USA > Illinois > Warren County > Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 82
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the tire and neatly cut a piece from it two feet in length. Over a score of the dead, wounded and dying were brought into J. M. Kelly's residence and laid about on the floor. The scene was most heart- rending and beyond all description. Their groans and sufferings were sickening to behold. There were only two men in the town unhurt; these were J. M. Kelly and W. L. Edwards, who are still living.
Ellison, before this dreadful visitation, was a thriving, attractive, pleasant little village. It broke up and disheartened its business men and virtually ruined the town as a trading point.
This town is the home of Mrs. Nancy Wilcox, grandmother of the celebrated opera singer, Emma Abbott. A very good story is related about the grandmother. In the fall of 1854 Mrs. Wilcox at- tended the Methodist Love Feast, in the Methodist Church at Ellison village, which was presided over by the Rev. Richard Haney. During the meeting, or Love Feast, Mrs. Wilcox arose to give her relig- ious experiences. Among other facts related by this lady, was one of the difficulties which beset her be- fore she joined the Church. When she had made up her mind to number herself with God's people, she addressed her husband, saying: " Isaac, my beloved husband, I have decided to give my heart to God, and to join the Methodist Church." Her husband very energetically replied : " Nancy, I'll be damned if you do!" Mrs. Wilcox, with equal emphasis, re- plied : " Isaac, I'll be damned if I don't!" Since that day Isaac died the death of the righteous and Mrs. Wilcox is still living, in her good old age, the life of a Christian.
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Ellison Township is very liberally watered, by Nigger Creek, with its tributaries, and Ellison Creek. In the southwestern part the land is broken and pretty well timbered; the balance is mostly rolling prairie, with a rich and productive soil. There are many fine and well cultivated farms in the township, and the farmers are mostly all in independent cir- cumstances. No railroad lines pass through its ter- ritory and the people do their trading mostly at Roseville and some at Ellison. Population, in 1880, was 1,041, and it has not gained any since that time.
The County Superintendent, in her report ending June 30, 1885, gives the following information relat- ing to the public schools of the township : There were seven schools districts, with a valuation of school property of $6,525. In these districts all the
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buildings were frame. Of persons under 21 years of age, there were 401, of whom 293 were of scholastic age, 270 being enrolled. The highest wages paid teachers was $50 per month, the lowest $25 per month. The tax levy for this township was $2,450.
From the Assessor's reports for the year 1885, the following information has been obtained : Number of acres of improved lands, 22,740; value of im- proved lands, $325,585; number of horses, 787; cattle, 1,647 ; mules and asses, 40; sheep, 18 ; hogs, 3,055 ; steam engines, 1 ; carriages and wagons, 290, watches and clocks, 141 ; sewing and knitting ma- chines, 97 ; pianos, 5 ; melodeons and organs, 34 ; total cash value of personal property, $56,610.
The following named citizens have represented Ellison Township as Supervisors : Eliphalet Mitchell, 1854-55; George W. Palmer, 1856; N. A. Eldridge, 1857-64; Wm. A. Albright, 1865; N. A. Eldridge, 1866-67 ; Thos. Paul, 1868; W. R. Rayburne, 1869-70; J. A. Pierson, 1871; S. B. Crane, 1872 ; E. Mitchell, 1873; S. B. Crane, 1874; E. Mitchell, 1875-77; A. K. Morris, 1878; E. Mitchell, 1879; A. K. Morris, 1880; E. Mitchell, 1881-82; M. V. Jamieson, 1883-85.
Ellison Village.
MONG the early towns of the county plat- ted was that of Ellison. It was laid out under the proprietorship of Joseph De- hague, and the plat was recorded May Io, 1836. It embraced the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 6. Wil- liam Butler was the surveyor who laid it out. This village grew with the settlement of the township and there was at one time quite a trade carried on here, in fact, until its destruction by the tornado of 1858.
After this calamity most of the trade was trans- ferred to Roseville. There is a post office here, which is presided over by James Watson. Mr. Wat- son is also proprietor of a general store. J. E. Painter carries on a grocery, and harness and saddlery bus- iness. The blacksmithing is attended to by W. L. Edwards. There are also two wagon and repair shops, carried on by J. M. Kelly and G. Davidson. The most important industry of this village is the
tile factory, which was started in 1882. The clay used is a very superior quality and taken from a bank about a mile from the town. Mr. Edwards employs on an average five men and has one kiln. Dr. E. Wilkinson attends to the sick in the village.
Ellison has a good school and a very popular teacher in the person of W. F. Shirkey; average at- tendance at this school is about 45 pupils.
FLOYD TOWNSHIP.
LOYD came into the township organiza- tion with the other townships. The records of the proceedings of the first meeting were burned, and only a part can be given. The election was held April 4, 1854, at the old town of Cold Brook, when the follow! ing officers were chosen: William Laferty, Super- visor; H. S. Hascal, Clerk; G. B. Cross, Assessor; Thomas B. Cross and Charles Phelps, Justices of the Peace; James L. Grant and Bradley Hecox, Com- missioners of Highways. It is numbered ro north, of range I east, and is bounded on the north by Cold Brook, on the east by Knox County, on the south by Berwick and on the west by Lenox Townships. This territory was not overlooked by the early settlers of Warren County. John Armstrong has the credit of being the first to locate in the township, which was in 1829. He came with his family and located on the south side of the township, on section 23, put up a cabin, the first in the township, and commenced to improve his land and construct for himself and fam- ily a home. He was born in Illinois, May 11, 1812, and died in 1882, leaving his kindred and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. The next to move in was Benjamin F. Allen, with wife and nine children, from Oneida Co., N. Y. The names of the children are Truman D., Eliza, Frederick, Jane, Edwin, Henry and Emery (twins), Albert and Am- brose. These children are all dead but Ambrose and Truman D. Mr. Allen located on section 29. He died July 10, 1872, at the old homestead, and his widow three years later.
Louis and Isaac Vertrees, from Kentucky, with their families, came here in 1830, locating their homes on section 3, where they made many improve- ments. Isaac, after some years, moved back to his
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native State. Louis was attached to his home, lived there throughout his long life, and died April 13, 1883, [respected and loved by all who knew him. Elijah Davidson was another early settler, moving in in 1830. He was also from Kentucky. After liv- ing here over 20 years, he, with a part of his family, joined the colony that emigrated to Oregon in 1851. Carter T. and Hosea, sons of Elijah Davdson, set- tled here with him. Carter died in Oregon a few years ago. Hosea moved to Missouri, where he died. Alexander Davidson, son of Elijah, came in about this time. All the Davidsons settled on the school section 16. After these families came John Dodge, his son, John Milton, Felix and David Rob- inson, George and Henry Cable, Wilson Sheldon, M. D. Matteson, Cornelius Tunnicliff, Thos. D. Allen, and others. After the Black Hawk War the town- ship settled up quite rapidly. Among those coming in after the war was Henry Cable, his wife and six children - Sarah, Mary, Ezra, George C., Chauncy M. and William H. They came in 1835, and set- tled about a mile and a half east of the town of Ber- wick, near the township line. Mr. Cable came from Oneida Co., N. Y. Here he lived for over 40 years, improving his farm, accumulating property and rear- ing his children, most of whom settled about hin. During this long period he took an active part in all the public affairs of the township. In 1866 he moved · to Monmouth, where he died, March 8, 1877, at the age of 80 years. His wife, Olive, died in February, 1875, in her 84th year. Mary died in 1851 ; Sarah, who married Mr. Laferty (see biography) is still liv- ing in Monmouth. The sons are all living on farms in Floyd Township, except'Chauncy M., who is living in Monmouth. During the Black Hawk War, many of the settlers, fearing attacks from the Indians, went into Knox County, where they remained until the war terminated. The first birth, death and marriage is not definitely remembered, nor the first school taught.
The children living in the territory now embraced by this township, attended school at the old town of Cold Brook; so also did the people go there for their religious services, which were held under the aus- pices of the Christian Church. Some of the preach- ers of this Church would hold services occasionally at private houses in this township. In 1839, a Chris- tian Church was established at Meridian, near the
line between Floyd and Berwick Townships, the members joining this organization withdrawing from the Cold Brook Church. Another congregation was formed from the Cold Brook Church, in 1845, at what was called Short's Corners, section 16. It was one of short duration, and was disbanded in 1847.
The township is watered by Slug Creek and its tributaries, which run southeasterly into Berwick, . uniting with Nigger Creek, which empties into Spoon River. The land in this township is nearly all prai- rie, with slight undulations, except in the southwest. portion, where it is timbered and some- what broken. Along the upper line of the township is the divide, the waters on the north emptying into the Henderson and then into the Mississippi, and those on the South into Spoon River, and then into the Illinois River. The principal crops raised now, are corn and hay. It was once a very heavy producing township in all the cereals, but the land became worn out and a change of product was nec- essary. The farms in the township are all good and well managed. The dwelling houses are comforta- ble, and many of them are constructed with taste. In all the school districts are good schools and good school buildings. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad passes along the northern line of this township, or between this and Cold Brook. The nearest depot and trading place is Cameron. In pop- ulation it is estimated that Floyd has not lost in numbers since 1880, it containing then, according to the census reports, 1, 162.
From the Assessor's report for the year 1885, the following information is obtained :
Number of acres of improved land, 22,385 ; num- ber of acres of unimproved land, 360; value of im- proved land, $301,511 ; value .of unimproved lands, $2,880; total value of lots, $4,170; number of horses, 1,065 ; cattle, 1,422 ; asses and mules, 6; sheep, 147; hogs, 2,665; steam engines, 2; car- riages and wagons, 204; watches and clocks, 73; sewing and knitting machines, 87 ; pianos, 6; organs and melodeons, 34; total value of personal property, $606.40.
SUPERVISORS.
William Laferty. .1854-5
John F. Giddings .1856
Thomas B. Cross. .1857-60
Lewis Vertrees . 1860-3
John W. Bolon ... .. 1875-8
Charles Waste .. .1863
D. C. Graham. . 1879
W. C. Clyborne. ... . 1864
John W. Bolon. . 1880-2
S. T. Shelton
1865-70
C. W. Boydston . . . .. . . . 1871
Lewis Vertrees .. . . . . . 1872
C. W. Boydston ... .1873-4
D. C. Graham.
.1883-5
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WARREN COUNTY.
GREENBUSH TOWNSHIP.
REENBUSH TOWNSHIP was one of the early settled townships of the county. Ro- land Simmons was the first man to settle here, which he did in 1830, making a claim on section 6. He was an energetic, thriving man, prominent in the public affairs of the township, and a good citizen. He died in the sum- mer of 1858, leaving a large family of children and many friends to mourn his loss. His wife preceded him to the other world many years before. They both died at the old homestead where they first lo- cated.
Jesse W. Bond and William Taylor, with their families, came in soon after Mr. Simmons, and made claims on section 19. These pioneers were active and valuable citizens, and did much toward im- proving and building up the township. They became prominent and active in all public affairs, accumu- lated fine properties, which they left to their children. They, with their wives, have been dead some years- all dying at their homesteads. James Simmons, his wife and seven children, from Madison Co., Ill., came in 1833, and located on section 35. He first came to Illinois in 1816. His children were Andrew W., Sally, Roland M., Alfred W., Francis M., Charles R., William J. and Joanna.
Four children, Nancy, Diana, Arminda and Mar- tin VanBuren, were born in Greenbush. This pio- neer died at the farm, Aug. 21, 1873. His wife, Sally, died April 8, 1855. He left a good inheritance to his children, and was one of the prominent citizens of the township.
Along after these pioneers came John C. Bond, William McMahill, Payton Vaughn, Thomas Moul- ton, James B. Smith, Jesse Looney, Aaron Powers and Amos Pierce. Some of these pioneers brought with them families. Amos Pierce settled on section 7, and died in July, 1872. His wife died in 1845. (See biography.) James B. Smith died on his way to Oregon. After this tlie settlement in the township advanced quite rapidly, particularly after the Indian troubles had been finally adjusted.
A young child of Roland Simmons was the first
death in the township, which occurred in 1830.
The first couple to enter into matrimonial relations were Moses D. Hand and Elizabeth Crawford. They were joined in the holy bonds of wedlock Dec. 23, 1835, by John C. Bond, Justice of the Peace. The next important event was the death of the sister of John Long. Her body was interred in the Bond burying ground. The first post office was opened at Greenfield, now known as Greenbush, by Charles Stice. Blankenship & Brother were the first to em- bark in the irercantile business. Mr. Desbro was the first educated young man to open school in the township, which was in a log house southeast of Greenbush. The first religious exercises, or preach- ing, was at Roland Simnions' house, by a Methodist circuit rider, in the winter of 1833-4.
In early days the people of this township did their trading and marketing at Peoria, Oquawka and sonietimes at Chicago.
Greenbush went into township organization with the other townships, but the records have been lost and only a part of the proceedings of the first elec- tion can be given. We find, however, that David Armstrong acted as Moderator at this election. Levi Lincoln was elected Supervisor; William Shores, Collector ; A. W. Simmons, Assessor ; F. H. Merrill, Clerk; John C. Vaughn and L. L. Ury, Justices of the Peace; J. Butler R. M. Simmons and H. H. Hewitt, Commissioners of Highways.
This township is numbered eight north, of range I west, and has for its boundary line, Berwick Town- ship on the north, Knox County on the east, Fulton County on the south and Swan Township on the west. It is very liberally watered by Swan and Nig- ger Creeks and their tributaries, which run eastward and empty into Spoon River. The Quincy branch of the C. B. & Q. R. R. crosses the southeast cor- ner of the township. In the northeast portion of the township and along the main creeks the land is some- what broken, and is very well timbered ; the other portion of the township is rolling prairie. The soil is rich and productive, corn and hay being the prin- cipal crop, which have a prolific growth. There are some grand old farms in Greenbush and many fine dwellings. The people do their trading mostly at Avon, Fulton County, and at Greenbush Village. The population of this township, in 1880, was 1,053, which is about the present number.
In the annual report for the year ending June 30
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1885, the County Superintendent gives the following information regarding the public schools. There were to school districts, the school property being valued at $2,500. All the school buildings are frame. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 406, of which 286 were of scholastic age, 243 being en- rolled. The highest wages paid teachers was $50 per month, and the lowest $25. The tax levy for this township was $1,825.
From the Assessor's report for 1885, the following information was obtained : Number of acres of im- proved land, 22,000 ; number of acres of unimproved land, 1,000; value of improved land, $312,120; value of unimproved land, $4,060 ; value of lots, $2,800: number of horses, 900; cattle, 2,060 ; num- ber of mules and asses, 129; sheep, 636; hogs, 2,- 660 ; steam engines, I ; carriages and wagons, 227 ; watches and clocks, 159; sewing and knitting ma- chines, 90; pianos, 4; melodeons and organs, 34. Total value of personal property, $840.49.
· Greenbush has been represented by the following named citizens as Supervisors : John C. Bond, 1854; Levi Lincoln, 1854; John C. Bond, 1856-67 ; A. W. Simmons, 1868-71; L. M. Green, 1872; Danford Taylor, 1873-74; A. W. Simmons, 1875-76; L. M. Green, 1877 ; A. W. Simmons, 1878-83 ; Israel Spor- gin, 1884; A. W. Simmons, 1885.
Greenbush Village.
REENBUSH was one of the early aspiring localities, the citizens of whom looked for_ ward with great expectations to the time when there would be solid brick blocks, crowd- ed streets, and all the bustle of a great city. It was platted April 29, 1836, by Roland and James Simmons, on the northeast quarter of section 5, the plat embracing about 40 acres. The name of the village was afterward changed to that of Green- bush, on account of there being another town of the same name in this State. This town for some years was quite a thriving village, having several stores and business enterprises, but when the railroad came through, which makes and unmakes towns, the trade went elsewhere. There is one general store here now owned by J. C. Johnson, who has a thriving
country trade. Mr. Johnson is also Postmaster of the village. Population about 100 souls. There is a good school here, which is taught by Mr. Blair, with an average attendance of about 30 pupils.
RELIGIOUS.
There are two Churches here, the Baptist and Meth- odist, which grew out of early organizations in the township.
The Baptist Church. The members of the society met on the third Saturday in June, 1836, at the house of Brother Caleb Hedges, organized, and formed the basis for quite a large congregation. Present at this meeting were John Murphy, James Kelsey, John Riggs, Joseph Rudges, B. W. Lewis, Caleb and Polly Hedges, Ellis Lewis, Martha Riggs, Rosanna Murphy, Rachael Butler, Polly Vandeveer, and Rev. Chas. Vandeveer. Mr. Vandeveer was chosen Mod- erator, and John Murphy, Clerk. After mature de- liberation, they decided to send for ministers for the purpose of being constituted into a church. On the third Saturday in July, they again met with addi- tional members who had come in with letters from other societies, to prepare and adopt articles of faith and a constitution for their guidance. Elders Chas. Vandeveer and Robt. Mays were present to consti- tute the church, which was given the name of New Hope. This church belonged to the Spoon River Association. Rev. Chas. Vandeveer was chosen the first pastor, in August, 1830. Services were held in different parts of this and Swan Township, in private houses. Rev. Chas. Vandeveer served his flock until 1854, when death took him to a new field of labor. He was succeeded by Rev. George Tracy, who as- sumed charge in June 1855, and retired the following year. In May, 1857, Rev. Isaac Vanmeter was called to take charge, and is the present pastor, having served nearly a. generation. In 1850, when the Academy was built at the village of Greenbush, the society was permantly located there. This Academy was put up by the people of Greenbush for a school building and for the holding of religious and other meetings. It was a two-story building, the upper part of which was principally devoted to school pur- poses. At present there are 43 members, and servi- ces are held every fourth Sunday, the pastor hav- ing other charges in different parts of the county.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at the town of Greenbush at a very early day. Meet-
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WARREN COUNTY.
1
ings were held in private houses at first, and after the establishment of school buildings services were held in them, and when the Academy building, as it was called, was erected, which was in 1850, at Greenbush village, they held their services there, in the lower room. In 1870 they completed their new church building, at a cost of $5,000. In April, 1871, it was dedicated, Rev. Roswell Morse preaching the dedicatory sermon. Rev. Mr. Matthews was the first pastor in charge after the new edifice was erected. He was succeeded by Revs. Hitchcock, Jones, Blackwell, Grant, Torpin and Streator. Rev. N. G. Clark is the present pastor, with service every other Sunday. His other appointments are in Mc- Donough County, which, with Greenbush, belong to the Pleasant Mounds circuit. Present member- ship of this society is about 50. It was at one time quite a thriving church, and they had a very grace- ful, neat little edifice. The building has fallen into decay, and is sadly out of repair. 3 Many of the members have gone away, and others have ceased to attend the church.
HALE TOWNSHIP.
FALE is situated in the western tier of town- ships, and is numbered 10 north, of range 3, west. Its northern boundary is Sumner township, on the east lies Monmouth, on the south Tompkins township and on the west Hen- derson County. The first election after township or- ganization had been adopted, was held April 4, 1854, in school house number 1. Wm. Nast presided as Moderator, and W. S. Wier, Clerk peo tem. Upon a vote being taken for these officers, Wm. Cannon was chosen Moderator, and S. W. Rodgers, Clerk. Fifty- nine votes were cast at this election, which resulted in the choice of Wm. Fleming for Supervisor, Wm. Clark, Clerk, B. B. Findley, Assessor, J. C. Ward, Collector, G. H. Smaley and Andrew Jenkins, High- way Commissioners, T. F. Lowther and W. S. Wier, Justices of the Peace; Ira A. Palmer and D. Vanfleet Constables.
The first act of the Commissioners of the High-
ways was to levy a tax of 20 cents on the $100, for the improvement of roads.
The territory now occupied by Hale township was settled about as early as any part of the county. Adam Ritchey, Sr., with his wife, Elizabeth, were the first settlers. They located near Sugar Tree Grove, in 1828. Here he erected a cabin and began his im- provements. This family was large enough to have within themselves social amusement and compan- ionship, and to relicve pioneer life from that dreary loneliness, usually one of its unavoidable and un- pleasant features. There was Adam, Jr. John, Ab- igail, Martha, Elizabeth, Matthew, Caroline and James, Ritchey. Take them altogether they formed quite a little colony, and soon made their impression in the township. Adam Ritchey died many years ago, and was buried in the Ritchey burying-ground. His widow, Elizabeth, moved to Iowa, where she subsequently died. David Findley and Thomas Campbell came to this settlement in 1829 .. In 1830, John Kendall and wife,Elizabeth,William and Samuel ? Gibson, with their wives, James Jenkins, wife and children and James Maley and wife, added their numbers to the settlement. Soon after came John Caldwell, wife and three children, John W., Eleanor and Martha, and located on section II. . The Cald- wells were from Bedford Co., Pa. John Caldwell
was a man of great force of character, and took an active part in the affairs of the county. He was one of the leaders in the establishment of the Associate Church at Sugar Tree Grove, and was one of the first Elders. His wife died at an early day, and he joined her in the other world in December, 1865. Eleanor married John Black. Both she and Martha are dead. John W. Caldwell is living at Monmouth. (See biography.)
To this settlement was added in October, 1831, William Paxton, wife and seven children. They came from Xenia, Ohio, and located on section 2. The names of the children were: W. S., John S., Thomas M., Jane L., Ann, Margaret F., and Mary E. Mr. Paxton took an active part in the public af- fairs of the township, and was an upright and worthy citizen. He died in March, 1861, at his home. His wife had preceded him, departing this life in Jan- uary, 1845. Thomas M. is living on the place ; John S. is in Iowa; William S. is living at Mon- mouth. (See biography.) The daughters are all
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WARREN COUNTY.
dead but Margaret, who is living in Sumner Town- ship.
The next addition to this township was William Turnbull, his wife and two sons, Alexander and Gil- bert, and their families, who came in 1832. They located on sections 19 and 30. Mr. Turnbull was a native of Scotland, and had emigrated to this country soon after the close of the Revolution, settling first in Tennessee. Unable to reconcile himself with the institution of slavery, he left Tennessee in 1808, and settled in Ohio. From Ohio he came to Warren County. He was a man of marked character and great religious zeal. He died at his home in Hale Township, in 1835.
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