USA > Illinois > Woodford County > The Past and present of Woodford County, Illinois : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c.; a directory of its tax-payers; war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; general and local statistics etc > Part 42
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Mr. Carrier established the Blade as an independent paper. As he scarcely realized that this would ever be more than a local paper, he conceived that it would be necessary, in order to secure a sufficient support, that it should be made acceptable to all parties; and, while he remained proprietor, it continued neutral in politics. He continued the publication for two years, when he sold out to H. O. Hedge ; since which time the paper has been Republican in poli- tics. In November, 1877, J. M. Fort, nephew of Hon. G. L. Fort, assumed control as editor and proprietor, Mr. Hedge remaining in connection.
The Blade has had a steadily increasing growth, both in patronage and popularity, ever since its beginning ; and, as it deserves, is well supported, both by subscription and as an advertising medium.
A., F. & A. M.
Rob Morris Lodge, No. 247, of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, with J. B. Garrison as Worshipful Master, and Samuel C. Carithers and Richard Chenowith as Wardens, was authorized by the Grand Lodge, October 7, 1857. This is, comparatively, one of the "ancient " lodges of the State, as the num- ber of lodges in the State, at present, is nearly eight hundred. It was named after the venerable "Poet Mason," Robert Morris, of La Grange, Kentucky, who has made his namesake many pleasant visits, and from whom it has received a number of valuable tokens of friendship and regard. The present
435
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
membership is about sixty. The officers in charge, at this time, are: S. Kid- der, W. M .; E. Harris, S. W .; E. Martin, J. W .; D. Kerr, S. D .; J. Ulyatt, J. D .; J. K. Perry, Sec'y; J. Bixby, Treas'r; J. Snyder, Tyler. The reg- ular meetings are on the 1st and 3d Wednesday evenings of each month.
I. 0. 0. F.
A lodge of this order was established, at this place, October 28, 1868, and is known as Minonk Lodge, No. 377. Its first principal officers and charter members were S. W. Allen, John Morris, John Stoner, John Gmelich and S. W. Barger. This institution, though comparatively young, has increased in numbers quite rapidly ; and numbers, to-day, about seventy members. The present officers are David Kerr, N. G .; J. Sankester, V. G .; Henry Hinkle, Rec. Sec'y ; G. W. Morris, Finan. Sec'y ; F. Presinger, Treas'r. The meet- ings are held on Tuesday evening of each week.
EDUCATION.
The citizens of Minonk take a just and reasonable pride in their schools, and lay claims to superiority in this regard. In this matter, they have been almost always unanimous in their efforts to make the system thorough, sparing neither pains nor money in procuring the best qualified teachers, and providing every means to make the schools efficient, that money would command. The foundation of the system, as mentioned on another page, was laid in 1856. In 1857, the first building for school purposes was erected. It was 20x30 feet, and cost the district $300. In this was installed, as first teacher, John Peck. Mr. Peck was a man who has been eminently a pioneer in the educational field in this place, as on the completion of the new building, some years later, in 1864, he was recalled as its first principal. Mr. Peck held the position of Principal of Schools in several of the towns of Woodford, La Salle and Mar- shall Counties, and his last work was as Superintendent in the last named county. The number of pupils, in actual attendance at the schools, is about six hundred. These are all accommodated in two convenient buildings. The one on the east side of the railroad contains five rooms, and the one on the west side two rooms.
The teachers employed, are seven in number. E. L. Smith, who has held the position for the last three years, is Principal.
The names of the present officers of the Board of Education are: M. L. Newell, President; A. B. Kipp, Secretary; R. Newton, S. Kidder, H. K. Ferrin and V. Herman, Directors.
RETROSPECTIVE.
That truth is stranger than fiction, is well illustrated in the growth of some of our Western cities, which spring forth, bud and blossom, as it were, in a night. Irving's hero of Sleepy Hollow would not have been less surprised, had he taken his twenty years' nap in the vicinity of Minonk. His feelings on
436
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
awaking, must, indeed, have been quite similar. Twenty years ago, there were less than a hundred persons where now are nearly three thousand. Two rail- roads are here, while he must have remembered but one. The depot is larger and has changed its location. Dobson's little store is gone and a fine brick bank occupies its place. The coal-shaft has been sunk. Stores, shops, grain eleva- tors, churches, school houses and dwellings in great numbers meet the sight. The old inn remains, but the changes which have come over it are greater than those which had taken place in that other, where the mystified Van Winkle had formerly taken his drinks and lounged in idleness the livelong day.
WOODFORD STATION.
The village of Woodford Station was laid out for the proprietor, John War- ren, in 1874, and a switch established and a station-house built the following year.
Jacob M. Holder was appointed agent, and has held the position ever since. There are about a score of buildings here.
On the location of the station at this place, Henry Patton opened a store ; and the Government authorized a post office, of which Mr. Patton was appointed Postmaster. He afterward sold out to Samuel Kirk, who also succeeded Pat- ton as Postmaster.
The place also contains a blacksmith shop, which is run by George French, and a grain elevator operated by J. Forney.
The village, though young and small, does a proportion of business equal to that done by other towns on the line of the road.
PALESTINE TOWNSHIP.
Palestine is bounded on the north by Greene Township, on the east by El Paso, on the south by Kansas, on the west by Olio ; and the taxable property, in 1877, was assessed at $458,109.00.
The township equals any other section of the county in the adaptability of its lands to agricultural pursuits, and contains about "half and half " of prairie and timber of the very best quality.
The Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad crosses its northern frontier from east to west, and affords a convenient outlet for the superfluous produce of the farming community.
Panther Creek flows diagonally through it into the Mackinaw River, which runs along the southern boundary, thus supplying most excellent drainage of the soil.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Palestine Township can boast of settlements that are almost as early as any other part of the county. Along the timber of Panther Creek, and in the Mackinaw timber-as the place is still called-settlements were made as early as 1831-32.
OLIVER A. CAVAN PIONEER OF THE VILLAGE OF BENSON ILL.
-
439
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
One among the first comers to this township was Francis M. Willis, whom he old citizens still call Unele Frank Willis. He came from near Frankfort, Ky., in 1829, the year before the deep snow, and at first settled in what is now Cruger Township, about one mile from the village of Eureka. In a few years, he bought Moore's Mill, on Panther Creek. This transaction was made the year before the Black Hawk war. He had a great deal of annoyance from the In- dians, who were quite disposed to steal whenever they could get a chance.
He laid off the town of Bowling Green, about five years after he brought the mill. This mill was a little log structure, which Mr. Willis very much im- proved by adding to it, and for a number of years it was the only mill within a radius of forty or fifty miles. He was a man who had traveled a good deal, and was well informed on all the general questions of the day.
Mr. Willis died in 1875; and his widow still survives him, quite an active old lady, with quite a distinct remembrance of the pioneer days, when one was forced to live as best he might.
When he settled, there were none others in this immediate neighborhood, and but a few families in the Walnut Grove settlement.
James M. and Aaron Richardson came here from Indiana, and were among the very earliest in this part of Woodford County. The Richardsons were originally from Ohio, but James M. settled in Floyd County, Ind., where he remained some time, and came to Illinois, and first stopped on what was called the John Oatman place, in 1830. This was in the Walnut Grove settlement. A few years after, he opened a store in Bowling Green, the first in Palestine Town- ship, and one of the first opened in what afterward became Woodford County. He died in August, 1875; but his widow is living, and resides in the village of Secor. A son, A. A. Richardson, lives near the same village, and is School Treasurer of the township.
Aaron Richardson was in partnership with James M., at Bowling Green, and, when they sold out at that place, Aaron went to Bloomington, where he opened a lumber yard. He died, after he had been there some time, and James went down and remained there three years, settling up his brother's business, and then returned to Palestine Township, where the remainder of his life was spent.
"UNCLE JIMMY " ROBESON,
as he is familiarlly called by everybody, or the Rev. James Robeson, came from Hopkins County, Ky., in 1835, and settled first in Walnut Grove. In 1836, he removed to Washington, and stayed there five months; then returned, and settled permanently in Palestine Township, on Panther Creek. He was in the mercantile business four years, at Bowling Green, when it was one of the most prosperous villages in Woodford County. He then bought a farm just on the line between Olio and Palestine Townships.
When Mr. Robeson settled here, Charles Moore, James M. and Aaron Richardson and Francis M. Willis were about all in this section of the town- N
440
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
ship. Amos and Warren Watkins lived near the line of Olio ; David and Jacob Butcher and H. Butler-whose widow now lives in the village of Secor-were living in Bowling Green ; also, Samuel Arnold and " the Widow " Long lived near the village, and Allen Hart lived on Palestine Prairie.
Mr. Robeson bought his farm from the Richardsons, which he cultivated for many years. He is a minister and has been preaching the Gospel in this county for forty-two years. Lives at present in the village of Secor, and fail- ing health, within the last year, has compelled him to rest from his labors. His work is almost finished, and soon he will receive the summons :
" Well done, thou good and faithful servant ; Enter into the joys of thy Lord."
From " Old Virginia," the population of Palestine Township was increased by Leven P. Hereford, John Van Scyoc and the Sheppards. L. P. Hereford was from Louden County, and came to Illinois in 1836. He settled first in Washington, Tazewell County, and after one year, removed to Clarke County, Ill., where he remained about six years. In 1852, he settled in this township, where he died, in December, 1876.
Van Scyoc came from Marshall County to Illinois, in 1838, and settled in this township, on the border of Palestine Prairie, and where he spent the re- mainder of his life. His son, Anderson Van Scyoc, owns the old homestead, and, altogether, some 1,000 acres or more of very fine land. He commenced his battle with the world a poor man, and the second horse he ever owned he says that he worked at fifty cents a day to pay for. His tax receipt for 1847, which came by accident to our view, was for the amount of $1.02. Thirty years have passed since then, and doubtless his tax receipts run far up into the hundreds.
The Sheppards were also from Marshall County, but of them we know but little.
In addition to those already named, the "Dark and Bloody Ground" sent to the " Holy Land" of Palestine Amos and Warren Watkins, Garnett Arm- strong, Thomas Tucker, Wm. Lucas and perhaps others. The Watkinses settled near the Olio line, and by some are said to have been in Olio Township. Garnett Armstrong was born in Woodford County, from which this county derived its name, and when but eighteen years old went with his father to Indiana, where they remained some years. Mr. Armstrong came to Illinois and settled in Greene Township, just north of Palestine, in 1835, where he lived until 1870, when he removed into the village of Secor, and where he at present resides. William Lucas, another Kentuckian, settled on Palestine prairie in 1840. Thomas Tucker, also from Kentucky, settled near Allen Harts, on Palestine prairie, in 1837. He finally sold ont and removed to Missouri.
J. L. Causey came from Christian County, Ky., and settled in Roanoke Township in 1835. He was originally from North Carolina, and after living
441
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
some time in Kentucky, removed to Tennessee, where he remained a few years and then came to Illinois. He lived four years in Versailles, but then returned to the old neighborhood in Roanoke, where he died in 1870. He was a black- smith, and one of the first in Woodford County, and while living in Versailles, he shod Mr. Bulloeks horse "all round " when " Uncle Tommy " was making Woodford County. He commenced the job about midnight, made the shoes and finished it just at daylight, when Mr. Bullock mounted and started for Spring- field with his petition and long list of names in favor of a new county. His son, J. L. Causey, lives in the village of Secor, and was old enough, when his father came to Illinois, to remember all the trials and hardships of the pioneer life they had to lead, and from him we obtained these items of his father.
From the Carolinas were Charles Moore, Ephraim and Samuel Potter, who settled in this township very early. Ephraim Potter was born in Carolina, and removed to Tennessee, and then to Indiana, where he remained a number of 'years. In 1835, he came to Illinois, and settled in Palestine Township. He bought a claim from Jacob Boylston, and entered other lands. Who Boylston was, where he came from and whither he went we do not know. Mr. Potter was the happy father of eighteen children. He died in 1861, and his widow still lives on the very spot where her husband settled forty-three yearsago. Samuel Potter, a brother of Ephraim, came to Palestine several years after the latter. Mrs. Potter says deer were plenty when they came here, and one could see numbers of them across the prairie, as far as the eye could reach.
Charles Moore settled in the vicinity of Bowling Green, near the line of Olio, where he built a little mill, which was the first, perhaps, in the township, and one of the first in the county, and which he afterward sold to Francis M. Willis. Mr. Moore was one of the very earliest settlers in this section. A. M. Pointer, and a man named Holmes, probably from Tennessee, settled in Palestine about 1836-37, near where Mr. Hart now lives. Pointer removed to Missouri afterward, and Holmes to Iowa.
John G. Mohr came from Wartemburg, Germany, to the United States in 1818. In 1836, he came to Illinois and settled in the north part of Palestine Township, where he still resides, an honored and respected citizen, and one of the wealthy and solid men of the neighborhood.
Allen Hart came from New York, the old Empire State, in 1836-7, and settled first in the village of Hudson, in MeLean County, where he remained one year, and then removed to this township and settled on Palestine prairie, where he still lives on his original homestead. He has a fine farm and one of the finest orchards in the county. Mr. Hart states that deer and wolves were exceedingly plentiful when he settled here, and at night the latter used to howl a monrnfully discordant lullaby, to lure to the settlers
"Tired Nature's sweet restorer."
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HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
But these " wild beasts of the forest," like the Indians and other relics of the "by-gone days," are passed, and, in this section, may now be numbered with the " things that were."
THE FIRST MILL.
Charles Moore built a mill-called then a corn cracker-in the vicinity of Bowling Green, which he finally sold to Francis Willis. This is supposed to have been the first mill in this section, and one of the first, if not the very first, in the county. It was built so long ago that no one now remembers the date. but probably nearly as far back as 1830. IIenry Meek informed us that he helped put the first log into it. James M. and Aaron Richardson built a mill on Panther Creek, near Bowling Green, about 1839, which was a mill of good capacity, did fine work and a great deal of it. For many years, it was the chief mill in this section of country.
The first road through the township was the State road, and which is men- tioned in another chapter, on the authority of Mr. Thomas McCord, of being first laid out by dragging a log through the tall prairie grass.
Palestine is pretty well supplied with bridges over Panther Creek and its tributaries. As to the date of the first one's building, we are unable to learn, but "reckon," as these Virginians and Kentuckians would say, that it was a long time ago.
THE FIRST STORE.
Among the first stores opened in Woodford County was one at Bowling Green, in 1837, by J. M. & Aaron Richardson, as already noted. This was the second place in the county where goods were sold, and was so soon after Tucker's store, at Hanover,* as to pretty well divide the honor with that place. Rev. James Robeson opened a store here soon after the Richardsons, and, with the mills above noticed, Bowling Green became quite a business point, one of the best in the surrounding country.
A post office was established by the Richardsons, who were live, wide-awake business men. At that time Bowling Green was in McLean County, and they were still in business in it when Woodford County was formed. This was the first post office in this section, but it did not last many years, nor did it do much business, as most of the Walnut Grove people got their mail at Washington. Bowling Green flourished for a number of years, and was one of the thriving bus- iness points of the country ; but, like all things terrestrial, it had its time to die. The place that once knew it knows it no more; its parks are a farm, its public square a potato patch, and the corn grows over its once busy streets. The building of railroads through other parts of the country and the springing up of new towns and villages sealed the doom of such places as Bowling Green, remotely situated from the path of the iron horse.
*The present village of Metamora.
443
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
BIRTH, DEATH, MARRIAGE.
The first marriages remembered to have taken place in Palestine Township were Josiah Moore to Louisa Patrick, who were married by Rev. John Oatman, one of the first preachers in the neighborhood. And out on Palestine prairie, John Denman and Rachel Catton married, it is thought, by Rev. Mr. Dixon, about 1840, is supposed to be the first on the prairie and on that side of the county, at any rate. As to the first births and deaths, they commenced too early, and, like Shakespeare's woes, crowded so fast on each other's heels, that no one now living can tell who was the first to open their eyes on a new world, in this township, or the first one from within its borders to cross the dark, unfathomable river.
The Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad was built through Palestine Town- ship in 1856. It was first known as the Eastern Extension of the Peoria & Oquawka Railroad, but afterward changed to its present title. When the rail- road was finished, giving the people an outlet for their grain and stock, property of all kinds in the township advanced, and it soon became one of the most pros- perous towns in the county.
THE CHURCHES.
If Palestine is not a very religious town, it certainly ought to be, consider ing its facilities.
" No devious step * Leads to the hallowed shrine, Where Religion, from her jeweled breast, Dispenses light divine."
And if her people suffer themselves to wander away after " strange gods," it will be their own fault, and they will have to answer the charge in the final wind- up of everything. The town has six church edifices within its borders, and two or three religious organizations more than there are buildings, and most certainly its people cannot lack for spiritual training and consolation. There are three churches in the village of Secor, and three others on Palestine prairie.
The oldest church edifice on the prairie is the Christian Church, which was built in 1873-4, and dedicated in June, 1874. Rev. Mr. McCorkle was Pastor until recently, when ill health compeled him to resign his charge, and his flock is without a minister at present. The church is a frame building, well furnished, and quite a handsome edifice.
The German Evangelical Church was built in 1875, and the Rev. Mr. Davis is Pastor. It is a handsome frame edifice of modern architecture, about 36x44 feet. It was dedicated to the worship of God November 8, 1875. The Church Society is flourishing and has a large membership.
The Centennial Chapel was built in 1876, by the Methodists and United Brethren in partnership, and they use it in common. It cost $1,600, and is a good frame building set on a stone foundation-" founded on a rock." Rev. Mr. Friest is the minister of the United Brethren department, and Rev. Asa
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IIISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
Sparks of the Methodists. There is quite a nice little cemetery attached to this church, and the handsome gravestones show the affection of surviving friends. Betsey Grant, who died in 1845, and whose husband now lives in Kappa, was the first person buried in it. Rev. John Oatman and Rev. James Robeson are supposed to have been the first preachers to proclaim the will of their Master in Palestine Township.
SCHOOLS, ETC.
The first school in this township was taught by Mrs. Clement Oatman, at her own residence, and " Auntie" Richardson says it was forty-six years ago. Iler husband lived southwest of the present village of Secor, and there she taught school at this remote period, which was many years before a school was built in the town, or in Woodford County. The first school house, now remem- bered, was built near Warren Watkins', in 1844, and was a small log hut, with stick and mud chimney. The early records of schools in this township were burned in the fire in Secor, when the large brick hotel was burned (noticed elsewhere), and we can only give a few items from the last annual report of A. A. Richardson, School Treasurer, to the County Superintendent of Schools, which are as follows :
No. of males in township under 21 years.
521
No. of females in township under 21 years
435
Total.
956
No. of males in township between 6 and 21 years
322
No. of females in township between 6 and 21 years.
254
Total
576
No. of males attending school in township.
317
No. of females attending school in township.
209
Total.
526
No. of school districts in township
7
No. of school houses in township ..
7
No. of free public schools sustained in township.
7
No. of months school sustained.
571
Average months school sustained.
83
No. of male teachers employed in the public schools.
8
No. of female teachers employed in the public schools.
11
Total.
19
No. of private schools in township.
1
No. of males attending private school ..
16
No. of females attending private school.
23
No. of teachers employed in private school
1
Estimate value of school property ..
$6,000 00
Estimate valne of school apparatus.
200 00
Principal of township fund.
1,692 60
District tax levy for support of schools
2,745 12
Special district taxes received. 2,676 97
Railroad and other back taxes received. 576 53
Highest monthly wages paid any teacher
60 00
Highest monthly wages paid female teachers 40 00
Lowest monthly wages paid female teachers
25 00
Lowest monthly wages paid male teachers
28 00
Average monthly wages paid male teachers.
43 35
Average monthly wages paid female teachers
32 20
1
445
HISTORY OF WOODFORD COUNTY.
The seven school districts of Palestine Township are all supplied with good, substantial frame buildings, accomplished teachers, and their schools appear to be in the most flourishing condition.
THE HOLY LAND.
This township received its name from Palestine prairie, and the name was given to this magnificent prairie by the early settlers, perhaps from its fancied resemblance to the Promised Land or the Holy Land. With Panther Creek forming its western boundary, which to their fascinated gaze probably represented the river Jordan, and the Mackinaw flowing along its southern limits represented -well, the Dead Sea, perhaps-as they stood upon the confines of this grand prairie, one of the finest in Central Illinois, with its slightly rolling land, undu- lating like billows of the ocean disturbed by the gentle swell, we could not have censured their rhapsody, had they called it Paradise or Eden, instead of Palestine. For more than forty years, this prairie, lying between Panther Creek and the Mackinaw River, has borne the name of Palestine, and when the county was formed into townships in 1852, its name was given to Township 26 north of Range 1 west, and 1 cast of Third Principal Meridian, which runs through it. After township organization, the first Supervisor of Palestine was Allen Hart, one of the old settlers of the town, and a respected citizen. The present Supervisor is A. Van Scyoc, one of the largest farmers of the county, and perhaps the largest of the township.
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