Mercer County, Illinois - Chapter 9: Political Parties Ix Mercer County, 1914 (part 1 of 2)

Owing to the loss of some of the early records, or to the fact that thev cannot be found now, it is difficult to determine accurately who were all of the officers from the organization of the county until the Constitution of 1848 was adopted. But it is very evident that at the time the county was organized the majority of the people were of the whig party, and that most, if not all, of the early officers were whigs.

Among the early officers and those first elected were Abraham Miller, Ephraim Gilmore, William Drurv, three whigs. Subsequently, William Drurv and then James S. Thompson were clerks of the Circuit Court; Hiram W. Thornton, recorder; Silas Drurv, Erastus Dennison, Abraham Thompson and A. B. Sheriff, sheriffs of the county, all of whom were whigs. Albert P. Taylor and Joseph Lloyd were, respectively, sheriffs of the county and were democrats. After the adoption of the Constitution of 1848 Benjamin D. Elliott, a whig, was elected sheriff of the county. The county was represented in the General Assembly of the state these earlier years by Ephraim Gilmore, a whig, for different vears, and bv Dr. Thomas Willits, of New Boston, and Reuben H. Spicer, of Keithsburg, democrats. In 1852 James Garner was elected sheriff, succeeded bv James H. Lynn in 18^4, who was succeeded by Benijah Lloyd, Jr., in 1856, all democrats. Lewis W. Thompson, a whig, served as clerk of the Circuit Court for a short period in 1848, and after the adoption of the Constitution of 1848, Thomas B. Cabeen, a democrat, was elected clerk of the Circuit Court, and by the Constitution of 1848 the clerk of the court was ex officio recorder. Cabeen was succeeded by Alexander McArthur, and Alexander McArthur by William McManus, and William McManus by Samuel A. Nelson, who is the present incumbent, all of whom are republicans.

In 18^8 James M. Mannon was elected sheriff of the county, succeeded in i860 by Samuelson H. Rodgers. Then came, in 1862, Oliver A. Bridgford, in 1864 John P. Clay, in r866 Charles Barry, in 1868 William O. Dungan and Noah H. Guthrie and Joshua Brown, all of whom were republicans. J. M. Warwick, John S.

The judges of the County Court in the earlier years were not lawyers. Ephraim Gilmore, a whig, served for several terms; I. N. Hardy, William I. Nevius, Sr., whigs, each served for a term prior to 1848. William M. Hays, a whig, was elected in 1853 and served until 1857, when J. D. Matlock, a democrat, was elected and served out only a part of the term, and Henry Hoglan, a republican, was elected to succeed him for the unexpired term. In 1861 J. E. Griffin, a democrat, was elected and was succeeded by John R. Bassett, a republican. Then came Joshua Bruner, a republican; Thomas Likely, a democrat; John R. Bassett, a republican; James M. Wilson, a republican; James H. Connell, a republican; William T. Church, republican, and Henry E. Burgess, republican, the present incumbent.

John S. Thompson, a whig, was elected clerk of the County Court after the adoption of the Constitution of 1848; in 1855 he was elected judge of the Circuit Court, as a republican, and Harvey S. Senter was appointed for the unexpired term of one year; John Ramsey was elected for the succeeding term and served for several terms, and was succeeded by Samuel C. Amberson, both republicans; Samuel C. Amberson was succeeded by Charles F. Durston. Then came Charles Worden, republican; James S. Sexton, Henry E. Burgess, John W. Dilley, Fred Hendrickson, and Frank Gibson, the present incumbent, all of whom were republicans.

As to the office of treasurer, John Gilmore, a democrat, held it in the earlier years for one year; Harvey S. Senter, a whig, held it from 1853 to 1855; Isaac N. Bassett, a republican, from 1855 to 1859; General Shedd, a democrat, from 1859 to 1861; Mathew Sheriff, a democrat, from 1861 to 1863; Wilfred J. Ungles, a republican, from 1863 t0 1 865 ; Isaac N. Dunlap, a republican, from 1865 to 1869; William N. Graham, from 1869 until 1871 ; Daniel T. Hindeman, republican, from 1871 to 1875, and all of the persons who have filled the office of treasurer from that time until the present have been republicans, S. S. Johnston being the present incumbent.

The state's attorneys since 1848 were William C. Goudy, who resigned, and Alfred N. Craig, who afterwards became one of the judges of the Supreme Court of the state, and was elected to fill out the unexpired term, and both were democrats. James H. Stewart, a republican, succeeded Craig, and the state's attorney's office from that time

The offices of coroner and county surveyor have never been considered political places, but the most of the time both have been filled by republicans since that party has been organized. William B. Frew held the office of county surveyor for many more years than any other person, and was a very scientific, competent surveyor. The office is now ably filled by Robert L. Watson; and the office of coroner by Dr. A. N. Mackey.

In the last election in 1912 on the vote for President of the United States, the progressive republicans had a plurality of over four hundred, but in all presidential elections, commencing with 1856, the county gave the republican candidate a great majority; and the congressman from the district was for a large majority of the years a republican. Benjamin F. Marsh, of Hancock County, and James McKinney, of Mercer Countv, both republicans, served for a greater length of time than any other. The present incumbent, Mr. Tavenner, is a democrat.

Commencing with 18^5, after the formation of the republican party, the county has been republican in the elections, except in 1861, when a majority of the democratic ticket was elected; and in 1877 when a majority of the candidates on the ticket opposed to the republican party, denominated as greenback or people's ticket. In the judicial election for Guy C. Scott in 1903 for justice of the Supreme Court, Mercer County gave him, a democrat, an overwhelming majority, and it did the same thing for George A. Cooke, a democrat, in 1909 and 191 2, but his majority was not as great as Guy C. Scott's.

From the adoption of the Constitution of 1848 until 1870 the county was represented in the General Assembly by whigs first and by republicans subsequently until the adoption of the Constitution of 1870; Judge Ephraim Gilmore was elected for several different years as representative. Subsequent to the adoption of the Constitution of 1870 the district with which Mercer County was connected has been strongly republican, but by the provision for accumulated vote there has usually been from the district one democrat sent to the Legislature, and on a few occasions the senator from the district was a democrat.

In the earlier times after the organization of the county, Hiram W. Thornton, a whig, was elected to the Legislature, and at the same time Judge Thomas Drummond, afterwards judge of the United States Circuit Court at Chicago, was elected from the Galena dis-

No special matters have arisen in the Legislature at any time that excited any great and absorbing interest in Mercer County. Perhaps the greatest interest manifested was in the two elections in regard to the county seat, removing it first from Millersburg to Keithsburg, and subsequently from Keithsburg to Aledo. In the latter election there was a bitter contest throughout the county, Keithsburg struggling to retain the honor, and, strange to say, Millersburg strongly supporting Keithsburg, while New Boston strongly favored Aledo. Keithsburg, it seems, has never felt right over that contest. However, it has had a fair share of the county offices, that is, William A. Lorimer and William McManus, as clerks of the Circuit Court; Cyrus A. Dryden, sheriff; Mathew Sheriff and Wilford J. Ungles, treasurers of the county; also Charles Worden and Fred Hendrickson, clerks of the County Court.

The republican party was formed in Mercer County in the State of Illinois, commencing in Mercer County in 1854 and over the state in 1858. This account of the formation of the republican party was prepared by I. N. Bassett for "Hill's History of Mercer County" in 1882, and the same is inserted here as being a correct statement.

Prior to the passage of what is known as the "Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854," Mercer County was a whig county in politics. The democratic party was in a minority of some two or three hundred. The anti-slavery feeling was strong in both of the old parties, and there were quite a number of voters who were abolitionists or freesoilers, and who would vote for the abolition or free-soil candidates when an opportunity occurred; but the most of these, in all except presidential elections, voted and acted with the other political parties.

When the "Kansas-Nebraska Act" was passed in May, 1854, it created such an excitement and alarm that a large number of the people of both of the old parties were ready to unite with the freesoilers and abolitionists in the formation of a new party, to resist the aggressive policy of the pro-slavery party, which controlled the two dominant political parties of the United States. Meetings were called as early as June 9, 1854, in two at least of the townships of the county, and resolutions passed in opposition to the "Kansas-Nebraska Act," and calling for a united effort of all persons opposed to the extension of slavery in the territories, to form a political party to stay the aggressive pro-slavery legislation.

Leading citizens of the county conferred with each other, and a convention of all persons in the county, of all political parties, who were opposed to the "Kansas-Nebraska Act" and the extension of slavery in the territories, was called to meet at Millersburg for the purpose of organizing a new political anti-slavery party.

The convention assembled in Millersburg pursuant to the call, in the summer of 1854, an^ was represented by delegates from all parts of the county and from all of the old political parties. John Collins, an old settler, and lifelong democrat, was elected president of the convention. A committee of nine was appointed to draft resolutions and articles of organization. The committee was composed of Judge E. Gilmore, a whig, and an old resident of the county, who had filled many important offices, and who is now ( 1882) residing in Aledo; James H. Reed, a whig, who was afterward successively editor of the Oquawka Plaindealer, the Aledo Weekly Record and the Monmouth Atlas and who died in Monmouth; L. W. Myers, an abolitionist, then a young man, who is now and has been for a number of years editor of the Wapello Republican, Iowa; Isaac N. Bassett, a whig, who is still living, a lawyer in Aledo; John W. Miles, a whig, afterward quartermaster of the Seventeenth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, who died in 1863 ; Harvey S. Senter, a whig, who filled various offices in the county and has since died in Aledo; Tyler Mc- Whorter, a democrat, now (1882) resident near Aledo; Samuel Miller, an abolitionist, who has been dead several years; J. R. Whitham, abolitionist, now (1882) residing near Aledo.

There was an animated controversy in the committee room, and at one time it seemed impossible for the committee to agree; but finally resolutions and a platform were agreed upon that was satisfactory to all and a unanimous report was made to the convention, which was adopted, and the organization of the republican party of Mercer County was completed. The exact date of this convention cannot now be ascertained, but it is believed to have been the first county convention of the kind held in the state.

There had not at least been any convention called for a similar purpose in any of the adjoining counties, and Mercer County is properly entitled to the credit of being the pioneer county in the formation of the republican party. The greater part of the whigs in the county approved of the platform and at once became active members of the new party- Some of the political leaders in the whig party, however, approved the formation of the new party. John S. Thompson and Lewis S. Thompson (both lawyers, and one clerk of the County Court in Keithsburg), were at first violently opposed to the new party organization, but another year gave the party such recognition throughout the state and United States that they, with other opponents, ceased their opposition and became warm supporters of the party. The abolitionists and free-soilers, with a considerable number of the democrats, were incorporated into the new party, which was, from the commencement, strong in numbers.

From that time until the present, Mercer County has been a republican county and has elected republican officers except as hereinafter shown. The republican party thus organized in 1854 held several meetings the next year for the purpose of strengthening the organization and settling upon a definite policy. The first was held at Millersburg on March 19, 1855, and in the call all men who were opposed to the Kansas-Nebraska Bill were asked to be present. It was announced that J. Codding would be present to address the convention. There were nearly two hundred voters present. Mr. Codding delivered a telling speech and immediately thereafter the party was duly and formally organized as it had been the year before and the following central committee was appointed: J. W. Miles, E. Stafford, J. P. Boyd, H. Hoagland and D. Jones. J. W. Jones and L. W. Myers were appointed delegates to the State Republican Convention. William Hays, Samuel Miller, D. Willits, Tyler Mc- Whorter, J. R. Whitham, Horace Greenman and H. H. Roberts were appointed delegates to the Congressional Convention. J. W. Dihel, E. Stafford, A. Prouty, Joshua Bruner, J. H. Trego and J. P. Boyd were appointed delegates to the State Republican Convention. Mr. Codding spoke at Jacksonville early in July, 1855, to an immense assemblage of republicans gathered from this portion of the state. Many citizens of Mercer County were present to learn more of the new party. Ohio and Pennsylvania were examples for the republicans of Mercer County to follow in their republicanism. In those states, whigs, know-nothings, locofocos and any other element opposed to the Kansas-Nebraska program joined the party there and likewise in this county. At first the term anti-Nebraska was applied to the new party, but a little later the term republican was adopted and became permanent. The republicans held another convention at Millersburg on October 31, 1855, there being present delegates from every township in the county. By this time the party was firmly grounded here and in a short time had political control of the county.

The result of the election of June, 1 855, was : For supreme judge : E. S. Leland, 625; J. C. Caton, 499; clerk Supreme Court: J. P. Root, 680; S. S. Leland, 348; circuit judge: John S. Thompson,

In March, 1856, Mr. Codding again appeared in the county and spoke at several schoolhouses in the leading villages. His addresses were clear, plain, logical and brought out clearly the measures laid down in the platform that had been adopted by the republican convention at Pittsburg. The republicans this year nominated for governor W. H. Bissell, and the democrats nominated W. A. Richardson. At the local election in May, 1856, Keithsburg gave the democratic ticket fifteen majority, and New Boston the republican ticket eighty-five majority.

The nomination of John C. Fremont and William L. Dayton for president and vice president by the Republican National Convention suited the republicans of Mercer County. Likewise the democrats here were pleased with the democratic nominees, Buchanan and Breckenridge. On July 29th, the democracy called a mass meeting to ratify the proceedings of the Cincinnati Convention. They met at the office of Taliaferro & Gore. Addresses were made by several of the leading democrats. A little later a mass convention of the democrats at Apollo Hall, New Boston, was held for the purpose of forming a democratic club. J. B. Matlock was made president of the meeting and F. Eubeck, secretary. G. W. Rodeker stated the object of the meeting. The club was duly organized with thirty members. The chairman stated that the democrats must defeat the new party by all means. The war cry of the republicans at this time was "Free speech, free territory and Fremont." The republicans held their county convention at Keithsburg in September, 1856. It was harmonious and enthusiastic. John W. Dihel was nominated for sheriff and H. S. Senter for circuit clerk. In the afternoon of the same day Hon. William Kellogg, congressman, addressed the assembled crowd. A little later Colonel Bissell, John Knox. James Miller, Governor Grimes, of Iowa, and Owen Lovejoy spoke for the republicans at Galesburg and many citizens of Mercer County went over to hear them. In 1856 Abraham Lincoln was one of the republican electors of Illinois. At the Galesburg meeting the delegation from Mercer County carried a banner bearing the words, "Mercer County good for 1,200 votes for Fremont and Dayton."

At the November election, 1856, the democrats elected their sheriff and the republicans their circuit clerk. The total number of votes polled was 2,058. The republican electors received 1,141 votes; the democratic electors, 769; and the Fillmore electors, 140. For Congress, Kellogg (R.) received 1,185 an<^ Davidson (D.),

796. For governor, Bissell (R.), 1,146; Richardson (D.), 775; Morris (Am.), 122. The republican majority on the county ticket was generally about the same. For state senator Henderson (R.) defeated Dickson (D.). For representative, Little (R.) defeated Marshall (D.). For circuit clerk, Senter (R.) defeated Shedd (D.). For sheriff, Lloyd (D.) defeated Dihel (R.). For the convention, 703 votes; against the convention, 650 votes.

At the Republican County Convention held at Aledo September 1 9, 1857, there were nominated candidates for county judge, clerk of the Circuit Court, countv commissioner and school commissioner. At this time E. Stafford was chairman of the Republican County Committee. Forty-eight delegates were present. Isaac N. Bassett was renominated for county treasurer; John W. Miles for county judge; John Ramsey, county clerk; C. S. Richey, surveyor; J. E. Harroun, school commissioner. This convention, it was charged, was a frame-up and was opposed by a portion of the convention. E. Stafford was instrumental in organizing a separate faction which put out the people's ticket. This year the issues were very important. The Kansas-Nebraska trouble was before the country, popular sovereignty was discussed by everybody. Buchanan's message was the means of partly dividing the democratic party; Stephen A. Douglas taking a separate and independent course. The principles of the Dred Scott Decision were incorporated into the Lecompton Constitution, which encountered great opposition. Buchanan sided with the South in the extreme pro-slavery views. As a matter of fact, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed with the expectation that Kansas would vote for slavery and thus become a slave state. The rush of anti-slavery partisans into Kansas prevented that design. It was said of Buchanan that he was a northern man with southern principles. Douglas opposed him on the stump and began to pull away from the ultra views of the South. The result of the election in November, 1857, was as follows:

At the election of county supervisors in April, 1858, the result was: North Henderson, Notley Scott; Rivoli, Daniel Jones; Richland Grove, Thomas Merryman; Suez, J. G. Torbet; Greene, B. C. Perkins; Preemption, John Whitsitt; Ohio, William M. Hays; Mercer, John W. Miles; Perryton, J. C. Gilmore; Millersburg, J. T. McGinnis; Duncan, S. R. Chase; Keithsburg, Washington Wolf; New Boston, William Drurv; Eliza, James M. Mannon; Abington, Frederick Frick.

Early in 1858 Abraham Lincoln was mentioned prominently in connection with the United States senatorship from Illinois. It was felt that Trumbull and Lincoln would make a strong combination for the republicans in the United States Senate. At the Republican Convention in June, 1858, W. M. Hays, I. N. Bassett, J. K. Herbert, H. S. Scott and W. J. Humphrey were nominated delegates to the State Republican Convention. This vear the principles at issue were squeezed out until slaverv was seen to be at the bottom of all political contests.

The Republican County Convention of July 5, 1858, was presided over by B. C. Perkins, with Leonard Swearingen as secretary. J. H. Reed, J. K. Herbert and James Haverfield served as committee on resolutions. The latter affirmed allegiance to republican principles; favored economy in public affairs; declared that the administration of James Buchanan was weak, imbecile, sectional, proscriptive and alarming and that the doctrines of the administration concerning Kansas and the Dred Scott case were in direct conflict with the views of the fathers of the Republic; opposed the extension of slavery into any new states or territories; condemned the acts of the administration in forcing the people of Kansas to submit to the program of pro-slavery partisans; approved the course of the republican members of Congress in their efforts to prevent the extension of slaverv; approved the course of Stephen A. Douglas in opposing the Lecompton Constitution, but condemned his course in breaking down the Missouri Compromise and in approving the Dred Scott Decision; favored Abraham Lincoln for United States senator to succeed Mr. Douglas; advocated the reelection of William Kellogg to Congress and recommended that all republicans of the county subscribe to The Aledo Weekly Record.

At the Republican State Convention in June, 1858, a banner was borne down the hall bearing the words, "Cook County for Abraham Lincoln." It was received with deafening cheers. Immediately a motion to amend the motto by inserting "Illinois" in place of "Cook Countv" was carried unanimouslv and with tremendous cheers.

This convention declared Abraham Lincoln to be the first and only choice of the republicans of Illinois for the United States Senate to succeed Stephen A. Douglas. The speech of Mr. Douglas in Chicago, in July, 1858, was published in full by the local newspaper. Mr. Lincoln's speech at Chicago in reply was also published. In that speech Lincoln's famous statement appeared: "I protest now and forever against that counterfeit logic which presumes that because I do not want a negro woman for a slave I do necessarily want her for a wife." This county was keenly alive to the historic debate of Lincoln and Douglas in 1858. The characteristics of the two men were noted and had their due effects. Douglas' art, adroitness, power of evasion, subterfuge in statement, concealment of purpose by sweeping generalities, annoyed the republicans but were frankly and ably answered by Mr. Lincoln, whose penetration, fairness of statement, broad humanity, analysis and logic, pierced the sophistry of Mr. Douglas and laid bare the political skeleton grinning underneath. In answer to Mr. Douglas he completely revealed the purposes of the slave power and the objects of Senator Douglas' course. On October 7th they spoke at Galesburg and a large delegation from this county was present. Nearly twenty-five thousand people listened to this memorable address. Mr. Douglas spoke for one hour and was followed by Mr. Lincoln for an hour and a half, and the closing was by Mr. Douglas with a half hour. The delegation from this county could not unite outside of the city and march in as had been planned, owing to severe storms the day before.

In August, 1858, many republicans went to Galva to bear Owen Lovejov deliver one of his brilliant, eloquent and fierv political speeches. There were many prominent democrats at Keithsburg and New Boston, while Aledo was strongly tinctured with republicanism, as was Millersburg. This opposition gave spirit and life to the campaign. Many prominent speakers from abroad addressed assemblages in this county during the campaign. The leading local speakers also took the stump and explained the purposes of the new party and the objects of the democracy. The result of the election in November, 1858, was as follows: Congressman: Kellogg (R.), 1. 419; Davidson (D.), 898; representative: Judge Gilmore (R.), 1,434, Gould (D.), 890; sheriff: Mannon (R.), 1,206, Lloyd, (D.), 1. 173; coroner: Atchinson (R.), 1,360, Hale (D.), 1,008.

The Republican County Convention met in the room of the Mercer Collegiate Institute, Aledo, September 13, 1859. Under the new apportionment Mercer Township had ten delegates, Keithsburg nine, New Boston twelve, Ohio Grove seven, Millersburg six and the other townships smaller numbers. B. F. Thompson was nominated for countv treasurer; Henry Lee, countv surveyor; Rev. J. S. Poage, school commissioner against the old and efficient commissioner, J. E. Harroun, who had done so much for education in this county.

On October 18, 1859, the Weekly Record came out with the name of Abraham Lincoln for republican candidate for president in i860. Mr. Reed said this action was not the result of sudden impulse, but of careful and mature deliberation. This was done in spite of the fact that Mr. Reed considered William H. Seward superior in statesmanship to anv man in the United States. He came out for Mr. Lincoln because he believed him the peer in patriotism and purity of private character of any man in the world and because he had so ably conducted himself in the contest with Senator Douglas.

The result of the election in 1859 was as follows: Treasurer: Thompson (R.) , 762, Shedd (People's), 1,055 ; school commissioner : Poage (R.). 1,739, scattering, 8; surveyor: Lee (R.), 1,761. Thus the people's ticket carried Mr. Shedd to victory. Five votes were cast for Mr. Brown, the colored cook at the Barton House, for the office of school commissioner. This was just after John Brown had been convicted at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. Local quarrels, private malice, spite against the Johnson family and personal defamation were the causes that led to the defeat of Mr. Thompson for county treasurer. It was a secret combination which encompassed his defeat - a combination of republicans professing to be his friends, yet uniting with the democrats to accomplish his downfall.

The republicans called a mass meeting to be held at Aledo, February 22, i860, and in making the call J. H. Reed, chairman of the County Central Committee made the following statement: In calling this meeting the movers are not insensible of the claims of consideration of other candidates and would support them most cheerfully, we have no doubt, should a sound policv dictate the nomination of any one of them. ' So far as Illinois is concerned we are sure that the popular voice is for Mr. Lincoln in preference to all others. He has been tried and has not been found wanting in any of the elements required to fit a man for the place. His capacity is beyond question; his integrity is above suspicion; his conservatism is all that any republican could desire, and we believe that no man can roll up such a majority in this state as Abraham Lincoln. He made a splendid run in i8q8 and we are sure that his popularity has been accumulating every day since. Let there be a full turn-out of the friends of Lincoln.

The 22d of February was rainy and the mud was deep, but there was a fair turn-out. The meeting was called to order by J. H. Reed, chairman of the Central Committee. J. W. Miles was elected president of the meeting and J. H. Reed, secretary. A committee of three for each township was appointed with instructions to organize and report action to a second meeting that was called for March 21st. Messrs. Brisbin, Reed and Wolf were appointed to prepare the program of the next meeting.

In i860 Mercer County was entitled to six delegates in the Republican State Convention. In the summer Mr. Lincoln's famous speech at Cooper's Institute, New York, was^ published by the local newspapers. It was a masterly effort which kindled great enthusiasm among republicans throughout the country. The Record of Aledo published all of Mr. Lincoln's great speeches in full and praised them unstintedly.

On March 6, i860, the Mercer Township Republican Club reorganized and elected the following officers: Harrison Scott, president; Dr. J. A. Maury, Elisha Miles and Ralph Grow, vice presidents; Casper Schenck, secretary; S. W. McCoy, treasurer; Col. W. D. Henderson, Capt. James Henderson and J. H. Reed, executive committee; C. M. Kay, Thomas J. Willits, W. A. Wilson and W. W. McCandlass, vigilance committee. The club passed resolutions endorsing Abraham Lincoln as its first choice for the presidency. J. K. Herbert addressed the club at length on the issues of the day.

Republican and democratic clubs were organized thioughout the county in i860. All realized that questions of vital importance to the country were pending and all were determined to secure the success of their own tickets, in which they had confidence and faith, if it could possibly be done. Keithsburg organized a republican club in March, with Washington Wolf, president; and Cyrus Cabeen, secretary.

The republicans of the county met in mass convention at Aledo on March 21, i860, pursuant to adjournment and were called to order by J. W. Miles, of Rivoli. The committee on resolutions were J. H. Reed, Samuel Carnahan, R. S. Cramer, Dudley Willits, Washington Wolf, Theodore Glancey, C. S. Caldwell, J. Cox. W. C. Gray, B. C. Perkins and A. R. Sutton. A vigilance committee for every township was appointed. Col. W. D. Henderson, J. H. Reed, Ephraim Gilmore, Dr. E. P. Wood, S. H. Redman and Dr. J. P. McClannahan were chosen delegates to the congressional and state conventions. A long series of resolutions was adopted. It maintained that slavery was onlv a local institution; insisted that all new territory should be free; admitted that slavery should not be interfered with in the states where it already existed; favored the homestead bill; declared that the action of the democratic party was hostile to the Constitution and the Union; asserted that the present administration was servile to the slave power; announced Abraham Lincoln as its candidate for the presidency; and recommended to the State Convention that the name of Col. W. D. Henderson be placed on the state ticket. B. C. Perkins offered as a substitute for the Lincoln resolution one containing the name of William H. Seward, but when put to a vote it was lost. Mr. Seward had many friends in the county and was regarded as a statesman of the highest rank. But the convention as a whole favored Mr. Lincoln.

The Republican Club of Richland Grove Township was organized on April 28, i860. E. S. Roberts* called the meeting to order and Thomas Merrvman was made chairman and W. M. Scott, secretary. John M. Waugh, E. S. Roberts and W. H. Griffin were appointed a committee to draft a constitution for the permanent organization of the club. The permanent officers were Thomas Merryman, president; J. M. Waugh and E. S. Roberts, vice presidents; E. Beardsley, treasurer; and Walter M. Scott, secretary. On motion of C. C. Phillips a vigilance committee of two in each school district was appointed. Resolutions presented by Walter M. Scott were adopted unanimously; they denounced the attempt of Senator Douglas to pass a sedition law designed to suppress free speech and favored the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for the presidency.

At the Republican State Convention in May Richard Yates was nominated for governor. Abraham Lincoln, who was present, though not a delegate, was asked to take a seat with the convention and did so. While he was present a great demonstration was made in favor of his nomination. During the proceedings a banner was borne down the hall, with the words : "Abe Lincoln, the rail Candidate of the people in i860." With the banner were borne two rails from a lot of 3,000, which were split by Abraham Lincoln and John Hanks in 1830, ten miles west of Decatur. This convulsed the convention with cheers, whereupon Mr. Lincoln came forward and said he was not certain that he made the identical rails, but was entirely sure that he made a great many quite as good. He was named by the convention as the candidate of Illinois for the presidency. When Lincoln and Hamlin were nominated at the Memorable Chicago Convention in May, the republicans of this county expressed their delight in numerous rallies and ratification meetings in every township.

The split of the Democratic Convention in April, i860, at Charleston, thus dividing the democracy by Mason and Dixon's line, was seen bv the republicans to be their great opportunitv. Thev accordingly entered the campaign with redoubled efforts to win success.

The Republican County Convention met at the courthouse in Aledo, May 25, i860, and was called to order by J. H. Reed. William M. Green was elected president and J. H. Reed, secretary. The convention elected to the judicial and senatorial conventions the following delegates: Joshua Bruner, Robert Caldwell, B. C. Perkins, Richard Brisbin, S. V. Prentiss, Daniel Jones and Henry Lee. The delegates to the representative convention were W. M. Hays, Thomas Merryman, W. M. Pinkerton, J. G. Gilmore, W. L. Green, R. Caldwell, J. W. Miles, A. Prouty, Elias Willits, R. Brisbin and B. C. Perkins. Resolutions favoring the party candidates were passed - Kellogg for Congress, Yates for governor and Lincoln for president. At the close of the convention a Lincoln and Hamlin flag pole was erected in front of the Barton House. It was 145 feet tall and surmounted by a streamer forty feet long bearing the names "Lincoln and Hamlin." The crowd had been enthusiastic, but now grew hilarious and hoisted Rev. J. S. Poage to the top of the Daguerrean car and demanded a speech which was forthcoming in off-hand and eloquent style. Judge Thompson, Col. W. D. Henderson and E. Miles were treated likewise and responded nobly to the urgent demands of the spectators.

The Democratic Central Committee in i860 were: A. P. Taylor, T. C. Cabeen, B. F. Burnett, Joseph Hogan and Thomas S. Robb. They called their county convention for June 9, i860.

The democrats of the county were alive to the importance of great exertions and prominent speakers from abroad and local orators were enlisted to take the stump in favor of the success of that party. At a big democratic rally at Redman schoolhouse, Abington Township, Charles Pepper, of Keithsburg, was the leading speaker. He was followed by Messrs. Burnett, Taliaferro, Heaton and McCane. The same speakers held meetings also at New Boston and at manv schoolhouses throughout the countv. At a republican mass meeting held in the grove near the Universalist Church, New Boston Township, William Kellogg addressed one of the largest political gatherings of the campaign, there being present large delegations from New Boston and Keithsburg, with bands and banners. He likewise spoke at Aledo, North Henderson, Viola and in Suez Township. At all the political gatherings this year the marching of the Wide Awakes and the Hickorys were prominent features. Henry Clay Dean, "the great unwashed" spoke at Keithsburg to an immense crowd of democrats late in August. He was one of the most brilliant, sarcastic and eloquent orators of this memorable campaign.

The greatest event of the campaign of i860 in this county was the joint debate held at Aledo between Judge William Kellogg and Robert G. Ingersoll. It was estimated that five thousand people were on the ground at the time. The democrats secured the services of the Monmouth Cornet Band, one of the best in the state, whose instruments had cost about one thousand dollars. Not to be outdone the republicans also secured from Monmouth a band equally as good as the other and was composed entirely of republicans. The people of the county came in great delegations early in the day. Ohio Grove came first with fifty-four wagons and 277 persons and was the largest township group present. Next came the New Boston delegation escorted by their band and 150 Wide Awakes, fifty of whom were from Keithsburg and sixty from New Boston and forty from Aledo commanded by their respective officers who were assisted by Gen. E. A. Paine of Monmouth. This delegation was joined outside of town by the Ohio Grove forces and by another group from the eastern part of the county. The latter had one wagon which contained thirty-three young ladies dressed in white, each bearing a flag and representing the states of the Union, and one young lady dressed in black personating Kansas and carrying a black flag inscribed with the words, "They will not let me in." When this combined proces- sion reached town it numbered 1 10 vehicles, mostly wagons, with many four-horse teams, all well filled and their parade through town was a fine sight and greatly enjoyed by all.

The speaking took place in the open air at a temporary stand near the Council House. Judge Kellogg spoke first for an hour and was then followed by Mr. Ingersoll for an hour and a half. Judge Kellogg closed with a half hour speech. All here had heard Judge Kellogg and were familiar with his style and power as a public speaker; but thev had never before heard Mr. Ingersoll, who was a stranger to this part of the state. They knew that he must be an uncommon orator, or he would never have been pitted against Judge Kellogg. Of his address the Record said: "All seemed anxious to hear what this new champion for Douglasism had to say. Mr. Ingersoll is a fluent speaker and a man of considerable intellect, we infer, but he was no match for the herculean task he had undertaken - that of defending modern democracy. One by one his fallacies were dissected by Judge Kellogg and he fairly writhed under the merciless castigation he received. We had before frequently asked our republican friends abroad, who had enjoyed the privilege of hearing them, how Kellogg handled his competitor and received the invariable quiet replv, 'You will see.' Well, we did see, and our candid opinion is, if Bob Ingersoll had not more cheek than ordinary mortals he would never encounter Bill Kellogg again." Reading between the lines of this statement it must be inferred that Air. Ingersoll must at least have held his own with Judge Kellogg. In the evening the Wide Awakes and the Hickory Jacksons paraded the streets, headed by the bands, amid the greatest enthusiasm of the partisans. The occasion closed with speeches from R. W. Smith, of Rock Island, and Rev. J. S. Poage, of Aledo. This was one of the most brilliant and successful gatherings ever held in Mercer County.

At the meeting there was borne in the parade by a democrat a banner, on which was depicted a white man embracing a negress. A democrat in the crowd thought it was a republican banner and represented what would actually occur should the republicans elect Mr. Lincoln. He declared that he would not belong to a party that would carry a banner like that. "Why that is a Douglas banner," he was told, whereupon he subsided, thinking it strange that the democrats should predict or desire such a state of affairs.

The Republican County Convention was held September 12, i860, at Aledo. J. W. Miles was elected chairman and H. G. Calhoun, secretary. The following were the delegates present : Richland Grove - Thomas S. Kincaid, John M. Waugh, Elisha Beardsley and E. S.

Roberts; Rivoli - J. W. Miles, J. B. Loughley and C. F. Durston; North Henderson - B. F. Brown, E. E. Kendall, J. B. Hoag and J. H. Hunter; Preemption - H. Boone, J. M. Carver, Allen Trego and G. F. Morey; Greene - Henry Hoagland, E. S. Fugate, S. E. Russell and David Summerville; Suez - R. Caldwell, D. W. Sedwick, John Blair and W. T. McLelland; Perryton - S. D. Trego, J. L. Ruth, Alvah Coffman and C. C. Phillips; Mercer - T. Candor, W. W. McCandless, ]. S. Paxton, H. Lee, W. A. Wilson, L. S. Moore and E. C. Partlett; Ohio Grove - J. B. Gilmore, J. P. Gilmore, William Calhoun, J. McGee and S. Miller; Millersburg - J. T. McGinness, A. Eddy, W. M. Brown, O. H. Stratton and J. S. Bissell; Abington - F. Jones, S. G. Wright, J. Mains, T. Glancey; Keithsburg - C. J. Simpson, B. D. Ellett, H. S. Scott, H. G. Calhoun, J. M. Weidner, S. Boden, R. C. Cabeen and O. C. Richardson; Duncan - A. J. McGrew, T. McWhorter and J. N. Close; Eliza - D. W. Noble," S. Duffield and William Shields; New Boston - R. W. Kyle, E. Commons, A. Kirlin, E. Crapnell, L. Woodard, L. W. Myers, C. Hali, S. V. Prentiss, S. Chidester and Van Willits.

At this convention James M. Mannon was nominated for circuit clerk; S. H. Rodgers, for sheriff; and Charles Hall, for coroner. Hall was nominated by acclamation, but there was a sharp contest for the other two offices. As a whole the convention was quiet and harmonious.

The republican flag pole, which had been raised with so much ceremony and glee at Aledo by the members of that party, was blown down, much to the amusement of the democrats, who declared it presaged the fall of republicanism in November. However, another pole, ioo feet tall, with a brush or broom at the top, signifying a clean sweep by the republicans in November, was erected on the same spot in September. The democrats determined to raise a higher one and accordingly sent to Keithsburg for Mr. Murphy and machinery with which to raise it. While being raised, it broke in two sections, fell to the ground with a crash and seriously injured two men. They were obliged to erect it shorter than the republican pole.

One of the greatest meetings of this memorable campaign was held at Rock Island on October 12th. It was estimated that twenty thousand freemen attended the gathering. The speakers, all famous orators, were Owen Lovejoy, Joseph Knox, John A. Kasson and Henrv O'Connor, the latter two coming from Iowa. Many present were from that state. Mercer County was well represented there. The Keithsburg Wide Awakes under Captain Cabeen; the New Boston Wide Awakes under Colonel Mvers; Aledo Wide Awakes under Captain Scott; delegations from Preemption; fifty teamsirom Richland Grove, Rivoli, Perryton, Millersburg, Greene, Ohio Grove and nearly every township in the county were present and participated in the parades and heard the great orators. There were twenty-four companies of Wide Awakes in the parade, and as they marched through the streets of the city they presented a picture of enthusiasm and patriotism never before surpassed in this portion of the state. In the parade were hundreds of young ladies representing the states and various phases of political advancement and social order. The speaking took place in the courthouse square. Many bands furnished splendid music for the occasion. The fiery and impassioned address of Mr. Lovejoy was never forgotten by those who heard it. The other speakers were equally eloquent and effective. In the evening Judge Fowler, of New York, delivered a speech of unusual power to the large audience that remained. The Wide Awakes went over to Davenport for the evening parades and mass meetings and there the great speakers again held forth. It had been advertised that Charles Sumner would be present, but he was unable to come. Republican enthusiasm along the Mississippi attained its climax at this great meeting.

The democrats met somewhat informally in convention in October, i860, and nominated T. B. Cabeen, of Keithsburg, for circuit clerk, and Joseph Hogan, of Aledo, for sheriff. The democrats openly boasted that they intended to reduce the republican majority in the county to three hundred or four hundred and cited the activity of that party at Keithsburg and New Boston to prove their claims. At this time every schoolhouse in the county was used for political meetings by members of the various parties.

John C. Pepper was candidate for prosecuting attorney of the Tenth Judicial Circuit (i860). William S. Dilley was an independent candidate for circuit clerk. A large republican meeting at Keithsburg in October was addressed by Leonard Swett, R. W. Smith and others. The Wide Awakes, in large numbers, paraded the streets. A similar meeting at New Boston was addressed by T. J. Pickett and R. W. Smith. It was stated that 3,000 persons heard the speakers. The Wide Awakes paraded in the evening. Mrs. Joseph Lair, of Mercer Township, was an enthusiastic republican and on the occasion of the republican meeting at Keithsburg she drove a four-horse wagon containing thirty-three young ladies to that town. On the wagon, in large letters, were the words ''Old Abe." In the same way she drove to the New Boston meeting.

At the election in November, i860, Mercer County went strongly republican. For president, Lincoln (R.) received 615 votes over Douglas (D.) ; for governor, Yates (R.) over Allen (D.), 608; for Congress, Kellogg (R.) over Ingersoll (D.), 600; for state senator, Picket over Mason, 603; for representative, Smith over Streeter, 606; for prosecuting attorney, Stewart (R.) over Pepper (D.), 261; for circuit clerk, Mannon (R.) over Cabeen (D.), 388; for sheriff, Rodgers (R. ) over Hogan (D.), 497. The majority for a constitutional convention was 1,420. The electors received the following vote: Lincoln's, 1,808; Douglas', 1,193; Bell's, 35; Breckinridge's, 3 ; Smith's, 4. North Henderson and Abington gave Douglas 126; Mercer gave Lincoln 195 and Douglas 56.

In i860 the townships of Perryton, Preemption, Rivoli and Suez went democratic, but at the election in April, 1861, all four returned goodly republican majorities.

Under the act of January, 1861, Mercer and Henderson counties were constituted the Thirty-second Representative District, and Mercer, Warren, Henderson and McDonough the Fourteenth Senatorial District. The Republican County Congressional Convention was held February 19, 1861, at Aledo and the following delegates were chosen: \V. M. Carnahan, E. S. Fugate, J. N. Markee, J. J. Glenn, J. H. Reed, Theodore Glancey, Richard Kiddoo, W. P. Myers, L. H. Scudder, R. H. Day, John C. Welliver, Benjamin Brown.

At the judicial election in 1861, Mr. Lawrence, candidate for judge, received a total of 1,723 votes in this county, there being no opposition. For clerk, Hough received 880 votes, and Mr. Leland, 704.^

The convention for the election of delegates to the Berlin Convention met here October 12, 1861, and was presided over by B. C. Perkins, with J. E. Griffin, secretary. The delegates selected were A. J. Streeter,' S. W. McCoy, J. E. Griffin, E. S. Roberts, A. P. Taylor, David Little, Dr. J. V. Frazier, William M. Hays, Simeon Macy and J. Whitsitt. The committee that named this delegation was composed of three republicans and three democrats. Straight out republicans objected to this fusion of two party members, A. J. Johnson in particular.

At the Berlin Convention in the fall of 1861, of the counties of Mercer, Rock Island and Henry, J. S. Hinman served as chairman. Whitsitt, of Mercer; North, of Henry, and Dickson, of Rock Island, were. committee on credentials. Drury, of Rock Island; Perkins, of Mercer, and Wilson, of Henry, were committee on resolutions. George W. Pleasants, of Rock Island County, was nominated for delegate to the coming Constitutional Convention. The resolutions adopted were thoroughly loyal, the vigorous prosecution of the war being strongly favored as the most vital and important consideration of the present time. It was brought out sharply by the resolutions that party problems and issues should be relegated to the background, while war measures were before the people. Several sections for the new constitution were suggested.

The principal candidates in the fall of 1 86 1 were as follows: For treasurer, Col. W. D. Henderson, Matthew Sheriff, Z. P. Willett and W. I. Ungles; for county clerk, John Ramsey; for county school commissioner, Rev. L. N. Stratton and Rev. J. S. Poage; for surveyor, J. I, Arnold; for county judge, Elias Willits and Henry Hoagland.

At the November election, 1861, for county judge, Griffin received 617 votes, Hoagland 569, Willits 228; for clerk, Ramsey, no opposition, 1,363; for treasurer, Sheriff 487, Spaulding 432, Henderson 294, Ungles 164, Willett 67; for surveyor, Frew 866, Arnold 392; for school commissioner, Waterman 725, Poage 317, Stratton 293; for the banking law 31, against the banking law 1,231 ; total vote 1,457; I0r delegate to the Constitutional Convention, Pleasants (no opposition) received 1,389 votes.

The State Constitution of 1862 met with considerable opposition in this county. The republicans and generally all in favor of Lincoln's administration of war matters called it the Secesh Convention. When submitted to the voters it was rejected by the overwhelming majority of 1,537 t0 93^- The articles to which objection was made were those relating to the management of the negroes in this state.

The Republican County Convention convened at the courthouse, September 9, 1862. B. C. Perkins became chairman and J. H. Reed, secretary. The following committee was appointed to select delegates to the State, Cogressional, Senatorial and Representative Conventions : J. B. Gilmore, J. Libby, J. Holland, J. Merriman, F. Jones, J. Bruner, C. Hall, E. Gilmore", L. S. Moore and H. Reddle. The following served as committee on resolutions: Andrew Carnes, E. Gilmore, J. H. Reed, B. C. Perkins and E. S. Roberts. The resolutions declared that the convention recognized but two parties: Those who were for the Government and those who were either directly or indirectly for its enemies; and announced as its unwavering policy support of the state and national administrations, unconditional support of the Union and a prompt and vigorous prosecution of the. war by use of all the means at the command of the Government consistent with the laws of civilized warfare. C. S. Caldwell was nominated for sheriff and Charles Hall for coroner. At Monmouth, Judge Charles B. Lawrence was nominated for Congress by the republicans. John McKinney, Sr., received the republican nomination for statesenator from the Fourteenth District.

In September, 1862, the Republican and Union Congressional Convention assembled at Monmouth. Mercer County had nine delegates. Ephraim Gilmore of this county was a member of the District Senatorial Committee. At this time Mercer County was part of the Fourth Congressional District, part of the Fourteenth State Senatorial District and part of the Thirty-second Representative District.

The Representative Convention was held by the republicans at Keithsburg in 1862, J. C. Graham, of Mercer County, serving as chairman. On the second formal ballot H. S. Senter of Mercer County received the nomination for representative. Loyal resolutions were passed. In October, 1862, Charles S. Caldwell, candidate for sheriff, withdrew from the contest in favor of Capt. O. A. Bridgford, a wounded soldier.

At the November election, 1 862, Mercer County gave large majorities for the republican candidates with the exception of its nominee for representative. Cabeen (D.) defeated Senter (R.) by the vote of 1,005 t0 909! Bridgford (R.) was elected sheriff; Hall (R.J coroner; Judge Lawrence (R.) was defeated for Congress by Mr. Harris (D.), though Mercer County gave the former a majority. This was a democratic year. Only five republican congressmen out of fourteen were elected. The rebels rejoiced at the democratic successes in the North.

Early in 1863 the democrats throughout the country, and in this county as well, adopted what was called a peace policy, meaning the restoration of peace and in the end the withdrawal of the Federal armies from the field. Thomas B. Cabeen, a prominent democrat in this county, favored these measures and opposed the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus by the military authorities. He likewise opposed the other measures which had been adopted by the Lincoln administration to carry on the war.

The unconditional Union men of the county called a convention to be held at Aledo on October 24, 1863. The call was signed by 210 persons whose names were published in the newspapers. This convention was opposed mainly by men who were in favor of the continuance of the war for the preservation of the Union. Dr. S. Macy served as president, and C. S. Caldwell as secretary. The first vote for county treasurer resulted in a tie for the two candidates, Isaac N. Dunlap and Wilford J. Ungles. On the first formal ballot

Mr. Ungles received a small majority and was thus nominated. W. L. Campbell was named for school commissioner and W. B. Frew for surveyor. The result of the election in November, 1863, was as follows: For treasurer - Ungles (R.), 1,033; Matlock (D.), 675; for school commissioner - Campbell (R.), 828; Gushee (D.), 459; for surveyor - Frew (R.), 1,212, no opposition; total vote, 1,782.

The Unconditional Union Convention met again April 19, 1864, at the courthouse, Aledo, and were presided over by William Drury, with H. S. Senter, secretary. H. G. Calhoun, S. V. Prentiss and Washington Wolf were a committee on credentials. For delegates to the Judicial Convention, Gideon Ives, John S. Thompson and Joshua Bruner were nominated; and John W. Miles, S. V. Prentiss, H. S. Senter, W. I. Nevius, Washington Wolf and G. D. Miller to the State Convention. William M. Hays, H. S. Senter, B. F. Thompson, William Jones and Josiah Candor were appointed county central committee. The delegates to the Judicial Convention were instructed to support C. B. Lawrence. In order to more effectually carrv out the Union program in contemplation, the convention upon motion of Joshua Bruner appointed a township central committee for every township, as follows : North Henderson - E. E. Kendall, George Crosby and William R. Mathers; Rivoli - C. F. Durston, N. P. Smith and J. B. Longley; Richland Grove - John Scott, W. E. Griffin and L. F. Langford; Suez - G. W. Sedwick, S. R. Moore and C. S. Hart; Greene - W. M. Carnahan, E. S. Fugate and B. C. Perkins; Preemption - David Little, S. H. Rodgers and Hopkins Boone; Ohio Grove - S. M. Dihel, W. R. McCreight and James Smith; Mercer - J. R. Bassett, E. Gilmore and T. J. Willett; Perryton - Benjamin Dunn, Josiah Candor and Daniel Ebner; Abington - George Jay, Jerry Purdam and Jesse Wickett; Millersburg - H. W. Thornton, John T. McGinnis and W. M. Brown; Duncan - W. S. Rowe, A. R.'Sutton and S. H. Riddell ; Keithsburg - A. B. Sheriff, W. Wolf and H. S. Scott; New Boston - Amos Prouty, G. W. Warner and R. S. Cramer; Eliza - D. F. Noble, John Glancey and S. L. Duffield. The delegates to the State Convention were instructed to use their influence to have delegates to the National Convention appointed, who were in favor of the renomination of Abraham Lincoln for president. This convention was harmonious and loyal. They were determined that disloyalty in this county should not get the upper hand and become the dominating factor in public affairs. The watchword of the convention was "Union for the sake of Union."

tion to be held at Aledo on May 28th to effect a thorough organization of the party in accordance with the peace policy that had been outlined by the National democratic authorities. Frederick Frick served as president of the meeting and committees were appointed to effect thorough party work throughout the county. At this time John Whitsitt was president of the County Democratic Committee. This convention passed the following resolutions:

Resolved, That we, the democrats of Mercer County, are in favor of maintaining and preserving the Union and the Constitution as our fathers bequeathed them to us and are determined that the valley of the Mississippi shall never be their grave, the mountains and hills of this country their monument, nor the flag of our country their winding sheet; and further

Resolved, That we believe in this trying crisis the best method of advancing and carrying out practicallv the sentiment of the above resolution is to use our best and united endeavors to restore again the democratic party to power.

The nomination of Lincoln and Johnson in 1864 was hailed with great joy bv the republicans and unconditional Union men of Mercer County. James S. Poage was one of the republican state electors and Richard J. Oglesby was the republican candidate for governor.

At the Union County Convention in August, 1864, James M. Wilson was nominated for circuit clerk; John P. Clav for sheriff; and C. J. Simpson for coroner. Judge E. Gilmore presided and Theodore Glancey served as secretary. A special committee of one from each township named the delegates to the Congressional, Senatorial, Judicial and Representative conventions. At the judicial election in 1864 T°hn S. Thompson received the nomination iff the republicans. This convention was held at Monmouth and the delegates from this county were I. N. Bassett, W. L. Campbell, T. Glancey, J. Bruner, W. H. Ungles and S. W. McCoy. Thompson won on the second formal ballot. In this county he received 846 votes and his opponent, Judge Craig, received 564.

The Democratic County Convention was held early in September, 1864. They selected delegates to the Congressional, Senatorial and Representative conventions and nominated M. L. Detwiler for circuit clerk and Hugh Campbell for sheriff. The democratic candidate for governor was James C. Robinson.

The nomination of McClellan for the presidency in 1864 met the warm approval of the democratic partv of this county. Thev held a big ratification meeting at Millersburg, September 17, 1864; ll was one of the largest held by the members of that party in this county during the war. The Aledo Brass Band furnished the music. One of the speakers was George W. Ford of this county. Large processions attended from different parts of the county. The campaign was lively, many candidates and other able speakers taking the. stump in this county. Governor Yates spoke here in October, as did also W. P. Kellogg and many others. What delighted the republicans was the fact that General Logan took the stump for Lincoln and Johnson and thus became identified with the republican party. His ability, his former democracy and his skill and prominence as a soldier favoring the policy of the administration endeared him to all loyal hearts in this county.

At the Union Representative Convention held at Keithsburg October i, 1864, Erastus Rice served as chairman and Horace Bigelow, publisher of the Record, as secretary. Mercer County was represented by the following delegates: S. H. Redman, W. A. Dryden, H. H. Roberts, Horace Bigelow, M. R. Good and C. S. Caldwell. Jonathan Simpson was nominated for representative.

The campaign of 1864 was one of the most strenuous, aggressive and vindictive ever conducted in this county. The issues were for a continuance of the war along the lines laid down by President Lincoln's administration or along the so-called peace lines proposed and advocated by the enemies of the administration. Local orators of both parties were aided by brilliant men from abroad and large crowds assembled at all meetings to hear the issues discussed, so great was the general interest. Such meetings were held at every village and city and at all the principal schoolhouses. The grand Union rally at Aledo on October 12th was the largest affair of the kind ever staged in the county. The day was bright and fair and all loyal hearts beat- high with the spirit of the hour. Early in the morning the crowd began to gather. First came single teams and then groups of wagons resplendent with banners and emblems and joyous citizens. Gloom had departed, because all felt that the rebellion was already within the power of the Government. A large pole had been raised on the streets and there the people met to exchange patriotic bon mots and cheer the Stars and Stripes. By 10 o'clock the township delegations began to wind in from the country in long streams of color and enthusiasm. Nearlv all were accompanied by some sort of music. As high as twenty delegations thus arrived, several containing as high as fortv wagons, each filled with men, women and children.

who were to fire the hearts of the citizens that eventful day with renewed pledges of fidelity and allegiance - Governor Richard Yates, Gen. A. C. Harding and others. At once a delegation headed by the Aledo Brass Band advanced to meet and greet the cavalcade and escort them to the city. They met about a mile outside and there united and formed the most imposing parade that ever entered the county seat - a shouting and enthusiastic army of brilliancy and loyalty. The scene was grand in the extreme when the long line advanced to the flag-pole, surrounded it and gave way to their pent-up loyalty in round after round of thundering cheers.

After dinner all gathered at the stand, where, first, General Harding was introduced to the audience by James S. Poage, and delivered a powerful, analytical and argumentative address. At its conclusion Mr. Poage introduced Governor Yates who at once received an uproarious welcome. His speech took up more of the home and sentimental side of the great war questions and was frequently interrupted with cheers. It lasted two hours and was followed throughout with the closest attention. Judge McLean, of McHenry County, then spoke briefly and the ceremonies ended with cheers and music. In the evening a large crowd heard J. S. Poage in the courthouse.

The democrats held a large meeting at Keithsburg the next day. October 13, 1864. S. Corning Judd delivered the principal address. He was democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. The Aledo Brass Band furnished the music. The meeting was large and enthusiastic. J. A. J. Birdsall, editor of the Keithsburg Observer, was democratic candidate for representative in 1864 and was nominated at the convention held at Keithsburg, October 4.

In October a joint debate of the political and war issues was held at New Boston by Mr. Strain (R.) and Mr. Peffer (D.). There was a large attendance of the members of both parties. James A. McKenzie spoke at Aledo, October 20. He also spoke elsewhere in the county. Jonathan Simpson, John R. Bassett, S. W. McCoy and L. W. Thompson addressed audiences throughout the county.

The election in November, 1864, filled all loyal hearts with intense joy. Lincoln's majority over McClellan's in this county was 659, a gain of forty- four over the vote of i860. The republicans gave every man from president to coroner a handsome majority, the average being a little over 600. For state senator, Strain beat Peffer 1,760 to 1,100; for representative, Simpson beat Birdsall by 1,758 to 1,099; Ior circuit clerk, Wilson beat Detwiler by 1,633 to 1,221 ; for sheriff, Clay beat Campbell by 1,747 t0 l>lI3] f°r coroner, Simpson beat Suter by 1.743 t0 1 , r 1 1 - The republican or Union successes all over the country gave unbounded gratification to all who favored the course of President Lincoln's administration. General Harding was elected to Congress over Air. Harris by 855 majority and Simpson was elected to the Legislature over Birdsall by 987 majority. Two years before Cabeen (D.) was elected representative by sixty-three majority. Oglesby (R.) was elected governor bv a large majority. The triumph of the republicans was complete. It meant the vigorous continuance of the war along the program of President Lincoln's administration.

The conclusion of the war early in 1865 ended in a large measure the excitement over political questions in this county- In January Mercer was made a part of the Seventh Congressional District. Previous to October few, if any, speeches or meetings of a political character were held. All was quiet and the few candidates themselves, though enthusiastic in their own support, did not receive much encouragement from the people who were thinking more of the restoration of peace and the success of their industries than they were of the welfare of political aspirants.

The Republican Convention of September 18, 1865, made several important changes in political procedure. Previous to this date the custom was to appoint a committee to recommend candidates, but now the convention nominated them without such circumlocution. John R. Bassett was nominated for county judge; Isaac McManus, countv clerk; William B. Frew, surveyor; Isaac N. Dunlap, treasurer; and S. B. Atwater, school superintendent. On motion the central committee was instructed to make arrangements for nominating candidates by primary elections in the future.

The election was spiritless and the number of votes polled only a little over half of those cast at the November (1864) election. There were no contests except for county clerk and county treasurer. The vote for clerk was: McManus (R.), 732; Amberson (Ind.), 761. The vote for treasurer was: Dunlap (R.) , 957; Ungles ( Ind.) , 526. Bassett, Frew and Atwater were elected judge, surveyor and school superintendent respectively. The Union ticket had no regular opposition.

Earlv in 1866 the reconstruction questions engrossed the attention of the voters of this county. Several amendments to the Constitution were proposed and at once differences began to arise concerning their effect upon existing conditions. On July 28th all of the townships held primary meetings and selected delegates to the county convention to be held July 30. Perhaps the most important questions were the Freedmen's Bureau Bill and Civil Rights Bill,

In August, Gen. A. C. Harding was renominated to Congress from this, the Fourth District, and Gen. John A. Logan was nominated at the State Convention for Congress at large.

It was in 1866 that the first exciting political events occurred here since the war. John S. Thompson, who had for years been identified prominently with the republican party, accepted the nomination of the opposition and did so upon the following grounds:

"The republican party by its radical leaders is firmly and unalterably committed to three propositions: (1) Negro suffrage; (2) opposition to the admission of loyal representatives from the southern states in the Congress of the Union; (3) to an insatiable spirit of hatred and vengeance toward all men, North and South, East and West, who do not yield obedience to their will and vote their ticket. To the first proposition I am opposed; to the second I cannot subscribe and to the third there is hardly need of a response." The Record, edited by Horace Bigelow, said in reply, "All three of these propositions are absolutely, unequivocally and maliciously false. Nay, more; the judge when he penned them knew that he was telling a deliberate lie. The republican party, as such, are unalterably committed to nothing of the kind. To say so is an insult to the intelligence of this community." The Record endeavored to refute the statements of the judge, but succeed only in part.

chairman and A. G. Lucas, secretary. All was quiet and harmonious. Delegates to the representative convention were instructed to vote for Capt. D. W. Sedwick. Thomas Simpson was nominated for sheriff and Samuel Paxton for coroner. The delegates to the representative convention were B. F. Brown, J. B. Langley, D. P. McClanahan, H. B. Frazier, Robert Candor, J. E. Harroun, Theodore Glancey, H. W. Thornton, A. R. Sutton, A. G. Lucas, A. Prouty and D. W. Noble. Horace Bigelow and Lewis Leslie were district committeemen.

In October, 1866, Gen. A. C. Harding and J. B. Hawley stumped the county speaking among other places at Aledo, Keithsburg, New Boston, Sunbeam, Evans' Corners, Hickory Grove and Preemption. Daniel W. Sedwick was duly nominated for representative. On October 6th, Lyman Trumbull addressed a large audience at Aledo on the issues of the day. The dav was beautiful and large delegations came from all parts of the county with banners flying and bands playing. Senator Trumbull's speech was one of great power and compass and revealed in detail the differences between Congress and President Johnson. He was followed by General Harding in a short speech full of local references and arguments. In the evening Doctor Fisk and Colonel McManus spoke at the courthouse. The Aledo Republican Club had charge of the ceremonies. The presence at Aledo of Governor Oglesby during the campaign of 1866 was made the occasion of a general rally of the old soldiers under the management of Aledo Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic. The committee on arrangements were Lewis L. Troy, J. H. Connell, I. N. Dunlap, J. M. Warwick, F. C. Cunningham and Washington Waugh. Large delegations from all townships arrived early and the streets were paraded by a long line of wagons and pedestrians led by 200 members of the Grand Army and the band. Greene Township sent a wagon drawn by six horses and containing thirty-six young ladies representing the states. Governor Oglesby reviewed the parade and was greeted with cheers and the waving of small flags. His speech delivered on the east side of the courthouse block was listened to by nearly ten thousand people it was estimated. He reviewed with intense severity the acts of President Johnson and was frequently applauded.

The result of the election of November, 1866, was as follows: For Congress at large, Logan (R.) over Dickey (D.), 729; for Congress Fourth District, Harding (R.) over Thompson (D.), 689; for representative, Sedwick (R.) over Hanna (D.), 759; for sheriff, Simpson, no opposition, 2,190 votes; for coroner, Paxton (R.), no opposition. Total vote 3,317. Three townships went democratic, namely: Perryton, Abington and Keithsburg. The vote for congressman was as follows: Harding (R'.), 1.992, Thompson (D.), 1,303. There was much rejoicing in this county that the election generally showed that President Johnson's policy was condemned and that the radicals should hold power and rule the country.

At a special election for county sheriff in February, 1867. the candidates were E. E. Harris, C. J. Simpson, John C. Welliver and Charles M. Barry. The latter received the nomination. At the convention of the Tenth Judicial District held at Monmouth in May, 1867, for the purpose of nominating a candidate for circuit judge, order was called by I. N. Bassett and W. S. Gale was chosen chairman and Horace Bigelow, secretary. On the second formal ballot Thomas G. Frost received the nomination. The other candidates voted for were A. A. Smith, W. C. Rice and P. H. Sanford.

The result of the election in November, 1867, was as follows: For treasurer - Dunlap (R.), 980, Ungles (D.), 721 ; for surveyor - Frew (R.), 1,149, Lee (Ind.), 528. Only about one-third of the vote was polled. The democrats had no regular ticket but ran their candidates as independents.

The Republican County Convention met April 13, 1868, at Aledo and named the following delegates to the State Convention: S. H. Riddell, Col. I. McManus, Joshua Bruner, H. X. Chandler, and I. R. Kidd ; and the following delegates to the Congressional Convention: B. F. Brown, J. M. Mannon, E. W. Livingston, I. N. Bassett, J. N. Markee, J. V. Frazier, W. O. Dungan, W. D. Craig, J. B. Longley, W. M. Hays and W. M. Pinkerton. The delegates to the State Convention were instructed to vote for John M. Palmer for governor.

In case he refused to run they were instructel to vote for Anson S. Miller. The congressional delegates were instructed to vote for J. B. Hawley.

In 1868 the republicans of this county from the start favored the nomination of General Grant for the presidency. As early as May a Grant Club was organized at Aledo, at New Boston and at several of the townships throughout the county. At Aledo I. N. Bassett was made president of the club; L. S. Troy and E. E. Harris, vice presidents; James H. Cornell, secretary; Hugh R. Morrison, treasurer, and J. C. Cummins, marshal. This club met regularly every Saturday night at the courthouse. The nomination of Grant and Colfax met the approval of the republicans here. The democrats were well pleased with the nomination of Seymour and Blair for president and vice president respectively. They likewise formed clubs in all parts of the county and commenced a stirring campaign for success. There was considerable feeling at this time throughout the county that the ultra views of the republicans were too severe for the restoration of friendly relations with the southern people. The attitude of leading republicans was to force the South to observe and adopt the reconstructive measures proposed by the ultra republicans. All democrats and many republicans believed that a conciliatory policy would be far better than to send troops to the South to enforce objectionable reconstructive measures. Accordingly the republican party in a measure was slowly disintegrating and falling away from the severe measures advocated by the extremists. In the end this feeling led to an open rupture in republican ranks and to the formation of the liberal republican party, which was composed of democrats and such republicans as favored a policy not so stringent and exacting toward the South.

The Republican County Convention assembled at Aledo, August 17, 1868. Col. H. W. Thornton was elected chairman and T. Glancey, secretary. Col. I. McManus and I. N. Bassett addressed the convention while the committee on credentials was at work. William A. Lorimer was nominated for circuit clerk. Mr. Dungan was nominated for sheriff on the first ballot. Rezin W. Kile was nominated for coroner by acclamation. The new Central Committee were C. S. Richey, B. F. Morey, I. McManus, Horace Bigelow and J. M. Mannon. Delegates to the Senatorial, Judicial and Representative conventions were chosen.

At the Representative Convention, held at Keithsburg this year, David M. Findley was nominated bv acclamation. \V. O. Dungan was the republican nominee for sheriff. At the Senatorial Convention in Monmouth in 1868, Col. I. McManus, of Keithsburg, received the nomination for state senator. Gen. John M. Palmer was republican candidate for governor and spoke here September 1 6th. His address continued for two hours and was listened to by 5,000 people. General Singleton, democrat, spoke at several places in this county to large audiences. He was an able and eloquent speaker and was listened to with rapt attention. He spoke at Aledo and a few days later Rev. J. S. Poage answered him in a speech of unusual power and eloquence. Mr. Poage was quite a brilliant speaker and was popular throughout the county. C. C. Matlock, of Keithsburg, was another democratic nominee for representative. At the Democratic Convention in October, Doctor Stanway, of New Boston, was nominated for circuit clerk, and Thomas Cummings, of Keithsburg, was nominated for sheriff. The campaign of 1868 was unusually active, vindictive and brilliant. The people were interested and usually assembled in large numbers to hear the able speakers of this county and those who came in from abroad.

The Republican Countv Convention of September, 1869, nominated Joshua Bruner for county judge; F. W. Livingston for county superintendent; J. W. Dilley for county clerk; I. N. Dunlap for county treasurer; W. B. Frew for county surveyor, and named J. S. Poage as a delegate from this countv to revise the Constitution. In order to defeat the republicans the democrats and the disgruntled republicans united to put out a fusion ticket in part. The result of the election in November, 1869, was the success generallv of the republican ticket. The fusionists nominated J. C. Pepper as delegate to the Constitutional Convention and exhausted every resource in their power to effect his election. They desired certain changes or certain articles in the new Constitution and were willing to grant almost any concession to effect the desired result. But they failed, the vote being Poage 882, Pepper 522. At the Republican County Delegate Convention in 1870 Walter Pryne served as chairman and T. Glancey and H. Bigelow as secretaries. The usual delegates to the State, Congressional and Senatorial conventions were chosen. Congressional delegates were instructed to vote for J. B. Hawley and the senatorial delegates to vote for H. S. Senter. The convention also instructed the state delegates to vote for John A. Logan for anv office he desired, and to vote for J. S. Strain, of Warren County, for penitentiary commissioner. The new Central Committee were George P. Graham, Walter Pryne, T. Glancey, S. D. Paxton and J. B. Longley. At the Republican County Convention in October, 1870, Dr. J. P. Boyd served as chairman and H. Bigelow as secretary. The candidates for representative were E. Gilmore, S. F. Fleherty and J. M. Mannon. It required eighteen ballots to effect a nomination. On the last ballot Gilmore received 41 and Flehertv 42. The following were candidates for sheriff - Cummins, Reddell, Noble and Guthrie. It required ten ballots to settle this contest, the last being Noble 33, Guthrie 50. The candidate for representative was instructed to vote for John A. Logan for United States senator. R. W. Kile was nominated for coroner by acclamation. The contest this year was largely local, was lively and sharp, but there was little ill will. Among the speakers were John B. Hawley, John A. Logan and Governor Oglesby. General Logan was at Aledo in September and during the afternoon the rain fell in torrents, vet over one thousand persons were present to hear him. In 1870 the democracy nominated Thomas S. Cabeen for state senator. The republican speakers attacked Mr. Cabeen for his peace policy during the war and declared that he was now not entitled to recognition by the county. H. S. Senter became the republican candidate for state senator this year. John Geiger was nominated by the democracy for representative.

At the Republican Convention of May, 1872, Dr. J. V. Frazier was elected chairman and H. Bigelow, secretary. The resolutions adopted declared faith in the republican party and pledged fidelity to its platform and principles. W. A. Lorimer, B. D. Ellett, C. H. Eaton, H. Bigelow and C. A. Ballard were nominated for delegates to the state convention. At the republican county convention in July, 1872, held in Aledo, B. D. Ellett served as chairman and H. Bigelow as secretarv. Delegates were named to the congressional and senatorial conventions. Congressional delegates were instructed to vote for Rev. J. S. Poage for Congress. Delegates to the senatorial and representative conventions were instructed to vote for George P. Graham. W. A. Lorimer was nominated for circuit clerk, B. F. Brock for prosecuting attorney, N. H. Guthrie for sheriff and R. W. Kile for coroner. This convention was addressed at length by I. N. Bassett on the issues then stirring this community. B. D. Ellett, Walter Pryne, William Byrus, L. B. Morey and D. W. Sedwick were the county republican central committee. The republicans of this county were pleased and ratified the nomination of Grant and Wilson for president and vice president respectively. At this time there was a decided split in the ranks of the republicans. The liberal wing of that party was now fully organized and many prominent republicans, believing it the wisest course to pursue under the circumstances, joined the new movement and fought for its success. The liberal republican convention met at Aledo in June and was called to order by I. N. Bassett. H. S. Scott was made chairman and T. Glancey, secretary. They passed resolutions accepting the Cincinnati platform adopted by the liberal republican party which had nominated Greeley and Brown for president and vice president. This convention favored uniting with all persons who endorsed the Cincinnati platform and favored a tariff for revenue only. John M. Palmer was favored for governor. H. H. Roberts, T. Glancey, I. N. Bassett, S. V. Prentiss and W. T. Dilley were appointed delegates to the state convention. C. S. Richey, H. S. Scott and W. P. Myers were placed on the county central com-

A Grant and Wilson Club was organized at Aledo in July and started out with 121; members. James M. Wilson was president, J. S. Boice, secretary, and M. L. Marsh, treasurer. The republicans of Millersburg also formed a Grant and Wilson Club, of which Robert H. Day was president. Another was formed at New Boston, with Gideon Ives, president. Still another was organized at Keithsburg, with G. W. Whitney for president. William D. Henderson was republican state elector from the Tenth District this year.

The democrats and liberal republicans, after some maneuvering, finally united and held a convention and nominated a ticket composed of both parties. The democrats named the circuit clerk and the prosecuting attorney and the liberal republicans sheriff and coroner. The candidates of the democrats were Benijah Lloyd for circuit clerk and F. Martin for prosecuting attorney. The vote in this county in 1872 was as follows: For president, Grant, 1,984; Greeley, 1,046; for governor, Oglesby (R.), 1,980; Koerner (D.), 1,173; tor state senator, Sanford (R.), 1,991 ; Curtis (D.), 1,174; tor representatives, Graham (R.), 3,082^ ; J. S.Chambers (R.) , 2,881 V2 ; Streeter (D.), 3,297Tj; Hensley (D.), 1 q6 ' _» ; for state senator, Brock (R.), 1,918; Martin (D.), 1,241; for circuit clerk, Lorimer (R.), about 1,644; Lloyd (D.), 1,279; for sheriff, Guthrie (R.), 2,147; tor coroner, Cline (R.), 1,996; for the stock law, 1,210; against the stock law, 1,713. The last measure was a law to keep stock from running at large.

At the judicial election in 1873 Craig (R.) received 1,487 and Lawrence (D.), 484. In 1873 the democrats and liberal republicans united. They apparently held separate conventions, but agreed upon the fusion ticket and entered the field to win. At this time the fusion movement was called the people's party. The county convention of this organization was signed by every member of the county board except one. The labor movement was taken up by the democrats who made the most of the circumstances. Many republicans joined this movement because the Grangers, or Patrons of Husbandry, favored the fusion ticket. The old liberal republican party was thus merged into the new organization largely under the control of the Patrons of Husbandry.

fidelity to the republican platform and principles. J. R. Bassett was nominated for county judge; J. W. Dilley, county clerk; M. M. Jones, treasurer, and Miss Amanda Frazier, county superintendent. The county republican central committee were H. Bigelow, B. D. Ellett, Walter Pryne, D. W. Sedwick and William Byrus.

Late in August, 1873, the people's convention, composed of democrats, greenbackers and fusionists generally, met at Byers' Hall and elected W. E. Griffin chairman and L. D. Holmes secretary. The committee on platform were N. P. Smith, J. P. Wycoff, A. Brunington, J. E. Harroun and J. W. Sedwell. The preamble to the platform recited that a portion of the people deemed it advisable to dissolve connection with the old parties and set up a new political organization based upon the following principles: (1) All corporations to be controlled by law; (2) greater economy in public office;

(4) that honesty, ability and competency should be the test of fitness for office; (5) a tariff for revenue with a few exceptions; (6) representatives of the people should obey the wishes of the people or resign; (7) favored the election of president and United States senators by direct vote of the people; (8) opposed to further land grants to railroads or other corporations, the same to be given to actual settlers; (9) that the next Congress should repeal at once the back pay or salary grab steal as it was called; (10) advised the repeal of the railroad law which advocated the pro rata principle. This convention nominated the following officers: Thomas Likely, count\ judge; C. F. Durston, county clerk; W. N. Graham, treasurer; W. B. Frew, surveyor.

The result of the election in November, 1873, was the success generally of the anti-monopoly ticket, so-called. For county judge, Thomas Likely (A. M.), 1,224; Jonn R Bassett (R.), 992; for county clerk, C. F. Durston (A. M.), 1,244; John W. Dilley (R.), 988; for treasurer, W. N. Graham (A. M.), 1,340; Milton M. Jones (R.), 890; for county superintendent, Miss A. E. Frazier (R.), 807; Miss M. L. Walker (Indp.), 772; William D. Condit (Indp.), 479; for keeping up hogs, 610; against keeping up hogs, 1,063. This election resulted in a partial defeat of the republican party. The democrats, disgruntled republicans, liberal republicans and grangers, when united, were strong enough to make heavy inroads upon the ranks of republicanism. At this election in Illinois twenty-nine women were candidates for county superintendents and eleven were elected.

At the people's convention in June, 1874, Jorm Geiger, H. E. Harroun, S. V. Prentiss and A. J. Streeter were named as delegates to the state convention of that party. At the republican county convention in June, J. R. Bassett served as chairman and H. Bigelow as secretary. Dr. J. V. Frazier, W. A. Lorimer, J. B. Gilmore, J. C. Graham and David Little were chosen delegates to the state convention.

At the republican county convention in August, Judge Bassett was made chairman and H. Bigelow, secretary. John S. Paxton was nominated for sheriff and Ambrose D. Keeler, coroner. John T. McGinnis was the choice of the convention for representative; B. C. Taliaferro for Congress. Delegates to the congressional and representative conventions were selected.

The independent county convention met at Aledo in August, with R. H. Day presiding, and T. J. Martin served as secretary. B. W. McLaughlin was nominated for sheriff and C. S. Richey, coroner. A. J. Streeter was the choice of the convention for representative. John T. McGinnis and John H. Lewis secured the nomination for representatives. Henderson Ritchie secured the nomination for Congress. The latter spoke here in October to a large audience. Bagby was his opponent. They conducted a joint discussion throughout the district during the campaign. In October, Shelby M. Cullom, then speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke here in Byers Hall to several thousand voters.

At the republican county convention in August, 1875, Col. J. M. Mannon served as chairman and H. Bigelow as secretary. Daniel T. Hindman was nominated for county treasurer and W. B. Frew for surveyor. The independent or democratic convention of August was presided over by R. C. Cabeen, with O. P. Arthur as secretary. This convention strongly favored greenback principles and advocated the immediate repeal of the Sherman resumption law and took steps for the formation of greenback clubs in every considerable neighborhood in the county. W. N. Graham was nominated for treasurer and Williams McLaughlin for surveyor. Opposition to the republicans during this campaign was a fusion of the democrats and greenbackers. At the November election the republicans were

At the republican county convention in August, 1876, Col. George W. Warner presided and H. Bigelovv officiated as secretary, with L. B. Doughty as assistant. Alexander McArthur was nominated for circuit clerk; John S. Paxton, sheriff; John C. Wharton, state's attorney; R. W. Kile, coroner. The convention renominated J. B. Taliaferro for state senator. There was not as much excitement over political matters in 1876 as might have been, expected. However, both parties were well organized, with clubs in almost every neighborhood. The candidates stumped the county and the republicans lost many votes through the dissatisfaction which then existed in political affairs.

At the republican county delegate convention, July 14, 1877, to name delegates to the judicial convention, j. M. Wilson served as chairman and H. Bigelow as secretary. The delegates chosen were: T. B. Mayo, J. W. Close, E. T. Crosbv, T. R. Gourley. R. Wolfe, W. A. Lorimer, S. V. Prentiss, R. A. McGee and Dr. E. Kendall. They were directed to present the name of Isaac N. Bassett before the Galva convention for nomination as judge and to use all honorable means to secure his selection. John J. Glenn, of Monmouth, was nominated.

The republican county convention of September 3, 1877, was presided over by Robert Candor, and H. Bigelow served as secretary. John R. Bassett was nominated for county judge; Miss A. E. Frazier, for county superintendent; E. C. Humphrey, for county clerk; D. T. Hindman, for county treasurer; R. H. Atchison, John McClure, J. V. Frazier, Gideon Ives and A. P. Petrie were chosen countv central committee.

The campaign of 1877 was mean, vindictive and personal. E. C. Humphrey received the nomination for county clerk in 1877 as against Charles F. Durston, who was then incumbent, having served for four years. Mr. Durston had made an excellent clerk and was a man of most excellent character, very popular in the county, and had lived in the county nearly all his lifetime. His father and his brothers had lived in the east part of the county, where he had other relatives. Also he had relatives in New Boston, in the western part of the county. Mr. Humphrey had only lived in the county a few years and came here as station agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. Mr. Humphrey was a wary politician and he and Dr. J. S. Boice managed to get the political bosses to obtain their nominations, Boice for member of the state board of equalization, and Humphrey for county clerk. This was against the wishes of the great body of the republicans in the county. If the matter had been submitted at a primary both of these men would have been defeated, and Durston would have been nominated more than two to one against Humphrey. This caused great dissatisfaction and Charles Worden was put up as a candidate. He was born and lived all of his lifetime in Keithsburg, was a republican, and was a man of excellent character and ability. J. H. Connell and others, but particularly Mr. Connell, wrote a number of articles that were published in the democratic newspaper of the county, urging the election of Mr. Worden, and while he was urging that Mr. Humphrey was a railroad man, the real thing that defeated Humphrey was getting the nomination by the political bosses and not by the people.

The result of the electon of November, 1877, was as follows: For county judge, Bassett (R.), 1,474; Dilley (D.), 710; for county clerk, Humphrey (R.), 923; Worden (D.), 1,378; for county treasurer, Hindman (R.), no opposition, 2,149; for county superintendent, Miss Frazier (R.), 1,243; Gibson (D.), 913; for county judge Scott received five votes in Keithsburg and fifty in Perryton Township. Mrs. L. P. Gibson was the democratic-greenback candidate for county superintendent. Only eighty-one votes were cast in the county in favor of the proposed state house appropriation. The partial successes of the greenbackers and democrats united gave them great encouragement, whereupon they prepared to organize at an early date for the campaign of 1878. They held a large convention at Aledo in December, on which occasion S. F.

Norton, a greenback enthusiast from Chicago, explained the principles thus advocated by the greenbackers. Inflation was the panacea for all political ills of that party, according to Mr. Norton and other members of the greenback party. He likewise discussed the provisions of the Bland silver bill.

At a mass convention of the republicans in February, 1878, the financial condition of the country was fully and deliberately considered. The ablest speakers of the party analyzed the policies and demands of the greenbacks and insisted that their position was unwise and should not be made a part of the laws of the Government. At this meeting Graham Lee was chairman and H. Bigelow, secretary. The committee on resolutions were A. P. Petrie, V. R. Harriott, W. C. Gray, Robert Candor, George P. Graham, Josiah Candor, Edward Griffith, Washington Wolf and J. J. Huston. Speeches were made by Edwards, Taliaferro, Judge Bassett and Brock, each giving briefly his views on the greenback question. The resolutions favored the repeal of the resumption act so far as it related to the time of resumption; expressed the belief that the demonetization of silver was uncalled for and hailed the passage of the Bland silver bill; expressed the further belief that the legal tender notes of the United States were the best and most reliable money in the world; opposed the contraction or withdrawal of the legal tender notes; demanded the substitution of legal tender notes for national bank currency as fast as received from the treasury; advocated the payment of Government bonds in accordance with law, favored making Government notes a legal tender for all debts except where coin should be specified; urged the issuance bv the Government of bonds of the denomination of $io and upward to the full amount of the demand not exceeding the amount of bonded indebtedness; favored the establishment of postal savings banks under control of the postoffice department.

On March 23, 1878, the greenback countv convention was held at Union Hall, Aledo. R. H. Bay served as chairman, J. E. Harroun as secretary, and S. J. Mason as assistant secretarv. R. J. Cabeen, A. B. Swisher, W. A. Wilson, William Hill, J. L. Robb, Dick Wolf, T. S. Robb, Richard Winger, James Goold and J. E. Harroun were appointed committee on resolutions. Speeches were made by R. H. Day, W. H. Heaton, R. S. Cramer, A. J. Streeter and Doctor Baker. The committee on resolutions recommended the adoption of the Toledo platform except as to the name of the partv, which they stated should be national greenback instead of national. The report was accepted and the committee was discharged. The

At the republican county delegate convention in August, E. L. McKinnie served as chairman and H. Bigelow, as secretary. Delegates to the congressional and senatorial conventions were named. Joshua R. Brown was nominated for sheriff and E. B. Harvey for coroner. At the greenback convention in August, R. B. Cabeen presided. George W. Gregg was nominated for sheriff and Dr. W. H. Hall for coroner. The greenbackers and democrats were unable to unite this year and accordingly the former nominated a separate ticket, as follows: William H. Brown for sheriff and Rezin Pratt for coroner. B. F. Marsh was candidate of the republicans for Congress. The same party named Joseph F. Latimer and Rufus W. Miles for representatives.

In 1878 Keithsburg had the largest democratic club in this congressional district. At an immense barbecue held there in September, over six thousand people were present according to estimates. A prize was offered for the largest club of the party and although immense delegations came from neighboring cities, Keithsburg won the prize. Among the speakers on this occasion were Brick Pomeroy and D. P. Stubbs, of Iowa. Six bands were present and furnished the music. Organization clubs came from Muscatine, Aledo, Oquawka, New Boston, Alexis, Viola and elsewhere. The efforts of the greenbackers of Keithsburg were successful in making this the most notable gathering of the campaign. A little later, in order to counteract the effect of the greenbackers' barbecue, Governor Oglesby and B. F. Marsh spoke to a large audience of republicans in Keithsburg, as did John B. Hawley and D. P. Phelps.

In May, 1879, R. J. Cabeen served as chairman of the greenback convention and W. H. Heaton as secretary. The lack of success had somewhat dampened the ardor of the greenbackers, so that they only nominated Jacob Cool for county coroner. At the republican county convention this year A. P. Petrie served as chairman. D. T. Hindman was nominated for county treasurer and C. S. Richey, surveyor. At the democratic county convention John Geiger served as chairman. Cornelius O'Leary was nominated for treasurer and William McLaughlin for surveyor. The greenbackers this year held their convention in September and were presided over by Charles Roberts. D. H. Hayes in a long speech scored the policies and practices of the two old parties. The convention nominated Cornelius O'Leary for treasurer and William McLaughlin for surveyor, thus fusing really with the democracy. Late in October, owing to some dissatisfaction, the democrats nominated W. R. Lemon for county treasurer.