The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 65

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 65

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Jonathan Berry came to the settlement, at Stout's Grove, at an early period in its history, but, after remaining awhile, went off and joined the Mormons. Among the ·other prominent settlers, we have the names of James McClure, Samuel MeClure, the

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HISTORY OF McLEAN COUNTY.

Conger family, Joseph Snodgrass, Simeon Henshaw and Joshua Hobson. These came from different places and settled at different times in the township, but they all came comparatively early, and were among the best citizens of the settlement.

The old State road, passing through here, was a matter of considerable importance. On it, in the western part of the township, Mr. Alvin Goodenough kept "The Way- side Inn." Mr. Goodenough kept his house for a long time on this public thorough- fare, but was finally compelled to give it up, as the advance of civilization furnished more convenient modes of travel than that of the old-time stage-coach. The railroad now carries the traveler through, without any stopping in the country. The German, the Yankee and the Southern man find comfortable homes here, and all seem prosper- ous and contented.

EDUCATIONAL.

This settlement, like all others begun more than fifty years ago in MeLean County, had many difficulties to overcome before any perceptible progress could be made in educational institutions. The first efforts at instruction of any kind that can be traced at present, were very simple lessons in rudimentary knowledge given at the residences of the early settlers, and among the "Quakers," as these people are com- monly known. The first schoolhouse was built before there were any regular schools. It was made of round and split logs, and was near the center of Stout's Grove. Part of two logs was hewn away, and afforded light. In cold weather, this aperture was covered with paper. The huge log fire served to enliven the dull routine of school- hours, while the uncushioned puncheon formed the only settee for both master and pupil.

Archibald Johnson was the first teacher. He taught a subscription school, and " boarded round." The time of this school is not certainly known, but it is thought to have been in the winter of 1832-33. He was a preacher, and was quite prominent in the first meetings held at the Grove by the Cumberland Presbyterians. His price per scholar, for a term of three months, was $2. He was a good teacher, so far as we can learn ; but there is a little incident told in regard to this first teacher which illustrates- the sensitive feelings of early pioneer life. A young man, hearing of the school at the Grove, and desiring to improve his knowledge of books, made application for admission. Arrangements were made, and he was admitted. The young man had come from a distance, and his apparel savored of more cultured society than did the ordinary " homespun " of the average schoolboy. But this made no great stir until, upon a certain occasion, he applied to tl.e master for a copy. The masters always " set " copies in those days, and this was no unusual request. But the muse had possession, and in a fit of poetical effusion the teacher wrote :

" A man without learning And wearing fine clothes, Is like a gold ring In a hog's nose."

The application was too apparent. The young man left school. The neighborhood considered it a great slur upon the young gentleman's character, and the event was remembered and handed down as a neighborhood sensation, thus illustrating the sacred- ness with which the teacher's position was held.

Lyman Porter was the second teacher, and was regarded as an excellent gentleman and successful teacher. He remained many years. The third teacher was Hosey

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

Stout. He soon went off to Nauvoo and joined Joseph Smith's Mormon band. After the trouble at Nauvoo and the death of Smith, Stout went to Utah. He became one of the twelve Apostles under Brigham Young. He has continued in Mormonism, par- ticipating in all their peculiarities, and is said to be still living with several wives.

Matthew Robb was the first School Treasurer. He was also the first Justice of the Peace, the first Representative from this section, and one of the first Commissioners in Tazewell County.

At present the schools have multiplied, and stand as well, perhaps, as any in the county. There is a large population of' Germans in this township, and they use the German language very extensively. This requires the teaching of German, and it is done mainly in the public schools. Teachers are employed, so far as practicable, who can speak both English and German ; then they have regular classes in German and English. Where the neighborhood is composed mostly of Americans, the majority do not favor the employment of a German teacher, as a matter of course. This leads to the formation of private schools for the benefit of those who must learn the German language. There have been a few of these, mostly in the neighborhood of the German Church, on the south of Stout's Grove.

Further details in regard to the schools of the township are given in the following :

Number of children under twenty-one years, 793; number of children between six and twenty-one years, 652 ; number of scholars enrolled, 445 ; number of schoolhouses, 14. Amount paid teachers, $3,188.37 ; total expenditures, $4,314.96. Estimated value of school property, $5,600. Highest wages paid per month, $75.

RELIGION.

We are not aware of the manner in which the neighbors of this township regard its inhabitants, but judging from the number and kinds of church people, we should regard them as second to none in the proportion which church-members bear to the entire population. The Friends, the Mormons, the Cumberland Presbyterians, the United Brethren, the Methodist Episcopal, the Congregational, the Christians, the Baptists and the Mennonites are all represented. There are, probably, members of other churches, but we did not learn of any other organizations.

The first to hold meetings of any kind were the Friends. They held them in the cabin belonging to Ephraim Stout. But the Friends moved away, so that there is no trace of them now. There was a Mr. Walker, a Methodist preacher who preached very early, but no society was formed at that time. The first to organize and keep up regular meetings were the Cumberland Presbyterians. Peyton Mitchell was a minister of this church ; and when he came here in 1827, he, with some others, soon began meeting. Thomas McClure, an Elder in this Church, and father of Robert McClure, the Colonel, came to the settlement in 1828. The McClures, Hodges, and Mitchells were prominent in this Church. It was not long until camp-meeting was held in the grove, near the Stout's Grove Cemetery. There were a number of preachers who gave their aid to this effort. Among these may be mentioned Gilbert Dodds, Thomas Camp- bell and John Berry, a few times present; Milton Bird, who afterward distinguished himself in the ministry ; James Davis and James McDowell. John Berry is said to have organized the first regularly organized band of Christians here. Mr. Walker also assisted on the camp-ground. William Brown was also among the early ministers.

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

There was a kind of Sabbath school organized as carly as 1828. It was little more than a Bible-class, which met at different houses and spent a portion of the Sab- bath day in reading the Scriptures. After the building of the schoolhouse, all societies held meetings in it, each one quitting as it was able to build a church for itself. Then the Sabbath school was taken to the schoolhouse, and continued there until churches were built, and then each church would have its own school.

The first church-edifice was crected by the Cumberland Presbyterians, about 1834 or 1835, near the residence of Henry McClure. It was a neat frame building and was used a long time as a house of worship. It was afterward moved to Danvers and put to other uses. When the society moved from the first old church to Danvers, it left a number of its members a long way from church. Preaching was held among them on the south side of the grove and caused a considerable increase in the membership. They were sufficiently strong to erect a new church. This was done in 1873. The house was located on the north side of Section 19. It is an elegant country church, 36x48 feet. The cost of building was $2,300. It will probably seat 500 persons. The present membership is about sixty. The first preacher was William Harris. The pres- ent Pastor is J. H. Millholland. There is also a cemetery in connection with this Church.

The Methodists were carly here. Their first man was probably the Rev. Mr. Walker. Zadoc Hall was preaching in the Grove as early as 1834. In December of this year, three brothers, Jeremiah S. Hall, Israel W. Hall and William E. Hall, came in. They were no relation to the preacher, Zadoc Hall, but were Methodists, and in the house of Israel W. Hall meeting was held until the building of the. Methodist Church in the village of Danvers. There is a society of Methodists who hold meetings at present in the brick schoolhouse, north part of the Grove.

The United Brethren had meetings in that first log schoolhouse, built near the center of Stout's Grove. John Dunham the missionary, who preached all over this country during the first years of its settlement, was their first minister. We under- stand that the society never became sufficiently strong to build a church. Messrs. Shoup and Levick are among the most prominent members at present. They hold meetings in the schoolhouse northwest of the village of Danvers.

In 1850, the Baptists formed a society in the northern part of the township. Augustus Cram was their first minister after the organization of the society. Pre- viously, the Rev. Mr. Bly preached for them, and, for awhile, the Rev. Mr. Sherman. The organization finally worked farther south, until they built a church in Danvers in 1874.

The Christians began their work very early. Mr. Peeler was the leader in forming the society. They have a neat country church one and one-half miles northwest of Danvers.

There are two German Churches in the township, with a large membership to each. They hold services in the German language and speak in German, generally. They are sometimes called the Ormish Church, but do not claim that name themselves. In fact, we understand that there is no church that calls itself Ormish. They all claim to be Mennonites, and these believe and practice the doctrine and precepts of Menno Simon. One of these churches is three miles north of Danvers, the other is two and one-half miles southwest from the same place. The Church north is the older. There were

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

members of the Mennonite Church in the vicinity of the present church before the organization here, but they belonged to an organization already established in Woodford County. The first of the Mennonites to settle in the township were Peter Donner and two brothers of the name of Strupher, John and Valentine. The Strupher brothers are the oldest now living. The first house of worship was built in 1851. It was one mile north of the present edifice. It was 28x36 feet and cost about $500. This build- ing soon became too small for the large congregation, and a new one was built in 1873. This is the largest structure of the kind in the township, being forty feet wide and sixty feet long. It cost $3,100. The first minister was Joseph Stuckey. He is still the man in charge, assisted by John Stelhey. There are at present about four hundred adult members. These generally follow farming. They come from Pennsylvania and Europe. But a few are mechanics and some tradesmen. The church southwest of Danvers was built about sixteen years ago. Prominent among the first members were Christian and Jacob Naffziger. Their first minister was Michael Kistler. He remained only two years. After him came Christian Gingerig. He has been here fourteen years. Their church edifice is 30x36 feet. It cost about $2,000. The number of communi- cants is 125.

As is well known, the Mennonites are followers of Menno Simon, who lived in Germany about the time of Martin Luther. They remained in Germany until about one hundred and seventy years ago, when they emigrated largely to Russia. They there received liberty to practice their doctrine of " non-resistance." They were not compelled to enter the army until 1870, when laws were enacted requiring all young men to spend a number of years in the army. The Mennonites were given ten years in which to reconcile themselves to their fate or to emigrate. Large numbers began to flock to this country, and no season has passed without bringing colonies of them to our shores. Preparations were making for a large immigration to this country in the summer of 1879, but the plague, or black death, or epidemic, of what name no matter, which has been raging within Russian borders, has put a damper upon them. They cannot get away and would not be permitted to land at our harbors, in all probability, should they reach them. They are a worthy class of citizens, and it is to be hoped that they may be able to find in American institutions a protection of their rights, and in American soil a fertility surpassing any that they have previously enjoyed, and yielding the neces- sary elements of a quiet and prosperous home.

THE ROCK CREEK FAIR ASSOCIATION.

This Association originated as a farmers' club about ten years ago. John A. Ewins and Peter H. Vance, two public-spirited, energetic farmers, took the lead in its formation. Meetings were held semi-monthly. At first they met only to discuss the best methods of raising erops, tilling the soil, rotating crops, etc .; presently the ladies became interested, and the company was enlivened by female wit and loveliness ; the affairs of the kitchen were discussed, and everything pertaining to the farmer's home received a share of attention. When the fall of the year arrived, the men brought specimens of their erops; the results of any particular plan were there laid before the club. When products began to be brought, the meetings began to assume immense proportions at once. All could show something. Thus a regular grange was formed without any assistance from national or State granges; and they have held out well.

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

No political tricksters have been able to capture them, or use the association for polit- ical purposes. Five years ago, they organized themselves into a regular Fair Associa- tion, with the title above. They started with fifty shares of stock ; each share was val- ued at $5. Since that time the Association has met with such marked success that a share is now worth from $20 to $25; the number has not been increased. Their grounds are located five miles north of Danvers on Section 25. Town 25, Range 1 west. The use of this lot was donated by John A. Ewins to the Association for fifteen years. They have a light board fence inclosing the premises, good wells of water-three dug last fall-a large commodious amphitheater, a floral hall, stalls for horses and cattle, pens for pigs and all the belongings of a thoroughly organized and successful fair. The fourth annual session of this Association was held at their grounds on the 25th, 26th and 27th of September, 1878. There were not less than three thousand persons in attendance. The receipts were sufficient to pay all the premiums and leave a large balance in the treasury. From this balance they paid for repairs and a number of improvements, and then had more than $200 left. The officers of this Association for the year 1879 are: P. II. Vance, President ; John A. Ewins, Vice President ; J. J. Yoder, Treasurer ; and John S. Popple, Secretary. The Advisory Committee for 1878 were John F. Carlock, Joseph Wilson and Jonathan Sharp. They publish an annual catalogue of premiums from which we learn the following : The preamble to their Con- stitution and By-laws, declares that the citizens of Rock Creek and vicinity organize for the purpose of stimulating agriculture, horticulture and the improvement of differ- ent kinds of stock, and for the mutual benefit of all classes of society. The Constitu- tion provides for the name and officers given above. It also defines the duties of officers, and provides for their annual election by ballot. The by-laws refer to details of management during the annual sessions. Ten classes were organized for premium-lists. Class A included horses and mules ; Class B, cattle ; Class C, swine and sheep ; Class D, farm products ; Class E, textile fabrics ; Class F, preserved and canned fruits ; Class G, bread and cakes ; Class H, horticulture; Class I, poultry ; Class K, manufactured articles. In the private premium-list, there were offered for premiums for the best looking baby, the best lady rider of fifty years old, and for the best male equestrianism, those com- peting to be over sixty years old. .

WAR RECORD AND POLITICS.

Danvers Township furnished at least three men for the Black Hawk war. Levi Danly helped to bury the Hall family, that were so cruelly murdered by the Indians. Benjamin Conger was also true to the call for men. Robert McClure was Colonel, and his deeds are, no doubt, kept in the records of that summer's campaign. Jonathan Hodge was not among the troops, but was on the scene of action long enough to be surrounded by a band of Indians, led by the notorious Simon Girty. This was at the house of John L. Ament, where one man was killed at the door and the others dared not show themselves.

There were a number of persons in the Mexican war from this side of the county ; but of those who went from the present limits of Danvers Township, it is hard to make a list-John Armstrong and Andrew Hodge being the only persons whose names we learned. In the late war, Danvers furnished her share of men to preserve the Union. Clayton Levick died from disease contracted in the army. William Shoup was shot at

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

Fort Donelson. George Spainhowert was wounded, and died from the effects after a long time. He was said to be the man who shot Stonewall Jackson. Warner Blue died in the hospital. George Fifer and a Mr. Wilson were shot and killed. Dr. Pierce, a surgeon in the army, died of disease. It will thus be seen that many sacred lives were offered on the country's altar. Long may their memories live in the hearts of a grateful people, and the fourth war, that shall call on the ready citizens of Danvers, occur only when peace can no more be had by honorable means, and liberty is harassed by the blood-hounds of despotism.

In political matters, Danvers has usually stood Republican. In all questions of State or national importance, the Republicans have a comparatively large majority. Occasionally, party lines are manifested in township elections, but usually they are not so rigidly drawn in local affairs. In the Presidential election of 1856, the Democrats carried the precinct. Mr. Stephenson also carried the township in 1878.

HIGHWAYS.

The old State roads were matters of considerable importance in the early history of our State. They were the only public thoroughfares. The road through Bloom- ington to Peoria, from Champaign County, was traveled long before there was a rail- road in the United States. Now the railroad passes directly along the line of the old highway, through the township. Then, the stage-coach made occasional visits to the few inns on the way; now, the engine, with its train of rumbling cars, darts past a score of villages every few hours. Another very early road leads from the village of Danvers, along the south side of Stout's Grove. It does not follow lines, but is adapted to the face of the country. It passes near the old house first erected by Ephraim Stout. It also passes two churches and one schoolhouse within the limits of Danvers Town- ship. The section lines are not generally authorized roads. There is not a section line extending east and west that has any considerable length of road upon it. There is a road extending east and west, through the center of the second tier of sections from the south. From the State road north, there are several roads, but they nearly all pass through the center of the sections. There are several, just a mile apart, extending through the center, instead of on the section line. From the road south of Stout's Grove, others lead south. These are all, so far as we were able to discover, in good condition; and though the timber causes roads to be laid out very irregularly, it does not render them undesirable.

ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP.

It was from Danvers that the petition to call an election for the adoption of the township system first started. Ira Abbott was the man who originated the movement. A petition had been before the Commissioners' Court before, but the measure failed to carry until the election held according to the prayer of Mr. Abbott's petition. The first election after the adoption of this system, held April 6, 1858, resulted as follows: James Alison, Supervisor ; W. F. Hodge, Town Clerk; George W. Danly, Assessor; Thomas MeClure, Collector ; John W. Barnett, Overseer of the Poor; Ira Rowell, Joseph Fry and Caleb Johnson, Commissioners of Highways; John C. Haybarger and Henry I. Deal, Justices of the Peace; Philip W. Roadcap and John H. Swindle, Con- stables. The officers for 1878, were as follows, being elected on the 2d day of April :

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

John A. Ewins, Supervisor ; Louis Bourguin, Collector ; Isaac Plank, Assessor ; Moses- Hastings, Town Clerk; J. J. Yoder, Commissioner of Highways.

VILLAGE OF DANVERS.

This village is pleasantly located on the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Rail- road, about ten miles west of Bloomington. It is situated on the prairie between Dry Grove and Stout's Grove. The surface of the country in its immediate vicinity, is sufficiently rolling, requiring no draining, and makes what is apparently a healthy location. Long before a railroad was built in Illinois, this little village was a regular station, but it was on the stage-route from Bloomington to Pekin and Pcoria. The town was surveyed by Elbert C. Dickason. The certificate of the surveyor is dated January 15, 1836. A plat of the village was filed with the County Commissioners, and approved by them, March 7, 1836. The original survey included a rectangular portion of land from the northwest corner of Section 23, 72 rods wide and 96 rods long, being longest from north to south. It was 4 blocks wide and 5 long, with a public square in the center. The village was owned by Israel W. Hall and Matthew Robb. They ordered the surveying and filed the plat. The place was then called Concord. But during the remainder of the year nothing was done to build up the village. Since that time, two additions have been laid off. The first of these was the McClure Addition. It included five blocks on the east side of the original village. This addition is located in Section 24. Peter Folsom was the Surveyor. His certificate is dated December 12, 1851. Charles J. McClure was the owner. Plat was filed and approved by the Commissioners, December 23, 1851. It is known as C. J. McClure's Addition to the village of Concord. The second addi- tion was made by Otis Hall and Andrew Vance, a plat of which was filed with the County Board, June 10, 1869. This was located on the west side of the original vil- lage. It is called simply Second Addition, and includes a row of five blocks.

It will thus be seen that the village of Danvers (formerly Concord) is one of the oldest in McLean County. Bloomington had scarcely been in existence a decade when Danvers was born, and, although it has not grown so rapidly as many of its more favored sisters, it has had a steady increase during the past ten years. Its location in the midst of a prosperous farming community, will necessarily cause it to continue to grow and prosper as long as these interests remain. Its healthful location with good school and church privileges, will always make it a desirable place of residence for retired farmers and others.

The first building erected after the village was surveyed was put up in 1837 by Nicholas Conger, but he never lived in the house. The proprietors of the village never lived within its limits. The first actual residents were J. G. Reyburn and family. They had been among the earliest settlers of Walnut Grove, in Woodford County. In the spring of 1837, they moved to Stout's Grove, and remained there one year. Then they came to the village of Concord, which makes the date of first settlement 1838. Mr. Reyburn kept a grocery store at the time. Afterward, he added other articles to his line of goods, making a general country store. Soon after Mr. Reyburn, Asa R. Rankin came in. Then came Hodge & Vance with a dry goods store and a general country trade. Although Concord was on the old stage-route, there was no post office established here until about ten years after the first settlement. The people went to Wilkesborough for their mail. The first mill was a saw-mill, and was put up and owned

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The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 65

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