USA > Illinois > Woodford County > The Woodford County history > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
Dr. Charles L. Boon
In 1909 Dr. Charles L. Boon, a native of Linn Township, received his degree from the Chicago College of Medicine and Surgery. After practicing in Shannon and Towanda, he returned to Washburn in 1915 where he served the community until his retirement in 1948. Dr. Boon was active in civie affairs, at one time serving as presi- dent of the Village Board, and as president of the Woodford County Medical Associa- tion. He died in 1951.
Dr. Franklin
Born in Canada, Dr. Franklin attended Creighton Medical School in Omaha, No- braska. He came to Washburn in 1943 and practiced here until 1951. He died in 1959. aged 85 years.
Dr. J. J. Sarmiento
Dr. Sarmiento, born in Bogota. Colombia in 1917. was graduated from Colombia National University as Physician and Sur- geon in 1943. In 1949, he began practice in Washburn where he stayed until 1953, when he moved to Chicago in order to further his studies at the university.
32
Woodford County History
Dr. Armado A. Salas
Dr. Armado A. Salas, a native of Cuba, followed Dr. Sarmiento in his practice, coming to Washburn in 1954. The follow- ing year he was summoned to enter the U.S. Armed Forces. Upon discharge from the service, Dr. Salas located in Henry, and later in Oak Park, Illinois.
Dr. Victor V. Jay
Born in Lithuania, Dr. Jay received his medical training in Germany and the hos- pitals of New York City. He served two years with the U.S. Army Medical Corps. attaining the rank of Captain. In 1955, Dr. Jay began his practice of medicine in Washburn. He is a member of the staff of both St. Margaret's Hospital in Spring Valley and of the Methodist Hospital in Peoria. He is also secretary of the Wood- ford County Medical Association.
Dr. Stephen M. Burdon
After his graduation from the University of Illinois Medical School in 1913, Dr. S. M. Burdon located in Lowpoint and for 53 years faithfully served a large area before his retirement in 1967. He was, indeed, the prototype of the revered "country doctor", calling on patients at all hours, from the days of the horse and buggy to the present day motorized travel. Among other high- lights of his long and distinguished career, he delivered almost 3,000 babies in his community.
George P. Gill, Attorney-at-Law
In 1895, George P. Gill, attorney-at-law and notary public, was also a real estate agent in Washburn, with offices over Harper's store. He later moved to Lacon.
John R. Tweddale, Attorney-at-Law
John R. Tweddale prepared for his bar examination by reading law in the office of George Gill. He had been in the gro- cery, men's furnishings, and jewelry busi- ness which burned in Washburn's fire of 1887. Mr. Tweddale was elected State's Attorney of Woodford County in 1904 and again in 1924, this time serving for a period
of eight years. In 1910 he was appointed Master in Chancery for a two-year term.
Mr. Tweddale, a member of the Metho- dist Church and of Washburn Lodge A.F. and A.M., lived to become the oldest inhabitant of Washburn. In August, 1962, he celebrated his 99th birthday, and passed away in September of that year.
Organizations
Instituted in 1864, Washburn A.F. and A.M. is the town's oldest fraternal organi- zation. James Freeman was its first Wor- shipful Master. Meetings were held in the lodge room over the Thomas drug store on the county line. With the building, about 1870, of the Roberts-Patrick general store, the upper story came to be used by the various lodges as a meeting place.
In December 1904 the Roberts-Patrick building, with all others on the east side of the north block of the business district, were demolished by fire. It was at that time that the lodges rented the second floor of the Fuiks building that is today used by the Masons and Eastern Star, and was also used by the Odd Fellows for many years. This building is now owned by the Masonic Lodge. The lodge has a membership of 125, the present Worship- ful Master is Robert Lear.
In 1898 there were, in addition to the Masonic organization, Odd Fellows, Mod- ern Woodmen of America, Grand Army of the Republic, Women's Relief Corps, Women's Christian Temperance Union, Rebekahs, Chautauqua Circle, and Mystic Workers, who held their meetings in Wash- burn.
Modern Woodmen of America, Camp 1821, holds annual meetings for election of officers and financial report. There are 33 adult and five junior members. Present officers are: Ralph Laible, Consul; Floyd Stonier, Advisor; Jerry Barnes, Watchman; R. L. Pacey, Sentry; and Dr. S. M. Burdon, Physician.
The Household Science Club, with Mrs. S. M. Robinson as president, was organized in November 1910, and for several years met in the Charles H. Ireland home. The
33
Cazenovia Township
last of its charter members, Mrs. C. L. Jury. passed away in August 1967. It was a fore- runner of the Washburn Woman's Club which has sponsored many community improvements. The Washburn Woman's Club also sponsored the Junior Woman's Club. Present officers are-Mrs. John Damerell, president; Mrs. E. L. Robin- son, vice-president; Mrs. Charles Danhof, secretary; and Mrs. II. E. Tweddale, treas- urer.
Boy Scouts. Boy Scout Troop 67 at present has a membership of 25-30. There is also a Cub Scout pack and a Webelos group.
There are four 4-H Clubs in Cazenovia Township. they are: Thrifty Thrivers, Lowpoint-Washburn Whirlwinds, Prairie Lads and Lassies, and The Pins and Pans 4-HI Club.
Fire Department
Two chemical fire engines were pur- chased by the town in 1915, to reinforce the bucket brigade. In December of the same year the fire company organized with Max Beschorner as chief. By September of 1924 the Volunteer Fire Company had a new first truck, fully equipped. Another new truck was purchased in February of 1929. The Volunteer Firemen had be- longed to the Woodford County organiza- tion previously, and then in 1958 again joined the County Association. The pres- ent Fire District was organized in June of 1964. Twenty men in Washburn, five in LaRose. and five in Lowpoint belong to the Volunteer Fire Department. Four pieces of equipment are stationed in Wash- burn, one each in LaRose and Lowpoint.
The Ladies Auxiliary to the firemen was organized in July 1965. and all ladies whose husbands are Volunteer Firemen hold membership therein. Officers are: Mrs. Milton Koch, president: Mrs. Elmer Nuske, vice-president; and Mrs. Harold Schumacher, secretary-treasurer.
A new fire hall was built and was dedi- cated in April 1967, although the firemen held their first meeting there in January 1967. Officers of the Washburn Volunteer Fire Department are: Tom Kizer, fire
chief: Arthur Strauch, Ist Lt .; Milton Koch. 2nd Lt .: Harold Holm, secretary-treasurer.
The Order of the Eastern Star lost its charter and other furnishings in the fire that destroyed the lodge hall. It was not reorganized until 1920, when a charter was issued to Washburn Chapter No. 839. Washburn, Illinois. The new chapter was instituted in October 1920, with the aid of Lacon Chapter No. 673. Viola Bucking- ham and Adolph Woltzen were the first Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron. There were 21 charter members, of which Mrs. Guida Ireland, Mrs. Hazel Owen and Mrs. Mabelle Ramsey remain. There are 10S members at present, one of whom, Peg Abel, is a Grand Lecturer. Present officers are: Elizabeth funker, Worthy Matron and Harry Stockstill, Worthy Patron.
American Legion Post 661. In 1921 Wash- burn formed the largest American Legion Post in Woodford County. Application for a charter was made on June 25, 1920, to form Post 661. There were 29 charter mem- bers, of whom twelve remain. A Soldiers and Sailors Club had been established in 1919.
Much time was spent in building the Log Cabin on Parkside Drive. The build- ing was completed in 1938 and on August 4th was dedicated. At present the Post has 125 members and officers are: Francis Montgomery, Commander; Harold ( Mike ) Crank. Sr. vice-commander; Raymond Montgomery, Jr., vice-commander: Walter Braun, adjutant; and F. N. Ireland. finance officer.
On October 9, 1923, a Ku Klux Klan meeting was held, but no organization re- sulted.
Golden Rule Club. In 1924. 26 business- men met for dinner and during the discus- sion which ensued the Golden Rule Club was born. The club was primarily to pro- mote business and interest in Washburn. The name was later changed to the Civic Club, and in 1931 the Club was absorbed by the Lions Club, which sponsors many worthwhile community projects. Present officers of the Lions Club are: Keith Me-
34
Woodford County History
Clully, president; J. HI. Buckingham, Ist vice-president; C. L. Vandeveer, 2nd vice- president; Larry Points. secretary; and Norman Zook, treasurer.
Izaak Walton. Meeting at Bonnie View Cottage on January 20, 1928, over 40 men, all lovers of the out-of-doors, formed the F. H. DeVol chapter of the Izaak Walton League. Officers elected at the organiza- tion were-J. E. Strauch, president; C. E. Spangler, vice-president; Adolph Woltzen, secretary-treasurer. At present the Izaak Walton League maintains a recreation area in Worth Township.
Washburn Business Woman's Club, which organized in October 1930 for social purposes, has contributed liberally to community activities. Mrs. Grant R. Cordes was the organization's first presi- dent. Other charter members who still re- tain their membership are: Mrs. Ora De- Bolt, Mrs. Edwin Imhoff and Mrs. Earl Rickett.
The Junior Woman's Club was organ- ized in 1934, with Mrs. Morris ( Rheta Cordes) Kuhlman, president. This group, too, has sponsored many special projects for community betterment. Officers are: Mrs. Darrell Lasswell, president; Mrs. William Short, vice-president; Mrs. Wayne Klein, secretary; Mrs. Gary MeCully, cor- responding secretary; and Mrs. Mary Ann Jury, treasurer.
The Washburn Women's Christian Tem- perance Union was organized of interde- nominational women of this community in 1934, with eight charter members, and now
numbers 37 members. The W.C.T.U. has a wide range of service projects. Local of- ficers are-Mrs. Melvin Christ, president; Mrs. Robert Dennis, vice-president; Miss Della Ehringer, secretary; and Mrs. Emer- son Braun, treasurer. The Illinois state president is Miss Juanita Whisler of rural Lowpoint.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 66I was organized in 1934, with 14 charter mem- bers, eight of whom remain. One Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Elsie Meils, and two Gold Star Sisters, Mrs. Emma Bratt and Mrs. Bennie Jenkins, are members of Unit 66I. Mrs. Kathryn Tjaden was the first president. Membership at present is 66 adults and 17 juniors. Present officers are- Mrs. Bonnie Jenkins, president; Mrs. Thel- ma Robinson, vice-president; Mrs. Rowena Laible, secretary; and Mrs. Grace Dam- erell, treasurer.
Homemakers Extension Association be- gan as Home Bureau. The Cazenovia Unit was organized in 1940. At present there are 34 members. Officers are-Mrs. Ben Warnke, president; Mrs. Walter Krech, Ist vice-president; Mrs. Paul Zook, 2nd vice-president; Mrs. Edwin Imhoff, secre- tary; and Mrs. Norman Zook, treasurer.
Richard Barnes of Washburn is Wood- ford County Farm Bureau president.
The L-W-L ( Lowpoint-Washburn-La- Rose) Businessmen's Club was organized in 1964. Membership is 26 and the officers are-John Danhof, president; Willard Zoss, vice-president; and Jack Phillips, secretary- treasurer.
Clayton Township
by MRS. ROSE TOOLE
BY IS40 THE GROVES along Panther and Crow creeks had been pretty well settled, but from one grove to another, perhaps a distance of ten miles, not a house could be scen. It was all open prairie, the hand of man and the forces of nature had not come in conflict.
Indian troubles had checked immigration to Illinois for a time, but with the exodus of the Indians, the settlers began arriving. Since they found the land along the creeks already occupied, they began to build their cabins out in the open prairies.
The northwestern part of Woodford County, comprising Linn, Clayton, and Minonk townships, was the last to be oc- cupied. The main reason for its develop- ment was the construction of the Illinois Central Railroad.
Early Pioneers
Some settlers came to Linn in IS40 and many came before the organization of the two townships in 1855. After quite a num- ber of settlements had been established in Linn, the settlers began to open in Clayton.
In the spring of 1854, John Linn came from Kentucky and started to build a house on Section 19. Soon afterward James Liv- ingston, who had been in the neighborhood For a year, brought his family from New Hampshire and established a home. Milton Hicks and Jefferson Shepler came soon after that and built houses.
Adolphus W. Forney came to Illinois from Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania. He purchased 240 acres in Clayton Town- ship. Section 35, settling here March 28, 1854. The Forneys raised six sous. Eventu- ally they sold their land to Edwin Tallyn in
ISSS and moved to Nebraska. One son, Alfred E., later returned to Clayton Town- ship.
In the spring of 1855, the John W. Davi- son family settled in Clayton. Four brothers of this family came to Illinois, three settled in Woodford County. J. M. Davison was elected school trustee at the first election in the township. P. H. Davison served as county treasurer, D. W. Davison as coro- ner, and D. Il, Davison served 30 years as surveyor.
Many other settlers came in 1855. Jacob McChesney and Henry Lohnes came from Rensselaer County, New York, Jacob Rob- inson, Samuel Knowles, and William Worthington also came in 1855. Wait Up- hoff, who first came to Peoria from Ger- many, came to this community about two years later. Ilis sons Adam W., Bart W., John W., and Bernard W. were closely con- nected with the farming community near Benson. In 1856 Henry Memmen came to the township. He too, had come to Peoria from Germany in the early 50's.
In the fall of 1856, Anthony Tallyn and wife settled in Clayton Township, where they had purchased 200 acres in Section 29. They had come from Devonshire, England in 1848, coming to Kickapoo, Illinois. They lived there about ten years before coming to Clayton Township. Joseph Tallyn, An- thony's brother, bought adjoining land and came to his locality about the same time.
In 1858 F. D. Learned came here from Lee County, having originally come from New Hampshire. For many years he was identified with the business and political life of the county. The John G. Hindert family came from Germany in IS54 and
35
36
Woodford County History
settled in Marshall County. In 1858 they settled in the eastern part of Clayton Township.
A later settler was Adam Eckhart who came here from Ohio as a young man in 1862. His sons, Jake E., Henry, and Ed- ward, became businessmen in Benson.
Growth was gradual at first, so when Peter Gommels settled here in 1869, there were but few houses. They were small, usually consisting of two rooms.
The Illinois Central Railroad had been completed, but there were no stores or shops when the early settlers came. Trade was carried on with the river towns with many families in this part of the country doing their marketing at Lacon.
Organization of Linn and Clayton
Clayton and Linn were embraced in a single precinct for four years until 1859. At the time of Township Adoption Aet in 1855, there were barely enough inhabitants in the two towns (townships) for one organization. The precinct embracing the Congressional Towns 28 N, R I W, and 28 N, R I E, was organized April 3, 1855 and in anticipation of a future separation was called "Linn and Clayton."
During the four years the townships re- mained in one precinct, the population in- creased very rapidly, so when the separa- tion took place, there were 270 voters in Linn and Clayton. The actual population was about 1,200. This was an increase of 300%.
Organization of Clayton
On September 20, 1858, the legal voters of that part of the precinct known as Linn presented a petition to the Board of Super- visors, setting forth their desire to become a separate township. The request was granted and separate elections were or- dered for the next spring.
After the order for the separation had been given the voters of Clayton, 79 in number, met at the Jefferson school on April 5, 1859 to elect officers. The officers of the new township were: J. P. Robinson,
supervisor; tlenry Lohnes, clerk; James Livingston, assessor; J. Forney, collector; Thomas Shreeves, postmaster; F. P. Tut- hill and F. H. Lockwood, magistrates; Hiram Livingston, William Linn, and C. N. Darling, commissioners of highways; C. II. Robinson and W. Cole, constables. At that time there was a population of 398 in the township.
Description of Clayton Township
Clayton Township, 2SN, Range 1 east of the Third Principal Meridian, is bounded on the north by Marshall County, on the east by Minonk Township, on the south by Green Township and on the west by Linn Township. It is six miles square and con- tains 36 full sections.
The land in the eastern part was nearly level; in the west somewhat rolling. The land was rich, the soil deep, and well adapted for the production of corn. There was scarcely an aere that was not tillable. There was no timber, but groves were set out by the owners. Sloughs and a branch of Crow Creek were the only natural water supply for the stock, but plenty of water was obtained from wells at a depth of 20 to 40 feet. By 1910 the entire township was well drained and most of it under cultiva- tion.
Benson
Benson is the only village in Clayton Township. The Chicago, Pekin and South- western Railroad was built through the township and completed in the fall of 1872. it was soon realized that this would be a good business point and people became in- terested in its development.
The original town consisted of 38 acres on the west side of the railroad, on prop- erty owned by John Weast. It was laid ont by County Surveyor D. H. Davidson, Feb- ruary 20, 1873. On April 3, 1874, an addi- tion of 27 aeres on the east side of the track was laid out, and was known as Weast's Addition. (John Weast was the original owner of the whole town. ) The town was named in honor of S. H. Benson of Streator,
37
Clayton Township
1
-
old Mill.
Bensan Ill.
2631
The old Dutch mill built in 1872 in Benson.
who was the railroad's general freight agent at the time.
The township had been settled almost 20 years before the town was laid so there were farm houses not far from it and one farm house was located within its limits. O. A. Cavan moved a house from Greene Township into town and it became part of his hotel. F. D. Learned built the first house in town in 1873.
Jourgen Harms and George Kirtchner opened the first store in 1873, carrying a stock of general merchandise. Before long, F. D. Learned opened a drug store. A building was erected on the corner of Front and Clayton streets by Strawn and Rannie, who conducted a general store.
Lyman Ballow was the first station agent and was succeeded by Dan Davis, F. D. Learned had been appointed postmaster and the first mail was received in Benson in March, 1873 in the office connected with the drugstore.
In 1874, Joseph Benkler opened a har- ness shop. The same year saw the comple- tion of Samuel Peterson's elevator. Other business places were built by Benjamin
Mauer, E. Duden, Barbara Weast, Uphoff Bros., and A. H. Ahrens. Henry Forney also built a hotel.
In 1876 the first brick building was erected by Jourgen Harms and Henry Heineke. Soon after this Chark Memmen and Heineke opened a brick yard and tile factory. The next year it was purchased by Simon Peterson. There were three kilns, a drying shed and a mill house. Power was furnished by a steam engine. This business was in continuous operation until 1907.
The following businesses had all been established by 1878:
Dry goods and groceries-Sauer and
Holland, Peter Petri, and Harms and Woltzen.
Lumber-Cavan Bros. and George Fritz and Co.
Hardware-Abrahams and Zinser.
Millinery-Barbara Weast, and Decker and Harms.
Jewelry-Charles Lauenstein.
Flour Mill-Schmidt Bros.
Agricultural Implements-G. Fritz and Co.
Ilotel-A. A. Cavan.
Wagon Maker-Thomas Backer.
The first physician in Benson was Dr.
38
Woodford County History
D. M. Slemmons, who came here on August 9, 1873. Dr. Louis A. Austman came here from Peru, Illinois in 1874.
In 1878 the town was incorporated. The first officers were: president, D. Davis; trustees, Charles Lauenstein, John Schmidt, Peter Petri, Henry Heineke, John Weast; clerk, O. A. Tucker; treasurer, O. A. Cavan. Benson Mill. The history of Benson should not be written without an account of the famous Benson mill that drew the atten- tion of people far and wide. Anyone who had lived in Benson delighted in recalling it. This old Dutch mill, constructed by J. M. Schmidt and his brother in 1872, was patterned after the old-style Dutch monster of pre-historie days. (This mill stood as a monument to the industry of two sturdy Hollanders who came to Benson when the prairie dogs and wolves were still inhabitants of this section of the country. )
The mill received its power from four great wings which were propelled by the wind. These were each 40 feet in length and consisted of lattice work on which canvas could be stretched. The huge blades turned the machinery which was largely made of wood. One of the great wooden wheels, below, measured 12 feet 7 inches in diameter. The wooden cog wheels were made with great skill and were fitted with precision.
In 1895 the mill was bought by F. H. Thielen, a native of Germany. He installed an engine and new machinery and, instead of grinding wheat, buckwheat was ground into "Morning Glory Buckwheat Flour" and "Saal's Prepared Buckwheat Flour." In 1902 Thielen enlisted additional capital and organized The Benson Manufacturing Co. and began the manufacture of baking powder and extracts which were said to be the purest and best on the market.
Later, the mill became the property of J. 11. Monk and was no longer used. Fi- nally, Bruce Kinding became the owner and dismantled the famous landmark, us- ing some of the lumber to build the house now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Broers.
Publications. The first newspaper pub-
lished in Benson was the Benson Post. B. W. Kinsey began the publication in 1895, but a short time later sold his interest to D. Davis, who later transferred the paper to Minonk.
In 1899, H. D. Lewis came to Benson from Eureka and began to publish the Benson Bee, which was a weekly publica- tion. The subscription rate was one dollar a year. On February 5, 1904, Mr. Lewis published an Industrial Edition in which he wrote about all the businessmen and their places of business. Many interesting facts for this history were taken from that paper. Lewis sold his interest to John Eimers. Later Mr. Morwood, a former minister at the Baptist church, published the paper. Eldon Heighway was the last publisher of the Bee.
Growth of the Village. An industrial is- sue of the Benson Bce, published on Feb- ruary 5, 1904, shows that the village had made much progress the first 30 years of its existence. Many attractive homes had been built and numerous business places had been established. This can readily be seen in the following list:
J. E. Eckhart & Co .- General Contrac- tors (owners, Jake & Henry Eckhart ) Benson Mill-Fred Thielen
Roth & Gommels-General Merchandise
(owners, Jacob Roth, E. J. Gommels and Louis Roth )
Painter and Decorator-J. C. Silldorff
Carpet Weaver-Chris Keinhofer
Restaurant and Bakery (delicacies and ice cream)-T. H. Kleen
Elevator-S. L. Peterson
Saloon-H. J. Heineke
Threshing and Shelling (7 outfits )-S. L. Peterson
Real Estate-Harms and Peterson
Hardware and Implements-Herman Woltzen & Co.
Shelling and Threshing-H. Woltzen and A. G. Reiner
General Merchandise-Hoffman and Bentfeld
Briek and Tile Business-Charles Peter- son, manager
Physician-Dr. D. Ferdinand Seidl
Auctioneer-J. F. Huxtable
Elevator-James Shields
Painter and Decorator-J. W. Hook
39
Clayton Township
Funeral Director (also furniture dealer and wagon manufacturer )-B. E.
Backer
General Merchandise, Woltzen Bros .- Henry and Simon
Clothing Store-A. Fine
Saloon-11. R. lleiken
Druggist-F. E. Learned
Butcher Shop, Schroeder & Co .- Theo. and Albert Schroeder
Veterinarian-M. Faw Postmaster-Daniel Davis Station Agent-August Schneider
Clayton Township Tax Collector-W. C. Monk
Elevator. In describing Clayton Township. historians stated that the soil was well adapted for the production of corn. Natur- ally, this would create a need for grain buyers and elevators. In 1904, Benson was reported to be the busiest trading point on the Santa Fe between Chicago and Pekin.
Samuel Peterson built the first elevator in Benson in 1873. It had a capacity of 10,000 bushels. Later, when it was operated by his son S. L. Peterson, the elevator's capacity was increased. They handled about 100,000 bushels of grain a year.
The next year, 1874, a company com-
posed of J. B. Miller, A. II. Brubaker, and F. D. Learned built a second elevator with a capacity of 15.000 bushels. This elevator was operated by Miller and Brubaker for Bartlett and Co. of Peoria. They handled about 200,000 bushels of grain a year. In addition to the grain business they shipped about 4.000 head of hogs a year. In 1895, J. F. Huxtable bought this elevator. Later it became the property of Jake Eckhart. HIe sold it to Sherman Evey, and the Farmers Co-op purchased it from him.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.