Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 83

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

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 83

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Gilbert moved to Henderson County, where he died in 1851. Alexander died in Hale Township in 1856. David Turnbull followed his father from Ohio, in 1833, and settled one mile north of Mon- mouth. He afterward moved into Hale Township, and located near Sugar Tree Grove. He died in Monmouth, at the residence of his son, John M., in 1871. (See biography of John M.)

William Turnbull's home in Tennessee was near Nashville, and joined that of Andrew Jackson. Gen- eral Jackson came in after the Turnbulls had set- tled. He had at that day but little of this world's effects; a light wardrobe and a few law books em- braced all of his earthly possessions, but he had a strong, bold spirit and an indomitable will, which was good capital to begin life's struggles with. He had paid out his last copper to procure his passage to this place, his future home, and had no money to pay for the hauling of his baggage, small as it was, to his house. This future soldier, statesman and president was here alone in the world, penniless, friendless, and did not know to whom he might ap- peal for aid. He fortunately met Mr. Turnbull, made known to him his situation, who readily let him have the money to relieve him of his embarrass- ment. This generous act to a stranger attached young Jackson to his benefactor, Mr. Turnbull, and they ever afterward were warm friends.

It might be of interest to the reader to mention at this point in the history of this township an incident connected with the life of Gen. Jackson, as related by Wn. Turnbull, in which heto some extent figures, the full and correct account of which probably has never appeared in print.

Some years after Gen. Jackson came to Nashville, he being involved in a quarrel, which finally resulted in a duel. It grew out of a difficulty which oc- curred at a horse-race, between Gen. Jackson and a young lawyer by the name of Swann, who had re- cently come into the State from Virginia. The race was for $2,000, and Gen. Jackson had brought for- ward his favorite steed, Truxton, to win the stakes. Some angry words arose between the General and young Swann, which resulted in the latter sending a challenge. Gen. Jackson refused to accept the challenge on the ground that Swann was not a gen- tleman, but turned and struck him with his cane. Charles Dickinson, who was also a lawyer, and a man of prominence took up young Swann's quarrel, challenged Jackson, and insisted on an immediate fight. William Turnbull hearing of the trouble and discovering Jackson in the woods practicing with his pistol, approached him and with all the religious zeal for which his countrymen were noted, labored long and earnestly with the General, trying to per- suade him from accepting the challenge. Previous to this affair Jackson was wont to practice with his pistols for hours in the woods. Turnbull discover- ing this, reprimanded him for his lack of true, Chris- tian principle, telling him that it was not consistent with his religious views. Jackson would reply, that it was not, but that he had to be prepared to live under the " code " or he could not stay in Tennes- see. In reply to Mr. Trumbull's remonstrance Gen. Jackson said : "That he could not live there unless he accepted the challenge; that if he refused to accept it he must leave the country." He told Mr. Turnbull, however, referring to the duel, that he did not intend to shoot Mr. Dickinson; that above other considerations, he (Dickinson) had a wife and child whom he had great regard for.

The challenge sent by Mr. Dickinson was finally accepted by Gen. Jackson. The duel was to take place at a day's ride from Nashville, in Kentucky. Jackson left with his friends for the appointed place. Dickinson arose early in the morning, and kissing his innocent, sleeping child, and taking leave of his beautiful young wife, saying, “ good-bye, darling, I will be sure to be at home to-morrow night," started on his fatal journey. After a day's journey, the two parties arrived near the grounds. They passed the night at farm houses about two miles from each other. The opponents met at the designated place,

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which was in a grove, early Tuesday morning, May 30, 1806. The arrangements were duly made. The duelists were to face each other at 24 feet, with pis- tols drawn, and at the word " fire " were to discharge their weapons. Gen. Jackson had informed his friends of the course he intended to pursue. Dick- inson was known as a dead shot, and he said it was useless for him to contend against him. He would receive the fire of his antagonist and hold his own. As the sun rose sending its warm spring rays through the young and tender draperies of the trees, and while the wild, beautiful birds were offering up their sweet notes of praise, these human beings faced each other with drawn weapons, one at least intent on mnurder. The signal was given and the report of the pistol rang out through the clear morning air. When the smoke cleared away, Gen. Jackson was still standing apparently unhurt. He, as he had promised his friends, held his fire. His antagonist seeing him stand there raised up his hand and ex- claimed, " What, have I not killed the damn -? " Jackson on hearing this, calmly and deliberately lev- eled his weapon and fired. His antagonist fell with a fatal wound near the heart, from which he died in a few hours.

The duelling party broke up. Jackson and his friends mounted their horses and turned their steps homeward, leaving the dying Dickinson with his party on the field. As Jackson and his party started homeward he told them that he did not in- tend to shoot Dickinson, but when he heard the ex- pression used by him, he considered it a reflection upon his mother, which he could not in any way overlook, or forgive. Riding by the side of the Gen- eral, the surgeon discovered blood running out of his boot. He made him at once dismount, and submit to an examination. On examination, the surgeon discovered that Gen. Jackson had received a very se- vere wound in the chest immediately over his heart. The ball which his antagonist had sent with so deadly an aim had struck one of his ribs, fracturing it and glancing off, thus saving the General's life. " General," asked the surgeon, " how could you with such a wound in your body, stand so calm and firm, and fire such a shot?" His reply was : "I would have killed him had I been shot through the brain." This was a very strong illustration of the great nerve of Gen. Jackson, which was so prominently displayed in after years.

David B. Findley was an early settler, moving in as early as 1832. He died in the summer of 1885. Albert Rockwell also came in 1832, with his brother, Alfred. Albert died in the fall of 1884. His brother is living on the old place. Bedford Ray settled in the township, on section 26.

Several families moved in from 1832 to 1836, among whom were Aleri Rodgers, wife and ten chil- dren, with Hamilton Roney, wife and children. Aleri Rodgers was originally from Rockbridge Co., Va., and he came to the township early in the spring of 1836, having previously lived awhile in Missouri. The names of the children were. John, William, Andrew, Alexander, Mary, Joseph, Phebe, Isabelle, Samuel and Caroline. Four of these are living- Isabelle, Mary, Caroline and Samuel, and all in this country. Isabelle is residing in Monmouth. Aleri Rodgers was a prominent citizen of the township, and took a leading part in all public affairs. He was the first one to introduce the McCormick reaper into the county, which he brought with him from , Virginia. He died, respected by all who knew him, Dec. 20, 1863. His widow survived him several years, joining him in that brighter world, July 3, 1879. Andrew was killed by the Indians in Oregon at the time of the Whitman massacre.

Hamilton Roney, after residing here 37 years, moved back to Ohio with a part of his family, and settled near Dayton, where he died, March 3, 1881, in his 75th year.

David B. Findley and Jane Ritchey were the first to join their hands for life's joys and sorrows, its hopes and struggles. This event occurred in 1829. This partnership began in the budding spring-time the most charming season in all the year; a season when the sweet wild flowers look up to greet you, when all nature puts on its new dress, the beautiful birds choose their mates, and the world looks bright, fresh and happy.

David and Jane did not long for-

"Some bright little isle of their own,

In a blue summer ocean far off and alone, Where a leaf never dies in the still blooming bowers, And the bee banquets on through a whole year of flowers."

But they selected a little cottage in the township of Hale, and there, with their loving hearts, and sur- rounded by their friends, they commenced life's journey. To this couple alone is given the honor of

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producing a first native citizen of the township, in the person of James Madison, born in 1830.

Martha Jenkins taught the first school in the township, in 1830. It was held in a little log cabin about half a mile north of the old Henderson Church. This is also claimed to be the first school in the county. Martha subsequently moved to Ore- gon, where she died. The first death in the town- ship was that of William Turnbull, who died at his home in 1835.

The first religious society was formed in Novem- ber, 1830. It was the Associate Church, and was or- ganized by Rev. James McCarroll, of the Western Mission. It was called the Henderson Church, and also known as the Sugar Tree Grove Church. John Caldwell and Adam Ritchey were the first Elders. There were 27 members forming the first congrega- tion, consisting of the Ritcheys, Kendalls, Gibsons, Jenkins, Findleys and Maley families, and John Campbell. The first building put up for worship by this society, was 24 X 30 feet, in 1830, and was con- structed with logs. It was the first church build- ing erected in the county. In 1832 an addition was made, making the building 36 x 40. In 1837, a fine brick edifice was erected, 54 x 60, costing about $4,000. This became one of the noted buildings of the county, and people attended services here from nearly all the townships. It was known for a gen- eration as the "Old Brick Church," and is still spo- ken of with mournful affection. Having been used for nearly 40 years as a place of worship, it was con- sidered by some of the members that it ought to be torn down and a new building erected. Conse- quently it was razed by rude hands, and a more modern frame building put up in its place, possibly better adapted and more in consonance with modern. religious ideas.

Rev. James Bruce was the first pastor of this Church, taking charge in October, 1830. Members of this Church came from Little York, Sunbeam, North Henderson, Viola, Spring Grove, Monmouth, Kirkwood, Smith Creek and Pleasant Grove. Mr. Bruce remained with this congregation until October, 1847, when he was succeeded by Rev. John Scott, who regularly took charge in 1849, and served for 19 years, a remarkably long period. At the expira- tion of this engagement he moved to Monmouth, and took a Professorship in the College. Rev. Thos. G. Morrow succeeded Mr. Scott, and remained until

1872, when Rev. David A. Wallace took charge, serving the congregation until 1876. Rev. David McDill was then called, and remained until 1884, and then the Rev. R. J. Davidson, the present pas- tor, assumed charge. During Mr. Bruce's term there were admitted annually, an average of 25 members, and during Mr. Scotts' term 15 members.

In 1858, the Synods of the Reformed and Åsso- ciate Presbyterian met at Pittsburgh, Pa., and the union between the two branches was consummated under the name of the United Presbyterians. This action was approved by the Henderson congrega- tion, and about the year 1860, they adopted the same name. The present membership of this Church is about 70, and in addition to other services they have a large and interesting Sunday-school.

From 1836, there was a steady influx of settlers, until the land was all taken up. The township was regarded as one of the best in the county for agri- cultural purposes, and it ranks among the first for stock raising. The land is nearly all rolling prairie, is rich and easily cultivated. There is not a poor farm in it, and but few poor dwellings, while there are very many fine ones. It is watered by Cedar Creek and its branches and some other little streams. The St. Louis branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad cuts across the southwest corner, and the Iowa Central comes in at the northwest cor- ner, running along the Eastern line, and passes out on section 25. The people do their trading mostly at Monmouth; some, however, go to Kirkwood. The census of 1880 gives the population at 1,041, and this is about the number at the present day.

The following information regarding the schools of the township, is obtained from the County Superin- tendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1885 : There were eight school districts, with one brick and seven frame buildings. The school property was val- ued at $4,625. Of persons under 21 years of age, there were 403, of whom 314 were of scholastic age, 219 being enrolled. The highest wages paid teachers was $65 per month, and the lowest $25. The tax levy for this township was $2,735.

The Assessor's report for the year 1885, furnished the following information :

Number of acres of improved land, 23,009 ; value of improved lands, $344,450; number of horses, 981 ; cattle, 2,094; mules and asses, 27; hogs,

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3,686 ; steam engines, I ; carriages and wagons, 357; watches and clocks, 214; sewing and knitting ma- chines, 102 ; pianos, 10; melodeons and organs, 24. Total cash value of personal property, $80,328.

The township has honored the citizens whose names appear below, with the office of Supervisor :

SUPERVISORS.

Wm. Fleming .. .1854

David Turnbull. .. 1868-70

John R. Graham. . 1855

Newton Barr . 1871

David Turnbull. .1855

H. G. Lord .. 1872

John Brown. 1857

John N. Carson. .1873

David Turnbull. 1858-60

Newton Barr. 1874-5

Edward Burns .. 186I

C. M. Rodgers. 1876-80

Newton Barr .. 1862

Newton Barr .. .188

David Turnbull . 1863-5

C. M. Rodgers 188g

Leander Findley .1866

J. N. McKelvey. .. 1883-4

Hugh Nash

1867

D. A. Turnbull. .1885

KELLY TOWNSHIP.

ELLY Township is located in the north- east corner of the county, and is numbered 12 north, of range I west. Mercer County lies on the north, Knox County on the east, Cold Brook on the south and Spring Grove Township on the west. The territory now embraced by this township was settled as early as any other portion of the county. James B. Atwood was the first pioneer to move in and make a home here, which was in the early part of 1828. He lo- cated on section 27. Mr. Atwood sold his place to Edmund Adcock, a few months later, and moved away. Mr. Adcock and family came from Bucking- ham Co., Va. He was born Nov. 23, 1800, and died May 7, 1859, at the old farm. His son, J. W., now owns and lives on the place. Andrew Robison with wife and six children, moved in Sept. 20, 1829, and settled on section 33. He subsequently ascer- tained that he had located on land that had been bought by David Ingersol, and he moved to section 31. (See biography.) The land they first settled on is now occupied by the cemetery. Mr. Atwood was the only settler in the township when the Robisons came in, and at that time there were no settlers in Spring Grove Township. Andrew Robison died at his home Aug. 6, 1849, and Nancy, his widow, at the same place, March 15, 1876. William A. Lair came in October, 1832, and located a home on section 30 ; he is now dead. B. H. Gardner, from Kentucky, came into the county in 1834, spent the winter in

Monmouth Township and made his location in Kelly, on section 30, in the spring of 1835. James Brown came in 1830, settling on section 25; Mr. Brown is now dead. He served in the Black Hawk War.

Of the other settlers that came in from 1829 to 1835, there were David Ingersol, wife and six children-James, Jane, Anna, Nellie, Adelina and Thomas, who was a baby; Henry and John Peck- empaugh, William Lair, Stephen Mitchell, John Mil- ler, Henry and Edward Martin, James Stevens, John Miles, George and James Brown, Ezekiel and Olive Terpening and Calvin Glass, with their familes. Hiram Ingersol, son of David Ingersol, followed his father in the latter part of 1835. Mr. Ingersol is living with his wife near Alexis. His father died July 10, 1842, at the old homestead; his mother many years before. From this nucleus grew a large and prosperous settlement.

The first child born in the township and the first female child said to be born in the county, was Mar- garet Ann, daughter of Andrew and Nancy Robison, Nov. 1, 1829, and was their seventh child. This daughter married James Gardner, in May, 1852. She, with her husband, are still living on section 2, in Cold Brook Township.

During the early days of the settlement, many of the seasons appeared to have been backward and cold, the natural results of which were light crops. By planting the Indian maize, commonly called "squaw corn," which they procured from the Indians, they succeeded in raising a fair crop, as this species of corn matured much earlier than any other. They would also use the maize for re-planting when the other corn did not come up. The winter of 1830 and 1831 was long and cold and there was much suffering in the new settlements. A deep snow fell in December, and the corn had not been harvested at this time. The settlements were isolated from each other, and it was hazardous for the settlers to pass from one house to another, and often it was at- tended with frozen feet or other parts of the body.

At this time there was but one mill in the county, known as Smith's mill, which was about two miles east of Oquawka. Hand mills and mortars were brought into requisition, corn was dug from beneath the snow, dried, placed in the mortar, pounded into meal and then cooked and placed before the cold and hungry families. There was but little stock,

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WARREN COUNTY.

and what there was took care of itself. The stock near the bottoms, or about the timber, got along tol- erably well and very few died. This winter was alike hard on the Indians. The watercourses were heav- ily crusted with ice, upon which laid a deep body of snow, which made it impossible for them to procure fish. The feathery tribes had sought Southern climes and the deer had gone to other and more con- genial quarters.

The first grist mill was put up by Calvin Glass, in 1832, on the banks of the Henderson, on section 12. It was rather a primitive arrangement; nevertheless, it was very welcome to the pioneers of that day, and much better than the mortar, which they had often used to pound up their corn. It was run by water- power, but the power was none too strong, and the bolting was done by hand-power. The second mill was started by Chester Potter, and was located on the banks of the main Henderson, section 22.

The people in the early days traded at Monmouth, Knoxville, Oquawka and Old Hendersonville, as it was called.

There were some interesting political contests even in that early day. The elections were held at Rob- ison Corners, until the township organization system was adopted. This was where the corners of Mon- mouth, Cold Brook, Spring Grove and Kelly Town- ships came together. . The settlers were not without their religious entertainments. Preachers from dif- ferent denominations came in and held forth, some- times in school-houses and sometimes at private residences. Elder Haney was among the first to expound the gospel according to the Methodist be- lief. They were not so particular then as now as to what day they worshipped. Whenever a preacher would come around to administer religious food, they would assemble to partake of the feast at some school-house or private residence, and there be en- tertained with graphic descriptions of the beauties of Heaven and the terrors of hell. These old pioneer preachers were ardent workmen and very radical in their views. There was no half-way house for them to stop at, and a member of their congregation who was heterodox or sought a road to Heaven, smooth in its course and lined with flowers, had no sympathy from them. Caleb Smith's house was a favorite place for holding these meetings. Sometimes Sister Smith would be spinning when the meetings were held. This supplied the place of a choir, and the

music of her wheel would go on while the exhorter was entertaining the audience with his most eloquent passages. Mrs. Smith, who was a very industrious woman, thought that she could not give up her en- tire time to the religious services, and, therefore, kept her wheel in motion, having always one ear to- ward the preacher.

The first school in this township was taught by Peter Terpening, in 1837, in a log school-house which stood on section 28. He was the son of Ezekiel and Olive Terpening, who were early set- tlers. Ezekiel Terpening died July 16, 1864, aged 82 years, and his widow, Olive, Feb. 8, 1867, aged 79 years. It was along the road by the Adcock farm, that the troops, some 1,600 in number, passed on their way to Rock Island, during the first Black Hawk War, in 1831.

In 1839, the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized. They held their meetings for many years in private houses and in school buildings. In 187^, a church building was erected at a cost of $2,500, at Utah, which was formerly called Tylerville. A church building was also erected at Ionia, which place is also known by the name of Shanghai. The societies have been served by many pastors, the last being Mr. Bolen.

A Second Advent Church was started at Ionia in 1857, with some 15 members. In 1867 they erected their first building, at a cost of about $2,800. It was a very good frame structure. The first Pastor was Rev. Guy Rathborne, who remained with the Church several years. In May, 1868, this building was demolished by the great tornado which visited this place, but was rebuilt at a cost of about $1,400. Services are held regularly by this society, which has a membership of about 60 and also an interest- ing Sunday-school. At one time there were stores in Ionia, and a good trade was carried on here, but when the railroad came through, and a station was made at Alexis, its business was destroyed and only a postoffice now remains.

There were one or two stores also at Tylerville. The merchants who located here have sought richer fields for trading, and their buildings are deserted. Tylerville still has a postoffice, known as Utah, and has John Landon for its Postmaster. It is located in the southeast corner of section 34.

A meeting was held for the organization of the township of Kelly, April 4, 1854, at the Tylerville

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WARREN COUNTY.

school-house. This meeting was organized by the appointment of William Graham as Moderator, and E. C. Atchison, Clerk. The result of the election was as follows : John Miles was elected Supervisor ; John Terpening, Assessor; Ira S. Ingersol, Col- lector; Samuel Black, Overseer of the Poor; James Stevens and W. J. T. Wallace, Commissioners of Highways; Aaron Yarde, G. C. Adcock and Chris- tian Mills, Justices of the Peace; David Vestal and Nathan Smith, Constables.

There was quite a little contest about the name of this township. The Democrats. wanted it named after Capt. John Kelly, and the Whigs after William Graham. Finally the Democrats were successful and the naming of the township was given to them.

The St. Louis branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad passes near the northwest corner of this township.

Kelly is watered by Henderson Creek and its branches. A large portion of the land is undulating, with broad level fields. The southwest portion is quite broken in places and contains much fine tim- ber. People do most of their trading at Alexis; some, however, go to Galesburg.

The population of this township in 1880 was 1, 135, and it will not vary much from these figures at the present time.

According to the County Superintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1885, there were eight school districts, with eight frame buildings. The school property was valued at $3,760. Of persons under 2 1 years of age, there were 478, of whom there were 333 of scholastic age, 239 being enrolled. The highest wages paid teachers was $45 per month, and the lowest $25. The tax levy for this township was $1,950.

SUPERVISORS.

John Mills. .1854

Joseph Pine ... .1874

Thos. Bannington .1855

M. McCullock . .1875-6

Wm. Graham. . 1856-65

Nathan Crane .. .1877-8

Joseph Pinc .... .1866-7

John Rucker. . 1879-81

Wm. Graham ... I868-70

C. E. Johnson .. ... .I882

J. W. Adcock .. 1871-3

John Rucker .1883-5

LENOX TOWNSHIP.

HIS township completed its organization April 4, 1854, holding its election in the school-house in District No. I. Ebenezer Landon was chosen Chairman; Norman Mat- teson, Moderator; B. F. Wiggins, Clerk. There were 19 votes cast at this election, the result of which was as follows: Porter Phelps was

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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 83

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

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