Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 137

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 137

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search about the country, and they were about two feet in diameter. This mill was placed in one part of the kitchen, and could be operated by two men quite easily. These would grind out from a half to one bushel of grain in an hour. This mill was a real blessing to the settlement, and Michael Fraker was many times gratefully thought of for the benefits this mill conferred upon the pioneers of that day. In the organization of the county in 1830, the two townships adjoining Lynn and Victoria in Stark County were included within the boundaries of Knox.

The Legislature of 1836-37 passed an act "for the formation of the county of Coffee." This was to comprise nine townships, six of which were to be taken from Putnam, one from Henry and two fron Knox. Those taken from this county were to be Lynn and Victoria. The formation of Coffee County was afterward defeated by the voters of Knox Coun- ty, and these townships were retained by Knox.

The first couple to lead off in the matrimonial venture were William Hitchcock and Julia Fraker, 1 who were married at Knoxville. Their commend- able example was soon followed by those believing in the truth, " It is not good for man to be alone." Among these were Peter Miner and Matilda Smith. They were content to be married in the settlement, and the services were performed by 'Squire Fitch. These were the first of the kind in the township, and were conducted at the 'Squire's humble cabin.

Rather a comical incident-which was also con- sidered a good omen-occurred while this couple were being married. Directly as the happy pair was pronounced " man and wife," a large, fat turkey gob- bler, belonging to the 'Squire, attracted, no doubt, by the unusual proceedings, gaining a place on the roof, came with wild fluttering down the large chimney, landing at the bride's feet. The bridegroom seized it, and swinging it over the heads of the guests, claimed it as a gift sent from above to bless the oc- casion.

William Dunbar opened a "public house," near the " Grove," not long after the settlement. It was largely patronized by people coming in from an easterly direction, looking up land and favorable lo- cations to build homes for themselves. In 1846 Mr. Barlow opened up his tavern at Fraker's Grove, on the southeast side. It became popular as a hostelry and was called the " Travelers' Home." It was all its name indicated, an abiding place to " the stranger

C. K. Harney, Assistant . 1873-74

Thos. Woodmansee, Asst. 1875-77

1080

KNOX COUNTY.

within the gates." The weary traveler found it a safe retreat. Mr. Barlow remained proprietor of this neat little inn till 1852.

Lynn has some features peculiar to itself. There are no post-offices, villages or churches here. An attempt was made as early as 1850 to start a town, and a plat was made by Robert Rounds, which he called Centerville. It was located on section 33, on the line between Lynn and Victoria Townships. Centerville, however, did not seem to its people to possess centralizing force or ability to become a city, and its name was changed to Millroy, deriving this title from a mill that was established here. Though this mill ground slow, it did not grind to much pur- pose, at least so far as the building up of a city or town was concerned, and all efforts in this direction proved a failure. Lynn, however, has good school buildings and schools ; also a good town hall, which is located on section 15. Notwithstanding the town- ship has no churches within its borders, the people have a high moral and religious standing, ranking well with any township in the county, and for obe- dience to the law, as a people, they have not their equal. The people are noted also for their patriotism, so much so, that, when the last draft was ordered, during the Rebellion, there were only 90 men sub- ject to military duty, and 21 of these went into the service voluntarily.

The nature of the land is high, rolling prairie; fer- tile, liberally supplied with timber, and well watered. It is a fine farming region, and many of the farms have elegant dwellings and handsome and conven- ient out-buildings. Great attention has been given to the roads, the result of which is that they are equal to any in the county. The Peoria & Rock Island Railroad cuts across the northeast corner of the township, and the C., B. & Q. R. R. the northwest corner. The people do their trading and marketing mostly at Galva, Victoria and Altona; and to these places they go to attend religions service occasion- ally. The population in 1880, according to the cen- sus taken at that time, was 964. This is about the estimate at present.

SUPERVISORS.

Jonathan Hodgson ... . . 1853

Jonathan Gibbs. . .1854-58

John A. Beals

.1876

Freeman Gross .. 1859-61

A. F. Hathaway 1877

Jonathan Gibbs .I862-64

Edward Sellon. 1878

W. B. Todd .. 1879-81 J. L. Lafferty. I865

J. D. Gibbs .1866-68

J. W. Mccutchen .1882-83

W. B. Todd. 1884

Howard P. Grant. I885

MAQUON TOWNSHIP.

3 AQUON TOWNSHIP was organized April 5, 1853. James M. Foster was elected Supervisor ; Nathan Barbero, As-

sessor; J. L. Lowman, Collector. It is watered by Spoon River, which enters the township on section 2, and courses south- westerly, going out on section 19. Other little streams run through the township, emptying into this river, which affords good facilities for drainage and water. The land is mostly rolling prairie, yet there are some fine bodies of timber. James Millan was the first actual settler, locating on section 25, in 1830, and improving a farm. Among those who joined him soon after were Mark and Thomas Thurman, William Darnell and William Palmer.

The territory now embraced by this township was a beautiful country and attracted the Indians, who had at an early day one of their principal villages here, which was located on the banks of the Spoon River. Soon after the Indians left their village, re- treating before the advancement of civilization, a noted bee-hunter, by the name of Palmer, came to the village and tarried awhile; this was in 1828. He remained but a short time, when he proceeded farther Westward. Many interesting relics were found at the Indian village by the early settlers.

The first couple married from this township were Elisha Thurman and Anna Bell, the ceremony being performed in Fulton County. The first death was that of an infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Thurman. Born in the settlement, this delicate pio- neer infant was too frail a flower to bear the rude blasts of untoward circumstance, of privation and adversity, and drooped and faded. It became the first gift to heaven from this township and was happy, while those left to mourn gave with dutiful hand and heart to " Him who carries the lambs in His bosom."

'Squire Mark Thurman was the first man in the township to hold the scales of justice. Benjamin Brooks taught the first school, in 1834, in a school- house on section 34.

After the Indian troubles were over Maquon set- tled quite rapidly, and became one of the prosperous townships of the county. It has a very thriving lit- tle village located on the northern line, bearing its

O. M. Gross. . 1869-71

James Soles .. 1872-73

A. S Hunter. . . 1874-75

IOSI

KNOX COUNTY.

own name, where the people mostly do their trading. The advantages of ready transportation were given the people by the completion of the Peoria Railroad in the early part of 1857.

Maquon is a good township, and within its terri- tory are some good farms and fine buildings. It is a good stock country, and in raising hogs it ranks third in the county. Population in ISSo was 1,448. The County Superintendent's report for the year 1885 fur- nishes the following items regarding schools :

"There were eight school districts, one graded and seven ungraded schools. The school property was valued at $12,000, with eight frame school-houses. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 666, of whom 458 were of school age, 411 being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were $75, the lowest §33. The highest wages paid female teachers were 845, and the lowest $30. The tax levy was $4,500."

SUPERVISORS.

Jas. M. Foster . .. 1853

J G. Hamrick .1867

John G. Hamrick. .I854-56

A. L Humphrey

.1868

W J. Lane .. 185-

R H Morgan. 1869-70

Joho V. Hamrick .1859

Wm G Taylor. . 18-1

A. M Maple. IS59

L. W Beoson .1872-73

Nelson Selby .1860

Alex. Donason .18,4

John G. Hamrick

1861-62

W N. England. 1875-76

AH Potter

1863-64

Joho C Morse .1877

A \ Maple ..

.1865

L. W. Benson 1878-80

John M Combs . 1866

Joshua Boyutoo. 1881-86

Maquon Village

S situated in Maquon Township, in the northeast corner of section 4, and was laid out by Parnach Owen, John G. Sanburn, Wm. McGowen and Robt. L. Hannaman in 1836. The survey was completed October 24, same year. Benjamin Cox erected the first building. It was a frame one, and was used for a hotel, being opened as such by its builder. Subse- quently this hotel passed into the hands of Nathan Barbero, and was kept by him some 20 years. It was called the " Barracks," and was a much better hotel than its name would signify. Matthew Mad- dox erected the first store-house in 1839, with the intention of putting in a stock of goods, but he gave up the project, and it remained for John Whipple to offer for sale to this pioneer settlement the first goods. About the next buildings to go up in this town were

two brick stores erected by Joseph Delay and Jacob Consor, in the autumn of 1839. In 1837 a post- office was established and placed in charge of Wm. McGowen, who also had the honor to represent the village as Justice of the Peace.

Miss Harriet Hamlin took charge of the education of the youth of this town in 1839, though it was not until r848 that a school-house was built.

The town went on adding to its numbers until it was thought it was large enough to be incorporated. Accordingly a vote was called for on the 19th of March, 1857, to decide this question. It resulted in favor of incorporation, 41 votes being cast for and 14 against the measure. In March an election was held for Village Trustees, which resulted in the choice of S. A. Huber, Horace Jones, W. J. Lane, Samuel Longwell and Dempsey Capps. At a meeting of the Trustees at the office of W. J Lane, March 28, Dempsey Capps was chosen President of the Board; L. B. Potter, Clerk; and Anson S. Potter, Police Magistrate.

It was about this time that the Peoria Branch of the C., B. & Q. R. R. was completed through the town, which gave quite an impetus, for a time, to its growth. It was about the last of April or the first of May that the first railroad train went through from Galesburg to Peoria.

Maquon has some good stores and is a very good trading point. A very fine school-house was erected here in 1866, at a cost of about $9,000. It is a frame building, and contains three good-sized school-rooms. A graded school has been established here, which has a good attendance and is ably conducted.

Maquon, according to the census of 18So, had a population of 548, which figure will pretty fairly rep- resent its present population. Present Board of Trustees are: Chas. Brocker, Abraham M. Warfel, G. G. Shearer, L. G. Benson, C. T. Olmstead and Chas. Dennis. Abraham M. Warfel is President, and W. W. Penmen, Clerk.

CHURCHES.

The Methodist Episcopal Church. After much per- sistent effort this society succeeded in establishing a permanent organization here, and in the fall of 1877 completed their church edifice at a cost, including grounds, of between $6,000 and $7,000. It was dedicated Sept. 11, 1877, by Bishop J. T. Peck, of Syracuse, N. Y.

1082

KNOX COUNTY.

Maquon Lodge, No. 256, I. O. O F., was instituted April 29, 1858, and received its charter Oct. 15, 1858. First officers were: L. W. Penniruth, N. G .; Allen Hamsick, V. G .; Wm. Davis, Warden; J. M. Burkhalter, C. In August of that year they were burned out. The present officers are: B. M. Bland, N. G .; N. B. Rumbo, V. G .; Wm. Swigart, Treas .; Chas. A. Walker, Secy. They have a membership at present of 48, and meet in the Masonic Hall. They are well equipped and in a prosperous condi- tion.

Maquon Lodge, No 530, A. F. & A. M., was or- ganized Oct. 1, 1867. They worked under dispen- sation nine months before receiving their charter. The first officers of this lodge were : Robt. Proseus, W. M .; Wm. Swigart, S. W; L. J. Dawdy, J. W. The present officers are L. J. Dawdy, W. M .; T. C. Olmstead, S. W .; Henry Norris, J. W .; R. B. Seamen, Chaplain ; Wm. Swigart, Treas .; T. L. Mc- Girr, Secy. Present membership, 50. They have a good halt, which is well furnished and. equipped. This is one of the flourishing lodges of the county; they are out of debt, have funds in the treasury, and are in fine working order.

Hancock Post, No. 552, G. A. R., was organized Jan. 29, 1886, with 23 members. The officers are I .. J. Dawdy, C .; Joshua Gay, S. V. C .; H. M. Rich- ards, J. V. C., and Wm. Burkhalter, Q. M. This is a new Post, and promises to be a flourishing one.

ONTARIO TOWNSHIP.

1900

NTARIO TOWNSHIP, at first, had the advantage in its topography over any other township in the county. Nature had done a good deal for it, and the early settlers, in making their improvements and laying out the roads, had the good sense to follow the sugges- tions of Nature. The result is that Ontario is one of the best improved and most attractively laid out townships in the State. Its public thoroughfares all run parallel, crossing each other at right angles, and following section lines, with one exception, which is in section 13.

The early settlers were from the State of New York, and the township was named after Lake On- tario, which forms a part of the northern boundary

of the Empire State. Alexander Williams was the first first settler and came in in 1833,locating a claim on the northwest quarter of section 30, where he commenced his improvements by breaking and fencing in a part of his claim. This claim was purchased in 1836 by Isaac Wetmore, of Rio Township. During that year another pioneer was added in the person of G. W. Melton, who located a home for himself on section 31, where the first cabin in the township was erected. These men were first-class farmers, industrious and thrifty, and soon had established comfortable homes for their families.

These pioneers were soon joined by the Moshers, Hollisters, Cranes, Camps, Chapmans, Powells, Sav- ages, Hammonds, Haskinses, Wikoffs, Maxwells and many others. Of the first settlers, G. W. Melton and Ezra Chapman are still living on the old homestead. (See their biographies.) Royal Hammond, Isaac Wet- more and Alex. Williamson are dead. The Camps and Savages moved away.

The first child born in the township was Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Melton. This native young miss of Ontario afterward was married to Mr. Ralph Voris, of the same township. Ontario and Rio formed one voting precinct, and the first election was held in the latter town. Royal Hammond was the first Justice of the Peace elected. The first school-house was put up on the northwest quarter of section 32, in 1839, which was called the Camp School. At this institution of learning the Gospel was expounded by Rev. Messrs. Gale, Waters, Bartlett, Moore, Bruner and others. The Presbyteri- ans were ahead in the formation of a church organi- zation, which was in 1840, Rev. J. G. Wright officiat- ing.

A Congregational Church was organized near this first settlement in August, 1848. It was located on section 31, and was called the Ontario Church. A good church building was erected, which was dedi- cated Nov. 4, 1851, and subsequently a parsonage. This society is still kept up and is a strong one, though at present they have no pastor, but expect one soon. Membership, 58. A Baptist Church was organized, in April. 1854, and a building was erected near the Congregational Church, on section 32, at a cost of about $3,000. Subsequently a parsonage was built, costing $1,500. This society has been general- ly prosperous since its organization. It has a good

1083

KNOX COUNTY.

congregation, which is presided over by Rev. J. V. Cody. In 1853 the members of the Christian Church organized a congregation and erected a house of worship, on section 2, in 1866, at a cost of $2,000. Prior to this, they held their services in private houses and in school buildings. It became a thriving church, having a membership, at one time, as high as 70.

Ontario was organized into a township April 5, 1853. At the election J. M. Wetmore was chosen Moderator, and William J. Savage, Clerk. The fol- lowing-named citizens were elected to fill the town- ship offices : Edward Crane, Supervisor ; W. J. Savage, Clerk; John Burt, Assessor; E. C. Brott, Collector; James Hammond, George W. Melton and John Powell, Highway Commissioners; Ezra Chap- man and S. E. Mosher, Justices of the Peace; E. C. Brott and J. W. Crane,-Constables ; T. T. Wetmore, Overseer of the Poor.

Ontario is fairly watered by Pope and Walnut Creeks and their little tributaries. Gently rolling prairies cover the township, relieved occasionally with beautiful groves. The soil is rich and very pro- ductive, and the assessed value of its lands is higher than that of any other township in the county, and in connection with agriculture it is considered the banner township of the State. The people do most of their trading and marketing at Oneida, located in the southeast corner, on section 36. This town is on the C., B. & Q. R. R., which was completed through here in December, 1854, and which passes across the southeast corner. Ontario had a population, in 1880, according to the United States census, of 1,657. Since that time, it is estimated, there has been a gain.

The County Superintendent, in his report for the year 1885, furnishes the following school items :

There are nine school districts, one graded and eight ungraded schools, with one brick and eight frame school-houses. There are four libraries, with 400 volumes; value of school property, $22,900. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 719, of whom 525 were of school age, 431 being en- rolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were Stoo per month; the lowest, $35; the highest wages paid female teachers were $40; the lowest, $25. The tax levy was $3,625.

SUPERVISORS.

Edward Crane .. . 1853

A. S. Curtiss ....... .. 1872

James llammond ... . . 1854.57

Oren Beadle ...... 1873

Wm. B. Le Baron .1858

Edward Crane. .... .1874

James Hammond .... 1859

A. S. Curtiss . . 1875- 76

W'm. B. Le Baron ..... .1860-64

Geo. 1 .. Stephenson . . . . . 1877-80

A S Curtiss .. 1865

Wm. S Summers .. . 188 1

Oren Beadle .. .1866-71

J. W. Allen .1882-85

ORANGE TOWNSHIP.

RANGE TOWNSHIP was organized by .... the election of township officers, April 5, 1853. Asa Haynes was chosen Supervisor ; Anderson Barnett, Clerk ; A. Pierce, Assessor; John G. Rude, Collector ; Samuel Mather and J. Wallace, Overseers of the Poor; John H. McGrew, Thomas Gilbert and Morris Chase, Com- missioners of Highways; James Godfrey and Davis Stevens, Constables; Peter Godfrey and Charles Cor- win. Justices of the Peace.

Joseph Wallace and family were the first to come in and settle, in 1830 making a claim on section 15, and erecting a little cabin for their shelter. His first wife died at the old farm place, and Mr. Wallace subsequently moved to Iowa. He has been dead many years. Mr. Cranmar settled there in 1831. James Ferguson, with his wife and children, settled on section 11, in 1832. They had previously lived in Henderson Township, near Henderson village, to which place they came in 1830 from Kentucky. They reared a large family of children, a part of whom were born here. The names of the children were Narcissa, Nancy, Francis, Sarah, Cynthia, An- drew, Thomas and Martha. Of these Narcissa and Cynthia are dead. Mr. Ferguson died in 1841. He was quite an active and prominent man in township affairs, and was generally known as Maj. Ferguson. His widow survived him some 20 years, departing this life at the old homestead, in August, 1861. They were buried in the cemetery on section 11. Sarah Ferguson was married to 'l homas Godfrey, who removed here from Ohio, March 6, 1848, 'Squire Barnett performing the ceremony. Her husband died in October, 1868. Subsequently she was mar- ried to Aaron Weir, and they are now living on sec- tion 15; Andrew Ferguson on section 10; Thomas is living on section 11. The Fergusons were good people and were well thought of. Samuel Mather

1084

KNOX COUNTY.

and family moved in soon after the Fergusons, set- tling on section 14. John Denny, with John and Simon McAllister, made claims in the township in 1834. John McAllister and family moved to Ore- gon ; Simon lived and died on section 12, where he first located ; so did his wife. His son, Wesley, is living on the old place; he was married to Harriet Reed. Mr. Denny had a large family; they all moved to Oregon, where they prospered. Thomas Gilbert was one of the early settlers, locating on sec- tion 8. He died some years ago, and his widow is living in Knoxville. His oldest son, Thomas, is also living there. Israel Turner came to the settlement in 1837, and later on his brother, William, came.

In 1837 Anderson Barnett, that now genial, highly respected and poetical old gentleman, sought a home in this township, locating on section 10, where he erected a cabin for himself and his good wife. To this worthy couple were born 18 children, ten of whom are still living and, diligent in business, are winning high places in life. After living on his farm for 45 years, and having acquired by his industry and economy a handsome competency, he has retired from active labors, and is now living with his faith- ful life companion at Knoxville, enjoying the fruits of his industry, surrounded by numerous friends, by whoin they are loved and respected. (See biography.) James Reed, a brother-in law of Mr. Barnett, canie West with him. He afterward moved to Iowa.

In 1834 four of the young people of this township found life in this Western prairie very lonely and dreary, unblessed by conjugal ties, and concluded to form alliances more conducive to their happiness. Their names were Alex. Robertson, Narcissa Fer- guson, and Daniel Fuqua and Lydia Bowmar, all of whom were living on section II. Rev. Jacob Gum tied the Gordian knot.

The first birth was Cynthia, daughter of James and Martha Ferguson, in 1833. The first death was that of Mr. Cranmar, who died on section 11, in 1832. James Ferguson was elected the first Justice of the Peace. The first school taught was by Thos. Ellison, on section 14, in 1836. Mr. Ellison is now living at Abingdon. Anderson Barnett taught the second school in 1837-38. The first man to ad- minister gospel food in the way of preaching was Rev. Jacob Gum, a Baptist preacher.

The first church building was the Orange Chapel,

by the Methodist denomination, on_ section 22, in 1845. It was constructed of brick, which were made by A. Barnett. A Methodist class was established in 1836. Meetings were held at the Wallace school- house and in private houses. The walls of Orange Chapel are cracked and it is very much out of re- pair, and services are now held in what is called Haynes' Church. Rev. James Core is the present preacher in charge. This is a fine church building. The United Brethren have a congregation in this township, on section 22. It was organized some 20 years ago. Elder Smith has charge of this society.

There were plenty of Indians in the township when the white people came in, and remained until after the Black Hawk War. They were quite trouble- some and a block-house was built on the southeast corner, into which the people could go for safety. This place is now owned by Cornelius Runkle. One man was killed in this township about the time of the breaking out of the Black Hawk War. He went out of the block-house about sundown to cut some hay, and some Indians came out of the woods and shot him, and then fled. Orange Town- ship is watered by Haw Creek and branches, and some other little streams. It is quite liberally tim- bered in the northeastern and eastern portions, and in the western the land is quite broken. About the middle portion the land is rolling, and the soil is rich. In this section there are many fine farms. Consid- erable attention has been given of late years to the raising of cattle and hogs, and the farmers have been successful. The Peoria Branch runs across the northeast corner. The people do their marketing "and trading at Knoxville.

In 1880 the population was stated by the cen- sus taker at 1,130. It is not far from this at the present writing. There are eight school districts in the township, all of which are ungraded. The school property was valued at $6,923,80. The school- houses are all frame. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 438, of whom 345 were of school age.

SUPERVISORS.

Asa Haynes

1853-54

Peter Godfrey.

.1872-73

Thomas Gilbert

1855-56

T. W. Sumner .

. 1874-75

A. W. Martin

1857-59

A. Barnett .. .1876

T. W. Sumner.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 137

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