Knox County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 15 of those read), 1878

Personal Incidents And Miscellany Historical Items From Rev. Wright'S Journal

The following interesting items are taken from the journal of Rev. S. G. Wright, a Congregational preacher of Stark county; but as his labors were largely in Knox county, we find mention made frequently of locations and incidents here. He was in the employ of the Home Missionary Society, and lived in West Jersey township, which is township 12 north, range 5 east, and was formerly a part of Knox county. From his journal it may be gathered that for the first few years he had regular appointments at Walnut Creek, Victoria and Henderson.

First entry. "December 24, 1841. - Started for Walnut creek. There had been a great rain; the creek was swimming; Richard C. and William Dunn were with me; had much difficulty in crossing the branch above Trickle's mill; had to break ice for near an hour, and go round by Fraker's Grove, in order to get to the bridge below Centreville; preached at Mr. Foster's Friday evening," etc., etc.

" May 2. - Went to La Fayette to hear Mr. Harris expose Mormonism; rehearsed his lecture to my people at Mr. Webster's. Last week preached but twice; plowed the rest of my field, and sowed four and a half bushels of oats."

"September 14. - Went to Henderson and Galesburg; made arrangements for a meeting at La Fayette; at Knoxville was hindered all the next day, endeavoring to get relief for five colored persons who were that day imprisoned because they could not produce full evidence that they were free."

"November 18. - Last week I went to Galesburg to attend the association ; no minister present but myself. Preached four successive days, and was detained two days longer by the severity of the weather. How soon I can return I know not, as the snow is badly drifted and the wind yet high and cold."

ment at Knoxville; also the other association, - indeed, had a prominent part in it, but was compelled to tear myself away, as my house and family needed my attention, for it is very cold, and our house has neither doors nor floors.

"February 6, 1843. - Last week had much severe cold weather; had to be at home most of the week; read ' Home's Introduction,' etc. On Friday another fugitive from slavery came along, - making twentyone that have passed through this settlement on their way to Canada. To-day it is extremely cold: the ink freezes in my pen as I try to write beside the stove."

" May 22, 1843. - Last week was at home most of the time ; planted potatoes, corn, etc. ; visited families; hope some good was done. Saturday, went to the Emery settlement, but found so strong an antipathy against abolitionists that but few would hear me preach ; so I went on, and on Sabbath morning preached at Toulon to a large congregation ; most of the seats filled. Report said the Mormons meant to encounter me here and draw me into a debate, but all passed off quietly."

"May 20. - The grand jury found a bill 'against me and my Elder, W. W. Webster, for harboring runaway slaves ! Some excitement exists, but hope good will result. Many sympathize with us and with the oppressed, who had seldom thought on the subject before ; and these wicked laws 'to be hated need but to be seen.' Rev. Owen Lovejoy, of Princeton, is also indicted. We have not yet been taken by the sheriff, but probably shall be soon."

" May 20, 1844. - Heard there was to be an informal meeting of the presbytery at Knoxville, and went, returning the next day in the rain. Sabbath rainy, but preached twice ; we have more rain than ever before ; creeks are all full, bridges gone, and the earth perfectly saturated with water ; sickness beginning to prevail, lung fevers especially,' '

" June 10, 1844. - Last week started with wife and two daughters for Knoxville, Galesburg, Victoria, etc. Wednesday evening at Knoxville, a most dreadful storm of wind, hail, rain and lierhtnine1 broke over us; several houses were unroofed, and one new two-story house was upset and dashed to fragments. In it were a mother and three children; one child dangerously hurt. The storm raged from Galesburg to Spoon river, - how much farther we know not. It seemed for many minutes impossible that the house in which we were could withstand its force. Mr. Cole was absent, and no man present but myseif. There seemed but a step between us all and death. God alone could understand our feelings. The lightning was almost constant, and in many places seemed to be running all over the ground; persons riding in wagons saw the wheels apparently encircled with fire. This occurred on the 5th of June, 1844. Streams are all swimming, bridges gone, roads dreadful, still raining."

" J une 24. - Went to Knoxville as a witness for Rev. Mr. Cross, in the case of The People vs. Cross for harboring slaves; at length a nolle prosequi was entered, and I returned home. On Friday, went to Farmington to attend a convention for organizing a general asso ciation for the State. The constitution was changed in divers places, and the confession of faith slightly altered; strong resolutions passed on the subject of slavery."

" February 9, 1846. - Last week, went to Galesburg to attend the installation of Brother Kellogg*; was unexpectedly called to give the charge to the people. After preaching, we had a conference of breth. ren in reference to uniting our presbytery and central association in a sort of convention, so there should be one and not two bodies. Tuesday, went to Galesburg to attend the commencement exercises of Knox College. They were quite flattering to the institution. Mr. Blanchard, however, so far forgot the spirit of the age, and of the West, as to appear in a 'toga,' and to wear his hat, etc., etc., while giving his inaugural address."

"January 5, 1847. - Went to attend the ordination of Brother Blanchard at Knoxville; very muddy, bad roads. Arriving at home on Friday evening, found two fugitives from slavery had been along with only 'Christmas papers.' Messrs. Smith and Gordon, of Farmngton, pursued, got out a seirah- warrant for two stolen horses, and two colored men who were supposed to have stolen them. Neither horses nor men were described, except that one man called himself ' Major.' They searched our premises in vain, however, for the birds had flown, having got a wink from friends at Farmington that they were pursued. Several constables and others followed them to Osceola, but before they reached there the fugitives were safely out of the county."

- not on account of their intrinsic worth, of themselves considered, but on account of the memories they awaken, and the light thrown on the " long ago." Such simple allusions to matters then current come to the early settlers now, with their far-off date, like echoes from a land they shall see no more.

Indian Boy Killed

In 1837, when the Pottawatomie Indians were being removed west by Colonel Sands, they were several days in passing through this county. When camping near Abingdon one of the Indian boys accidentally shot another, killing him. This aroused the parents of the unfortunate boy, who, as the rule was among the Indians, demanded the life of the bov that killed him. Colonel Sands knew that the killing was accidental, and therefore did not want the boy to suffer death for the act; so, in order to appease them and settle the matter, he called them all up, and made a fatherly speech to them; and as a price for this son gave to the parents of .the deceased boy blankets, cloth, and a pony or two. The boy was buried near Jonathan Latimer's house, the spot being marked by a small cross, cut into a hickory tree. For many years the little mound over the grave remained undisturbed.

Big Storms

On the 5th of June, 1844, occurred one of most destructive wind and rain storms that ever visited Illinois. The damage done in this county was largely in the northern part. Houses and barns were unroofed and demolished, and the demon of destruction prevailed on every hand.

A temperance meeting was being held in the school-house on section 32, Ontario township. A reformed drunkard by the name of Thomas addressed the meeting under the auspices of the "Washingtonian movement. The meeting was broken up by the fury of the storm. Every house for some distance was unroofed except Mr. Camp's, which was probably saved by the protection afforded by a grove. Some forty persons, rendered homeless by the storm, staid at this house during the night. As the people drove up to the house, the drivers held their horses from the windows, but the wagons were uncoupled and blown to fragments. A. S. Clearwater, who was living with I. M. Wetmore, took a load of young people to the temperance meeting with an ox team. This load consisted of Misses Hettie

After the storm somewhat abated they set about getting home, - at least those who had any left. Amos "Wilmot's cabin was unroofed, and the family took shelter in the out-door cellar.

Ezra Chapman left the temperance meeting with the rest, but being lame, stopped at the corner of his yard for the wind to lull, when he was struck by a missile, as he supposed, knocking him senseless, in which condition he remained for quite a while, coming to, to find his buildings unroofed. He describes the cloud, when approaching, as like a large wheel, 100 feet in diameter, rolling over and over, filled with debris.

Joseph Eisher had been to Henderson to have some blacksmithing done, and on his return he was overtaken by the storm, which took off the body and hind wheels of his wagon, leaving the front wheels attached to his horse, which he held by the bit. After the storm had abated he proceeded toward home as he thought, but after traveling for some time he brought up at Samuel Randall's, who lived within a mile of Henderson. He found his log cabin partly unroofed. Mr. Fisher was so chilled he could not speak. On returning home to Mr. Bobbin's the following day, he found his house, which he was building, completely demolished.

Thomas Corder rode into the timber on horseback just as the storm struck it. He put spurs to his horse, riding with full speed. The trees fell fast, just whipping in behind him. Some fifty in number fell across the pass just behind him.

the ground. When he went out the wind took him along with the roof. He made long strides! Lighting in the hazel brush, he caught hold of it to save himself, and the wind, he avers, whipped him up and down, giving him a tremendous thrashing.

T. P. "Wetmore had the roof of his house torn off, a feather-bed carried several rods, a tin boiler taken five miles, and crocks of milk and lard were hurled about in various ways. Two carpenters - Fairfield and Stillman - were at Mr. Wetmore's, building a barn. Stillman was caught by the wind, whirled down, one of his shoes torn off, and he rolled over and over in company with some sheep that were passing, being driven by the same power. He was carried some thirty rods and thrown into a large slough with the sheep, before his clutching to the grass could stop him. He was very glad to be found for once among the sheep, and not the goats!

Several hard-wood planks were blown sixty rods, and only two fence posts remained standing on Mr. Wetmore's place. In plowed fields the wind was so severe and powerful as to blow the soil away as deep as it was plowed.

Sudden Changes

The many sudden changes in the weather during the winter of 1836 are often referred to by old settlers. The following is especially worthy of note. Gaddial Scott took a load of dressed hogs to Henderson, a distance of six miles. There were several inches of snow on the ground, but rain was falling slowly, and consequently the snow was turned to slush, and it was with great difficulty that he could proceed with his heavy load. The road continued to grow softer all the way until he reached the town. No change in the weather was noticed when he begun to unload his hogs, which took him about twenty minutes. Before lie had taken the last hog from his sleigh, the horses, previously wet by perspiration, were covered with ice. A great cloud from the northwest came up, and the ground, covered with snow, and water were so suddenly frozen, that, in his own words, he "drove home just as though he was on a sea of ice."

Cold Weather

In 1834-5 two men started from Persifer township to Peoria with pork. They landed there with good success and soon started home. On their way they got very cold as it was in the dead of winter. One had three yoke of oxen, while the other had four horses; and, after traveling some time, the one driving the ox team saw that the other would freeze to death; so, in order to save the man, and having a large whip, he struck him with the lash a few times, and continued doing so until the man became so enraged that he got down from his wagon. He was then so stiff he could hardly walk; but the other kept striking him with the whip, keeping out of the way, and running along by the side of the ox team in order to break the wind from him. By so doing he kept himself warm and saved the other's life. They remained over night at Kickapoo, four miles out, traveling eight miles the next day, finally returning to their homes in safety.

Wet Seasons

In this section the " wet seasons " seemed to come on the sevenyear plan several times in succession, the years 1844, 1851 and 1855 being particularly characterized by rain and high winds. In the spring of 1858 the village of Ellison, southwest of Galesburg, was entirely swept away by a whirlwind; and in Galesburg during another storm, on the 13th of April, the only church spire (the one on "Beecher's" church - First Congregational) was blown down, crushing the building to a great extent. Repairs were made, and the base of the spire finished off into a low cupola, the citizens generally believing that this country was too much subject to hurricanes to admit of tall steeples. Scarcely any venture was made to erect a magnificent spire until 1864, when the Second Presbyterian church building was surmounted with a graceful structure of this kind. Other churches followed, until this last summer the old "Brick" church ventured again on another trip heavenward.

A part of the roof of Isaac Merrill's dwelling was carried away, leaving just sufficient over two rooms to protect a bed in each, and the remaining patches of roof not extending more than six inches beyond the edges of the beds.

The storm of 1858 brought the severest wind that has ever visited Galesburg, but several hailstorms of later years have done immense damage in this region. An extensive gardener in the northwestern portion of the city, in 1868, saw $5,000 go out of pocket in threequarters of an hour!

A Ferocious Dog

One evening, during the times when the Indians were troublesome to the early settlers, a daughter of Mr. William Lewis went out to milk. She was accompanied by a large dog. While engaged in milking, an Indian jumped over the high log fence into the barnyard, where she was. The dog immediately gave chase to the Indian, who jumped back over the fence. In the course of the evening the dog came back covered with blood. He had never been known to bark much before, but that night kept up a continuous growling and barking, causing the family to think that the Indians were near, and intended an attack on them; but the night passed without any further trouble. A few days afterward, in a ravine not more than a quarter of a mile from the house, the body of an Indian was found with the head nearly eaten off, and it was supposed that the dog had caused his death.

Lost Children

In November, 1862, George Flynn, the little 2^-year-old son of John Flynn, of Persifer township, strayed from home and was lost. It was about noon when the child was first missed, and no one remembered seeing it about the house later than ten o'clock that morning. Mrs. Flynn was entertaining a number of visiting friends, and intent on the hospitalities of the occasion the absence of the little boy was unnoticed.

It was soon noised through the neighborhood that a child was lost. This startling announcement soon spread all over the countiw, and in the afternoon as many as 200 friends and neighbors were searching up and down North creek for little George. They brought, with them baskets of food, intending to continue the search until the little fellow was found, either dead or alive. So many came that, as night drew on, Mr. Flynn, fearing the horses would tramp on the child, begged most of them to go home, and he, with a few others would continue the search through the night. This they did; but when morning dawned no trace of the child had been found. Early in the day crowds again assembled, with increased determination not to give up. The agony of the parents over the lost child no words can describe. The mother was fairly wild with grief and anxiety, while the father was excited nearly beyond the bounds of human endurance. They now expected to find only the lifeless form.

About ten o'clock word was sent along the line that Frank Wilson had found near the stream the tracks of a little child. Investigation proved that an attempt had been made to cross the stream. As the water on measurement was found to be two feet deep, nothing remained for them to do but to drag the stream. This they did for a distance of nearly two miles, without success, when they became almost discouraged, fully believing the child had been eaten up by the wolves which were known to infest the woods at that time. About noon of the second day, Mr. William Taylor, who lived at a distance, heard that the child had been lost. Without finishing the dinner just begun, he filled his pockets with biscuits and started to join the hunt. About five o'clock he, in company with E. M. Beach, found tracks on the other side of the stream, - such tracks! - so faint in their outline that they could scarcely believe a child had made them. On they went - another little foot-print. Was there ever anything so small and of so much significance ? Great was their surprise when at last they came upon the little fellow alive and apparently in no wise disconcerted by his night's adventure and hazardous surroundings. These strong men shed tears of joy, and great was the shout that went up from all around when the lost child was found.

He had strayed three miles from home, and had lived on black haws during his sojourn in the woods. He was thinly clad, having on no garments but a calico frock; was without shoes or hat, but was found in a most excellent state of physical preservation, and was borne home with great demonstrations of joy to his parents, who had given up all hope of ever seeing their child alive again.

A little boy by the name of Lee, and only three years of age, was lost in the timber on North creek, for about two days. He started out one morning with a tin cup, to go to a neighbor's for some milk for breakfast, but in some manner lost his way, and was not found until on the evening of the second day. He was then wandering about in the woods, and when asked where he was going, replied that he was going for milk. He was quite weak and frightened, but held on to the cup. The loving parents were so frantic over. their lost son that the whole neighborhood and vicinity were out on the search, and all were made happy when the lost was found.

One day in July, of the year 1872, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Owen went to market, leaving their little daughter Corrilla, who was but three years of age, at home and in care of an elderly man that was about the farm. They left her fast asleep, but upon awakening, after they had been gone sometime, and not being able to find her parents, the little one concluded that they had gone to town and that she also would go. She accordingly started, and after wandering about for some time toward the vicinity of Spoon river, she came upon the farm of Mr. Isaac Sherman, on section 3, in Haw Creek township. In the evening Mrs. Sherman discovered her in the field, and going to her, found from her story that she was lost. She could not tell her name, so Mrs. Sherman took her to the house with her. In the mean time the parents, almost crazed with fears and excitement that they should never again see their little daughter, were searching the country over for her. By nightfall the father, learning she was safe at the house of Mr. Sherman, most joyously went for her and carried her home to the anxious, loving mother. Some two years after this the father died, and the little girl wished to go and live with Grand-pa Sherman, where she now resides, perfectly at home.

Race To Quincy

Many are the races occurring between parties who wanted to enter the same piece of land. The following story is only an illustration of others:

In 1849 Granville Fisher discovered coal on the northwest quarter of section 24, Sparta township. He proposed to Albert Cawlkins, if he would haul the coal to Galesburg, he would give him two days' work for each load hauled. Thus matters advanced about a year,, when one Saturday morning Ezra Chapman came to view the land and coal, with the thought of entering it for himself and others, in order to secure a permanent supply of fuel. Mr. Cawlkins had also entertained the same thought, with regard to his own interest; and the same day, when on the way to Galesburg, mentioned the fact to ¥m. D. Lee, who inquired why he did not do so. He replied that he only had half enough money. Mr. Lee then proposed to go in partnership with him and furnish the rest, which offer was accepted. Next morning Mr. Cawlkins returned home, and on Monday secured the number of the land and made arrangements to go to the Land Office at Quincy, 130 miles distant. On Monday evening he proceeded as far as Mr. Lee's, where he was to be furnished with a fasttraveling horse, owned by a brother, John Lee. (The horse was afterward called "Telegraph," and sold to parties on Long Island for $1,000.)

Meanwhile Mr. Chapman had returned home and talked the matter among his neighbors, - about one of them going to Quincy to enter the land. As none of them wished to go, it was proposed to take Mr. Horace L. Sage as a partner, as he was especially qualified by experience to attend to such matters. This arrangement was effected, and Mr. Sage arrived at William D.' Lee's a short time before Mr. Cawlkins. Mr. Sage, not suspecting any opposition, made known his business, and Mr. Lee informed him that he intended to enter the same land. Mr. Sage inquired if there was any one interested with him, and he replied that Albert Cawlkins was. The latter, having just arrived, entered the room at this point of the conversation. Mr. Lee withdrew his claim, leaving the matter between Mr. Cawlkins and Mr. Sage, who continued the discussion in a pleasant way until bedtime, having agreed that neither would start out before morning, both being determined on having the land. Mr. Lee had off his boots, but remembered that he was to inform his brother John, who lived on the adjoining farm, that he would help him pick corn the next day. His brother had gone to Henderson. He left word with the family for him to prepare to go to the Land Office as soon as he returned. Mr. Sage, supposing an arrangement had been made with John Lee to go to the Laud Office, made a pretext to go over to borrow his buggy for the morrow. John, having returned home, and being warned by some member of the family that Mr. Sage was coming, was earnestly talking about " husking corn " the next day. He concluded that he could not let the buggy go, on account of the " roads being too rough to travel on." Mr. Sage, thinking matters all right, returned. In his absence, Cawlkins and William Lee completed their arrangements, which his coming had prevented. William urged the subject of "cornpicking" as a necessity for early rising, and they had better retire. The visitors decided to sleep together, so as to keep an eye on each other. After they had retired, William Lee quickly mounted a horse, joined John, his brother, and proceeded as far as Cherry Grove, 16 miles on the way to Quincy, John riding his fast horse. At 5 a. m., he proceeded to Quincy. William returned that night to his home, through a bitter cold, freezing wind. He had just gotten home and to bed when Sage and Cawlkins arose. Lee's wife was dilatory in preparing breakfast, saying that Mr. Lee had been attacked with chills during the night, and his condition necessitated a late breakfast. Mr. Cawlkins returned home, and Mr. Sage started on his journey to Quincy at 7 o'clock, sixteen miles, or two hours, behind John Lee. The latter traveled that day and all the next night. Mr. Sage, after traveling all day, began to think that possibly John had gone ahead, but when he began to inquire along the way, no one had seen him. John had passed that road in the night. He inquired of a man who had seen such a man and horse, as described, pass along at a swinging pace, early in the morning. The young man advised Mr, Sage to telegraph to Quincy. He therefore pressed the young man, with his team, into service, to convey him to the nearest telegraph office on the Mississippi, at a cost of $7. There was no box on the wagon, and they fairly bounced over the frozen hubs. They telegraphed, at an additional cost of $7, appointing a lawyer in Quincy as agent, and sent a little boy to the Land Office, with the message, to enter the land. The boy entered the office at the same time that Lee did, and handed in the letter at once. Lee waited until he commenced to read the message, when he presented his claim. The agent had read enough to know the subject, and then decided the land would have to be sold to the highest bidder. The lawyer was sent for; they bid until the additional amount was $2, when it was struck off to Lee, January 23, 1850. The answer sent to Mr. Sage was, "Gone." Thus the horse beat the telegraph, and that was the origin of his name "Telegraph." The result was eventually accepted with good grace by all parties interested.

Baely Milling

"While the pioneer farmers of the broad, fertile prairies of Illinois, by liberal application of enterprise and muscle, had little difficulty in producing an abundance of the cereals, they did sometimes experience considerable inconvenience in getting their grains converted into breadstuff's. A severe drouth prevailed in Knox and the adjoining counties in the latter part of the summer and autumn of 1842. Every water-mill in this region of country was forced to shut down because of the low stage of the streams; and the people many of them resorted to the old-time hand-grater to convert their corn into meal for bread, for to get wheat ground was out of the question. There was a small steam mill at Knoxville, but it, too, was obliged to suspend operations for want of water to make steam. It had a capacity of one run of stone for wheat and one for corn. Mr. Marcus Belden, then living on a farm eight miles from Knoxville, growing tired of home-made meal, became a little desperate and determined to have some flour. He accordingly loaded a few sacks of wheat into his wagon and drove to Knoxville. He found the mill full of sacks of grain, and the miller fast asleep on them. Mr. B. awoke him and told him he wanted his grist ground. The miller proved to be in a rather unamiable mood and replied, "There is no water in the well; I can't do a thing; so you can take your grist and go home." Mr. B. replied that he must have some flour, and he did not propose to give it up until he had tried the experiment of supplying the engine with water from a small running steam about eighty rods distant. His suggestion struck the miller forcibly, and he replied, "All right: you furnish the water and I will grind your grist." Mr. B. looked about and gathered some barrels and casks, loaded them into his wagon and drove down to the brook, across which he constructed a rude dam. As the water collected he dipped it into his casks. When they were filled he drove to the well and dipped the water out of the'casks into it. This was repeated several times, and before night the mill was started and Mr. B.'s grain was ground out. His improvised water supply worked so well that he proposed to the miller that for 200 pounds of flour per day he would haul water enough to keep the mill running. The miller acceded to his proposition, and the mill was kept going in this manner for more than two months before the fall rains furnished the supply in the usual way. People came from 15 or 20 miles away to the mill; and there would be from twenty to forty teams waiting for their grist to be ground, notwithstanding, the mill was kept running day and night much of the time. While furnishing the water supply Mr. B. boarded with the miller at $1.00 per week, which, by the way, was rather cheaper than boarding now-a-days.

A. B. Codding and Calvin Lee in 1844 went to Round's mill on Yellow Creek. The streams were very high and had to be forded or swam. Codding was unable to swim, but Lee being a good swimmer would swim across with a rope and tow Codding over. Coming to Yellow Creek, Lee swam over and aided his companion with a rope. They left their team on this side, and went over for something to eat. Lee swam back and came home with the team. He succeeded in binding some flour to his person as he returned. Codding purchased a cow there and came around the head of the stream bv wav of La Fayette.

Canada Thistles

This pest of all pests was imported from Europe, and is called the "Canada," formerly the "Cursed Thistle." Its root is perennial, and it lives and spreads the plant independently of seeds. Hundreds of thousands of acres curse the Eastern States, rendering them well nigh useless for raising small grain. Through grass- seed and grain, also in the packing of goods and fruit trees, they have been introduced into this State. The first known in Knox county were introduced at a very early day by some emigrants from the East who wTere camping for the winter near or on section 36, Bio township. Here the thistle sprang up, and for awhile seemed destined to take the country, but by the combined efforts of the alarmed neighbors using salt and other means, they were destroyed in time to avoid a general spreading.

Through private and public discussions, and legislative action, attempts have been made to eradicate those already present and to prevent the introduction of any more. Great good has been done by these agitations, and many patches of the thistles have been entirely destroyed, yet very much more still remains to be done.

From among the different methods suggested for killing out this pest, after it is once thoroughly rooted, we give the cheapest and most effectual, in the words of the owner and destroyer of the largest

How To Kill Canada Thistles

I broke the land in April, 1873, about four inches deep, having first grubbed out every tree and shrub I did not care to save, and digging a ditch 2^ feet deep a few feet outside of the plants. The last of May I began harrowing the ground and working it with a double-shovel plow. Did this twice thoroughly. As my neighbor would not try to kill his, I gave up trying to kill mine, thinking they would keep running on me as before. So, on the the 3d and 4th of June I planted my patch to corn.

Result. - After the 25th of July that year only five or six thistles put in an appearance that season; and only one puny plant has been seen since except where my neighbor's have run across the line. The acid and the hoe have held them in abeyance, but they must be constantly watched and the acid applied to the new recruits.

Thus they have been killed, and can be again. Yet it can only be done by the most persistent and prompt action, not allowing a single plant to grow. E. Child.

This is a business that is becoming quite popular. There are a number of persons who have over one hundred stands of bees in this county, and the traffic in honey amounts to thousands of dollars annually. To meet a scientific bee-keeper is to meet an enthusiast. Bee-keeping affords a most wholesome recreation and handsome profits, and leads to habits of close observation, thought and study. It is taught as a science by the professor of entomology in the Michigan State Agricultural College. Bee-keeping made Adam Grimm a wealthy man. Capt. Hetherington received over $10,000 for a single year's crop of honey. Mr. Harbison is reported to have shipped 11 car-loads of comb honey as the products of a single year. The results that might be obtained from bee-raising would be wonderful, if under a rational system of management, and with the aid of science, art and skill. As an example Samuel Chapman, Jr., of Ontario township, went to California last winter, bought 150 colonies of bees and shipped over 50,000 pounds, or two and one-half carloads of honey, as the product of the first season, and increasing his colonies to about 400, or rather the colonies brought the number up to 400. This he shipped to New York in five-gallon cans, where he expects to sell it for the English market.

Popcorn And Mustard

Nathan O. Ferris, ascertaining that no popcorn was raised in England, or had ever been introduced there, conceived the idea of raising a large crop and shipping it to that country. Accordingly, in 1846, he planted 50 or 60 acres on his farm, 2^- miles west of Galesburg, which produced from 1,500 to 1,800 bushels. A hundred barrels of it he shipped to New York, and 20 barrels to Europe. Finding it difficult to introduce it in the American Metropolis, he never attempted shipping any more of the crop there, but went to England with the 20 barrels, and landing in London, with his cargo, he hired rooms and proceeded to pop a portion of the corn. He was introduced to some of thenobility and became acquainted with Prince Albert, chatting with him about the method of producing the corn, and upon leaving his Royal Highness, Mr. Ferris presented him with a barrel of it, for which the Prince heartily thanked him, in a letter received after his return home. The Prince also asked him in the letter, how corn could be cultivated in England, to which Mr. Ferris replied that he knew no other way than to ship a cargo of " Illinois prairie soil " across the Atlantic, in which to plant it.

While Mr. Ferris was in England, he boasted, truthfully, that every article of wearing apparel he had on, except the cotton and the linen in his shirt, were produced on his Illinois farm. He was also the first man who shipped any produce out of Galesburg township, his first cargo going to St. Louis.

a speculation by raising mustard seed. Accordingly, lie sowed and raised 220 acres of it, in 1844. The crop was a prolific one, yielding 2,250 bushels, and this was all cut with grain cradles, which were manufactured by George W. Brown's own hands, who has since gained a wide reputation under the cognomen of the " Corn-Planter man," a sketch of whose invention and manufactory will be found elsewhere in this volume.

The mustard crop was gathered and threshed from the gavels, in large wagons, the boxes of which were constructed for the purpose, and then deposited in a small granary, upon wheels, 14 by 16 feet, which was covered with canvass. Here the seed was cleaned by his son, Mr. Sylvanus Ferris; then it was conveyed to a barn and spread until it was dry, when it was put into casks and hauled on wagons to Peoria, from whence it was shipped down the river, via New Orleans, to JSTew York, and consigned to parties who failed to dispose of it satisfactorily to Mr. Ferris; and the enterprise not proving financially remunerative, he abandoned the production.

Perhaps one of the largest, if not the very largest watermelon that was ever raised in this county, was by I. M. Wettnore, in 1841, on section 36, Rio township. It was large enough to fill a flour barrel. It was packed in oats and sent to Win. D. Walcott, New York Mills, N. Y.

Prizes For Hogs

James Knox, in January, 1851, published proposals to his customers that he would pay premiums on the pork of the ensuing year, thus giving every farmer time in which to raise a fine drove. The premiums offered were as follows: announced the result and distributed the premiums. The first premium fell to James A. Bnndy, on a lot of 103 hogs, averaging 319f lbs ; the second to F. Wilson, on a lot of 36, averaging 292 lbs ; the third to S. 0. Simpson, on a lot of 20, averaging 315 lbs ; the fourth to Christopher Wright, on a iot of 19, averaging 284 lbs; the fifth to Lewis Coe, on a lot of 11, averaging 350 lbs; and the sixth and last to James Runkle, on a lot of 5, averaging 346 lbs.

Mr. Knox, in referring to this offer of premiums, says: "Although my offer of last year was not seconded, as I hoped, by others and large pork-buyers, I am assured it has not been without its influence; and I am induced to offer the same premiums upon like lots of hogs to those of my customers of whom I may purchase in the ensuing year."

In giving a general retrospective statement of the year 1851, Mr. Knox says : " It is more than probable that for years to come 'the oldest inhabitant' will speak of the year 1851 as the worst year ever known by the farmers of Illinois. It is but too true that the individual, as well as general prosperity of the country is greatly retarded by the short crop of last year; and yet if any one will look back upon the last five years, and will look around him and see the improved condition of himself, his neighbor and the country in general, he must admit that he has good cause to be satisfied with his locality."

In referring to the railroads, to secure which a great effort had been and was being made, he says : " A united and vigorous effort by all interested insures the early construction of the railroads now in progress. Let these roads be completed, and the products of the farmer will command increased and ready prices at home, and he will find more time to devote to the care of his farm. Witli increased products, at advanced prices, our farmer must become the most independent of this very independent portion of the community."

Matrimonial

The subject of matrimony has always been an interesting one to the human race from the days of Adam to the present time, and doubtless will be until the angel shall stand with one foot upon the sea and the other upon the land and cry, "Time was, but time shall be no more." As showing how the subject has been dealt with here, we append the following statistics in relation to the number of marriage licenses issued each year since the organization of the county, which gives a grand total of 10,965. The greatest number issued in any one year was in 1866, the year after the close of the war. The boys in blue came home to fulfill vows long previously made.

Year

Many laughable and interesting incidents have occurred in matrimonial affairs here, although at the time to the parties most deeply interested they were quite serious. Below we give a few such incidents.

"High hopes that burn like stars sublime" are supposed to possess the heart of every lover when the auspicious moment arrives for him to deposit a dollar and a half in the County Clerk's hand in payment for his marriage license. He feels that he has a "dead sure thing" on the loveliest of her sex, and that in a few more days earth will not be large enough to contain the happiness that he will enjoy with his fair partner. But there's many a slip, as people occasionally learn to their sorrow. A young man, who fondly imagined he had met his fate, took out a marriage license on Christmas day, 1870 How and why his hopes were scattered, grief preyed upon his heart, and his life became a burthen are set forth in the following wail, - the untutored eloquence of sorrow:

January 3, 1870. Mr. John S. Winter. Sir, I will send you the licence that you gave me to get married with and stat that I was not married for this reason because the girl whos name is on the paper went back on me of this county ever were connected, was the wedding ot Cager Creel and Miss Parmelia Swartz. Creel lived in McDonough count}', and although an honest, well-to-do, pleasant young man, the parents of Parmelia were bitterly opposed to their marriage, and threw every obstacle in the way to prevent it occurring. But who ever knew parents, however stern, to prevent losing hearts from coming in union? There must be a mutual friend to facilitate the working of the plans of these devoted hearts. Accordingly, at their earnest solicitation, Judge Dennis Clark, then a young unmarried man, acted in this capacity. He met Mr. Creel at Walnut Grove, McDonough county, and with him went to Macomb, where he selected a wedding dress for Parmelia,. which Mr. Creel purchased and had made. The time was then fixed when Mr. Creel would come to claim his bride. Mr. Clark was to take Miss Swartz to a camp-meeting held at Berwick, "Warren county,, where Creel could get her.

The day arrived - but the old folks frustrated their plans by going themselves to camp-meeting, taking their daughter with them and maintaining a strict watch over her during the day. Clark went in company with another lady on horseback. He supposed Mr. Swartz intended remaining all night, but in the evening he started for home, Clark following a short distance in the rear. He stopped at a Mr. Keller's, the nearest neighbor of Mr. Swartz. He then sent Mr. Keller's step-daughter, Nancy Ann Johnson, over to have Parmelia come and stay all night with her. Parmelia hesitated, in order to throw aside any suspicion her parents might have had. Finally Miss Johnson took her bonnet and running out said, "I'll take this anyway." This was an excuse for Parmelia, who hastily followed. Clark had no gentle horse that would carry two riders, so he went after dark to Joseph Latimer's barn and, without permission, took a horse. He was afraid to mention the matter to Mr. Latimer, for he might question him too closely besides ; he would run no risks for fear of a refusal. Getting the horse, he rode to the fence, when the fair Parmelia jumped on behind and they went to John C. Latimer's, where he left her and went to the road to hail Creel. Major Coy had left the camp-meeting grounds to meet Creel and inform him of the state of affairs. Creel came with a hack, and his fair Parmelia, with Coy and Clark, went to the camp grounds with him. Here Clark wished to stop and let the loving couple proceed to Burlington aloneT but Parmelia would not listen to his leaving them. So on Latimer's horse he rode with them, traveling all night. On the following day, on the deck of a steamboat, on the waters of the Mississippi, they were married. Creel died in 1846. Parraelia again married, but was not compelled to run away the second time. She resides, at the present time, in Iowa.

Rev. G. W. Gale, in the infancy of the Galesburg settlement, was called to unite two of the colonists of mature years in the bonds of matrimony. When about to proceed with the ceremony Mr. Gale inquired of the groom if he was provided with a marriage license. Receiving an affirmative reply, the marrying went on and was consummated to the mutual satisfaction of the newly wedded parties. A few days thereafter Mr. Gale interviewed the new husband for the purpose of obtaining the license, to append thereto his certificate of marriage, preparatory to filing the same in the office of the County Clerk, as the law requires. Then he was much surprised to learn that no license had been procured. The groom being a comparatively recent comer from the State of New York, where marriage licenses were unknown, was unacquainted with the fact that in Illinois such a requisite, in the legal construction of matrimony, is indispensable. His affirmative reply to the previous inquiry respecting bis possession of the required document, it now appeared, was mistakingly given to be then understood whether he had secured the consent, to the union then about to be formed, of the lady who was to become his bride. To avoid the unpleasantness of a marriage of questionable legality, and save the officiating clergyman from the liability to the payment of a tine of $100 for solemnizing an unlicensed marriage, the newly wedded parties again stood up, and the matrimonial ceremony was

One of the early settlers of Henderson township concluded to try married life. He was not long in finding a lady of the same state of mind. AH arrangements were made, and the day set for the union. When the day arrived, the Henderson pioneer yoked up his faithful oxen to his large ox-wagon and drove to the cabin of the bride's parents, where without delay she got into the wagon, and they both proceeded to Henderson. On arriving in that village, they met the justice of the peace in the road, and thus accosted that official: " Well, 'Squire, are you the man what marries a couple fur a dollar? " " Yes," was the reply, "just alight." " Well, no; we'll stand right up in this 'ere wagon. So go ahead." The ceremony was then performed, the dollar paid, and the happy twain made one turned their slow but faithful oxen and drove home, where years of happiness awaited them, even, perhaps, to as great a degree as though they were united amid the glitter of gilded parlors, and with the pomp and show of wealth and luxury. This gentleman still resides in Knox county, and is a subscriber to this book.

Catamount

On the 15th day of April, 1877, three small boys, James Meade, aged 16, William Meade and Lawrence Highland, each 14 years old accompanied by a large Newfoundland dog and a terrier, were strolling about a half-mile east of Oneida on the railroad, when they came upon a male catamount 17 inches in height. The dogs at once attacked the cat, which seized the little dog by the head. James ran up and put his foot on the animal's neck, thinking to release the dog. In the meantime the large dog, catching the cat by the body, brought his jaws together with such tremendous force that he sent one of his canines to its heart. This was the only perforation made in the animal's skin. Dr, D. D. Martin, of Oneida, taxidermist, has this catamount's skin preserved in his office. The female and her young ones were seen afterwards in the neighborhood, but not being captured left for other parts.

This country, in the early times, was filled with wolves. One evening, at the place of Leonard Chappell, two of the women went out to milk, afid saw in the barn-yard what they supposed to be several dogs, but upon closer inspection the supposed dogs proved to be six large wolves.

S. W. Allen and A. C. Higgins killed a wolf on the site of Galesburg in 1838. Mr. Higgins took a singletree, hit it over the back and so crippled it that Mr. Allen soon followed up and dispatched the animal. Mr. Higgins carried it to Knoxville, and received $2 for the scalp.

His First Trip

Mr. A. C. Higgins, on his trip from New York to this county, left the boat at Oquawka, after fourteen days' travel on water. He walked from there to Log City, coming across the big prairies this side of that town. Being very tired he lay down about the middle of the afternoon, on the ground, amid all the vast wildness, in the hot June sun, and slept until about 5 p. m., when he awoke to see a large "prairie schooner" (as certain of the wagons in that early day were called) coming, with one man seated in it. Being glad to see a human

An Old Hatter

William Dunbar, who was one of the pioneers in Lynn township, was a hatter by trade. He plied himself at that business after settling there; and although his means were meager and his shop rude, he made good head gear, and in several styles. Indeed, they were of such lasting material, and so substantially constructed, that he frequently renovated and remodeled them two or three times, making them into as many different patterns. He manufactured the beaver hat with the beaver nap, the otter hat with the fur of the otter, and wool hats from lamb's wool, besides a cheap grade of fur one from rabbit skins. Not possessing a very commodious or attractive salesroom for his wares, and customers not being very numerous, Mr. D. used to sew a lot of them to the back of his coat, mount a horse, and go about the Country peddling them. Mr. Dunbar was also in the habit of making shoes to supply his family. They were not always constructed after most modern box-toe pattern. Sometimes, for the want of sole-leather, he would shave out and shape soles from a piece of basswood, and tack the uppers on to them. They were more noted for utility than beauty, for they frequently wore very well.

Aerolite

A meteoric stone of considerable size fell in the suburbs of Knoxville, in the day time, during the year 1868. Although the day was bright, yet it so far exceeded the light of day in brightness that it attracted great attention. When it reached the ground it plowed along in the soil for some feet; and when dug up at the time, it was so hot that it could not be handled. It lay there for several years, and was used as a weight on a harrow during the seasons when the earth was being prepared for seed. It is thought to be there at present, although a slight search made this year failed to discover it.

County Funds

Commencing with county order No. 1, which was paid to Jacob Gum, March 7, 1830, the number ran up to 9,933 by April 4, 1866. On that date a new regime was inaugurated, and the number of county orders began again with No. 1. Ety April, 1876, just ten years, the number had grown to be 10,000. Again No. 1 was taken up, and since, to October, 1878, 2,460 orders have been paid by the County Treasurer, thus making a grand total of all county orders paid since the organi zation, of 22,393, representing millions of dollars.

The amount of money annually handled by the County Treasurer is vast. The past year, $182,422.40 has passed through his hands. Knox county is entirely out of debt, and on the 31st day of August, 1878, had $18,553.17 in its treasury.

First Things

This article is devoted to first occurrences of every description, and is compiled only after careful investigation and comparison of dates.

First Death. - The first death occurred January 9, 1829. A young man named Philip Nance, aged 17, who was buried on section 16, Henderson township. His grave is alone. A few years ago a neat stone slab was placed above it.

First marriage occurred in July, 1829. This was a double wedding. L. S. Hash and Miss Elizabeth Razor, and Alexander Osborn to Miss Annie Hendricks, were married by Philip Hash. The licenses were obtained at Lewistown, Fulton county.

First county fair was held in 1839, at Knoxville. This association, however, failed in a year or two, and in 1853 the Knox County Society held its first fair.