Knox County, Illinois - Chapter 12: Important Labors of the Board of Supervisors, 1878

Chapter 12: Important Labors of the Board of Supervisors

In 1847 a State election was held for members of the Constitutional Convention, which convention prepared and submitted to the people a new constitution, which was adopted by a large majority. By this constitution, in place of the Commissioners' Court a County Court was organized in each county. This court consisted of a County Judge, and, if the Legislature saw proper to so order it, two Associate Justices. This the Legislature favorably acted upon. The last meeting of the County Commissioners' Court was held Oct. 12, 1849. After the transaction of such business as properly came before them, they adjourned until court in course, but never re-assembled.

On the 3d of December of the same year the first regular term of the County Court was held. The duties of the court in a legislative capacity were precisely the same as those of the County Commissioners' Court. In addition to the legislative power the members of this court were permitted to exercise judicial authority, having all the rights and privileges of justices of the peace, together with all probate business. This court consisted of a County Judge and two Associate Justices. The Judge and Associate Justices acted together for the transaction of all countv business, but none other. The Justices had an equal vote with the Judge, and received the same salary while holding court, which was $2 per day. Two of the three constituted a quorum.

Geo. C. Lanphere was chosen the first County Judge, being elected Nov. 6, 1849, - the first November election held. The first Associate Justices were James M. Hunter and Alfred Brown. During the existence of this court the people were agitating the question of township organization. Many counties of the State, since the new constitution, had adopted that mode of conducting county affairs. The constitution gave counties the privilege of adopting either the County Court or the Board of Supervisors. At the fall election in 1849 a vote was taken "for," or "against township organization," which resulted in 728 votes in favor of the new measure and 420 against.

The election precincts at this time were 12 in number, and comprised the following: Brush Creek, Pope Creek, Fraker's Grove, Spoon River, Littler's Creek, French Creek, Cherry Grove, Victoria, Haw Creek, Galesburg and Knoxville. According to the result of the election as this court viewed it, the proposition for township organization had been carried by a handsome majority. Accordingly at their first meeting they appointed Joel Lee, Martin B. Mason and John Arnold commissioners to divide the county into townships. These commissioners constituted each Congressional township a separate town. They then appointed Monday, Jan. 14, 1850, as a day for the citizens of the different townships to meet at the usual place of holding election, and determine by what name their respective townships should be called. Accordingly upon that day the people assembled and selected the following names:

Previous to this the county was divided into 13 election precincts. Beginning at the southwestern corner of the county they were as follows: Cherry Grove, Galesburg, Henderson, Pope Creek, Brush Creek, Knoxville, Littler's Creek, Haw Creek, Salem (formerly French Creek), Spoou River, Chester, Victoria and Fraker's Grove.

Considerable dissatisfaction began to be expressed in regard to the township organization. It was discovered that according to the law it did not receive a majority of all the legal votes of the county, the votes cast at the last presidential election being taken as the number of legal votes. According, to that it fell 500 or 600 short of a majority. At a meeting held at the school-house in Abingdon, Feb. 23, the following resolution was adopted showing the feeling then existing in parts of the county in reference to the new law: "Resolved, That it is a sense of a majority of this meeting that the law passed at the last session of the Legislature of the State of Illinois, in relation to township organization, is unconstitutional." It has not yet been proven that the law was unconstitutional, as the voters of Cherry Grove precinct announced by their resolution. This shows however that they were dissatisfied with the new mode, and perhaps knew of no other way to console themselves than to declare the law unconstitu- tional. In tlie issue of the Knoxville Journal of March, 1850, Julius Manning, a wise counsellor at law and a man in whom the people had great confidence, had a lengthy and able article upon the constitutionality of the plan of township organization as adopted by the Legislature. This elaborate opinion was given at the request of the County Court of this county, and was regarded with great interest by other counties who were discussing this same question. While Mr. Manning thought the law was constitutional and would be so held by the courts, yet he thought that it was not legally adopted by this county, in that a majority of all the voters in the county had not cast their ballots in favor of it. Subsequently the Supreme Court confirmed the able counsel given by Mr. Manning.

In the spring of 1850 an election was held in the various townships to elect Supervisors. On the 6th of May the Board met. There were present M. Brown, E. H. Jordan, J. Bunce, S. W. Brown, D. K. Moore, I. M. Wetmore, J. DeLong, S. E. Hale, J. Huff, J. H. Sumner, G. W. Manly, John Stanley, A. Gross, J. Arnold, G. Cadwell, Samuel Tucker and J. "White. Some unimportant business wras transacted when the Board adjourned never to re-assemble.

The County Court soon ordered another election to vote for or against township organization. This vote was taken at the fall election Nov. 5, 1850; 673 votes were cast in favor of and 317 against. While this was a decided majority of the number of votes cast, it was not a majority of all the legal voters in the county.

The Knoxville Journal of Feb. 4, 1851, in speaking of the township organization, says: "Twice has this measure been voted upon in this county, and yet it has not been adopted. The reason, in part, no doubt, may be found in the fact that under the present form of county government our county has prospered, has kept clear of debt and has a surplus in the treasury; and there has been an evident disposition on the part of the majority to wait and see how township organization works in those counties where it has been adopted."

This system of county government is so entirely different in origin and management from the old mode by county commissioners, which had such a long and favorable run, that we deem a brief synopsis of the differences quite pertinent in this connection.

whose earl}7 settlers soon became large landed proprietors, aristocratic in feeling, living apart in almost baronial magnificence on their own estates, and owning the laboring part of the population. Thus the materials for a town were not at hand, the voters being thinly distributed over a great area. The county organization, where a few influential men managed the whole business of the community, retaining their places almost at their pleasure, scarcely responsible at all except in name, and permitted to conduct the county concerns as their ideas or wishes might direct, was, moreover, consonant with their recollections or traditions of the judicial and social dignities of the landed aristocracy of England, in descent from which the Yirginia gentlemen felt so much pride. In 1834 eight counties were organized in Yirginia, and the system extending throughout the State, spread into all the Southern States and some of the Northern States, unless we except the nearly similar division into ' districts ' in South Carolina, and that into ' parishes' in Louisiana from the French laws.

" Illinois, which with its vast additional territory became a county of Yirginia on its conquest by Gen. George Rogers Clark, retained the county organization, which was formally extended over the State by the constitution of 1818, and continued in exclusive use until the constitution of 1848. Under this system, as in other States adopting it, most local business was transacted by three commissioners in each county, who constituted a county court, with quarterly sessions. During the period ending with the Constitutional Convention of 1847, a large portion of the State had become filled up with a population of New England birth or character, daily growing more and more compact and dissatisfied with the comparatively arbitrary and inefficient county system." It was maintained by the people that the heavily populated districts would always control the election of the commissioners to the disadvantage of the more thinly populated sections, - 'in short, that under the system, ' equal and exact justice ' to all parts of the county could not be secured. The township system had its origin in Massachusetts, and dates back to 1635.

De Tocqueville, in his work entitled "American Institutions," in speaking of our political system, very properly remarks that two branches may be distinguished in the Anglo-American family which have grown up without entirely commingling, - the one in the South, the other in the North. He discovers the causes which led to this condition of things, which are apparent to the most casual observer. " They arise," he says, " not from design, but from the force of circumstances at the beginning. The planting of the original colony of Yirginia at Jamestown had for its design the single and naked object of pecuniary profit to the proprietors. Its mission involved no principle for the benefit of mankind. It recognized the crown of Great Britain, from whence it derived the charter of its existence, as the source of political power. There was no recognition of the principle of self-government.

"But the circumstances attending the first settlement of the Colonies of New England, so called, were of an entirely different character. The early colonists in this instance were non-conformists, or dissenters from the Church of England. They came as exiles, fleeing from the wrath of ecclesiastical tyranny, whose displeasure they had incurred, - cast out as public offenders, ' as profane, out of the mountain of God.' Whilst the colonists of Virginia came with the law, those of New England came against the law, or perhaps, more properly speaking, without law. Thereupon arose on the part of the latter a positive necessity for the establishment of law for their mutual protection. The result was a written compact, - this being the first written constitution extant, based upon the general good. It was the first time since the ' morning stars sang together ' that the people themselves met in council and framed a government based upon equal rights."

The supervisor is the chief officer and representative of the township, and it is his duty to prosecute and defend all suits in which the township is interested. The township clerk keeps the records of the township, and the treasurer takes charge of the funds. The establishment, vacation and repair of the public roads is committed to the three commissioners of highways. The supervisor, the two justices of the peace whose terms of office soonest expire, and the township clerk constitute a township board for examining and auditing the accounts of the town.

On the 5th of April, 1853, each township in the county elected a supervisor under the township organization law which was then adopted. The Board of Supervisors first convened June 6, 1853, in the court-house at Knoxville. The following members were present: Daniel Meek, W. Selden Gale, Reuben Heflin, J. P. West, Geo. W. Manly, J. M. Foster, S. S. Buffnra, John O. Stemley, Augustus Lapham, Wm. M. Clark, J. H. Nicholson, J. L. Jarnagan, E. P. Dunlap, Peter Frans, Asa Haynes, E. Crane.

Since that time the business affairs of the county have been under the guidance of a Board of Supervisors, and there has certainly been no county in the State conducted on a more enterprising, yet judicious plan than Knox county. The Board made a bright record durino- the Rebellion, - a record that will grow brighter and brighter as years pass on. They have also been ever watchful of the poor. For many years the county house was a miserable affair, no credit to the county; but through the labors of this body of officials Knox county now has accommodations for the unfortunate second to none in the State.

It would be unprofitable as unnecessary to present in detail the numerous orders, reports, resolutions, etc., etc., of the Board of Supervisors. Their proceedings partake a good deal of the nature of a legislature. Among so many men there are always some cool business heads, as well as a good many glib tongues. Some of them are practical, industrious workers, others are of the buncombe order, always ready to make a speech or a voluminous report. This has always been the case and will continue to be.

In the Congress of the United States, in State legislatures, a few men do the work, a few others do the talking. This is neither romance hor exaggeration, but solid history, sustained by facts as old as civilized government.

It is told of a certain member of the Board of Supervisors, that when called upon to act as chairman, a motion was made, when he very solemnly rose to his feet and said, "Gentlemen, you hear the motion : 'tis very important ; and I hope you will second it, every one of you."

One of the most important questions ever brought before the Board, and one that proved a source of much trouble and vexation, as well as great expense to the county, was that of the removal of the county seat. As early as 1856 the question of removing the seat of government from Knoxville to Galesburg was agitated. The rapidity of the growth of Galesburg, with its railroad facilities, was looked upon as more favorable for the location of the seat of justice than Knoxville. Previous to 1869 elections were held for the purpose of voting for or against the removal, at each of which the proposition was defeated. On the 6th of April of that year another vote was taken. The returns showed the defeat of the removal by 247 majority. The question of fraud was raised. The citizens of Galesburg claimed that the election at Knoxville was held in an illegal manner, that illegal votes were cast, etc. The case was carried to the courts by Geo. Davis ,who, on behalf of himself and the people of the county, sued the Board of Supervisors and county officials to impeach the election returns, and to purge the poll-book of illegal votes. The case came up in the Circuit Court of this county, when a venue was taken to the Circuit of McDonough county. Coming up in the September term, 1871, Judge Iligbie decided, after throwing out what he considered

The case was appealed to the Supreme Court of the State, and about three and one-half years after holding the election Judge Walker rendered a lengthy decision confirming the decree of the Circuit Court.

January 30, 1873, the Board of Supervisors ordered all records to be moved to Galesburg, where the Board convened for the first time, February 27, 1S73. They met in the county clerk's office, and without transacting any important business they adjourned to the Union Hotel, where the two following sessions were held. In consideration of the removal of the seat of justice to Galesburg, that city officially and citizens individually gave to the county the following lands and moneys:

A deed for the lots on Cherry street upon which stands the fireproof building ; a deed for the lot where stands the jail on Prairie street (the latter was given by A. N.Bancroft); a deed from the city of Galesburg for the east half of College Park, provided the courthouse should be constructed thereon, the city agreeing to furnish room for the Circuit Court for a period of 10 years, and to pay all necessary expenses incurred in removal of the county records and property. The city also gave two certificates for $2,000 each in money and $20,000 for the purpose of building a jail.

January 15, 1874, the Board of Supervisors ordered all the county property, consisting of the court-house and the jail, to be deeded to the city of Knoxville for the consideration of one dollar.

No court-house has vet been constructed; but doubtless within a few years the work of erecting one will be pushed forward; and as in all other enterprises the Board has undertaken, we may expect a building equal in all respects to any other in the State.

Alms-House

For several years the committee on the poor-house farm, in making out their annual reports, spoke at length of the unhealthfui condition of the buildings. As a sample of several statements of this nature submitted to the Board from 1856 till the alms-house was built, we give one appended to the report made in January, 1865. The committee was composed of K. W. Miles, John S. "Winter and Cephas Arms.

"Your committee do not feel willing to let this meeting pass without calling the serious attention of this Board to the condition of these poor unfortunate beings whom God has committed to our especial care, - a trust that your committee feel this honorable Board has not discharged. There is but one very poor building for the poor-master's family, and the paupers have six rooms below and two smalT cliam- bers above. A hall running through the building divides the lower rooms. Two rooms and a small store- room on one side are occupied by the family. On the other side the two larger rooms are used during the day by the paupers, and the small room has been fitted up as a grated cell for crazy Hannah, a grated partition separating her from the stove.

"At nignt the paupers, many of whom are idiotic or insane, are locked up in the two small chambers; and this with the present class of inmates has to be done, irrespective of number, and almost of the condition of the paupers. From this brief statement it will be seen how illy adapted the premises are to purposes of a poor-house, even when all are in health; but when any one is sick it is impossible to make them comfortable; and especially is this so, when, as in the case of the man with the frozen feet, it becomes as a loathsome pesthouse, not only to the paupers, but to the poor-master and his family; the stench from the gangrened foot filling every part of the building, and sickening the inmates.

" In view of these facts your committee most earnestly call upon this Board to take some steps to make such improvements, that it may no longer with truth be said ' that the poor-house is a disgrace to Knox count}'.' "

Crazy Hannah, referred to in the above statement, was certainly a pitiable subject of charity, and her sad condition touched the finer feelings of the committee, as shown in a report made to the Board in 1863. This committee was composed of John S. Winter and Cephas Arms. We give below the portion of this report referring to the unfortunate being who is still an inmate of the alms-house, although in a much improved condition.

"We cannot pass this matter and justify our consciences without referring to a case known as ' Crazy Hannah,' who has been confined in a small room over three years, unsafe to permit to go out and breathe the fresh air of heaven, compelled to live within four close walls until her destiny is fulfilled. During all the cold days and nights of winter that poor demented girl cannot approach the fire. Between her and it, at a safe distance from her hands, has to be placed strong iron bars, lest she should set fire to the building. With all the modern improvements for heating buildings suitable for persons in her condition, are we, as citizens of Knox county, doing our duty to the unfortunate of our county?"

March 5, 1856, the Board of Supervisors purchased of M. G. Smith the west half of the southwest quarter of section 21, Knox township* for a county poor-farm. The deed, as recorded, states the consideration to have been $3,000. Two additions were made in 1866 during the agitation of building the alms-house, - one June 15, of 36 acres from Win. Y. Miller. The deed states the consideration to have been $2,340, but by an order of the Board we find it to be but $17.50 petacre, which would be $630. The other was 33 acres from John Eadst June 17, for which, according to the deed, $3,000 was given. In 1866 the Board appointed Rufus W. Miles, L. E. Conger, and Cephas Arms a committee to build an alms-house. Considerable interest was worked up in selecting a location. The citizens of Gales burg tried to have it located near that city instead of the present site, which is that of the former building. At a meeting in April, 1866, a committee consisting of the following members of the Board, were appointed to select a location: E. S. Hardin, Orrin Beadle, L. EConger, and Cephas Arms. A majority of this committee selected and bought the northwest quarter of section 24, in Galesburg township, for which they paid $8,000. While this action of the committee was approved by the Board, yet the land was not used for the purpose for which it was purchased. It was afterward sold for $9,000. Supervisor Gale, on behalf of the city of Galesburg, offered to give $10,000 if they would erect the building on this site; but the Board secured additional land adjoining the old farm and decided not to remove or change the location. Thus the location was finally settled upon, and immediately the contract of erecting the building was let to Wm. Armstrong for the sum of $26,000. Only one wing and the main building were erected at this time. The full amount expended for the erection of this portion of the building;, for furnishing heating apparatus and stocking the farm, amounted to $39,037.21.

The following is a description of the building, which rates only second to the best county charity institution in the State: The plan was drawn by W. W. Boyington, of Chicago. The building is of Gothic style of architecture, and is constructed of limestone and red brick. It is two stories above the basement in height. The ground plan is 166 feet front by 80 in depth, relieved by projection bay windows, and a general irregular outline. The grounds are large, thickly set with shrubs and trees and well kept. The exterior view of the structure presents an imposing appearance from whatever point approached. From exterior observation it rather resembles a sea-side hotel than a country alms-house. The accompanying engraving so fully represents in detail the exterior of the building that any minute description would be but repetition.

The interior of the edifice is in keeping fully with that of the exterior. It is finished throughout in a neat and substantial style, and furnished with all the modern conveniences, which are especially adapted to the accommodation of the class of inmates that are retained there. The many improvements adapted in the construction of the east wing were suggested by the matron, Mrs. Cleveland, whose experience, coupled with her superior judgment, eminently qualified her to dictate alterations and additions to the plans of the architect. Each and every room is amply ventilated, and the provisions for lighting are all that could be desired, there being a large double window in even the smallest chamber.

There are 97 rooms in the building, besides large, well lighted corridors. Of these, 27 [are sleeping-rooms for inmates under medical treatment, 23 are cells or, properly, screened rooms for the insane. The remaining 47 rooms are devoted to various purposes, each class or condition of inmates having a department to which they are assigned.

The western portion of the structure is used for men, and the eastern part for women. In the men's department on the main floor are dining-hall, sitting-room and chapel (in the latter apartment religious services are held semi-monthly), and sleeping- rooms, with bath-rooms attached. On the second floor in this division is the department for the insane, being a tier of screened rooms, sick "rooms, school-room and nurse's rooms. The eastern division has similar apartments, and in addition has a large sitting-room, quiet room for old women, convalescent department, and working department, where all clothing is manufactured. Every article of clothing, except boots and hats, are manufactured within the building. In the basement story is the department' for the uncontrollable insane, the laundry,, ironing room, and the culinary department, which includes bread room, grocery room, milk-house, and large kitchen. The building, besides these apartments, is well supplied with bath-rooms, closets, and numerous miscellaneous rooms. The whole is heated by steam radiators supplied from heating apparatus in the basement of the west wing.

The following items of an historical and statistical nature will be found of interest, and are compiled after careful research. Their correctness may be relied upon :

From October, 1872, to September, 1878, 439 paupers were admitted as inmates of this charitable institution. These included 15- different nationalities. Of this number 229 were natives of the United States, 104 of Sweden and Denmark, 55 of Ireland, 1 of France, 13 of England, 12 of Germany, 4 of Switzerland, 1 of the West Indies, 2 of Norway, 4 of Canada, 1 of Poland, 9 of Scotland, 3 of Wales, and the nativity of 1 not known. Total, 439. Of this number 287 were males and 152 females. There are at present 109 inmates, of whom 66 are males and 43 females. Of the 109 inmates, 25 arc insane. The largest number ever admitted any one year was in 1870, when 121 were received. The number of deaths occurring since 1863 are 69, none having occurred since January 1, 1878. The number of births, 30. Number of married persons admitted, 153.

The following item connected with pauperism in this county should be noted by the tax-payers. Though startling, it is based upon stubborn facts, and should be a warning to those who indulge in a moderate use of intoxicating liquors, and to the young man whose lips have never been tainted by the wine cup. When we consider that three-fourths of all the persons admitted in the Knox county almshouse are brought there from the curse of intemperance, we learn some of the direful effects and consequences of the use of intoxicating liquors. JNo contagious diseases have ever prevailed to any extent. The oldest person ever admitted was George Felter, who became an inmate January 16, 1877, at the age of 89. Mr. Felter, who is still an inmate, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and is probably the only one living in the county who fought the British foe at that time, or indeed that ever did. The oldest person in the house at present is 91 years old.

In 1874, in consequence of the failure of a supply of water at the alms-house, it was deemed expedient to bore in one of the wells, which was done to the depth of 175 feet. At 119 feet a vein of good coal, four feet in thickness, immediately below three feet of slate, was passed through. Failing to find water at that depth, they abandoned the boring and sunk a large well.

Ere a decade had passed, the alms-house had become too small to afford the best accommodations to all the inmates. Accordingly, at the July meeting of the Board, in 1876, the alms-house committee recommended the building of the east wing. In the original plan all arrangements were made for any necessary additions that might be needed. Thus in less than ten years this addition is required, although the unfortunate could and did receive better care with the capacity of the portion already constructed than in most of the counties in the State. At a special meeting in August, 1876, 2 1st day, the contract of building the east wing was awarded to Parry & Stevens, their bid being $17,000. The construction of this addition was rapidly pushed to completion, and to-day the structure stands a harmonious whole, complete in detail, beautiful in design, and perfect iuordonnance and symmetry of architecture. Thus perfected, as shown in the accompanying engraving, Knox county unquestionably has one of the most beautiful and superior alms-houses in the Northwest. The Superintendent, Mrs. Cleveland, is endowed with native ability that especially qualifies her to have the charge of such a motley class of humanity as are gathered under the care of an institution of this nature. In referring to the excellent manner in which Mrs. Cleveland discharges every duty devolving upon her, Dr. McClelland, the county physician, in his report of January, 1878, in speaking of the house, says: " As usual, and in accordance with our duty, we passed through the house, closely examining every division of it, and to our satisfaction we realize that the care exercised over it was manifest in the order in which we found it. Its condition throughout entitles the matron having the care of the premises to the heart-felt gratitude of all who have an interest in those who are kept there from necessity." Again we quote the Doctor's language. In his report to the Board of September 12, 1877, he says: "In passing through the house, closely examining every department of it, we have realized what has frequently been stated by the agent of our State public charities, - that for cleanliness, freedom from offensive odor, and a manifest bestowal of vigilant care exercised over the premises, the Knox county alms-house stands unrivaled in our State as a model of praiseworthy order, and worthy of imitation by other institutions of the same character in the State. Our worthy matron is not especially limited in her capacity for keeping affairs therein in order, but she possesses additionally the rare ability essential to the managing and keeping subject to her will all those unruly elements that are submitted to her charge."

We can give no better detailed description of the manner of caring for the unfortunate of this society than is found in Dr. McClelland's report to the January meeting of the Board of Supervisors of 1872, which we give bodily, as it also compares the mode of conducting this institution with that generally adopted by public charities:

To the Honorable Board of Supervisors, Know County, Illinois: - The undersigned beg leave to submit the following report: Since the last annual meeting 127 persons have received aid at the almshouse. Of this number 85 are at present inmates, - an increase of 10 over the number present Jan. 1, 1871. During the year there were deaths, by apoplexy 1, old age 1, exhaustion incident to insanity 1, typho-malarial fever 1, albuminuria 1, consumption 3 ; total 8. There have been during the same time 3 births. Of the inmates at present in the house 84 are white and 1 colored. Those not protected by previous small-pox or vaccination have been recently vaccinated. The good condition of the house in respect to ventilation and cleanliness forbid the occurrence of any endemic disease. It" not considered intrusive, I would desire to call the attention of the honorable Board to certain faults found by the Board of State Commissioners of Public Charities in the management of paupers in the various counties of the State, to show that so far as Knox county is concerned we can plead " not guilty."

The third fault found has reference to the medical care of the family. Whatever medicines or medical appliance, the pauper family need they receive, the county at no time restricting the physician in this matter.

Fifth, pauper children are almost without exception ui) instructed and untrained. This county is an exception. Children of the proper age are sent to the city schools, and the fault is with them if they are not instructed.

Sixth, refers to the condition of the insane and idiotic. This class receives an abundance of light and air, are kept clean and warm, have an abundance to eat and good beds to sleep on.

Ninth, "houses slovenly in appearance and inmates unsupplied with proper appliances for personal cleanliness." Knox county almshouse speaks for itself. Our paupers would not be known by their clothes.

Tenth, refers to classification of paupers. This cannot be done in our alms-house till the building is completed. [This has since been done and the inmates assigned to their various departments.]

Eleventh, "scarcely a county in the State in which any attempt is made to impart either secular or religious instructions to the pauper." The matron has assumed it as one of her duties to read to the family on the Sabbath, and from time to time the pastors of the city churches have exercises in the alms-house chapel. Publishers of the Galesburg Register and of the Knox County Democrat have kindly sent copies of their papers regularly to the alms-house the past year; and in behalf of the pauper family I would return them grateful thanks and ask a continuance of the favor. There have also been Swedish papers sent to the family, but how many afnd.by whom I am unable to state. For them, however, we return thanks.

The comforts provided by Knox county for the relief of paupers doubtless contributes to increase their numbers. For this the honorable State Board suggests enforced industry.

The nature of the causes which have made a large number of our family fit subjects for public care will be understood from an inspection of the annexed table, which gives nationality and sex:

It may be a matter of interest to know that Knox county stands first in the amount invested for the care of its poor, $56,200 being value of buildings and farm. Peoria county stands next, having $55,550. Cook stands third, with $39,565.

These statements are made in answer to inquiries that are frequently made of persons that are in any way associated with the management of the institution.

War Record

The Board of Supervisors, as more fully shown in the following chapter, made a bright record during the Rebellion. Scarcely a county in the State was more active or further took the lead in matters relative to her soldiery than Knox county. F.rom the first enlistment the Board was willing to aid, and indeed did appropriate money to help soldiers and their families. Especially did they carefully watch over families of soldiers and abundantly provide for them all during the war and afterwards. They paid out over $400,000 for bounties and providing for the families of those at the front. In the chapter entitled "The War - At Home" some of their resolutions will be found. But among their most important acts was the great "Bounty

Tax," which we will now refer to. In 1865, at the January meeting, the Board of Supervisors offered large bounty for recruits. The President had made another call for 300,000 men. Knox county, as many other counties, failed to fill her quota, and accordingly a draft was ordered. In order to induce enlistments Supervisor Gray offered a resolution giving $250 bounty. This was amended by a substitute offering $300 bounty. A committee of three was appointed to negotiate a loan to pay these bounties. This they however failed to do, as many of the capitalists feared the order was illegal, and therefore refused aid. Thus it was that funds could not be raised from that source. Accordingly a special meeting of the Board was held Feb. 27 to devise some measure by which to raise the required fund. At this meeting Supervisor Potter from a committee appointed at a special meeting held Jan. 27 to draft a bill authorizing the county of Knox to issue "bonds for the purpose of procuring money to pay bounties to volunteers, (and to procure the passage of the same by the Legislature then in session) reported "that he had prepared such a bill and had been to Springfield to procure its passage; that when the bill was presented to the Legislature opposition was made to its passage by citizens of this county, and through their influence the bill was defeated and the authority to issue bonds was withheld." Thus another scheme was killed. However, money must be had; so at this crisis a prominent official of the county proceeded to Springfield, drew up a bill, which was afterward denominated the " Burchard bill," and had it passed through both houses in two days, immediately returning home, even before the Governor had approved it, to make preparations to carry out the provisions of the bill. The Governor had, however, before leaving the State capital, promised to approve it, which was done in due time. This bill provided for the assessment and collecting of a special tax for the payment of bounties. On his return to this county a special meeting was convened. The Board was apprised of the bill, and thus having the authority to levy a tax, did at this meeting order a tax of two cents to be assessed upon each dollar's worth of real and personal property in this county, - this to be known as the bounty tax; and it was famous for the promptitude with which it was paid. Many taxpayers who had let their regular taxes go delinquent, paid the bounty tax on demand. The collector was ordered to make his return by May 18, thus allowing but 60 days for the assessment to be made, the books prepared, all taxes collected and returned. This is almost an unparalleled case. Over $300,000 was thus raised within 60 days. This order was unanimously adopted, and therefore, without delay and without the payment of a large amount of interest, the bounty fund was raised.

Many efforts were made by even members of the Board to exempt all soldiers and soldiers' widows from paying this tax ; but seemingly no legal way could be found, and several years after an effort was made to refund to them such tax as they had paid but was never done.

The following resolution, although on the subject of railroads, shows better than an3Tthing we might say, how the people viewed the war as it was, the results, and the financial condition of the county at the time of its unanimous passage, which was January 8, 1866. It was offered by Supervisor Gale, from the committee to whom was referred a certain resolution in regard to railroad freights :

Resolved, That the war for the preservation of our country and the free institutions bequeathed to us by our fathers has left our country burdened with a debt vast in proportions, and testing to the utmost extent the endurance of the American people. The honor of the nation requires that all this debt, and the obligations incurred in this great struggle, shall be fully met and paid to the last dollar.

That the credit and commercial prosperity of the country are promoted by such legislation as will insure at an early day the resumption of specie payment by the Government, and the return to coin as a measure of value in commercial transactions.

That, asking no other relief and no other favor, they have a right in common with their fellow-citizens, to expect from the National and State legislatures such legislation as will properly adjust and apportion these burdens, - as will develop to the uttermost the industry of the country, and protect the people from plundering monopolists and office-holders.

That we approve of a tariff on foreign importations sufficiently high to protect the infant manufacturing enterprises of the country, and secure the development of our vast mineral resources.

That we believe it the duty of the Government to secure the opening of every natural channel from the grain-growing districts to the seaboard, which is worth the necessary outlay, and to secure within a short period a railroad communication across the continent, and with the rich mines of the interior.

That we believe the control of the great highways of the country has been too long intrusted to the exclusive management of men who have no responsibilities to the public, and who are expected to seek only the promotion of private interests, without airy regard to the wants, necessities and interests of the public, except so far as attention thereto may promote such private interests.

That while we do not propose to indicate what legislation is called for in the case, we are satisfied there is something which requires correction, - when a railroad from the city of Galesburg to the city of Chicago can in one year, without running to its full capacity, earn a sum of money equal to its entire cash cost, and when the road through this county to Peoria can collect rates of freight which will afford a fine compensation for wagons drawn by horses.

That there is something requiring correction, when we are entirely deprived of the important markets of St. Louis and Cairo, except in times of navigation, notwithstanding we have from this county railroad communication with both ; from the fact that the connecting railroads are the property of different companies, and permit the passage of no freight except with the loss and delay of repeated changes of cars, and rates of freight double those charged for similar distances on single lines of road.

That the construction of a new competing line of railway is not the remedy for those evils, requiring as it does an impossible outlay of capital, and utterly inefficacious in securing that connection of lines and transfer of freight without suitable provision for which we can never realize the full benefits of railroad transportation.

That in our opinion prompt and wise legislation to effect the opening of new channels of trade, the improvement and proper control of the old, protecting all the vested rights of corporations and the inalienable rights of the people, is essential to the prosperity of the country, and absolutely required to enable the people to support those burdens which must be borne if the national honor is to be sustained.

The Board had done a noble part by the soldiers while in the field or at home. But there were many who went to the South who never returned, sacrificing their lives for their country. Many niembers of the Board wished now to honor these, desired to perpetuate their memory by erecting a monument to their honor. Accordingly at the September meeting of the Board of Supervisors in 1867, Supervisor Sumner offered the following preamble and resolution: Whereas, many of our fellow citizens fell in the war of the Rebellion, it is but just that a tribute to their worth and patriotism be erected by the county, and their memories preserved by a grateful community; therefore, resolved, by the Board of Supervisors, that a suitable monument be erected upon the public square at the city of Knoxville, upon the tablet of which the name of each citizen of the county who so lost bis life in the service of his country shall be engraved, and such other memoranda as may be deemed proper by a committee hereafter to be appointed to carry out this resolution. Supervisor

McKee moved to amend by inserting that when the monument was built it should be at the county seat. The subject tabled on motion of Supervisor Whiting/ On the following day Supervisor Yauglm offered the following resolution in regard to the matter: "Resolved, that in the opinion of this Board it is not now prudent for the county to make an effort to erect the proposed monument, inasmuch as large expenditures have lately been made by the county, and that we are not now in a condition to do justice to this matter, and that the resolution for the present be laid upon the table." This was favorably acted upon, when Supervisor Miles offered the following substitute, which was adopted : " Resolved, that Messrs. Sumner, Yauglm and Beadle be appointed a committee to report at the next meeting of the Board the probable cost of erecting a suitable monument to the soldiers of Knox county who fell in the service of their country during the war of the great Rebellion." Nothing more was ever done with this matter. The county-seat question so engrossed the minds of the people that for a time the dead soldiers were forgotten. We hope, however, that at no distant day the sons of Knox who gave their lives for our country will be honored by having a monument erected to their memory.

The question of building a new jail had been agitated for many years, even as far back as 1856; and as the county-seat question had been settled, it was thought advisable to build a new prison. There had been paid out for repair?, guards and other necessary expenses on the old jail, enough money to have built a substantial and secure structure. These expenses would have been unnecessary and uncalled for if the county had had a good prison. Besides, many criminals have gained their liberty through the worthlessness of the old prison. On the 14th of January, 1874, there were presented to the Board which had previously advertised for them, nineteen bids for the construction of a prison according to a plan drawn by Wm. Quagle, and adopted by the Board. These bids ranged from $31,500 to $39,950. Besides these, there were bids for different portions of the work. On the following day the bid of Ira R. Stevens was accepted. This was for $34,900. Stevens immediately gave bonds for $10,000, for the faithful performance of his contract. Friday, the 16th, the Board bought of A. Burlingham the lot adjoining the one given by the city of Galesburg to build a jail upon, for which they paid $2,650.

Without any delay the work of construction was commenced and soon completed, and since October 3, 1874, the building has been occupied by Sheriff Berggren, he having moved in upon that date.

First Jail, Knoxville

Shortly afterward the prisoners were conveyed from the old jail at Knoxville and placed within the stone walls of the new structure. Since then there has been a large number of persons incarcerated here, none of whom have ever permanently escaped. On one occasion three of them broke out but were soon recaptured. The work on the construction of the building was done in an excellent manner, and the prison is as safe as, and presents an appearance equal with anv similar structure in the State, with one or two exceptions. The front part of the building, which is occupied by the Sheriff and his family, presents a handsome appearance, and the whole reflects honor to the county.

The entire building is in height two stories, with basement. The architectural design is modern, verjr neat and well proportioned, presenting, on the whole, a light, cheerful appearance. The basement is constructed of limestone, with the exterior surface rough; the walls of the main building are of red brick, the openings being trimmed with stone trimmings. In the sheriff's residence are ten pleasant rooms with closets, wardrobes and halls. There are three entrances, two at the side leading into a corridor between the jail and the residence. In the jail are thirty cells, each 4-J- by 7 feet and 7-J- in height, the walls of which are of six-inch limestone nagging. The cells are arranged in six tiers, five in length and three in height, onehalf opening towrard the north and one-half toward the south, into corridors eleven feet wide. The upper cells are reached by stairway and balcony, which extends in front of each tier. Beneath each of the lower tier of cells is seven feet of solid concrete. In the west end is the prison dining hall. Separating the dining hall from the corridors are partitions of seven-eighth-inch iron grating, with an iron slide door, which is worked from the hall of the dwelling. The doors of the cells are all locked from the dining hall, so arranged that the sheriff or attendants are not required to come into contact with the prisoners. Above the cells are large iron tanks, from which the prisoners are supplied with water for bathing purposes. Extending from the basement through the roof is a large ventilating flue, with which each cell is connected, and affording ample ventilation. The outer door, leading from the dwelling to the dining hall of the jail is solid wrought iron ; the inner one a grated V door. The heating furnace and fuel rooms occupy the basement. In the rear portion of the second story of the dwelling are the female and debtor apartments/consisting of three large, well lighted rooms. There is also in this part the sleeping apartment of the turnkey, and a large-sized bath-room. The jail proper has also bath-rooms for the accommodation of the prisoners. A large vault is in the main part for the storage of stolen property recovered. The entire building is covered with a tin roof. A neat fence surrounds the clean, well kept grounds, which adds much to its general appearance.

Since 18Y2 there have been incarcerated in the county jail 426 persons consisting of men and women both young and old, white and black, and of almost every conceivable occupation and nationality. Since March 1, 18T3, 86 prisoners have been conveyed from the jail to the Penitentiarv and 13 to the Reform School. The largest number ever confined at any one time was in the month of June, 1876, when 36 prisoners were held. At present there are ten; half of the number being boys incarcerated for larceny. But one prisoner ever paid the death penalty of the law, - he, Osborne, who was executed by Sheriff Berggren in the jail-yard at Knoxville on the 11th of March, 1873.

A. "W. Berggren has held the responsible office of Sheriff for six vears, which is longer than any -other man save Peter Frans, who continued in the office ten years. Berggren, however, is again the Republican nominee for the office, which is equivalent to an election. He is a man eminently cpialified for the position, possessing indomitable will-power, with unwavering firmness and decision of character, particularly suiting him for handling the worst class of humanity. Coupled with these traits, which are especially essential, he is gifted with a pleasant, genial disposition, safe judgment and fine business

At times considerable interest has been manifested among the members of the Board in the selection of chairman. Perhaps the o-reatest excitement and persistency was manifested in the choosing of a chairman in 1871. Supervisor Gale nominated A. C. Clay, and Supervisor Lacy nominated H. J. Vaughn. The first ballot resulted in 13 votes cast for each candidate. The second and third ballots were the same, while the fourth stood 12 to 13. But there not being a maiority of all the members, balloting ceased for awhile, when ao-ain four more ballots were taken, resulting in 13 for each candidate. The Board having adjourned to the following day, it was again resumed, the 9th ballot bringing no different result. The 10th ballot was taken between Yaughn and John Junk, resulting 13 for each, the 11th and the 12th the same. At this juncture a committee was appointed to select the standing committees, showing that the members feared they would be unable to elect a chairman. The Board adiourned until afternoon. "When they convened they again resumed the balloting On the 13th ballot J. W. Hensley received 12 votes, Junk 13. and Vaughn 1.

It was here decided that a majority of votes cast should elect. The 14th ballot resulted in Beadle 13, Vaughn 12, Charles 1. The 15th resulted in Vaughn 12, Beadle 12, Junk 1; 16th, Charles 1, Vaughn 12, Morse 2, Beadle 11; 17th, Vaughn 12, Beadle 13, Charles 1; 18th, Beadle 13, Peter Lacy 12, Vaughn 1; 19th and 20th were equally divided between Lacy and Beadle.

Here the Board adjourned until Thursday. Convening, they resumed balloting. The 21st ballot, Charles 13, Beadle 13; 22nd, Charles 13, Beadle 10, Morse 1, Clay 1, Junk 1; 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th was a tie between Junk and Charles.

At this stage of the excitement Supervisor ISTettleton moved that Messrs. Gale and Charles be a committee to nominate a candidate. This committee reported that they could not agree upon a candidate, but that they had cast lots and would report in favor of Clay. They went into the Treasurer's office and flipped a silver half dollar, Supervisor Gale being the winner. The 27th and last ballot was then taken, resulting as follows: Clay 15, Vaughn 11. Clay was therefore declared elected. Thus the two gentlemen that were first the candidates closed the heated contest. This protracted contest was based upon the county-seat question, and therefore was merely a sectional fight.

From the organization of the county till the present time the subject of roads and bridges has been one of vast importance to the citizens of the county. Perhaps there is no county in Illinois that has been more liberal in the construction of bridges than Knox. Large amounts have been expended each and every year. Fo.r instance, in 1874 two bridges were built at a cost of $8,254. One was the Court Creek bridge, $3,523, and the mother the Peoria bridge, $4,731. During the great national excitement over the demonetization of silver by the 45th Congress, the Board of Supervisors evinced considerable interest, as expressed in the following resolutions, which were passed unanimously by that honorable body Thursday Jan. 10, 1878. It also expressed quite generally the views of their constituents.

Whereas, From the most remote ages, and among all nations, gold and silver, either exclusively or in common with other metals, have by common consent and universal custom, as well as by enactments of the law-making power, been established, recognized and used as the representatives of value, and the medium of exchange of property, in other words, as money; and

Whereas, The value of all property has been measured, and the rights of the creditor and the liabilities of the debtor class in every community have been fixed, limited, and defined, by the conjoint money power of these two metals ; and

Whereas, During the years 1873-4, in an obscure, indirect, oblique, if not in a clandestine, surreptitious manner, silver was, in these United States, deprived of its main money power, this in its immediate and remote consequences (if persisted in) causing a greater disturbance in values, and a greater convulsion in every civil and social relation, than any event that has transpired in the history of the country, whereby the purchasing power of the money remaining, that is, gold, is generally increased, but only in the great depression in the selling power of property, whereby the value of all securities and profits of all creditors are greatly increased, but only by a great increase in the burdens and liabilities of all debtors; whereby the rich are to be made richer and the poor poorer; and

Whereas, Acts of legislation are pending in the Congress of the Unite i. States having in purpose the repeal of this unjust, unequal, and injurious legislation and the restoration to silver of its original full money power; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, By the Board of Supervisors, representing in this expression the almost unanimous voice of the people of Knox county, that we denounce as unjust, unequal, partial, and injurious, the legislation that was resorted to for the demonetization of silver, and demand its repeal.

Resolved further, That the Senators and members of the House of Representatives from this State have our hearty approval and support in their efforts to secure such repeal.

Resolved further, That we respectfully but earnestly present these views to the President of the United States, with the hope that he will unite with the other department of the government in restoring silver as money, to the circulation of the country.

Resolved further, That these resolutions be spread upon the records, and a copy thereof be furnished to the members of Congress from this District, to the Senators from this State, and to the President of the United States.

Hon. W. Selden Gale is the oldest member of the Board, having served continuously since its organization, with the exception of three years.