Livingston County, Illinois - Chapter 25: Township History, 1909 (part 4 of 5)

'60s and secured a clerkship in the office of the circuit clerk. When the Livingston County National Bank was organized in 1871 he became assistant cashier, afterwards cashier, and finally president of the bank, serving the corporation faithfully for thirty-five years, resigning in 1908.

William Gore and famiy came to Livingston County in 1853, settling in Rooks Creek Township, remaining there for three years, when he moved to Pontiac Township, locating on a farm just north of the city limits.

W. C. Babcock and family came from Albany County, New York, and settled on a farm in Pontiac Township in 1856. In a few years he moved to Pontiac and engaged in the hardware and grocery business with his son, Albert. Mr. Babcock died in 1876. His wife, who was a daughter of Albert Lawrence, is also dead. Albert, the only son, now runs a large retail and wholesale hardware store in Billings, Mont. In 1896 he was a candidate for the nomination of governor of Montana before the Republican convention, but failed to secure the prize.

John W. Smith came from Brown County, Ohio, in 1858, and taught schoo] two years in Pontiac, being elected county superintendent in 1861. He resigned to enlist in the Civil War and went to the front with the 129th Illinois Volunteers, being wounded at the battle of Resaca. Returning to Pontiac he engaged in the grocery business for about a year and afterward graduated from the Illinois Normal University. He then engaged in teaching, being principal of the Fairbury schools one year and the Pontiac school four years. With his family he moved to California in 1880.

Joseph F. Culver arrived in Pontiac in 1859 from the state of Ohio, where he was principal of a normal school. He at once entered the office of the county clerk and became deputy. At the breaking out of the civil war he entered the 129th regiment as first lieutenant of Company A, afterwards being promoted to captain. He was elected county judge in 1865, serving four years, afterwards engaging in the loan, real estate and banking business. He was a leader in the Methodist church of Pontiac for years and often occupied the pulpit. Mr. Culver and family left Pontiac in 1880 for Kansas, where he died in 1899, his remains being forwarded to his old home in Pontiac for burial.

that of a blacksmith, until the breaking out of the war, when he went to the front with the 129h regiment. In 1866 he was elected sheriff of the county, was four years assessor of Pontiac Township, and served a term as postmaster of Pontiac during the administration of President Hayes. In the early days he was one of the leaders in the Methodist church of Pontiac, contributing largely to the maintainance of that organization. Mr. Gaff now holds the office of justice of the peace and during the session of the circuit court acts as bailiff. Although 81 years of age he is quite active.

Leander Utley came from Rhode Island and settled in Poutiac Township in 1865, engaging in farming and the raising of blooded stock, at which he was succesful, He was always prominent in the affairs of the Livingston County Agricultural Society fifty years ago and a leader in the Presbyterian church. In the early '80s he moved to Arizona and engaged in the irrigation of a large tract of land with his brother-in-law, William J. Murphy.

James Cox and family were among the settlers «on the prairie of Pontiac Township, arriving iv 1853 from the state of Ohio. There were ning -children in the family, three of the boys enlisting at the outbreak of the Civil War, two of whom were killed in battle. Mr. Cox removed to Kan- :sas in 1869, where he died in 1884.

While the railroad was building through Pontiac in 1854 there was another recurrence of cholera, Which had such an effect on the settlement in 1849, just five years previous. During the summer of 1854 cholera made its appearance in many places throughout the United States and before its spread was checked many thousands were numbered among its victims. The cholera was brought here that season by a young couple just from the east. They stopped at Buck's tavern and two days after their arrival were buried on the knoll northeast of the town. The disease spread through the town and before it could be checked ten others had passed away. Work for a time was suspended on the Alton and for a few weeks gloom settled over the entire community. But this soon disappeared, business was resumed as usual, and in a few weeks the scare was over, and up to this date has not returned.

Previous to this time were many acts of lawlessness committed in and around the townsite. Saloons of a low order were running night and day, little attention being paid to good order. In the spring of 1855 an indignation meeting was held at the court house, the object of which was to induce the saloons to quit business. Joel H. Dart was elected chairman and Samuel C. Ladd secretary. A committee on resolutions consisting of Nelson Buck, Dr. Darius Johnson and John H. McGregor was appointed by the chair, but the resolutions introduced and adopted by the meeting were of no avail. The saloon keepers paid no attention whatever to the protest of the citizens and continued in business as usual without further molestation for several years later.

In less than a year after the railroad reached Pontiac, J. S. French, a lawyer from Ottawa, published the first newspaper, The Livingston County News. The News made its first appearance on March 14, 1855. The people of Pontiae at that time were not engrosed in politics to any great extent and the publication was independent, devoted solely to the upbuilding of Pontiac and Livingston County. For some unknown reason the publication of the paper was abandoned within a few months by Mr. French. Shortly afterwards, however, Phillip Cook and M. A. Renoe, two expert newspaper printers, secured control of the little plant and continued to issue the paper until they disposed of it in 1857 to James G. Allbe, a printer from Bloomington. A. E. Harding, who had just arrived in Pontiae at that time, assumed editorial charge of the paper, advocating the election of Stephen A. Douglas to the United States Senate. Having accomplished this, Mr. Harding resigned his position, devoting his whole time to the practice of law. While the News was advocating the cause of Douglas, it succeeded in injuring the feelings of several Republicans and Abolitionists in the village and throughout the county, with the result that a stock company was formed at once, the object of which was to publish a paper advocating the election of Abraham Lincoln to the United States Senate. Philip Cook, who had sold his interest in the News to Allbe, was secured as editor and William Gagan had charge of the mechanical department. The first number of the Sentinel came out on the 9th day of October, 1857, and was Republican to the core. Mr. Cook was a fearless editor and continued at the head of the Sentinel until 1860, when he was elected county treasurer, Michael E. Collins then became editorin-chief and two years later, being elected county treasurer, the Sentinel was sold to James Stout and H. S. Decker. Stout became the editor and this firm published the paper during the war. In 1866 Frank Denlow secured a half interest in the Sentinel, but soon sold out to Mr. Stout, who continued sole owner until removing from the village in 1869.

Prior to November 15, 1857, all the services of the Protestant denomination were held in the old court house or at the private homes of the members of the different faiths. The Livingston County Bible Society was organized in 1850, and shortly thereafter a little band of Methodists got together and held services, while the Presbyterians and Christians were not long in organizing. s

On the date above mentioned the Presbyterian church was dedicated, Rev. I. T. Whittemore being the pastor in charge. Rev. L. H. Loss of Joliet, who for several years previous to that time had come here at intervals to preach to the members of that belief, delivered the dedicatory sermon, the newspaper of that day were evidently a little slow in making mention of this important occasion. Not until one month after the building was dedicated did the news gatherer of the Sentinel become aware of the fact. In its issue of December 11, 1857, that paper had this to say in regard to the dedication: 'The Presbyterian Church of Pontiac was dedicated a few weeks since, the sermon on the occasion being delivered by Rev. Mr. Loss of Joliet. It was an oversight in not mentioning it at the time. The church is a large and beautiful edifice, and will answer for the congregation for years to come. We understand the edifice cost about $3,000. A choir discourses music on all proper occasions, reminding one of his eastern home."

At the same time the Presbyterians were building their edifice the Methodists were likewise engaged and in less than one month' time, on December 13, 1857, the Methodist church was dedicated. In speaking of this important event the Sentinel says:

"The Methodist Church in Pontiac was dedicated on Sunday last, with the solemnity due such an occasion. The Pioneer of the West, Elder Hall, preached the sermon, after which a collection was taken up to clear the building from debt. Five hundred and seventy-five dollars were raised ín a short time, and without the least trouble, which is said to be sufficient to clear the edifice from all encumbrances. The citizens of Pontiac and vicinity deserve great credit for their willingness to assist in erecting places of worship, as many have paid out the hundreds to accomplish this object. The melodeon, in skillful hands, with a well-trained choir, added much to the occasion. Pontiac is fast improving, as the public edifices fully attest."

Dr. J. M. Perry, William Perry, John Powell, Wilson Hull, Robert Sample and their wives were numbered among the early organizers of the Christian Church in Pontiac, Irregular services were held in the court house in the early '50s by the members of that faith who listened to the preaching of Rev. Washington Houston, a pioneer preacher and missionary of that church assigned to this section. Not until 1865 did the members of this church erect a house of worship and secure a regular minister.

Catholic services were held at the different homes of the members of that faith in Pontiac in an early day, the worshipers being notified in advance of the coming of the priest, who was assigned to the whole county. In Pontiac mass was usually celebrated at the homes of Michael McCabe and William Cleary by Fathers Hurley, Kennedy, Sherry, Cahill and Lonegran, who were sent out by the bishop of the diocese of Chicago, from Joliet, Ottawa, Bloomington and Morris. Often members of the Catholic faith in Pontiac would journey to Joliet, Morris, Bloomington and Wilmington to attend church, and many of the bodies of the early settlers of the Catholic faith in Pontiac now repose in the cemetries of these places, the church not being organized and owning a plot for this purpose.

Rev. Frederick Ketcham was the first minister of the Baptist faith to locate permanently in Pontiac, although previous to his coming a few members of that denomination would hold services in the school house or court house as occasion would permit. Not until 1865, however, was a permanent house of worship erected and dedicated.

Soon after the court house was completed in 1842 meetings of a religious nature were held there until the churches were erected. All branches of the Protestant faith would assemble there, which resulted in time in joint discussions between the different leaders of the sects then represented in regard to the teachings of their church. These joint debates among the settlers probably accounts for the slow progress had in the erection of suitable houses of worship in Pontiac. Many of the early settlers of the different counties and towns in Illinois were settlers from the east, many colonies being formed for this purpose, which were altogether of a religious nature. The first act of a colony, after the erection of their homes, was to build a suitable house of worship. No colony of any kind ever settled in Pontiac, the settlers being members of all different church denominations known at that time, while quite a number, it would seem, had never been afforded religious social training whatever.

Village Of Pontiac Organized

The first meeting looking to the incorporation of Pontiac into a village was held at the court house on the 2nd day of February, 1856, notice of such intention being published in the Livingston County News of January 17, 1856.

The meeting was organized by electing Nelson Buck chairman and John Chappel clerk. They were duly sworn in, the oath being administered by George W. Boyer, clerk of the circuit court,

The following resolution was introduced by Jason W. Strevell: "That we, the citizens of Pontiac, do now incorporate ourselves into a little body politic in order that we may more fully avail ourselves of the privileges guaranteed to like bodies by the statutes for such cases made and provided."

The question being put upon the resolution the following vote of the residents of the town and legal voters present at the meeting was taken viva voce:

The above was certified to the clerk of the court and a call was issued to the citizens of Pontiac to meet at the court house on February 12, 1856, for the purpose of electing five trustees for the village. The meeting was called to order by Nelson Buck and the following votes were cast for members of the board of trustees:

Nelson Buck, Henry Jones, Samuel C.- Ladd, Jason W. Strevell, and Z. H. Nettleton having the highest number of votes were declared duly elected and the meeting adjourned.

The first meeting of the trustees of the village of Pontiac was held in the court house on February 16, 1857, for the purpose of organization and the election of president of the board. Henry Jones was elected president, receiving three votes to one each for Nelson Buck and S. C. Ladd.

On the 18th of February the board met and were duly sworn in by Ira Loveless, a justice of the peace, and proceeded to the transaction of business.

The first motion before the trustees was that a committee be appointed by the president to inquire into the practicability of laying down sidewalk previous to the settling of the ground and to draft by-laws.

Joel H. Dart was elected clerk and treasurer ; Philip Rollins was elected street commissioner, and Joseph Virgin, constable. Jonathan Duff was appointed assessor and collector.

About June 1, 1856, a public meeting was held at the court house for the purpose of securing a cemetery for the village. A committee of citizens consisting of Jerome P. Garner, James Stout, Charles M. Lee, Samuel C. Ladd and Darius Johnson were appointed at the meeting to confer with the board of trustees in relation to securing this much needed convenience. J. W. Strevell was appointed a committee of one to confer with the town committee, with the result that five acres of ground were purchased of Henry W. Stevens of St. Charles, Ill., for this purpose. The price was $20 per acre, the ground selected being part of the present site of the Pontiac city cemetery. In December, 1857, the ground was laid off into lots and blocks, and on the 15th of December of the same year the new cemetery was opened to the public.

For twenty years previous to this date the inhabitants of Pontiac had been very careless in burying their dead. Bodies were buried on residence lots not over three blocks from the square, but as soon as the cemetery was opened these were taken up and reburied there. Most of the early settlers were buried on a knoll in the northeast part of town and quite a few were buried in a crab apple thicket on the banks of the Vermilion, near where the Pontiac shoe manufacturing plant now stands. No slab or stone ever marked their graves, and in time they were entirely lost sight of and remain so to this day. In after years the cemetery was enlarged by the purchase of land from Livingston County Agricultural Board. The plot now contains about thirteen acres, and in a few years will have to be closed, as the lots are for the most part either occupied or sold.

About the only question of importance to come up before the village trustees after their organization was the sale of intoxicating liquors, the building of sidewalks and the drainage of the big slough just north of the original townsite. The local politics of the town consisted almost wholly in this question, and the two factions were about evenly divided. Part of the time the license party elected the board, while at other times the anti-license party held the reins of government. Bitter feeling prevailed until in 1865 was adopted the Princeton Charter, which prohibited not only the sale of liquors but restrained the trustees from granting any authority whatever to saloon keepers to offer liquor for sale. The charter was only satisfactory to its friends in so far as they were enabled to elect men on the board of trustees who would enforce its provisions to the letter of the law. Liquor was always sold, if not in one way in another, and the question was never settled.

When the new board took hold there was not a 'sidewalk in town except those laid by the business men around the square. Money was scarce and there was insufficient funds in the treasury for local improvements. It was proposed to build a sidewalk from the Chicago & Alton depot to the court house square and tax the abutting property owners with one-half of the cost. This met with decided objection on the part of the property owners, but the measure passed the board. The sidewalk was not built until long afterwards and other improvements of a like character were slow in being made all over the city, the citizens preferrring to wade in the mud rather than defray half the cost of the improvement.

held to discuss the matter and the board was petitioned to take some action in the premises, but it was always decided to postpone actual work on the same and the slough was never thoroughly drained out until about twenty years later.

From 1837 until 1860 the settlement of Pontiac was slow, the census of 1860 giving the village a population of 728, five of whom were colored. Many new arrivals came before the breaking out of the war, among whom were William B. Lyon and family, Captain H. B. Reed. John Schneider and Harvilla Bennett. Soon after the breaking out of the war the population diminished rapidly, two full companies being enlisted in Pontiac alone. Besides these many went to Chicago, St. Louis and Ottawa to enlist, and in the fall of 1862, when the 129th regiment left for the front, the village was almost deserted and remained so until the close of the war in the spring of 1865. When the 129th left they were presented with a beautiful flag by the patriotic ladies of the county, the exercises being held in the court house yard. It was a gala day in Pontiac and the square was crowded with the wives and sweethearts of the young soldiers who assembled to bid them good-bye. The presentation speech was made by Mrs. I. G. Mott, and the proceedings were enlivened by the Pontiac Cornet band. The war being over, the soldiers returned and at once settled down to active toil and the upbuilding of the village. True, many who went to the front never returned, but their places were taken by new arrivals who came here during the 60's, prominent among whom were William B, Fyfe, O. F. Pearre, N. J. Pillsbury, S. O. Pillsbury, F, F. Post, John C. Winans, Thomas J. Rankin, Joseph P. Turner, Dr. J. J. Stites, James A. Caldwell, Dr. J. W. Filkins, C. C. Strawn, John Egan, John W. Bruner, S. Ricketson, Samuel Huber, John D. Honeywell, William H. Jenkins, James Nelson, Patrick Murphy, Clark E. Legg, James Siner, John W. Woodrow, Clawson R. Waters, Samuel and W. F. Denslow, S. S. Lawrence, J. B. Tyler, Dr. T. C. Hartshorn, W. S. Lacey, Lewis G. Goodspeed, John H. Hewiat, Dr. H. H. Townsend, Thomas Wing, R. B. Harrington, Henry Milke, Charles Culver, L. E. Payson.

In 1865 the village began to boom to some. extent. Some of the leading citizens, among whom were Stephen C. Crane, John Dehner, Thomas Wing and Jonathan Duff, organized a company, the object of which was to sink a coal shaft. The capital stock was in the neighborhood of

$50,000, all of which was taken in Pontiac. Coal was discovered at a depth of 175 feet and soon after this the stock went up to double its face value. This vein was worked for some time and the next year the second vein was reached at a depth of 368 feet. Shortly after this the buildings were destroyed by fire, resulting in a loss of over $15,000. Again they were rebuilt, only to be destroyed by fire, and a few years later the Pontiac Coal Company had gone out of existence, the stockholders losing all the money invested. At one time 100 miners were employed at this shaft. In 1871 the mine was sold to Frantz, Bullock & Campbell of Minonk, who afterwards lost heavily in operating the mine.

In 1866 business was thriving and during this year Messrs Duff & Cowan opened the firsa bank in the village and met with success. Next year came the Pontiac Woolen Mills. This enterprise was inaugurated by a joint stock company of which John Powell was president and Jonathan Duff was treasurer. The mill had a capacity of about 800 yards per day, besides the yarn it spun. The building and machinery cost about $35,000 and when it closed down twenty-five hands were employed at good wages. Job E. Dye was superintendent and manager. After the failure of the bank, in 1870, the mill was closed, never to open again as a woolen mill. Some years later the building was used as a flouring mill and soon afterwards was destroyed by fire.

Pontiac had been without a band for several years and in 1869 one was organized, the citizens contributing $350 therefor. The following were the chief musicians: Simon Brucker, William Wells, Henry Greenebaum, John W. Daman, Charles A, McGregor, James E. Morrow, George E. Pittenger, Peter Johnson, C. L. Downey, F. H. Bond, Al Harris and Albert Babcock.

Soon after the organization of the band a public meeting was held at the court house for the purpose of organizing a base ball club, the first one in the village. L. E. Payson was elected president; Byron Phelps, secretary, and James E. Morrow, treasurer ; executive committee, L. E. Payson, C. J. Beattie; Byron Phelps, J. E. Morrow and Dr. Samuel Stewart. The following is a list of the players: First nine - E. M. Johnson, captain; S. S. Herbert, Thomas Liston, William Cleland and D. C. Eylar. Second nine - Captain, Byron Phelps; J. C. Wheeler, David McFarlane, Ralph Gregory, J. H. Garner, Hugh

The citizens of Pontiac took great pride in both these organizations, more especialy the latter. At that time they furnished the people of the county with amusements during the summer season, and their matched games were attended by people from all over the county. Business in Pontiac was entirely suspended for the afternoon to the day of the game.

During the summer of 1869 the reform school was building in Pontiac, and the Fairbury, Pontiac & Northwestern Railroad was approaching the village from Streator. Many men were employed in the construction of these two great institutions and times were good and money plentiful. Franz Steinback had also erected a large brewery just south of the Alton railroad bridge across the tracks and was doing a flourishing business. Soon after the brewery started the city authorities made trouble for the brewery people. The Princeton Charter, under which Pontiac was then sailing, prohibited the sale of liquors outside and within three miles of the corporation, Under this the brewery people were brought into court and after several years of costly litigation the supreme court held the provisions of the charter constitutional and for a time the brewery was compelled to close down, resulting in a heavy loss. A few years later the brewery closed down and later on all the buildings were destroyed by fire.

Previous to 1869 Pontiac was what in these days would be called a "Mudhole proper.' During this year the village authorities began to pay some attention to the streets, especially those around the court house square and the principal ones leading thereto. The streets were drained in most cases by deep ditches running to the river, the center of the street being laid with broken stone from the quarry on the farm of Joseph S. Babcock. This stone piking lasted for several years and a few years later Pontiac was credited with having the best streets of any town of its size in the state, a position which it maintains today.

On Wednesday, June 14, the Fairbury, Pontiac Northwestern railroad reached Pontiac and there was great rejoicing. The people turned out with the big cannon, accompanied by the cornet band, and celebrated the occasion with a good will. Congratulatory speeches were made by O, C. Strawn, J. F. Culver, J. A. Fellows, A. H.

Brower, Captain Payne, W. T. Ament, S. S. Lawrence, John J. Taylor and J. L. Marsh and others. In 1869 the people of Pontiac Township, by a vote of 374 to 6, authorized the issuance of $50,000 in bonds to this company, now the Wabash. These bonds resulted in considerable litigation to the people of the township, but were eventually paid. '

September 11th, 1872, Pontiac was organized as a city by the election ¡of Rufus W. Babcock as the first mayor and A. W. Cowan city clerk; F. C. Brown, William H. Cleland, Martin Dolde, Lester E. Kent, William Perry and Charles Gross, aldermen, An important measure, adopted that year, has had a marked effect upon the appearance of the city, rendering it, at the same time, more substantial and handsome than it otherwise would have been. The council passed an ordinance known as the "fire limits law," which prevented the erection of wooden buildings in a prescribed district. The result of this has been that the new buildings about the square are all of brick, making it not only much more solid, but adding greatly to its fine appearance.

During the years 1872-73 Pontiac took a sudden boom as regards the building of substantial business blocks. Prior to that time the business buildings around the square were all, with one exception, constructed of wood, with a large portico in front reaching to the end of the sidewalk, These were destroyed by fire or moved away to make room for larger and more commodious brick buildings, which were constructed during this time.

What was most needed at this time was a good hotel, and at a meeting of the citizens of Pontiac called for that purpose, Thomas Williams and Stephen C. Crane made a proposition to erect a substantial three-story brick building providing the citizens would raise a donation of $4,000. This was done in one day and Messrs. Crane and Williams at once started the erection of the Phenix hotel. It was completed and ready for occupancy on October 1, 1873, and cost, furnished, nearly $40,000.

Dr. J. W. Filkins, Edward Bertram, Lawrence & Pillsbury, S. H. Young, W. S. Lacey, J. W. Hoover, and George W. Bay constructed substantial two-story and basement brick buildings on the remaining lots in the block, which at that date were considered the finest in this section of the state. This block, together with the court house, was destroyed by fire on the 4th of July, 1874, but was again rebuilt. Since that time, however, three of the stores were remodeled and rebuilt by Mr. ©. W. Sterry, making one of the finest office and store buildings in the county.

The building at the corner of Mill and Madison streets was built by Joseph F. Culver. Adjoining this building on the west William B. Lyon, Wiilliam Garner and Morris Johnson erected their two-story brick buildings, while just to the north Caldwell & McGregor and John W. Benham built three substantial buildings, which are still standing.

Caldwell & McGregor, J. W. Strevell and William B. Lyon also completed the building of three elegant store rooms north of the square, fronting on Madison street, which are still standing.

From 1875 until 1900 the erection of buildings around the square and on Madison and Mill streets, the principal streets leading thereto, was slow, but sure, and five years ago the last wooden structure, the Mossholder home, was moved away to make room for a substantial brick structure. The public library building was erected in 1893, followed seven years later by the city hall. Both of these buildings were substantial additions to the city, and greatly enhanced the value of adjacent property.

The first electric light introduced in Pontiac was in the fall of 1882, by the Thomson-Houston Electric Company. The plant was located in the old woolen mill. Only are lights were used and the court house square was througed on the evening they were first turned on from the court house dome. Samuel Bond was the chief electrician, and from that date down to the present time Pontiac has used this mode of lighting the streets. A few business houses installed the lights and the Thomson-Houston Company disposed of their plant to a local company the following year. The local company installed the first incandescent machine in January, 1889, and a few months later their plant was ruined by the explosion of a boiler in which two men were killed, and the plant was sold at sheriff's sale. Henry A. Foster and Mrs. Kate Dimick were the purchasers. Mrs. Dimick was represented by W. H. Fursman and under their management the plant was continued until 1892, when the new company went into the hands of a receiver. In

November of this year the plant was purchased at receiyer's sale by Henry C. Jones and Henry A. Foster. These gentlemen continued to operate the plant with success until November, 1899, when they disposed of their interest to James A. Carothers. Mr. Carothers had large financial means at his command and soon added to his holdings by installing the heating and gas plants. Mr. Carothers was also the prime mover in the Interurban railway, and invested more in public utilities in Pontiac than any one man or company since the town was laid out in 1837. His death, which occurred in February, 1908, leaves a vacancy which will be hard to replace.

In 1890 the present sewer system was started by the construction of the main sewer on North street, draining the slough, which had caused so much trouble to the people ever since the townsite was located in 1837. Since that time the sewer has been extended farther east, reclaiming valuable property, the whole bed of the slough now being occupied by some of the best dwelling houses to be seen in the city. The sewer system is now altogether inadequate for the growing city and will soon have to be enlarged. The next year came the system of water works, followed in 1896 by the laying of the first brick pavement. Now all the leading thoroughfares in the city are paved, making it the finest looking city of its size in Illinois,

From the opening of the first school in the court house in Pontiac, in 1843, until 1867 school facilities were meager. Many times during this period not enough room for the accommodation of over half the children of a school age was provided. Since 1867 extensive improvements along this line have been made until today Pontiac is the leading educational center of Livingston County, having four well appointed public school buildings, besides the township high school, and the parochial school in connection with the St. Mary's church.

Josiah Ross and family came from Ohio in 1857 and brought the Eylar farm south of Pontiac, where they remained for one year, then moying into Pontiac. Mr. Ross' family consisted of two boys, Oliver P., since deceased; Richard, who now resides in Pontiac; Miss Kate, now Mrs. Tilden Houseworth; Miss Matilda J., now Mrs. Wallace Lord, and Miss Ellen, who died here about twenty-five years ago. The family were a good acquisition to the village, and in the early days were always prominent in everything that went for the betterment of the place.

Shortly after the Alton railroad opened for business in Pontiac came William Wall, who had just arrived from England. Mr. Wal started the first dray line in Pontiac and in a few years disposed of the business to a boy by the name of Ebenezer Calkins. Wall engaged in the saloon and hotel business and soon became the owner of the Washington hotel, which he conducted for years with success, and where he now resides, although the building has not been used for a hotel for twenty years. Calkins is still engaged in the dray business and is well supplied with this world's goods, is a good citizen and universally respected.

This township was first inhabited just after the close of the Black Hawk War, the early settlers locating in the timber on the banks of the Vermilion river. The township is well supplied with small streams. Previous to 1858, what is now Reading and a small part of Long Point were known as the Reading precinct, but all that portion of Town 30, Range 8, west of the Vermilion, and all of Town 30, Range 3, were set off by the commissioners as a separate precinct or political township. Three small villages are loeated in Reading - Ancona, Reading and Coalville - all on the Santa Fe road. A branch of the Chicago Alton road passes through section 6. An addition to Streator is laid out in the northeast corner of section 3. Here many of the coal mines are located, the men employed at the shafts being principally of foreign birth. Politically, Reading Township is placed in the Republican column.

Daniel Barickman and family, consisting of his wife, five sons, James, Upton, Jacob, Benjamin and Daniel, and daughters, Harriet and Mary, left their home in Adams County, this state, and making the journey in a large prairie schooner drawn by oxen, located on the banks of the Vermilion river on what is now section 30, in the fall of 1832. His first purchase of land was 240 acres on. which he erected his cabin. No sign of civilization was visible. Deserted Indian wigwams were still standing in the timber, and there was nothing but the Indian tract and the path made by the deer as they came out of the timber, The country around him was an unbroken wilderness, and he could scarcely look out from the door without seeing wolves or deer. He erected a log school house on his farm at an early day and employed a man named Button as teacher. His sons, upon attaining their majority, also owned farms in the township. In 1841 he was elected county commissioner. :

In August, 1833, Jacob Moon and his sons, Rees, Albert and Thomas, and daughter, Margaret, settled in the timber on the banks of the Vermilion river. in what is to this day known as Moon's Point. This was the year after the Black Hawk War. In 1839 the elder Moon was elected county treasurer. He was also a member of the first grand jury in 1838, although from the court records we are unable to learn whether or not this body transacted any business. Albert Moon in 1838 was elected one of the three county commissioners, and held the office for two years.

Matthias J. Ross settled here in 1835. He was clerk of the first election in Bayou precinct, held at the house of Alexander McMillan in Rooks Creek Township. On September 4, 1837, he was appointed clerk of the county commissioners' court. He served one year, the records being kept by C. H. Perry of Pontiac, but continued to reside in this township. The county officials decided he was not eligible to hold the office, as the law required that officer to reside at the county seat. On June 5, 1838, the court made an order that "the above facts appearing, it is ordered that M. I. Ross be removed for this cause and for no other," whereupon Dr. James S. Munson, who was living in Pontiac, was duly appointed to fill the vacancy. Ross continued to reside here until his death.

Joseph Pope became a settler in 1841, bringing his wife and three children. He was justice of the peace for several years. He died in 1847. John Smith came in 1846, remained one year, and then located in Newtown Township. William Graham arrived in 1848. He came from Ireland to America in 1838 and participated in the Black Hawk War. He was married the following year to Mrs. Mary Smith, who died a few months later of milk sickness. Ephraim S. Clark arrived in December, 1850, from Bureau County, this state, and located on Section 27, where the village of Ancona now stands. In the fall of 1852 he purchased another tract, paying for it with a land warrant procured from a neighbor. which was issued for services rendered as a ranger during the Black Hawk War. He served twenty-six years as school director, six years as town trustee, and also served as assessor and justice of the peace. L. H. Mallery and Levi Clay came here the same year. Mallery remained but a few months, when he returned to New York state. He became a permanent settler in 1852. He enlisted in the 44th Illinois Volunteer Infantry in July, 1861. He was in the service three years and three months, and was in the battle of Pea Ridge, Corinth, Chickamauga and Chattanooga, and was taken prisoner at Murfreesboro, Tenn. After the war, he became postmaster, was elected supervisor, town clerk and justice of the peace. He laid out the village of Coalville. where he owned a coal mine. He also operated a sawmill and conducted a grocery store. Clay came here in December, having lived for two years previous in Newtown Township. He served in the Mexican and Civil Wars. Claudius H. Hart arrived about this time, claiming to be the sixth settler. He held various township offices. Among others who located this year were Jeremiah and Caleb Mathis, Jacob and William Bussard and David Boyle. The latter and Caleb Mathis laid out the village of Reading in 1851. Boyle and Jeremiah Mathis conducted the first store in the village. Zachariah Walter and George A. Defenbaugh came in 1851. The latter was the village blacksmith. Elijah Defenbaugh, William B. Lyon and R. W. Hick were among the arrivals in 1852. Mr. Defenbaugh came here from Ross County, Ohio, it taking him four weeks to drive across the country. He helped to haul ties for the first railroad built through the township, and his wife spun wool and made clothes for the family. Although his taxes were but $1.25 the next year after his arrival, at the time of his death, December 19, 1886, he owned 1,200 acres of land. His remains were buried in the cemetery bearing his name. Mr. Lyon was a native of Clinton County, Ohio. He formed a partnership with Jacob Bussard and they opened a general store in the village of Reading. They afterwards dissolved and each carried on the business inde pendently. He was the first school treasurer of the township and served as collector. He was elected sheriff in 1854, moved to Pontiac, and later engaged in business with his son, D. M. Lyon. Richard W. Hick came from Kendall County, this state. In 1858 he was elected to the legislature. J. C. Mills came in 1853, remained two years, and then moved to Iowa. After a year's residence there, he returned to this township. He was afterwará elected supervisor, assessor, collector and school treasurer. Daniel Mills and sons, John W., Joshua and Thomas, came in 1854, They were natives of Ohio. John W. Mills held the office of supervisor, collector, assessor, school treasurer and school trustee. He still resides here. John C. Wickery and John Arnold came the same year. The former was a plasterer and in 1863 removed to Pontiac. David Rice. then a young man, came the following year. Daniel S. Reed arrived in 1856. He located first at Ancona, where he engaged in blacksmithing, later removed to the farm. Among others who settled in the '50s were Samuel Higbee, W. W. Critten, William McKinley, Samuel H. Bradford, A. H. Boyd, John Gumm, Orson Shackelton, Joseph Woolyerton, Samuel Maxwell, J. S. R. Oyerholt, Christopher Brazie, Samuel Woolverton, Hugh Grant, Amos Hart, C. R. Kyser, J. M. Black, M. F. Overholt, A. J. Hoskins, Samuel Defenbaugh, Andrew Defenbaugh, John Defenbaugh, Samuel Thompson and S. Martin. Maxwell was elected county treasurer in 1861. He removed to Missouri in 1867. Joseph Woolverton was elected county treasurer in 1857. In 1876 he removed to Colorado. Amos Hart was elected sheriff in 1864, He later removed to California.

Among those who came in the '60s were Henry Semans, Christian Riss, M. Tombaugh, August Kaminke, Alex Patterson, William Reed, George Sixt, J. L. Tombaugh, Silas Coe, John Wesseling, William Wilson, Johnson Bradley, C. Wulzen, A. J. Bosserman, Girard Fordyce.

The first school was in a log building at Moon's Point. In 1856 two other buildings were erected, one in the village of Reading and the other in the Barickman settlement, attended by 110 scholars. The following year, a school house was erected in Ancona and one near the Woolverton's. The teachers were then paid $47.50 per month.

Independence Day was celebrated here in 1858 by the different Sabbath schools of Ancona, Long Point and Long Point church. They met at the Reading school and marched to the grove. After prayer by Rev. B. Presson, and music by the band, N. M. Reeder read the Declaration of Independence. Addresses were made by Joshua Whittemore of Pontiac, and Rev. R. P. Hoge and D. $. Byers of Mud Creek. was William B. Lyon.

Village Of Reading

The village of Reading was surveyed and platted for David Boyle and Caleb Mathis, in 1851, from the southeast quarter of section 15, and these gentlemen erected the first store room. Among the early merchants were Jacob Bussard and William B. Lyon, who formed a partnership and carried a stock of general merchandise. Caleb Mathis built and conducted the first hotel. The village has not increased much since then. At the present time there is only a general store, in which the post office is located, and a grain elevator. A Methodist Protestant church is located in the village. The Santa Fe road runs through the town.

Village Of Ancona

Ancona was laid out in 1854. Orson and Benjamin Shackelton conducted the first store, William Boatman was proprietor of the hotel, and C. R. Kyser opened the first blacksmith shop. Erastus Loomis built a flouring mill in 1857, but it was removed several years later. The town at present has about fifty inhabitants. There are two general stores, a blacksmith shop, and two elevators in the village. A Christian church is located here. The Santa Fe road runs through the town.

This township adjoins Pontiac Township on the west. It is one of the best watered townships in the county, being crossed by Scattering Point creek in its western part, by Rooks creek through the eastern and central portions, and by the Vermilion river in the northeast corner. The eastern and northern portion of the township were well timbered in the early days.

The first settler in the township was Frederick Rook, who came here with his family from Towanda Township, McLean County, in the early part of December, 1830, a few weeks before the deep snow, and located his claim in the timber five miles west of Pontiac. He was what is commonly called a "Pennsylvania Dutchman." There were but two other settlers in the county when he arrived - V. M. Darnall and Isaac Jordon. The township was named after him, as was also the creek which flows through the eastern part of the township. He remained on his claim until 1835, when he sold it to

In the spring of 1831, three families - Hill, Kincaid and Moxley - settled on the east side of Rooks creek, remaining but a few months and then left for parts unknown. While here, Mrs. Hill died, although it is unknown where her body was buried. This was the first death in the township.

Garrett M. Blue became a permanent settler the same year, his family consisting of his wife and several children. He was a native of Virginia, but came here from Ohio. His daughter, Keziah, was the first birth in the township, and the marriage of his daughter, May, to Lemme Barrett, was the first nuptial event in the settlement. Mr. Blue erected the first grist mill in the township. It was run by horse-power. The bolting was done by tacking a yard of fine muslin on a frame, and through this was rubbed by hand small portions of the crushed wheat. He was elected sheriff in 1840. The first deed filed for record in the county was from Benjamin Darnall to Mr. Blue, conveying the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 14 (then in McLean County), the instrument bearing date October 15, 1836, and the consideration $100. Mr. Blue remained on his claim until 1836, when he removed to another locality in the township, and later to Pontiac. Mr. Blue, his wife and two brothers, the wife of another and the child of another, died of cholera in Pontiac in 1849.

John Johnson was the next settler, coming here in 1833. He was born in Ontario County, New York, and came to Shawneetown, this state, in 1821. He moved from there to McLean County, and from there to here. His family for several months occupied the cabin with Mr. Blue, and remained there until the crops were gathered. That winter he selected a claim and built a cabin. He stated on several occasions before his death in the 80's, that he and his sons had killed over 1,000 deer within the limits of the county. In the fall of 1834, they killed seventy-five head and took the skins and hams to Ottawa, and received for them $60, a large amount of money in those days. The first twenty years of his residence he engaged in wagon-making in connection with farming.

had been in the township the year previous, having purchased Mr. Rook's claim, and returned to Ohio for his family. He brought part of his goods in wagons, and shipped them by water around to Hennepin, and from there they were taken overland. Robert was elected one of the first three county commisioners after the county was organized. Murrell was elected county commissioner in 1845, sheriff in 1848, and county judge in 1850. He died at Fairbury, January 30, 1880,

The family of Andrew McMillan settled here about the same time, locating about four miles northwest of Pontiac. When the county was first organized, in 1837, the commissioners met at Mr. McMillan's home. It was in this ttle cabin that the county was formed, the location of the permanent seat of justice determined, and the first county commissioners appointed. This cabin was the "seat of justice" for several years afterward. In April, 1839, Mr, McMillan was appointed assessor for Center precinct. In 1840, he was elected one of the county commissioners, and also a member of the legislature, the first from this county. In 1848, he was elected probate justice and county treasurer and assessor, the two later offices being then combined. By referring to the records in the county commissioner's court under date of December 2, 1844, we find the following minute: "This day comes Andrew McMillan, treasurer of Livingston County, and makes settlement with the court, and pays over to the court $13 in county orders and 20 cents in specie, it being the whole amount of funds received by him." In 1845, he was appointed to take the census of the county. His returns showed that there were but 987 - men, women and children - in the county. In 1846, he was elected circuit clerk. In 1847 he was again elected treasurer. That the office was not remunerative is evidenced by the following order at the October term of the Commissioners' Court: "Ordered, that Andrew McMillan be allowed ten dollars ($10) for services as county treasurer for two years." David Corbin arrived about this time.

Jacob Marks and son, John, came here in 1836 and settled on the claim purchased of Garrett M. Blue. They came from Fairfield County, Ohio, and made the trip overland with horse teams, arriving on June 9th of that year. Soon after locating here, John built a water-power grist and sawmill on the banks of the Vermilion river. He continued in the milling business for about two years, when he engaged a large force of men and took the contract for building the Hennepin canal, which they continued to work at until the state funds for the payment of the work were exhausted. In 1858 he became infected with the gold fever and went to California, where he remained for nearly ten years, alternating between riches and poverty. On one occasion he was offered $25,000 for an interest in his claim, which he declined, and the next week it was salable at any price. After various successes and reverses, he returned no richer than he went, excepting what his property in this township had increased in value during his absence. In 1836, he was elected constable, the first in this county, and in 1840, as a special agent of the government, he took the census of the county. The population in the county at that time was 759 inhabitants. He voted the Whig and Republican tickets for half a century.

The first school house in the township, or rather near the line between Rooks creek and Amity Township, was built in the winter of 1839. It was a small log house, and was the school for all the children "on the creek." It was opened the following spring. Many came from a distance and boarded with the residents. The attendance varied from fifteen to twenty pupils. The following summer, school was kept in John Johnson's cabin. In 1842-43, a creditable log school house was erected in the township. These structures were erected by the residents of the settlement and maintained by subscription. These were the only school houses until in the 50s. The Edgingtons, who located here in the later *30s, took a prominent part in the erection of these schools, and were always firm supporters of any and all educational enterprises. James Nelson settled herein 1848. He served in the war of 1812, under Gen. Harrison, while a resident of Fountain County, Indiana. In 1833, he left that state and went to Kane County, this state, locating in a grove since known as Nelson's grove. He sold out soon afterward and went to Wisconsin, and from that state he removed to this township. He removed to Pontiac in 1868.

The people of the township in 1853 petitioned for the sale of their school section. On November 24, 1854, this sale was effected, and with the sum on hand derived from the state on the yearly enumeration, constituted a fund amount- ing to nearly $2,000. At a meeting of the residents of the township, it was decided to make two or three school districts and erect a school house in a place agreed upon. The building was soon erected and in operation in the winter of that year. There were thirty scholars in attendance - sixteen boys and fourteen girls, - and the teacher was paid $18 per month. There was only $21 in the hands of the school treasurer to pay him, and he was compelled to wait until the taxes were collected. Two other school houses were erected later. The report of William McMillan, the township. treasurer, for the year 1855, states that the amount of the principal of the township fund was $1,853.12; the amount of interest on said fund paid into the township treasury was $186.15; that the amount of state or common school fund received by him was $216.50; that the amount of advalorem tax was $572; that the whole amount paid for building, repairing, purchasing, renting and furnishing school houses was $686, and that the amount paid for school apparatus was $15.61.

"Uncle" Jesse Green and wife located here in June, 1852. The latter died in 1857. He was one of the party who left Pontiac in 1858 for California. Upon his return he again took up his abode in this township. He now lives in Pontiac. William Gore and son Henry settled here in 1853, three years later remoying to Pontiac, where the latter engaged in business. Daniel Blake arrived the same year. Thomas McClelland and wife came here in 1855. The former died in 1872 and the latter in 1878. Thomas Whalen landed in the township in 1856, having lived for seven years previous at Ottawa. Samuel Malone and John Lilly, and Abel Kidder came the same year. Samuel Earp settled here in 1857 from Columbiana County, Ohio. He filled nearly all the various township offices, having been three times elected as supervisor. He now owns 1,000 acres in Rooks creek and Amity Townships. In recent years he has lived in Pontiac. Handy Hutson and James Gutridge settled here the same year. Jesse Legg, Ephraim Houder and John Warner came here in 1858. Mr. Legg was a native of West Virginia, and had lived one year in McLean County before coming here. Mr. Houder came here from Tazewell County, where he had resided for seven years. In 1861 he removed to Eppards Point Township.

1858. He was a native of New York state. A portion of the village of Graymont, which was named in his honor, is located on his land. He was a firm believer in the doctrines advocated by the Republican party, and at different times was rewarded by that party with various offices, including one term as commissioner of highways, two terms as supervisor, and two terms in the State Legislature. He was elected to the legislature in 1876 and re-elected in 1878. He was the author of the "cockle-burr" bill, which became a law, and has been of incalculable benefit to the farmers of the state. He was chairman of the committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, and was also a member of other committees, William Garner and William Riggle settled here during the '50s. The latter erected a sawmill soon after his arrival.

In 1859, horse thieves and robbers began to make their appearance in this county, and in July of that year the people of this township formed themselves into an association known as the Rooks Creek Detective Association. Officers were elected and by-laws adopted. Each member was to pay into the treasury the sum of $1.00, and was required to turn out whenever called upon to pursue a thief, for which he was entitled to $1.00 a day for such services.

The first attempt for the formation of a religious society was in October, 1858, the meeting being held in one of the school houses. A class of six members - Samuel Malone, John Lilly and Jesse Legg, and their wives, - was organized by Rev. David Anderson, a Methodist minister, who had been conducting meetings in the settlements "along the creeks." Rey. A. C. Frick was the next preacher, and under his labors the congregation increased to forty members. In 1860, Rev. Brandenburg was appointed pastor; in 1861, Rev. Robert Pierce; in 1862, P. A. Crist; in 1864, Rev. A. P. Hull. It was then determined to erect a church, and trustees were elected. Rev. A. E. Day was the minister during 1865-66. The church was completed in 1867, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. E. P. Hall. Rey. Thomas Cotton was the pastor at this time. The next year the church appeared for the first time on the church records. In 1871 the parsonage was erected at a cost of $622. The church and parsonage is located on the farm of Nathan Hutson. The cemetery is just north of the church, the burial lots being furnished free of cost.

Village Of Graymont

Graymont is located six miles west of Pontiac, on the Minonk branch of the Illinois Central railroad. The town was laid out by George B. Gray, and named after him. It has a population of about 100 inhabitants. It has several general stores, a blacksmith shop, three grain eleyators and a lumber yard. Besides a good district school, there are also two churches - Methodist and Baptist, - located in the village. The Modern Woodmen is the only fraternal organization there.

This township is located in the extreme northwest portion of the county. Outside of Currier's grove on Section 1 and Round grove on Section 10, the township is devoid of natural timber. The township is watered by Gooseberry creek and a branch of the Mazon creek, both streams flowing toward the north. The Three-I road runs east and west through the northern part and the Wabash runs northeast and southwest. Three villages are located in the township - Campus, Cardiff and Wilson. Coal in abundance is found at Cardiff.

Jobn Currier and family came here from Pennsylvania in the spring of 1851, and erected their cabin in the little grove on section 1, which still bears the name. Alfred Clover and sons, Philip and Amos, followed the next year, coming from Grundy County, where they had settled in 1844. Amos in later years returned to Grundy County, where he was elected a member of the Legislature.as an Independent, and was one of.six who held the balance of power which resulted in the election of Judge David Davis of Bloomington to the United States Senate in 1877. Clark Pratt and James Gibson arrived in 1853. Stephen Potter located on section 15 in April, 1854. ` He was a native of New York state. Before becoming a resident here, he had lived in Ohio and Michigan for a number of years, and in Joliet ten years. He went overland to California in 1849, and upon his return, with his family he settled here. Mr. Potter was noted as a hunter. Shabbona, the Indian chief, and members of his tribe, frequently came over from the grove in DeKalb County, and hunted on the prairie near his home. While the Princeof Wales was on a visit to this country in 1860,.

he hunted on Mr. Potter's premises, and the latter showed the Prince his skill in the use of the rifle. Nelson Jeffers became a resident in the summer of 1854, A. Z. Taylor and William Cook arrived in 1855. Jesse Slyder, Robert, Peter and Jesse Eldred, W. P. Johnson and Charles Johnson located here in 1856. The following year, Malachi Shelly, Daniel A. Mulford and Cyrus Thomas became residents. Edwin Lathrop settled here in 1859. The township began to settle up in the 60's, among whom we note the following: John Graham and James Kelly, in 1860; Alexander Grant and Pinckney S. Brown, in 1861; George Maxon, in 1863; Henry Palmer, in 1864; James H. Beatly, S. T. Pfefferman and James Kelly, in 1866; Martin Seabert and James Beatty, in 1867; J. W. Lister, Aaron Prickett, Samuel Casemen, in 1868; Robert Blair, in 1870. The first school house, a log cabin, was erected in 1854, Charlotte Potter being the teacher. A better school house was erected in 1859. The township was formerly Democratic, but since the coal been in operation at Cardiff, where many Italians are employed, it has gone strongly Republican. There are two voting precincts in the township, at Campus and Cardiff.

Village Of Campus

The village of Campus is situated in Round Grove Township, on the Wabash railroad. The village was laid out and platted by Charles W. Sheldon in April, 1880, on his farm of 640 acres on section 33. The town had a disastrous fire in 1897 that destroyed three of the business houses. A fine brick structure was built on the ruins. The business men are full of push and activity. The Catholic church is the first brick structure in the village and has a large congregation. The Methodist church is a frame structure with a seating capacity of 200. One of the principal industries is a tile and brick factory. Campus is one of the best centers for the market of grain on the Wabash road. The village has one hotel, three general stores, three implement dealers, meat market, blacksmith shop. The Woodmen lodge is in a flourishing condition. The population of the village is about 250,

Village Of Wilson

Wilson is on the Three-I road, six miles east of Dwight. The village has about fifty inhabitants. It has a general store, a blacksmith shop and a grain elevator.

Village Of Cardiff

Cardiff is in Round Grove Township, on the main line of the Wabash railroad, It is strictly a mining town, more coal being mined and shipped from this point than from all the mines in the county. The miners are principally Italians, The village has a population of about 500 inhabitants. All classes of business are represented. Several years ago an explosion of gas occurred in the bottom of the mine (since abandoned) in which three lives were lost. The bodies were never recovered. Services have been held each year to pay a tribute of respect to their memory. The present mine was sunk some five years ago.

At the time of the formation of the county in 1857, Saunemin, Sullivan, Pleasant Ridge and Charlotte Townships were comprised in one election precinct, and so it stood until 1859, when Pleasant Ridge and Charlotte were struck off. When all four of these towns were embraced in one, it was called Saunemin, after the old sachem of the Kickapoo Indians, and was given the precinct by Franklin Oliver, of the present township of Chatsworth, who settled among the Indians in 1832 and knew the chief well. The present township of Saunemin is about seveneighths prairie to one-eighth timber; the latter is embraced in Five Mile grove, lying along the borders of Five Mile creek. A branch of the Vermilion river divides the townships of Saunemin and Pleasant Ridge.

David Cripliver and his two sons, Joseph and S. P. Cripliver, were the first persons to make a permanent settlement in this township, locating in 1845 in the northern part of what has since been known as Five Mile grove, a stretch of timber covering about 200 acres. Joseph had settled a few years prior near Babcock's grove, in Esmen Township. He came to this section and made a claim, his father and brother coming here from Indiana. Upon their arrival they first occupied the old "survey hut" until they could erect a cabin. In 1848 they sold their original claim to John Ridinger, and they entered another tract a few miles away. Ridinger was also a native of Indiana. He first located in Avoca Township in 1846. He was a member of the first jury in the county. He endured the usual hardships which fell to the pioneer set- tler and became widely and favorably known throughout the county. He assisted in raising the frame of the first flouring mill erected below Pontiac, and helped to build the first bridge at Pontiac. During the cholera epidemic in 1849, the disease prevailed to an alarming extent at Pontiac, and during this time he gave great assistance to the sufferers in the capacity of a nurse. He died in November, 1880. James Funk, who had lived for several years in Esmen Township, came here in 1852. He remained but a few years, removing to Missouri, but later returned and lived here until his death in 1867. John Cottrell came here the same year. Among those who located here in 1854, were the Smith brothers - Thomas, Oliver and John, - Jason Tuttle and John Martin. Tuttle was from New York state, but had lived in Michigan several years before coming here, The Smith brothers were from Ohio. Thomas Smith afterward moved to Avoca Township, where he now owns 1,200 acres of land. Joshua Chesebro, who had been a year or so in Sullivan Township, as did also William Young from New York state, came here in 1855. Truman W. Brydia and sons, William and Charles, and Robert Miller and Thomas Cleland arrived in 1856, The Brydia family were originally from Vermont, but had lived for twenty years in Greene County, this state. William Brydia now lives in Pontiac and his brother, Charles, in Fairbury. Cleland soon after his arrival erected a small blacksmith shop on his farm. Miller came here from Marshall County, this state. John Thomas came from Will County Orange Sanford, George Chambers, S. L. Marsh, in 1857. Among the arrivals in 1858 were C. B. Marsh, Thomas Spafford and Robert Spafford. The Marshes were from Massachusetts. The Spafford brothers had resided for two years previous on a rented farm in Avoca Township. The latter contingent were originally from Indiana. The above were practically all of the persons who located here in the '50s, nearly all of them locating near Five Mile Grove.

Among those who located in the '60s were Jasper Bacon, B. D. Barker, John H. Byrne, S. W. Carner, Albion Harris, George H. Knight, James Lovelock, William Kilgore, John Mariner, O. H. P. Noel, M, Paddock, A. Ross, John Rich, J. J. Rich, Jacob Righter, Walter Righter, Hiram Righter, Gardner Goodrich, Richard Ruston, Robert Shields, C. H. Swan, H. P. Swan, T. M. Thornton, Thomas Watts, A. W. Parks, John Mc-

Cloud, A, C. Winters, W. F. Denslow, William C. Burleigh. At the completion of the Chicago & Alton road to Bloomington, Burleigh was employed as passenger conductor and ran the first train on the road.

The first school house was built of logs, in 1854, the first teacher being Miss Julia Hamlin. The second teacher was Miss Helen Hayes, who is still unmarried and lives in Pontiac. The first school house built by public funds was completed in 1863. Miss Margaret Lilly (now Mrs. William T. Brydia of Pontiac), was the first one to teach init. She commenced her school in the log school house, before this was finished, but on its completion she moved into the new building on June 17 of that year, and finished the term. She was to receive $20 per month in gold, but upon being paid for her services, she was given scrip. Thomas N. Smith was the first school treasurer. In 1862, the school directors were S. P. Cripliver, John Cotrell and Jason Tuttle.

The first church society to be formed was the Methodist. They erected a building for worship in 1872, and it was called the Bethel Methodist church. This structure has since been moved to the yillage of Saunemin. The Christian church was formed in 1871, and it still has a large membership. The United Brethren society was formed in 1867 under the pastorate of Rey. Mr. Elliott. The Presbyterian and Congregational societies were formed at an early day. These societies all held services in the Bethel church, it being the only church building in the township at that time. >

Truman W. Brydia was the first justice of the peace and the first supervisor after Sullivan was separated and set off. He officiated at two wedding ceremonies in one day (the first marriages in the township), the contracting parties being Miss Nancy Scott and William Young and Miss Celia Ann Ridinger and Isaac Williams,

The first birth was that of a daughter (Catherine), of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cripliver in January, 1852, The first death was that of the wife of John Martin, in March, 1855. Twin children born to Mr. and Mrs. John Ridinger also died in March, 1855.

Saunemin has two cemeteries in the township - Five Mile Grove and Sunny Slope. The former was laid out in the early settlement of the township. John Ridinger first donated one acre of ground for the purpose and afterward the town

In 1869, a postoffice was established with A. W. Parks as postmaster. He was succeeded two years later by G. D. Paddock. The office was in the village called Bethel, named after the Methodist church erected there, although the name of the postoffice was Saunemin. In this hamlet were two stores, conducted by G. D. Paddock and J. R. Richter, A. W. Young's blacksmith shop, Homer Tiffany's shoe shop, a school house, and some half a dozen residences.

"In the summer of 1858, a woman was drowned in Five Mile creek, about one mile from the present residence of S. L. Marsh. She was traveling through the country alone, and had called at the house of Mr. Thomas the evening before she was drowned, but had not, it seems, given a very definite or satisfacaory account of herself, and had left late in the evening. The next day she was found in Five Mile creek, 'cold in death." Who she was, whence she came, or whither going, none ever knew beyond mere supposition, which was that she belonged to a company of emigrants who had passed that way some time before; had become dissatisfied and homesick, and was trying to get back to the old home of her childhood, when fate overtook her, and her destiny was brought to an abrupt close. The people generously and kindly took the remains and decently interred them in their little graveyard in Five Mile Grove. There they still repose, and her friends, if she had any, are ignorant of her fate to the present day."

Village Of Saunemin

The village was platted and surveyed by County Surveyor D. J. Stanford, on September 24, 1879, for Thomas Braumley and George D. Paddock, the former being the owner of the southwest quarter of section 15 and the latter the owner of the northwest quarter of section 22, Ocober 3, 1879, Holdridge and Spafford laid out an addition, and on December 1, 1883, another addition was laid out by R. L. Holdridge. Although not so old as many of the towns in the county, Saunemin has had a remarkable growth, and is now recognized as one of the most thriving towns. It is located on the Wabash railroad, and one mile south from the crossing of the

Illinois Central railroad, It is a good trading point, and affords a market for grain that is unexcelled. The village numbers about 600 inhabitants. The first store was conducted by G. D. Paddock, who moved his building and dwelling house from the little hamlet of Bethel, located about one-half mile from here. Dr. H. E. W. Barnes arrived next from Fairbury, and besides being the first physician, he also conducted a drug and grocery store. B. E. Robinson opened a lumber yard and also engaged in the dry goods. business. A. W. Young moved his blacksmith shop from Bethel, Cording & Bennett engaged in the grocery and hardware business. This firin later dissolved, the former running a hardware store and the latter a furniture store. Samuel Lewis conducted the first boarding house and later built a hotel. At the present time the business houses are well represented, and most of thestore buildings are of brick. The churches are the Methodist and Christian. The school house is located a short distance southeast of the village. One feature of the school is the requirement that pupils pass the county superintendent's examination before graduation. Sunny Slope cemetery is located a short distance west of the school house. The village has a commodious town hall, with stage and auditorium, and is the scene of many social and public happenings. The secret societies are the Masons, Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen, Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of Rebekah, Royal Neighbors and Grand Army of the Republic. The bank is owned by Ira M. Lish and P. H. Lannon. At one time a large tile and brick manufactory was located north of the village, but it has long ceased operations. All of the sidewalks in the village are of cement. It has two newspapers, the Gazette and Headlight, the former being published at Fairbury and the latter at Cullom. This is the home of State Senator Ira M. Lish.

Village Of Eylar Village Of Scovel

Scovel is at the junction of the Illinois Central and Wabash railroads. It is located one mile north of Saunemin. It has a grain elevator, but no stores.

Village Of Griswold

Sullivan was formerly a part of Saunemin Township, but was set off in 1860, It is known as Town 28, Range 8. Pleasant Ridge and Charlotte were included ín these as an election precinct and also for a year or two after township organization, when the latter two were struck off, and Sullivan was separated from Saunemin. It is situated in the eastern tier of townships, with Ford County on the east, Broughton Township on the north, Charlotte on the south and Saunemin on the west. Sullivan was named after Michael Sullivant the land king of Ford County, who also owned several sections in this township, The upper half of the township is rolling, but the lower half in an early day and for several years afterward, was nothing but a large swamp, and was the principal resort for the hunters. Nearly all of this land has been drained since the dredging of the Vermilion river, and is now under cultivation. The township has gone Republican, with a few exceptions, ever since its organization. When Alexander Harbison was elected supervisor in 1861, not a Democratic vote was cast.

The first settlers in the township were Alexander Harbison and Joshua and Saxon Chesebrough, all natives of New York state, who came here in 1855. Harbison located on the northeast quarter of section 9, Joshua on the southeast quarter of section 4, and Saxon on the northeast quarter of section 4. The Chesebroughs erected a house in partnership on tbe quarter section line. Joshua moved to Saunemin in 1857 and the house was occupied for several years by Saxon and his family. Harbison remained here until 1865 when he removed to Five Mile Grove in Saunemin Township, and in 1866 located in Fairbury. Rey. Felix Thornton arrived the following year from Tennessee. He was a Methodist minister and preached the first sermon in the township, services being held in Mr. Harbison's cabin. He also solemnized the marriage of Dr. J. M. Perry of Pontiac and Miss Emily Gibson, it being the first wedding in the township. He remained a year or so and then moved into

Saunemin Township, later moving to Iowa. Frederick Hack and R. F. Grifling came about the same time. Mr. Hack laid out the townsite of Cullom and engaged in the lumber, grain and hardware business. He was postmaster for a number of years, held the office of supervisor for several terms, was president of the village board, school director for sixteen years, and highway commissioner for eighteen years. Griffing bought out Thornton's claim. He also held various township offices. The settlement was increased during the 50's by the arrival of the families of John Heckelman, Daniel Clark, D. H. Longmire, Abraham Gibson, Hunter Randall, Samuel Harshbarger, James Sage, Samuel Graybill, Joseph Royle, Lawrence Haag, Joseph Small, Jacob Lightly, Daniel Rowan, George Rosenbauer. Mr. Longmire assisted in the laying of roads and establishing schools, and took an active part in all public matters pertaining to the interests of the township.

Among some of those who settled in the 60's were Martin Detweiler, William Faust, Elias Hartman, Richard Brooks, James Madden, J. J. Shearer, David Shantz, Monroe Bute, T. W. Chandler, G. W. Evans, R. P. Gallup, Isaac Herner, Josiah Kerr, B. F. Lehman, J. K. Lehman, J. H. Lehman, Richard Shapland, F. Skinner and Zopher Tuttle. The latter purchased 6,000 acres from the Sullivant tract and engaged in the cattle business. In 1873 he rented his farms and that same year he established a bank in Dwight, although he continued to resjde in this township. He was a Republican, took no part in political affairs, and seldom voted. He moved to Wichita, Kan., in the '80s, where he died, his vast estate passing into the hands of his heirs. Martin Detweiler is at present looking after the farms. James Maddin served as assessor for thirty consecutive years.

Soon after the mail route was established (1870) between Pontiac and Clifton, a little village sprang up in the center of the county, called Sullivan Center. A postoffice was established the same year. Edward Ward conducted the first store and was made postmaster. He afterward sold out to Abel and Edwin Morrell. Later a blacksmith shop was kept by Anson Ackley and a wagon shop by J. J. Brown. The village is now a thing of the past.

The first school was taught in the winter of 1857-58 by Eliza Rowan at the home of Alexander Harbison, who was the first school treasurer of the township. The first directors were Saxon Chesebrough, Samuel Graybill and David Lighty, David Longmire, David Taylor and Joseph Royle were the first school trustees. For some time after the organization of schools, Sullivan and Saunemin were together, but have since been separated.

A cemetery was laid out in Sullivan Center in 1868, the first person buried therein being the wife of R. F. Griffing. The first child born in the township was William Chesebrough, who now lives in Fairbury. The wife of Alexander Harshbarger was the first person to die in the township.

The township is thickly settled with Germans. A Mennonite church was erected some years ago east of the village of Cullom, and a Lutheran church built in the village. The nearest approach of a colony settling here was in 1857. During that year, members of the Universalist denomination of Cincinnati, Ohio, authorized John Sample of Paxton to purchase a tract of land for them in Central Illinois. Mr. Sample visited this township, and purchased and paid for six sections, and the colony was to locate here the following spring. That was the year of the panic. The failure of the banks in Cincinnati, in which the members of the church were heavy depositors, drained heavily upon their pursestrings, and many lost all the money they had. The land was afterward sold to the settlers.

Village Of Cullom

The village was platted and laid out by Frederick Hack. It is on a branch of the Illinois Central road from Kankakee to Bloomington. The first settlement was made in 1878, and the postoffice established the following year, although the village was not incorporated until 1890. The growth of the town has been steady and substantial. In 1896, a brick block was completed and in 1897 a brick bank building with a large business block was constructed. Every line of merchandise is represented. An excellent system of public schools is maintained, although the schools have never been centralized. There are three church buildings in the village - Methodist, Catholie and German Lutheran. A large tile and brick factory is located here. The village is lighted by electric lights. Two additions have been laid out in recent years - Heckelman's on the east, and Hertlein's on the south. It has one weekly newspaper, the Chronicle, of which S. E. Porterfield is publisher. The Odd Fellows', Modern Woodmen, and Toilers' Fraternities are among the secret orders. Cullom has a fine well and a few years ago erected a standpipe. The village has a population of about 500 inhabitants.

With the exception of about one section in the southwest corner, and a few small groves planted. this township may be said to be without timber. The southern part is quite rolling. The only stream flowing through the township is Mud creek, Owing to the scarcity of timber and water this township did not settle up rapidly until after the 50s. The groves to the south and west along Mud creek and the Vermilion river were fairly well occupied at that time, but to the north and east, including this township, was but an open plain on -which neither a house nor a fence nor any other evidence existed to indicate that a white man had ever visited this region. The Three-I road and a branch of the Chicago & Alton both run east and west through the northern part of the township. The township was named by William K. Brown, after a town by the same name in Pennsylvania, where he formerly resided, and was organized April 6, 1858, by the election of J. O. Corey as supervisor; J. S. Cumming, clerk; T. F. Norton, assessor; A. S. Blakeslee, collector; Andrew Sprague, John Gower and R. C. Myer as commissioner of highways; Isaac Ames and A. J. Hopkins, constables. Only 19 votes were cast at this election.

Andrew Sprague was the first white man to locate here. He was a native of New York state. He arrived in 1835 and located his claim in the timber on the banks of Mud creek. John V. Hilton settled on Wolf creek in 1842, making the journey overland from Buffalo, N. Y. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, for which a pension was granted him, the certificate bearing the date on which he died, his death occurring in October, 1864.

Jacob Longnecker and family came here in 1844. He was born in Pennsylvania, but had lived for several years in Kentucky and Indiana. He came here overland with horses and oxen, bringing his sheep, eattle and hogs with him. He first lived in a cabin which had been erected by Ephraim Sprague, Mr. Longnecker and son,

Luther Smith came here in 1847. He settled on the prairie, two miles south of where the town of Blackstone is now located. His farm has always been known as "Smith's Mound.' In the early '50s an Englishman by the name of Liley was murdered and his body found three miles north of Smith's place, just over the line in La Salle County. The clothing had been remoyed and the face mutilated to prevent identification. The day before Liley's disappearance, he had been in Ottawa, where he purchased a scythe and snath, and set on foot for his home in Livingston County. About a week after, a man by the name of George Gates was arrested in Ottawa, and lodged in jail. He was identified as having been seen traveling with Liley just at evening on the day of his disappearance, and carrying Liley's scythe. The wounds upon Liley were two cuts across the face and a triangular cut deep across the top of the head, cutting through the skull. A scythe was found near the body, bent so as to fit the triangular cut in the head. Gates' clothing was bloody, as proved by his washerwoman, and he paid out some Prussian thalers, such as Liley had received at the bank in Ottawa; and Gates was seen wearing a coat belonging to Liley. At the June term of court in Ottawa in 1853, Gates was convicted of the crime and hanged in August following.

James Hill and family and James P. Hadley and wife came here in 1848. The latter died in 1852. Mr. Hadley was one of the organizers of the township and assisted in appraising the school lands, in 1853, the lands ranging from $5 to $8 per acre in value. He also assisted in organizing the districts for road and school purposes. Among his neighbors in after years he was familiarly known as "Uncle Jimmy." John Blackmore and son Henry came here in 1849, having previously lived in Danville and Ottawa.

was a native of Maine. In 1854 he was elected county surveyor and during the years 1858 to 1861, township assessor. In 1862, Mr. Norton was ordained a minister of the Baptist church. Isaac Ames was also a native of Maine. He served as supervisor in 1861 and 1864, and as collector in 1859. J. O. Corey was from Pennsylx vania, and had been an officer in the Mexican War. He was the first supervisor, being elected in 1858, and also held the office during 1874-76. He removed to lowa in 1876. Anderson Corbin and Oliver Corbin came here in April, 1855, from West Virginia. For several years they were the village blacksmiths. John Gower and son, Bailey A. Gower, came here from La Salle County about 1856. They were natives of Maine. The former was supervisor in 1859, 1860 and 1863, and the latter during the years 1866 and 1869. Erastus Thatcher and H. H. Brower came here the same year. The latter was a lawyer and practiced in the courts of this county. He was a candidate for representative to the Legislature in 1860, but was defeated by 387 votes. He served as supervisor during the years 1862 and 1868. J. W. Patterson became a resident in 1858. He was killed at the battle of Fort Donelson in 1862.

At the first election held November 6, 1858, for county officers, but 34 votes were cast in this township. At the judicial election held in May of the foJlowing year, 48 votes were cast. The census of 1870 gave the township 891 inhabitants.

The Livingston County Anti-Slavery society held a meeting in the grove in the township on July 2, 1859. The meeting was not largely attended on account of the rain. After singing an anti-Slavery hymn, reading selections from the Scripture and prayer, the meeting was addressed by Rey. G. W. Bassett, of Washington, D. C.; Rev. William Strawn, I. G. Mott, H. H. Hinman, A. H. Wykoff and Isaac H. Ames. The three latter were appointed a committee to prepare an address to the people of Illinois on the subject of a Personal Liberty law.

The first school house in the township was built in 1886, the teacher being Catharine Sprague. The Hilton school was built in 1855 and the Ames school in 1856. The report of Thomas F. Norton, the first school treasurer, shows that "in 1855 there was but one school, thirty-four scholars in attendance, ninety-two children in the township, and but one teacher; the highest wages paid was $12 per month. and the whole amount paid out for school purposes was $38.75; there were but 107 school books in all the houses, sixty-five of which were elementary spellers."

In the early times, the settlers received their mail at a little postoffice in Esmen Township, which was on the mail route from Danville to Ottawa. It was afterward removed to the home of Andrew Sprague.

There are three cemeteries in the township - Blackstone cemetery, located one-half mile west and one-half mile south of the village; Jones' cemetery, located in the southeast quarter of section 31; Hadley cemetery, located on the southwest quarter of section 33.

A Catholic church and parsonage are located on the northeast quarter of section 10, one-half mile south of the village of Budd. When Rey. Father O'Brien, the priest in charge, died several years ago, his body was laid to rest in the church lot.

Village Of Blackstone

This village was laid out January 6, 1870, soon after the branch of the Alton railroad from Dwight to Streator was completed. It is located on section 7. It was named in honor of T. B. Blackstone, then president of the Alton road. Rumery & Oliver erected the first building and put in a stock of general merchandise, Charles A. Holton was the first postmaster. The village has a Methodist church and a two-room school house. At the present time, Dunlap & Ruddy are conducting a general store, and Applegate Brothers operate a lumber yard and grocery store. There are also two elevators, W. W. Wilkinson is the present postmaster. It has a population of about fifty.

Village Of Budd

Budd is located on the Three-I road. William Cahill is in charge of the elevator and John Hughes runs a general store. There is also a postoffice. There are but few inhabitants.

It was not until February 2, 1864, that, upon a petition of twenty-four of its citizens, Union Township was set off from Odell Township. Asa congressional township, it is Town 29, Range 7. It was sparsely settled until the commencement of the war. The township lay in the canal grant of land, and in some instances land was not offered for sale until after 1850. This land at first sold for $6 and $7 per acre, on long time.

When the first sale of the school section was made, one-half sold for $8 per acre. The land in the township is rolling and possessed of an excellent soil. In many places there were large sloughs, but since the settlement these have all been drained and the township represents now an unbroken series of excellent farms, all under cultivation. An addition to the village of Emington is in this township. The Wabash road runs through the southeast corner. James C. Brown was the first supervisor. Union is lately gone Republican, although in local affairs, politics is thrown aside, and the best men are elected.

It was not until twenty years after the county was organized and the county seat located, that John Harbison and Alexander Campbell made their way from Pennsylvania to try their fortunes in the Prairie state. This was in 1856. Campbell owned a large track in this township and he induced Mr. Harbison to come out and farm it. A few months later, Joseph Walton arrived with his family from Boston, Mass. These three families were the pioneer settlers of Union Township. In the fall of 1859 Mrs. Walton taught a school in her house, the first in the neighborhood, receiving as compensation $1.50 for each scholar during the term. In 1864 Mr, Walton returned with his family to his native state.

In the fall of 1856 Wesley Heddenburg of St. Louis purchased 3,500 acres in one body in the center of the township. He never located here, but sent his brother, Fletcher, to break up the sod. The trading point of these settlers was Pontiac, and there being no public road to that village, Fletcher hitched eight yoke of oxen to a breaking plow and made a furrow through the tall grass. He thought he was making a "beeline," but instead he landed two miles west of Pontiac. This furrow was followed by the early settlers until the laying out of roads on the section lines. All of the Heddenburg tract has long since passed into other hands. Hugh and William Thompson and Levi and Joseph Dell arrived in 1857. The Thompsons were natives of Ohio and the Dells of Pennsylvania. With the exception of Joseph Dell, the above three served in the Civil War, in the 129th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Hugh Thompson was elected county treasurer in 1865 and circuit clerk in 1892. Levi Dell left here after the close of the war, but his brother remained for several years afterward. Arthur Marshall came in 1858 from Belmont

'County, Ohio. Samuel Hoke and family arrived the following summer from Blair County, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Hoke taught school in her house for six months the same fall and winter, teaching six days in the week, and received her pay ($120) in gold. This was the first public school in the township. Among those who settled in the '60s were Peter Metz, Frank Whipple, John Mc- Cloud, James Telford, James Hamilton, W. A. Hutchins, D. B. Walker, Emmons Goss, James C. Brown, Robert Walker, John Luke, Abram Funk, Edward Essington, John Fulton, John Ferguson, Edward Collins, Richard Judge, Thomas Jones, William Trecker, James Kirkpatrick, Edward Wauchope, Thomas Brown, Simeon T. Call, R. H. Austen, G. H. Austen, Andrew McMeans, John Wylie.

As noted above Mrs. Walton and Mrs. Hoke taught the first schools in their homes. A school building was erected during 1860 and school opened that winter, the trustees being Samuel Hoke, James Hamilton, and Arthur Marshall. The following year another school house was erected. In the early days religious services were held in the Heddenburg home, and later at the school houses. The early settlers were principally Presbyterian and the preachers were Rev. Bascom of Odell and Dr. Bettleheim of Cayuga. The Catholics have erected a fine church, parsonage, convent and school at Loretto, in the center of the township. There is a cemetery on the Hamilton farm, in the southeast corner of section 14,

Owing to the sparse settlement in some parts «Of the county, the township organization in some cases included what is now several townships. This was the case in Waldo until 1861, when it was detached from Nebraska Township, and has since been a separate organization. It is known as Township 27, Range 3. Scattering creek is the -only stream of water in the township. It rises near the center, flows northward through Ne- 'braska, Rooks Creek and Amity Townships to the Vermilion river. Until 1857, the entire surface of the township was unbroken prairie, level asa floor. There were many large sloughs in the township at that time, but all have been drained, The early settlers purchased land from the Illinois Central Railroad Company, whose grant included the western tier of townships in this county. The price was generally $14 per acre, although in after years it was reduced to $6 an acre. The hard times of 1858-59 retarded immigration somewhat to this part of the county, but the richness of the soil was a strong attraction, and in the *60s settlers came in rapidly.

In 1857 several persons located in the township. The first one to become a permanent settler was James McFadden, who located in the spring of that year. A few months later Henry Broad, who had previously located near Pontiac, made his appearance. Others to arrive were Richard Breese, James Pample, James King, Parker Jewett, Isaac Birkholder and J. C. Hawthorne. The following year the settlement was increased by the arrival of Nathan Hunting, Leonard Smith, G. W. Stoker, John Broad, David Sharp.

Among those who came in the '60s were James Andrews, George Andrews, A. L. Smith, D. C. Benedict, W. H. Cornwell, R. M. Holt, Jacob Gingerich, Jacob King, John Kirkton, John Albrecht, Edson Wilder and sons, Marshall, Malcolm and Edson.

In 1860 the Amish began to arrive, and at the present time they own over one-half of the land in the township. Among the early settlers of this sect were John P. Schmidt, Joseph Rediger, John Rediger, Joab Rediger, John and Christian Ehresman, Joseph Gerig, David Sharp, Christian, John and Joab King. They have erected several churches in the township.