Fulton County, Illinois - Black Hawk Watj Black Hawk (.'rosses the Mississippi, 1879

Black Hawk Watj Black Hawk (.'rosses the Mississippi

In 1831 Black Hawk and his band crossed to their old homes on Rock river, bnt negotiated a treaty and retnrned to the west side of the Mississippi, promising never to return. But April 6, 1832, he again crossed the Mississippi into Illinois with his entire baud. It was not on a war raid that brought him over in 1832; but as there is a diversity of opinions in regard to his motives we will briefly give a few of the most credible. It is claimed that he was invited by the Prophet to a tract of land about forty miles up Rock river. ()thers say he crossed with no hostile iutentions, but to accej^t an invitation of a friendly chief, Pit-ta-wak, to spend the summer with him. Still others, who agree that he did not come to light, say that when he retired to the Avest side of the Mississippi the previous year he received a large quantity of corn and other provisions, but in the spring his provisions were gone, his followers were starving, and he came back expecting to negotiate another treaty and get a new supply of provisions.

There is still another explanation, that may enable the reader to harmonize the preceding statements and to understand why Black Hawk returned in 1832. It is well kuown that in nearly all the treaties ever made with the Indians, the Indian traders dictated the terms for their allies and customers, and of course received a large share of the annuities, etc., in payment for debts due to them. Each tribe had certain traders who supplied them. George Davenport had a trading post at Fort Armstrong. His customers were largely the Sacs and Foxes, and he was held in high esteem by them ; in fact his word was law. It is said that Black Hawk's band became indebted to him for a large amount and were unable to pay. They did not have good luck hunting during the winter, and he was likely to lose heavily. If IMack Hawk, therefore, could be induced to come to this side of the river again and the people so greatly alarmed that a military force would be sent in pursuit of him, another treaty could be made ; he might assist in making terms and get his pay out of the payments the Government would make, and all would be well. Mr. Amos Farrar, Avho was Davenport's ])artner for some years, and who died in Galena during the war, is said to have declared, while on iiis death-bed, that tiie " Indians were not to be blamed ; that if they had been let alone there would have been no trouble; that the band was owinjj: Mr. Davenjiort and he wanted to fjet his pay, and would if another treaty iiad been made."

Altliou<»h Black Hawk's movement across the Mississippi was at onee construed as a iiostile demonstration, and Davenpoit skillfullv cultivated the idea, he was aecompanied by his old men, women and children. Xo Indian warrior ever went on the war-path incumbered in that way. More than this, it does not a]>pear, from the fJth of April until the battle of >Slillmau's Run on the 12th of ^lay, that a singula settler was murdered, or suiFered any material injury at the hands of Black Hawk or his band. In truth, Hon. H. 8. Townsend, of Warren, Jo Daviess county, states that in one instance, at least, wlien they took corn from a settler they ])aid him for it. Capt. AV. B. Green, of Chicajro, writes : " I never heard of lilaek Hawk's band, while passing up Rock river, eommittinf)' any dejiredations whatever, not even petty theft." Frederick Stahl, Esq., of Galena, states that he was informed by the veteran John Dixon that "when Black Hawk's band passed his post, before the arrival of the troops, they were at his house. Ne-o-pope had the young braves well in hand, and informed him that they intended to commit no depredations, and should not fight unless they were attacked."

We do not wish to upiiold Black Hawk in the depredations he committed upon the whites. We do, however, desire to record events inijjartially. AVe believe Black Hawk's motives were greatly misunderstood, and it is due to his fame as well as to posterity to record the facts of this war as impartially as it is in our power to do. Whatever his motives migiit have been, it is the unanimous testimony of the survivors now residing on the old battle-fields of that day, that except the violation of treaty stipulations and an arrogance of manner natural to the Indian who wanted to make a new trade with the "Great Father," the Sacs and Foxes at first committed no serious acts of hostility, and intended none, until the alternative of war or extermination was presented to them by the whites.

N(j sooner had volunteers l)eeu calleil for than recruitinu' beuan in Fulton county. Gen. Stillman began to muster his men at Cantor, and ere long was off" to the seat of war. Ca})t. D. W. Barnes raised and commanded one company; ('aj)t:iin Asa F. Ball another. Asa Langsford was First Lieutenant of the former eomj)anv and Thomas Clark Second Lieutenant. These men furnished tiieir own horses and j)rovisions. They moved to Peoria, which was to be a rendezvous for troo])s. Here they remained for ten days, and one old silver-haired veteran tells us he had as fine a time there as he ever has had in his life. There they found Stephen Stillman, a brother of Major Stillman, who kej)! a "tavern" and consequently had plenty of" lieker." Stephen was a soldier of the war of 1812 and had lost one leg, hut had provided himself with a wooden one, which answered this jovial tavern-keeper very well. He was liberal with his whisky to the boys, and all they had to do for ten days was to take care of their horses and have a jolly good time drinking Stillman's whisky, and now and then, merely to break the monotony, have a fight. When the ten days had passed they were joined by companies from McLean, Peoria and Ta/ewell counties. There was a question now who should have command of these battalions, Col. Bailey or Major Stillman. Col. Bailey claimed it on the ground of seniority, but as they were old friends tliis contention did not last long. It was agreed that both should command, - take turn about. On reaching Dixon Gen. Gaines found them both jolly good fellows, and the men all liked them; and so they decided to hold equal rank and both command.

Col. Bailey lived at Pekin and died several years ago in that city. Gen. Stillman was born in Massachusetts in 1792 ; came to Sangamon county, 111., in 1824, and to Canton, Fulton county in 1830. He was a Commissary in the war of 1812, and when residing in New York was Captain of an artillery company. He was a tall, finelyappearing man, and especially did he ])resent an im])osing appearance when adorned in military costume. He broutrht the first goods at Copperas-Creek Landing and engaged in mercantile business at Canton for six years. He located Copperas-Creek Landing, and it was recognized as his although he never really owned it. It was known as the "lost land," and could not be bought. On Jan. 18, 1818, he was married to Hannah Harwood, a daughter of Oliver Harwood, a native of the old Bay State, and who came to New York early in life. He was in the Revolutionary war, was wounded and taken ])risoner, and the British were preparing to execute the death penalty u})on him when he was captured by the Americans. Mrs. Stillman, who resides at Canton at present, was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., April 25, 1799. They had two children when they came to the State and two born to them afterwards. Of these but one is living, namely, Mrs. Mary Barber, wife of Norris Barber, of Elmwood, Peoria county.

Gen. Stillman was a brave officer and one who had the esteem of all the men he commanded. The accounts of the famous "Stillman defeat," as generally recorded in histoj-y, does this brave command(ngreat injustice. Many attribute the cause of that disaster to his lack of judgment and eagerness to meet the foe when really he was forced to go against his will and better judgment. The soldiers became impatient to rout the Indians, and Gov. Reynolds ordered Major Stillman with his command to move on and meet them. This he objected to doing, saying with his small force of raw militia he could only meet with defeat. The Governor urged him, and then he asked to have Capt. Henry of Springfield accom})any him, which he refused to do; and it only remained for Major Stillman to obey the orders of his superior. His men were undisciplined, and many of them had just came from the East and South and had never seen an Indian, and none were familliar with the Indian mode of warfare. The consequence was that as soon as they saw tlie long line of painted redskins and heard their terrible war-whoop, they were so frightened that they could not shoot their loaded guns. The Major and some of his brave officers tried to restore the panic-stricken ranks to order, but in vain; and it was only the superior generalship of their cool and deliberate commander that prevented the slaughter of half his command. While Gen. Stillmau's name will ever be coupled with this disastrous defeat, let no word of reproach be spoken of him for the cause of it. It was a defeat, an ignoble one ; but had the commander been less able, less cool, less brave, indeed less a general, many more of those frightened pioneers would have fallen in their own blood on the field of " Stillman's defeat."

Dixon was the point where the regular and volunteer troojjs were to meet. Major Stillman with his men reached Dixon, May 10th. The steady, careful movements of the regulars made the volunteers very impatient, and the latter were also exceedingly anxious to obtain the laurels to be won. The men under command of Major Stillman were particularly anxious to "ketch" the Indians before they could get away. They said the regulars would come cj'awling along, stuffing themselves with beef, and the Indians would never be "ketched." The officers yielded to the impatience and jealousy of the men, and requested Governor Reynolds to let them go out and reconnoitre the country and find the Indians. Captain Eads, from Peoria, insisted very strongly that they should be allowed to go. The other caj)tains all volunteered, for they did not wish to be termed cowards. The question with them was not whether the matter was prudent and necessary, but whether they dared to go. INIajor Stillman consented to go, against his Ijetter judgment. He asked Mr. John Dixon's opinion, and the latter told him very decidedly tliat the business of "ketcliing" the Indians would prove very disastrous for a little force of less than three hundred men. Major Stillman then said that as all his officers and men were determined to go, he niust lead them if it cost him his life. Stillman's force started, and just before night May 12, 1832, they encamped at White R<x'k Grove, in the eastern part of Marion township. Ogle countv, near what is now called Stillman's creek. He was verv near Black Hawk's cncamjjment, but did not know it. Soon after becoming iiware of the immediate ])resence of an armed force Black Hawk sent a small party of his braves to Stillman's camp with a flag of triice. On their approach they were soon discovered by some of the men, who, without reporting to their commander, and without orders, hastilv mounted and dashed down upon the approaching Indians.

The latter not understanding this sudden and apparently suspicious movement, all, save two who claimed to be Pottawatomies, retreated toward the camp of their chief. The whites killed two as they further ]uirsued the retreating Indians. The two Indians who refused to run were brought into camp. They said: "Me good Pottawatomie," but pointed over the hill and said, "Heap of Sac." When Black Hawk and his war chief, Ne-o-pope, saw the volunteers dashing down upon their camp, their flag of truce disregarded, and believing their overtures for peace had been rejected, they raised the terrible war-whoo]) and prepared for the fray.

At this juncture the volunteers formed and moved forward. Before going far an Indian prisoner was brought into the camp and sent to the rear. The men moved on and made a halt near a slouirh. Here the ofticers went ahead and some kind of a parley Avas held with the Indians. The latter swung a red flag in defiance. Orders were then given to march forward, when Capt. Eads of Peoria came riding back, and said he was not easily fooled, and that there was not less than a thousand Indians coming. The men were then marched back in some confusion across the slough to high ground. There they formed, or tried to form, but were in bad order. The Indians then poured out of the timber, to the front, right and left, and l)oth parties commenced firing; but the whites were in such bad (>rd(M- that those in the rear were in danger of shooting those in front. The Indians came on whooping, yelling and firing, and encircled around on both sides. Major Stillman ordered his men to mount and retreat and form a line across the creek, and also ordered them to break the line of the Indians on the left. Here was confusion, and one veteran says they did not go to the right or to the left but right straight fi)r home. When they arrived at the creek great effort was made bv the officers to halt "their men and fii^ht. The brave Oa})t. Adams cried out to his men, " Comeback, you cowards, and we will whip them." With eight men he made a stand and repulsed a squad of Indians each time, who made eight separate and distinct charges upon them. At last, seeing that with that little force he could do nothing, he told his men they would have to look out for themselves. Two brave soldiers were with him .at this time and soon saw him fall ; but he sold his life dearly. He had his horse shot from under him Avhen the retreat began. He bore a deadly hatred towards the Indians, as they had killed many of his relations. Major Perkins was overtaken and killed about a mile and half from the creek, and his body terribly mangled. The loss at this disastrous engagement fell most heavily ui)on this county. Of thirteen sturdy pioneers who fell at this the battle of the Sycamore, Bird Ellis, John Walters, Tyus Chi Ids and Joseph Farris were from Fulton county. There were three of the Farris boys in the company, and Jerry was with his brother Joseph when he was killed ; and he was fired at but escaped when the stalwart brave hit him over the head with his gun knocking him down. He crawled to a thicket of bushes and lay three days before he was rescued.

Horrible Massacre

After the fatal engagement Avhicli has since been known as "Stillman's defeat" or " StiUraan's run," the Indians began to commit great depredations upon the whites. Among other fiendish and murderous raids was one made upon a little settlement on Indian creek. Three families by the names of Davis, Hall and Pettigrew lived there. The Indians appeared in the day-time and massacred them in cold blood, taking a savage delight in their infernal deeds. Some of the inmates were immediately shot down, others were pierced through with s])ears or dispatched with the tomahawk. The Indians afterwards related with an infernal glee how the women squeaked like geese when they were run through the body with spears, or felt the tomahaw-k entering their heads. All the victims were carefully scalped, the children were chopped to pieces with axes, and the women were tied up by the heels to the wall of the house. There were two voung; ladies who tried to conceal themselves bv crawling; into bed. They were discovered by two young braves who determined to have them for wives. Their names were Rachel and Silvia Hall, aged fifteen and seventeen. They were hurried by forced marches beyond pursuit. After a long and fatiguing journey with their caj)- tors through a wilderness country, with but little to eat, aud being subjected to a variety of fortune, they were at last rescued, §2,000 being given as a ransom. It is said that the Indians exacted by far the largest ransom for the elder sister, as she was more quiet and gave the Indians less trouble ; but they let the younger sister go pretty cheap, as she was so saucy and impudent that she made her captors much trouble. The women are still living in the northern part of the State. AVe are told by a lady who saw the Misses Hall just after their release, that they related to her all the details of the horrible murder of their father, mother and little sister, and their neighbors. They said they could see the scalp of their little sister everv dav in the wio;:wam. After their rescue from the Indians, each of these voung ladies were given a section of land bv the United States.

The account of these atrocities spread rapidly throughout every settlement, creating the greatest panics among the pioneers. Many of them were frightened out of their wits, although no hostile Indians were within fifty miles of them yet ; with these flicts and rumors afloat, and the limited means of protection they had at hand, aud each cabin being almost entirely isolated, we do not wonder at their timidity. The scare the settlers of Fulton county received is most graphically described by ]Mr. Swan in his History of Canton, under the title of The Westerfield Defeat," which account we give below in full.

The Westerfield Defeat

in command of a battalion of volnnteer infantry, was in the field, and had nndcr him most of the yonng men of the community. On the 13th of May, 1882, the force nnder his command met with a defeat above Dixon, in Lee county, on what has since been known as "Stillman's run," and the news soon reached Canton, coupled with the fact that Bird Ellis, Tyus Childs and John Walter, from the vicinity of Clinton, had been killed, and a number of others from here wounded. This news not only cast a gloom over the community, but created a feeling- of insecurity in the bravest of the settlers, and of decided alarm, amounting in many cases to absolute ])anic. The settlers were certainly liable to attack from the redskins, who were known to be in force and on the war-path to the north. There was n(j adecjuate force in reach to prevent any incursion they might feel disposed to make, when the "Westerfield Defeat," as it was called in derision, occurred. Perhaps never in the history of frontier life has there occurred so broad a farce with so many of the elements of tragedy and melodrama combined. The news of vStillman's defeat had reached Canton, and grief-stricken mothers were in the first anguish of their mourning for slaughtered sons, when rumors reached the settlement of a purj)ose on the ]:)art of Black Hawk and his warriors to move southward for an attack on scattered inhabitants. The excitement was intense. Stories of slaughtered families, of burnt homes, of captive women and children subjected to every fiendish indignity, were the current subjects of conversation at every gathering. Meetings were called in everv neighborhood, and preparations for defense or refuge begun. Bl(K'khouses and stockade forts were erected, and scouts kept constantlv in the prairies to the northward to warn the people of the approach of the Indians. One of these forts was erected around the store and residence of Joel Wright, on the corner of AVood and Illinois streets, where Mrs. Wilst)n now resides. This fort consisted of two blockhouses and a palisade inclosure of split logs. This was built by standing the logs on end in a deep trench, which was then filled up and the dirt well })onnded around the logs.

In March, 1832, scouts were sent out by the people of Canton to see if any indication of hostile Indians could be discovered. These scouts had been out several days, but had brought in no report of an alarming nature, when one day toward the last of the month Peter Westertield, an old frontiersman, and Charley Shane, a Frenchman, determined to go on a scouting expedition on their own responsibility. They were both well mounted, and, crossing Big creek north of town in the prairie, rode nearly north until they reached a point nearly in tlie line between Farmington and Ellisville, on Spoon river. The morning before they started out a number of mounted white men had crossed the prairie from Peoria to Quincy, and their trail, of course, was fresh and showed very plainly in the dried prairie grass. They had ridden in single file ( Indian fashion,) and a better scout then even Peter Westerfield might have been deceived by their trail. Wlien Westerfield and ISliaue reached thit^ trail, thev both dismounted, examined it carefully, and both were satisfied that it had been made by a large party of mounted Indians. They cautiously followed the trail until their suspicion crystallized into comparative certainty, when, remounting, they started back toward Canton to alarm the citizens, and take measures for the safety of themselves and femilies.

As they neared Big creek - which by the melting of snow had risen until it M-as out of its banks - they had a new cause for alarm. Jonathan Buffum and Ed. Therman had holed a wolf, and Avere shooting into the hole. .They were in a direct line between Avhcrc Westerfield and Shane reached Big creek and Col. Barnes' place, where John Lane now lives. These bovs were not onlv shooting, but indulging in all sorts of unearthly yells, imitating Indians, screaming and hallooing. Another pioneer was squirrel-hunting in the same vicinity, and another party shooting at a mark in the same neighborhood.

Westerfield and Shane listened to these noises with undisguised fear. That it was Indians there could be no mistake, - Indians at bloody work, shooting, tomahawking and scalping the families of Col. Barnes and Henry Therman. I^hey did not stop long to consider, but ])lunged headlong into the turbid waters of the raging Biir creek, and riuht i>allantlv did their nol)le steeds buifet the mad waves until the angry stream divided them from the dreaded foe. Their saddles were wet and heavy, and would load their beasts too much for the fearful race for life they were entering upon, and, with a coolness never too much to be admired, they dismounted and relieved their gallant steeds of the dripping leathern saddles, which were deposited for safety in a convenient thicket of hazel. This was the work of but a moment, when they remounted their barebacked animals and were away over the smooth prairie, across the few ravines, and on, on to the. fort at Canton. As they jiassed the cabin of Wheaton Chase they shouted, '^Injins are killing Barnes' folks : flee for your lives ! " Soon Coleman's grocery was reached, and the cry of "Injins! Injins ! " reiterated. On, on to the fort they rode, and still their cry was "Injins! Injins!" "The Injins have killed everybody at Barnes' and Therman's ! "

And now began a scene of the wildest confusion. Men shouted the dreaded alarm ; women screamed ; small boys, pale with fright, crept into the dense hazel-thickets and fled for their lives. Some of these boys were thus hiding for days and days, subsisting on roots, berries and elm-bark. "To the fort ! To the fort ! " was now the cry, and soon the people were gathering, a pale, nervous, affrighted throng, within the little wooden inclosure which was then their only hope of safety. To us, who from the distance of nearly fortv years contemplate the scene, it is a broad comedy ; but to those affrighted pioneers it was a tragedy, the denouement of which might fatal to them and their loved ones. It was known that Keo- kuk and three thousand warriors were encamped opposite the Yellow Banks, held in check only by his promise of neutrality ; and who would believe the word of the treacherous red-skin ? Black Hawk's band, too, were on the war-path. They had defeated Major Stillman, and men from Canton were among the victims, while between here and the scene of that disaster there was no sufficient force for the protection of the infant settlement. All these facts were well known, and had been frequently canvassed among the settlers. Peter AYesterfield was a man, too, in whose word the most unbounded confidence was placed. He was a Baptist licensed preacher, a man of undoubted courage, and had had a considerable frontier experience. He believed the trail he had seen, and the yells and firing he had heard, to be the work of Indians, and had no doubt that Col. Barnes' family had been massacred. What wonder the defenseless people were frightened !

Preparations for defense, however, were not neglected. The women filled several large kettles with water, and determined to aid all they could in the common defense by using it on the foe ! There were incidents of broad comedy intermingled, even then, with the tragedy, that caused grim smiles to illumine even faces white with fear, - incidents that have served to enliven many a fireside description of those frightful days.

Joel Wright was, by common consent, selected as the commander of the fort, and Isaac Swan as his second in command. Joel was dressed in a light suit, with a linen roundabout. During the excitement he was everywhere, - assuring frightened women, issuing orders for defensive prejmrations, and distributing powder and lead to the men. Be it understood, the women preserved their courage far better than their lords, as was evidenced by the fact that when no male hand could be found sufficiently steady to pour melted lead into bullet-molds, a woman volunteered to make the bullets, and made them without s])illing a drop of the metal. Mrs. Dr. (^oykendall was particularly noted for her coolness and courage on this occasion, and did most of the bullet-molding.

To recount all the varied phases of this scare would itself recpiirt; a volume. Some were dramatic, most farcical, as viewed through the light of forty years, and by the knowledge that there was absolutely no danger. Among the amusing incidents of the day was the arrival, at the fort, of Jerry Coleman and 'S({uire McKim, who were at Coleman's mill, on Big creek, when Westerfield's news was communicated to them. Jerry got the word a few seconds in advance of jMcKim, and being lame, set out at once. McKim, however, was not long in overtaking him. McKim wore an old-fashioned dress or swallow-tailed coat, and as he ran past the slow-paced Jerry, the coat-tails offered so tempting an aid to the boys's flight that he could not refrain from seizing hold of them with both hands. Mc- Kim was a large, portly man, who weighed nearly two hundred; at the same time McKim was a frightened man, and fright is ever self- ish. He wa.s not willing to be retarded by the weight of Jerry attached, like the weight to the tail of a kite, to his eoat-skirts, so he turned on Jerr}" and tried to disengage his hold ; but Jerry's grip was always good, and fear had turned it into a grip of iron : he would not let go. " For God's sake, Jerry, let me go, or we will both be killed I Please, Jerry, let me save my own life I" But Jerry heeded not his pleadings; like Sindbad's Old Man of the Sea, he could not be shaken off. McKim turned to run, but still the weight of the crippled boy would retard his speed, and he Mould turn again and plead and fight, and pray for deliverance from the tormenter. Jerry loved life and feared Indians too much to be influenced either by prayer, threats or blows. He hung on, and was still hanging on when McKim dashed into the fort.

Jerry found his father gone and the store thrown wide open. He took possession and sold out the whole stock of powder and lead in a few moments, not stopping to take an account of sales or settle with customers. It had cost him nothing, and he sold at cost and was satisfied.

Wm. Hannan, Charles Reeves and Williain Babbett, boys of perhaps a dozen years old, were so much infected with the contagion of fear that they determined to seek refuge in flight. They accordingly left town and took to the timljcr. They crossed Big creek north of Jacob Ellis' mill, and struck down the creek through the timber to a point \ve>t of Lcwistown, where they hid in a dense thicket. Young Reeves had on a pair of buckskin breeches, and during his flight he had got them completely saturated with water. When the ])arty took to cover he ])ulled them off and hung them up on some brush to dry. This was a serious error on Charles's part, as the se([uel showed. He had not taken into his calculation the peculiar idiosyncrasy of buckskin, and found, to his chagrin, that the pants which had fitted exactly before they were wet, and been too large while saturated Avith the treacherous fluid, were in their dried state infinitely too small. - so much so that l)y no amount of stretching, coaxing or pulling could they be induced to come over his l)are limbs. He had to give it up in despair, and made the rest of his tri]> through brush and briers in a primitive toilet, more simple and convenient than |)leasant. They were out all the day of the AVesterfield scare, all the succeedina: night, and until the next night, subsisting on l)erries and elm-bark. How long th^y would have hidden no one can affirm - perhaps they would have been hiding until this day - had they nf>t been attracted by the sound of an ox-driver's -- \V(»-haw, Buck," and ventured to " interview" him, thus learning that danger was over and that they could safely return to their homes.

At C'ol. Barnes' the news was tardy in coming that Westerfield brought. The colonel was out serving at the head of his company under Stillman. Stephen Babbett's wife heard the alarm sounded <»n the east side of Big ceek, and, gathering up one child and calling to her two remaining children to foUow, ran at her ntmo.st speed to Barnes'. Henry Andrews, then a hoy of perhaps fourteen years, saw her coming and called to know what was the matter. "Oh," she exclaimed, "the Indians are murdering everybody across the creek. The people are running and hallooing 'Indians! Indians!'" Andrews at once sent Col. Barnes' two younger boys over to old Mr. Swegle's to give them them the alarm, and in a short time they returned, bringing wntli them the old gentleman - who was fir advanced in years - and his old lady and daughter. Mrs. Barnes now took the direction of affairs, and directed the party to seek shelter in a thicket at the head of a neighlxtring ravine. To reach this thicket the party were instructed to strike the ravine at a point considerably below, and then to follow up the b(xl of the stream, wading in the stream to hide their trail. The two small bovs led the wav, and the old gentleman and the women and children followed. There were fourteen persons in all, and oidy one boy, armed with a trusty rifle to protect them, Henry Andrews, brought up the rear; and as he followed he picked his flint and jirepared for the struggle for life and foi- the lives of the women and children who were confided to his guardianship.

"Oh, Henry," said Mrs. Barnes, "what can you do with so many of us?" "I Avill do the best I can and kill as many of them as I can," responded Henry.

On reaching the cover of the dense hazel-thicket, the party took to cover, except Henry, who stood guard f)r a couple of hours ; and they seemed mortal hours to tiie boy, who looked each moment to have the red-skins pounce upon him. At last, grown tired of waiting, Henry determined to venture to Canton and see what the real condition of aifairs might be. He ])roceeded very cautiously, keeping in the cover of the hazel-brush as much as possible, until he reached the "Morse quarter" adjoining Canton, when he came upon John Huff", who was out on guard. Hufl" was frightened, and it was with difficulty Henry suticeeding in making himself known : he succeeded finally, and proceeded to the fort. Here he found the wildest confusion existing. All crowded around him, believing him sole survivor from among the settlers on the west side of the creek. Mutual ex})lanations followed, and at once the scare was at an end. This scare Avas named, in honor of its progenitor, "Westerfield's Defeat," and as such it is still known.

The Westerfield scare was by no means confined to Canton, but spread through all the surrounding townships. In the Mallory settlement - now Putman township - were many settlers, among whom were the Mallorvs, Fellowses, Stricklands and Holcombs. There was an understanding between Isaac Fellows and Joel Coykendall, at (knton, that if any serious alarm was given, Joel should communicate the news to Fellows. No sooner had the word brought by Westerfield reached Canton, of proximity of Indians, than Joel mounted a fleet horse and rode at utmost speed to Fellows's, to warn him of danger, accordiug to his promise. The men in the neighborhood had met that afternoon to drill, the place of muster being near old Mr. Holcomb's. Thither Coykendall was directed by Mrs. Fellows, who, terribly alarmed, gathered up her two children, Penella and Stephen, and calling for her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cyrus Fellows, started for the same place.

The company at drill were terribly excited when Coykendall communicated his news, and at once, by common consent, separated, with the understanding that they would meet and fort at Holcomb's, whose house was the most roomy in the settlement. Holcomb's house was a cabin with two rooms, and situated on the prairie. He had no stable, but on the ground, ready for raising, had the logs for a small log barn. The men were wonderfully expeditious in collecting their little families at Holcomb's, - so expeditious, indeed, that not a man of them had thought of his arms. When all were asssembled, the scene would have beggared the pencil of Hogarth to paint all its serio-comic and tragic eifects. Women with disheveled locks were praying; men palsied with fear, and children screaming with affright. Some one suggested that a fort must be built about the house. The suggestion was grasped at, as drowning men grasp at straws. Old Mr. Holcomb siezed a spade, and rushing out before his door, began to excavate. "M'hat on arth are you a doin', old man?" shouted his wife. "Diggin' a fort." said he, as he frantically exhumed s])adeful after spadeful of the rich, black loam.

It was soon discovered that the supply of barn logs Mould not be sufficient for a stockade ; so it was decided to build a breast-work. This was soon completed, and was only about three feet in height. Then was discovered a dire calamity. Here was a breast-AVork, and here were brawnv defenders, but there was onlv one irnn that was serviceable. Breast-works are a good thing in themselves, but without arms their strong points in defensive warfare could not be brought out to advantage. What was to be done? So much time had been occupied in ])re]>aring their fortifications that it was not probable there would be time to return to their homes for arms before the murdering savages would be upon them, and then, the women have since suggested, their lieges were too much - well, say demoralized, to venture so far from the fort. Some one suggested clubs ; and as there hap})ened to be a convenient thicket, the suggestion was at once adopted. Clubs, those primitive weapons of warfare, were cut in such abundance that Mrs. Isaac Fellows persists to this day in saying there were fully four wagon-loads, - enough to keep the Holcomb family in wood until long after corn-planting.

While the vouno- and athletic men were euiratred in the club business, old Mr. Strickland, who weighed nearly three hundred pounds and was too fat to venture so far as the thicket, engaged in imi)rovising for himself a weapon more formidable than the club. Procuring a bayonet with about one-third of the jwint end broken off, he fastened it to a hoe-handle ; then stationing himself before a win-

(low in an arm-chair, he poised his blunt spear, and with an expectant look, pronounced himself ready to send whoever of the red-skins should present himself at that window to his last account. As Strickland sat expectant, waiting, watching, he prayed, - for he was a religious man, - watched and prayed, determined to die at his [)()st, - and no Indian within fifty miles ! While Strickland was preparing his formida])le weapon, old Mrs. Stewart, who weighed nearly as much as that old hero, was loading and doubly loading the only serviceable gun.

Still the Indians did not come, and men and women began to breathe easier. Finally one bold pioneer volunteered to go down the road toward Canton and see if he could discern any signs of the enemy. He soon returned with hair erect and eyes dilated, and declaring that the " Injins" were coming, marching in solid column, at least a thousand strong ; and now Pandemonium was a quiet place compared with Fort Holcomb. Men, women, children, all were screaming, all were praying, all were - but why attempt to describe what is indescribable? Had Black Hawk, with any of his braves, been within a mile, the noise then and tliere would have frightened them out of the country.

Still the Indians did not a})pear. Dark came, lights were extinguished, and in darkness and doubt the frightened people watched and waited. Twelve o'clock, and still no ruthless savaofe. Dawn, rosy dawn, came, and still the wary savage failed to make morn hideous with his terrible war-cry. And now came a suspicion, faint at first, but gradually growing stronger until it crystallized into conviction, that the scare was without foundation, and then, all at once, men became l)rave. Messengers were now found willing to go to Canton to learn the extent and cause of the alarm. Thev soon returned, bringing the good news that there was not an Indian within, perha|)s, one hundred miles of the county line !

The Westerfield scare was communicated to the Moores' Grove settlement by a runner, who crossed below the Lewistown bridge and made his way to Harvey Crosswait's. Crosswait communicated the alarm at once to his neighbors, inviting them all to take refuge at his new log house, which was (piite roomy and tolerablv well calculated for defense. Between Crosswait's and Joshua Moores' there was a ravine that, on account of the melting snow, had been converted into a raging torrent. Crosswait went as nearly to Moores' as this torrent would permit, and hallooed across to old Mrs. Moores. The old gentleman was now ([uite old, and Walters, his son-in-law, had just been killed at Stillman's defeat. Old Mr. Moores gathered up his sick wife in his arms and, followed by his daughter Jennie, her sister, and their four children, they started for the expected ])lace of safety. On arriving at the slough, they waded in across the bottom for some distance to a foot-log across the small stream, Mr. Moores carrying his wife, the two daughters wading, each carrving a child and leading one. When the foot-log was reached, Mrs

Moores expressed her belief that the alarm was false, and insisted on being taken back home ; but at length, yielding to the entreaties of her children and the expostulation of her husband, consented to go forward. The whole party crossed over, the old folks by crawling on their hands and knees, and the vouug-er women bv wadinir through the swift current, carrying one child and dragging the other. This was not accomplished without danger, as the water was deep and the current swift.

When the two young women reached the shore, they noticed close behind them a neighbor woman, Mrs. Robinson, with two children, wading through the overflowed bottom toward them, and at once determined to wait for and assist her across. When Mrs. Robinson reached the foot-log, Mrs. AValters called to know where he was. Mrs. Robinson replied, "T don't know. He and his brother were with me until we got to the creek, and then disappeared : I don't know what has become of them." It proved that both men, who were young, stout and hearty, had deserted the poor woman to her fate, and in company had started, as fast as their frightened limbs would carry them, for Spriugfield. They did not return for more than three weeks. Mrs. Walters and her sister aided Mrs. Robinson to cross the stream, and accompanied her to Crosswait's where the company, with many of their neighbors, remained until dark, when another runner arrived from Jacob Ellis's, informing them that there had been no danger.

John Orendorff, Esq., relates the incidents of the W^esterfield scare occurring east and south of Canton. Orendorff and Richard Addis had started to Hazael Putman's place - since known as the "Woods Farm," - to attend the muster of their militia company. On the way- across the Canton Prairie, and when near the mound, they met Richard Tompkins, who informed them that Peter Westerfield had just come home, and brought word that the Indians were killiny; evervbodv north of Canton ; that Barnes' folks had all been killed, and the danger was imminent. "Who has seen Westerfield ?" asked Orendorff. "George Anderson," was the reply. Orendorff expressing doubt of the truth of Anderson's statement, to some extent re-assured Tompkins, and he consented to return and go with Orendorff and Addis to Westerfield's house. Westerfield resided on what is now known as the "Capps Farm." On arriving at Westerfield's they found the place deserted, Westerfield having fled to the woods with his family for shelter. They accordingly turned and rode over to Putman's. Here they found the militia company in consultation as to the course to be pursued. Esquire Orendorff was called upon for his opinion, and, after questioning Anderson, who w^as the only person present that had seen Westerfield, he expressed himself in favor of sending a messenger at once to Canton to ascertain the facts, and volunteered to go himself on that errand. Addis at once volunteered to accompany him. The company agreed to remain together at Putman's until their return.

Orendorff and Addis set out at once on their mission, and -had scarcely struck the high prairie before they discovered Peter Westerfickl coming from toward his place, and evidently with the intention of joining them. AVesterheld was mounted, bare-backed, on v sorrel, raw-boned animal ; his head was "enturbaned" with a red bandana handkerchief; he carried his rifle and shot-pouch by his side, and wore a look of grim determination. He was evidently going tc^war, and his courage would not fail him. Westerfield communicated his news to Urendorlf and Addis, said he had hid his family, and was going to the fort at Canton to aid in its defense.

On arriving at Canton they found the scare had subsided, Henry Andrews having come in from the Barnes farm with news of their safety, and that no Indians were in that vicinity. When Westerfield heard this, he grasped Orendorff's arm and exclaimed, "I tell you, Orendorff, it is true, I know. Didn't I hear them and see their trail ?" It was no use telling Westerfield that his senses had betrayed him.

Orendorff and Addis now I'ode back to Putman'sto notify the company that the danger was imaginary ; but on arriving there they found that the valiant militia, taking a new scare, had run to their homes and were hiding out their families.

Close Of The War

The war went on, resulting in the defeat of the Indians and the capture of their leader. The rangers came home and were dismissed from service. They received therefor the remunerative sum of H6 cents per day for self and horse. Afterwards the general Government was kind enough to give each ])articipant 80 acres of land.

The following incident was related by one of the few remaining veterans of the war: One day the General (Stillman) and some of the officers started out reconnoitering on a high hill. Some of the boys thought this presented an excellent oj)portunity to play a good joke on their commander and officers. Accordingly they fixed themselves up in blankets to look like Indians, skirted the hill and appeared to the scouting party from the bushes. The General and party of course thought them Indians, discharged their guns at them and started on a general stampede into the camp, yelling, "Indians ! Indians !" and immediately called all the men into line. On discovering their mistake the boys had a merry time over the scare, and it was a standing joke on the officers as long as the campaign lasted.

Theodore Sergeant was Lieutenant of the Canton militia company during the Black Hawk war, and in that capacity for a considerable period of time had command of the com])any. After Stillman's de- feat, an order came from the Governor to Sergeant for seven men from the Canton company. Sergeant at once mnstered his men in front of Child & Stillman's store, and read the requisition, calling upon those who would go to fall in after the music, which was at the same time ordered to march and counter-march. Up and down tramped the musicians before the company, but not a man fell in behind them. Sergeant was equal to the emergency. Ordering the music to cease, he went into the store and bought two gallons f)f whisky, which he passed down the ranks treating every man. "Now boys," said he, "I've got to have seven men or I'll draft them. Music ! forward, march ! Boys, fall in, you who want to go." Either the whisky or the threat, or patriotism, proved potent, and nine more than the required number at once fell in.

Chapter Tx

The criminal record of Fulton county, as the dark contents of this chapter will clearly show, brings her to the front rank in this particular, as she stands in every noble one. Since the day wicked Cain slew his brother Abel in the very morning of the world's history, the earth has been bathed in human blood shed by jealous, angry or infuriated human brothers. In Fulton county it seems that life has been held as of little value by many of our people. Men and women for slight pretenses have taken the life of their fellow creatures. The knife, pistol, gun, poison and other weapons have been used with a prodigal hand. For the most trivial offense the knife has l)een plunged to the vitals of the victim, the fatal bullet sent to his heart, or the deadly lotion dealt out. By the observant it will be noticed as a significant fact that in the following list of murders committed the oiFense to cause the deadly act to be done has been generally slight. Seldom justifialjle, it seems to an impartial observer, yet it will be noticed that the punishment meted out to the criminal has invariably been light. Not one in the long list of murderers has been punished with the death penalty. We are not claiming that in any particular case such should have been done, but wish to record the facts impartially as we find them. As above mentioned, it would seem from this state of public sentiment that life is looked upon as not very sacred or valuable by many persons of this county. To illustrate further the slight value placed upon life by some, aside from the terrible facts recorded below, we will refer to a trial once brought before a justice of the peace of Liverpool township. Two neighbor women were brought to trial and prosecuted for the attempt upon the life of another neighbor woman. One of these, while making soap in the open air, had contracted with the other for a verv small sum of monev, only a few dollars, to kill the third woman referred to. The committal of the dark deed was thoroughly discussed, and plans laid to carry it into execution. The woman who for a few dollars had bargained to take the life of one of her neighbors intended committing the deed with a garden hoe. We do not wish to reflect upon the high moral standing of the citizens of Fulton county in general, but as faithful historians we must impartially record things as they exist.

dieted for manslaughter. There is a \'erv long list of these, many of whom are not murderers simply because they failed in aim, not because they did not intend to commit the deed. We give every case where a person was indicted and tried for murder.

In 1840 there was a house-raising at John Morris', in Union township, near Troy Mills. Among those present was James Ogden. While at dinner Ogden thought he was insulted by another party, and being of an irritable temperament he became very cross, angry, abusive and profane. George Morris, a young man, became incensed at Ogden's abusive manners, and made his feelings known. The two soon got into a tight. Ogden kicked Morris very hard during the tussle. When parted, Morris remarked that he was badly hurt. He was taken into the house and laid upon a bed, no one supposing that he was seriously hurt ; but within fifteen minutes he died. After some time had elapsed Ogden gave himself up to Sheriff La master, was tried, found guilty and sentenced to the penitentiary for one year. He served a portion of his time and was pardoned by Gov. Carlin. We are told that his treatment while at the penitentiary was very mild, he being permitted to drive a team through the streets of Alton and do general outside work.

About noon one day in the summer of 1847 or '48, Norman Beamas was married in Liverpool, In the evening of that day, Xehemiah Xorthup, a resident on the north side of Liverpool island, got to carousinu; around with women's clothes on. and endeavoring to be a whole "shivaree" of himself. He was not known to have any particular charge against either Beamas or his new wife ; but when it was about dusk he met Beamas on the common, passed a few words with him and started off with a gun on his shoulder, waving it up and down. At the distance of a few rods, walking with his back still turned toward Beamas, he fired off the gun, and lo ! the shot struck the bridegroom on the neck and lower part of his face, shattering his louver jaw to pieces and killing him instantly. Xorthuj) was arrested and bound over to court under a moderate penalty, but he finally left the country and has since never been heard of. It is related that only a half-hour before the death of Mr. Beamas, the bride was dozing in a rocking-chair and had a very distinct dream of seeing her husband murdered!

These parties were indicted March G, 1849, for the murder of Abraham Ijittlejohn, of Woodland township. The history of tlic case, as we have been informed, is as follows: Some time previous to the murder two brothers l)v the name of Baldwin came into the neighborhood preaching a new religion. They were formerly fishermen, we are told, and came from Havana. Their education was limited, bat what they lacked in knowledge they made up in zeal and earnestnes, and consequently found many converts to their views. Among them were many of the best and most respected peo])le of that portion of the county. In derision their followers were called Baldwinites, but Union Baptists was the name they claimed. Thov were infatuated with their new relip-ion and held meetings \'ery often. It was at one of these meetings that Littlejohn lost his life. It was held at a school-house, or church, and he was appointed to keej) order. It seems that the Louderbacks and others came to this meeting expressly to create a disturbance ; at any rate they did so, and while Littlejohn was putting one of their number out of the house Jackson Louderback reached in from without and cut him in the abdomen with a knife. From the wound made he soon died. Jackson made his escape and never has been captured. Daniel and John Curless were arrested and liberated on bail. Daniel's case was postponed from time to time until the November term, 1851, when he came to trial. Julius Manning assisted the prosecution. Wead (Sz Goudy and I^ewis Ross defended. The case was a sharply contested one. He was acquitted. The other cases were then stricken from the docket.

Nancv Wilcoxen, a woman of questionable character, was indicted, March 17, 1852, for the killing of William Weston. She went from her home in Liverpool townshij) to Liverpool on the day of the night of the murder, and purchased a knife for the avowed purpose of killing Weston. He was at her house, and it is said he bore but a little better re])utation than the woman. That night she killed him. Her attorneys were Manning, lioss and Blackwell, while Wead c\: Goudy assisted the prosecution. She was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to the penitentiary for six years. She was pardoned, however, before her term of service was completed, came back to this county, and subsequently went to Sangamon county, where she died.

This was a case brought from McDonough county on a change of venue, but it was the most exciting trial ever held in the county. It lasted nine days. The court room was crowded at every session, many ladies being constantly in attendance. On the evening of the 27th of May, 1854, Mrs. Dye killed her husband, James Dye, as it was alleged. David R. Burress was arrested as an accessory to the crime, but broke jail before trial. INIrs. Dye was tried at the April term of the Circuit Court, 1855. The prosecuting attorneys were Messrs. Goudy, of Fulton, Wheat, of Adams, and Schofield &

Mack, of Hancock. For the defense, Messrs. Manning, of Peoria, Kellogg and Ross, of Fulton, and Cyrns Walker of McDonough. Probably a more able array of counsel could not have been procured in the entire State. William C Goudy opened the ease for the people and Cyrus Walker for the defense. Some eighty or ninety witnesses were examined. The case was given to the jury after able arguments on l)Oth sides. It remained out for fifteen hours and l)rought in a verdict of guilty, and fixed the punishment at confinement in the penitentiary for five years. She was pardoned long before the expiration of her term, returned to ^lacomb, and died in 1874.

In Novemljer, 1857, AVm. Tait was indicted for the killing of Hamilton Brown at Astoria. One night while passing along the street Brown was struck upon the head with a stone or a piece of iron. From the wound inflicted he died. Tait was supposed to have thrown the stone and therefore was indicted for the murder. He was liberated upon bail fixed at S500. He was tried and acquitted. Cyrus Walker was his attorney.

A fracas occurred in the little village of Slabtown Wednesday, April 27, 1S.j9, in which Daniel Richardson was instantly killed and John O. Hardy severely wounded. There had been a lawsuit that day in which Richardson was interested, and it not terminating to please him, and, it is said, he being somewhat intoxicated, became quarrelsome. He attacked, as it was claimed, John O. Hardy, an elderly gentleman, and struck him two or three times, when young Hardy approached ; and as he attempted to draw a pistol Richardson threw a stone, which struck the weapon, causing it to discharge its contents into the young man's thigh. The old man then drew a knife and stabbed Richardson to the heart, killing him instantly. The two Hardys were l^rought to trial at the June term, 1859, on the charge of murder. From 96 men a jury was chosen and the case given intr) their hands. They rendered a verdict of "not guilty."

A young man l)y the name of Vaughn was murdered at \'ermont, Tuesday, July 15, 1860, by Isaac Harris, another young man. The weajion used was a club. The young men had always been warm friends. They were traversing a road near Vermont, and Vaughn became so helpless from excessive drinking that he fell upon the ground and could not get up. Harris tried to arouse liini by pounding him with a stick, but without success. He then took a fence stake and literally pounded the prostrate man to death.

Vaughn was taken home and died that same evening. It seems that there was no ill-feeling between the two men : they were only drunk. Harris Mas indicted for murder and tried at the October term of the Circuit C(»urt, found guilty of manslaughter and sent to the penitentiary for fifteen years.

In Nov., lX(j'2, BokMi klHcd James Mahary, of Vermont. Tliis occurred during the war, and it seemed the latter had charged the former with being a Missouri jay-hawker and thief. Bolen hearing of the charges, went to Mahary fn- satisfaction, when a collision ensued, which resulted in Mahary being stabbed to death. Bolen was indicted Feb. 26, 186.'>, and tried at tlic March term of the Circuit Court and acquitted, the jury believing he committed the deed in self-defense.

was brought to trial at the March term of the Circuit Court, 18()2, for the killing of a Mr. Helm. The case was dismissed during trial by the prosecution for want of evidence.

Friday, -lau. l(J, 18()."), at Apple's school-house, four aud a liaH' uiiles east of I^ewistown, Zachariah Shaw, jr., met his death, bv b(>- ing stabbed with a bowie-knife in the hands of Geo. W. Potts. A spelling-s(>hool had been in session at the school-house, and immediately after its close an aftVay occurred between several i)ersons, resulting in Shaw's death. Potts made his escape. He was indicted Feb. '28, 1863, for manslaughter, but he could not be found. The case ran along from term to term until Dec. 14, 1860, when it was stricken from the docket.

These })arties, who resided in Menard county, killed an innocent and inoffensive boy near Havana, Mason county, and were brought here on a change of veuvu' from that county. They were taking a drove of cattle through the county, and stoj)]ied at Havana and became intoxicated. They met their victim, who was a CJerman boy of twelve or fifteen years of age, in the road, and ordered him off, and without further provocation shot him down. Thev were all acquitted.

This man killed a Mr. Baker, of Woodland township. Both l)arties were respected, and well-to-do citizens. They got into a fuss, however, over the difference of only fifty cents in making a settlement with each other, and Cobb shot Baker with a pistol.

The ball entered the head of its victim and proved fatal immediately. Cobb was indicted for murder Sept. 29, 1864. He took a change of venue to Peoria county, was tried, found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced for ten years. A new trial was granted, and by agreement the case was returned to this county, here he broke jail and was gone four years. Shortly after his escape he was captured in Indiana. Sheriff Waggoner hurried forward to get his prisoner, but ere he arrived Cobb had again escaped. This time lie evaded the authorities for about four years, w^hen Sheriff Waggoner caught him in Kansas. When he returned he was brought to trial, but the prosecution was compelled to beg for a continuance, as everv witness for the State had either died or left the State. He pleaded guity, we believe, and was sent to the penitentiary for one year, but was soon pardoned.

In June, 1805, the village of Marbletown was thrown into considerable excitement by the announcement of the murder of Daniel Lash. Lash was a farm-hand at the time in the employ of Hiram Marble. Richardson, a cripple, kept what was familiarly known as a "jug grocery," - in other words, a saloon. Lash, who was a desperate fellow and regarded as an outlaw, came to this saloon using threatening language toward Richardson, and soon endeavored to strike him. Richardson in the mean time secured a hatchet, and when opportunity [)resented struck Lash a hard blow, which |>roved fatal. Lash exclaimed "He has killed me!" and after walking about seventy yards fell. Richardson was arrested for the murder, but the grand jury refused to indict him, and he was set at liberty.

These parties were indicted April 20, 1865, for committing murder by poisoning ; they were tried at the November teriii of the Circuit Court, 1865, and found not guilty. Rol)ert, however, was not discharged until April 20, 1866. A further account will be given in the history of IMeasant townshij), where the murder was committed.

The victim of this fracas, which occurred in Bryant, was Wesley Pittman. Jones was indicted April 21, 1866, found guilty of manslaughter April 18, 1867, and sent to the penitentiary for two years. He killed Pittman with a rock. Sheriff Waggoner took him to State's prison, where he died.

McDonough county and was sent to the penitentiary for fourteen years. He, however, only served f.bout eighteen months, when he was pardoned.

Craig shot and kiHed Thomas Brown, in Otto, and seeminglv without any provocation whatever. He was indicted for murder Aug. 25, 187(J, took a change of venue to Tazewell county and was acquitted.

These parties were indicted Aug. 29, 1871, for the murder of a Swede. The fatal affair occurred on the night of the 4th of Julv, 1871, at a saloon called Shoo Fly, one mile east of Lcwistown. A majority of the crowd at this place that night were intoxicated. The Swede had hut recently come to this cotintry and is said to have been a very (piiet, inoifensive man. In a fracas that occurred he was struck down with a club, and he died from the effects of the injuries received. Nicholson was tried at the April term, 1873, and found "not guilty." Pitts L. Purdy took a change of venue to Schuyler county, where he also was acquitted. Lemuel Purdy took a change to Macon county, tried, found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced for five years. He was pardoned at the end of three vears. All of these parties were accounted good, respectable citizens.

(Jhesney killed a negro at Abingdon, Ivnox county, in 1873. He was indicted for murder in the fall and a change of venue was taken to this county, where, at the Decendier term, 1873, he was acquitted.

Odell was indicted for murder Aug. 1, 187o. He was a constable and lived at Havana, Mason county. He levied upon a boat belonging to a man by the name of Patterson, who lived near the Copperas-creek dam. Patterson was a bad character and a desperate man, which fact was known to Odell. He attem])ted to retake the b(xit from Odell, and in the attempt Odell began shooting at him, and fired four times, killing him instantly. ()dell was tried in tins county and acquitted.

About sundown July 10, 1876, Jonathan B.Perry shot and killed John J. liulicker, of Pleasant township. Berry had married a widow lady named Maggie Shuman, and on the evening of the murder Berry was whipping one of her boys ; and to help control him she sent one of her sons, Willie Shnman, a boy of a dozen summers, to Mr. Lalioker's, who lived near, for assistance. Mr. L. hurried over according to the request, and as the two entered the yard Berry warned Lalicker not to enter the house. Berry fired at him through a window and again in the house, one of the shots proving fatal, killing Lalicker almost instantly. Berry was indicted at the August term of Circuit Court, 1876, and tried at the December term, found guilt\' and sent to the penitentiary for ten years. He is now confined there.

In 1876, Oct. 26, Richard B. Heather killed S. Peter Jnhnson, at Abingdon, Knox county. His bail was fixed at §15,0<X), and he took a change of venue to this county, was tried at the April term and convicted of manslaughter and sent to the penitentiary, but the following Xovember pardoned. This was one of the most exciting trials that ever occurred in the county.

Mayall and AVillis were both plasterers by occupation and resided in Ipava. It appeared that \Vm. Collier had a job of plastering which both parties wanted to do. Finally AVillis was awarded the work, which Mayall thought was obtained by defaming him a>s a workman. An altercation ensued between th«im. Willis had a hatchet in his hand and seemingly made some movement with it toward Mavall, when the latter said. " You are not sroinii; to hit me with the hatchet, are you ?" Willi* threw the hatchet down and they both walked toward the gate. Upon arriving at the gate ^layall pulled out a knife and cut Willis, from the wound of which he died. Mayall was tried at the December term of the Circuit Court, 1876, and acquitted.

Mabes was indicted for murder Sept. 1, 1877, for the killing <>f Br\-an Daily, in Orion township. Both men were intoxicated and were each driving a wagon along the road. Mabes tried to drive around Daily, which the latter prevented. He then struck him with a missile, the blow killing Daily. Mabes was admitted to bail Dec. 7, 1877, the amount of the bond being S3,0<X). He wastried at the April term of the Circuit Court, 1878, and found "not guilty."

At Bernadotte, about 5 o'clock p. m., Saturday, July 19, 1879, Dr. Sylvester O. Hall, the leading physician of the village, met his death at the hands of Stephen Joy, an old and respected citizen, and phenomenally zealous in his religion. The tacts as gleaned from the evidence at the Coroner's inquest, the trial of Joy not having yet occurred, were about as follows : On the morning of the murder Mr. Joy agreed with Dr. Hall that, if he would buy a pony offered for sale by Perry Jones, he would take the animal off his hands at $20 cash. The doctor accordingly made the trade, took the pony to Joy's store and notified him that the animal was ready for him. Joy told him to hitch the animal and come in, which Hall did. Joy hesitated for a little while and then backed squarely out of the trade. This greatly enraged the doctor and some very bitter words passed, resulting in the doctor commencing a suit against Joy for damages. The trial was set for July 26, before 'Squire Shipton. All this occurred before noon. The parties discussed the question publicly during the day, and the very air seemed impregnated with bad blood.

Between four and five o'clock in the afternoon Hall sauntered around to Joy's store, and sat down upon the sidewalk at the southeast corner of the building, while Joy occupied a bench near by. Hall sat several inches hnver than Joy and they were not luore than four feet apart. Some bitter words ensued, when Hall called Joy a hard name. Joy had been whittling with a large pocket knife, and at this moment reversed the knife quickly, blade downward, and saying, "This must be settled," struck a quick blow at Hall's bare neck, when a huge stream of blood spurted eight or ten feet away. Hall seized his neck as if to stay the blood, and said, " He's killed me ! " Within five minutes after the stab he died. The wound severed the left carotid artery and jugular vein. Quite a large nund)er of })ersons were sitting around the two men when the tragedy occurred, and the blow could easily have been stayed liad there been any suspicion that one would even strike the other. But it was all done in a Hash - in the twinkling of an eye. The cjiithct uttered by Hall, the response by Joy, and the instant thrust with the knife, - all took ]>lace while the disputants were rising to a half-standing ])osition.

Stephen Joy was indicted for murder August 21, 187 J), and his trial ])ostponed. Friday, Septembei' o, 1879, Joy was brought before Judge Shope, on a writ of hahatx corpaK, to have an examiuation with the object of securing his bail. After a very full hearing the Judge admitted him to bail in the sum of |25,OOr3, which was given, and the trial set for the next term of Court.