Edgar County, Illinois - The whole text, 1879 (part 12 of 24)

Patriotism

The war of 1861-65 called out the patriotism of this township to an extent equaled by but few localities in this loyal State. The alarm of war, and the cry that the country was in danger of destruction, was but just uttered, when brave and true men all over the State were seen flying to the nearest recruit¬ ing station to enlist for "three years or during the war." The idea that 75,000 men could crush the rebellion in three months was soon found to be a great mistake, and no locality seemed more fully to realize this than Ross Town¬ ship, for it seemed that almost every man, whether able-bodied or otherwise, was inspired with the idea that his services were needed by the Government for this trying occasion. Farmers left their plows, mechanics their benches, and preachers their pulpits, to assist in the gigantic struggle already upon us. Most of those who enlisted from this township went in the Twentyfifth, Fifty-fourth, Sixty-sixth and Seventy-ninth Regiments Volunteer Infan¬ try ; and of Company A, of the Seventy-ninth Regiment, fully one-half unlisted from this township. Time and space do not permit, in this place, even a mention of names of all who thus unselfishly sacrificed the comforts of home, friends and relatives to do battle for their country's honor.* Among those who not only sacrificed the ordinary comforts of home, but who actually laid down their lives during the struggle will be remembered :

Frank Canady, Garard McKee, John Shance, Capt. Charles A. Clark, Marion Osborn, Perry Lake, John Freegon, Thomas Lane, Emmet Dennis, V. Holden, Harvey Kizer, Henry Bacon, William Richards, John Ryon, Ben¬ jamin Buckingham, William H. Williams, Newton Johnson and David Green. Most of the above were killed in actual conflict, a few died of wounds or of

Ross Township is bounded on the north by Vermilion County, on the east by Prairie Township, on the south by Edgar, and on the west by Young America.

It is the only township in the county whose area is co-extensive with a Con¬ gressional town. It is described in the Congressional survey as Town 16 north,. Range 12 west. It is crossed by the north branch of Brouillett Creek, which flows from the northwestern to the southeastern part, to unite with another branch of the same. The main branch of the creek rises in the township of Young America, and flows through the southwestern part of Ross Township* These two branches afford fine stock water for the farms near which they pass.

This is one the richest and most productive sections of land in the county. Some portions that, in the early times, were considered swampy, by drainage are coming to be considered the best, as it is the richest land in the township. Corn, wheat, rye, oats and other vegetables common to this latitude, are pro¬ duced in abundance. Considerable attention is given to the raising of stocky and hogs are raised in large numbers.

Village Of Chrisman

It would be an easy task to weave a little story, similar to the one written by Washington Irving about the Hero of the Catskills, and have it pertain to* almost any number of little nooks in this part of the country. The changes which come to localities in the State of Illinois are far greater. But for the reason that fact is stranger than fiction, and much more interesting, the mate¬ rial for such a legend lies in plenty around this locality. Our ancient friend, in the story, has his nap of twenty years, and upon awaking is puzzled to make out his surroundings. During his sleep, he has dreamed of wonderful noises, somewhat resembling thunder, but is afterward informed that, while he slept, a war had taken place and these sounds were, doubtless, the reports of cannon. Within the last twenty years we, too, have had a war, and we look in vain for friendly faces that, ere that struggle, we were wont to look upon. In the war of '76, during which the Hero of Sleepy Hollow still slumbered on, three mill¬ ions of people threw off the yoke of a tyrant government and became a free people. During our late war, a like number of bondsmen doffed their shackles and now are free. On arriving at the little village, where Van Winkle had formerly lived, he wTas puzzled at its changed appearance ; but how much more must he have been befogged had he come to the formerly familiar spot where only Abram Smith's house had stood, to find a little city, all new and clean, as if having but just been made and set down on the prairie. Had he been acquainted with Abram Smith's penchant for big yarns, he must have imag¬ ined that this was one of them materialized. Then, here he would have remembered the cross-roads, along which an occasional teamster drove his wagon load of produce on his way to market. Now, he sees in their places an iron cross-roads, along which thunder hourly the locomotives, to which are attached the monster vehicles, each carrying many times the amount formerly moved by the best. teams as he recollects them. The tavern where he formerly got his drinks, and lounged the live-long day, must be lacking in this story, for the reason that it was created after the nap began. The village of Chrisman was laid out for Matthias Chrisman from the old Smith farm, by H. W. Guthrie, Deputy County Surveyor, August 5, 1872. It will not be hard for the reader to determine, by a reference to the date of the opening of the two railroads, to which allusion has already been made, what has been the cause of the growth and prosperity of the place. In former times, towns were founded at points where some natural advantage, such as water-power, water navigation, saltsprings, or mineral beds of some kind were known to exist. Now, a railroad is projected through a good country ; and, in a few years, on what was the desolate prairie or the wilderness of timber, appears a line of cities and towns. It is not strange, therefore, with two railroads completed near the same time, and crossing at one of the finest sites on either of the lines, that the proprietor of the land at this point should realize that a town was not only a possibility, but an absolute necessity. Neither were speculators, tradesmen or mechanics slow to perceive that this would be a first-class place for business. With a fine country about it, already settled and producing large amounts of grain and stock, and demanding in turn farm machinery, food and clothing, and with two good outlets for produce, and connections with the larger cities from which to obtain supplies^, it would require but a poor prophet to predict that this was bound to be a trading-point of considerable prominence. But, perhaps, its warmest friends hardly dreamed that within six years the town would contain nearly a thousand inhabitants, and rival, in importance, the county seat itself. The first building erected in the village was by Samuel Kenton, in the fall of 1872. This was a storehouse, and was occupied by Jacob Brant and C. A. Smith in one part of the building, with a stock of dry goods and groceries ; and in the other part by Messrs. Boles & Son with a stock of drugs. These gentlemen? then, were the pioneers in business of this place. The building of which we write was that now occupied by J. R. Sousley in the grocery trade, and by S. W. Thayer with dry goods.

Alexander Clark also built the same fall a store into which Stanfield and Mitchell put into one part dry goods and groceries ; and Stubbs, Rafferty and Johns occupied the other part with hardware. The building is still occupied by Stanfield & Co., with drugs and groceries. It is difficult to remember, even at this date, the order in which improvements were made, subsequent to those already mentioned. So rapidly did the buildings arise, that travelers on the road, after an absence of only a few weeks, were surprised to notice the altered appearance of the town. Foundations were laid, and in a fortnight, what had beep a vacant lot was now an inclosed house, seemingly almost ready for occu¬ pancy. The sound of ax, hammer and saw scarcely ceased day or night during the season. During that fall, it is remembered with certainty that Watson Murdock, William Carnes, A. B. Gibbs, Josephus Stanfield, C. A. Smith, James and John Boles, N. Y. Nelson and the Earnhart brothers made improve¬ ments of various kinds. The last named built the first blacksmith-shop in the place.

As soon as the stations were located, and people began to settle at the place, demands began to arise for postal, educational and church accommoda¬ tions. Heretofore Bloomfield, though somewhat distant, had served the people of this vicinity with postal facilities ; but when business began to open at the station, the Government established a post office here. The first mail was received at this point, on the 4th of November, 1872, with C. A. Smith as first Postmaster. Mr. Smith has continued to hold the position to the present time, making his administration of affairs agreeable to all creeds and political parties. The next year the building was continued with unabated vigor. Though the panic was then full upon us, it seemed only to inspire the people with more zeal. Like Abram Smith, who had been the former proprietor of the site, the people seemed to feel that, though a great excitement may have the effect of paralyzing some persons, on these it had an opposite effect, and the saws rasped sharper, and the blows of the ax and hammer fell faster and resounded louder than before.

Within two years, it was found that the population had increased to over three hundred, and a movement was put on foot to incorporate the village. A petition of the requisite number of legal voters was presented to the County Judge ; and, by him an election was ordered to determine the question, whether the village should be organized, and Judges appointed for the same. The returns of the election being canvassed by the Judge, it was found that a major¬ ity of the legal voters favored the scheme, and an election was called for the purpose of choosing officers, March 24, 1874, just a year and a half after the first foundation-stone was laid.

The result of the first election was the choosing of W. T. Hunt, William M. Murdock, John H. Mitchell and Josephus Stanfield, as Trustees, the first named of whom was elected President. The Board have always pursued a liberal policy, and, as a consequence, improvements of a public character are such as correspond with the clean and neat appearance of the village.

During the last part of the period of the history of the place, the town authorities have taken strong grounds on the saloon question, utterly refining to license dram-shops; and, being backed by a positive temperance Sentiment, have been enabled to enforce the ordinances in this regard with effect.

The present Board of Trustees consists of Josephus Stanfield, John Moss, Joseph Weaver, William Roth, N. Y. Nelson and S. W. Thayer, the first named being President. M. Matheney, is Clerk; John Mitchell, Treasurer; D. W. Pouts, Police Magistrate, and J. R. Sousley, Marshal. The present voting population is about one hundred and fifty.

But few villages of the size and age of Chrisman enjoy the church advan¬ tages that it does. Three fine, substantial houses of worship, owned by as many different societies, furnish accommodations of this character for all who desire to avail themselves of them.

The Baptist Church was built in 1873, and is the largest and most commo¬ dious, as well as the oldest. The building is 35 by 60 feet in size, and cost $6,000. The enterprise of organizing and building originated principally with William McMasters, James and John McKee, Lewis Woodyard and J. S. Hart¬ ley, the first named of whom was Pastor of the society at the time. This society has drawn somewhat on the old church at Bloomfield, which, with the additions since, constitutes a very large and influential Church, numbering at present nearly two hundred members. Rev. C. B. Seals is the present Pastor. A flourishing Sunday school, of nearly one hundred members, is sustained by the congregation, of which W. S. Waltrip is Superintendent.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized a great many years ago, and held meetings in the old schoolhouse ; but by the re-organization of the districts, this society was also re-organized as the M. E. Church of Chrisman. In 1875, a number of the leading members, among whom wrere John S. Wal¬ lace, Allen Sly, L. B. Bacon, S. R. Gray, William Kenton and B. F. Waldruff, entered into the work of erecting their neat and handsome house of wor¬ ship. The building is 32 by 57 feet in size, and cost $3,500. The minister in charge at the time of dedication was Rev. Robert Stevens. The member¬ ship at this time is about sixty persons.

A Sunday school of about seventy-five members has been organized in con¬ nection with this Church, of which S. R. Gray is Superintendent. Rev. Gran¬ ville Lother is Pastor of the Church.

The same year that saw the completion of the M. E. Church, the Universalists of Chrisman began the erection of a house of worship, similar in size and appearance. This building was finished the next year. Its size is 31 by 58 feet, and the cost of erection was $2,500. The society was organized in 1877, and Jias increased to about fiftv members. Rev. D. P. Bunn is Pastor of the Church, and N. Y. Nelson is Superintendent of the Sunday school.

In addition to the above, the Presbyterians have also ^organized, and con¬ template, at no distant date, the erection of a house of worship. At present, their meetings are held in Camerer's Hall.

The Church was organized in the fall of 1873, by Rev. E. Black, of Tus¬ cola, and Rev. R. D. Van Dursen, of Paris. Among the original members were W. S. Carnes, Harvey Stubbs, E. P. Chestnut and their wives and several other ladies. Rev. A. L. Knox was called as first Pastor. At present, the society is under the charge of Rev. R. A. Mitchell. The present membership, forty-seven. The Sunday school consists of about fifty members, with William Livett as Superintendent.

While railroads have much to do in the making of towns and building up of institutions, they have had not a little to do in breaking down and removing others. In a peculiar sense is this true of some of the formerly prosperous little villages of this county. Prior to the completion of the lines of railroad through this region, Bloomfield justly claimed to be one of the most prosperous business, religious and social spots in this county. But her former glory has all departed, business, churches and everything having taken to themselves wings and fled to other parts. Not a few of her institutions found a home in Chrisman, notably among which was Bloomfield Lodge, No. 148, A., F. & A. M. For a score of years had the brethren practiced their secret rites, and for a score of years had they spread the " Cement of Brotherly Love and Friendship which unites the building into one common mass." But the building of which we speak was not, as some might conjecture, a structure of bricks and mortar, but "that more glorious building, that house made without hands," of -which the affections are the foundation and the material, and whose builder is the Great Architect of the L^niverse. While in the one case, the influence of railroads can remove, and the elements can destroy, in the other, its foundations are as durable as its builder, and can never be overthrown.

Except Prairie Lodge, at Paris, which was chartered five years before, Bloomfield Lodge is the oldest in the county. It was organized in 1853, and chartered in October of the following year. The first officers of the Lodge were: Thomas Wynn, Master; George K. Larkin, Senior Warden; Perry Calvin, Junior Warden; N. B. Stage, Treasurer; G. Minor, Secretary; 0. P. Wilson and William Smick, Deacons; and George Titus. Tiler. J. V. Malone was also a charter member. Of these, Bro. Thomas Wynn, the first Master, still resides near the village of Bloomfield, while Bro. Larkin, wrho so promptly " paid the craft their wages, when any were due," has long since gone to receive his reward from the Senior Warden of the Lodge Above. Bro. Stage, but a few years ago, " by the benefit of a pass - a pure and blameless life - gained admission to that Celestial Lodge, where the Grand Architect of the Lni verse presides."

The first work done by the Lodge was the conferring of the degrees on John C. Conrey. Bro. Conrey, too, has long since* had revealed to him the mysteries which none but those who pass the veil are permitted to know.

In 1873, permission was granted by the Grand Lodge to change the place of meeting from Bloomfield to Chrisman. John S. Hartley was Worshipful Master at that time, and opened the first Lodge in Chrisman, on December 20, of the year named.

In 1876, the Lodge built one of the finest rooms in the State. The -main room is 25x50 feet, and is fitted up in a manner that reflects credit on the institution and on the brethren who meet here.

Chrisman Lodge, No. 541, I. 0. 0. F., though not so ancient in its organ¬ ization as the Masonic body already noticed, is still an important institution of this place. Though organized but five years ago, it has, at this time, a membership of sixty-five, among whom are many of the best citizens of Chris¬ man and vicinity. The Lodge was instituted February 4, 1874, and the char¬ ter granted October 14, of the same year. The officers named in the charter were: C. T. Caraway, N. G.; E. W. Hartley, V. G.; A. B. Gibbs, Secretary, and W. S. Carnes, Treasurer. Anthony W. Marks was also a charter mem¬ ber. The present officers are: A. B. Gibbs, N. G.; J. M. McCullough, V. G.. James Earnhart, Secretary, and Joseph Stanfield, Treasurer.

In connection with this Lodge, there has also been organized a lodge for the benefit of the wives of the brethren. This degree or lodge is called the Rebekah Lodge, from the hospitable maiden spoken of in the twenty-fourth chapter of Genesis, and who was rewarded for her kind treatment of Abraham's servant with the hand of Abraham's son Isaac, and thus became the mother of all of God's chosen people. The chapter is a most interesting one, and the story is well worthy of being the foundation for this beautiful degree. The charter for the Rebekah Lodge was granted November, 1878.

Besides the above, several organizations for temperance work have, at times, existed, but we believe none are in operation at present. However, it is due to the people of Chrisman to say that no more temperate people can be found in any locality than are to be found in this vicinity. If a good reason exists why there are no temperance organizations here, it must be, as we were informed, "there is no more material to work on " - there is not a saloon in the place. Chrisman has had a terrible, though, happily, a brief, experience in the evils entailed by rum. We mentioned, at the beginning, that the history of most communities have in connection their tragedies, and it is just in this relation that it occurs here.

The visitor to this place, in strolling around the village, comes, on the north side of the square, upon a building which, quite naturally, attracts his atten¬ tion. It is of a one-story frame, in the shape of one of those cheaply-con- structed storehouses found in all new towns. A glance makes the impression that here has been a fire, as the front end is all torn out, the side battered in, and the chimney thrown down ; and he passes on. But on his return, he observes more carefully, and then for the first time perceives the marks of axes, but none of smoke and cinders, always incident to fires. He makes inquiry, and then learns that this has been the scene, not only of tragedy, but of comedy, burlesque and pantomime. As nearly as we could gather, the facts are about these: In 1875, a non-resident was proprietor, in this building, of a drinking and billiard saloon. The place was under the ban of the town authorities and of society ; but it was still kept open as a billiard-hall, while the drinking-hole was kept in a back or inner room. A young man, by name James Board, held the high position of clerk in this institution. A young man by the name of Robert Minor, who had just returned from Texas, went with a companion to the place, to spend an hour in the doubtful amusement afforded at the billiardsaloon, and perhaps to cheer themselves with the fluids kept in the back room. During their stay at the place, a dispute arose between Board and Minor, in which the former made allusions .to the latter's family relations, which he con¬ sidered of an insulting nature. Minor asked Board to retract his assertions, and perhaps made some threats. However, the two companions prepared to go, and the trouble seemed to be at an end. Just before going, however, young Minor stepped back into the bar, and again demanded that Board should take it back. Board replied,. "Yes, I will take it back ! " and stepped behind the counter, drew forth a revolver, and then, without further warning, pointed it at Minor and fired. The ball struck fair in his forehead, and the young man fell to the floor dead.

Board seeing what he had done, and with his revolver bearing on the other parties in the room with a warning not to approach, backed to the door, which he unfastened without taking his eye off them or without lowering the hand that held the pistol, passed out ; and, cutting the halter by which a horse which stood there was tied, mounted the same, and before the stupefied friends could recover sufficiently to follow, was far out of sight. In a short time, a number of persons were pursuing the fleeing murderer, but he made good his escape. For several days the whole community was out and hunting for the fugitive. The woods and the prairie, far and near, were searched in vain, but no definite trace of him could be found. The citizens were infuriated. This was what many of them had always predicted of the traffic, though it had come sooner than expected. They were, therefore, in a state of mind bordering on what they so much condemned in others - intemperate. The night following the murder, without apparent preconcerted movement, and yet with much unanim¬ ity of purpose, forty or fifty men met at the scene of tragedy ; and then, with but few words and with but little attempt at concealment of their designs, com¬ menced the act in our chapter which partakes of the comedy and pantomime. The doors were broken open ; bottles and demijohns were smashed ; barrels of whisky and kegs of beer and wine were rolled into the streets, to have the wait¬ ing crowd knock in the heads and let out their contents. Liquor ran in tor¬ rents and stood in pools, all about ; and a looker-on, unacquainted with the cause of this fury, would doubtless have guessed that the actors had partaken liberally, for the destruction of the liquor was only the beginning of the havoc. By this time, the whole front of the building had been torn out ; in a moment the billiard-tables had followed the beer-barrels into the street ; and men jumped upon them and with axes chopped and battered them to pieces. Other men chopped at the side of the building, and soon siding, studding and plaster¬ ing gave way to their strokes. Some ascended to the roof, tore off shingles and threw down bricks from the chimney. The destruction was complete, leaving only enough of the building to warn the young men of the community, in words plainer than if painted on the remaining part of the decaying front, " Beware of Strong Drink. At the Last It Biteth like a Serpent and Stingeth like an Adder."

The proprietor threatened suits for damages sustained ; but his threats were answered by expressions, intermingled with only the first syllable of the word. He doubtless concluded that the undertaking would not only be too expensive, but that it was likely to prove unpopular in Edgar County, and he abandoned the idea.

Not only can Chrisman furnish the actors for all sorts of drama, but if needs be can furnish the orchestra. The Chrisman Cornet Band was organized in 18T5, since which time the inhabitants of this village have been regaled writh music equal to that furnished by bands three times as old. The band consists of twelve pieces, and all of the members are uniformed.

No better school facilities exist in Eastern Illinois than those to be found at Chrisman. With one of the most convenient and substantial buildings, and with an excellent corps of teachers, it is not to be wondered at that the inhabitants of this village take pride in showing off their institution of learning. Prior to the erection of their present house, school was kept in Kenton's Hall. Indeed, it seemed quite unwise to build for a time. At the rate the school population increased for the first few years, accommodations that would have been sufficient, when built, would have been cramped a year after. In 187T, the building, now occupied, was completed. It is a solid-looking brick edifice, containing four rooms, and cost $8,000. The school is under the management of Prof. F. P. Green.

By no means least among the enlightening and elevating influences of a com¬ munity is a good newspaper, and, as such, deserves to be classed with the pulpit and the rostrum.

The first attempt at newspaper publishing at this point was made by Messrs. Biddlecome & Matheney. The publication was called the Chrisman Enterprise r and the first number made its appearance December 3, 1875, continuing nearly a year. Then the Chrisman Leader was issued by Messrs. Jacobs & Thompson for about eighteen months. At the end of the period named the publication w$s suspended. Messrs. Jacobs & Thompson are now publishing the Post at Danville. Soon after the Leader ceased to appear, Messrs. Payne & Son started the Chrisman Progress , which, at present writing, has been in existence about six months.

Village Of Cherry Point

Cherry Point was laid out by Edward Wolcott, County Surveyor, for Syl¬ vester M. Coburn February 1, 1856. The charter for the I. & D. Railroadhad been granted and the line located, and there was no doubt in the minds of the peo¬ ple in this neighborhood that a bright future awaited the vicinity of Cherry Point. But the hard times of 1857 coming on, the enterprise failed, and Cherry Point scarcely survived the event

In 1864, B. F. Waldruff and Theodore Shance opened a blacksmith-shop. At that time there was no other business here. Samuel Richards, a farmer liv¬ ing close to the prospective station, kept the post office. At this time there was no prospect of the road being completed. The war of the rebellion was in prog¬ ress, and enterprises of this kind were suspended. However, even without a railroad it was considered a good business point, and the war had but closed when it was occupied as such. The country about Cherry Point is of a supe¬ rior character ; and, as it became more and more densely populated, the demand for a store and other kinds of business increased.

In 1866, C. A. Smith, now of Chrisman, having returned from the war but the year before, came to the place and opened a general store and was appointed Postmaster. Mr. Smith has been Postmaster ever since, holding the office here until 1872, when he removed to Chrisman, and was immediately appointed to the same position there

In the fall of 1866, I. N. Wells erected a store building, and put in a stock of goods. Other kinds of business gradually appeared, and a few residences were built by different parties, until it assumed the appearance now presented. There are, perhaps, about one hundred inhabitants now residing in the village. In 1878, the long-expected engine, drawing its train, made its appearance, and thus the little hamlet found a communication with the outer world. The M. E. Church, built here in 1870, is one of the neatest edifices of that character, outside of Paris, in the county. It is a substantial frame, 32 by 58 feet in size, and cost nearly $5,000. Rev. Granville Lother, Pastor of the Chrisman congregation, also ministers to this Church.

This division of Edgar County was originally a part of Fairfield Township, which, at its creation in 1823, as one of the first five townships into which the county was divided, included all that country south and west of a point where the line between Ranges 11 and 12 crosses the southern boundary of Con¬ gressional Township 15. At the time of the formation of Fairfield Township, only a few settlers had located in what is now Sims Township, and so few were there in 1823 in Fairfield, Pike, Wayne and Carroll that all these were made one election precinct. The large township from which Sims was taken remained unchanged until the June term of the County Commissioners' Court, in 1830, when it was ordered "that all that part of Edgar County lying west of a dine beginning on the south side of the county, one mile east of the range line between Ranges 12 and 13, and south of Township 15, be an election precinct called Fairfield Precinct." A year after, the name of the precinct was changed to Grand View. When the change in the bounds of Fairfield Township was first made, it left a new district, including the city of Paris. This new township was given that name, and included the present township of which we are now writing. Under this division the territory remained until Wednes¬ day, March 7, 1837, when, at a meeting of the County Commissioners' Court, it was ordered :

" That all that part of Paris District lying south of the center of Township 13, constitute a new district, for the election of Justices of the Peace and Con¬ stables, to be called Marion District."

Elections were to be held at the house of Michael O' Hair. Isaac Elledge, William Brunnell and James R. Low were appointed Judges of Elections, and the district stood organized. It embraced the present confines of Sims Township, and continued until about 1856, when the name was changed to Sims.* The township has several times been attached to Elbridge or Paris Townships, gen¬ erally for political reasons, and in this position has been a kind of bone of conten¬ tion. This is now, however, settled, and it will probably be allowed to continue on in peace.

This township is watered mainly by Big Creek, which traverses it from the north to the south, varying considerably from a direct line. Originally, the township was very heavily timbered, nearly all of which has been cut away in the course of time, and cleared fields, covered with a luxuriant growth of farm products take the place where once were

* There has been no little difference of opinion regarding the orthography of this word. Several assert it was named in honor of John Cleves Symmes, one of the early pioneers of Ohio, and founder of colonies there. All maps spell the name as we have. Inquiry being made at the county offices, the Judge of the County Court states that all legal documents use the simpler method, and recognize it as legally correct. Further, the easiest spelling is always preferable, hence it is adopted in this work. .

There is something grand and inspiring in a native American forest. It stood here in all its primeval grandeur when white men came first to this region. Huge trees, wood of a choice variety, were sacrificed to the march of civiliza¬ tion as the pioneer carved a home for himself and his family in their domain. - trees that, could they have been preserved till nowT, would have made their possessor wealthy. Walnuts, whose girth of trunk was so large that an ordi¬ nary man could hardly see over them in a horizontal line from his eye when felled, were not uncommon. Hickories, tall and stately, with scarce a flaw, could be found at almost any time. Huge oaks, the monarchs of the forests, were on every hand, spreading an abundant shade on all around.

What more true than those words of the poet, and what pleasant memories they recall? However much poetry there might be in " his fifty arms so strong," it was lost sight of in the practical view entertained for him by the sturdy pioneer. He stood in the path of progress, and must fall.

These dense forests were the home of the Indian in his native life, and were the abodes of wild creatures, which afforded him amusement in the chase, food to eat, or clothing to wear. With the fall of the forest, they, too, came under the same hand, and were compelled to retire or be slain. As this part of Illinois was mostly covered with timber, it afforded a safe retreat for wolves, deer, buffalo, bears and other wild game indigenous to this country. Of these animals, wolves were very plenty when the country was first settled. They were very annoying, as they would destroy small pigs, poultry and tur- keys. The woods furnished an abundance of mast on which swine could be fattened at a trifling expense. They were obliged to be guarded when small, how¬ ever, as the wolves soon evinced a decided taste for fresh pork, and did not scruple to take it whenever it was too small or weak to resist their attacks. For this and other reasons, a continual warfare sprung up between them and the pioneers. Wolves were hunted from necessity as well as sport. A hunt was the signal for the gathering of all the people. They were assigned by the leaders to a certain district of country, which they at once surrounded, and gradually drawing in their lines, drove all animals inside the circle toward the center. When the line became sufficiently compact to prevent the escape of any of the victims, a steady fire was opened on them, and continued until all were slain. Sometimes in their frantic efforts to escape, a few would break through the lines, and an exciting time would follow. Deer were often driven into the center, and fell in the common onslaught. These last-named animals furnished much of the flesh used for food in pioneer times. They were abun¬ dant in all parts of the western country, particularly along the large streams. When the early French explorers visited the plains of Illinois, they were amazed at the immense herds of deer and buffalo they saw. In the winter months they retired to the more timbered part of the country, where they could subsist on the small twigs and bushes.

Buffalo were never plenty in this part of the State since the advent of the white man. They had been driven from the region watered by the Wabash and its tributaries, and like their former masters, the Indians, were following the wake of the setting sun. But very few bears, also, were ever seen in this region. They had been driven out by the encroaching white men, and were leaving for a region where they were unmolested. Wild turkeys and prairie chickens were as plenty as leaves in the autumn. We have been told by old residents that it was not an uncommon thing, in the fall of the year, when tur¬ keys were very fat from the mast, for them to become so much so they could hardly fly, and if shot in a tree top, would burst on falling, so great was their weight. Prairie chickens furnished an excellent repast. At the present day, no flesh of fowl is more highly prized.

As we have already stated, Big Creek and Clear Creek traverse this town¬ ship. With their small affluents, they are the only water-courses in its limits. Along their banks the first settlers located, and from their waters was the first power used to turn water-wheels to grind grain. The face of the country in Sims is somewhat diversified. Away from the streams it is rather undulating, while near them it is often quite broken. The soil is excellent, and produces richly. Originally there was not much prairie land in this part of the county.

At first the settlers found it impossible to cultivate it,' owing to the strong roots of the grass and the inefficiency of their plows. Hence the early settle¬ ments were all made along the timber, and the first fields cleared and plowed therein. The rich soil of the prairie could not be allowed, however, to remain simply as a pasturage, and, erelong, breaking-plows were invented, which were able to turn the tough sod and allow it to decompose. These prairie-plows were a cumbersome affair compared to the modern contrivances of to-day. It required three or four yoke of oxen to pull one of them through the sod. They did an effectual work, however, in subjugating the Western domain and were the advance guard in their own way. Their more ancient predecessors, the bar-shares, with wooden moldboards were the early friends of the pioneer. They could be used in the porous soil of the timber-land, and were constantly required there. After the breaking-plow came a variety of others, each one an improvement on its predecessor, until now the Diamond, the Cary, and others equally as good, seem to stand at the climax of these tillers of the soil.

Early Settlement

The early settlers of Sims Township came principally from Kentucky, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Their coming, settlement and their privations endured are the interesting parts of these pages, and to them we will devote the remainder of this history. The first settlers in Sims Township were Jacob and Thomas Rhoades, who, with their families, came from Kentucky as early as 1819 or 1820. Mr. Hall Sims, who came to what is now Elbridge Township in March, 1821, mentions Thomas Rhoades as living in Elbridge on his arrival. He afterward removed, he says, to near Big Creek. This was done the next year, from the best accounts given. Mr. Rhoades married a daughter of Thomas Foster, one of the pioneers on Sugar Creek. In after years, when the Mormon excitement came over this part of the State, it carried Mr. Rhoades away in its doctrine. He went with them in their journey West, it is stated, and from Utah to California where he became quite wealthy. He was not alone, by any means, in his infatuation for this peculiar sect, as Edgar County furnished several adherents to the church of the " Latter-day Saints.'' Almost contemporary with them were William Janes, Moses Williams, Aaron, Moses W., and John Darnall, Samuel Wells and William Craig. Mr. William Darnall, now living in Paris, says that when the county was organ¬ ized, in the spring of 1823, he thinks that Thomas and Jacob Rhoades and Mr. Wells were about the only settlers in this part of the new county. The others came in very shortly after, if indeed, some of them were not already located.

When the first settlers arrived, they found their neighbors were in what is now Hunter Township and on Sugar Creek in Elbridge. It is not likely there was any mill in the county at that date, and they were obliged to go to Palestine or to Terre Haute did they wish to avoid the laborious task of the mortar or grater. Each one of those named came in wagons, crossing the Ohio River at Louisville, or below the mouth of Salt River, thence to Vin¬ cennes, thence to Palestine where the land office was at that date, and where they could ascertain about unsold lands and unsettled parts of the State.

William Janes and Moses Williams came early in 1823. Each entered eighty acres of heavy- timbered land, at the land office at Palestine. Until they could erect a small cabin, they w'ere obliged to crowd in with some one already possessing such a commodity or sleep in their wagons.

The cabin was constructed of unhewn logs, notched at the corners so as to fit closely together. The cracks were then chinked with split oak pieces, and daubed with mud. When dry, the wall was complete. A door was made by cutting out a place in the logs of the required width and height, the upper and lower log being cut only half through. " Jambs," as they were called, were next pinned on ; a door made of split slabs, hung on wooden hinges, and -fastened with a wooden latch, whose motive power was a leather thong hang¬ ing outside through a small gimblet-hole, bored a few inches above the latch. At night, the latch-string could be drawn in, and the door was secure. In pure pioneer times, it always hung out in the daytime, and was, in its silent way, a mute welcomer to all. It gave rise to the old expression, so fraught with cheer and hearty hospitality, and so well remembered by all. " My latch-string is always out," was a synonym for "you are always welcome," and was given with a true pioneer unselfishness. The roof of this humble abode was formed by shortening the logs at the end of the cabin after they reached the eaves, until the last one formed an apex. From one to the other was laid a stout pole, whose ends, like those of the two end-logs first laid above the eaves, projected several feet beyond the walls. Two or three feet farther down, another pole of a similar length was laid on, and so on until the end of the two logs referred to were reached. On these poles, layers of clapboards, "shakes" they were called in many localities, were laid, overlapping each other, and held on by weight-pples, which, in turn, maintained their position by means of short sticks of wood laid lengthwise between them. An aperture was next made in one end of the cabin, similar to the one made for the door and small windows, save that it was much lower and very broad. Stout oak pieces, about two feet in length, were split out, one end placed just inside the aperture, the other reach¬ ing outward, where it was crossed by a similar piece as long as the width of the aperture in the wall. These pieces formed a solid pen, and were carried up a little distance, where they were supported by smaller sticks, whose length and size diminished as they neared the top of the chimney. At the top, the open¬ ing would be little more than one foot square. These sticks were held in their place by being securely and thoroughly daubed with a mixture of mud and prairie-grass or straw. This mixture was very thickly applied to the inside of the fire-place and chimney ; while at the lower portion, flat stones were used for the inner wall and bottom. This completed the fire-place, and a very good one it was, too. Around it, in the evening, the family could gather to discuss their condition and prospects, visit with a neighbor, or entertain a stranger. A crane was fixed in the inside of it, on which kettles were suspended for the family cooking. Stoves were then not known here, and had they been, the pioneer could not have owned one. The cabin contained one room, which answered all purposes, and often accommodated as many as could find room to sleep on its floor. The furniture was, in many respects, fully in keeping with the other articles of household use. In many cabins, the writer has seen the bedsteads made by inserting a stout pole in one corner of the room, about four feet from one wall and six feet from the other. It was fastened at the bottom in the puncheon floor, did the cabin have one, or in the solid earth ; while the top was secured in a pole joist, or in the floor if a loft had been made. About three feet from the lower floor, a pole reaching from this post to the farther wall was placed, one end projecting through between the legs, the other fastened to the post, which, at this height, generally had a stout prong sticking out where a limb had been cut off. From this horizontal pole to the wall, slabs were laid, whose outer ends were supported between the logs comprising the wall. A short pole was commonly laid just inside the post to the wall, to form a counter support. On the slats, the bed was made, sometimes composed of dry grass, over which was fastened a quilt or sheet. If these could not be had, buffalo-skins could, forming a good substitute. Thanks to the provident ideas of the time, the wife had generally supplied herself with an outfit for a bed or two before her entrance on the matrimonial stage. It was then expected of her, and was considered a part of her marriage dowry.

Underneath the bed we have described, a trundle-bed was made for the lit¬ tle ones, w'liich was drawn out at night and shoved under again out of the wav in the morning. Often at a height of two feet above the main bed, another would be made, and again another, not unlike the berths in a steamboat. Bv this means, space w'as utilized and beds for all provided.

A table made from a long, broad slab split from a large oak-tree, and sup¬ ported by four stout posts, and not always provided writh a cover, several threelegged stools and a few other necessary articles, generally comprised the furni¬ ture of the cabin. A spring or creek near by furnished them water until a well could be dug, and frontier life to them was a reality.

Many, however, at first did not enjoy the luxury of even a cabin. They often lived for weeks in their w'agon, or in a pole-pen, which at best afforded a very insufficient shelter.

Aaron. Moses W. and John Darnall were voung men when they came to Edgar County. They arrived in the spring of 1822, w'hen that county was yet a part of Clark County. John cleared a small farm, and made some improvements during jthe summer, but unfortunately took w'hat was know'n as the "Orleans fever,'' a kind of malarial disease, from which he died. His was probably the first death in this settlement. His brothers had settled at first in w'hat is now' Grand View Township, but the next year entered the claim made by John and moved to it. Here they remained about four years, improv¬ ing the claim, when they sold out, Aaron going to Embarrass Precinct (then not named), and Moses to Wisconsin. Aaron remained in Embarrass about ten years, when he moved to Edgar Township, where he resided until 1875, when his death occurred. He was all his life a firm Baptist in his religious belief, was a minister in that denomination, sturdily refusing to accept any pay what¬ ever for his ministry, believing it wrong. Moses is yet living and is also a minister in the Free-Will Baptist Church. Thomas Craig, father of Isaac and William, came to Clark County in 1822. The next year, Isaac came to Big Creek settlement and entered a claim. He lived here till after the close of the late war, when he removed to Charleston, Coles County, where he yet resides. He has lived to see the country he found a wilderness, abounding in plenty, and the abode of industry and wealth. William came to the settlement with his brother. He was a resident here many years. In after life, he moved to the west part of the county, where he died.

Samuel Wells came with his family, in 1822, from Kentucky. He settled in the northwest part of the township, and was an active man in after life. He was an ardent admirer of old "By the Eternal!" and would fight for him at a moment's warning. Indeed, he was rather noted for his combative qualities, never stopping to consider the odds, if there were any, against him. Once or twice his impetuosity brought him to grief, as he attacked a man who proved his superior in physical strength and gave him a terrible thrashing. His courage was not daunted, however, and often after he defended his hero against the calumny of his foes. About 1835, he removed to Indiana where he resided until his death. He was, despite his combativeness, an excellent man and a good citizen.

Through the first and second years of settlement the people experienced a good many hardships. The advance-guards of civilization find every obstacle in the path, and are the ones that must make a way. They find no cabin built for their reception - they must build one. They find no cleared field planted for them - they must clear the field and plant it. They find no mill to grind their corn or wheat - they must build it. So on through the entire list of the necessities of life. They are to be provided, and they are the ones to do it.

As far as we have been able to discover, those that settled in the latter part of 1823, after the county was created, and in 1824, are the following :

Those of 1825 and 1826 were John and Michael O'Hair, Bartley Dixon, Fred Uncel, Robert Downs, Jonathan Newman, Middletown White, Nelson W. Nunnally, and Mike, John and Daniel Ripple. Those coming later w^ere : Thomas McCord, Isa;c Neeley, William Laughlin, the Hanks, Lycans and others.'

Mr. Hanly came from Kentucky, with a large family. His own household filled his cabin, some asserting now that there were twelve or fourteen children.

James Adams came from Scott County, Ky., with his family, bringing a sijiall outfit for commencement in the West. Yet, as they were industrious, and worked, they soon made a home in the forest. They built a small cabin, cleared a field, around which they made a brush fence, and soon had a comfort¬ able and provident home. Mr. Adams was for many years a Justice of Peace in this precinct, and was a much-respected man. After a residence here of nearly thirty-five years, he sold his farm and removed to the State of Kansas, where he lived until his death.

William Young came from Kentucky, some assert as early as 1823, and located on Big Creek. Here he opened a farm, and lived a useful, quiet life until his death, some three years ago. He had seen, as few others were allowed to see, the town grow from a population of a few families to be filled with people enjoying all the comforts of life.

Michael and John O'Hair came, one in 1825, the other in 1830. The latter is yet living, over eighty years of age. Michael was one of the most prominent men in the county in after years. He was for some time an officer in his own township, and for two terms Sheriff of the county. At his house the first township meeting was held, and through his influence was the precinct kept separate* At a meeting of old settlers, in the summer of 1873, Mr. O' Hair was called upon to narrate his early experiences here. This was preserved in one of the local papers, and is worth repeating. He said :

" I was born in Montgomery County, Ky., on the 10th of July, 1801, and was married on the 16th of November, 1820. In October, 1825, I started for Illinois. All of my goods were soon made ready for the long journey. I was the owner of four common horses. Two of them were rigged with packsaddles, and upon them I loaded all my worldly goods. The other two were used to pack myself, wife and two children. Thus equipped, we started for the ' Far West,' and on the 28th day of October, 1825, I landed on what is now my farm, five miles south of Paris, on Big Creek. On the place there were about three acres of cleared land ; the balance of the region roundabout was heavy timber. I immediately examined my finances, and found I had a frac¬ tion over one hundred dollars in silver, which I used in entering the first 4 eighty ' I ever owned. I at once proceeded with my own hands to clear up my land for cultivation. I hardly ever hired my work done, for hands were scarce, and I had no means to pay them. There was a small cabin on the three acres that were cleared, that I occupied as my residence for sixteen years.

''Thomas Rhoades, Jacob Rhoades, John House, William Janes, Elijah Elledge, Samuel Handley, Thomas O'Hair (a half-brother), Fred. Uncell, Aaron Darnall and brother, who were then baching '' it, and Mike, John and Daniel

Ripple. These were the families that constituted the first settlement on Big Creek. The above named are all dead, except Aaron Darn all, who is now living near Bloomfield, in this county." It is well to note that some of these named were not residents of Sims Township, at that time not created, but were included in the Big Creek settlement.

"There was," continues Mr. O'Hair, "a settlement east of me, on the waters of Sugar Creek. Among the settlers were Hall Sims, Thomas Foster, John Elliott, the Knights, Rays and Ewings. Mr. Sims is the only living man in his township that was a grown man when I came to this country.

Mr. O'Hair's portrait appears elsewhere in these pages, and in the biograph¬ ical part of this work the reader will find a history of his life.

Fred Uncel built the first water-mill in this part of the county. It was on the east fork of Big Creek, about five miles south of Paris. Before this was erected, the settlers went to Mr. Andrew B. Ray's mill on Sugar Creek, referred to in the history of Elbridge Township, or used the mortar or grater. These appliances are the oldest known for grinding or crushing corn. The mortar is referred to in the Bible, while the grater is as old as America. The mortar was made by burning a concave hollow in a stump or block of wood, for which a pestle was made. In the end of the pestle an iron wedge was often fixed to give it more weight. The cavity would be partly filled with corn, and crushed by pounding it with the pestle. Often this was made very heavy, and rigged to a crossbeam with a sweep. The grater was made by simply punching an old pan full of holes from the inside with a nail, leaving the ragged pieces of tin on the outside. Against these the corn, when well dried, would be vigorously rubbed until worn to the cob. This was not easy work, by any means, and generally fell to the male members of the household at the close of a day's labor. It was not the kind of entertainment the boys favored for a winter's evening ; but boys do not always get the privilege of disposing of their surplus time, and, notwithstanding their protestations, it was either grate or go hungry.

Bartley Dixon brought his family from Kentucky. He built a cabin on Big Creek and cleared out a farm. He afterward purchased one of the mills in this locality, which he ran for many years. It became known as " Dixon's Mill," and had a good trade. He remained in the township till his death.

Another mill in this township was owned and run by Robert Downs, Jr., who came with his father when only a boy. His father came from Kentucky, and was a resident of this township several years. Robert, Jr., ran the mill in this neighborhood about fifteen years, when he removed to Kansas, in the west part of the county, where he managed a steam-mill, quite an improvement over his old water-mill. He remained here five or six years, when he returned to the old place and resumed control of the mill there. He is now running a steam saw and grist mill and managing his farm. His mill is known far and near by the name of its owner.

Jonathan Newman brought his family from the blue-grass region, entering a claim on Big Creek, where he built a cabin, and in time made a good farm. He lived in the south part of the township. After a residence of a little over ten years, he sold out and went to Clark County.

Middletown White brought his family from Kentucky in 1826 or 1827, and located in this neighborhood. He was in indigent circumstances when he came, but, by industry and prudence, accumulated a good fortune. He died many years ago. At one time, during his early life here, he lost a child under very distressing circumstances. He had a small drove of hogs, which, as was then customary, were allowed to run wild in the woods, fattening on the mast found there. In the herd was an old sow, rather savage in her nature, but not considered dangerous. She was allowed to wander about the place, often com¬ ing to the cabin to pick up stray particles of food thrown out in the kitchen slops. One day she came up as usual, and, during a momentary absence of Mrs. White, entered the cabin, seized the baby in her teeth and started to run away with it. Its cries brought the mother immediately to its relief, and before the brute had gone far it was made to drop the precious burden. It was thought at first the infant's clothing had protected it, but it was found other¬ wise, and after a few days' suffering, the little one passed away. What the feel¬ ings of the father and mother were can only be imagined. The father imme¬ diately shot the hog on learning of its work, and ever after had a strong aver¬ sion to such animals.

Nelson W. Nunnally was prominently known in the early educational efforts made in this settlement. He was a teacher, and as such exercised no little influence. It is hardly probable that he was a resident in this township in the sense the others were ; but owing to the position he held, he is deserving of more than a passing notice. He lived many years in Grand View Township. He was a member of the Legislature two or three terms, and was rather a prominent and active man all his life. It will be noticed in this narrative sev¬ eral names appear not mentioned by Michael O' Hair in his speech. He seems to give only the settlers in his own neighborhood. He mentions Mike, John and Daniel Ripple as living here on his arrival. They were from Kentucky, near the Sandy Salt Works, in that State. Each brought a family and squatted in true pioneer style. All cleared farms, which, in after years, they sold and removed to Clark County.

William Laughlin came in 1829, and for four years lived in Paris Township. He then obtained a farm on Big Creek, where he resided until his death, in March, 1861.

Thomas McCord came from Tennessee in 1833, and located in Coles County, where he lived two years. He then came to this precinct, where he resided until about two years ago, when he removed to Paris, where he now lives. . He states that when he came there was not a sawed board to be had unless it was one a settler had brought. As Paris was the only town in the county then, it contained all the shops, stores, offices, etc., and to it they came for all produce needed by themselves.

Mr. McCord hauled a great many goods for the merchants from Louisville and Cincinnati. The journey was a long and tiresome one, and required two or three weeks' time. After, as the country began to settle, roads were made and the time of the journey lessened. Mr. McCord says when the road from Paris to Springfield was made, the surveyor was followed by two men with an ox-team and plow and a furrow plowed all the way - 102 miles. Persons could follow this and not get lost.

The others mentioned were early settlers in this settlement, but as their experiences are almost analogous to those described, we will not repeat it, and pass to other parts of the history.

The narrative brings us down to the Black Hawk war. The Winnebago war of 1827 was too far north, and of too short a duration, to cause any wide¬ spread apprehension. It had hardly passed out of the minds of the people when the news of Black Hawk's invasion, as it was termed, brought dormant fears into life, and the call for volunteers was responded to with great prompt¬ ness on the part of the settlers. In Edgar County, nearly three hundred men enlisted. They were divided into four companies, and marched to the conflict without delay. Sims Township furnished quite a number of men for this expe¬ dition. Each man was required to furnish his own provision until they could reach the Government stores ; he also furnished his own rifle and ammunition, and horse, if he wanted one. Robert N. Griffin was Captain of one company of infantry and Samuel Brimberry of a rifle company. The Indians were tolerably well prepared for the war, and prolonged it several months, more by their tactics exhibited in avoiding the whites, than in open conflict. Whatever may be said about this war, the Indians were certainly not alone to blame. Black Hawk stoutly contested the right of the whites occupying the site of his village, one endeared to him and his followers by all the ties of humanity. Here for more than one hundred years had been the home of his nation. Washed on one side by the majestic waters of the Mississippi, over which the evening sun cast a fiery glow, on the, other by the rippling, limpid waters of Rock River struggling between the dark, forest-clad islands which obstructed its channel, was the home of his ancestors - the graves of his kindred. On this romantic spot, washed by these two rivers, lived for many generations the tribe of wfiich Black Hawk was now chieftain. Loath to give it to the whites, whom he saw day by day encroaching on the domain of the red man and deny¬ ing the validity of the treaty of 1804, he refused to live on the western shore of the "Father of Waters," and with an army of 300 warriors recrossed the stream, attempted to retake the home of his youth. White power was stronger than he, and refused to go. In the end, he and his tribe were conquered, him¬ self taken prisoner, and after an imprisonment and trip through the domain of the white man, to show to him how futile the attempt would be for him to con¬ quer them, he was returned to his nation, where he lived in peace and quiet until his death.

The close of this war insured peace to the inhabitants of Illinois. Black Hawk was captured late in the summer of 1832, which event ending hostilities, the troops were, as soon after as practicable, discharged and returned to their homes.

From this time forward until the war with Mexico, an uninterrupted period of peace existed. Settlers came in with great rapidity until the collapse of the great internal improvement system, which checked them only for a short time. This is more particularly referred to elsewhere is this volume, and repetition here is not necessarv. That had, however, hardlv been settled, and the -wheels of progress been fairly started, when the war with Mexico opened. This was brought about by the resistance of the Mexican Government to the annexation of Texas to the United States. The citizens of that empire becoming tired of the puerile government afforded by the Mexicans, seceded, and, by their own request, were allowed to become an integral part of the American Union. As early as 1836, residents from the States had been desirous of this step, but as the Mexican Government had repeatedly notified the American Congress that such a step would be considered and treated as a cause of war, nothing definite had been done.

The question entered into the presidential election of 1844. The ascend¬ ency of Polk to the chief executive chair of the United States was construed as a popular approval of the step, and Congress hesitated no longer.

In the war which followed, Illinois furnished six regiments of infantry, in addition to the cavalry; hence in the last war, the number of the regiments began at the seventh and continued. Enough men presented themselves for enlistment in this struggle to have filled six more regiments, but were not needed, and, much to their chagrin and disappointment, were refused. The capital of Mexico fell late in the summer of 1847, practically closing the war, though the treaty of peace was not consummated until February 2, 1848.

The return from this war was followed by a series of years of unalloyed peace and prosperity. Railroads began to appear in various parts of the West. The dor¬ mant energies of this system of improving the country, received a great awaken¬ ing about 1852. The project of completing the Illinois Central Railroad awoke the people to a realization of what it would do for them, and the pushing for¬ ward of great Eastern thoroughfares to the West, gave an additional value to lands and land products. The inhabitants of Sims Township profited by these advances in civilization, though not on the direct line of any one of them.

During the war' of the rebellion, several of her yeomanry went forth in the defense of their country. Some of these never returned, and sleep now in an unknown soldier's grave. Others came back maimed or marked for life, while still many others returned strengthened in their love for American institutions. Since that time the progress of the township has been forward. The completion of the Paris & Danville Railroad, in 1875, gave a direct outlet to the North and South, and an easy means of communication with the East and West. It also gave birth to the villages of Oliver and Swango, each of which will be noticed hereafter. We will now retrace our steps in our story, and notice what has been the .

Educational And Religious

life of the township. As was stated on a preceding page, Mr. Nunnally was one of the earliest teachers here. He was not a resident of this township in the same sense as those mentioned as settlers ; yet he came here as a teacher of their children and exerted a wide influence.

The early schools of the neighborhood would hardly compare with those of to-day. An improvement has been steadily carried on here, as well as else¬ where, and juveniles of to-day receive the benefit of a training largely built on the experience of their parents.

The first schoolhouses were built of unhewn, round logs. A door was cut in one end, a fire-place opposite, a window on each side gave light, a clapboard roof, and puncheon floor completing the building. The furniture was primitive, like its surroundings. Slab seats, without backs ; a broken-back chair or threelegged stool served as a seat for the master ; and a desk made from a long slab, supported by horizontal pegs driven into auger-holes in the wall, com¬ pleted the outfits. They were often built without a single piece of iron being used. The smaller scholars thumbed an elementary spelling-book what time they were not in mischief, or " saying" their lessons. These were generally heard once or twice per day, sometimes oftener, and consisted, at first, of simply attempting the recital of the alphabet, "on" and "off" the book. After a term or two, this would be mastered, and spelling simple words began. When he got as far as " b-a-k-e-r," baker, he was allowed a first reader, and from that to a second and third. After awhile, the arithmetic came in, writing with a quillpen began, and, having safely passed these stages, the common school was com¬ plete. By these means, only a limited education was obtained. Pupils learned to read, write and cipher to the rule of three, and that was considered enough to fit them for the ordinary pursuits of life. In early times, it was all that the boys or girls could get time to learn ; but yet many affirm that education is enough for any ordinary occupation, especially farming. Such persons seem to forget that the world is moving onward, and that progress is made in farming, as in every other branch of industry. An intelligent farmer, who studies his

The time the first schoolhouse was built in the Big Creek neighborhood i& not well settled now. Only one or two were built here prior to the Black Hawk war. This may be true, but it is pretty certain there were several terms of school taught previous to that event. They were generally in an unfinished or unused cabin, or in the room of some one's house who had such a room to spare. Michael O ' Hair was among the foremost residents to advocate and aid in supporting a common school. At that date, each parent paid in proportion to the number of children he sent. This pay commonly consisted in peltries,, coonskins, beeswax, or any article he could use in barter.

The first law in Illinois, favoring the establishment of a system of common schools, was introduced to the Assembly of 1824-25 by Joseph Duncan, then a Senator, afterward Governor. The provisions of this bill were, however, in advance of their time. They favored taxation, an idea not then well entertained by the masses, and. at the next session, the law was virtually repealed. The people preferred to pay tuition, or do without education, even if the burden fell upon the wealthy class of citizens. In 1844-45, the subject was again revived, and a better class of schoolhouses appeared over the country, Sims Township sharing in the general advance. In 1855, the foundations of the pres¬ ent system were laid, and since that time vast progress has been made in education. As the general discussion of this subject belongs to the history of the county, rather than to any township, the reader is referred to that part of the work, where he will find it more fully explained.

The advent of the new system brought a newT order of things with it. New frame houses took the place of the log houses of the pioneer period, and educa¬ tion in all its phases is to-day well sustained here.

The religious life of this settlement was, in one sense, co-equal with the educa¬ tional. Before churches were built, the cabins ot the settlers afforded shelter to those who chose to gather together on the Sabbath Day for religious worship. This was the common practice in pioneer days. As soon as a schoolhouse was built that could be used, and in many places was all the public house erected. They were also accustomed to go a long distance to church. In the Big Creek settlement, those who desired to attend divine worship came to Paris, or went to the old Liberty Meeting-house near the present town of Elbridge. Others went to a church in Grand View. By such means no church was built in Sims for a number of years after the town was settled. At present there is one, con¬ trolled by the Disciples, while near Nevins, in Elbridge, is another of the same denomination. At these and the churches in Paris, most of the people attend. Occasionally, services are held in schoolhouses by ministers of different denom¬ inations, who find some of their people here ; while it is a common affair for the pastors of churches in Paris, or in the vicinity of Sims, to hold Sabbath afternoon services in the schoolhouses.

Oliver

was started in 1875, under the name of Big Siding. Mr. Oliver Davis, living in the immediate vicinity, took an active part in starting a village here, and in honor of him the name was changed. A store and post office were opened, a few dwellings erected, and the village life begun. Mr. Charles Link began making charcoal soon after. To this business he has also added that of making staves. The timber is very abundant in this vicinity, and affords him an excellent trade.

consists at present only of a store and post office. The store was built by Mr. Jesse Swango, who owned the land on which it is situated, and who took considerable interest in the building of the Paris & Danville Railroad. The station received its name from him. There is no survey of a village here. The store and post office accommodates the inhabitants in the vicinity, who thereby avoid going to Paris for small errands. Mr. Swango ships considerable grain from this place, and may in time get a town. The store is now kept by Mr. D. W. Walls, who is also Postmaster.

Every American reader is familiar with the romantic tale of Rip Van Winkle as told by Washington Irving, which recites the strange adventures that befell the long sleeper in the Catskill Mountains, only to serve as a prelude to the surprise that fell upon him when he awoke no longer the loyal subject of George III, but the free and sovereign citizen of this great republic, then for a decade of years or more piloting its way in " the full tide of successful experi¬ ment." Could some of the early settlers of Illinois, who came to it fifty years ago, and after spending a year or two in the wilderness, have fallen asleep and prolonged their nap until now, then awaking to a full realization of all the changes that have taken place, we doubt not but their surprise would be even greater than that of poor Rip Van Winkle. The forests and prairies, then undisturbed and unbroken except by wild beasts, reptiles, birds and Indians, now the abodes of white men, and all the concomitants of civilization - the grand transformation is far more wonderful than in the little village of the Catskills. Especially is this true of the township heading this chapter, as 'well as every other section of the State.

For years after township organization, Stratton bore the honor of contain¬ ing the first settlement of white men made in Edgar County. More than sixty years ago were settlements made in this town, as originally bounded ; and what changes have been wrought in that period, go ask the Mayos, Blackburns, Simses, Scotts, Darnalls, and the few others still remaining, whose memories run back to the early times. This township took its name from John Stratton, one of the five first white settlers in this section of the country, and who is said by some to have been the first white man " who ate his dinner in his own house on this side of the Wabash.'' This assertion will probably admit of some modification, and his settlement confined to Edgar County, instead of this side of the Wabash. He located in the territory now embraced in Hunter Township. Some time after township organization, a new town was made between Stratton and Brouillett (most of the territory comprising it being taken from Stratton) and named Hunter, for one of its estimable citizens, John Hun¬ ter, Esq. This division gave to Hunter Township the honor that had originally belonged to Stratton, that of the first settlement in the county. Stratton was from Kentucky, and for many years was an honored citizen of the " North Arm " settlement ; but as his history is given in Hunter Township we will not repeat it here.

The first settlement made in Stratton Township, as bounded at present, is supposed to have been made by Daniel Lane in the spring of 1818, whose land lay partly in this and partly in Hunter Township, wLere he is more particularly referred to.

Edward Purcell was probably the next to locate in this township. He was born in Knox County, Ind., and came to Edgar County in the fall of 1818, and has been dead a number of years, but has a son living near the village of Vermilion. Mr. Mings now lives on the place where he originally settled. William Van Houtin, James Farnham, Chancy Adkins and John Van Dewson came from New York, and settled in this township in 1818-19. Van Houtin died here years ago, but has two sons, Benjamin and Thomas, who are still living here, enterprising men of the community. James Farnham was a son-in-law of Van Houtin. He has been dead some time, but has several sons still living. Adkins came to the town with the Van Houtins, and after remaining here a number of years, sold out and removed North, perhaps to Wisconsin. Van Dewson came also with the above named, and was a brother-in-law' of Adkins, and he and Adkins moved away together. Isaac Sandford settled in the south part of Stratton, and was the richest man in the neighborhood. He came also from New York, in the fall of 1819, and has been dead many years. He was Captain of the company formed in Stratton and Elbridge Townships in the

Grand View Tr

Col. J. M. Blackburn was born in Bourbon County, Ivy. His parents were from Pennsylvania ; were opposed to slavery, and when Kentucky adopted a Constitution admitting slavery, they removed to Ohio, where they remained until 1816, when they emigrated to Knox County, Ind., settling in that portion that afterward became a part of Sullivan County. The elder Blackburn died in 1817, but his wife lived to be ninety years of age. Col. Blackburn, after the death of his father, came here, to look at the land and to enter land for the benefit of his father's children, During that trip, he entered the land upon which he now lives. In August, 1820, he came again to Edgar County, built a cabin and a stable, and dug a well on the land; returned to Indiana, and the next year moved to the county, and settled on the place where he still lives. He is upward of eighty years of age, in apparent good health, and an active memory for his years. He says that Col. Mayo, of Paris, is the only man now alive who was living here when he came to the county in 1820. There are a few who were children then, but "he and Mayo are the only two old stagers left." Col. Blackburn's first wife was Miss Cassandra Widener, who is sup¬ posed to have been the first citizen white child born in the State of Indiana. Her father's (John Widener's) family was one of five, viz., John Widener, Col. Small, Dr. Curtandall, Col. Snapp and William Hogue, wTho came from the James River country, Virginia, in the latter part of the last century, and set¬ tled at Post St. Vincent, as Vincennes was then called, and were the first American citizens who settled in Indiana, Post St. Vincent being, at the time, the only settlement, camp or post in what is now the " Hoosier " State. And there his wife was born, in February, 1798. Blackburn took an active part in the Black Hawk war, as noted further on in this chapter. He has always been an active man in the community, full of energy and enterprise, and succeeded in accumulating a fine property. The Colonel sometimes entertains his friends with the following

When the seat of government was moved from Vandalia to Springfield, there was no road or trace from this section of the country to the new capital, and a movement was at once inaugurated, the object of which was the layingout of a public highway from Paris to Springfield. Amos Williams was appointed to make the survey, and went to Springfield with his " surveying traps," chain-carriers, etc., started at that point to run a line to Paris, but not allowing sufficiently for the variation of the compass, struck the Sugar Creek timber a mile and a half northeast of Paris. He switched ofif to the southward, however, when he found where he was, and finally got his line into the town. He had planted a stake about three feet high every forty rods along the line to note its location, and on the prairies these stakes were not quite as high as the grassland, consequently, the route was not easily followed. The route as sur- veyed led through the timber bordering the two branches of the Embarrass River, and also the Big and Little Okaw Rivers. A day was appointed when the citizens of Edgar County would turn out en masse and cut a road through the timber named, dig down the banks of the streams so that teams could cross, and make their way through the timber. The appointed day came, bringing with it but three men to do the work, viz., Col. Blackburn, Samuel Vance, and David Crosier. After waiting long enough to find that they comprised the crowd of workmen, they started out, determined to cut the road through them¬ selves. Each man was mounted and carried a little sack of corn to feed his horse, and also carried a lunch for himself. ' They cut through the timber of the two Embarrass Rivers and the Big Okaw, and it was seventeen miles across the prairie to the next or Little Okaw timber, and the afternoon fast wearing away. It was with much difficulty they could follow the route over the prairie by the stakes, which, as before observed, were not as high as the prairie grass. Night overtook them when not more than half way between the two Okaw tim¬ bers. (The panthers will come in by and by.) After looking about for a camping-place, they could find nothing better than to " squat " in the middle of the prairie. Vance and Crosier ''hobbled their horses, so that they could not get off, fed them the corn they had with them, while Blackburn intended, before going to sleep, to tie his bridle around his wrist, so that, should his horse become restless, he would awake him, but dropped to sleep without doing so. After attending to their horses and feeding them, they sat down on the ground back to back and talked awhile, when, being much fatigued from their day's work, they all fell asleep. Sometime during the night, Blackburn was awakened by the neighing of a horse, and, springing to his feet, found his animal gone, having dropped off to sleep without fastening his bridle to his arm as he had intended, as above stated. He mounted Crosier's horse and started back on the trace, thinking he would soon overtake his own, but, arriving back at the Big Okaw timber without seeing anything of it, gave up the chase, conclud¬ ing, however, to search through the timber, and to keep a lookout, lest he had passed it on the prairie before reaching the timber. When they had passed through this timber in the afternoon, they had noticed on the margin of the prairie adjoining it, quite a number of piles of prairie-grass half as bio- as an ordinary hay-cock, but had not paid a great deal of attention to them ; they had also noticed an old dead hickory-tree standing by the/ "trace " on fire, and burning up toward the top. This served as a wav-mark, a kind of beacon-light, to guide him across the prairie through the darkness. At this burning tree he made him a torch, with which he rode through the bottom and the timber, and along the margin of the prairie looking for his horse. He finally came to where another large hickory had been shivered by a bolt of lightning, and literally torn into splinters. Here he replenished his torch, and, turning away from the tree, he discovered a panther, one of the largest he ever saw, scarcely ten feet from him, its eyes shining like two balls of fire. His horse had not yet seen it. Turning toward it, he shouted, Charge ! and spurred directly at it. The animal jumped to one side, as if attempting a flank movement, but he wheeled his horse with the Rapidity he used to .do in the Black Hawk campaign, but Mr. Panther had "fallen back in good order" and disappeared. Thinking he might still be lurking near, and knowing the mortal fear of wild animals of fire, he set his torch to the old splintered hickory and soon had a considerable bonfire, and by this remained until the welcome light of day. Not finding his own horse, he returned to the place where he had left Crosier and Vance, told them the story of the panther, after which they went on and finished the road, then started on their return home. Having now but two horses, it was necessary to "ride and tie," that is, to take it by spells walking. When they got back to the Big Okaw timber, he and Crosier concluded to examine some of the piles of prairie-grass, there being quite a number in the vicinity. He was walking at the time, and carry¬ ing the one gun they had with them, while Vance and Crosier were carrying the tools they had used in making the road. They examined five of the grasspiles alluded to. In the first pile was a fawn partly devoured ; in the next, a full-grown deer also partly eaten ; in the third, another fawn; in the fourth, a raccoon, and in the fifth, a wild turkey, or rather skeleton, for nothing was left but the bones and wing-feathers, while the stench of the place was equally strong, and very similar to the animal cages of Van Amburgh's menagerie. Thinking it rather an unhealthy place to loiter, they retreated as fast as cir¬ cumstances would permit. (Our readers will think, perhaps, that this is not much of a panther story after all ; but we have not opened all their cages yet.) Some months after the occurrence above related, some one (he never knew to whom he was indebted for it) sent Col. Blackburn a Kaskaskia paper contain¬ ing an account of a party of hunters going out from that town, and "where the Springfield and Paris trace crossed the Big Okaw timber, had killed seventeen full-grown panthers." This was the interesting little family, or a part of it, that Col. Blackburn had spent the night with there but a few months before. It is his opinion, and doubtless it is a correct one, that the piles of grass was the family pantry, and contained provisions laid up by the panthers for future use.

Other Early Settlers

Hiram Newlon came from Virginia and settled in Stratton Township in 1824. He and his wife are both still living and in good health for their time of life. He is in good circumstances, and one of the prosperous farmers of the country. He was one of the first Justices of the Peace. A. G. Fitzgerald came from Meade County, Ky., in 1825, and settled about a mile east of Col. Blackburn's, and very near to the center of the township. He is still living. Though he came from Kentucky here, he is a native of North Caro¬ lina. He is a brother-in-law of Col. Morrison, his wife being a sister to Mor¬ rison. Col. D. A. Morrison was also from Meade County, Ky., and came to this township in November, 1826. He rented land the first year, and the next November settled where he now lives. His farm is just in the center of the township, and here he has lived for over half a century. He has been quite a stock-raiser, and also quite a dealer in that line. George King came from New York in 1825. After remaining here a number of years he removed to Wisconsin, where he became quite a noted man, serving with some distinction in the Legislature of the Badger State. Solomon Douthard was from some of the Eastern States and settled here in 1827. He sold out and moved West, and there died.

George Board came from Bourbon County, Ky.', and settled in Strat¬ ton Township in 1822. He died on the place of his original settlement many years ago ; has a son living in Terre Haute, and another somewhere in the Wabash Valley. He was the first Coroner of Edgar County, and filled the office almost from the time of the county's organization to his death. Matthew R. Scott, mentioned in the list of early settlers of Brouillett Town¬ ship, first settled in this neighborhood, but did not remain long, when he sold out and removed to the place where he now lives. Edward Wheeler, another of the early settlers of Brouillett, located here first, where he remained but a short time. Thomas Cox, a son-in-'law of William Van Houtin, came from the same place that Van Houtin came from, and settled in this town in 1827. He died on his original settlement about three years ago. Garrett . Harrison settled about one mile from Blackburn's in 1824-25 ; remained but a few years, when he sold out and moved away. Richard Kimbrough settled in the town in 1825, and is alluded to as one of the early school-teachers. Samuel Trogdon, mentioned as one of the early comers in Elbridge Township, after remaining there a few years removed to this town, where he died in 1840. George and Abram Welsh were among the early settlers of Stratton. George came here in 1824 and bought out John Lowry. He has been dead thirty years or more. Rev. Samuel McGee was one of the early preachers, and was from Tennessee. He came here in 1825, and is mentioned further in connec¬ tion with the early church history. James Cummins came in the spring of 1830, and entered the land where the town of Vermilion now stands. He was from Kentucky, and a brother, Robert Cummins, came here with him. James Cummins sold out to James S. A ermilion, who came out that fall and was also from Kentucky.

Hon. George W. Rives, now of Paris, was from Virginia, and came here in 1839, looking after lands belonging to his father, and liked the country so well that he remained. He is a son of Hon. Joseph Rives, who served two or three terms in the Congress of the United States from Virginia. Hon. William C. Rives was a brother to Joseph, and was for some time in the United States Senate, and was also Minister to France under President Jackson. John C. Rives, another member of the family, was for years editor of the Congressional Globe. Hon. George W. Rives settled, as above stated, in Stratton, where he married Col. Mayo's youngest sister, and where he lived until 1851, when he removed to Paris. He wTas a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1847. He has also served three terms in the State Legislature and eight years as County Clerk, and wTas the first United States Assessor appointed foi this district by Abraham Lincoln. As a coincidence in his public life, ho served in the first session of the Legislature after both the Constitutional Con vention of 1847 and of 1869-70.

The Black Hawk War

As frequently noted in this work, there were plenty of Indians in this section of the country when white people first came here. But, as much has already been said on the subject, we will not repeat it, but, with a few words in regard to the Black Hawk war, will pass on to other matters. Blackburn was Colonel of the militia of the county when the war assumed its most violent aspect, and in that capacity was called upon by the Governor for four companies (200 men). He received his orders on Saturday, and so rapidly did he push forward his recruiting that on the Monday week following he marched for the front, with the full complement of men. Of the eight townships in the county at that time, each formed a militia company for the regular drills, and from each two companies he called for a company of volunteers. The townships of Stratton and E'lbridge made one company ; all volunteered as privates. After the complement was made up, the company proceeded to elect its officers, with the following result: J. M. Blackburn, Captain; Isaac Sanford, First Lieutenant, and Aloysius Brown, Second Lieutenant. LTpon the arrival of " our army in Flanders," they elected field officers, and Blackburn was elected Colonel of the regiment (other officers of the regiment have been given in another chapter), and Isaac Sanford wTas elected Captain of the Stratton and Elbridge company, in his place. In the election for " field officers," Blackburn, Mayo and Sanford were candidates for Colonel, and Blackburn, receiving a majority, was elected to the position. The regiment was known as the " First Regiment of Illinois Mounted Volunteers," and was out about ninety days. It participated in most of the fighting after it arrived in the field, and was present at the battle of Bad Ax.