Madison County, Illinois - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1882 (part 7 of 12)

Gov. Duncan. He afterward engaged in farming and trading. In 1848, lie moved to St. Clair county and remained there until March ITth, 1859, when he purchased one hundred and twenty acres in section twenty-six, of St. Jacob's Township, in Madison county. He improved his land, added more tn it, and there he has resided to the present. In May, 1833, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary llogue. She died in 1844, leaving one son named Andrew, who grew to maturity, married, and died in 1879, leaving a wife and two children. On the 19th of August, 1848, he married Naomi Bradsby, widow of John Bradsby. Her maiden name was Faires, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Orr) Faires. She was born in North Carolina, January 14, 1815. By her marriage with John Bradsby she had three children, named Francis M., Mary E. and William D. Bradsby. By her marriage with Mr. Pyle, there are also three children, whose names are Martha A., wife of James Thompson, Lyman and Henry B. Pyle. Both Mr. and Mrs- Pyle are members of the Christian Church. Politically he was originally an old Jacksoniau Democrat. His first presidential ticket was cast for the hero of New Orleans. From that time to the present he has not swerved in his allegiance to the party of his first choice. Mr. Pyle is one of the pioneers of Illinois, and is a connecting link between this and a race of hardy and venturesome men that are rapidly passing away. A few more years will witness their departure, and they will only exist in the memories of the older people and in the pages of history. Would that the free, generous, open-hearted pioneer of old could always be with us and teach us by example what open and true hospitality is, and means. To that class belongs Mr. Pyle.

I HIS township lies wholly in the American Bottom, and was once covered with heavy timbers of oak, elm, walnut, hickory, ash, etc. The soil is composed of the rich alluvium peculiar to the Mississippi bottom. It contains more sand, however, than the bottom further down the river, in St. Clair county. It is variously interspersed with lakes or sloughs, the larger of which lies in the north and east, and occupies about 600 acres. Long Lake, so called, enters the township in sec 4 and extends southward entirely through the territory. It is a theory by the more thoughtful, and close observing, that this was once the original bed of Wood River, and that it emptied its waters into the Mississippi further down. Chouteau Island lies at the southwest, and comprises about four sections, one-half of which extends into township 4, range 10. The island is formed by Chouteau slough on the east, and the Mississippi river on the west. There was a peculiarity about the timber on this island as compared with that on the rest of the bottom, it being of the soft or porous kind, such as cotton-wood, lynn, etc. The passage from the main land to the island is effected by a dike thrown across the slough about three hundred yards from the Mississippi. The township is well supplied with railroads, the Chicago and Alton and the Indiana and St. Louis railways passing side by side, through its entire territory. They enter from the north in section three, take a southerly course and pass out in section thirty-three. The Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific road enters in section thirteen, extends southwest, and joins the former road in section twenty-seven, crossing the southern line of the township on the same grade. Chouteau is bounded on the north by Wood River township, on the east by Edwardsville, south by Nameoki, and west by the Mississippi river. It contains about thirty sections of land, and had a population in 1880, of 1,094.

Early Settlements

The honor of the first white settlement in Madison county belongs unquestionably to this township. As near as can be determined the French established a small settlement on Chouteau island, as early as 1750. Not only does Gov. Reynolds so establish the date, but there were evidences many years ago, substantiated by those now living, and before the river had encroached upon the Illinois side, that the above date is not far from correct. Mr. Amos Atkins, who is now 61 years of age, and who was born on the island, informed the writer that when he was a mere boy there was an apple and pear orchard, the trees of which were t^o large that they must have been planted raiinv year^ before. One pear tree, he says, was at least a foot and a-half in diameter, and the apple trees were not far from the same size. It was near this orchard where the French settlers biiiied their dead. When the river encroached upon the banks, reaching this place of burial, many a ghastly skeleton was washed from its long resting place. The citizens of the island kindly gathered up the remains as best they could, and re-buried them in what is now the corner of Amos A'kins' pasture, in sec. 19, From present appearances in the conduct of the river, it is only a question of time when these same skeletons will again be washed by the waters of the Mississippi.

We are unable to present more than one of the names of these early French settlers, that of La Croix, who afterward moved to Cahokia, where he died. Many years ago the island was known as Big Island, but was afterward called Chouteau, in honor of Pierre Chouteau. It is from the island that the township receives its name.

The first settlement made by the Americans, was by the Gillhams about 1802. Their ancestor, Thomas, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to this country prior to the Revolution, and he and his sons served in the war for independence of the Colonies. His family consisted of five sons and two daughters. Thomas, the eldest, was never a citizen of Illinois, but his sons all moved to this state and settled in the American Bottom. Their names were Thomas, James, William, John and Isaac. That which led to their settlement here, is shrouded with a romance of heart-aches and suffering, a brief synopsis of which is substantially as follows : * James, the second son, was born in South Carolina, where he married, and afterwards moved to Kentucky and settled with his little family, upon the then western frontier They had three sons and one daughter, between the ages of four and twelve years. In the summer of 1790, while Mr. Gillham and his son Isaac were at work in the field, a band of Kickapoo Indians, from Illinois, were prowling in that neighborhood. Coming upon the- cabin of Mr. Gillham, thev stalked into the house, and at once took the mother and children captives. Mrs. Gillham was so overcome that she recollected nothing distinctly of the capture, until she was brought to her senses, by one of the boys, Samuel, exclaim ing, " Mother, we are all prisoners." But why harrow the minds of our readers, by relating the long, weary march, and the untold hardships of their journey through the wilderness, until their captors reached the village of the Kickapoos, then situated in Logan county, Illinois. What must have been the feelings of father and son, on returning to their little cabin, to find the fearful evidences that those they loved so well were in the hands of the cruel savages '. As there was no appearance of blood about the premises, Mr. Gillham became satisfied that his family were mere captive.'^, and that they were still unharmed. He, and one of his neighbors soon started on the trail, but after a long and tedious march they lost all trace of it, and were obliged to return. But hope that his wife and children were yet in the land of the living, buoyed him up, and he resolved that he would continue the search until they were found. Accordingly he sold out his little improvement in Kentucky, placed his son Isaac in the family of a friend, and soon began the long, and almost hopeless search. He traveled all through the Western frontier, visiting Vincent, ( now Vincenues ), Kaskaskia, and afterwards at Fort Washington, Cincinnati, to confer with Gen. St. Clair, then Governor of the North- West Territory. He here learned that the Indians were about to take the war-path against the white settlement. Nothing daunted he proposed to push into the wilderness, and visit every tribe until he found his family, but was dissuaded from such a hopeless and perilous effort by Gen. St. Clair, and others who were familiar with the state of affairs in the Indian country.

Five years had passed since the commencement of this vain search, when Mr Gillham learned from some French traders, that the chief of the Kickapoos, had promised to give up all American captives for a certain ransom. This was a bolt from a clear sky to him who had hoped and waited so long. He at once took two guides with him, and proceeded to the Indian village, situated on Salt Creek Imagine if you can, the joy of all when on his arrival here, the long lost family were found alive and well. The younger son, Clement, was unable to speak a word of English, nor could he recognize his father. Some of the old settlers who are yet living, inform us that they recollect him well, and that he always acted, and had more the general appearance of an Indian than of a white man. The family returned to Kentucky where they remained about two years. But Mr. Gillham could not forget the beautiful prairies of Illinois that he had seen while in search of his family. Accordingly in 1797 he moved with his family to the state and located in the American Bottom, not far from Kaskatkia. He remained here until about 1802, when he removed to the Bottom above, and settled in what is now Chouteau township. Three children were born to them after the reunion of the family, James H., David, and Nancy. None of them are now living, yet several of their descendants are citizens of the county. The coming of t is pioneer to the State, was really the introduction, and cause of the settlement of the pioneer Gillham families, and to give a history of each would require a large volume. In 1824, it is said that this numerous family could poll over five hundred votes. Wilson W. Gillham, who resides in section twelve, is one of the descendants of this stock. Samuel P. Gillham, a son of John the pioneer, died a few years ago, leaving much valuable data of the history of early times. His death was regretted by a large circle of friends. In the Pioneer chapter will be found a more detailed account of these sturdy ; fathers.

married his wife, Miss Nancy Stewart. In 1807, he moved to Illinois, and settled in what is now Venice township. He afterward moved to Missouri, but not liking the country he returned to Illinois, and finally located in Naraeoki township, where he died at an old age many years ago. His wife survived him but few years. Three children were born to the family at the time of their coming, William, John, Jr., and Charles. Three other children were born in Illinois. None of the family are now living. Amos, son of John Jr., is now residing on Chouteau Island in section 24. Even he is advanced in years, and has seen many hardships, and especially those connected with the great floods of the Father of Waters. In 1844 the water came into his house several feet deep, and the family were obliged to abandon their Home, and flee to the blufi' for safety. Within the last year he informs us, that he was surrounded by a sea of water, it intruding to the very door of his residence, and that they were fearful lest their house would be undermined, and perhaps, be washed into the angry flood. Mr. Atkins has lived to sec a portion of his farm go into the river. The channel is now far eastward from where it was when he was a boy. He predicts that it is only a question of time when his whole farm will be the river channel.

Andrew Emert was one of the early settlers. He was bora in Pennsylvania, and came to the American Bottom about 1807, and located in section 33, near the southern boundary of the towusliip On his advent here he had a wife and four children, Elizabeth, Andrew, Sarah, and Henry. Two other children were born of this marriage ; Polly and Rose A. He was twice married ; from the latter reunion four children were born, Rachel, Eliza, William, and James. The father and mother died many years since, and but three of the children survive them ; they are all residents of Madison county at this writing. The widow of William, Harriet Emert, lives in section 10, and owns one of the best farms and farm houses in the township. Two of the old living settlers, are the widows of Joseph C and Thomas Dunnagan, wee Sarah M., and Elizabeth Davidson, the father of whom was a pioneer who settled in the southern part of Edwardsville township. From the above it will be seen that two brothers married sisters. The husbands of these old ladies were the sons of Isaiah Dunnagan, the first settler of Fort Russell, and of whom a brief history will be found in the chapter on that township. A son of Sarah M., is residing with her, and conducts the affairs of the old homestead farm, situated in section 12. They are a happy, and hospitable family, partaking of the traits of their ancestors. Henry Job was born in Pennsylvania, and when a small boy went to Virginia. Moved to Missouri in an early day, and thence came to JIadison county and settled in this township in 1839, where he died about 1842. Mrs. JIary E. Montgomery, widow of Paris Montgomery, is a daughter, and the only one of the family residing in the county.

Among other early settlers of about the same period, we record the names of the Hickles, the Bridges, the Ribolds. the Pettingills, and the Days. As stated at the outset, for some cause, there arc but few early settlers now living. It must be that the Boltom is not conducive to longevity.

The following are some of the claims founded on an Act of Congress granting a donation of one hundred acres of land to each militiaman enrolled, and doing duty in the Illinois territory, on the 1st day of August, 1790, within the district of Kaskaskia : "Claim 18C9, Jean Brugier, Nicholas Jarrot, 100 acres." This claim lay a little above the old town of Madison, and has long since been washed into the Mississippi. "Claim 115, Charles Hebert, [alias Cadieu) Nicholas Jarrot, 100 acres. Affirmed and located with others on the bank of the Mississippi, about two miles below the mouth of Mad river, now Wood " This claim is also in the river. " Claim 1841, Baptiste Lecompte, Nicholas Jarrot, 100 acres." This claim was in section seventeen, close to Madison Landing, and is now in the river. Claims 18S0, Louis Menard, Nicholas Jarrot, section eight; and 113, Joseph Ives, Nicholas Jarrot, section seventeen, and several others are now submerged in the river. "Claim 545, David Waddle, 100 acres. Affirmed and located with two other militia claims in Six Mile Prairie. (This survey includes the militia claim of Alexander Waddle, and the improvement right of 250 acres of this claimant.") They lie mostly in sections 31 and 32. The above are substantially the early militia claims of Chouteau. The first land entry was made by David Stockton, Sept. 13th, 1814, being several acres in sections 4, Sept. 14th, 1814. James Gillham entered 205. 75-100 acres in section 1. Samuel Gillhara entered 6.i, 37-100 acres in section 17, the 17th of Sept. 1814. John McTaggon on the 20th, following, entered several acres in section 3, Sept. 29th, of the same year, James Gillhara entered the southwest quarter of section 15, 160 acres.

From some of the reminiscences left by Samuel P. Gillham we are able to glean many facts of the pleasures, hardship?, customs, and dangers of the hardy pioneers of the western fronti r. In 1811, the Indians manifested a war-like spirit, giving evidence to the settlers that it would be wise on their part to prepare for an emergency in case of any hostile demonstrations on the part of the Indians. Indeed, they had already murdered one of the settlers, and wounded another near Hunter's Spring, now within the city of Alton. This overt act threw the people into a fever of excitement, and they soon gathered together and erected a block house, situated iu section l,on the farm now owned by Lemuel Southard. It was understood by all the faniilics in the neighborhood, that iu case of any signs of Indian hostility the news was to be spread abroad in the settlement, and all were to flee for protection to the Fort. In after years the building was utilized for school purposes, as will be mentioned in its proper connection. No signs of the old Fort now exist.

The pioneers tilled the soil but little, and their wants were few. A small patch of corn, enough for family use, and a little wheat, with a few garden vegetables, were sufficient to satisfy their wants, so far as food was concerned, with the exception of their meats, which were principally confined to wild game, then so plenty in all parts of the West. Deer and wild turkeys abounded in great numbers, and bee-trees wer>2 so coramju that they were found without an effort.

They also cultivated small patches of cotton and flax of to manufacture their garments ; the men, however, were dressed more or less with buckskin. Nearly every settler had his tan trough whereby he tanned his own leather and manufactured the material for his family shoes. Their means of transportation in getting what litile they had to market, was chiefly the ox team and wooden cart. One old settler says: it was as late as 1837, before he beard the name of "buggy." Cattle and hogs were their chief reliance for money. These were marketed in St. Louis, and were bought in the interest of the packing houses. The articles of barter were mainly deerskins, honey, and beeswax For these they would get in exchange their supply of groceries, a d other indispeusables for housekeeping. And yet with all these hardships and inconveniences, they were a happy and cjiitented people.

The first marriage solemnized in this township among the Americans, was probably that of James Gillham and Polly Good, January, 1809. The groom was the second son of John Gillham who was one of the first pioneers of that name. Four children were born to this couple : Sally, Polly A., Kaucy and Martin. One of the oldest places of interment of the American settlers was a neighborhood burial ground, situated on the preniio,es of Samuel Gillham. It was at his house that church services were held in an early day, and his land was also the camp ground for the militia when called upon to muster. The first school was taught in the summer of 1813, by Vaitch Clark. The school-house was the little fort or block house, situated in section 1, which has already been mentioned. The second teacher was M. C. Cox, who taught in the summer of 1814. It seems that there was an interruption in ihe school until the winter of 1817-'18, when it was again revived, and taught by a man named Campbell, in the same old fort; he taught at intervals for nearly two years, and here the young pioneers enjoyed their only school privileges and advantages. It is said that the religious privileges were much better than the educational. There were several pioneer preachers, and their meetings were frequent. The services were conducted in the cabins of the settlers. The earthquake of 1811 caused many accessions to the church, it being a prevalent idea among them that the world was about to come to an end, and those outside of the fold made haste to join the church. Several good and lasting conversions were made, while others, after the fear had passed away, soon fell back to their old habits.

Justices of the peace, at an early day, in Chouteau, were unknown, because the township was so sparsely settled. Those in the south, having any business before a magistrate, would take their cases before Samuel Sqniers, in Mameoki. Those in the Gillham settlement would go to Alton, and those in the northeast, to Edwardsville. This department of government in Chouteau is, therefore, of a comparatively modern date. Among the early physicians were Doctors TifEu, Claypole and White. The former resided at St. Marys, near the mouth of Wood river, but afterward moved to St. Louis, where he gaiued considerable celebrity as a physician. Dr. Claypole lived at Edwardsville, and White at St Louis. The first post-office was established at ' Old

Madison," in 1839. Moses Job was the postmaster. At that time a stage line extended from Galena to St Louis, and Madison was situated on the route. The first mill was built by a man named Dare, about 1819 or 1820, and located iu section 32, on the property now owned by William Sippy. It was a rude affliir, and was propelled by oxen. A small distillery was connected with it. About 1837, the property was purchased by Samuel Kinder, who ran it but a short time, when it went to decay. Moses Job kept the first store, and sold the first goods. The business was conducted at Old Madison ; he had a small stock suitable to the wants of his customers, and also handled the mail for the people in that vicinity. This was in 1839. It was near this place that the first church-house was built in about 1<S4(), by the Baptist denomiualion. It is a small frame building without much architectural pretensions. It is yet standing, but in a condition so dilapidated that it is not occupied for any purpose. It withstood the flood of 1844, and if it had not been situated some distance from Old Madison, it, like the rest, would have been in the river some years ago. The remains of an orchard stand near the bank of the river at this point, and some of the trees had recently toppled into the flood, wish the roots still clinging to the soil in which they had been planted.

But one village plat has ever been placed upon record from this township. There are two or three little hamlets situated in various parts of its territory, where a small business is transacted.

Mitchell Station

Was laid out by the C. & A. Railway Company, and is situated in the northeast quarter of section 33, and the northwest quarter of section 34. The town contains two general stores, one of which is owned by the firm of Hinze & Krueger, and the other is kept by Henry Reinamaun. Henry Quinn owns a blacksmith shop, and also keeps a grocery store. Meat market, A. Rapp, proprietor ; physician, D. E. Smalley ; post-master, Robert Krueger. The little village may boast of a go ,d Catholic church building and parsonage. Father Kaenders is the officiating priest. The town lies on both sides of the Chicago & Alton, Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific, and the Indianapolis & St. Louis railroads, and with such facilities will in time, undoubtedly, become quite an important point. Old Madison, which has already been mentioned, was a little hamlet established about 1830, by Nathaniel Buckmaster and John Montgomery, and situated in section 17. In its glory it contained a store, blacksmith and wagon shop, post office, and one saloon. It stood upon the sand, the floods came, and it is no more. The present Madison situated one-fourth mile below was laid out the same year that old Madison was washed away, 1865. Amos Atkins built a store-house and placed a general stock of goods in it, and was the proprietor for some time, but afterward sold out to his son-inlaw, AVilliam Harshaw, who is the present proprietor. There are also here a blacksmith and wagon shop. The former is conducted by John Link, and the latter by R. E, Shultz.

church, which is situated just across the line iu Wood River township. The place was subsequently named Gillhara. In l'<74, J. K. Fdhaestock opened a store here, and the following year a post office was established and called Wanda. It is now known also by the name of Salem. Mr. Fahnestock still conducts the store, and is postmaster.

Bush Corner is located in section 16, and contains two grocery stores, one kept by Mrs. H. Marsh, and the other by Henry Oldenburg. Saloons are conducted in connection with the stores. The following named persons have represebted the township as members of the county boanl : Amos Atkins was elected in 1876, and served until 1878. D. A. Pettingill elected ia 1878, and served one term. Amos Atkins re-elected in 1879, has served to this date, 1882, being the present incumbent.

Chouteau has had many ups and downs since its first settlement. The floods have at intervals made havoc with the products and improvements of the people, and the Missisfcippi, like a cancer, is continually eating at its vitals.

Even within the last eight years, serious inroads have been made, especially in sections 11, 12, and 17. A part of the estate of Wm. Emert, nearly the whole of the property of Henry Hoberg, L. V. Bogy, F. M Christy, and about a half mile of the American Dike in see. 17, are now in the river. The people of Chouteau manifest a great deal of pluck and energy in securing their farms from inundations. They employ a system of drainage that they may be enabled to cultivate their lauds as early iu the season as possible. The construction of the American dike was a great enterprise, and was completed in 18G6, at an exj)ense of $100,000. It commences in section 9, and extends southward through the entire township, following the course of the river and Chouteau slough, and thence it passes into the township below. Its entire length is twenty-one miles, with an altitude from three to twenty feet. This dike has been of immense value to the husbandmen of the Bottom. Indeed, it is the salvation of their industries, and with its aid Chouteau ranks with the first land in the county for productiveness.

Fort Russell

I HE early history of this township dates back over three-quarters of a century, its first settlement commencing as early as 1803. When township organization was adopted in 1876, the commissioners gave this territory the name of Fort Russell, in honor of the old fort which was situated in section 34, on the premises now owned by the heirs of John S. Wheeler deceased. This fort was erected early in the fall of 1812, under the direction of Gov. Edwards, who was then the executive officer of Illinois Territory. This frontier post was made the headquarters for military stores and munitions of war by the Governor. It was named Fort Russell, in honor of Col. Wm. Russell, a regular commissioned officer ill. the United States army. He was placed in command of a regiment, consisting of ten companies of rangers for the purpose of protecting the frontier against the depredations of the Indians, who had taken the war path in the interest of the English then at war with the United States. Gov. Reynolds in his history entitled "My Life and Times," says, that the fort was supplied with the cannon removed from old Fort Chartres, and with these and other military decorations, Fort Russell blazed out with considerable pioneer splendor. The pickets of tlie stockade remained here for several years after the war. George Belk, now residing in Oraph-Ghent township, has in his possession a barrel in a good state of preservation that was manufactured from the white oak pickets surrounding the fort, by Joseph Newman, the grandfather of W. E. and J. R. Newman.

This is one of the best townships in Madison county ; the land lies high and rolling, and the splendid farms and farm-houses form a landscape beautiful to behold. AVheat is the staple product. An eastern man ouce visiting the central part of the state of Illinois, said in looking over the country, that all he could see was corn and sky, but the product is changed here, and the exclamation would now be, nothing but wheat and sky. The soil is mainly a rich clay loam, with a small sprinkling of sand, and in some localities gravel appears at the surface.

Liberty prairie, lying between Cahokia and Indian creeks, is very fertile and finely improved, while in an early day it was considered worthless and uu])ro(luctive as compared with the heavy timbered land situated near the water courses. Originally the township was about two-thirds timber, but at this time it is nearly cleared away, and fine farms now occupy the place of the forest.

township, on the east by Hamel, south by Edwardsville and west by Wood River. Prior to township organization this territory comprised a part of Edwardsville, Oraph-Glieut and Bethalto precincts. It is now just six miles square, and contains upwards of 23,000 acres of land. The natural drainage of the township is very good, the northeast bfiug drained by Paddock's creek, while in the southeast the Cahokia winds through sections 13, 24, 25, 26, and passes out in section 35. The western portion is drained by Indian creek and its tributaries. This stream receives its name from the fact of its being in an early day the grand camping ground of the Indian-. The bottom was very fertile, and contained a bountiful growth of native grass, hence it became a favorite stamping ground for the natives. An Indian village was once located on the land now owned by Wiley Preuitt in section 18. Arrowheads, stone axes and other relics of the Indians may be found to this day along the creek. Tiling is being introduced to a considerable extent, so there is but little if any waste land now in the township. The railroad facilities are limited ; the AVabash, St. Louis & Pacific railway enters the township in the southeast, in section 24, and passes out in section 25. The I. & St. L. R. R. traverses the northeast corner of section 6 ; and the Madison county railroad - now Wabash - touches the southwest.

The history of the first settlement, and the first pioneer of Fort Russell has never been placed in print until this time. Former historians have disagreed with regard to the date, and so far as the name of the pioneer is concerned, all are wrong, not giving the honor to whom honor is due. For some reason historic gleaners have placed the date all the way from 180G to 1810 ; and have further recorded that Major Isaac Ferguson was the party who blazed the way for coming generations. We do not wish to clip the laurels from any of the early settlers, but facts are stubborn, and we must record the events of history as they are, without veering from the path of truth. To Isaiah Dunnagan belongs the honor of being the first settler of what is now Fort Russell. He was a native of Georgia, and came to III nois in 1803, and squatted in section 31, a little north and east of the old Salem Church, situated just over the line in Wood River. He had a wife and two children, Joshua, and Thomas. Their first home was a little log cabin, but he afterward improved a small farm and built a good log house. Four children were born here, Louisa, Abner F., Joseph C, and Isaiah Jr. Mr. Dunnagan died in 1814, at the old home. Mrs. Dunnagan lived until 1834; but before her death she entered 40 acres of land for each of her children in sections one and twelve in Chcniteau township. Only one of the children are now living, Joshua, who resides in Jlontana Territory ; two of whose daughters are residents of Alton. Liuisa has one daughter residing at Bethalto, wife of Esquire \V. L. Piggott. The widow of Joseph C, is among the oldest residents of Chouteau, mention of whom will be found in the chapter of that township.

settled here as early as 180 1. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and with his wife - nee Rabb, - and f )ur children. Zadock, Maria, John and Andy, left their native state for the purpose of trying their fortune in the wilds of the Wtst. They reached Cincinnati, Ohio, where the mother and children, in company with several other families who were then pushing westward, came across the country on pack horses, often being obliged to swim their horses across the swollen streams, and to convey the women and children over in bark canoes, constructed for the occasion. At one stream they were delayed for a week or more, and suffered much from the lack of provisions. Among the families of these hardy few were the Fords, one of whom (Thomas), afterwards became the Governor of the state of Illinois. Mr. Newman constructed a small fl.t boat at Cincinnati to convey his goods and chattels, and thus made his way down the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers, stopping at St. Louis. He then joined his family, when they came to what is now Fort Russell township, and squatted in section 34, on the property now owned by the heirs of J. C. Burroughs and C P.Smith. He constructed a pole cabin and moved into it where they lived for some timf>, when he built a comfortable hewn log house. The old gentleman was a mechanical genius, it having often been said that he could construct almost anything from wood with the most meager set of tools. As early as 1819, he had constructed a turning lathe, and also did the coopering for his neighborhood. One child was born to the family after coming to the county, Emily, who afterwards became the wife of Robert Clark. Mr. Newman served as the first road overseer in the county. He was a useful man in the community in the day he lived, and died about 1825, leaving many warm friends to cherish his memory.

Zadock, the eldest of the family, and the father of J. R. and Wm. E. Newman, married Miss Martha Ewing, in 1810. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. William Jones, and the marriage was probably the first solemnized in the township. T\Irs. Newman was a native of Virginia, and with her parents in an early day, moved to Kentucky, and thence to Illinois. She died at their old home in section 34, in 1828. After his wife's death, Mr. Newman subsequently married Mrs. Sarah Cotter, widow of Abner Cotter, and afterwards moved to Missouri, where he died in 1864. Six children were born by the first marriage - only two of whom are living, J. R., and William E., who are prominent farmers, residing in section 11, Fort Russell township. The third improvemeut was made by the pioneer. Major Isaac H. Fero-uson, who is usually credited with being the first settler of the township. He emigrated from Kentucky here in 1806, and settled in section 18, on the land now owned by James Jones. In about 1806 or 7 he sold out his improvement to William Jones, and removed to what is now Marine township. The family consisted of his wife and two children, Melinda and John L. Mellnda died in St. Jacobs in 1880, and John L died two years before in Marine. Major Ferguson had command of a little fort in St. Jacobs during the war of 1812, and it was here that he gained his military title of Major. He left the county in 1842. and moved to Texas. When the war with Mexico broke out, he was

B,ev. William Jones, who bought the claim of Major Ferguson, was b)rn in Virginia, and in an early day migrated to Kentucky, and thence to Tennessee. From that state he came to Illinois about 1806, and located on the Sand Ridge, near Alton Junction. A few years later he bought out Ferguson, and moved on to the claim. It was then but a small clearing, co taining but ten acres of land, and a cabin. His family then consisted of his wife and five children, Martin, John, Laviua, Letitia, and AVilliam. Seven other children were born to the family after coming to the state. Only one of this large family is now living in the county, James, who resides in section 18, on the old pioneer farm of his father. William Jones was an active and prominent man in his day, having been one of the pioneer teachers of the gospel, and organized one of the first church societies in the county. He served as county commissioner in 1820, besides filling other places of honor and trust in later days. He died at the old homestead in 1844, at the advanced age of 73 years. Mrs. Jones died several years prior to her husband. Both are buried in the old cemetery in Wood River township, situated in section 24. In the days of Indian troubles a block house was built on the north half of section 18, upon the land then owned by Martin Preuitt, father of Solomon Preuitt, who died but a few years ago. In the spring of 1817, the fort was taken down and removed to the premises of William Jones, and from the information given by James, his son, it would appear that at that time it was used for a residence by the Jones family as the latter informs us, that it was in this block house that he was born. Ephraim Woods, a brotherin-law of the Rev. Jones, came to the township soon after Mr. Jones and settled in the same neighborhood. His wife was a sister of Solomon Preuitt. Robert Wood, residing at Bethalto, is a son of Ephraim, and the only one of the family living in the county. John Finley came from Virginia, and settled here about the same time as Mr. Woods. He settled in section 20, but removed to Green county, Illinois, in an early day. He was one of the first justices of the peace in this part of the State, having been appointed as such by Gov. Edwards in 1810, when Illinois was one of the frontier territories. Jacob Linder and family, came to the county and settled near the Finleys in the same year, but removed to parts unknown soon after the war of 1812. No further history of the family is obtainable at this time. Another pioneer was John Springer, who was born in Harrod"s Fort, Kentucky, in 1784. He emigrated from Washington county of that State to Illinois in the fiill of 1810, and stopped in what is now Bond county, on Shoal Creek, near Greenville. When the Indian troubles commenced, two years later, he, with other families of that section, took refuge in the old Jones' Fort. In the fall of 1814, he moved to Madison county, and settled in section 30 of this township. When he first came to the state he drove a four-horse wagon, in which was stowed his little family, and household goods. Three extra horses were brought along, but during his stay on Shoal Creek, they were all stolen by the Indians. He manufactured a one horse cart, and with this outfit brought his family, consisting of his wife and three children, Sirah A , Elihu, and Susannah, to Fort Russell. He constructed a substantial hewed log house on his laud, and was as comfortably situated as the pioneer times could make him. Mrs. Springer died in the summer of 1825, and the following year Mr. Springer again married, his wife's maiden name being Elizabeth Byrd. By this union ten children were born, Thomas O., William M. T., Martha E., Levi C, Nancy E., Emily P., John W., Lucinda, Joshua S , and Joseph E. Only three of the family are now residents of the county. Thos. O. resides at the old homestead in section 30. His neat farm residence is built nearly upon the very ground that the old pioneer log house occupied. Mr. Thomas Si)ringer has represented his township in the county board, and is one of the leading citizens of the county. Levi C. Springer lives in Godfrey, and Emily P., wife of R. C. Gillham, resides in Edwardsville township.

Early in the summer of 1849, the cholera broke out in this neighborhood, and John Springer, the pioneer, and his wife were both stricken with the dread malady, and died only a few hours apart. They were buried the same day, and one grave became their sepulchre. Seven other deaths occurred within a week, and many more were afflicted. In fact, so extensively did it prevail in this neighborhood, that there were scarcely enough well persons to bury the dead and take care of the sick. And what made it more serious for the people, it was in the midst of harvest, and it was almost impossible to procure hands sufficient to secure the crop. Many are the woful narratives related by the old citizens of the hardships and afflictions of that summer.

One of the leading and prominent early S'ttlers was Gershom Flagg. He was born in the State of Vermont in the fall of 1792, and moved with his father to Richmond, Vermont, in 1800. Here he grew to manhood, and when he was twenty years of age, joined the Vermont militia, and saw service in the war of 1812. At the close of the war he commenced the study of civil engineering in Burlington, Vt. Completing his studies in 1816, he turned his face westward, making his first stop in Indiana. He remained here until the winter of 181G-'17, when he took a flat-boat and went to the mouth of the Ohio, and thence overland to St. Louis. The following spring he came over the river to Madison county, and located in the southeast quarter of section 3, town 5-8, receiving a patent of the same October '.:0, 1823. Mr. Flagg was one of the government stall" of surveyors in this part of Illinois, about the time of its admission into the Union in 1818, and from thenceforth became one of the prominent men of his times. He improved an excellent farm and became one of the first horticulturalists in the State. He aided largely in introducing grafted fruit in the orchards of the early settlers. His orchard of grafted fruit was planted in 1822, it being among the first in the county. As late as 1845, Solomon Robinson, of Collinsville, wrote a letter to the Prairie Farmer, stating " That Mr. Flagg, a Green Mountain boy, but not a greenhorn, undertook to make a farm on the prairie in Madison county, and was told by the settlers in the thick woods that he was crazy to think of cultivating land that was so poor as not to bear timber." This farm is situated in Liberty Prairie, and is now considered among the valuable lands in the county- 111 the fall of 1827, he was married to Mrs. Jane Richniond, nee Paddock, eldest daughter of Gains Paddock. But one child was born to them, Willard C. Mr. Flagg died at the old home in section 30, in the spring of 1857. His wife survived him six years her death occurring in December, 1863. Hon. Willard 'C. Flagg, their only child, was born Sept. 16th, 1829. He became a prominent citizen in the community, representing with credit his constituency one term in his senatorial district in the State Legislature. In 1856, he married Miss Sarah Smith, of St. Louis, a highly accomplished lady. He was also an appointee of the United States Government as collector of revenues. He died in the spring of 1878, lamented by a large circle of friends. His widow survives him and at this writing is residing at the old Flagg homestead wich her three children, two daughters and one son. Much credit is due to her and her late husband for the data of this chapter, and other early history of tlie county. Willard C , her husband, had contemplated l)lacing in print the early history and events of Fort Russell, but death claimed him before his noble effort was completed. Mrs. Flagg has kindly furnished the writer of this article withher husband's historic notes and manuscript.

Another early settler was Gains Paddock, whose farm adjoined Mr. Flagg's, and they were, therefore, near neighbors and were close friends until their death. Mr. Paddock was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1758. When in the seventeenth year of his age he enlisted in the war of the Revolution, where he served until its close. In 1786, he was married to Mary Wood, and the following year moved to the State of Vermont, where he resided until the fall of 1815. The Western fever then took possession of many of the people of the New England States, and he among others said " Westward Ho ! " Cincinnati, Ohio, was his objective point, where he arrived late in that year. Subsequently he removed to St. Charles, Mo., and from thence to St. Louis in the spring of 1817. The next year he crossed the Mississippi river, and came to Madison county where he purchased the northeast quarter of section three, now Fcrt Russell. Here he resided until his death, which occurred in the summer of 1831. Mrs. Paddock survived her husband nineteen years, dying the 15th of July, 1850. They were a family that stood high in the estimation of all who knew them, and were widely known for their charity and benevolence. Ten children were born to these pioneers, Jane - afterward wife of Gershora Flagg, Mary, Salome, - married Pascal P. Enos, Susan, Joanna, Sprout Wood, Julia, afterward wife of Henry Reily, and secondly of E. C. Blankinship, Eveline, Orville, and Elvira. Only two of this large family of children are living, Susan and Eveline, who are residing in section three, at the old homestead. They partake of the kindness and hospitality ^\hich was so characteristic of their parents. The latch-string is always out, and the sojourner is warmly welcomed, as was the custom of the olden time. The old Indian trail from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river, passed just across the laud occupied by their present residence, and this trail, in places, from lorg usage, was worn to a considerable depth. Mr Paddock was a descendant from one of the pilgrim ancestors who settled in Plymouth, Mass., in early colonial times. Many of the relics of coins, etc., that existed in the time of the Pilgrim Fathers are in the possession of the Paddock sisters, having been passed down from generation to generation as heir looms of the family.

John Estabrook, then a single man, joined with the Paddocks, and other emigrants, at Marietta, Ohio, and was with the former in their various meanderings until they came to this county. He was born in Massachusetts, and in 1815, concluded to try his fortune in the western frontier. He therefore started out single and alone, and by chance fell in with the Paddock family as above stated. On coming to the county, he was favorably impressed with the appearances of the land in Madison, and especially of what is now called Liberty prairie. He, therefore, made his settlement in section fifteen. On his land he built a small log cabin, where he kept bachelor's hall, mainly, until his marriage which occurred in 1820. His wife was Miss Nancy White, and by their union ten children were born, John, Edward, Lucy A., Emeline, James, Albert, Harriet, William L., Clara, and Sarah ; all of whom were born in the township, except Clara, who was born in Wisconsin while her parents were in that State on a visit for the benefit of Mr. Estabrook's health. Mr. E. improved a good farm and was one of the substantial citizens of his time. His death occurred on the second of May, 1881 Mrs. Estabrook survived her husband but a few months. They lie side by side in the old Liberty Prairie Cemetery. All of their children are living, except Lucy Ann ; only two, however, are residents of the county, Emeline, wife of William Gait, living in section fourteen, and William L., who at this writing, resides in section nine.

Mr. William Gait, one of the enterprising farmers of the township, is a native of Scotland, and came with his father to America. The family then consisted of five children, Margaret, Elizabeth, Alexander, William, and Jean. They landed at New Orleans, La , in 1844, and from thence came to St Louis up the Missouri river. The father stopped in Missouri, but William and Alexander came over to Madison county, and purchased land in sections 14, 5-8. This was in 1845; Alexander remained here but a short time, and subsequently moved to Galena, where he was accidentally killed by the kick of a horse, in 1847. William is the only one of the family now living, and is enjoying life at the old farm, highly esteemed by all who know him.

Mrs. Gait has in her possession some of the old papers of her father, John Estabrook, and among them we find one, now rusty with age, which is the constitution of the first temperance society established in Fort Russell township, and one of the first in the county. This association was a branch of the Madison county Temperance Society, and met at the house of John Estabrook the 23d of March, 1833, when the constitution and by-laws were adopted. The following are the names of the persons signing that instrument : Mrs.

One who figured very prominently among the pioneers, and who lived to see the development of his country, and the wilds of the AVest transformed into comfortable homes, was Major Solomon Prcuitt, a native of Virginia. He emigrated to Illinois from Teunes ee, with his father, Martin Preuitt, in 1806, and located on Sand Ridge Prairie, three miles east of Alton, now Wood River township. It was here that Mrs. Martin Preuitt died in 1807. Solomon was the youngest of the family, and he, with his father, lived alone at this place fur some years. In 1813 Major Solomon Preuitt enlisted in the Unittd States service, and joined the Rangers on the frontier, where he served until the close of the war. Four years prior to his entering the service, he married Miss Rebecca Higgins, who was then seventeen years of age. In 1818 he moved to Fort Russell township, and located in section 18. It was here that his father, Martin Preuitt, died at the ripe old age of ninety seven years. In 1831, when Black Hawk and his braves took the war-path. Major Preuitt was one of the first to enlist in the cause of subduing the Indians. He was elected captain of a company, and served with credit until the disbanding of the regiment, at the mouth of Fox river. On his arrival home he was elected Major of the militia, an office which he held for many years with credit to himself and those he commanded. He was twice married, his first wife dying in the fall of 18J5. He afterward married Elizabeth Higgins, a sister of his former wife. No children were born by this union. Ten children were born by the first marriage, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Martin, James, Elizabeth, William, Nancy, Wiley and Mary, only one of whom is now living in Fort Russell, - Wiley, who is residing in section 18, not far from the farm of his father. Abraham, Isaac, James and Nancy, wife of John Dillon, are residents of various parts of the county. Major Preuitt died suddenly at his old home on the 9th of January, 1875, at the age of eighty-five years. He was a history within himself of the pioneer times of Madison county, and if living to-day, many incidents and facts of those days could be recorded that the present historian is not able to glean. Elizabeth, his second wife, passed away nearly twenty years ago. They are now resting in the family burial-ground in section 18.

migratioE to the Prairie state. He first located in St. Clair county, where he remained for one year. The spring following he came into ^ladison county, and engaged in the profession of school teaching. His family then consisted of his wife, Sally, and one son, William A. He taught his first school in a log cabin situated on the premises now owned by James Jones, familiarly known in early times as the Ferguson improvement. This cabin was arranged with two fire-2)laces, and mud and stick chimneys A log was cut out on one side, a few feet from the floor, for lighting purposes. The teacher's post in the room was also lighted by a small aperture made by cutting through the logs. William A. Lanterman, who was then attending his father's school, informed the writer that his first book was made by pasting letters upon a wooden paddle. This was a very convenient arrangement, as it served the purpose of a primer and also for correcting refractory pupils. Mr Lanterman continued the calling of teaching for a few years, when he b ught the farm of Jacob Linder, in section 19. In 1843 he was elected county school commissioner, which office he filled with credit to himself and constituency. Several children were born to the family at this homestead. Mr. L. died here in the fall of 1875, being then in the eightyninth year of his age.' William A. is the only one of the family now living, and resides in section 16, where he owns a large and well cultivated farm. His family consists of his wife and six children, three sons and three daughters. Mr. L. and wife possess the hospitality of their pioneer ancestors, and are enjoying their old age in peace and plenty.

Voluey P. Richmond, grand.son of Gains Paddock, came with his grandfather to the county in the year before stated. He was then less than a year old. His mother was Jane Richmond, who afterwards became the wife of Gershoin Flagg. At the age of twenty-nine years, Volney P , was married to Miss Victoria West; they have two children, Edward W., and Isabel G. Mr. R. now resides in section ten, and is a thrifty and prominent farmer. He has in his possession the old compass that was used by the government surveyor. Mr. Flagg and John Estabrook were in h's employ, surveying the lands of this part of the state. He also has a valuable relic of the Revolutionary time, consisting of a pouch and a powder horn, picked up on the battle field of Bunker Hill. The former is manufactured from moose hide, and sewed together with buckskin strings. The buttons, which are Uied for enolodngthe pjuch,are cut from rawhide. Even at this time it contains two bullets of difll'rcut sizes, one of which is said to be British lead and was extracted from the body of the eoldier who wore it. The horn is of the ordinary size, and is engraved with the letters, bearing the name of Jonathan Lawrence. He also has in his possession the muster roll of Gains Paddock's company of Revolutionary soldiers. One who figured promiently in the county' was E nanuel J. West. He came from Indiana about 181^0, and located in section 7, on the ftirm now owned by F. H. Herren. lu 1824, he moved to Edwardsville. He had a family of five children, only one of whom is living. She resides in Kentucky. There arc two grand-children living in Fort Russell, the children ofVolney P. Richmond. Mr. West took an active part in politics, and in an early day represented the county in the Legi^lature. Later he was appointed minister to Ptru, South America, and died on tlie passage to that country. In his lifetime, and while residing in Fort Russell, he was the owner of several indentured slaves. They were afterwards liberated. Another of the early settlers, was Joseph Robinson, a native of North Carolina. He came to the county in 1815, and located in section five, Edwardsville township. He drove a four-horse team overland, bringing his family in a covered wagon so coramin in those days. His family consisted of his wife and three children, Margaret, Eliza, and William S B. John and Mary Ann, were born in this county. He bought 160 acres of land on which was a small cabin, and here commenced the life of a pioneer. Only two of the children now reside in the county, William S. B., and Eliza, widow of the late Rev. Joel Knight. The former moved to the township in 18.'!2, and settled in section 11. Mrs. Robinson died September 10th, 1879. She was Miss Letitia A. White, and from this marriage five sons were born, Lewis C. Sidney, W. J., J. A., and J. H., only two of whom reside in the township, Sidney, and J. H. Mr. Robinson now lives with his son Sidney. Edmond Owens, another early comer, was from Tennessee, but born in South Carolina. He migrated from the former state to Illinois in 1838, and first located in Fosterburg township, section 28. He came here with his wife and six children, Gaines, Anna, Susan, Elizabeth, Payton, and Jojiah P., only three of whom are now living in Madison, Liza, Gaines, and Josiab P.; the latter resides jn section 20, and is a prosperous farmer. His wife is one of the old residents in the county. She was Sarah L., daughter of Martin Jones.

Among others now living who are old citizens, and prominent farmers, are Luther W. Lyon, Henry Engelhart, the Belks, C. P.Smith, JNimrod Still well, D. C Scheer, and others. Henry Belk, father-in-law of Russell Newman, is a native of Yorkshire, England, and came to America in a very early day. He is now 9^ years of age, and probably the oldest resident citizen in the county.

Mr. Lyon is now residing with his son-in-law, Wiley Preuitt, in section 18. He planted one of the first grafted orchards in this part of the county. He has in his possession a relic of Revolutionary times, being a gun taken from the Hessians at the siege of Yorktown by his grandfiither. It has been remodeled by attaching a cap lock, and is in a good state of preservation.

The following are among the first land entries made in the township. On the lath of August, 1814, Ephraim Wood, entered the southwest quarter of section 17. September 12 h, 1814, Martin Preuitt, entered several acres in section 18, and at the same time Thomas Daniel entered the whole of section 20, except 160 acres. September 21st, 1814, Isaac Hill entered 344 22-100 acre? in section 19. During the same month William Jones entered different tracts in sections 18, 19, and 20. There were quite a number of entries made in the year 1814, but we have given sufficient names to show who were the first to enter their farms. J. L. Ferguson, son of Isaac Ferguson, the pioneer, was the first born in the township. His birth occurred in 1807, in sectijn 20, on the farm owned by John Huron. The first death also occurred in the Ferguson family, about 1807 or '8- The interment was made on the farm now owned by James Jones. The first school was taught by the Rev. William Jones in 1818, at the old block house, then situated in section 18, on the Jones homestead. At this writing a few apple trees cover the spot. The first regular schoolhouse constructed was in 1819, and situated in section 20. A school was taught in it the same year. Abraham Amos and Wdliam Jones were the first to preach the gospel, the former being a Methodist minister and the latter a Baptist. The early services were conducted at the house of Isaiah Dunnagan, in 1809. The Rev. Abraham Amos was then in charge of the ministry in the interest of the M. E. Church in the counties of Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair. The first organized Sabbath-school was instituted by John M. Peck and William Oltwell, in the spring of 1824, at the house of Dunnagan. The German Lutheran denomination constructed the first church house in 1842, near the store of F. Gaertner in section 23. The second church was built by the Methodist congregation at Liberty Prairie, in 18.50. The Baptist congregation commenced their house late in the fall of the same year, but did not complete it until the following year. Both houses are yet standing.

Is a little hamlet composed of a few houses scattered along the old Greenville road. At this time there is only a wagon and blacksmith shop, conducted by Ludwig Silland. There was once a store and post-office at this point, but they have some years since been abandoned.

There are several well-kept public burial places in the township ; one of the largest is situated on Liberty Prairie. The ground was deeded to the county for said purpose by Mr. J. Scott. Another is located at Paddock's Grove, and still another near F. Gaertner's on the Springfield road. The latter is attached to the German Lutheran Church - St. James Congregation.

The following are the first Justices of the Peace appointed or elected in the township : John Finley was appointed in 1810; John Springer in 1813; Jesse Starkey in 1819; Daniel A. Lanterman, 1821; Emanuel J. West in 1822; and Gershom Flaggin 1825. Isaiah Dunnagan was the first to shoe the horses and mend the clevises and linch pins for pioneers. His shop was a rude afl'air, situated on his premises in section 31. This shop was in running order as early as 1805. John Drum was also an early blacksmith ; his shop was situated in section 29. The first person to establish a store and sell goods was John Newman in 1818 or '19. The building or store-room was a little log concern, and located in section 14. Volney P. Richmond was the first postmaster, and the office was situated on the premises of Gaius Paddock, and known as the Paddock's Grove, P. O. Mr. Richmond also kept a small stock of goods at that time, combining this business with his official duties as postmaster. This was in 1838. Both a water and a honse grist-mill were con- grand-children living in Fort Russell, the children of Volney P. Richmond. Mr. West took an active part in politics, and in an early day represented the county in the Legislature. Later he was appointed minister to Peru, South America, and died on the passage to that country. In his lifetime, and while residing in Fort Russell, he was the owner of several indentured slaves. They were afterwards liberated. Another of the early settlers, was Joseph Robinson, a native of North Carolina. He came to the county in 1815, and located in section five, Edwardsville township. He drove a four-horse team overland, bringing his family in a covered wagon so common in those days. His family consisted of his wife and three children, Margaret, Eliza, and William S B. John and Mar}' Ann, were born in this county. He bought 160 acres of land ()n which was a small cabin, and here commenced the life of a pioneer. Only two of the children now reside in the county, William S. B., and Eliza, widow of the late Rev. Joel Knight. The former moved to the township in 18 i2. and settled in section 11. Mrs. Robinson died September 10th, 1879. She was Miss Letitia A. White, and from this marriage five sons were born, Lewis C. Sidney, W. J., J. A., and J. H., only two of whom reside in the township, Sidney, and J. H. Mr. Robinson now lives with his son Sidney. Edmond Owens, another early comer, was from Tennessee, but born in South Carolina. He migrated from the former state to Illinois in 1838, and first located in Fusterburg township, section 28. He came here with his wife and six children, Gaines, Anna, Susan, Elizabeth, Payton, and Joiiah P., only three of whom are now living in Madison, Liza, Gaines, and Josiah P.; the latter resides jn section 20, and is a prosperous farmer. His wife is one of the old residents in the county. She was Sarah L., daughter of Martin Jones.

Among others now living who are old citizens, and prominent farmers, are Luther W. Lyon, Henry Engelhart, the Belks, C. P. Smith, Nimrod Still well, D. C Scheer, and others. Henry Belk, father-in-law of Russell Newman, is a native of Yorkshire, England, and came to America in a very early day. He is now 9-1 years of age, and probably the oldest resident citizen in the count}'.

Mr. Lyon is now residing with his son-in-law, Wiley Preuitt, in section 18. He planted one of the first grafted orchards in this part of the county. He has in his possession a relic of Revolutionary times, being a gun taken from the Hessians at the siege of Yorktown by his grandfather. It has been remodeled by attaching a cap lock, and is in a good state of preservation.

The following are among the first land entries made in the township. On the I5th of August, 1814, Ephraim Wood, entered the southwest quarter of section 17. September 12 h, 1814, Martin Preuitt, entered several acres in section 18, and at the same time Thomas Daniel entered the whole of section 20, except 160 acres. September 21st, 1814, Isaac Hill entered 344 22-100 acreS in section 19. During the same month William Jones entered different tracts in sections 18, 19, and 20. There were quite a number of entries made in the year 1814, but we have given sufficient names to show who were the first to enter their farms. J. L. Ferguson, son of Isaac Ferguson, the pioneer, was the first born in the township. His birth occurred in 1807, in sectijn 20, on the farm owued by John Huron. The first death also occurred in the Ferguson fiimily, about 1807 or '8. The interment was made on the farm now owned by James Jones. The first school was taught by the Rev. William Jones in 1818, at the old block house, then situated in section 18, on the Jones homestead. At this writing a few apple trees cover the spot. The first regular schoolhouse constructed was in 1819, and situated in section 20. A school was taught in it the same year. Abraham Amos and William Jonss were the first to preach the gospel, the former being a Methodist minister and the latter a Bapti-st. The early services were conducted at the house of Isaiah Duunagan, in 1809. The Rev. Abraham Amos was then in charge of the ministry in the interest of the M. E. Church in the counties of Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair. The first organized Sabbath-school was instituted by John M. Peck and William Ottwell, in the spring of 1824, at the house of Dunnagan. The German Lutheran denomination constructed the first church house in 1842, near the store of F. Gaertner in section 23. The second church was built by the Methodist congregation at Liberty Prairie, in 18-50. The Baptist congregation commenced their house late in the fall of the same year, but did not complete it until the following year. Both houses are yet standing.

Is a little hamlet composed of a few houses scattered along the old Greenville road. At this time there is only a wagon and blacksmith shop, conducted by Ludwig Silland. Tiiere was once a store and post-offiee at this point, but they have some years since been abandoned.

There are several well-kept public burial places in the township ; one of the largest is situated on Liberty Prairie. The ground was deeded to the county for said purpose by Mr. J. Scott. Another is located at Paddock's Grove, and still another near F. Gaertner's on the Springfield road. The latter is attached to the German Lutheran Church - St. James Congregation.

The following are the first Justices of the Peace appointed or elected in the township : John Finley was appointed in 1810; John Springer in 1813; Jesse Starkey in 1819; Daniel A. Lanterman, 1821; Emanuel J. West in 1X22; and Gershom Flaggin 182-5. Isaiah Dunnagan was the first to shoe the horses and mend the clevises and linch pins for pioneers. His shop was a rude afl^air, situated on his premises in section 31. This shop was in running order as early as 1805. John Drum was also an early blacksmith ; his shop was situated in section 29. The first person to establish a store and sell goods was John Newman in 1818 or '19. The building or store-room was a little log concern, and located in section 14. Volney P. Richmond was the first postmaster, and the office was situated on the premises of Gaius Paddock, and known as the Paddock's Grove, P. 0. Mr. Richmond also kept a small stock of goods at that time, combining this business with his official duties as po.straaster. This was in 1833. Both a water and a hor.se grist-mill were con- structed about the year 1815, or perhaps earlier. The former was built by John Newman, and his father Joseph, and situated on Indian Creek on section 28. It was a wonderful piece of mechanism, inasmuch as the entire machinery was constructed of wood, even to wooden cogs for the fanning mill. The machinery was utilized for both saw and grist-mill. It has gone with the things that were many years ago. Mr. John Newman also constructed the first frame house in the township, section 14. This house is now standing, and in a fair state of preservation. John Finley built the horse-mill, and it was located in the northeast quarter of section 20, on the farm now owned by John Huron. By some it is said this mill was built prior to 1815. John Springer introduced the first blooded stock into the township in 1845 It was the short horn Durham breed, and was imported from Ohio. The raising of horses, horned cattle, etc., is not made a specialty by the farmers of Fort Russell ; wheat is the grand production, and so well is the soil tilled that the people raise bountiful crops, and are fast gaining in wealth. For the most part, good roads and bridges are found in all parts of the township; two fine iron bridges, with stone abutments, span Indian creek. There are no towns in this territory, except a small portion of Moro, and Bethalto, the history of which will appear in their respective township chapters. In section 23, on the line of the old stage route between St. Louis and Springfisld, appears the business house of F. Gaertner, and the blacksmith shop of B. Schwarzkopf A coal mine owned by Green & Brothers, is situated about a mile from Moro, in section 6. It was sunk in 1880. The shaft is 90 feet, and the coal vein 41 feet in thickness, and is of excellent quality. The coal is raised by horse-power, and it furnishes coal in quantities only to supply local demands.

We here append the names of those who have represented the township on the county board since its organization : John B. Gibson was elected in 1876, re-elected in 1877, '78 and '79, serving until the spring of 1881. T. O. Springer, elected in 188!, and served one term. The present incumbent is H. C. Lanterraan.

Nancy Estabeook

John Estabrook, ( deceased ), was born in Lexington, Mass., March 15th, 1799, and died at his home in Fort Rus" sell township, May 2d, 1881. In his youth he received a limited education. Desiring to improve his condition in life, and believing the great West offered larger and better opportunities to a young man who was willing to forego the pleasures of older countries, and endure the hardships of frontier life, he turned his footsteps westward and in company with Gershom Flagg and Paul Enos left his native state in 1816. Arriving at Pittsburg, they bought a flat boat and started down the river, and after a toilsome journey of three mouths, arrived at St. Louis, which was then a small French village. Young Estabrook found work and remained there two years. In 1818 they came to Madison county, and all three invested in lands in the same neighborhood. There

John Estabrook cultivated his land until his death. He also engaged in other pursuits, such as milling, buying and selling land, speculating, etc. In 1820 he was united in marriage to Nancy White, who was a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. She died November 3d, 1881. There were ten children born to John and Nancy Estabrook, nine of whom are living, and all heads of families. Their names in the order of their birth are: John, Emeline James, Albert, Harriett, William L., Clara, Sarah, Lucy A., deceased. William L. was a soldier in the late war, and served three and a half years. He was a member of Co. E. 25th Regt. Wis. Vol. Infty.

John Estabrook was, in some respects, a remarkable man. To quote from one who knew him long and intimately : " He never used tobacco in any form, never drank a glass of spirits or beer as a beverage, never played a game of chance or bet a dollar, never had a lawsuit or open quarrel with any man, never held an office, civil or military, never was sued and never failed to pay a debt - either for himself or security for others when called upon to do so ; never took a newspaper without paying the subscription in advance ; never was too late for the railroad cars, nor stood on the bank of the river and asked how long has the boat been gone. * * * * A man of more than ordinary strength of mind and force of will, he made a success of every enterprise he undertook. Attending to all the minutiai and details of business, he suffered very few losses, and his success in business was such as caused a constant increase of property to the close of his life. Judging of the future with almost prophetical vision, his expectations rarely failed of being realized, and his iinowledge and judgment of character were intuitive. Strictly honest and always truthful himself, he was intolerant of decep. tion in others. The writer has known him well for fortyeight years, and has had through all these years business relations with him, and for him with others, and never knew him to vary a point from the strictest rules of honor and justice. Of deep religious convictions, he was a true Christian and ever ready to aid in sustaining religious institutions. Though a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, he was truly Catholic in his views and free from sectarianism. Although more than ordinarily successful, he pursued no devious paths to acquire property or fame. An honest and honorable man. His sympathetic nature, his old time simplicity of life and manner, his singleness of purpose to be right and to do right, his dignified manner, freedom from any narrow or jealous feeling, regarding with sacredness and performing with fidelity all the obligations which family, society and religion imposed. To him death had no terror and the grave no victory. The funeral took place from the old homestead, improved by him over fifty years ago. * * * I We stop a moment in the whir of active life to pay this I merited tribute of regard to the life and memory of a valued friend and an old and honored citizen."

The Spriuger family in Madison county are of Swedish- German descent, and trace back their lineage to Otto the Great, Emperor of Germany, born in the year a. d. 912. Christopher Springer, a lineal descendent of the 21st generation from Otto the Great, was born a. d. 1592, in Germany, and subsequently by cession of German territory to the King of Sweden, became a subject of and attached to that kingdom, where he became prominent in the councils of the King and a successful and influential officer in the settlement of treaties with foreign nations, greatly to the advantage of his sovereign, for which he was munificently rewarded by grants of large landed estates by the King. His son, Charles Christopher Springer, the first to come to Amerwa, was born at Stockholm, Sweden, a. d, 1647. When he was twenty years of age, having completed his education in the Swedish language, he was sent by his father to London to finish his education in English, and was placed in charge of the Swedish Ambassador, and became an inmate of his family. In an unguarded moment he was unluckily pressed on board an English merchant vessel.

brought over to America and sold into slavery to an English planter, in the Colony of Virginia. From Ferris' history of the Swedes on the Delaware, page 281, we make the subjoined extract of the particulars of the kidnapping of Mr. Springer.

That biographer says : " Mr. Springer was in the family of the Swedish Ambassador in London. Driving home one evening in a Post-Chaise, he was seized and carried on board a merchant vessel in the Thames, bound to Virginia. He was there sold as a servant for five years ; at the expiration of his term of service he was set at liberty, when he joined his countrymen on the Delaware, and afterwards, by his sterling virtues and fine capacity, became honored and influential, and was elected a Justice of the Peace in the district of Christiana." It was by his energy and perservance, together with the assistance of the minister in charge of the Swedish congregation, that the old Swedes church of Wilmington was built about the year 1697. He served the church as vestryman and kept the records during his life. He came to America about the year A. D. 1667. He was a devout Christian, and a useful and active member of the Swedish church, aud being quite prominent in both religious and civil circles his memory has ever been revered by his countrymen. His death occurred on the 26th of ^lay, 1738, at the age of 91 years, and his remains now repose beneath one of the arches of the old Swedish church at Wilmington, Delaware. His grand-son, Charles Springer, was married to Susannah Seeds, at Wilmiuictou, Delaware, April 7th, 1752, and soon after removed to Frederick City, JIaryland. where he died, leaving a family of eleven children, six sous and five daughters. John Springer (the second son), was with Daniel Boone two years in his early exploring expedition in the wilds of Kentucky, and afterwards with his family, wife and two children emigrated to Kentucky in 1783, and was among the first settlers around Harrod's Fort, in said state. He afterward removed to Washington county, Kentucky, where he died 1812. His son John, the father of the subject of this memoir, was born in Harrod's Fort, Kentucky, January 8th, 1784, and was married July 13th, 1809, in Kentucky, to Susan Sage. By this marriage he had four children, one of whom, Sarah A. Davidson, is still living. He emigrated to Illinois in October, 1810, and settled at Jones' Fort in what is now Bond county, Illinois, near Old Ripley. On the breaking out of the war of 1812, Mr. Springer was enrolled as a home guard, and served as first Lieutenant of Captain Jones' Company which was stationed at the Fort. In the fall of 1814, in company with Captain William Jones and others, he removed to Fort Russell township, in Madison county, Illinois, and settled on the farm where Thos. O. Springer now resides. Here he at once engaged in the vocation of an agriculturist, and was ever recognized as one of the best and most careful farmers of his time. For many years he discharged the duties of Justice of the Peace, and was noted for his high-toned, courteous and impartial bearing, aud for his fidelity to the responsible trust. Always prominent in matters affecting the interests of the community in which he resided, he really filled a large place in public esteem. When he came to Fort Russell township he at once united with the Methodist church at Salem, and was soon after selected as class-leader of that society, which position he occupied and continuously filled to the time of his death, which occurred June 25th, 1849. He was a man of the strictest integrity, firm in his convictions, an energetic and devoted Christian, and faithfully filling all the trusts imposed in him. His death created deep regret among all who knew him. His wife, (Susan Sage), died July 8th, 1825. On the 16th of March, 1826, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Biggs, nee Byrd, a native of Alabama. By the latter union ten children were born, to wit: Thomas O., AVilliam M. T., Levi C, Martha E., Nancy E., Emily P., John W., Lucinda, Joshua S., and Joseph E., tix of whom are still living. His wife, Elizabeth, died of cholera June 24th, 1849; his death occurring on the following day they were both buried in one grave.

Thomas O. is the first offspring of John Springer aud Elizabeth Byrd. He was born on Sec. 30, T 5, R. 8, in Madison county, Illinois, March 2d, 1827. He was reared upon the farm, and obtained his rudimentary education in the public schools of his neighborhood, attending JIcKendree College at Lebanon, Illinois, and graduated in the Scientific Department of that institution in July 1849. The death of his parents occurring about that time, he returned home, and with his brothers William M. T. and Levi C. Springer, he succeeded in educating and providing for them until they became of age. The death of his parents and his desire to keep the family together served to modify his plans for the future, and threw him into the channel of farming, which business he has continued almost uninterruptedly to the pnsent.

On the 10th of October, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Emily M. Thompson, daughter of John Thompson, of the American Bottom, in Madison county, Illinois. She died January 21st, 1858. There was one child born to them, who died August 2d, 1857.

On the 7th of November, 1872, Mr. Springer was married to Miss Ella J. Randle, his present wife. She is the daughter of Edmund Randle, formerly of Madison county, Illinois.

Politically Mr. Springer was originally an old line Whig, and cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Zachary Taylor, in 1848. On the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and from that time to the present has been an active and staunch Republican. In 1856 he received the nomination for Clerk of the Circuit Court, and in the ensuing election was elected to that office. In 1860 he was again the nominee of his party, and became his own successor, and held the office until December 1864. He made an able and efficient officer, and retired from the office with honor and credit.

Zadock Newman, was a native of Pennsylvania, as was also his father before him. His grandfather was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America during the colonial days. He reared a large family of children. Of his seven sons, six settled io the southern states. Joseph, who was a boat maker came west in 1804, and located in Madison county, (for particulars see history of Fort Russell township). Zadock Newman, his son, was in his fifteenth year when his father brought the family to Illinois. He remained at home and received a fair education for those days. He taught school for some time, but farming was his chief occupation. He remained in Madison county until 1840, when he removed to Missouri and settled in Lawrence county, where he spent the remainder of his days, and died there in 1864. During the Indian troubles in the early history of this state and during the war with Great Britain in 1812, he was in the ranger service and helped to put down the marauding bands of Indians who threatened the settlements of Illinois. In the year 1810, he married Miss Martha Ewing, whose father was one of the early pioneers of the territory. There were six children by that union, two sons and four daughters. Their names are Louisa, who died in infancy ; Eliza, wife of Joel Johnson, a well known hotel keeper of Springfield, Illinois; Julia A., married Alva Beecher; J. Russell, William E , and Emily M., who married William Graves. The two sons are now the only survivors of the family.

One of the sub3tantial farmers of Fort Russell Township is the subject of the following brief biographical sketch. He was born in Madison county, October J9, 1818, and is the son of Zadock and Martha (Ewing) Newman. His grandfather, Joseph Newraau, settled in the territory of Illinois as early as 1804. He belongs to the pioneer stock, not only of the county, but of the state. He grew to manhood in the same township in which he now lives, and has followed the occupation of farming throughout his life. In 1845, he married Elizabeth Belk, daughter of Henry Beik. Mr. Newman and his brother, William E., are the only survivors of Zadock Newman's family. The latter (William

E. ) was born in January, 1821. He married Martha A. Harrison, and has a family of four children, whose names are Charles E., Eliza, Henry and Mattie Newman. In matters of religious faith, J. Russell Newman is a Cumberland Presbyterian. He is exceedingly liberal to the church, and gives freely of his means to support and sustain it. Politically he is a Democrat. In his habits he is quiet and unassuming, and with a kind and honest heart, he aims to do all the good he can, and that without the least show or ostentation. He is temperate, and an advocate of prohibition. It is with pleasure that we here present this short sketch of one of Madison county's best citizens.

Was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, December 10, 1835. His father, Samuel Smith, was born in the same county, Oct. 30, 1791. Hugh Smith, the paternal grandfather of William A., was a native of Scotland, and subsequently moved to Ireland, and emigrated to Cumberland county, Penn., about the year 1765. He there married Elizabeth McCormick, the date of which was Feb. 22, 1784. He died March 17, 1823, and his wife died May 28, 1822. There were nine children. Samuel, the father of Wm. A., was the eldest. He came to Illinois in 1843, and stopped in Alton one winter, then moved to the northern part of Fort Russell township and purchased land in Rattan's prairie. It was raw and unimproved. He moved on it in 1845 and commenced its improvement, and thus he lived until his death, which took place June od, 1856. He married Ruth Duncan, a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, daughter of David Duncan, a native of the same county, whose father was a native of Ulster county, Ireland. She was born January 11, 1800, and died March 6, 1855. Her father, David Duncan, married Silieia Anderson. There were six sons and four daughters; three sons and two daughters are yet living. William A., the subject of this memoir, was but eight years of age when his parents came to Illinois. Here he has lived, except six years he spent in Missouri and the time he was in the army. Soon after the war broke out, or in 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. D, of the 117th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He participated with his regiment and company in all the skirmishes.

battles, and marches in which it was engaged, and remained in the service until the close of the war. He was mustered out and honorably discharged August, 1865. He returned home and re-engaged in farming. In 1869 he moved to Lafayette county, Missouri, and remained there until 1875, then returned to where he now lives, and there he has remained to the present. On the 8th of February, 1860, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Polly Ann, daughter of William A. and Eliza Lanterman. She was born in Fort Russell township, June 3, 1840. By this union there were twelve children, of whom there are six sons and two daughters living. The names of the children in the order of their birth are : Margaret Eliza, who died in infancy; Ruth A , born Oct. 22, 1S62; Clara Estella, born May 24, 1864, and died Dec. 20, 1865 ; Frederick J. A., born July 6, 1866; Lewis James, born January 6, 1868; William Norman, born Sept. 24, 1869; Joseph E., born Feb. 25, 1872; Martha Letitia Harriett, born January 4, 1874; Frankin, born April 10, 1876; Mary Elizabeth, born April 30, 1878, died May 24, 1878 ; John Henry, born March 26, 1880, died August 4,1881; Chester Marshall, born December 14, 1881.

Both Mr. and Mr|. Smith are members of the old school Presbyterian church. PoliticaU^ifi has always voted the Republican ticket. Mr. SmitlqgSfcupation and business through life has been that of a farmer and stock raiser, in which he has been more than ordinarily successful.

One of the enterprising farmers of Fort Russell township, and an old settler of Madison county, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, Nov. 26, 1815. The family is of German ancestry. His father, Daniel A., was a native of Pennsylvania, and from there moved to Kentucky, where he remained until 1818, when he brought his family to Illinois, and settled in St. Clair county. One year later he removed to Madison, and located on section 19, T. 5-8, and commenced farming. He taught school for several terms during the winter seasons, and was one of the early teachers in what is now Fort Russell. He remained in the township, engaged in farming and living a quiet life until his death, which occurred in 1865. He married Sarah Luman, a native of Kentucky. She died in 1849, leaving two sons - the subject of this sketch and Peter Lanterman, now deceased He subsequently married Mrs. Elizabeth Irwin, widow of John Irwin. She died October 4th, 1874. By the latter union there was one child, a daughter, named Elizabeth Lanter. man. She died March 15, 1870. The subject of this sketch is the sole survivor of the family. He was in his fourth year when his father came to Illinois, and here in Madison county he has passed his boyhood, manhood, and maturer years.

His education was limited to the common schools of his neighborhood. He remained at home, assisting his father upon the farm, until he attained his twenty-third year. He then moved on a forty acre tract in section 16, and commenced its improvement. To these original fortv acres he

On the 3d of January, 1839, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Luman. a native of Lewis county, Ky. Her parents, John and Polly Luman, emigrated from Kentucky to Madison county. Ills., in 1828. The union of Mr. and Mrs Lanterman has been blessed with ten children, six of whom are living. Their names, in the order of their birth, are : Polly Ann, who is the wife of William A. Smith, a prominent farmer of this county ; Melinda, wife of S. B. Waples, a farmer and resident of Montgomery county. Ills- ; Harriett, wife of A. G. Drennan, a farmer and resident of Woodburn, Macoupin county. Ills. ; William H., who married Miss Jennie Russell ; Edward A., and John B. Lanterman. The sons are now farming upon the home p'ace.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Lanterman are members of the Presbyterian Ghurch. Politically, ^Ir. Lanterman was originally an old line Whig, and cast his first presidential vote for W. H. Harrison in 1840. He joined the Repubican party in 1860, and has been au active supporter of that political organization to the present. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for nearly sixteen years. He was the first collector in the township, when the county was changed to township organization, and has held other offices of minor importance. Nearly sixty-five years have fled since Mr. Lanterman came to and has been a resident of the county ; and in all those years he has sustained the character of an uprisiht man, good neighbor and honest citizen.

Moro

j;))ORO is situated iii the northern tier of townships, bounded north by Macoupin county, east by Oniph-Ghent, south by Fort Russell and west by Fosterburg. It comprises congressional township 6, range 8 ; the northern tier of sections being fractional. The surface is generally rolling, with considerable timber along the various streams. The prairies are small, and extend in a northerly and southerly direction. Paddock's creek, Indian creek, Rocky Branch and their tributaries furnish a good system of drainage. They run in a southerly direction across the township. The soil is rich and productive, and the improvements are among the best in this part of the county.