Macon County, Illinois - Chapter 4: The Black Hawk War, 1876

Chapter 4: The Black Hawk War

In 1 83 1 a treaty was made by which Black Hawk and his tribes of Indians were to remove to the west side of the Mississippi river, and release all claim upon the east side. Emissaries of the British government, from Canada, induced the Indians to disregard the treaty and return to their former homes in Illinois. On the sixth day of April, 1833, Black Hawk, with his followers, crossed the Mississippi, bringing with them their women, children and property. He announced that his mission was peaceful - but no doubt his object was to reclaim the territory he had released under the treaty of the year before. Governor Reynolds, learning of the movement of Black Hawk, called for volunteers to ]:;epel the invaders. Eighteen hundred volunteers, under Whiteside and Reynolds, were mustered into sei'vice, and General Atkinson dispatched them in pursuit of the Indians. On the twelfth of May they reached Dixon's ferry, where they were joined by Major Stillman with 275 men. Stillman considered his command independent of Whiteside, and declined to join Whiteside's brigade. Stillman, with Major Baily, received orders to go to " Old Man's creek," now Stillman's run, to ascertain the movements of the Indians. The two battalions camped about ten miles from the ferry on the evening of the thirteenth, and on the morning of the fourteenth Stillman took command of both battalions, and continued in pursuit until sunset, when they encamped in "front of a small creek" (Stillman's run) about thirty miles from Dixon. Black Hawk hearing of their approach, sent out three men to meet them and take them to his camp, that a council might be held; but the men were taken prisoners. Five others were sent out for the same purpose, but two of them were killed. This aroused Black Hawk, and with about forty men he met the assailants - the main body of his warriors being about ten miles away - and routed them completely, and in great confusion. Some of Stillman's men, it is said, did not stop until they reached Dixon. In the fight. Major Perkins, Capt. Adams, and nine men, were killed, one of whom, James Milton, was from Macon county. William Cox, and others from this county, had their horses shot.

The following is a complete copy of the muster roll of the company from Macon county engaged in the war, showing the names of the volunteers, date of enlistment, date of discharge, and status of company at the time of discharge:

" Muster roll of Captain Johnson's company of mounted volunteers, belonging to the Fifth regiment, commanded by James Johnson, of the brigade of mounted volunteers of Illinois militia, commanded by Brigadier General Samuel Whiteside. Mustered out of service of United States at mouth of Fox river, the state of Illinois, on the 37th day of May, 1S33; distance, miles, 150 from place of enrollment.

I certify, on honor, that the muster roll exhibits the true state of the company of inounted volunteers under my command, of the Illinois militia, of the brigade of mounted volunteers under the command of Brigadier General Samuel Whiteside on this day, and that the remarks set opposite the names of the men, are accurate and just.

There was also a companj' of Rangers organized during the summer of 1832, commanded by Captain William Warnick. This company w:is out in the vicinity of Kickapoo town near the head of the Big Vermilion, but found no Indians and soon returned.

The Mexican War

War was dcchired with Mexico in May, 1S46, and Illinois, under the call for volunteers, was entitled to three I'egiments. The sheriff of Macon county, under the proclamation of Gov. Ford, called for the enlistment of volunteers. Under this call company C of what was afterwards the 4th regiment was raised, consisting of 78 men. When the company reached Springfield thirty companies had already reported, and the three regiments were full. E. D. Bajcer* then a prominent man of Illinois, through the influence of Hon.

0. B. Ficklin, our member in Congress, prevailed on President Folk to allow him to raise a 4th regiment from Illinois, and by this means the Macon county men entered the service. Mr. Baker was elected Colonel, Lieut. Gov. Moore was elected Lieutenant Colonel, and Thomas Harrisf was elected Major of the regiment. The late Gen. I. C. Pugh was elected Captain of company C, and Senator R. J. Oglesby, 1st Lieutenant; Anderson Fromon, 2d Lieutenant; John P. Post, 3d Lieutenant; Stephen Osborn, ist Sergeant; G. W. Galbreath, 3d Sergeant; B. F. Oglesby, 3d Sergaant; B. L. Martin, ist Corporal; James Hollingsworth, 2d Corporal; W. J. Usrey, 3d Corporal; and G. W. Nelson, 4th Corporal.

*Afterwards Senator from Oregon, Major General in the late war, and who was killed at Ball's Bluff", f After whom Harristown was afterwards named.

David Bailer. Company C marched from Decatur to Springfield about the middle of June, 1846, where the regiment was formed. After remaining at Springfield a short time, the regiment marched to Alton, where arms were in store, which the regiment procured by a little maneuvering on the part of Col. Baker and Capt. J. S. Post. Col. J. J. Hardin, believing that he was entitled to these arms, stoutly protested against their appropriation by Col. Baker, and a wordy warfare ensued which came near resulting in a duel. From Alton the regiment was transferred to Jefferson Barracks, and there placed under charge of Col. Churchill, commandant, under whom it received thorough discipline and drill. About the 20th of July the regiment was mustered into service by Col. Crogan, of Fort Meigs notoriety. In a few days the regiment received oi'ders and embarked for New Orleans, and thence to Brazos, Santiago Bay, four miles north of the mouth of the Rio Grande, where it disembarked. After remaining at this point for about a week, orders were received to march up the Rio Grande eight miles, where occurred the first death in Co. C, viz: Second Sergeant George Galbreath. As Col. Baker and a squad of twelve men, all from Macon county, detailed to bury Mr G., were about to return to camp, they heard a disturbance on board of a steamboat near by, and on arriving at the scene, they learned that an Irish company, in a drunken melee, had driven from the boat the Kennesaw rangers. Baker ordered his handful of men on the boat to quell the disturbance; but no sooner had he done so, than a hand- to-hand encounter ensued, in which the colonel and his squad were soon overpowered and compelled to retire : but not without loss. Col. Baker received a rapier thrust, penetrating his mouth and extending through the back of his neck; Capt. J. S. Post was wounded in the breast, having a rib broken; Charles Dillow,* killed; R. H. Stewart, bayoneted in the thigh; and seven others of the squad more or less injured. At this point orders were received to move still further up the river to Matamoras, on the Mexican side, where they remained a few days, and then moved on to Camargo, where a great deal of sickness ensued. Returning to Matamoras, they then marched to Victoria - marching on Christmas day forty-five miles. About the first of January, 1847, orders were received to March to Tampico, two hundred miles distant, at which place preparations were made for an attack on Vera Cruz. Taking ship at Tampico about the first of February, Vera Cruz was reached in sixteen days, and Company C assisted in the construction of the batteries and the bombardment of the city, which surrendered March 29. After the taking of the city of Vera Cruz, Scott's army marched for the City of Mexico, and 01 route met Santa Anna, at the mountain pass of Cerro Gordo, on the eighteenth of April, where a battle was fought. Company C had but forty-eight men in this engagement, two of whom were killed and ten wounded. The killed were J. C. Malson and George Nelson.

At this battle Santa Anna came near being taken prisoner, and in his effort to escape left in his carriage $25,000 in silver and his cork leg, which were captured by Company C, it being at the head of the brigade. The next morning ensuing the battle. Gen. Scott followed on to Jalapa, where Company C remained about a month, when the time of enlistment expired, and the company returned via New Orleans and St. Louis, arriving at home about the first of June, 1847, bringing with them the banner received from the citizens on their departure. They were very enthusiastically received. A grand barbecue was prepared for the returning volunteers, and day of general rejoicing was had, still remembered with satisfaction by the participants.

The Late War

It is unnecessary in this connection, and, in fact, would consume entirely too much space, to give any details as to the causes of the rebellion. It is our purpose, rather, to give Macon county's record, as complete as we can, in the suppression of that rebellion. The long list of names following, of those who were sacrificed on the altar of their country, will sutficiently attest the patriotic impulses that actuated our people, and convince the most casual observer that Macon county, when called, was at her post and performed her whole duty valiantly.

In the succeeding pages of this chapter we give a brief synopsis of the principal engagements of the various regiments, together with a regimental and company roster, and the names, date of enlistment, discharge, etc., of those only who enlisted from the county.

Seventh Illinois Cavalry

The yth Cavalry was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, and mustered into service Oct. 13, 1861. The companies A, C, I and G were directly ordered to Bird's Point, Missouri, where the other eight companies arrived on the 25th of December. Some time in January, all, except companies B, C, I and L, moved to Cape Girardeau, Mo. Company I, to which most of the men from Macon county belonged, remained at Bird's Point, and were engaged in scouting during the winter. At New Madrid the regiment again united. Was at Island No. 10. After this moved to Hamburg Landing, Tennessee river, thence in the direction of Corinth. Was engaged in the battle of luka, and afterwards at Corinth, Oct 2d, 3d and 4th. Nov. 23, seven companies met Richardson near Somerville; Dec. i, assigned to Col. Dickey's command of cavalry. At Holly .Springs, Miss.; followed Price as far south as Coffeeville and retreated. In Western Tenneessee. On the 17th of April, started on " Grierson's Raid " to Baton Rouge. Dec. 26th, the regiment fought the entire force of Forrest. In an engagement at Moscow, Tenn. Moved to Decatur, Ala. Returned to Nashville, and was mustered out of service, and received its final pay and discharge at Camp Butler, 111., Nov. 17, 1S65. Its period of service was about four years and three months.

Eighth Illinois' Infantry

This regiment was organized on the 25th day of April, iS6i,for the three months service. Col. R. J. Oglesby commanding. Stationed at Cairo until mustered out, at close of term. Re-organized for three years service; moved to Bird's Point, Mo., Feb. 2, 1862; embarked for Tennessee river; engaged enemv near Ft. Henry; attacked Ft. Donelson about middle of Feb., where most valuable service was rendered, and where serious loss was sustained. Maj. John P. Post was taken prisoner in this battle. Was engaged in the battle of Shiloh. Actively participated at the seige of Corinth, where Col. Oglesby was dangerously wounded and borne from the field in expectation of immediate death. Met enemy at Raymond. Sent to Camp Butler in '64, on veteran furlough. Afterwards the regiment was in Western Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. Mustered out of service at Baton Rouge, May 4, 1866. Ordered to Springfield for final payment and discharge, where it arrived May 13, i866.

Sergeant

[of wound rec'd at Donelson. Discharged July 24, '64. Killed at Ft. Donelson, Feb, 15, '62. Died Bird's Point, Mo., Nov. i,'6i. Killed at Raymond, Miss., May

[of wounds rec'd at Vicksburg. Promoted sergeant. Mustered out May 4, ''()6. Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62. Re-enlisted as veteran. Mustered out July 30, '64. Killed at Shiloh, April 6, '62. Promoted corporal; mustered out

Twenty-First Illinois Infantry

The Twenty-first Illinois Regiment Infantry was mustered into the service in the latter part of June, 1S61, under command of U. S.Grant. Went to Ironton, Mo. Engaged in battle at Perryville and Chaplin Hill. In a skirmish at Knob Gap. Engaged in battle near Murfreesboro, Tenn.; lost many men in this engagement. Was with Gen. Rosecrans' army, from Murfreesboi-o to Chattanooga. Engaged in a severe skirmish at Liberty Gap, June 25, 1863. In the battle of Chicamauga, Sept. 19-20, 1863.

Wagoner

S. Inf , Dec. 34, '63. Re-enlisted as vet.; prom, ist lieut. Mustered out Dec. 16, '65. Mustered out July 5, '64. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out

Thirty-Fifth Illinois Infantry

The Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry v^^as organized in Decatur, on the third day of July, 1861. On the tw^enty-third it vv^as accepted by the Secretary of War, as Col. G. A. Smith's Independent Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. Left Decatur August 4th; arrived at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., the 5th; thence to the Marine Hospital, St. Louis; moved to JefFerson City, Mo.; next to Otterville; marched to Sedalia and joined Gen. Siegel's advance on Springfield, arriving there the 36th; moved from Springfield to Rolla; returned to Springfield the 13th of February, 1862. In an engagement at Pea Ridge, Col. G. A. Smith was severely wounded. The principal places of action were at Rocky-faced Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Mud Creek, Kenesaw, Perryville, Stone River and Chickamauga. Mustered out at Springfield, 111., on the 27th day of September, 1S64.

Forty-First Illinois Infantry

The Forty-first Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at Decatur, Illinois, in the month of August, 1S61, by Col. Isaac C. Pugh. Moved to St. Louis August 7; 29th moved to Bird's Point, Mo., and assigned to the command of General Prentiss; September 8th moved to Paducah, Ky., and assigned to General B. F. Smith's command; February 5th, '62, moved to Fort Henry; nth marched to Fort Donelson, and was engaged, 13th, 14th and 15th in the siege, under Colonel McArthur; March 10 moved for Pittsburg Landing, arriving the 14th; engaged in the battle of Shiloh, April 6th and 7th, 1862; engaged in the siege at Corinth; marched to Memphis, arriving July II, and remained until Sept. 6; moved for Bolivar; moved from Bolivar*to LaGrange, Nov. 3; Arrived at Memphis, Tenn., March 10, 1863; sent to Hernando, Miss.; in an engagement at Cold water; returned to Memphis; moved to Vicksburg May 12th, etc.; was at last consolidated with the Fifty-third regiment.

Disch'd Sept. 19, '62; disability. Died Nov. II, '63; wounds. Disch'd Mar. 2, '63; disability. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. Re-enlisted as vet.; transferred to

Co. A, Vet. Bat. Disch'd Dec, 7, '61; disability. Killed at Shiloh, April 2, '62. Re-enlisted as veteran. Mustered out Aug. 20, '64. Disch'd June 19, '63; disability. Prisoner of war; mustered out of

Sixty-Third Infantry

The Sixty-third Infantry, Illinois Volunteers, was organized at Camp Dubois, Anna, Illinois, in the month of December, 1861, by Colonel Francis Moro, and mustered into United States service April 10, 1S63. Ordered to Cairo April 27; to Henderson, Ky., July 13; returned to Cairo 22d. August 4th moved to Jackson, Tenn., and assigned to Fourth Brigade, Seventh Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, Col. John D. Stephenson, Seventh Missouri Infantry, commanding brigade. Brig. -Gen. John A. Logan commanding division. November 10 moved to LaGrange; 2Sth moved against Pemberton, and returned to LaGrange January 16, 1863. May loth, 1863, ordered to Vicksburg, Miss.; on picket duty at Young's Point till May 21st; June 7th assigned to Mower's Brigade, and moved to Millikin's Bend. In an engagement at Richmond, La.; returned to Young's Point, thence to Vicksburg; July 5th, 1863, moved to Helena, Ark; 38th moved to Memphis; moved towards Chattanooga; November i6th arrived at Bridgeport, Ala.; arrived at Chattanooga November 20th; engaged in battle at Mission Ridge, 23d and 24th of November, 1863; arrived at Huntsville Dec. 36th, and went into winter quarters. Ordered to Illinois on veteran furlough, April 3, and returned to Huntsville, May 3 1st, 1S64. June 22d moved to Kingston; command ordered to join Gen. Sherman; December loth, 1864, arrived at Savannah, and moved to Miller's Station, on the Gulf Railroad; started on a trip through the Carolinas; returned to Savannah. Participated in the battle of Bentonville, N. C, March 21st, and entered Goldsboro March 24, 1S65; moved to Raleigh; moved from Raleigh April 29th, and arrived at Richmond May 10; went to Alexandria; participated in the grand review^ at Washington, May 24; moved to Parkersburg, on the Ohio river, thence to Louisville, Ky. July 13, 1S65, mustered out of United States service, and left for Camp Butler, Illinois, arriving there July i6th, after having traveled 6,453 miles.

Re-enlisted as vet. Mustered out April 9, '65. Disch'd July 19, '62; disability. Mustered out April 9, '65. Re-enlisted as vet.; mustered out July 13, '65.

One Hundred And Fifteenth Regiment Illinois Infantry

This regiment left Camp Butler the 4th of Oct., 1S62; reported to Gen. Wright, at Cincinnati, the 6th, and crossed over into Kentucky and reported to Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, and was assigned to Second Brigade Second Division, Army of Kentucky. Passed to

I04 History Of Macon County

Richmond, Kentucky, and remained there about two months. About the 21st of December, went to Danville, Ky.; from Danville to Louisville, thence to Nashville, Tenn., and went into camp. From Nashville to Franklin, and wgnt into camp. In March, '63, under Baird and Atkins, they assisted in driving VanDorn across the Duck river, and then returned to camp and remained until June 1st, 1863. Went to Triune, Tenn., and June 24, with the Army of the Cumberland, drove Gen. Bragg across the Tennessee. Went into camp at Tullahoma, but soon marched towards Chattanooga, with a forced march across the Cumberland mountains to Rossville, Ga. On the 19th and 20th of September, engaged the enemy on the field of Chickamauga. In this engagement, lost five men from Macon county. After the engagement marched against Dalton, Ga. ; returned to camp near Cleveland, Tenn.; remained there until the 3d day of May, then joined Sherman's Army on the Atlantic campaign. This regiment led the charge at Tunnel Hill, Ga., and engaged in battle at Resaca, Ga., on the 15th and i6th of May, 1864. This regiment took an active part in the engagements of November and December, 1864, which resulted in the destruction of Bragg's old veteran army, known as the Army of the Tennessee, under Gen. Hood. The Brigade to which the 115th Illinois was attached for nearlv two years was known as the " Iron Brigade."

On the 23d of December, 1S64, while pursuing Hood in his retreat from Nashville, Col. J. H. Moore of the 115th Illinois took command of this Brigade, of which the 115th was a part. This position he kept until the regiment w^as mustered out of service at the close of the war. The regiment went to Huntsville, Ala., and went into camp the 5th of Jan., 1865. On the 14th of March went into East Tennessee, then to Nashville, where it remained until it was mustered out of service at the close of the war, June II, 1865. Arrived at Camp Butler, 111., June 16; received pay, and discharged, June 23.

Second Lieutenants

4, '63- Must'd out June 11, ''6-^., as sergt. Promoted hospital stew^ard. Disch'd May 15, '65; wounds. , Mustered out July i, '65; was prisoner. Died at Nashville, Tenn., March

Infantry

The One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers was made up almost entii-ely from Macon county. The campanies began to go into camp in the fair ground, near Decatur, about the 15th August, 1862. They were sworn into the United States service on the 6th day of September, but ranks not being full, were only mustered as a battalion. On the 31st were mustered as a regiment. Left Decatur November 8th, arriving at Cairo on the 9th; left on the same evening for Memphis, where it remained until the 26th, during which time the Fifteenth Army Corps was organized under the command of Gen. W. T. Sherman, and was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division. The commander of this division was Maj.-Gen. Morgan L. Smith, and the brigade commander, Gen. Giles A. Smith. From Memphis marched to Tallahatchie, which was reached December 13th. On the 20th started down the Mississippi; entered the mouth of the Yazoo the 26th, and landed about fifteen miles above the mouth of that river. On the next dav the battle of Chickasaw began, and continued until the 30th. This was the first engagement of the regiment. About the ist of January, 1S63, passed down the Yazoo, and sailed up the Mississippi and Arkansas rivers to Arkansas Post, where was fought the second battle in which this regiment was engaged, January 10 and II. On the 22d landed at Young's Point, La., opposite Vicksburg. During the winter made attempts to get around Vicksburg by canals, etc. In the spring crossed the river near Port Gibson, and were under fire at Black River and Champion Hills, and were engaged in the bloody charges upon the works in the rear of Vicksburg, May iS and 22, and were present at the surrender of that place, July 4th. The next morning started in search of Gen. Johnston, who was stationed beyond Black river; followed him until he took refuge .in Jackson, Miss. By several engagements, drove him beyond the Pearl river. Went into camp near Black river, July 25th; the camp was called Camp Sherman. Here the regiment remained until about the first of October, then removed to Vicksburg, then sailed to Memphis, and then went to Corinth, and then marched for Chattanooga, which was reached November 2 1st. On the night of the 33d the ii6th, in company with the 6th Missouri, embarked in pontoon boats, floated down the Tennessee and landed at the mouth of the Chickamauga, within less than one mile of the enemy's entrenchments on Missionary Ridge, and held the position until the balance of the corps was brought over, and captured all of Bragg's pickets. Then marched to the foot of the ridge on the evening of the 34th; engaged in a skirmish in which Gen. Giles A. Smith was w^ounded, the command of the brigade devolving on Col. Tupper. On the 25th were present at the storming of Missionary Ridge. After this victory this regiment was marched to the relief of Knoxville, and was constantly on the move until the 9th of January, 1S64; then went into winter quarters at Larkensville, Ala.; remained in quarters until May 16 and was engaged in the charge and capture of Resaca; was at the battles of Dallas, May 25 to 28, and Big Shanty; next at Kenesaw Mountain, on 27th of June; thence crossed the Chattahoochie and fought the battle of Stone Mountain, and drove the enemy to the immediate vicinity of Atlanta, where the battle of June 22d was fought, recapturing the works after the enemy had taken them from us.

On the 28th fought the battle of Ezra Chapel, in which the enemy was badly beaten and driven back; moved up and formed lines within 800 yards of enemy, August 3d, at Atlanta, and engaged in the siege of that place, fighting the battle of Jonesboro, the 14th, which was virtually an end of the siege. After the battle of Jonesboro, went into camp at Atlanta; remained there until orders were given to break camp and begin " Sherman's March to the Sea," with occasional skirmishes on the march, until the vicinity of Savannah was reached ; then participated in the capture of Fort McAllister, on December 13, Then the regiment marched to Savannah, and entered that city December 21, and went into camp. Then took shipping and went to Beaufort, S. C, and marched thence to Pocatalago, and fought a battle there, and had general skirmishing until . the city of Columbia was reached; went into camp after the burning of that city; moved thence to Benton ville, N. C, and had a severe battle; went into camp; moved thence to Raleigh, which surrendered without opposition; thence ordered to Washington, and went into camp and remained until ordered home to be mustered out of service, which was done June 7, 1865.

For some unaccountable reason, no mention is made of the noble record of this regiment in the Adjutant General's Reports. A similar omission is made in the Patriotism of Illinois. The brief history of the regiment above given, the author has prepared partly from the recollection of Capt. William Grason, and partly from memoranda furnished by Chaplain N, M. Baker, and Surgeon Ira N. Barnes. The citizens of Macon county have erected to the memory of the brave Col. Tupper, in Greenwood Cemetery, a monument, as a recognition of his services; and the long list of killed and wounded in battle, given below, will forever speak, louder than words, of the splendid record of the Ii6th.

Mustered out June 7, '65. Absent, sick, at muster out of regt. Died at Young's Point Feb. 9, '63. Died at Decatur Aug. 31, '63. Died on hospital boat Mar. 18, '63. Mustered out June 7, '65; prisoner

Missing since May 31, '65; supposed insane. Discharged May 6, '65, as corp. Died on hospital boat Jan. 31, '63. Absent, sick, at muster out of reg. Transferred to Invalid Corps Sept.

Among the memorable events associated with the early history of the county, is the " deep snow." This is one of the land-marks of the early settler. It is his mile-stone, from which he counts in dating preceding or succeeding events. He reckons the date of his coming, his marriage, and the births of his children, from it. You ask him the age of John, Sarah or Susan, and he seldom fails to fix their births at so many years before or after the deep snow. You may locate a certain event as occurring Anno Domini, so and so, and your ante-deep-snow resident will at once commence counting on his fingers the intervening years between the deep snow and the particular time in question, in order to verify your date. The fact is, that the deep snow was an important and very extraordinary phenomenon. There has been nothing equal to it in this latitude for the last hundred years - if the Indian traditions are correct as to what occurred before the white man's advent. According to their traditions, as related to the first white settlers, a snow fell, from fifty to seventy-five years before the settlement by the white people, which swept away the immense herds of buffalo and elk that then roamed over our vast prairies. This tradition was verified by the vast quantity of buffalo and elk bones remaining in different localities upon our prairies when first visited by white men.

ceeded by heavy sleets, forming crusts of ice between the layers of snow. There were weeks that the sun was not visible, and the cold was so intense that not a particle of snow would melt upon the sides of the houses facing the south. People were for weeks absolutely blockaded or housed up, and remained so until starvation compelled them to go forth in search of food, or to procure corn and to get It ground at the few horse mills then in the country. It may be of interest, in this connection, to relate an incident connected with the early histor}- of the late Abraham Lincoln, who was at that time a resident of Macon county. Late in the winter, Mr. Lincoln and John Hanks, vvith great difficulty made their way across the Sangamon to a horse mill owned by Robert Smith, five and a half miles southwest of Decatur, for the purpose of getting some corn ground. They found Mr. S. in the field gathering corn. He had succeeded in getting a road opened to the field, and would drive a yoke of oxen, attached to a sled, to the end of the road, lift the sled around, turning the cattle in the direction from which they came, and then, with baskets, gather the corn that was exposed above the snow, and carry it and deposit it in the sled. Mr. S. was engaged at this when Mr. Lincoln made his appearance, requesting his " grist " to be ground. Mr. Lincoln was asked if he had to labor under such difficulties on his side of the river. " Yes," said he, "we have to do worse than that, for we have used up all of our corn, and now have to go to our neighbors for assistance."

It is not known that any one starved or was frozen during this trying ordeal; but sufTering, hunger and untold hardships were endured by the people. Game, such as prairie chickens, quails, deer, etc., prior to that time, had been abundant, but for years afterwards was very scarce, having perished in the snow. Deer were often caught and killed without the aid of guns or other fire-arms, being unable to get through the snow or walk on top. Later in winter, when the mass of snow and ice had become compact, fences that were staked and ridcred were driven over with heavily loaded vehicles, and, in fact, in places could not be seen. The snow is usually estimated at three feet deep at places where it was not drifted, and of course would have been much deeper than that if it had fallen in a short space of time. In the spring, when this immense amount of snow melted, the river and streams were very - 19

In January, 1836, occurred an extraordinary atmospheric phenomenon experienced by the residents of this county, known as the " sudden freeze." It was attended with loss of life to both man and beast, and the most intense suffering from cold. Incidents are related in connection with this " sudden change," that, to the incredulous, seem marvelous' and highly colored, and as some have expressed it, " rather fishy." Immediately preceding the storm the ground had been covered with snow, which, from rain falling on the day of the occurrence, had become " slushy." The storm came from the northwest, and the clouds, upon its approach, assumed a very threatening and extraordinary aspect, those above being dark, and those below of a white, frosty appearance. The air seemed to be filled with innumerable particles of frozen mist, and the moment the storm struck the unfortunate person away from shelter, he seemed to be instantaneously transferred from a temperate to a most frigid zone. The father of the writer, as this storm approached, was going on an errand, not over a quarter of a mile distant. As he went, the ground was covered with sleet and water; on his immediate return home, the ice had formed sufficient in thickness that he could walk on top.

" The late Gen. I. C. Pugh left town on horseback in the rain, for his home on the Bloomington road, and when he reached the large pond which foi"merly lay on the east side of North Water street, the cold was so intense that long needles of ice were shooting over the surface of the pond in every direction, presenting a very singular appearance, and in a few moments it was frozen entirely over. The late Dr. Thomas Read came near freezing to death on the prairie, on his way to Shelbyville, on horseback, at that time, and several persons did lose their lives by being on the prairie and unable to reach a shelter. Cattle that were in the fields were held fast by the "slush" freezing about their feet, and it became necessary to cut away the ice to liberate them. Ducks and geese were imprisoned in the same way. It was scarcely fifteen minutes from the time the cold wave swept over the place, before the water and melting snow were hard enough to bear up a horse."* Another instance is related of a man who came into his house and remained but a few minutes, when some member of the family came in and remarked that the ice and snow had frozen so hard that it would bear a person up. The man at once flatly contradicted the assertion, and accused the person making it of prevarication, and was only convinced when he had made the experiment himself.

Meteorological

In connection with the abo\e atmospheric phenomena, we would desire to extend our observations, but there have been no records kept in this locality until within the last two years. Meteorology is a science entitled to as much consideration as astronomy or other natural sciences. It owes its origin to the observations and study of meteors and their connection with the planetar}^ system. It has extended its field so as to embrace atmospheric phenomena, and their climatology, as well as the changing influences of nature on land and sea. Records are now being made and tabulated, from which much very valuable information mav be derived by the great agricultural west. We have no doubt but a few years more of observation and study of this science, will result in the prediction of all unusual and extraordinary atmospheric phenomena, with almost as much certainty as eclipses, transits, etc., are foretold. We give below^ tables of observations made at Decatur for the last twenty-one months, which, so far as we know, is the only record kept in the county.

Synopsis

Of Meteorological Record for the twenty -one ni07tths commencifig April 1st, iS'/J, and ending December JJst, iSyd; Decatur, III.; latitude, jg deg. ^j niin.; longitude, 88 deg. 50 min.^ elevatio)i of barometer above mean sea level, 68^. ly feet.

Statement

Showing hoxu many times ivi?id was observed blowing from the eight cardinal points o^ the compass^ during each months from. April i", /c^/j", to Dec. ji^ i8j6; also^ aspect of the sky.

Regula's observations are taken at 6.48 A. M., 3.48 and 10.13 P. M., each day, Decatur mean time, which corresponds with Washington, D. C, mean time of 7.35 A.M., 4.35 and 11 P. M., that being the hour at which all observations are taken at Regula's Signal Service Stations, corrections being made for local time to correspond therewith.

Other observations of the instruments, direction of the wind, etc., are taken as may be demanded. It will be seen, by Table 2, that 1988 observations of direction of wind were noted, and but 1937 of aspect of the sky ; the difference is caused by observations taken during the approach of storms, when the wind has shifted often, while the aspect of the sky has remained unchanged and not mentioned. In Table 1, in column mean of seasons, nine months and of year, the mean of the barometer, thermometer and hygrometer are given, while in the other footings in said colunms the range, difference and sums are given.

Last freeze of spring, May 16; ice one-thirty-second of an inch formed. Last white frost, May 17^10 ice. First frost and ice in fall, September 31 ; ice thickness of letter paper. First cold day of fall, freezing during entire 24 hours, November i6. First snow, December 7. River frozen over for first time, December 17th; on 19th ice was four inches thick. All ice and frost had disappeared on the 2 1 St. Latter part of December was warm and pleasant; on the 30th and 31st frogs were heard croaking in numerous ponds near the city ; and at adjoining railroad stations, some farmers plowing on the 30th.

No snow storms during these nine months. Light snows fell on eight days, during the months of April and December; as will be seen by reference to table i, less than two inches fall.

Last freeze of spring, May i ; thin ice formed. Last white frost observed in city. May 3d; no ice. May 23d, alight white frost was reported from some low lands in the country.

First white frost in fall, September 27th; no injury done to vegetation. First killing frost, with thin ice, October 7th. First ice of any thickness, October 15; % "^ch thick. First cold day, freezing during same, November 18. First snow, November 14. River frozen over on the Sth of December; from that to 31st ice formed to thickness of 10 inches.

During the winter of 1S74-5, ground was frozen to an average depth of 38 inches; winter of 1875-6, 6 inches; and thus far in winter of 1876-7, 12 inches.

High Water

It is said said that the greatest raiii-tall that has occurred in this country was in the year 1S35. There was no record kept of the amount that fell by any of the methods of to-day, and all we have to judge by is the high water in the river and creeks. The Sangamon is said to have been higher than at the breaking up of the deep snow in the spring of 1S31, or at any time since. The rains commenced falling in the early spring, and continued throughout the early summer. There have l^een, perhaps, other seasons just as wet, but the streams were never so high at any other time. There were a great many hard rains, and a storm of rain, thunder and lightning occurred in the early part of July, that, for severity, has scarcely ever been excelled. It extended throughout the west, as far as information extended. Our prairies, then undrained, resembled an immense lake, and fish were abundant in almost every locality. It may not be known to many, but it is a well attested fact, that the large ponds upon our prairies, in early days, contained fish, large enough for domestic purposes, almost every spring, and that, too, when the ponds would annually dry up entirely. How the presence of such fish was to be accounted for surpassed the comprehension of ye old settler, except that they were *' rained down when small." During this year but little in the way of crops was attempted to be raised. Hogs were fattened in the fall upon the mast, and those that were not killed for food had to subsist during the winter upon the acorns. With them it was literally " root hog or die." Cattle wintered upon buds, the trees being cut down for that purpose. Eighteen hundred and forty-two and 1 8^8 are also notable as years of great rain-fall. During the early history of the county, when there were no bridges, much difficulty was experienced in getting from place to place in the spring time, on account of the high waters. The people, however, were nearly all expert swimmers, and it was seldom that life was lost from the high water. We are sometimes at a loss to know why ferries were established and licensed on the Sangamon; but it should be remembered the river " was up " a great deal longer in those days, when the land was not improved, and when there were no drains to carry the water oif rapidly. The water then had to seek the natural drainage, and its course was retarded by many obstructions. We arc disposed to believe - 20 that the elements "cut more capers," in the shape of deep snows, sudden changes, severe storms, when this whole western country was a wild waste. They say civilization is a great leveler ; and perhaps it has had something to do in toneing down the elements. And we had no signal service bureau then, charged by the government with the duty of looking after those matters. " Old Probabilities" didn't then put out his daily weather bulletin at the corner of the postoffice to warn us of the approaching " cold snap," so that we were then often caught without any oil in our lamps, so to speak.

Characteristics Of Early Settlers

For true and genuine hospitality, the pioneers of this western country were remarkable. This, no doubt, is attributable, in part, to inherent characteristics of the people, but largely so to the peculiar surroundings and circumstances in which they were placed. The sympathetic emotions of man become more and more obtuse as he is placed in situations of independence. Selfishness is not wholly a characteristic of the individual. Cosmopolitan ideas are assumed as wealth and independence place a person beyond the demands of succor and help from others. The requirements of want and deprivation are calculated to make one feel kind and hospitable to all. Napoleon, as an exile at Helena, was not the austere commander at Austerlitz and Mount Tabor. The haughty child of fortune inay, and often does, become, when old age and misfortune have overtaken him or her, the very embodiment of kindness and universal friendship. While the wants and necessities of pioneer life are few and simple, yet their supply is none the less exacting. Hence, we find the pioneers of Macon county, governed by the same law, and manifesting the same spirit of generosity that actuates the human breast, under similar circumstances, everywhere. Chapter after chapter of individual acts of kindness might here be related, of those who took part in the early settlement of this county, if we only had the space to devote. No doubt lessons of profit might be learned therefrom by us, in this golden age of steam, of improvement, and civilization. We sometimes laugh at what we call the simplicity and old-fogy notions of our fathers; but whatever we may say on that point, of their generosity, their devotion to each other, of their friendship, of their kind treatment of strangers, as well as acquaintances and neighbors, the less we say, by way of comparison, the better. To divide they were always willing; and to give all, in cases of extreme sympathy, was not uncommon. To charge a stranger for a night's loding was an act of gross impropriety not to be tolerated.

Twenty miles was a short distance to ride, over the then bad roads, to see a sick neighbor. It was never too cold or wet to lend assistance to the needy. If a neighbor, by sickness or other misfortune, was unable to plant his corn, sow or reap his wheat, they all "turned in" and assisted or did it for him. It was never too far to go to assist a " new comer " to " raise " his house, or help rebuild one destroyed by fire. The tools of one man were almost property in common. The refusal to lend almost any article of personal property, was an act of hostility that the whole neighborhood resented. They did not all drink, but among those who did, a refusal to drink with a friend was the unkindest cut of all; it was an act of social ostracism. Another peculiarity of the early pioneers was the readiness they manifested in resenting real or imaginary wrongs or insults. They are said to have been always ready for a fight. The court dockets show that they were as ready for a legal contest, and the amounts involved seems to have had but little weight in the institution of legal proceedings. It was the wrong they sought to correct, and not the amount involved that determined whether they would resort to litigation or not. Slander suits were quite common. Of the four suits brought at the first term of the Macon county circuit court, two were for slander; and of the six at the next term, four were for the same thing.

From the results arrived at, in the cases mentioned, we presume the suits were not very meritorious; yet it is a well established fact that in those early days the people were vei'y jealous in guarding their reputations and that of their families. Character was not to be assailed without just cause. Aside from the fact that in sparsely settled communities every person knows every other person's business, and is for that i^eason perhaps more disposed to talk, we do not believe the tongue of slander is more energetic or more disposed to injure, under such surroundings, than in densely populated districts ; and probably not so much so. The disposition to resent insult, real or seeming, is, however, more marked. There was another characteristic of the pioneers that it is proper to mention in this connection, and which we still see among the survivors, and that was the impHcit confidence reposed in each other in their promises and business relations. It is true their contracts were few and simple, and their business transactions by no means complicated, yet there was usually the most implicit confidence reposed in the honor and integrity of those with whom they dealt. A man's promise upon his honor was sure to be met, no matter what sacrifices were requii'ed. His word was as good as his bond, if the last cow or hog had to be given up to make it so. Promissory notes were given sometimes, but the person required to give one thought it was a slight reflection upon his integrity. He looked upon it as a transaction tinged a little bit with suspicion and doubt in the mind of the payee, and he usually managed to "take up" that note as soon as possible. He regarded it as a dangerous instrument, and he breathed freer when he had borrowed the money from a neighbor and got his name torn oflf the note. Of course, there were exceptions to these characteristics, but the general rule, nevertheless, prevailed. The old credit system, existing in early days in this country, grew out of the confidence reposed in the public by the merchants. The necessities of the times, growing out of the scarcity of money, the lack of markets and the few commodities for sale or exhange, of course, had much to do with making a credit system the only system. The merchants bought on long time and sold on long time, and usually at profits that would justify it.

We should make one remark further in this connection, with reference to the state of society during the early settlement of the county. Notwithstanding on muster-days, holidays and Saturdays, when the people generally came together, there was always more or less quarreling or fighting, yet there was none of the reckless lawlessness we find in some parts of the country. It was seldom the parties resorted to knives or pistols; that was gross cowardice. When two men became enraged, or disputed about anything, there was no resort to the "code of honor," now, happily almost entirely banished from the United States, but it was settled in the fisticuff style, and the fellow that was beaten said so, and they quit, shook hands and were friends again. Those who were privileged, by reason of opportunity, to see the fight, looked on as spectators, anxious to see who was the best man, and exerted themselves, not to part the combatants, but to see that they had a " fair fight." It was a common remark made by the early settlers that such and such a man would rathei- fight than eat. But, while they were disposed to be " on their muscle," and fighting was quite common among these pioneers, there was seldom anything more serious resulting than a black eye or a swollen nose, or a few bruises that lasted but a few days. The first murder that ever occurred in the county was that of Wesley Bohrer, who was murdered by Samuel Huffman, in 1846, seventeen years after the organization of the county. There was but little of the outlawry and bloodshed that has disgraced other portions of the country in the early days, or later days, for that matter. It is said that but one challenge for a duel was ever given and accepted, and that the result of that was not very sanguinary, more laughable in fact than bloody.

None but those who have experienced them can dulv appreciate the difficulties to be surmounted, the hardships to be met and endured, the deprivations and wants experienced that are incident to pioneer life. We talk of the depressions in trade; we bemoan the scarcity of a circulating medium; we talk of the absolute stagnation of the markets for this produce or that; we become enraged at the excessive charges for freights and transportation; we talk of poverty and starvation staring us in the face; we hear political aspirants proclaiming from the rostrums (the stumps of pioneer life) the absolute necessity of the naked, starving, downtrodden oppressed people arising in their might and throwing off the yoke of oppression, or hurling from power this administration or that, which they insist is dragging the people down to poverty and ruin. There yet live in this county men who not only have seen trade depressed, but absolutely no trade; have seen money so scarce that letters from friends had to remain in the post office for days and weeks for want of money to pay the postage ; who have hauled their wheat to Chicago, St. Louis and Springfield, in wagons drawn by oxen, over roads termed highways that did not deserve the name of cartways, and when they reached their destination could get but little more than half enough for a bushel of wheat to buy a yard of calico; who have been compelled to live for weeks upon homney, and if bread at all it was bread made from corn ground in hand mills or pounded up with mortars; whose children have been destitute of shoes during the entire winter; whose families had no clothing except what was carded, spun, wove and made into garments by their own hands; schools, they had none; churches, they had none; afflicted with sickness incident to all new countries, sometimes the whole family at once; luxuries of life, they had none; conveniences of modern life, they had none; the auxilliariesi improvements, inventions and labor-saving machinery of to-day they had none; and what they possessed was obtained by the hardest of labor, and the sweat of individual exertions; yet they bore these things without murmuring, hoping for better times to come, and often too, with but little prospect of realization. These were times that tried mens' souls. We often hear it remarked by these old settlers and pioneers that it will do for the young men to go west to the new countries and help build them up, but for them there is no anxiety to try the vicissitudes incident to the early settlement again. They have been there. To them there is no novelty about the thing enticing enough to induce them to leave a home of comfort. We hear people talk about the old fogy ideas and fogy ways, and want of energy of the old men who have gone through the experiences of pioneer life. Sometimes, perhaps, such remarks are just, but, considering the experiences, education and whole life of such men, such remarks are just as well unsaid. They have had their trials, misfortunes, hardships and adventures, aud shall we, now as they are passing far down the western declivity of life, and many of them gone, point at them the finger of derision and laugh and sneer at the simplicity of their ways? Let us rather cheer them up, revere and respect them, for beneath those rough exteriors beat hearts as noble as ever throbbed the human breast. Senator Oglesby, in his fourth of July address of 1876, surrounded by the few remaining pioneers, paid them a most glowing tribute of respect. He said that we of this generation could never duly appreciate the great sacrifices of those people. They had toiled on and on through adversity and untold trials, that we their distant and remote successors might enjoy the fruits of their sacrifices. He said it was a serious question of the hour, and one that addressed itself to each of us, whether or not we are not so swallowed up in materialism, so wrapped up in personal gain and the acquisition of filthy lucre, as to lose sight of the sturdy women and men who laid the foundations of the republic and placed in the solid earth the corner stones upon which had been reared the fabrics of our material and politi- cal prosperity. He made further prediction, which, he said, had haunted him tor years, as he had contemplated the condition and tendencies of our affairs, which was this: that when we as a people in the vain pursuits of life, struggling for wealth, distinction and fame, allowed the love of the past to die out in our hearts, then the republic would have taken its first downward step.

As it is in our political affairs and the enjoyment of our civil and religious liberties, so it is with our material comforts. We are blessed with a rich soil, splendid harvests, medium climate and many other things that make us a contented, prosperous and happy people; but we owe much to those who opened up these avenues that have led to our present condition and happy surroundings. Unremitting toil and labor have driven off the sickly miasmas that brooded over our swampy prairies. Energy and perseverence have peopled every section of our wild lands, and changed them from wastes and deserts to gardens of beauty and profit. Where but a few years ago th^ howling wolves made the night hideous with their wild shrieks, now is heard only the lowing and bleating of domestic animals. But fifty years ago the wild whoop of the Indian was heard where now is heard the engine and rumbling trains of cars, bearing away to the east and to the old world the products of our labor and soil. Then the savage built his rude hut on the spot where rises the dwellings and school-houses and church spires of civilized life. Transformation indeed ! And all done not through the chimerical process of Kubla Kahn, but the incessant toil and aggregated labor of thousands of tired hands and brave hearts, and the impulses of such as make any country great. No, we will not forget what we owe to the pioneers of our country. They had their faults, but who does not? If charity be an attribute of the human heart, let us throw around them that mantle as one by one they depart. Let us drop a sympathetic tear over their last resting places as they are gathered, we hope, to a better land, where the rude blasts of winter do not penetrate their abodes, and where storms and winds and sickness and fatigue are unknown.

What will another half century accomplish? These old men who are yet lingering among us as connecting links of the past with the present, what do they think as with their dim eyes thty view the scenes that surround them? Thev have seen the old and new worlds connected with cords that pulsate with the life of industry and progress. They have seen the oceans bound together with metalic bonds, and the whole country traversed with highways of commerce. They have seen the nation rise in majesty and become an influence felt and respected throughout the world. They have seen the spirit of liberty grow up and assert itself to its present commanding influence. They have seen the initiation of that principal of universal brotherhood which dictates the settlement of international disputes by arbitration, rather than a resort to war. They may yet see the same spirit of equity and fairness assert itself in the adjustment of our own domestic affairs. They may live to see the machinery of government so adjusted as that no jars and thunderings of civil war will be felt and heard upon the result of presidential contests. They have seen the religious intoleration that existed to some extent in the early history of the country almost entirely obliterated, so that all men everywhere worship according to the dictates of their own consience, as it was designed they should. They have seen what we are pleased to term the civilization of the nineteenth century permeating every department of human experience, and asserting its influence in all directions for the general good of mankind. They have seen complete revolutions in almost every branch of industry. They have seen the steamboat and railroad supplant the old-time methods of travel. They have seen the reaper and mower and corn-planter succeed the sickle, scythe and hoe. They have seen their households invaded by Howe and Wheeler & Wilson and Singer, and all that long list of labor and time saving machinery that have driven away the stitch, stitch, stitch, so truthfully portrayed by Hood. They view the surroundings with the same strange, wondering astonishment as did Rip VanWinkle on his return from his long sleep in the mountains. Again we ask, what will the next half century accomplish? With the advantages that surround us, what is expected of us? With the capital we have, what shall be expected as our increase? The late Senator Harris frequently remarked to his students of the grave responsibilities resting upon them with the advantages they posssessed. He said, though then near 70 years of age, he could scarcely realize that he was not a young man, the opportunities the times brought were so enticing, so fraught with interest to every one who sought to lead a life of usetulness.

"Tis infamy to die and not be missed." None of us can do much of ourselves, but what has been done in the last thirty, forty or fifty years has been by the accumulated labor of all that have come and gone before us. What we accomplish will be in the same way, and with doubts and anxious solicitude we leave it for the future historian to record.

A Retrospect

Fair Genius of the West, whose magic wand Spreads fadeless beauty o'er this westei'n land - Where nature o'er the rude and savage wild Reigned, ere the city or the farm-house smiled ; Or yet was waked the echoes of the horn, Or dreams of wealth in these wide wastes were born, Bid thou the light of recollection flow . Back o'er the scenes of fifty years ago.

The savage, then, with never yielding will Pursues the frightened deer with sleuth-hound skill And tireless feet, till, with unerring aim. The fateful arrow slays the panting game; Or shadows, with a panther's step, his foe - The hated pale-face - cause of all his woe; Turns deaf his ear at each imploring cry. And shouts with joy to see his victim die; Then, with the nightfall seeks his dusky mates. And all his triumphs of the day relates; Or, urged by soft infatuations pent, The same which heav'n to all mankind has sent. He quits the crown, to gentle conquest moves. And worships at the feet of her he loves.

Hard by the borders of yon sheltering wood . We pass the spot where once a cabin stood ; But sec no sign - ^save that the grain-stalk spears

These gallant men with ax and plough and spade. The deep foundations of the nation laid; And built so well that ages hence will see An ever-widening home for all the free. The patriots ever as the poet's heart Hoards up the memories as the years depart; Leaps with the joy and feels the battle thrill That Putnam felt at glorious Bunker Hill. The rarest gems in nature's rich array Are valued ever by the pince we pay; Forgot the cost, and we forget the trace That lends the magic to the diamond's face; - So when the nation, all ungrateful grows, Forgets the past, its struggles, and its woes. In swift retreat 'twill take, with hurried breath. Its first step downward to the shores of death.

See Fashion all-adored, though lovely less Than maiden nature in her homespun dress. What is the flame her tinseled robes inspire To fervid nature's fierce magnetic fire? See wild Ambition, on his fiery car (Behind him famine, pestilence and war,) Lift high the flaming truncheon in his hand. And to destruction doom a smiling land. Thus great the evil, not without some good; Or else the prospect is a blackening flood.

Sure, Science in her study brooding brings Some compensation on the agile wings Of Enterprise, that mobile as the wind, Seeks every good that blesses human kind; And Art enraptured, beautiful and true, Whose magic pencil steals the sunset hue, Whose chisel stroke the heroe's living mold, Doth fix forever in the marble cold. Smooths down unpolished nature to the line, And in designing proves itself divine.

Navigation Under Difficulties

It may not be known to many of our present residents that the Sangamon has ever been navigated. Such is the fact, how^ever. A small sized steamboat is said to have come up as far as Springfield at one time, but experienced considerable difficulty in turning around, and the captain probably abandoned further efforts in that direction in disgust. The legislature at one time declared the Sangamon navigable, but the law did not make it so in fact and soon became a "dead letter." In 1S45 the navigation fever struck this vicinity, and a flat-boat was built and went down the i-iver, commanded by Capt. Wm. Rea. In 1846 five more boats were built destined for New Orleans, and were loaded with hogs and corn. They got as far as Long Point (a short distance south of Niantic) that year, and landed for the winter, awaiting high water in the spi'ing of 1847. That spring three of the boats were fitted up and the loads of the other two transferred to them, and another attempt made to get to their destination, with more success. Two were loaded with hogs and one with corn. At Beardstown, the river becoming deeper and the loads being too light, a large quantity of bran was bought and taken on board, partly, perhaps, as ballast and partly as an article of merchandise. Two of the boats went through to New Orleans, and one stopped at Natchez. The captains of these several vessels were Uncle John Hanks, J. G. Braden and Hosea Armstrong. The latter became tired of seafai'ing at Beardstown and transferred his command to Moses Spencer. The firm engaged in this laudable enterprise was composed of the following gentlemen : Hosea Armstrong, J. J. PeddecM'd and Henry Prather. We have tried to ascertain the profits derived from these shipments, but have only been able to ascertain that they were not very large. The losses, however, were not very large, for the prices paid for the corn was not to exceed eight cents per bushel, and the hogs were purchased far about one dollar per head. The people along the river were very much interested in the success of this flat-boat experiment. " Uncle Henry Prather," in the autumns of 1845 and 1846, went along down the river and made speeches, urging the necessity of the people turning out and assisting in removing the obstructions in the river. They did so, many of them working for days in cutting out the logs and drifts that had accumulated so that during the high water of the spring following the obstructions would float out in advance of the arrival of the boats When the boats were passing, crowds of people would be found congregated upon the banks of the river to observe the passing flotilla of commerce, so to speak, the people even followed the boats in some instances for miles, to see that no harm should overtake the infant enterprise, and to assist in getting the boats over the logs and mill-dams that impeded their progress. After this effort, all further attempts at navigating the Sangamon ceased.

Deer Huntings

It was also customary to have neighborhood huntings, when all the men, young and old, would meet together at some appointed place with their hounds, generally on Saturday afternoon, and engage in hunting. The locality was selected, and the participants placed in their positions, which were called "stands,;" then the " driver " with the hounds would go out to " start up " the deer, which, when started, would pass the stands where it was generally shot, for there were but few of the eai'ly settlers but were " good shots," and rarely failed to bring down their game. It should be mentioned in this connection that deer have their regular runs or courses they follow, and it was necessary in these hunts to be familiar with them, in order to secure positions or stands the game would pass.

Wolf hunts and fox hunts were also quite common. In the early settlement of the county wolves were very common, especially prairie wolves. They could be heard at night in droves, barking like so many dogs. They were very destructive of sheep, and no farmer ever dared leave his out of the " sheep house " over night, and they were often attacked in day time in close proximity to the dwelling. As a means of exterminating these ravenous creatures, a reward of one dollar was provided for by an act of the legislature in 1837, for each wolf scalp exhibited to the clerk of the county court. The black wolves, which were very large, when hungry, have ben known to attack persons, but they wei^e never plentiful in this county. Wolf " chases " were among the many amusements of the early inhabitants, and were a source of protection as well. Wolves ordinarily run very fast, and their endurance was wonderful, the chase often being given up as fruitless when hounds and horses had been completely exhausted. They, even when taken very young, could not be tamed.

The red fox and gray fox were also to be found in this county, though they were not as plentiful as in other localities. The fox chase, owing to the peculiarities of this animal, was always a source of great amusement, not only here, but in all countries. They were often caught and confined for days, until those who desired to take part were ready for the chase, when the excitement of the chase was next to that of " mustering day."

Shooting matches were also very common to the early settlers, and especially so about the holdays. Almost every man was an expert in the use of " fire-arms," especially the rifle. Pioneer life is productive of good marksmen.

Court Days

Among the notable days in the early history of the county, was court day. The convening of court was one of the events of the year. On that day nearly everybody went to town. If he happened not to be on one of the juries, or a witness, or a suitor, he felt it to be his duty to "go to court" to see and hear what was going on. It answered the place of the shows and circuses of a later day, and perhaps was as instructive if not as entertaining. When court was over in the evening, the judge, lawyers and citizens congregated in the bar rooms of the taverns, where stories were told, and the evenings spent in conversation, regarded by the " old inhabitants as very entertaining. No doubt but they were, for Lincoln and Douglas and Baker and McDougal and Stuart and Emerson and Lockwood and Treat and Logan and Davis, and others of world-wide reputation, were there and engaged therein. It is said that the immense fund of anecdotes possessed by the late President Lincoln was largely derived from collections made "while on the circuit."

House Raisings

In the early settlement of the county, the dwellings were mostly built of logs, and those who built houses of such proportions as not to be called " cabins " were compelled to give what was called a " house raising," to which all the inhabitants far and near were invited to assist. The logs were prepared, sometimes hewed and sometimes not, and brought to the place where the house was to be erected, then when the people had all gathered in, those who were the more dexterous in the use of the axe were selected to " carry up the corners," i. e. notching the logs so they would fit the one upon the other, and the others would divide off in pairs of corresponding strength, and would carry the logs and place them in position as the building progressed. At the raising of a barn on the farm of the author's father, and which is now the oldest barn standing in the county (erected in 1829), people came the distance of 20 miles to assist in its " raising." At these gatherings in the early days, it was considered improper, in fact an act highly reprehensible, not to have " liquor," as it was then called, to drink. And it may also be noted that while almost every one drank, yet, it was seldom that intoxication was to be seen. Log-rollings and rail-maulings were also common in those days.

The Mails

For a good many years after the organization of the county the mails were not of great dimensions. The arrival of the mail carrier was not a very important event, excepting for a few weeks after election. The news, which was generally by letter, was not fresh and racy when received, as it is to-day. It was more expensive, however, for the postage on a letter cost 25 cents, and it was not always that the recipient could raise the necessary funds to liquidate the government dues. The law was that the postage might be paid at either end of the route, and upon the anti-biblical doctrine that it is more pleasant to receive than to give, the person receiving the letter as a usual thing was compelled to pay the carriage. Letters were often weeks and even months in arriving at their destination. The " fast mails " of " Old Father Taft," though not yet an assured success are of quite late invention. The mails were carried on horseback, usually in a pair of saddle bags more frequently unlocked than locked. The wolves sometimes chased the mail carrier, who was often but a lad, so that at times the mail arrived " ahead of time," which is about the only instance of attempts at fast mail carrying of early days. Sometimes the mail carrier got the ague enroute, or his horse got sick, or the rain or snow stopped him, and then the mail would be "behind time" for a few hours or a few days perhaps. Then instead of the mails coming once or twice a day and from all directions, they came once a week and from Shelbyville only. That was the point of disl68 - HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY.

tribution for us. Afterwards and before the era of railroads, the mails were carried by the stage lines, some of which ran east and west and some north and south. This was an improvement, for the mails were then more frequent. We insert the following notice of arrivals and departures of mails in 1851 :

The Stages

But few now here remember those old fashioned stages wc used to have, that ran between Terre Haute and Springfield, Shelb)-- ville and Bloomington, The arrival of the stage with its passengers and mails was a more important event than the arrival of the mail carrier. The stage stand in our villages, which was usually the tavern, was a place of very considerable local interest. The stage driver was usually considered as a little larger man and entitled to a few more privileges than ordinary mortals. Albeit he was a man of functionary privileges, and you were required by law to give the entire road to him as he passed.

The passing of his stage was a matter of as much interest as the passing of a new train of cars. He had a peculiar swing and crack of his whip that the little boys would strive to attain. The stage was a peculia'- piece of mechanism that rocked prodigiously, as if to keep the passengers awake. It was never full, for in staging it was a proverbial saying that there was always room for one more. It had a "boot" fastened on behind for the storage of the luggage and mails, that was almost as capacious as the stage itself. These stages are still seen in some of oui- western states and territories, and as in our pre-railroad times are yet carrying the mails. With us, however, they are of the past - gone west, like Greely's young man, or the star of empire, as it were. But we are not to forget them. They were of use and importance in their day and generation, and they were of dignity as well, for Clay, as Senator, and Jackson, as President, rode to Washington in them. They were not remarkable for ease and comfort and not to be compared to the palace cars of to-day, but were endurable nevertheless, for some of our oldest citizens came to the country in them, making an uninterrupted journey of fourteen days and nights. In this day a trip can be made across the continent and back in the same length of time and with immeasurably less fatigue.