The history of Adams County Illinois : containing a history of the county - its cities, towns, etc. a biographical directory of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion; general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 71

Author:
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : Murray, Williamson & Phelps
Number of Pages: 1254

USA > Illinois > Adams County > The history of Adams County Illinois : containing a history of the county - its cities, towns, etc. a biographical directory of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion; general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 71

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The first school was taught during the winter of 1843-44 by Otis Thompson in an upper room of Joseph Leverett's dwelling. The summer school following was taught by Miss Walton, now Mrs. A. M. Richards. The first school-house was built during the summer of 1844, near the center of the district on land appropriated by Joseph Leverett, said building being constructed by voluntary labor. It was a creditable building in its day, and was used as a place of worship for many years.

Henry Grimmer 1863

T. H. Richards .1864

L. Hoffman. 1865

Thos. J. Enlow. 1866

Ed. James 1867

J. O. Lytle. .1868

Edwin Cleveland. 1869

R. A. Mehaffy 1870

I. N. Enlow. 1871

Edward Fairfax. 1872

G. R. Stewart .. 1873

Jno. H. Rumpf 1874

W. H. Merz. 1875

Samuel Corbin. 18.76

A. B. Wheeler 1857

Levi Wolf 1858

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

A new building was erected the following summer-one more credita- . ble to the district-under the judicious management of W. H. Thompson, A. Slade, and E. B. Hughes. The geographical situation is somewhat re- markable, lying on the dividing waters of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, making its location one of the highest and most sightly in the county. From near the center, and especially during the winter season, a view may be had of the following towns and villages: Payson, Newtown, Liberty, Columbus, Coatsburg, Paloma, and Keokuk Junction. From one stand- point on section 1 the water falls to the four points of the compass, and the beholder can see at a glance thousands of acres of the most fertile lands in the county. At the present writing it contains a population of 140 souls, and is ocenpied by able and practical farmers who pride them- selves in the advancement and the good morals of the community. A Sabbath-school has long flourished in this community, who feel that intelligence coupled with Christianity are more potent than the sword of Achilles, or the artillery of Napoleon, and are the sure safe-guards of our commonwealthı. Present teacher, Miss Emma Lytle, has served the school with great satisfaction. Mr. Wm. H. Thompson is chairman of the board of school trustees.

School District No. 4, section 29, known as Tandy school. The school- house was first built in 1850, a small brick building, 25x30, in what was then considered very modern style-high ceilings, large windows, to lower or raise by weights and pulleys-a good, substantial, comfortable, and well- furnished school-house; better than was usually seen in those days. Among the patrons of the school, and those who contributed. largely to its support, were Win. H. Tandy, Chas. M. Morton, Israel Morris, John Aten, Thomas Hughes, W. B. Wheeler, and M. W. Smith. It was named the "Washing- ton Hall" school-house.

The first school was taught by Franklin Richards, son of Wm. Rich- ards, Esq., near the village of Burton. He taught the winter term of six months, and soon after married Miss Catharine V. Tandy, daughter of Mr. Wm. Tandy, and now resides in the old Tandy homestead, about a quarter of a mile from the school-house. In the spring of 185- Mr. Ambrose F. Newman, of Eastern birth and education, took charge of the school, and taught it with the best of success for over five years.

The next teacher was Mr. H. R. Lewis, a Presbyterian minister who then lived in Newtown, followed by Mr. Willard B. Spaulding, a graduate of Keene College, New Hampshire, a very intelligent, highly educated gen- tleman, of refined manners. He was succeeded by Chas. A. Kendall. now living near Barry, Ill., a very successful teacher, Messrs. Whitney, Lion- berger, Morris, Nesbitt, and Miss Hannah Hibner, Hattie Morton, Mrs. H. Kay, and many others. In 1865 the old brick was torn down and replaced by a large and commodious stone building which is now in good condition and largely attended. It is situated in a very pleasant neighborhood, and the patrons are mostly men of wealth and culture, who appreciate a good school and the advantages derived from it, and always try to secure the services of efficient teachers and pay them good wages, and now is called the "Tandy school-house."

Newton School District, No. 5, section 27, was first taught in the Presbyterian Church, by Miss Harriet Spencer, who taught several terms. The patrons of the school at that time were Josiah Read, Warren Miller William Wells, George Wells, Laris Pulman, James Ward, Roberts and

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Elliot. Miss Ennis Kimball taught in 1842. Josiah Read in 1843. He was a man of great intelligence, educated in Northfield College, Mass., also attended Chesterfield College, N. H., and was a very successful teacher for three or four terms. He still lives in section 26, where he first settled. Elizabeth Ballard taught in 1844, Elizabeth Wells in 1845, Wm. V. Onslow in 1846, Sarah Wells in 1846 and 1847, followed by Amy Wells and .others.

About 1855 a new school-house was built, and Mr. Spencer A. New- man taught the first school in it, followed by Miss Lucy Alford, and E. M. Williams. R. P. Kendall assisted by Hattie A. Morton taught the winter term of 1856-57. J. D. Duncan taught in 1858, Miss Hannah P. Eaton in 1859, Phoebe Ells in 1860, J. W. Morris, Susan Gabriel, O. M. Stone fol- lowing. About 1862, the school having become so large that the school- house could not accommodate so many, the old Presbyterian church was purchased and fitted up for a school-room by Messrs. Herbert Tandy, Nes- bitt, Read, Tibbitts, and others. Miss Jennie Morton taught the primary in 1868; Miss Norris, the higher department in the hall over Tripp's store. In 1870 a new school-house was built in the northwest part of town, 40x50, with two rooms, at a cost of $4,000. William Kay, assisted by his wife, taught the first school in it. Rev. Mr. McKorcle taught three or four terms, assisted by his daughter, Mary, and by Miss Josephine Hughes. Mr. Chas. Read and Miss Elodie Richards taught in 1876-77, Charles Read and Mary Roe in 1877-78, Isaac Cutter and Mary Roe, the present teachers, in 1878-79. The school is well graded and classified, and numbers about 100 scholars. The present directors are Leonard Hoffman, Levi Gettzs, and Granville Bookout.

Independence School .-- The school-house was built in 1846. The patrons of the school, and those who helped to build the house and support the school were Garrett Stewart, John Felt, Jacob Sharp, John G. Lightfoot, Jacob Helm, and Jackson Norton. Of these, Garrett Stewart alone survives. The school-house is quite near his residence, which has ever been a home for the teachers. The first person who taught the school was Mr. Martin, a very strict, stern man, but a very good teacher. He was followed by Michael, then John Moore, Joseph Lummis, and Franklin Newman, who was a very superior teacher, well educated and well liked. His pupils remember him with affection. He died several years ago. Mr. Adrian Tandy taught the school in 1849, followed by. Thomas Brunton, who taught several terms, and was a very experienced teacher, having been engaged in teaching so long that some of his former pupils are grandfathers and grandmothers now. He was followed by David Wells, of Newtown (since deceased), Joseph Morton, who taught several terms, and Mr. Wm. B. Fisher, of Columbus, Ill., Miss Hattie Morton, in 1856 (the school was very large at that time, well-attended, and a very interesting and advanced school), Mr. E. B. Dunwell, Mr. Sherben King, Miss Jennie Morton, Mr. Geo. King, a graduate of Yale College, Miss Drusilla Powell, Ann Taylor, and others; in 1869 Mr. E. P. Moore (he was proficient in elocntion, and declamation at school exhibitions was then very much in vogue), Mr. John Murphy, Miss Margaret Best, Kate Buckingham, W. Landon, Geo. Richards, and Miss Eunice King, who now is teaching her second term. The school now averages about twenty scholars. About 1861 or 1862 the German Lutherans built a school-house in the same district, and more than half the children attend the German

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

school. The present board of directors is George Stewart, Robert Mehaffy, and A. M. Samuels.

Burton School No. 3. According to the records of 1847, the board of directors was Joseph H. Childers, Josiah Richards, and Granville Corbin, J. Richards being treasurer. J. P. Cadogan was the first teacher who ever taught in the district, but owing to the defacing of the records it is impos- sible to state the amount of his salary or length of time taught. The school was held in the historical "log school-house," for several years, when the present building, a one-story frame, of one room, was built. The attendance is usually large, numbering about eighty, but is gen- erally taught by one teacher. Among those who have served the dis- trict as directors was S. S. Meacham, Elijah M. King, Wm. Richards, Noah Swain, Henry Cooper, I. N. Enlow, and Dr. W. M. Landon, the last two mentioned serving many years at different times. The present board are Geo. Schafer, Geo. Able, Henry Mullenhouer, the former acting as clerk of the board. The school, though large, has generally been under good control, and many who now hold prominent positions in life received their first lessons in Burton. Of the teachers who have held positions in the school, with credit to themselves and profit to the district, may be mentioned Miss Sarah J. Underhill, a finely educated lady, Mr. J. A. Mc- Craynor, a man of superior disciplinary ability, whose merits were highly appreciated by the people of Burton, and whose influence will be of lasting benefit to the school; Mr. P. A. Sickal. a man who enjoys a good reputation as a teacher in Adams county. D. W. Landon, who received his education in Burton, held the position of teacher for a number of years, and is now an M. D. of great popularity in his native town. W. E. Enlow, also educated at Burton, taught the school very successfully a number of terms, and is at present town clerk. The present incumbent is W. C. Robinson, who is serving a nine-months contract. The names above mentioned are of those who have served in the latter years of the school, the names of but few of the former teachers having been recorded.

CHURCHES.

The first church was organized by Caleb Sewell, who was a Free Will Baptist minister from Lowell, Mass. Subsequently the Methodists organ- ized a church under the leadership of Daniel Hughes.

The Methodists were the last to proclaim the Gospel in the old school building, and modestly retired to the new church known as Pleasant Grove Church. The building was repaired in 1868, and was burned on the night of December 18, 1875.

Pleasant Grove Church was built in 1866, at a cost of $3,000. It was dedicated by Rev. Reuben Andrus, D. D., name, M. E. Church. The board of trustees at the time of building the house was Garrett Stewart, Elijah Thompson, Daniel Hughes, Daniel H. Carlin, John S. Wilson and Jas. Shipman. The number of members then was twenty. The present board are H. J. Vickers, J. F. Hughes, G. R. Stewart, J. F. Sparks. Pres- ent number of members, sixteen. First pastor, Curtis Powell; Wm. R. Gooding, second; Robert Honnold, third; James Sinnock, fourth; G. S. Ferree, fifth; Samuel Shinn, sixth; Reuben Gregg, seventh; T. J. Bryant, eighth and present pastor. Among those who contributed largely to aid in building the church were Daniel Hughes, who moved to Payson, James

(DECEASED) BURTON TOWNSHIP

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Shipman, who moved to Kansas, E. B. Hughes, J. F. Hughes, Garrett Stewart, and many others ; preaching every alternate Sabbath; officers of this church amenable to the Quarterly Conference of the M. E. church on Columbus circuit; Miss Julia Slade, organist. A well attended and flour- ishing Sabbath-school is maintained.

The Baptist Church at Newtown was organized May 24, 1873; Elder R. Gibson, moderator, and H. L. Tandy, secretary. Charles M. Morton, Giles S. Lewis, and H. L. Tandy were chosen deacons; J. F. Richards, clerk; H. L. Tandy, treasurer. At the organization the church numbered thirty- six members. In the fall of 1873 a meeting-house was built and dedicated, costing about $4,000. The first pastor was Elder Kelly, called March, 1874. He died while engaged in a protracted meeting in March, 1875. Elder H. Steele then became pastor of the church when his labors closed. Elder Yates, pastor of the Payson Baptist Church, preached every Sabbath evening for one year. In April, 1878, Elder Wm. Hawker accepted a call to become pastor, and is still preaching for the church. The church has a flourishing Sabbath-school, H. L. Tandy, superintendent, and at present numbers seventy-one members.

Presbyterian Church .- At a meeting held January 25, 1839, at New- town, Adams county, Illinois, called for the purpose of taking into consideration the desirability of organizing a Presbyterian Church in that place, it was unanimously resolved by the persons present at the meeting to take the initiatory steps toward organization. Messrs. Wells, Roe, and Warren Miller were then appointed a committee to lay the subject before the Congregational Church in Payson, and ask the concurrence of that church in their action, and letters of dismis- sal for all persons desiring to identify themselves with the new organi- zation. In due time the committee above named submitted the mat- ter to the Payson church, which gave its unanimous approval, and granted to all persons wishing to identify themselves with the new organi- zation letters of dismissal and commendation. Matters being now in a fair way to perfect the organization of a Presbyterian Church, a meeting was called for the purpose and held Feb. 26, 1839, and upon invitation the following named were present: Revs. Thomas Cole, Warren and Nichols to assist in the organization. The following named persons then presented their certificates of dismissal from the Congregational Church of Payson: William Wells, Phoebe Wells, Lewis Roe, Caroline Roe, Warren Miller, Phoebe Ann Miller, Elizabeth J. Wells, Amy A. Wells, James Stober, Janette Stober, Eliza Stober, Desia Wells, Catherine Wells, Mary Wells, Alice Wells, Catherine Wells, 2d, Harriet E. Wells, and Samuel Reed, and were constituted the Presbyterian Church of Newtown. The min- ister first in charge of the church was the Rev. Thomas Cole, who resigned in 1841. The first ruling elders of the church were William Wells, Lewis Roe, and Warren Miller. May, 1841, the Rev. Lycurgus P. Kimball com- menced his labors with the church, remaining with it till February, 1843. The pulpit of the church then remained vacant two years. In June, 1845, the Rev. H. C. Abernethy commenced a ministry which continued into 1850. Over three years now pass away before a regular minister is again obtained. During this period of the history of the church, difficulties arose among the members which led to a division, and the organization of the Newtown Congregational Church. From this division may be dated the decline of Presbyterianism at Newtown. In 1853 the Rev. G. F.

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Davis commenced to labor with the church, remaining with it till 1855. Succeeding him was the Rev. William Herrit, who commenced his labors in 1857, and continued to discharge the duties of his office faithfully till 1862. During Mr. Herrit's ministry preaching was transferred by the advice of the Presbytery from Newtown to Independence, that a conflict of interests with the Congregational Church might be avoided. At this period and for about five years after, the church had to go through the deep waters of affliction, and, with the exception of a little supply preach- ing by Presbytery, and a short period of service on the part of the Rev. Mr. McCoy, it remained, as it seemed, unnoticed and uncared for. But bet- ter days were before the church. In this dark period of its history, God in his providence so ordered it that that the Rev. Leslie Irwin, late Pres- byterian minister of Allenstown, Pa., and then residing in Quincy. having learned that some of his old parishioners resided at Independence and Ellington, visited both places, and undertook to preach to the people. In September, 1867, he entered upon his labors at Independence. In 1870 the name, which the church still bore-Newtown-was dropped, and that of Independence assumed. In 1871 a meeting was called at the house of Elder David Kemp, to consider a proposition to build a suitable Christian home. Only three persons, however, came together: Mr. Kemp, Mr. Thomas Smith, and Mr. Irwin; but they were enough, for they determined that a church edifice should be erected, and that it should be located in the village of Burton, about two miles from the school-house, where the con- gregation till then had held their religious meetings, on condition that the Burton people would co-operate with them, which they did promptly; hence, Burton, through its enterprise, has a church building that no town need be ashamed to possess. The building committee were D. Kemp, Thomas Smith, I. N. Enlow, and G. J. Shafer, to whom credit is due. The cost of the building was over $2,500. It was dedicated November, 1871. The Rev. Leslie Irwin remained connected with the church till his death in 1873. Mr. Irwin's successor was the Rev. James B. Crowe. Fol- lowing him was the Rev. J. P. Dawson, whose successor was the Rev. Samuel D. Fulton. The present minister in charge is the Rev. Samuel Ollerenshaw. The present officers of the church are Elders Frank M. Steele and James Wood; trustees: G. J. Shafer, James Wood, Thomas Smith, John Irwin, I. N. Enlow, and James McMeekin.

LODGE.

Burton Lodge I. O. O. F. was instituted and officers installed on the Sth day of August, 1877, by W. W. Stockwell, acting deputy G. M. P. M. of Quincy, and W. Piggott, G. V. G., James Benneson, G. Sec., Dr. Bonney, G. Marshall, and Bro. Bristol, G. Treasurer. The organization and institution of the lodge, notwithstanding the exceeding unfavorableness of the weather, was well attended by visiting brethren from Quincy and Lib- erty. The ceremonies were participated in by the following brethren from Liberty: J. W. Grimes, M. D., B. F. Grover, C. J. Korney. The first officers elected were: N. G., George J. Schafer; V. G., R. Cook; Secretary, P. R. Meyers; Treasurer, F. M. Stall; Warden, John H. Rumpf. Appointed officers: O. S. G., Henry Meise; Conductor, F. M. Stall. The charter members were, Geo. F. Schafer, R. Cook, F. M. Stall, J. H. Rumpf, P. R. Meyers, A. Michels, and A. Meise. The lodge is now in an active and prosperous condition.

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leo W. leymus EDITOR CAMP POINT JOURNAL

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

CAMP POINT TOWNSHIP.

Camp Point derived its name from a point of timber, now within the limits of the village, and known by the early settlers as "Indian Camp Point," being a land-mark for the early pioneers,and used in a still earlier day by Indians as camping grounds. Daniel Smith and James Lasley, brother- in-laws, were the first settlers in the township. Smith settled on the south- east quarter of section 29, and Lasley on the southwest quarter of section 28, in 182S In the fall of 1829 Lasley sold his improvements to Jezreel Shomaker. Figley settled on the northeast quarter of section 27, in 1830. The same year an old sea captain named Calley, and his son-in-law, Rand, settled on the southeast quarter of section 10 and the northwest quarter of section 15, same year Lock settled the northeast quarter of section 22, and Jonathan Brown the southwest quarter of section 2. Farrow Hamrick, the oldest settler now living in the township, settled on the southwest quarter of section 33, in 1832. In 1831 Lock sold his improvement to Wm. Wilkes, father of Daniel Wilkes, who settled on the northeast quarter of section 33, in 1832. In 1832 Samuel McAnulty, Lewis McFarland and Wm. McAnulty, settled on the north half of section 3. In the fall of 1835 came with their mother, Adam R. Wallace and Jas. A. Wallace, Rezin Downing and his sons, except John, who came the year before, Peter B. Garrett and Richard Seaton. The first school-house was built in 1836, on the southeast quarter of section 26, on land owned by Peter B. Garrett. Brewster was the first teacher. The second school-house was built on the southeast quarter of section 29' on land owned by Daniel Smith, in the spring of 1840. Thos. Bailey was the first teacher. The third school-house was built same year on the southwest quarter of section 12, and P. W. Leet was the first teacher. The first church was erected on the same quarter section in 1848, by the Methodists, and known as Hebron. The second church was built in 1849 by the citizens and Cumberland Presbyterians on the northwest quarter of sec- tion 28. The first store was opened by Thos. G. Stevens in 1850, who came from Columbus and rented a lot of ground from Benj. Booth, on which he erected a store and dwelling. In leasing the lot it was conditioned that he was not to sell whisky. It was believed that Stevens religiously adhered to the conditions of his contract for some two years, but probably realizing a small profit on a very small stock of goods, and having previously realized a large profit on a small stock of whisky, laid in a fine stock of the contra- band material. The indications of the new order of things were soon apparent; signs of imbibing freely were becoming every day more and more apparent. This then quiet community felt that their rights were invaded, with but little chance of redress by law. A meeting of the citizens was called at the school-honse, then being erected in the now village of Camp Point, where the question was discussed in all its bearings, after which a resolution was passed that we buy Stevens' whisky at wholesale price. The money was raised, and the company of about twenty proceeded to the place of sale. Of course Stevens didn't want to sell, but he was politely informed that sell he must. That he had been selling to others to the detri- ment of the community, and that now he must sell out and quit the business. The parley was a short one. The money was paid over, and about a barrel and a-half rolled out in front of the store and the heads knocked in, which was the first wholesale trade made in the town. The act created some talk, but no prosecution followed, and the further sale of whisky was discontinued for some years and only at intervals to the present day. The first mill was

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

erected on the northwest quarter of section 5 by John Newland, in about 1838, propelled by horse-power for the grinding of corn. The next mill was erected on the sontheast quarter of section 25 by Peter B. Garrett, in 1844, who erected a carding machine. The next year attached a grist-mill, the whole machinery being propelled by oxen on an inclined wheel. This mill was known for miles around as "Garrett's Mill," and even after it became a prosperous village, our Clayton friends persisted in calling this town " Gar- rett's Mill," not willing to recognize the growth and prosperity of the town.

After some years Mr. Garrett, in order to meet the demands of busi- ness, removed the inclined wheel-power and attached steam, and erected a saw-mill, and for many years carried on a prosperous business. After the

death of Mr. Garrett the mill passed into other hands, and is now owned by Wm. Scott & Son, known as the " Eagle Mills." In 1866 Messrs. Thos. and Silas Bailey, Wm. L. Oliver and O. Noble erected a merchant mill at a cost of $16,000. The mill is now owned by Wm. L. Oliver, and known as "Casco .Mill," and has a wide reputation. The first post-office was established in the spring of 1847, and Peter B. Garrett was appointed post- master. Benj. Booth was the first blacksmith. In 1846 Jas. H. Langdon came from Quincy, and started a blacksmith shop near Garrett's mill. In 1854 G. M. Hess opened a store near the same place; the year after sold to Bailey & Seaton.

Late in the winter of 1855 the C., B. & Q. railroad reached Camp Point from Quincy, which was the initial step toward the laying out of the town of Camp Point the same spring by Garrett, Booth, Farlow, and Bailey. Lewis McFarland was the first justice of the peace in the township, being elected in 1838, and continuously holding the same until 1858. He also started the first tannery in the township. The Camp Point Enterprise, a weekly newspaper, was established by W. and R. Carr, and E. E. B. Sawyer, in 1867. It was printed in Augusta, Hancock county, the year before, and distributed to subscribers here by Carr. It was afterward published by Sawyer, then by Kirkpatricks. Then, upon the ruins of

the Enterprise, Cyrus & Bailey established the Camp Point Journal. Three years after Bailey disposed of his interest to Cyrus, who has success- fully published the paper to the present time. Bailey & Byers opened a private bank in 1868. At the end of the first year Byers retired. In 1875 Bailey took in as a partner Richard Seaton, under the firm name of Bailey & Seaton. In 1861 Reynolds and Koeller started the corn planter works. In 1863, their building and machinery burned down, when they associated with them, Thos. Bailey, who erected the main building of the present works, and largely increased the business. At the end of the first year Mr. Bailey went out of the business, having accomplished all he had in view. that of starting the business. In 1871 the business was transferred to the Camp Point manufacturing company.

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The history of Adams County Illinois : containing a history of the county - its cities, towns, etc. a biographical directory of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion; general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 71

Author: Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Chicago : Murray, Williamson & Phelps Number of Pages: 1254

Author:
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : Murray, Williamson & Phelps
Number of Pages: 1254