Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 139

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 139

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township. Happily it was discovered before it reached the settlement, by a daughter of Luman Field, who awakened about midnight. She gave the alarm by running from house to house, and devastation was prevented. Back-fires were started, trenches were dug, and wet blankets were placed upon the build- ings and fences, and by these and other means the settlements were saved. There are some fine coal- banks and coal-veins in Sparta, which have been a source of considerable revenue to the people, and were the means of furnishing cheap fuel. The first banks opened were on sections 21 and 22, south of Wataga. Mines have been opened since in different parts of the township, and an extensive business is carried on in this department. The coal is of a good quality, and much of it readily mined. Some shafts, however, have been put down to the depth of 100 feet. Sparta is pretty well watered by little streams that meander through it, and the southeast portion is liberally timbered, where the land is somewhat broken. The other portions of the township are roll- ing prairie, with a productive soil.

The railroad, which was completed through in December, 1854, enters the township on section 2, and running southwest passes out on the southwest corner of section 31. The population in 1880 was 1,682, and there has been a slight increase since that time. Most of the farmers are in independent cir- cumstances.

There are nine school districts, one graded and eight ungraded schools. The school property was valued at $9,000 and the district has eight frame and one brick school buildings, with one library.

SUPERVISORS.

T. H. Taylor, 1853-54; Peter Davis, 1855 ; J. M. Holyoke, 1856-64; John Gray, 1865; A. Ebright, 1866; J. M. Holyoke, 1867-72 ; H. P. Wood, 1873 ; M. P. De Long, 1874; J. M. Holyoke, 1875-77; Wm. Robson, 1878-85.

Wataga.

ATAGA was platted in the spring of 1854 by Clark F. Carr and J. M. Holyoke. It was started after the C., B. & Q. R. R. line had been established. This road runs northeast and southwest through the center of the town, and was completed about the Ist of December, 1854. J. M. Holyoke was the first

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KNOX COUNTY.

resident. Willard & Babcock opened the first store in town. The building was put up by J. M. Hol- yoke and A. P. Cassel. A depot was erected in 1856, and a hotel, called the Wataga House, was opened by Loren Smith. Silas Willard sold out to A. P. Wood in 1856, and in 1859 Mr. Wood bought out Amos P. Babcock. Mr. Willard is dead, and Mr. Babcock is living in Galesburg. After the railroad was opened there were several stores started and a thriving trade was carried on here.

In 1868 A. P. Wood opened his banking house. The first religious exercises were held in private houses ; it was not long, however, before several fine churches were erected. In 1863 it was incorporated under a special act of the Legislature. The election for Village Trustees was held September 19, and re- sulted in H. P. Wood, J. M. Holyoke, C. F. Farns- worth and John H. Shoop being elected Trustees. H. P. Wood was subsequently chosen President, and Luther B. Hunt, Clerk. In 1874 the village was re- incorporated under the general village law of 1 872, with a territory embracing one mile square. There is considerable business done in Wataga, and there are some large business houses. This is a good grain market, and a good market also for cattle and hogs. There is a large elevator to receive the grain, and yards for the stock.

Williamson & Bros. have a flouring-mill, where they are operating three runs of stone and make a good article of flour. A tile and brick factory is car- ried on by Charles Pister & Co. They have fine clay- beds and are making a good article of tile and brick. Coal mining is quite an addition to the business of Wataga. There are several firms now engaged in mining coal, which is hauled and shipped to other markets. The beds worked now are mostly on sec- tions 15 and 21 ; the veins are from two to four feet in width. Wataga has a trade not only from Sparta, but from nearly all of the townships surrounding it, and its business as well as population is on the in- crease. The estimated population is now upward of 700. It is pleasantly located, and is populated by a good class of people. The present village offi- cers are: C. H. Martin, J. H. Merrill, Charles Pal- mer, Charles Pister, Edward Huston and Wm. M. Thomas, Trustees, with C. H. Martin, President ; Wm. M. Driggs, Treasurer; M. O. Williamson, Clerk, and J. L. Temple, Marshal. Edward Huston is the present Postmaster.

Wataga has a good graded school, which is pre- sided over by Miss Anna M. Sommers, who is assist- ed by Miss Frances Reed in the Grammar Depart- ment, Miss Ida Temple in the Intermediate, and Miss Addie Wiles in the Primary. Enrollment, 170 ; average attendance, about 140. The grade is low, but a full English course is taught so far as they go. The building is a two-story brick. The graded school was started in 1867. This school district was organ- ized Nov. 7, 1845.

BAND.

Wataga is proud in the possession of an excellent band, the members of which are in good practice and play well. They have a beautiful set of nickel- plated instruments, from which the band takes its name. M. O. Williamson is Leader; C. L. Denni- son, Assistant; G. W. Mallon, Secretary, and J. L. Robinson, Treasurer. They have 16 members, and were organized in November, 1885.

CHURCHES.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 1856; the first pastor was Rev. T. N. Hasselquist, who remained several years. Rev. F. O. Deuwell served next, remaining only a short time, and was followed by Rev. S. P. Larsen, who served several years. The next pastor was Rev. Axel Set- terdah, who was succeeded by Rev. S. F. Vesterdah. Rev. A. Lindholm took charge after Vesterdah, and was followed by Rev. J. F. Borg. Then came Rev. L. G. Abrahamson, the present pastor. The church building was completed in 1860, at a cost of about $1,500. Before this building was erected, the society held services in private houses and in school-rooms. This building was burned in 1875, and a new one was erected the same year at a cost of about $2,500. Present membership about 125. They have no par- sonage, but an interesting Sunday-school.

The Swedish Methodist Church was organized in December, 1857, their first pastor being Rev. V. Witting. The same year of their organization they erected a house of worship, at a cost of $1,500. They have a membership at present of about 60, with a good Sabbath-school.

The First Congregational Church was organized June 10, 1855. For some years they held services in private dwellings and in school-houses. In 1860 the society was strong enough to erect a church building, which cost upward of $3,000. In 1876 a

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parsonage was completed, costing about $2,000. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1855 or 1856 by Rev. L. P. Cronch. Lucius Vail, Harriet Vail, B. W. Foster, Ann Foster, John Gaddis, Mrs. Gaddis, Lydia Thorp. L. F. Spaulding and wife, S. G. Dean, Ruth Dean, Bartlett Hall and wife, with possibly a few others, composed the membership. The society worshiped awhile in the school-house, and then in the Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church building until the erection and dedication of the building now occupied by them, which enterprise was started in 1866, under the pastorate of Rev. J. W. Coe, and dedicated in December, 1867, by Rev. W. H. Hunter, Presiding Elder. Rev. J. Luccock was pastor. The following are the names and terms of service of the successive pastors from the organiza- tion to the present time: 1855-56, L. P. Crouch; 1857, Wm. Clark; 1858-59, G. W. Brown; 1860-61, Wm. Watson; 1862-63, W. J. Smith ; 1864-65, Wm. Haney; 1866, J. W. Coe; 1867, J. Luccock; 1868- 69, D. Perchin ; 1870, J. M. Murphy ; 1871-72, N. T. Allen; 1873, H. Brink; 1874-75, D. Ayers ; 1876, A. Kellar; 1877, N. G. Clark; 1878-80, H. S. Humes ; 1881-83, J. Rugh; 1884-85, N. T. Allen, the present efficient and popular pastor, who is serv- ing them for the second term. The present member- ship is 78. The Sunday-school numbers about 1oo members. J. Gehring is Superintendent, with L. Peterson and Miss Ella Winnerstrand, Assistants ; Addie Wiles, Secretary; Ida Temple, Treasurer ; Louis Rowe, Librarian. Revs. Kelly, R. D. Russell and J. L. Knowlton were assistants during the years 1861 to 1864. G. J. Johnson, a student of Hedding College, Abingdon, is assistant preacher at the pres- ent time.

SOCIETIES.

Wataga Lodge, No. 291, A. F. & A. M., was in- stituted Aug. 17, 1858. The first officers were : S. G. Dean, W. M .; J. H. Thorp, S. W .; T. Tafer, J. W .; Abraham Botsford, Treas .; J. K. Mallon, Secy .; J. G. Pease, S. D .; D. G. Caldwell, J. D .; C. F. Farnsworth, Tiler. The Lodge has at present about 30 members, with a good hall, which they own, and is in a fairly prosperous condition. Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays in each month. Present officers : J. H. Merrill, W. M .; H. H. Marsh, S. W .; John Wiles, J. W .; H. P. Wood, Treas .; A. S. Slater, Secy .; W. H. Wood, S. D .; J. M. Churchill, J. D .; J. W. Ferrell, Tiler.

Wataga Lodge, No. 598, I. O. O. F., was instituted Jan. 10, 1876, by A. W. Berggren. Charter members : Wm. M. Thomas, J. E. Thomas, L. S. Whitcomb, P. A. Smith and John McConcie. First officers : Wm. M. Thomas, N. G .; J. E. Thomas, V. G .; L. S. Whitcomb, Secy .; P. A. Smith, Treas. Present offi- cers : J. M. Churchill, N. G .; C. F. Barnett, V. G .; M. O. Williamson, Secy .; J. H. Merrill, Treas .; G. W. Mallen, W .; J. H. Deming, C .; J. E. Thomas, I. G .; N. P. Nelson, O. G .; Wm. N. Thomas, R. S. N. G .; A. S. Slater, R. S. V. G ; Chas. Pister, L. S .; V. G .; S. R. Minnier, R. S. S .; A. L. Squires, L. S. S .; M. O. Williamson, R. Present membership, 43. This Lodge meets in the Masonic Hall, and are in a good working and prosperous condition.

Star of Hope Lodge, No. 509, 1. O. G. T., was first organized in 187 r, and did efficient work for a number of years, then suspended operations for a time, but was reorganized in April, 1884. The present mem- bership is 98. Their regular meetings are held on Friday night of each week, in the Masonic Hall. They also hold public meetings on the second Sun- day night of each month, in the Town Hall. Among the membership are some of the leading citizens of the place, while many of the young find a refuge here and are instructed in those principles so essen- tial to the formation of good character and a suitable preparation for a useful life. This Lodge, outside of its regular lodge work, has made appropriations of funds several times for advancing the interests of temperance in the community and for missionary pur- poses. Officers are elected every three months. The following are those for the present term : Rev. N. T. Allen, P. W. C. T .; W. E. Bonta, W. C. T Ida Temple, W. V. T .; Minnie Engdale, W. S .; G. W. Mallen, W. A. S .; Mrs. L. M. Fitch, W. F. S .; Chas. Dennison, W. T .; Mrs. N. T. Allen, W. C .; Mary Temple, W. M .; Mert Carley, W. D. M .; Kate Engdale, W. I. G .; Chas. Anderson, W. S .; Chas. Harkness, L. D.

TRURO TOWNSHIP.

RURO TOWNSHIP was first settled by John Dill, in the spring of 1832. Mr. Dill entered a claim in section 19, erected a rude cabin, and commenced the improvement of a home. He was soon followed by J. Ryan, John Coleman, the Stambaughs and others. Mrs. Lambert, a widow, was one of the early settlers

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KNOX COUNTY.

in this township, locating on section 31, Truro did not settle up as fast as the other townships.

The first marriage was between J. Ryan and Miss Stambaugh, in 1833. This couple were married by Rev. J. Cummings. The first natural increase to the population of this township came through the Dill family, in the birth of Andrew Dill, in 1833. The first death in the township was one which threw a gloom of sadness over the entire settlement. This was the drowning of Malon Winans, of Lewistown, while attempting to swim Spoon River, the mail-bag on his back. Mr. Winans had secured a sub-contract for carrying the United States mail from Lewistown to Monmouth, from O. M. Ross, which he intended for his young son, but had started to make the first trip in order to define the route, make the necessary arrangements for stopping places, etc. This was in 1834. John Coleman started the first ferry, on sec- tion 30, in 1834, which at that time was known as Coleman's Ferry. The first post-office was estab- lished here about this time.

A very peculiar mode of disposing of their dead had been adopted by the Indians who had lived in and about this township. Logs about seven feet long had been halved and then dug out sufficiently to receive the bodies, which were then placed in them, and the troughs or coffins were elevated into the forks of trees, which were arranged to hold them. When the whites came in they found Lo's remains resting in this way, with the skeletons projecting front the top. They were taken down and buried after the manner of the white man.

Truro went into township organization with the other townships, April 5, 1853. The meeting was held at the house of L. P. Lewis. Thomas B. Ross was chosen Chairman of the meeting: Giles B. Cook, Moderator; and F. K. Lewis, Clerk. The election resulted in the choice of Augustus Lapham, Super- visor ; John P. Cadwell, Clerk; Benj. Sweat, Assessor; Levi Seward, Collector; Thomas Ross and Joseph Oberholtzer, Justices of the Peace; Thos. Crawford, Luther Rice and Joseph Wilder, Commissioners of Highways; Thos. Ross, Overseer of the Poor.

No railroad lines enter its borders, but it has more miles of Spoon River and is more liberally watered than any other township in the county. This river enters on section 13, and, after running with all the points of the compass, it goes out on section 30, wa-

tering in its independent course 17 sections. Above and along this river the land is quite broken; below it is mostly rolling prairie. The soil is rich and pro- ductive. Attention has been given by the farmers of late years to the raising of stock, which has been quite successful.

Truro has no town, and the people do their trading mostly at Victoria ; some go to Yates City, which is the nearest railroad point. The township has a good many fine farms and farm buildings, and the people on the whole are prosperous. In 1880, according to the census, the population was 712, and this is about the number to-day. There are eight school districts, with eight ungraded schools and eight frame school- houses. Of the persons under 21 years of age there were 332, of whom 212 were of school age, 161 being enrolled.

SUPERVISORS.

Augustus Lapham . .. 1853

John Wilson .1869-72

Thomas B. Ross. .1854-57

L. D. Shinn. .... 1573

Samuel Tucker .. 1858-61

H. G. Wilder ... .1874

John Wilson ... 1862

Samuel Tucker. .. .1875-80

Benj. Shaffer .1863-64

James A . Shaffer .. .1881-82

Isaac Lambert. .1865

H. G. Wilder ... .. 1883

p. W. Thomson .. . .1866

Wm. H. Parker ...... . . 1884-85

B. B. Shaffer. . 1867

Samuel Parker .. 1886

Samuel Tucker. 1868

VICTORIA TOWNSHIP.

ICTORIA is in the eastern tier of townships

and was organized as a township April 5, 1853. George F. Reynolds was chosen Moderator of the meeting, and M. I). Minard Clerk. The 68 votes that were cast resulted in the election of the following-named citizens to be township officers : J. L. Jarnagin, Supervisor ; J. F. Hubbell, Clerk; M. D. Minard, Assessor; Chas. A. Shurtliff, Collector; John T. Smith and Moses Robinson, Justices of the Peace; A. B. Codding, Peter Van Buren and J. W. Mosher, Commissioners of Highways; Chas. A. Shurtliff and Seneca Mosher, Constables ; Alex. Sornborger, Overseer of the Poor.

The first settlers in this township were John Essex, Edward Brown and Mr. Frazier, in 1835, with their families. In the spring of 1836, the Robinsons came in, locating on section 21. They consisted of three brothers, Moody, Moses and Archibald, and their families. Following them were Passon Aldridge and wife, the latter a sister of the Robinsons. G. F.

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KNOX COUNTY.

Reynolds came up from Tazewell County in the spring of 1836, made a claim and then went back, returning in the spring of 1837, and settled down on section 7 with wife and four children. He was born in New Hampshire in 1799. Here he married Abi- gail Locke, in 1825, who died many years ago. Mr. Reynolds is still living in Victoria village, and for a man of his age is pretty hale and hearty. During his long term of life he has been an active and leading man, and has held many important township posi- tions. Moody Robinson and his wife lived and died on the old homestead, the former March 10, 1881, and the latter in November, 1869 They reared nine children, all of whom are living. Moses Robinson is still living, but his wife is dead.

With Mr. Reynolds came H. Shurtliff and wife, and Isaiah Berry and family. Passon Aldridge and wife died in the township. Silas Locke came in 1837 and made a claim just north of the Robinsons. He had no family at the time, but subsequently mar- ried; he has been dead many years.

In 1838 several additions were made to this set- tlement, among whom were Ruter Smith and family, from New York, Jolın Arnold, Peter Sornborger and Conrad Smith. Ruter Smith located on section 6. They had four children when they came-Arthur A., who has for many years been Circuit Judge of the roth Judicial District; Oliver; Jane, who married Mr. Becker, and Sarah, who married Dr. Nance. Several children were born to them after they settled in this township. They were a fine family, and Mrs. Smith is especially held in affectionate remembrance. Mr. Smith died at an early day near Monmouth, while away on business. G. F. Reynolds had four children-three boys and a girl, all of whom are liv- ing but one, John W. Charles lives in Iowa ; Julia Ann married Theo. Hammond and is living in the township; George H. is married and lives in the village of Victoria. Conrad Smith located on section 30. He raised a family of 13 children-8 boys and 5 girls. These children became widely separated, moving to different parts of the country. Subse- quently they all returned to Knox County but two, who settled in Stark and Peoria Counties.

Sarah, daughter of Moody and Mary (Kevett) Robinson, was the first child born in Victoria. This important event occurred on section 21, Nov. 16, 1836. Miss Sarah married M. Mosher Dec. 29, 1853. She and her husband are now living in the

village of Victoria. One child was born to them, which departed this life before five summers had passed over her young head.

The first marriage in the township was between Peter Sornborger and Phœbe Wilbur, in the latter part of 1838. The first death was that of Mrs. Frazier, who died in 1837. Henry Shurtliff taught the first school, in 1838, about two miles east of the present town of Victoria, in a log cabin.

Geo. F. Reynolds was the first Postmaster, in 1838, receiving his appointment from Amos Kendall,' who was then Postmaster-General. Mr. Reynolds also built the first hotel for the accommodation of the early travelers. It was a large frame building. He hauled his lumber from Chicago, to which place he took his wheat and sold it for 50 cents a bushel. This hotel was built near the present site of Victoria. Passon Aldridge had the honor to be the first man to dispense justice in the township. To this position he was elevated by his fellow-citizens as early as 1837, and it is remembered that they never regretted this action.

Rev. Charles Bostic was the first to administer spiritual consolation to this pioncer settlement, in 1836. The meeting was held at the residence of Moses Robinson.

Victoria is one of the few townships in the county that has no railroad. It has, however, a thriving town of its own name, where the people do their marketing and trading. The southwestern portion is somewhat broken and is also liberally timbered. The balance of the township is beautiful rolling prairie, with a very fertile soil. In this township are some of the finest farms in the county, which are ornamented with handsome dwellings and shady groves. Its population in 1880 was 1,252, and it is estimated that there has been a slight gain since that time.

There are nine school districts in this township, one graded and eight ungraded schools, with nine frame school-houses. The school property is valued at $4,800.

SUPERVISORS.

J. L Jarnagin. 1853-54

H. J. Vaughn. .I865-71

M. C. Hubbell

. 1855

M. B. Ogden. 1872

J. L. Jaruagin .. .1856

H. J. Vaughn. .1873

l'bomas Whiting.

.. 1857

Homer Gaines .. 1874-78

J. L Jarnagin

1858-59

C. P. Saosburg. .1879-81

Samuel Colemao I860

Alex. Ingles .. I882-83

J. H. Copley

1861-63

C. P. Sansburg 1884

W. Lyons ..

x864

C. S. Clark 1885

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KNOX COUNTY.

Victoria Village.

HIS pretty little village is located upon a commanding site on the eastern line of Victoria Township. Beautiful little hills and valleys, stretching far away in the distance, can be seen from almost every point. The town was originally started about a mile east of the present site, where there was a small store and a blacksmith-shop. This was in 1839, the year that Queen Victoria was crowned, from whom it took its name. The town did not remain here long, and " Uncle " Reynolds is sometimes accused of stealing it and moving it up to the present site. From con- versation with this sturdy old pioneer we are inclined to think there is some truth in this report. The pro- prietors of Victoria were Geo. F. Reynolds, John Becker, Albert Arnold, J. W. Spaulding, W. L. Shurtliff, Jonas Hedstrom, Joseph Freed and J. J. Knapp. It was laid out by A. A. Denny. County Surveyor. A part of the plat is in section 7 and a part in section 18, also in sections 12 and 13, in Cop- ley Township.

John Becker had the enterprise to open the first store in town, and G. F. Reynolds opened the first hotel ; he also erected the first house. Mr. Rey- nolds was also the first Postmaster here. He was succeeded by Isaiah Berry. Mr. Pease succeeded Berry, who was followed by Ephraimn Russell. Henry K. Olmstead then held Uncle Sam's commission for several years, and was succeeded by Louis Emery, who gave place to Lee Shannon, the present Post- master.

This town was on the stage route from Burlington to Chicago via Knoxville. Four-horse Concord coaches for many years were wont to roll through this town and stop beneath the shadow of Reynolds' far·famed hostelry. Here this hospitable landlord entertained the traveling public for 15 years.

Victoria is well laid out, with many attractive dwellings and some good business-houses. It is thrifty and has an extensive and rich farming coun- try to support it. People come here from Lynn, Truro, Persifer, Copley and Walnut Grove Town- ships with their produce and for marketing. There is some talk of getting a branch railroad through here. It has a population now of about 700 souls.

They have never had a corporate organization, yet all their town affairs seem to run smoothly.

There is a very good school here, which is par- tially graded. A. W. Ryan is Principal, with Mrs. A. W. Ryan, Assistant. The enrollment in the up- per department is 43, in the lower 42. The average attendance in both, 75.

CHURCHES.

Congregational Church of Victoria. This society was organized under Presbyterian auspices, April 30, 1841. The meeting was held at George Foster's residence. Members of the first organization were George and Jane Foster, Geo. F. Reynolds and wife, John Foster and wife, Wm., Harriet and Nancy Foster and Henrietta Gaines. The first pastor was Rev. S. G. Wright. Meetings were held in private houses and school-houses for several years.

In April, 1849, the society adopted the Congrega- tional system. The church building was erected in 1851 on section 18, and was dedicated Aug. 12, 1852. It cost about $1,500. Rev. David Todd suc- ceeded Mr. Wright in the spring of r847. and served the church until 1850, when they had supplies for awhile. Among these supplies were Jonathan Blanchard and F. A. Armstrong. In April, 1853, Rev. Wm. Beardsley was installed, remaining until October, 1855. For several years thereafter they had supplies. In February, 1862, Rev. B. F. Haskins assumed charge, serving the church until 1874. He was succeeded by Rev. L. E. Benton, who remained until July, 1875, when H. C. Abernethy took charge, serving until May, 1878, when they again had sup- plies. In May, 1879, Rev. E. H. Baker was installed, serving until January, 1883. They had supplies then until May, 1884. At that time the services of Rev. Wm. Chappell were obtained, who remained until August, 1885. Since this time the church has had no regular pastor. The membership is small. A good parsonage is owned by the society, valued at $750.

Swedish Methodist Church. The first class for the Swedish people was organized by Rev. Mr. Jonas Hedstrom, Dec. 15, 1846, in a little log house in Victoria, with five members, who were taken on probation. This mission was served by several preachers, but Mr. Hedstrom was the regular pastor until 1857, when Rev. N. C. Westergreen took charge, serving until 1858; Rev. V. Witting from 1858 until

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 139

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