ship. It is quite liberally watered and fairly tim- bered. Spoon River enters the township on section 24, and, meandering in a southwest direction, passes out on section 34. Other little streams, tributary to this river, course through the township, which afford ample drainage. The surface of the land is mostly rolling prairie, and is very productive. In the south- western part and along Spoon River, the land is broken and pretty heavily timbered. Chestnut was among the early settled townships of the county. In 1833 its beautiful prairies attracted the attention of Anson Dolf, who canie in and made a claim for a home on section 17. The following spring Mr. Dolf permanently located here and commenced the im- provement of his farm. He did not dwell here long alone, for this same year came John Terry and set- tled on the adjoining section 16. Mr. Terry was a Virginian, and came from Greenbrier County. It was not long before William McFarland, another Virginian, came in. In the latter part of 1834 Mr. Shaver moved in, locating on section 17. From

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1839 the township settled up quite rapidly, and with a sturdy, thrifty and an intelligent class of settlers. John Terry had the honor of serving the township as the first Justice of the Peace. 'Squire Terry also performed the first marriage ceremony, that of Mr. Gray and Miss Cope. The first natural increase to the population of Chestnut was through the agency of Mr. and Mrs. Shaver, in the birth of a daughter, in 1835.

Chestnut was organized as a township April 5, 1853. A meeting for the election of officers was held on this day.

There is no town of any importance in this town- ship, there being no railroad passing through it, and the people do their trading mostly at Abingdon. In 1840 a town was platted by Archibald Long, on sec- tion 19. It never grew to be more than a small hamlet. It was named Hermon. At this place at an early day a Christian Church was organized, the membership of which was at one time quite large. It is still in a good, healthy condition, and is pre- sided over by a minister from the Abingdon Cliristian Church.

Chestnut is one of the best townships in the coun- ty, and ranks about third in stock-raising, and is hardly excelled by any in the production of grain. Its farms are well laid out, intelligently cultivated, and adorned with good houses and farm buildings. Take it altogether, it is a very attractive township, and a man who has a home here can very easily be contented with this life.

The population according to the census of 1880 was 1,087, and it is estimated that there has been an increase since that time. From the County School Superintendent's report for the year 1885, the follow- ing items were taken :

There are eight school districts, with no graded schools. The school buildings are all frame, with a valuation of school property of $5,800. There is one library. Of persons under 2 1 years of age there were 455, of whom 330 were of school age, 261 being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teach- ers was $50 per month, the lowest $25 ; the highest wages paid female teachers was $45, the lowest $25. The tax levy was $3,566.07. From the Assessor's report for 1885, the following items are obtained :

Number of acres of improved lands, 22,695 ; value of same, S288,495. Number of improved lots, 32 ; value of same, $3,045. Number of horses, 793 ; cat-

tle, 2,423; mules and asses, 20 ; sheep, 782 ; hogs, 3,650 ; steam engines, 2 ; carriages and wagons, 221; watches and clucks, 51 ; pianos, 1 ; melodeons and organs, 35. Total value of personal property, $74,- 055.

SUPERVISORS.

Samuel Collins, 1852-54 ; D. B. Routh, 1855 ; Samuel Collins, 1856; Daniel B. Routh, 1857-61 ; Thomas Newell, 1862-64; L. D. Ferris, 1865 ; Thos. Newell, 1866-67 ; Owen Betterton, 1868; Thomas Newell, 1869; Geo. Pickrell, 1870; Thos. Hopkins, 1871; Daniel Wainright, 1872-74; Samuel McFar- land, 1875-80; Leon A. Townsend, 1881-86.

COPLEY TOWNSHIP.

OPLEY TOWNSHIP was organized April 5,1853. A meeting was held in the school- house for the election of officers, and was presided over by Isaac Copley. John O. Stanley was chosen Moderator and Ira B. Copley, Clerk. There were 50 votes cast, re- sulting in the election of the following-named officers : John O. Stanley, Supervisor ; Norton Kelsey, Clerk ; J. M. Perkins, Assessor ; Austin Gaines, Collector; Isaac Copley and A. W. Buckley, Justices of the Peace; Aaron A. Smith, S. McCornack and Joseph Airie, Highway Commissioners ; Jeremiah Collison, Overseer of the Poor.

Copley is numbered 12 north of range 4 east, and is bounded on the north by Walnut Grove, on the east by Victoria, on the south by Persifer, and on the west by Sparta Townships. It is very well watered by Court Creek, which runs southwesterly, and then southeasterly, emptying into Sparta River, Foreman Creek, which runs northeasterly, and a branch of Spoon River, running southerly. The northern portion is fine, rolling prairie, and the south- ern broken and very well timbered. It is especially adapted for raising the cereals, oats and corn being the best crop, and in this production Copley ranks among the first townships in the county. Matthew Herbert was the pioneer settler in this township. He came with his family in the spring of 1837 and made a claim on section 14. He subsequently moved away and is now dead.

In 1838 there was quite an addition made to the

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KNOX COUNTY.

Herbert settlement, George Foster and wife and children, viz. : John, William, Harriet and Nancy, locating in Copley.

Next Elias and Rachel Hurr, Alex. Stephens, John McDowell, Sr., David Ogden, John and Wm. E. Foster came into the township with their families. Stephens, McDowell and Ogden located on section 14. McDowell was from Scotland and Ogden from Ohio. The Fosters settled on section 1. John had seven children. He died on the farm in 1844 and his widow in September, 1866. Wm. Foster is still living in Nebraska. McDowell died on the old homestead in 1867. Ogden moved away, as also did Matthew Herbert. With Mr. Hurr came four children-I. E., Edward L., Margaret, and J. B. Hulick, a stepson, locating on section 3. They were from Clermont County, Ohio. Mr. Hurr went back and died on his return to the township. His widow died in 1875, at the old place. All the children are living but Hulick, who died in 1863.

I. E. Hurr married, in 1867, Miss Mary M. Eckley, and is living on section 3. He is a good citizen, an industrious and well-to-do farmer, but is more espe- cially distinguished for the possession of a most re- markable and peculiar memory. (See biography, page 916.) These settlers formed the nucleus from which, with additional incoming new settlers and the natural increase, the present fine population was de- rived.

A son of Matthew Herbert was the first child born in the township, in 1838. The first death was that of Harriet Foster, sister of John Foster, in 1842, on section I, where she was buried. The first couple married were Mrs. Hurr and Charles Bostick, in Sep- tember, 1840. The first sermon preached was by Rev. Charles Bostick, a Methodist preacher, in a school-house, in 1840. About that time a Methodist class was formed. Mary Jane Smith was the pioneer teacher, gathering her little flock about her in a log school-house on section 1, in 1842. Miss Smith was married to John Becker, Oct. 12, 1845, and they are now living in Galesburg.

The first saw-mill put up was in 1850, on the farm of Jeremiah Collison, and was run by horse-power.

In the early day the people bought and sold their goods at Peoria, Knoxville and Chicago.

The Indians had been living about the township before the whites came in, but they " left the coun- try "-so to speak-after the incoming of the pio-

neers. Samuel Berry is credited with erecting the first frame building, in 1840, on the northeast quarter of section 9. Mr. Berry died in 1881.

The Swedish Methodist Society was the first to erect a church building, which was in 1854. The Methodist Episcopal Church building was erected in 1855, and was dedicated the 9th day of September, same year, by Rev. S. Bowles, of Chicago. Rev. Mr. Falkenburg dedicated the Swedish Church.

The Scotch Presbyterian Church building was erected in 1862, and dedicated June 11, 1863. It was called the John Knox Church. Services are held there every Sunday, Rev. E. H. Post being the pastor, with a flock including about 50 persons.

Services are held at the Swedish Church by Rev. Mr. Anderson. Rev. W. A. Cumming is pastor of the Methodist Church, with services regularly every Sabbath. Its membership is about 100.

The Second Swedish Methodist Church, which is located on section 33, is presided over by Rev. S. Westergreen.

A part of the village of Victoria lies in this town- ship, on sections 12 and 13. Here, and at Oneida and Wataga, the people do most of their marketing and trading. Copley is a good township to live in; the general outline is attractive, the soil fertile and the location fine. Its farms are well cultivated, and its farm buildings comfortable and homelike. Its population in 1880 was 1,071, and it is estimated that there has been a slight increase since that time.

From the County Superintendent's report the fol- lowing school items have been obtained :

There are nine school districts in this township, with nine ungraded schools and nine frame school- houses. The school property was valued at $4,400. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 392, of whom 289 were of school age, 227 being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were $35 per month, which were also the lowest; the highest wages paid female teachers were $37, and the lowest $25. The tax levy was $1,675.

SUPERVISORS.

Below are appended the names of the Supervisors elected fron 1853 to 1885 :

John O. Stanley, 1853-55; S. McCornack, 1856-62 ; J. M. Balthis, 1863; S. McCornack, 1864-65 ; James Johnston, 1866-69; Wm. H. Leighton, 1870-72; J. L. McCornack, 1873-74; J. W. Tem- ple, 1875-77 ; Wm. H. Leighton, 1878-85.

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KNOX COUNTY.

ELBA TOWNSHIP.

LBA completed its township organization April 5, 1853. At the meeting for that pur- pose, N. S. Barber was chosen Moderat- or and P. J. Hines, Clerk. Forty-nine votes were cast, which resulted in the election of the following gentlemen to fill the respective offices: John B Nicholson, Supervisor ; James W. Hines, Clerk ; H. L. Bailey, Assessor; Henry Smith, Col- lector; H. Oberholtzer, John West and K. Hines, Commissioners of Highways; John West and B. F. Johnson, Justices of the Peace; Wm. Serles, Over- seer of the Poor; Henry Smith, Constable. It was organized first as Liberty Township, but was changed the same year to Elba. This is in township 10 north of range 4 east, and is bounded on the north by Truro, on the east by Peoria County, on the south by Salem and on the west by Haw Creek Township.

The first settler in this township was John King, who came in with his family in the spring of 1836, settling on section 2, where he erected a log cabin. The Kings were not destined to dwell alone, for they were soon followed by Darius Miller and his brother (who was generally known as King Miller), John and Felix Thurman, Leonard A. and Darius Jones and J. H. Nicholson, with their families. The Joneses were from New York, and located on section 15, and the Thurmans on French Creek. They were from Ohio.

In the fall of 1837 Jacob Kightlinger, wife and 1 1 children-9 boys and 2 girls-from Pennsylvania, added their force, which was by no means an insig- nificant one, to the settlement, locating on section 27. They came in a flatboat to Cincinnati, bringing with them timber for their house. Being unable to get it any further without great risk, they sold it. From Cincinnati they took a steamboat to Peoria, and with teams made their way to their new home.

In 1838, James H. Baird, the Lamberts, Vachel Metcalf and John and Samuel Tucker were added to the settlement. The Lamberts located on section 27, and Baird on section 2, on the Peoria and Knoxville road. Mr. Lambert did not live long after his settle- ment here, and his sons, Isaac and Martin, carried on the farm. Of these early settlers, the heads of families are all either dead or have moved away, ex- cept the Kightlingers. Jacob Kightlinger and his

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 134

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company Number of Pages: 1130

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130