USA > Illinois > Bureau County > Reminiscences of Bureau county [Illinois] in two parts > Part 16
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this grove was military land, and for many years it belonged to a non-resident by the name of Hall. Asa Barney had the supervision of this grove, and sold it out to people who settled around it. The settlement commenced at Black Walnut Grove in the year 1837, and among the early settlers were Thomas Motheral, William Bates, James B. Akin, Lewis Holmnes, Charles Lee, T. J. Horton, John and Charles Wood.
More than half a century ago, Black Walnut Grove was the scene of a fearful tragedy, probably the most brutal, with one exception, that ever occurred within the limits of Bureau county. This was the murder of the Rev. John Williams, by the Indians, in the fall of 1812. An account of this bloody affair was communi- cated to Peter Demott by an Indian who participated in the murder. The spot where the murder occurred was pointed out to Demott, and the manner in which it was accomplished explained. Mr. Williams was a Baptist minister, and was sent out by the Home Mis- sionary Society, to preach to the Indians in the wilds of the west. He had spent three years preaching at the different Indian villages along the Mississippi river, making his home most of the time with a French trader, at Rock Island, named LeClere. He was now returning to his home at Marietta, Ohio, where kind friends awaited his arrival. Traveling on horseback and alone, unconscious of danger, he met his death at the hands of those savages whom he had been trying to convert.
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MURDER OF REV. JOHN WILLIAMS.
A short time before this occurrence-in September, 1812-volunteers under Gov. Edwards, had destroyed the village of Black Partridge, on the Illinois river, and some of his band being driven from their homes, found refuge on Bureau ; about twenty of these Indians, some of whom had lost friends by the destruction of their village, and were thirsting for revenge, met Williams as he was pursuing his way eastward. Instead of a friendly greeting, as Williams might have expected, the savages leveled their guns and fired at him, one of the shots taking effect in his side. Williams being mounted on a fleet horse, immediately put him at the top of his speed, throwing away his saddle bags and heavy baggage, so as to facilitate his speed, and for a time he left the Indian ponies far behind. The race was con- tinued for several miles, the Indians whipping their ponies, and yelling at the top of their voice. Near Black Walnut Grove, Williams' horse mired in a slough, threw the rider over his head, and before he could mount again, the Indians came up and took him prisoner.
Some of the early settlers at Black Walnut Grove will probably recollect a big walnut tree, that stood near the east end of the grove. To this tree the prisoner was taken, and around it the Indians formed themselves into a circle. Into this circle Williams was brought, with his hands tied behind him, divested of all his clothing, his scalp taken off, with the blood running down to his heels, and covering his naked
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body with gore. In this way Williams was compelled to run around in the circle, and as he ran the Indians would stick their muskrat spears into his flesh. For some time the Indians continued to torture their victim. until overcome by loss of blood, Williams fell to the ground, when one of the Indians, more human than the others, struck him on the head with his tomahawk, and thus ended his sufferings.
CHAPTER IX.
SETTLEMENT AT BOYD'S GROVE.
It has already been stated that John Dixon located at Boyd's Grove, in the summer of 1828, and sold his claim, two years afterwards, to Charles S. Boyd, who lived on it for fourteen years. Many incidents, worthy of note, have occurred at or near this grove, the most thrilling of which was the freezing to death of two men in December, 1830. Three persons, named Cooper, McMillan, and a Dr. Jones, were hauling goods from Peoria to Galena, on sleds, drawn by oxen, when they were caught in a snow storm while on the prairie south of the grove. It had been snowing all day until it became about three feet deep, and toward night it drifted so that their teams could not get through. About eight miles south of the grove, they left their teams, and started on foot for Boyd's residence. Night came on, and in the darkness and drifting snow, they lost their way. Dr. Jones, overcome with cold and fatigue, gave out, and he was left by his comrades to
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perish on the prairie. Cooper and McMillan, despairing of finding the grove in the darkness, buried themselves up in a snow drift, where they remained until morning. At daylight, the storm having abated, they could see the grove about three miles distant, and started for it. Cooper's feet being badly frozen, he could not travel, and McMillan wrapped him up in his blanket and covered him over with snow, and then started on his way. After proceeding a short distance, he looked back and saw Cooper trying to follow him, but he only went a few rods before he fell down and perished in the snow. Mr. McMillan, badly frost bitten and almost exhausted, reached Boyd's house to tell the sad story about the fate of his comrades. Mr. Boyd immediately started in search of Cooper, but his horse could not get through the snow drifts, so he was obliged to turn back, and the remains of Cooper were not found for some days afterwards. The remains of Dr. Jones were not found until the snow went off in the spring, having laid on the prairie about three months. Some of the cattle which belonged to the teams, wandered off toward Spoon river timber, and perished by cold and starvation.
On the night of January 18th, 1832, Mr. Boyd's house took fire and burned down, with all its contents, leaving the family almost destitute. The snow at the time was almost three feet deep, the thermometer below zero, and not a dwelling within ten mile's. The family, in their night clothes, were compelled to take shelter in
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the smoke house, where they remained for several days. Mr. Boyd was left without pantaloons, but was relieved from his embarrassing situation next day by a traveler, who had an old pair in his saddle-bags. Neighbors living twenty miles south, were notified by a traveler of the helpless condition of Boyd's family, and they came to their relief, supplying them with clothing, provisions, &c. Mr. Boyd constructed a tent in the thick timber of the grove, where himself and family remained during the winter. When spring opened. his friends came from Peoria county, and assisted in building a house.
Shaubena, with his band of followers, was encamped in the grove at the time Boyd's house was burned, and he made with his own hands, and presented to Mr. Boyd, two wooden trays, which he still keeps as a memento of the past, as well as in memory of the donor.
For ten years Mr. Boyd lived without neighbors- not a settler within ten miles of him -his dwelling being used, during the time, both for a hotel and post office.
Mr. Boyd is now living in Princeton, which has been his home for more than twenty-five years; although far advanced in life, he still retains much of the vigor of manhood.
In the spring of 1840, David Bryant and Mr. Clark settled south of Boyd's Grove, and Barney Hagan north of it. In 1841, John A. Griswold located on the farm 13
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which is now occupied by him, and consequently he is the oldest settler now living in the southern part of this county. Some time afterwards, Isaac Sutherland, R. Hayes, G. W. Griswold and J. W. Harris, became residents of this locality. Some years later, a settle- ment was made at a point of timber north of the grove, and among the early settlers were Edwin Merrick, Col. A. E. May, and J. V. Thompson.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF LA MOILLE AND PERKINS GROVE.
On the 19th of May, 1830, Daniel Dimmick made a claim a short distance south of La Moille, on what is now known as the Collins' farm, and from that time the head of Main Bureau timber took the name of Dim- mick's Grove. In the fall of 1830, William Hall made a claim and built a cabin on the present site of La Moille, and occupied it about eighteen months. In April, 1832, Mr. Hall having sold his claim to Aaron Gunn, moved to Indian creek, twelve miles north of Ottawa, where himself and part of his family were killed by the Indians a few weeks afterwards. At the commencement of the Black Hawk war, Dimmick left his claim, and never returned to it again, and for two years Dimmick's Grove was without inhabitants; the cabins and fences went to decay, and the untilled land grew up in weeds. When Dimmick fled from the grove, he left two sows and pigs, which increased in a few years to quite a drove of wild hogs, that were
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hunted in the grove years afterwards, and from them some of the early settlers obtained their supply of pork.
In the spring of 1834, Leonard Roth, Greenberry Hall, and Dave Jones, made claims in the grove, and for a short time Timothy Perkins occupied the Dim- mick cabin. In July of the same year, Jonathan T. Holbrook, Moses and Horace Bowen, settled in the grove. Mr. Holbrook and Moses Bowen bought Gunn's claim, and made farms. In the fall of 1834, Enos Hol- brook, Joseph Knox, and Heman Downing settled in the grove. In the spring of 1836, Tracy Reeve and Dr. John Kendall bought Moses Bowen's farm, and laid off La Moille. Mr. Bowen had previously made a survey of the town, but made no record of it when he sold to the above named parties. The town was originally called Greenfield, but was afterwards changed to its present name, on account of obtaining a post office.
Joseph Knox, on leaving Dimmick's Grove, located at a point of timber which was afterwards known as Knox's Grove. One night, while Mr. Knox and his sons were absent, two young Indians came to his house. probably without any evil intentions, but it frightened the women so they fled on foot for Dimmick's Grove, eight miles distant. Next morning these two young Indians, accompanied by their father, came to Dimmick's Grove to give an explanation of their visit to the house the night before. There were present, Leonard Roth. J. T. Holbrook, and Dave Jones. With the two former the explanation of the Indians was satisfactory, but
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with the latter it was different. Jones ordered one of the Indians to lay down his gun, and with a long stick he whipped him severely. ยท
In 1834, Timothy Perkins and sons claimed all of Perkins' Grove, and sold out claims to those who came in afterwards. The first house that was built in the grove, was on a farm now owned by John Hetzler, and it was occupied by Solomon Perkins and Elijah Bevens. The second house was built near the present residence of A. G. Porter, and occupied by Timothy Perkins. Part of the roof of this house was composed of deer skins, and the door and windows were filed with the same material.
Joseph Screach, Stephen Perkins, and Mr. Hart, settled on the west side of the grove in the spring of 1835. J. and A. R. Kendall, and J. and E. Fassett, were among the early settlers of Perkins' Grove. In 1842, a post office named Perkins' Grove was established here, but was discontinued some years afterwards.
SETTLEMENT IN THE EAST PART OF THE COUNTY.
In the summer of 1828, Reason B. Hall built a cabin in the bend of the prairie, near the present residence of J. Wassom. This cabin was the second or perhaps the third one, built in this county, and for many years it was occupied in turns by different new comers. Mr. Hall being alone in a wild country, without neighbors, became dissatisfied with his location, and aban- doned his cabin for a residence south of the river. He afterwards returned to his claim, and lived on it a
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short time, then moved to the lead mines. Edward Hall, a brother of Reason's, made a claim in this vicinity, built a cabin and occupied it a short time, when he, too, left the country.
In the fall of 1829, a black man, named Adams, built a cabin at the mouth of Negro creek, and from him the stream took its name. Adams was scared away by the Indians, abandoned his claim, and settled on the east side of the river.
In the summer of 1831, William Tompkins, Sampson and John Cole, made claims on the east side of Spring creek, and for some time they were the only permanent settlers in the east part of the county. In August, 1832, Henry Miller, with his family, settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Henry J. Miller. About the same time William Swan made a claim in this vicinity, and the next year James G. Swan made a claim where he now lives. In 1833, Robert Scott became a resident of the settlement, and about the same time Martin Tompkins and Alexander Holbrook made claims near the east line of the county, where H. W. Terry now lives. Other settlers came in soon after, among whom were Reason and E. C. Hall, Mr. Wixom. Mr, Wilhite, Nathaniel Applegate, Dr. Whithead, and C. W. Combs.
WEST BUREAU AND CENTER GROVE SETTLEMENT.
It has already been stated that Henry Thomas settled on the west side of West Bureau timber, in the spring
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of 1828, and was therefore the first settler of Bureau county. In the spring of 1829, Ezekiel Thomas made a claim, built a cabin, and occupied it with his family, where he now lives, which makes him the oldest settler now living in this county. During the summer of 1829, Abram Stratton made a claim where he continues to live, but did not occupy it with his family until a year or two later. In 1830, John M. Gay built a cabin on the east side of the timber, on a farm now occupied by James Crownover, but sold it soon after to Abram Oblist, who lived here a short time, then sold it to J. Allen. John M. Gay had lived for two years previous to coming to Bureau, on Rock river (now Dixon), having charge of Ogee's ferry. Ogee, the proprietor of the ferry, having no education, and being drunk most of the time, the business was conducted by Mr. Gay. Soon after Mr. Gay went to Rock river, he was appointed post master, and opened an office; but there was no one living within twenty miles of him who could read or write, and when he left the place, the office was discontinued, as there was no one capable of taking charge of it.
In 1831, Thomas Washburn made a claim immedi- ately west of the county farm, built a cabin and broke a few acres of prairie, but abandoned it the next year. Sometime afterward Benj. Lamb took possession of Washburn's claim, and in 1834 he sold it to James Triplett. In 1833, John Phillips, E. Chilson, and Thomas Finley, came to this neighborhood, and became
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permanent settlers. Mr. Finley built his first cabin on the creek bottom, where J. Dysinger now lives; but afterwards located further up the creek. Thomas Finley was a school teacher by profession, and with one exception, taught the first school in this county. For many years Mr. Finley was a justice of the peace, and died three years ago in the poor house.
In the spring of 1834, Isaac Spangler, George Cole- man, Edward and Acquilla Triplett, made claims on the east side of Center Grove. William Allen and C. C. Corss, north of it. In 1835, Lemuel and Rufus Carey, Solomon Sapp, Jacob and Adam Galer, became residents of Center Grove settlement. The same year George Bennett settled at the head of West Bureau timber, and the next year Rees Heaton settled in that locality.
In the summer of 1836, Milton Cain built a house near the present site of Pond Creek station, which was the first house built west of the timber, with the excep- tion of that of Henry Thomas. A few years later, William Frankerbeger, Simon Lemon, Mr. Stubbs, N. Monrose. Moses and A. T. Thompson, T. Tilson, Ephraim Sapp. and J. M. Yearnshaw, made farms on the west side of West Bureau timber.
PROVIDENCE COLONY.
In the spring of 1836, a colony was organized at Providence, Rhode Island, for the purpose of making a
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settlement in the west. This colony consisted of seventy-two stock holders, who owned from one to sixteen shares each, and each share was to draw eighty acres of land, which amounted in all to seventeen thousand acres. Com. Morris, Col. C. Oakley, Asa Barney, L. Scott, S. G. Wilson, Edward Bailey and Caleb Cushing, was appointed a committee to select and enter the lands for the colony. This committee. after exploring the country in different parts of the state, selected township 15, range 8, (now Indian- town), for their future home. The land in this town- ship was then vacant, except a few tracts in the south east corner, and it was without inhabitants, with the exception of Martin Tompkins, and Mr. Burt. All the vacant land in this township, and some in the adjoining one, was entered by the colony, and a portion of which was soon after made into farms. The colony committee, after entering the land, laid off a town, and in honor of Roger Williams, named it Providence. Two of the committee, Asa Barney, and Caleb Cushing, remained until fall for the purpose of erecting a building on their new town site; this build- ing was a large frame structure, built out of the funds of the colony, and intended to be used for a hotel.
In the spring of 1837, about forty persons belonging to the colony, arrived at their future home, all of whom found quarters in the house built by the colony, until other dwellings could be erected. With this colony, came many of the enterprising citizens of this county,
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and they received a hearty welcome from the early settlers.
This colony, like all others, did not meet the expectations of its projectors, nevertheless, it added much to the wealth and population of the county. Among the members of this colony who settled here were Alfred Anthony, Hosea Barney, J. Shaw, James Harrington, James Pilkington, John Lannon, Thomas Doe, Mathew Dorr, James Dexter, Elias Nickerson. and Thomas Taylor. 14
CHAPTER X.
BUREAU COUNTY ORGANIZED.
During the fall and winter of 1836, the settlers on Bureau began to agitate the subject of dividing Putnam county, and forming a new one on the west side of the Illinois river. The great distance of part of the settle- ment from the county seat, and the river at some seasons of the year overflowing its banks, made it almost impossible to get to Hennepin to attend court or transact business, and rendered the division a matter of absolute necessity. A petition, signed by many citizens of Bureau, was forwarded to the legislature, and on the 28th of February, 1837, an act passed setting off the county of Bureau, and fixing its boundaries as it now stands, except the towns of Milo and Wheatland, which were afterwards added on the formation of Stark and Marshall counties. The act of the legislature was not to take effect however, unless a majority of the voters in the whole county favored it. In accordance with the act, an election was held on the first Monday of
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March, and it was the most exciting one ever held in the county. Previous to the day of election, a meeting was held in Princeton, and delegates appointed to visit each precinct in the county, to persuade people to vote for the division. Amariah Sherwin was appointed a delegate to Spoon river, (now Stark county), and after performing his duty, he left for parts unknown, to the disadvantage of his numerous creditors, and he has not vet returned to make his report. People on the east side of the river were equally active, and sent men to different localities, to electioneer against the division. Hennepin, at that time commanded nearly all the trade of the county, and it was well known that if a division took place, a town would spring up on the west side of the river, and much of the trade would be lost to Hennepin.
The election for or against division, was a very important one, and called forth a larger vote than the county was able to poll for some years afterwards. On the west side of the river, people voted almost en masse for the division, while on the east side, they voted against it. A few votes were cast in Indiantown precinct, against the division; and a few in the south part of the county, in Sandy precinct, for it. On the day of the election, great excitement prevailed, and every voter, and some that were not voters came forward to the polls. Many illegal votes were cast. but it was contended, that the end justified the means. The writer, although a minor, was brought forward.
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and almost compelled to vote, with many others who were yet in their teens. Hennepin had sent delegates to Princeton, to guard the polls by challenging voters, but all to no purpose ; loud talk and much quarreling was the result, and they left in disgust. On their return to Hennepin, they reported that a number of travelers were stopped on the highway, and hired to vote; that every boy of sixteen, as well as many women dressed in men's clothes, had voted. There was about thirty majority for the division, and when the result was known, there was great rejoicing on the west side of the river ; in Princeton by firing of guns, bonfires, and a torchlight procession with other tokens of joy. Although Bureau had won the victory fairly, (some however, contending unfairly), the matter was not yet decided, as the people on the east side of the river were determined to contest the election, on the grounds of illegality.
On the day appointed for the examination of the poll books at the clerk's office in Hennepin, many people from various parts of the county were in attendance. Thomas S. Elston, John H. Bryant and Cyrus Langworthy, were delegates from Princeton, and carried with them the poll book of the precinct. On their way to Hennepin, they went by Searl's settle- ment, and took with them as protectors, William, Brown, Job and Timothy Searl, who were all large, athletic men, and their appearance alone was almost sufficient to intimidate all opposition. Oaks Turner,
CYRUS LANGWORTHY.
-
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, L- NOX TILDEN FOR NDA LIONS.
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was at that time county clerk, and his office was crowded with excited people anxious to see the poll books opened. The returns of one precinct, which voted for division, could not be found, although it was proven to have been placed on the clerk's desk, and the returns of two other precincts, favoring division, was rejected on account of informality, which made a majority against division. Cyrus Langworthy, acting as spokesman for the Princeton delegation, was not backward in telling them of their rascality ; a regular quarrel was the result, and in all probability, he was only saved from violence by being a cripple, and backed by the four Searls, who appeared like giants among the crowd. That night there was great rejoicing at Hennepin, bonfires were lighted, powder put into the stumps, which made a loud report, and people shouted, "No Division, Putman county is still whole." A figure of a man with a broad rimmed hat, and a cane in its hand, representing Langworthy, was about to be burned in effigy, but through the interference of Mr. Durley and others, the burning was abandoned. and the old clothes saved for other purposes.
Notwithstanding the county authorities at Hennepin had decided no division, Bureau claimed to be a county nevertheless, and went on to comply with the provis- ions of the act of the legislature. William Stadden, Peter Butler and Benjamin Mitchell, three commis- sioners who were appointed by the legislature to locate the county seat, met in May, and selected Princeton as
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the seat of justice .* On the first Monday in June following, an election was held to elect county officers, when Robert Masters, William Hoskins, and Arthur Bryant, were elected county commissioners, Cyrus Langworthy, sheriff, Thomas Mercer, clerk, John H. Bryant, recorder, Jacob Galer, coroner, and Robert Stewart, surveyor.
Robert Masters and John H. Bryant, obtained a copy of the poll book of each precinct, showing the vote on division, and laid them before the governor, who decided that Bureau was a county, and ordered com- missions issued for the officers elected. Judge Stone, of the fifth judicial district, ordered court to be held the following August, and he appointed Cyrus Bryant, clerk. Courts were held in the Hampshire Colony church, until 1845, when a court house was built. A log jail twelve feet square, lined with heavy sheet iron, and a building intended for a jailor, but used for com- missoners' court, was built on a lot now occupied by the residence of Benj. Newell, northwest of the court house. The whole revenue of the county, for the first year, being 1838, including school, county, and state tax, only amounted to three hundred and thirty-two
* There was but little controversy about the location of the county seat. Windsor and Providence were spoken of by a few persons inte- rested in those paper towns, but they were not in fact competitors for it. Amariah Watson at that time owned a tract of land on Center prairie, immediately west of Dr. Woodruff's, which land was said to be in the geographical center of the county, and he proposed to give part of it, with other contributions, if the commissioners would locate the county seat there. But Princeton being then a place of about twenty houses, as well as a natural center of the county, the commis- sioners looked at no other place.
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