Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 136

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 136

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For the first few years the people went to Rush- ville for their mail. In 1833 a post-office was es- tablished in the township, and John G. Sanburn held the commission from the Government as Postmaster. This post-office was located on section 32, where M1. Sanburn had a store, which he opened in 1832. Near here, on section 33, White & McCarver established a store in 1833.

The first court held in the county was in John B. Gum's house, on section 32, southeast quarter. He had a double log cabin, and the county rented a part of it. It was near Sanburn's store. Court was held here about two years. The building is now owned by the Davis family. Mary Ann and James Davis were young children in 1833, the former about three, and the latter one and a half years of age. They went out to play in the woods one warm spring morning, and not returning by noon their parents went out to look for them. Not readily finding them, they became alarmed and a general search was instituted. It be- came dark and they were not found. The whole neighborhood then turned out, and the hunt was continued until the next day without success. Along in the forenoon Harmon G. Brown discovered them near the edge of the prairie in a straw-stack. They were much frightened when Mr. Brown came to them, and tried to run away. They seemed to have become a little wild. It was supposed that they had gone down to the stream called South Henderson and followed it down. The girl had some sorrel in her apron, which they had been eating. When brought home they refused to eat at first. James is dead, and Mary Ann is living on the old place.

One warm spring day in 1832, Mr. Brown thought he would go hunting, a sport he was not only very fond of, but in which he was very successful. Be- coming tired, he sat down on a log near the creek for a rest. While thus resting in his solitary seclusion, a large blue crane flew over and alighted on a tree near by, where it had a large nest near the top. Not particularly desiring the companionship of the crane, and wishing to test his skill, he drew his old and trusty rifle on the bird and fired. The crane sprang several feet up in the air, and coming down caught

in the forked limb of the tree, where it remained. While gazing at the dead crane he heard a noise, and looking in the direction from which it came, he beheld a raven peeking out from a large hole in the trunk of the same tree that held the crane. Having been so successful in bringing down the crane, Mr. Brown concluded to draw his bead on the raven. He fired, and the raven fell back into the hole. Looking up again, he saw another raven in the hole. He re- loaded his rifle, and the raven still remained staring at him; he fired again, and the second raven disap- peared into the hole. This hole seemed to be pro- lific in ravens, for no sooner had the second one passed down than a third put in an appearance. He was treated to another charge of lead from Mr. Brown's unerring rifle, with the same result. This practice was kept up, Mr. Brown entering enthusias- tically into the sport, thinking that this was the land, or rather the tree of the raven, until seven had gone down the hole. He gazed long and wistfully for another to come out, but, none appearing, he shoul- dered his rifle with some disappointment and started for home. Arriving there, his brother and neighbors wanted to know what he had been firing at. He was loth to tell them, thinking they would not believe him, as ravens were not numerous and were among the wildest of birds and the most difficult to get a shot at. They replied that they were not disposed to doubt his veracity. When he told them, they asked for the birds. He replied that he would pro- duce them if they would cut down what he believed to be the largest tree in Henderson Grove. They accepted the challenge, and agreed to meet the next morning with axes ground and proceed to the raven slaughter, and have ocular proof of what they con- sidered the biggest raven story on record. At the appointed time they all met, and after a walk of some minutes they arrived at the tree. What was their great surprise when, on looking down at the foot of the tree, they saw the seven ravens lying there dead, instead of being down inside of the hole. The only solution to this raven mystery was that there were one or more live ones left and they had thrown the dead ones out.

Anticipating an Indian outbreak, the settlers came together and erected a fort. They then formed what was called a minute company of Rangers for home protection, and concluded that should there be an outbreak, they would send their families out of the

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county. But there was no trouble here. The fort was located on section 33, now the home of Mrs. Chas. Evans. The settlers lived happily, and some of those still living do not think there was so much hardship and suffering as is sometimes reported. They had then to go to Rushville, a distance of 75 miles, for their mail, which was a great inconvenience, and they felt some uneasiness on account of the In- dians. But they had plenty of home-made clothes to keep them warm, plenty of wild game, pork and beans, and corn-bread and honey to eat, and after the first year of the settlement they had plenty of wheat-bread; this, added to what they believed to be a prosperous future before them, gave reasonable grounds for contentment.

Harmon Brown tells of a hunting expedition which he, in connection with Peter Frans and Benjamin Bruington (known by old settlers as "Governor" Bruington), had in the fall of 1833. They started out for a several days' hunt, going in a northeasterly direction. Late in the day they came to a grove, since known as Walnut Grove, some 15 miles from home, where they halted. Mr. Brown put out his bee-bait, the "Governor " went in search of a camp- ing ground, and Peter Frans started out for a deer. Soon a bee came to the bait, and Mr. Brown had no trouble in following it back to its hive, which was in a large dead burr-oak tree. The report of Frans' rifle was heard echoing through the woods, and soon he came in with a large buck across his horse. They made their camp near the bee-tree. It was then growing dark, and they built a large fire to give them light while cutting down the tree. It was a large tree, and they had but one ax, which they used by turns. It was a late supper they had that night, but a good one, and was enjoyed by the hunters. It consisted of fried venison, bread and butter, honey and hot coffee. After their repast they went to work to get out their honey. The hole was full for some 12 feet, and they estimated that there was at least a barrel of honey, which was as pure and white as any honey they ever saw. They made a bag of the deer- skin and had it about full, when, to their horror, they discovered that the prairie south of the grove, where Galesburg now stands, was on fire, and the wind was blowing toward their cabins. They hastily broke camp, took their honey and venison, and mounting their horses started for their homes. It was very dark, and they experienced some difficulty in cross-

ing the prairie sloughs, but they arrived home in about two hours. The fence on Mr. E. Morse's place was on fire. They threw it down and put out the fire. From there they went to James Reynolds' place and threw down the fence for a mile, putting out the fire. Alfred Brown's fence was also on fire, which they treated the same way. They then went about three miles into Floyd Township, Warren Coun- ty, where they found Edmond and Henry Adcock's fences on fire. Here they threw down a mile of burn- ing fence and saved it from the flames. While fight- ing the fire here the sun arose. They breakfasted at the Adcocks' and then returned to their homes, com- pletely tired out. The fire caused them so much work in repairing fences that they never finished their hunt.

June 2, 1836, the first installment of the Gales- burg Colony, 25 in number, arrived. They were soon followed by a second company. Others came singly and in groups. They all located south of the grove and built up what afterward became somewhat dis- tinguished as Log City, on section 33. When the cold weather set in, there was in this " city"' a popula- tion of 170 souls, living in cabins. As this settle- ment here was only temporary, and does not strictly belong to the history of Henderson Township, a fur- ther account of it will be given elsewhere.

In the spring of 1837 came the balance of the col- ony, among whom were S. W. Allen, wife and one child, who permanently settled in the township, at Log City, where he lived three years, when he moved into Galesburg and is now residing there. He was the first butcher in the county, opening his market at Log City. He supplied this settlement, Henderson, Knoxville and Galesburg. Mr. Allen raised a large family of children, one of whom, S. O., was the first male child born in Log City, and who is now living in Henderson Township, and is a thrifty farmer and one of the prominent citizens of the township. (See biography.)

An effort was made by the citizens of this town- ship to secure the railroad line through here. Had they been successful, probably the principal city of the county would have been built somewhere within its borders. As it is, without a railroad, it has a fair growth. It contains a beautiful body of timber, known as Henderson's Grove. It is well watered by Henderson Creek and its tributaries, and much of

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the soil is rich. The western and northwestern por- tions are somewhat broken, but in the eastern parts there are some fine rolling prairies. There are many fine farms in the township and good, substantial dwellings. Most of the farmers are thrifty and in good circumstances. Some remain who can look to the days when this country was a wilderness-to the time when the foundations for homes were laid, and to the struggles and privations which were necessary to complete those homes. They can contem- plate now the realization of the hopes and the aspira- tions of their youth, and the progress and develop- ment that have been made during the first half century. The population of the township in 1880 was 1,454, which is about the figures now. Henderson village is situated in the township, but it is not a very thrifty town.

SUPERVISORS.

Peter Frans. 1853

Chas H. Jackson .. .1868

James McMurtry .. . 1854-55

H. M. Sisson ... . . 186g

Peter Frans. . 1856-57

John Junk .. 1870-74

C. H. Nelson . 1858

David Henderson .. 1875

T'hos. McKee 1859

H. M Sisson. .1876-78

Thos. J. Mansfield. 1860

M . L. Overstreet. 1879

John P. Parson . 186

Samuel Rankin .. 1880

Chas. H. Jackson ... 1862

A. L. Smith . 1881-82

A. J. Dunlap. 1863

Samuel Rankin .1883

C. H Nelson . .

1864

A. L. Smith . 1884

A. J. Dunlap 1865-67

H. M. Sisson 1885

Henderson Village.

ENDERSON was laid out June 11, 1835, by Parnach Owen, for Calvin Glass, and is located on section 14, Henderson Township. At a very early day there were great expecta- tions concerning Henderson. But the growth of a town is not always within the control of individuals interested in it. It was so in this instance. At one time Henderson had five stores, two shoe- shops and three or four blacksmith-shops. The first store opened was by Gardner & Chapin. A grist- mill was put up here by one of the Osborns, in 1829. The burrs were brought here by Jacob Gum. The mill was run by hand at first. A saw-mill was started here in 1830. An enterprising man, who believed that a " little wine was good for the stomach's sake," put up a distillery here. It was burned and rebuilt, burned again, but not rebuilt again. Evidently there were some people here who did not believe in the above quotation.

Henderson was incorporated in 1838. An election was held March 7, to vote on incorporation, which resulted in 28 votes being cast for the measure and none against it. The village records have been destroyed and the village officials elected cannot be given The village organization, as well as the vil- lage, is still kept up -- for what reason, it is difficult to determine. Henderson Township has to help pay the village expenses. There is some good farming land that might be used to good purpose lying idle and unproductive here. Within the corporate lim- its it is estimated that there are now about 150 per- sons.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The Methodist Episcopal Church at this place was organized in 1837, and consisted of about a dozen members, among them Samuel Mathena, Sarah Mathena, Anson Rowe, Lorana Rowe, Ruth Burner, Susan Burner, Rebecca Pippin, Plina Morse and Cath- erine Norris. The following constitute the list of pastors who have officiated here, so far as their names could be secured, and the term of service of each one : Rev. Mr. Waters, 1841 ; N. S. Plummer, 1842-43; Samuel Burr, 1844; U. J. Giddings, 1845 ; R. N. Morse, 1846 ; H. Hadley, 1847-78; no record of the two years following; Wooliscroft, 1852-53; Watson Bell and W. N. Mckaig, 1854; J. B. Quim- by, 1855; L. P. Crouch, 1856-67; J. D. Taylor, 1858-59; F. R. Boggess, 1860; H. Presson, 1861; A. K. Tullis, 1862-64 ; T. Watson, 1865 ; J. B. Smith, 1866; Wm. Haney, 1867 ; J. Luccock, 1868-69; D. Pershin, 1870; J. M. Murphy, 1871-72 ; N. T. Allen, 1873; H. Brink, 1874-75; D. Ayers, 1876; A. Kel- lar, 1877; N. G. Clark, 1878-80; H. S. Humes, 1881-83 ; J. Rugh, 1884-85, and N. T. Allen, present pastor. The first meetings were held at private houses or in the school-house. In the year 1849 or 1850, a church building was completed, which was the joint property of the Methodists and Baptists. The United Brethren now worship in this building. The beautiful edifice in which the Methodists now worship was built and dedicated in 1874. The present membership is 40. David Henderson, Miss Annie Rowe and Miss Ettie Riley constitute the Board of Stewards. The Sunday-school numbers about 50.

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INDIAN POINT TOWNSHIP.

NDIAN POINT TOWNSHIP was first settled in 1834 by John C. Latimer, from Tennessee, who with his family settled on section 6, putting up a log cabin and com- mencing the improvement of his land. About the same time John H. Lomax and wife came in, settling on section 7. Stephen Howard and fam- ily came in soon after and located on section 6. He subsequently moved to the southeast part of Kansas, where he died a few years ago. These were the only settlers in this township during 1834. In 1835 there were several additions made to this primitive settlement, and among those coming in were John Howard, who made a claim on section 16; Isaac Latimer made a claim on the same section; John Crawford, a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher, set- tled on this section. Alexander Latimer was among the settlers who came in in 1835, settling on section 16. He sold out in 1836 to Daniel Meeks and lo- cated in Cedar Township. Subsequently he moved to Minnesota, where he is still living. With Mr. Meeks came John Killiam, a brother-in-law, who settled on sections 15 and 22. Henry Russell and fam- ily came in this year and made a claim on the south- east quarter of section 24. Here he lived for over a quarter of a century, making one of the finest farms in the county, and then moved to Kansas. Others soon followed, and soon there was quite an influx into the township, which gave the new settlement a pros- perous appearance. Among the list was Many- weather Brown, who settled on section 7. He was a good citizen and was at one time one of the County Commissioners. J. P. Bartlett Boydston came and settled on section 17, where he reared a large family of children. One of his sons, W. A., is Roadmaster on the C., B. & Q. R. R. John Howard sold out to John Dowty and moved into Warren County. Daniel Meeks was an active man, taking a promi- nent part in township affairs. He was at one time County Commissioner and also Justice of the Peace, and died in 1874. John C. Latimer was an active and thrifty citizen, holding various positions in the township. After living half a century on his farnı he sold it and moved to lowa, where he had been preceded by his children.

Ann Francis, daughter of John H. and Nancy

Lomax, was the first child born in the township, which was in 1835. Phube Latimer was the second child born, her birth occurring a short time after that of Ann Lomax.

The first death in the township was Mr. Herbert, who died on section 16 in the spring of 1838. He was buried at Indian Point Cemetery. Judge Dennis Clark was the pioneer teacher in this town- ship, commencing the improvement of the minds and hearts of the children of this neighborhood during the winter of 1837-38. This institution of learning was located at Indian Point, on section 16, and was a substantial structure of logs. Mr. Clark had 30 pupils during his first term, which closed July 1, 1838, and taught here several years. His warm heart and genial nature attached him very much to the children, who applied themselves to their studies as much to please their teacher as for their own im- provement.

The first sermon preached here was by Rev. John Crawford, a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher. The services were held at John Howard's residence. He died many years ago, but his widow is still living.

The first marriage in Indian Point Township was that of Win. Ogden and Damantha Roberts, Oct. 19, 1837. The ceremony was performed by John Terry, a Justice of the Peace of Chestnut Town- ship.

Judge Dennis Clark and Jonathan Latimer broke the first ground in this township, on section 16. Mr. Clark drove the ox-team and Mr. Latimer held the plow. Stephen Howard put up the first cabin on sec- tion 6, and John C. Latimer the second. There were no Indians in this township when the first settlers came, but there were numerous evidences that they had lived here in former times. There were found the remains of bark wigwams, flint arrows, hatchets, etc. They were found at the point of timber, and it was named Indian Point on this account. In early days this point seems to have been the favorite camping- ground of the Indian tribes. There are two towns within the borders of this township -- Abingdon, which lies on the northern line, and St. Augustine, which is situated near the southern part, on section 32. When first settled there was but little timber here, and this was on section 36 and along the borders of Cedar Fork, on the western side, and on Indian Creek. After the question of township organization had been

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settled a meeting was held for organizing the town- ship April 5, 1853, at the school-house in District No. 2. S. H. Richey was chosen Moderator and T. A. Baldwin, Clerk. The following-named persons were elected to the various offices :

Daniel Meeks Supervisor; Dennis Clark, Clerk ; S. H. Richey, Assessor ; Jefferson Dawdy, Collector ; Henry Ground and Charles Williams, Justices of the Peace.

Indian Point is regarded as one of the best town- ships in the county. There is hardly an acre of land within its borders but what is or can be readily cultivated. The land is undulating and very fertile. The township is liberally watered by Cedar Fork and Indian Creek, with their little branches, which meander through it. Indian Creek empties into Cedar Fork and the latter into Spoon River. Of the early settlers not one now lives in the township ; they are either dead or have moved away. When the Quincy Branch of the C., B. & Q. R. R. was com- pleted through, it added greatly to the development of the township, and gave the people ready means of transportation. It has two railway stations, one at Abingdon and the other at St. Augustine. Indian Point is highly cultivated, and its farmers are all in good circumstances, having good dwelling-houses and farm buildings. In the raising of horses and hogs this township stands at the head of the town- ships in the county, and in cattle among the first.

Its population in 1880 was 1,725, which is about the number of inhabitants at the present time. In- dian Point has eight school districts, one graded and seven ungraded schools. The school property values at $6,050, with one brick and seven frame school- houses. Of persons under 21 years there were 726, of whonl 498 were of school age, 429 being en- rolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were $72.50, the lowest, $35; the highest wages paid female teachers were $45, the lowest $32.50. The tax levy was $3,777.89.

SUPERVISORS.

Daniel Meek - 1853-54

J. C. Latimer. . 1855-56

P. H. Smith .. .1872-73 J. W. Butler. 1857

W. W. Campbell .1874-76 Daniel Meek .1858-60

James W. Butler . 1877-78

J . C. Latimer 1861-62

M. B Harden. .1879

Daniel Meek .1863-67

J. J Boydston. 1820

P. H. Smith .. 1868-69

M . B. Harden. . 1881-85 - T. L. Frazier .. .1870

T. E. Givens is one of the breeders of the Norman horse, and is giving considerable attention to it. He has fine thoroughbreds, and about 20 grades.

KNOX TOWNSHIP.

NOX TOWNSHIP is located near the cen- ter of the county, in number ri north, of range 2 east, and is bounded by the follow- ing-named townships : Sparta on the north, Persifer on the east, Orange on the south and Galesburg on the west. This township was organized as a township April 5, 1853. At the meet- ing for the election. of township officers, R. W. Up- son was chosen Chairman; Hugh S. Woods, Moder- ator, and H. A. Keightly, Clerk; Isaac B. West was chosen for Supervisor; Thomas Muir, Clerk; Ster- ling C. Simpson, Assessor; Charles Rogers, Collect- or; W. M. Lowan and William Sanburn, Justices of the Peace; A. Leighton, Aldred Runkle and Will- iam Sanburn, Commissioners of Highways; William M. Lowan, Overseer of the Poor; Isaac Martin and Peter Bartnett, Constables.

Parry Morris was the first settler in this township, coming in in 1829, and locating on the northwest corner of section 33. His claim was purchased soon after by Capt. John Charles. He had several chil-) dren, among whom was George A., who was quite prominent in the affairs of the county. Capt. Charles died several years ago. John Montgomery came into the county soon after Capt. Charles, locat- ing on section 30. He was soon followed by David Higgins, who has the credit of making the first cheese in the county. Dr. Charles Hansford was one of the very first settlers, locating on the present site of Knoxville.

When the county seat was located in Knoxville, a large number of people founded homes in and about Knoxville, finding it a desirable and beautiful spot. Timber is pretty generally distributed over the town- ship, and it is watered by small streams which ripple through it and finally empty into Spoon River. The southern portion is mostly rolling prairie, and there is also some good and prolific prairie land in the northwestern part. Most of the lands are rich, and this section contains many splendid farms.

The Peoria Branch of the C., B. & Q. R. R. runs through the township, entering on section 36, and, passing northwesterly, emerges at section 19. Much of the history of this township will be embraced in that of Knoxville. The people do their trading and marketing at Knoxville and Galesburg.

H. B. Cashman .. .1871

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KNOX COUNTY.

In 1880 the population, according to the census reports, was 2,579. Since that time newcomers have largely increased the population of the township.

Below are given the names of the citizens who have served this township as Supervisors :

SUPERVISORS.

Isaac B. West. .. 1853

Robt. Higgins, Assistant . 1877-79

H. G. Reynolds. . 1854

J. S. Simpson 1880

Geo. A. Charles .. .. 1855-61

Thos. Woodmansee, Asst . 1880

Cephas Armes .1862-66

A. G. Charles .. . . 1881-82

Geo. A. Charles .... .. 1867-73

H. Montgomery, Asst. .. 1881-82

P. H. Sanford, Assistant. . 1868-71

'A. G. Charles - . . 1882-84

G. G. Stearns, Assistant ... 1872

H. Montgomery, Asst . . 1882-84

D. 31 . Eiker ..... ... 1874-79

J S. Simpson . . . .1885

Chas. Glesson, Assistant. 1885

LYNN TOWNSHIP.

MEETING was held for the organization of Lynn Township, April 5, 1853. William A Reed was chosen Temporary Moderator, and J. S. Smith, Temporary Secretary. Upon ballot A Gross was elected Moderator, and J. S. Smith, Town Clerk, for one year. There were 39 votes cast, resulting in the election of Jona- than Hodgson for Supervisor; William A. Reed, Assessor; A. Gross, Collector; S. G. Albro, John Lafferty and H. Austin Grant, Commissioners of High- ways; Jonathan . Hodgson and Jonathan Gibbs, Justices of the Peace; Erastus Smith, Overseer of the Poor ; John Snyder, Constable.

Michael Fraker was the first settler in this town- ship and the first in the northeastern part of the county, locating in the spring of 1830 on the southern edge of what has since been widely known as Fra- ker's Grove, on section 23. Here he erected his log cabin, and commenced the improvement of his home. It must have been a very substantial and well- built house, for it is standing and in use. The cabin was afterward owned by Alden Bennett, and was moved to the northeast corner of section 16. He was subsequently joined by Edward Sellon and Will- iam and Washington Dunbar, with their families. Mr. Fraker was an inventive genius, and splendidly adapted to pioneer life. His ready hand and intel- ligent mind were displayed, not long after his re- moval to this far Western home, in the construction of a hand-mill to grind corn. His burrs were made out of nigger-heads or hard· heads, as they are gener- ally called, which he had found after a diligent

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 136

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