Iroquois County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1880 (part 2 of 20)

Astor & Co.), having learned through their agents at Mackinaw, from the representations of a chief of the Pottawatomies, who had visited that point, of the great wealth of furs on the Kankakee and Iroquois rivers, dispatched Gurdon S. Hubbard, who was then in their employ, to these rivers, for the purpose of opening up trade with the Pottawatomies. Noel Le Yasseur was then in Hubbard's employ and accompanied him. They came with presents and Indian goods in a boat, by way of the west coast of lake Michigan, the Chicago and DesPlaines rivers, ascended the Kankakee and Iroquois rivers and landed at the Pottawatomie village, heretofore mentioned, on what is now the N.E. % of Sec. 29, T. 27 N., R. 12 W. Here they were kindly received and well treated, and after spending some time in distributing their gifts among the Indians, cementing their friendships and learning the Pottawatomie tongue, they built a trading-house and erected a fur press, just above and near the mouth of Sugar creek, on the south bank of the Iroquois river. The site occupied by this trading-post is covered by block 52 in Middleport, and is now owned by Mrs. Catherine Peachen. The remains of this trading-house and fur press were still visible when the writer first came to -Middleport, in 1853, and for some time after. They remained at this post about three years, as will be seen hereafter, and then abandoned it and established a new post at " Buncombe," now known as Concord, in this county. The Pottawatomie chiefs with whom Hubbard and Yasseur formed intimate relations here, wereTamin (strawberry), Shemargar (soldier), Raquitor (lawyer), and Washkuk. The territory east of Spring creek was occupied by the Pottawatomies. There was a Kickapoo village at Oliver's Grove, occupied by a detached band, whose chief was Black Hawk, but who were under the immediate leadership of Kanakuk. Hubbard secured the trade of this band, as well as that of the Pottawatomies. There were no white settlements nearer than the Wabash on the south, and Chicago on the north. The government Indian agencies were at Logansport, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois.

In regard to his location in Illinois as an Indian trader, Col. Gurdon S. Hubbard, in a letter to B. F. Shankland, Esq., dated October 21, 18T8, says : " The winter of 1821 and 1822 I was an Indian trader, located on the Iroquois river below 'Bunkum,' reaching that point from Mackinaw, in a small batteau (boat) of about ten tons burthen, coasting lake Michigan, drawing it oVerland from Chicago river to the DesPlaines, descending it and ascending the Kankakee and Iroquois rivers. From my trading-house I made frequent excursions to the Indian hunting-grounds as far south as the Little Wabash, using Indian j>ack-horses, which was the commencement of my trail. I was then in the employ of the American Fur Company (John Jacob Astor & Co.), having engaged my services to them in the spring of 1818, for a term of five years, on a salary of $120 per annum. The fall of 1825, not liking the location I built a new post about a half mile north of the town of 'Bunkum,' being then free to exercise my own discretion. I left my boats at Chicago and bought Indian horses to convey my goods, now largely increased. From there by a new trail, with loaded pack-horses, I struck at Sugar creek, at or near Watseka, the trail - or, as you call it, 'trace' - intersecting there the one 1 had before used. That fall I established quite a number of trading-posts south, and one north of Iroqnois, making the latter my headquarters, visiting, as occasion required, rny posts. At the Iroquois I opened a farm which I preempted, so that by the inclosing and cultivating over eighty acres, with a nice hewed log farm house near my trading-post, I was the first to cultivate in Iroquois county, and also in Cook county, except Mr. Kinzie and Mr. Clayton, who at that time had small patches, about twenty acres each, in the present limits of Chicago. Mr. Baxter Allen was my farmer, and who, after the first year, got married in Indiana, his wife being the first white woman, I think, in the territory now embraced in your county. I continued my Indian trade south of Danville up to 1832, when I withdrew, still continuing to keep an assortment of Indian goods, but mostly for whites, at Danville and trading-post at Iroquois, withdrawing from both places wholly in 1834, so that m^ entire business was at Chicago."

"When Col. Hubbard came among the Indians on the Iroquois, he soon saw the necessity, as a matter of protection and safety, to form more intimate relations with them than that of mere trade, and therefore, in the course of time, married - according to the Indian custom - an Indian woman by the name of " Watch-e-kee" who was the niece of the Pottawatomie chief, Tamin. whose village was then on the present site of Concord (" Buncombe "). In answer to an inquiry made by the writer as to this matter, Col. Hubbard says: "I have no wish to deny the fact of her being my wife, given me by her uncle (the chief) when she was about ten, in the place of his own grown daughter whom he presented to me, and whom I declined. This little girl was to take her place, and was, under my pledge to make her my wife, brought to me by her mother at the age of fourteen or fifteen. She bore me a daughter who died at about eight months old. I lived with this Indian woman about two years in harmony. Our separation was by mutual agreement, in perfect friendship, and because I was about to abandon the Indian trade, and of course my connection with her tribe. Both thought each other's happiness would be promoted by separation, as it doubtless was." The names of the father and mother of Watch-e-kee, or " "Watseka," as she was called by the whites, appears to have been unknown to both Hubbard and Yasseur, as they so state to the writer. Watseka was born at the Indian village at the site of "Buncombe," about the year 1810. She is said to have been a handsome, intelligent and superior Indian woman. After her separation from Col. Hubbard, according to the Indian custom, and his retiring from "Buncombe," she, in 1828, married Noel Le Yasseur, who had been left in charge of the post. Her tribe, except a remnant, were removed west after the treaty of October, 1833, and she and Vasseur then removed to Bourbonnais Grove, on the Kankakee river. She bore him several children, some of whom are still living in Kansas. She went west in 1837 with the remnant of her tribe, and located near Council Bluffs, and there married a Frenchman by the name of Bergeron. When she went west Mr. Yasseur took her in a carriage as far as the Mississippi river, and it is said made ample provision for her, and that she was in comfortable circumstances until her death. About the year 1863 she returned on a visit to Mr. Yasseur, at Bourbonnais Grove, and from there she plodded her weary way afoot and alone to the scenes of her childhood, and visited the graves of her kindred and tribe, near

Middleport and " Buncombe." Sadly she left, as the last Pottawatornie to set foot upon the soil of Iroquois county, and returned to Kansas, and about the year 1878, in the Pottawatornie Reservation in Kansas, passed to "the happy hunting-grounds." Noel Le Yasseur died at his residence in Bourbonnais Grove, on Friday night, December 15, 1879. Col. Gurdon S. Hubbard is still living, at the ripe old age of nearly eighty years, at 243 White street, Chicago, highly honored and respected by all who know him.

We have devoted this much space to " Watseka " for the reason that the city of Watseka has been named for her, and as her name will therefore be perpetuated in history, it becomes a matter of interest to have her biography. In the " Historic Notes of the Northwest," by Mr. Beckwith, at page 114 of this work, it is stated that there was an Indian tradition that the custom of perpetuating the name of "Watseka" originated in a conflict between the Iroquois and Illinois tribes of Indians, which took place on the Iroquois river, a few miles below Middleport, about two hundred years ago. As the heroine of this conflict belonged to the Illinois tribe, and the conflict must have occurred, if at all, at least one hundred years before the Pottawatomies occupied this territory, and as the last named tribe and the Illinois were always inveterate enemies, the Pottawatomies could have had no desire to perpetuate a remembrance of this conflict. The " tradition," therefore, becomes mythical, and is evidently more poetic than truthful. Mr. Noel Le Vasseur, in an interview with him before his death, informed the writer that there was no significance whatever in the name of " Watseka."

First Settlements In Belmont

The first emigrants to T. 26 N., E. 12 W. were John S. Moore and wife (Nancy) and their family : Jesse Moore and wife, Foster Moore, William S., Foreman, John B., Aaron, Joseph, Rebecca, Catharine, Mary and Nancy Moore. They all came from Adams county, Ohio, - some in the spring and others in the fall of 1831, - and located at what has since been known as "Moore's Point," on lands in sections 14 and 15. Mary married John Crowl, about the year 1837, and located near " Buncombe." She died a few years ago, leaving five children. Mr. Crowl is still living, and resides on his old homestead. Rebecca married, January 1, 1833, Hon. Micajah Stanley, and they located near Milford, but afterward, in 1835, removed to the place where they now reside, in the limits of Watseka. Catharine married Samuel Fleming, and they located on his farm in section 30, where he died a few years ago. She is still living. Nancy married Reuben Carman, and settled in the northern part of the town. The sons all married and located in the neighborhood. Foreman and John B. have since died and left families in the town. John S. Moore died July 10, 1843, and afterward his wife resided with her daughter, Mrs. Stanley, until July 5, 1853, when she died while on a visit to her daughter, Mrs. Growl. The Moore family were Methodists, and John S., in 1835, bnilt a log church, 25x30 feet, with clap-board roof and puncheon floor, and furnished with hewed bench-seats, for the use of the church. This was the first church in the county, and Moore's was the preacher's home. What ministers occupied this church the writer has not been able to learn.

Alexander Wilson came in 1833, and laid a claim on land in section 10 ; sold out to Aaron H. James, and June 4, 1834, entered the N.E. ^ of Sec. 5, and built a hewed log house on it and removed to it. A few years after he established a tannery, and resided on the place until he sold out to Alfred Beckett, November 7, 1847. Beckett came from Perrysville, Indiana, and with him Benjamin F. Raney, who located on part of section 4. Raney and Beckett both died several years ago. Beckett sold to Hon. John Chamberlain, July 28, 1856. This land is in the present limits of Watseka. When Wilson sold out he removed to the west side of Sugar creek, where he still resides.

John Hudson, Sr., and family came from Kent county, Delaware, July 4, 1834. His family consisted of his wife (Mary) and children : John, Jonathan, Henry and Deborah. Deborah afterward married James Longshore. John, Sr., died November 12, 1834, and his widow, March 13, 1835. They were both buried in the cemetery on the land where they located, in section 4, and which had been donated by them for burial purposes. They were each about sixty years of age when they died. Jonathan was accidentally drowned in Sugar creek, June 6, 1835. John was married to Sarah Longshore, and Deborah to James Longshore, both the same day, in December, 1835. They were married by Alexander Wilson, who was then a justice of the peace. John, Henry and Deborah are still living west of the creek. Mrs. Sarah Longshore, James, William and wife, and Mahlon Longshore came in the spring of 1835, and all settled west of the creek. John Longshore came two or three years after. The Longshores all died several years ago. They built the first house on the west side of the creek. Jesse Oppy and Samuel Oppy came in 1835. Jesse located on lands in section 23, where he and family still reside. Samuel Oppy removed to Iowa in 1866. Henry Barna, known also by the name of Barnhouse (German), with his two sons, located on the N.E. J S.E. -£ of Sec. 20, in 1832 or 1833. He was a carpenter by trade, and made some of the furniture first used in the offices of the county. He sold his land to Robert L. Williams, in 1835, and left.

John Strean located on N.W. i of Sec. 22 in 1834 or 1835. He married Jane Yennum, daughter of Col. Thomas Vennum. They are both still living, but have no children. They are highly respected people. Aaron Hoel and family came from Ohio in 1834, and settled on W. |- S.W. £ of Sec. 27. He died several years ago, and the family are scattered. Jeremiah Hoel came in 1837. He was a brick-maker, and burned the brick for the old court-house. He and family removed several years ago to Union county, Illinois. John "Wamsley and family came from Adams county, Ohio, in 1834, and located on S.£ S.W. £ of Sec. 28. He sold out in 1836 and returned to Ohio. Eli Murray and family came from Ohio in 1834, and located on "W. -| N.E. £ of Sec. 29. He died man}7 years ago. Lemuel and William John and families located in section 32 in 1834. Lemuel has been dead some years. Hozea T., Elijah and Thomas Kendall came from Indiana in 1835, all locating in sections 10, 11 and 14. All died several years ago. Peter Hardenbrook and family came from Ohio in 1835 ; settled on E. £ S.E. ^ of Sec. 29, and died many years ago. Samuel Keene came from Indiana in 1836 ; located on S.W. \ S.W. \ of Sec. 5. He followed hunting and trapping, as well as farming. He and family still reside on the premises. Oliver Smith and family, from Ohio, located on lands in section 22 in 1836. He died there many years ago.

Samuel B. Swim and his sons, Samuel and Isaac, came from Adams county, Ohio, in 1837, and settled on lands in section 3. Samuel B. long since died. Samuel now resides at Onarga. Isaac removed to Iowa. Charles and John Shields and families came about the same time as did the Longshores, and settled in the same locality. They are both dead. Henry Furtig (German) came from Ohio about 1836, and located on the E. -| of Lot 2, N.E. -J- of Sec. 4. He lived with his widowed mother until she died, a few years after. His brothers, John and George, also lived with them. They all removed west many years ago. John Paul came from Pennsylvania in 1839. He married one of Jonathan Wright's daughters, and they settled on the S.W. £ of Sec. 26. Several years ago lie sold out and removed to Watseka and engaged in buying and selling grain. A few years ago he removed to Denver, Colorado, where he and family now reside. William, Austin, John arid Joshua Sherrill, settled near Lister's Point in 1847. They are all dead, but some of their descendants still reside in the neighborhood. Benjamin Raymond came about the same time. He married a Slier-, rill. Reuben, Aaron and Sarah Carman, with their father, came about 1850. Their father died here two or three years after. The otherssettled on lands in section 3. Sarah married Henry Fortig, and they,, with Aaron, went west. Reuben married Nancy Moore, and a few

David McClanahan came from Tennessee about 1841, married Alex. Wilson's daughter (Mary) and located west of the creek. They removed to Kansas in 1864 or 1865. Abram Troxell and family came in 1840, and located west of the creek. He died several years ago. His two sons, John and Christopher, were both drowned in the creek in 1840, by accident, while getting cattle out during a freshet. Alfred C. Johnson came from Ohio several years ago, married here, and settled on lands in section 19, west of the creek, where he and family now reside. David McGill came to Belmont when a youth, in 1838, and was for several years in the employ of John Strean. He married in that town, and by energy and economy has acquired a large amount of lands and property. He is vice-president of the First National Bank of Watseka, and now resides in that city.

Hon. Samuel Williams, with his father, Thomas Williams, and mother (Elizabeth) and brothers and sisters, John, Melissa, William, Josiah, Susan, Mary and Harvey, came to the county in 1845. He located in Belmont in 1847. His father died there in 1855. He is highly respected and a nran of prominence in the county; has-been judge of the county court, and is now the president of the First National Bank of Watseka, but still resides in Belmont. He was married in 1849 to Catherine Body, of that town. He was formerly from Adams county, Ohio.

The first child born within the limits of Belmont, was Marion Francis Moore, son of Jesse and Leticia Moore, born in the summer of 1831. The first marriage was Hon. Micajah Stanley to Rebecca Moore ; and the first death was John Hudson, Sr., who died November 12, 1834.

The first settlers of Belmont had to endure the hardships usual to a new country. John Strean had a little store on Coon creek, where he sold a few necessaries brought by teams from La Fayette, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois, and which places were the nearest markets. The post-office was at Driftwood, northwest of Milford, on Sugar creek, where a "semi-occasional" mail was received on the mail route from Joliet to Danville. The nearest mills (except a " corn-cracker " run by horse-power, by William Pickrell, where Milford now is), were on Pine creek and the Big Shawnee, in Indiana, and at Wilmington, on the Kankakee river, about fifty miles away, and the nearest towns and physicians were at Williamsport and La Fayette.

town, and by Mahlon Boyd on the west side of Sugar creek. The first preaching was by Revs. Mr. Springer and Hooper Crews, of the M. E. church, and by John Hoobler and the Kenoyers of the United Brethren church.

The town was first organized embracing town 26 north, ranges 12 and 13 west. Town 26 north, range 13 west, was organized as the town of Crescent a few years ago. The Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad runs through this town, on which, and in the S.E. ^ of Sec. 20 and KE. i of Sec. 29, the village of railroad, four miles south of Watseka; has a post-office, lumberyard, steam mill, several stores, etc., and does considerable trade. At this village is located one of the best regulated and constructed creameries in the country, owned by Hon. Samuel Williams & Sons.

The Poor Farm of the county is located principally in section 3, and was purchased of Henry B. Coberly, January 31, 1857. This town has two iron bridges across Sugar creek, one near the residence of Samuel Keene, built a few years ago, costing $6,500, and one lately built at Woodland, costing $3,200. Part of the corporate limits of the city of Watseka is within the town.

James T. Phenix, a colored man, who resided on a farm he had purchased of David McGill, in section 26, committed suicide by drowning himself in Coon creek, on the night of Wednesday, February 4, 1880. He had been defeated on Monday before, by McGill, in a suit for forcible detainer of the premises, and believing that he had been misused in the matter, he became insane and committed the deed. He left a wife and four small children in destitute circumstances.

Collector

March 10, 1865, David McGill was appointed to fill vacancy in the office of town clerk, occasioned by the removal of E. H. Moore from the town. November 16, 1864, John Strean was appointed supervisor to fill vacancy occasioned by the removal of John Paul from the town. November 1, 1870, William Warren was appointed town clerk to fill vacancy occasioned by the removal of J. L. McConnell. December 30, 1876, John L. Donovan was appointed supervisor to fill vacancy occasioned by the resignation of C. Secrest. July 6, 1877, William Warren was appointed assessor to fill vacancy occasioned by the assessor elect having been declared insane.

David and Oliver Bookless came from Ohio in 1833 or 1834, and located on lands in section 27, north of the river. David died many years ago. Oliver still lives near " Lister's Point."

Hon. Micajah Stanley built a log house on the S.E. -J- of Sec. 32 in March, 1835, and in April following moved into it from near Milford, where he had previously resided. He improved his farm and in 1846 built the finest barn then in the county. His premises are now in the city of Watseka, of the most of which he is the proprietor. His old residence has been replaced by a commodious and comfortable l.rick dwelling, where he and wife and some of his children now reside. He is honored and respected by all.

James Crozzar came from Ohio in 1835. He married the widow of Hezekiah Eastburn, who lived near " Lister's Point," and built on the N.E. ^ of S.E. ^ of Sec. 35, where he resided until his death. He died June 17, 1869, and his wife January 6, 1880. He bequeathed his home property to Richard Roberts, who now occupies it. Crozzar left no children.

Leander Hogle and family came from Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1836, and located on the E. £ of S.E. £ of Sec. 28. He died March 7, 1853, leaving surviving him his widow (Elizabeth) and Michael, George "W., Polly, John, Isaac and David, his children. His widow died about 1865, and his children Isaac and David several years before. Michael and John were several years engaged in selling goods at Middleport. George W. was a stock-trader. Michael was at one time sheriff of the county, and for several years the editor of the " Middleport Press," a justice of the peace, and prominent in the politics of the county. Michael, George W. and John now reside in Chicago. Polly is married to John Thompson, and resides in Coshocton county, Ohio.

John Lyman, Sr., and wife (Hannah) and daughter (Susan) came from Starke county, Ohio, and landed at Middleport in June, 1836. Daniel Rondebush and wife (Polly Lyman), William Lyman, Samuel Lyman and Jacob Lyman and families, and Matthias Shipman, who afterward married Susan Lyman, came with them from the same place. John Lyman, Sr., and Daniel Rondebush and families, located in Middleport. Jacob and family located on lands in section 30, and William and Samuel and families farther north. These were the first settlements in the town north of Middleport and the river. George Lyman, David Buck and John Lyrnan, Jr., and families, and Jonathan Lyman, came from same place about two years after. John, Jr., died in about one year, and Jonathan subsequently married his widow. George Lyman located in Belmont, and David Buck and Jonathan Lyman, north of the river. Daniel Lyman came about 1840, and also settled north of the river. John Lyman, Sr., died in 1840, and his wife about ten years later. Daniel Lyman died about 1870 ; Buck in 1874; and Shipman about a year ago. Jacob Lyman died about 1850. Samuel Platner also came with the Lymans, and when Rondebush died, two or three years after, Platner married his widow and located on the E. -| of the N.E. £ of Sec. 29, north of the river. Jacob Snyder,. Sr., and son-in-law, Jacob Rhodes, and sons, Jacob and John, came from Wayne county, Ohio, in the spring of 1837. Rhodes and family located on N.E. \ of S.E. \ of Sec. 33. He died several years ago, and his wife later. John Snyder located on S.W. \ of N.E. \ of Sec. 33, in 1838. John died several years ago, and Jacob in Peoria about two or three months ago. Jacob Shultz came about 1837, and settled north of the river. Joseph Egbert and wife (Mary) and children, Elizabeth, James, Susan, Samuel, Hugh, Adrian and George, came from Akron, Ohio, November 15, 1840. The coming winter he built a dwelling house, saw-mill and "corn-cracker" on the river, in W. \ of N.E. \ of Sec. 32. No lumber was to be had nearer than Chicago or the Wabash river; he therefore sawed all the necessary lumber for these improvements with a whipsaw. George and his mother died in 1841, Hugh and Samuel in 1845. A Mr. Davis built a distillery near the mill, in which an old-fashioned copper still was used, which was purchased by Mr. Egbert in 1846, and was run about four years. Trie mill was run until 1856, and then abandoned. Elizabeth married Josiah Williams in April, 1849. Susan married a Mr. Pearsoll, and soon after died. Joseph Egbert died September 27, 1854. Josiah Williams and wife, and James and Adrian Egbert reside in Watseka. In 1836 Reuben Lister, Nathan Foster and Joshua Sherrill, made locations in sections 35 and 36 ; and Mons K. Olland, Erick G. Medborn and Niels T. Bouge, in section 22 ; and Charles Holseclaw in section 23. David, Frederick and Benjamin Leatherman, William Jerman, Jones Green, John Merely, Mason Vermillion, A. J. Galaspie, Jason Bull, Charles F. Tyler, John Mellinger and Daniel Davis settled in the northeastern part of the town at a later day.

William McCollock entered the S.E. \ of S.E. \ of Sec. 25, December 25, 1832. This was the first purchase of the government made in the town. This covered the crossing of the river on the Vincennes and Chicago state road. Isaac Courtright, who then resided near "Buncombe," afterward purchased this land, and in 1839 or 1840 built a saw-mill and grist-mill on it. Cyrus Clapp came from near Attica, Indiana, lived in a " shanty " near the mill, and boarded the hands during its construction. George Courtright went there in 1843 and resided in the log house formerly occupied by Clapp, until he built a house which he occupied as a hotel several years, then sold it to Sanford Claggett, and he to William S. Torbett soon after. William Steerman and family, Richard and William Roberts, all came to the place from Indiana in 1848, and engaged in blacksmithing. Claggett and Woods- sold goods there from about 1850 to 1854, when Claggett.

removed to Lexington, Illinois. Joseph Thomas came there with his family in 1848 and bought an interest in the mill. He was also justice of the peace, and from 1852 to 1856, a member of the legislature. His wife died there. He died at Onarga in 1858. Isaac Courtright located there with his family in 1843, and his wife died about one year after. A few years after he married Mrs. Ruth Kay, mother of Wilson S., Joseph W. and James W. Kay. They both died of cholera about the same time, in October, 1854. The mill property wafe conveyed to- George West, July 25, 1848. In 1854 he built a new mill, on north side of the river. This he sold to John Steele and Edward Collins, in 1865, who removed it to Sheldon. He sold the mill site to John Shankland, September 2, 1867, who built a saw-mill upon it, and sold out to Edward W. Bishop, January 21, 1868, who still owns it. Thi& place was formerly known as " Courtright's Mills," but for many years past as " Texas," but how it obtained this name the writer has been unable to learn.

Mr. George King, father of Mrs. Nancy Blades (wife of HOIK Franklin Blades), Capt. George E. King, and Charles N. King, with his wife (Delilah) and family, came to the town in 1850, and located on a large farm he owned in sections 34 and 35, where he remained until 1854, when he removed to Middleport and engaged in selling goods,, which business he followed about four years and then sold his stock-intrade. In 1861 and also in 1863 he was elected county treasurer. He died September 11, 1870, at the age of about sixty-six years. He was the son of William and Hannah King, and born in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1804. Was a farmer by trade and engaged in that business both at Clarksville and Columbus, Ohio, for several years. In 1836 he removed to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, where he was engaged in farming, and also packing pork until 1840, when he removed to Williamsport, Indiana, where he engaged in selling goods and packinguntil 1850, when he removed to Iroquois county, as before stated. He was a man of integrity, honesty, and unbounded liberality, and honored and respected by all who knew him. The farm he formerly owned in the town is now owned and occupied by Stephen Cissna.

The town of Middleport was first organized embracing townships 27 N., ranges 12 and 13 W. T. 27 K, R. 13 W. was organized into a separate town in 1858. Middleport has three iron bridges, one across the creek, one across the river at Middleport, and one across the river about two miles above, in section 27. The first named cost about $4,800 ; the second $6,000 ; and the last $7,000. The first is a truss, and the other two arched bridges. The Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad, and the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad run

January 14, 1858, "W. S. Kay resigned as collector, and Henry C. Bryant was appointed in his place. November 21, 1861, James "W. Kay was appointed town clerk to fill vacancy ; 1871, H. H. Shultz, collector, resigned, and S. W.Warren was appointed to fill the vacancy. November 27, 1873, C. F. McNeill was appointed supervisor to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of K. K. Mclntyre. January 16, 1877, A.'B. Roff was appointed collector vice Adrian Egbert, who did not qualify. September 15, 1877, C. F. McNeill was appointed supervisor to fill vacancy occasioned by the death of Daniel Parker. January 16, 1879, A. L. Whitehall was appointed collector in place of Charles Franklin, who did not qualify. The following justices of the peace have been elected for the town : 1857, C. F. McNeill, William Brown and William F. Keady ; 1858, William F. Keady ; 1860, William Brooks and B. F. Barnum ; 1861, Michael Hogle and James C. Steely ; 1865, James C. Steely and A. B. Roff; 1866, Joseph L. Horton ; 1869, James C. Steely and L. Armstrong; 1870, James C. Steely; 1872, C. F. McNeill; 1873, Andrew Rush; 1877, A. B. Roff and Peter C. Hoyt: and May 13, 1879, Harrison Garner was elected in place of A. B. Roff who resigned. At the town meeting in 1863 a vote was taken for or against township organization, which resulted in 642 votes being cast for, and 3 votes against it. A like vote was taken again in 1867, which resulted in 187 votes being cast for. and 85 votes against township organization. At a special town meeting, June 8, 1867, a vote was taken for and against $15,000 aid to the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes railroad, which resulted in 233 votes being cast for, and 68 votes against it. The town bonds for this aid were issued February 20, 1871. The payment of these bonds has since been enjoined.

Middleport was laid off on the W. i of N.W. i of Sec. 32, and that part of E. £ of N.E. £ of Sec. 31, lying east of the Iroquois river, in 27 north, range 12 west. The E. £ of N.E. £ of Sec. 31 was entered by Hugh Newell, August 27, 1836; and the N.W. i N.W. £ of Sec. 32, by Jacob A. Whiteman and Hugh Newell, same date; and the'S.W. i N.W. i by Austin Cole, September 21, 1836, who sold, September 30, 1836, the north half of this tract to Whiteman & Newell. The plat is recorded in book A of the deed records of the county, pages 128 and 129, as follows : " A map of the town of Middleport, situated at the mouth of Sugar creek, on southeast bank of the Iroquois river, Iroquois county, state of Illinois, surveyed at the request of Hugh Newell and Jacob A. Whiteman, in December, 1836, by James Smith, deputy for Jonas Smith, surveyor of Iroquois county, Illinois."

" COBERLY'S ADDITION TO MIDDLEPORT " Was laid off, March 15, 1848, by.Henry B. Coberly, the owner of the N.E. £ S.E. \ of Sec. 31 (Robert Nilson, surveyor), comprised of only two blocks adjoining Middleport. The plat is recorded in book B, page 547. The first house built in Middleport was built by Daniel Rondebush, soon after he came, as before stated, on lot 5, block 32. This was a log house about sixteen feet square. The second was a double log cabin, built by John Lyman, Sr., on lot 8, block 27, which lot is now owned by S. R. Hawks. The third was a double log house, built by William Shellenbarger, on lot 2, block 38, and on the bank of the river. The first school taught in the village was by Dr. John Harwood, in one end of this house, in the winter of 1840-1. This school was attended by one scholar from M. Stanley's family, three from Alex. Wilson's, four from John Findley's, three from Frazier's, two from Shipley's, four from Egbert's and two from Harwood's, making nineteen scholars. The fourth one was a log house built by Stephen Flesher, on lot 8. block 50, 16x18 feet, where the Wilson House now stands. He also had a blacksmith-shop on this lot and followed that trade. The fifth was a log house built by David Buck, 16x24 feet, on lot 5, block 31. The first court held in Middleport convened in this house in May, 1840. The house was afterward sold to Henry Troup, and finally fell to Mrs. Troup, who sold it a few years ago to a Mrs. Soucey, who moved it on a lot near the cemetery, in the N.E. ^ S.W. % of Sec. 32, where it can still be seen. All these houses were built in 1836 and 1837. In 1837 Henry Troup visited this county from Manchester, Starke county, Ohio, for the purpose of selecting a location, and engaged Hugh Newell to build him a house and storeroom in Middleport. He and family came August 10, 1838, with his father-in-law, John Little and family. When they came Troup's house was not completed, and they all had to camp under a large oak tree on the bank of the river, about six weeks. During this time Little built him a log house west of block 41, near where the mill now stands, and moved into it. In the meantime Troup's building on lot 7, block 41, was completed and he moved into that. In a short time his store building, 16x24 feet, just across the street, was also completed. The old oak tree under which they camped was precipitated into the river by a storm, April 23, 1853. . The Troup dwelling was a two-story frame, and the first frame building in the place. It was used for about three years by Mr. Troup as a hotel, and until he built a dwelling-house on lot 1, block 42, in 1841, just north of his storeroom, and moved into it, and where his widow, Mary Ann Troup, still resides. The former house belonged to Hugh Newell, was subsequently sold to Winthrop Patterson, by him to George King and by him to the writer, who sold it to James Bowen, who removed it on lots 7 and 8, block 36, where it still stands and is used as a barn.

In 1839 Hugh Newell built a two-story frame building on the northeast corner of lot 5, block 41. The upper story of this building was used for a court-room and the lower story for county offices, until the school-house was built. The school-house, 20x30 feet, was erected on lots 3 and 4,' block 37, in 1842, and in this court was held until the court-house was completed in 1847.

Dr. John Harwood and family came in 1840. He was the first physician to locate in the place. He built a frame residence on lot 1, block 34:. This building is still standing, and is occupied by Joseph L. Horton and family. Jacob A. Whiteman came about the same time. He was probate justice, county treasurer and assessor. He was admitted to the bar in 1846. Samuel D. Younglove and family, Samuel 'Haviland and family, John Shipley and family, Jacob Frazier and family, John S. Findley and family, Benj. Brackney and family, and Alpha H. Torrey came soon after. Younglove and Shipley were blacksmiths, Haviland a tanner, and Torrey a gunsmith. Finley was elected justice of the peace, and Brackney, constable. Charles Gardner (attorney) and family came from New York. He was the first attornejr tolocate in the place. Van H. Higgins (now of Chicago) came from the Wabash in 1843. He taught school until 1845, and during the time he was admitted to the bar. He left in 1845. Henry Starr, brother to Judge Starr, and also an attorney, located here about 1844. He married Shipley's daughter in 1846, and removed to Morris, Illinois. George B. Joiner and wife came from Williamsport, Indiana,* in June, 1845. He practiced law, taught school, and kept the post-office for Henry Troup, who was the first postmaster. His books show that at the ends of the following quarters his receipts in the post-office were : October 1. 1845, $7.25; January 1, 1846, $5.65, and January 1, 1849, $13.81. A. B. Roff was appointed postmaster in 1849 ; C. R. Brown in 1852; Daniel B. Gardner in 1853 ; William F. Keady in 1857, and R. K. Mclntyre in 1861, who held the office until it \vas vacated in 1868.

Garret EofF occupied the Newell building vacated by Mr. Troup, in 1842, and kept hotel in it. Mrs. Gardner and sons (Farrand and Daniel B.) came in 1845, and her sons, Horace and Samuel S., came in 1846. Farrand was elected justice of the peace, in 1846. Horace kept hotel in the building built by Newell for a court-house, and was succeeded by Hardin Graves in 1847, who was his brother-in-law, and who came with the Gardners Garrett EofF built a hotel on lot 5, block 39, in 1846 or 1847. It was burned down in 1848. This was the first fire in Middleport. It was immediately rebuilt by EofF, and was afterward known as the "American House." About the same time Hardin Graves built a brick hotel on lots 7 and 8, block 50. A few years after he sold it to Dr. Nathaniel Wilson, who occupied it, and it has since been known as the "Wilson House," and is still standing, bnt has not been used as a hotel for many years. The American House was successively kept by EofF, Adam Barr, Snyder & Lyman, William H. Ward, William Brooks, and John N. Urmston. A few years ago the building was demolished.

In 1851 Charles Sherman and Cyrus R. Brown built a steam sawmill in the northern part of the town. At the raising of this mill, October 31, a Mr. Daniel Bailey was killed instantly by the falling of a heavy piece of timber. He left a family of wife and ten children. This mill was successively owned and run by Sherman & Brown, Wheeler & Torrey, Torrey, Harrison & Master, and Caldwell & Steely. It has not been run for several years, and was destroyed by fire last year, being owned at the time by Lazarus Steely.

Hugh Newell died in spring of 1841. He was circuit clerk and recorder. John Harwood succeeded him in that office. John F. Wagner succeeded Harwood in 1847, and became a citizen of the place. Jesse Bennett succeeded Wagner in the fall of 1849, and came from "Buncombe" to Middleport at that time. He built a residence on lots 3 and 4, block 33, the next year.

Don Alonzo Falkenbury came in 1842. He succeeded Jacob A. Whiteman, as probate justice, in 1845, and held that office until the county court was organized in 1849. He also taught school part of the time, and occasionally entertained the people by preaching, as a local Methodist minister. He left in 1852, and now resides in Arkansas. Asa B. Roff came in 1848. He engaged in boot and shoemaking. He was postmaster, as before stated, and also a justice of the peace for several years. He went to Texas in 1857, returned in 1858, resided a short time at Onarga, and built the first house in South Middleport. Dr. Richard Taliaferro came about the same time. He practiced medicine, and kept a small stock of drugs. Joseph Myers built the first brick business building in the place, on lot 1, block 49, in 1850. He afterward sold it to John Murdock, and he subsequently sold to Ezekiel Bowman. Mrs. Charlotte Hogle, widow of Henry W. Hogle, with her children, Henry W., Caroline, Leander M., Horatio A. and Austin W., came from Lower Canada, August 12, 1849. She died November 3, 1874, aged about sixty-nine years. Caroline married John Fagan in 1853, and died in 1855. Henry W. died on February 10, 1858, and Horatio A. died in Denver, Colo., November 13, 1879. Leander is now living in Middleport and Austin W. in Colorado. John Fagan, a saddler and harness-maker, came from the Wabash in 1849, and in 1851 built a brick store building on lot 5, block 39. James Fletcher, attorney, came in 1849, and S. A. Washington, also an attorney, came in 1850. They were brothers-in-law. Washington died in 1866, and his wife a few years ago. In 1851 E. Bowman, Jacob A. Whiteman, C. S. Stryker, Milton Scofield and S. A. Washington built residences. Daniel Parker came from Indiana in 1850. He sold goods in Middleport at different times; bought and run a saw-mill on Sugar creek, near Middleport, a short time; was engaged in trading in stock and farming several years; and also sold goods in Watseka. For three years he was supervisor. He died in September, 1877, having been an energetic, useful and respected citizen.

In the summer of 1851, the members of the M. E. church at Middleport, A. B. Roflf, M. Stanley, D. A. Falkenbury, Alex. Wilson, Samuel Williams, S. B. Swim and Foreman Moore, acting as trustees, built a church (frame), 36x45 feet, on lot 5, block 33. Daniel Parker was contractor. At the. time this was built there was not another church building in the county. Before this the court-house had been used for church purposes. This church was also occupied as a courthouse after the old court-house was burned, on the night of February 25, 1862, and until the county-seat was removed to Watseka. It was also used for several years for school purposes. It was sold in 1866, and removed to Watseka, where it has since been occupied as a livery stable, and is now owned by Lovett & Hayes.

S. S. and D. B. Gardner erected a large double two-story store building in 1851, which is still standing where erected; and, in 1854, George King and M. and J. Hogle built a large three-story store building on lots 6 and 7, block 41. This was, in 1857, purchased by the writer and William Frees, who removed it to Watseka in 1866. Frees afterward sold his half to Col. M. H. Peters, and the building is now known as the " McNeill & Peters Building." The upper story has been occupied as lodge rooms by the Masons and Odd-Fellows, and other secret societies, both in the old and new town.

William Frees, of Joliet, 111., located in Middleport in the spring of 1854. He engaged in the hardware and tinning business, and his was the first establishment of the kind in the place. He remained in the business here until 1863, then removed to Watseka, and sold out in 1865, after which he and wife visited Germany, their native place, returned to this country and located, in the same business, at Ashton, Illinois, where he still resides. His wife died last fall. They were highly respected, sociable and charitable people.

Hon. John Chamberlain located here in the spring of 1855. He formerly resided at " Buncombe," to which place he had come from the state of New York. He died in December, 1866. (See his biography elsewhere.) Hon. Franklin Blades located at Middleport in 1852, and engaged in the practice of medicine. He was also for a time in partnership with Dr. Jesse Bennett in the drug business; became editor of the Republican in 1856; engaged in the practice of the law in 1858, and is now judge of the circuit court. He has been a leading man in the county, and filled many honorable and prominent positions. Henry C. Bryant came frqm Williamsport, Indiana, in 1850 or 1851. He was for a time in partnership with Henry "W. Hogle in carriage and wagon-making; afterward he engaged in the drug business, and for several years was a justice of the peace. He purchased a farm south of Middleport in 1858, and located on it. In 1854 Mr. George King came to this place from his farm, east of town, and engaged in the dry-goods business, as noticed in the history of the town, to which the reader is referred.

In the fall of 1853 the Presbyterian church of the place -was organized by Rev. James Ferguson. Rev. C. H. Palmer came in 1855. The church building was built in 1861, and is still standing. Mr. Palmer died at Watseka, February 12, 1877, an exemplary Christian, beloved and respected by all. His widow and family reside there.

Stephen G. Bovie, attorney, came to Middleport in 1853. He engaged in the practice of the law, and he and lady also taught the Middleport school for several years. From 1859 to 1863 he was master-inchancery of the county, and in 1877 was the republican nominee for county judge. He resides at Watseka. The writer came to Middleport from his farm on lower Spring creek, April 1, 1857, where he resided until January 1, 1867, when he removed to Watseka, where he now resides. (See biography.)

In 1858 an addition was made to the court-house, and from that time until 1862, at which time the court-house was burned, many buildings were erected and improvements made, among which were the Presbyterian church and school-house, built in 1861. From the burning of the court-house the village declined, and after the removal of the county-seat to Watseka in April, 1865, most of the buildings worth removing were removed to the latter place in 1866 and 1867. The business men and firms of the place were : Merchants - Henry Troup, Hardin Graves, Goodenow & Brown, Sherman & Brown, Daniel Parker, John Youndt, Zeigler & Co., Sherman, Ayres & Co., Sherman & Patterson, King & Patterson, Winthrop Patterson, M. & J. Hogle, S. S. & D. B. Gardner, May & High, David Hoover, Joseph Rogers, John F. Wright, Joiner & Allen, Fowler & Fry, Bowman & White, Keady & Petts, John H. Empie, and a few others not remembered : Druggists - R. Taliaferro, Harwood & Fletcher, Bennett & Blades, H. C. Bryant, E. R. Sheffield, Wesley Bonfield, H. A. Tillinghast and Henry Tillinghast, H. A. Tillinghast & Co., and J. & M. Y. B. Harwood : Physicians - John Harwood, Nathaniel Wilson, A. E. Mandeville, R. Taliaferro, Samuel Hueston, Jesse Bennett, Franklin Blades, A. N. Crawford, C. F. McNeill, E. R. Sheffield, Edward

N. Pittwood. The physicians of the county organized a county medical society at Middleport, May 13, 1851. How long this organization was continued the writer is not able to state. The physicians of the county again organized, February 23, 1861, and this organization continued for several years, and in which much interest was manifested. The attorneys were Charles Gardner, Henry Starr, George B. Joiner, Van H. Higgins, Jacob A. Whiteman, James Fletcher, S. A. Washington, S. G. Bovie, A. B. Roff, Chester Kinney, Charles P. Kinney, C. F. McNeill, Franklin Blades, George H. Walser, Wilson S. Kay, Thomas Vennum and George E.King: Justices - Jacob A. Whiteman, John S. Finley, D. A. Falkenbury, Samuel M. Ayres, Henry C. Bryant, C. F. McNeill, William F. Keady, C. P. Kinney, James C. Steely and Andrew Rush.

Circuit courts at Middleport were attended by the following foreign attorneys: Pearson, Terry and Davis, of Danville; Bryant, Chandler and Gregory, of Williamsport, Indiana; JSeard, Mace, Jones and others, of La Fayette, Indiana ; Voorhees, of Covington, Indiana ; Osgood, Fellows, Snapp, Randall and Fuller, of Joliet ; Ives and others, of Bloomington ; and Starr, Loring, Bonfield, Paddock and Moore, of Kankakee, and many others.

Schools were taught by the following persons : John Harwood, Adrian Egbert, Sr., D. A. Falkenburg, George B. Joiner, S. A. Washington, Rolla Pearsoll, W. S. Kay, Chauncey Finley, W. D. Robinson, F. Winkley, S. G. and Mrs. Bovie, George W. Rider, E. R. Akin, N. M. Bancroft, J. M. Mercer, and many others.

Middleport was well located and once a prosperous and thriving village of about 800 inhabitants, and the memory of many pleasant associations is connected with it. The failure to secure the location of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railway, from the lack of liberality and management on the part of its citizens, together with the consequent loss of the county seat, has been its ruin. We would like to say many more things about Middleport that might be of interest to the reader, but the fact that we are limited aa to space forbids it.

Henry Troup was the leading spirit of the village and one of its most prominent citizens. He was born in Maryland, April 25, 1800, and died April 8, 1859. By prudence and economy he accumulated quite a fortune for his day, and it is truly said of him that " He was a faithful, industrious and correct business man, affable and courteous, domestic in his habits, and strictly moral and honorable." His widow

Middleport was incorporated as a village, April 16, 1859, by the election of John Hogle, Wilson S. Kay, B. F. Barnnm, D. B. Gardner and Alfred H. Torrey as trustees. D. B. Gardner was elected president, and William H. Taylor was appointed clerk. The territory incorporated was one square mile, commencing at the S.E. corner of the S.W. i of S.E. I of Sec. 30, T. 27 K, K. 12 W., and running east one mile and south one mile. This incorporation was maintained only until the loss of the county-seat, and Middleport has since been added to the corporation of Watseka.

A child was born to Mr. and Mrs. William Lyman soon after they came, in 1836. Mandaville Little was married to Lavina Frazier in 1838 or 1839. The wife of John Lyman, Jr., died in 1840. These constitute the first birth, marriage and death in Middleport.

Watseka Court House

the west 123 ^ acres of the S.E. i of Sec. 32, T. 27 K, R. 12 W. The W. £ of said S.E. i was. entered by Mr. Stanley, April 28, 1835, and the E. ^ September 3, 1836. The survey was made in October, 1859, by Moses H. Messer, county surveyor; plat made May 9, certified by the proprietor May 16, and recorded June 1, 1860. "Stanley's Addition to South Middleport," covering the balance of said S.E. ^, was surveyed by Messer September 12, 1861, certified by the proprietor September 17, and recorded October 1, 1861. At the suggestion of Mr. Stanley, Winthrop, Patterson and other old citizens, the board of supervisors of the county, at their September meeting in 1863, changed the name of "South* Middleport" to " Watseka," in honor of the Indian woman of that name, heretofore referred to in this history ; and by act of the general assembly, approved February 16, 1865, and in force from and after its passage, said order of said board so changing the name of said town, was defined and declared to embrace; South Middleport and Stanley's addition thereto, as laid out and platted on the entire S.E. ^ of said Sec. 32. The county-seat having been removed to Watseka, as thus defined, it will be ^en that, in law, it covers only said S.E. ^ and not the whole of the city of Watseka.

Hon. John Chamberlain, April 4, 1860, by M. H. Messer, surveyor, laid off a tier of twenty-four lots on the north side of lot 2, N.E. ^ of Sec. 5, T. 26 K, R. 12 W., adjoining South Middleport, the plat of which was recorded May 11, 1860. On October 5, 1864, this plat (as to lots from 1 to 18 inclusive, and also lot 23), was vacated, and lots 18 and 23, corresponding with Third and Fourth streets, were dedicated as streets.

" Troup's Addition to Watseka," surveyed by E. W. Dodson, county surveyor, covering a large part of the S.W. £ of N.E. \ of Sec. 32, was laid off by Theodore and Anna F. Troup, his wife, December 4,

"Roff and Doyle's Addition of Out-Lots to the town of Watseka," surveyed by M. H. Messer, was laid off by Asa B. Roff and Robert Doyle, covering the most of the S.E. £ of KE. \ of Sec. 32, July 12,

"Charles Sherman's Out-Lots to Watseka," were surveyed and platted February 9, 1869, and plat recorded March 10, 1869. They cover the N.W. i of N.W. \ of Sec. 4, T. 26 K, R. 12 W.

metes and bounds, east of Fourth street, was platted by John M. Burton, county surveyor, by order of A. Honeywell, county clerk, June 18, 1873, and recorded June 26, 1873.

" Chamberlain's Addition to the City of Watseka," covering nearly all of the north half of said Sec. 5, east of Sugar creek and west of Fourth street, was platted September 21, 1871, and plat recorded July 1, 1873.

John Chamberlain and James W. Lawrence laid off the N.E. \ of S.W. \ of said Sec. 32, into out-lots, May 2, 1860, and the plat of which was recorded June 7, 1860. A cemetery lot in this tract had been conveyed by Samuel M. Ayres and wife, August 13, 1855, to the county court of Iroquois county, Illinois, and deed was recorded December 9, 1873. An addition to this cemetery was made by Chamberlain and Lawrence, and in which both have been buried. Many of the ojd citizens of the two towns and surrounding country have been buried here.

A " County Clerk's Plat " of out-lots in S.E. \ of S.W. \ of said Sec. 32, surveyed by John M. Burton, county surveyor, June 10, 1875, was recorded June 15, 1875. Also a "county clerk's plat "of outlots in the N.E. \ of said Sec. 32, surveyed by John M. Burton, county surveyor, May 20, 1876, was recorded May 26, 1876.

Incorporation

South Middleport was incorporated, by vote, as a village, August 28, 1863. An election for trustees was held, September 7, 1863, at which A. B. Roff, Ransom Munson, George G. Mayo, Francis J. Sears and Conrad Secrest were elected. On September 12, 1863, the board of trustees organized by electing C. Secrest president, and R. Munson secretary.

The city of Watseka was incorporated by charter, approved February 19, 1867. The distinctive feature of this charter was that it prohibited the sale or giving away of intoxicating liquors, except for sacramental, mechanical and medicinal purposes. The charter in other respects conferred the usual powers granted to cities. The corporate limits embraced the N.W. \ of Sec. 4, and the N. \ of Sec. 5, T. 26 K, R. 12 W., and the S.E. \ of N.W. £, the S.W. £, and the E. \ of Sec. 32, and the W. £ of Sec. 33, T. 27 N., R. 12 W. The city existed under this charter until November 16, 1872, when by vote it adopted the powers conferred by the general incorporation act of the state, approved April 18, 1872. The village of Middleport was annexed by ordinance to the city, April 5, 1869.

The following persons have been elected mayors and appointed clerks of the city : March 4, 1867, Charles Sherman, mayor, and A. B. Roff, clerk ; March 2, 1868, Micajah Stanley, mayor, and H. H. Alter, clerk ; March 1, 1869, Thomas Yennum, mayor, and H. H. Alter, clerk ; March 7, 1870, George C. Harrington, mayor, and H. H. Alter, clerk ; March 6, 1871, George C. Harrington, mayor, and H. H. Alter, clerk ; March 4, 1872, Seeley Hetfield, mayor, and H. H. Alter, clerk ; April 15, 1873, Seeley Hetfield, mayor, and H. H. Alter, clerk ; April 20, 1875, M. H. Peters, mayor, and H. H. Alter, clerk ; April 17, 1877, Franklin Blades, mayor, and H. H. Alter, clerk; April 15, 1879, M. Stanley, mayor, and H. H. Alter, clerk. Blades resigned, as mayor, September 8, 1877, and on October 9, 1877, Mathew H. Peters was elected to fill the vacancy.

Daniel C. Secrest, son of Hon. C. Secrest, was born June 10, 1860 ; Daniel Parker, son of Daniel Parker, Sr., died January 7, 1863; and Ransom Munson was married to Miss Julia A. Follett in April, 1860. These constitute the first birth, death and marriage in Watseka. Mr. Munson died January 8, 1871, aged about forty-one years. His widow resides in the city.

David Johnson is the first colored person who located in the city. He was born a slave, in Rutherford county, Tennessee, August 31, 1832. He was received in the 76th 111. Vol. Inf. as a "contraband," in the summer of 1862, at Bolivar, Tennessee, and came to Watseka in November of that year. He married Mary A. Hemming, of Ross county, Ohio, April 25, 1867. Her father, Madison Hemming, son of " Dusky Sally," one of Thomas Jefferson's house servants, claims to be a son of Jefferson, and one of his colony of servants located by him in Ross county, Ohio, in 1830. Johnson is a barber by trade.

A post-office was established at Watseka in 1862, and A. B. Roff was appointed first postmaster. He held the office until 1866, when Charles Jouvenat was appointed his successor. In 1868 Zacheus Beatty, editor of the "Republican," was appointed to succeed him. On February 23, 1874, our present postmaster was appointed, who is one of the most efficient and accommodating officers in the state. The statistics of the office for 1879 show : Number of mails forwarded, 3,120 ; number of stamps sold, 68,646 ; envelopes and wrappers, 12,150 ; postal cards, 35,778; total, 116,574; value of above, $3,021.80, and total receipts, $3,460.16. Money orders issued, 1,296; amount,

The first building in South Middleport (now Watseka) was a dwelling, 32x38 feet, ground floor, and 22x28 feet above, seven rooms below and four in second story, erected by Asa B. Roff, Esq., on lots 7 and 8, in block 11, in the fall of 1859, costing $1,500. This building is still standing, and is occupied and owned by Mrs. Taliaferro, daughter of Hon Micajah Stanley. Mr. Roff and family occupied this building until he built him a fine brick residence, just north of Roff & Doyle's addition, in 1868. He sold this about one year ago, and with his family removed to Kansas, where he now resides. The second was a warehouse, also used for a depot, 26x50 feet, with two rooms above for family, erected by John F. Fairman, at a cost of about $500. This warehouse is still standing on the railroad, just east of the " Williams House," and is occupied by Mr. Fields. The third was a lumber office, 14x16 feet, built by Andrew Dalton on the railroad grounds. A large stock of lumber was kept in connection with it. This office is now occupied by Edward Dalton. The fourth was a hardware storeroom, built by William P. Pierson, of Onarga, in the spring of 1860, 20x56 feet, on block 21. This was filled by him with a stock of stoves, hardware, agricultural implements, etc., and he also had a stock of lumber in connection with it. The fifth was a restaurant and saloon building, built by John Steele, on the northeast corner of the depot grounds. This was occupied by him and others for some years, and finally sold to A. Willoughby and moved to a lot between Second and Third streets, on Walnut street. Steele came to Middleport in 1859, and brought there the first billiard table ever brought to the county. He has lately reformed and appears sincere. The sixth was a shoe shop, built by John Shafer, south of the depot grounds. The seventh was a grocery store building, 20x40 feet, with cellar, built by William M. Coney, on east half of lot 13, block 19. The eighth was a drug store and dwelling, 20x40 feet, two stories, built by Dr. C. Secrest, on lot 1, block 28. The ninth was a store building, 22x60 feet, two stories, with an addition, one story, 18x40 feet, built by Dr. William Fowler, on the south ends of lots 7 and 8, block 26. This building is now occupied by Mr. Daniel Fry with a stock of goods. The tenth was a saddler shop, built by William Munson, on west half of lot 13, block 19, and sold by him to John Fagan. This is now known as C. Wade's store building, and occupied by the Martin Brothers. The eleventh was a dwelling 16x36 feet, story and a half, with six rooms, built on west half of lot 14, block 19, by Dr.

Samuel Hueston. The twelfth was a grocery store building, 18x24 feet, with cellar, and four rooms above, erected by George Courtright, on lot 11, block 19, and now occupied and owned by him. These were all built in the spring of 1860.

During the summer the following residences were erected : Cottage, 34x40 feet, two stories, six rooms, hall and porch below, and three rooms and hall above, finished in good style, built by John L. Donovan, and still occupied by him and family. A dwelling, 16x24 feet, one story and a half, with an addition, 18x20 feet, five rooms below and three above, was built by William Brooks. This was subsequently purchased by Hon. Thomas Yennum, and has been enlarged and much improved, and is occupied by him and family. A dwelling, 20x30 feet, two stories and six rooms, built by David Hutchinson, on lots 7 and 8, block 28 ; the building is now owned by Dr. Joseph Euans. A dwelling, 20x30 feet, two stories and five rooms, built by Dr. D. Fenner, on lot 16, block 35, is now owned by Mr. David Johnson, and occupied by him and family. A dwelling by James Markle, 20x20 feet, four rooms and cellar, on lot 9, block 2.

During the fall Hon. M. Stanley completed a hotel, 44x72 feet, three stories, with one-story kitchen on southeast corner, erected on northwest corner of block 26. It contained a hall in second story, 30x50 feet, and the building was well finished and furnished in firstclass order. Mr. Stanley kept this house for the accommodation of the public about five years, and including the period of the war, and was noted for his liberality and kind disposition toward all, and especially the soldiers, justly and deservedly earning a reputation for the house attained by few. The house was destroyed by fire on Saturday night, February 16, 1866, caused by leaving kindling in the oven of the kitchen stove, which took fire. The inmates and guests were alarmed by the fire about three o'clock in the morning, and some were compelled to desert the building in their night-clothes. Three Irishman in the third story, who had failed to heed a timely warning to leave, were compelled to jump from a window to the pavement below, alighting upon some bedding thrown down for that purpose, all escaping without injury, although one of them, more scared than hurt, was heard to exclaim : " Holy Muther of Jasus, have mercy on me ; my back's broke ; whisper to God fur me!" This house was not rebuilt by Mr. Stanley, but the lots sold by him to Mr. James McCurdy, who rebuilt it in 1869. This property was sold, March 28, 1877, to Mr. William Williams, who has fitted it up in good order, and keeps a first-class house.

two stories, with six rooms above for dwelling. This was the tirst brick built in the town. He filled the storeroom with a stock of goods and resided above. His son, Daniel, died here with small-pox, Jannary 7, 1863.

During the summer and fall of 1860 the following residences were erected on out-lots in the N.E. £ of S.W. £ of Sec. 32, T. 27 N., range 14 west: A dwelling, 16x25 feet, with two. wings, 13x13 feet each, two stories, ten rooms and two halls, finished in fine style, by Chester Kinney, Esq. This building was destroyed by fire about the time it was completed, the last of September, 1860, supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. A dwelling, 20X26 feet, two stories, and a wing one story and a half, 14x17 feet, eight rooms, hall and cellar, finished in good style, was built by S. G. Bovie, Esq. He still resides in this building. The dwelling, 15x22 feet, one and a half story, five rooms, was built by G. H. Walser, Esq. ; and dwelling by Aaron F. Wright, 14x21 feet, two rooms and cellar. A store building (frame), 40x50 feet, two stories and attic, was built by Benjamin F. Masters, on lot 9, block 19, corner of Third and Walnut streets, in 1861. This is now owned by John Reeder, and the west room, to which a onestory addition on back end, fifty feet in length, has been added, is now occupied by Isaac C. Wade's hardware store.

Andrew Dal ton, in 1862, built a frame two-story store building, 20 x 90 feet, on the east half of lot 16, block 19. This building was afterward occupied by William Frees, Dodd & Browne, and Woodford & Harrington with stocks of hardware, but for several years has been occupied by C. G. Culver with a stock of dry-goods, groceries, etc. Dr. William Fowler built a fine cottage residence on a large out-lot in Chamberlain's addition in 1862, which, with the surroundings, was fitted up in good taste. Here he resided until his death, December 31, 1872. His first \vife, Eleanor White, whom he had married at " Buncombe," in this county, in 1839, also died here in October, 1871. He had again married a short time before his death, and his widow still resides in this homestead. Dr. Fowler was born in England in 1814, came to Virginia when a youth, studied medicine there, and located in this county in 1837, resided in "Buncombe" until he came to Watseka with his family in 1862, and where he remained until his death. During the time he lived in this county he practiced his profession, and also for several years was engaged in selling goods. He was one of the pioneers of the county, a man of high standing and character both in his profession and out of it, kind in disposition, and highly respected. He was very sensitive, and by mistreatment he was induced to commit suicide by taking morphine.

In the spring of 1863, through the exertions of Rev. P. T. Rhodes, $3,000 in amount were raised by subscription for building a M. E. church. A building committee, of which Dr. C. Secrest was chairman, was appointed, arid the contract for building was let May 18, 1863. The building was erected during the summer, on the north half of lots 15 and 16, block 29, where it still stands. Since that time $900 in amount has been raised and expended in improving the building. This was the first church built in the city of Watseka.

January 1, 1864, the Iroquois County Medical Society met in Watseka, and among other things adopted a bill of prices for medical and surgical services, the first of the kind adopted in the county. An extraordinary cold storm set in that evening, during which several persons returning to the country were badly frozen, among whom was a Mr. Ooton and a lady with him, who resided in Belmont. Ooton's limbs had to be amputated, and the lady died at the Poor Farm from the effects of the cold.

In April, 1865, the county seat was removed from Middleport to Watseka. The circuit clerk's and recorder's offices were first moved into a small building on lot 6, block 27, east across the street from Secrest's drug store, and the county clerk's office was moved into John Paul's building on the south side of the depot grounds. They were kept in these places a short time and then again moved, the circuit clerk's office to the lower story of the school building, on lot 11, block 20, and the county clerk's office to a room owned by William F. Ready,, just west of it and on lot 10, of the same block. This was the east lower room of a two-story frame block that had a short time before been erected by William F. Keady, A. P. Furguson and Daniel Parker. The offices were kept in these buildings until they were destroyed by fire, on the night of October 15, 1866, and they were then moved into the new court-house, which was nearly completed. During said time the upper story of the school-house had been used for a court room.

In 1865 Vennum & Tillinghast and John F. Fairman erected a wooden block on lot 15, block 19. The east lower room has been used for a drug store, and is owned by Mrs. George E. King (formerly Mrs. H. A. Tillinghast), and now occupied by the Arnold Bros. ; and the west half of the building is owned by Adam K. McNeill, and occupied by Alex. Gillfillan as a dry-goods and grocery store. In 1866 Francis J. Sears, Thomas Vennum, William M. Coney, H. A. Tillinghast and John Paul, at a cost of about $8,000, erected a brick building, 25 x 80 feet, and three stories, on the west half of lot 14, block 19. The lower story is occupied as a hardware store by L. Marsh, and the upper

The three-story frame block, 44x54 feet, on lot 10, block 19, with brick basement, was moved from the " Old Town " in 1866, by C. F. McNeill and William Frees, at a cost of $1,000. It is occupied by Dr. H. A. Alter's book store, and by Mr. Greene's grocery and boot and shoe store. Aaron Willoughby's brick, 25 X 70 feet, with stone cellar, was built in 1868, at a cost of $6,500, on west half of lot 12, block 19. It is occupied by him as a grocery store. William M. Coney's brick, 25 x 100 feet, two stories and cellar, was built by him on east half of lot 13, block 19, in 1875, at a cost of $4,500. It is occupied by him as a dry-goods and grocery store. Mrs. Emily English's brick, 20x50 feet, on west half of lot 16, block 19, was built by her in 1869, at a cost of $5,000. It is two stories and used as a bakery and boarding house.

The National Bank Building, 25 x 70 feet, two stories, on west half of lot 8, block 20, was built in 1875, at a cost of about $4,500. The lower story is used by the First National Bank, and the upper story as an Odd-Fellows hall, and is used by the lodge and encampment of that order.

The court-house was erected on the west half of block 29, in 1866, at a cost of $28,000. For further particulars as to this, the reader is referred to the General History of the county.

The brick school building was erected in 1868, at a cost of about $12,000, on a tract of four acres immediately south of block 34, bought for the sum of 1,200 of the executors of the estate of Hon. John Chamberlain. The building is 60x75 feet, two stories and basement, warmed by a hot-air furnace, and well furnished.

Between the years 1855 and 1870, and somewhat later, several fine brick residences were erected in the city, among which may be mentioned those built by Charles Sherman, Mrs. Orra L. Chamberlain, Decatur Morgan, Asa B. Roff, William P. Anthony, M. Stanley, L. Marquardt, Daniel Parker, George E. King and the writer. During the same time many tine frame residences were erected, among which may be mentioned those built by Hon. Franklin Blades, Dr. William Fowler, Dr. C. Secrest, Daniel Fry, Seeley Hetfield, John L. Donovan, William M. Coney, John Sheridan, John Fagan, Thadeus Wade, Robert Doyle, George C. Harrington, Dr. Jewett, Hon. Thomas Yennurn, Tracy B. Harris and many others, which we cannot take the space to mention. The city is noted for tine residences.

The First National Bank Of Watseka

Was organized in the year 1870, with a capital of $50,000, the stockholders representing some of the best known and wealthiest citizens of the county. At the first election of officers Hon. Samuel Williams was chosen president, David McGill, vice-president, and George C. Harrington, cashier. There has been no change in the officers of the bank since its organization, with the exception of the election of an assistant cashier, in the person of Josiah G. Williams. Not knowing whether the enterprise would receive immediate recognition by the public, the bank made its first office in the second story of the Willoughby Building. However, meeting with unexpected favor, it was soon necessitated to seek a more accessible and commodious office and shortly erected a wood structure on the site of the present building. This building not proving adequate, the bank, in connection with the lodge of Odd- Fellows, as before stated, erected their present fine building in 1875. The bank now has the reputation of doing the largest volume of commercial business of any bank of its capital in the Northwest, its exchanges running in to millions of dollars annually. During the financial panic of 1871, caused by the Chicago fire, and the subsequent panic of 1873, when most of the banks in the country were necessitated to close their doors, the First National Bank of Watseka kept open doors and honored every demand made upon it. It is recognized as one of the institutions of the county in which the people feel a just pride, - solid and safe beyond question, and its management conservative enough to keep it so. The banking house of Donovan, Woodford & Co. (John L. Donovan, George A. Woodford and Thomas Yennum, proprietors) commenced operations in the second story of the Masonic Building, in 1869. This bank did a profitable and reputable business, unaffected by the panics, until November 2, 1874, when the proprietors sold out to the firm of J. Matzenbaugh & Co., composed of Josiah Matzenbaugh and Henry T. Skeels. ..The name was then changed to the Watseka Bank. This firm dissolved partnership, March 1, 1878, and the business was continued by Henry T. Skeels. This bank failed, and an assignment of its effects was made to Daniel Fry, for the benefit of its creditors, March 14, 1879. It is presumed that the effects will satisfy all just claims.

halves of lots 1 and 2, block 18, in 1867, by John Reeder, for a woolen factory. It was filled with machinery for this purpose by Mr. Russell, and run for some time manufacturing woolen goods ; but the supply of water failing (this was before artesian wells), the machinery was sold to J. W. Stearns & Co., and removed to the "Old Town." It stood unused for several years, and was then fitted up for a hall. It is now owned by Mr. John W. Riggs, who is well patronized - the citizens manifesting a taste for theatrical, scientific, intellectual and other entertainments.

The Methodist Episcopal church, Presbyterians, Baptists, Catholics, United Brethren and Adventists have church organizations in Watseka, the dates of which the writer has not been able to procure, but most of them have had organizations for many years.

The Schools Of Watseka

The first school in Watseka was a small frame building erected on the south side of the depot grounds in 1861. This was sold, and removed by James T. S. Irons to his lot in the southeastern part of the city in 1865, and was afterward used by him for a carpenter shop. In 1863 a two-story frame school-house, 20x36 feet, was built on lot 11, block 20, at a cost of about $2,000. The first school taught in this was by J. B. Eno, now of Crescent. This building was rented to the county in the summer of 1865, the lower story being used for the county clerk's and the treasurer's offices, and the upper story for a court-room. It was in this room that Harper was tried and convicted for the murder of Nelson. This building was destroyed by fire on the night of October 15, 1866, as before stated.

The present brick school-house, on the four-acre lot south of block 34, was erected in 1868, as elsewhere stated, at a cost, including the grounds, of about $14,000, and the bonds of the district to that amount were issued and sold to John Sheridan to raise the necessary amtnint to purchase the grounds and erect the building. The district is a union district, No. 7, towns 26 and 27 north, range 12 west, 2d principal meridian. Previous to 1866, M. Stanley, Charles Sherman and A. B. Roff were directors. Since that date the following directors have been elected: 1866, John Paul; 1867, Thadeus Wade; 1868, C. Secrest; 1869, C. F. McNeill, in place of Secrest, resigned; 1869, John Paul ; 1870, W. I. Jones, Z. Beatty and William Fowler -

McNeill and Paul having resigned ; 1871, Fowler reflected for three years; 1872, Seeley Hetfield elected for three years; January 11, 1873, Henry H. Alter elected in place of William Fowler, deceased; 1873, W. L Jones reflected; 1874, John Allison; 1875, L. N. Pittwood ; 1876, W. I. Jones reflected; 1877, D. W. Ayres; 1878, H. A. Butzow ; and 1879, Josiah Williams. The amount borrowed on the bonds of the district, except $6,000, has been paid. After the burning of the school-house, and until the present one was erected, John Paul's store-room on south side was used for a school-room. The amount of $1,300 insurance was collected and appropriated for school purposes.

The school, since the present building was erected, has been a graded" school, and attained a high reputation under the management of Profs. Neal and Paisley.

The first paper published at the county -seat and in the county, was " The Iroquois Journal," a weekly newspaper, devoted to politics, literature, the arts and sciences, agriculture, etc., published every Wednesday, by J. A. Graham ; office in Wagner & Patterson's building, up stairs (Middleport). The subscription price was $1.50 per annum. This was a six-column paper, set in long primer type, and whig in politics. This paper was printed on a "Ramage press" of the style of the days of Franklin, - wooden frame, double bed and single platen, requiring two pulls to print one side of the paper. It was almost useless, the bed having been worn so much by rubbing with pumice stone that it required several layers of paper under the form to bring the center up. This press was used fifty years before in printing the territorial laws of Indiana, at Yincennes. It was bought by John R. Jones in 1842, and taken to Perrysville, Indiana, where Jones published the " Perrysville Eagle," which he printed on this press. In 1843 or 1844, Jones sold the press and office to Daniel Clapp, who took it to Danville, Illinois, and started the "Danville Patriot," which was printed on it. He afterward sold out to Roney & Peabody, who published the "'Illinois Herald," which was also printed on this press up to November, 1850. On January 1, 1851, they sold this press and office to Joseph A. Graham for $400. It was hauled from Danville.to Middleport for Mr. Graham, by Henry Root (since of Onarga) and Garrett Eoff (then of Middleport, but since deceased). Three volumes of the "Iroquois Journal" were printed on this press, when about April 1, 1854, it was sold to William F. Ready and Benjamin Scott, who printed one volume of the "Iroquois County Press" on it. It then went out of use until 1861, when it was sold to George Sellers & Bro., then of Clifton, in this county, who took it to Tuscola, in this state, and there printed a paper on it which they published, the name of which the writer is not now able to give. If this old press could still be found it would prove, a valuable relic of a past age. The first issue of the " Iroquois Journal " is dated February 19, 1851. It has a " leader " on the prospects of Middleport, and also advocates slackwater navigation by the improvement, for that purpose, of the Iroquois and Kankakee rivers ; chronicles the return of G. B. Joiner, H. C. Bryant and John Lehigh from California, and contains the advertisements of A. B. Roff, boot and shoe maker, Market street, Middleport; and S. A. Washington, J. A. Whiteman, and Gardner & Fletcher, attornej's-at-law, Middleport Illinois. Three volumes of this paper were published at Middleport by Mr. Graham, the last issue being dated March 29, 1854, and a complete file of which is in the possession of the writer. It was ably conducted, and a lively interesting paper for its day.

Mr. Graham sold the " Journal " office, about April 1, 1854, to William F. Keadyand Benjamin Scott for $450, who then commenced the publication of the " Iroquois County Press," a democratic paper, at Middleport. About one year after, Keady bought Scott's interest in the paper, purchased a new Washington press, and enlarged the paper to seven columns, and changed the name to " The Middleport Weekly Press." It was ably conducted by him in the interests of his party, but on account of his opposition to what he called " The Swamp Land Swindle," in the sale of the swamp lands of the county, he incurred the displeasure and opposition of some of the magnates of the democratic party, and thought it prudent to sell out, which he did to Joseph Thomas and Ray W. Andrews, and retired from the paper, with the issue of July 18, 1857. Harmon Westbrook was employed by Thomas & Andrews as editor, but soon becoming offensive he was discharged by them, and was succeeded by Caleb Pink. Mr. Pink withdrew from the paper, July 27, 1858, and was succeeded by Michael Hogle as editor, and about the same time Hon. John Chamberlain became the proprietor. Mr. Hogle conducted the paper with some ability for several years, but his strong southern sentiments at the commencement of the war became very offensive, even to many of his own party, and they repudiated his paper, and he retired from it about October 1, 1864. He was succeeded by George C. Harrington as editor, who had charge of the paper for one year, and conducted it with ability and taste. The " Press " then ceased to exist.

" The Investigator," a democratic paper, was started at Middleport, during the summer of 1855, by Dr. Richard Taliaferro and James H. Graham, in opposition to the "Middleport Press," in the interests of a faction of the democratic party, the members of which had become offended at Mr. Keady. It was a six column paper, set in long primer and printed on a " Foster press." It was published irregularly about six months, and then died for the want of patronage, and the office was sold to Mr. Thomas Yennum, and soon after the press and material were used for publishing u The Iroquois Republican," published every Thursday morning by J. A. Graham and D. T. Lindley, Jesse Bennett and Franklin Blades, editors, with the motto, " Strike, But Hear ! " The first issue of this paper is dated at 'Middleport, May 8, 1856, - office in the room adjoining the store of S. S. & D. B. Gardner. The paper appears to have been well patronized from the start, and the first issue contains the cards of Drs. Harwood and Tupper, Dr. Jesse Bennett, Franklin Blakes, M.D. ; M. Y. B. Harwood and H. C. Bryant, druggists ; G. B. Joiner, James Fletcher, Stephen G. Bovie and Jacob A. Whiteman, attorneys; Empie & Eldridge, saddlers; Seldon & White, bridge-builders; Daniel Hutchinson, blacksmith; E. R. Aiken, A.M., Middleport Collegiate Institute and Female Seminary ; Barr & White, American House ; and H. O. Henry, Wilson House. This issue also contains the names of the first republican central committee of the county, appointed at a convention held at Middleport, March 29, 1856, as follows: Middleport, Dr. Bennett, Dr. Blades and S. M. Ayers; Crab Apple, Winslow Woods; Milford, William Gray; Onarga, Judge Pangborn ; Belmont, John Strean ; Wygandt, James P. Martin ; Concord, Dr. Urmston ; Beaver, Jonathan Watkins; Loda, James H. Major; Ash Grove, John H. Stidham ; and Chebanse, R. J. Hannah.

October 9, 1856, Graham & Lindley dissolved partnership, and Graham continues as publisher, and associates Andrew Robertson with him as printer. December 18, 1856, Graham & Yennum enter into partnership as publishers. March 26, 1857, Dr. Jesse Bennett severs his connection with the paper, and Dr. Blades continues as sole editor. August 6, 1857, Thomas Yennum closes his connection with the paper as publisher. November 5, 1857, Graham sells out to Andrew Robertson and William H. Sheward, who become publishers. June 30, 1859, Dr. Blades withdraws from the paper and Andrew Robertson becomes editor. September 29, 1859, Robertson retires ; and November 3, 1859, Thomas Yennum announces the sale of the office to C. F. McNeill, who takes charge of it, and Samuel S. Patton is employed as foreman. January 7, 1861, McNeil 1 sells the office to J. Ralph Robinson and Ancel B. Caddy. Robinson had formerly been editor of the "North Fairfield Gazette," Ohio, and latterly local of the " Peoria Transcript," and Mr. Caddy had for the three years previous been foreman in the " Transcript " office. Caddy left, October 27, 1861, to join Capt. McAllister's battery, at Fort Holt, and he died in the military service March 7, 1862, on the government hospital boat " Memphis." The office was sold to A. G. Smith February 19, 1862. Robinson went to Ohio and became the editor of the " Bucyrus Journal," having purchased that paper of D. R. Locke (" Nasby "). The office was removed by Mr. Smith to Watseka, in the spring of 1863. In October, 1866, Smith sold the office to Zacheus Beatty, of Knoxville, Illinois, and removed to Danville, Illinois, where he became the proprietor and publisher of the "Danville Daily and Weekly Times." He was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1831, and educated in Ohio. April 1, 1873, Mr. Beatty sold the office to Alex. L. Whitehall and Elmer Brimhall, of Watseka. He had enlarged the paper in 1872 and changed its name to the "Watseka Republican."

After selling out, Mr. Beatty and family returned to Knoxville, Illinois, where he now resides, and is publishing the " Republican Register." Mr. Brimhall purchased the interest of Mr. Whitehall in the paper, August 24, 1876, and became its sole editor and proprietor, and changed it to its present quarto form. August 1, 1877, he sold the office to Lorenzo Watson and H. A. Jerauld. Mr. Jerauld disposed of his interest to Watson, October 1, 1878, who is now the sole editor and proprietor of the paper. A power press has been added to the office. The " Republican " is the oldest paper in the county, having been established over twenty-four years ago. It has generally been conducted with ability, and has had much influence in shaping the political and civil affairs of the county, and has been foremost in every moral reform.

The " Iroquois County Herald " was established about October 1, 1865, on the ruins of the " Middleport Weekly Press." This paper was published weekly, on Saturday, by George W. Keady (Michael Hogle, editor), at Middleport. It was independent in politics. The office was moved to Watseka about February 1, 1867, the last issue at Middleport being dated January 27, 1866, and this being the last paper published at Middleport. This issue contains an account of " a singular stroke of lightning" at Middleport, on Friday evening, about nine o'clock, January 19, 1866, at which time the dwelling-house of the writer and the writer himself were struck, the house being badly damaged and the writer severely injured by the bolt. We give this incident to prove that it is even possible to he struck with lightning in January, and survive it. Some time after the removal of the paper to Watseka, Charles Jouvenat became its editor. He was also appointed in the meantime postmaster at Watseka, and through the means thus obtained he sustained the paper until the spring of 1869, when he was removed from the post-office, and his paper ceased to exist. The press and material were sold some time after and taken to Rensselaer, Indiana.

" The Iroquois County Times " was founded at Onarga, in this county, by Louis M. Babcock and Jacob Keiser, the first issue being dated December 1, 1870, under the name of the '; Onarga Times." Mr. Keiser in a short time withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Charles Drumm purchased an interest in the paper, Babcock being editor and Drnmm foreman. On March 16, 1871, the paper was enlarged to an eight-column folio. In May of the same year the office was removed to Watseka, the last issue at Onarga being dated May 4, 1871, and the first at Watseka, May 27, 1871, the name having been changed to " The Iroquois Times." In December, 1872, the office was sold to Col. M. H.

Peters, who took control of the paper January 1, 1873. He sold it to Mr. Otto H. Wangelin, of Belleville, Illinois, June 5, 1874, who on February 26, 1875, enlarged it to a seven-column quarto, and on August 13, 1875, sold it to Mr. Auguste Langellier, who afterward, on August 10, 1876, reduced it to a six-column paper. During his management the Washington press upon which the paper had been printed was replaced by an Acme power press, the largest country size, and at the same time changed the name of the paper to " The Iroquois County Times." On July 1, 1878, Col. Peters again purchased the office, and is now sole editor and proprietor. He enlarged it to a seven-column quarto on January 1, 1878, the largest sized country paper published in the state.

The office is large and complete and permanently established, and the paper ably conducted. In politics the " Times" was originally independent republican, supporting Greeley for president in 1872. It has since been independent in politics, and pursued that course which seemed to its editor best calculated to advance the interests of the people. Latterly it has advocated financial reform and supported the greenback party. Charles Drumm, who entered the office when it was first established, is still foreman, and is one of the best printers in the state.

Mukdeks And Executions

It has not been judicially determined that a murder has ever been committed at the county-seat, but it is charged that one, Daniel Peitz, poisoned his wife at Middleport, and Martin Meara was taken from the jail at Watseka and hanged by a mob. Peitz's wife died August 11, 1864, at two o'clock in the morning, a few days after she had given birth to a child. A short time before Peitz had purchased a quantity of arsenic at H. A. Tillinghast's drug store, in Middleport, stating at the time that he wanted it to poison rats. While his wife was sick he purchased her some port wine. He gave her some of this in a tea-cup on the morning of August 10, 1864. She was immediately taken violently ill, and Drs. McNeill and Sommers were sent for. Upon examination they pronounced it a case of poisoning, and search being made for the cup from which she had taken the wine, it was found concealed on an upper shelf of the pantry, and in the bottom of it was found nearly an ounce of arsenic, which had been saturated with the wine. Peitz was soon after arrested, and when his wife died a coroner's jury found that she came to her death from poison being administered to her by her husband, Daniel Peitz, and he was committed to jail. There then being no jail in the county, he was sent to Kankakee city for safe keeping. Soon after he made his escape from the jail, and has not since been heard of.