USA > Illinois > Stephenson County > The History of Stephenson County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches war record statistics portraits of early settlers history of the Northwest, history of Illinois, &c. > Part 68
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The year 1836 is further remembered as the annual during which the set- tlers were provided with medical attention by one of their own number. Pre- vious to that period, the sick were dosed with medicaments procured in Galena, and attended by physicians, to the "manor born," of other regions. But W. G. Bankson came on to the scene in 1836, and, settling on Section 25, advertised his services as awaiting the demand of the public. Others "came in " about this time, including Harmon Coggeshall, James Macomber, etc.
The first marriage to occur in Winslow, within the memory of the oldest living inhabitant, took place in the fall of 1836. The ceremony united Dr. Bankson and Phœbe Macomber, and was witnessed on the heights of Ransom- burg in the presence of a large (?) and doubtless interested audience. A circuit rider, or Squire Waddams, did the business.
The first death is also said to have taken place this season, being the death of the son of Lemuel Streator.
During 1837, it is not thought that immigration tended in the direction of Winslow, though Illinois and Stephenson County received large accessions to the number of their inhabitants. But, for some unexplained reason, Winslow was exempted from participation in these benefits accruing elsewhere during that year, Charles Macomber, Cornelius and the Rev. Philo Judson, Ephraim Labaugh, Alfred Gaylord, Rev. Asa Ballinger and S. F. M. Fretville being the only arrivals the record of whose coming has survived the rust of ages. That many came, is undoubted. That any in transitu resisted the fertile acres dotted everywhere with evidences of wealth, or the temptation to remain and dispute possession of these wood prairies with the red man, who sported along the flowery banks of the Pecatonica, it is impossible to conclude. Those who came, saw and were conquered; but the hand of Time has effaced their coming from the memory of those who live to-day, and further mention of them is pre- cluded. The Judsons settled below Brewster's Ferry, and Philo, who was a minister, subsequently removed to other scenes. His daughter is well known, not alone to the citizens of Stephenson County, but throughout the Northwest, as Mrs. Gov. Beveridge, a lady identified with many objects of charity and the cause of reform.
In 1838, affairs began to brighten and became more encouraging. On the 10th of January, a son was born to Silas and Miranda Gage, though his was not the first birth in the town, Sarah Maria Denton having been born in the fall of 1836. He still lives in Winslow Village, where he is known as I. V. Gage. In the spring following, Newcomb Kinney entered land and " broke
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up" a farm on Section 26. Hiram Gaylord joined his son Alfred, who came in 1837. Cornelius and Jonathan Cowan cast their lot with Winslow also. On the 28th of May, John Bradford, Thomas Loring and Colum- bus and Ichabod Thompson, together with the Moulton brothers, arrived from Plymouth County, Mass. 'T'hey came to build up and improve lands held by the Boston Western Land Company, on which the village of Winslow was sub- sequently built. That summer they built a wagon and blacksmith shop, shingle factory, and the American House, which latter is still standing. Elias and Edward Hunt came in the same year. Joseph R. Berry, who came in 1835-36 and revisited the East for his family, returned to Winslow in 1839, and settled above the village site. W. P. Cox settled the same year in Section 35. . Gilson Adams, A. A. Mallory and others came during the same year.
In 1844, Cyrus Woodman came to Winslow as agent of the Boston Land Company, and from that date the progress of the township has not only been rapid but assured. In 1850, it was set apart from the county as Winslow Township and placed under township organization. At the present date it is regarded as one of the most prosperous and attractive townships in the county, with every element to commend it to the successful consideration of all who seek homes among the thrifty, where a promise of happiness and contentment can invariably be realized.
The township was named about 1838, after Gov. Winslow, one of the early provisional Governors of Massachusetts, by W. S. Russell, agent of the Boston Western Land Company.
WINSLOW,
is a village of about 375 inhabitants on the west bank of the Pecatonica River, in Section 22 of Winslow Township.
In earlier times the Boston Western Land Company, a corporation domiciliated in Massachusetts, held title to about 72,000 acres of land, divided between the States of Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. Of this a tract of 700 acres was located in Winslow Township, on the present site of the town. In 1844, Cyrus Woodman succeeded W. S. Russell as the company's agent, and, by authority vested in him, surveyed, platted and laid off the village of Winslow. Lots on the east side of the main street were from 60 to 100 feet front by 300 feet in depth, those on the opposite side varying in size and dimensions ; they were held at prices ranging from $10 to $25 each. At that time there were but three houses within the corporate limits of the village, one standing where the Presbyterian Church now is, another where James Fuller now resides, and the American Hotel. The idea seemed to impress the founders of this town that the future reserved infinite prosperity for the undertaking, and they described the " city limits " with this fact constantly in mind. Streets were laid out and named, squares surveyed and staked, a wharf provided for at the foot of Bridge street, and other labors accomplished tending to attract remunerative, if not immediate, returns. But these returns failed to materialize with amazing rapidity, and in time the title of the company was transferred to individuals for farming and resident purposes.
In 1850, when the township was organized, there was a slight ripple of excitement among the more sanguine, and the hope of future prominence revived for a season. But the looked-for golden age in the history of the village was again postponed, and its arrival is looked upon by the residents to-day as an article too indefinite for grave consideration-one of those things no man can find out. Some hope is felt that a narrow-gauge railroad, said to
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
be under consideration by the North-Western Company, may pass in the vicinity of Winslow, which would have the effect of appreciating business and increas- ing the value of property ; in any event, the town will remain what it has always been, an attractive point for trade and residence, with abundant water- power, and accessible to all localities for business or pleasure.
The town is well built, the residences suggesting a New England village, and indicating the comfortable competence of the inmates. The stores and warehouses are of frame, brick and stone, of ample capacity for the business transacted, and of the most substantial character. The village contains an energetic population, five stores, one church edifice, and two hotels, which are both comfortable and homelike, and if the wheels of progress have been stayed in the beautiful valley that incloses Winslow in an embrace of hills rivaling the vale of Cashmere in the loveliness of their verdure, the residents are com- pensated for its absence in the comfort and independence apparent to the most casual visitor or observer.
RELIGIOUS.
The religious interests of the early settlers were considered and cared for, prior to 1840, by the Rev. Asa Ballinger, a Methodist circuit preacher, who came to Winslow in 1837, and each Sabbath thereafter preached the word of God to the pioneers, in the groves, private cabins and elsewhere, as circum- stances enabled him. In 1840, the Rev. Elisha H. Hazzard, a Congrega- tional minister, divided the field with Elder Ballinger, and is said to have been quite successful in his efforts at converting sinners or recalling back- sliders. From this date up to about 1855, the worshiping portion of the town was dependent upon transients, in addition to the services of the gentle- men cited, but in that year the Presbyterians, to the number of nineteen, met and organized. The society is still in existence, and with the Congregational- ists, totalizes the religious interests of Winslow.
First Presbyterian Church .- On the 9th of April, 1855, a meeting was held at the village hotel for the purpose of organizing an ecclesiastical corpora- tion, having for its object the worship of God according to the Calvinistic doctrines. The attendance was small and nothing accomplished. On the 19th of the same month, an adjourned meeting was held, attended with similar results, but two days later, the organization was perfected, and the articles of faith, as has already been stated, signed by nineteen members.
Worship was had in the schoolhouse until fall, when the brick church, now standing, which had been building during the summer, was completed and taken possession of. It is of brick, 35x55, supplied with an organ, and pos- sesses capacity for seating two hundred auditors. Its cost was $2,000.
The congregation to-day is in a prosperous condition, numbers many wor- shipers, and owns the only house of worship in the village.
The following Pastors have served, though part of the time the society has been obliged to depend upon the visits of circuit preachers : The Revs. John N. Powell, John Johnson, A. T. Wood, Mr. Schofield, John Linn, and A. S. Gardner, the present incumbent.
Congregational Society-Numbering at present thirty-eight members, was the outgrowth of a season of revival held in Winslow under the supervision of A. P. Loomis during the spring of 1877. The effort of Mr. Loomis is said to have been attended with a most gratifying success, one hundred converts having been baptized by that gentleman while in Winslow. At the close of his ministration, the converts organized the "Winslow Christian Association,"
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
graduating into the Congregational Church organization on the 11th of May, 1878, with sixty members.
Services are at present held in Wright's Hall, but the congregation antici- pate building a church at a day by no means distant. The Rev. Francis Law- son is the Pastor at present in charge.
Schools .- The first school taught in the village was begun during the year 1840, in the upper story of Edward Hunt's wagon-shop. It remained here a short time, when a house was built for school purposes by Silas Sears, on the hill southwest of town, which was occupied until 1872, when the present. commodious school edifice, on the site of that erected by Silas Sears, was com- pleted, at a cost of $3,000, and has since been occupied.
It is of frame, two stories high, about forty feet square, and supplied with every convenience peculiar to similar undertakings. The course of study includes the leading common-school text-books, and furnishes a means of edu- cation to an average daily attendance of sixty-five pupils.
Two teachers are employed, and the annual expense of the school is believed to be about $1,000.
Winslow Lodge, No. 564, A., F. g. A. M .- Was chartered October 1, 1867, with the following members : Benjamin Pym, John Bradford, Jacob Sweeley, P. Sweeley, D. D. Tyler, R. E. Mack, T. Rodebaugh, C. M. Macomber, M. J. Cooper and J. W. Saucerman.
Since that date, the lodge has increased to forty members, acquired prop- erty valued at $200, and is otherwise an important factor in the daily life of the village.
Meetings are held monthly on the first Monday, and the following are the officers at present in charge : John Gordon, W. M .; W. Van Matre, S. W., J. M. Rybolt, J. W .; J. Hilliard, Treasurer; J. W. Saucerman, Secretary ; Charles Elliott, S. D .; A. Kelley, J. D., and J. N. Fuller, Tiler.
ONECO TOWNSHIP,
in the north tier of townships of Stephenson County, is one of the most prosperous and highly productive sections of the State. It contains a large acreage, about equally divided between timber and prairie, with Richland Creek coursing the eastern portion from north to south, and other streams and rivulets, furnishing an abundant and permanent water-power for available use.
The early settlement of Oneco Township is somewhat involved in doubt. The effort was made to ascertain to whom was due the distinguished honor of first venturing into the wilderness, at present comprehended within the limits of the township; but, owing to the fact that none of the earlier pioneers of that region survive the march of events, this labor was attended with a success dis- proportioned to the importance of the subject in hand. Simon Davis, it is believed, was among the first to settle in this portion of " Brewster Precinct," he coming about the year 1833. After him, it appears that Andrew Clarno followed. Both of these, it is assumed, had previously made claims in the lead regions, further north and west ; but, indifferent success or a desire to engage in agricultural pursuits, influenced them, about the time above designated, to effect a change of base and open farms, the former near the town of Oneco, and the latter in the vicinity of Honey Creek. John M. Curtis also appeared in this vicinity during the same year, and made claim to a tract of land in the vicinity of Oneco.
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
In 1835, Jefferson and Lewis Van Matre settled one and a half miles west of Oneco, Lewis removing from the lead mines at Galena, and Jefferson coming from Ohio. Morgan Van Matre followed in the footsteps of his brethren a year later, and William Van Matre in 1839, together with Joseph Van Matre.
The year 1836 witnessed a large emigration from the East to all portions of the West, as is well known, and Oneco received considerable additions to her population. Among those who arrived about this time were Alonzo Denio, who settled in the present site of Oneco Village; a Mr. Lott, Duke Chilton, Lorin and Fred Remay, Ralph Hildebrand, Jonas Strohm, and others. Between 1836 and 1838, James, Henry and George Howe were included among the recent arrivals, as also were James Young and Philip and Warner Wells, all of whom opened farms at the head of Long Hollow ; Henry Johnson, at the northeast corner of the town ; Oliver and John R. Brewster, Ezra Gillett, who erected the mill at Buena Vista ; Joab Morton, identified with the eastern portion of the township ; Isaac Kleckner, with the eastern vicinity of the vil- lage of Oneco, James Turnbull, who removed subsequently to Winslow ; "Father " Ballinger, whose son Asa was among the earliest circuit preachers of the Illinois Conference, and others.
The tragic death of one of the Lotts caused no inconsiderable excitement among his neighbors at the time, and is believed to have been among the first deaths, if not the first, to occur in the township.
The Indians occupied camps in various portions of Oneco and Buckeye Townships when their present territories were in that primitive condition in which they were found by the pioneers. They were not particularly demon- strative in acts of hostility or annoyance, yet the first comers experienced some trouble with the impecunious and embarrassed red man. He left his mark on the resources of his neighbors at any and every opportunity, and not unfrequently the mournful notes of a porker broke upon the ear of the settler long after midnight's holy hour, indicating the deep damnation of its taking-off by the covetous aborigine. When one of these despoilers of man's happiness and property was discovered in the act, or convicted of crime, he was punished se- verely ; this discipline, together with the gradual settling up of the country, and his departure for other fields, finally relieved the pioneers of these annoy- ances and his presence.
In 1839, Lewis Gibler removed from Ohio to Oneco Township, settling on Section 18, on the farm at present owned by Judge Alexander Hinds. William Van Matre, as mentioned above, came also, it is believed, in this year, as did Jacob Stroder, Joseph Van Matre, Jr., and others. William established himself in the western portion of the town, whence he removed to Rock Grove, and Mineral Point, Wis. The following year, it is believed, Isaac Miller settled in the township; also Mike Bolander, Lyman, William and Nelson Hulburt, John Clarno, Joseph Norns and Seth Schockley. The first marriage of which there are any reliable data, occurred during this year. Henry Rybolt and Lizzie McNear were the felicitous candidates, and Squire Gibler performed the cere- mony, at the residence of Jefferson Van Matre. William Van Matres' daugh- ter, who died in 1840, is stated to have been the first interment made in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Some advise that hers was the first death, but this can hardly be, when the suicide of Mr. Lott is remembered, if the latter occurred in 1838, as is related.
After 1840, emigration became more rapid and generous. The enterpris- ing descendants of those who had built up Pennsylvania and Ohio half a century before, were equally ambitious as had been the parent, to carve out fortune
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
for themselves in the Far West. The growing East afforded too little encour- agement to attract them to remain at home, and, prompted by these influ- ences, as also that spirit of thrift, not to say adventure, which predominates throughout the Yankee nation, their " prairie schooners " and pack horses were to be seen daily crowding the trails which were finally lost in the unbroken wilderness of that territory in the direction of the setting sun. With each succeeding year their number increased, and the township under consideration received large accessions to its inhabitants, until the last claim was taken up, and the landscape dotted with the homes of these hardy pioneers. Most of them have gone the way of all flesh-rest from their labors. But their names are preserved among the archives of the past, as among the distinguished few to whom must be attributed the honor of first settling a wilderness, and opening a way for the present prosperity and advanced refinement to be wit- nessed on every side.
In time villages sprang up in the new township. One of these has become an incorporated town, the objective point toward which farmers and producers living within a radius of many miles, turn for bargain or sale, with the effect of making Orangeville a lively business center, at which an annual business is transacted that would astonish the more pretentious city rival. Oneco Village is scarcely changed, it is said, from what it was nearly forty years ago, and "hardly ever" will. The laying-out and building-up of Orangeville has appro- priated the patronage and population at one time tending to Oneco, and the latter remains as it was left when its rival's site was selected a post office center, where the residents of the immediate vicinity congregated to receive their mail, and canvass questions of local or national issue. Throughout the township churches and schools are to be found at nearly every cross-road, and the causes of education and morality are guarded with the same care, and promoted with the same earnestness in Oneco as are the vital interests of life throughout the civilized world.
ORANGEVILLE.
An inland village, delightfully located in the southeastern part of Oneco Township, handsomely built, inhabited by an industrious, progressive and enter- prising class of citizens, containing a population of from four to five hundred, and the market town of the section, wherein it is situated, the village does an immense business, and presents a fine field for investment or residence.
Orangeville, originally known as Bowersville, owes its immediate origin to John Bowers, though the town site had been partially entered and improved, by John M. Curtis, prior to Mr. Bowers' arrival in 1846. About the year 1845, Mr. B. came West, and settled at Walnut Grove. A year's residence thereabout prompted a removal to more desirable fields for permanent settle- ment, and, after canvassing the surrounding country, he at last selected the present site of the town, where, by entry and purchase, he secured title to 320 acres of ground, including a log cabin, mills (saw and grist), and water-power obtained from Richland Creek.
After a residence at his new home of about one year, Mr. Bowers, regard- ing the site as possessing many advantages for the purpose, determined to create a town in the, even at that late day, almost impenetrable wilderness. There- upon, he appropriated fifteen acres of the land purchased, caused the same to be surveyed and platted by Marcus Montelius, and named his venture, as already stated, " Bowersville.'
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
This was in 1849, at which time the brick house on High street, wherein the post office is now kept, is said to have been built. Charles Moore's present residence, a store, presided over by George Hoffman, a blacksmith-shop, built by John Bowers, and occupied by Benjamin Hallman, together with the old Curtis Mills, composed the improvements. The next year, however, Mr. Bowers commenced the building of the present mill, hauling the shingles and better qualities of lumber from Chicago by team, himself acting as driver. The mill was finished the same year at a total cost of about $8,000.
Immediately upon the completion of the survey and the promulgation of the fact that a village was in progress of building, speculators, agents and bona- fide purchasers came into the country. Some invested and remained, others departed, promising to return, while others departed without leaving either promises or collaterals to indicate their intentions. Daniel Duck is said to have been the first purchaser of lots in the future town, obtaining that on which is now located the house of Franklin Scott, paying $10 therefor. William Herbert and others came about the same time, and within that decade large numbers of substantial residents settled in the town. Lands were cheap, the village was near Freeport, possessed of valuable water privileges, and other inducements prevailed to meet the popular demand, which found expression in the number of inhabitants who came during the first ten or fifteen years of its existence.
In 1861, the breaking-out of the war caused a large increase in the volume of business done by the merchants, which was materially diminished for some years thereafter, owing to the unsettled condition of affairs throughout the country, the departure of volunteers, and other causes producing similar effects elsewhere. The last half of the decade beginning with 1860, however, wit- nessed an improved state of public feeling, producing a better market for commodities and correspondingly prosperous times. Orangeville of course participated in these benefits, and so pronounced was the success which attended her development and building-up, that in 1867 the village was incorporated as a town, with such prerogatives and privileges appertaining thereto as by law are conferred, including town officers, the following being the roster of those who have held during the years succeeding :
OFFICIAL ROSTER.
Trustees .- Charles Moore, President ; William Wagenhols, George Erb, W. A. St. John and Jacob Kurtz, Associates, 1867.
1868-Daniel Ream, President; B. H. Bradshaw, William Herbert, Henry Kline and Aaron Boltzer, Associates. William Herbert refusing to serve, W. R. Moore was elected in his stead.
1869-J. K. Bloom, President ; D. R. Rubendall, Peter Scheckler, F. Winters and Edward Moore.
1870-William Wagenhals, B. H. Bradshaw, W. B. Moore, W. A. St. John and James Musser.
1871-John K. Bloom, President ; Edward Moore, Peter Sheckler, Will- iam Trotter and William Potts, Associates.
1872-M. Musser, President; William Sandoe, M. Lanker, John Mun- ich and E. F. Smith, Associates.
March 25, 1873-At a special election holden this day, Orangeville was incorporated as a village under the general law.
1873-W. P. Musser, President ; Charles Moore, B. Bowers, D. L. Ma- honey, F. A. Miller and Moses Zenker, Associates.
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
1874-W. P. Musser, President ; John J. Moore, A. Baltzer, M. Lenk- ard, D. Beaver and William Potts, Associates.
1875-H. W. Bolender, President ; William Wagenhols, D. H. Zettle, Peter Sheckler, Benjamin Bowers and William Trotter, Associates.
1876-A. Baltzer, President; B. H. Bradshaw, William E. Eble, Ed- ward Moore, H. Cadwell and D. L. Mahoney, Associates.
1877-M. P. Musser, President ; J. B. Schrack, A. Bowers, H. W. Bolen- der, D. L. Mahoney and George Erb, Associates.
1878-M. P. Musser, President; S. E. Deal, J. B. Schrack, B. H. Bradshaw, H. W. Bolender and Abraham Bowers, Associates.
1879-J. G. Wise, President; Henry Deal, William Sandoe, E. T. Moore, John H. Denhart and H. Skinner, Associates.
1880-D. A. Schock, President ; J. G. Wise, William Sandoe, Hiram Skinner, E. T. Moore and Henry Deal, Associates.
Clerks .- W. A. St. John, 1867; B. H. Bradshaw, 1868 ; D. R. Ruben- dall, 1869 ; W. A. St. John. 1870; W. Trotter, 1871; W. Sandoe, 1872; H. W. Bolender, 1873; J. J. Moore, 1874; J. G. Wise, 1876; T. H. Rote, 1876-77; J. H. Miller, 1878; T. H. Rote, 1879-80.
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