McDonough County, Illinois - Chapter 2, 1878

Chapter 2

The snow lay upon the ground until about the first of April ; meantime the few inhabitants of the county lived as best they could, trusting the good time would yet come.

In the spring of this year James M. Campbell, Esq., came to the county, and was cordially received. He had, in December previous, received the appointment of Clerk of the Circuit Court from the Hon. Richard M. Young, Circuit Judge, and came to enter upon the duties of his office. Like most of the settlers living in the county at that time, Mr. Campbell was from the State of Kentucky. This tact was not discovered at first, and Mr. Campbell was regarded as a Yankee, and, consequently, looked upon with suspicion. John Baker resigned the office of (Herk of the County Commissioners' Court ; a new man was to be appointed, and who it should be was a question. Mr. Campbell was suggested. One of the Commissioners replied most emphatically that no Yankee should ever be Clerk of that Court. Mr. Campbell was asked if he was really and truly a Yankee. " Well, gentlemen," replied Mr. C, " if to be born in the city of Frankfort, State of Kentucky, living there until six years of age, coming to the State of Illinois and remaining for six years, then returning to Kentucky and living there for twelve years, and again returning to Illinois, constitutes a Yankee, then I am one." It is unnecessary to add that the explanation was satisfactory, and the appointment made. Being of an energetic turn of mind, and something of an enthusiast, he at once took a leading part in the aftairs of t^e county, and has ever since been in active life, having many times been honored by the citizens of the county with the highest offices within their gift.

Strict economy governed the Comnnissioners in all the affairs pertaining to the weltare of the county. Every bill presented was carefully scrutinized, and value received was invariably required before payment. We may here remark that such has always been the action of every Board of County Commissioners, or Supervisors, since the organization of the county, which will account for the good credit always enjoyed. Very few bills of doubtful propriety have ever been smuggled through.

At the March term of the County Commissioners' Court James Chirke was allowed the sum of three dollars tor going to Springfield and entering the land upon which the original town of Macomb was located. As remarked in a preceding chapter, the money was well earned, for while returning home he was overtaken by the big snow storm, and was several days in making the trip. We have heard him remark that often times while on the journey he thought he would be compelled to give up and lie down and die. The snow in many places had drifted so much that his horse could not get through, and he would be compelled to effect a passage by raking it away with his hands.

In payment for the use of his house for court purposes John Baker was granted the fee simple right to two lots in the town ot Macomb, which was then to be laid out. John J. Keaton was employed to make the survey, for which he was allowed the sum of thirty-live dollars. David Clarke and John Baker were employed to carr^' the chain, for which they each received fifty cents a day. William McDonald received sixty-two and ahalf cents per day for driving the stakes, the work being more arduous than that of carrying the chain. It appears from bills allowed by the County Commissioners' Court the wages paid laboiers at this time were from fifty cents to one dollar per day.

Many laughable anecdotes are related of this survey. Mr. Keaton was not a regular surveyor, and is said to have known less about surveying than those who carried the chain. He had great diflicuity in making the corners - in fact never did make them, and they have never been straightened to this day. Another man being wanted to assist in the work, several were approached for this purpose, but all had an excuse to make, one man replying tliathe would notgivethepleasureof his day'sdrunk forthetwo best lots in the town. It should be rememV)ered there were few teetotalers in the county at that time. The first plat of the town not proving satisfactory, the citizens petitioned the County Commissioners to change it, which was done, although one of the members of the board, Hon. James Vance, entered upon the records of the court his protest against the action.

At a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, held April 12, 18-31, the question of building a Court House was discussed, and the following order made :

Ordered, That the building of a house, to be used as a Court House, be let to the lowest bidder, of the following description, to-wit : To be built of logs, hewed on both sides, to face from nine to twelve inches ; to be built eighteen feet by twenty, with a white oak plank floor above and below, laid loose ; nine feet between the joLst and sleepers, the sleepers laid two feet apart, laid on the sills ; joists not more than two feet apart, of good white oak, hewed, or sawed four inches thick Ijy nine inchas wide ; to be chinked and daul)ed on the outside ; one door six and one-half feet high and three feet wide, well faced and cased : a good batten door, hung t)u good iron hinges ; one window, to have twelve panes of glass, and one window of six panes of glass ; to be placed in said liuilding by the instruction of James M. Camjibell ; each window to have a good strong batten shutter, hung with butt hinges, covered with boards four feet long, of good width, and what is called double covered, with good gutters and eaves. The said l)uilding when completed and finished to be done in workmanlike manner. The said building to be on a lot in the town of Macomb, (on a lot) to be in due time, that is within two weeks, made known to the undertaker. The undertaker will be required to give bonds, with sufficient security, for the faithful performance of his undertaking in the penal sum of double the amount of his bid, made payable to the County Commissioners, or their successors in office, for the use of the county, that the said house shall be finished on or before the first day of September inst.

It is further ordered, That the weight poles are to be of sufficient weight to be of service ; that the undertaker furnish everji;hing necessary for the above building, except the glass for the windows.

On the same day the above propositions were made the contract was let to William Southward for the sum of sixty-nine dollars and fifty cents. As will be observed, there is a considerable difference between the first and last buildings erected for court purposes.

At this same meeting John Baker applied for a license to keep a tavern, which request was ordered on his paying into the County Treasury the sum of six dollars and fifty cents, together with the Clerk's fees for issuing the license. The board then adopted tlie following scale of prices to govern inn-keepers in the county :

It will doubtless seem strange to our young readers to know that this John Baker, to whom a license was granted to keep a tavern, which was but another name for a grocery and whisky shop, was a Baptist preacher, but such was the fact. He figured for several years in the county as a minister of the gospel and a retailer of the ardent. He, a few days after obtaining his license, took as a partner Samuel Bogart, a Methodist preacher, and, under the name of Bogart, Baker & Co., the firm engaged in the sale of dry goods, groceries, whisky, tobacco, etc. That no preacher is now allowed to drink, much less sell ardent spirits, is certainly proof sufficient to show that the temperance cause is advancing.

By an examination of the records of the Board of County Commissioners, we find that four licenses were granted during this year (1831) to keep tavern in Macomb, from which it may be supposed that liquor was in demand. We can scarcely imagine who their customers were, and can only solve the problem by supposing that they carried on business after the manner of the old man and his wife, who, owning a barrel of cider between them, and only a sixpence to spend, tapped the barrel at both ends, and sold to each other.

On the twenty-sixth day of April the first public sale of lots was made in the town of Macomb, William Edmondston acting as auctioneer, he having previously been appointed by the board as commissioner for the sale of all lots. But few were sold, and the amount realized was quite small.

On the sixth day of June John Baker resigned the position of Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court, and James M. Campbell was appointed in his stead " during good behavior." We conclude his behavior must have been good, for he held the position for many years. He was required to give bond in the sum of $1,000 to " faithfully, fairly and impartially do and perform the duties of Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court to the best of his understanding and abilities."

License was required at this time for the sale of all kinds of merchandise, and we find applications made by James M. Campbell, Henton & Robinson, and Bogart, Baker & Co. to keep a " dry goods and retail store," which were granted on the payment of the sum of five dollars per year, together with the Clerk's fees. These firms all transacted business "in Macomb.

At this meeting of the board the various magistrate districts were made election precincts for the Congressional election, to be held the first Monday in August. For this election the clerks were each allowed one dollar and twelve and a half cents, and the judges one dollar per day. We suppose the clerk's duties were more laborious, hence the difference in price.

By an act of Congress the sixteenth section of land in every township was set apart, and the proceeds otits sale used, for common school purposes. Commissioners were appointed in each county to superintend its sale and take charge of the proceeds. In September of this year James Vance received the appointment as Commissioner of School Lands, and was instructed by the board to loan all money received therefor for not less than twelve per cent, per annum. Trustees for each township were also appointed for the school lands.

The assessment of taxes then and now will bear no comparison, as we learn from the records that Resin ISTaylor was only allowed fifteen dollars for assessing the taxes of the whole county.

The Court House was finished according to contract, and Circuit Court convened therein for its second term on the twenty-first day of October. There were present the Hon. Kichard M.Young, Circuit Judge; Hon. Thomas Ford, State's Attorney; William Southward, Sherifi", and James M. Campbell, Clerk. At this session considerable business was transacted, the most important being the trial of David Morgan for murder. This was a case from Schuyler county. After a patient hearing, the jury rendered its verdict, finding him guilty, as charged in the indictment. For some cause the verdict was set aside, the indictment quashed, and the prisoner discharged.

An indictment was found by the grand jury against Thomas Morgan, a brother of David, for murder, after which he was arrested, and obtained a continuance of his case until the next term of court. There being no jail in the county, he was remanded by the Judge to the Schuyler county jail. At the next session of the court he obtained a farther continuance, and ere another terra he broke jail, and was never afterward heard from.

Quite a number settled in the county this year, among whom was J. W. Brattle, for many years surveyor for the county, and a man well and universally esteemed. Mr. Brattle has probal^ly done more surveying in McDonough county than all others combined since the organization of the county.

^ John Huston resigned the office of County Treasurer on the seventeenth day of March, 1831. Resin Is'aylor was appointed to succeed him, and was placed under bonds to the amount of $800, Quite a difterenoe between his bond and that of the present Treasurer of the county, who is held in the sum of $530,000. Mr. Naylor continued to hold the office a number of years, receiving his appointment each year from the Board of County Commissioners. Twelve couples were united in the holy bonds of matrimony this year.

At the time Mr. Campbell came to the county there was no postoffice within its limits, citizens obtaining their mail from Hushville, the nearest, office. He at once made arrangements with the Postmaster at that place to send him the mail belonging to citizens of this county, he becoming personally responsible for the paj^ment of the postage, which at that time was scarcely ever prepaid, the price being twenty-five cents per letter. It is said of Mr. Campbell that on receiving the letters he placed them in his bat in order that he miglit accommodate the people as he met them on the streets or elsewhere. A. petition was sent to the Postmaster General for the establishment of an office at Macomb, and for the appointment of Mr. Campbell as Postmaster, which was granted, and his commission was received December 1, 1831. He held the office for some fifteen years, save for a period ot three months, in 1841, when George W. Damron was appointed in his stead.

During the years 1832 and 1833 but few matters of importance transpired in the county. The seasons came and went - a few famiUes moved into the county, a few others moved out of it, becoming dissatisfied with the hard life of the pioneer. And it was indeed hard. Very few of the immigrants were possessed of any considerable property; there was no market for what was raised ; money was held at a high rate of interest, and the securities ottered were poor. Those who remained in the county were of two classes, those who were too poor to get away, and those who believed there was " millions in it."

Up to this time no place had been provided for the conlincment of prisoners, there being but little necessity for any. The want now began to be felt ; accordingly, at the March (1833) term of the Board of County Commissioners, the subject was fully canvassed, and it was agreed that a jail should be built. The order was made in the following terms :

Ordered, That the building of a jail for said county be let to the lowest bidder on the second Monday of April next, and that the Clerk advertise the same, to-wit : Twenty feet square, with three rooms at least nine feet between the floor and ceihng : the walls built of hewed logs, twelve inches square, laid close, dovetailed together and pinned, each log at the corner, so as not to admit of anything passing through the inside of said rooms: to be lined with plank two inches thick, of white oak, spiked on across the logs, laid close ; with the floor of said sized timber of two thicknesses, crossing at right angles, with a ceiling ; and as a floor, of the same said plank, and spiked over, as on the walls, of the following description : The walls planked are to be spiked in diamond form, four inches square on all the walls, ceilings and floors, with a clapboard roof nailed on. the boards to be three feet long, and of good width ; all of which to be done in workmanlike manner, «fec.; with three doors covered with sheet iron, with a place left so as to open on hinges : a small grate in the center of the two inner doors, and to be so fixed as to be as strong when done as though they were solid ; with three grates, two large enough to admit a pane of glass ten by twelve, with a sash swinging on hinges on the inside of each room, and one window large enough to contain six panes of glass : in each window to be placed two H - 3 gi-ates of iron bars only four inches square from center to center of the bars ; and two outside doors to the criminal rooms, hanging on the outside, opening into the debtor's room, and that the bar to be of iron three inches breadth bar, and crossing through the center with bars one inch square ; the house to be placed on a stone foundation, built at least six inches above the highest point of the ground, and to set into and under the surface at least two feet, two feet thick, and the space tilled with stone to the lower part of the floor ; and the whole to be completed in a workmanlike manner, <fec.

The contract was let to James Edmondson, who, in due time, completed the work to the satisfaction of the Commissioners. Tlie building yet stands, and has been used for over twenty years by the city of Macomb as a city prison, going by the name of the " old calaboose."

This building has always been considered a pretty strong one, but we are informed "by one who knows" that, when first built, a man by the name of John Seward was incarcerated in it for assault on one Devonshire. Not liking his quarters, he kicked a log out, and was soon a free man. He was evidently good on the kick.

Ordered, That the Treasurer assess a tax at the rate of one-half per cent, on town lots, provided that Congress has repealed the law exempting public lands sold from taxes for five years, and that he govern himself according to law: a.nd ein xlnres. ref/istered or i/idcntared neyro or mulutto serrantti; on pleasure carriages, on distilleries, on all horses, mares, mules, asses and neat cattle above the age of three years, and also on all horses, mules, asses and neat cattle under three years of age ; on watches and clocks, and their appendages, on wagons and carts, on hogs and sheep.

But one slave was known to have been held in the county, and it seemed to be the determination that none should be allowed unless dulv taxed.

The Court House erected in 1831 becoming too small, it was detormined to erect one ot brick, " two stories high, and not more than forty-six feet square." An advertisement was inserted in the Jacksonville Patriot in March or April, 1833, for plans and specifications for such a building, and in answer plans were furnished at the May term of the Board, and one adopted, as follows :

Ordered, That the following be the plans of a Court House in and for the county of McDonough, viz : The foundation walls of stone, forty-six feet four inches square, and two feet thick and three feet high ; one foot aljove the surface of the earth ; which foundation shall be made of stone, range work above the ground, and to show a smooth face Oj. front, nicely hewed, and laid in lime and sand mortar ; also two division stone walls (of the same as above) twelve by twenty feet in the west end, that being the northwest and southwest corners of said building, which walls are to be eighteen inches thick, three feet high, one foot above the surface of the earth ; there will be a wall extending from the corners of each of the jury or small rooms to the east end of the. building, at parallel lines with the outside foundation wall, same depth in the ground, and only io come to the surface of the earth, eighteen inches thick, laid in lime and sand mortar ; walls made of first rate brick and other suitable materials, forty feet square, lower story eighteen inches thick and fourteen feet high, iipper story to be thirteen inch walls and twelve feet high : the small rooms, inside walls, to be thirteen inch walls ; on the outside an oval and round cornice of brick ; one circular top door frame four feet by eight and a half feet ill the clear, with pannel work, and glass on each side and above, placed in the north, south and west centers of the walls of the house ; a window placed six feet above the Judge's seat, and thirty-six window frames, sixteen of which in the lower story and twenty in the upper, each to contain twelve jDanes of glass twelve by eighteen inches, at e<iual distances, to be proportionate, and to have above each a double arch (thirteen inches) finished off smooth. The frame of the cupola to be run up through the center of the house-top ; in the corners of the house, on the lower floor, will be a fire place of convenient size, and above, in the jury rooms, in the northwest and southwest corners, a small fire place, and in the northeast corner, above the gallery, will be left a space and flue for a stove pipe ; chimneys to be run out five feet above each corner of said building : the short joist will be three by ten inches ; the long joist four by ten inches ; making a round foundation for a circular cupola ten feet in diameter, three feet above the roof, and closed in so as to make a roof to keep out the rain ; a square roof, with an eave all around, sheeting jointed, and laid close, and with good and sufficient and suital)le jointed shingles eighteen inches long, and to show six inches ; all of which work shall be done in worklike manner ; and the timber of said building shall be of the most suitable kind ; the sills of the windows and doors are to be of black walnut, three inches thick, and of sufficient width ; the walls to be jointed and penciled ; which shall be advertised by the Clerk in the Jacksonville paper (Patriot) three insertions ; to be let to the lowest bidder on the first Monday of June next : which building is to be completed according to the contract on or before the first day of November, 1834.

An advance of one-fourth of the bid will be made to the undertaker so soon as commenced, in order to carry on the liuilding, one-fourth to be paid when the contract is half done, one-fourth when the contract is completed and received, and one-fourth at the expiration of nine months from the time the contract and work is received by the County Commissioners' Court. Bond, with approved security or securities, will be required to be given in a penalty of double the amount of the undertaker's bid, which penalty will be required as a forfeiture in case the contract is not complied with in every respect.

James Clarke, Moses lientoa and Benjamin T. Naylor were appointed by the court as a conmiittee to superintend the erection of the building. George Miller and John T. Bishop were awarded the contract for the stone and brick work for the sum of two thousand four hundred and ninety-eight dollars. They immediately entered upon the w^ork, and in due time completed their undertaking to the satisfaction of the court.

In the month of September, 1835, a further contract was made by the county with Morris Roberts and David F. Martin to complete the inclosure of tlie building for the sum ot one thousand three hundred and thirty-four dollars. This part of the work was finished and accepted iii the spring of 1836. A further contract was made with Benjamin T. Naylor and Robert A. jirazleton for the completion of the wood work, painting, etc., for one thousand dollars. Their part of the work gave satisfaction, was accepted by the court, and McDonongh county had a Court House in which her citizens felt a just pride. It was built at a total cost of four thousand eight hundred and thirty-two dollars.

By permission of the contractors. Circuit Court was held in the building in the fall of 1886, and all other courts immediately thereafter. It was used for all county purposes thenceforward until the year 1869, a period of thirty-three years, save during the years between 1860 and 1866. In the former year, while Hon. C. L. Higbeewas making apolitical speech in the courtroom, the walls of the building began to crack, aud there was a general stampede of the croAvd. In a moment's time the Judge had naught but empty benches to address. Campbell's Hall w^as then secured for court purposes, and was so used until the spring of 1866, when the walls of the Court House were patched up, and the building again used. It was never regarded safe, however, and the crowds assembled there were always in fear the walls would give way and destruction would be their doom. In consequence of this state of affairs the Sheriff and his bailiffs could never keep order, and the patience of the Judge was sorely tried. On the least noise being heard, the timid w^ould precipitately retire from the room. The Judge could stand it no longer, so, in 1868, he publicly declared that McDonongh county must have a new and better Court House. The Board of Supervisors immediately acted upon the, suggestion of the court, and, as a result, w^e have the present magnificent building.

The expenses of the county up to this time were very small indeed, nearly all being incidental to its organization. The county was organized July 3, 18-30, and for the six months remaining in that year, paid out $78 25 ; for the year 1831, the sum of $436 42i; and in 1832 was paid $510 01^. From this it appears that our public officers were as economical as are those of the present day. A little seeming extravagance may be manifest (at least it wouhl so seem to the present generation) in this account allowed James M. Campbell for clothing, opium and tobacco furnished certain paupers. The two latter articles are now hardly considered among the necessaries of life, however they may have been regarded then. Other equally strange matters are upon record, as for instance, in 1831, the rate for tavern license w^as $6 50 per year, and for mer- cantile license $5. In 1833 tavern license was reduced to ^3, and mercantile raised to $15, which was again, in 1835, raised to $25, while tavern license remained about the same. Would not saloon keepers of the present day be happy if they could obtain license for the small sum of $3 per year, and by ic enjoy the protection of the law?

At the April term (1834) of the County Commissioners' Court, William Willis was appointed County Treasurer, his bond being fixed at $2,500. He only retained the office one month, when Resin Naylor was again reappointed.

In June, 1832, a battalion of men was raised in this and Warren counties, under call of the Governor, for service in the Black Hawk war. The organization was effected at Macomb, the AVarreu county men coming to this place for that purpose. Samuel Bogart, of McDonough, was chosen Major: Peter Butler, of Warren, Captain ; McAllen, of Warren, Jf'irst Lieutenant ; John

Wilson, of McDonough, Second Lieutenant. They marched to the town of Oquawka, and the}' were there stationed for the purpose of guarding the frontier. They were out eightj-six days, but performed no special service. They drew their rations regularly, ate heartily, played euchre, and visited the friendly Indian camps on the opposite side of the river. At the expiration of their term, they all returned to Macomb, and received their discharge.

This battalion was mounted, each man furnishing his own horse, and, as remarked, were out eighty-six days, and received therefor the remunerative sum of eighty-six cents per day for self and horse. Afterward the general government was kind enough to give to each participant a bounty of eighty acres of land.

cold. On the sixteenth day of March, 1832, David Clarke and "William Carter were returning from Frederick to Macomb, each with a wagon load of goods. On the morning of this day they left the residence of a man living near Doddsville, and proceeded about one mile when it became so cold they could go no further. Unhitching their oxen from the wagons, they broke for the nearest house, barely reaching it alive. On this same day two men left Blandinsville for Fort Madison, the weather at starting being comparatively pleasant. They had gone but a short distance when they discovered they were freezing. One of the party hurried off for help, which was obtained, and, on going back, the other party was found but a short distance from where he was left frozen to death. Again on the morning of the same day, a man left Macomb for his home near Blandinsville, or Job's settlement, and had reached the prairie on the north when the change in the weather occurred. Unhitching his oxen, he started them toward the timber, at the same time catching hold and holding on to their tails. The oxen brought up at a house not ver^^ far distant, and the man endeavored tc loosen his hands, but Avas unable to do so, and the inmates of the cabin were compelled to pull him loose, the entire skin of his hands coming off in doing so.

The Lost Child

The incidents related in the following story will readily he recalled to mind by every old settler of the county. This story was first published in the Macomb Journal, Januar}', 1874, and was written by Miss Imogene Updegraif, daughter of Joseph P. Updegraff, of Macomb, the facts being furnished by the latter. The article was read with the greatest interest, and a demand made that we give it permanent form in this history :

One Sunday afternoon, in August, 1834, two of the older sons of Ephraim Palmer, living near the line separating Walnut Grove from Macomb township, with several of the younger children, went out to obtain some melons, growing a short distance from the house. After obtaining all they desired, they returned, and as they neared the house, the mother came out to meet them, and anxiously inquired :

But the heart oi the mother was not to be comforted in such a way. She was in constant dread of some of her little ones wandering away and being lost, and possil)ly being devoured by wolves*, which infested the country at the time.

Back to the patch they went, but no traces of the child could be found, and they returned to the house, trusting to find him there. But not so. The family were now fully aroused and feared the worst. They searched in the corn, on the prairie near the field, and through the timber, but still no trace of the lost one. ' Night coming on, the mother's anxiety knew no bounds, and as the hours passed, she would cry out again and again :

"O my child ! My precious Willie! AVhereishe? Have the wolves torn him to pieces? Has my little boy been drowned? Go look for him again ! My God, I shall go wild I"

Palmer and his sons continued looking for the child until morning, but becoming convinced it was useless to pursue the search alone, the boys started with all speed to the nearest settlement for help. Levi Hamilton was the nearest neighbor, and he lived three miles away. Quite a number volunteered in the search from Macomb, among whom were Col. William Bailey, J. M. Campbell, James Clarke, David Clarke, J. L. Bussell, J. W. Westfall, Thompson Chandler, Charles Chandler, J. L. Anderson, J. P. Updegrafi, and it may be others. Some went from Job's settlement. Carter's settlement, and other points. Col. William Bailey was selected as leader, and search was begun in a very thorough and systematic manner. A critical survey of the field was made ; not a corn row or fence corner escaped unnoticed. Xot even a track was found to keep alive the fast fading hope that had been so bright'a little while before. The prairie south of the field was next traversed, and then the timber, and at night the party returned with no tidings of the lost child.

Tuesday morning dawned bright and beautiful. Ere this the tidings of a "lost child" had reached the most distant settlements, and many came to assist in the search, even from Schuyler and Fulton counties. The sad tidings were carried from cabin to cabin, until the whole community was aroused.

On the second day, there being a greater number of men, longer lines were formed, and they were thus enabled to traverse a larger scope of country than on the day previous.

The interest taken in the search was unparalleled. The disappearance of the child was so mysterious, and apparently beyond solution^ that great interest was awakened. On this day the prai-

As the day wore on, many became discouraged and gave up the search, and when darkness surrounded them the entire party was nearly hopeless. Again they were compelled to report no tidings of the loved and lost.

Only one section of the countr}^ now remained to be searched, and those who still cherished a taint hope determined to come again on the morrow and spend one more day in quest ot the child.

Wednesday morning found the disappearance of the child still an unsolved mystery. Three nights of ceaseless restlessness, and days of suspense and hopeless agony, lett the mother in a dangerous condition. Completely exhausted, both in mind and body, she lay unconscious of everything, save the loss of her child. Hours of weeping and prayer had prostrated the over-taxed nervous system, and the only sign of consciousness was her frequent moanings. The other members of the family were worn out. Their aching limbs refused to longer carry their tired bodies, and they were denied even the poor relief ot action.

All day Wednesday the search was renewed. Night came on, and yet the mystery of the little one seemed no nearer a solution than when the day's work began. The faithful friends now despaired of finding the child alive. A few men agreed to come the next day and help those who were still sanguine of success to explore the country farther down the creek.

Thursday, the fourth and last day of the search, was a beautiful one indeed. With the mornins: came the friends who were to make one last desperate etiort to obtain some clue to the child's fate.

The company organized in two parties, one going south to strike Crooked Creek at Wolf Grove and work up stream, the other commenced among the head waters, where darkness had compelled them to stop the night before.

less it be rendered unnecessary by finding some traces of the lost one. Tn this way they worked all torenoon without finding anything to reward their labor, and some were ready to give up; but w'hen word was brought to them that the mother's life seemed to depend entirely on the return of her child, they were touched with her utter helplessness, and feared to abandon the search lest despair should snap the frail link that held her soul to earth. So they w^orked on, some still eager to be the lucky oue to discover the boy.

About the middle of the afternoon, when the two parties had advanced to Avithiu a mile of each other, Crosby Bowmau, one of the men, working down stream, espied something in tlie mud that looked like the print of a little bare foot; but it was so nearly obliterated by the washing of the water that he could not be at all certain. Pie looked farther up the bank in hope of finding tracks that the water had not reached, but not the slightest impression was to be seen.

Passing the word along the line - "look closely along the banks, a track has been seen" - they advanced in the direction indicated by the foot mark. Some yards from the first impression another was seen, and presently another, until the men were half Avild with joy and excitement. They followed the trail backward until convinced that there could be no mistake ; then turned back to where it led directly into the stream. The water was waded out to the middle of the creek and measured. The depth turned their joy to sadness, for it would reach the boy's chin ; and now they felt sure tliat he had been drowned in attempting to cross. A runner was sent to the other party, and all began the sad task of dragging the creek for the body of the brave boy.

The poor fsither and sons could work no longer. Xow that hope was dead, their strength forsook them and they could j3nly Avait for their friends to recover the body.

"Hold !" cried one. As they worked near the opposite bank other foot-prints were seen. Could it be that the child crossed the deep Avater in safety ? Yes, it was a trail. Filled with joy and surprise, they left the water and turned to the land. Father and brothers were strong once more and led the way. The trail followed the creek for some distance, then struck out into the bushes. North of the creek, some two or three miles from Walnut Grove, Avas a blackberry region, and the trail led through the thickest places. It was wonderful to think a little child could make his way th rough the dense thickets without being sadly torn by the briers. The path of the little bare feet was very crooked, going this way and that, in and out, back and forth, after every ripe berry the hungry little tellow had espied. The berries were all gone along the trail, and it was very evident the venturesome rogue had been having a blackberry excursion on his own hook. But as they left the bushes the trail grew indistinct and then stopped. They pressed forward with all possible speed, at the same time proceeding cautiously for fear ot frightening the child. Some who had been through all the four days were still eager to be first in catching a glimpse of the boy. They worked on until about a half mile from the creek, when Henry Russell, one of the party, peering through the bushes, spied something in the distance dodging about from bush to bush. lie looked again and this time got a full view of the long-sought-for child, standing up by a bush eating berries. Word went along the line:

George Miller advanced toward the child and held out a biscuit. lie evidently regarded them at first sight as something frightful, and showed signs of having forgotten his past life, and of havingbecome a child of the woods. Miller advanced slowly, saying:

The child eyed him curiously as if trying to tell what he meant, but seeing the biscuit, came slowly forward, as if afraid, and when near enough snatched the bread, ran back a little way, stopped and ate it as if half starved. They let him finish the biscuit, then coaxed him nearer, and finally one of them lifted him up to Miller, who had mounted his horse. The little fellow did not like that, however. As he had got to be quite a pedestrian he seemed to prefer walking. lie kicked and screamed, and seemed for the first time to remember that he could talk a little. They had hard work to pacify him, but finally he gave up, and they starteil homeward.

Word was sent to them, and when they came up with the returning party, the child knew them, and they were so overjoyed that they laughed and cried by turns.

As they returned home, they all concluded that when the other children left the watermelon patch, Willie had either lagged behind, or went back after another melon, and, missing his waj', started out in the direction of the prairie instead of the cabin, wandered out across the prairie towi^rd the northeast, crossed the creek, and tarried among the blackberries.

He did not seem to have worried about being away from home, but apparently had been having a general good time, eating berries and sleeping in an old tree.

Several had gone on ahead to prepare the mother for the coming of her child. Among them was the Rev. William J. Frazier, and to him fell the delicate task of breaking the news to the almost lifeless woman. He entered the cabin and approached the bed on which the poor woman lay. He spoke to her, asking if she felt better. A moan was her only answer.

"My good woman," said the minister, " you ought not to grieve in this way. Wouldn't you feel better to sit up a little?" " Wo, no," came feebly from her lips. " My dear friend," said he, " God is good - " At that she started up with glaring eyes, and cried :

" AVhat if he should bring Willie back, would your prayers be answered then ?" said the o-ood man. She sank back on the bed sobbing. "Then they have found him dead. My Willie dead?"

"Yes, I know mamma," lisped the child. And the poor woman exhausted herself with joy as she had done with grief. Father, brothers and friends stood around laughing and crying for joy. It was almost night, and the rescuers returned to their homes with a thousand thanks from the happy family, and what was still better - with the consciousness of having done their whole duty.

The young men who then took part in the search, are now old or have passed from earth. Forty years rolls around and scarcely any of those so full of life and the love of adventure are left to tell the tale. Then they were full of hope and promise ; now only one here and there is left to tell us of pioneer life in times long gone by.

Previous to Xovember, 1834, there was no event in the history of McDonough connty calculated to arouse any particular excitement among her citizens, save the incident of the lost child, an account of which we publish in a previous chapter. The settlers of that day pursued the even tenor of their way, endeavoring to make for themselves and families a home in this unbroken wildness. Their little troubles were settled by a fair tight, and a friendly atterwa.nl, and no hard feelings were entertained.

A year or two previous to the time of which we write, Elias Mc- Fadden, his son, David, and son-in-law, Wylie McFadden, with their families, came to this county and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by.AVilliam Hunter, about one mile south of Macomb. If reports are correct, all were of au over-bearing and nature, and from the first trouble ensued between them and their neighbors.

John Wilson, the murdered man, came to the county about the same time, and settled on what is known as the " Ruthy " Wilson farm, adjoining McFadden's, now Hunter's place. Wilson was general) \' respected by all ; a good-natured, yet bold and fearless man.

The McFaddens and Wilson had not long been neighbors before there was trouble between them in reference to some timber land lying near. Threats were made by the former against the latter, and at the time of the murder, as it afterward was shown, Wylie McFadden was in Rushville consulting Judge Minshall as to whether they had the right to kill Wilson should he appear ou their place.

Deputy Sberilt of the county, aga'mst Wylie McFadden, directing him to levy on the propert}' of said Wylie McFadden to satisfy a judgment against him in favor of Ilenton & Robinson, merchants in Macomb. Mr. Montgomery took the execution and called upon Wilson to accompan}' him, and take his team, that he might liaul away a certain amount of corn he proposed to seize to satisfy the claim. Apprehending no danger, Mr. Wilson agreed to accompany him. Arriving at the place, they were met by Elias McFadden, who engaged them in conversation, decoying them around to the north side of the house, and when in proper range, through the window, David McFadden committed the foul deed, shooting "Wilson down, without a word of warning. Mr. Montgomery caught him as he fell, and dragged him within a woodshed and hurried off to town and gave the alarm. A crowd of excited people at once proceeded out to the scene of the murder, and found Elias McFadden coolly repairing a fence, while near by lay Wilson in a supposed dying condition. McFadden was at once arrested, and search was made for the then unknown murderer. Searchina-the house, a riUe was found in the corner near the ncrthwindow unloaded ; a pane of glass was found broken out of the window; a book laying upon the sill, and the sash and book both powder-marked. The question now arose who committed the deed. Wylie McFadden was supposed to be away, and David was not known to be near. Searching, footsteps were found leading from the house in the direction of the residence of David McFadden, who lived just across the hollow on the west side. Following the tracks, they were led to the door of David McFadden's house; and going in they found him at work on a shoemaker's bench, as entirely unconcerned as his father, and acting as innpcently as though no cold-blooded murder had taken place. He was at once arrested, and, in company with his father, brought to town and placed under guard, to await the result of the wound inflicted upon Mr. Wilson. Wylie McFadden, coming homo the same evening, was likewise arrested.

Mr. Wilson lived some days. On his death a preliminary examination was had before James Clarke, Esq., Justice of the Peace, the evidence being as already narrated, and the three men, Elias, David and Wylie McFadden were committed to the county jail, without bail, to await the meeting of the Circuit Court.

they were brought before the court; a change of venue ^vas asked and granted, and two of the party, Elias and David, were taken the following spring (1835) to Rushville, Schuyler county, for trial. Wylie McFadden was discharged by the Judge, there being no evidence against him.

George AVison,. Alfred Evans, ]S('elson Montgomery, Joseph Updegraff, J. ^V. Brattle, Moses Ilenton, William J. Frazier, "William Bowen, Daniel Bowen, Perry Keys, and James Anderson were each placed under bonds of S300 to appear as witnesses in the case.

In May, 1835, the case was called in the Circuit Court at Rushville, and Elias and David McFadden, father and son, were placed upon trial for their lives. Judge Young presided, and Cyrus Walker appeared for the people as Prosecuting Attornej^, while Judge Minshall assumed the hopeless task of defending the murderers.

The trial lasted for several days, Mr. Walker, well known as the best criminal lawyer in the West, exerted all his powers to weave around the murderers a chain of unimpeachable testimony. Judge Minshall defended in a most admirable manner, doing all for his clients that it was possible for man to do, but without avail. In his speech, he charged the Judge, the attorney for the people, and the jury also, of not prosecuting, but persecuting his clients.

As was expected, the jury brought in a verdict of munler in the first degree, and upon Judge Young devolved the duty of pronouncing the sentence of death. This was done, and in due time, upon a scaffold, erected in a hollow near the city of liushville, Elias and David McFadden paid the penalty for the crime committed. Thomas Ilayden, as Sheriff of the county, erected the scaffold, and his son, acting as Deputy Sheriff, pulled the drop that launched the souls of the guilty men into eternity. His bill of §1 50 for hanging the guilty wretches is now on file in the County Clerk's office at Macomb.

Such, in brief, is the record of the secoTid murder that ever occurred in McDonough county. For the facts in the case we are indebted to James Clarke, David Clarke, John O. C. Wilson, J. M. Campbell, and others. We believe the story is as exact as it is possible to get it at this late day, and only in minor details can exceptions be taken.

Chapter Yi Personal Incidents And Anecdotes

The first settlers of this county were principally from Kentucky and Tennessee, and brought with them the peculiarities, as well as the prejudices of the people of those States. All were kindhearted and given to hospitality; no poor wayfarer was turned hungry from their doors ; even the despised book agent, or lightning-rod peddler would have met with a cordial welcome, though luckily they were never bored with these specimens of the genus homo. But there was one peculiar trait about these early settlers of the county - they had a strong prejudice against the Yankees, and hated them with a "righteous hatred". All persons born in the Eastern and iTew England States were Yankees in their estimation. Capt. Charles R. Hume, of Blandinsville, a York state man by birth, relates the following personal experience in illustration of this early prejudice:

" I came to this State and county in 1837; purchased east half of section 19, 5 north, 4 west, and then went, to pass time, to visit my parents, then living in LaGrange county, Indiana.

" In the meantime I learned that on my land, so purchased, there were two families living, then called 'squatters.' As soon as I ascertained this fact I returned and called on these persons and informed them that I, a stranger, had bought the land on which they were settled, but with no knowledge that there was any settler on said laud. I at once informed them that I had bought said half section for $1000, cash, and if they would refund to me the money I had paid, all would be right ; that I did not buy with the knowledge that the land was occupied. Occupants at once informed me that they had no thousand dollars to pay for the laud, nor did they ever expect to have so much money. I then H - 4 i'.iformed them that if they wished to give me possession of the land, that the}'^ might pick two men, and I, a stranger, woukl pick one, the three to tix the amount I should pay for the improvements that ha<l heen made. To this they at once agreed. The men went out and fixed the amount I was to pay. I paid in cash on the day agreed, and so we separated. They went ; I remained.

" 'Will you be so good as to tell me as to my danger? Are there any wild beasts or venomous serpents that I should dread? I can hardly suppose my neighbors are worse than wild beasts or venomous serpents.'

"I then drew several shooters, and told my friend to come and see my arrangements, for if he did not so come I would shoot him dead if my fire-arms proved true. lie went in with me, and instead of cooking for one I cooked for two, and we ate as brothers.

ready to extend a helping hand to them as well ae otliers, feeling it both a privilege and a duty to do a kind act for all such. It is related of Kev. AVilliam McKaniy, familiarly known as "Uncle l>illy McKamy," that at an early day a "Yankee" settled in his neighborliood, and, upon one occasion, being in need of some kind of an agricultural implement, borrowed it of him. On returning it, he thanked Uncle Billy for the favor, and enquired of him how much he should pay for its use. "]*ay I" says Uncle Billy, "look here, my friend, you don't know me, do you? Xow, sir, I want you to understand that whenever I have anything that you wish, all you have to do is to come after it; and, when through Avith it, if it suits your convenience to return it do so; if not, I will come after it when I need it. I want you to understand farther, sir, that whenever you have anything I want, T shall come and get it, and if it suits my convenience to return it, I shall do so; if not, you can come and get it." The point was very plain to Mr. Yankee.

As illustration of a neighborly turn the old settlers were always ready to show, we will state that some years ago in the eastern part of the c(3unty, an unoccupied quarter of land was entered at the same time, by Messrs Judd & Gowdy, a prominent Urm of lawyers in Lewistown, 111., and a Mr. Grimm, of this county. The former gentlemen desired it for speculative purposes, while the latter gentleman desired it for a place of residence. The party first occupying the land, w^ould, of course be entitled to it. Both parties hurried their preparations, but Judd & Gowdy Avere n little too fast for Mr. Grimm. The neighbors, (those living anywhere within ten miles) all sympathized with Mr. Grimm, and desired that he should occupv the land rather than anv one Judd & Gowdy Avould send there. After Judd & Gowdy had erected their building and placed a man in possession, those sympathizing with Grimm met to consider the matter. Yarious suggestions Avere made as to hoAv they should get rid of this obnoxious neighbor; tinall}-, one suggested that if fifty or one hundred yoke of oxen should gather around that house some night, and that house should folloAv them ofl:" in the direction of the creek no one Avould be to blame ; there Avas no laAv against cattle running at large. Xothing more Avas said, Grimm Avas advised to build a house as close to the line as possible and aAvait developments. This Avas done. A short time after, Judd & GoAvdy's man Avent to LeAvistoAvn. That night a large number of oxen strayed in the direction of the house, and the next morningit was no where to be seen ! Grimm's house was found over the line on the quarter in question !

On the return of the man employed by Judd & Gowdy, he discovered the situation in a moment, and returned post-haste to Lewistown, and the would-be-owners came over, and with the aid of a search warrant found the house down on the creek! The aid of the grand jury was invoked at their next sitting, but no one could be found who knew how it came there. Grimm got the land. AVe would not recommend the practice of such neighborly turns being practiced at this time. Trouble might ensue - our officers being quite vigilant.

About 1832 a young couple living in the neighborhood of Industry concluded to marry, which proceeding was opposed by the parents of both parties. But whoever knew such opposition to avail anything ? " Love laughs at locksmiths," and no impediment placed in the way of a loving couple is too great to be removed^ This young couple had determined to marry, and marry they would ; so one morning, bright and earl}^ they left their homes on foot for this purpose. Their destination was Kauvoo, then the county seat of Hancock. Wheu a little Avay beyond Macomb, they were overtaken by brothers of both parties, who urged them to return and be married at home, telling them their parents had consented thatthe ceremony might proceed. Having their "dander up," in consequence of the opposition previously made, they refused to return. The brothers went back to report, and the fair couple proceeded on their way to Nauvoo. They arrived at the creek west of Macomb about dark, and could iind no way to cross,, the water being high, and no bridges built. They would not turn back to seek shelter for the night, but lying down beside of a large log, slept sweetly, dreaming, doubtless, of the joy in store forthem in the future. AV^hen the morning came they searched up and down the stream until they discovered a log thrown across, on which they passed over in safety. Arriving in Nauvoo, the young man called upon the County Clerk for the papers. Being a little nervous, as one is apt to be under such circumstances, he could not make his wishes known. The Clerk, witnessing his embarrassment, kindly inquired as to his desires. Coloring np, he blurted out, '' Have you got any nails ?" " Nails," said the Clerk,. " why, no ; this is not a store, it is the office of the County Clerk.'' " We-l-l,then, wh-what do you ask for a pair of license?" The

was named, the amount paid, the papers made out, and the being also a Justice of the Peace, kindly offered to " tie the knot." The blushing bride was brought in, the ceremony perlormed, and the twain went on their way rejoicing.

It sometimes happens that when the arrangement are duly made, with the consent of both parties, and, seemingly, the truth of the old proverb that " true love never runs smooth " is proven false, that circumstances will arise by which all arrangements will be frustrated. One evening in September, 1844, a large party assembled for the purpose of witnessing the marriage ceremony of Mr. 2achariah A. Gatton and Miss Elizabeth Alison, at the residence of the latter, a few miles southwest of Macomb. Great preparations had been made for the event, and invitations sent out to friends throughout the country. Just before the hour arrived for the performance of the ceremony it was made known to the bridegroom that the bride was an Abolitionist. Seeking her out, he inquired if this was so. She responded by saying it was, when he urged her to renounce her principles, stating he could never wed an Abolitionist. " Very well," said she, " I will not renounce my principles for the best man living." After further parley, it was agreed, and the announcement made that no wedding would occur. The guests were invited to partake of the supper, after which the would-be bridegroom returned to his home minus a " better half."

A gentleman having failed in business was thought to liave disposed of his property in such a way as to defraud his creditors, some of it being placed in the hands of a Mr. P., who was arrested on a charge of concealing the goods. In the trial before the justice the case was ably argued pro and con, when the justice delivered his opinion as follows : "It is the opinion of the court that Mr. P. is not guilty ; but, look here, Mr, P,, let me admonish you never to do the like again."

The same justice, who, by the way, was an Irishman, of course, Avas trving another case, in which a man was charged with stealing a log-ciiain. The taking of the chain was clearly proven, iind not denied by the defense, who set up the plea that there was no felonious intent, it being customary in tliis country when one desired to use some article owned by a neighbor, to take it witli- -out asking. When the justice arose to give his opinion, he said :

" It is the opinion of the court that Mr. A. is guilty." "AVhat,"" said the counsel for the defense, jumping to his feet, " do you mean to say that my client is guilty of felonious intentions in taking the chain ?" " O, no, no; " replied the justice, " it is the opinion of the court that Mr. A. is 7wt guilty." And so it was recorded on the docket.

Another justice, who, at that time, was in the habit of partaking a little too much of the " ardent," but who for nearly forty years has been a staunch teetotaler, was engaged in trying a case in a room used by himself as a saloon, when a half- drunken man who was sitting on an old-fashioned spinning wheel, fell over and broke it, which called forth an oath. The justice exclaimed:

Some forty years ago there lived in this county a man who imagined himself bewitched by a woman living in this neighborhood. He w^as told that he could dispossess himself of the evil influence by making a drawing of the woman, placing it upon a tree and shooting it with a silver bullet. This he did. The woman died the same night, and the man was told he would be haunted no more, as the woman was dead. " I know it," he replied, " I killed her." The same confession he made to many others, and at length it was proposed by some to arrest him for the crime. He acknowledged his guilt, and no murderer should go unpunished, lie was promptly arrested, tried, and convicted on his own testimony and acknowledged guilt. The justice examining the case, immediately sentenced him to be hung, but in consideration of the fact that he was an unconverted man, remanded him to the jail at Macomb for spiritual consolation, and to make due preparation for eternity.

In the early settlement of this county, when newspapers, circus shows and minstrel troupes were a thing unknown, the people had to devise other means of amusement wherewith to while away the weary hours. We find them occasionally indulging in a little "wee bit of row," "just for the fun of the thing," after which they would shake hands; and take a drink 'round. But in practical jokes they took especial delight. Hon. James Mr. Campbell was frequently the subject of them. Being the [teoples' servant.

On a certain occasion, Mr. Campbell had advertised, in the manner common at that time, for some men to split rails for him. J. r. Updegratf, well known to all our readers, and Joseph Hempstead, a brother-in-law of Mr. Campbell, concluded they would have a little fun at his expense. Hempstead was a slim-built man, but Updegraff held his own then as now. Hempstead disguised himself by obtaining the largest pair of pants, vest and coat he could find, and encased himself in them, filling up with pillows, making himself very heavy, fleshy-looking. Mr. Updegraff put on the roughest suit he could find, topping off with a blouchy hat that came down over his ears. Each taking an old maul, wedge and axe upon his shoulders, and giving the cue to a lot of their friends, who preceded them, they went over to the old court house, where Mr. Campbell held forth as circuit clerk, county clerk, &c. Passing into the office, they enquired for Mr. Campbell. Mr. Campbell who was engaged in writing at the time, replied, "I am the man."

" Well, then," said Mr. U., who, during the interview, had been standing with maul and axe across his slioulder, throwing them down on the floor, "if you want your rails split, bring on your

When the Quincy House, Quincy, Illinois, was first built, it was considered a "big thing on ice," and the pride of the citizens of the " Gem city." Our honorable Senator, in company with Judge Henry L. Bryant, of Lewistown, visited the city about the time of the formal opening of the house, and, of course, registered there. They were assigned rooms in the third story of the building, and were there but a few hours when they were honored with calls from General John Tilson and other dignitaries of the city.

At this time total abstinence did not prevail, and our friend, with his visitors, had wine, brandy, old bourbon, etc., brought up to the room, and a good time was enjoyed by all. After having imbibed a few times. General Tilson invited our Senator to go through the house with him. Showing him through from cellar to garret, the last place visited was the kitchen, in it was placed a new steam cooking apparatus. Eyeing the thing suspiciously for a moment or two, Mr. Senator remarked to General Tilson,

"O, there is no danger," replied the General, "they have an experienced cook employed ; one who thoroughly understands the principles governing steam."

Returning to, their room, and having been absent about two hours, of course it was time to take another drink. As they were in the act of raising the glass to their lips, a man came through the hall beating a gong. N'ever having heard the musical tones of this wonderful instrument, and still thinking of the danger arising from the steam cooking apparatus, our honorable friend dashed his glass down and yelled out, had a large number of hogs, but no corn to fatten them, and as corn was very high and very scarce, he felt as did the man who drew the elephant - he did not know what to do with them. No one then was disposed to buy on account of the difficulty in obtaining grain to fatten them. Phillip , living north of town hogs, SO David made a proposition to him to take the hogs and fatten them on shares, each party to have half the number when killed. Phillip agreed to the proposition, but when he called for the hogs he desired to make a proviso to the original contract that if he found the hogs were eating too much of his corn he should have the privilege of killing and delivering David's halt of the you had better kill my half now, and save yourself the trouble of driving them out to your farm !" Suffice to say, the hogs were not taken with the proviso.

indebted to B at all, yet the learned 'Squire gave judgment for the plaintiff. The attorney for the defense objected to the verdict, for the reason set forth above, that no, evidence had been shown that

"P;/i a Little Sugar in It.'' - The boys one nightgot upon a little "lark," and conceived the idea of making everybody else in the town as drunk as themselves, and with that laudable (?) intention they started out. Many, of course, willingly partook of the proffered liquors, hut one man refused on the ground that he had sworn off. But what cared they for that ? Drink he must. Time and again he refused, until their patience was lost, and closing in on him they threw him down, and as they were in the act of pouring the stufl" down his throat, he cried out, " Boys, if you will make me drink, put a little sugar in it."