Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 88

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 88

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Samuel Hutchinson came in, in the spring of 1833. He is recently deceased, in Monmouth. In 1835 Joseph and Ransom Tinkham, from New England, with their families, came in and settled in the lower tier of sections, where they lived for many years. Ransom is dead, but his family are living in Kirk- wood. Joseph is also living there.

During this year and the following, Judson Graves, DeWitt Phelps, A. P. Carmichael and C. H. Warren moved in, making, with those who had preceded them,quite a little settlement, and giving a neighborly aspect to the new country. With the good start thus made, the township increased in population and developed very rapidly.

Isaac Ray, from Kentucky, wife and six children -Talitha, Eliza, John, Isaac, Jr., Josephus and Mary Jane, moved in, in 1837, locating on section 7. The children are all dead but two, Talitha and Jo- sephus. The parents died at the old home. (See biography of Josephus.)

The first school house was erected by Mr. Hanna, near his home, and the first school was taught by

Mr. Banker. Mr. Creswell was the enterprising man who first put up a grist mill in the township. It was located near Mr. Hanna's place, and was operated by ox-power, the oxen working a tread mill.

The first church built in the township was at Kirkwood, and the first service held in it was by Rev. Jas. Brace, afterwards of the United Presbyte- rian Church. Prior to this, religious meetings were held in private houses.

The eastern portion of this township is undulating prairie, the northwestern part is somewhat broken. It is watered by South Henderson Creek and its tributaries. A part of the township is liberaliy tim- bered, particularly along the water courses. The to- pography of the township is attractive, and the en- tire area is very well adapted for farming and stock raising, and both of these branches of husbandry are carried on well and successfully.

The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad was constructed through the township in the early part of 1855. It enters the township near the northeast corner and passes out on section 18.

The people do their trading chiefly at Kirkwood, which is a thriving town. In 1880 the township, as shown by the census, had a population if 1,994, and there has been since that time a small gain.

According to the County Superintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1885, there were ten school districts in the township, with one graded and nine ungraded schools. All the buildings were frame. The school property was valued at $7,000. Of persons under 21 years of age, there were 725, of whom 548 were of scholastic age, 426 being enrolled. The highest wages paid teachers was $85 and the lowest $25 per month. The tax levy for this year was $4,7 25.

From the Assessor's report for the year 1885, the following items have been obtained. Number of acres of improved land, 21,794 ; number of acres of unimproved land, 388; value of improved land, $349,700; total value of lots, $71,740; number of horses, 883; cattle, 2,047; mules and asses, 44; sheep, 85; hogs, 2,922; steam engines, 1 ; carriages and wagons, 349; watches and clocks, 214; sewing and knitting machines, 102 ; pianos, 10 ; melodeons and organs, 24; total cash value of personal prop- erty, $155,985.

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WARREN COUNTY.

SUPERVISORS.

Joseph Tinkham .1855-6

Henry Tubbs .. 1872

Wm. Hanna .1857

W. M. Galbraith 1873

George Tubbs. 1858-61

Hugh Gilmore . 1874-5

J. L. Bachelor .1861-2

Thos. Beers .1876

Henry Tubbs .1863-5

J. E. Barnes 1877-9

James Moore. 1866

T. W. Beers .1880

Cyrus Bute. 1867

W. G. Latimer 1881

Henry Tubbs. . 1868-9

Henry Tubbs .1882

N. A. Chapin. .1870

Robert Gamble

.1883-4

W. G.Latimer

. 1871

J . C. McLinn. .1885

Kirkwood. 1

HIS charmingly located town was started a short period before the advent of the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and was first called Lyndon. It was, however, in- corporated Aug. 5, 1865, under the act of the Legislature as Young America. At the elec- tion, J. K. Cummings, J. B. Sofield, A. Carmichael, O. Lamphere, J. L. Bachelor, were chosen Trustees. At a meeting of the trustees, August 15, for the pur- pose of completing their corporate government, J. K. Cummings was chosen President of the Board ; J. B. Sofield, Secretary; and J. L. Bachelor, Clerk. At a meeting held August 5Ist, the boundary lines were determined, as follows, viz .: Commencing 80 rods north of the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 9, 10 north 3 west ; thence west one mile, to the northeast quarter of section 8 ; thence south one mile, to the center of the west line of the northeast quarter of section 17, thence east, to the center of the east line of the northwest quarter of section 16; thence north, one mile, to the place of beginning.

A petition was presented to the Board by a major- ity of the legal voters, requesting that the name be changed from Young America to that of Kirkwood, which petition was granted, May 14, 1874, with but one dissenting vote.

It was first platted by David Irvine and A. G. Kirkpatrick, the plat containing 80 acres on the east side of the southeast quarter of section 8, and was filed for record Oct. 20, 1854. There were 12 sub- sequent additions to the town.

Carr and Rankin had the enterprise to start the first store in the town, which was located on the corner of Kirk and Cherry Streets. Knowles, Ray & Chapin opened the next store, on the north side of the railroad track. The first building erected here

was for a hotel, by the railroad company. This was also located on the north side of the track and was used for a restaurant. W. W. Gilmore was the first Postmaster, receiving his commission soon after the railroad station was established. S. C. Smith erected the first dwelling house. It was located in the northwest part of the town.

The first school taught in the town, then called Lyndon, was by David Abby, over a warehouse. Soon after this school was opened, a school-house was erected, which was located on the north side of the railroad. Its completion was made the occasion of a celebration.

Having thus secured so favorable a start, the fu- ture growth of the town was assurred. Messrs. Chapin, Houlton & Davis established a private banking institution at an early day and are now do- ing a large business. This is one of the reliable banking houses in the county. After the inaugura- tion of the National Banking system, the First Na- tional Bank of Kirkwood was established, which is doing an extensive business. The mercantile line is well represented here, and there are many very fine stores, some of which would be very creditable to any city.

The Kirkwood Roller Mills, by Davidson & Sons, . is one of the manufacturing industries which give credit to a town and materially aid in its develop- ment. It has been running now about 22 years, and under the roller system about four years, retain- ing one burr for grinding middlings. The capacity of this mill is about 40 barrels every 24 hours. This firm is constructing a large brick building near the track of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, into which they intend to put new and improved machinery, which will give them a capacity of 100 barrels per day, They expect to be able to start this mill by the first of June, 1886.

In natural advantages of location, Kirkwood has no superior in the county. In walking about the town, one is impressed with the fact that the art of man could not construct more beautiful or desirable sites for dwellings. The citizens, with commendable skill and taste, have enhanced the natural attract- iveness of these grounds by setting out shade-trees, which have grown into grandeur, laying out broad streets, and erecting elegant and im posing residences. Much of this, however, if not all, is lost to the trav-

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WARREN COUNTY.

eler who only passes through, stopping, it may be, for a night at the hotel, and in consequence of which Kirkwood has obtained rather an unenviable reputa- tion. If the people would fence in, or fence out, the depot, with its immediate surroundings, it would give the traveler at least the luxury of imagining that over or beyond this fence there might rest one of the most attractive towns within the Military Tract.

The present officers of the village are: F. M. Davidson, President of the Board of Trustees ; J. C. Betzinger, C. H. Mundorff, J. C. McLinn, and C. A. Carmichael, Trustees; E. Schenbarger, Clerk; W. K. Gamble, Treasurer ; John Effort, Marshal. The population of the town is about 1, 100.

MINERAL SPRINGS.

About a mile from the corporate limits, is located the Mineral Springs of Kirkwood. This place is a favorite resort for tourists, and the waters are be- lieved to contain medicinal qualities. Whether this is really so or not, it does not matter, as long as the impression is made upon the imagination of the vis- Itors that they do. However, the end is accomp- lished. People come here, have relaxation, change of air and exercise, and feel better. They drink a great deal of water-as people do at all watering- places-and imagine they are effected by it. Pos- sibly they are. They would feel the same effects, however, at any place, by drinking the same amount of pure water. One advantage of this place at least, is that that there is plenty of water, and it is easily obtained, having a constant flow; and there is not much danger of the visitors drinking the springs dry, though it would seem at times to a healthy looker-on that there was a deep laid conspiracy en- ergetically executed to accomplish this.

These grounds are very pleasantly located and are naturally attractive. A small museum has been es- tablished, which contains some very fine and rare fossils and geological specimens that are of interest to the scientist as well as the naturalist. If the grounds were more extensively improved and a good large hotel located here, it would be a very agreea- ble place for a person to spend a few weeks in idle- ness and gossiping, providing, always, that they have nothing else to do, or can make no better use of their time.

MISCELLANEOUS.

W. W. Gilmore was the first man .to distribute .

the mail to the people of this town. He held the office of Postmaster for 12 years and was followed by George Williams." Succeeding Mr. Williams was W. M. Galbraith, John E. Willets, E. L. Senberger, J. B. Sofield, and N. Gordon, the present incum- bent.

The town of Kirkwood has an excellent graded school, with very fair school buildings. J. C. Stock- ton is Principal ; Mattie Armstrong, First Assistant ; Cynthia Shatby, Second Assistant; Nellie Willets, primary department. The south school is under the charge of Miss Laura Brown. Enrollment about 250.

The location of the cemetery is one of exceeding beauty, the site embracing about eight acres, and it is situated about one mile west of the town of Kirk- wood. Originally there were only three acres in the site. John Ramsel, W. D. Johnson and J. L. Bach- elor bought the land in 1856, organized an associa- tion and had the land laid out for cemetery pur- poses. They afterwards conveyed their rights to the town, under which control it now is. Subse- quently the corporation extended the grounds by purchase. They are embellished by shade-trees and some very neat and artistically designed monuments. Most of the lots are well cared for.

The people of Kirkwood have sought to protect themselves from the ravages of fire, and have estab- lished a very good fire department. It consists of two companies, the Excelsior, which is a hook and ladder company, with Thomas Calahan as Foreman ; T. S. Kyler, as First Assistant; George R. Everett, Secretary ; with a membership of 20. The Cham- pion Company runs a chemical engine, which is al- ways ready for use. E. H. Gilmore is Foreman ; C. O. Carmichael, Assistant; Chas. Mundorff, Secre- tary; S. F. Allen, Treasurer ; J. P. Davidson, Man- head; and William Sofield, Nozzleman. This company has 14 members. J. C. Bly is Chief Fire Marshal.

Kirkwood has a most excellent band, of which Henry Plitscher is the Leader. There are II in- struments, and the members practice regularly and are well organized.

SOCIETIES.

Masonic Lodge, A. F. & A. M., A. Lincoln, No. 518, was chartered Oct. 1, 1867, with 18 members. First officers, N. Pierpont, W. M. D. C. Davis, S.

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WARREN COUNTY.

W .; . L. M. Mitchell, J. W. Present officers : A. B. Holliday, W. M .; J. C. Betzinger, S. W .; J. W. Kelly, J. W .; W. J. Sofield, J .- D .; B. D. Sofield, S. D .; H. J. Cutler, Treasurer ; Cyrus Bute, Secretary ; Jacob Long, Tyler. Present membership, 46. They hold their meetings in the Odd Fellows Hall.

I. O. O. F., Kirkwood Lodge, No. 675, was started Nov. 17, 1880. J. P. March, James B. Butler, Thos. W. Beers and Jacob J. Yager were the charter mnem- bers. This Lodge has a very good hall, which is well-furnished, and the lodge is well equipped and in good working condition.

G. A. R. Post, No. 8t. This Post was organized Aug. 4, 1880, with 34 charter members, and was the firstorganization of the kind in Warren and Henderson Counties. The first officers were : C. A. Carmichael, C .; R. R. Davison, S. V. C .; G. V. Johnson, J. V. C .; W. G. Latimer, O. D .; John Holliday, O. G .; J. H. Gilmore, Q. M., S. C. Hogue, Chaplain ; S. C. Glover, Adj. Many of the members of the Post are from Henderson County. The majority of them af- terwards withdrew and formed a Post at Oquawka. Later on, many of the comrades who belonged to Monmouth Township, started a Post in Monmouth City. The Kirkwood Post is one of the best in this part of the country. They have a good hall, which is well furnished and equipped, and they are in the most flourishing condition. Since their first organi- zation they have enlisted 194 comrades. The "old boys" of this part of the country do not forget the incidents and associations connected with the late war, nor the patriotism that inspired them to shoul- der their muskets, leave their home and kindred, and offer up their lives on the altar of their country. The present officers of the Post are; J. M. Dennis, C .; J. S. Glover, S. V. C .; A. Edwards, J. V .. C .; S. G. Baggett, O. D .; J. C. Berry, O. G .; J. H. Gilmore, Q. M .; W. M. Glover, Chaplain ; R. R. Davison, Adj. The Post meets the first and third Mondays of each month, and since their organization have never failed to have a quorum for the transaction of business.

PRESS.

Kirkwood has been quite a little graveyard for newspaper enterprises. The Monmouth Atlas had a branch office here, and printed a special edition for Kirkwood, in 1867. It did not prove profitable, and the project was abandoned. In 1868, Judson Graves

concluded to embark in the newspaper world, and deal with plain facts as well as fancies, under the title of Kirkwood Plaindealer. It was a weekly paper, six- column folio, Republican in politics. It continued for about three years, laboring for the enlightenment of the denisens of Kirkwood, but failing to produce that degree of enlightenment necessary for its con- tinuation in Kirkwood, it made its bow to the town, and struck out for a new field of labor, landing at Galesburg, where it appeared rehabilitated as the Galesburg Plaindealer.

The Kirkwood News was the next to seek the fa- vor of the people, whom it desired especially to bless. This daring adventurer was W. H. Leedham. His sheet went forth to the public, June, 1875. It was a six-coluinn folio, issued every week, and inde- pendent in politics. Subsequently, it was enlarged to a seven-column paper. Whether the publishers were attracted to this place as a rich journalistic field, or to it as a cemetery where burial services would be performed with facility and cheapness, his- tory does not inform us; but no sooner was the News launched upon the journalistic sea, than the Kirk- wood Enterprise appeared, with sails all set, bearing right down upon her bow with an order for her to fold her sheets or "pi" her columns. A compromise was effected by the New's selling out to the Enter- prise. The Enterprise was started by Everett & Bros. At first it was rather a small sheet, but was afterwards enlarged to a six-column folio. It was independent in politics, and liberal in religious mat- ters. It closed its career very happily in the fall of 1880, and the autumn very generously covered its grave with her leaves.

In March, 1880, Barnes and Smaley established the Kirkwood Leader. It was an eight-column folio, issued every Wednesday, and was independent in politics. The firm published the Leader eight months, and then sold out to Bradshaw & Hook. With the new and bright year, 1885, Mr. Charles Bradshaw became sole proprietor and editor. He is a newspa- per man with considerable experience, the tide is- in his favor, the rocks, reefs and shoals in the journal- istic sea have been passed, and his venture is a suc- cess. The Leader is ably edited, has a good circu- · lation, is a credit to the town and should be liberally supported.

CHURCHES. Presbyterian Church .- In the early part of 1856,

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WARREN COUNTY.

the members of this society held a meeting and dis- cussed the question of an organization. The result of this meeting was the appointment of a committee, upon solicitation by the Schuyler Presbytery, to assist in the formation of a society. The committee con- sisted of the Rev. J. H. Nevins, Dr. R. C. Matthews, Hiram Norcross and James Boggs, who went about their work with great zeal, and completed the organ- ization with 26 members, which they styled, " South Henderson Church." The first pastor installed was Rev. J. H. Nevins, who served the Church one year. The first Elders were Alex. M. Harvey, Nathan Carr and Jacob Ackerman. Rev. W. L. Lyons succeeded Mr. Nevins, and remained in the work over three years. While Mr. Lyons was in charge, they erected their first house of worship. It was a small frame structure, and stood in the south part of the town. They then had supply preaching for some years. In 1865 Rev. J. W. Allen was secured; he was an able, energetic and zealous man, and through his efforts, supported by a liberal congregation, the present building was completed. It is a fine, large, imposing structure, of Gothic architecture, well finished, and costing about $8,000. After two years' service, Mr. Allen resigned, and was followed by Rev. G. N. Johnson as a supply, and also by J. H. Marshall. In 1884 Rev. E. W. Thompson accepted a call, and is still with the Church. Present membership is about 100, with an interesting Sabbath-school, of about the same number.

United Presbyterian Church .- The first preaching in the community was supplied by the Rev. Marion Morrison, who preached in a school house adjacent to the town for about one year, before a congregation was organized. The first meeting looking toward an organization was at the home of Mr. J. S. Faris. March 1, 1858, Boon's Hall was secured as a place for worship. . The Presbytery provided them with preaching during the summer and autumn, and, on Nov. 4, 1858, a commission of Presbytery, consist- ing of the Rev. D. A. Wallace and Elders M. B. Campbell and J. W. Woods, met at the Centre School-house and organized the congregation with 15 members. At this meeting three Elders were elected-J. W. Woods, Leander Lindly and Mathew Wood. At the next meeting of the commissioners, Nov. 20, same year, for the ordination and installa- tion of the Elders-elect, J. H. Martin was also chosen Elder. The name of the congregation at this time

of the organization was that of Young America. It was changed to Kirkwood early in 1875. They met for worship, for five years in rented halls. In 1861 they took steps toward building a place of worship. They had it finished for worship Nov. 7, 1863. It is a neat church, with a capacity of about 300, costing about $2,800. Rev. S. N. Moore served the con- gregation from June 13, 1863, to February, 1864. He was not ordained nor installed, on account of being adjudged by the Presbytery, at the time of his trial for ordination, guilty of heresy, at which time his license was withdrawn. Rev. J. B. Foster began his labors June, 1864, and resigned his pastorate the last of August, 1867, to connect himself with the Presbyterian Church. He was succeeded by Rev. Wm. J. McSurley, who began his labors in October, 1867. He resigned to connect himself with the Presbyterian Church, Dec. 31, 1868. Rev. J. M. Waddel was next called to take charge, in the spring of 1869, and he also resigned, in 1876, to connect with the Presbyterian Church. He was succeeded by Rev. L. N. Laferty, July 8, 1877. Mr. Laferty resigned Dec. 30, 1883, to accept an appointment by the Home Mission Board, at Creston, Iowa. In March, 1884, Rev. Wm. McConnell was called, and was installed April 24, 1884, and is still with the Church. The present membership numbers 230. A large Sabbath-school is attached to this congrega- tion.

Baptist Church .- The members of this Church met Oct. 12, 1855, for the purpose of organization. This society was organized and called the Lyndon Bap- tist Church. It was organized by Rev. James Ho- vey, with ten members; Mr. Hovey was the first pastor. It was then in the Salem Association, but was subsequently changed to the Peoria Association. Succeeding Mr. Hovey, in December, 1864, was Rev. B. F. Caldwell, who remained until the close of 1866. He was followed by Rev. E. J. Lockwood, who served until about the Ist of June, 1869, when he was succeeded by Rev. H. E. Norton. Mr. Norton remained until February, 1871, when Rev. Henry Taylor was called, who served the Church until No- vember, 1872. In January, 1873, Rev. Mr. Seward assumed the pastoral chair, remaining until 1875, and was followed by the Rev. Mr. Fuller, who served until August, 1878. He was succeeded by Rev. E. G. Cheverton, who remained until August, 1880. They were served by supplies then for' awhile. In

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WARREN COUNTY.

July, 1882, the Rev. Mr. Depperman was secured. He was the last pastor, serving until 1884. They have a very good church, which cost $1,500. Present membership about 42.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized here in 1856, at the Young America Hotel, by Rev. O. S. Swartz. In the first class formed, there were John and Elizabeth Ramsdell, Mary E. Youmas, Daniel and Matilda Tinker, Oliver and Rachel Hall, William and Margaret Roberts. The first pastor who took charge of this Church was Rev. James Tubbs; following him were Revs. C. Springer, B. C. Couch, M. Spurlock, J. J. Flaherty, Samuel Fisher, Jesse Smith, C. H. Bruce. A house of worship was erected in 1865, costing, with grounds and parson-

age, about $8,000. It was dedicated by Dr. Eddy

To Rev. Jas. Tubbs, the credit in a great measure is due for the completion of this building. They have a good membership and a large and interesting Sabbath-school.

We regret that we are unable to give a more full account of the history of this Church, but the pastor who promised, and on whom we relied for informa- tion regarding its organization, growth and present condition, failed in his promises, and hence our his- tory is not as complete as it otherwise might have been. A historian has to depend upon written and traditional matter for his works, and when the former is meagre and the latter unobtainable, his histories must of necessity be incomplete.

City of Monmouth.

HE City of Monmouth may be considered to have been founded when the commis- sioners, John G. Sanburn, Hazen Bedell, and John McNeil, appointed under an Act of the General As- sembly, established at this point a permanent seat of Justice, which was approved Jan. 27, 1830. Its settlement was started by pioneers moving in from different parts of this and Henderson Counties, the first coming in being Daniel Mc- Neil, Elijah Davidson, and Joel Hargrove. They were soon fol- lowed by John Pence, Peter But- ton and others. ler, Jolin B. Talbott, Wm. S. Pax- Its location is within about four miles of the geographical center of the county and

may be more particularly described as being situ- ated on the southeast quarter of section 29, in town- ship 11, north of range 2 west, of the 4th P. M. In making their report the Commissioners stated, that they believed " the location selected by them was " Congress land." To this location they gave the name of Monmouth. The site was chosen on the 7th day of April, 1831, and was accepted by the County Commissioners. It is a matter of history that the County Commissioners were not satisfied with the name of Monmouth nor the location of the County seat, and one of them threatened to nullify it. But the Calhoun doctrine had not then been in- troduced into the politics or government of Illinois, and the action of the Commissioners held good. The survey of the town was let to the lowest bidder, who was Peter Butler, at 221/2 cents per lot, April 25, 1831. The work of " Peter Butler, Surveyor," was accepted by the County Commissioners, June 6, 1831.

The seat of Justice had been temporarily located

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WARREN COUNTY.

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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 88

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

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