The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 55

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr.
Number of Pages: 1092

USA > Illinois > McLean County > The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 55

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Several forts or blockhouses were built at various points along the Mackinaw, one of which was erected in this township. The one built here consisted simply of a log building some 20 feet square at the base, with a projection all around at the top to prevent any from climbing its sides. Through the sides near the top were made port- holes, to allow the firing of rifles, or such other fire-arms as the settlers might. possess, without exposing the body to shots from without. To this fortification it was proposed to flee upon notice of approaching danger, and a good many families who lived at a

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

distance, during the prevalence of alarm, left their farms and lived near the blockhouse until the troubles were over.

In the neighborhood of Pontiac and Fairbury, then in this county, there was not an inhabitant left, all having fled to this vicinity, or to others beyond. Some brought their women and children, and occasionally returned to look after traces of the Indians, and their deserted homes. Fortunately, the summer passed without any more serious trouble to this section than the neglect of crops and the troubles incident to moving back and forth. Many frights are remembered, which now seem quite ludicrous ; but when it is remembered that the settlers were without telegraphs to inform them of the movements of the enemy, and, indeed, without any easy means of communication with the seat of war. it cannot be wondered at that they were in a state of mind almost bor- dering on a panic.

The immediate result of the Indian troubles was to check immigration to this State, and for a few years but few new settlers made their appearance in this section. However, after the lapse of a few years, when it began to be definitely understood in the East that no further molestations were likely to occur, a new tide of immigration set toward this country never before or since equaled. This began in about 1834, and continued about five years. A system of advertising and speculation similar to that now prevailing in the country several hundred miles further West, brought thousands upon thousands. Not unlike the excitement which prevails in later times in regard to the Western gold, silver and lead mines was that which swept through the Eastern States in regard to Illinois lands and town lots. During the years 1835, 1836 and 1837, more than five hundred new towns were laid out in Illinois, not less than a dozen of which were in McLean County, Lexington being one. Railroads were projected through nearly all of them, and these, with the town sites, were platted, showing depot grounds, parks and drives, and were sent with the most exaggerated descriptions to all parts of the country. The State government caught the epidemie, and bills for railroads, canals, and other internal improvements were passed, corresponding in magnitude with the universal expectancy of the people. In 1837, a financial crash came and found this State but illy prepared for the shock. As a consequence, the numerous railroads, canals, and paper cities vanished in thin air ; and then for a number of years, improvements and immigration were at a stand-still. Of course, this part of the country having no extra inducements to offer, partook of the general stagnation; and for a score of years no remarkable advance was made, either in population or improvement. Occasionally, a new arrival was announced. A relative or friend writing back to the old home in the East or South would induce some one to come out and see the country, and perhaps work a year, and onee here, he would likely stay. As in other parts of the State, the first set- tlers located in or near the timber, and thus it will be seen by a glance at the map where the first improvements in the township were made. A strip of a mile or less in width, on either side of Mackinaw Creek, embraced all of the settlements for fifteen years or more after the first settlement was made. In 1840, Jacob Spawr took the cen- sus of the county, and he says that at that time his house was the farthest away from the timber.

Among those who located here during the five years following the Indian scare, were John Smith, Milton Smith, James Brown, William Popejoy, Isaac and Jacob Harness, Dr. Abbott Goddard and Jacob Spawr, who came in, as nearly as can be remembered,

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

in the order in which their names occur. The founding of the town of Lexington was the indirect cause of bringing to the neighborhood some of these, and a number of other families.

In 1854, occurred an event which had more to do with the immediate development of the country than any other single cause. For years it had been known that this was one of the finest agricultural regions in the country ; farms had been opened and successfully cultivated ; schools had been organized and churches founded ; towns had been platted and post lines and offices had been established. It seemed that almost everything had been done that individual energy could accomplish, and yet the country was poor and backward ; much of the very best land was even then for sale at Congress price. In the year mentioned, however, the " one thing needful " to this section-a means of disposing of the abundant productions which heretofore found no market, came. It is impossible to conceive how the country through which the Chicago & Alton Railroad passes ever would have approached the wonderful development it has but for the timely completion of this enterprise. Indeed, it is not too much to say that it is the very basis of the greatness of the country through which it passes. Immedi- ately upon the completion of the road, the prices of real estate doubled, and within three years there was not to be found a foot of Congress land within ten miles of its line, where whole townships had lain unoccupied for thirty years without a single purchaser.

Commerce is said to be the great civilizer. In this instance, it has proved itself eminently so, and much more. It has not only improved the condition of the people socially, intellectually and morally. but it has brought the people. With the people have come the schools and churches, and to these have come teachers and books and ministers and Sunday schools. With the railroad came improved methods of farming, better plows, better means of harvesting grain, and better prices for grain. With the railroad came lumber which enabled those who would settle on the prairie to protect their grain from the stock which roamed at large, and to protect their cattle and horses and themselves from the inclemencies of the weather. This made it possible to utilize all of that vast extent of country which till then was thought to be useless except for a boundless pasture-field. For several years after its completion, the road was in a greatly embarrassed condition, owing somewhat to incompetency in the management ; but of late years, through a more systematic policy, and a liberal course toward its patrons, it has not only become one of the soundest roads financially, but the most popular line in the West.

SCHOOLS.

The citizens of Lexington Township have always been noted for a deep interest in whatever would tend toward the education of the youth. Though the advantages of school education to the early settlers were exceedingly meager, they, nevertheless, have striven to give to their children that of which they were, in a great measure, deprived. The first schoolhouse was a little log cabin built in the timber just south of Lexington. Like all of the schoolhouses of that early day, it was a joint affair, being erected by all interested in providing means of learning for the few children of the neighborhood. The State Government had not, at that time, made provision for the general education of the people, and a school depended entirely on the interest taken by private indi- viduals. As the people were nearly all quite poor, it may be easily imagined that enterprises of this kind were of the most primitive character. A little log shanty that

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HISTORY OF McLEAN COUNTY.

would not now be worth $10 as a schoolhouse, a teacher who was barely able to give a little instruction in spelling, reading and writing, the only apparatus a bundle of birch switches-these were the school advantages provided for the children of 1830. And yet, surprising as it may seem, some of our most competent business men, judges and legislators, got their education in this very class of schools.

Perhaps in no particular has the country changed more than in that of educational advantages. From the little log shanty, with its huge fire-place, its puncheon floors and seats, and its paper windows, have sprung ten comfortable buildings, in various parts of the township, estimated in value at over $12,000, each of these furnished with improved desks and seats, and, in most cases, with charts, maps, globes and other apparatus.

POLITICS AND WAR.

This township has furnished its full quota of men to fill positions of honor and trust. For a number of years, the township has been not without a representative, either as a county or State officer, of which those of Judge and Representative, in the persons of Hon. Thomas F. Tipton and Hon. W. M. Smith, are worthy of special mention.

The township did its duty well in the recent great struggle of the nation to preserve its identity. The call for men and means to put down the rebellion had scarcely been made before numbers of the strong and loyal men of this part of the county stepped forward to defend their country and to preserve the nation intact.

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.

The law authorizing the organization of townships for the transaction of business previously done by county officers, as before stated, was adopted by this county in 1857, and the first township election was held in this township in April of the following year. The following officers were elected : Jacob C. Mahan, Supervisor ; Jonas Fell, Clerk ; T. E. Seringer, Assessor ; James H. Gaff, Collector ; G. B. Okeson, Overseer of Poor ; J. W. Smith, George Flesher and James Adams, Commissioners of Highways ; John Fulwiler and H. McCrackin, Justices of the Peace ; and J. Hand and Jacob Best, Con- stables.

At that time there were in the township 310 voters. Since that time, the number has increased to nearly double. At the last election, there were polled over five hun- dred votes, and a majority of which were polled for the following persons: George B. Okeson, Supervisor ; James M. Bay, Collector ; John Gallehugh, Assessor ; William H. Shepherd, Clerk ; William A. Smith, Noah Wilson and George W. Vandolah, Commis- sioners of Highways; Reason A. Wells and George Bradford, Justices of the Peace, and Henry C. Hays and James E. Johnson, Constables.

VILLAGE OF LEXINGTON.

As before indicated, the village of Lexington was founded during the great "town- lot speculation " era, the plat being selected and surveyed as recorded in the office of the Circuit Clerk, for James Brown and Ashael Gridley, by Elbert Dickason, January 14. 1836. The original plat consisted of parts of the northeast quarter of Section 1, and of the northwest quarter of Section 8, Town 25 north, Range 4 east. The plat has since been greatly enlarged by numerous additions. The enterprise, like most others of its time, for nearly twenty years seemed to be a failure, and, but for the building of the

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

railroad through this section, doubtless would have proved so. Numerous other places, with advantages fully equal to those afforded by Lexington, have budded, blossomed and died. At the time when the line was surveyed, there were not in the village more than a dozen families. The first improvement made after the town was surveyed was by A. Gridley and C. Carpenter, who erected a store-building. This was rented and occu- pied by Carpenter with a stock of goods for about two years. In the mean time, two or three families settled at the place, but the hard times coming on, the store was found to be a bad venture and was taken to Bloomington, the house being removed to Clarks- ville, the last-named being considered a better point for business. The first dwelling- house was a cabin erected by Jacob Spawr, on the site of the more modern and pretentious dwelling occupied by him. Mr. Spawr had lived in Money Creek Township for nearly ten years before settling here. For a year or so after the removal of Carpenter's store, Mr. Spawr's family were the only residents of the town. His double log house was post office, dwelling and tavern, and Mr. Spawr was Postmaster, farmer and landlord. At about this time, Livingston County was organized, with Pontiac as the seat of justice ; courts were beginning to be held there, and Lexington being in a direct line between Bloomington and Pontiac, and the only place on the road where public entertainment was to be had by the traveler, this became a general stopping-place for lawyers, judges, litigants and witnesses on their way to the court at either place. Lincoln, Douglas, Treat and many other worthies and dignatarics were among those who stopped regularly and partook of Mr. Spawr's hospitality. Though his accommodations were quite limited at first, he was credited with being a first-class tavern-keeper, and continued to monopolize the business until 1854, when the railroad made its appearance. Then Messrs. Franklin & Long built what has since been known as Long's Hotel, and now used as a boarding-house, and Mr. Spawr retired from the hotel business.

A short time after the removal of the Carpenter store, William Lander built a dwelling-house and moved to the place. About three years intervened before the place was considered an available point for business. Then J. C. Mahan brought on a stock of goods. George Dement and Messrs. Knotts & Gregory were also among the first merchants. Other classes of business gradually came, as circumstances seemed to war- rant. Blacksmiths, shoemakers, carpenters and additional merchants started business at various times, until, in 1854, there were probably nearly two hundred inhabitants in the town. From the year named, the real growth and prosperity of the town may with propriety be dated. The railroad brought a large number of laborers who were employed in the construction of the line. These made their headquarters here, and after the completion of the road many of them became permanent residents of the village and vicinity.

Hotels, additional stores and shops at once became a necessity, and, those wants being at once supplied, the population in a short time was doubled. The surrounding country filled up very rapidly about this time, and this levied additional trading facil- ities on the little town, and everything seemed for a time to contribute to its improve- ment. Another cra of hard times followed in 1857, which gave a partial check to progress, which, with the breaking-out of the war of 1861, put an effectual check upon the development of the town. After the war closed, money was found to be plenty, and, as was the case all over the country, so here, business was brisk and another period of im- provement followed.

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

Just at the close of the war, the first of the fine brick blocks which now grace the village was erected by J. C. Mahan. The Smith Block was erected about two years later.

Of course, Lexington grain trade dates no further back than the completion of the railroad. The nearest markets, prior to that time, were Pekin, Peoria and Chicago, whence farmers hauled by wagon over the prairies their superfluous products. How- ever, on the location of a station at this place, a trade of this character at once sprung up here, which has been quite extensive ever since. The country in the vicinity of Lexington is exceedingly productive, and grain and stock buyers at once became a neces- sity. Among the first grain-buyers here were Messrs. Dexter & Kinkaid. The extent of the trade was not at first realized, and it was some time before the complete apparatus for handling grain now in use was erected. Of the gentlemen named, Mr. Dexter was the railroad agent, and the firm confined their operations in grain to buying on the track and loading directly into the cars, sometimes using the company's building for storing such as came in while cars were not to be had, and shoveling by hand or wheel- ing by trucks into the cars. Messrs. Fulwiler & Okeson also engaged in the grain trade after the same fashion. John Richardson also did a little in the same line.

The first improved means of handling grain was introduced by Messrs. Dawson & MeCurdy some time after the railroad was completed. This was the first elevator proper, and is the building now used by S. R. Cleggett as a kind of store-room.

ORGANIZATION OF THE VILLAGE ..

In 1855, a year after the completion of the railroad, the citizens of the town were aspiring to be known and recognized as an incorporated village, and a year and two days-July 6, 1855-found the citizen voters assembled to take measures to accomplish the important fact in the history of the town. Thomas F. Tipton, since Judge and member of Congress, was chosen Clerk, and G. T. Dement, President, of the meeting. The motion to call an election to choose officers was carried, and the 12th day of the same month was agreed upon for the purpose.

The election was accordingly held at Dement's store. At the election, thirty votes were cast, and John Fulwiler was chosen President of the Board of Trustees, and Jacob C. Mahan, M. Magill, G. T. Dement and Croghan Dawson as members. Thomas F. Tipton was selected Village Clerk, and G. W. Knotts as Treasurer. The organiza- tion then and there effected was under the provisions of the general law of the State. The same charter, somewhat modified by the Legislature in 1867, has been in force ever since. In 1874, a vote was taken to adopt the organization common to towns and villages of the State and now in force, but the proposition was voted down by a large majority. Again last year, the proposition to adopt the general law was lost, and the organization consequently stands nearly in its original form.

The present Board of Trustees consists of William Skelly, D. II. Vandolah, George W. Hiser, Charles H. Preble and Henry Weekly, the first named being Presi- dent. J. W. Weekly is Clerk ; A. B. Davidson, Treasurer and Police Magistrate, and M. G. Hays, Marshal. The number of votes polled at the last election was 265, indi- cating a population of near 2,000.

The temperance question has entered very largely into corporation politics at this place, and, singular as it may appear to other towns used to the presence of saloons,

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there has never been an authorized dram-shop in the village. Naturally enough, we look for a high state of morals and refinement in a place thus so solidly opposed to the liquor traffic, and in this we are not mistaken. In no instance within our observation, have we found a more intelligent and moral people than inhabit Lexington. As a fur- ther evidence of this, one need only turn his attention to the places of religious and secular instruction which have been established here, and which are in a most prosper- ous condition.

CHURCHES.

The old pioneers, though they would not have hesitated much to engage in a rough-and-tumble fight, and did not hesitate to take a dram once in a while (though they say the whisky did not contain as much infernal fire as it does now), were yet almost universally pious people, and enjoyed themselves religiously quite as well as the more fastidious church-goers of to-day. The religious services were simple, the church- buildings were simple, the methods of conveyance to and from church were simple, and the manners, dress and intercourse of the people who attended church were primitive in the extreme. But some of the old pioneers assert that the natural organs of the voice, with which they praised God, were to be preferred to the organ now pumped by a boy and skillfully manipulated by a popular but not pious young lady or gentleman. dressed in silk or broadclotb, instead of the ancient linsey-woolsey or jeans.

Let us not quarrel with our fathers and mothers about the matter ; they have sac- rificed their preferences to our modern methods, and many, if not most, of them are praising Him on harps of such glorious construction as we are little able to comprehend.

The United Brethren seem to have been the pioneers, religiously, in this neighbor- hood, or, at least, they were the first to organize a society. There were a number of Methodists here at about the same time, but they generally fraternized with the United Brethren, and a number of them went into the early organization. For a number of years, church services were held in private houses, in barns or in the groves-" God's first temples"-as the size of the congregation and the state of the weather seemed to indicate. Ten or a dozen years after the first settlements were made here, a house of worship was erected south of town, in the timber. It was quite a comfortable and con- modious edifice for the times. When the village began to grow, however, a demand arose for a church building in town, which, about that time, was erected. The old building finally went into disuse, and was removed to the village and appropriated to a very practical, though scarcely so dignified a use as formerly-that of livery-stable-and the spot from which the Scriptures were once eloquently expounded is now occupied by John Barret, who dispenses horse-knowledge with equal fluency. About twenty- four years ago, the society built in the village their present house of worship, and though the same frame is still in use, the house was so remodeled last fall that it scarcely appears to be the same building. In the rebuilding, some $2,000 were expended, and the Brethren now have one of the most comfortable houses of worship in this part of the county. Lexington seems to have been a favored location for the faithful of this denomination, and was, in consequence, for a number of years, the seat of residence of Bishop Edwards. A fine residence was erected for him. The house once occupied by the Bishop is now owned and occupied by Albert Dawson. The present Pastor of the Church is Rev. John Morrison. The Sabbath school in connection with this Church is successfully managed by James Norman, Superintendent.

Char RParke MO

BLOOMINGTON

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

The original members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place were Jacob Spawr, Patrick Hopkins. Dr. Mahan and their wives. The first services were held in the U. B. Church and in the schoolhouse until 1855, when their present building was erected. The house was built mainly through the influence of Rev. Mr. Griggs, who was the Pastor at the time. The size of the building is 45x65 feet, and cost $2,700. The Church has prospered well, and numbers, at this time, about one hundred and sixty members. Rev. R. B. Williams is present Pastor, and John Langstaff is Superintend- ent of the Sunday school.

The Presbyterians organized a society here near the same time that the Methodists built their church, but did not ereet a building until 1867. In the mean time, services were held by this denomination frequently in the Christian Church. Among the original members of this organization were John Fulwiler, J. C. Mahon, their wives and others, to the number of about a dozen. Rev. J. C. Mahan was the first preacher, and ministered to the Church for about four years. In 1867, the congrega- tion erected a very handsome and substantial church-edifice, at an outlay of $7,000, which was dedicated the following year. Rev. Robert Conover is Pastor at present. The membership numbers nearly one hundred, and the Sunday school numbers about as many. The Superintendent of the Sunday school is Jacob Mahan.

The Christian Church was organized in 1859, by Rev. B. H. Smith, with Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Long, Mr. and Mrs. John Franklin, and Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Dement as original members. From this small beginning, their numbers have increased to sixty. They have a comfortable house of worship, 40x60 feet, that cost $3,000. It was erected about 1860. At present writing, the Church is without a settled Pastor ; but church services and Sunday school are held regularly. The Sunday school numbers about seventy scholars. Frank Trimmer is Superintendent.

The Baptists of this place have held religious services here for the last twenty years or more, but did not own a house of worship of their own until about four years ago. The organizers of this Church were L. P. Scroggin and wife, Henderson Peek and wife, John Peek and wife, and a half-dozen others. In 1874, they erected, at an expense of $5,000, a handsome church-edifice, the dimensions of which are about 34x66 feet. The membership of the Church is about one hundred and forty, and that of the Sunday school about one hundred ; of the former, Rev. John Davis is Pastor, and of the latter, L. P. Scroggin is Superintendent.

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The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 55

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr. Number of Pages: 1092

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr.
Number of Pages: 1092