Sangamon County, Illinois - City of Springfield 563, 1881 (part 21 of 25)

Riot At Illiopolis

On Saturday, July 6, 1872, as Taylor Dickerson was walking home with a young lady, some one threw a bunch of fire-crackers behind the couple, which excited the anger of Dickerson, and the next day, in speaking of the affair, he said if he knew who done it he would give him a thrashing. Carlyle Cantrall then stepped forward and said that he was the man who committed the deed. Dickerson, nothing daunted, pitched in; result was a terrible fight, which, before it was ended, resulted in a half dozen others, friends of both parties taking a hand, in which Cantrall and his friends were badly whipped. Of course the fight was the town talk, and the result was the personal friends arrayed themselves into factions, and by many hard and bitter words, added fuel to the flame. On Saturday, July 20, Cantrall went to the village, accompanied by some friends, two of whom were named Kendall. Their appearance was the signal for a row, in which Dickerson was badly beaten. All that afternoon and until late in the evening, the village was a perfect pandemonium. Late in the evening the Kendalls started home, accompanied by a cousin, when Dr. J. M. Burch stepped up and attempted to arrest them. The Kendalls put whip to their horses and attempted to escape. Dr. Burch ordered them to halt or he would shoot. This command he repeated three tiines without effect, and then tired, the ball taking off two fingers of Kendall's cousin and entered the left side of Kendall near the spine, and lodging in the abdomen. The shot had the desired effect, and the whole party was arrested. Kendall died a few days afterward from the effect of the wound.

Dr. Burch was arrested, waived an examination, and gave bail in the sum of $5,000 for his appearance at the next term of the Circuit Court, at which time he was tried and acquitted.

Mukder And Suicide

On Saturday, June 14, 1 SYS, Milburn Sutherland Tayleur, a man ol mixed blood (negro and Indian), shot and instantly killed a colored man, named William Brown, with whom he had a quarrel. Coroner Bierce was at once notified, and started to arrest Tayleur, accompanied by several men, whom he summoned for the occasion. Seeing Tayleur in a field, he called upon him to surrender, when Tayleur placed his gun against his own breast, and leaning over it, pulled the trigger, the shot penetrating his body near the heart. He instantly fell, but survived long enough to make a statement acknowledging that he had killed Brown.

Uxorcide And Suicide

"A couple who were married in Loami township about a year ago, under circumstances not wholly devoid of romance, were irrevocably divorced Tuesday night. A year ago John H. Hudson, an old bachelor farmer, was married to Mrs. Gilpin, widow of Enoch Gilpin, in Loami township. Both of them were well known and well liked. Mrs. Hudson was possessed of considerable property, but her husband was comparatively a poor man. While gossips have for some time whispered the story that they were having some misunderstanding about property, it was generally believed they were living agreeably together. Under these circnmstances the neighbors were unprepared to hear the news of the shocking tragedy which occurred at the Hudson house Tuesday night, the details of Avhich show that while Hudson was generally recognized as a peaceable and quiet man, he was a perfect devil when aroused. The first horrifying rumor that came with shocking significance was that John Hudson had killed his wife with a spade, and then hung himself. The news reached this city about noon yesterday, and many people who knew both Mr. and Mrs. Hud- | son refused at first to believe it. The scene of the tragedy was an out of the way place, being seven or eight miles from a railway station, and it was difficult to get a connected history of the affair. After long and tedious search by the Journal reporters, the following story was obtained:

Hudson and his wife had retired to their room about 10 o'clock, Tuesday night. Whether they had any difficulty before retiring was not learned, but a few minutes afterward the sharj) crack of a revolver was heard by Hudson's sister and the hired girl. They ran to Mrs. Hudson's assistance and succeeded in disarming the infuriated husband, who had vainly attempted to shoot his wife. Summoning all of his strength, Hudson released himself from the ladies, and clutching his wife, dragged her out of the house some distance, where he struck her several times with a sj)ade, which happened to be within his reach. Leaving his wife lying upon the ground, her battered and scarred face looking up in the moonlight, while the warm blood spurted out of three ghastly skull wounds, Hudson fied to the home of his brother, where he related the story of his hideous crime. Horrified beyond expression, the brother hurried to the scene of the ghastly deed, and found the story he was loth to believe was only too true. After attending to the wants of the almost lifeless woman, the brother returned to find the murderer, but he had disappeared. Early yesterday morning his lifeless body was found hanging to an apple tree in the orchard, where, probably overcome by the enormity of his crime, he had ended the tragic story by taking his own life. The real cause of this horrible butchery could not be definitely learned. It was thought by some people that it arose out of some difficulties in regard to the property, while others seemed to think Hudson was jealous of his wife, though no foundation was given for the latter story. It is not known clearly whether the crime was premeditated, or the result of a sudden and insane passion. There are some circumstances that point toward the former theory. Mr. Flowers, who resides at the village of Loami, several miles from the Hudson place, stated that he had not heard of the tragedy, but said that he had loaned a revolver to Hudson Monday afternoon, Hudson informing him that he was going to take some money with him to buy cattle and wanted the revolver to protect himself. Another gentleman said he saw Hudson about 4 o'clock Monday afternoon, and he had agreed to buy some cattle from him. The unfortunate woman died the next day.

Authors And Artists

Sangamon county has not taken the advance stride in the world of letters and art as it has in politics and the business interests of her citizens. Still there are a few who deserve special mention in this connection.

John Caeeoll Powee

John Carroll Power was born September 1 9, 1819, in Fleming county, Kentucky, between Flemingsburg and Mt. Carmel. His grandfather, Joseph Power, with six brothers older than himself, were all living near Leesburg, Loudon county, Virginia, at the beginning of the American Revolution, and all became soldiers in the cause of freedom. Some of the elder brothers served through the whole seven years' struggle for independence, the younger ones entering the army as soon as they arrived at a suitable age. Joseph was but sixteen years old when be enlisted, and that was during the last year of the war. He was married a few years later, and, in 1793, started with his wife, children and household goods, on pack-horses, and in company w ;th several other families crossed the Allegheny mountains to Pittsburg. They descended the Ohio river in boats, landing at Limestone, now Maysville, and afterwards settled in what became Fleming county, Kentucky.

John Power, the second son of Joseph, born November, 1787, in Loudon county, Virginia, was the father of the subject of this sketch. He was a farmer in comfortable circumstances and the owner of a few slaves ; but with his numerous family he could not snd his children from home to acquire that education which is now to be obtained in district schools, within the reach of all; consequently, this son, of whom we write, grew to manhood without having

Like many other men who have struggled against adverse circumstances, he commenced his education at a period of life when he should have been in possession of it He takes pleasure in attributing to a great extent the measure of success he has attained, both morally and mentally, to his selection of a wife. He was married May 14, 1845, to Miss Sarah A. Harris. The marriage was solemnized about twenty-six miles below Cincinnati, in Aurora, Indiana. Miss Harris was born there October 1, 1824, of English parentage.

Her grandfather, on the maternal side, was the Rev. John Wadsworth, who was rector of a single parish of the Protestant Episcopal Church near Manchester, England, more than a third of a century. His daughter Catalina was the mother of Mrs. Power.

On her father's side, the history reaches back to her great-grandfather, William Fox, who was a wholesale merchant in London. He was also a deacon of a Baptist church in that city. By his business travels he became conversant with the illiterate and destitute condition of the poor people of the kingdom, and made an effort to induce Parliament to establish a system of free school.-; but failing in that, he next undertook to persuade his friends to unite with him in organizing and supporting a system of week-day instruction ^o extensive "that every person in the kingdom might be taught to read the Bible." When he had gone far enough to realize that the magnitude of the work was almost appalling, his attention was providentially drawn to the consideration of Sunday schools, in order to determine whether or not they would answer the same purpose. Becoming convinced that they would, he zealously adopted the latter plan, and on the 7tb of September, 1775, he organized in the city ot London, the first society in the world for the dissemination of Sunday schools. That society stood for eighteen years without a rival, and during that time it was instrumental in establishing Sunday Schools wherever Christian missions had unfurled the banner of the Cross.

William Fox had two sons and three daughters. The eldest daughter, Sarah, became the wife of Samuel Harris, a druggist in London. They had a son and daughter. The son, William Tell Harris, was married April 24, 1821, in England, to Catalina Wadsworth, daughter of Rev. John Wadsworth, as already stated. They came to America soon after their marriage, and settled in Aurora, Indiana. They have both been dead many years. Their only living child, Sarah A., was educated at private schools, and a four years' course in Granville Female Seminary, an institution under the auspices of the Protestant Episcopal Church, at Granville, Ohio, from which she graduated in 1842. After her marriage to Mr. Power, in 1845, at his request she directed his studies, and when he began to write for publication she became his critic; in that way rendering the best possible assistance, which she continues to the present time.

Mr. Power was brought up a farmer, but engaged in other pursuits a number of years, always cultivating habits of study and occasional writing, but without any thought of becoming an author until well advanced in life. He met with serious reverses about the beginning of the great rebellion; and at its close, finding himself in possession of a few thousand dollars, determined to return to agricultural pursuits. He accordingly removed to Kansas, purchased a farm and prosecuted the tilling of it for three years. The grasshoppers destroyed the crops of 1866 and 1867, and the drought of 1868 made almost a total loss of those three years, with all the expense of farming. In April, 1869, he accepted the first and only offer he ever received for his farm, returned to Illinois, and since that time has devoted himself almost exclusively to literary pursuits.

His prize essay on Self-Education, for which the Illinois State Agricultural Society awarded him a premium in 1868, was revised and published in " Harkness' Magazine;" the editor expressing the opinion thatthose who read it would find it " one of the most profitable, instructive and mentally invigorating essays they ever read."

in book form. It is the only connected history of that noble branch of Christian work ever attempted, and appears by common consent to be accepted as the standard authority on that subject. Mr. Power has written several books and pamphlets on various local subjects; also magazine articles on a great variety of topics.

An open letter by him to the Postmister General, on the subject of acfdressing mail matter, is a brief and interesting magazine article Some of his ideas are qu'te novel, and will bear investigation. The main point he aims to enforce is, that all mail matter should be addressed by first writing the name of the State in full, next the county, then the postoflice, and end with the name of the person i,r firm expected to receive it ; thus reversing the order practiced from time immemorial. He considers that essay his contribution to the great American Centennial.

Perhaps his most finished work is his monumental edition of the "Life of Lincoln." It is a fitting tribute to the Nation's Martyred Dead. His style is peculiarly clear, concise and original. He treats every subject most thoroushly and comprehensively, yet with an ease and grace of rcanuer that charms the reader. A gentleman of the highest literary attainments, connected with Madison University, Hamilton, New York, in a note to the publishers, says : "I have read your 'Life of Lincoln' by Power. It has the charm of a novel."

The work upon which Mr. Power gave more time than any other, was the "History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County." This work required four years of hard, earnest labor, and is of itself a monument to the literary pkill of the author. It is doubtful whether a better work of its kind was ever issued. The citizens of Sangamon county owe him a debt of gratitude which it is doubtful will ever be repaid. Posterity will give him credit for a work invaluable to the descendants of the early settlers whose lives are recorded.

Since the completion of the monument to the memory of Abraham Lincoln, and the removal of his remains thereto, Mr. Power has been the custodian, and the pleasure of a visit to the sacred spot is enhanced by his narration of all the facts in relation to the building of the monument, the figures placed thereon, the attempt to steal the remains, and an account of the relics placed in the monumental chamber. On dull days and as the opportunity occurs Mr. Power indulges in literary work..

Joseph Wallace

the fourth son of James and Mary Wallace, was born in Gallatin (now Carroll) county, Kentucky, September 30, 1834, and when two years of age removed with his parents to Jefferson county, Indiana. He was raised on a farm, and received a common school and collegiate education. In 1856 he commenced reading law in Madison Indiana, under the tuition of Judge Charles E. Walker. Remaining ihere for one year, he removed to Springfield, Illinois, and completed his preparatory course of study in the office of Messrs. Stuart & Edwards. In 1858 Mr. W. was licensed as an attorney-at-law, and shortly afterward opened an office and began practice. In 1866 he was elected to the office of Police Magistrate for the city of Springfield, and served continously for eight years, after which he resumed the practice of his profession. In 1879 he was chosen a member of the City Council, in which body he has since industriously servedas Chairman of the Ordinance Committee. With his other pursuits, Mr. W. has blended a decided taste for letters and literary composition, and during the last ten years has written a good deal for the press, chiefly upon biographical and historical subjects. Perhaps his most noted production is his Life of General E. D. Baker. Mr.fcWallace has also prepared a Memorial Life of Judge Stephen T. Logan, written at the request of the family, and which will be published for private circulation. He has also in manuscript "The Life of Stephen A. Douglas," which will probably be brought out in the near future. Being an ardent disciple of Douglas, the volume will doubtless be of great interest, and be pleasing and profitable to all. The author of this volume is indebted for several sketches to Mr. Wallace.

E. L. Gross

A sketch of the life of Mr. Gross is found in connection with the Bar history. His greatest literary work was the compilation of the Statutes of the State. Mr. Gi'oss was an easy and forcible writer and a hard and methodical worker. No effort on his part would be spared to make everything perfect that he undertook. He died almost before his powers were fully developed.

W. L. Gross

W. L. Gross is a brother of E. L., and a colaborer with him in the preparation of Gross' Statutes. As a sketch of Mr. Gross appears in connection with the Bar history, it is unnecessary to add anything in this connection, save was born in Taylor county. West Virginia, September 23, 1826. He received his education in Oberlin College, Ohio, and began at once the profession of a teacher, a profession which he has substantially followed since he left college. In 1870 he received an appointment in the office of the United States Inspector, and the same year commenced the compilation of a History of Illinois. In 1871, he associated with himself in this work, Bernard Stuve, a gentleman of fine literary taste. The work was completed and published by the authors in 1873, and was well received by both press and people. It has been more extensively sold than any history of the State yet published. Mr. Davidson, while engaged in literary work and teaching, has given some attention to mechanism and has turned out some work, invention of his brain, several of which are worthy of special mention. Mr. Davidson is yet a citizen of Springfield.

Dennis Williams

Dennis Williams, the well known crayon arttist of Springfield, was born in Burton, Clayton county, Mississippi, December 25, 1853. His mother was a native of Kentucky, but sold and taken South and made to do duty in the cotton fields. The first recollections of Dennis was riding behind his mother, on a mule, to the cotton fields in the early morning and returning late in the evening, and of playing with other boys of his age about the old plantation. When about six or seven years of age he was set to picking cotton and thought it sport for a while, but soon found his mistake, but there was no way of avoiding it - w*ork he must.

The war breaking out, the slaves of the South waited patiently but anxiously for the coming of the Yankees, and for their "day of jubilee." Their faith was strong that their deliverance was at hand, and the armies of the North had no sooner invaded the soil of Mississippi than the "contrabands" broke for the Union lines. Among the first to bid farewell to " Massa and Missus " was the mother and step-father of Dennis, accompanied by their son. The first point made was Carson's Landing, from whence they were sent to Haine's Bluff, Mississippi, where they were all taken sick with the fever. As soon as they were able, they were sent on to Vicksburg, then invested by the armies under General Grant. After the surrender of Vicksburg they

While in Vicksburg, the mother of Dennis taught him his letters, and it was her anxiety to give him an education that caused the family to turn their faces northward. On arriving at Springfield, he was soon placed in school, his first master being Thomas York. Dennis says he shall always remember his first teacher, as he on one occasion gave him enough to cause him to never forget him. He considers him a hard master.

When first given a primer, Dennis felt happy, the pictures of dogs, cats and other animals at once arrested his attention, and these small, if not rude pictures, first turned his attention to the life of an artist.

In 1869 he began to draw upon the blackboard straight and parallel lines, cubes and such things, and, in 1870, he made his first crayon sketch - the head of James Fisk, of New York. The picture was pronounced a good one for the first attempt, and was placed on exhibition in the window of Simmons' book store. Shortly after this he abandoned the idea of becoming an artist, there being so much to discourage him. He was a poor, ignorant colored boy, one compelled to earn his living by the low occupation of a boot-black. The people among whom he lived, with a few honorable exceptions, sneered at his pretensions. The idea of a "little nigger" becoming an artist - it was preposterous! But the artistic aspiration was in him; the desire to become an artist must be appeased, and he again took up his pencil. Frequently he would go to some studio to see how others drew portraits and would be driven away by the artists No one would give him encouragement. Still he would not despair. He secured a room in the rear end of a building on the southeast corner of the square, and when released fi'om his daily labor of blacking boots, he would repair to it, and as best he could, copy some rude picture he picked up, or the cheap lithographs sold in the book stores. To this day he has never witnessed another sketch a portrait, nor has he received instructions from another in drawing. He is

In the fall of 1874, he placed some of his sketches on exhibition at the county fair, and was rewarded with three premiums, two being for portraits, and one for a landscape scene While these pictures were on exhibition, he could not refrain his curiosity from listening to the remarks made about the work, and now quietly laughs at the criticisms he overheard. The people generally would not believe the pictures were the work of a " nigger." It was too much, to tax their credibility so much. But the criticisms were generally of a friendly nature, and he felt encouraged thereby.

The first picture that he ever made and sold was a portrait of General Grant, and sold to Colonel Robert Andrews, General Superintendent of the Wabash Railroad, at Toledo, Ohio. Colonel Andrews paid him 85 for it. Since then he has made portraits for Governor Cullom, James A. Connelly, United States District Attorney, Coles county; Judge O. L. Davis, of the Appellate Court; L. C. Collins, Cook county; R. W. Miles, Knox county; O. F. Ottman, Stark county; R. L. McKinlay, Edgar county; Thomas P. Rogers, McLean county; W. S. Hunter, R. W, Diller, E. A. Snively, Springfield, and many others. His work is now scattered through almost every State in the Union, and even in the Old World. In the winter of 1880-81, he made pictures of Lieutenant Governor Hamilton and Speaker Thomas, of the Thirty-second General Assembly, both of which were purchased by their respective Houses. The press of Chicago.v St. Louis, and other places highly complimented this work.

Mr. Williams received premiums at the Sangamon county fairs of 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, and at the State Fair of 1880. At this latter fair, he received two diplomas and a silver medal. The diplomas were for the best portraits in crayon and pastel, the medal for the best crayon.

In the life of Mr. Williams, is another illustration of what it is possible for one to do in this free land. Born a slave, a boot-black in his youth, to-day one of the best crayon artists in this country; and, to crown all, truly self-made.

Miscellaneous

In this chapter is presented a large number of historical points, too short each for a chaj^ter, yet of sufficient interest and importance to be inserted in the work.

The Mormons

On tbeir expulsion from the State of Missouri, a number of this peculiar sect who style themselves the Latter-Day Saints, settled in Sangamon county. Among their number was a young man named James C. Brewster. In 1842, this Brewster published what he termed one of the last books of the Bible, written by himself when divinely inspired. The publication having been circulated among the Mormons at Nauvoo, the Nauvoo Times and Seasons, Joe Smith's organ, gave notice that no one but Smith was permitted to be inspired, and that the work in question was a perfect humbug.

In 1845, it appears the church in Springfield had seceded from the church in Nauvoo, and had set up young Brewster as its prophet. His revelations at this time had become quite numerous. Among one of the prophecies of Brewster, was one in relation to the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. This prophecy being literally fulfilled, caused many to unite their fortunes with him, and "contend for the faith" as promulgated by him. During this year Brewster issued what purported to be the lost book of Esdeas, in which was clearly fortold the destruction of Nauvoo.

Shooting Stars

The "shooting stars" of 1833 will ever be a mystery to many, and many will continue to believe it was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Christ, that "the stars should fall from Heaven before that great and notable day of the Lord's coming." The Sangamo Journal, under date of November 16, says:

At 3 o'clock a. m., the whole atmosphere was lit up by what appeared to be the falling of myriads of meteors, or what was commonly called 'shooting stars.' At times the appearance was not inaptly compared to the falling of a shower of fire. The air was entirely calm and free from clouds. The scene presented was one of extraordinary sublimity, and must have excited intense admiration in all who beheld it." The Journal, in its issue of December 7, gives an illustration of the meteors and extracts from New York and Philadelphia papers showing that the phenomenon was not local in its character, but extended over the entire Union.

County Jail

A local reporter visiting the jail in 1860, thus writes : " One of the prisoners is a little old man who has become quite a fixture in the jail. His first name is Peter. About seven years ago he was arrested for stealing a lot of copper pipe. When his trial was called in the Circuit Court his counsel made a rather novel plea - that the pipe was real estate - and the jury taking that view of the case gratified Peter by acquitting him. We ai'e not informed of the singular process by which copper pipe was reduced to real estate, but Peter's counsel explained the matter to the entire satisfaction of the jury. Peter was not long afterwards arrested for stealing hams from a smoke-house. Fortune was against him for a short time in that matter, for he was found guilty of burglary and sentenced to one year in the penitentiary ; but his counsel applied for a new trial, on the ground that his client had not committed burglary - the law saying nothing about burglary in connection with unlawful entry into a smoke house ! Peter's counsel made a good point, and a new trial was ordered. It i? supposed that Peter would have been tried at the next term of court for larceny - and it is tqually certain that he would have been convicted - but before the opening of court the principal witness went crazy and was sent to Jacksonville. So Peter got out of that ucrape. His next arrest was on account of old copper. We believe he admitted that 1 e took the metal, but excused himself by saying that he could not keep from stealing copper or brass when he had half chance. His prospect for a residence in the penitentiary was quite flatteru.g. until his counsel proved, to the satisfaction of the jury, that the copper was not worth a farthing more than four dollars and seventy-five cents. He was provided with board and lodgings in the county jail for six months, and not long after the expiration of his term of imprisonment, he was arrested for removing hides from the bodies of three deceased steers, and appropriating them to his own use. He was bailed out of jail, compromised the matter, and kept it out of court. He is now in jail for stealing two brass scale beams. He values them at the price of old brass, but others say they are worth not less than ten dollars apiece. He has been in jail ten times- - six times for larceny, and four times for selling liquor contrary to law."

California Emigrants

Sangamon county furnished its quota of emigrants to California, in the days immediately following the discovery of gold in that far-off land. A company was organized called the Illinois and California Mining Mutual Inj'Urance Company, which left Springfield, Tuesday, March 27, 1849. The following named composed the company:

How Mill Privileges Were Secured

When a party desired to build a dam across a stream, be was required to go before the court and ask that a writ of ad quad damnum be issued summoning a jury of twelve men, who should view and assess whatever damages might be caused from the dam by reason of overflow of the water. As an illustration of the course usually pursued, the following report is appended:

"We, the imdersigned, jurors, being summoned and impanneled by Andrew Orr, Esq., Deputy Sheriff in and for the county of Sangamon, by virtue of a writ of ad quad dainnumy issued by the Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court in and for said county, and directed to the Sheriff of said county, on the application of Thomas Kirkpatrick, to erect a mill-dam on the northwest fractional quarter of section number three, in township number sixteen, north of range number six, west of third principal meridian, across Prairie creek; after being duly assembled and impanneled upon the premises, and being charged by the said Andrew Orr, Esq., Deputy Sheriff, as aforesaid, impartially and to the best of our skill and judgment, to view the land proposed for an abutment, and to locate and circumscribe by metes and bounds one or two acres thereof, having due regard therein to the interest of both parties, and to examine the land above and below the property of others which may probably overflow; and all springs that may be overflowed by the same, and appraise the same accordingly to its true value, report that we have diligently inquired into and examined the same, above and below the point at whic 1 said mill-dam is proposed to be erected, and find that the land on both sides of said stream, together with the bed thereof, where said dam is proposed to be ei'ec ed, belongs to the said Thomas Kirkpatrick, and that by erecting a dam no more than ten feet high, the height said dam is to be as contemplated by said Thomas Kirkpatrick, and estimated by us, no springs, either above or below said dam will be overflown by reason of the erection of the same, and that no injury will result to the property of any individual or individuals whatever by reason thereof; and we also believe that the erection of said dam and mills thereon, would be a matter of genei'al utility to the neighborhood, saving and excepting a quantity of land owned by William Kirkpatrick, lying above the place where the proposed dam is to be erected, which is subject to being overflowed by reason of the erection of said mill-dam, and we assess the damages by reason thereof at twenty dollars.

The Weather

The weather is always a fruitful topic for discussion. The editor of a local newspaper, when he can find no other subject upon which to write, always has a fruitful theme in the weather. He can praise it if it is fine, grumble at it if bad. Friends or strangers, when meeting, always discuss the weather. Lovers, when too bashful to discuss such themes as are ever nearest their hearts, talk sheepishly about the weather. The historian, neglecting this important theme, would be guilty of an unpardonable sin. Therefore it is a pleasing duty to record the following facts with relation to the weather, as illustrating how it has behaved itself in the three-score years of the organized existence of the county:

Mild Winter

"The season is certainly remarkable. - For several days past we have had no frosts, and the weather has been as mild as the latter part of April usually is. We hear the ,'melifluous notes' of frogs; the grass has started in many parts of the prairies; in the bottoms the May apple has sprouted from one to three iuchts; and most kinds of cattle do well without feeding. Plowing is going on in the vicinity of town. We have some fears the warm weather will cause the wheat to 'joint.' To prevent this, whenever it can be done, the wheat should be fed down by calves, &c. No doubt those of our citizens who left us for Arkansas last summer are congratulating themselves on the fine climate of that country, while they suppose the Illinoisans are buried in snow and sufi^ering from cold weather. Joy remain with them."

The Sudden Change

The sudden change in the weather which occurred December 20, 1836, is vividly impressed upon the minds of many of the old settlers of Sangamon county. There were several inches of snow upon the ground, and early in the morning rain began to fall, continuing for some hours, and turning the snow into slush. Washington Crowder, at present an old citizen of Springfield, then living about four miles southwest of the city, about eleven o'clock started to the city to procure a marriage license. Mr. Crowder carried an umbrella to protect himself from the rain, and wore an overcoat reaching nearly to his feet. When he had traveled something like half the distance, and had reached a point about four miles south of Springfield, he had a fair view of the landscape, ten or twelve miles west and north. He saw a very dark cloud, a little north of west, and it appeared to be approaching him very rapidly, accompanied by a teriffic, deep bellowing sound. He thought it prudent to close his umbrella, lest the wind should snatch it from his hands, and dropped the bridle reins on the neck of his horse for that purpose. Having closed the umbrella and put it under his arm, he was in the act of taking hold of the bridle rein, when the cold wave struck him. At that instant water was dripping from everything about him, but when he drew the reins taut, ice rattled from them. The water and slush almost instantly turned to ice, and running water on sloping ground was congealed as suddenly as molten lead would harden and form in ridges if poured on the ground. Mr. Crowder expressed himself quite sure that within fifteen minutes from the time the cold blast reached him his horse walked on top of the snow and water, so suddenly did it freeze. When he arrived in Springfield he rode up to a store at the west side of Fifth street, between Adams and Monroe, a few doors south of where Bunn's bank now stands. He attempted to dismount, but was unable to move, his overcoat holding him as firmly as though it had been made of sheet iron. He then called for help, and two men come out, who tried to lift him off, but his clothes were frozen to the saddle, which they ungirthed, and then carried man and saddle to the fire and thawed them asunder. After becom- ' ing sufficiently warm to do so, Mr. Crowder went to the County Clerk's office, obtained his license, and by driving his horse before hira, returned to where he had started in the morning. The next day he started on horseback, but found the traveling so difficult on the ice that he dismounted, tied up the bridle, left his horse to find the way back home, and went on foot to the house of his affianced, where he was married at the time appointed. Mr. Crowder admits that it was a very thorough test of his devotion, but it must be conceded that he proved himself equal to the emergency.

The velocity of the cold wave is not known. Preston Breckenridge gave it as his opinion that it moved at the rate of about seventy miles an hour. At the time he says he had just taken his dinner, and was sitting near a window, between 1 and 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in view of a pool of water, ten or twelve inches deep. He heard a terrific roaring sound. Suddenly the rain ceased, and it became quite dark. The first touch of the blast scooped all the water out of the pool. Some of it returned, but in a moment it was blown out again, and scattered in frost and ice, leaving the pool emply, and the bottom frozen dry. He says it had been raining slowly all the fore part of the day and so warm that he thinks a thermometer would have stood as high as forty degrees above zero, possibly higher, and that the first touch of the tempest would have brought it down to zero in a second of time.

Snow Blockade

On Wednesday evening, December 30, 1863, a snow storm set in which continued all night and during the greater portion of the next day, completely blockading all the public highways and all the railroads leadmg into Springfield. The embargo on travel continued for five days, during which time there was but one mail received in the city from the east and one from the west. It was the worst storm for many years previous.

Almost A Tornado

On Friday night, December 23, 1871, a heavy rain passed over Springfield, accompanied by thunder and lightning. The next morning all was beautiful, but about nine o'clock, dark, heavy clouds came up, the wind began to rise, and gradually increased to a gale, and at ten o'clock it swept over the city with such force as to unroof houses, knock down chimneys and signs, and destroy several buildings. The rink, erected at a cost of $12,000 in 1807, was leveled with the ground; the Rolling Mill was destroyed, as Avas also the round-house of the Gilman, Clinton & Springfield Railroad Company. The damage done amounted to several thousand dollars, but no lives were lost.

Rain Storm

"Old Probability" foretold a rain storm for Saturday, June 1,1872, and, according to programme, it came, and the "oldest inhabitant" had to give it up - that he could not remember its equal. At eight o'clock, p. m, the storm in all its fury burst upon the city of Springfield, the flashes of lightning being dazzling and almost incessant, accompanied by the sharp, crackling reports and roar of Heaven's musketry and artillery. From eight o'clock p. m., Saturday, until three o'clock a. m., Sunday, there did not seem to be a moment's cessation of the outpouring of rain from the "open flood-gates of Heaven." The falling of the rain sounded more like the " noise of many waters," pouring over a cataract, and soon the streets w^ere full of water which could not be carried off by the overcharged sewers, and the pressure on these was so great as to cause much damage to them. Cellars were, soon full, and in some instances poured into the sleeping apartments and drove the inmates to more comfortable quarters. The town branch, or main sewer, large enough to allow a double team and wagon to be driven into it, was soon filled with water, which poured out into the northwest. Ponds, which for years had been dry, were filled with water, and the placid Sangamon was made a roaring, dashing river.

Heavy Storm Of Wind And Rain

On Friday evening, August 3, 1860, a heavy storm of wind and rain passed over Springfield, resulting in a great deal of damage. Before seven o'clock its approach was indicated by the dark masses of clouds rolling up from the west, covering the whole earth with their gloomy darkness. Their pent-up fury burst a few minutes after seven, and in a few minutes it was raging with terrific power. ' Buildings were blown down and unroofed, trees were uprooted, and shrubbery and grain prostrated to the earth. An accompaniment of Heaven's artillery added to the terrible effect of the storm. Withey Brothers had their carriage manufactory blown down, entailing a loss of about 112,000 upon them. The building was a large three story brick. This was the heaviest loss experienced by any one man or firm. Many others were damaged in amounts ranging from one to five hundred dollars.

Storm At Williamsville

A terrific storm passed overWilliamsville and vicinity, Friday, May 14, 1858. It spent its greatest force about one and a half miles north of the village, striking with all its force the dwelling of Evans Britton, and utterly demolishing the entire premises. The family, consisting of Mr. Britton, wife, child, and a hired man, Avere all in the second story, and, strange to say, neither of them were instantly killed, although Mr. Britton was dangerously wounded, his wife seriously hurt, but not dangerously, the child slightly, and the hired man badly hurt. The foundation timbers of the house, being of solid oak, eight inches square, and thirty feet long, were carried a distance of one hundred and fifty yards from where the house stood. The storm was accompanied with very heavy hail, damaging the windows of every house in the neighborhood, and a perfect deluge of rain carried off nearly every bridge in the surrounding country.

Tornado On Sugar Creek

On Thursday, May 26, 1859, a tornado passed over a portion of this county on Sugar creek, and in the vicinity of Rochester. Its course was toward the northeast, and its violence was so great as to entirely demolish the residence of James Bell, a two-story house. It also tore the roof from the mill of Ranny & Bell, both of whom were within and seriously injured. The house of Mr. Patterson was blown down, but no one injured. Mr. Higgins' house shared the same fate, while the barn of Mr. Peddecord was destroyed. Two boys who were in the barn were blown some distance, but received no injuries. Mr. Highman's barn was prostrated, and Mr. Inslee's orchard completely destroyed, and his house, one and a half stories high, built of logs, was blown away, nothing being left but the foundation logs. Large hickory trees, two feet in diameter, were twisted off like pipe stems. It was fortunate no loss of life occurred.

Cholera

In 1832, that dreadful disease, Asiatic cholera, broke out in the county, and before its ravages were checked twenty -two deaths occurred. The physicians of the county, including Drs. John Todd, Gershom Jayne, J. M. Early, Ephraim Darling, E. H. Merryraan, T. Hurghan, Garret Elkin and James R. Gray, issued an address to the people of the county in which they discussed the question at some length of the origin of the disease and its treatment, including measures to prevent its spread. In 1833, it again appeared, but only two or three cases were reported, neither of which were fatal. In 1851, the county escaped having the disease, notwithstanding it spread almost throughout the entire country, but in 1854 it appeared much to the alarm of the citizens, but without fatal results.

Shoemaking

It is reported by Albion Knotts that when his father came to this country, in 1819, he soon learned that the next supply of shoes for his family would have to be manufactured by himself, although he had never made a shoe. This discovery was barely made w^hen he found that he must produce the leather also, as there were no tanners in the country. He first cut down a large oak tree, peeled off the bark and laid it up to dry. He dug a trough in the log as large as it would make for a tan-vat. He then gathered up all the hides he could obtain. The next question was how to remove the hair. It was known that it could not be done by regular tanners^ process, both for want of the proper materials, and the knowledge in using them. Some person suggested that it might be done with water and ashes, but great caution would be necessary, lest the solution be made too strong. In that event it w^ould ruin the hides. In his extreme caution he did not make it strong enough, and so removed but a little more than half the hair. In place of grinding the bark he beat it upon a stump with the poll of an axe. He then put the hides in the trough, covered them with the pulverized bark, put on weights to keep the mass down, and filled the trough with water, changing the bark several times during the summer. As winter approached he took the hides out, though not more than half tanned, and made them into shoes. He made them on what was called the stitch down plan. That is, in place of turning the upper leather under the last, it was turned outward and sewed with a straight awl through the upper and sole. This would make a walk around the shoe that a mouse might travel ou. It was frequently the case that awls could not be obtained. Then they would take a common table fork, break off one of the tines, and sharpen the other for the awl. Shoes made as I have described, with the upper leather hair side out, not more than half of it removed, and without any blacking, would certainly look very odd. There can be little doubt that the above is a fair description of the first tanning and shoemaking ever done in Sangamon county.

When Adam was created and placed in the garden of Eden, a help-meet was provided for him in the person of Eve. This, therefore, is the natural state of man. The married state is a solemn one and should be sacredly protected. "What God hath joined together, let no man tear asunder." In various lands the marriage rite is solemnized in different ways, and by different ceremonies; in all the acts of the contracting parties must be understood by each and by the community in which they live, as being a mutual agreement to hold the relation'^ towards one another as man and wife. In this State a license has always been required, or in lieu thereof, for many years, a couple could be married by publishing their intentions through a public asssembly. It is stated that even in Sangamon county, it was customary in order to save the license fee for parties desirous to wed to have an announcement made three times, on Sunday, before the congregation with whom they were in the habit of worshiping.

The first marriage that appears on the record books of this county was solemnized April 20, 1821, more than sixty years ago. The parties were William Moss and Peggy Sims. They were married by Abraham Sinnard, Justice of the Peace, by virtue of a license issued under the official seal of Charles R. Matheny, Clerk of the county. It was the first marriage solemnized in the county subsequent to its organization.

In the early days of this county, young men and maidens were not married in the grand style which usually characterizes marriages of the present time. They did not wait for riches to come bef' re marriage, as is generally the present custom, but married and lived in simple and comfortable style, and generally lived happily and gained the respect of their neighbors by attending to their own business. There were no "diamond weddings" in those days, and the extravagance that often now attends the marriage ceremony was unheard of. The old folks were plain, economical and hospitable people, and the young folks were imbued with the same attributes that characterized their fathers and mothers. They were willing to commence housekeeping in a style corresponding with their means, trusting to the future for larger houses and more expensive furniture.

It would doubtless be of interest to many to give the record of marriages for the first five or six years of the county's existence, but they are too numerous, therefore only the first year is here given as taken from the record in the office of the County Clerk:

Thomas Perkins and Anna Durham, by Abraham Sinnard, J. P., April, 1821. In lieu of a license issued by Coixnty Clerk, public announcement was made of the intended marriage of this couple.

Charles Orendorf and Matilda Stringfield, by Rev. Stephen England, April 5, 1821. This couple were also announced to be married instead of securing a license.

A glance at the foregoing figures shows conchisively that the matrimonial market is affected by the state of the times. In 1837 hard times set in, but this county was not visibly affected until the following year. For ten years business of all kinds was dull and many were forced into bankruptcy. It will be seen that it took ten years to restore the normal condition of the matrimonial market. Again in 1858, banks suspended and a season of depression set in and fewer marriages were contracted for several years. Still again in 1874, the same state of affair existed. The war, too, caused a falling off in toe number of marriages annually contracted, but in 1866, when the boys got home, there were a larger number of licenses issued by the county clerk than in any year since the organization of the county.

Rendition Of A Fugitive Slave

The rights of property in slaves, and the application of the Fugitive Slave Law were often contested in the courts of the Northern States, previous to the rebellion of the slave-holding States. As late as February, 1860, a case was tried in Springfield before United States Commissioner Corneau, on the application of George M. Dickinson, of Shelby county, Missouri, for the delivery of a fugitive slave, which he claimed was his property.

At the opening of the case, W. A. Herndon, one of the counsel for the fugitive, moved a postponement of a few days, giving as a reason for his motion, that he expected papers from Quincy that would prove the negro a free man. He advocated the motion with eloquence, and made an affidavit setting forth the facts he expected to prove. He also offered the negro's affidavit, but the Commissioner refused to receive it, and overruled the motion for a continuance.

The counsel for the claimant introduced two witnesses, both of whom swore positively that the smiling African before them was the property of George M. Dickinson, of Shelby county, Missouri, and that he ran away some time during the fall of 1857. Their testimony was very direct, and the cross-examinations did notj tend to weaken it. One of the witnesses said the negro had a slight defect in one of his legs, and therefore the counsel for the claimant asked the negro to take a short walk. Chairs were accordingly set aside and a clear way made for him, but when he was told by one of his counsel that he could walk or sit still, just as he pleased, he said that he would rather remain in his seat.

The defense called several witnesses, but the e\ idence did not go to prove that the negro had lived here prior to the time of his alleged departure from Missouri. At the conclusion of the testimony, the counsel for the claimant asked that the negro be delivered by the Commissioner to the custody of Mr. Dickinson. Mr. Herndon rose and said that no proof had been offered of the existence of slavery in Missouri, and he thought that the Commissioner had no right to presume from historical knowledge that Missouri was a slave State. He spoke at considerable length, and his remarks in favor of the poor outcast, for whom, as he bitterly said, he was only allowed to appear by courtesy, touched the hearts of a large majority of his hearers. John E. Rosette followed in behalf of the slave, taking the same ground as Mr. Herndon, that clear proof was necessary that Missouri was a slave holding State, and quoted from the Fug tive Slave Law to make his position good.

George F. Pearson, counsel for the claimant, followed Mr. Rosette, and on the conclusion of his speech the Commissioner decided to deliver the negro to Mr. Dickinson.

Fiest Entries Of Land

Although Sangamon county was settled as early as 1817, yet the land did not come into market until 1823. The first entry was made by Israel Archer, being the west half of the north- west quarter of section eight, township fourteen, north of lange fourteen west, on the Gth day of November, 1823. Mason Fowler, on the same day, made the second entry, being the east half of the southwest quarter of section twentyseven, township fourteen, north of range four west. The next day - November Y, 1823 - Elijah lies, Thomas Cox, John Taylor, and Pascal P. Enos entered the four quarter sections on which the city of Springfield now stands.

Death Of A Centenarian

On Sunday night, July 1, 1855, Archibald Turner died, aged 106 years and 1*7 days. Mr. Turner was a native of Ireland, and came to this country when a young man, and at an early day to Sangamon county. He was an excellent,

The dissemination of the word of God early enlisted the attention of the good people of this county, and a branch of the American Bible Society was organized here as early as 1824. For fifty-seven years the Society has had an organized existence, the good accomplished by which will never be known in this world. Thousands of Bibles and Testaments have been distributed in the county and many have been permitted to read the word who would never had access to it, but through the enterprise of this Society.

Agriculture And Agricultural Societies

Sangamon county is recognized as one of the best agricultural counties in the State. The county was originally settled by men trained in agricultural pursuits, the larger part being immigrants from the South. They brought with them but little capital - in m.any instances only sufficient to buy the land on which they located. However, they brought with them that which is better than money - industrious habits; and under the guiding influence of a superior intelligence, they soon brought their lands into a high state of cultivation, so that to-day Sangamon county occupies the proud position of being one of the best agricultural counties in the State, and where it pays to farm.

Few counties in the State as large as Sangamon but have more land not fit for cultivation. The proportion of unimproved land here is quite small. In many counties along the margin of the streams, after extending back for more than a mile, the land is unfit for cultivation, but not so in Sangamon. Along the banks of its river and principal creeks, lie some of the most productive farms in the county.

Among the products of Sangamon county, as well as throughout the Union, corn takes the precedence as being the most profitable and peculiarly adapted to the soil. Winter wheat, next to corn, is the most important grain raised in the county. In its early history abundant crops were raised, with scarcely a failure, but finally, for some cause, little could be raised, and it became exceedingly unprofitable to sow the grain. In the last decade a change has again occurred and winter wheat has again got to be one of the staple productions of the county. In 1880 there were planted one hundred and twenty-three thousand eight hundred and forty-two acres of corn; and fifty-five thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight acres of wheat were sown. In that year it was estimated that the corn crop would produce fifty bushels to the acre, a total of six million one hundred and ninety-two thousand one hundred bushels; wheat was estimated at twenty bushels to the acre, or one million one hundred and fifteen thousand one hundred and sixty bushels.

When considered in connection with the artificial grasses, and the nourishment and improvement it affords to the live stock, especially the horse, this grain may be considered as one of the most important here produced. Its yield is generally abundant and profitable. The usual yield is from thirty-five to fifty bushels per acre. In 1880 there were sown twelve thousand four hundred and sixty-six acres, which yielded forty bushels per acre, a total of four hundred and ninety-eight thousand six hundred and forty bushels.

In addition to those articles already mentioned every product peculiar to this latitude is raised here, including rye, barley, Irish and sweet potatoes, and buckwheat, there being soil in the county peculiarly adapted to each.

In fruit much is being done, almost every fai'mer devoting a few acres to its cultivation. Almost every variety of apple adapted to this climate is raised here, while peaches, pears, plums, grapes and other small fruit come in for a share of attention.

Agricultural Societies

The isolated occupation of the farmer causes him to act slowly in availing himself of the generally conceded advantages of association and co-operation. But at a very early day beginnings were made by our Illinois farmers in that direction. Woods, in his "Two Years' ^Residence in the Settlement on the English Prairie, in the Illinois Country," says, writing in 1820: "An agricultural society was established last year in the State of Illinois, and Mr. Birbeck made President. It held its first meeting in Kaskaskia; but whether there has been any other meeting I do not know." Faux, in his "Memorable Days in America," writing from the Wabash country, under date November 24, 1819, says of Morris Birback: "He, only a few days since, returned from a tour throng Illinois, by way of Kascasky, where he was chosen President of the Agricultural Society of Illinois, one grand object of which will be to rid the State of stagnant waters." This fixes the date of organization, but does not indicate who were the other ofiicers.

The Edwardsville Spectator, printed on May 16th, 1820, contains a letter to Henry S. Dodge, Secretary of the Agricultural Society of the State of Illinois, from Curtis Blakeman, of Madison county, who gives an account of a crop of corn, of between nine and ten acres; yielding one hundred and twenty bushels to the acre. From this it is supposed Mr. Dodge was the first Secretary of the organization. The same paper, of the date of February 26, 1822, contains an essay by Dr. Wordsworth, "read before the Agricultural Society of the Ssate of Illinois, on the 10th of December last (1821 )" The officei's of the Society, elected December 8, 1823, were: Edward Coles, President; Shadrach Bond, Vice President; Abner Field, Second Vice President; William M. Brown, Secretary; Elijah C. Berry, Treasurer; and a committee of correspondence, consisting of William S. Hamilton, Ezra Baker, A. W. Edwards, George Churchill and David Blackwell. One of these, George Churchill, writing many years afterwards, said: "The members, becoming tired of keeping up their organization, turned over their surplus funds to the Sunday school agent (Rev. J. M. Peck.) and disbanded."

A second Illinois State Agricultural Society was organized at Springfield, about the beginning of 1841. At a meeting held in January, of that year, James M. Bradford presided, and John S. Wright was Secretary. James N. Brown, of Island Grove township, Sangamon county, reported a constitution, which was discussed and adopted. On the fifteenth of January, another meeting was held and Mr. Brown reported a list of ofiicers: William Wilson, of White county. President; Isaac S. Biitton, of Sangamon, Secretary; John Williams, Sangamon, Treasurer.

About this time, County Agricultural Societies were organized all over the State, among others, one in Sangamon county, which gave some two or three annual exhibitions and then fai ed.

In relation to the first Agricultural Fair held in Sangamon county, the following interview is taken from the Sangamo Monitor, August 19, 1881:

"'Speaking of our county fair," said the venerable Major Arny Robinson, to a newspaper reporter yesterday afternoon, as they both were sitting in a room in the third story of the State House, with their feet upon the table, enjoying the refreshing breeze that came in at the spacious window, 'I think I am entitled to a complimentary ticket to the fair this fall, and those fellows ought to give it to me.'

'" This was something new to the itemizer, and without taking out his book and pencil, to alarm the gentleman over the fact that he was going to get in print, the request was made that he recite as much of the circumstances as he could call to mind.

" ' Well,' said Arny, 'that was a long time ago, and a man as old as I am, is apt to forget a great deal. The society was organized in the spring or summer of 1837. I was Secretary, Isaac S. Britton was President, and if I remember rightly, Sanford Watson was the Treasurer. There were not a great many in the society, and of those, I call to mind, Logan Hall, Charles R. Matheny, William S. Pickrell and Jesse Pickrell. There were others, of course, but of them all, I am the only one living. The fair was held in September, 1837 - the exact date of course I don't remember - in lies' pasture, and at that time the pasture was a right smart distance from the town. The fair lasted three or four days and there veas a pretty good turn out of the people from the country and every body in town went. Of course we had no booths then, or a high board fence enclosing the grounds, as the boys in those days had'ntbeen educated to crawling through hog holes and spying over the fence. The fence around the pasture was a common rail fence, any body could have stood on the outside and seen the whole show, but they did'nt do that

"'Those bringing stock to exhibit would tie in the corner of the fence and then when the time for making the awards came, we would say to some fellow, ' Here! you bring up your cows, hogs, horses, etc.,' and after passing inspection a ribbon was always put on.'

" ' At that fair was the fii'st Berkshire sow, I ever saw, and the first one I guess in this section of the country. It was the property of Miss Lucretia Watson. She has been married a long time, but I declare I have forgotten to whom. Well, everything at the fair had to have a name, and Lucretia came to me for a name for the sow. It was a mighty pretty animal, but I didn't know what name to give it. However, as she insisted, I named it Sally Snooks, and I guess you can set it down as the first Berkshire having a name in the county.'

The Sangamon County Agricultural and Mechanical Association was organized October 7, 1853, and incorporated by act of legislature, approved February 11, 1853. They held a very interesting and successful exhibition at Springfield in 1852, but in consequence of the State Fair being held at Springfield in 1853 and 1854, it held no exhibitions those years. The society purchased twenty acres of land west of the city, on which they erected buildings and other accommodations for the fair, at a cost of $4,000. In 1854, the officers were : James McConnell, President ; Henry Jacoby and James N. Brown, Vice Presidents ; John Williams, Treasurer ; T. G. Taylor, Recording and Corresponding Secretary.

This society held annual meetings for many years with great success, their exhibitions for some years being equal to those of the State Fairs. For some cause, the society disbanded in 1809, and no further exhibitions were held by it.

fair. Accordingly, in 1871 anew organization was effected, known as the Sangamon County Agricultural Board, which at once took steps to continue the annual exhibitions. The following Constitution was adopted December 8, 1871, and amended March 27, 1876. As amended it reads as follows :

Constitution

Article 2. - The objects of the Sangamon County Agricultural Board shall be to promote the general welfare of the industrial classes, and to add to the wealth and attraction of Sangamon county by fostering and encouraging the sciences of Agriculture, Horticulture, Mechanics, Mining and Fine Arts, as provided in "' An act to create a Department of Agriculture in the State of Illinois," approved April 17, 1871; and acts amendatory thereto.

Article 3.- - Section 1. The officers of this Board shall consist of a President, one Vice President from each township in the county, (said Vice Presidents to be the Supervisors), and five (5) Directors, (three of whom shall reside outside the city of Springfield), a Secretary and a Treasurer.

Section 2. Said officers ( except Vice Presidents) shall be chosen bi-ennially, by ballot, at the Fair Grounds, on Wednesday of the Fair, and hold office for two years from the first day of January thereafter, or until their successors are elected. Polls for said election to be open from nine a. ra. to four p. m.

Where ballots are cast for two or more persons for the same office, the one receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.

Section 3. Duties. The duties of the officers hereby created shall be those usually performed by officers in similar positions, and that may be assigned them by a majority of the Executive Committee present and voting.

Section 4. Vacancies. In case of a vacancy in the office of President, from any cause, the duties of such officer may be performed by such one of the Executive Committee as may be selected.

Article 4. - Section 1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and five Directors, a majority of whom shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the management of the Sangamon County Agricultural Board, and control the finances of the same.

Section 3. They shall have power to enact By-Laws for the government of their meetings, and those of the Board, and to make rules and regulations for the management of its Fairs and to prescribe the requirements for membership in the Sangamon County Agricultural Board.

Article 5. This Constitution cannotbe altered or amended without a majority vote by ballot, of all stockholders, and shall be altered only at the time of holding the bi-ennial election.

Notice signed by at least twenty-five stockholders, of any proposed change in the Constitution, must be given the Executive Committee, who shall publish the same, in at least one Springfield paper, thirty days before the bi-ennial election.

Aet. I. This Board shall consist of such citizens of the county or State, as shall subscribe and pay for one or more shares of the capital stock of this Board.

Art. II. The ofiicers of this Board shall be a President, one Vice President from each township in the County, (said Vice Presidents to be the Supervisors in office), a Secretary, a Treasurer and five Directors, three of whom shall reside outside the City of Springfield.

Art. III. There shall be an annual meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board, in the City of Springfield, the first Wednesday in January, of each year.

Special meetings may be convened by the President, when he may deem it necessary, or upon request of two or more members of the Executive Committee.

Art. IV. The President shall be ex-oflicio President of the convention of stockholders, for the election of officers of the Sangamon County Agricultural Board.

He shall sign all orders upon the Treasurer, except as hereinafter provided, before the same shall be payable, asd generally discharge the duties pertaining to his position in deliberate bodies.

Art. V. The Vice Presidents are charged with the interests of the Board in the townships in which they respectfully reside, and they will constitute a medium of communication between the Board and the general public.

Art. VII. The Treasurer shall have charge of all moneys under the control of the County Agricultural Board, and the collection of all stocks as the Board may prescribe, and pay out the sums only upon vouchers, approved by the President and countersigned by the Secretary, or signed by the Auditing Committee.

He shall give bonds with approved security, for the faithful discharge of his duties as Treasurer, and for the safe custody of funds in his hands, in such amounts as the Executive Board may require.

He shall receive from the Auditing Committee such tickets as may be provided for by the Board, and give his receipt for the same, as for money received, and shall superintend the sale of the same, under such rules as the Executive Committee may prescribe.

He shall furnish annually to the Executive Committee, a detailed statement of the finances, giving the sums and sources of money coming into his hands, and produce properly signed vouchers for all sums paid out by him.

Art. VIII. When cash premiums are awarded by the board, they shall be paid by the Treasurer, on checks drawn by the Secretary upon him, which checks when properly endorsed and paid, shall be the Treasurer's vouchers for the same.

Art. IX. The Secretary of the Sangamon County Agricultural Board shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee - shall have charge of the records - attend to the correspondence of the Board, and shall act as Secretary of the convention of stockholdei's for the election of members of the Board.

He shall provide a suitable ballot-box and a list of stockholders of the Board, and keep a correct record of the vote of the convention for the election of officers and directors.

He shall prepare the annual report to be sent to the State Board of Agriculture, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the County Agricultural Board.

Art. X. The Executive Committee shall appoint two stockholders to act as an Auditing Committee, whose duty shall be to audit all bills of indebtedness incurred during, or in immediate preparation for the Fair; and no such bill shall be paid unless it has been audited by said committee. They shall have exclusive charge of the gales and keepers and all tickets for the same, except complimentary, and turn the same over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor as for money in the amount represented by said tickets, and'shall settle with that officer at the close of all Fairs.

Art. XI. All reports of committees shall be in Avriting, and shall be entered in the proceedings of the Board, or kept on file by the Secretary.

Art. XII. The Board of Directors, shall, at the time of making out premium lists of Fairs, appoint one Superintendent to each class, or department; they shall also appoint a superintendent to take charge of the purchase and distribution of forage and litter and water, for stock on exhibition.

They shall also appoint a Superintendent of Grounds, who shall have charge of the police, also a Marshal of the Ring, whose duty it shall be to keep order in the exhibition ring, amphitheater, and announce awards.

Vice-Presidents

Annual exhibitions have been held since ISTl, by the new society, with the exception of the years 1879 and 1880, when the State Agricultural Society held fairs on the grounds.

The Board, on its organization, leased from the county the old Poor Farm, near Springfield, which have been fitted up in handsome style and very convenient.

State Fairs

The first two exhibitions of the Illinois State Agricultural Society, in the years 1853 and 1854, were held at Springfield. Also the fairs of 1879 and 1880. Each of these exhibitions were a decided success. To Simeon Francis, a Sangamon county citizen, is due the credit of the organization of the societv and success of its

The American Berkshire Association

The American Berkshire Association was organized February 25, 1875, its object being to collect, revise, preserve and publish the history, management and pedigree of pure-bred Berkshire swine.

On the 18th of March, 1879, the Association was incorporated as a stock company under the laws of the State of Illinois. Charles F. Mills was elected President; Philip M. Springer, Secretary, and H. L. San ford, of Logan county, Treasurer. Vice Presidents were chosen in nearly every State in the Union and also in Canada, England and Ireland, to represent the interests of the Association.

Under the careful management of its efficient and faithful ofticers, the Association has achieved a decided and well-deserved success. The public registry of swine was a new project and deemed altogether impracticable by many engaged in the breeding and rearing of hogs. To-day, following the example of the American Berkshire Association, the breeders of a number of other classes of swine, as also of sheep, have organized for the purpose of recording stock of their respective breeds.

Thousands of dollars are lost to farmers and stockmen every year by the injudicious selection of breeding animals. One of the most common mistakes is that of using sires of unknown ancestry. There is no longer any excuse for this. In the purchase of Berkshires particularly, all who will may readily avail themselves of the advantages presented by the American Berkshire Record, published by the Association, for securing well-bred stock. In making additions to herds already started, or in founding new herds, well advised breeders use no other than well-bred pedigreed animals.

The American Berkshire Record is the acknowledged authority in matters of Berkshire pedigrees wherever this breed of swine is known. The four volumes already published contain a fund of information invaluable to breeders. In these will be found in addition to the pedigrees of the best families of Berkshires in the world, premium essays and other valuable treatises on swine; also the table of characteristics and the standard of excellence, together with many illustrations of representative animals.

Various Things The Deep Snow

The following highly graphic description of the deep snow of 1830-31, was written as a contribution to the Old Settlers' Society in 1858, by Rev. J. G. Bergen, and no apology need be offered for its insertion in this connection :

"Steeped in the heat of July - thermometer ranging ninety degrees - strange time to write about snow. Write about the hot season, thunder-storms, tornadoes, sunstrokes, not so strange. We live on neutralized contrasts, and take pleasure in them. We think and move also by associations. The deep snow of the winters of 1830-31, of Illinois, associates itself now by two facts. It comes in regular course. It was made also the limitation point of the late meeting of old settlers in Springfield, at which time we had a good time in general, and appointed a committee to ascertain the facts of the log -house times - memorable days of hospitality and security.

"The deep snow is chronicled in the memory of the old settlers of Sangamon. They talk of it as when a child ; soldiers of the old French war in Canada, under Wolfe, talked of the depth and heights of the snow in the forests of New York in 1766, and the consequent sufferings ot the Provincial troops on their return home. They talk of it as our Revolutionary fathers talked of the memorable snow winter of 1779 in New Jersey.

"The autumn of 1830 was wet, and the weather prevailingly mild until the close of December. Christmas Eve the snow began to fall. That night it fell about a foot deep. It found the earth soft, grass green, and some green peach leaves on the trees. The day was mild. The snow contributed greatly to the amusement of the boys, and called forth the hilaritv of all who had sleighs or sleds, or who 6i - could rig a 'jumper' with a store-box or a crate. Bells of any description, if not in the cutter, were hung on the horses by ropes or twine. The straps of bells we brought from New Jersey were, I believe, the first and only straps here at the time. They were freely at the service of Drs. Todd and Jayne, who were famous for fast horses, if not good sleighs. They were famous horsemen, hardy and hard drivers.

"As the snow fell night after night, and week after week, these implements, if they lost in novelty, gained in utility. Serious preparations were made by increasing the size and strength of the sleighs and doubling teams, to break the way to mill and woods, for household bread, fuel, corn and provender. Mr. Enos, one of the wealthiest men of the place, and Receiver of Public Moneys, turned out with a great sled and two yoke of oxen, to haul wood to the destitute. With wolf-skin cap on head, with Yankee frock, buttoned up close to the neck behind, reaching below his knees, belted over a great coat beneath, with legging protectors and ox-goad in hand, he rolled up the bodies and limbs of trees, some of them more than fifty feet long, to the door of the writer, for which he and his family shall receive our thanks while life shall last. The same kind act he did to many others. His timber was nearest to the town. Woodmen felled the trees, rolled them on the sled, and the benevolent veteran left them at our doors.

"Snow succeeded snow, interchanged with sleet and fine hail, which glazed and hardened the surface. Nine long weeks witnessed this coming deep snow, until in all these parts its depth averaged from four to five feet. Woe was the day when sleds met on the single beaten track! The plunging of horses, overturning of loads - not to speak o^ the screams of the belles within, the laughs of young America, or the wrath of the teamsters. Many were the joyous rides the two doctors, with four horses to their sleighs, gave the young people. Sometimes a day was spent going to Sangamon town for a barrel of flour, only seven miles, or live to Clark's. They made separate trips to Jacksonville as a matter of amusement, to take or bring some storm-bound friends. Once, with a bevy of ladies, one of them fresh from Boston, the party had all sorts of a time. Though the description of these rides, as sdven at the time, is vivid in my recollection, I shall leave them to the imagination of the reader, with the rough, roomy sleigh, covered with buttalo robes, filled to overflowing with hale, happy companions, behind four fiery horses, clamping their bits in their mouths, ready for a plunge. The driver cracks his whip, the bells jingle, as the merry party sings out, and they are off - sometimes in deep drifts where they founder, snow within, snow without, snow everywhere, cold cutting the face, drifts blinding the eyes, horses rearing and plunging, at times drawing their 'slow length' wearily along.

"During the long nine weeks the thermometer ranged close to zero; a few times it went twenty below, and the water dropped from the eaves only two days, so intense was the continuous cold. When the snow fell there was no frost in the ground; the sap of the trees had not been forced by the cold to the roots. The consequence was the peach trees were invariably killed; apple trees and nurseries mostly shared the same fate. The summer before, I had seen wagon loads of peaches in some orchards. Such a sight has never greeted our eyes since, in these parts.

"Great hardships were endured that winter by men and beasts. When the snow came it found most of the corn standing on the stalks. The fall had been so warm and wet that the farmers had a better reason than common to indulge the careless habit of leaving their corn in the field, to be gathered in winter, when they wanted it. The snow became so deep, the cold so intense, the crust at times so hard, and the people were so unprepared for such an extreme season, that it became almost impossible in many parts of the country to obtain bread for family use, though amid stacks of wheat and fields of corn. Water-mills, scarce and small as they were, were frozen and stopped a considerable portion of the time. If the one-horse 'corn-cracker,' for 'dodgers,' or the inclined wheel of the oxmill could go, it was with great difiiculty; and many lived so far from these it was impossible to go to them. Many had no road and no ability to make one through the depths of snow; and those who had, were compelled to make them over and over again, in consequence of the drift filling the track, or a new supply from the clouds.

''Hundreds of hogs and fowls perished. Horses and cattle were in many instances turned into the corn fields. Prairie chickens, whose habit, as is well known, is to roost on the ground, perished that winter in such number, we feared the race of this fine bird would become extinct. When their time of roost come they Avould light upon the snow, if the crust would bear them; or if its bosom was soft, plunge into it, and spend the night as on the earth; but if a heavy fall of snow come that night, especially if it were coated with a crust of ice, as often happened, the poor imprisoned things were locked in, and thousands and thousands perished."

Railroad Villages

Railroad villages are camparatively a recent feature in village building. They usually begin with a depot, followed by a postoftice, a blacksmith shop and the contents of a couple of peddler's packs duly distributed upon a half dozen shelves, and there they are born, christened and waiting to grow. The trains run to and fro and the passengers see the little groups clustered round the track and wonder what thej^ do there, and why they do not go on with the train. By and by houses get to be an epidemic and up they go, here and there and all about. Streets are staked, lots are measured and a public square is reserved, and they have a justice, and a doctor, and a young lawyer, and "stated preaching" once in two weeks. That's a pretty good beginning, but its only a beginning. A young sophomore, out of funds, and looking for a place to teach a winter's school, gets off a straggling train some day. Everybody knows he is there. He reached there at two o'clock, and by half past three everybody knows who he is, and what he is, and whence he is, and the 'squire sees him and the doctor shows him around the town, waves his hand towards the prairie and dilates upon its resources; towards the town and pronounces a eulogy upon its enterprise, and the young man is charmed, and over the stone he climbs at once up one flight of stairs into a "high school."

Things go on bravely, and a public-spirited individual, who, as he says, has more room than he wants, gets the painter - for meanwhile such an artisan has taken passage in the village en route to greatness - to emblazon his name in very black letters upon a very white board, and there is general rejoicing at the new "hotel," where the lawyer argues with the storekeeper nightly, while the doctor completes the triangle upon the destiny of the world in general and Depotdom in particular.

What they lack now is a newspaper. By-andbye an old press is for sale in a neighboring town and a "tramping jour" has stranded upon their beach, and the lawyer promises to' write their "leaders," the doctor their obituaries, the schoolmasters do the puzzles and the poetry, while the blacksmith and the merchant promise to be liberal patrons in the way of advertising. The paper appears - like the village, it is small, but with the village it grows.

The trains use to whistle and ring and barely slacken their speed. Now, they stop altogether, for there are more to get off and more to get on.

The tavern-keeper takes a State map of a peddler, who happened to be his guest over a rainy Sunday, discovers that Depotdom is the geographical center of the country. There is an immense agitation. The seat of justice, justice herself, scales and all must be removed thither. They work at it, electioneer about it, bid for it and gat it.

Now the huddle is a village; now ihe village is a town; now the town is a shire-town; now the shire-town is a city. The blacksmith shop has grown into a half dozen factories; the lawyer is multiplied by ten, and the doctor by six, and the storekeeper knocks down his prices to compete with nineteen new comers. And all this is accomplished through the influence of railroads and locomotives within the space of two or three years.

The lawyer is a county judge, the doctor has grown rich, the blacksmith is mayor, and the sophomore is married and settled. They have a lyceum and a library, and a little daily that regales its readers with a whole column of city items. How they talk of "our city!" They are no longer villagers and pagans. They are citizens.

Hard Times

The effect of the hard times throughout the United States, beginning in 1837, was not felt in this county until the following year. From that time until about the year 1845, our people experienced greater financial embarrassment than at any time in the previous history of the county. Money was an almost unknown commodity, all business being transacted through the means of trade or barter. A would trade

B flour for its value in meal; B would trade C a yoke of oxen for a horse; D would trade E a half dozen hogs for a cow, &c. If money enough could be raised to pay the general taxes, a man considered himself fortunate. Many were the straits to which the people were led to make both ends meet, and many laughable incidents are narrated of the crooks and turns that were made - incidents that are laughable to us now, but were serious matters at that time. Notes were given for value received, payable in a cow, or a horse, or other property, and when the note came due, and collection was to be made, it would sometimes be hard for one party or the other to make proof of it being that which was described in the note. Many notes were held, without attempting to make collection, in the hopes that better times would dawn upon the country, and their makers be able to pay the money.

During these hard times the price of such articles as the people here had to buy, rapidly advanced, while that of which they had to sell as rapidly declined. New Orleans sugar sold at sixteen and two-thirds cents per pound; coffee, twenty-five cents; calico or prints, fifty cents per yard; hogs brought from one dollar to one dollar and twenty-five cents per hundred pounds; wheat, twenty cents per bushel.

In a general way, Ford, in his "History of Illinois," well describes the existing order of things in this county at that time. On pages 96-99, will be found the following:

"Commerce from 1818 to 1830 made but small progress. Steamboats commenced running on the Western waters in 1816, and by the year 1830 there were one or two small ones running on the Illinois river as far up as Peoria and sometimes further. The old keel-boat navigation had been disused, but as yet there was so little trade as not to call for many steamboats to supply their place. The merchants of the villages, few in number at first, were mere retailers of dry goods and groceries; they purchased and shipped abroad none of the productions of the country, except a few skins, hides and furs, and a little tallow and beeswax. They were sustained in this kind of business by the influx of immigrants, whose money being paid out in the country for grain, stock and labor, furnished the means of trade. The merchant himself rarely attempted a barter business, and never paid cash for anything but his goods. There was no class of men who devoted themselves to the business of buying and selling, and of making the exchanges of the productions at home for those of other States and countries. The great majority, in fact, nearly all the merchants, were mere blood-suckers, men who, with very little capital, with small stock of goods, and with ideas of business not broader than these ribbons, nor deeper than these colors, sold for money down, or on credit for cash, which, when received, they send out of the country. Since their time a race of traders and merchants have sprang up who use the money they receive in purchasing the wheat, corn, beef and pork of the farmers, and ship these articles to the eastern cities.

" Mather, Lamb & Company, late of Chester, in Randolph county, but now of Springfield, were the first to engage in this business, and they were led to it by the refusal of the United States Bank, at St. Louis, to grant them the usual facilities of trade. As they could got no accommodation from the bank, they fell upon this course to avoid going to St. Louis to purchase eastern exchange.

" The money they received being again paid out, remained in the country and the products went forward in its place to pay for stock of goods. The traders in this way made a profit on their goods which they brought into the State, and another profit on the produce which they sent out of it.

" But, as yet, the merchant generally hh,d neither the capital nor the talent for such a business, and it was not until a more recent period - upon the going down of the United States Bank, the consequent withdrawal of facilities for exchange in money, and the high rates of exchange which came in with local banks of doubtful credit - that they have been very extensively forced into it. When they no longer could get either money for remittances to these eastern creditors, or bills of exchange, except at ruinous rates of premium, they at once saw the advantage of laying out the local currency received for their goods in purchasing the staples of the country and forwarding them in the place of cash. In very early times there were many things to discourage regular commerce. A want of capital; a want of capacity for the business; the want of a great surplus of productions, the continual demand for them created by emigrants and facility of carrying on a small commerce with the money supplied by emigration alone, all stood in the way of regular trade.

"New Orleans, at that time, was our principal market out of the State. It was then but a small city, and shipped but a trifle of the staple articles of Illinois to foreign countries. Such shipments as were made to it were intended for the supply of the local market, and here the Illinoisanshadto compete with Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and Missouri. Any temporary scarcity in this market was soon supplied, and the most of the time it was completely glutted. " For want of merchants or others who were to make a business of carrying our staples to market, our farmers undeitook to be their own merchants and traders. This practice prevailed extensively in the western country. A farmer would produce or get together a quantity of corn, flour, bacon and such articles. He would build a fiat-bottomed boat on the shores of some river or large creek, load his wares in it, and, awaiting the rise of water, with a few of his negroes to assist him, would float down to New Orleans. The voyage was long, tedious and expensive. When he arrived there he found himself in a strange citv, filled with sharpers ready to take advantage of his necessities. Everybody combined against him to profit by his ignorance of business, want of friends or commercial connections, and nine times out ten he returned a broken merchant. His journey home was performed on foot, through three or four nations of Indians, inhabiting the western parts of Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. He returned to a desolate farm, which had been neglected since he was gone. One crop was lost by absence, and another by taking it to market. This kind of business was persevered in astonishingly for several years, to the great injury and utter ruin of a great many people."

The first County Commissioners took the oath of ofiice on the third day of April, 1821, and one week after met for the purpose of selecting a temporary seat ol justice. On that same day they made the following contract for the erection of a court house.

"Article of agreement entered into the 10th day of April, 1821, between John Kelley of the county of Sangamon, and the undersigned County Commissioners of said county. The said Kelley agrees with said Commissioners to build for the use of said county, a court house of the following description, to-wit: The logs to be twenty feet long, the house one story high, plank floor, a good cabin roof, a door and window cut out, the work to be completed by the first day of May next, for which the said Commissioners promise, on the part of the county, to pay said Kelley forty-two dollars and fifty cents. Witness our hands the day and date above.

The foregoing contract was merely for the erection of the building. To Jesse Brevard was let the contract for finishing the same in the following terms:

" Jesse Brevard agrees with the County Commissioners to finish the court house in the following manner, to-wit: To be chinked outside and daubed inside. Boards sawed and nailed on the inside cracks, a good, sufficient door shutter to be made with good plank and hung with good iron hinges, with a latch. A window to be cut out, faced and cased, to contain nine lights, with a good sufhcient shutter hung on the outside. A good, sufficient wooden chimney, built with a good sufficient back and hearth. To be finished by the first of September next. Jessk Brevard."