Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 75

Author:
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 794

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from the President of the United States or Governor of the State of Illinois.

Seeing such a large force arraigned against him, the proud spirit of Black Hawk was compelled to submit, though with a determination to seek the first opportunity to be avenged upon his enemies. In the spring of 1832, having rallied about him the braves of the Sac and Fox nations to the number of 650, he re-crossed the Mississippi and directed his march into the Winnebago and Pottawattamie coun- tries, hoping to make them their allies; Gov. Rey- nolds upon being informed of the invasion, hastily collected a body of 1,800 volunteers, divided into four regiments, and a spy battallion under command of Col. James B. Henry, all under the command of Gen. Samuel Whiteside. This army marched to the Mississippi, reduced to ashes the Indian village of Prophetstown, the home of the Prophet, and then proceeded for several miles up the river to Dixon, to join the regular forces of Gen. Atkinson, and to await the arrival of provisions.

It would seem at first glance that the force mus- tered by the Government against Black Hawk was needlessly large, but when it is remembered that it was anticipated that Black Hawk might form an al- liance with some of the other tribes, it will be ad- mitted that the Government was wise in its precau- tionary movements. At Dixon, there were two full companies, then awaiting to achieve immortal fame in an encounter with the dusky warriors. . These troops advanced under Maj. Stillman. They made their first encampment on Rock River near a creek which entered into it, which is now known in history as Stillman's Run. They had been sent to spy out the Indians. While here in camp they saw a party of them at a distance, and several of the command mounted their horses and charged after them, killing three of their number. But the main body of the band under Black Hawk returned the charge, which produced a panic among the volunteers, and in pre- cipitous flight they hurried back to Dixon. This was the first engagement of the Black Hawk war, which occurred May 12th, and there was not much in it for the white soldiers to boast of. Had it occurred during the rebellion, it would have been called a "skedaddle."

After calling the roll, 11 men were found missing. A council of war was convoked by Gen. Whiteside, when it was agreed to march back the next day to

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WARREN COUNTY.

the battle-field. Arriving there they were surprised at not finding any Indians, but they found the poor dead soldiers, and after burying them and erecting a rude monument to their memory, they returned to Dixon, where they were joined by Gen. Atkinson with his regulars.

After this engagement, the Indians committed many depredations, massacred the inhabitants, burned their houses, and neglected nothing known to the peculiar mode of Indian warfare. By June 15th, about 4,000 volunteers had been organized. This made a formidable array against the small Indian force, and it kept in check other tribes, who were friendly to Black Hawk and were much inclined to join him. About this time, Black Hawk with a part of his force attacked Apple River Fort, near Galena. This was a mere palisade of logs in the form of a square. This little garrison of 25 men resisted the attack from their savage enemy for 15 long hours, when they withdrew with great loss. There were several small engagements and skirmishes, when the battle at Kellogg's Grove under Maj. Dement came off. The latter had fortified himself here in the midst of the Indian country. From here they sallied out to reconnoitre, when they found themselves sud- denly confronted by some 300 Indians under Black Hawk, and it was with difficulty they regained their camp. The Indians undertook to storm it, but they were repulsed with great loss, and finally retreated, carrying their dead with them. Upon hearing of this engagement, Gen. Atkinson sent a detachment to overtake the flying Indians, while he marched Northward into the territory of the Winnebagoes to meet the Indians that were concentrating there.

There was some dissatisfaction among the volun- teers about this time, who had not anticipated the hardships and fatigues of an Indian war. They had also been wasteful of provisions, and it became necessary to send out troops to replenish their stores. Reaching the Winnebago country, Black Hawk for- tified himself there near the four lakes, with the de- termination to decide the fate of war by a general battle. The troops marched very slowly and cau- tiously through the country, passing through Turtle Village and up along Rock River to Burnt Village. Here they were delayed for a while, following out false trails and waiting for provisions, when hearing that Black Hawk was encamped on Rock River, some 35 miles distant, they started in pursuit. They

overtook the Indians at the bluffs of the Wisconsin River, in the afternoon of July 2 Ist, and unable any longer to escape the hot pursuit of the Government forces, the Indians turned and fought until they were completely routed. Night having set in, the battle for the day ended. This engagement was led by Gen. Henry. Escaping during the night across the river, the Indians made for the Mississippi, hoping to be able to cross to the western side. They reached the Mississippi before the troops came up, but were prevented from crossing by the steamboat " Warrior," which happened just at this time to come along. The Warrior greeted them with canister shot and a brisk fire of musketry, causing them se- vere losses. Pending this conflict, the forces under Gen. Atkinson and Gen. Henry arrived. Atkinson was decoyed off by a ruse of the wily Indians, and Gen. Henry perceiving this and discovering the main body of the enemy endeavoring to make their es- cape, advanced on them, when a line of battle was formed and the engagement became general. The Indians, who fought with desperate valor, were furiously met at every point by volunteer forces, slaughtering them with their bayonets and driving them into the river. Hearing the general engage- ment, Gen. Atkinson returned from his pursuit of Black Hawk and with his force of 20 men joined in the fight, which terminat. d in a complete victory for the Government. There were some 300 Indians killed and drowned and 50 taken prisoners. Black Hawk, with 20 of his followers, made his escape up the Wisconsin River.

Thus ended the Black Hawk War, the decisive and last battle of which was fought Aug. 2, 1832, near the mouth of Bad Axe River. And thus ended the last conflict with the red man on the east side of the Mississippi. Black Hawk and his party were pursued by the Winnebagoes and captured at the Delles of the Wisconsin, and turned over to Gen. Street, the United States Indian Agent. Among the prisoners were Black Hawk, his son and the Prophet, who had been largely instrumental in bring- ing about this war, and who was his strong right arm to its close. They were taken to Jefferson Barracks, when a treaty was concluded, by which the Indians ceded to the United States their lands on the Mis- sissippi between the Des Moines and Turkey Rivers. They were afterwards taken to Washington and from there made a tour of the United States.

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WARREN COUNTY.

In his interview with the President, Black Hawk, in extenuation of his action in going into battle with the whites, said : "I am a man and you are another. I took up the hatchet to revenge the injuries which could no longer be borne. Had I borne them longer, my. people would have said, 'Black Hawk is a squaw; he is too old to be a chief. He is no Sac.' This caused me to raise the war-whoop. I say no more about it; all is known to you. Keokuk once was here. You took him by the hand and when he wanted to return, you sent himn back to his nation. Black Hawk expects that like Keokuk, he will be permitted to return."

By order of the President, Black Hawk and the other prisoners were set free June 4, 1833. On the 3d of October, 1838, Black Hawk passed away to the happy hunting grounds of the future, at the age of 71 years, at his home in Iowa, surrounded by his wife and family. He had taken cold on his way to Rock Island to receive his annuity. He was buried near his home on the southwest quarter of section 2, Township 70, range 12, Davis Co., Iowa. He was dressed in a suit of military clothes given to him in Washington by President Jackson.

The overthrow of Black Hawk and his band of followers, the successful termination of the war, and the capture of Black Hawk was important in this, that it quenched forever the last germ of Indian hos- tilies between the red man in the Northwestern Ter- ritory and his acknowledged master, and extinguished all claims of the Indians to this part of the country.

Engaged in this war there were quite a number of persons who in after years played a very important and distinguished part in American history. Fore- most among these was Abraham Lincoln. At the first call of Gov. Reynolds, he enlisted in a company of volunteers and was chosen Captain. This com- pany, with the first levy, was disbanded. He re- enlisted as a private and served to the end of the war. He was mustered in at Dixon into Capt. Ile's Company under Zachary Taylor, then Lieutenant Colonel, by Lieut. Robert Anderson, who so gal- lantly defended Fort Sumter at the opening of the · Rebellion. At this place, too, and among the Gov -. ernment soldiers, was one also noted in after life, although not to his credit, Jefferson Davis, then a Lieutenant.

After Maj. Anderson evacuated Fort Sumter, he

called on President Lincoln, and received his thanks for his gallant defense of the fort. Mr. Lincoln asked the Major if he remembered ever having met him before, who replied that he did not. "My mem- ory is better than yours," said President Lincoln; " you mustered me into the United States service as a high private of the Illinois Volunteers, at Dixon's Ferry, in the Black Hawk War." Another incident connected with this war is of some interest : When Black Hawk was captured he was turned over to Lieut. Jefferson Davis, with instructions to deliver him at Jefferson Barracks. Black Hawk was subse- quently for a while confined in Fortress Monroe, where, a generation later, Davis was confined as a traitor. Both made war against the United States, and were the cause of the shedding of much blood ; but if any extenuation should be given to either of these men for their crime, it should be given to the distingu ished Indian warrior.

Great consternation was felt during the trying days of the Black Hawk war, by the few pioneers then liv- ing in the county. The winter of 1831-32 was a rather mild one, and spring opened with a fair and prosperous outlook for the settlers. The spring days, however, had not half passed away before a cloud arose which darkened all their hopes, and sent dis- may into every heart. Black Hawk was threatening, with his band, to re-cross the Mississippi River to recover his hunting grounds, and another Indian war, with its nameless terrors, was imminent. The signs were too true ; war was again to be inaugurated. About the first of May Gov. Reynolds was at Yellow Banks with quite a large number of volunteers to meet and keep back the Indians. Warren County was deficient in war material, and had no war lead- ers. It was feared that when the troops left Yel- low Banks the Indians would sweep over the entire country.

When the Governor and his troops withdrew, the citizens became greatly alarmed. A petition was forwarded to him representing their exposed condi- tion, and praying for aid. Upon receiving the peti- tion the Governor issued the following order :

I do hereby appoint Daniel McNeil, Jr., to give notice that an election for Major of the Militia Com- "pany and an odd Battalion in Warren County, will be held in Monmouth at some convenient time within ten days from the date of this order, and I further authorize the said McNeil to conduct said election according to law, and to give the person elected a Ma-

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WARREN COUNTY.

jor's certificate of the election, which will authorize said Major to cause elections to be held for company officers, so that Militia be organized with speed to defend their lives from Indian depredation; and in case of necessity the said McNeil is authorized to call one or more companies to range the frontier for its defense. JOHN REYNOLDS,

Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Illinois Militia.

Notice was given in accordance with the above or- der, an election was held, and Peter Butler was cho- cen as Major of the odd Battalion. Maj. Butler forthwith ordered an election for company officers in the different districts of the county, which completed the organization of the Militia.

After Gov. Reynolds withdrew his troops and passed on towards Rock River, the citizens became greatly alarmed for their safety and felt that they ought to have a patrol, or a body of rangers. A pe- tition was accordingly presented to McNeil, asking that volunteers be called in accordance with the Governor's order. A call was made May 31, 1832, to meet at Monmouth June 4th. At this time the requisite number volunteered, elected their officers, were mustered into service and reported for duty at the war department at Washington, and to the Gov- ernor of the State.

For the benefit of the readers, a copy of the mus- ter-roll is here given : Peter Butler, Captain ; James McCammon, Ist Lieutenant; Solomon Purkins, 2d Lieutenant; Isaac Walton, ist Sergeant ; Benj. Tucker, 2d Sergeant ; M. D. Ritchey, 3d Sergeant, and Adam Ritchey, 4th. Privates, John Van Atta ; James C. Caldwell, John Quinn, Thomas Ritchey, Andrew Gilson, George Gilson, William Stark, W. H. Dennison, Isaiah Osborn, John Armstrong, D. B.

Cartwright, G. Van Atta, Elijah Hilton, James Rea- son, Wm. Laswell, P. Vancanean, John D. Richey, S. L. Hogue, David Russell, C. A. Smith, John Findley, Amos Williams, Gabriel Short, John McCoy, R. S. Dennison, John Maley, R. S. Stice, John Hen- dricks, William Patton and Ezra A. Allen. These troops were subsequently disbanded in consequence of the Governor's orders calling upon the counties of Warren and McDonough to furnish a company to serve as mounted rangers. This company was quickly raised and largely made up of the volunteers mentioned. Maj. Butler was elected Captain, with James McCallon Ist Lieutenant. These war prepa- rations, however, proved unnecessary. The Indian hostilities were not carried into this county. Antic- ipating, however, that the Indians would invade the county, the families throughout had resorted to the forts for safety, and many had left. There were no depredations committed in the county until the war was over, and Black Hawk was captured, which was in the early part of August. After the war was over 1 the murder of William Martin, in Sumner Township, was committed by some straggling Indians of Black Hawk's band, an account of which will be found in the history of that township, also in the legal his- tory of the county.

This event threw the people again into consterna- tion. When full particulars of this murder was known, and they were assured that there was no further trouble with the Indians, the inhabitants re- paired to their several homes and to their peaceful walks again. Following this peaceful condition of things, came emigration, settling in all parts of the country, and the future once more looked bright and prosperous.

WARREN COUNTY.

679

$N Friday, July 9, the first term of the County Commissioners' Court was held at the house of Alexis Phelps. Daniel McNeil, Jr., was appointed Clerk of the Court, this being the first appointment of the Court. The first order inade was that McNeil should file his bond. The first account approved and ordered to be paid was that of Adam Ritchey, John B. Talbot and John Pence, for amounts respectively, $3.00, $3.00 and $1.50. The first road viewers were appointed on Sept. 7, 1830, upon the petition of William McCullough, for a road from Lower Yellow Banks to the southeast corner of section 36, in town 12, north of range I west, Kelly Township. Stephen S. Phelps, David Findley and Allen G. An- drews were appointed viewers.

Jacob Rust was licensed to keep a grocery or inn Oct. Ist, 1831, at Monmonth. Wm. Causland was licensed to keep an inn at Yellow Banks, June II, 1831. Stephen S. Phelps was licensed to keep a store at the same time and at the same place. On Dec. 5, 1831, Elijah Davidson was licensed to keep a gro- cery at Monmouth. The order of the County Com- missioner's Court that the Circuit Court hold its next term at Monmouth, the permanent seat of justice, was made April 12, 1831.

Daniel McNeil, Jr., took an oath to faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties of his office, ac- cording to the best of his ability and understanding,

and to support the Constitution of the United States and State, presented his bond to the Commissioners' Court, which was accepted, and then entered upon the duties of his office.

It was ordered by the County Commissioners' Court that a temporary seat of justice or place for holding the County Commissioners' and Circuit Courts for the county, be held at the house of Mr. Alexander Phelps, at the Yellow Banks, on fractional section 15, in town 11 north, of range 5 west. The Court appointed Stephen S. Phelps Treasurer for the County, and required of him a bond of $1,000 for the faithful discharge of his duties, which bond was presented and approved. They also authorized him to purchase a small "blank book," for the pur- pose of entering county orders and keeping the said Treasurer's account with said County of Warren.

At this time the Court divided the County into two election precincts, to be known as precinct num- ber one and precinct number two. Number one was laid out as follows : Commencing at the northeast corner of township 12 north, of range 4 west (Kelly), thence west to the Mississippi River, thence down said river to the township line, between 7 and 8 north, thence east to the southeast corner of town- ship 8 north and range 4 west, thence north to the place of beginning.

The place for holding the election was ordered to be at the Court House, or the place of holding Courts, and Jeremiah Smith, James Jamison and Thomas D. Wells were appointed Judges of the Election to be held in this precinct.

Precinct number 2 was laid out as follows : Com-

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WARREN COUNTY.

mencing at the northeast corner of township 12, north of range I west (Kelly), thence west to the northwest corner of township 12, north of range 3 west (Sumner), thence south to the southwest corner of township 8 north, of range 3 west (Point Pleasant), thence east to the southeast corner of township 8, north of range I west (Greenbush) and thence north to the place of beginning. The place of election was located at the house of James Hodgins, and Thomas C. Jennings, James Hindley and James, Hodgins were appointed Judges of the Election.'

For the purpose of electing Justices of the Peace and Constables, the county was divided into two districts-the Mississippi and Cedar Creek districts. The Mississippi district comprised what is now Hen- derson County. The place of election was fixed at the place of holding courts in this district, and Jere- miah Smith, James Jamison and Thomas D. Wells were appointed Judges of the Election. Cedar Creek District included Warren County. The place of holding the elections for Justices of the Peace and Constables were fixed at James Hodgins', and John Findley, Thomas C. Jennings and James Hodgins were appointed Judges of Election for this district.

: An election was ordered by the County Commis- sioners' Court, to be held the first Monday in August, which was the day for the general election through- out the State. It was also ordered that in addition to the State officers to be elected, there should be chosen three County Commissioners, one Sheriff, one Coroner, two Justices of the Peace and two Con- stables for each precinct.

Anticipating this election and the full organization of the county, Judge Young, on the 5th day of July, 1830, issued the following order :

STATE OF ILLINOIS,

SS. FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

. To all whom these presents may concern, Greet- ing : Know ye, that I, Richard M. Young, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois, north of the Illinois River, and presiding Judge of the Circuit Court, in and for the county of Warren, and State aforesaid, in pursuance of the power vested in me, by virtue of the roth section of the act enti- tled " an act supplementary to an act regulating the Supreme and Circuit Courts," approved Jan. 19, 1 829, do hereby order and appoint that Circuit Court be held in and for the said county of Warren, at such places as may be selected and provided by the County Commissioner's Court of said county, on the

fourth Monday in June and the first Monday in Oc- tober, until I shall make another order to the con- trary. RICHARD M. YOUNG, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

The Judge gave the above order while holding court at Galena. Subsequently he made an order appointing Daniel McNeil, Jr., Clerk pro tem. for the Circuit Court.

At this general election 47 votes were cast, being within three of the entire vote of the county. John B. Talbot, Peter Butler and John Pence were elected County Commissioners; Stephen S. Phelps, Sheriff ; and John Ritchey, Coroner. At the Yellow Banks District, John Pence and Daniel McNeil, Jr., were elected Justices of the Peace, and James Ryerson and William Causland, Constables. John B. Talbot and Adam Ritchey, Jr., were elected Justices of the Peace for Hodgin's Grove District, and David Find- ley and James Hodgins Constables.

The first regular term of the County Commission- ers' Court ui et on the second Monday in August, 1830. At this meeting John Pence and Peter But- ler only were present, John B. Talbot, the other Commissioner being absent. At this session the Court ordered to be summoned a grand and a petit jury for a term of Circuit Court to be holden the first Monday in October. This term of court was not held, and consequently the men who were summoned for jurors were not wanted. The Judge and Clerk met, transacted some formulatory business and then returned to their homes.

After the organization of the county, the people were a little anxious to place themselves on good terms with Uncle Sam, as will be seen from the fol- lowing order, which was indicted by the County Commissioners :

STATE OF ILLINOIS, WARREN COUNTY.

The Clerk of the Warren County Commissioners' Court will certify to the Postmaster-General of the United States, at Washington city, that the county of Warren was organized on the 3d day of July, 1830, and that the temporary seat of Justice is and was located at Lower Yellow Banks (Oquawka), on the Mississippi River, on the 9th day of July, and about half way between the Des Moines and Rock River Rapids, and request the Postmaster-General to es- tablish a Postoffice at said County seat, to be called Warren Court House Postoffice ; and further request the Postmaster-General to forward the mail immedi- ately to said office, either from Fulton and Schuyler Counties, or from Venus, Hancock County.

WARREN COUNTY.

681

Given under our hands in vacation of Court, this Ioth day of September, A. D. 1830.

JOHN PENCE, JOHN B. TALBOT, County Commissioners.

The county having been fully organized, the ques- tion of the permanent seat of Justice came up for their action. Not being able to settle this matter among themselves, the citizens petitioned the Legis- lature to make the location. Upon receiving the pe- tition, the Legislature took action at once by special act, approved Jan. 27, 1831, and appointed Hazen Bedell, of Hancock County; John G. Sanborn, of Knox County ; John McNeil, Fulton County, Special Commissioners to select the site. Having duly qualified themselves, they met at the house of Ste- phen S. Phelps, on the first Monday in April, and at once proceeded to the work in hand. There were several contestants for the location, among which were Hodgins' Point, Center Grove, Yellow Banks, Ellison Creek, Monmouth, and some other names were put' in. From these each County Commissioner drew one name. The names drawn were Isabella, Kosci- usco and Monmouth. They were put together and the drawing again commenced, the agreement being that the first name drawn should be the one selected. Kosciusko was the lucky name. When this name appeared before them in all its un-Saxon orthogra- phy, they were in doubt. They felt sure that not one fourth of the inhabitants could ever learn to spell that name. Finally, they decided to draw again, and this time the name of Monmouth came out, which was accepted. They completed their work on the 7th of April, sealed up their report, ad- dressed it to the County Commissioners' Court, and returned to their homes.

On the 11th of April, a special meeting of the Court was called. The sealed package was opened and the following report was found :

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Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 75

Author: Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros. Number of Pages: 794

Author:
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 794