Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 11 of 56)

It will be interesting to notice a little more fully the organization of the camp association. Pursuant to a notice, published in the Knox County Republican, the Knox county Methodists met in Orange chapel, September 19, 1868, for the purpose of organizing a camp ground association. Peter Godfrey, J. C. Elwell and Joshua Burnett, Jr., were elected trustees to purchase and hold land for the association. They bought of N. G. Clark, between ii and 12 acres of ground for $474.00. On September 3, 1869, the number of trustees was increased to nine, and on October 5, 1872, another acre was purchased for $45.00. It is located on the line of the C., B. & Q. R. R., a mile southeast of Gilson, and is well adapted for the purposes for which it was purchased. The improvements have been good in the form of fences, corrals and buildings, wells have been dug, all costing about $1,500.00. The meetings begin on Tuesday, before the fourth Sunday in August, and last one week. In 1882, they began charging a gate fee for

In the beginning, the only available markets, for farm products, were along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers and on Lake Michigan. Grain was hauled to Chicago, the sellers bringing back merchandise for the local markets. The Peoria branch of the Burlington road now i-uns through the township, and affords a good market at Gilson, in the northwest, and Maquon in the south.

The township was organized in 1853, at the same time with all other townships of the county. William M. Clark was elected supervisor; Woodford Pearce, clerk; Isaac Lotts, assessor; Joseph Harshbarger, collector; Jacob Wolfe, overseer of the poor; John N. Lynn and Enoch Godfrey, justices of the peace; John Pickrel and William Lewis, constables ; Milton Lotts, L. N. T. Randall and Benoni Simpkins, commissioners of highways ; all good stalwart citizens.

Two villages were established within the township ; one called Mechanicsburg and the other Gilson. Mechanicsburg was built first. It had a store, wagon and blacksmith shop and a postoffice which was named Haw Creek. On March 5, 1857, the postoffice was removed to Gilson and the village of Mechanicsburg fell to decay.

A large grist mill was built in an early day on section 34, on Spoon river. For many years the mill did a flourishing business. The flow of the river ceased to be regular and as the mill could be operated only a portion of the year, it has been abandoned.

In 1849, there was a great cholera scare in the township of Maquon. It was occasioned by the arrival of three immigrant families, Stanniford, Richardson and Foster. The scourge appeared shortly after their arrival and the community was considerably disturbed. It resulted in the death of Mr. Stanniford, Mrs. Fred Foster, Mrs. Thomas Richardson, William Richardson and two children. All others escaped. .-..-:

This is the township in which occurred what is known as the "Rand Tragedy." In 1877, a tramp entered the residence of Woodford Pearce of Gilson, and departed with quite an assortment of personal property, including $75.00 in money. The hue and cry of theft was raised and a posse soon started in pursuit. Rand was discovered in a grove nearby. He was armed, and observing the approach of his pursuers he retreated into a com field, firing as he fled ; his shots were returned and during the conflict William Keller was shot in the ankle. The field was soon surrounded by a large number of men and boys. The tramp again took flight, firing as he ran. A horse, ridden by James Pickrel, was wounded, and the rider's knee bruised. Another horse, carrying Charles Maston and Charles Cramer, was shot and killed, and a bullet through the heart killed Charles Beldon. Shots were also exchanged with Charles McKown, at very short range. The tramp received a slight flesh wound in the arm and side, and McKown was shot through the left lung. Night coming on, the tramp made good his escape. He had cast aside his vest and shirt, and in one pocket an express receipt was found given to Frank Rand. This clew led to his ultimate capture in St. Louis, through the skillful efforts of Frank Hitchcock, the sheriff of Peoria county. Before thfs, however. Rand had committed another robbery near St. Elmo, Illinois, at the house of John Scholes, killing Mr. Scholes, another man.

and dangerously wounding a third. When his arrest in St. Louis was attempted, he resisted and killed one policeman who was assisting in making his arrest. He was tried and convicted at Galesburg, Illinois, and sentenced to life imprisonment in Joliet penitentiary. Seven years later, he broke the warden's skull with an iron bar, and was shot by a prison guard.

The village of Gilson was laid out July lo, 1857, o" t^c southeast quarter of section 7, by Linneus Richmond and James Gilson. It is just on the edge of the timber of Haw creek, eleven miles from Galesburg, and is on the Peoria branch of the Burlington road. The engines, at that time, bumed wood and a large trade for the sale of wood to the railroad company grew up. The trees have been cut away leaving Gilson now the appearance of a beautiful prairie village.

The surface of this township is beautiful and undulating. There is good natural drainage by French creek and numerous small streams which flow into it. French creek flows from northeast to southwest and there has been quite a growth of timber along its banks. Spoon river crosses the northwest comer. The soil is very fertile and adapted to the growth of grains and a large annual crop of wheat, corn and oats is harvested. Considerable hay, timothy, clover and blue grass- is also reaped. Some apples, peaches and a large variety of small fruits is grown here.

There is no railroad in Elba township, but the Santa Fe line at the north, and the Burlington in the south, afford very good shipping points.

The earliest settlers have their beginning in Thomas King, in the fall of 1836, who settled upon section 2 of Elba townsTiip. John and Felix Thurman soon came, also Leonard and Darius Jones, from New York. Not long afterwards, Jacob Kightlinger with his wife arrived. Mr. Kightlinger had a large family of children and employed a private tutor to instruct them, thereby gaining time in not waiting for the establishment of a general school. He is credited also with being the builder of the first schoolhouse of the township. James Harrison Baird came from Pennsylvania in 1838. Among the later settlers came Josiah Nelson, Henry Oberholtzer, William H. Baird, Henry Potts, John Calligan, John Lindsey, Walter Bailey, Benjamin Pittman, James Catterton and others. R. G. Matthews was long a resident of this township, but finally moved to Galesburg where he held the office of sheriff for some time, and died in Galesburg. He was known as a very excellent man. ":.':/' .-'.'v:;;'-:- :-'A

Salem township lies in the southeast corner of Knox county. It is well watered by small streams and its natural features are beautiful. There are two ridges crossing the township known as divides, one of them entering from the east at the southeast corner of section i passes westward. Just north of Yates City it then curves quickly to the south and southeast passing through section 14, then turning abruptly to the west it curves and crosses the northern part of section 22 and then turns northwest and leaves the township on the north side of the town of Douglas, formerly called Summit. The waters north of that flow into French creek, and there are quite a number of little streams which, with small tributaries, cover nearly all of the county. The other divide starts in section 25 and passes northward for about one and a half miles, then turning a little north and west and leaves the township at the corner between sections i8 and 19. This is known as the French creek and Willow Watershed. It passes nearly parallel with the first divide described, and Pease branch drains the land between the two divides, and Willow creek and its branches take care of that portion of the township south of this last watershed. Parties who are interested in studying the drainage of Knox county, will do well to make frequent references to the geographical map prepared by Mr. Jelliff illustrating his article on geologic and topographical topics.

- The township is well provided with railroad facilities. The Peoria division of the Burlingfton passes through Yates City. A branch runs to the south into Fulton county and so on to Vermont and Rushville. At Vermont it goes to the south and eastward and reaches St. Louis.

Salem township was organized under the general law April 5, 1853. The election was held in a log schoolhouse, near Michael Egan's home, on section 29. S. S. Buflum was elected supervisor. John Sloan was one of Salem's most excellent citizens, and at one time served eight succeeding terms of one year each as supervisor of the township, and at other periods he served from one to three years. His advice was found most excellent in constructing the new court house at Galesburg.

The first settlement was made by Alexander Taylor in 1834, then came Felix and John Thurman, Henry and Avery Dalton, Solomon Sherwood, Benoni Hawkins, William Kent, John Darnell, John Haskins and Sala Blakesbee, most of whom brought their families with them. Mr. Avery Dalton is still living at Elmwood, Illinois. These early settlers brought their religious faith with them, and, from time to time, held prayer meetings at different places. In 1835 or 1836, Rev. . Henry Somers visited the settlement and preached the first sermon at the home of William Kent, on section 13.

James Mason built the first saw-mill on Kickapoo creek, in section 13, in 1835. Another one was built a little later by Anderson Corbin, on section 14. .. .The township is well supplied with excellent bridges, mostly constructed of iron with good substantial stone abutments. The roads are in fairly good condition having been graded and dragged, but no macadam has been laid.

There is a large quantity of coal beneath the surface which has been mined for local use, from an early date, along the banks of the stream, upon the north and south sides of the township. The mines on Kickapoo and Littler's creeks are the most productive. Messrs. Pittman and Barlow, blacksmiths and farmers, of Fulton county, are said to have taken out coal from section 25, in the year 1832, which they used in their own forges.

Stock-raising is an important industry of this township. It has added a great deal to its wealth. N. G. Daughmer and son, David Corey and son, H. A. and James Sloan, E. H. Ware, Frank Runyon, A. D. Moore and R. J. McKeighan, were all successful stock-raisers. -, . - - ^ | .V

The schools of Salem township have the benefit of a very valuable library which was started by Prof. W. L. Steel, now superintendent of the city schools of Galesburg. At that time he was the principal of the graded school in Yates City, and in September, 1878, proposed to the school board, composed of J. D. Hoyt, J. M. Taylor and L. A. Lawrence, the organization of a school and public library, to be under the control of the board, and open at all hours to pupils of the school and to the public, upon payment of a membership fee. The plan was adopted, a constitution and by-laws framed and nearly $100.00 received from a public entertainment given on Thanksgiving Day of that year. The movement was supported by the public from the first and has been regularly and systematically carried on. The library has steadily grown and, at the present time, has about 2,500 volumes of all classes of books which the young men and women of the city and township so thoroughly appreciate and use. I ' .' : '

The underground railroad had a well defined road through Salem in antebellum times and many a colored man or woman found safe passage over this road on his way to Canadian freedom. . , -;,,'- '-:.';

Douglas, formerly Summit, is Salem township's second village and was laid out on the northeast corner-of the northeast quarter of section 7, by W. G. Ware in October, 1856. It was surveyed by E. T. Byram.'

Its existence is due to the building of the Peoria and Oquawka railroad. . The surrounding country has made it a lively trading place in general merchandise. _ : 'V -' . , . >. .;;^'.. -., -

This is the oldest village in the township of Salem. It was laid out by Moses Shinn in June, 1839, was surveyed and platted by George A. Charles.

In addition to the usual stores and enterprises connected with a growing town in those days, it had a factory for plows and wagons, and the burning of brick was also one of its industries. A primitive shingling machine was owned by Elisha Van Pelt in 1843. Cottonwood and black walnut were the timbers generally used.

A later survey for the railway, in 1856, located a line about two miles further north from the town, and from that time the village rapidly declined until 1869, when the legislature vacated the plat.

Chestnut township is very rough in portions. Brush creek enters the township on section 6, flows southeast to the central line of the township then again winding to the northeast somewhat, finally flowing in a southerly direction, empties into Haw creek on section 12 and thence finds its way, through Haw creek, to Spoon river at west line of section 24. There are numerous tributaries that flow into this creek, mostly from the south. Spoon river enters the township on section 24, and winds in southwesterly direction leaving the township at about the middle of section 34. There is a divide that enters the township at the village of Hermon on section 19, and this curves to the north and then quite abruptly to the south in section 27. South of that divide there are also several quite good streams that flow south into Spoon river. This makes the northern part of the township quite rough and a portion of the southern part. The banks of these streams were originally heavy timber, most of which has been cut away. It is in one of the southern rows of townships of the county and is the second township east of the principal meridian. The soil is fertile and more than half is prairie soil. It is crossed by two lines of railroad, one running from Lewistown in Fulton county northward to Galesburg, and the other the Iowa Central. The first railroad was formerly known as the Fulton County Narrow Gauge, but it is now called the Havana branch of the C., B. & Q.

The earliest settler was Anthon Dolph from Kentucky. He came in 1833, > and raised a crop, and in 1834 he became a permanent settler. The next year came John Terry from Virginia who was a justice of the peace, and performed the first marriage ceremony in the township, uniting a Mr. Gay and a Miss Cooke, who rode a long distance, to appear before the justice, upon the back of one horse. It is said that Squire Terry once united a couple who stood upon the opposite bank of Spoon river, while he performed the ceremony on the bank, the waters being too high and too tumultuous for either party to cross. The next settlers were Robert Leigh and Archibald Long, in 1836. Mr. Long raised hemp and constructed a rude factory where he manufactured his own and his neighbor's hemp into rope. For a time it was profitable and he got to be well off.- Mr. Long settled on section 19, where, in 1842, he platted the village of Hermon.

Being a Methodist preacher, he soon organized a Methodist class which met regularly at his house for many years. Mr. O. P. Barton was also an early settler and was noted for his walking ability. On one occasion he walked to the land office at Quincy, one hundred miles distant, and arrived there ahead of several other parties who started on horseback at the same time. Mr. Herman Way was another pioneer and was noted as a hunter. Mr. Dolph built a house of logs in 1833, and Mr. Robert Leigh erected a brick house in 1845, which was the first brick house of the township. The old state road which ran from the southeast portion of the township in a northwesterly direction crossed Spoon river which was bridged in about 1846. It was a cumbersome affair, and was demolished and carried away by a flood in 1855.

A grave yard was started on section 3, which was used by the earlier settlers, but is no longer used for that purpose. It is, however, kept in good condition by parties living in the neighborhood.

, . A Mr. Howard built a mill in 1846. It was a combination mill designed for the manufacture of lumber and the grinding of corn. It was used but a few years and then abandoned. There was a saw mill on Littler's creek, on section 25, about the same time, which finally went the same road to destruction.

Wayside stores were established in Chestnut township, one by John Terry on section i6, and one by Mr. Moore on section 15. Mr. Moore's venture was unsuccessful and soon abandoned. The stock carried by Mr. Terry was also very limited.

Dependence was placed upon a town named Troy, in Fulton county, and on Knoxville, Knox county, for postal facilities. Hermon was made a postoffice in 1848, the mail being brought from Knoxville. Mr. Massey was the first pxDstmaster.

Township organization was not adopted until 1857, at which time Samuel Collins was elected supervisor; John Terry and David Massey, justices of the peace ; Mr. Macoy, clerk ; and William Graves and Freeman West, constables. A town called Harrisonville was laid out on section 23 in 1852, by Andrew J. Parker. It was upon the right bank of Spoon river, near where the present bridge crosses that stream. It never grew and the place was vacated in 1869, by act of the legislature. - V ' - - . '- -;^:';"- ^

The village of Hermon was laid out by Archibald Long in May, 1842. It was originally named Harrisonville but the name was changed to Hermon in 1848, on the establishment of the postoffice. For a number of years it was a stirring business place, but Knoxville and Abingdon grew so rapidly with excellent railroad facilities, that it put a stop to the growth of Hermon. It is now a small village located on the Iowa Central. - ' /^'^ -' --'-^;;C^-^^^'

It is supposed that the first white man coming into Indian Point, for the purpose of making a home, was Azel Dorsey, who came from Cedar, in 1829. He remained but a few years. The first permanent settlement was made five years later by John B. Latimer who immigrated from Tennessee with his family, in 1834. Then came John H. Lomax and Stephen Howard from Kentucky, John Howard, Isaac and Alexander Latimer and John Crawford, in 1835. Mr. Crawford was a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In 1836 Mr. Daniel Meek purchased the home of Alexander Latimer, and with him came John Killiam. Other people came along and the list of names, including so many sturdy men, is tempting, but we cannot mention them all. Mr. Merriweather Brown and Bartlett Boydstun were among them. Mr. Brown was at one time a county commissioner. Mr. Brown's son, William A., was superintendent of the building and bridge department of the C., B. & Q. company at Galesburg. Mr. Meek was an extensive breeder of fine live stock and took great interest in public affairs. The early settlers of Indian Point encountered no Indians although traces of their occupations were found. The remains of their wigwams together with arrow ' heads, spear heads, axes and other implements were numerous. This circumstance gave the name to the township of Indian Point. The Mount Hope Farm is the highest point of elevation within the township and from it may be obtained a view extending twelve miles to the east and commanding most of Indian Point and Cedar, also Orange, and a large part of Chestnut township. Most of the farmers have been engaged in raising grain and live stock. To mention the names of W. W. Byram, Robert Byram, J. W. Dawdy, Robert Smith, James Bowton, William Cable, Frederick Hall, T. H. Row, and some others, brings a vision of fine well kept herds of cattle. Mr. J. W. Dawdy and son were : - especially successful in raising Shorthorn cattle. The Byrams also dealt largely in Norman horses, raised by themselves. Fine Poland China hogs were also produced upon the farms of Indian Point.

The first Protestant religious services held in the township, of which any record has been preserved, were conducted by Rev. John Crawford, a Cumberland Presbyterian. They were held at the house of John Howard in 1848. The first church organization was effected under the Rev. Mr. Williams, a Methodist, at the Valley schoolhouse. They both disbanded in 1858, and subsequently the M. E. church organized a class, but this did not continue long. A Roman Catholic mission was established, at the present site of St. Augustine, and at a comparatively early date. It was conducted by the Rev. Father St. Cyr in 1837. In 1843, a church building was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Kendrick of St. Louis. Twenty years later a new structure was built. The first school was built and opened in the winter of 1837, and was taught by Dennis Clark, later judge of the county court. The school district embraced Indian Point and part of Warren county, and the schoolhouse was constructed of logs and located on section 1 6. There was an enrollment of thirty pupils the first winter.

The original site of St. Augustine, known as "Old St. Augustine," was in Fulton county. When the Burlington road was built, the company found a side track could not be built nearer the village than the site of the present depot. The business soon drifted away from the old town site. In 1854, the new St. Augustine was laid out by E. T. Byram, one-half mile north of the old village.

Within the limits of Cedar township, there is quite an area which was originally covered with timber. Brush creek enters along the west side of the township for quite a distance, and the land along the creek with its tributaries, was covered with a fine quality of timber. There were sugar maple, various kinds of oak, walnut, wild cherry, elm, ash, basswood and hickory. The abundance of the wild cherry gave to the township the name of Cherry Grove, but this name proved a duplication of the name of another town elsewhere within the state, and the people selected the name of Cedar in its place.

There is more or less of coal and building stone found within the township. ,. The first settlers were Azel Dorsey, on section i8, and Rev. Hiram Palmer, a Methodist minister, on section 7, both of whom came in 1828. In 1829, A. D. Swarts, the founder of Abingdon and Hedding College, settled on section 17. The first sermon heard in the township was preached by Rev. Mr. Palmer. The first members of the Latimer family that reached here, were Joseph, and his son, George. Jonathan Latimer and Jacob West settled upon section 28 in the following year. Then came John C. and Alexander Latimer, their sister, Mrs. Richard Boren and their brothers-in-law, U. D. Coy and Israel Marshall. . The settlers were compelled to go to Ellisville for milling purposes, and at times were compelled to wait for their grist, but were served in turn according to the time of their arrival. In 1833, Joshua Bland built a horsepower corncracker on section i6, which was warmly welcomed by the pioneers.

Cherry Grove Seminary was founded by Jonathan Latimer and the other members of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination, and was located on section 29. From the records of the Presbytery, it is established that this school opened prior to 1840, under the charge of Rev. Cyrus Haynes, a minister of that creed. This seminary was abandoned in 1866, the Cumberland Presbyterians having established a college at Lincoln, 111.

Indian Point and Cedar, prior to 1850, were known as the Cherry Grove voting precincts. On January 14, 1850, by order of the county judge. Cherry Grove was separated from the other township. I ;.7; --

The township was organized in 1853, and elected a full line of officers. This election was held at what was then known as Louisville, a small group of houses about three miles north of Abingdon, on section 17. A vote was taken for the place of holding the next election, and this resulted in favor of Louisville. Louisville was laid out by John S. Garrett. It was platted September 30, 1836, and wjfs quite a town for a time. The growth of Abingdon, however, killed it, and all that is left to mark the site is a district schoolhouse. Elections have ever X since been held at Abingdon. Churches were established very early in the history : of Cedar and will be found treated in other portions of this work. - Farming and stock raising have been the chief industries of the township and some as fine stock has been raised there as could be found anywhere upon the market. Large herds of Shorthorn, Hereford, Galloway, Angus, Holstein and Jersey cattle, have been bred in the township.

/ Orange township also has a good supply of good timber. The timber land -:; Originally covered 'about one-fourth of the township, and lay along Brush . and Haw creeks and their branches, on the west and east sides respectively, where : - the surface is much broken.

>; The township is underlaid by three veins of bituminous coal. ^ Joseph Walsh with his family were the first white people to settle within the * limits of Orange township. Asa Haynes came in 1836. Having purchased 300 r acres of land on section 30, he erected a one-room log cabin in which he and his . ; wife resided for some time. He was a hardy, daring and venturesome man, -- without any education other than such as he acquired in an Ohio district school, two months each winter during six or seven years. He brought his two children, a half-brother, Hiram, and a neighbor, Isaac Hill. Their journey occupied nineteen days. Most of the time it was rainy and the rivers were swollen and their horses' harness never dried. Mr. Haynes proved a valuable factor in the development of the new country. He started the first brickyard in 1840; built the first sawmill, operated by water power from Brush creek. In 1841, he built a large barn, and in 1842, a brick house which in those days was regarded as commodious. Ultimately, Mr. Haynes owned nearly i,ooo acres of land in Orange township. In 1849, he became captain of the "Jayhawkers," and led his band of sixty across the continent in search of gold in California. Many of his company dropped out on the way, but Mr. Haynes reached California in safety.

Mr. Peter Godfrey is among the best known settlers of 1832, and he and his wife were among the oldest and most honored couples belonging to the "Old Settlers' Association" of Knox county. Among the other early settlers were Thomas and J. Sumner. Anderson Barnett also came in 1837, settling on section lo. He had the largest family of children ever raised in the township, eighteen in number, and nearly all of them reached the age of maturity.

The first schoolhouse stood on section 14. It was known as the "Wallace School" and served the people well as a house for religious services held within its unplastered walls. The earliest religious services held in the township were conducted by Rev. Edward Gum, a Baptist minister, in the home of James Ferguson. The Methodist Episcopal people were the first denomination to organize, however, and they erected a house of worship, known as the Orange Chapel, in 1855. I* was built of brick burned at the yard of Anderson Barnett, and they were laid by Thomas Ranbow. The building was dedicated in the spring of 1856 by Rev. Richard Haney. It was included within the limits of the Gilson circuit. In 1870 revival services were conducted at the schoolhouse in district No. 4. At that time there was no organized church other than Orange Chapel, although within the township there were Congregationalists and Methodists. Both of these denominations were earnest, both organized societies, and Haynes' Chapel was built by the Methodists. The Congregationalists had no place of worship and soon ceased as a local organization. A general religious decline appeared to supervene about this time. ; ; T ., ' ' - -.'v i-v -^^^ '

De Long is the only village in Orange township. It is a flourishing little station on what was formerly known as the Narrow Gauge road, but now a branch of the Burlington system. It owes its existence there to H. S. Mallory who at that time was building the Narrow Gauge road and who bought the site, laid it out and called it De Long. It is now a flourishing little village and has its quota of Modern Woodmen, Good Templars, etc., etc. ^v- ;';,?.

James Roe was the first settler, coming in 1832 or 1833. Soon after Isaiah Smeltzer arrived, and in 1834, Gadial Scott and Edward Morse came. Edward Morse was one of the Henderson colony, but settled so far from his neighbors as to have been over the Galesburg line.

The land in the township is very fertile. This township now comprises 27 sections. It was made a separate town by legislative enactment in 1867, placing

Galesburg township from the start adopted a policy of erecting permanent bridges, and there is piobably no township in the county that has more and better bridges than Galeiburg, and the tax rate is very low. .-v

The advent of William Palmer and family at the place where the village of Maquon is situated, seems to be the date from which all matters of importance in relation to the township of Maquon are reckoned. This starting point is fixed at some time in the year 1827. Mr. Palmer seems to have been a typical pioneer. He is known as the "bee man," as that seems to have been one of his favorite pastimes or means of support, or both.. Mr. Palmer's cabin was made of black hickory poles, and on all sides are said to have been Indian gardens. Just why the habitations of the redmen, at this point, are called gardens, is not explained for they were occupied only during the winter, and in the summer time the Indians went away to find better hunting-grounds to the west. They ; returned annually in the fall and remained during the winter until the year 1832, when, as one of the results of the Black Hawk war, they left forever. Mr. Palmer remained there five or six years, planted an orchard and cultivated the ground vacated by the Indians. His cabin, being located on the Galena trails, afforded a stopping place for people passing back and forth. Mr. Palmer sold his cabin to one Nelson Selby and removed to St. Louis. This cabin was constructed very much like other cabins of that day. It was small, consisting of one room, practically without windows, and with but one door. The chimney, of course, was made of sticks laid up, after the same manner in which the cabin itself was built, and then packed and plastered with mud so as to withstand the heat of the fire in tht fireplace. Nevertheless there were frequent fires at Mr. Palmer's mansion on account of the "burning out" of the chimney.

Another character of Maquon township is spoken of, that of Simeon Dolph, the pioneer ferryman of Spoon river. He also built a similar cabin which was located where the Rathburn house now stands. He did not remain long. The cause of his leaving is supposed to have been in consequence of a suspicion of foul play being dealt out to an unknown traveler.

In 1829 Mark Thurman-with his family took up a residence upon section 25, J- and soon followed William Darnell, William Palmer, Thomas Thurman and -; James Milam. These people .came from Ohio, and from that time on the settlers ' came in increasing numbers, and in 1837 the village of Maquon was laid out. ; A pretty little story of the name of this town and township will be found in the article upon the Indians of Knox county, where also will be described the trails and relics which were found so numerous in and about the village of Maquon. Township organization was completed in 1853, and James N. Foster was elected supervisor; Nathan Barbero, assessor, and James L. Loman, collector.

The first schoolhouse was a log building erected in 1834 on section 33. Benjamin Brock was the first teacher. Another schoolhouse was erected in 1836 or

1837, a little south of Bennington. The first school north of Spoon river was conducted by Miss Mary Fink in a shed adjoining the residence of Peter Jones, father of John Jones. The New Testament was the only reader. It is said by some of Miss Fink's pupils that she could read and write but could not cipher, The township originally contained Maquon, Bennington and Rapatee. Bennington was located near the center of the township but it failed to develop although it was the township voting place until 1858.

This village has made some progress and is a snug little town upon the Iowa Central railroad. It was laid out by Benjamin Adams on the southeast quarter of section 33, and has churches, stores, blacksmith shops, elevators and other interests common in such a town.

The village of Maquon is situated near the site of an old Indian village on the north line of the township on section 4, with a view of the Spoon river to the south. It was surveyed in 1836 by Parnach Owen, assisted by John G. Sanburn, William McGowan, Judge R. L. Hannaman, Mr. Richmond and Mr. Biers.

Nothing that has ever been said to the knowledge of the writer, indicates that the people of Maquon are different from other people. They have always been a law-abiding people and as honorable in their dealings as other folks so far as is known, but for some reason not stated, the village was slow in establishing religious and educational influences. They had a distillery and a racetrack; both of these institutions have gone and a school and a church have taken their place, and both are well supported. The people today are abreast with those of any other town in the county, and there is no town in the county where the women are more alive to the interests of their own sex than in Maquon. We are indebted to the women of that village for a large part of all that is known and preserved of Indian life throughout this part of the country. The village was incorporated March 19, 1857, and the town has steadily grown and today it has about 700 inhabitants. Notwithstanding the fact that it once supported a distillery, it has not supported a saloon for many years. At present it has ample banking facilities, grocery stores, dry goods, drug stores, newspapers and other industries that supply about all the wants of the inhabitants of the village and the surrounding county. -' I -

The Maquon physicians have always been reliable and up-to-date. The private bank of William Swigart has been in operation since i88i. The banking interests of Maquon are fully set out in the article on banks of the county.

Mr. A. M. Maple was for many years a prosperous merchant and left the business in the hands of his son, C. F. Maple, in 1896. These gentlemen have always been highly spoken of for tffeir honesty and fair dealing.

The religious and banking interests of Maquon have been referred to in this article but the reader is respectfully referred to articles on those subjects found on other pages of this history. If any information is wanted in regard to anyone

Maquon Hotel

1837, a little south of Bennington. The first school north of Spoon river was conducted by Miss Mary Fink in a shed adjoining the residence of Peter Jones, father of John Jones. The New Testament was the only reader. It is said by some of Miss Fink's pupils that she could read and write but could not cipher. The township originally contained Maquon, Bennington and Rapatee. Bennington was located near the center of the township but it failed to develop although it was the township voting place until 1858.

This village has made some progress and is a snug little town upon the Iowa Central railroad. It was laid out by Benjamin Adams on the southeast quarter of section 33, and has churches, stores, blacksmith shops, elevators and other interests common in such a town.

The village of Maquon is situated near the site of an old Indian village on the north line of the township on section 4, with a view of the Spoon river to the south. It was surveyed in 1836 by Parnach Owen, assisted by John G. Sanburn, William ^IcGowan, Judge R. L. Hannaman, Mr. Richmond and Mr. Biers.

Nothing that has ever been said to the knowledge of the writer, indicates that the people of Maquon are different from other people. They have always been a law-abiding people and as honorable in their dealings as other folks so far as is known, but for some reason not stated, the village was slow in establishing religious and educational influences. They had a distillery and a racetrack; both of these institutions have gone and a school and a church have taken their place, and both are well supported. The people today are abreast with those of any other town in the county, and there is no town in the county where the women are more alive to the interests of their own sex than in Maquon. We are indebted to the women of that village for a large part of all that is known and preserved of Indian life throughout this part of the country. The village was incorporated March 19, 1857, and the town has steadily grown and today it has about 700 inhabitants. Notwithstanding the fact that it once supported a distillery, it has not supported a saloon for many years. At present it has ample banking facilities, grocery stores, dry goods, drug stores, newspapers and other industries that supply about all the wants of the inhabitants of the village and the surrounding county.

The Maquon physicians have always been reliable and up-to-date. The private bank of William Swigart has been in operation since i88i. The banking interests of Maquon are fully set out in the article on banks of the county.

Mr. A. M. Maple was for many years a prosperous merchant and left the business in the hands of his son, C. F. Maple, in 1896. These gentlemen have always been highly spoken of for tHeir honesty and fair dealing.

The religious and banking interests of Maquon have been referred to in this article but the reader is respectfully referred to articles on those subjects found on other pages of this history. If any information is wanted in regard to anyone of the churches of Maquon, reference to the matter will be found in the article written upon that church under its respective denomination, in the article written for the whole county. The reader is further referred to the article on banking in Knox county for information in regard to the several banks of Maquon. " Maquon has had its share of experience with the different fraternal organizations. The Odd Fellows have been represented by the Maquon lodge No. 256, I. O. O. F., and the Degree of Rebecca. The Masons have been represented under the Maquon lodge No. 530, A. F. and A. M., and there has been a flourishing order of the Eastern Star for the wives and daughters of the Masons. Maquon lodge No. 171, K. of P., and the Bertie Lenore Temple have also flourished here. These orders are all fraternal orders and there is not much that can be said to the public in regard to them.

-* It has been stated that the village of Maquon was incorporated on the I9th of March, 1857. At that election there were fifty-five voters, forty-one cast their ballot for, and fourteen against incorporation. Notices of this election were posted on the pth of March.

A calaboose was talked about December 13, 1865, at a meeting called for that purpose. It seems a calaboose had been built by the citizens and organized on the West End, Block ii. This building was made of 3x6 planks spiked together and consisted of but one small room, having one door and a small hole for a window. Iron bars were placed over the hole that served for a window. Two years and one month later it was moved and seconded that the building be sold to the highest and best bidder, for the highest cash, and the proceeds ' .used for building a plank walk. There is nothing to show that it was actually sold. This building had been bought by the citizens of Maquon village and was taken possession of by the village at the time above referred to.

Foregoing facts regarding Maquon township and village have been gathered ; from various sources and the writer would make special acknowledgments to Mrs. Eva Chapin Maple and to Miss Jennie McKenney. -

At the time of the organization of the county in 1830 there were supposed to be 350 inhabitants. The needs of the county were relatively very small and taxation was somewhat primitive in the manner of assessing. There were no roads to keep up, the construction of bridges a thing of the future and the officers of the county were paid by fees for the services rendered. As the population increased and people began to go from township to township and to market at a distance, the necessity for roads and bridges, became imperative. The products of the soil had tp be moved and sold; this brought in more money and a reasonable tax could be levied and collected with comparative ease. If the roads were worked and the bridges built the produce could be taken to market, so about all the taxing that was done at the start was for roads and bridges. We therefore have the following action by the county commissioners.

Ordered, That the Labor Tax for each able-bodied man between the age of twenty-one and fifty years shall be fixed at two days, to be done under the direction of the supervisor of each road district in which they may reside, for the ensuing year ending on the ist Monday in March, 1836. .' -. I . ':

Ordered, That a tax of one-half the amount of the state tax as provided in the Revenue Law, be and the same is hereby levied on every tract of land situated within said county (except such lands as are exempt from taxation, by the compact with the general government) for the ensuing year - said tax to be assessed, collected and paid agreeably to the provisions of an act concerning public roads, approved February 3rd, 1835.

Ordered, That the tax levied on lands by the foregoing order shall be applied in the several road districts in which such lands are situated, for the purpose of building bridges and causeways and opening roads, and erecting guide posts, so far as the same may be needed for said purposes, under the direction of the several supervisors in said road districts ; the balance of said tax to be paid into the county treasury, to be applied by the county commissioner's court, agreeably to the provisions of the act under which the same is levied.

Since that time the system of taxation has changed very much. Then it seems that a tax on land was made only for road purposes and that a small personal property tax was sufficient to pay the other expenses of the county. Today the practice is to levy taxes upon all species of property and deposit the entire revenue with the county treasurer, and in addition to that to pass an appropriation bill, every item of which shall be paid out of the general sum so raised.

The following statement of the property assessed and the taxes charged in Knox county for the year 1855 with the addition of a corresponding statement for the year 1905 for comparison will be very interesting, and they are given below: .. . . ,. . .

I hereby certify that the following is a true and correct statement of the V, property assessed and taxes charged in the County of Knox for the year 1855. !;. ;---:.-:;.- Number Amount

Located on the corner of South Cedar and Simmons Streets. Erected in 19O4. Value, $10,000. Institution established in 1890. Purpose: to provide a temporary home for homeless and friendless children of Knox County, and to assist mothers in sickness or distress.

Central I'.Vrr

A beautifi?! spot 'n the hrriiier? i ortion of the city. Street cars diverge here into all parts of the city, A favorite resting place in the hot days of summer. . .. . ....._..

Located on the corner of South Cedar and Simmons Streets. Erected in I'.MU. X'alue. SHi.ooi). Institution established in 18!»o. Purpose: to provide a temporary home for homeless and friendless children of Knox County, and to assist mothers in sickness or distress.

Ckmkal I'Akk

/: The system for the assessment and taxation of railroads in this county when they were first constructed is made to appear in the action taken by the board of supervisors at the September meeting, 1856, which is here given as it appears on the records :

;; The clerk then laid before the board the schedules returned to his office by the different railroad companies being that portion of the railroads in the said county of Knox for taxation, and after a full examination by the board of the same it is ordered that the lands in the schedules of the Northern Cross Railroad be assessed at ten dollars per acre, and that the other property in said schedule be assessed at the value set forth in said schedule. It is further ordered by the board the property of the Central Military Tract Railroad and also of the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad be assessed at the value reported by said companies. Provided, however, and on motion it is ordered that the supervisors of the different towns through which the Central Military Tract Railroad runs be authorized and requested to ascertain the additional improvement made by said company from the 1st day of May, A. D. 1855 till the ist day of April, A. D. 1856, and report the amount of the same to the county clerk which additional amount to be assessed and taxed to said company.

The assessing of railroad property today is done by the State Board of Equalization principally. Under the head of right of way is included the road bed and all other permanent improvements. All of this is taken care of by the State Board of Equalization and the county clerk distributes the value among the cities, villages and school districts through which it passes. The local assessor gets only the furniture, machinery, etc.

The Northern Cross Railroad and the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad, not having filed schedules of the taxable property of said roads as required by l:-w, the county clerk presented to the board the schedule filed by the Northern Cross Railroad for the year 1856 and also a schedule of the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad as made by himself, which being examined by the board were approved and on motion it is ordered by the Board that the main and side track of both of said roads and the lands be assessed at the same value as the lands, main and side track of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad - and that the rolling stock of both the two first named roads be assessed in the same sums as the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy road in proportion to their rolling stock and other personal property to be estimated and made out by the said county clerk.

One of the unfortunate habits into which some of our treasurers of cities, towns and townships fell before the law forbidding the re-election of such officers, was that of allowing personal property which might be collected to pass uncollected and returning it to the county treasury to be by him collected under the pretense that the municipal or township collector could find no property out of which to make such collection. As long ago as May, 1860, this practice had become so fixed and prevalent that the board saw fit to pass the following resolution.

Resolved, That the supervisor of each town where the collector has manifestly failed in using reasonable diligence in the collection of the personal property tax, give notice to such collector to procure a copy of the delinquent tax on personal property, and proceed to collect and report amount collected at the next meeting of this board and that a committee be appointed to report to the board at next meeting, what action is expedient to be taken in enforcing the rights of the county against collectors neglecting their duties. - '--..'.-

- The only necessity of such a resolution is that the officers neglecting a duty to collect imposed upon him by law must be that such officer imagined that in case he asked for a re-election the persons so favored by letting their personal property tax go by and be collected by the county treasurer will be under certain obligations to support him in such re-election. ;. - C i,

January Meeting, i86i. - Report of committee on payment of taxes in currency. Supervisor Gale, from special committee, to whom was referred the petition of citizens of Knox county, asking the board to authorize collectors to receive the bills of Illinois banks in payment of taxes, made the following report :

The committee to whom was referred the petition of citizens praying the board to authorize the collectors to receive currency in payment of taxes. Report, That the revenue law provides that the county revenue shall be collected in gold and silver coin, county orders and jury certificates issued by the county, and in no other currency. The collectors of this state shall collect the revenue for state purposes in gold and silver coin, auditor's warrants and in no other currency whatever. ^'; .r -

The committee are of opinion that no authority is possessed by this board to authorize the collector to take any currency prohibited by statute.

The committee are of opinion that all the taxes, whether state, county or special should be collected in the paper of the secured banks of this state. '-'> That the present system required a sacrifice oi\the part of the tax payers that the advantage to the state, of receiving the revenue in gold does not warrant.

That during the time of collection of taxes, the artificial demand created by the wants of the tax payers, enhances the price of gold, and the same gold is seldom, or never, worth to the parties who receive it from the state, as much as it costs the tax payers. r

The committee recommend that a resolution be passed by the board petitioning the legislature for the passage of an act, directing the collector to receive in payment of all taxes the secured notes of the banks of this state, and that the board by resolution, recommend to the citizens of this county, to petition the legislature of this state for the passage of such an act. Which report was accepted, and adopted.

-- Report of committee to whom was referred the petition of Nathaniel Barbero asking to be relieved from the liability as bondsman, on collector's bond of the town of Maquon, beg leave to report:

On motion of Supervisor Finch it was voted by the board that N. Barbero be and he is hereby released from so much of his liability on such bond as relates to the county tax, and that he is exonerated therefrom.

Resolved^ That in the opinion of this board the taxes of this state should be collected in the secured notes of the banks of this state. That the present system requiring the payment of taxes in a currency different from the currency required in ordinary business, imposes on the tax payers an unnecessary burden, a burden liable to severe aggravation in such times as renders the usual burden of taxation difficult lo be borne, and we do therefore petition the general assembly

, That the clerk of the board be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to our representatives in the senate and house of representatives in this state to be by them presented to the bodies of which they are respectively members.

Resolved, That in the opinion of this board the people of this county desire the extension of the time for the payment of taxes, and that such extension is a desirable alleviation of its burden, and therefore this board do hereby petition the general assembly of this state to pass a law extending the time of collection of taxes, ninety days.

And that the clerk of this board be directed to forward to our representatives in the senate and house of representatives in the state, a copy of this resolution to be by them presented to the bodies of which they are members.

- On which resolution the yeas and nays were called, resulting: Yeas - Messrs. Meek, Stevens, Gale, Finch, Mansfield, Robertson, Routh, Newman, Charles, Lebolt, Barber, Tucker, Copley and Gross - 14. Nays - Messrs. LeBaron, Maney, McCornack, Jones and Knable - 5. Carried.

- January Meeting, 1867. - On motion of Mr. Sanderson, it was voted that this board recommend the senator and representative from this district to use their influence for the passage of a law for a State Board of Equalization of Taxes.

The foregoing extracts from the record of the board supervisors are given to show the changes in manner of assessing taxes and also the great increase in the value of property and the amount of tax paid. The assessment of railroad property was very difficult. The assessment was based wholly upon a schedule of property within the county, together with a statement of rolling stock apportioned to the mileage of the county. If the roads neglected to file the schedules, the value of railroad property had to be arrived at by the best judgment of the ; :' county clerk and the board of supervisors. ..- ,'

In 1867 Mr. Sanderson, then a member of the board of supervisors, offered .. :.,; a motion which was adopted asking for the passage of a law for a State Board of ' I i;:^; Equalization of Taxes. Such a board was created by the legislature. This board '^ . ' : is in session several months each year and assesses not only the various kinds of railroad property and apportions the same to the several counties, but the property of the various other corporations. It seems that some such agency is necessary and the board of supervisors was moved to pass that resolution because of the - necessity for such a body. Today there is a demand for the abolition of this board, the demand being based upon the supposition that the board is tampered with by the railroads and corporations. Even though this be true, it is a pertinent question to ask what other agency can take its place? In some states there is a commission that goes about and personally inspects localities so the members may use their own judgment as to values to better advantage, but it nowhere appears that this commission is not susceptible to the same influences as a board of equalization or that their opportunities are less numerous. Society is rapidly becoming more complex and changes in forms and customs must be made from time to time to facilitate the transaction of business and meet the necessary social demands. Personal honesty is quite a different thing and a matter of much slower growth. Hence the constant effort on the part of some officials to take a dishonest advantage of all conditions that may be made a means of grafting.

; ' ' Throughout the civilized world, the higher civilization has found its abode in i our cities. It is in the midst of throngs she dwells. It is by the attrition of '? thought upon thought and mind upon mind that improvements are made. It is .'' by close proximity that original suggestions arise. Many discoveries which have

.-. been mighty forces in the progress of civilization have been the result of accident. -- A chance word spoken by some rude peasant or the careless touch of the nerve

";^ Great thoughts of great men often have been inspired by inferior minds. It is '': the city dweller then that has the larger opportunity for the work of life. By

. '- offering better advantages, the cities have become lodestones attracting the rural ' population and in a large measure depopulating our rural districts.

said that the parks of today can afford no greater pleasure to the people than the -'Agora" afforded to the ancient Greek. The Roman "Forum" was similar to the Greek "Agora." The same general arrangement prevailed, and the business character was the same. It was the civic center of the city and the center for the transaction of all business, judicial and otherwise. Such was the beginning of the system of parks of the present age and generation, though much enlarged in grandeur and magnificence, and such they stand as marks of an advancing civilization. One of the great glories of Europe is to be found in her parks. They are constant scenes of joy and beauty. There is scarcely a city in all that vast domain without its beautiful park, ornamented with the choicest shrubs and trees. The city of Paris probably has more park area under her management than all the United States, if our national parks be excepted. Fontainbleau with her magnificent forests and Versailles with her parterres and her unique fountains have mort than 125,000 acres - the joy and pride of her people. And when her other numerous parks are added, Paris can boast a park area of more than 200,000 acres - greater than any other city in the world. And if her hundreds of miles of boulevards shall be considered, her park area is simply immense.

It may be said that the park system or park building in America is of recent origin. The work was begun the last half of the nineteenth century. Before 1850 not a square foot of ground had been purchased for park purposes. Cities we had, without parks or playgrounds. Cemeteries were used as common resorts. In 1858 New York City made the initial move in purchasing a tract of land, which is now Central park. By thit example, other cities took the cue, And as a result magnificent systems of parks have arisen in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis and San Francisco. And if our national parks shall be considered, America can boast a system of parks unexcelled by any other nation in the wide world. At present, Europe may display more art in her park system, but in natural beauty and in extent and boldness of scenery, America shall receive the palm and wear the crown.

It was a grand thought when God thought of the tree. It was a grand thought when He thought of the shrub and flower. There is beauty in the landscape, there is sublimity in the lofty mountain, and there is a feeling of awe in. the mighty waterfall. The tornado and the rushing waters are more terrible than the thunders of heaven. All these things we have to make up the grandeur and harmonies of the world. But these things are not wholly isolated. They are distributed according to unknown and unchanging laws of nature. All about us, there is much to attract and admire. Knox county is not wholly bereft of those things that please the eye and cultivate the taste. She presents before us a 'Beautiful landscape, though wanting in mountain scenery and rivers of water. Who has not been entranced as he has looked out upon her fields of waving grass and golden grain? Who has not been agitated with thrilling emotions as he has sur-

A Section Of Standish Park

In the central part of the city - lying directly weft of the Knox County Court House. Famous for its large variety of choice and beautiful trees.

Located three miles Northwest of present city limits, at edge of Henderson Grove. Founded in 1836. 1. Prof. N. H. Losey's residence. 2. Nehemiah West's residence. 3. Hugh Conger in main part; Lorentus Conger and John West in addition. 4. Riley Root and sister, Mrs. Clarissa Phelps, Eli Farnham, and Mrs. Lyman, in succession. 5. George Avery and his mother. 6. Deacon Goodell's residence. 7. John West and hi.i father. 8. Mr. Lewis'^ residence. 9. Unidentified. 10. C. S. Colton's store. 11. C. S. Colton's residence. 12. School house. 18. Rev. G. W. Gale's residence. 14. John Kendall's residence. 16. Rev. John Water's residence. IC. H. H. May's residence.

said that the parks of today can afford no greater pleasure to the people than the .. - ^ -'Agora" afforded to the ancient Greek. The Roman "Forum" was similar to the ; Greek "Agora." The same general arrangement prevailed, and the business - ' character was the same. It was the civic center of the city and the center for : the transaction of all business, judicial and otherwise. Such was the beginning of : the system of i)arks of the present age and generation, though much enlarged in ^ grandeur and magnificence, and such they stand as marks of an advancing civili- ' zation. One of the great glories of Europe is to be found in her parks. They are constant scenes of joy and beauty. There is scarcely a city in all that vast domain . ' .... without its beautiful park, ornamented with the choicest shrubs and trees. The ' city of Paris probably has more park area under her management than all the . , ' United States, if our national parks be excepted. Fontainbleau with her magniR- ; cent forests and \'ersailles with her parterres and her unique fountains have more : than 125,000 acres - the joy and pride of her people. And when her other numer- ; ous parks are added. Paris can boast a park area of more than 200,000 acres - .'V greater than any other city in the world. And if her hundreds of miles of - boulevards shall be considered, her park area is simply immense.

Parks In America . '

It may be said tliat the park system or park building in America is of recent origin. The work was begun the last half of the nineteenth century. Before 1850 not a square foot of ground had been purchased for park purposes. Cities we had, without parks or playgrounds. Cemeteries were used as common resorts. In 1858 New York City made the initial move in purchasing a tract of land, which is now Central park. P)y thij, example, other cities took the cue, and as a result magnificent systems of parks have arisen in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis and San Francisco. And if our national parks shall be considered, America can boast a system of parks unexcelled by any other nation in the wide world. At present, Europe may display more art in her park system, but in natural beauty and in extent and boldness of scenery, America shall receive the palm and wear the crown.

It was a grand thought when God thought of the tree. It was a grand thought when He thought of the shrub and flower. There is beauty in the landscape, there is sublimity in the lofty mountain, and there is a feeling of awe in the mighty waterfall. The tornado and the rushing waters are more terrible than the thunders of heaven. All these things we have to make up the grandeur and harmonies of the world. But these things are not wholly isolated. They are distributed according to unknown and unchanging laws of nature. All about us, there is much to attract and admire. Knox county is not wholly bereft of those things that please the eye and cultivate the taste. She presents before us a beautiful landscape, though wanting in mountain scenery and rivers of water. Who has not been entranced as he has looked out upon her fields of waving grass and golden grain? Who has not been agitated with thrilling emotions as he has sur-

In the central part of the city - lying directly west of ihe Knox Ccunty Court House. Famous for iU large variety of choice and beautiful trees.

ehemiah West's residence. :{. Hugh C'onper in main part: Lorentus Conger and John West in addition. 4. Kiley Root and sister. Mrs. Clarissa I'hejps. Kli Farnliam. and Mrs. Lyman. in S'.iccession. .5. (Jeorge .\very and his mother. (;. Deacon Cioodell's residence. 7. John West and hi.s father. S. Mr. Lewis' residence. '>. Unidentified, in. C'. .S. Colton's store. 11. C. S. Colton's residence, li. School house. l:{. Rev. d. W. dale's residence. 14. John Kendall's residence. 15. Rev. John Water's residence. 1(>. H. H. May's residence.

veyed her stately fields of corn and the noble trees that stretch along the boundary lines? Truly, Knox county is one beautiful park and no man can fail to admire

Galesburg cannot boast any great system of parks. She has limited herself to a few small ones, which reflect credit on her taste, if not on her munificence. Her park system consists of the following: Standish park, the Court House park. Broad street boulevard. Central park, Knox Campus, and Lombard Campus. All of these, save Lombard Campus, are in the heart of the city and are lying adjacent. They constitute an area of about twenty-five acres. Standish park with its many choice shrubs and trees, is the most attractive and beautiful of all. It embraces about three or four acres and was established May I5th, 1876. Originally the Court House park was a portion of Standish park, making an area of about eight acres. The first Board of Park Commissioners, six in number, was appointed by Honorable George W. Brown, who was then mayor of the city. The following are the names: Honorable T. Judson Hale, Professor George Churchill, Honorable B. F. Arnold, Honorable O. T. Johnson, John McFarland, and Professor J. V. N. Standish. Honorable T. J. Hale was elected the first president, serving in that capacity one or two years. He was succeeded by Professor Standish who is the only original member and has served as president of the park commission for thirty-four years. He has also served as superintendent for the same length of time. The present members of the park commission are the following: J. V. N. Standish, president and superintendent; Loren Stevens, secretary ; Hiram Mars, P. M. Stromberg, A. J. Perry, and G. H. Bridge. ;-> ^ '^r; :/ / :; ,

A word must be said in regard to Lombard Campus, as Professor Standish had much to do in making it what it is. It covers a surface of fourteen acres and is a most beautiful spot. It is surrounded with large stately elms (perhaps not so magnificent as the New Haven elms), which in beauty and grandeur can hardly be surpassed. The campus itself is planted with iquite a variety of trees and shrubs, every one of which is a specimen. In beauty of symmetry and elegance of grace, no finer sugar maples can be found than those growing on Lombard Campus.

There are some other parks in Knox county which are worthy of mention. Just east of Galesburg is situated the Lake Rice park. It is beautiful, and with its water, boating, fishing and golf grounds, it is an ideal spot for games and amusement. Here is located the Soangetaha Club - a club composed of our best citizens. This place is much frequented by reason of its attractiveness and beauty.

the people assemble more frequently than at Lake Rice park. Here are held the chautauquas from year to year, and here are the contests for the regatta prizes by the lady students of Knox college.

Knoxville too is not without her park, and on it stands a historic building. Indeed, on account of its place and style, it is the most attractive building in Knox county. It is the "Old Court House." It is fashioned after the manner of an old Greek temple. The metopes and triglyphs are seen in the entablature and the frieze is of the Doric order. The columns too are Doric, without bases and with sixteen flutings - in fitting resemblance to the Greek model. Whoever has seen a Greek temple will readily recognize the "Old Court House" as a correct imitation.

.:' ' Here in Knoxville is Gilbert's park, which probably is more frequented than any other park in the county. It is small, well wooded, and without ornamentation. Really, it is park in a state of nature, and is much used because it is a pleasant retreat.

In real art and taste, the campus of St. Mary's school stands among the first. What a pleasure it is to walk in upon those grounds and see those masses of flowering shrubbery and the ornamental vines clinging to the barren walls!

A little farther to the northward is the park and garden of the almshouse which in their loveliness and order it is difficult to surpass. The lawn here is immaculate. Here is a pattern for similar institutions to follow. A beautiful landscape or a beautiful flower is a blessing to every beholder. '.'--;'

Oneida is not without her park, and a beautiful one it is. To the praise of the citizens of this city, it must be said that it is well kept. There is a civic pride here that is commendable. The plat of ground belongs to the C., B. & Q. railroad, but the citizens of Oneida procured it from the company to be used for park purposes. Here is a lesson for other cities of the county. Every one of them should have its beautiful park.

Yates City is also in the march of improvement. She has her park already planned and is working it out for the pleasure and benefit of her citizens. >;-,;.

In conclusion it must be said that parks are not only things of beauty, but a necessity. They are educators. They make for a higher civilization. They are health-giving resorts to millions. They are places of rest to many a weary mother and a source of delight and joy to her children. In a word, they are man's best sanitariums and God's hospitals for the aged, the feeble and the careworn. Plant then parks and playgrounds and commons, and ornament them ; for they are man's best gifts To man. .-.

The Country Club Grounds At Lake Rice Lake Rice. Near The Eastern Limits Of Galesburg

the people assemble more frequently than at Lake Rice park. Here are held the chautauquas from year to year, and here are the contests for the regatta prizes by the lady students of Knox college.

Knoxville too is not without her park, and on it stands a historic building. Indeed, on account of its place and style, it is the most attractive building in Knox county. It is the "Old Court House." It is fashioned after the manner of an old Greek temple. The metopes and triglyphs are seen in the entablature and the frieze is of the Doric order. The columns too are Doric, without bases and with sixteen flutings - in fitting resemblance to the Greek model. Whoever has seen a Greek temple will readily recognize the "Old Court House" as a correct imitation.

Here in Knoxville is Gilbert's park, which probably is more frequented than any other park in tlie county. It is small, well wooded, and without ornamentation. Really, it is park in a state of nature, and is much used because it is a pleasant retreat.

In real art and taste, the campus of St. Mary's school stands among the first. What a pleasure it is to walk in upon those grounds and see those masses of flowering shrubbery and the ornamental vines clinging to the barren walls !

A little farther to the northward is the park and garden of the almshouse which in their loveliness and order it is difficult to surpass. The lawn here is immaculate. Here is a pattern for similar institutions to follow. A beautiful landscape or a beautiful flower is a blessing to every beholder. . ,

Oneida is not without her park, and a beautiful one it is. To the praise of the citizens of this city, it must be said that it is well kept. There is a civic pride here that is commendable. The plat of ground belongs to the C., B. & Q. railroad, but the citizens of Oneida procured it from the company to be used for park purposes. Here is a lesson for other cities of the county. Every one of them should have its beautiful park.

Yates City is also in the march of improvement. She has her park already planned and is working it out for the pleasure and benefit of her citizens.

In conclusion it must be said that parks are not only things of beauty, but a necessity. They are educators. They make for a higher civilization. They are health-giving resorts to millions. They are places of rest to many a weary mother and a source of delight and joy to her children. In a word, they are man's best sanitariums and God's hospitals for the aged, the feeble and the careworn. Plant then parks and playgrounds and commons, and ornament them ; for they are man's best gifts To man. v ; ;.

In the early fifties, James Knox kept a grocery and general store in Knoxville. The building was located north of Main street on the west side of the public square. The dignity of banking was raised by Mr. Knox when he purchased a sheet iron safe, placed it in the back end of his store and received deposits from his patrons, giving a receipt for money left with him. When the depositor wished to draw his money, he produced his receipt and if the depository had not enough money on hand for the required needs, he patiently waited until the supply was increased to meet the demands. There was no run or thought of a run on the bank.

Cornelius Runkle was the first person to start a regular bank in Knox county. This was a private bank in Knoxville north of Main street on the west side of the public square. He was president and his cashier was John Babbington. After some years, he moved his bank and located on the corner where the Presbyterian church now stands, south of his first location. In 1863, the bank was nationalized as the First National Bank of Knoxville, Illinois. After the death of John Babbington, Henry Runkle was elected cashier. He was succeeded by Herbert Bailey and he by Frank G. Sanbom. Mr. Sanborn became president of the Farmers National Bank afterwards. The bank was guarded day and night by a brindled bull dog who was always on the alert for any trouble. After twenty years, the charter expired and the bank was reorganized as the Farmers National Bank.

In February, i88i, Mr. Cornelius Runkle, its president, was attacked at night in the bank building by bank robbers. He roomed at the bank and was alone at the ti^me They tortured him severely by hanging him up, also by placing him on the bed and pouring kerosene oil over his feet and applying the flame, burning .- his feet severely. As he was bound to his bed they tried to make him reveal the combination of the safe, which he could not do as he did not know. He kept some money in a small safe in the banking room to accommodate customers after banking hours. After the robbers were satisfied he could not open the large safe, ;

The Farmers National Bank, taking up the business of the old First National Bank at the expiration of its charter, has experienced a steady and satisfactory . .

The Knox County Bank of F. E. Wilson & Co., of Knoxville, Illinois, was organized as a private bank, by F. E. Wilson, C. M. and Nellie J. Corbin with a paid up capital of $25,000 and opened for business on January 26, 1903, in their fine new brick building on East Main street, Knoxville, Illinois, and after about three and one-half years of very successful business, seeing the needs of a larger and stronger institution, then organized the Knox County State Bank under a charter from the state dated July 31, 1906, with a capital of $50,000 and over fifty stock holders.

This bank opened for business on August i, 1906, with the following officers in charge : F. E. Wilson, president ; Mark Burnside, vice-president ; R. R. Collins, cashier. The first directors being: C. M. Corbin, J. H. Lewis, Jr., Mark Burnside, F. E. Wilson, J. R. Wilder, they purchasing the business of the private bank, Knox County, of F. E. Wilson & Co.

This institution having had a very large and successful business since its organization has, in addition to their $50,000 capital a surplus of $14,000 earned and undivided profits of $5,000, in addition to paying a handsome dividend to their stockholders each year.

The institution still retains its first elected officers to manage its affairs, and its present directors are: C. M. Corbin, Omer N. Custer, Frank Hopkins, J. H. Lewis, Jr., E. R. Lacy, Mark Burnside, F. E. Wilson. Under their management, the bank is steadily increasing their deposits and loans and it now ranks as one of the foremost banks in the county, according to its capital and surplus.

.; J. M. Nisley commenced business with a capital of $30,000.00, as a private banker, in Knoxville, Illinois, in February, 1890, in a building located on the south side of the public square. The officials were J. M. Nisley, president, and Nathan Anderson, cashier. They were assisted by the old veteran in banking business, Cornelius Runkle, until his death.

This bank has always enjoyed the confidence of its patrons and the surrounding community because of its conservative and courteous treatment.

James F. Dunn located the first bank in Galesburg, Illinois, about the year 1853, in a building south of Main street, on the east side of the public square. He afterwards moved from that building to the one at the southeast corner of Main and Prairie streets and continued business up to i86i when he failed. D. H. Frisbie was appointed assignee to close up its affairs.

Then followed the Sidney Meyer's Bank, called the Knox County Savings Bank, with Joseph Grant as cashier. This bank was located on north side. Main street, east of Cherry in the Mathews' building, now occupied by McKamy & Doll.

The Knox County Bank of F. E. Wilson & Co., of Knoxville, Illinois, was organized as a private bank, by F. E. Wilson, C. M. and Nellie J. Corbin with a paid up capital of $25.000 and opened for business on January 26, 1903, in their fine new brick building on East Main street, Knoxville, Illinois, and after about three and one-half years of very successful business, seeing the needs of a larger and stronger institution, then organized the Knox County State Bank under a charter from the state dated July 31, 1906, with a capital of $50,000 and over fifty stock holders. . ' ' ; , j .

This institution having had a very large and successful business since its organization has, in addition to their $50.000 capital a surplus of $14.000 earned and undivided profits of $5,000, in addition to paying a handsome dividend to their stockholders each year. / |

The institution still retains its first elected officers to manage its affairs, and its present directors are: C. M. Corbin, Omer N. Custer, Frank Hopkins, J. H. Lewis, Jr., E. R. Lacy. Mark Burnside, F. E. Wilson. Under their management, the bank is steadily increasing their deposits and loans and it now ranks as one of the foremost banks in the county, according to its capital and surplus.

J. M. Nisley commenced business with a capital of $30,000.00, as a private banker, in Knoxville. Illinois, in February, 1890, in a building located on the south side of the public square. The officials were J. M. Nisley, president, and Xathan Anderson, cashier. They were assisted by the old veteran in banking business, Cornelius Runkle, until his death. . ' '> :. ; . | ',

This bank has always enjoyed the confidence of its patrons and the surrounding community because of its conservative and courteous treatment.

James F. Dunn located the first bank in Galesburg, Illinois, about the year 1853, in a building south of Main street, on the east side of the public square. He afterwards moved from that building to the one at the southeast corner of Main and Prairie streets and continued business up to i86i when he failed. D. H. Frisbie was appointed assignee to close up its affairs.

Then followed the Sidney Meyer's Bank, called the Knox County Savings Bank, with Joseph Grant as cashier. This bank was located on north side. Main street, east of Cherry in the Mathews' building, now occupied by McKamy & Doll.

The McCoy Bank followed, which was located in a building south of Main on the west side of Prairie street, near the building occupied by the old fire department, which bank was called the Nemaha County Bank, and issued currency under that name. There never was such a place as Nemaha at that date. The Nemaha money was taken by some of the grocers and men who traded here, but was not good on the railroad and it drove out all good money from the city. Not a dollar could be obtained.

Then, about the year 1856, followed the A. D. Reed & Co. Bank, located at the corner of Main and Cherry streets where now stands the Farmers & Mechanics Bank in what is known as the old Second National Bank Building. E. L. Chapman was its cashier. They remained in business to about 1862, when they closed out and Mr. Reed moved to Chicago where he died. This bank issued money and it was distributed quite generally in this section and yet it was worth only thirtythree cents on the dollar and he refused to take his own money at that. A bank in Connecticut furnished us all the good money we used. (Hartford & New Haven.)

First National Bank, Galesburg, Illinois, was organized December 15, 1863. Capital stock subscribed and paid in $100,000. The first stockholders' meeting was held on Tuesday, December 22, 1863, at two o'clock. The following directors were elected: C. H. Mathews, J. D. Hand, Charles E. Grant, E. R. Adams, Timothy Moshier, David Sanborn, W. N. Phillips, John Becker and L. E. Conger. Of the original stockholders, there is only one living at this date, J. T. McKnight, of this city, who has passed to the beyond since writing this article. The first directors' meeting was held in the office of C. H. Mathews at 4 130 P. M. The board was organized by electing C. H. Mathews, president, David Sanbom, vice-president, E. L. Chapman, Monmouth, Illinois, cashier. Commenced business in the building located at the southeast corner of Main and Prairie streets. May II, 1864, David Sanborn resigned as vice-president and Francis Colton was elected in his place. November i, 1864, the stockholders voted to increase the capital stock $50,000.00, making the total capital stock $150,000. Upon the resignation of C. H. Mathews, Captain Francis Fuller was elected president, September 2, 1865, and served in that capacity for thirty years. In. the year of 1866, a new banking building was erected at the northeast corner of Main and Cherry streets. January 4, 1869, E. L. Chapman, cashier, resigned. January 12, 1869, M. S. Smalley succeeded Mr. Chapman as cashier. January 14, 1878, Aza A. Madison was elected vice-president. January 15, 1883, Joseph Hoover was elected cashier, and served thirteen years to April 27, 1896, giving faithful service.

The following was the board of directors January 8, 1883 : Timothy Moshier, Francis Fuller, George V. Dietrich, Charles E. Grant, Zephania Lewis, Joseph Thirlwell, James Paden, Fred Seacord, and Asa A. Madison. L. F. Wertman was elected vice-president January 14, 1895, and elected as president, January i8, 1897, continuing in the banking service to this date. Mr. Fred Seacord was

- the next meeting of the board of directors, W. W. Washburn was elected president of the bank and James H. Losey, cashier. The bank opened for business in May, 1884. The gentlemen who were elected as directors at the first meeting continued

/ to serve without change until the January meeting in 1886, when Hon. A. A. Smith, at that time circuit judge, declined a re-election and P. F. Brown was chosen director in his place. Mr. William Robson was chosen vice-president of the bank

; and continued so until his death in January, 1901. On his death, he was succeeded as director by his son, E. Percy Robson. Mr. W. W. Washburn was made vice-president to succeed Mr. Robson and continued this connection with the bank

- of the bank until July i, 1904, when he resigned to engage in business of his own and was succeeded by A. S. Hamilton, who still holds that position.

Galesmurg National Bank Building

Located on the corner rf Ma-n anH I'-airJe Streets. Erected in 1895. Bank organized 1884. Capital stock, $125,000. Surplus and profits, $165,000.

elected vice-president, January i8, 1897, and served to January 19, 1903. Mr. G. A. Lawrence succeeded Mr. Seacord, as vice-president, and is serving at this date. Mr. Loren Stevens was appointed cashier May ii, 1896, and served to June i,

. 1903. January 26, 1903, F. L. Conger was appointed assistant cashier and January i8, 1904, appointed cashier and is serving in that capacity at the present date. . The present bank building was remodeled and rebuilt in the year 1901. The bank's net earnings have been $1,059,250. Its present capital is $150,000.00, surplus and undivided profits, $238,750.00, total, $388,750. The present directors are Howard Knoxvles, G. A. Lawrence, Robert Chappell, Geo. C. Lescher, A. J.

During all these forty-nine years, the First National Bank has stood firm as a rock in strength, solid beyond question in good times and bad ; conservative under all circumstances ; has constantly worked for the interest of its patrons and for the upbuilding of the city. -

Pursuant to a call issued by W. W. Washburn, the stockholders of the Gales- . burg National Bank assembled in the office of Bancroft & Moulton in the city of Galesburg, Illinois, on Monday afternoon, February 25, 1884, at half past one o'clock for the purpose of completing the organization and electing eleven directors. The meeting was called to order by W. W. Washburn who nominated for chairman, Mr. F. H. Rearick, who was duly elected. Mr. J. L. Hastings was chosen secretary. The object of the meeting being to complete the organization of the Galesburg National Bank, the following named gentlemen were elected directors: William Robson, Albert Webster, O. F. Price, James E. Brown, A. A. Smith, A. W. Berggren, J. D. Besler, C. E. Lanstrum, B. F. Arnold, W. W. Washburn and H. M. Sisson.

The meeting as above was held pursuant to a circular letter issued February 25, 1884, by \\'. W. Washburn and mailed to those who had, at that time, subscribed for stock in the new bank to be called the Galesburg National Bank. At the next meeting of the board of directors, W. W. Washburn was elected president of the bank and James H. Losey, cashier. The bank opened for business in May, 1884. The gentlemen who were elected as directors at the first meeting continued to serve without change until the January meeting in 1886, when Hon. A. A. Smith, at that time circuit judge, declined a re-election and P. F. Brown was chosen director in his place. Mr. William Robson was chosen vice-president of the bank and continued so until his death in January, 1901. On his death, he was succeeded as director by his son, E. Percy Robson. Mr. W. W. Washburn was made vice-president to succeed Mr. Robson and continued this connection with the bank until his death in 1901. In January, 1889, P. F. Brown was made president and has so continued until the present time. Mr. James H. Losey continued as cashier of the bank until July i, 1904, when he resigned to engage in business of his own and was succeeded by A. S. Hamilton, who still holds that position.

Berggren, vice-president; A. S. Hamilton, cashier; Curtis H. Brown, teller; Matthew Johnson, bookkeeper; Harry Anderson, assistant bookkeeper; Qarence Gustafson, clerk and messenger; and Stella Carlson, stenographer.

The above constitutes the formation of the bank, its first officers and those at present in command. Of the original directors, there remain at the present time but three, B. F. Arnold, J. D. Besler and A. W. Berggren, sturdy rocks in the foundation of a solid, substantial institution. In the ranks of its board, from the first to the last, it may readily be perceived, conservatism formed a large element in its makeup, standing always for sound banking and financial strength. From the first, it has sought to care for its patrons in such a manner as to merit their confidence and esteem and at the same time, meet the approbation of its stockholders and founders,

In January, 1889, Mr. J. R. Lindgren of the banking firm of Haugan & Lindgren of Chicago, 111., now State Bank of Chicago, made overtures to Mr. P. N. Granville, then city treasurer of Galesburg, to open a savings bank in Galesburg, giving him authority to select men for different positions in the bank, Mr. Lindgren to finance the new venture. Mr. Granville not having had any previous experience in banking, induced Mr. Axel Gabrielson, a experienced banker, to take charge as cashier and Mr. Henry E. Olson, a man of experience in the insurance business, was selected as bookkeeper, Mr. Granville accepting the position of assistant cashier. The bank was opened up for business at No. 308 East Main street, on the first day of April, 1889, and gained the confidence of the people from the start. The officers did not solicit or work for commercial business accounts, although some came to them unsolicited. The principal object was to induce people, who were not accustomed to banking, to open an account and receive interest on such amounts as they could lay aside from time to time. No interest was being paid by other banks in the city at that time, nor did the other banks pay interest on deposits until 1900.

In the summer of 1891 Hon. Alfred M. Craig, then judge of the Supreme court of the state of Illinois, having disposed of his bank stock holdings in Galesburg, entered into an agreement with Mr. J. R. Lindgren to organize the Bank of Galesburg as a state bank instead of a private bank, and on August 4, 1891, authority was given by the state "department to Axel Gabrielson, P. N. Granville, A. W. Berggren and A. M. Craig to incorporate the Bank of Galesburg, at Galesburg, Illinois, whereupon the following persons subscribed for and became stockholders of the new bank, viz. :

: : On Sept. 15, 1891, the directors held their first meeting and elected the following officers : Hon. A. M. Craig, president ; Peter Nelson, vice-president ; Axel Gabrielson, cashier ; P. N. Granville, assistant cashier and secretary.

The charter of the bank was dated Oct. 3, 1891, and upon the 5th day of October, 1891, the bank adopted its by-laws and opened up for business under a state charter. ^ *; . :'

^ Owing to director J. R. Lindgren having his home in Chicago he advised having a home man elected in his stead, which wish was complied with by electing Mr. Olof Hawkinson a director at the annual meeting in January, 1892. Our banking room was beginning to be considered as undesirable for such purposes. Hon. A. M. Craig, the president, suggested the buying of a lot and erecting a bank building, and on May 23, 1892, reported having an option on a lot in the next block west of our present location, size 25 ft. by lOO ft. The board authorized the purchase of same, which was accordingly done, but action on building thereon was delayed on account of leases and later developments changed all plans from that location. ^^^-.^ '-- ----'':/-_}':-':--: ^'-'--^ '...----:: ^'j;?

September 19, 1892, Mr. Axel Gabrielson presented his resignation as cashier on account of entering into the ministry, whereupon the board accepted his resig* nation and elected officers to fill vacancies as follows : P. N. Granville, cashier, H. E. Olson, assistant cashier, and O. E. Peterson, bookkeeper. At the regular meeting of the board of directors of July 8, 1895, the bank statement was read showing an undivided profit of $8,000.00, whereupon a motion .was made and carried to pay a dividend of three per cent to stockholders and place $5,000.00 into a surplus fund. This was the first dividend of this new bank.

The need of a large working force was being more manifest and on April i, ;? 1893, Mr. Geo. H. Craig, then cashier of the Bank of Altona, was elected to fill '.;

At the annual stockholders' meeting of Jan. 2, 1905, Major H. H. Clay .was ;. ?; elected director in place of A. O. Peterson, who retired from the board.