Livingston County, Illinois - Chapter 25: Township History, 1909 (part 2 of 5)

Powell located on section 29, removing in 1855 to his farm east of Pontiac. Samuel and Frank Umphenour came a few months after Powell. In 1852 the township was increased by the arrival of the families of Morgan L. Payne, Samuel St. John, John St. John, John Norton, Thomas Craycraft, Alexander Morton, John Umphenour and J. H. Turman. William Griffith, D. W. Young, Addison and Samuel Muzzy, Samuel Freeman and Washington Stafford joined the settlers the following year. Asbury Minier came in 1854, Mr. Payne came bere from Danville, where he had resided for many years. He was captain of a company in the Black Hawk War and performed distinguished service. He was a Texas Ranger when the war between Mexico and this Government was declared, and was in the first battle under General Taylor, on the Rio Grande. When his enlistment expired, he returned to Greenboro, Ind., and raised a company of militia, and returning to Mexico, served during the war, being at the taking of Monterey and the battle of the City of Mexico. During the civil war, he raised a company of men in this county (Company G, Fifty-third Infantry) and was elected captain. Two years after he settled here four of his children died, and they were buried in the cemetery still bearing his name. He died of cancer in 1878, and was buried with military honors in the cemetery at Pontiac. His wife died in' 1907.

Among those who settled here in 1856 were D. J. Handley, S. P. Coldren, W. C. Babcock, S. P. Garner, Thomas Carson, Thomas Virgin, J. N, Guthrie, S. T. Turner, J. A. Wright, and in 1857 William Perry, W. H. Wagner, Jobn Green, E. B. Persons, Otis Richardson and William Manlove. Nearly all of the last above named served as various township officers.

The first school house was erected in 1855. It was a log structure, erected by the pioneers, the logs being cut from the timber. Eli Myer was the teacher, although he taught the winter before in his cabin. The following winter a school house was built under the district system, near the bridge over Rooks creek. Reuben Macey was the teacher. Another was built in the northeast part of the township, and a woman teacher was employed.

Macey taught ten months and received $33.83 1-3 per month, the woman teacher receiv- Ing $25 per month. Ninety-two children attended these schools - forty-eight boys and forty- four girls. These school houses were also "sed for religious purposes. In after years, a brick school house was erected in district No. 6. It is still standing.

We are indebted to Sylvester Potter, who came with his father to this township in 1850, for the following history of the Ocoya Baptist church and the Sunday school of this township, and of some of the early settlers who have long since gone to their reward:

"Mr. and Mrs. Eli Myer were the founders of the Ocoya Baptist church. In 1850 they moved here in covered wagons from Ohio into a log house near where Charley Myer's house now stands. There were just two other families along this timber. Mv grandfatue: Auderson's family lived uear where Wade's stone quarry is now, where the old house stands, and a family by the name of Pennels lived across the creek east from O. A. Sweet's farm. There were four or five houses in Pontiac, no railroads, no Chenoa, not another house on all this prairie from Pontiac to Lexington. The house Grandfather Myer moved into was 14x16. There were five boys, two girls and the old folks in the family, and yet they had room to keep travelers or drovers over night, sometimes as many as ten or fifteen. They were members of the Baptist church in Ohio, and after they came here united with the Baptist church at Lexington. They attended church here quite often, taking part of the family and riding in an oldfashioned one-horse wagon. There were no buggies or spring seats in those days here. After a while there was a log school house built on the west side of the road, west and a little north of Samuel Myer's, just at the point of the timber. They then succeeded in getting a preacher to come every two weeks. Then after a while the Ocoya school house was built and they held services there, and on November 16, 1861, they, with others, organized a Baptist church here, as the records show. From this time on, Grandfather Myer began to plan for a church building. They first thought they would build one mile south of the Ocoya school house, and hauled rock there. Then they bought a lot just north of the school house to build on, but there were not many people here and they were poor and not able to help much, so they couldn't build then, but like David of old, he still planned, and before his death he made a will, leaving $600 towards building a Baptist church at Ocoya, if built within three years. He died December 31, 1868, The time ran out in which the church should haye been built, according to the will, and the church wasn't built until 1872, but his sons more than made it good, for they put more money than that into it. But best of all, Grandmother Myer lived to see this church dedicated and gave them a Bible to use in the church. She lived until June 5, 1875.

"In March, 1865, Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Sweet moved here. They were members of the Baptist church at Washburn and were received into the ehurch August 5, 1865, by letter at covenant meeting, none of the members being present but father and mother Myer. And as the mantle fell from Elijah and Elisha took it up, so when the mantle fell from Father Myer, Father Sweet took it up. From that time on for several years he had the burden of the church to bear. The neighbors can testify to his coming down {n all kinds of weather to church and how ready he was to welcome any stranger who came into the church or Sunday school. I have no doubt but there are many in this neighborhood that ean say that he pointed them to the Saviour and they will remember him until the day of their death. He died March 14, 1896.

"Then there was Mrs. Morton, 'Aunt Betty,' we all called her, and truly she was an aunt to this neighborhood. Many a home has been blessed by her in time of sickness. There are many here that can testify to the good deeds of 'Aunt Betty,' Morton, always giving liberally of her smal] means to the support of the Gospel or any good. cause. She died May 22, 1890.

"Then there was Father Macy and wife. They came here in 1866 and bought forty acres of land where Ocoya now stands. He erected a little house by the railroad, built the old elevator, bought grain, was station agent and kept postoffice for a number of years. They were members of the Baptist church at Pontiac, united here by letter, and were a great help to the church, always ready to make any sacrifices that were necessary for the advancement of the cause which was nearest their hearts, They moved from here to Swygert in 1880, then back to Pontiac, where he died May 11, 1884. Mother Macy lived until March 16, 1895. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. B. F. Myer.

taught school in the old log house in the winter, as they had no school house, and gathered in some of the neighbors and their children on Sundays and had Sunday school in the spring and summer in the old log house. I can't help but picture this house in which the first Sunday school of the township was started. As I have said, it was a log house, 14x16, about 6% foot ceiling, covered with clapboards, with weight poles to hold them on, one window with three small lights, one door 314 feet wide and six feet high with a latch on the Inside with a string that went outside, so any one could pull the latchstring and open the door at any time. There was not a nail in the whole house except the door. The floor was of split logs or puncheons, as they were called then. The loft fibor was laid with split boards. There was a big fireplace in the north end, with the chimney on the outside, laid up with sticks and daubed with clay mortar. When they commenced to have schoo] and Sunday school in the house, they made some benches for seats out of slabs or puncheons with holes bored in then and pins fn for legs. This was just such a house as we lived in until I was about thirteen years old. They would meet there to study the Bible on Sundays. Grandfather Myer was a well posted man on the Bible. He was a teacher. We don't know of them organizing until after the log school house was built.

"The first superintendent that I can learn of was Samuel B. Freeman. He was a member of the Methodist church. He used to live on the south side of my old place. He came here in the 50s. He was superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years. He died December 13, 1867.

"They only had Sunday school in the summer until some time after the Ocoya school house In 1865 they elected Father Sweet superintendent, and since that time the Sunday school at Ocoya has been running summer and winter. The church was built in 1872 and the Sunday school has been held in the church since then.

"Father Sweet was superintendent some eighteen or twenty years, Uncle John Morton one year, Mr. Brown one year, Lilborn Morton three or four years, O. A. Sweet three or four years. . I was superintendent ten years.

son was superintendent first. It ran summer only for several years. Then the school house was moved out of this township, near McDowell. The Sunday school continued until the church was built at McDowell, and is still running summer and winter. Charles Cotrell is superintendent. 'They have a large school. There was a Sunday school started at the Centre school house about 1868, E. M. Babbitt was superintendent first. It only ran a summer or two. In 1870 they reorganized, and elected D. J. Taylor, superintendent. It was run as a union school for a good many years, summer and winter, then changed to a Methodist school.

"In 1892 the church was built and the Sunday school has been held there ever since and is in good running order now. Milton McElhiney is superintendent.

"The German Evangelical Sunday school was started in Pike Township in the spring of 1870, at the Schaffer, school house. Father Fischer was superintendent first. They built their church over in this township in 1889, moved the Sunday school over in it, and have been running summer and winter ever since. John Schickedanz is the superintendent now.

"There has been a Sunday school started at the Wade school house two or three times but did not run long; perhaps a month or two. There was a Sunday school started at the brick school house in 1870, but it did not last long.

"I wish I knew all the superintendents and teachers and workers that have helped in the Sunday school work in this town, but there are only a few that I have the names of. Some of them were here at work when we moved out here In 1875, and some have gone to their reward. In the history of the church I mentioned some who were members of the Baptist church. Then there were members of other churches that helped in the Sunday school.

"Unele" John Morton, as we called him, came here in the fall of 1851. He was a member of the Methodist church. He was a faithful worker and teacher in the Sunday school, always on hand, and on time, He moved to Pontiac in 1882 and died April 5, 1893, Then there was Mrs, McGinnis, a noble woman, a Sunday school teacher, a fine singer, and played the organ. She was a member of the Christian church and was a great help to the Sunday school. They lived south of Ocoya, about one mile on the east side of the railroad. She died April 22, 1879."

Village Of Ocoya

The village of Ocoya is located on the Alton road. It was laid out by Duff and Cowan of Pontiac in 1869, although a few years before a depot had been erected there and E. M. Babbitt and D. S. Shireman were engaged in the grain business. The town site was purchased in 1871 by Reuben Macey, and be erected a grain elevator. In 1870, Mr. Macey and John McCalla conducted a general store, continuing until 1877, when McCalla moved to Pontiac. Bogie's first addition was laid out in 1870. At the present time, the farmers of that locality own and operate an elevator. There is also a general store and a blacksmith shop.

This township is described as Town 29, Range 5. With the exception of two sections near Mud Creek and Babcock's Grove, the township is devoid of timber. The streams are Wolf creek, Mud creek and Baker's run. The Chicago and Alton road cuts off the southeast corner of section 36, and the Wabash two sections from the southwest corner of sections 31 and 32. Esmen was set apart in 1857 as one of the twenty original townships. The southwest tier of sections are populated principally by the Norwegians. The township has given Republican majorities in recent years. It received its name by B. P. Babcock, one of the first settlers.

John Chews and wife were the first permanent settlers, coming from Ohio in 1835, although some one had previously erected a cabin near where he staked out his claim. He died in 1860. William K. Brown settled in the northwest part of the township, north of Mud Creek, in 1836. Soon after his arrival, a postoffice was established at his house. His native town was Sunbury, Pa. In the early settlement of the county, he carried the mails between Danville and Ottawa, making weekly trips, and carrying it on horseback. He died in 1850. James Funk and William Ross arrived in 1845, settling in a grove in the southern part, and erected a log cabin. E. G. Rice came here in 1847. Hemoved to Pontiac in 1871 and removed to Alexander County, this state. Billings P. Babcock came in 1848 and purchased the claims of Funk and Ross. The latter removed to Saunemin Township. Their site was in a grove, which has since been known as Babcock's Grove. Mr. Babcock was a native of Oneida County, New York. In that state he was admitted to the bar. A mail route from Wilmington to Pontiac was opened soon after his arrival, and he got a postofüce established at the grove, and was appointed postmaster. The Bloomington and Chicago state road ran by his farm. He, with two associate judges, Eli Myer and John Darnall as county commissioners, built the first truss bridge over the Vermilion river at Pontiac, and the brick court house which was destroyed by fire on July 4, 1874. He was elected county judge in 1852, served three years, but resigned. Hugh Cummins came here in 1848. He lived for six years on a farm near Pontiac. He was a native of Ohio and located in Indiana in 1828. In 1833 he tramped on foot to Fort Clark, now Peoria. He returned to Ohio the same winter and then located near Pontiac. Philip K. Hilton became a permanent settler in 1850. He first arrived in 1837, stopping with his brother on Mud creek. In 1842 he left for New Orleans on a flat boat. On the return trip, the boat was blown up and his hands and face were badly scalded. He returned that same winter, but did not begin farming for himself until 1850,

Apollos Camp and Bennet Humiston came here in October, 1852. Both were born in Plymouth (since known as Thomaston), Connecticut. Mr. Camp had for eighteen years been superintendent in the Seth Thomas clock works at Hartford, and was married to Mr. Thomas' daughter. The following year, he returned to his old home and in May he moved his family here, and purchased 800 acres of land, some being in Amity Township. Mr. Humiston in 1856 married Mr. and Mrs. Camp's only daughter, and together they formed a partnership and engaged in the stock business. Mr. Camp removed to Pontiac in 1880, laid out an addition to the city, and became a stockholder in one of the banks. It is said of him that one one occasion he requested a tenant to accompany him to the recorder's office and pay $1.00 he owed there. The tenant did so, and upon payment of the dollar was handed a warranty deed to the farm, the only stipulation being that he should pay the usual rental during his lifetime. Mr. Humiston removed to Pontiac in 1876. He died November 14, 1883. Both were stanch Democrats and members of the Baptist church.

Moses Ross, Joseph Finley and Joseph Campbell settled here in 1853. In connection with general farming, Ross also engaged in blacksmithing. Finley came here from Kane County, where his parents had located in 1839. He erected the first frame house built along the creek in this part of the county. Campbell came here from Vermilion County, where he had settled in 1837. William Brunskill, Abner W. Camp, John Johnson, William Allen, Andrew J. Corbin and Thomas Pearson arrived in 1855. J. N. Barr, J. W. Turner and W. R. Babcock became settlers in 1856. Barr taught school in the winter of 1859-60, When Esmen Township was first organized he was elected collector. Babcock was the first supervisor, and held the office from 1859 to and including 1863. He was assessor during 1864-65. C. W. Sterry, Simeon Dunham, H. D. Roberts and Daniel Mackinson were among the arrivals in 1857. Mr. Sterry held the office of supervisor three years, town clerk for six years, and town treasurer for six years. He afterward moved to Pontiac, where he died, leaving a large estate. John Fitzgerald came here in 1858 and Abraham Imrie and Samuel R. Jenkins in 1859. The latter removed to Iroquois County in 1569, David Knight, Arlineus Brower and Henry Marsh were here at the close of the '50s. The lower half of the township is now settled with Norweglans, all of whom are prosperous.

In 1855, there were two public schools in the county. There were ninety-seven persons under twenty-one years of age, of whom forty-two attended the schools. The township now has its full quota. Esmen has three churches - Methodist Episcopal, Baptist and Norwegian Lutheran. The former is located in the center of the township, the Baptist on the north, and the Lutheran in the village of Rowe. Camp's cemetery is located in the center of the township.

Village Of Rowe

The village of Rowe is located on the southeast quarter of section 32. It was platted by James Rowe in 1871, who owned the land and gave it its name. The village is on the Wabash road, between Pontiac and Cornell and has a population of about thirty inhabitants. It has three grain elevators and a general store, The latter is owned by Christian Ryning, who is also postmaster. Rowe has but one church, the Norwegian Lutheran, and this denomination also has a parochial school. The church was built in 1876, and has since been remodeled. Another edifice erected in 1864, about a mile northwest of the village, was torn down several years ago, the two denominations consolidating.

This township was the last one to be organized in the county. By a resolution of the board of supervisors at its session held in February, 1870, "so much of Belle Prairie as lies in town 25, range 7, is erected into a new township, and named Fayette." This made thirty organized townships in the county, all being fully six square miles, except Fayette, Belle Prairie and Germanville, containing each about two-thirds of a full township, the "unfortunate rotundity" of the earth interfering to prevent their full growth. This township is mostly rolling prairie, with but a few sections that are low and flat, that have recently been well drained. and is wholly devoid of native timber. This township was not settled until in the '60s. Eight sections of the original Sullivant farm (44,000 acres) lies in this township.

Rees Morgan was the first permanent settler, coming here in June, 1863. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk War of 1832, and was with Col. Stillman in his memorable defeat at Paw Paw Grove, which occurred on May 14 of that year. Mr. Morgan first located on section 16, which proved to be a school section. He was permitted to occupy it for seven years, when it was sold, according to law, for school purposes.

B. F. Brandon arrived in the spring of 1864, locating on section 8, where he remained a few years, sold out and removed to La Salle county. The McCormicks settled here in 1865. Charles Wilson came in 1866 from Kendall County, as also did John and Thomas Brownlee from Knox County. James, Benjamin and Robert Turner, John and David Pursley, George Seaton, Charles Wilson, James and Henry McCormick, Thomas H. Aaron and Joseph Koontz are also among the earlier settlers. The township has many Germans and Irish families within its borders.

tants - men, women and children. But twenty votes were cast in the election held on Nevember 8, of that year, the vote for congressman-at large being; John A. Logan, 9; W. B. Anderson,

The first birth was Rose McCormick, a daughter of James and Jane McCormick, who was born December 15, 1865. The first marriage was that of Moses K. McDowell and Mary Morgan, and the second that of David R. Morgan (a brother of the first bride) and Jennie McDowell (sister of the first bridegroom).

The first school was taught by Miss Rebecca Morgan, in 1868, The little structure was located on section 6. Since then. several school buildings have been erected. Politically, the township is about evenly divided between the Republicans and Democrats.

Village Of Strawn

This village was laid out June 6, 1873, by David Strawn, of Ottawa, who owned the land, and was one of the directors in the construction of the Fairbury, Pontiac and Northwestern road (now the Wabash) from Streator to Strawn. The road was completed to this village in 1873. The original plat contained 30 acres, in section 3. Mr. Strawn to induce settlers to locate in the village, gave each alternate lot to such as would erect houses, under certain specifications, by September 1 of that year. No "shanties" were to be erected. The first lot was selected by E. H. Roberts, who erected building and opened for business on July 1. The postoffice was established October 6, and Mr. Roberts was appointed postmaster. The first dwelling was erected by John Colfer. A small school house was built in 1874, the teacher being Sarah Hanagan, of Ottawa. A fine school house has been erected since. The Methodist society was organized the same year. The present Methodist church was dedicated on Sunday, Noyember 21, 1880, by: Rey. J. G. Evans. The Catholics have recently erected a fine edifice. The residents voted to incorporate asa village on December 1, 1879, and on December 29 following the first trustees were elected. The Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows and Woodmen have flourishing lodges. A large portion of the business houses are built facing the beautiful park in the center of the town. Good fire protection is furnished by the system of waterworks.

Originally, this township, together with Chatsworth and Germanville, was known as Oliver's Grove Township. At the meeting of the board of supervisors in 1861, Forrest petitioned that body to be set off, which was granted. Much of the land before settlement was low and swampy. The only natural timber lies in the northwest corner of the township, along the banks of Forrest creek.

Charles Jones and sons, Thomas and Theodore, came here from Bordentown, New Jersey in the summer of 1836 and located on the identical spot where the village of Forrest now stands. They remained here until 1847, when they removed to Pontiac, thence to Belle Prairie Township, and later to Fairbury, selling their claim to James Beard. The land purchased by Beard caused some litigation in the courts. It was only a forty acre tract, yet resulted in a lawsuit of huge proportions. After being continued from one term of court to another, the suit was finally dismissed.

John Thompson came in 1837 and located in the southeast corner of the township. Settlements in those days in what is now Forrest Township, were like "angel visits,' few and far between. He was obliged to travel twenty miles to the nearest grocery store and often brought home his purchases on his back. Though he was a man of large means in those days, he died comparatively poor. The land upon which he located did not come into market until after his death, consequently he could not purchase. The first two years after his arriyal he did not raise a crop, and in addition to this, he lost most of his cattle and horses with milk sickness. On one occasion, wolves came around the cabin while he was away, and his wife stood for hours in the doorway with an axe. Mr. Thompson remained upon his original settlement until his death, which occurred in 1849. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and after his death his widow succeeding in getting a land warrant for his seryices, which she laid on section 16 - the section on which they originally located. Orin Phelps was the next settler. He was a native of New Jersey. He was married a few years later to Elizabeth Jones, a daughter of Charles Jones. To them a child was born - Byron - supposed to be the first birth in the township. In 1869, Byron was elected county clerk. The elder Phelps re- moved to Belle Prairie Township in 1847, disposing of his claim to Samuel Hillery, who lo cated on the traet, In the '70s, Mr. Phelps move to Fairbury. Among those who located in the '50s were John Towner, George Williams, Fred Fansler, James Fansler, George, Charles and Frederick Crawford.

Israel J. Krack came here in 1854 from Tippecanoe County, Indiana. He afterward platted and laid out the village of Forrest. In 1877 he was elected county treasurer.. Among those who settled here during the later 50s and in the '60s were John Francis, Joel R. Strawn, John Wallace, James Snyder, John Harper, William. Edwards, Springer Dixon, John McCrystal, Charles Holmes, Albert Davis, Robert Montgomery, Thomas G. Riley, W. P. Cook, Robert V. Downing, Robert and John Norman, Peter Somers, Bronson Smith, Edward Broadhead, William Rook, Thomas Weeks, H. B. Watson, Nicholas Wilson, George H. Townsend.

John Towner was the first supervisor, being elected in 1862. Charles Crawford, Samuel Hillery and James Fansler were the first school trustees, having been elected in 1854, In 1856, John Towner was elected school treasurer, and a tax of ten cents on the $100 was voted for school purposes, the township at that time being in one school district. The first death in the township was a son of John Thompson. The wife of Charles Jones died in 1841. In the early days, the few people living here attended religlous services at Indian Grove and Avoca.

Forrest at one time was the banner Republlean Township in the county, and has never gone Democratic. Two of its citizens---Lucian Bullard and Rev. Melancthon C. Eignus - were elected to the State Legislature, I. J. Krack was elected county treasurer and Fred Duckett as county clerk. The latter held the office for three terms.

Village Of Forrest

'Although the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad, now the Toledo, Peoria and Weston road, was completed through Forrest Township in 1857, it was not until December 11, 1866, that the village was surveyed and platted by I. J. Krack, He built the first house in the village, was the first station agent and the first postmaster. He later laid out two additions. The village was incorporated in 1870. The village, as well as the township, was named in honor of Mr. Forrest, of New York. Forrest did not grow much in population until after the Wabash road passed through, when it was made a division and a round-house erected. The village has several blocks of brick buildings, a $30,000 brick school house, and several fine churches. The streets are lighted with electric lights furnished from the plant at Fairbury. Several efforts have been made to sink a coal mine, but have resulted in financial loss. It has one newspaper, the Rambler. The village has had two disastrous fires, each time in the business district, one occurring in the winter of 1869 and the other on December 31, 1872. Among the secret and fraternal orders there is located here the Odd Fellows, Masons, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen and Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen. It has one bank, of which J. V. McDowell is president.

Among those who have taken a prominent part in the building up of the village we mention Stephen A. Hoyt, E. P. Beebe, H. B. Watson, Bronson Smith, Lucian Bullard, Daniel Duckett, Fred Duckett, James B. Hinman, J. P. Knight, Jacob L. Spoor, Allen A. Burton, W. D. Lee, H. C. Twitchell, J. L. Delatour, J. G. Fitch, J. A. Coyner, J. A. Fulwiler.

I. J. Krack erected the first elevator and later sold it to Hoyt and Beebe. R. B. Wilson erected a mill in 1870. It was used mostly in grinding feed. William Underfield built the first hotel in 1870. A two-story frame school building was erected in 1869. This was torn down and a brick building, costing in the neighborhood of $30,000, was erected on the site.

The village has four churches - Methodist, Catholic, Congregational and Christian. The Methodist church was erected in 1876, the first minister being Rev. Myron Dewey. The Congregational church was built in 1874. The Catholic and Christian churches have been built in recent years. The cemetery is located on the John Wallace farm, about one-half mile south of the village.

Forrest Lodge. No. 614, A. F. A. M. was chartered October 5, 1869. William D. Lee was the first master. Good Will Lodge, No. 379, I. 0. O. F. was instituted January 9, 1869. J. A, Fulwiler was the first noble grand.

The early supervisors were John Towner, John G. Harper, Bronson Smith, Lucian Bullard, Stephen A. Hoyt, Israel J. Krack, J. P. Knight, E. W. Dickinson.

Thayer and Nickerson conducted a blacksmith and wagon shop; H. C. Twitchell was an insurance agent; W. D. Lee and J. L. Spoor were justices of the peace.

One of the most prominent citizens was Judge Allan A. Burton. He was born in Kentucky and became a noted lawyer in his native state. In politics he was a Whig, of the antislavery type, although of a pro-slavery family, and co-operated with the Republican party from its earliest formation and long before the party had any regular organization in Kentucky. He was defeated for the legislature in that state. He was one of the delegates to frame the new constitution of Kentucky, and favored the insertion of a clause of prospective emancipation. In 1860 he was a delegate from that state to the convention at Chicago which nominated Abraham Lincoln to the presidency, and was a candidate for presidential elector for the state at large on the Republican ticket in the campaign of that year.

Lincoln appointed him United States Judge for the Territory of Dakota, and a short time afterward he was appointed United States Minister to Bogota, in the United States of Colombia, South America, which position he held for six years. After his return from Bogota, he resumed the practice of law in Lancaster, Ky., with an office in Washington, D. C. In 1871, President Grant appointed him secretary and interpreter of the San Domingo commission, and he furnished a report of the proceedings of the commission to the government. He was stricken with paralysis on July 29, 1876, and shortly afterward moved to Forrest, His residence was located in a grove on the south edge of the village, in which was located a park stocked with deer. His library contained over 1,000 volumes, in which were many valuable books rarely found in a private library. He received a second stroke of paralysis on July 9, 1878, from the effects of which he died four days later. His remains were buried in the cemetery near Lancaster, Ky., the home of his childhood.

This township is located in the extreme southeastern corner of the county. At the September meeting of the board of supervisors for 1867, this township petitioned for separation from

Chatsworth Township, and the same was granted. It was first called Germantown, but in recent years has been known by its present name. Fully three-fourths of the residents are Germans, they being the first settlers, and for that reason it probably derives its name. The township has neither a railroad nor a postoffice. Citizens receive their mail from Chatsworth, Strawn and Melvin, and their trading is done at these places,

The first actual settler in the township was Thomas Y. Brown, who hailed from Jefferson County, New York, arriving in 1855, purchasing 1200 acres of land at $5 per acre. Nicholas Froebe and William P. Goembel settled here the following year, both being natives of Hesse-Cassel, Germany. Goembel was the first supervisor of the township. Mr. Froebe also served in that capacity. John Leggate, a native of Scotland, came with his family in 1857, from Ontario, Canada. He was commonly called "Squire," having been elected to the office of justice of the peace for over twenty years. Samuel T. Fosdick arrived in 1858. He later removed to Chatsworth. Thomas Curran settled here in 1859, Among those who settled later, many of whom are still living in the township, are George Koestner, Charles Storr, Philip and Henry Rupple, Jacob Schade, A. B. Minnerly, Henry Netherton, Daniel D. Moore, Peter P. Freehill, J. G. Lockner, Henry Hornickle, Henry Hummel, Fidel Hummel.

There are six school houses in the township, and a German Evangelical (Methodist) church located on the farm of Henry Rupple. The first school was taught in 1859. In politics, the township is about equally divided between the Republicans and Democrats.

This township was among the first to be settled in this county. It is bounded on the north by Avoca, on the east by Forrest, on the south by Belle Prairie, and on the west by Mc- Lean County. It is about one-fourth timber to three-fourths prairie, and is drained by Indian Creek, which flows through it from the southwest to northeast, and empties into the Vermilion river, two miles northeast of Fairbury.

there was a Worth Township in the adjoining county of Woodford, Francis J. Moore, one of the earlier settlers of this township, suggested Indian Grove, which was adopted. It takes its name from the Indian settlement or camp once in the forest along Indian creek, which receives its name from the same source. In 1828 previous to the Indians locating at Oliver's Grove, they had their wigwams or lodges in the timber, on what is now the farm of H. B. Taylor, located three miles southwest of Fairbury. Until 1857, Indian Grove, as an election precinct, embraced that portion of the county lying east of the mouth of the Vermilion river - or more properly speaking, east of the old village of Avoca, in Avoca Township. The first white man to make a permanent settlement in this township was Joseph Moore. Like the earlier settlers of Belle Prairle Township, he also hailed from Overton County, Tennessee. He arrived in the fall of 1831. Mr. Moore made the journey on horseback, or rather his wife came on horseback and carried thelr only child, a boy, in her lap, while he trudged along on foot. He staked out a claim in the timber, erected a cabin and lived there until his death in October, 1851.

A. B. Phillips and family settled here the following spring. He was an old neighbor of the Moore family in Tennessee, and located near them. A few years later, while hunting some hogs that had strayed from his place he came unexpectedly on the colony in Avoca Township, and was surprised on finding white people, he thinking that the only settlement was in Belle Prairie Township, a short distance south of him. In those days, he was dressed in backwoods attire, and at times it was hard to tell whether he was a white man or an Indian. His son, John R. Phillips, was the first white child born in this county. The latter enlisted in Company E, 129th Dlinois Volunteer Infantry, which was raised in Fairbury, on August 8, 1862, being made a corporal, and died of smallpox at Tullahoma, Tenn., on March 17, 1864. His remains were interred there. The elder Phillips served as deputy sheriff in 1850 and constable fourteen years. The first election in Indian Grove precinct, was held at his house on June 24, 1837. He died January 4, 1881.

The same year (1831), John Darnall arrived with his family from Kentucky. He was a brother of Valentine M. Darnall, the first settler in the county, who had located in Belle

Prairie Township the year previous. He was a Baptist minister, and until churches were erected, held religious meetings in the various cabins. He also officiated at the first two marriages in Belle Prairie Township, the brides ín both instances being his nieces. He was also a kind of leader in all religious, social and political affairs. He was one of the first judges of election in Indian Grove precinct in 1837. In 1853 he was elected associate justice of the county. He was first justice of the peace and the first postmaster. His appointment to the latter postion came in this manner: "As the country settled up, the people of the neighborhood concluded they must have a postoffice, and accordingly they petitioned for one. The name of Robert Smith, a Cumberland Presbyterlan preacher, who had settled in the locality about 1836, was mentioned in the petition for postmaster, but as he (Smith) was the only Whig in the settlement, and Long John Wentworth, of Chicago, then a strong Democrat, and representative of this district In congress, thought it would not do to have a Whig as postmaster, and so, without leave or license, had Darnell appointed instead of Smith." Mr. Darnall in the 'S0s removed to Oregon. Several families settled here during 1834 - Richard Moore, Franels Moore, Jonathan Moore, Lewis Moore, Isam Moore, Malachi Spence and son, James, David Travis and Mrs, Glen Phillips, a widow. Richard Moore was born in North Carolina, but removed with his parents at any early age to Tennessee. He came to this locality in April, 1834, staked out a claim and built his cabin. The following year he made a trip overland to Chicago, when the stores of that city consisted of six log structures. During the Black Hawk War, he served in the capacity of teamster, hauling provisions with ox teams from Peru and Ottawa. He was a member of the first petit jury drawn in the county. Isam Moore settled here a few months later than his brothers, Richard and Joseph. During his residence here he held the following offices: justice of the peace, fourteen years; constable, six years; school trustee, twenty years; assessor and collector, one term each.

Malachi Spence and son, James, also from Tennessee, came here during the summer of 1834, The wife of the former died in that state in 1817. Malachi died June 1, 1847, and his son, James, then continued to live on the old homestead until his death, which occurred March

16, 1881. The remains of both are reposing in the little cemetery on the east side of the road near their old home. David Travis, who was quite an old man when he arrived here, did not stay long, not liking the outlook of frontier life, and after a year or two, he returned to Tennessee, Francis J. Moore and brother Jonathan, and Lewis Moore, a cousin, were the next Tennesseeans to arrive. The latter soon thereafter returned to his native state. Francis J. Moore first settled on the west side of the grove, but in a year or two he "swapped" claims with a neighbor, and moved over on the east side. He had the honor of naming this township. Jonathan Moore bad more or less to do with county affairs soon after his arrival. In 1887, the year this county was organized and the county seat located, at an election held at the home of Andrew McMillan, northwest of Pontiac, he was elected one of the first three county commissioners. This body for several years thereafter held its meetings at the home of Mr. McMillan. Mr. Moore also held various township offices.

In 1885 or 1836, Rice Donoho and sons, Wilson Y. and Jefferson, settled in this neighborhood. All of them have long since died, and their remains were laid to rest in Cooper cemetery. Wilson Donoho served on the first grand jury in the county.

Chancy Standish came here in 1835 from New York. He was a school teacher, and shortly after his arrival, the people at once set to work to build a log house for school purposes. This was the first school house erected in the township. In this building Standish taught the first school. He was compensated for his services by contributions, although at times the sum was quite meagre. It was some time before there was any public money for school purposes.

Robert Smith settled here in 1836, having previously lived in Morgan County, this state. He was a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. The following year he built the first grist mill in the township. In 1839, two years after the county was organized, he was appointed the first assessor of Indian Grove precinct. At that time there were but three precincts in the county, the names of the other two being Center and Bayou. He was reappointed in 1840. He was also appointed the first school commissioner. He removed to Peoria some years prior to his death, which occurred in 1867. The above comprised nearly all of the first settlers, as far as we have

Prior to 1837, this section of the county was embraced in McLean County, and the land was not yet in market when these settlements were made. It was the custom to blaze out a claim and squat wherever one suited, provided no one had a previous claím. They settled in and around the timber, never thinking that in after years the broad prairies would amount to much for anything but pasturage.

But two families settled here in the '40s - Decatur Veatch and Henry Darnall, the former arriving in 1846 and the latter in 1849. Mr. Veatch had for two: years previous lived in Mc- Lean County. In 1849 he built the first saw mill in the township. During his residence here he held many offices of trust. He died June 3, 1873. Henry Darnall came here from Madison County, Kentucky. He served four years as justice of the peace and was school director for seven years.

Jeremiah Travis, who settled with his father in Belle Prairie Township in 1834, related that in 1847 he drove hogs to Chicago, requiring eighteen days to make the trip, most of the distance being in slush and mud up to the top of his boots. On these trips he frequently had to cut brush and lay it down for a foundation for a bed to keep him out of the mud and water. On this pile he would place blankets and despite rain and storm, he slept soundly. On reaching his destination the hogs were slaughtered, and after hanging for twenty-four hours were weighed, and he was paid $1.50 per hundred weight. In early times, he also engaged in driving cattle and hauling wheat and oats to the Chicago markets, and the prices he received for these products were in about the same proportion as that obtained for his hogs.

Among those who settled here during the '50s were R. G. Crouch, Chester F. Crouch, John Kring, John Atkins, Lorenzo Beach and son Thomas, C. C. Bartlett, Thomas A. Jones, Henry Hornbeck, Hugh McKee, R. C. Straight, Robert Rumbold, S. D. Duell, John Cumpston and sons, Jacob Davis, James F. Earnheart, Caleb Patton, Daniel R. Potter, Gilbert Evans, John Sorg.

tery named after her father, just north of where Martin Darnall settled in 1830. Her coffin was made of walnut slabs, split out of the timber from her father's farm, hewed down and then dressed smooth.

The only churches in the township, outside of Fairbury, are the Union church, in the southern part, and the Amish church, in the southeast corner. Union church was completed in 1861, and is occupied by the Baptists and Christians, although neither denomination has any regular minister at the present time.

The township has nine school districts and ten frame school houses. This does not include the school houses in Fairbury. From an examination of the early school records, we find that on April 1, 1857, a meeting of the trustees - James Spence, Chancey Standish and James Moore - was held at the home of John Darnall, the school treasurer. The school fund at that time consisted of $721.20, in notes; fund for schoo] and interest, $67.70; fund on hand in notes, $170. There were but five school districts in the township at this time. The early records are rather poorly kept.

The first road through the township was the state road leading from the state line to Peoria. This road was about one-half mile from the south line of the township, and has long since been abandoned.

The political complexion of the township has undergone a great change within the past fifty years. In the early days the township gave large Democratic majorities, but for many years the Republicans have been in control. John Cumpston was the first supervisor.

City Of Fairbury

Although the first settler arrived in Indian Grove Township in 1831, it was not until twentysix years later that there was a village within its borders. The post office at that time was at the home of John Darnall, three miles south, on the mail route from Danville to Bloomington, Philip Hopper was one of the carriers. When the eastern extension of the Peoria and Oquawka railroad (now the Toledo, Peoria and Western) made a survey through the northern tier of sections in this township in 1857, John Atkins, Salmon G. Cone and Caleb L. Patton each made a proposition to the stockholders of the company for the location of a town site. Octave Chanute was one of the civil engineers of the of the town lots provided he would locate the village on his farm. The proposition was accepted. and on November i0, 1857, Mr. Patton laid out twenty-four blocks from portions of sections 3 and 10, The village for a time was called South Avoca. Mr. Chanute wanted it named Pattonsburg, in honor of Mr. Patton, but the latter gave the town the name it now bears. In 1859, Mr. Patton disposed of his interest in the town lots to Andrew J. Cropsey.

The railroad was constructed through the village in 1857, running east and west through the center of the town. Mr. Atkins secured an in- Junction to restrain the railroad company from passing through his farm, but before tbe papers could be served, the track had been put down. That portion of the village north of the railroad track was planted in sod corn and sown in wheat. John Coomer erected the first house in the village in the winter of 1857, on the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets. He moved into his house on December 31, although it was not completed, pieces of carpet taking the place of doors and windows for nearly two months. Mrs. Coomer died March 19, 1908. The first store building, a two-story frame structure, was built in the spring of 1858, by A. L. Pogue, R. B. Amsbary and David Thomas. The building is still standing on the original site at the corner Fifth and Main streets. William Mitchell erected a building the same summer, south of the railroad track, and opened a grocery store. George W. Morris erected the first hotel in the village. It stood on the northwest corner of Fourth and Elm streets. It was afterward moved to the main street and destroyed by fire in 1880. Michael Gately and O. S. Mason conducted the first blacksmith shop.

The first elevator was erected in the fall of 1855 by B, F. Fitch and J. H. Van Eman, A. L. Pogue and C. C. Bartlett built the second one the following year. The first flouring mill was built in the fall of 1859, but was destroyed by fire in 1872. Benjamin Walton erected a mill in 1866, which was burned August 12, 1868. He erected a three-story structure in 1869, on the site of the one destroyed, as a mill and elevator. This was burned to the ground on the morning of October 11, 1884. Amsbary and Jones and H. M, Gillette built elevators later then those mentioned above.

G. McDowell and Nelson E. Lyman. Three years later, John J. Taylor was admitted as a partner. In 1874 it was organized as the First National Bank, with I. P. McDowell as president and N. E. Lyman as cashier. T. S. O. McDowell is now president. On June 15, 1874, Bartlett, Beach and Dominy commenced the banking business. Mr. Bartlett withdrew from the firm in Jannary. 1879, and Beach and Dominy continued the business, Mr. Beach retiring in 1894. Mr. Dominy continued the business until his death, and was succeeded by W. R. Bane and Herbert Powell. Three other banks are doing business in addition to the above - A. B. Claudon, McDowell Brothers and Walton Brothers.

The first school was held in a building erected on the lot where John Cliff's residence now stands with Miss Jennie Stoddard as teacher. Part of the building is now occupied by Patton John as a residence. The first school building was erected in 1860. It stood where the present high school building now stands, north of the railroad. The first teacher was Smith Olney. The first school building on the south side, a two-story frame structure, was completed in 1868 at a cost of $3,500. The building was destroyed by fire in June, 1880. School was held the following winter in McDowell's hall. The present south side school building was erected at a cost of $12.296. The first high school commencement exercises were held at the opera house on the evening of May 22, 1881. There were three graduates - Misses Mabel Rogers, Ella Wade and Ora Philips.

The first postoffice in the village was established in 1858, the first postmaster being Henry McKee. The mail was then carried from Pontiac to Lexington on horseback, a round trip

The census of 1860 gave Fairbury a population of 269, and the next four years the village grew rapidly owing to the opening of the coal mine. It was then decided to organize under village laws and charter. At the election held on August 8, 1864, (John Coomer was president and C. C. Bartlett officiated as clerk) 80 votes were cast for incorporation and 26 against. The first board of trustees were Delos Wright, I. P. Mc- Dowell, J. H. Van Eman, Henry L. Marsh and E. F. Joy. Henry L. Marsh was elected presi- dent, W. G. McDowell clerk, and Robert Mc- Kee, police magistrate. Fairbury continued under town organization until February 3, 1890, when it voted to adopt village organization, and at an election held February 3, 1890 it voted to become a city.

Three brothers named Barnard erected a woolen mill in 1868 where Claudon's elevator now stands. The venture did not pay, and after losing thousands of dollars, it was sold to Sacriste and Son, who fared no better. Sheep raising did not pay in' an early day, owing to the wet land, the disease called "foot rot" prevailed as to render the raising of sheep entirely profitless, The machinery was afierward moved to California and the building was carried away by piece-meal.

The first coal mine was sunk in the fall of 1861 by Henry L. Marsh at a cost of $35,000. Previous to August 22 of that year the second attempt to sink a coal shaft on this farm proved a failure on account of too much water. On the above date ground was broken the third time. After many difficulties, coal was reached January 14, 1863, measuring four feet ten inches. At that date it was the only coal shaft in central Illinois. In 1867 the shaft was sunk still deeper to a lower vein. The mine was leased to John Watson in 1877 and he continued to operate until March 16, 1881, when the shaft was abandoned. The sinking of the second mine east of the village was commenced In April, 1867, coal being found at a depth of 160 feet. This was owned by a stock company of which Amsbary and Jones were at the head. James Gibb was superintendent. The mine was sold April 6, 1881, to Porter, Wager and Company, for $6,000. This mine has also been abandoned. In March, 1878, James Gibb, Robert Knight, Michael Hotchkiss and John Kirkwood, purchased at trustee's sale for $1,000 six acres of the Marsh land, just west of the village, and also purchased the right to the coal under seventy acres in the same vicinity. At a depth of 176 feet they reached a vein four and a half feet thick at a cost of nearly $10,000. This mine was sold on June 12, 1881, to Walton Brothers for $10,000. They operated the mine for twenty-two years, when they sold it to a stock company. The mine was abandoned in 1906. Two mines, both run on the co-operative plan, are now in operation - one located one-

The Presbyterian church was organized July 25, 1858, with ten members, by Rev. Benjamin R. Drake, then acting pastor. The elders were E. H. McQuig, H. H. McKee and Joseph Rumbold. The church, a frame structure, 25x40 feet, was erected in the summer of 1862, on the site where the Amish church now stands. Rev. I. T. Whittemore of Pontiac supplied the pulpit. Soon after this, Rev. Thomas Hempstead was elected pastor and he remained until 1866.

At the expiration of the services of these two pastors, the two organizations came together and agreed to meet in one church and employ one minister. Rev. M. B. Gregg was secured for two years, and after the union of the two branches of the Presbyterian church in America, the two organizations in Fairbury united organically, and Rev. J. N. Hutchinson was ordained as pastor in May, 1871. At this time the elders were E. W. Lyman, J. W. Rogers, Samuel Bally, Alexander Harbison and H. L. Bruce. The trustees were William Blain, W. N. Combs and W. H. Taylor. The congregation disposed of this building and in 1881 erected a new edifice, which has since been remodeled and enlarged. The Sunday school was organized in 1863, with William Mitchell as superintendent.

The Methodist church was organized in July, 1858, under the pastorate of Rey. J. W. Stubbles, who was then stationed at Avoca, with the foltowing members: Lorenzo Beach, Edith Beach, Jobn Kring, Rachel Kring, Catherine Kring, John Potter, Francis Moore, Garrison Bowen, John Busey, Nancy Busey. The first church building was erected in the fall of 1858. It was a frame structure 32x55 feet. It was enlarged in 1866. A story and basement brick edifice was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1876. On July 2, 1877, it was destroyed by a tornado. Another building was erected and dedicated January 20, 1878. This building was torn down in 1905 and the present edifice erected. The first Sunday school was organized in the spring of 1859, with Jacob Hunt as superintendent.

Mr. And Mrs. John H. Crumbaker

feet, was erected in 1865, and dedicated by Rey. Joseph Cairns, its pastor. This building has since been enlarged and remodeled. The first Sunday school was organized in 1864.

The Catholic congregation was organized in 1857, although regular services were not held until ten years afterward. The first priest was Rev. Father O'Neill, who was in charge of the parish at Pontiac, and be was succeeded by Rey. Thomas Quigley. In 1867, Rev. John Fanning was assigned to this charge and the following year a frame building, 33x60 feet, was built. The building was afterward enlarged, owing to increasing membership. In 1903 the present brick edifice was erected, on the corner of Fourth and Ash streets.

The village cemetery, located in the southwestern part of the city, was laid out August 30, 1855, the first burial being the wife of David Hughes. Since then an addition has been laid out on the north, and Morris' addition on the east. The Catholic cemetery is located one mile northeast of the city.

The first drain tile factory was built by R. C. Straight in October, 1878, on his farm west of the city. For a number of years this was the only factory of its kind in the county.

Fairbury has had more destructive fires than any other town in the county, especially during the period from 1867 to 1880, at the time the "east and west end fight" was at its height. The first conflagration of any note occurred on the afternoon of October 11, 1867, when a spark from a railroad engine set Parker Dresser's grain elevator on fire and the flames communicated to a Tow of wooden business buildings on the north side of the street, destroyed eighteen store rooms, involving a loss of $75,000. This fire resulted in litigation against the railroad company. The suits were pending in the courts for over six years, but the plaintiffs never recovered damages. This block was immediately rebuilt, but on September 3, 1869, the stores of Demas Elliott, James Bright, James Price, Gebhardt Fent, Ferdinand Schmitz and Greenbaum & Brothers, were destroyed by fire. N. S. McDonald's wagon shop in the west end was burned the same night. Both fires were the work of an incendiary. On the morning of February 22, 1868, fire was discovered in Lisenby's law office, located in a two-story frame building at the corner of Fourth and Locust streets. All the buildings in the block were burned to the ground. This fire was also the work of an incendiary. On the morning of May 8, 1870, fire destroyed Amsbary & Jones' elevator, Jones' hall, Burch & Havermale's drug store, T. F. Kiff's grocery store and Joseph T. Jones' restaurant. The loss was placed at $38,000. The Livingston hotel, built in 1866 and located in the extreme west end of the town, was burned in December, 1877. The hotel was a two-story wooden building, and was used also as a depot and waiting room for passengers. It was never rebuilt. On the evening of December 3, 1869, four brick business buildings located in the east end, occupied by N. F. Small & Co., Geo. T. Elliott & Co., Beach Scott and Pindar Brothers, were burned to the ground. The loss was placed at $50,000. The fire originated in the cellar of Elliott & Co.'s store. The Wilson grist mill was burned September 9, 1871. It was owned by H. M. Gillette, but had been leased by Amsbary & Jones. The loss on mill was $12,000, and was insured for $5,000. On the morning of April 16, 1880, fire was discovered in the attic of the Central Hotel, a three-story frame building located in the center of a business block, and in a short time the hotel and twelve wooden business buildings were destroyed. On Sunday night, January 15, 1871, some person poured kerosene over the benches and chairs which were piled in one corner of McDowell's hall and then set fire to them. The fire was discovered in time to save the building. The south side school house was destroyed by fire in the night of August 16, 1880, On the morning of October 14, 1884, occurred the first Walton Brothers fire. The fire started in the large three-story flouring mill owned by them, located across the street south of their nine brick business buildings and in less than an hour these, together with several other store rooms and residences, were a mass of ruins. The Odell check rower factory, across the railroad track and south of the mill, also burned to the ground. Walton Brothers did not rebuild on the old site, but commenced business in their store buildings two blocks east. On the afternoon of April 14, 1896, their establishment was wiped out by the flames, involving a net loss of over $30,000.

the early 70's, there was a bitter fight between the two "ends" of town - one faction being known as the "east enders," and the other as the "west enders". The dividing line was Second street. The fight raged so fierce that articles were published in the papers, aimed at certain parties, Insinuating that several fires which had recently occurred in the village, were not entirely accldental. These articles resulted in suits being brought in the courts for alleged slander, and attempts were made to secure indictments before the grand jury. Ata meeting of the citizens held in January, 1872, the following resolutions were adopted :

"Resolved, That such deeds are a blight upon our city and an infamous stain upon the characters of the perpetrators, instead of upon those who would so defame; that we regard with horror and astonishment the actions of men, prosstituting their official position, to carry out personal spite against their fellow citizens at public expense; that we are utterly opposed to such persons, and fully believe such attempt to be the result of vindictive personal feeling, generated by an old feud on the part of their enemies in the hope to shield themselves from damages in certain suits now pending against them in the courts."

After the three fires in the east end in 1868 and 1869, the west end began to build up rapidly, and nearly a solid block of two-story brick business houses was erected on the north side of Livingston square. a block of one-story brick buildings having previously been built on the south side of the square. The depot and postoffice had been moved to the west end. The advent of the Chicago and Paducah railroad made the rivalry more intense. The track had been laid to the corporation line, in the west end, the last spike being driven by M. E. Collins, president of the road, on July 15, 1871, after which a jubilee meeting was held in McDowell's hall. It was the intention to locate the depot in the west end, and continue the road on south. Shortly after daybreak on a Sunday morning, several hundred "east enders" made their appearance at the west end and proceeded to lay the track on Walnut street toward the east end, completing the task that evening. Trains were run on the road the following day, and later a round house was built. The rivalry between the two "ends" continued until about 1875, and it was only stopped by the removal from the village and the deaths of the leaders of the two factions. All of the two-story business buildings in the west end have been torn down, and the business is now done In the central and eastern portions of the town. The past has been forgotten, and is rarely ever referred to. The railroad was afterward extended to Strawn, but was taken up some twentyfive years ago. The township, to its sorrow, had voted $50,000 toward the construction of the road, although the Fairbury Journal, under date of September 15, 1871, estimated that "$20,000 per year will be saved to the community by the building and operating of the road."

During the latter part of the '60s, Fairbury was the headquarters in central Illinois of the "Free Thinkers," who differed from the teachings of the Bible. Among the noted men who came here and delivered lectures were Col. R. G. Ingersoll, then a resident of Peoria, and B. F. Underwood of Boston. The great religious debate between Elder O. A. Burgess of Indianapolis and B. F. Underwood was held in a tabernacle erected on the lots where the Scouller business buildings now stand. The debate commenced on the evening of June 17, 1870, and continued through six sessions. The propositions under discussion were: "The Bible contains a supernatural revelation from God to man." - Burgess affirmed, Underwood denied. "The Bible is the work of human origin, and is pernicious in its influence on man." - Underwood affirmed, Burgess denied. These meetings were attended nightly by thousands of people, coming from this and adjoining counties, Shortly afterward, Mr. Ingersoll delivered his celebrated lecture in which his opening paragraph began: "An honest God is the noblest work of man." This lecture was printed in all of the papers in the United States, and it was the one in which he was afterward openly charged as being an infidel. Mr. Ingersoll continued to lecture here about once a month for a year. The "Free Thinkers" erected a two-story double brick building to be used as a hall, and it was dedicated on the evening of January 30, 1871, the orators being Ingersoll and Underwood, both of whom spoke on the life and character of Thomas Palne - the date being the anniversary of his birth. On September 8, Rev. Burgess and other preachers held meetings in a pavilion, and made replies to the remarks made by Ingersoll and Underwood. Upon the removal to other states of the leaders of the Free Thinkers, the society was abandoned and the hall sold at mortgagee's sale in February, 1879, for $1,500, side of two coal mines and cement block factories. The city is located in the midst of an agricultural district, The business houses are all built of brick, and the merchants carry extensive stocks. The business street is paved with brick and sixteen miles of cement walks have been put down in the residence district. One of the finest buildings is the Dominy Memorial Public Library, erected by Mrs. L. B. Dominy, after the death of her husband, at a cost of $25,000 and dedicated to the city. An opera house, seating 750 people, was erected a few years ago by a stock company at a cost of $22,000. The first rural route in the county was established in this city. Three of the largest greenhouses in central Illinois are located here, A beautiful park, cared for by public subscriptions, is located in the center of the business district.

The city owns and operates a system of waterworks superior to most towns of its size. The supply is from a well 2,000 feet deep. The water is pure, free from lime, and contains many medicinal properties. The water is pumped by compressed air and forced into a standpipe 115 feet high, which is connected with a large reservoir that gives ample supply in case of a large fire. A system of mains over five miles in extent conducts the water to all parts of the city, and it ls used very largely for household purposes.

The city owns a fine city hall centrally located at the union of the principal streets, The lower floor is used by the city officers and the fire department, while in the second story is the council chamber and an audience room large enough to accommodate meetings of a public character.

The business portion of the city is lighted by are lamps, while in the residence districts incandescent lamps are placed at the alternate street Intersections, thus distributing the light over the city.

The annua) exhibition given under the auspices of the Fairbury Union Agricultural Board is a distinctive feature of the town and is an event eagerly anticipated from year to year. The organization is in a flourishing condition. They have commodious grounds just south of the city limits, one of the fastest half-mile tracks in the state and commodions buildings.

The state of the public schools is a fair index of the city. In this respect, Fairbury is not wanting. The city is provided with two substantlal brick buildings. The south side building was erected in 1880 at a cost of $16,000 and the new $20,000 high school building on the north side

Fairbury might appropriately be called the "city of churches." The moral and intellectual tone of the town is shown by the large attendance at divine services. Among the denominations represented are the following: Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Catholic, Episcopal, Free Methodist, Christian, African Methodist Episcopal, Amish and Christian Science.

Few cities even of a larger growth have better facilities for work in secret organizations than has Fairbury. The Masonic Temple is the home of the St. Paul Commandery, No. 34, Knights Templar; Fairbury Chapter, No. 99, R. A. M.; Tarbolton Lodge, No. 351, A. F. and A. M.; and Fairbury Chapter, No. 198, O. E. S. The appointments are elegant in every way. The hall occupies the second story of the building, and consists of a commodious lodge-room, with suitable ante-rooms, reception parlor, banquet hall, together with kitchen, closets and lockers. Equally elegant is the I. O. O. F. Temple. Here meet the Fairbury Encampment, No. 71, I. O. O. F.; Livingston Lodge, No. 290, I. O. O. F., and Charity -Home Rebekah Lodge, No. 112. This hall is a model of taste and luxury and is the scene of many social functions. Fairbury Camp, No. 6, M. W. A., Fairbury District Court of Honor, No. 206, and Aaron Weider Post, No. 75, G. A. R., occupy suitable quarters by themselves,

Long Point is one of the townships on the western tier, being bounded on the north by Reading, on the south by Nebraska, on the east by Amity, and on the west by Woodford County. It derives its name from the long stretch of timber extending from the northeast corner of the township almost to the western limits, and lying on both sides of the creek bearing the same name. Diamond creek flows from the southwest corner and empties into Long Point creek. Prior to 1838, none of the lands in the township had been disposed of. A branch of the Santa Fe road crosses the northwest corner, cutting off five sections. The village of Long Point is located on portions of sections 4, 5 and 9. From a political standpoint, the township is Republican, although

On November 6, 1837, Andrew McDowell entered the first piece of land in Long Point Township, and erected his home the same year, His Dearest neighbors were the Moons and Barickmans to the north in Reading Township. He was a native of Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Mr. McDowell was elected county commissioner in 1844 under the old law before the creation of the board of supervisors. In the early settlement of Illinois, he had some thrilling adventures in apprehending and bringing to conviction the horse thieves who infested that portion of the state. There is still standing on the old homestead the first frame building erected in the township. The frame was constructed in Chicago and hauled to his farm, where it was put together. During the early days he was a great hunter, and had an oldfashioned gun which he prized very highly for its accuracy and long range. He also served his township as assessor and collector.

James Argubright claimed to have been the second settler, having located there in 1839, although John Evans said he had located here as early as 1836. Isaac Hodgson alleges he came here in 1836 and remained until 1853, when he sold out to Samuel Silleck. Edwin L. Wheeler, Lorin Pratt, Crawford Eisenhower, David Miller, Lorman Miller, Edward Rhodes, David Rhodes, Orín Rhodes and Benjamin Carlton, helped to swell the community, coming in 1840, Wheeler was a native of New York, Carlton a native of England, the others being from Pennsylvania. The Rhodes brothers left for the west in 1858. O. B. Wheeler and E. C. Allen arrived in 1841. The latter was a member of the board of supervisors for eleven years, chairman of the board for several terms, and collector by appointment. In 1876 he was elected representative from this district by a vote of 7,321. He came here from Ohio on foot and upon his arrival had but $8 in his pockets. He was clerk of the first election held in the township. Frederick and Edward Carlton moved here in 1842, followed the next year by Ferdinand Werner. Cornelius Zeilman and sons, Aaron and Philo, were among the settlers in 1844. Godfreid Keil arrived in 1847 and E. L. Stratton in 1848, The latter served as supervisor, assessor and collector. Nathan Springer and Samuel Silleck located here in 1849. The latter was instrumental in securing the present route of the Chicago, Pekin and Southwestern railroad (now the Santa Fe) and he individually secured the location of the station in the village of Long Point, giving the company forty acres, selling other land he owned here for village lots. Absalom Hallam and Thomas Mills became residents in 1850. Mr. Hallam was one of the three commissioners appointed in 1857 to divide the county into townships. He was the first postmaster, having been appointed soon after bis arrival, and kept the same in his house a few years. He moved to the village of Long Point in 1874. Mills was elected assessor and town treasurer. Conrad Reed and son William came bere in 1853. The following year, Andrew Saemisch and John P. Morgan made their settlement here. The latter had been here in 1835. He was a printer by trade and had worked at the case for Horace Greeley in New York. He was quite prominent in local affairs, and on the organization of the town in 1858 he was elected the first supervisor. He was county judge from 1857 to and including 1858, and was justice of the peace for more than twenty years.

Among others who located here in the '50s were Isaac Ramsey, Stephen Coleman, John Moulds, John Minard, Frederick Girard and sons, Herman and Albert, M. L. Stratton, William Howell, O. M. Alden, Erastus Eaton, William Eaton, Orlando Chubbuck, Harvey Winser, A. J. Bosserman, John Cooper, John Dykes, A. J. Ewart and sons, Josiah, Joseph and James, A. J. Roberts, Thomas Wray, James Worlds, M. Van Fleet. Among the arrivals in the 60's were John W. Hart, John H. Colehower, J. F. Smith, S. D. Carson, James B. Phillips, Andrew Raub, $. Martine, Leonard Wetz, Theodore Stevenson, James Bradbury.

The first school was taught in 1843 in a log cabin on section 4 by Jane Devine. A few years later, another building was erected near Absalom Hallam's claim. They were also used for religious services.

Village Of Long Point

Long Point was laid out as a village on February 5, 1873, for Samuel Silleck and Andrew J. McDowell, from parts of sections 4, 5 and 9. The Chicago, Pekin and Southwestern railroad (now the Santa Fe) was completed through the village the year previous. A. J. Bosserman was the first station agent. Grable Brothers conducted the first store, John Hossett conducted the first boarding house, and Peter Bennett built the first dwelling. The village now has about 375 inhabitants. It has two general stores, drug store, hardware store, two meat markets, hotel, black- smith shop, confectionery store, two barber shops, three grain elevators, and a custom mill, It also has a newspaper - The Long Point Advocate. There is but one brick building in the village, occupied by the Bank of Long Point, of which B. F. Colehower is president. Two churches are located here - Methodist Protestant and Christian. The village also has two school houses. Among the secret and fraternal orders are the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen, Court of Honor, Royal Neighbors, and Order of the Eastern Star. The residents of the little village are proud of their cornet band.

This township possesses some of the finest farming lands in the county. The surface is gently undulating and the soil exceedingly productive. The land was in the grant given to the Illinois Central railroad. The prevailing price which the early settlers had to pay ranged from $15 to $20 per acre, according to location. They were required to pay two years' interest at the rate of 6 per cent in advance, the remaining payments to be made each year, in small amounts. Some of them could not meet the payments when due, and as the railroad company did not want to see them leave, in many cases took the land for the improvements made and then immediately resold it to the original settlers for $6 to $7 per acre. This second sale in many cases occurred just prior to the Civil War. The township settled up rapidly in the later '50s and in the 60s. At the present time over one-half of the inbabitants are Germans and Irish, all well-to-do. The vote for township organization was had on November 3, 1857. Until 1861, this township was a part of Waldo, and was called Nebraska precinct. In recent years, the township has gone Republican.

This township was not settled until 1855, although a few years before, explorers and others had been over the land and marked the rich prairies as an inviting place for a future home. None of them came here, however, in after years. The first person to make a permanent home here was Isaac Sheets, who arrived from Ohio in 1854 and located on section 35, near the southeast corner of the township. The following spring noted the arrival of Hilliard Van Doren, John W. Simpson, Levi James, Robert Smiley, Reuben Macey, T. N. Camelin, John Emberson, James

Murphy, Adley Brock, Moses Hopwood, Daniel Graft and William Norris, followed the next year by Abel Pearson and Joseph H. Martin. In 1857, John W. Hoover, Joel Doolittle, Albert Snyder, Levi Thompson, B. F. Wood, John Richardson, Nelson Louks, M. Q. Bullard, C. E. Bruce, E. F. John, S. Williams, and Patrick, Peter and Edward Flanagan were among the newcomers. Gilbert Evans, James Smith, Daniel Jolly, Samuel G. Wilcox and S. N. Pillsbury and son, Nathaniel, made their appearance in 1858 and Robert Thompson arrived in 1859. The Flanagan brothers were instrumental in the erection of a Catholic church in 1875 on section 36. In 1880, they laid out and platted the village of Flanagan. John W| Hoover was elected sheriff in 1870. He now resides in Pontiac, and for the vast ten years has been a member of the board of supervisors. Nathaniel J. Pillsbury remained with his father on the farm for a few years, when he removed to Pontiac and studied law and in due time was admitted to the bar. In 1873 he was elected judge of the Thirteenth Judicial circuit, composed of the counties of Livingston, Iroquois and Kankakee. This circuit was consolidated with the circuit composed of McLean and Ford counties in 1877 by the act of the Legislature establishing Appellate Courts for the state. He was appointed by the Supreme Court one of the judges of the Appellate Court, and was reappointed three times. He held the office of circuit judge for several terms. In 1869 he was elected a delegate to the constitutional convention which framed and submitted to the people the present constitution of the state.

In 1859 German Lutherans located in the western side of the township, adjoining the Woodford County line. They erected a school building, and in 1866 built a church. In 1870-71, the Baptists erected a church on the southeast corner of section 7. The Congregational church was organized in 1860. They built a church in 1875 on section 11. The Methodist church was organized in 1869. In 1873 they purchased a school house, remodeled it, and moved it onto section 20. Prior to this time the three latter denominations held religious services in the Ne braska school house. The Catholic church was built in 1875 on section 36. The first school house was erected in 1856 near the home of Samuel Wilcox. Three years later, owing to the rapid influx of settlers, five schools were in operation.

one was on section 19, in a store kept by Henry Schmidt, and was called Windtown, from the fact that George Sauer had erected a windmill on his farm several years previous. This mill ground the grist of the farmers in the neighborhood until 1872, when it was remoyed to Gridley.

The Salem Orphanage is located three miles south of the village of Flanagan on a farm donated to the Salem Orphanage Association by David R. King. Mr. King was an inyalid for about twenty-five years before his death, and his wife baying died a few years previous, leaving no children, Mr. King deeded the land to the association proyided they would keep him until his death, which they did. The first board of directors were N. B. Stuckey, D. N. Claudon, Joseph Ulrich, John Slagle. B. K. Slagle and Andrew Roth. The first building to carry on the work proposed was erected in 1888. It was two stories high with a basement, the dimensions being 29x40 feet, containing eleven rooms, most of the work of construction being performed by members of the Mennonite church. After the building was completed, it remained idle for over a year, the board seeking to find a superintendent to carry on the great work outlined by the association who would devote his life to the cause. After a diligent search for such a person, Benjamin Rupp was given the position of superintendent and his good wife was made matron. Mr. Rupp and wife are from Fulton County, Ohio, where Mr. Rupp was engaged in farming. He was also a minister in the Mennonite church, and his selection has proved that no better man could be found for the great work to be accomplished. Three years after Mr. Rupp assumed charge, the building was found to be too small and an addition, 55x60 feet, was erected by the association at a cost of nearly $10,000, and like the first building, the work of construction was for the most part performed by members of the Mennonite church, Joseph Mosiman of East Peoria, Ill. donated $3,000 toward the erection of this building. A school building, 29x40 feet, has also been erected, as well as a barn and suitable sheds for the live stock, the whole being made perfectly sanitary throughout. On the 12th of March, 1907, Henry H. Broad of Waldo Township, died in Florida, where he went in search of health. Mr. Broad was a widower with no children, and left part of his estate, consisting of 160 acres of good land in Waldo Township and some personal property, to the Salem Orphanage. The estate is now being administered upon and the association will soon

The Orphanage is conducted by a branch of the Amish sect, known as the Defenceless Mennonites, who are, without doubt, the best citizens of the county. They are broad in their views, take an interest in the affairs of the community in which they live, and are generous to a fault. Neither the perils of the night nor dangers of the elements ever deter them from visiting the bedside of the sick and sorrowing neighbor, no matter what his faith may be. The writer has met many estimable people in civil life during his travels over the United States, but for all that goes to make up that which we esteem most in manhood and womanhood, we have never met the superior of these people - the Defenceless Mennonites. From the day the Salem Orphanage first started down to the present time, no person was ever solicited for funds to carry on the work. The motto of the association - 'In God We Trust" - is carried out to the letter, and not one cent of indebtedness has ever been incurred in carrying on the Orphanage. It was the original intention of the organizers of the association to care for only the orphans of members belonging to the Mennonite church, but this was abandoned, and all creeds are now admitted. The management of the Home is delegated to the president and the board of directors, who are entitled to select workers for the home, and to dismiss those who are not fully consecrated to the work, or such as are not fitted or not needed.

Orphans, half orphans, and other worthy destitute lawfully begotten children are accepted into the Home, and receive industrial and religious training, and a common school education; or homes found for them where they may receive such training and education, Both sexes are admitted between the ages of about one and ten years. Destitute orphan children are accepted free of charge and fare paid. For other destitute children who are sent for only a limited time, railroad fare must the paid. But In cases of extreme poverty, by writing to the president or superintendent of the home, the matter will be investigated. Neither the president nor the board of directors shall have any right, at any time, or under any circumstances, to incur debt against the association, or to go any farther than the funds will reach. The officers fulfill the duties pertaining to their office without compensation, and all the workers in the Home do their work gratuitously. The association obligates itself to supply the workers of the Home with all the necessaries of life; to pay all their railroad fare and expenses for such trips as are made for the interest of the Home, or for recovery. Also give them a home, and faithfully care for them in case of sickness or old age. Workers are also authorized to receive free gifts, such as are specified for them by the donors. No demand, or call for aid, shall be made to assist in the work; only through free-will offerings, by faith and trust in God, the work shall be begun and cartied on. Any endowment, bequest or donation to this association, for any specific purpose, in accordance with charter, shall be used for the purpose specified by the donor.

Since the Home was opened in 1890, many orphans have been supplied with homes. The children are given a common school education, the same text books being used as in the public schools of the county. But three deaths have occurred at the Orphanage in the eighteen years that it has been open to the public. All are obliged to work who are able. A manual train- {ng school will soon be started in connection with the institution, The only punishment inflicted for an infraction of the rules is that of sending the child to bed, not, however, without food. Love and sympathy are the modes used with the children, and 1f this does not bring forth results, the refractory one is provided with a good home away from the Orphanage. At the present time there are seventy-one children at the Orphanage, making a total of eight-five persons, including the superintendent, his family, the teachers and nurse. An elegant hospital is also provided.

The present managers are Benjamin Rupp and wife, superintendent and matron; N. B. Stucky, John Slagle, B. K. Slagle, Samuel Ehrsmann of Flanagan; Andrew Roth, Groveland, Ill.; John Rupp, Pettisville, Ohio; John Slatter, Grabel, Ind.; Joseph Pantz, Sterling, Kan.; Peter Ehrsmann, Gridley, Ill.

Village Of Flanagan

The village of Flanagan was laid out and platted in 1880 by the Flanagan brothers - Patrick, Edward and Peter - and it was named after them, The village is located on a branch of the Illinois Central railroad. The owners of the townsite paid the railroad company a certain sum with an agreement tbat no other town should be laid out within five miles on either side. The first store building was erected in a cornfield in 1880, by James Gilman, who carried a small stock of goods, and was shortly afterward appointed postmaster. The early merchants were George Walton, Murphy Brothers, William Main, Henry Locker, Flanagan Brothers, J. H. Linneman and C. C. Studley. The first hotel was erected by Frederick Mette, the first lumber yard carried on by W. A. Renn, the first bank by E. Litchfield & Co., and the first elevator built by Frederick Greiner. At the present time all branches of business are well represented. There are four churches in the village - Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist and Christian - all wooden structures. and parsonages for the ministers. With the exception of five brick buildings, the stores in the business district are wooden structures. The school house is two stories high, built of brick. There is a fine artesian well, 167 feet deep, in the center of the village, and four others in the residence district. A tower is located near the village well, as is also the town hall. There is one weekly newspaper, the Home Times. The fraternal orders are represented by the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen, Court of Honor and Royal Neighbors. At the present time there are two elevators here, but the farmers haye recently organized for the purpose of carrying on the grain business. Three additions have been laid out to the original townsite.

Village Of Spires

This township is described as Township 30, Range 6. It is bounded on the north by Grundy County, on the east by Dwight Township, on the south by Esmen, and on the west by Sunbury. The Three I railroad and a branch of the Alton, from Dwight to Streator, passes through the northern part. The west fork of the Mazon creek passes through the eastern portion of the township. There was formerly a small grove on section 1, but much of the timber has been cut down. This township was organized in 1858. Previous to that time Nevada, Dwight and Round Grove were known as Dwight precinct, A large portion of the present inhabitants are Irish. It is the banner Democratic township in the county. It was given its name by Stephen Kyle.

The first school in the neighborhood was over in Grundy County. In 1855 the Thompson school was erected. At that time there were but 32 persons under 21 years of age. But 21 votes were cast at the first county election in 1858. Among those who enlisted as soldiers in the Civil War, who were either killed or died, were Stephen Kyle, Frank Angle, Frank Kimberg, John Kyler, Orson Spencer, Charles Spencer, Henry Collister, John Collister.

James Funk was the first permanent settler of which we have any record. He located in 1847 in the extreme northwest corner on section 1, He remained until 1852, disposing of his claim to Andrew Cottrell. J. M. Reeder purchased Cottrell's claim in 1848. In the meantime, both Funk and Cottrell had moved to what is known as Five Mile Grove, in Saunemin Township. Reeder remained on the place until 1866, when he moved with his family to Marion County. Jason Tuttle, native of New York state, staked out his claim in 1851. A few years later, he became neighbors of Funk and Cottrell, in Saunemin Township. William Kirkendall came from Indiana in 1852, Stephen Kyle and Thomas C. McDowell became settlers in 1853. The former was from Ohio and the latter from Pennsylvania. Kyle was the first supervisor. When the township was named, he gave it the one it now bears. On the breaking out of the rebellion, he enlisted as a soldier in Co. C, 129th Infantry, was elected second lieutenant, and died three months after he entered the service. In 1854 the settlement was increased by the arrival of A. B. Dunlop, Hosea Spencer, Robert Thompson and George Bishop. Dunlop was from Pennsylvania, Thompson from Ohio, and Spencer and Bishop from New York state. Thompson was the first justice of the peace - the township of Nevada, Dwight and Round Grove up to 1857 being known as Dwight precinct - the first summons issued by him being for a man in Round Grove. He was elected supervisor in 1860, 1862, and from 1864 to 1871 inclusive. He afterward moved to Dwight. He was of the three commissioners to lay out this county into townships in 1857. Bishop was a lawyer, and removed to Pontiac, where he engaged in his profession. Among those who settled in the 50's were Bernhard Ruddy, Thomas G. Lyons, John Carlisle, Thomas Liggitt, Cyrus G. Barr, James Martin, Thomas Magee, Stephen Morrison, James C. George, James Henry, Jacob Angle, L. E. Ross, R. B. Strong, R. C. Adams,

Village Of Nevada

The village is located on a branch of the Chicago and Alton road, midway between Dwight and Blackstone. It has about 75 inhabitants. There is a general store, post-office, blacksmith shop, and two grain elevators. A Methodist church is also located here, The village was laid t and platted for William Shepherd on February 10, 1870. The first house in the village was built that year by E. D. Brown, who opened a store and purchased grain. Michael Bridell and John Simpson followed a few weeks later. Bridell engaged in the mercantile business and Simpson became the village blacksmith. In 1872, H. F. Burr opened a hardware store. Thomas Brady embarked in the dry goods and grocery business in 1873, but did not make a success of his venture. J. A. Cavanaugh engaged in the grain and stock business. E. D. Brown was the first postmaster.

Newtown Township consists of a little less than a full congressional town, the west line being the Vermilion river, which cuts off all of sections 30 and 31 and parts of sections 7, 18, and 19, Township 30, Range 4, and throwing this territory into Reading Township. The river, however, flows through the northeast corner of section 30, and these add about two sections of that township to Newtown, thus making the township consist of about thirty-four full sections. About one-sixth of the township is covered by timber. Considerable mining has been done in years past in the northeast corner. The township was organized April 6, 1858. This part of the county had in 1853, been set off as a voting precinct, and was called the New Mich-

precinct, Eben Norton was the first supervisor. The first settlers arrived here just prior to the organization of the county. It is noted for three things - the first church building was erected in this township, the first "high school" was organized here, and it was thickly populated with Abolitionists. We are unable to give the early settlers in their order, but from information at hand, we write concerning them as follows: