Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 85

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 85

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Lockwood died some years ago, at the old farm, and his widow died June, 1884, at the advanced age of 88 years. Mr. Smith died in 1837, and his widow married William Gunter. She has been dead some years.

John Murphy and W. Carr were the next to settle in the township. The former was from Kentucky, and located on section 1, where he lived and died ; the latter was from Indiana, and settled on section 13. These pioneers did not.remain long in their sol- itude, but were soon followed by many more families seeking homes in the West. Among these was Tru- man Eldridg, who located southwest, near the town of Roseville. (See biography.) . Mr. Carr's house was struck by lightning in 1838, killing two of his children. He died in 1879, at the age of 84 years, and his widow followed him in 1880.

The first religious services in the township were held in the winter of 1832, by Elder Cordier, a Meth- odist circuit rider. Thomas Pearce then opened his hospitable doors for Divine worship. This was a great event for these dwellers in the wilderness, and the religious enthusiasm became very great. Sub- sequently, in the spring of 1833, a Methodist Class was formed by Rev. Barton Randall, at Mr. Pearce's house, which was the first in the township. This was the beginning of the Berwick Methodist Episco- pal Church.

Miss Jane A. Allen taught the first school in the township, in a log cabin in Pearce's Grove, in the summer of 1834. She subsequently was married to Judge Ivory Quinby, March 10, 1839, and died Feb. 7, 1847.

A new settlement could not be happy without hav- ing a marriage feast to enliven it, and William Haines and Lucinda Pearce made the sacrifice to please the

good people of the township. The warm rays of the summer sun rested upon two loving hearts that were joined as one amid the congratulations of their friends, on July 3, 1832. They are now living at Ottumwa, Iowa.

Roseville Township gradually increased with its settlement, its rich soil and fair fields stimulating production and inviting emigration, until now it is third in rank of population and one of the best pro- ducing townships in the county.

Its population, according to the last census, was 1,708, and it is estimated that these figures have been increased since that time.

Its beautiful farms, enclosed with well trimmed hedges, and decorated with fine dwelling houses and farm buildings, present an ever-pleasing aspect to the traveler. Within its borders there is a good, thriving town for the people to do their trading and marketing, which obviates the necessity of making long journeys to other places for this purpose.

The County School Superintendent, in her report for the year ending June 30, 1885, has the following items regarding the public schools of this township. There were 11 school districts, with one graded and ten ungraded schools, and one brick and ten frame school buildings, with a valuation of school property at $15,900. Of the persons under 21 years of age there were 672, of whom 496 were of scholastic age, 494 being enrolled. The highest wages paid to teachers was $75 per month, and the lowest $25. The tax levy for the township was $6,950.

From the Assessor's report for the year 1885, the following information is obtained: Number of acres of improved land, 22,788; value of improved lands, $344,559; total value of lots, $68,937; number of horses, 970; cattle, 1,696; mules and asses , 59; sheep, 372; hogs, 3,297 ; steam engines, I; car- riages and wagons, 357; watches and clocks, 347 ; sewing and knitting machines 211; pianos, 10; melodeons and organs, 69. Total cash value of per- sonal property, $9r,226.

SUPERVISORS.

Wm. Johnson .. .1854

D. M. Taliaferro .. .. 1865-9

John Riggs. .1855

S. M. Eldred. .1870

James Barrett 1856-7

D. M. Taliaferro. .1871

D. C. Riggs. .1858

Wm. Dilly .1872-3

John Riggs. 1859

Alpheus Lewis. 1874

D. C. Riggs. . 1860

T. J. Morris. .1875

John Riggs. 1861

Alpheus Lewis. . 1876-80

D. C. Riggs .1862

T. A. Dilly .... 1881-3

John Riggs. 1863

R. L. McReynolds . 1884

Thompson Brooks . 1864

H. T. Lope. . 1885

737

WARREN COUNTY.

Roseville Village.

HIS thriving village, now so favorably known throughout this section of the State, made its first start in the world under a different banner. The name by which it first appeared to the public was Hat Grove, and it covered a piece of ground but a little way from its present site. Its commencement may be dated from the establisment of the postoffice, with Truman Eldridg as Postmaster. Not until after the completion of the Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis Railroad, however, was there much progress made toward a business town. Lancaster and Elli- son, in what is now Ellison 'Township, were having a fine local trade, which continued to increase until the railroad came through the county, making the station at Roseville.

A small store was first opened at this place by John Adams (a very historical name) where Pierce's brick building now stands. Adams did not remain long in business, but was succeeded by E. P. Emans, who opened a general merchandise establishment with a very liberal stock of goods, and who is at present one of the leading merchants of the place. After the completion of the railroad, the business of Lancaster was moved over to Roseville. Ellison had been ruined years before by the great tornado and the trade which this place at one time had also come here.

The first train came into Roseville July 4, 1870, and was made quite an event by the people of the village, who celebrated the day of our independence with the advent of the railroad. From this time on Roseville has had a steady growth. There is no richer farming country in the county than that which surrounds this village. Like all the towns in the county, it labors under the disadvantage of not hav- ing a water power for manufacturing purposes ; yet, the site is a very pleasing one and reasonably healthy. But we have anticipated a little and we return to an earlier period. .

The town was platted in 1868, by Solomon Sover- eign, and the surveys were made by that energetic citizen, John A. Gordon, who has stood by this town

all these long years. The plat was laid out on the northeast quarter of section 31, and contained 40 acres. The next addition to the town was by Tru- man Eldridg, embracing 60 acres, and laid out on the southeast quarter of section 30. This was in 1870, and also surveyed by Mr. Gordon. The town con- tinued to grow, and dreams of a future large c.ty were had by many of Roseville's speculative citizens, and even by the conservative-minded. Reeve's ad- dition came next and was platted the same year, so also was that of Pratt & Dilly, containing 60 acres on section 31. Munford's addition was the next and last. It was platted December, 1875, and embraced the south half of the southwest quarter of section 30. With all these blocks and streets laid out, the town had ample room to grow. But as there is a Divinity that shapes the ends of individuals, it may be stated with the same degree of logic, that there is a Divinity that also shapes the ends of towns; and it remains for the future to disclose whether Rose- ville will ever occupy as a town all the ground laid out for her.

Business houses and dwellings increased, and it looked to the more sanguine citizens that in the no distant future all the blocks would soon be covered with fine buildings of one kind or the other. Some of the most progressive people were in favor of an incorporation. The movement, however, failed for want of sufficient support. Subsequently another at- tempt was made with like results. The movers for incorporation were persistent in agitating their pro- ject and finally an election was ordered for the pur- pose of voting on this subject. This election was held May 30, 1873, and resulted in the defeat of the movement of incorporation, Two years later another election was held, May 4, 1875. At this election, the movers for incorporation were successful, winning by 75 votes against 42, which made them very jubilant. An election for Village Trustees was then called for June 8, 1876, which resulted in the choice of J. C. Turnbull, Sr., Ezra P. Emans, John A. Gordon, James S. Reed, and J. T. Lothrop. On the 14th of June following, the Trustees met at the office of John A. Gordon, and completed their village organization by the election of Ezra P. Emans, President of the Board ; Benjamin R. Ostrander, Clerk ; R. L. Mc- Reynolds, Treasurer. On motion, J. S. Reed, John A. Gordon and E. P. Emans were appointed a com- mittee to prepare an ordinance for the city govern-

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WARREN COUNTY.

ment. Under the incorporation the village has gone along very smoothly, and there has been no occasion to regret the action of the majority.

There are some good business houses here, and fine dwellings ; and taking the town altogether, it is a pleasing and attractive one. The population is es- timated now to be between 900 and 1,000.

The principal manufacturing industry of this vil- lage is that of Daniel Bird & Sons Tile Factory, which was started in 1879. They employ on an av- erage 12 |men, and three kilns. They also manufac- ture brick which is of a good quality. Mr. Bird found a two foot vein of coal near his clay beds and also an excellent quality of fire-clay. This firm through their manufactory are contributing no little to the business and prosperity of Roseville.

Messrs. Blazer & Steninger, proprietors of the Roseville Creamery, are doing a good business in their line. They gather their cream from an ex- tended area of territory, and make during the season about 500 pounds of butter per day.

As above stated, Truman Eldridg was the first Postmaster of the town, then known as Hat Grove. He resigned in favor of Benjamin Morford who held the place until 1861. E. P. Emans then took charge and held the office until 1866, and was followed by Amos Pierce, who served until 1871, when W. T. Gossett was appointed, and is the present incum- bent.

PRESS.

The first paper started at Roseville, was the Rose- ville Gazette, by that enterprising and successful newspaper man, G. G. McCosh, now proprietor of the Monmouth Gazette, May 24, 1876, who was at that time foreman of the Monmouth Review: It was a six-column folio, published every Wednesday, and was independent in politics. The printing was done at The Review office. In June, 1877, Mr. McCosh moved his paper to Monmouth and changed the name to the Monmouth Gazette.

The Roseville Gazette was a lively, spicy sheet and attracted no little attention in the newspaper field, the result of which was the starting of an opposition paper at Roseville, by Wilson Bros., called Wilson's Weckly. The editor of the Gazette having accom - plished what he desired, modestly withdrew from the field to Monmouth, where he could have a more ex- tensive scope for his abilities.

Wilson's Weekly was too weak to stand after the Gazette had departed, or withdrew its aid, and was soon changed to the Roseville Times, under a new management. This paper was subsequently pur- chased by C. Elliott, who continued its publication until the spring of 1885, when he sold out to C. H. Hebbard, present proprietor and editor. Mr. Heb- bard has enlarged the Times to an eight-column folio, and also extended the job office. The Times is independent in politics, and has a liberal circula- tion, and is a well conducted paper.

OFFICERS.

Present officers of the Village Government ; Trus- tees, J. W. Connelly, J. W. Malcomb, George Mecham, N. G. Taft, S. H. Tuttle and W. B. Ditch. President of the Board, J. W. Connolly ; Clerk, J. B. Lozier ; Treasurer, E. P. Emans.

SCHOOLS.

Roseville has the credit of having the best school building in the county, and one of the best graded schools. The building is a large two-story brick structure, solid and handsome in its architecture, and containing six apartments. It was erected in 1880. C. A. Hebbard is the Principal of the school, who is an experienced teacher and a gentle- man of education. He has Mrs. M. E. Higgins for First Assistant; Miss Bertha Taft, Second Assistant, and Miss S. A. Ragon in the Primary Department. Enrollment, 188 pupils. This school is thor- oughly graded, and all of the English branches are taught here.

SOCIETIES.

Roseville Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 519, was chartered Oct. 4, 1867, with 18 members. First of- ficers : D. Adams, W. M .; W. Clayton, Sr. W. M .; J. B. Wilsey, Jr. W. M .; B. Ragon, Secretary ; D. N. Taliaferro, Treasurer ; T. Bradley, S. D .; Wm. Stan- field, J. D .; Israel Gared, Tyler. Present officers : J. W. Connelly, W. M .; N. G. Taft, Sr. W. M .; A. C. Stern, Jr. W. M .; R. L. McReynolds, Treasurer ; T. B. Bohen, Secretary ; J. W. Bockus, S. D .; C. J. Danielson, J. D .; J. L. Davenport, Tyler. The Lodge has a fine, well furnished hall, with a mem- bership of 33. The hall is neatly decorated, well equipped and in good working condition.

G. A. R., A. C. Harding Post, No. 127, was char- tered March 17, 1882, with 30 members, J. W.

739

WARREN COUNTY.

Coates, C. : F. B. Davis, V. C .; J. Whitenack, J. N. C .; T. S. Fowler, Chaplain ; Dr. N. A. Griffith, Sur- geon; J. M. Tucker, O. D .; J. J. McClen, Agt. ; R. L. McReynolds, Q. M. The present membership of the Post is 50. It is in a good working order, and increasing in numbers. They have a good hall, which is well furnished. Present officers: D. M. Fay, C .; T. S. Miller, S. V. C .; M. G. Taft, J. V. C .; Ellis Scott, Secretary; James Chapman, Chap- lain ; Sylvester Bryner, O. D .; George C. Murphy, Adj .; R. L. McReynolds, Q. M .; John T. Bragg, O. G. They meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

I. O. O. F., Roseville Lodge, No. 537, was insti- tuted Jan. 21, 1874, with five charter members. J. W. Kennor was the first N. G .; H. G. Simmons, V. G .; J. S. Greer, Secretary ; R. B. Tredmore, Treas- urer. This Society was first organized at Youngs- town, and was known as the Youngstown Lodge, and was so chartered. In June, 1874, it was moved to Roseville. The Society occupies the Masonic Hall, has money in the Treasury, is well equipped and in good working order. They intend to erect for themselves, in the near future, a hall for lodge pur- poses. Present membership about 50, with the fol- lowing officers : A. C. McPeak, N. G .; J. H. Morn- ingstar, V. G .; J. E. Hartley, Secretary ; A. C. Stem, Treasurer.

Selected Knights of the A. O. U. W., was insti- tuted Nov. 8, 1883, with 28 members. Present officers are: R. L. McReynolds, S. C .; E. D. Patch, V. C .; G. C. Murphy, Lt. C .; T. B. Bohn, Recor- der ; S. P. Stem, Treasurer; C. A. Anderson, R. T .; S. N. Edwards, S. B .; J. L. Davenport, Chaplain ; S. Roseberry, Marshal. Membership, 35, This Society holds its meetings in Masonic Hall.

A. O. U. W., No. 112, was organized May 15, 1878, with C. S. McDonough, P. M. W .; J. W. Coates, M. W .; W. T. Gossett, Recorder. Present membership of the Lodge, 61. Present officers : J. S. Roseberry, M. W .; L. D. Patch, M. W .. John Powell, Treasurer ; S. N. Edwards, Overseer; T. B. Bohn, Recorder; G. R. Davenport, Financier ; W. H. Buckley, Recorder; R. B. Davenport, G .; M. N. Anderson, I. W .; D. F. Morningstar, O. W. They meet in the Masonic Hall, and are in a prosperous condition.

RELIGIOUS.

The Congregational Church was first organized

with 12 members, at Hat Grove, in the old school house, November, 1851. Rev. J. Blanchard, Mod- erator, and L. E. Sykes, Clerk. This school house is now used as a dwelling. In 1855, they erected their new church building, costing $3,000. It is a very neat frame structure, with a seating capacity of about 300. It was dedicated March 5, 1856. Sup- plies were furnished by other congregations for awhile. In the latter part of 1856, they secured their first pastor, Rev. J. R. Rodgers, who was ordained at the time the church was dedicated. Revs. A. Moore, T. H. Johnson, A. R. Mitchell, L. S. Morgan, Aldred Morse, Cyrus H. Eaton, A. E. Arnold, A. J. Drake, followed in succession, serving from one to two years. In 1868, Rev. James D. Wyckoff ac- cepted a call, and served the Church for nine years, or until 1877. He was followed by Rev. R. A. Woods, who served one year. Rev. S. Goodenow then took charge, and remained until 1880, when Rev. R. B. Guild became pastor, remaining until 1883. In August, 1883, Rev. F. C. Cochran was called, who served until August, 1885. The pastor- ate is at present vacant, but the Church is negotiat- ing for a minister. Present membership 79. A Sab- bath-school with about 60 members is connected with this Society.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was formed in the year 1841. It had its beginning with a membership of seven. The first preaching place was in the house of Solomon Sovereign. Subsequently they secured the school house, in which they held their meetings, and next they worshipped in the Congregational Church. In 1864, the Methodists built their present church edifice, which was during the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Windsor. The church building was ded- icated by the Rev. O. S. Munsel, President of Bloom- ington University. The structure cost $4,000, and is a substantial building, with a seating capacity of 350. In 1881, the building was thoroughly repaired, at a cost of about $750, and is now in good order. This appointment once belonged to Oquawka Cir- cuit, and most of the records of this Church are still with that circuit.

Roseville became a part of Ellison Circuit, in 1855, and in 1869 became the head of the circuit, and remains so at the present time.

The following is a list of the names of the pastors in their regular succession, as sent by the Confer-

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WARREN COUNTY.

ence : Revs. William Clark, H. Pressan, A. D. Mc- Cool, William Haney, A. Fisher, Josiah Kerns, W. J. Beck, A. E. Higgins, W. B. Morse, Amos Morey, H. H. Crosier, B. C. Swartz, J. T. Windsor, G. C. Woodruff, W. B. Caruthers, Thomas Watson, J. W. Coe, Abram Beeler, C. B. Couch, J. W. Coe, N. T. Allen, J. Q. Adams, T. F. Fowler, D. McLeish, the present pastor. The present membership of the Church is 102 ; the entire circuit has 175 members. Attached to this society is a prosperous Sunday School, presided over by C. J. Boyd. They have had many revivals of religion in this Church from time to time, which have increased its membership, though many have died and moved away.

The Christian Church was organized in 1860, with about 20 members. In 1871 the society erected a house of worship, which cost them $1,500. At a later period they secured a parsonage at a cost of about $600. This congregation was organized from the Downing School-house Society, in Swan Township, and afterward the Ellison Township Church united with them. Rev. M. Jones is the present pastor of this Church, which has now about 100 members. During the past season Mr. Jones, by his zeal and earnest preaching, got up quite a revival in the Church, which resulted in adding many members to their faith. On account of the early records being lost, the full history of this organization cannot be given.

The Baptist Church was first organized in Feb- ruary, 1852, with 25 members, and was called the Hat Grove Baptist Church. Rev. G. S. Minor pre- sided over the organization. Rev. Joseph Elliot was the first pastor installed, which was in 1853, and served the Church 18 months. During the early history of the society Rev. William T. Bly got up a very extensive revival, and added largely to its mem- bership. A church building was erected in 1863, at a cost of $1,500, and was dedicated in the fall of the same year. They have also a good parsonage, which cost $1,200, including lots. After Mr. Bly they had 'alternates for a while. In May, 1855, Rev. Win- throp Morse took charge, remaining one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Elliot. In June, 1858, David Deland became pastor for a few months. Suc- ceeding him for short terms were Revs. Henry B. Johnson, Daniel B. Gunn, William Storrs, A. Jones, Jr., Elijah Russ. Mr. Russ was succeeded in 1872, by Rev. George D. Kent, who remained with the

Church until 1876, when he was followed by E. C. Cady, who served until 1881. Rev. J. E. Ladd then served one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Fallis, the present pastor. They have about 150 members, and a thriving Sabbath School of about 80 members.

The Evangelical Swedish Lutheran Church was organized in 1876, by Rev Charles Anderson, of Ans- gari College, Knoxville. Rev. George Wieburg was installed as the first pastor, in the fall of this year. He remained two years with the Church and was succeeded by Rev. Charles J. Lundell, who remained until 1880, when Rev. Charles Bargstrum took charge, serving one year. Rev. J. W. Carlson followed, serv- ing one year. After Mr. Carlson came Rev. N. A. Blomstrand, the present pastor. The church build- ing was erected in 1876, at a cost of $1,000. Pres- ent membership about 30, and a Sabbath School, numbering about 20. Preaching every third Sunday.

The Union Baptist Church is located on section 2, and was organized in 1841, by Rev. John Logan ] and Robert Wilbur, with the following members : Thomas, Elizabeth and Asmeth Brooks, John and Rosina Murphy, Hasula, Jane and Elizabeth Smith, Julian Shirley, Wilson M. and Malvina Gunter, Wil- liam M. and Ann Brooks, David and J. A. J. Smith, Nancy Fields, Harriet Ry, Elizabeth Robb and Wil- liam Hiet. First regular pastor was Rev. John Mur- phy, who served from 1841 to 1845. He was followed by Rev. John C. Ward, who remained with his flock until February, 1851, when he was suc- ceeded by John James. Mr. James served the Church until 1854, and was succeeded respectively by Revs. William Whitehead, Mr. R. Newton, Tronier, H. H. Parks, R. W. Welsh and S. Peckard. The lat- ter is the present pastor, and has been with the society since June, 1876. In 1860 they erected their house of worship, costing about $1,900.

SPRING GROVE TOWNSHIP.

PRING Grove Township was organized un- der the Township Organization Laws, April 4, 1854. A meeting for this purpose was held at the usual place for holding elections. Thomas Gibson was chosen Moderator, and

James H. Carmichael, Clerk. When the ballots were counted it was found that Robert

741

WARREN COUNTY.

Gilmore was chosen Supervisor; Thomas Gibson, Jr., Clerk ; John Ray, Assessor ; James L. Porter, Collector; Watson Gates, Overseer of the Poor ; Robert and William Walker, Justices of the Peace ; Josiah Porter, S. R. Boggs and Thomas Averel, Commissioners of Highways; Joseph Ray and Jo- seph Meyers, Constables ; James R. Patterson, Rob- ert W. Gerlaw, Overseers of Roads and James H. Carmichael, Pound Master.

Spring Grove is situated in the middle of the northern tier of townships, number 12 north, of range 2, west. The county of Mercer is at the north, and on the east, south and west sides lie re- spectively the townships of Kelly, Monmouth and Sumner. The nature of the land in the greater por- tion of the township is rolling,; in the western part it is in places quite broken. It is liberally watered by the Middle Henderson, Cedar Creek and tributa- ries, which meander westward into the Henderson River. Along the water courses the township is pretty well timbered. The facilities for drainage are good, and there is but little dead land in the town- ship, nearly all being subject to cultivation, and very fertile.

James Humphreys has the credit of being the first settler in the township, having located here in 1833. He was soon followed by Robert Gilmore and fam- ily, of whom James T. and L. H. Gilmore were members. He located on section 25, which he sub- sequently sold, and bought a farm on section 24.

John Armstrong and Wm. Miller with their fami- lies came in, in 1834. John H. Frantz and family located in the township, in 1835, and David H. Mc- Curry, in 1836. Horace Smith with his family en- larged the settlement in 1837. He came from Penn- sylvania with his wife, Margaret, and four children- Robert, Isabelle, Mary and John. Charles and Owen were born in the township. Mr. Smith loca- ted on section 3, on which place he lived until 1858, when he died. His widow survived him nearly a score of years, and died in the spring of 1885. All the children are living. Mary, who was married to Nathan Pettit, is living at Alexis.

Elder Richard Haney was the first preacher to hold service in the township. He preached at first in private houses.

Mrs. Wilket, who was quite an elderly lady, taught the first school, in 1841, in a house built by her

brother, on section 5. She had sixteen pupils who were very much attached to her and did all they could to please and make her happy. She long ago passed on to the other world.

A postoffice was opened at Spring Grove, in 1835, soon after the Rock Island stage route was estab- lished. There was a little settlement at this place, and some trading done before the Rock Island & St. Louis R. R., was built and the town of Alexis was started, when the business, with most of the settle- ment here, moved to the latter place.

Spring Grove is a beautiful township, many parts of it very picturesque, and containing some grand farms. It ranks second in the production of stock, and is very fair in the production of the cereals.

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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 85

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

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