USA > Illinois > Livingston County > The History of Livingston County, Illinois : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 53
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Mr. Babcock has proved to be one of the most valuable and respected citi- zens of the county, and in its early days was one of its most popular and influ- ential politicians. He was the first County Judge, and under the administration of himself and his two associates, Eli Myer and John Darnall, the first brick Court House was built. They also built the bridge across the Vermilion, at about the same time. He relates that, while the bridge enterprise was under consideration, he was authorized to go to Chicago and contract with Messrs. Stone & Boomer to build the same. The trip to the city was taken on horse- back, and a very favorable contract was obtained. On the assembling of the court, at the next session, the Judge presented his bill for expenses attending his journey to Chicago, among the items of which was one day's board at the hotel, $1.50. Judge Myer, after examining the bill carefully, re- marked that he thought "the bill was in every respect proper, and ought to be paid; but that he thought he might have saved something by stopping at a cheaper hotel."
In 1850, Hugh Cummins came to the township to reside, and to marry the oldest pioneer's daughter. Cummins had been one of the old residents of Pon- tiac Township, having been in that vicinity six or eight years. His first wife, in the meantime, having died, and John Chew having a comely daughter, it was no hard matter to persuade Hugh that the soil in the vicinity of Mud Creek was of a superior character, and the daughter preferring to live near her pater- nal relatives, he removed his effects to Esmen and became one of its permanent and respectable citizens.
The year 1852 brought two of the most substantial and useful citizens that have ever resided in the township. Apollos Camp and his son-in-law Bennett Humiston came that year from Connecticut. Camp had been in the employ of Seth Thomas, a man whose memory time will certainly never obliterate; for if he has not made time, he surely has made more machines for computing it than any other American. Mr. Camp was the foreman of the shops of the great clock-maker, and the husband of the time-maker's daughter. Ben. Hu-
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543
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
miston has been a most successful farmer and stock raiser, and has made a fortune from the products of the soil. Neither of these men has ever been much in politics or in office-not because their services were not desired, but because they preferred to give their attention to their own business, and allow those who had time and disposition to attend to such matters. Camp still makes his home in the township, while Humiston. having built one of the finest residences in Pontiac, has removed to that place.
By the last date mentioned, that is 1852, David Brown, Isaac Dickey, Cor- nelius Walrath and James Day had made their appearance. The first three settled on Mud Creek, and the last named was one of the first, and perhaps the very first, who ventured out on the prairie. Brown removed some years ago to Iowa. Dickey resided here until his death, which occurred several years since. His widow still occupies the old homestead. Walrath and Day have both been dead some years. The last named was a man who took much interest in edu- cation, and was the first school treasurer in this township, being chosen to that office in 1855. The next year after Camp and Humiston arrived, Moses Ross came from Ohio and settled near them in the center of the township, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred a year and a half ago. No further additional settlements are now remembered, until the completion of the railroad, and then they were so frequent as to excite but little interest, and no exact information can be had in regard to the date of their arrivals. Suffice it to say that within five years of the last-mentioned date not less than fifty families had settled within the limits of what is now denominated Esmen Township.
One family, not on account of respectability alone, but also on account of number, will receive special mention. Thomas Pearson, from Ohio, came to the township during the last-named period. He had a large family and had married a widow with another large family ; and the two together coming to a new country like this, added very largely to its population. The family consisted of Thomas Pearson, Sr., Job, Ezra, William, Jesse, Moses and Thomas Jr., and on the other side Mrs. Pearson and son, John Anderson, and three daugh- ters. The sons and daughters were almost all grown and several of them mar- ried. In the meantime, William R. Babcock, J. N. Barr, C. W. Sterry, Jos. Finley, H. Marsh, John Campbell, Thornton Knight, E. Chase, Arlineus Brower and others had arrived.
By the time that the act for township organization went into effect in this county, it was found that this Congressional town contained quite enough voters for organization as a separate precinct; and it was accord- ingly set apart as one of the twenty original townships. On the 6th day of April, 1858, the first election took place, and Wm. R. Babcock was elected first Supervisor; C.W. Sterry, Clerk; John Campbell, Assessor; and
544
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
J. N. Barr, Collector. Their successors to the present time have been as follows :
Date.
Supervisor.
Clerk.
Assessor.
Collector.
1859 W. R. Babcock.
C. W. Sterry.
John Campbell.
J. N. Barr.
1860 W. R. Babcock.
C. W. Sterry.
John Campbell
A. W. Camp.
1861 W. R. Babcock
C. W. Sterry
H. F. Krum.
S. H. Putnam.
1862 W. R. Babcock
C. W. Sterry
II. F. Krum.
S. H. Putnam.
1863 W. R. Babcock
H. F. Krum
E. G. Rice
S. H. Putnam.
1864 A. Camp ...
Edward Gurnsey
W. R. Babcock
A. Brower.
1865 C. W. Sterry.
George Clark
W. R. Babcock.
D. E. Gault.
1866 Milton Wooley
George Clark.
James Hannum
W. Worth.
1867 Milton Wooley.
George Clark.
D. Quiut.
H. C. Streator.
1868.C. W. Sterry.
George Clark
Geo. Hobbs.
Joseph Cowan.
1869 C. W. Sterry.
Milton Wooley
Joseph Rucker
C. L. Dunham.
1870 Milton Wooley
Nelson A. Bemis
James Hannum
Aaron Ross.
1871 Milton Wooley.
Nelson A. Bemis.
John Gourley
H. H. Hight.
1872 Milton Wooley
Nelson A. Bemis.
John Gourley
James Hannum.
1873 Milton Wooley.
Nelson A. Bemis.
John Gourley
Geo. Nixon.
1874 Milton Wooley.
Nelson A. Bemis
James Hannum
J. C. Pearson.
1875 Milton Wooley
Nelson A. Bemis.
Joseph Potter.
J. C. McGrew.
1876 Joseph Potter.
Nelson A. Bemis.
P. F. McDonald.
A. W. Camp.
1877 Joseph Potter.
Nelson A. Bemis.
P. F. McDonald.
F. P. Corbin
1878 E. W. Pearson.
Nelson A. Bemis.
P. F. McDonald. F. P. Corbin.
The balance of the township officers elect are : Eli W. Pearson, School Treasurer ; C. W. Sterry and A. W. Camp, Justices of the Peace ; E. W. Pearson and Thomas Schlosser, Constables.
The first school, as noted in Sunbury Township, was taught in the north- western part of the township by Catharine Sprague. As the grove about Mud Creek was partly in Esmen and partly in Sunbury, so, consequently, the first settlements were made near each other in what is now denominated the Two Sections. Of course the history of the two sections of the neighborhood is the same. They had the same school, the same religious meetings, and whatever was an event in one was known and commented on by all ; and until the arbi- trary lines made by the commissioners were drawn, this was called the Mud Creek Precinct. So, as the foundation of the schools and churches has already been given in a former page, it is not deemed necessary to repeat the same here.
From the first report made by the Township Treasurer, James Day, in 1855, we are permitted to glean the following facts : There were in the township two public schools supported by public money ; there were 97 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 42 were in attendance at the schools ; they were sup- ported at an expense of $193.00, and the highest wages paid either of the teachers was $16.00 per month.
That the reader may have an idea of the progress of education in this town- ship during the next twenty-three years, the following table is introduced :
No. of schools. No. of schol'rs
Av. teachers' Whole am'unt wages. paid out.
1866.
6
235
$22 30
$1,905 00
1872
10
249
33 43
3,245 00
1878
9
243
31 80
3,003 00
A. Cavanaugh
NEVADA
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547
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Except the two branches of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, no religious societies exist in the township; though we would not have it understood that the people of this township are strangers to the influence of the Gospel, for they are surrounded on all sides by churches. At Pontiac, Cayuga, Odell, Cor- nell and Blackstone, all within convenient distance, are organizations to which many of the people of Esmen belong, and to the support of which they con- tribute. Sunday schools and preaching in the school houses are privileges of which they also avail themselves.
The two houses of worship alluded to are situated in the southwest corner of the township, one in the village of Rowe, and the other about a mile north- west of town. The one in the village was built in 1876, and is still not quite completed, though nearly enough so to permit the holding of services. The building is thirty by forty feet, and has cost about $1.900. Rev. J. I. Welo is the present Pastor.
The other building was erected during the war, and is of about the same size and cost about the same amount. In this building a select school is sup- ported during a portion of the year, but more for religious training than for sec- ular, the children attending the public schools the most of the time.
The call of the President for soldiers to suppress the rebellion was heard by many in this township, and hearing, they left all-homes, firesides, friends and kindred-and followed the beat of the drum to the field of battle. A number of the brave boys who left us never returned. Their bones lie mingled with the soil of the country which they went out to rescue from the hands of traitors. The names of a few are here given. There were others, but on account of an unfortunate method of registration, many of the names are accredited to other towns. However, in the general War Record, in a subsequent portion of this work, will be found not only these, but the names of all who enlisted from the township. Among those who were killed or died from their wounds or disease, are remembered : George Perry, Henry H. Reid, Wm. H. Perry and Andrew Allen.
VILLAGE OF ROWE.
On the completion of the Chicago & Paducah Railroad, among the many little towns which sprang up along the line was this. It was surveyed and platted by A. C. Huetson, from the southeast quarter of Section 32, for James Rowe, the proprietor, July 24, 1871. As will readily be guessed, the name was for the originator of the scheme. The project has been scarcely as success- ful as many who lived in the vicinity hoped, though it has proved a great con- venience to shippers of grain and stock, and as a minor trading place ; and the road has been quite an accommodation as a means of communication with the county seat. The village contains at this time about fifty inhabitants, one store, one grain elevator and one blacksmith shop. J. M. Rowe still owns the plat of he town, though he has removed to the town of Sheridan in this State.
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548
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Esmen, otherwise in the survey described as Town 29 north, Range 5 east of the Third Principal Meridian, is bounded north by Sunbury Township ; east by Odell ; south by Pontiac, and west by Amity. Its surface is slightly undulating in the eastern part, and somewhat more level in the southwestern part. Nearly all of the land is of an excellent quality, though in portions of the township, the soil, being rather thin with a clay subsoil, is rendered subject to drought. It is traversed by Wolf Creek and its branches, Baker's Run and Mud Creek, all of which flow from the township on its western side, and empty into the Vermilion. The Chicago & Alton Railroad from the northeast to southwest, cuts off a few acres from the southeast corner of Section 36, near the village of Cayuga. The Chicago & Paducah Railroad passes through the south- western part, from northwest to southeast, cutting off two sections from the south- west corner. Perhaps two sections in the vicinity of Mud Creek, and a quarter section at the head of Wolf Creek, called Babcock's Grove, embrace all of the timber in the township.
The valuation of property for the year 1877 was $475,986, as returned by the Assessor.
READING TOWNSHIP.
A few periods in the history of every nation, of every man and of every locality are seemingly of more importance than all of the balance of their existence. Probably no year in the history of Illinois has been more eventful than that of 1832. Certainly no year has brought so much anxiety and excite- ment to Central and Northwestern Illinois as did the one named. Previous to this time, it is true, there was considerable unrest and fear experienced by the inhabitants from their red neighbors, the Indians. Though, to all outward appearances, they were on friendly terms, yet the former, conscious that they were encroaching on the assumed rights of the others, and knowing full well their dispositions and their sensitiveness on the subject, were all the while apprehensive of trouble. During the year mentioned, all of their forebodings and much more were realized. Black Hawk and his allies had been wrought up to such a pitch that neither threats nor promises by the Government or the State would longer avail, and war between the two races seemed inevitable. The State and nation were prompt to deal with the belligerents, but not until a num- ber of wholesale butcheries had been perpetrated, were the Indians brought into subjection and removed from the State. In the mean time, though no actual demonstration occurred in this section, yet all were in such a state of suspense and anxiety that the county was for a time entirely deserted, some going to the nearest fortifications for protection, and others returning to their friends in the East, to be out of harm's way until the troubles might blow over. After peace and order had been restored, those who had for a time left their pioneer homes returned, bringing with them many new settlers. Of this number were Jacob Moon and his sons, Rees, Albert and Thomas, and daughter Margaret. These
549
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
were the original and first settlers of what is now Reading Township. They were from the State of Ohio, and, like all early emigrants from wooded countries, were attracted by the timber and water features of the country, and hence set- tled in the immediate vicinity of the river, and near the little stream of water which now bears their name. The point of timber, still known as Moon's Point, is one of the most beautiful spots in this part of the country, and no wonder is expressed that they should have been pleased with the fine scenery as well as satisfied with the more material prospects. At the time of which we speak, there were not to exceed a dozen families in the whole county, of which were Rook, at Rook's Creek, the McDowells at Avoca, and Darnalls at Indian Grove. These were from ten to fifteen miles apart ; and it is not surprising that some trepidation was felt at the nearness of the wild men, and of their very insecure condition, should an enemy appear. Even after the troubles were all over, frequent frights occurred. It is related of one of the Moons that, one evening, on his return from work, seeing his wife at a distance from the house, he gave the well known Indian war-whoop, and was rewarded for his little pleasantry by seeing his wife go into spasms, from which she was recovered with great diffi- culty. The Moons were not alone in the township a great length of time, for in a short time they were joined by others from their native State.
Daniel Barackman, or "Bergman," as the name was spelled in the German language, came from Ohio a very short time after the Moons had lifted the light of their countenances upon the region. This family was a very large one, and this, with the large Moon family, went a good ways toward settling the township. The family consisted of Daniel Barackman, Sr., James, Upton, Jacob, Benja- min, Daniel, Jr., and daughters Harriet and Mary Ann. Of these original settlers but few still remain, but their descendants are quite numerous. The original Moons are all dead ; and all of the first Barackmans, except Benja- min and Daniel, Jr., are either dead or have removed to other parts.
M. I. Ross, mentioned in Pontiac Township, settled here in 1835. He was clerk of the first precinct election, held at the house of Alexander Breckinridge in the Bayou Precinct. He was the first C. C. C. C., as he signs himself- Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court. He lived here until his death, which occurred at an early date.
It may seem almost unaccountable that for the next fifteen years, scarcely a new settlement was made in this township. However, when it is remembered that the prairie lands of Livingston County did not find purchasers until 1848, or a little later, and that though one whole side of the township is bordered with timber, it is mentioned that the Moons and Barackmans occupied nearly . all of it, the explanation becomes easy. There were several of the Moon fam- ilies, and also several families of the Barackmans, and they spread themselves along the whole side of the township. In Amity it was quite different. The edge of the timber bordering on the prairies was nearly four times as great in length, and the families who settled did not usually consist of grown-up and
550
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
married sons and daughters ; hence the amount of land occupied by a single family was much less, and there being a much longer stretch of timber, made room for nearly four times as many settlers. It was not until about 1848 that the township began to fill up, and settlements began to be made in the prairie. By 1854, which is generally named as the end of the pioneer period in these parts, about a dozen families, mostly from Ohio, moved into the neighborhood, entered land and became permanent residents. Of these were the Defenbaughs, Bussards, Mathises and Millses, almost all of whom were from the same neigh- borhood. The original Defenbaughs were Samuel, Andrew and John. The descendants of these, together with others who have come more recently to the neighborhood, constitute the largest number of a single connection in the township. The time has been when almost every second person met would prove to be a Defenbaugh.
Jacob and William Bussard were brothers, the former of whom is dead (the widow living in the village of Reading), and the latter residing in the town- ship. Jerry and Caleb Mathis were amongst the very first who entered land here, their names appearing upon the original entry book as early as 1852. Caleb was one of the founders of the town of Reading, and for him and David Boyle the town was laid out, in the early part of 1851.
Jeremiah Mathis was the first Justice of the Peace in what is now known as Reading, being elected to the office in 1854.
John Mills and sons, John W., Joshua and Thomas, came in 1851, the first three settling in this township, and the last just across the line in Long Point. This family is known and recognized as one of the most substantial and straight in the township. John Mills, Sr., has been dead several years. The sons still reside where they first settled. J. C. Mills was the first Collector elected in Reading Township, was Supervisor a number of terms, and has held many other official positions.
Ephraim Clark is one of the solid men of this part of the county. He was one of the first two Justices of the Peace elected after the township organiza- tion act was adopted, John A. Hoskins being the other. Hoskins was a man of some note. He was one of the first to enlist in the service of the country during the rebellion, was elected Captain of Co. D of the 20th I. V. I., and was afterward promoted to the office of Major.
Richard S. Hick was also one of the early settlers. We find his name recorded in the county archives as a "Magistrate of the Precinct of Reading" in the year 1857.
Wm. B. Lyon, while he remained in this section, was one of the most prom- inent citizens ; he was also a native of Ohio, and came to this part of the county in 1851. He was the first School Treasurer of Reading, being appointed to that office in 1855 ; and was one of the first merchants of Read- ing. Upon his election to the office of Sheriff of the county, he removed to the county seat, and thus, while the township was honored by the selection of
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551
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
one of its citizens to an important office, it lost one of its best citizens, and Pon- tiac gained one.
The northwestern part of the township was settled principally by natives of the " Keystone State." Among the earliest and most prominent were the Brad- fords, Woolvertons and Kysers. Joseph Woolverton was clected from this town- ship Treasurer of the county, and removed to Pontiac, where he resided until 1876, when he again removed to Colorado. This township has been further hon- ored by the selection from among its citizens of two other men to fill prominent offices. In 1861, Samuel Maxwell was elected County Treasurer. He was at the date named the most prominent politician in Livingston County, and could manage elections and manipulate caucuses in a manner that surprised every- body, especially his opponents. Maxwell removed to Missouri about ten years ago. Amos Hart was elected Sheriff in 1864, and resided in Pontiac until a few years ago, when he went to California to hunt gold, where he is at present.
In 1858, the population of the township had increased to about 400, and the voting population was nearly 100. Previous to this, what is now Reading and a small part of Long Point, were known as the Reading Precinct ; but in the year mentioned, all that portion of Town 30, Range 4, west of the Vermil- ion, and all of Town 30, Range 3, were set off by the commissioners as a sep- arate precinct or political township, and an election ordered for the 6th of April.
At this clection, J. S. R. Overholt was elected Supervisor ; Alex. H. Boyd, Clerk ; Christopher Brazee, Assessor; J. C. Mills, Collector; Albert Moon, Overseer of the Poor; Samuel Woolverton, J. G. Defenbaugh and Hugh Grant, Commissioners of Highways.
The successors to the principal offices have been :
Date.
Supervisor.
Clerk.
Collector.
Assessor.
1859 Samuel H. Bradford.
A. H. Boyd.
Wm. B. Lyon
Samuel Thompson.
1860 J. C. Mills
A. H. Boyd.
J. W. Mills.
J. Mathis.
1861|E. S. Woolverton
A. H. Boyd.
J. M. Black
J. W. Mills.
1862 J. C. Mills
A. S. Bradford
M. F. Overholt
J. W. Mills.
1863|J. C. Mills
A. H. Boyd.
Wm. Wilson
J. W. Mills.
1864 J. C. Mills
A. H. Boyd.
Wm. Wilson
A. Defenbaugh.
1865 J. C. Mills
J. S. Gumm
Johnson Bradley
E. S. Clark.
1866 A. H. Boyd.
J. S. Gumm
C. Wulzen
J. Mathis.
1867 M. Tombaugh.
J. S. Gumm
C. Wulzen
A. J. Bosserman.
1868 A. H. Boyd.
J. S. Gumm
A. Defenbaugh
A. J. Bosserman.
1869 J. S. R Overholt
S. U. Thompson.
L. C. Mills
J. Mathis.
1870 A. Defenbangh
R. D. Clark.
Johnson Bradley
A. J. Bosserman.
1871 A. Defenbaugh.
L. H. Mallery.
Jacob Yothers
A. J. Bosserman.
1872 A. Defenbaugh
L. H. Mallery
A. J. Bosserman
J. M. Grove.
1873|A. Defenhaugh.
L. H. Mallery.
J. McFadden.
J. M. Grove.
1874 A. Defenbaugh
J. F. Overholt
W. S. Krith . A. H. Boyd.
1875 L. H. Mallery
James Holt.
J. F. Overholt. John Coe.
1876 John W. Mills
James Holt.
L. N. Arnold.
J. M. Grove.
1877 J. W. Moon.
L. H. Mallery.
J. Carpenter.
J. Patterson.
The township officers elect for 1878 are J. W. Moon, Supervisor; L. H. Mallery, Clerk ; Lovejoy Hunt, Collector; John Coe, Assessor ; L. H. Mal- ery and J. H. Holt, Justices of the Peace ; Samuel Yorty and Joseph Defen- baugh, Constables ; and John Coe, School Treasurer.
552
HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Education has received due attention in this township. Our information as to the very first school, by whom taught, and when, being somewhat conflicting, it is thought best to venture no positive assertions ; but that the first school opened was in a little log building at Moon's Point, and that it was at an early date is not doubted. We have reliable information for stating that, in 1856, there were two schools, one at Reading and the other in the Barackman neigh- hood ; there were in attendance at these schools 110 scholars, and that there were two other organized districts in the township. In these last mentioned districts, which were the Ancona and Woolverton, houses were built the next year. One noticeable item in the report of the Treasurer for that year, is that the average wages paid for their Winter school was $47.50 per month. This was higher wages than that paid in any other township that year, and is a good indication of a favorable sentiment in regard to the then new public school system. Since that time material changes have taken place in population, pol- itics and society, in which the town has shown commendable progress, and the subject of education has continued to hold a prominent place, as is indicated by the following figures extracted from the report of the School Treasurer for 1877 :
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