USA > Illinois > Marshall County > Records of the olden time; or, Fifty years on the prairies. Embracing sketches of the discovery, exploration and settlement of the country, the organization of the counties of Putnam and Marshall, biographies of citizens, portraits and illustrations > Part 44
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > Records of the olden time; or, Fifty years on the prairies. Embracing sketches of the discovery, exploration and settlement of the country, the organization of the counties of Putnam and Marshall, biographies of citizens, portraits and illustrations > Part 44
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Mr. Bonham was originally from Ohio, coming to Tazewell about
523
EARLY SETTLERS AND THEIR DOINGS.
1833 or 1834, remaining there until his removal to Marshall County in 1835. With his sons-in-law Hoskins and Tanquary he visited the County the winter previous to their coming, each selecting a claim and building cabins of the orthodox stick and mud chimney pattern.
The place selected by Mr. Bonham was a fertile plain at the foot of the bluff, three miles north of the Lacon ferry. Between it and the river is a fine belt of timber, and in the rear are the picturesque bluffs of the Illinois, while the land is peculiarly adapted to raising fruits, vegetables and grain of all kinds. Here are the ruins of the old homestead, and near by is the family grave yard, where the "aged fathers of the hamlet sleep." Father Bonham lived to see his sons grow to manhood and his daughters comfortably settled around him, and died July 22, 1869, at the ripe age of eighty-eight. His wife preceded him some eleven years. His family connections were very large, and few men are so honored through their descendants as him.
The next comer was a man named Hatfield, who made a claim above Bonham's, which he soon after abandoned and left. It is now a part of H. D. Bonham's farm.
Jeriah Bonham made a claim on the bluffs in an early day, which he sold to a man named Gentz, and the latter transferred it to Warford Bon- ham. This was in 1839.
In 1837 or 38 George Reeves made a claim on the Danley farm, selling it to Mr. Danley, who became a probable settler here in 1842.
In 1836 or '37 a man named Thenius built a cabin in the hollow north of Sparland, which has since borne his name. For some time he lived in a cabin built by old Reeves. Two of Mr. Thenius' daughters are married and live in Lacon.
About 1840 a man named Hale made a claim and put up a sod house on the farm since owned by Elnathan Platter.
North of Hale's a German named Andrew Shurtz opened and im- proved a large farm, and a German named Jacob Amnaus settled near by in 1842.
About 1847 Charles and Lucas Martin bought the Hall claim and put up a good log house thereon.
Rezen Nighswonger settled in 1847, on the west side of Thenius Creek. He afterward sold to Jolm Betts and three years ago went to Iowa.
Solomon Nighswonger came in 1851 and settled on the north side of Thenius Creek and made a good farm.
524
RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME.
Albert, George and Charles Wineberger settled next, south of W. Bonham, Jr.'s in 1848. They afterward sold to Pat Monahan, who still lives upon the place.
Elnathan Platter made his farm on the prairie west of Bonham's about 1846.
Harvey B. Allen began improvements on a farm south of the Platter place in the same year.
Dan Deihl came West with the Platters, about 1848.
The Combs family came about the same time, locating south of Deihl, and Stephen Merritt located west of Combs.
The next house toward Senachwine Creek was built and occupied by a man named King.
Near the Henry line a man named Blossom located somewhere about 1840, close to the Culvers.
George Bonham settled on the bottom north of the old homestead in 1840, on the place now owned by Theodore Bickerman.
Adam Bickerman's place is north of Danley's place, and was improved by Mr. B. in 1847.
Ephraim Hoyt settled north of the above at an early day, about 1838 or '39.
In the same year Henry Snyder improved his place on the borders of the two towns.
A man named Kellogg came here in 1839 or '40, and located near the Henry line.
Captain Andrews settled west of the above at a later date.
Lewis and Edward Burson came here about 1849.
Esquire Holly located in the south-east part of the Township and began improvements about 1854.
Esquire C. W. Barnes came from Massachusetts to Illinois in 1836, and stopped for a while at Florid, Putnam County. In the following spring he removed to Sandy Creek, in Evans Township, and remained there until July, 1872, when he changed his location to Whitefield, on the north side of what is called Reeves' Run, near the head of that stream on the edge of the beautiful prairie of the section, about equal distance from Sparland and Henry.
His neighbor in this part of the Township was Richard Hunt, who had settled a few months previous on Section 15, coming hither from Ox Bow Prairie, Putnam County.
525
EARLY SETTLERS -RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
Elias Thompson lived three-fourths of a mile east of Hunt's, on the bluff. He had moved out from Henry a couple of years previous, having been a hotel keeper in that village.
William Rowe lived under the bluff, east of and not far from Thomp- son, having settled there at a still earlier day.
Lucian B. Hall and Samuel B. Fanning, a bachelor and brother-in-law of Hall, lived together in a sod house on the present Kifer farm, in 1840 . or '41.
George Burt, Sr., and Horace Spencer came and settled near Sugar Grove in 1844 or 1845. Sugar Grove is on Section 11, at the head of a small stream connecting with Crow Creek. It contains from 320 to 400 acres and is three and a-half miles west of Henry.
Hiram Blossom lived on Section 1, coming here about 1842.
David Fanning also settled near the Grove. His place afterward passed into the hands of Clarence Burt.
Among the latter settlers of the Township were Mr. Smith, on "The Ridge;" Mr. Gaston, Mr. Ray, Adam Faris, Jacob Platter, E. Stewart, John Dunlap, P. Hale, and the Gregorys.
Samuel F. Coleman is supposed to have come about 1841.
Richard Hunt and wife, formerly a Miss Horram, came to Whitefield in 1842. They were married on Ox Bow Prairie, January 1, 1833, and lived a while on Sandy Creek, removing thence to Hennepin and after- ward coming to their new home, now one of the finest in this Township.
Abijah Lyons came to the Prairie some years before. He was one of the earliest settlers of this part of the Township.
Two families named Carmichael settled at Whitefield Corners, in the north-western limits of the town, coming there about 1841.
A Mr. Underwood lived near Hickory Creek, coming there nearly the same date.
These comprise the names of most of the settlers during the first few years, aside from the disreputable gang connected with the Reeves family, but the time of arrivals cannot be given with accuracy, and, of course, is only approximately correct.
RELIGIOUS.
Long before any churches had been built in this Township the people occasionally had meetings at the house of Warford Bonham, Sr. His
526
RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME.
family belonged to the Christian Church; but some of his neighbors were Methodists, and neither being able to muster a respectable congregation, they united, securing the services of such preachers as could be induced to venture into the wilderness, without regard to denominational belief.
Henry L. Crane, of Lacon, occasionally visited this settlement, and invariably received a cordial welcome.
Daniel McRobinson and "old Father Palmer," the former a Methodist and the latter a Christian, were also frequent and ever welcome visitors.
THE BAPTIST CHURCHI.
At the head of Thenius' Creek steps were early taken to organize a Baptist Church. October 12, 1854, a number of persons holding to the tenets of that denomination gathered at the school house to consult upon the propriety of establishing a Society, upon which occasion it was agreed to organize a church based upon the articles of faith set forth in the "Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge," and an ecclesiastical council was called to meet November 9th, Solomon Nighswonger being appointed to answer the questions of the council. At the appointed time the council met, and organized by electing Elder B. H. Weston moderator, and after due deliberation the First Baptist Church of Christ of Whitefield was duly declared established.
A sermon was delivered at this meeting by Elder H. G. Weston, of Peoria.
Elder W. G. Gordon was chosen as their first pastor; and a subscrip- tion was started to raise funds for the support of the preacher.
July 14, 1855, an effort was made to unite with the Baptist Society in the neighboring towu of Steuben, with a view to building a church edifice for the accommodation of both, but after several ineffectual efforts the project failed.
Elder Gordon remained pastor of the Church from the start, holding meetings at the school house at the head of Thenius Creek until February, 1862, when the congregation, having outgrown its narrow limits, the question of constructing an edifice of their own was broached. Mr. E. Burson tendered the Society a nicely located piece of ground, which was accepted, and the people enthusiastically voted to put up a house of wor- ship, but the necessary funds were not so enthusiastically forthcoming, and the project failed.
527
CHURCHES OF WHITEFIELD TOWNSHIP.
A call was extended to Brother Carnes to become their pastor, but he failing to respond, Elder Gordon remained until June 7th of that year, when, weary of his long service, he asked to be relieved.
March 26, 1864, the question of building a house of worship was renewed, and on this occasion with more success. The same site was agreed upon as before, and the work pushed forward with surprising vigor, so that we find them dedicating their new meeting house October 23, 1864. It is a frame structure, capable of seating about 300 people, neatly finished and comfortable, but not especially attractive in the exter- ior. It cost about $2,200.
Brother Hoyle preached in 1865, for a salary of $650 per annum. Since then Brothers Stoddard, William Parker and others have officiated . at the sacred desk. The membership of the church is not numerous, but is made up from among the wealthiest, oldest and most respectable people of this region.
A good Sabbath School has for years been maintained in connection with the church.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCII.
May 16, 1854, the Rev. John Turbit, Robert Faris and William P. Carson, members of a committee appointed by the Presbytery of Peoria to organize a church in Whitefield Township, met agreeably in a school house one and three-fourth miles noth-west of Hosic's farm. A sermon was preached, after which the organization of Mansfield Church was effected.
June 1, 1855, a public sessions was held, at which a number joined by card and certificate, materially strengthening the organization.
The organization continued to hold services at the different school houses in the vicinity as circumstances permitted, running along smoothly enough until in March, 1857, when a business meeting was held to devise measures for the erection of a house. of worship. At this meeting con- siderable ill-feeling was developed, chiefly upon the question of location. A prominent member, and one who by reason of his wealth and position was expected to contribute liberally to the enterprise, was consulted, but his preferences as to location were ignored by the majority, where- upon he became exceeding wroth, expressing himself with much greater force than elegance. In fact, to fully ventilate his feelings and express his contempt, he found it necessary to employ numerous "cuss words,"
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RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME.
consigning the unreasonable majority to a mythical locality more noted for warmth than piety.
For this little breach of decorum he was promptly suspended. Notwithstanding his defection, however, and the ill-feeling engendered in consequence, the church edifice was finally built, the site being upon land donated by W. H. Brassfield. It is of brick, about 40x70 feet, is a neat and comfortable structure, and cost about $2,000. It was dedicated November 21, 1858, by Rev. R. P. Faris, of Peoria.
The leading ministers since have been Rev. T. T. Smith, first stated preacher, Rev. William B. Faris, James Fleming and J. S. McClung.
Near the Church is a cemetery, which contains the remains of a num- , ber of the early members and their children, but as the location is not a good one the people of late years have preferred to bury their dead else- where.
The first Sabbath School was established September 1, 1867. It is well conducted and largely attended by the youth of the neighborhood.
CENTRAL M. E. CHURCH.
This church is a neat and tastefully finished frame building, 32x40 feet, with a very respectable height of ceiling. The interior is very nicely furnished and elegant in its ornamentations and decorations. It stands on a high piece of ground, fronting the west, and can be seen for miles from each direction.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
This religious organization was created in about 1853. There are no consecutively kept records, or at least we have been unable to find any, and consequently our information is wholly derived from the recollections of the older members of the Society.
At first services were confined to occasional meetings at the school house near Bursons or at the house of some brother, but in time the neces- sity of a house for worship became imperative, and in 1864 a frame meet- ing house, 30x40, was built. It is not an imposing structure, but is com- fortably seated and sufficiently large for the needs of the congregation.
In the rear, on, the same lot is the burying ground of the congrega- tion, in which a number of pretty slabs and neat monuments evidence a loving remembrance of those who lie beneath.
531
EARLY SCHOOLS OF THE TOWNSHIP.
The church cost about $2,000, and occupies a delightful location.
Among the different ministers who have officiated here since the formation of the Society may be named Rev. Mr. Phelps, who came here in 1861. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Green, Rev. Mr. Reeves, and Rev. Mr. Brown, the present pastor.
SCHOOLS.
The first building in the Township for school purposes was built on the edge of the Prairie, east of Richard Hunt's farm, about the year 1844. It was made of logs after the manner of those days, and was about four- teen feet square, with one door and a single window, while the chimney- place was so large that the' school marm and all her pupils could have hidden therein. Elizabeth Simpson was probably the first teacher, hold- ing forth there in 1847 or 1848. Her pupils, from four to eight in number, were quite young. She was afterward followed by John Peck, Mahlon Peck, and a Mr. Miles, who taught the young ideas to shoot. About fifteen years ago a new frame building was put up, which affords ample accommodation for the numerous little people of the neighborhood.
Another school was built near the farm of W. Bonham, Jr., on the edge of the Illinois River bluffs. This structure was put up in 1860, is 16x26 feet, and cost about $400. The first teacher here was Miss Eliza Bonham, a daughter of Jeriah Bonham, in the summer of the year named.
One of the first schools on the prairie, was built near the residence of the Burson's, toward the center of the town, near the southern line of this and Steuben Township. It was erected about 1856, and furnished room for school, churches and public meetings until 1870, when a new one was built in its place. It cost about $800 and stands near the Baptist Church, in one of the pleasantest locations in this region.
REEVES THE OUTLAW.
The frontier settlements of a new country are usually the resorts of desperadoes. The law has fewer restraints, and men fleeing from the consequences of crimes go where they are unknown and unsuspected- some to grow up respectable, law-abiding citizens, oftener to ply their nefarious business and prey upon society with less fear of detection.
532
RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME.
Among old settlers Geo. Reeves possesses an unenviable notoriety by reason of his connection with the well known Bandits of the Prairie, an association of desperate men extending over the then entire West. Pre- vious to his removal here in 1833-4, he lived a while in Senachwine Township, where his brothers had made claims, and where so far as known he conducted himself in accordance with the strict principles of justice and right. He was a kind neighbor, scrupulously just in his dealings, ever ready to accommodate, and kind in sickness. At this time he was about forty-five or fifty years of age, suave and gentlemanly in appear- ance, seldom excited or thrown off his guard, and prompt to repair an in- jury or accommodate a neighbor. Of his previous history little was known, except that he came of a respectable family in North Carolina, where he had led a wild life and was connected with dissolute fellows of whom no good could be said. A murder had been committed by the gang, and though it could not be proven that Reeves was directly impli- cated, he was detained in prison a long time, and only escaped by strenu- ous exertions on the part of his friends, and the expenditure of much money. After his liberation he started for Illinois, and is believed for some time to have conducted himself with strict propriety, but bad habits are stronger than good intentions, and it is probable his old associates sought him out in the West and tempted him to his downfall.
The Reeves family consisted of himself, wife, four sons and one daughter, the latter a young lady of more accomplishments than might be expected under the circumstances of her education. The children, if we may believe a neighbor, were systematically trained to steal. The old lady claimed all the eggs about the premises as her personal perquisite, and the old man, under the plea of wanting them for his bitters, used to hire his son George, termed the "General," to steal them from his mother. Sophronia had many friends in Henry and was much thought of.
Mrs. Reeves was a Dowton, and connected with the Harts, a disrepu- table, thieving set, living in the timber across from Henry. She was the ruling spirit of the family, and its evil genius. She encouraged her sons in idleness and secreted their plunder. It is probable the point selected for their new home was chosen as a safe retreat for the nefarious end in view. It was far away from the settlements, and situated in the mouth of a deep ravine, into whose dim recesses the sun seldom penetrated. Its precip- itous sides and center were covered with brush, there were lateral branches extending on either side, affording admirable chances for concealment,
533
REEVES THE OUTLAW AND HIS GANG.
while the main hollow opened on the prairie a couple of miles or more westward. Reeves had several cabins or outhouses on the premises fitted up for lodging rooms, and first attracted attention by the frequent appear- ance of strange faces about his establishment.
For some time the gang with which he was connected worked secretly and successfully. Horses stolen on Rock River were brought here to be disposed of, while those stolen here were swiftly taken abroad. By this time (1842) the country was rapidly filling up, and a long course of suc- cessful crime had made the perpetrators reckless. Numerous burglaries and much petty thieving had been going on, directly traceable to Reeves' son. Among others who frequented the place were Burch, Fox and Long, the afterward murderers of Col. Davenport. Burch was a desper- ado, and the hero of more than one robbery, and, as is believed, murder. He was the intimate friend of Cam. Reeves, the eldest son of the old man, now blossoming into a first class thief and desperado. Himself and associates were detected in stealing and passing counterfeit money, and Mrs. Reeves had passed counterfeit money at the stores in Henry and Lacon, which her husband redeemed when called upon.
The gang operated at other places. Horses were stolen at Tiskilwa, at Princeton, Toulon, and in Peoria County, and when the perpetrators were caught, confederates bailed them out or aided their escape. A store at Hennepin was broken into about this time, and the robbery was traced to Reeves' son, Cameron, and a young man named Allison. The parties were arrested near Pekin, and the goods found in their possession, but through the aid of a sharp attorney, of Peoria, they managed to escape.
Frederick Rheinbeck's house in Whitefield was broken into, and a party stopping there robbed of cash and valuable papers, which circum- stance so wrought upon the community that a spontaneous and universal determination was reached to rid themselves of the presence of the offend- ers without waiting the forms of law. At this date it cannot be told who were mainly instrumental in bringing the parties to merited punishment, through Dr. Swanzy and J. S. Taliaferro, of Bureau County, were active participants. It was one of those risings when the whole community was . ripe for action, and leaders were not necessary.
A committee was sent to notify Reeves and request his attendance the next day, at a place on the prairie since called Council Grove, and found him conveying provisions to his son, known to be hiding from the officers in the bottoms above Henry. The old man took the matter quietly, but
534
RECORDS OF THE OLDEN TIME.
Mrs. Reeves raved like an enraged tigress. The next day some 300 men assembled. They came riding in from twenty to thirty miles distant from Stark, Bureau and Peoria Counties, with twenty men from the vicinity of Tiskilwa, headed by Dr. Swanzy, determined to deal out Rock River fare; in other words, extermination. Prompt to the time came Reeves on horseback, with old-fashioned saddle bags packed as for a journey.
The meeting was organized by appointing Hall S. Gregory to preside. Dr. Swanzy led off with a speech, in which he recounted the crimes of Reeves and his gang, and urged the extermination of the whole tribe. He was seconded by his followers, with approving shouts, etc.
Dr. Boal replied, advising moderation, and giving Reeves time to settle up his business, etc. Several here interposed, asking if he was prepared to go Reeves security for good behavior, which he declined. The Doctor was told to sit down.
Reeves plead his own case, appealed to those who knew him best and longest to attest his uniform good conduct, and hoped they would not condemn an innocent man. While the majority were calm and deter- mined, a few made noisy demonstrations of executing immediate justice. One person whose own record was none too good, was quite conspicuous and anxious to hang the culprit, but Reeves effectually settled him by asking the privilege of fighting him, each armed with rifles, at forty paces.
Dr. Temple, of Chillicothe, replied to Dr. Boal, advising a middle course, and the appintment of twelve persons to take Reeves in charge and send him and his family out of the country. A majority of the company endorsed this action.
When Swanzy spoke a rush was made for Reeves, and he would have been shot down like a dog, but the chairman shielded him. Mrs. Reeves and children cried and begged for mercy. Reeves assented to the decision, and when he found his life was to be spared, seemed the happiest man there.
The party, led by the committee, went to Reeves' house, where ar- rangements decided on were carried out. Purchasers were found for the stock, and household property of value was quickly loaded on to wagons. When ready for a start, Mrs. Reeves went to the rear of the fire-place, and removing a brick, took therefrom a purse of money, and secreting it about her person, mounted the wagon with her family and were driven
535
EYPULSION OF THE REEVES FAMILY.
off. As the last finale of the tragedy, a coal was applied to the house and out-buildings, and the burning ruins lighted the self-appointed minis- ters of justice on their way.
The party was conducted to the river and kept under guard until the arrival of a steamer from above, when they were placed on board and. warned never to return as they valued their lives.
Cameron Reeves was captured that night and placed in the Hen- nepin jail, but escaped and left the country. The party proceeded down the river, and subsequently went up the Missouri and settled a mile and a half from Cameron, where they remained a short time and then migrated to Adair County, Iowa, where the old man died in 1852. He became much dissipated in his later days and died in poverty. George Dent speaks of meeting him once while passing through the state. He came to a camp fire around which the party was gathered, and when he left a particularly fine hunting knife disappeared also.
The lesson so sternly administered had good results. Of the family history for some years we have no data, but the younger members were among the earliest settlers of Omaha, and Cameron Reeves was the first Sheriff of the County. It is on record that he made a very good officer. During his term of service three men were taken by the vigilantes front the jail and hung. He married a very good woman, who has raised a respectable family. His two failings were a love of drink and women, and he is now living with one not his wife and principally supported by her labor, having separated from his lawful spouse.
Preston Reeves lives fifteen miles from Omaha, wealthy and respected and has raised a fine family. Jesse, the third son, died six years ago. He was well-to-do and raised a respectable family, but was given to drinking. George, the youngest, died of dissipation. He was a man of bad repute and was supported by a woman of the town.
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