Fayette County, Illinois - Chapter 13: Pioneers and Early Settlers. Incidents and Anecdotes, 1878

Chapter 13: Pioneers and Early Settlers. Incidents and Anecdotes

SjW gP provided their descendants with such a valuable heritage as is to " e *°und the alluvial and historic banks of the Kaskaskia. One grateful tribute is due to all. If, at the expiration of nearly three-quarters of a century, we can take a retrospective view of the past, and feel that all has been done towards preserving the institutions which their lives were spent in establishing, in their original purity and simplicity, we shall have paid to their memory the most worthy tribute in the power of man to bestow, by passing them on to posterity as we received them.

To Guy Beck and wife undoubtedly belongs the credit of having been the first settlers within the present limits of Fayette County. They were both natives of Kentucky, and came to Illinois when it was a Territory, and located in St. Clair County, near the 44 Kahokia Village," in the year 1809. On the breaking out of the second war with Great Britain, he enlisted as a ranger, and served until peace was declared. He was quite celebrated as a hunter in those days, and he set about to find a locality where he could gratify his ambition in the pleasures and sports of the chase. He selected a tract of land and built a cabin, in the spring of 1815, on the banks of a creek (afterwards named Beck's Creek) in honor of him. His improvement was made on section 9, township 8, range 2, east, now a part of Bowling Green Township. His father, Paul Beck, with his family, consisting of sev¬ eral sons, - John James, Hiram, Fleming and Paul, Jr., all of whom had families, came to and settled in the neighborhood of Guy's place in the spring of 1818, and spent most of their time for many years in hunting and fishing, preferring that mode of gaining a livelihood to the more arduous labor of the farm. They were quite a numerous family, and many of their descendants now live in the county.

First Blacksmith Shop

Guy Beck was a blacksmith, having learned the trade in Kentucky. He built and carried on a small shop at his residence, where he occasionally repaired the rude implements of farming then in vogue and used by his neighbors, and it is quite certain that he was the first blacksmith in Fayette County. * Valentine Brazil and Thomas Higgins f each made a settlement and improvement on section 34, township 8, range 1, east, in the year 1816. In 1817 a Mr. Hinds and family settled in township 7, range 1, east. They were Kentuckians. During the years 1818-19 many settlers came to the County, amoog whom were the Haley family, consisting of William, John,

Edward, Harding and James Haley. The three former were married, and had, small families. They were Tennesseeans, and came to and settled in what is now Fayette County, in the fall of 1818, and made improvements on the east side of the Kaskaskia River. Their first settlement after leaving Ten¬ nessee, with their parents, was in St. Clair County, Illinois, in the year 1807. Mr. Enoch says, they were quite noted for their love of fieldsports, and a strong predilection for Jacksonian Democracy. Fishing, hunt¬ ing and horse-racing were their chief occupations and amusements. The older members of the family are now dead; they were among the prominent and respectable of the early families.

Two young men, Philip Luster and James Beal, settled here a short time after the Haley family, in the latter part of the year 1818. Philip Luster was born in Tennessee, in April, 1801, and emigrated, with his parents, to Clinton County, Illinois, in 1817; from thence came to this county, as above stated; afterwards made au improvement on a tract of land in the north¬ east part of township 5, range 1, east, where he resided until his death, which took place a few years since.

Allen Wakefield, a well-known pioneer, came with his father, William Wakefield, and family, to St. Clair County, in 1812. They were Ken¬ tuckians. In 1817 Allen W. married a sister of Ward Thompson, then living in Clinton County; moved with his young bride to Fayette County,

| in 1818, and made a farm, where Robert Mitchell now resides, in the south i east part of Bear Grove Township; * lived there about three years, tbtn farming. He figured quite prominently for many years, and served one term hs a member of the legislature, representing Fayette County in that body. He defeated the Hon. Robert K. McLaughlin, who was his competitor. Mr. W. was a Whig, and did yeoman service for the iuterest of his party; yet in his zeal for his party he never forgot the duties he owed to his constituents. He served as a ranger in the war of 1812, also in the Black Hawk war, in whiclr he attained the rank of major. He was a man of great courage and bravery, and besides possessed considerable ability. He published a brief history of the Black Hawk War, which is regarded as venr authentic. He left Fayette County about the year 1838, and moved to Iowa, and subse¬ quently settled in Kansas, where he died a few years since.

Benjamin Ward Thompson, who is yet living, hale and hearty, is among the early pioneers. He is a Kentuckian by birth, and settled, with bis parents, in Clinton County, Illinois, in 1816, and in the early part of the year 1819 settled in Fayette County, + accompanied by his mother and his sister Anna, who bad a short time previously married Abraham Stearns. Mr. Stearns raised a large family. He devoted much of his time to study and improve¬ ment, and Became quite a noted botanical physician, and was highly re¬ spected. He died a number of years ago. His widow is yet living. James, Henry and David Luster (brothers of Philip) settled here in 1818. They made improvements about two miles north of Vandalia. William Hickman, a Tennesseean, resided, with his family, three miles south-west of Vandalia. He also came in 1818, and was a man respected for his honesty and good qualities, and left a large family connection in the county. Z. F. Watwood settled in what is now Ramsey Township, in 1817

Lemuel Lee, a native of Cayuga County, New York, with his family, consisting of a wife and the following children, became residents of the county in 1819: Mason, William H., Benjamin F., Sarah, Monroe, and George. Wm. and Benjamin Lee still live in the county, residing near 8hoborner.

Henry, Abijab, Cbauncey, William and Newlin Lee, all brothers of Lemuel Lee, located here the same year, 1819. They all settled in the town of Vandalia, and were among the more industrious and energetic citizens of that period They built and operated the first saw and grist mills in Vanaalia.

Wm. H. Brown, a lawyer, and very noted in the early annals of the county, was a native of New York, and with his family came to the settle¬ ment at Vandalia in 1819, lived in the county a few years, and subsequently moved farther west.

Another name which we must not fail to mention is that of the venerable William Padoueen and wife, who settled on a tract of wild land about five and a half miles above Vandalia, at a place near C&pt. Ray's farm, in what was then known as the Buckmaster settlement. He is yet living, hale and hearty, now over eighty-two years of age-

Among the early settlers who came to the county were Jeremiah Evans, wife and eons, John and Akin Evans. They located on a tract of land in what is now embraced in the territory comprised in Bear Grove township. Some of the same family moved a mile or two south of the first settlement - three or four miles - into what is now Seminary township. They came to the county in the year 1818.J

Joseph Hines with his wife and three sons - John, Joseph Jr., and Simon, all now deceased - came from Kentucky in the fall of 1819. They were a very respectable family, and made a settlement in what is now Sharon I township, on Boaz Prairie.

Id the early spring of the same year Edward Boaz settled in the county, and to him belongs the honor of being the first Baptist preacher in this region of country. He was a man remarkable for his piety and his many | excellent qualities, and was generally beloved by the pioneers. Though not t among his flock, and his name will long continue to be remembered as one | who endeavored to instil (rood morals and religion into bis people. j

Fir8T Child Born

The first white child born in tb^county was a son of John F. McCullom, in the year 1819, and in honor of the new town he was called Vandalia McCullom. A mulatto child was born about the same time, which was also named Vandalia.

As Mr. McCullom was quite a jovial character in the new settlement, and used to keep a bar in connection with bis tavern, people would frequently 1 congregate at his house, where they would diseuss the various local affairs j of the new Capital and the politics of the State and county. They were ' generally orderly and peaeeabfe, but most of them were fond of their toddy, j

First School Teacher

The first frame house was built by John F. McCullom in the spring of 1820, on a lot where the Dieckman House now stands. The carpenter work was done by Thomas Coats and some others. McCullom continued to carry on his hotel until his death, which occurred in the year 1823. i

"In 1819, Ferdinand Ernst, a man of literary attainments and much merit, settled at the new seat of government, Vandalia, and located a colony of Germans from Hanover, consisting of twenty-five or thirty families. Mr. Ernst was a gentleman of wealth, and established a store and hotel in his | new residence. These Germans were industrious and prudent citizens, occu- 1 pying their time and attention with their own business/' *

There is some little error in the statement made by Reynolds, as Mr. Ernst first came over in 1817, accompanied by a young man named Fre¬ derick Hollman. He spent a few months in the new settlement, then returned to Germany, taking back with him some of the seeds and grasses indigenous to the soil, published a pamphlet, and at his own expense brought over upwards of a hundred persons. There is no question that ! Mr. Ernst did more than any other person at that period to advance the material growth of the county.

The year 1820 was unusually sickly, and not being aoclimated many of the emigrants died. Among those who lived and afterwards became useful citizens may be mentioned, Fred Yerker and brother, both of i whom had families; George Greeney, with his family; and Augustus | Snyder, who was then quite young and a single man; Frederick Rearuann, Sen., and wife, tbe father of the late Col. Reamann - the elder Reamann lived but a few years; George Lidig, Sen., and family. Soon after his arrival his wife died, and he subs^uently married a Miss Reamann, a daughter of Fred. Reamann, Sen.; Frederick Heinrich and ( family, who have a large number of descendants in the county; George Rosemeyer was also one of the company; he carried on the first blacksmith shop in the town of Vandalia: he married the widow Reamann the mother of Col. Reamann. Fritz Wagemann was a single man on his arrival in the country with Ernst; he afterwards married Miss Kate Little. Not getting along very amiably they were divorced by act of the legislature, ana three years after he courted her over and they were married, and the balance of | their lives was passed happily together. -

Christian and Fred Yerker, (brothers) were also of the colony. A very j sad accident befel Christian Yerker a few years after he came to the ! country, in the summer of 1824 or 25. He with two or three other parties, were two miles west of Vandalia cutting prairie grass, the prairie taking fire, he made a great effort to save his hay, and in doing so perished in the j flames. The accident took place near where the Russell Nursery is situated.

The first store kept in the county was owned by William Kinney and carried on by Charles Prentice. Frederick Holman also carried on a store in partnership with Mr. Ernst, in 1819, in Vandalia.

In order to show the prices paid for goods, by the early settlers of Fayette Co # , we subjoin the following list, the fac-similes of an account tendered by one of the merchants.

It would seem that shillings and pence were just going out of fashion and dollars and cents coming in. For the benefit of nis customers, who were not yet familiar with the new coinage, he was kind enough to give the origi¬ nal and its translation; a shilling, it appeare, was worth sixteen aud twothird cents.

Many of the old settlers are full of anecdote and narrative of the early times, and remember distinctly the few scattering tribes which visited the country on hunting expeditions. They were principally the Kickapoos tribe. During the summers of 1819,'20 and'21, large bands of these Indians would come into the county to fish and hunt, and sometimes to raise a small patch of corn. A part of the Sauks tribe also visited the county in 1820 and '21, frequently in numbers of from three to five hundred

There still exists an Indian burial ground on the farm of B. Ward Thomp son, four miles south of Vandalia, on section 29 of the same township

Another name which is familiar to all is that of the venerable John Enochs, who was among the early settlers. (A biographical sketch of his life appears elsewhere in the work.) He was for many years an official of the county, and, while sheriff, whipped three men at the whipping-post. The punishment may seem cruel and barbarous at this age of the world; yet it had a very salutary effect on criminals at that time. Mr. Enochs tells of a man, Adam Smith, who was over a hundred years old, when he, Mr. E., took the census of the county in 1835. He said Mr. Smith would frequently walk from his residence to Vandalia and back in a day, the distance being twelve miles, and not consider it much of an undertaking. He was only a fair specimen of the hardy and energetic pioneer.

First Tailor And First Coroner

The first tailor in the county was John Foley, who came over with the Ernst colony, and established himself in Vandalia. He was also the first coroner of the county.

Earliest Physicians

The pioneer physicians were Dr. Robert Beard, a native of Kentucky. He was a gentleman of culture and scientific attainments. Dr. Van Fleck, a native of New York. Dr. Waters Baugh, also a Kentuckian. These gen¬ tlemen came to Vandalia in the latter part of 1820.

In the year 1822 came Dr. R. H. Peoples, a young man of excellent habits and ability. He married a Miss Ernst. lie was a Pennsyl¬ vanian by birth.

The first Justice of the Peace in the county was John Baugh, who settled here in 1819. He was also a Baptist preacher of considerate power He moved from Kentucky to the Territory of Illinois with his family in 1810, and settled in St. Clair County, and in 1819 removed to Vandalia, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred many years after.

First Marriages

The first marriages that were solemnized in the county were those of Philip Lester and James Beal. They married two sisters, Miss Hay leys, from St. Clair county, Illinois, who came to Fayette to visit relatives. Mr. Lester's wife was Ellen Haley, and James Beal's wife Frances Hayley. This interesting event in their fives took place in the summer of 1819.

First Bank

The first Bank in the county was organized in 1821, called the "legal tender, or State Bank.'' Thomas Mather was president, and James Kelly was cashier. The bank was robbed one night in March, 1823, and a man named Russell Bottsford was accused by Kelly as being one of tbe parties who committed the robbery. Kelly one day approached Bottsford with a cow-hide and threatened to whip him. The altercation grew warm, and in the melee Bottsford drew a knife and stabbed Kelly in the heart, resulting in almost instant death. The feeling grew very high among the citizens, as both had been men of reputable character, and had many warm friends. That is said to have been the first murder in the county. Bottsford was subsequently tried and acquitted. The trial was before Judge Reynolds, in 1824. Sidney Breese, Chief Justice of the State, was the prosecuting attor¬ ney, and that eloauent and distinguished lawyer and statesman, Edward Bates, defended. The trial produced a great deal of excitement, and many of the old settlers remember listening to the fervid eloquence displayed by these distinguished men on that occasion. A few other individuals, charged with being accessory to the robbery, were taken out by parties known as " regulators/' stripped and whipped, and were given a few hours to leave the county. We are not, however, advised as to what became of them after¬ wards.

About twelve years thereafter a mulatto man, well known by many of the " old settlers" of Vandalia, was employed as an hostler at what was known as the McCullom brick stable. While removing some rubbish and manure, he came upon three boxes which contained one thousand dollars of silver in each box. The negro, as would be expected, was very much alarmed and excited on finding so much money. He soon attracted a crowd. This was a part of the money stolen from the bank. The bank officers paid him a reward of fifty dollars for his honesty, as well as for his luck in finding the money. * wae granted to J. F. Eckman, by the county court, April 16th, 1821, to keep a tavern in Vandalia, at the "Union Hall," on nis paying into the county treasury eight dollars, and one dollar to the clerk. The license was granted for one year, and a bond given of two hundred dollars with Fre¬ derick Hollmann as security. We append the rates below which he was allowed to charge his customers, believing the same will be of interest to our readers.

Slavery

The first slaves brought to the county were by Robert K. Mc Laughlin. He had a family of five negroes. However they soon ran away, and Mr. Mc¬ Laughlin made no effort to recover them. Elijah Berry also on the removal of the Capita] to Vandalia brought a family of negroes with him. He was Auditor of Public Accounts under the administration of Governor Bond, and McLaughlin was State Treasurer at the time he came to Vandalia. Both these gentlemen removed from Kaskaskia.

Removal Of The State Capital

From Kaskaskia to Vandalia brought with it many prominent men and their families from various portions of the State, first among whom may be mentioned the first Governor, Shadrach Bond. (Reynolds in his history speaks of him in the warm and glowing language of a true friend). He was a great, noble and talented pioneer. He stood in the front rank of that hardy and noble race of men, the ancient pioneers of Illinois. The few remaining of that class may look back with the proud recollection that he was one of them, and was a sample of good sense, honesty, and most of the virtues that elevate and dignify the human character. Shadracn Bond was born in Frederick County, Maryland, in the year 1773, and was raised by a pious father, Nicholas Bond, on a plantation. He was educated a practical far¬ mer; and such was his occupation during life, except the services in public stations he performed, which detained him from his farm for some portion ot the time. In the year 1794, when he reached his majority, he emigrated to Illinois, and resided in the American Bottom, with his uncle Shadrach Bond, Sr. He received in Maryland a plain English education. But Illi¬ nois, when he reached it was a wild country, not much disposed to the im¬ provement of the mind in science and literature. Yet man, and his various actions were before him, and he acquired the practical knowledge of man¬ kind, and the various springs of human action. Governor Bond was, in his matured age, an intelligent man.

He for somq years resided with bis uncle, after he first came to Illinois, and indulged in much of the gaiety and amusements of that day. But when age and experience reached him, he changed his course, and purchased a fine farm on the bank of a beautiful lake iu the American Bottom, and improved it in good style. He resided here for many years, a single farmer.

About the year 180U. the whole society changed its character, to some ex¬ tent to a more civili/.ed and moral state, and the agricultural and other in¬ terests changed in the same proportion. Bond was by his example and precept, greatly instrumental in bringing about this desirable change. He la¬ bored with his own hands on his farm, with such assistance as he could pro¬ cure at that early day. He felt an honest pride on being dependent on no one for his support, except on his mother earth, and 44 God that giveth the increase '' He spent the happiest part of his life on bis farm.

much happiness. These convivial parties were not based on gluttony and I intemperance; but they were sustained by the noble and generous hearts of I the order of warm and congenial spirits. Bond possessed warm and ardent 1 feelings, and when excited in the society of his friends around the festive I board, he not only was happy himself, but made all around him happy also.

! He possessed a heart filled with true benevolence and good, kind feelings to all the human race, and on these occasions the feelings that adorn the hu¬ man character, flowed deep and strong.

1 He generally kept a large pack of hounds, and with his friends, the fox hunt was with him capital sport. The hounds, horn, and the voice of Gov¬ ernor Bond made sweet music in the mornings, on the commons near the 1 village of Kaskaskia, in olden times. He took great delight in this rural i sport, and, in fact, all his impulses and disposition were inclined to the cheer- I ful and bright tide of human nature: so he generally enjoyed himself, and ' made all around him happy likewise.

When he reached man's estate in the American Bottom, on his farm, his person was large and portly. He weighed two hundred pounds, and was ' six feet high. His person was erect, compact, and formed with perfect sym¬ metry. His bearing was noble, dignified and commanding, and his features were regular, but marked, strong and masculine. His complexion was dark, and bis hair a glossy jet black. His eyes were large, brilliant and of a ha- I zel color. His forehead was large and capacious, and his countenance de- ! noted him to possess superior intellect, with many other marked traits of | character that adorn human nature. With such a character as Bond pos- ! sessed, and with his fine person, he was a great favorite with the ladies.

In his early life, he was elected a member to the General A»s'mbly of | Indiana Territory, which met at Vincennes. In 1812 he was elected the j first delegate from the Territory of Illinois to Congress, and in this office he | performed great and important services for his constituents. By his exeri tions in that body, the first act of Congress was parsed in 1813, to grant the the great lever, that moved Illinois onward toward that glorious eminence i she now occupies. The people, before this act of Congress passed, had nine- | tenths of them, settled on the public lands, and hsd no right or title to their farms whatever. No one was certain of securing his improvements or labor, and therefore small improvements were made.

Bond remained in Congress only one term, and was appointed receiver of public monies at Kaskaskia. This was a laborious and responsible office. The Commissioners to adjust the ancient claims to lands in Illinois bad not completed their work and Bond, together with Michael Jones, examined a great many of the claims, reported them to Congress, and they were ap¬ proved.

I At the election of State officers he was chosen Governor of the State without opposition. The honest and sincere friendship of the people for him | made him the first Governor.

| The change of the laws, policy, and all, from a Territorial to a State Gov- I ernment, required prudence, circumspection and much wisdom. He pos- : sessed these qualifications, and performed his duties to the general satisfac- ! tion of the people.

A short time after his term of office as Governor expired, he was ap¬ pointed Register of the land-office at Kaskaskia, wherein he remained in his old age, doing the business to the satisfaction of the public. On the 11th of April, 1830, he expired in happiness, and in peace with man. His last breath was breathed in good will to the human family, and praise to ! God. Governor Bond left a blameless and unspotted character.

! The first Lieutenant Governor, Pierre Menard, also attended several ses¬ sions of the Legislature at Vandalia; a man of sound judgment, integrity 1 and prudence; and in the early history of the State was a conspicuous and influential character. He was born in Canada, in the year 1767, where he received only a plain education, and like many young Canadians filled with adventures, he came west. He reached Vincennes in the year 1786, and entered the employment of Col. Vigo, an Indian trader in 1790. He and Du Bois, of Vincennes, became partners in merchandizing, and established a store of Indian and other goods, in Kaskaskia. He was exceedingly popu¬ lar both among the whites and Indians. At any time an Indian woula pre- I fer giving Menard his peltry for nothing, than to receive double value for it from a Long-Knife American. His words, actions, and all his movements indicated a pure and upright heart, where neither guile, deceit or cunning had any resting place. With these traits of character, he was one of the | most influential persons in the country. He represented the Territory in the .Legislature of the Indiana Territory. Menard was first in almost every en- 1 terprise, in pioneer times in Illinois. He was in the first Legislature of both the Territories of Indiana and Illinois, and was elected Lieutenant Governor of the State in 1818. Menard died at Kaskaskia, in the year 1844, aged se¬ venty-seven years.

! Elias K. Kane, the first Secretary of State, emigrated to Illinois from New York, and settled at Kaskaskia in 1814. In 1818 he was appointed Secretary of State. He was a man of talent and prominence.

1 Robi. K. McLaughlin, a lawyer, a native of Kentucky, settled in Illinois in 1815. McLaughlin was a man of sound judgment, and great energy of , character. On the removal of the capital he settled in Vandalia, where for many years he was a prominent figure both in politics and the material growth of the town. He acquired considerable wealth, and died leaving no children, beloved and respected by all. He was State Treasurer from 1819 to 1823.

Col. Alexander P. Field, a native of Kentucky, an educated and chival¬ rous gentleman, located at Jonesboro, Illinois, at an early day, subsequently moved to Vandalia, was State Treasurer from 1823 until 1827, and Secretary of State from 1829 to 1840. As a politician, be had few equals at that day, and no superior; he was also eminent as a criminal lawyer, sparkling witn wit and eloquence. He afterwards moved to Louisiana, became promi¬ nently identified with the politics of that State, and attained the position of Attorney General of Louisiana. He died at New Orleans in the Fall of 1877. We subjoin, through the courtesy of Judge Jacob Fouke, a few letters that will prove interestingfwftd give a fair idea of the feelings and sentiments'of the people of those days.

This letter may be interesting, as it not only touches upon political ques¬ tions of the times but marks strongly the feeling existing between the North and South, or the advocates and non-advocates of slavery; it also shows that the residential population of the then wild Texas territory were not insen¬ sible to the advantage* of having their visiting friends come well recom¬ mended, and Mr. McKinney was somewhat averse to being taken for a rob¬ ber or a cut-throat.

Between business and severe indisposition I have had no time to corres¬ pond with my friends. I left Buffalo in December, business having become nearly stagnant in consequence of the closing of the navigation. Since then I have been confined to my bed with a violent attack of rheumatism, and it is with difficulty I write at present; I am something better, and as soon as I am able to travel I shall continue on my journey to Texas, for which I had started when I was taken sick. I shall probably be at Louisville about the 20th inst. In the mean time will you do me the favor to draw up a certifi¬ cate rec 3 mmendiog my conduct and capacity while at Vandalia, and get my friends there to sign it Those holding offices, such as Capt Linn, Col. Prentice, Sheriff Berry, Wm. McConnell, <fec., <fec., get them to sign as such, and conclude the list with your ovn signature, certifying to the genuineness of theirs and adding your official seal, and have the goodness to forward the > same to me at Louisville. There have been so many robbers and cut-throats migrating to Texas that I cousider the document necessary. * * * *

With my warmest thanks I will furnish you with whatever information may be interesting after my arrival in Texas. How does the white cause pros¬ per in your State? The anti-Masons will most assuredly, by their foolish conduct, give this State to Van Buren. The party are divided between Harrison and Webster, and will not unite. White has no chance. The people here are thoroughly opposed to the slave-holder's States; they don't like a Southern man. God knows there is no love lost between us. I have no doubt but that the present Legislature will re-charter the present bank of the United States, with a capital of $28,000 000. The bonus required is large, but Pennsylvania will go ahead of her sisters. Mv warm regards to all my friends in Vandalia. Write me to Louisville, and believe me always your sincere friend,

The name of the illustrious Henry Clay needs no eulogy at our hands. All who know anything of the history of the United States must be familiar with the career of one of Virginia's noblest sons. While filling the halls of Congress with his grand oratory, and lending his powerful assistance in steering the ship of State to a safe haven, he neglected his own private affairs and came very near having his real estate in Illinois sold to pay the taxes accumulated thereon.

Governor Coles has been good enough to inform me that my lands in Illinois are advertised to be sold for the non payment of the taxos. I have requested him by letter to prevent their sale, and to engage some gentleman to attend to the payment of the taxes hereafter for me as they accrue, until otherwise advised by me. As my letter to him may miscarry, I would thank you (should he not have engage 1 any other gentleman to attend to the business for me) to represent me in the matter, on the terms specified in your circular of the 10th April, 1826. I will either pay your draft for the amount of the taxes and charges according to that circular, at sight, or remit it to you as you may indicate.

Mr. Coot has been so kind as to attend to this business for me heretofore, and I am under great obligations to him for doing it; but the above arrange¬ ment will relieve him from trouble which I ought not to give him.

The letter attached, written to the Secretary of State by one of his partypoliticians, goes to prove that in politics everything is fair, as well as in love and war; no doubt the participants in the Barbecues on both sides were well satisfied to receive a substantial repast free of all expense, a piece of libe¬ rality which would doubtless be remembered when election-day rolled round; and the inducements held out to the Secretary himself were such that he would not be likely to resist them.

The Whigs of this county intend to give a Free Barbecue, on the 4th proximo, and they feel an anxious desire that you should make one in our midst. The Democrats have established a press here, and are straining every nerve to organize their scattered forces; with that view they have pro¬ posed to give a free Barbecue on the 4th, and it becomes necessary that we should defeat their plans by giving one that may far outnumber theirs.

you may rest assured of receiving a most cordial reception. The Whigs, in this section, are not ungrateful for favors of that character, and it may be of benefit to you personally, if you could mingle with us, and stir up the Democracy with a stump speech, I have written a letter to you, directed to Vandalia, not knowing precisely your whereabouts. Please give me a speedy answer. Yours, veiy respectfully,

We give below the copy of a letter addressed to Alexander P. Field, Esq., | Secretary of State, Vandalia, III., which shows the troubles and auxieties

; we have no evidence of the same, that A. P. Fields, Esq., took the frieudly I hint furnished him by his friend Smith, and at least saved his skin, although his honor seemed somewhat under a cloud.

Gov. Reynolds has just passed through this place on his way to Chicago. While here he stated to numbers that you had informed him of your having received a letter from A. P. Herndon, inviting you to attend a public meet¬ ing in this place on the 13th instant, for the purpose of addressing the citi¬ zens on the subject of the next presidential election; and that you had also informed him that Gen. Maxwell had been written and was expected to at¬ tend. This day's paper also contained a notice of the meeting, and it was therein stated that you would be here. This news has caused great excite- | ment against you among the people. Your enemies have been industriously | circulating the story of your having sold your vote for fifty dollars to a Mr.

our people who are naturally jealous, may and doubtless will be told that ou have come to dictate to them. Besides you hold an office, and we, you now, have used that against the administration with effect. Already are we threatened with placards concerning you, and you are threatened with personal violence.

You know, my good sir, that these low infuriated Jackson pack are capa¬ ble of anything; and some ruffian will doubtless be selected to attack you. Under all the circumstances it is submitted to your better judgment, whether you had not best decline your contemplated visit.

The following letter was sent by Gen. James Shields to A. P Fields, Esq., (Secretary of State), Springfield, and doubtless is relative to his appointment as State Auditor, for we find he was elected to that office in 1840. Three years later, he officiated for a short term as Circuit Judge in Vandalia; and m 1846 was elected Judge of the Supreme Court. In Vandalia he be¬ came acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A Douglas. John J. Hardin, Edward Baker, and many others who have since prominently figured in the history of the country. He afterwards held several important posi¬ tions, and figured with distinguished honor in the wars of Mexico.

I have now been three days in this place; saw his Excellency. He has not yet determined on any course in relation to the matter about which we conversed. He will make a nomination, but cannot pledge himself, he says, until all are assembled in Springfield. Sj far as appearances go, he would be willing to nominate me. One thing I find would not be to his wish - that you should make any arrangements to resign. This would defeat me. Indeed I was always aware of that- He requested me to see him to¬ day again, and I shall then know more. I have been well received by him, and well treated, and it would seem he has taken some fancy to me . . . .

The following letter touches upon the condition of the State Banks of Illinois in 1840, and the feelings of ihe Whig party in connection therewith:

Will you he bo good as to let me know when Judge McLean holds his Court at Spriogfield ? It is important I should know in season, so as to give Stai r timely notice. Please state if you have all things in readiness for a trial at the next term. How prospers Old Tip with you, and the good cause?

I hope the Whigs of Illinois will not be d-~d fools enough to identify his cause with that of your worthless Banks. I very much fear such will be the case. If so, Illinois will be lost to the Whigs. Write soon, and oblige Your friend, A. G. Sloo.

The subjoined lengthy, but humorous letter, may afford some amusement to our readers. It was addressed to A. P. Fields, Secretary of State, by his friend A. F. Grant, the unsuccessful candidate for office in Gallatin County.

It is not every unsuccessful aspirant for honors that can carry off their defeat as lightly as he. We trust the country did not materially suffer from the loss of his valuable services either politically, or professionally.

The postponement of our court until the 26th inst, affords me inducement, while tne alleviation of the general ill health, though slight, affords me op¬ portunity, and strengthens my inclination, to inflict upon you an epistolary torture. My physical powers of writing, as well as my intellectual resources, (generally very ample you know), are somewhat impaired from the influence of the long, continual and copious potations, which I have been reluctantly compelled to swallow, by way of stimulants, by which I have thus far been enabled successfully to resist the common enemy. I have happily been able to keep him as yet at bay, but how long before he will make an overpower¬ ing lunge at me is beyond my ken, and we haven't got a reglar doctor in the field. Gatewood and I have assumed the pestal and mortar * * * <fec., as our arms, and having the advantage of Dake, Watkins and Dunn, have achieved for ourselves considerable fame; though we have not yet contribu¬ ted any settlers to the region of Styx, all who have gone to render their long account having departed without any passport from us. We have kept Dake, Watkins & Dunn, flat on their back for some weeks, but they are now threatening to rise in their might and drive all usurpers from their domin¬ ions. As an evidence, Watkins who has been plunged into a tolerably deep typhus, was up with his clothes on and his cane in his hand (a fearful omen) j on yesterday. Dake yesterday demolished a half bushel of milk porridge, mush, <fcc. Dunn has at length shot out in obedience to Captain Calomel I

I heard to-day that your family and the Vandals generally, were all get¬ ting better, and as I know the penchant (I have learned a little French) you | the time on which you could be among us, with most likely chance of enjoy¬ ing our recherche society in its full bloom and fragrance. At the regular time of our courts sitting there was so much sickness about and so Tittle brandy in the place, that the peoples authorities thought it beet to suspend the dispensation of justice until the 26th. when it was hoped there would be | lees of the former, and more of the latter. |

I missed your company so much, and felt consequently so surcharged with i ennui , that I readily acquiesced in any measure which promised a chance for | you to be arnmg m. Jeff I believe partook of the same sentiment. You j will therefore add as much to our happiness as you will to your own by being with us. We may safely anticipate a joyous feast of reason, and a rich flow of soul.

Gallatiu County bespeaks the sympathy of all her sisters for the awful calamity which befel her on the first Monday of last month - the loss of my ! services. Some people (I don't know upon what authority, for the records show that two representatives were elected, and neither of them as I have uuderetood is a fictitious person). - Some people pretend to compare Gallatin in the House ©^Representatives of our Legislature to the District of Colum¬ bia in Congress; and say that there must be a standing committee establish¬ ed specially charged with her interests. Although this must be a mistake, | and although it wouldn't be safe to charge every man with stealing, a bull yearling - yet you will unhesitatingly agree with me - that the interests of Gallatin and the public councils, must suffer greatly, by the withholding of i my services. Had I thought the importance so great I certainly would have yielded, and bestowed my care and attention upon the affairs of the country. 1

Unless Don Carlos and Don Miguel insist upon my co-operation with their friends, and those of the Duchess De Bsrri and the Fope, in the effort about | to be made, to restore those amiable princes to their late fortunes and dignities,

I shall be in Vandalia this winter; when I shall unquestionably (unless on j the score of a monetary capital) be a very great man, holding no office, owing no responsibility - seeking none, very much, and probably getting none I at all. If I can raise a fine coat I'll be a perfect Beau Brummel. No man under a Secretary of State need approach me except cap in hand. I trict in Congress - that is, he don't want to go there along with divers others, but he is willing with divers others. You perceive the distinction.

Some very respectable men have to my certain knowledge wished they could get a chance to vote for you, but I suppose you won't let 'em. Mr. Fleming will receive an immense support hei'e. He's a very sensible man."

I would tell you the nature of our sickness here if I thought you'd under¬ stand my terms, but in fact you'd be surprised to hear Jeff and me talk " words of learned length and thuudering sound." It might be well said if you got a fair specimen, that

We give the public the benefit of a letter written by John Reynolds, formerly Governor of Illinois, to his friend Col. A. P. Field, Secretary of State. The letter is characteristic of the man, and the times in which he lived:

Some time past I received your letter informing me that Kinney will get - but few votes in your section of country. It is the same in this part of the country. In the upper country it is quite impossible for him to get support.

The friends of this man, and particularly his late Washington tools, are urging it on the people that he is the exclusive Jackson man, when in fact he went in for Crawford at the election before the last. This does not take, except with his bribed friends. I leave no stone unturned; our policy as to putting down certain men are the same.

I start soon for the White Circuit Court. I will continue on the circuit to Vermiliion County, then I will see your county. You see by this I am hot. We must beat this old Crawford faction. They are not the people. God forbid they were.

It is useless for me to say anything to you in relation to my friendship and feeling towards you. You have no friends who can be elected gov¬ ernor that will do more for you than I will. You have the evideuce of that for many years past.

Col. Wight, who has received a little Jackson pap t as a little agent at the mines, says to the people on his way to the mines, that I got only the Adams men in the South, ana K. the Jackson. This is not true. I must calculate on his being told on me. By all hands hanging on, we can succeed; if we are all divided, things may be wrong.

A letter bearing date May, 1836, by a former resident of Vandalia, will give some idea of the value of property in this city at that time; and if the writer's opinion goes for anything, there were not the same pleasant, genial kind of people then residing here as are to be met with at the present day:

Not myself only, but a great many others, are wishing your immediate return to this place, as many false and malicious allegations have been pub¬ lished in the Advocate by those who are known to be your inveterate politi¬ cal and personal enemies.

Myself and Shaffer have, after much dispute and difficulty, broken off the trade between us, yet not without considerable cost on my part. This is one of the reasons why I very much wish your return.

I am very much displeased with Vandalia, and particularly with the treatment of a great many here, who have pretended to be my t>e 3 t friends. When you return, which I hope will be soon, I will endeavor to make arrangements to push my time in another quarter.

I have written to the Union Agency Company at Washington, offering them two hundred town lots at $20 each lot, which, if it can be got, will be a very considerable price. I remain, dear Sir,

The author of the following epistle evidently went to school when (i the schoolmaster was abroadbut as he claimed to know " which way the wind lay," it is very probable he succeeded in stirring up a breeze against the gentleman of that name, for his bold utterances concerning General Jackson, and for the criminal charge of challenging another party to fight a duel.

I hereby acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 27th ult., in which you request me to relate the charges that Mr. Brees should have made against General Jackson at the Jackson convention at Kaskaskia.

I believe he charged this General with procuring Boats and provision for Burr at the Clover Bottom. I perfectly recollect that he charged him with the murdering of nine Indians or having it done at the .... of the horse shoe (on the Day after) .... he said was murder after the Battle was over. Those charges he red from pamphlets and papers, but put the hiest colei*s on them he cold, and to make the people believe that they were true, as to the Challenge I did not see it myself, but it was said that Mr. Breese was the challenger and he did appear and opened the Debate, etc.

The following letter shows how Pierre Menard, an old and prominent citi¬ zen of Kaskaskia, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Illinois, &c., &c., in co-operation with his friend, the Secretary of State " did a little note toge¬ ther " and what was likely to come of it

Dear Sir : - On the 25th inst., I was served with a summons to appear at Equality on the first Monday in April, to answer in a case where the Bank of Illinois is plaintiff against me as endorser on a certain note. I pre¬ sume you have been served with a similar summons as you are also an en¬ dorser. I am anxious to hear from you, on this subject as soon as possible, for if the drawer of the note (Mr. Brown) in your favor, will not honor and pay it and if you do not arrange it yourself as endorser, and having re¬ ceived the money from the Bank, it would be needless for me to attempt to defend such a suit.

The removal of the Capital also brought to Vandalia the celebrated U. F. Linder, one of the brightest members of the Bar of Southern Illinois. He was for a time Attorney General. He had few equals at the bar for wit and humor, brilliant repartee and remarkable eloquence.

Judge Levi Davis, (now of Alton), was for several years a citizen of Van¬ dalia, was elected Auditor of Public Accounts in 1836, and retained the of¬ fice until 1841, when he was succeeded by Gen. James Shield.

Another prominent character of the early times was Gen. Wm. L. D. Ewing, one of the first resident lawyers of the county. He was a native of Kentucky, and a man of liberal education and good natural endowments, was fond of company and all the sports of that period. He was always iden¬ tified with the Democratic party. He represented his district many times in the Legislature, was prosecuting attorney of the District several times. Ew¬ ing was for a time Indian Agent, and by order of the General Government he removed the tribes of the Sauk and Fox Indians west of the Mississippi.

He was Auditor of Public Accounts from 1843 to 1846. He also repre¬ sented his district in Congress, and was appointed United States Senator to fill the vacancy caused bv the death of Richard M. Young. As a public spi¬ rited citizen he was highly respected.

Another pioneer was Col. Robt. Blackwell. He was a lawyer, and published the first newspaper in the county. A man of versatile talents, and of a enial and clever disposition. Blackwell became an Editor in 1816, at Kasaskia, and on the seat of Government being removed he came to Vandada, where for many years he ranked among the prominent and bright intellects of the State. His first wife was a sister of Dr. Stapp, now a resident of j Decatur.

Col. Elijah C. Berry, a Kentuckian, settled in Vandalia, in 1819. He had a large family of children some of whom became quite prominent in the State.

The most prominent of the Berry family was the son of Elijah C , Col James W. Berry, who was probably one of the most popular men in the county, a Kentuckian by birth. He removed to Vandalia with his father, from Kaskaskia. For a short time he was Clerk of the Clinton County Court, and in 1826 he was appointed Clerk of the Circuit Court of Fayette county and held the office until 185fi, a period of thirtv years. This will attest his popularity with the people. He was a man highly esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. His genial and courteous manners made him a welcome guest in any company

Mr. Berry was an artist of much skill. During his time he painted por¬ traits of many distinguished men. He painted a portrait of Gov. Bond, the first governor. That portrait now adorns the walls of the office of the secre¬ tary of state at Springfield. In early life he was a Whig. On the dissolution of that party he became a democrat, and remained such during life. He died January, 1877.

Rev. W. S. Prentice, on Recollections of Vandalia thirty year* ago. 4 ' Take for example the legislature of Illinois thirty years ago, and the legis lature of Illinois to-day or at any time during the last ten or fifteen years. Why among the men who assembled here thirty years ago to enact our laws and guide tne ship of state were: - Stephen A. Douglas, of Morgan, Abraham Lincoln, of Sangamon, Wm. Gatewood, of Gallatin. O. H. Browning, of Adams. James Shields, of Randolph. Cyrus Edwards, of Madison, Wm. A. Richardson, of Schuyler, Wm. H. Davidson, of White, John T. Stuart, of Sangamon, John Hogan, of Madison, James Semple, of Madison, John Moore, of McLean, R. K. McLaughlin, of Fayett^, K B. Webb, of White, and last and most brilliant and eloquent of them all, the unstable and unfor¬ tunate U. F. Linder, of Coles. And besides theie we had Peter Warren, the Davy Crockett of the senate, and the inimitable wit, John S. Hacker, of Union These all were members of the legislature in Vandalia in 1*35 And at the next session came in Lyman Trumbull, of St. Clair, Wm. Lee D Ewing, of Fayette, E. D. Baker, of Sangamon, Wm. F. Thornton, of Shelby,

Lincoln and Douglas, and Hardin and Baker, and Gatewood and McRoberts. This sounds like the roll call of the mighty men of David of old. Take two of these names, Lincoln and Douglas: and it is no disparagement to any other of the worthy sons of Illinois to say, that these, like the tall son of Kish, stood a head and shoulders above all other competitors while liviug; and now that they are dead, their names fall upon the ears, and linger in the memories of their grateful countrymen, like the loved notes of sweetest music.

But I come more particularly to Vandalia and the Vandalians. Orpheus C Kerr's famous" Mackerel Brigade" which (t by strategy," as you will remem¬ ber, did such fearful execution during the late war on the commissary stores, of its friends , was composed exclusively of Brigadier Generals. Every man in the Brigade was a General, and every General of precisely the same grade. All were Brigadiers, and it was this eminently wise and satisfactory organization of the 44 mackerels," which gave them their terrible efficiency, and which rendered their sudden charges upon straying pigs and chickens so utterly irresistible.

The male population of Vandalia, thirty years ago, was made up almost ex¬ clusively of gentlemen of a military turn of mind. And the rank to which all seemed to aspire and attain was that of colonel. If there wax a Major in town I failed to make his acquaintance. We had two Captains, - Captaiu Ecclee and Captain Linn, but, as all old settlers know, Captain Linn was a steamboat captain, and not a military captain, - and not, therefore, subject to 44 the articles of war," as was the balance of the gentlemen in town. . . .

. . . The following, to the best of my recollection, is a correct list of Col¬ onels commanding at this post and having Vandalia for their headquarters in 1836. Col. E. C. Berry, Col. R. K. McLaughlin, Col. W. C. Greenup, Col. A P. Field, Col. George Leidig, Col. Jas. Black, Col. Robert Blackwell, Col. Chas. Prentice, Col. T. B. Hickman, Col. Wm. Hodge, Col. F. Reamann, Col. J. T. B. Stapp, Col. John Dement, Col. Abner Black, Col. Lem. Lee, and Col. Asa Lee. And I am proud to say the first vote I ever cast in Vandalia at a militia election in 1837, was for Col. Wm. A. Denning, ************

Col Greenup, he, too was a favorite among the young men. Tall, slender, dig¬ nified, deliberate, communicative, always in a good humor, and always smok¬ ing, - a walking encyclopedia of political knowledge. He knew all the boys, and they all knew and loved him, and he was the political Gamaliel at whose feet we took our first lessons in political economy.

Another character who we must not fail to mention is Thomas Higgins, a man whose eccentricities and Indian fights gave him much notoriety among the pioneers, for his patriotism and intrepid bravery in the war of 1812.

Hill's Fort, situated six or eiftht miles south-west of the present town of Greenville, Bond County, in 1814 was the scene of a thrilling adven¬ ture, which took place between a few men under the command of Lieu¬ tenant John Journey, the commander of the fort, and the Indians. The hero of the day was one Thomas Higgins, who in turn owed his rescue to the courageous conduct of a woman in the fort, named Pureley.

Thomas Higgins was born in Barren County, Kentucky, in 1790, and emigrated with his friends to this State in 1807, settling down near some relatives who had come to Illinois some time before.

His parents were poor, and as facilities for learning under the best of circumstances were limited at that time, Thomas could not boast a very I brilliant education. Indeed his tastes and talents ran in a different chan¬ nel. But if there was any fun or mischievous amusement to be had, he would be in it no matter how great the risk or danger incurred in procu¬ ring it. but like most brave men there was nothing cruel or savage in his disposition. He was a strong, muscular man, of medium height, compactly and powerfully built, noted for his great strength and activity. Previous to the adventure we are about to narrate, he was actively engaged on the frontiers in defending the settlements during the war of 1812.

On the 20th of August, 1814, signs of Indians were discovered near Hill's Fort, aud at daybreak the next morning Lieut. Journey was mounted, and a corps of eleven men, including Higgins, while reconnoitering around and but a little way from the fort, fell into an ambuscade of a large party of Indians. The warriors fired on them, and Journey, and three of his men were instantly killed. William Burges and John Boucher were wounded, the latter but slightly.

The horse which Thomas Higgins rode was shot in the neck, and fell to the ground, but soon rose again. Higgins remained a moment 44 to get a

He remounted and was about to return to the fort when a familiar voice hailed him from the grass, saying, "Tom, you won't leave me." Higgins shouted out to him to " come on." " 1 can't come, my leg is smashed to ieces," answered Burges. Higgins, who was ever ready to help a friend in istress, could not desert an old comrade, though the Indians he knew were thickly surrounding them, but leaping from his horse attempted to lift the wounded man upon the animal; the horse, however, becoming frightened at the yelling and firing, dashed away, leaving the two men to make their es¬ cape in the best way they could. Higgins not at all discomfited advised his friend to "limp off on three legs," ana he would protect him. Burges suc¬ ceeded in crawling off through the grass and saving himself, while Higgins was left to fight the bloody and terrible battle alone, with three Indians prepar¬ ing to attack him, and others in the immediate vicinity. His case was indeed desperate, but his tact, activity, strength, and undaunted courage served him in the time of need. He had loaded his gun immediately after having killed the Indian before mentioned, and was therefore prepared to receive their charge. The dusky warriors were close upon him. He ran to a small ravine close by in order that he could the better defend himself against numbers, and perceived for the first time that his leg failed him - he was wounded at the commencement of the fray, but did notice it at the time.

One of the three Indians was a big, powerfully built savage, alone a match for any ordinary man, the other two somewhat smal er - and perhaps less courageous. Higgins used to say afterwards that " the larger Iudian was as brave as a lion; he could not daunt or intimidate him, but the smaller savages quailed beneath his ferocious look." The lesser men dare hardly look him in the face, " but the muscular savage could look the devil in the face."

Higgins being satisfied he must receive the fire of the large Indian he attempted to dodge it, but the bullet lodged in his thigh, and he fell, but sprang to his feet again instantly. By this time the other two had also fired at him, both balls taking effect. Again he fell, this time badly wounded, but soon was on his feet again, with his loaded gun in his hand.

The Indians wishing to make short wi.rk of it, threw down their guns, as they had not time to load them again, and whooping and yelling rushed on Higgins with their spears, tomahawks, and knives. By prt sen ting his gun at them he kept them at bay for a few minutes.

A quick aim and loud report, and the savage bounded in the air and fell dead at his feet. The loss of their leader had the effect of making the other two still more desperately savage. They raised the war-whoop the louder, and rushed with greater vigor upon poor, wounded Higgins, upon whom the des¬ perate encounter was beginning to tell. With four Indian bullets in his body, the loss of blood was weakening and exhausting him. His gun was empty and no other weapon at hand, while his opponents were unscathed and well armed. Now the fighting on both sides became desperate in the extreme. One of the Indians threw a tomahawk at him and cut his ear nearly off, I laying at the same time the bone of his head and side of his neck entirely bare. Again our hero fell, and when they rushed upon him with their !

- fatal moment to poor Higgins had arrived, but the bold fellow grasped the spear, and in the struggle the savage dragged him to his feet once more. Then it was he clutchea his gun and literally dashed the brains out of one of the Indians, but the thickness of the dusky devil's skull also shattered the gun to pieces, and bent the barrel beyond further utility.

This terrific encounter being within sight of the fort, many would have gone to his assistance, but feared they would be cut to pieces by other In¬ dians lying in amhusb, but the excitement became too intense for one Mrs. Pursley, who said, " she could not stand and see so brave a man as Hig¬ gins killed by the Indians," sprang on the back of her husband's horse and dashed to the rescue. The men in the fort could not see a woman go alone, followed her.

As soon as Higgins' remaining dusky foe saw the Rangers coming he fied; and they found their comrade prostrated upon the ground nearly dead - cut and mangled, and almost torn to pieces - his shirt and body were slashed almost beyond recognition. When they reached Higgins he had fainted, his excitement probably having subsided when he saw his friends hastening to the rescue. He barely escaped death from his many wounds and never entirely recovered from the effects of them, although he lived for many years afterwards. In addition to receiving a pension from the gov¬ ernment, he was appointed door-keeper to one of the houses of the General Assembly of Illinois. He was a farmer during the later years of his life, and brought up a large family of children. He eventually died, where for many years he resided, near Vandalia, in Fayette County, A. I). 1829. Some old settlers, who remember him well, speak of him as being a gene¬ rous, open-hearted man.

In the foregoing chapters on the pioueers and early settlers of the county, there probably are several who belong to the class of " Old Settlers " whose names have been omitted in this article, but who will receive proper men¬ tion in the respective township histories where they resided, as will also incidents and events receive proper mention, which may have taken place in the different townships of the county.