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 87
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This township is well watered by the Middle Hen- derson and its branches and Cedar Creek. At one time it was one of the best timbered townships in the county, and fine bodies of timber are still stand- ing, particularly along the borders of the streams. The nature of the land is undulating ; in the south- western and southeastern portions quite broken in places, while the northeastern part is very little undu- lated. The soil is rich and easily cultivated. The township is dotted over with grand farms, which are ornamented with fine dwellings and farm buildings. Some of the houses are elegant in construction. There is a station at Denny and Little York, where the people of the township do most of their trading and get their mails. The Iowa Central Railroad was completed through the township in the spring of 1883.
The population, according to the census of 1880, was 948. It is estimated that there has been a gain since then.
According to the County Superintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1885, there were seven school districts, in all of which there were frame school buildings. The school property was valued at $4,000. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 427, of whom 324 were of school age, 211 being enrolled. The highest wages paid teachers was $50 per month, and the lowest $28. The tax levy was $2,155.19.
From the Assessor's report for the year of 1885, the following items are obtained : Number of acres of improved land, 21,772 ; number of acres of unim- proved land, 800; value of improved land, $282,- 355 ; value of unimproved land, $4,535 ; total value of lots, $8,635 ; number of horses 870; cattle, 1,661 ; mules and asses, 35 ; hogs, 2,318; carriages and wagons, 248; watches and clocks, 25; sewing and knitting machines, 57; pianos, 4 ; melodeons and organs. 29. Total cash value of personal property $63,535.
SUPERVISORS.
John P. McGaw . 1854
John Porter .. 1855
Frank Brownlee. .1856-7
H. C. Maley .. 1858-60
John Atchison . I861-4
H. C. Maley. .1865-7
A. H. Rockwell. . 1868-9
R. C. Stewart. .1870-I
R. W. Porter 1872-7
Thomas Brownlee. . 1878
R. W. Porter . 1879-81 -
J. J. Ivy .. 1882-3
J. E. Pine .1884-5
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748
WARREN COUNTY.
Little York.
HIS thriving village has a very pleasing and a very healthy location. The immediate town and the land adjacent is well drained by Cedar Creek. This is an old town and one of the oldest in the county. A store was opened here as early as 1833, by James Kendall, which was the first in the township. This ambi- tious town was platted in 1836, and the papers were filed Aug. 25 of the same year. William C. Butler was the surveyor, and the owners of this then valu- able town property were Wm. McCoy, M. D. Ritchey and McCallon & Hogue. It was located on the south- east 20 of the northwest 21, in township 12 north of range 3 west of the 4th P. M. In 1838 the post- office was established here, and J. F. Pollock was appointed Postmaster. The establishment of a postoffice forms quite an event in the history of a town, and so the good people of this hamlet consid- ered it in that pioneer day. Mr. Pollock held the office about 16 years, when he resigned. We are not informed that he resigned with a fortune made in the service of Uncle Sam. He was succeeded by William Munsey, who held the office two years, and then Isaac Hopper had charge. Mr. Pollock re- turned to Oregon in 1856, and the Government again honored him with the postoffice appointment. In 1863, Mr. Williver was appointed and held the place about three years. He was succeeded by Wm. Munsey. who died in the service, and left the commission to his son Milton. In 1876, Mr. Henry was appointed and held it until 1883, when M. M. Palmer assumed charge, and is the present Post- master.
Little York has had its ups and downs, its bright and its cloudy days, like all other towns. Through the long years it has held its own, and if the fine business houses that border its streets are any indi- cation, it has made a gain. The Indian that 50 years ago was prowling about these grounds would have to tax his memory very much to recognize it, or call up any familiar objects. The Central Iowa R.
R. was completed to this place, Feb. 22, 1883, and the first regular train came in April 5th of the same year. It was built up from Monmouth. The first mail by railroad arrived July 1, 1883.
Unlike most towns through which railroads pass, Little York instead of going down, has increased its population, and its business. The buildings are all bright and new, and there is not an old rookery in it. The people, too, are fresh, smiling, full of hope and common sympathy. They look upon the bright side of life and keep the dark in the background. It has a population now of some 300 souls.
M. M. Palmer has a drug store here that would do credit to any town. He also keeps books, station- ery and jewelry. Hardware and furniture by Bird- sall & Pollock; harness and saddlery by T. D. Gor- don; general merchandise by Chas. Rodgers, and boots and shoes by Hans Joehnk; groceries by E. B. Wallace and general merchandise by Bowers & Mor- ris. Z. D. Dorothy has a hotel and restaurant ; J. W. Leeper, carries on blacksmithing; and Julius Poerschman supplies the people with a market. Schuckman & Graham manufacture wagons and bug- gies ; B. S. Dodson has a livery and feed stable. There are two large elevators at the depot owned by Harvey & Son, and John Brownlee, grain dealers. Drs. C. Sherrick and A. R. Graham look after the health of the village or more properly speaking, the sick. Little York has a very interesting school, which is taught by J. Brock. They have a nice little school building with an average attendance of 45 pupils.
The United Presbyterian Church. This society was organized here 1863, by Rev. John Scott of Mon- mouth, with some 40 members. The congregation was formed mostly of the Henderson Sugar Tree Grove, and the Cedar Creek Churches. The build- ing was constructed this year, and subsequently a parsonage was added, the whole costing about $5,- 000. The Rev. W. H. McMillan was the first regu- lar pastor, who was installed Oct. 4, 1864, and re- mained until April 1870. Rev. W. P. Campbell took charge in June, 187 1, and remained until December 1874. In February, 1876, the society secured the services of Rev. David Anderson, who remained until Oct. 1878. He was succeeded by Rev. G. H. Hamilton, who is still serving this church, the mem- bership of which is about 90.
749
WARREN COUNTY
SWAN TOWNSHIP.
WAN Township was organized April 4, 1854. A full account of the meeting can- not be given as the records were destroyed by the tornado. Absalom Vandeveer, was elected the first Supervisor; A. B. Sisson, Clerk, and Wm. G. Bond, Assessor and Col- lector. Swan lies in the southern tier of the town- ships and is numbered 6 north, of range 2 west, of the 4th P. M. Roseville Township lies on the north, Greenbush on the east, McDonough on the south, and Pt. Pleasant on the west.
The first settlers in this township were Mrs. Lively Cayton, widow of Abel Cayton, with her child- ren, and George Simmons and family. They came in the fall of 1832, Mrs. Cayton locating on section II, and Mr. Simmons on section I. All were from Kentucky. Mrs. Cayton had four children-Nancy, George, Andrew J., and Miranda. She died at the old homestead in the spring of 187t. Her son Andrew J., is living still on the old farm (see biog- raphy). George and Nancy are dead. Miranda was married to John Rayburne and is living in Mon- . mouth. -
A. B. Sisson from Albany Co. N. Y., came to the township in 1836. The following year, his father and all the family, including eight children, arrived, locating on the northwest quarter of section 20. A. B. Sisson located on section 29., Joseph Sisson died in 1851, in Greenbush ; his widow died in May, 1882, in Page County, Iowa, at the age of 92 years. The children, C. F., R. K., Augustine W., died in 1851. M. F. died in 1882 ; A. J., Ann, Mary E., are living. Anna married Matthew Hammond, and is living in Iowa; Mary E., married George Welty, and is living with her husband in Kansas. In 1833, Peter Scott, Daniel R. Perkins, and Elijah Hanon with their
. families moved in. Mr. Scott located on section 18. Mr. Perkins and Elijah Hanon on section I. Peter Scott subsequently moved to Oregon, where he died.
To this small circle of pioneers, Rev. Chas. Van- deveer and his family were heartily welcomed in 1834. His family consisted of wife and five child- ren ; John, William, Absalom, Syntha and Maria.
They located on section 2. This acquision to the neighborhood made the howl of the wolves less dis- agreeable and lonely, and life on the prairies of the West more attractive. It gave them hope for the settlement, and brightened up their hearts.
Surrounded as this present generation is with a numerous population and all the comforts that wealth and civilization can bring, they cannot appreciate the joy that comes to the lonely heart on the prairie or in the wilderness, from the visitation of a human soul. Here, away from strife and discord, away from the trappings and conventionalities of society, away froin fashion, more deadly to the natural born instincts of the soul than the presence of the Upas Tree, the hu- man heart asserts itself; here, the Divinity in man manifests itself, and here man is seen truly after God's own image.
Syntha Vandeveer was married to John Arm- strong, both of whom are now dead. Charles Van- deveer died in 1854, and his faithful partner fol- lowed him a few years afterward. These pioneers were soon followed by Richard Orr, Reece Perkins, and Wm. Talley with their families. They located in the timber on sections I and 18. Clement Pierce with his young " yankee " wife, as she was called, (see biography) came in about this time. In the spring of 1835 Joseph Ratekin, wife and nine chil- dren-Samuel, George, Polly, Fountain, Lafayette, Berlinda, Lucinda, Edward, and Joseph S., from Morgan Co., Ill., moved in and located on section 19. This family was originally from Kentucky. Jonathan Ratekin, another son, came in soon after.
Joseph Ratekin was an active and prominent citi- zen, and not only himself but his children contrib- uted largely to the development of the township. He died Jan. 30, 1867, and his widow, Feb. 9, 1875. Joseph S. Ratekin resides at the old homestead and is one of the leading pioneers of the township. James Tucker came in soon after the Ratekins, lo- cating on section 4. Some years later he re- moved to Roseville, where he still resides.
At the first public land sale of the Military Tract held June 16, 1835, at Quincy, Ill., Mr. Tucker, Peter Butler, Daniel R. Perkins, Louis Vertrees, Jesse W. Bond and John Riggs all met at Quincy, for the purpose of purchasing their homes, and all came home together. Having secured their lands they felt well, and the future looked bright before
750
WARREN COUNTY.
them ; but they had only five horses to ride and the journey was long. To be neighborly, charitable and obliging was the notable feature among the early settlers, and they arranged to " ride and tie," and in this way they reached their new homes without much fatigue. Of this party Mr. Tucker is the only one living.
From this time on the settlement increased rapidly and this territory became one of the leading points of the county.
Mr. Hendricks taught the first school in the town- ship, in the spring of 1833. It was held in a log cabin, without any floor, and no windows except loop holes in the walls.
Sally Simmons, niece of Rolla Simmons, was the pretty maid who carried off the first inatrimonial prize in the township. David Young was the lucky man to be captured. The event was celebrated in true pioneer style. Mrs. Young is still living in Greenbush, but her husband is dead.
The first death in the township was that of Isa- bella, daughter of John Long, which occurred at the farm now owned by Joseph Pitman. The first child (or children) born was in 1854-a son and daughter (twins) of Joel and Lovisa Bond. They are now living in Kansas.
Rev. Silas Cartwright was the first expounder of the Gospel in this township, in 1834. To the wor- shipers it was a great religious treat. It was like manna to the soul, like the gentle dew to the wither- ing flower. Mr. Cartwright was a circuit rider, and the service was held in the school- house on section. 6. Ashel B. Sisson taught the second school in the winter of 1837-8, in a log school-house on section 17.
The first postmaster was Peter Scott, who was commissioned in 1837. The postoffice was located ou the northwest quarter of section 18. Mr. Scott held the office until he moved to Oregon, when Joseph Ratekin was appointed. George W. Worden succeeded Mr. Ratekin, and held the office west of where the depot now stands.
In 1870 the Rockford, Rock Island (now the St. Louis Branch of the C. B. & Q. R. R.), completed its line through the township. It enters on section 6, running south through sections 7 and 18, then southeast across the northeast corner of section 19, then through sections 20, 21, 27 and 35. The first train steamed into the township July 4, 1870. This
road was of great advantage to the people as it furnished them ready means for the transportation of their products.
On the 27th day of May, 1872, this township was visited with a tornado. It came from the northwest and struck the township about four o'clock in the afternoon, two miles and a half northwest of Youngs- town on Swan Creek. Its path was some 80 rods wide, and its line of destruction extended several miles. Its power was terrific and irresistible, de- molishing everything within its course ; killing cattle, hogs and poultry, the latter flying through the air like snowflakes. During the passing of this tornado it was almost as dark as night. Young George Vandeveeer was killed; his father had his arm broken, and was otherwise injured; Mrs. Perry died from the effects of her injuries. Mrs. A. J. Cayton had her arm broken, her shoulder put out of joint, and was otherwise so injured that she has never fully recovered. Mr. Cayton, who was out of the house at the time, was taken up and carried about 100 yards, and was dropped down, unconscious, with a badly injured neck.
Swan is watered by the middle and southern branches of Nigger Creek and by Swan Creek, which meanders easterly through it. The nature of the land is rolling, except in an northeasterly portion, which is somewhat broken. It is adorned with many beautiful groves, and adjacent to the streams are . some fine bodies of timber. This township is well cultivated and the farms, all with good dwellings and other buildings, are above the average. There are a few farms here that are unsurpassed for their beauty and unexcelled in their productions anywhere.
It has two thriving little villages, Swan Creek and Youngstown, where the people do most of their trad- ing, secure their mail, and dispose of their products.
The population in 1880, according to the census at that time, was 1,137. It is estimated that there has been some gain since that period.
According to the County Superintendent's report for the year, ending June 30th, 1885, there were nine school districts, with nine schools. The school property was valued at $2,795; the buildings were all frame. Of persons under 21 years of age, there were 546; of whom 358 were of scholastic age, 275 being enrolled. The highest wages paid teachers was $40., and the lowest $25 per month. The tax levy for the township was $2,141.94.
75
WARREN COUNTY.
The Assessor's report for 1885, contains the follow- ing items : Number of acres improved land, 1,657; number of acres of unimproved land, 5,080; value of improved land, $251,140; value of unimproved - lands, $52,225 ; total value of lots, $11, 125 ; number of horses, 823 ; cattle, 1324; asses and mules, .18 ; sheep, 386; hogs, 2,631 ; steam engines, 1; car- riages and wagons, 231; watches and clocks, 114; sewing and knitting machines, 110; pianos, 4: me- lodeons and organs, 34. Total cash value of per- sonal property, $62,356.
SUPERVISORS.
Absalom Vandeveer ... 1854-7
G. W. Beckner. .. 1873
Hezekiah Simmons . 1858
A. Vandeveer. . 1874
William G. Bond .. . 1859-62
G. W. Beckner 1875-77
A. Vandeveer .. 1863-4
J. P. Higgins .. . 1878-8
R. R. Mckinley. .1865
A. Vandeveer. .1882
A. Vandeveer. 1866-70
A. A.Cornell. .1883-5
Jacob Miller
1871-2
Youngstown Village.
OUNGSTOWN is situated almost in the center of Swan Township, on the -St. Louis branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. More particularly described, its site rests on the southwest quarter of section 22, and the southeast quarter of section 21, the northeast quarter of section 28, and the northwest quarter of section 27, and was platted by W. Kid- der, B. H. Kidder, N. Kidder, Mary A. and Eliza Kidder, J. B. Shawler and Olivia M. Davis. It was surveyed by Thomas S. McClannahan, on the Ist and 2d days of September, 1870. McKinley's addi- tion was laid out afterwards on section 27. By the extent of territory embraced in these plats, it would seem that the founders of Youngstown had very ex- travagant hopes regarding its future growth. It was started after the completion of the railroad and the location of a station at this point.
A. J. Cayton was the first Postmaster. He was succeeded, in 1873, by H. V. Simmons, who held the office about a year, and W. G. Thomas was appoint- ed. H. A. Taylor then held the office for awhile, and was superseded by C. W. Mapes. In 1881, C. A. Cayton was commissioned and remained in serv- ice two years, when he was succeeded by J. W. Moo.). When the Democratic administration came
into power, Mr. Cayton was reinstated and is the present Postmaster.
H. V. Simmons opened the first store in the vil- lage, and was soon followed by others. Youngstown has a rich farming country around it, has a good trade, is quite a shipping point, and a very pretty little hamlet. The population is about 125.
Youngstown Lodge, No. 387, A. F. & A. M., was chartered Oct. 8, 1863. The charter members were Wm. R. Chaplin, Wm. Cayton. Swiss Loutz, John Bowman, A. S. Hazington, Stephen Lawrence, A. Z. McGuin, J. W. Nance, P. Ray, J. A. J. Smith, L. Barlow, J. C. Smith, J. W. Baird. The first officers were Win. R. Chaplin, W. M .; Wm. Clayton, Sr. W. M .; Lewis Lantz, Jr. W. M. The lodge was de- stroyed by fire in February, 1885. During the past summer they erected a new hall, which was dedi- cated on the 28th of October, 1885. It is a neat, pleasant hall, and is well furnished. The Lodge is in a prosperous condition. The present officers are : J. S. Ratekin, W. M .; A. T. Brown, Sr. W. Ma; George Taylor, Jr. W. M .; G. W. Beckman, Secre- tary, and A. Vandeveer, Treasurer.
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Swan Creek.
HIS thriving little village is situated on the western part of Swan Township, on sec- tions 19 and 20. It was platted on April 16, 1871, by John A. Gordon, County Survey- or. The land upon which the town is located was dedicated for the use of the inhabitants by James Tucker, Verlinda Worden, Caroline J. Tucker, George W. Worden, Joseph S. Ratekin and Hannah M. Ratekin.
Swan Creek, a thrifty town, is not overgrown, and those who are in business here have a good trade and are prosperous. After the railroad came in, the post- office was moved into the village, and John H. Lippy Was appointed Postmaster, succeeding Mr. Worden, who had held the office in the township. Mr. Lippy is the present Postmaster. A most important indus- try in the village is the Swan Creek Brick and Tile Company. This company was incorporated Aug. I, 1885, with a capital stock of $6,000. The Direct- ors are A. B. Sisson, E. V. Bliss, M. B. Roberts, Wm.
752
WARREN COUNTY.
H. Stephenson and Chas. Torrence. Officers : Royal Bliss, President, Wm. S. Bliss, Secretary ; and A. A. Cornell, Treasurer. This company manufactures about 9,000 tile per week, and employs 15 men. They get their clay on Swan Creek, about four miles southeast of the town.
William I .. Bliss and John H. Lippy are dealers in general merchandise. M. B. Roberts carries on the drug business, hardware and groceries. Restaurant by Joseph Repple. Dr. B. A. Griffith is the village physician. Population is estimated at about 250.
The village has a good school, with an average at- tendance of 40 pupils. Miss Rhoda Byarlay is the present teacher. They have a good, substantial, plain school building. .
SOCIETIES.
G. A. R., D. J. Tucker Post, No. 407, was organ- ized Feb. 9, 1884, with 14 charter members. Pres- ent officers : Edgar Bliss, C .; J. C. Buchanan, Sr. V. C .; A. J. Johnson, Jr., V. C .; B. A. Griffith, Adjt .; John Bouton, O. D; R. H. Ostrander, Q. M .; C. M. McClanahan, Surg .: Alex. Bouton, Chaplain ; William F. Stephenson, O. G .; Isaac Edil, Sergt. Maj; Elias D. Acton, Q. M. S. Present membership 18. The Post is in a good condition, and holds its meetings regularly in the Union Hall.
The I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 203. This society was chartered Oct. 15, 1885, with six charter members. The present officers are: D. R. Warren, M. G .; Frank Jerrid, V. G .; Robert Bradley, Secretary ; J. S. Ratekin, Treasurer. Present membership of this society is 10, and they hold their meetings in Union Hall.
RELIGIOUS.
The Universalists have a society here, and preach- ing every two weeks by Miss Anna Fleming, of Avon. Services are held in the Union Hall. Miss Fleming, who is an eloquent speaker, has awakened quite an interest in this township among the believ- ers in this particular faith, and her services are largely attended.
A Sunday School was organized here several years ago. It was free to all, irrespective of religious views or creeds. A good deal of interest has been manifested in this school since its foundation, and a Sunday has not passed that service has not been held. Since the erection of Union Hall, this Sunday
School has held its meetings here. A. A. Cornell is the present Superintendent.
TOMPKINS TOWNSHIP.
THIS township is situated in the middle of ·the western row, and is in number 10 north, of range 3, west. It is bounded on the north by Hale, on the east by Lenox, on the south by Ellison Township, and on the west by Henderson County. ,
A meeting was held by the citizens for the purpose of establishing a township government, April 4, 1854. Nathan Carr was called to the chair ; Orrin Lam- phere was chosen Moderator, Ransom Tinkham and Seth Smith, Assistants ; T. W. Beers and Daniel M. Smiley, Clerks. The result of the vote was as fol- lows : For Supervisor, Joseph Tinkham ; Clerk, Daniel M. Smiley; Assessor, James H. Martin ; Collector, John L. Hanna; Justices of the Peace, William Hanna and James L. Rusk ; Commissioners of Highways, Seth Smith and T. F. Hogue ; Consta- bles, H. R. Norcross and John L. Hanna; Overseers of the Poor, William Norcross and Orrin Lamphere.
John Quinn was the first settler to stake out a home in the township, but he pulled up his stake in a short time and moved to other fields.
Samuel Hanna and family and Wilson Kendall moved in, in 1830, and made claims, the former on section 5, and the latter on section 6. The Kendalls lived in the township several years and then moved to Oregon. Mr. Hanna's family consisted of a wife and nine children : William, John, Isabella, Eliza- beth, Miles, Samuel, Jr., Green, Mary and James. Elizabeth was married to Robert Hutchinson, and Mary became the wife of Henry Creswell. They were a remarkable family, especially noted 'for their benevolence and charity. Mrs. Hanna was always - ready to aid the poor and the sick, and her hand was ever ready, and her purse open, for charitable pur- poses. The family were wealthy, and she had plenty of means to second the promptings of her generous heart. Mr. Hanna and his wife died at the old homestead at an advanced age, beloved and mourned by all who knew them.
James Gibson and Samuel Creswell, with their
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753
WARREN COUNTY.
families, came in the same year. James Gibson lo- cated on section 7. He was a good citizen, a suc- cessful farmer and accumulated for his family a fine property. He and his wife died at the old farm, where his son, John K., now lives. (See biography.)
The Creswells were from Ohio, and came to the township with six children, James, Hannah, Mary, Henry, Rachel and Rebecca. Hannah died before marriage; Rebecca was married to William Hanna, eldest son of Samuel Hanna. She is also, dead. Mr. and Mrs. Creswell died some years ago at the old place. Mr. Creswell was a very able and intel- lectual man, having no superior in the township. Before he caine to this county he was a member of the Ohio Legislature. James Creswell married Mary Ann Woods, and is now living in Henderson County. Henry married Mary, youngest daughter of Samuel Hanna, and is living in Des Moines, Iowa. Rachel was married to J. M. Woods, and both are still liv- ing.
Zachariah M. Davis located in the township soon after the Gibsons, and near their farm. They are now living in Nebraska. They had two children, Joann and Martin. Joann married Lew Leslie, and is dead ; Martin is still living.
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