McDonough County, Illinois - Chapter 11: Home Life and Amusexments, 1878

Chapter 11: Home Life and Amusexments

The manners and customs of our forefathers are always fraught with peculiar interest, and read of with pleasure and profit by all. If we compare the places of abode of our fathers with those of to-day, and the customs of those days with our own, we are apt to regard those of the past in au unfavorable light. But by outward appearance alone, things cannot safely be judged. Many things appear outwardly beautiful which inwardly are the reverse - " without are fair, within full of dead men's bones."

"We have not yet given a description of the dwellings of our fathers, so here goes. Imagine a house about sixteen feet square, seven and a half feet high, built up with large round or square logs, and covered with clapboards, held on by huge weight poles, the cracks in the walls filled with mud, which would occasionally fall out, when the wind would whistle merrily through the door (for there was but one) made of rough boards, with a wooden Jatch, the string of which always hung out, a sign of welcome to the weary traveler and the kind neighbor, and you have the exterior, except that upon one side there was a small window, large enough for a sash containing six eight by ten lights, sometimes with glass in them, but often covered with greased paper. In the interior you will find upon one side the huge fire place, large enough to contain a back log as heavy as any man would care to carry, and holding enough wood to supply an ordinary stove a week ; on either side are hung pots and kettles, and over all a mantle, on which stands the tallow-dip, to " give light to all who are in the house," but which will luirdly compare with the gas jets of this day; the " little brown jug," which was not so little, either, and generally well filled with a Hquid which teetotalers decline ; in one corner the larger bed for the oldfolks, under which the trundle bed for the younger members of the family; in another corner stands the old-fashioned large spiuning wheels with a smaller one by its side; in another the pine table, on which three times a day the food of the family was placed, and which was rapidly taken therefrom by the individual members thereof; in still another may be seen the cumbersome loom ; over the door hangs the ever-trustful rifle and powder horn, ready for instant use; while around the room are scattered a few splint-bottomed chairs and three-legged stools; a rude cupboard holding the glass and queensware completes the furniture - everything of the simplest and rudest manufacture. And yet these homes» simple and rude as they were, were inhabited by a kind and truehearted people. They were strangers to mock modesty, and the traveler seeking lodging for the night, or desirous of spending a few days in the community, if willing to accept the offerings of honest hearts, alwaj's found w^elcome. The people were industrious from dire necessity. All who were old enough were usefully employed. Children Avere inured to toil and labor - while the lot of the women was hard indeed. Upon them devolved the preparation of the daily food, and from a very scant larder ; they were required to weave the linen and woolsey, prepare the flax, cotton and wool with their own hands, making almost the entire wardrobe of the family - some really doing it all. It was a life peculiarly trying and wearying to them, yet borne with patience and thankfulness.

The family bible was another article found in almost every home, and the minister of the gospel appearing, the two served to turn the thoughts of the people in the right direction. To these influences we ascribe in a great measure the prosperity of the county, and the better moral sentiment that has usually prevailed. Without such influence men w^ould be barbarians; closely allied to this influence is a desire for knowledge that must be appeased. We therefore find the schoolteacher following closely in the wake of the minister, and schools were established in every neighborhood where a sufficient number of children could be brought together to warrant the services of an instructor.

The cultivation of the flax was an important item with the early settlers; cotton was raised to some extent, while sheep raising was never neglected. The entire clothing of many families was manufactured from these staple sources into cloth by the prudent and tireless housewife.

Tlie flax was often pulled by the women ; and, after the seed had been thrashed out, was spread on the grass to rot; and, when rotted suflicleutly, was bound in bundles and dressed ; that is, the flax and tow were separated. Scarcely any crop, while growing, was more beautiful than the flax. From one-halt to two bushels of seed was sown on an acre, and the crop amounted to about two hundred pounds. Cotton was less extensively raised, especially after the big snow of 1830, though many families raised enough for their own use.

Great trouble was experienced for many years in the raising of sheep, on account of the great number of wolves that infested the country. But, notwithstanding this, enough wool was secured for home use. One article largely manufactured, was called *' linsey-woolsey. " It was made of equal parts of cotton and wool, and colored according to the taste of the manufacturer. The exquisite shades and delicate colors shown in the dress goods of to-day w^ere not observed in those times, our mothers being content with good, solid colors.

There were few houses where the large and small spinningwheel and tne cumbersome loom were not found, together taking up more room than all the rest of the furniture. Having all these implements and manufacturing so much of their own clothing, our fathers and mothers were almost independent of the rest of the world. To-day all this is changed. The buzz of the little spinning wheel, the whirr ot the larger ones, and the monotonous click of the loom are. heard no more. They are banished to the attic or given over to destruction.

While opr fathers and mothers toiled hard, they were not averse to a little relaxation, and had their seasons for fun and enjoyment. If they did not receive the oft-repeated visits of the theatrical or minstrel troupe, the wonderful magician, or the man with the " intelligent ants," they yet contrived to do something to break the monotony of their daily life and furnish them with a good hearty laugh.

Among the more general forms oi amusements was the "quilting bee," the corn-husking, or " corn-shucking," as generally called in this country, and the '' apple-paring." Our young readers will doubtless be interested in a description of these forms of amusements, where labor was made to afford fun and enjoyment to all participating. " Quilting-bee," as its name indicates, was where the industrious qualities of that busy little insect that

" improves each shining hour " was exemplified in manufacturing quilts for the household. In the afternoon the ladies for miles around gathered at the appointed place, and while their tongues would not cease to play, their hands were husily employed in making the quilt, and a desire was always manifested to get it out as quickly as possible, for then the fun would begin. In the evening the gentlemen came, and the hours would then pass swiftly by in playing some boisterous yet innocent game, or in the dance. "Corn-husking" was where both sexes united in the husking. They usually assembled in a large barn which was prepared for the occasion, and when each gentleman had selected a lady partner the husking began. "When a lady found a red ear she was entitled to a kiss from every gentleman present ; if a gentleman found one he was allowed to kiss every lady present. This feature of the general programme was particularly enjoyable, and a source of unlimited fun and frolic. After the corn was all husked the floor was cleared, the old violin brought out, tuned up, and the merry dance begun, usually lasting until " broad day light in the morning."

"Apple-paring " often called the young folks together when the apples were pared tor the winter's sauce. The same kind of sport was enjoyed after the supply was obtained, as in the case of husking and quilting bees.

" The little brown jug" spoken of as having a place upon the mantle, was often brought into requisition, it affording a means of enjoyment that notliing else could supply. ]^o caller was permitted to leave the house without an invitation to partake of its contents ; not to so invite was a breach of hospitality not to be thought of for a moment. It was brought out upon all conceivable occasions, and freely dispensed to old and young alike, with no thought of danger. It was a thing of prime importance in all the assemblages of men - at log rollings, huskings, house raisings, &c. It was essential at all births, and even at funerals. It has often seemed a great wonder to us that the entire country was not devoted to drunkenness, for in the early settlement of all its parts, the same universal custom prevailed. No one then seemed to think there could be danger ; now and then a drunkard was made, but he was more pitied for his misfortune than for his want of manhood or self-control ; it was not the use but only the abuse oi it that seemed wrong. It was thought impossible to work

Hunting was a favorite pastime of the men. Game was killed more, however, for amusement than to supply the wants and necessities of their families.

House-raisings furnished another occasion for assemblage and enjoyment. Buildings were then made of such massive timbers that it required a large force of men to erect them, which was was done solely by muscular power, all the appliances of modern inventions for this purpose being entirely ignored if not unknown. On these occasions liquor was always free to all present. These raisings were usually important events in every neighborhood, and people from far and near came to witness and enjoy them. Log-rolling was another mode of useful recreation. "VVhen a man had felled the timber on a considerable space of ground, covered as it was with a large growth, it was impossible for him, without aid, to get the logs together so as to burn them. He therefore made a log rolling and invited all his neighbors, who came, and with good will and strong muscles, brought the logs together, the work ending with a good supper and a social good time.

Election days were observed as holidays. The men came to town, voted, drank whiskey, smoked, swore, wrestled and tought, all for a little fun.

Look as we may upon the questionable amusements of the early times, we know that kind hearts, neighborly acts and universal good will for all mankind was a genuine passion, and therefore we forbear all criticisms.

Chaptek Xii Various Matters

The crime of murder has been rare in this county; in fact, we believe that in proportion to its population there has been less crime in McDonough than in any other county in the State. Occasionally we are shocked with the announcement of a terrible murder committed in our midst. This was true on the morning of the twenty-eighth day of May, 1854. On the evening before at about nine o'clock, the alarm was given that James Dye, a wealthy farmer living in the west part of the county on a farm known as the "Prentiss farm," was murdered. Neighbors of the deceased at once gathered, and an investigation was made, when it was discovered that Mr. Dye had been killed while lying in bed. An inquest was held upon the body by S. H. McCandless, the coroner of the county. After examining the body and carefully investigating the matter, the jury returned a verdict that the deceased came to his death by violent and unlawful means ; by the hands of his own wife Rebecca, assisted by two accessories, David B. Burress and S. P. Ray, all of whom were immediately arrested and committed to the county jail to await a hearing before the Circuit Court.

On the tenth day of October following the grand jury of the county found a true bill of indictment against the above parties. The case being called in the Circuit Court, a continuance was granted until the next term of the court. At this term a change of venue was granted to David P. Burress, to Warren County, and Mrs. Dye, to Fulton county. A nolle prosequi was entered in the case of Ray and he was discharged from custody.

most exciting one that ever took place in that county. The court room was crowded at every session, many ladies beino^ constantly in attendance. The counsel for the people were Messrs. Goud3'', of Fulton, Wheat, of Adams, and Schofield & Mack, of Hancock. For the defense, Mrs. Dye secured the services of Messrs. Manning, of Peoria, Kellogg & Ross, of Fulton, and Cyrus Walker, of McDonough. Probably a better array of counsel could not have been secured in the entire State of Illinois. They were all able men.

William C. Goudy opened the case for the people. He told the jury that they "were called upon to discharge the most solemn duty that ever devolved upon man, in the discharge of which involved the life or death of a human being. The evidence the}' had to offer was purely circumstantial. iSTo livingbeing was known who saw the inhuman crime committed. But circumstantial evidence, in many cases, was better than positive testimony - the guilty mind always acts inconsistent with its innocence, and this marks out its own accusation. This is one of God's marks upon crime. To hunt out, follow up, and arrest a criminal are its daily uses. By its aid the police of our cities are constantly bringing to light and arresting the perpetrators of evil deeds, w^ho would otherwise continue their crimes unmolested The prisoner before you is indicted for the murder of her own husband. The deceased came to his death by a blow upon the head from an axe or hammer, or from a slung-shot in the breast, or from both. Three persons are named in the bill of indictment, but you have only to inquire as to the guilt of the prisoner before you. We expect to show acts and words between Burress and the prisoner that will show their connection with the murder, and bring to your mind uncontrovertable evidence of the prisoner's guilt. Should we do 80, you have but one duty to perform, and that we shall expect at 3'our hands."

Cyrus Walker, for the defense, opened the case, and spoke substantially as follows : "The arrangement has been made by the counsel for the defense that I should make the opening statement. I agree with the gentlemen that this is an important case. You, gentlemen, are to decide a momentous question. The Emperor of the Russias possesses no more power over the life of his subjects than you have over the life of that lady. Her life is in your hands. You can hang her up between the heavens and the earth, or you can send her home to her children, from whom she has been torn by the iron rule of the law. You must expect the case will be somewhat tedious ; the issues involved are such it cannot be otherwise. That woman before you, whose lite you hold in your hands, is accused ot an unnatural crime. The difference between murder and manslaughter has been fully and accurately stated to you by my friend, and it is in your province to find her guilty of either, if the evidence should thus convince you. Certainty, beyond a reasonable doubt, is required in all criminal cases - the law rejects preponderance. James Dye, the deceased, was a man between seventy and eighty years of age. He was married twice. By his tirst wife he had twelve children. Six years ago he was married to the accused, by whom he had three children, one at the breast at the time of his murder. On Saturday, the twentyseventh ot May last, he Avas found dead in his bed, shot through the breast, and his skull fractured just above the left eye. As is very natural in such a case, there was much anxiety to find out the perpetrators of the deed. Suspicion took the smallest circumstance and magnified it; and the natural disposition in every community to find out the cause - that restless, eager energy that seizes every point - directed attention toward the accused. I warn you, gentlemen, against such restless eagerness, against that suspicion that blights without investigation, and condemns without proof. There is no contest here, but as to who murdered Dye. James Dye was a large farmer, a hard working man. I am bound to do justice to the living. I must speak of the faults of the dead. The deceased was an honest, industrious man, but he sadly neglected the education of his children - their moral and intellectual training was unprovided for ; while his great aim was to accumulate property. He had frequent quarrels with his sons, fights and law suits. These engendered a bitter feeling between them, which often led to violence. After the old man's death, the boys were active to show the prisoner's guilt - they charged her with the murder and hinted of circumstances to cast suspicion upon her. The old man died intestate. There was a large dower coming to the prisoner. They had various motives to induce them to be forward in settling opinion against the accused. Knowing their previous quarrels, they sought to divert suspicion from themselves, and have sought every means to throw the guilt upon the prisoner. The prosecution has stated the rules of evidence. I wish only to add, as the enormity of the crime increases, so the character of the proof should be more certain. There never was a greater error committed than that from the pen of Dr. Paley, when he said that circumstautial evidence could not lie. It was a fine theory, and having received the sanction of so great a mind, has been handed down as incontrovertible. One ounce of sober sense upon such a point is better than the speculative wisdom of the world. Remember, you are not to enquire who murdered James Dye, nor, if she didn't, whodid? You are only to decide as to the prisoner's guilt."

Some eighty or ninety witnesses had been summoned and were duly examined. As outlined in the remarks of the attorneys^ the prosecution endeavored to prove criminal intercourse, or at least criminal intentions, on the part of Burress and the accused ;. and that they might more surely and securely carry out their evil designs, it was necessary to get the old man out of the way. That they made a strong case against the accused cannot be denied. The defense, on the other hand, brought forward witnesses to prove the good character of their client, showing how she many times acted as peace-maker between the old man and his sons ; how the old man regarded her as worthy of all confidence, giving her all the money she wished for, and making her his " banker," as he said ; how that, in nature, he could live but a little while, and that his intention was to leave all his property to the accused and her children ; that the supposed facts, as set forth by the prosecution, was entirely inconsistent with the state of affairs as they existed. The case was ably argued on both sides. After being out fifteen hours the jury brought in a verdict of guilty, and sentenced the accused to five years in the penitentiary. It is said that on the first ballot the jury stood four for acquittal and eight for conviction, and the verdict, as given, was a compromise.

Mrs. Dye was in due time removed to the State's prison, but on account of uniform good conduct, and on the recommendation of the Warden, she was pardoned long before the expiration of her term. As to her guilt or innocence, we are not prepared to judge ; suflice it to say, that, on receiving her pardon, she returned to Macomb, where she resided for many years, enjoying, we believe, the respect of all who knew her. She died in the year 1874.

The success attending the vote on the proposition of taking stock in the Northern Cross Railroad, and the certainty of its early completion, made the people enthusiastic on the subject of railroads, and the belief became general, that, with their aid, the county would become very wealthy and populous within a few years. Other railroads had been projected, and their companie3 desirous of running their lines so as to obtain the most money - a straight line being no object if a larger amount could be obtaiued by deviations. On the seventh day of December, 1855, a petition was presented to the County Court, praying that it be submitted to a vote for or against taking subscription to the capital stock of the Wabash and Mississippi Eailroad to the amount of $75,000. The prayer of the petitioners was granted, and a vote was ordered for the twenty-sixth day of January, 1856. The vote was taken, resulting in the defeat of the proposition. This did not dishearten the friends of the project, and on the seventh day of June another petition was presented, signed by a large number of voters, for the purpose of having submitted the proposition of voting aid to the amount of $100,000 to the Wabash & Mississippi and the Rock Island and Alton Railroads, $50,000 to each. The prayer of the petitioners was granted, (Silas J. Grigsby dissenting), and the election was ordered to be held on the fourth day of August. The conditions of the proposition to be voted on were that Macomb should be a point in both of the above named roads, and that no bonds should be issued until the roads were completed to Macomb.

On the twenty-eighth day of June, at a special session of the County Court, Charles R. Hume, of Blandinsville, presented a petition, signed by a large number of citizens, praying that the Court would amend or change its former order, made on the seventh day of the present month, so as to make the towns of Blandinsville and Bushnell points in the Wabash and Mississippi Railroads, instead ot Macomb. The prayer of the petitioners was refused. This led to the defeat of the proposed measures.

On the sixth day of September still another petition was presented to the Court, and an order made for voting on the proposition of taking stock to the amount of $50,000 to the Rock Island and Alton Railroad on the same conditions as previously stated, viz: that Macomb should be made a point. The election was held on the fourth day of IS^ovember, and was carried by a respectable majority.

At a meeting of the County Court on the sixth day of September, this same year, J. M. Clark and one hundred and thirty-six other legal voters of the county presented a petition praying that an order be made for an election to be held on the fourth day of November, that a vote might be taken upon the proposition of adopting the township organization law. The prayer of the petitioners was granted, the election held, resulting in a majority in favor of the adoption of the law.

At the December term of the Court an order was made appointing commissioners to divide the county into towns, or townships, and Levi H. Eradbury, of Prairie City, Harrison Hungate, of Blandinsville, and AVilliam E. Downen, of Industry, were appointed. The commissioners reported, dividing the county as it at present stands, save Prairie City and Bushnell townships were then one and called by the former name.

The old jail becoming too small, and inconvenient in many particulars, the County Court decided upon building a new one. The contract was immediately let, Hector McLean taking the stone work, and W. O. Thomas & Co. the brick and wood work, and Ingram & Painter the painting. The total cost of the building was about $3,500. "VVe can not say much for it, it being a continual expense to the county every year. Prisoners broke out without trouble, necessitating an almost consta,nt watch. Asa general thing we can commend the wisdom of our County Board of Supervisors, they conducting the affairs of tlie county in a very prudent and economical manner, but in this respect their economy is not to be commended. Although we have not the figures at hand, we verily believe more money has been spent for repairs, guarding the jail, and re-capturing prisoners, than would have built as fine a building as we have in the Military Tract.

The old log-jail, in due time, by order of the Court, was sold by the Sheriff, the city of Macomb becoming the purchaser, for the sum of $275. It has been in use by the city ever since as a city prison, and is known as the old calaboose.

On the eleventh day of April the County Court assembled for legislative purposes, for the last time. Present, Hon. Thompson Chandler, presiding judge ; Samuel Calvin and Silas J. Grigsby, Associates. The last order made by them was for ironing the new jail, after which they adjourned sine die, being succeeded by the Board of Supervisors.

With reference to Burress, arrested for the murder of James Dye, his trial was never held. On the night of August 11, 1855, he escaped from the count}'^ jail, at Macomb, but returned, after an absence of about ten days, and gave himself up to the authori- ties. On the evening of the tenth of iSTovember, following, he again escaped. A reward of one hundred dollars was ofiered for his capture. He was traced to the State of Indiana, and a party went in pursuit of him, but when they reached the place where he was seen, he was gone, since which time he has never been heard from. Whether guilty of the crime charged against him will probably never be known.