The History of Will County, Illinois : containing a history of the county a directory of its real estate owners; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; general and local statistics.history of Illinois history of the Northwest, Part 45

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : Wm. Le Baron, jr. & co.
Number of Pages: 980

USA > Illinois > Will County > The History of Will County, Illinois : containing a history of the county a directory of its real estate owners; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; general and local statistics.history of Illinois history of the Northwest > Part 45

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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY.

superintendence of L. H. Goodrich. In 1871-72, Rev. R. Davis, a missionary in connection with the Presbyterian Church, was preaching through this part of the State, and, amongst the points visited by him, was this, at which he stopped and preached ; and it was through his influence that an organization of this denomination was effected. As often happens, the organization of the Sunday school, in the early Spring of 1872, was the primary move, in this instance, of the more decisive measures adopted soon after. In June, of the year mentioned, the persons of that persuasion met to take into consideration the propriety of establishing a church of this denomination. Among the original members were David Paden, John James, Duncan Rankin, William Chalmers and E. A. Beadle, with other members of their families. At this time they held meetings in what is known as the Grove Schoolhouse. Rev. William Penhalagan was the first reg- ular preacher after organization. Rev. Thomas M. Gunn, now of the First Church of Joliet, was subsequently called and installed Pastor of this Church. He resigned in 1877, to take charge of the Joliet congregation, as stated. In 1873, the society began the erection of a house of worship, which, though still unfinished, affords for them comfortable accommodations. The building thus far has cost about $5,000, and is 40 feet in width and 60 in length. The present membership is 130, of which the Rev. John Currier is the stated sup- ply. The Sunday school, in connection with this Church, is under the super- intendence of Duncan Rankin, and numbers about one hundred and forty.

The Catholic organization was formed by Dr. John McMullin, while Pastor of the Wilmington Church. When Dr. McMullin was promoted to the higher office of Vicar General, Father Daniel Riordan succeeded him as Pastor of this Church. Afterward, Father Riordan was also promoted to Secretary and Chancellor of the Diocese, and the vacancy thus occurring was filled by Father Thomas O'Garra, who was also promoted, being called to serve in the temple on high. Succeeding Father O'Garra is the present Pastor, Rev. R. H. McGuire. During the period of Dr. McMullin's administration, the original building was erected. In this the congregation worshiped until 1875, when the additions of the front and back were made. In the same year, the parsonage was built. The value of the church property is put down at about $10,000. About two hundred and fifty families worship here. The strike which occurred in 1877 severely affected the strength of the Church. Prior to this, the mem- bership was nearly twice the number stated.

The Congregationalists erected, in 1873, a neat little building for church purposes. It is about 28x32 feet, and cost $800. The membership at present is twenty-five, all of Welsh nativity, and services are conducted in that language. Rev. Griffith Evans, of Braceville, is Pastor, and William Davis is Superin- tendent of the Sunday school. The Primitive Methodists liave a small house of worship, neatly furnished. Rev. Julius Marks is Pastor, and Thomas Davy is Superintendent of the Sunday school. Besides the buildings already named, a small church-house was erected some years ago by the Welsh Baptists,

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but this is now vacant. The Mormons, to whom allusion has been made, are of the persuasion who cleave to Joseph Smith, and disclaim any affiliation with the Salt Lake Mormons, or sympathy with their peculiar beliefs and practices. These accept the Book of Mormon as an additional divine revelation, but in other respects are not different from some of the evangelical Christians.

The strike of 1877 had the effect of bringing to this place several hundred colored people, who, if not universally known to be practically pious, are noted as a peculiarly religious people. Though very poor, and mostly ignorant, they yet hold religious services, and contemplate the erection of a house of worship.

The Odd Fellows organized a lodge of that Order here September 16, 1872, of the name and number of Banner Lodge, No. 495. Duncan Rankin was the first N. G .; Robert Paden, V. G .; John Skinner, Secretary; and William Neath, Treasurer. Duncan Rankin was the first Representative to the Grand Lodge, and continued to represent the Lodge for four years. The present membership of the Lodge is 160. John Barkell, is present N. G .; James Fairley, V. G .; James Sims, Treasurer; W. H. Steen, Secretary; and W. W. Gallagher, Representative. Meetings are held every Wednesday evening.

A year and a half later, Diamond Encampment, No. 152, was established, with John Brown as C. P .; Robert Meredeth, S. W .; John Peart, J. W .; Nicholas Hoffman, Treasurer; William Gallagher, Scribe; and Thomas Dur- ham, H. P. John Stephenson, William Neath, Theodore Green and John Skinner were also original members. The present officers are: Peter Barr, C. P .; James Hunter, S. W .; J. Jafrey, H. P .; William Rixon, J. W .; John Ste- phenson, Scribe; and Peter Harwood, Treasurer.

The Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons began "work" here October 8, 1873, with Alexander Patterson as first W. M .; Ira R. Marsh, S. W .; Egbert W. Felton, J. W .; Robert Dunlap, Isaac and C. Zeigler, William Campbell, John Broadbent, John B. Barnett, E. Davison, W. H. Watson, Thomas Fergu- son, John and David Skinner, William Chalmers, Robert Harrop and William White were also charter members. They now have a membership of seventy. Their hall, recently fitted up, is a model of neatness and taste. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month. John Broadbent is present Master; F. Packard, S. W .; James W. Patterson, J. W .; F. M. Salla- day, Secretary ; J. B. Backus, Treasurer; E. Davison, S. D .; Winfield Blood, J. D .; and Peter Abrams, Tiler.

The educational facilities provided by the inhabitants of Braidwood consist of three large two-story buildings. One of these is located in the old part of the town, one near the depot, and the other in the vicinity of the Eureka shaft. These, like all other buildings of the city, are constructed of wood. They afford accommodation for at least one thousand pupils.

One of the efficient adjuncts to the means of educating the youth and the public generally is the public library. In 1876, through the efforts of William Maltaby, Superintendent of the Eureka Coal Company, $1,500 were subscribed

I look

(DECEASED) JOLIET

THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY.

and a library of 1,400 volumes was established. The enterprise, though only a nucleus of what it is designed to be, is duly appreciated by the reading pub- lic, and is proving a real blessing to the community. ' The rooms of the asso- ciation are kept open all of the time, and all who have leisure have the privilege of visiting the place and consulting the volumes to be found there. Mr. Malt- aby was elected first President of the association, and still remains such officer. M. Dando is the present Secretary. The most effectual means of disseminating general information, and consequently one of the most potential for general and practical education, is the newspaper. In this regard Braidwood is fortunate in having established the only daily in the county outside of Joliet. The his- tory of the press in this city, though short, has been varied and, until lately, quite precarious. Several attempts were made to established a paper at this point, but either through lack of fitness on the part of the publishers or of ap- preciation on the part of the public, each proved a failure. Jacob Warner was the first to embark in the business, and started the News. He was followed by Thomas Simonton with the Journal. Then Fred Dalton, former publisher of the Streator Monitor, began the publication of the Republican. The first num- ber appeared June 17, 1875, and the prospect for a live paper appeared fair. In a short time, however, the concern became so involved that it was impossible to proceed. At this point, Henry H. Parkinson, of Bloomington, took hold of the work, and through his untiring efforts, and in spite of discouragement, that would have broken down many men, the paper has not only lived, but has increased in circulation and popularity, and a year ago bloomed into a daily. Mr. Parkinson, prior to his coming to this place, was publishing at Blooming- ton the Anti-Monopolist. The undertaking proved to be a failure, and absorbed all of the means at his command ; therefore, when he arrived at Braidwood, he was in such an embarrassed condition that the prospect seemed anything but flattering. However, by the Summer of 1877, the paper had gained the confi- dence and support of the people, and was in a fair way to permanent success. Then the strike took place, and again the establishment was flat, so much so that its proprietor had to borrow a few quires of paper, and with this the lit- tle daily was started. From that time the enterprise has been prosper- ous, and its success is now assured. Mr. Parkinson has his office all paid for, owns the building in which it is kept, and the paper has a circulation of over five hundred. In the mean time two other attempts have been made to establish papers here. Jacob Warner published the Braidwood Herald during the political canvass of the Fall of 1876. In 1877, R. W. Nelson began the publication of the Daily Phoenix and issued a few numbers. Since the panic of 1872-73, many of the capitalists all over the country have withdrawn their means from manufactures and other enterprises, which formerly gave employ- ment to those, who, though not lacking in muscle, brain or will to continue the business, were yet without money or credit. Thus thousands of men and women all over the country were without the means of gaining a livelihood.

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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY.

As a consequence, a competition amongst laborers reduced wages, and still many, who would gladly have worked for smaller hire, had nothing to do. Labor arrayed itself against capital and manufacturers continued to withdraw their means and invest in bonds and mortgages which were not threatened, and which, therefore, they considered safer, though not affording as great profits. This apparent conflict has kept increasing until absolute necessity on the one hand and safety on the other have led to the organization of opposite parties. In 1877, this general strife culminated in a strike on the part of employ.es in all departments requiring labor. Mechanics, miners, railroad men and com- mon workmen were infected with a premature desire to suddenly right their fancied or real wrongs. Trains were stopped, shops were closed and machinery of all kinds stood idle. This was the state of affairs in July, 1877. On the 1st of April, of the year mentioned, the coal companies of Braidwood had asked of their employes a reduction of 15 cents for Summer and 25 cents for Winter on each ton of coal mined, the reduction to take effect at once. The men would not accede to the terms proposed, and at once they stopped work, arguing that an unfair advantage was being taken of them in that many of them had bought lots of the companies and had improved the same, making it impossible for them to remove without serious loss. The companies were deter- mined, however, and to keep their works in operation brought in miners from other localities, whom they employed by the day. After a month, several hundred colored miners were brought, who went to work for the companies at the reduction formerly proposed. Though deep mutterings were heard on all sides and some threats were made, nothing serious took place and hopes were entertained that the threatened trouble would finally blow over. But toward the last of July, the general strikes occurring, and riots becoming common in many places throughout the land, the spirit of defiance took possession of the strikers, and they determined to drive out the "blacklegs," who, upon being apprised of the intention of the strikers, though promised protec- tion by their employers and the county authorities, fled from the city. Some went to Wilmington, some to Morris, and others, who could obtain no means of conveyance for themselves and families, camped on the prairie. At this juncture, the Sheriff despairing of preserving order, the Governor was called on to furnish soldiers to quell the hourly-expected outbreak. Accordingly, Gov. Cullom ordered 1,300 soldiers to the scene of the trouble, 200 of whom occupied the city about three weeks, the others returning to their homes in a few days. On the appearance of the soldiery, the " blacklegs" returned to the city and resumed work. At the end of the three weeks alluded to, the excite- ment attending the riot, as well as the disturbances themselves, ceased, railroads were in operation, factories were opened, and business generally was as brisk as before, and this community partaking of the modified sentiment prevailing in other parts, the trouble which had for some weeks threatened bloodshed was at an end. Many of the strikers have taken their former places in the mines,

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and some, with some of the "blacklegs," have departed to other fields of labor. Peace and good feeling is so far restored that the visitor sees no trace of the once threatened rebellion. While the excitement was at its highest pitch, Gov. Cullom visited the city and spoke to the people, counseling peace and good order, and promising protection to the laborers to the extent of the full power of the State or of the United States army. The soil of the surrounding country, though but poorly adapted to agricultural pursuits, is yet quite well adapted to grazing and the dairy business, and this latter industry is just now receiving attention. A creamery or cheese factory, now in successful operation, was established here last Spring. A company was formed, with Duncan Rankin as President. Buildings were erected at a cost, including machinery, of $2,000. The establishment, though in its infancy, manufactures 150 pounds of butter and 900 pounds of cheese per day, consuming, for the purpose, 9,000 pounds of milk. The product is shipped-the cheese to Chicago and the butter to St. Louis, the former article bringing 6} cents and the latter 25 cents per pound.

The principal business street of Braidwood, extending from the depot to the works of the Eureka Company, is built up on both sides with unbroken lines of stores, shops and offices, with scarcely a vacancy, except the narrow cross_ streets, for more than a mile. The observer can but imagine what a blaze will occur here some time ; and it can only be a matter of time, the greatest wonder being that the time has not already come. There will then be active work for the fire company. Realizing this state of affairs, a company for the purpose of

controlling the fiery element was organized June, 1877, with James S. Patterson as Fire Marshal, and H. H. Parkinson, Secretary. The implements of the company consist of hooks, ladders and trucks usually belonging to such organ- izations. The company is independent, though the city furnishes all apparatus necessary for use in their duties. The balance of the city, though built of the same combustible material, yet being so sparsely built and occupying so much space, is less likely to experience a general conflagration. The space occupied by the city is fully two square miles.

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP.

Plainfield lays claim to the honor of the first settlement in Will County. The first settlement made in Walker's Grove, a body of timber just south of the present village of Plainfield, dates back half a century or more. Look at the figures, 1826 -- 1878! Fifty-two years are between these milestones. Thirty years are the average of a generation's life-time, and hence the earthly span of almost two generations has run out since the "pale face " missionary pitched his tent by the "side of the river of waters," or to use more homely language, since the old soldier of the cross, Rev. Jesse Walker, established an Indian mission on the banks of the Du Page. The years have rolled by, decades have faded into a half-century, since white people began to exercise

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dominion in this section-the very paradise of Will County. The Indians long . ago, the lords of the domain, roaming at will through the lofty forests and over the flower-decked prairies, live now only in fireside legends, and this beautiful region, once their own undisputed hunting-grounds, has become the abode of the superior race-the white man. Cities, towns and villages have taken the place of the red man's lodge and wigwam, and their hunting-grounds are productive farms.

It may be a matter of question as to whether an itinerant preacher of the Methodist Church can justly be termed a settler. Their home is where duty and the work of the Master calls them, and, like Him who said, "the foxes have holes, and the fowls of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head," they often, and in those early days on the wild front- ier, were forced to make a bed of the green earth, with the blue sky to serve as drapery for their couch. Father Walker was born in the Old Dominion, in 1766 ; a hundred and twelve years before the writing of these pages, and entered the ministry on probation in 1804. He made a trip to Illinois, a kind of tour of inspection, in 1806, in company with William McKendree (after- ward Bishop McKendree) to look at the country. Illinois was then a part of Indiana, and being highly pleased with the section they visited, were, at the next meeting of Conference, transferred to circuits within its bounds. The fol- lowing extract from "Forty Years Ago," written by Hon. George H. Woodruff, of Joliet, is appropriate here, and is a well-deserved tribute to the good old preacher : "Walker returned from this Conference to his family, arriving about noon-commenced immediately to prepare for the journey, and by 10 o'clock the next day, he and his family were on the way. The journey had to be made on horseback, and four horses were required-one for himself, one for his wife and youngest daughter, and one for his oldest daughter, a girl of sixteen, while the fourth carried the stock of books, which was part of the outfit of a Meth- odist preacher, the sale of which aided in eking out their scanty salary.

* Jesse Walker became an able and efficient preacher of Meth- odist Christianity in Illinois, although he had received but a very limited educa- tion. In 1821, we find him reporting to Conference in respect to his labors as a missionary among the Indians, and it was in this capacity he came to Plain- field in 1826, where there was then, and for several years subsequently, an Indian village. In 1827, he was Superintendent of Fox River Mission. He is said to have held the first camp meeting in the State, and the first quarterly meeting in Chicago, and also to have preached the first Protestant sermon in St. Louis. In 1829, he had charge of the Des Planes Mission, and formed the first class at Walker's Grove." His son-in-law, James Walker, accompanied him to Plainfield, or Walker's Grove, as the beautiful grove a little south of the vil- lage was then called, and may probably be termed the first actual settler in Plainfield Township, if not in Will County. His claim was made, we believe, in 1828, and his first cabin erected in 1829. James Walker was from Tennes-

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see, but had first located at Ottawa, and was a prominent man in the early his- tory of the county, and one of its first representatives in the State Legislature. He brought with him from Ottawa a horse-power mill, which he set up and at once proceeded to business. This mill, however, will be referred to again, fur- ther on. Mr. Walker, together with Dr. Bowen -- so often mentioned in the history of Joliet-was the principal lobbyist in engineering the act through the Legislature for the formation of Will County; and after its organization as a county, he was one of the first Commissioners, Holder Sisson and Thomas Durham being his colleagues in that capacity. He was also commandant of "Fort Beggs " during the Sac war, which is more fully noticed in another page.

Perhaps it will not be amiss to give the following extract from a work by Rev. S. R. Beggs, entitled "Pages from the Early History of the West and Northwest," referring to Father Jesse Walker, before passing to the further settlement of Plainfield. In speaking of the first session of the Methodist Conference held at Plainfield, the author says: "It was at this Conference that we resolved to remove the remains of Jesse Walker from their obscure resting- place, one mile south of our cemetery. I think it was in the Fall of 1834 that I performed the marriage ceremony which united him to his second wife. He had then served two years in the Chicago Mission station, after which he sus- tained a superannuated relation, and settled on a small farm about twelve miles west of Chicago, on the Des Planes River, and there he remained until he changed the cross for the crown, on the 5th of October, 1835. He was buried in Plain- field, and there rested until his sons in the Gospel resolved to remove his remains to their present resting-place. When the hour arrived for the inter- ment, the Conference adjourned and marched in solemn procession to the grave. The remains of his first wife had been disinterred, and brought to be buried with him. In one large coffin the bones were placed, and laid as nearly in their natural order as possible. It was a season of great solemnity, both to our

village and to the Conference. It had been arranged that there should be several speakers to bear testimony to the zeal of this untiring servant in the work of the Lord before the coffin was concealed from our sight. As I had known him personally longer than any one present, I was to lead in the remarks. After singing and prayer, I proceeded to give a concise history of his arrival in this State, as a missionary, in the Fall of 1806, his extensive and different fields of labor, and especially our labors in the Central and Rock River Conferences. Rev. J. Scarritt, who followed, was very happy in his remarks in portraying the untiring labors, great usefulness and happy death of this unexcelled mis- sionary." This seems but a fitting tribute to the faithful old servant of the Lord, and who is generally termed the first white settler, not only of Plainfield Township, but of Will County.

Rev. S. R. Beggs, another veteran Methodist preacher, is an early settler at Plainfield, and the oldest settler of the place now living. He settled here

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in the Summer of 1831, near where he still lives. Father Beggs was born in Rockingham County, Va., in 1801, and when 4 years old his father removed to Kentucky, where he remained two years, and then settled in Clarke County, Ind., on the Ohio River, seventeen miles above the falls. Here the family were subjected to all the privations incident to a new home in a great wilder- ness, that of chills and fever being included. As an illustration of the times, Mr. Beggs says he was 7 years old before he ever possessed the luxury of a pair of shoes. At an early age he entered the ministry, and became an itiner- ant Methodist preacher, laboring in Indiana, Missouri and Illinois, settling, as above stated, at Plainfield in 1831. To show the hardships those early preach- ers underwent to plant the Gospel in the wilderness, we again quote from Father Beggs' book. Referring to his year's labor, he says; "My quarterage this year was $23; my clothing, that I had brought from home, was by this time so nearly worn out that it was necessary to replace it with new. Some of the sisters spun wool and made me a.coat of blue and white cotton, a pair of white cotton pants and one of mixed. One of the brothers gave me his old hat, which I got pressed, and then I was fitted out for Conference." Think of this, ye high-salaried, stall-fed pastors, who proclaim the Word from marble desks, in gilded temples, resplendent in your broadcloth and white cravats! Think ye, will not these self-denying men of God, who braved danger, hunger and cold to spread the Gospel, receive the brighter crown when they arrive in the Kingdom ? We are not writing a religious history of the country, but the long associations and administrations of Fathers Beggs and Walker in this particu- lar portion of Will County, are so interwoven and connected with its history that to omit it would be to leave out the most important part of it. In 1836, Mr. Beggs was appointed to the Joliet Circuit, and commenced the work of build- ing the first Methodist Church, also the first church edifice in Joliet, as noticed in the first part of our work. During the Sac war, his house, then considered the strongest building in the Plainfield settlement, was constructed into a fort. Two log pens which he had built for a barn and shed, were torn down and made into fortifications around his house, into which the settlers all crowded. But Indian outrages growing more alarming every day, it was finally decided to risk trying to get to Chicago. The settlers were formed into a company, and James Walker elected Captain. Being only teams enough to carry the people, their effects were left behind, many of which were taken or destroyed by the Indians before the whites were permitted to return. But the cloud of war rolled away before Scott's legions, and the people could finally return in safety to their homes.

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The History of Will County, Illinois : containing a history of the county a directory of its real estate owners; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; general and local statistics.history of Illinois history of the Northwest, Part 45

Author: Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Chicago : Wm. Le Baron, jr. & co. Number of Pages: 980

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : Wm. Le Baron, jr. & co.
Number of Pages: 980