Stark County, Illinois - Chapter 5: Pioneer Associations and Reminiscences, 1887

Chapter 5: Pioneer Associations and Reminiscences

T seems as if there were something in partial isolation of mankind that develops the kindlier feelings of the human , soul, enlarges its better impulses, and recreates mankind into more nearly the image of the true man. And this is ^"/^true even of these men, some of whom led wild lives, and this was but the excrescent growth of the circumstances in which they were placed, and in no way affected the manliness of character wdiich developed itself. It seems, indeed, as if it were a wise provision of nature that the opening of new countries should l)e attended with a renewal of the simpler life of man, and thus introduce new blood into the Avorld of civilization. Few today can understand the feelings which animated the pioneer men and sustained them under every difficulty. Fewer still are they who comprehend the feelings of the pioneer women as they contemplated their surroundings and looked into the future, the horizon of which was darkened by discouragement and gloom. And vet thev faltered not, but sustained their husbands bv a trust in the outlook that was constant, and bore an abundant harvest. As wives, they Avere the most agreeable of companions ; as friends, the most faithful and affectionate ; as mothers, gentle as children ever had the misfortune to lose, who corrected the most pernicious of evils by the most tender management. Prudent from affection, though most liberal of nature, they practiced econoni}' from the love they Ijore their husbands, and at critical periods, preserved order in affairs from the care of which those husbands were relieved ; she reclaimed her choice from despair, urged his indolence to exertion, and constantly admonished him to industry, integrity and manhood. The early settlers of Stark were naturally temperate and religious, and to them is due in greater measure, the enviable place which tlie county holds today in moral and physical, as well as financial strength.

The Stark Count v Mutual Protection Society, organized August 12, ISlrS, to oppose the operations of horse-thieves and gamblers, may be credited as being the initial association of pioneers, which led to the formation of many, if not all, of the secret and l^enevolent. agricultural and religious associations of the county in after years. The first meetins" was held in the court house at Toulon. Mvrtle G. Brace was temporary President ; Hugh Rhodes, Secretary, and Wheeler B. Sweet, Organizing Secretary. Pi-ecinct committees were a))pointed as follows: Toulon - AVilliam Ogle, O. Whitaker and George Buchanan. Mamlllon - Edward Trickle, Thomas S. Clark and Allen Greenlee. La Fayette - Jacob Emery, AVilliam Pratt and M. Atherton. Tr^ciidng - Capt. Butler, James Holgate and Joseph Xewton. Osceola - William Dodd. John Lyle and Walter Fuller. Constitution and bylaws were reported. At this juncture Dr. Chamberlain moved the adoption of a resolution favoring an anti-gamWing society in conjunction with the anti-horse-thief organization. The report was amended so as to cover this resolution, and the constitution adopted and signed. The original members were : Conrad Emery, George A. Worley, Henrv Butler. Thomas Hall, Minott Sillijnan, Joseph Emerv. Lewis Perry, Elijah McClenahan, E. Trickle, M. Chamberlain. T. S. Clark, William Bowin. David Emery. Henderson Truman, J. Emery, Jesse Emery. John Dodd, I. Acklev, J. Kichty. John Pollok. Peter E Pratt, ]\[. Atherton, William M. Pratt, Jose})h Atherton, Hiram S. AUn-ight, Joseph Cox, Henry Price, O. Whitaker, Joseph Xewton, Lemuel Dorrance. W. H. Butler, John Prvor. Thomas Lyle, A. R. Butler. William Ogle, AV. T. FuUer. Andrew Ilroy. W. ]\L Pose, Jacol) Sumner. George Sumner, George Sheets, Hugh lihodes, W. B. Sweet, J. AV. Henderson, J. H. Barnett, H. White, Henry T. Ives, Nathan Snare, W. E. Elston, Joseph P. Xewton, Philip Munson, Tliomas J. Henderson, William O. Sment. John Turnbull, Brady Fowler. AValter Fullei". .lacob Holgate. M. G. Brace. Isaac Thomas. S. G. AVright. William Hall, Samuel G. Butler, Samuel Thomas. Ira Ward.AVilliam Moore. William Lyle, A. W. Harod, Matthias Sturm, Henry Sturm. Joseph Blanchard, Christian Gingrich and Thomas Dugan.

The revival of the anti-horse-thief organization was attejnpted August 10, ISGO, and on the 21th, resolutions were adopte<l, asking the supervisors to consider the sul)ject General Henderson delivered an historical address before a meeting of old settlers in 1805, ])ut there is no account whatever of the meetiii"; beino' dulv organized. A meeting of old settlers was held at Toulon. January 2. 18»;«;. for the pui'pose of organizing a society. Dr. Tliomas Hall presided, with Oliver White as Secretary. A committee was ajjpointed to take a census of all the persons then in the county who were here April 4, 1839. The members were: W. W. AVinslow, Osceola; M. G. Brace, Elmira; Lewis Perr}". Goshen ; C. L. Eastman, Toulon; James Holgate, Penn; W. Trickle, W. Jersey ; Hariy Hull, Valley; and W. H. Butler, Essex. At this meeting, also, T. J. Henderson, C. L. Eastman and C. M. S. Lyon were a])p(nnted to arrange for a meeting on April 4, 1866. The census referred to was taken in a few townships, as noted in township history, and there the subject dropped not to be revived for twelve years.

The following letter addressed to Oliver Whi taker l)y W. H. Butler, dated, Brayton, Audubon C^o., la., June 21, 1880, accompanied a history of the Ijcginnings of tlie Old Settlers' Association : " For several months I have been so unsettled that I have not felt inclined to attend to any business, though I have ke})t constantly in view my responsibilities as secretary of the Stark C-ounty Old Settlers' Society, and my duty to you as its president. At last, from copious notes, I have niatle out my report and send it herewith. "^ * * * * * There is an omission of Mr. Phelps' name as to the executive committee, who you know was appointed the year previous. * * * * Please fill as you would have it done. 1 would ask it as a personal favor that you would allow my friend, E. H. Phelps, to read these minutes at the next meeting. * * * -X- J send also proceedings of the initial meeting of the society. ''" * * * They are to he signed by the temporary president and secretary. With my best regards to Mr. Whitaker, etc., etc."

From the original document referred to in this letter, we learn that long prior to the fall of 1878, a number of old settlers meditated a permanent organization, and with that ol)ject before them held one or two meetings of a festive business character. The War of the Union was the principal obstacle to organization. A decade and a half had passed away before the subject of permanent organization was again seriously considei'ed. On December 13, 1878, a day when *' the sev^erest snowstorm that had been experienced for years was raging," about 150 old settlers and their friends assembled at the Toulon House, and there shared with one anotlier the pleasures which old acquaintance under olden circumstances coukl alone summon up. A feast was held, and then the asseml^letl men and women moved to the town hall to consider the question of organization. There the meeting Was called to order by Benjamin Turner. Oliver Whitaker was chosen temporary chairman, and E. H. Phelps, secretary. Minott Silliman, Benjamin Turner and James Holgate were a]>pointed a committee on resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting in re organization. This committee reported in favor of organizing ''The Stark County Old Settlers' Society" and of making a quarter century's residence a test of membershij). This resolution was adopted and the election of officers ju'Oceeded with. Oliver Whitaker was chosen president; W. H. Butler, secretary ; Benjamin Turner, treasurer ; Edwin Butler, E. H. Phelps and Dr. W. T. Hall, executive committee. It was then agreed that the first annual meeting of the society should l)e held September 1, 1879, at the County Court House.

ing special subjects to bespoken to: (1) "The Pioneer Ministry," responded to by Elder Keane ; (2) '' Our Earliest Settlers,'' by Deacon Korman Butler ; (3) '- The Stark County Bar,"' by Hon. ]\L Shallenberger ; (4) '- The Press."' by E. H. Phelps; (5) "Education." by B. F. Thompson ; (6) " The Physician."' by Dr. AV. T. Hall. Benjamin Tm^ner moved a vote of thanks to the several committees and especially to the ladies. Mr. Shallenberger moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Stockner for his kindness in opening his house to the old settlers so o-enerouslv and freelv. The motions were carried and the first meetino: of the old settlers of Stark county was somethino- of the past.

The first annual meeting of the society was held in the court house square, Septemljer 3, 1879. The ofhcers present were Oliver AVhitaker, Toulon, president : vice-presidents : Levi Eckley. "West Jersey : D. J. Hurd, Goshen; Jefferson Trickle, Essex; Brady Fowler. Toulon : M. B. Parks. Elniira ; E. Colgan, Valley ; James Holgate. Penn ; W. "NV. AVinslow, Osceola: treasurer. Benjamin Turner: secretary, AV. H. Butler. The executive committee were Dr. T. AV. Hall. Edwin Butler and E. H. Phelps. The officers having taken their places with the invited guests upon the platform, and the audience comfortaUy seated, a thousand strong, the Toulon cornet band, Eugene Shallenberoer, leader, delio-hted tlie assemblao-e with some verv excellent music. The secretary then read the report of the initial meeting of the society, held the year previous, E. H. Phelps acting as secretary, after which the president read the programme of exercises for the day.

By request, the venerable Elder Stickney offered prayer, which was followed by the Toulon Glee Club singing -- "We Come Home Again." This club comprised Mrs. A. T. Higgins. organist ; Mrs. Lawrence, Miss Pauline Shallenberger. Miss Ada JPhelps. Miss Ida Mosher. ]\liss Ida Smith, Mr. X. J. Smith, Mr. D. J. Walker and Mr. Clyde Lyon. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows : President, Oliver Whitaker of Toulon : vice ])residents : John Finley of Toulon. Levi Eckley of West Jersey. Jefferson Trickle of Essex, J. D. Phodes of Goshen. Andrew Oliver of Elmira. E. Colgan of Valley. James Holgate of Penn, W. Winslow of Osceola ; treasurer. Benjamin Turner of Toulon ; secretary, W. H. Butler of Wyoming.

Hon. Martin Shallenberger delivei'ed the address of welcome. The executive committee elected were Orlando Brace. Levi Silliman and Henry Perry. At this meeting Captain Thompson brought up the resolution to erect a monument to Dr. Hall. This was carried and a committee on subscriptions appointed. (General Henderson delivered an address.

The second annual and third general reunion of pioneers was held at Toulon, September 9, 1880. Oliver Whitaker presided, Avith Captain Thompson acting secretary. Judge Wright delivered the address of welcome, and Miles A. Fuller, the annual or historical address. The election of officers resulted as follows : Oliver Whitaker, president ; . B. F. Tliompson, secretary; Benjamin Tui-ner. treasurer. D. J. Ilui'd of (ioshen, I. W. Shaw of Osceola. B. P. Brown of West Jei'sey. Itobei-t Hall of Elmira, Henry Colwell of Essex. Wui. Eagelston of Toulon. AV.

Pionker Associations And Reminiscences

H. Whitten of Penn. Win. Dawson of Valley, were all elected vice- ])residents. The president appointed Thomas IT. Maxfield, J. F. Rhodes and F. W. Fuller, executive committee. Elder Stickney was chaplain, while the Toulon Choral Union, with Miss Lottie Brace at the organ, discoursed the music.

Thomas Winn, at tlie time of his death, had been a resident of this state 48 years, and of this county 45 years. He had six sons, Madison, Jefferson, Perry, William, Warren and Marsh, all of whom are now living except Jefferson. The oldest, Madison, attended the first regularly organized school in this county, and is the oldest person now living who attended school as a pupil in this county. He resides near West Jersey, has been 49 years a resident of this state, and 30 years a school director. The oldest pioneer of Stark county now living is]\Irs. Susannah Miner, the widow of Harris W. Miner. Mrs. Miner's maiden name was Smith. She was born in Lincoln count}^ Massachusetts, March, 11,1 798, and is therefore over 82 years old. From Massachusetts she moved to AVheeling county, A^irginia, April, 1814 ; from tliere to Licking county, Ohio, April, 1816 ; and thence to Essex in this county, Se})tember, 1829, since which time, for 51 years, she has been a resident of this count}^ She was married to Harris W. Miner, October 29, 1832. She still enjoys good health. Mr. Perry H. Smith is the oldest livingnative of Stark county, he being the first child Iiorn in the territory now composing this county, who is now living.

The third annual or fourth reunion of the association was held September 1, 1881. The officers elected were: president, Oliver Whitaker ; vice-presidents: West Jersey, Jonathan Pratz ; Goshen, E. S. Buffom ; Essex, Henry Colwell ; Toulon, Major M. Silliman ; Elmira, Andrew Oliver; Valley, Wm. Dawson; Penn, James Snare; Osceola, Edward P. Wright; treasurer, Benjamin Turner; secretary, B. F. Thompson; executive committee, J. M. Brown, W. W. Wright and Samuel Burge. Miles A. Fullei' delivered the address of welcome. General Thomas J. Henderson, the annual address, Rev. D. G. Stouffer, the prayer, and the Toulon Glee Club, consisting of Messrs. Samuel Burge and Adna Smith, Mrs. LaAvrence and Miss Phelps, Mrs. Burge, organist, then sang, " We Come with Song to Greet ,you.'' The secretary read the list of deaths, giving name, residence and date of death as follows : Wyoming. - John B. Brown, May 18, 1881; Mrs. J. B. Brown, June 30, 1881 ; Miss Kellie Johnson, Feliruarv 11, 1881 ; Mrs. B. Crone, August 28, 1880; Mrs. Anna Curfman, March 22, 1881. Elmira. - John Grife, April 18,1881; Wm. D. Blanchard, May 11,1881. Osceola. - Mary T. Gardner, March 27, 1881; Mrs. Phoebe Smith, June 29, 1881. Goshen. - Michael Nowlan, March 5, 1881; Mrs. Ann Bradley, July 9, 1881 ; Mrs. Susannali Miner, July 16, 1881 ; Mrs. Thomas Dugan, May 10, 1881 ; Luther Geer, June 27, 1881 ; Robert Moore, August 26, 1881.

- Jonas Butler, July 20, 1881. Essex. - Wm. R. Shinn, December 12, 1880. Lamar, Mo. - Xancy Perr}^ Xoy. 5, 1880. Grinnell, Iowa. - Elizabeth Maryin. April IT. 1881. Red Oak, Io^ya. - James W. Hewitt, Xoyember 9. 1880. Victoria, 111. - Le\yis Finch, July 30, 1881. Southern 111. - Isaac B. Essex, 1878. Peoria. - Archibald Ayers, December 21, 1880. Essex. - Mrs. Clarinda Colwell, January 22, 1880. Goshen. - Mrs. B. M. Jackson, December 24. 1880 ; Simeon L. Williams. August l«i, 1881. Shelby Co., 111. - John C. Jones. February, 1881. At this meeting Dr. Chamberlain announced that sill were collected toward the Dr. Hall monument. Tlie four county clerks, O. Whitaker, T. J. Henderson, Miles A. Fuller and D. J. Walker were present, while Messrs. Henderson. Shallenberger and Andrew Baldwin sang " Auld Lang Syne."

The meeting of September 7, 1882, was one marked by social and intellectual success. A large contingent from Kewanee and neighboring towns helped to swell the ranks of the old settlers of Stark, so that when President Whitaker called the meeting to order, a number of these, to him familiar faces of olden times, turned toward the chair. Addressing them he explained the wide difference between the chairman's gayel - nothing less than one of Judge Finley's croquet mallets

- and the mallet of olden days, and made sundry quaint comparisons between the past and present. The Toulon band discoursed sweet music, Rey. E. C. Cady offered prayer, and the Glee Club, represented by Samuel Burge, Carrie Burge, John Walker. Mrs. G. S. Lawrence. Lucretia Flint and Newton Smith, rendered one of their fayorite songs Letters were then read from S. A. Dunn and J. M. Dunn, Grinnell, la., one fi'om Amelia M. Perry, announcing the death of James L. Perry on August 1, 1882; one from "Long John'' WentAyorth to Samuel Burge: one from Branson Lowman, dated Hastings. Xeb.: one from S. S. Ka3'sbier, Seneca, Ivan.: one from S. G. Butler, Farragut, la.; one from W. H. Butler. Cheney, Xeb.: one signed "Joseph Blanchard and family," Island Lake. Burton, P. O. Ivan.; one from (\ H. Brace, Pekin. m.; and one from S. G. Wright. Brookyille, Ivan. A list of deaths in the old settler's circle \yas also read, coyering the ])eriod from September, 1881, to date of meeting. The list of deaths comprises the names of Rey. J. G. Agard, who came in 1836 and died at Chicago, October 11, 1881; Ruloff Parrish, of Goshen, died March 12, 1882, settled here in 1837; Mrs. Tlieodosia Moon, settled in 1833, died October 1. 1881, at Elmira ; Robert Mitchell settled in 1838, died at Toulon in July, 1881. Mi*s. Lydia MagbA^'s death osyas reported with dates; Ellis Deyine died at Galya in August, 1882, settled here in 1841 ; John

Drinnin died at Toulon in 18S1, settled here in lS4tt; JIug-h Rhodes, who came at this time, died in Goshen Julv 14, 18S2; AVilliam Turnbull died at Elmira July 12, 1882, settled there in 1819; Mrs. Judith Tap]), of Toulon, died in 1882, settled here in 1851; Elder John Sargeant came in 1853, died in Peoria in July, 1882; Mrs. Isabella 8hrivers, of Essex, settled here in 1853, died in 1882; John Mcintosh died in West Jersey in 1882, settled here in 1853; Mrs. Deborah Ratcliff died at Wyoming in 1882, settled here in 1852 ; Stephen D. Easton, a settler of 1853, died in Goshen in 1882; J. S. Ilaxton came in 1858, died in Goshen in September, 1881; James L. Perry came in 1857, died in Iowa in 1882 ; Joel S. Wilson came in 1858, died in Penn township in 1882 ; James G. Armstrong- died in Iowa in 1881 ; Mrs. Frail died in Goshen in 1882 ; Havilah B. Johnson at Peoria in October, 1881 ; Mrs. Julia Xewton at Elmira, August 24, 1882; Squire Parrish, without dates ; David L. Sterling died at Bradford, June 23, 1882, and Mrs. Vernon at Modena, July 3, 1882.

The election of officers resulted as follows : O. Whitaker, president; Benjamin Turner, treasurer; John M. Brown, secretar}- ; Wells White, II. M. Ilall and Dexter Maxfield, executive committee. The vice-presidents were John Lackie, Osceola ; Theo. Whitten, Penn ; Henr}^ I'lood, Valley; Andrew Oliver, Elmii'a; Geo. W. Dewey, Toulon ; Edward Tricle, Essex ; Minot Silliman, Goshen ; Levi Eckley, West Jersev. Addresses were delivered bv James A. and D. W. Henderson, Norman Butler and others.

In the letter of S. G. Wright the following historical facts are given : " I I'emember spending my first niglit in Stark county, July 2, 1840. On the morning of the 3d, in passing through Osceola Grove, I saw a pleasant-looking old lady walking amid the tall shady oaks, knitting as she walked and ready to give the information which we needed, viz.: ' the dii-ect road to Providence.' It was good Mother Parks. I learned from her of several settlers there from Vermont, remembering especially James Bus well, Isaac Spencer, Riley Chamberlain and diurch Sturtevant. I did not move my family into the county until the fall of 1841, nor l)ecome much acquainted Avith any of these families until the fall of 1842." Speaking of the soldiers of Stark, he writes : " May we profit by the inheritance their toil and blood liave secured us." Speaking of temperance, he writes : " In Kansas we secured a constitutional amendment to prohibit the manufacture and sale of intoxicatino- drinks. God hasten the dav when vou shall achieve the same for Illinois. May Stark county be foremost for it."

In S. S. Kaysbier's letter, he says: "As the first druggist in Stark county, and one among the first in journalism, I may rank as a pioneer. Thirty-one years ago (now 36) I rented of John Culbertson the old ' Red End,' on north side of public square, at $5 per month. It Avas in that building that Mr. Culbertson made most of his fortune, but a second fortune was too much to ask of that rickety wooden house. * "" * " I sat on the porch of Cooley's hotel the night of my arrival, and there I heard Prof. Donaldson's singing school pupils' voices distinctly, as they were wafted from the old court house."

at Toulon. The following named officers were elected : O. Whitaker, president; Dr. H. M. Hall, secretary; Benjamin Turner, treasurer. The vice-presidents are : A. J. Finlev. West Jersey ; Minott Silliman, Goshen ; Henry Colwell, Essex ; Isaac Thomas, Toulon ; Col. AVilliam Jackson, Elmira ; George Marlatt, Yalley ; Daniel Phenix, Penn, and E. P. Wright, Osceola. Executive committee : Perry Winn, Chauncey Miner and William H. Xewland.

Elder Stickney offered prayer, the Glee Club rendered the music, giving Todhunter's pioneer song among others. James A. Henderson delivered the address of welcome, and Captain Brown read the death roll as follows : Xames of old settlers who died during the year ending- September (\ 1883, and reported at the annual reunion, 1883 : John C. O wings, died in Cherokee county, la., Septemher 16, 1882, aged 83 years; originally settled in Fulton county in 1825, resided in Stark county a snort time, removed to Carroll county, where he resided 40 years,*^ removed to Iowa; voted at the first election in this county. Sarah Thomas, wife of Owen Thomas, died at Toulon township, September 20, 1882, aged 62 ; a resident of this county 29 years. Polly Crandall died at Caput, Mo., October 1, 1882, aged 85 ; became a resident of this county in 18-10, removed to Missouri in 1880; a resident of this county 40 years. Isaac W. Searl died at Bradford, October 2, 1882, aged 69 ; a resident of this county 44 years. Kebecca Fowler, wife of Brady Fowler, died in Toulon township, October 14, 1882, aged 76 years'; a resident of this county 46 years. Jane Johnson, wife of Aaron Johnson, died at West Jersey, Xovember 3, 1882, aged 72; a resident of this county since 1849. AVilliam Chamberlain died at Toulon, November 2, 1882, aged 65 ; resident of this state 41 yeare and of Toulon 36 years. Finley Matheson died in Elmira, December 26, 1882, aged 63 ; came to this county 30 years ago. Mrs. Jehile Kissell, daughter of John Mcintosh, died at West Jersey, December 12. 1882, born in Stark county, aged 29. Royal L. Pratz died in West Jersey township. January 16, 1883. born m Stark county, aged 26 years. James S. Jackson,' son of H. II. Jackson, died in Taylor county, Iowa, January 7, 1883; removed to Iowa in 1882. Mrs. Clinton Fuller died at Elmira. January 25, 1883, aged 63 years; resided in county about 30 years. James In gels, of La Fayette, died in Florida. January 27. 1883, aged 63: resident of this county 29 years; his death was caused Ijy the accidental discharge of his gun while hunting. Daniel D. Stone died in Toulon townshi}), February 7, 1883, aged 70 ; resident of county 27 years. Sylvester Sweet died at Toulon. February 8, 1883, aged 88 ; a resident of the county 42 years: a soldier in the war of 1812. James Darby died in Henry county. 111.. Februery 12. 1883, aged 78; came to this county in 1848.' JohnFinle}^ died at Toulon, Feljruary 28, 1883, aged 81 ; a resident of the state 49 years and of this county 45 years ; he was clerk at the first election held in the county ; was the second sheriff of the county, served three terms; was county judge one term, and justice of the peace for many years. Susanna McCoy died in West Jersey township. May 6, 1883,' aged 57; resident of county 30 years. Edward Nixon died' at Toulon, May 8, 1883, aged 59 ; resided in this state 53 vears and in this county 27 years. Belle Grieve, daughter of Rol>ert Grieve, died in Toulon township, April 23, 1883, aged 20; born in Stark county, Owen Thomas, Jr., died at Oskaloosa, la., March 30, 1S83, aged 32; came to this county in 1854, removed to Iowa in 1879. William R. Legg died at Clark, ISTeb., May 11, 1883; a former resident of Toulon. Tihoda E. George died in Eimira township, March 24, 1883, aged 51 ; resided in county 48 years. Charles II. Maxfield died in Jefferson county, Neb., M;'iy 23. 1883, aged 40 ; born in the county. Catherine Porter died in West Jersey township, May 26, 1883, aged 96; resident of state and county 49 years. Mahala Young, wife of C. W. Young, died at West Jersey, June 1, 1883, aged 54; came to Illinois in 1844 and to this county in 1854. Robert McClenahan died at Sigourney, la., June 11, 1883, aged 45; born in the county and removed to Iowa about 1856. Presley Col well died in Nodaway county, Mo., June, 1S83, aged 72; came to this county in 1837, removed to Missouri in 1879. Charles M. Teeter died at Wyoming, June 13, 1883, agetl 66 ; came to IVfarshall county in 1855 and to Stark in 1858. Orson Grant died at La Fayette, June 14, 1883, aged 39; born in the county. Charles Jordan, father of Robert and John Jordan, died at Wyoming, June, 1883, aged 83; settled in Ohio in 1812, afterward went to Iowa, where he remained until a few years ago, when he came to Wyoming, and resided witli his sons. Mrs. Mary C. Riggen died in Iowa, June 23, 1883, aged (')o; came to this county about 1844. Eliza A. Henry, wife of James R. Henrv, died at West Jersey, July 1, 1883, aged 62; resided in county 32 years. Eleanor Trickle, wife of Washington Trickle, died at Elmwood, Peoria county, July 15, 1883, aged 76; came to this county in 183(), removed to Peoria county in 1866. Thomas Nichols died at Eimira, July 22, 1883; resident of state and county about 49 years. Mrs. Allen Atherton, daughter of Lewis Williams, died in Goshen township, July 31, 1883, aged 22; born in this county. Jonas I>. Pallentine, of Toulon, died at Monica, Peoria county, August 3, 1883, aged 6S ; resident of county 40 years. ]\[arian Grieve, daughter of Robert Grieve, died in Toulon township, August 17, 1883, aged 22; born in the county. Ora E. Pratz, son of Jonathan Pratz, died at West Jersey, August 23, 1883, aged 21 ; born in the county. J. M. Ilurd died at'West Jersey, August 25, 1883, aged 65; resident of county 27 years. John Pilgrim died at Galva, September 1, 1883, aged 77; came to county in 1852.

The seventh annual reunion of the old settlers was held at Toulon, August 26, 1884. A. P. Miller delivered the address of welcome. Dr. Co])estake described Stark county as he found it on his arrival here. A, G. Hammond, who settled at Wyoming thirty -four years before this meeting when a boy of sixteen years, delivered an historical address. Henry G. Little was here at the organization of the county, and related some pleasing facts of that time. C. C. Wilson, the iirst supervisor from Valley township, delivered an interesting speech; and the president, Oliver Whitaker, explained all about the exhumed log, which lay on the platform ; the time it grew where the conrt-house noAV stands, wlien it was used in bridging the slough on Main street, and its discovery while repairing a bridge at this place in 1S84. George X. Brown, then of the Wyoming Jferahh now of the Peoria Transcript^ said some ])retty things of the pioneers. A list of men and women who died since the last reunion was read, and next a large number of interesting letters from old settlers, who could not respond to invitations to be ])resent, were read. The Glee Club, represented by R. J. Dickinson, i). J. Walker, F. W. Lyon, L. L. Long, Mrs. Ida Ml Sweedeen, Mrs. M. S. Higgins, Misses Editli Dickinson, Bird Thornton, and Mattie White. The officers elected were: Oliver Whitaker, president; Dr. H. M. Hall, secretary; Benjamin Turner, treasurer; the vice-presidents chosen were: Eccless West, W. Jersey; G. H. Retllield, Goshen; P. P. Johnson, Toulon; Henry Colwell, Essex; Cyrus Bocock, Penn; Samuel Wrigley, Valley; John Locker, Osceola, and Myrtle Brace, Elmira.

The death-roll for the year ending August 1, 1884, is made up as follows : Mrs. Mary Hoffman, of W. Jersey, died September 10, 1883, aged 71 years. Mrs. Barbara E. Smith, daughter of John Emery and a resident of the count}^ for forty-four years, died April 21, 1883, aged 52 years. Mrs. Frances Barnes, daughter of Sewell Smith, formerly of Essex township, died at Lincoln, ]Keb., August 10, 1883. Mrs. Mary A. Cruchfield, daughter of the late David Cooper and for tw^enty-seven years a resident here, died in Essex township, January 1, 1881-, aged 7fi years. Mrs. Elizabeth Chaffee, widow of Jarvil Chaffee, formerlv of Essex township, died in Taylor county, la., March 3, 1884, aged 80 years. Allen Stimmell, died in A¥est Jersey township, January 4, 1884. Mrs. Joseph De Wolf died in AV^est Jersey township, January 19, 1884, aged 54 years. Mrs. Martha A. j\[yers, (bed in Toulon, January 23, 1884; she came here in 1855. Mrs. Kate llogle died near Toulon, January 23, 1884, in her 33d year. David McCance died at Toulon, Februarv 19, 1884, aged 69 vears; he resided here thirtv-six vears. The death of Charles W. Wrfght, J. F. C^ha]n"n, Mrs. Philander Pomeroy, Darius Panders, Miss Sarah Anderson, Mrs. Ruby Greenfield, Mrs. Gertrude Wagner. C. S. Fulper, H. S. Johnson, James A. Henderson, Stacy Cowperthwaite, Mrs. Amelia Tkitler, Jefferson Trickle, S. P. Fast, George Harvey. Andrew Swartz, Lucy P. Cooley, John Miller, Mrs. Margaret P. Hawkes, I^atrick Cavanaugh, Cy renins Dewey antl William Thomas - each one is noticed in the township histories. Letters Avere read from N. P. Cross, of Pleasanton, Kan.; John M. Burns, of Orion. 111.; Cyrus Shinn, of Eagle S])rings, Kan.; B. F. Fuller, Washington, D. C; J. E. Bush, Beatrice, Xeb.; David Fast, Irwin, Mo.; Daniel W. Henderson, Jefferson, la.; A. J. Whitaker, AYashington, D. C; Henry G. Little, Grinnell, la.; AV. E. Dunn, Galesburg, 111,; AA^ AV. AA^inslow, Osceola, 111.; S. G. Butler, Farragut, la.

Henry G. Little, writing in 1884, sa3"s: " A"ou first tried for Coffee county, taking one township from Henry and some from Knox. I worked hard to help defeat it, and we did so." David Fast, writing fi'om Irwin, Mo., says : " On September 28, 1850, I came to Stark and lived there until September 28, 1881. In 1850 I started a harness

The eighth annual reunion of old settlers was hekl August 25, 1885. Miles A. Fuller delivered the address of welcome; Martin Shallenberger spoke on the subject of pioneer manners and customs; (Captain Thomson read letters from al)sent friends; T. J. Henderson also delivered an address, and the list of all settlers, who died since the last meeting, was read. The officers elected were : Oliver Whitaker, president; Henry M. Hall, secretary; Benj. Turner, treasurer; John F. Rhodes, Wm. F. Xiciiolson, and Harlan Pierce, members of executive committee. The vice-presidents chosen were C. W. Young, New Jersey ; Barney Frail, Goshen ; Henry Colwell, Essex ; Eugene Lyon, Toulon; David Currier, Elmira; Edward Colgan, Valley; WesleV Brown, Penn ; and John Lackie, Osceola. Among those present were Perry Smith, of Wyoming, the first white child born in this county, fifty -four years before this meeting; M B. Parks, who built the first house in Elmira township ; Adam Perry, who taught the first school in the county ; Samuel O. Brees, of Wyoming, whose parents, on coming here, moved into a stable, where he was born on Chi-istmas day; Dr. and ^Mrs. L. Hurd, who were the first cou})le married in Henry county. Jerome B. Thomas, of Ohio, who settled here fortyone years prior to this meeting, was here. O. P. Emery, of Galva, and Little, of Kewanee, were also here. The pioneers of fifty years ago or more, present at this meeting, were Perry Smith, came fiftyfour years ago; JSlrs. Jonathan Pratz, Perry Winn, N. W. Holmes, Minot Silliman, each fifty -one years ago; NeJson Grant, Jacob Emery, Barnabas Frail, Hiram 'All n-ight, G. H. Redfield and wife, R. H. Moore, each came fifty years ago. The old settlers, who were here forty vears ago or more at date of eighth reunion, are named as follows: M. B. Parks, Wm. Sheets, John Fowler, Wm. Ogle, Levi Eckley, Jonathan Pratz, ]\rrs. George M. Hazen, Miles A. Fuller, Washington Trickle, each fortv-nine years.

Mrs. Charles "^E. Sh'inn. S. R. Hazen, John and G. M. Hazen. Eli Emery, Charles Rhodes, Alichael Emery, each forty -three years. Wm. White. R. C. Briggs and A. J. Maxfield. each forty-two years. Mason Trickle. Isaac Thomas, Jerome B. Thomas, Charles Sturtevant, and Jackson Lawrence, each forty-one years. John Ogle, AYm. Sweet,

The ]uoneer necrology for the year was reported as follows: - Jacob Stimmel died in West Jersey township March 24, 1885 ; aged 66 years. Ca])t. George W. Buchanan died September, 188-4 in the STth year of his age; he came with his familv to this county in 1837 and remained here until 1853, when he moved to Davis count v, Washington territorry, where he resided up to the time of his death. Christopher Tlin'er, of Clienoa. 111., died Xovember 8. 1884. in the 80th vear of his age: he was a resident of West Jersey township from 1849 to 1866. W. L. Shirts of Galva, died November 14, 1884, aged 62 years. He was a citizen of Toulon from 1854 to 1867, since which time he has resided in Galva. IMrs. Mary E. Austin died at her home in Elmira, Stark county, November 18, 1884, aged 65 yeai's; she was the daughter of John Leeson, Avas married to Lewis Austin in 1838, moved to Elmira in 1840, where she resided to the time of her death. Mrs. Hannah Guller died in Elmii-a, Stark county, December 30, 1884 ; she was married to Ambrose Fuller in 1816, and they settled in Elmira in 1839 ; her husband died in 1845, and his was the first grave in Elmira cemetery. Mrs. Lydia Fuller Shivvers died in Toulon, December 20, 1884, aged 60 years ; in 1844 she was married to Ansel Fuller in Osceola, but thev moved to Wethersfield township, where they resided until his death in I8r)3 ; Se])tember 5, 1882, she married Hopkins Shivvers and resided in Toulon until her death, Mary Pierson AVhite, daughter of J. D. Pierson, died September 8, 1884, in the 22d vear of her age. H Blakely died in Toulon, December 26, 1884. Walter H. Blair died in Toulon, December 26, 1884, in the 23d year of his age. Isaac P. Spencer died in Osceola, December 27, 1884; he was one of the first comers to the grove early in the thirties. William Williams died at the residence of David' Lowman. in Hastings, Xeb., January 6, 1885; Mr, Williams was a native of England, was born in 1794; came to America 1839, to Stark county in 1855, where he resided until Davis Lowman and family moved to Nebraska, he accompanying them. Capt. John R. Atherton died at his residence in Toulon, January 31, 1885, in the 83d year of his age ; He moved from Kentucky, his native state, to Illinois, in 1831, and to Stark county in 1845. Daniel Woodward died near Bradford, January 20, 1885 ; he was an old time settler of Stark county. Mrs. Mary Shannon died near Des Moines, Iowa, February 6, 1885 ; she had but recently moved to Iowa from West Jersey, where the remainder of her life had been passed. Zara Newton died in Elmira township, Feb. 6, 1885, aged 78 years ; he came to Stark county many years ago. Charles Bolt died in Osceola township, February 23, 188.5, aged 70 years ; he came to this county in 1845, settling in the township in which he died. Thomas Faulconer died in Yalley township, March 18, 1885. He was a long time resident of that township. P^lijah Bocock died at Castleton, March 18, 1885, in the 87th year of his age; moved to Illinois in 1837, and to Stark county in

Pioneer Associations And Keminisuences

1866. Solomon "Wilkinson died in Essex townshi}), April 2^ 1885, aged 88 years ; he came to this county in 18-19, and settled on the farm where he died. Mrs. Peter Shaffer died near Starwano. March 16, 1885, an early settler in Stark county. Robert Patterson died near Fairmount, ISTeb., April 15, 1885, ag'ed 71 years; he came to this countv in 1855 and remained here until about two 3^ears ago, when he moved to Nebraska. William Henry Butler ^vas born in New Haven, Conn., October 5, 1811, emigrated to Putnam, now Stark count3% in 1835, and in September of that year married Mary Fuller, of Elmira; in 1880 he moved on to a farm near Lincoln, Nelj., where he died, March 29, 1885; he was a printer by trade, learing to set type in the old Franklin printing ottice in Richmond, Va., in 1823; worked seven years with Harper Brothers and on dailies in Wall street ; after he came west he was connected with the Peoria Iieyister, and afterward with what is now the Stark County iV^<?ms. Josiah Mottitdied in Essex township, April IT, 1885, in the 76th year of his age; he came to this countv in 1837, settling on the farm where he died. Adam Oliver died in Elmira townshi]). May 8, 1885, in the 70th year of his age ; he settled in tliat townshi}) in LS38. Jacol:> Smith died in Oalva last fall, in the 82d year of his age ; he settled in West Jersey townshi]) in 1835 and lived there until 1876, when he moved to Galva. Airs. Catherine Buchanan, wife of Capt. Geo. W. Buchanan, died in Havis county, W. T., July 23,1885, in the 84th year of her age. Nathan Bevier died in Lafayette, July 23, 1885, in the 8Sth year of his age ; he moved to Lafayette in 1856 and has since resided there. Daniel Gingrich died in Essex townshi]), August 20, 1885, aged 76 years ; he came to this county in 1837. Joel Goodale died in Toulon townslii]), August 21, 1885, "in the 76th year of his age; he came to Stark county in 1876^ Branson Lowman died in Hastings, Neb., March 13, 1885, aged <)7 years ; he came to Illinois in 1832, to. Stark county in 1857, where he lived until 1882, when he moved to Nel)raska. Mrs. Rachel Brown, daughter of Yirgil I^ike, tlied at Frazee. Minn., -January 10. 1885, one of Stark county's pioneers. II. B. Dori-ance died near Modena, March 23, 1885, in the 48th year of his age ; he was a native of this county. Mrs. Robert Grieve died in Ehiiira townslii]), March 3(», 1885, in the 55tii year of lier age. Mary Ann Woodward died in Osceola township, March 13, 1885. Mrs.' Sarah M. Smitli, formerly wife of the late Sewal Smith, died in Lafayette, March 22, 18S5. aged 77 years ; she came with lier husband to Stark countv at a verv earh' da v. Mrs. Al)by Ann Todd, wife of Maj-)r C. W. Todd, died at Lafayette, Marcii 1<>, ill the 76th year of her age ; she came to this county with her husband in 1840.' Samuel Montooth, senior, died near Modena, Feljruary 16, 1885, aged 76 years. Total number: 38 - six more than last xear.

The meeting of August 19, issij, sur})assed all other reunions in method of organization and number of persons present. The weather, too, was delightful, and tiie old courtJiouse grove was clothed in all the richness of sunnner. The dinner Avas excellent in matei'ial and arrangement. This important ])art of the ])rograinnie was carried out under the auspices of the Congregational society, and earnetl for the uses of that church over $100. The officers elected were : Oliver Witaker, president; Jonathan Pratz, West Jerse}' ; Minott Silliman, Goshen ; John McMillan, Essex; Isaac Thomas. Toulon ; John Turnlmll, Elniira ; Samuel Wrigley, Valley ; Cyi'ns Bocock, Penn ; and .lohn Lackie, Osceola, vice presidents ; Benjamin Tui'uer, treasurer; B. F. Tliompson, secretary. The executive committee comprised Orlando Brace, AVilliam Xolan and Chester M. Turner. Capt. Thompson acted as secretary of the meeting, vice Dr. Hall, removed to Kansas. To him is entirely due the compilation of the deatii roll, given as follows: William Dawson died at Stark, September 10, 1885, aged 75 years, lo months and 3 days; came to Illinois from Ross county, Ohio, in 1839, and lived in Valley township since 1S50. Miss Louisa Col well, daughter of Henry Colwell, died at her home near Duncan, October 21, 1885, aged 21 years ; her entire life was sj)ent in the vicinity where she died. Abram Bowers died in Penn township, Xovember i4, 1885, aged 74 years; came to Stark county in 1856, and lived in the county until the time of his death. Robert McKinney Boccjck died at his home in Penn townshij), January 19,1886, aged 60 years; came from Ohio to Fulton county in 1837, and in 1854 moved to Stark county, where the remainder of his life was spent ; he sei'ved as justice of the ))eace in his township for sixteen years, and was serving his thii'teenth year as a member of the county board of su])ervisors, of which he was chairman. Anthony Robinson died at his home near Wyoming, May 21, 1886, aged 61 years. Warren Pattee died at his home in Penn townshi]). May 4, 1886, aged 74 years. Mrs. Sarah Bennett, wife of Jeremiah Bennett, died at Saxon, Febrnary 3, 1885, aged 83 years, 2 months and 22 days; moved to Fulton county in 1838, and the year following came to Stark count}', where her remaining days were sjient, a resident for forty-eight years. ]\Irs. Keziah Young, wife of St(^phen Young, died at Toulon, Fel)ruarv 3,1886, aged >i^'} years and 11 months; came from Maine to Iowa in 1854, and in 1858 moved to Toulon, where her days were ended. Thomas A. Oakes died near Toulon, iMarch 15, 1886, aged 74 years, 8 months and !<- days. Mrs. Lucretia Ruston died at her daughter's, Mrs. Anderson, in Toulon, February 28, 1886, aged 65 years; came to Lafayette in 1851, and lived there about one year; her lirst husband was Homer 1 limes. Mrs. Sophia S., wife of Moses II. AVeaver, died at Osceola. .Vpril 24, 188(5. Hon. James Ilolgate died at the home of his daughter. Mrs. John Snare, at Snareville, ]\Iai'ch 22, 1886, aged 81 yeai-s. 7 months and 24 days; came from Pennsylvania! to Penn townsJiip in is^'.o ; he was one of the three commissioners that managed the county aifairs until 1849, when he was elected judge, and served until 1S53 ; he was assessoi' of Penn townshi]) for sixteen yeai'S, and the lirst supervisoi' from the township and the first chairnum of tlie boai'd.of supervisors in the county; in 1863 he served one term in the state legislature. Mrs. Ann Dixon died near Stark, March 28, ISSC), aged 72 years; came to Stark county in 1851. Jose])h Atherton died near Lafayette, May 1, 1886, aged 72 years, 4 months and 13 days; came from Ohio to Hancock county in 1836, and from there to Stai"k county in 1845, Avhere he terminated his life. John Whit*^ died at Lafayette, May 8, 1835, aged 54 years, 6 months and 2S days; came from Ohio to Stark county in 1836, and lived on the same place till the time of his death. Geo. Springer died May 16, 1886, aged 70 years, 7 months and 9 days; came from Ohio to Stark county in ISil, settling in Essex township, and there lived to the time of his death. Thomas Graves died in Essex, December 12, 1885, aged 68 years, 11 months and 14 days. Mrs. Rel)ecca Dickinson, widow of Win T. Dickinson, died at Lafayette, Sei)teml)er 12, 1885, aged 85 years, 11 months and 28 days. Mrs. Sarah Ileadley, wife of James Ileadley, died in Toulon, June 11, 1886, aged 85 years, 9 months and 17 days. Mrs. Jane P. Sweet, wife of William Sweet, died at Toulon, June 15, 1886, aged 60 years, 4 months and 6 days. Geo. B. llarlau died in Wyoming, November 15, 1885, aged 72 years and 2 months. Mrs. Mai'tha A. Mori'is, wife of Geo. Morris, died in Toulon, December K), 1885, aged 48 years. Anthony Hol)inson died near Wyoming, May 2, 1886, aged 61 years. Mrs. Elmira F. Eastuum, wife of Calvin L. Eastman, died at Toulon, July 3, 1886, aged 63 years; was a resident of Stark county for forty two years, and an occupant of the same house for thirty-four vears. Benjamin F. Young died at Toulon. July 21, 1886, aged 59 years. Solomon B. Bass died in Toulon, July 30, 'l8S(;, aged 76 years, 1 month and 2<) days. S})encer Faulconer died in Valley, May 22, 1886, aged 77 years.' Mrs. Margaret Ih-ain died near AYady Petra, July 2. 18S<i, aged 67 years, 1(> months and 5 days. Mrs. Mary P. Adams died near Bradford, November, 1885, aged 85 years. John V. Bevier died at Bradford, January 30, 1886, aged 81 years. Nicholas Sturm died in Osceola, March 2i, 1886, aged 78 years. Mrs. Dorcas Gushing, wife of Geo. Cusliing, died at Bradford, March 29, 188<Naged 64 years. Micagy Swiger (lied in Penn, February i», 1886, aged 63 years, 8 months "and 15 days. Mrs. Hannah F. Downing, wife of Nathan Downing, died in Penn, Mai'ch 5, 188(), aged 44 years. James McNultv dietl in Penn, June 29, 1886, aged 72 years." Mrs. Sarah Hartv. wife of Andrew Harty, died in Penn, July "28, ISSf.. William Miner died in Southern Missoui'i, July 31, 1885. Mi's. Kosannah Dixon died at Peoria, September 2, 18"85, aged 77 years. Mrs. Jane Sturm, wife of Peter Sturm, died at Cambridge, March 21, 1886. Mrs. Fanny Smith, nee Silliman, wife of AVilliam P. Smith, died at Princaville. "April 2, 1886, aged s-2 years. Jesse T. Turnei- died at Marietta, Fulton county, April 28, 188V), aged 74 years, 7 months and 13 days. Mrs. Porter,' wife of V/illiam Porter, died at Atkinson, May, 1886. Mrs. Sarah F. Brown, nee Hodgson, wife of Alva W. Ih'own. died at Medale, llari'ison county, Iowa, June 23, ISSd; born in Stark county, in 1840. Mrs. Rebecca' Dickinson died at Galva, 111., June 24, 1881), aged 81 years; Mr. Dickinson was licr fourth husband. Mrs. Rebecca Nelson, wife of Upton Nelson, and sister of Peter Sturm, died in AFissouri about the 1st of August, 188<i; born December i8, bsbs. ^Mrs. Elizabeth AVhitman, motliei- of Thomas Gemmell, died at Peoria while on a visit, A])ril 18, 1 88(5, aged O'J years, 8 mcmtlis and 14 days; she came from Scotland to this country in 1866. and lived here most of the time till her death. Mrs. S. A'. Miller died in Fai-ragut, Iowa, while on a, visit. May 19, 1SS6, aged 48 years; eaiuc IVoui Ohio to Knox county in 1849, and moved to Stark county in 1861. Joseph

Catterlin died at Abilene, Kansas, May 21, 188G, aged 96 years, 7 niontlis and 15 days; moved from Virginia to Springfield in 1885; came to Tonlon in 1849. Mr, Silas Moody died at Perry, Iowa, July 10, 1886, aged 7C» years, 6 months and 9 days. William Walker died at Eldora, Iowa, July 30, 1886, aged 65 years. Mrs. Sabrina (Chatfield) Ililliard died at New Virginia, Iowa, Januar}^ 28, 1886, aged 69 years; slie came to Stark county in 1834, and lived near Lafayette until 1873, and was the first female that taught school in Stark county. Mrs. Maria Kightlingei-, wife of Jacob Kightlinger, died at her home in Yates City, July 16, 1886, aged 84 years; she came from Pennsylvania to Stark county in 1837, Jiving liere two years, then removing to Knox county, and later to Yates City. Henry G. Kinkade died at Starwano, August 19, 1886, aged 31 years, 9 months and 1 day ; has lived in Stark county since he was one year of age.

The underground railroad must not be (overlooked. About the time Stark county was organized this line began to assume practical form in the neighborhood, and was })atronize(l by a few passengers. A few years later the road grew in favor with i-efugee slaves, and ultimately became an im])ortant highway between the Sunny South and the bleak Canadas. (Talesburg Station was one of the best organized on the line of the Underground Paib'oad. There Nehemiah West, George Davis, P. Neeley and Samuel Hitchcock were the permanent conductors on the division extending to Ontario, in Knox county, and through Stark county. In Ontario township the house of C. F. Camp was the depot, and'llod Powell conductor. Rev. John Cross, connected with the railroad in 1843, was charged with aiding in the escape of slaves, but before the trial he removed to liureau county, where a deputy sheriff was sent to arrest him. Mr. Cross offered to go without op])Osition. ])ut there were no means at the dis])osal of the deputy to travel, so that his ])risoner agreed to su])ply his own team. They started or. Saturchiy, stayed with Oliver Whitaker at Osceola Grove next day, where the ]irisoner preached. On Monday they left en route for Knox county, where Mr. Cross defended himself. Prior to this, in 1839 or 1840, he was imprisoned in the (4alesl)urg jail, but was bailed out by the abolitionists.

From liev. S. G. Wi'ight's journal the following extract is taken, as bearing on this I'ailroad system: '' December 24, 1S41 ; started for Walnut Creek; gi-eat i-ain ;' the creek was swimming; llichard C. and William Dunn were with me; difficulty in crcjssing branch above Trickle's mill ; had to bi-eak ice for near an hour, and go around by Traker's Grove; ])reached at Mr. Foster's Friday, April, 1842; went to Knoxville to hear debate between Kinney and Frazer ; also to obtain a teachei-; May 2, went to Lafayette to' hear Mi'. Harris expose Moi-monism ; I'ehearsed his lecture to my people at Mr. Webster's. " -"- * -=<- February <), 1843: On I'ri day another fugitive from slavery came along, making twenty-one that have passed through this settlement on their wavto Canada'; the ink freezes on my pen as I try to Avrite. May 22, 1843 : Saturday Avent to Emery settlement, but foimtl so strong an antipathy against abolitionists that few would hear me preach, so I went on and preached at Toulon Sabbath morning ; report saitl the Mormons meant to dra\v^ me into deliate here. May 20 : The grand jury found a bill against me and my elder, W. W. Wel)ster, for harboring runawa}^ slaves. June 24: Witness in case of The People vs. Cross, for harboring runaway slaves. January 5, 1847 : Arrived home on Fridav : found that two fugitives were along with only Christmas papers."

W. II. Adams, in one of his pioneer sketches j)ublished in the Sentinel, speaks of Fountain Watkins, " the laughing Abolitionist," and of his connection with the Underground Railroad, better known as the " Great Southern and Canadian Underground Railway." In his sketch he refers to Dave Frisby, the first school-teacher in the Elm wood district, Knox county ; Mrs. Watkins, wife of Fountain Watkins ; Eli Wilson, an old abolitionist ; Peter, a colored fugitive ; George Pierce and John Dalton, anti-abolitionists; Elias Wycoff and IXeliemiah Wycoff, well-known names in Stark county. One of Watkins' stories as told to Mr. Adams is as follows: '' Some time late in the forties, Eli Wilson brought quite a likely young man to my place, who said he had been a waitei' on a Mississippi river steamboat. Fie stayed with us for about a week, and played with the boys in the ^voods. Some of our kind of men at Farmington sent me word one evening to push the l)oy ahead, as hunters were on his track. It would not answer to start that night, as it would be certain to invite pursuit. I finally concluded to wait until morning, and studied out a plan how the old woman and me would go visiting' the next dav on horseback. As the fall winds were kinder hard on the 'wimin's' faces, it was no more than natural for her to have on a veil. So the next morning I saddled a gray team I owned, and had Peter put on one of my wife's dresses and veils, and helped him to mount the horse with the side-saddle just as though it was my wife. I mounted the other horse, and admonished Peter not to talk unless I spoke to him. AVe struck out, taking a road that led in the direction of the east side of the mound west of the town of Elm wood. The road across the Kickapoo bottoms was lined on each side with a dense growth of high weeds and brush. While in this place we saw a team coming towards us with George Pierce and John Dalton in the wagon. I had been toll that Dalton had l)een blowing around that if ever he cauglit me 'running off a nigger,' he would arrest me- I ]iulled out to the right and Peter to the left to let the wagon pass. I said: 'Good morning, ha! ha!' and they said ' good morning.' We had not got more than a rod from

''Fount" has got a nigger with him.' Here the road made a sharp turn, the ground was soft, and didn't we ply the bud and let the horses go until we reached the high ground at the mound. Here we ]uilled rein and looked back. Not a soul was in sight. I told Pete that it was twelve miles to the next timber, and we had to travel, ns there was danger of them cusses following us We reached the hazel brush south of Rochester, on Spoon river, where I hid Pete and started for town to find something to eat for the horses, the rugitive and myself. Meeting Dave Frisby, I did not pretend to notice him ; but he recognized me and said, 'Helo, Fount; how do you do? Wiiere are you going?' I rephed : 'Just down here to find a girl ; my wife is not very well.' Dave said : ' You don't want a girl; you have a runaway somewhere in the brush, and are now looking for something to eat. I know you, eld fellow ; you can't fool this child. Fount. How is the wife and babies, anyhow ? I said : ' Dave, where have you been l ' He re])lied that he was in business at Eochester, and, continuing, said : ' Say, Fount, you've got a fugitive hid somewhere ; don't you deny it. Do you see that house over there? I board there with Eli as Wycoff, brother to ]^ehemiah, of Stark county, both sound abolitionists.' I said : ' Dave, Wycoff may be all right, but you always said it was not right to help the slaves get away from their masters.' He replied : ' Fount, you know I always said slavery was wrong ; then it is right to free them. Here is my hand.' I could tie to Dave."

I turned about and went with Dave. Wycoff was not at home, but was expected shortly. The horses were cared for, Dave and I went out to the fugitives retreat. I gave the signal and the woman stejjped out. We introduced her to the family and Mr. Wycoff. Mr. Wycoff then came and was delighted to help any one out of bondage. Fete and I had supper, and afterwards I informed W^'coff that the lady wished to make some change in her dress. She was shown into a room, I followed after and said, " Pete, take off your dress." Wycoff said, " Is that a man ? " I replied that it was, that he had on my wife's dress, and that I wished to take it home with me as dresses were not over plenty at my house. Peter slipjjed out of the dress and stood before us in a suit of broadcloth. All laughed, the women came, and seeing the joke, also laughed. I waited until late that night, bade Pete and his new friends adieu, and arrived home just before daylight. Ha! ha! ha! You don't hear the crack of the slave-driver's whip nowa-days. Ha ! ha ! ha ! "

In the histories of West Jersey, Elmii'a, Osceola, and other townships, many of the conductors on the Great Southern and Canadian Underground 11. R. find proper mention.

In the first pages of this cliapter reference is made to the antihorse-thief and gambler associations. There luis always hovered around the frontier of civilization bold, desperate men, who prey u))on the unprotected settlers rather than gain a livelihood by honest toil. Theft, robbery and murder were carried on by regularly organized bands in Ogle, Lee, Winnebago and DeKalb counties, who moved through other sections of the State. The leaders of these gangs of cutthroats were among the first settlers of that ]wrtion of the State, and consequently had the choice of location. Among the most ])rominent of the leaders were John Driscoll, William and David, his sons ; John Brodie and three of his sons ; Samuel Aikens and three of his sons ; William \\. Bridge and Norton B. Boyce. These were the i-epresentative characters, those who })lanned and controlled the movements of the combination, concealed them when danger threatened, nursed them when sick, rested them when worn bv fatigue and forced marches, fur- iiished hiding places for their stolen booty, shared in the spoils, and, under cover of darkness and intricate and devious ways of travel, known only to themselves and subortlinates, transferred stolen horses from station to station; for it came to be known as a well-established fact that they had stations, and agents, and watchmen scattered throughout the country at convenient distances, and signals and passwords to assist and govern them in all their nefarious transactions.

The "Keceipt for Hoi'se Stealing'' published in 1SS<! in the Brimfield News from the pen of W. H. Adams, conveys a good idea of some of the troubles and clangers to which the early settlers were subjected by horse-thieves. He introduces his poper by a mention of the Laffertys, Slocum's, Driscolls, George Eckley, Ileniy McClenahan, James ]\[ontgomery, John Miller, Joe Swalm, Wesley Fraker and others ; follows up the emigration of the Laffertys from Ashland count}", Ohio, to Knox county, Illinois, in 18)^0, and then enters upon the story of horsestealing in 1838. Three men came to Lafferty's in A})ril, 1838, stating that they were land-buj'ers, and asking to stay all night. The evening of the next day they returned with all their ''land papers" wet, claiming that their vehicle upset while crossing the creek. Mr. L. dried the pa})ers. On next morning which was Sunday, one of the young men brought forth a fiddle, when Mrs. Lafferty said, we have noise and racket enough on week days, I want a little rest on Sunday." That night her husband's team of "blacks" was stolen, and early on May 2, John Latfert}^ entered U]wn the pursuit of the thieves. He returned next morning and met John IMiller, who lived in w4iat is now Frinceville towniship, Sew^el Smith of Mud Eun, in Putnam, and Bob Colwell, who lived south of Frince's Mill, on Spoon river, each of whom lost horses. When they heard that two of Lafferty's and two of Fraker's horses were stolen the same night, they proposed that all would return to their homes, get arms and supplies, and give pursuit, appointing Montgomery's house at Sugar Tree Grove, the starting place. This a])])()iutment was kept, and Laffert_y, Swalm, Fraker, Colwell, Miller and Smith started in search of the thieves. Meantime, one Iloantree of Henderson Grove, arrived at Miller's house with tlie information that two horses in charge of a boy were at Washburn's Grove. John McCoy was dispatched, identified the horses, and pushed forward in 'search of Laffertv and friends, whom he met returnino- to Washburn's. Arriving there, they relieved the landlord of the horses, aiul pi'epared to make preparations for hanging the boy. Meantime, Miller led the boy some distance away, and got a promise from him to give full information if his life would Ije spared. Lafferty and Colwell questioned him, and learned that the rendezvous was in the Winnel)ago swamp. At midnight the party set forth to capture the robbers, Lafferty and ]\Iiller leading with the boy between them. Toward morning they arrived near tlie rendezvous. At daylight all the party got within a few yards of the camp and waited for the robljers to appear, which one did just before sunrise. He was captured by John Miller; two others jumj^ed out of the bush hut and were captured. Then all the horses and saddles were got together and the victors and vanquished proceeded to another grove to try the robbers. The court was organized, the boy's state- ments were noted, each of the settlers identified his horses, and the trio were fonnd guiltj and hanged. At Spring Creek, on their homeward journey, they were fired npon 1>} friends of thieves, the fire was returned Ijrisklv and thus ended the adventure of the earlvdays of Mav, 1838. Lafferty and party merely stated to their friends that '* the boy gave a receipt that he would never steal another horse." In June, 1838, Colwell, Joe Drummond and others visited the Winnebago swam]>, where they saw three bodies swinging from a tree. Colwell said. *' 1 wonder if them ere injuns were hung by the whites during the Black Hawk War?" Drummond turning to him said, "Dad, you fellers didn't shoot him, you hung him." Colwell replied, '' I guess they're dead," and the party left the scene of the tragedy. , "' Cattle Drivino- in Earlv Davs " is the title of a storv from the

^ ])en of W. II. Adams in Xhe Brlmjield JSeics. John Emery, now of Galva, is made the hero. It appears that in al)out ls44or 1815, one Ther^'good Smith, a dealer of Rochester, resolved to change the farmer's notes in his possession into something more tangil>le. and thus acquired possession of 225 head of cattle. This herd he placed in charge of John Emerv of Stark Countv, with orders to drive them to Chicago. Eraervwas assisted on the drive bv John P. Pratz, Elias Lafferty and Michael Smith, notorious '* l)ull-whackers." At "Xine Mile House," on the Des]ilaines. he sold a few head and received s2(>(i in gold, then pushed on to Chicago, where the cattle were slaughtered and Emery paid 81, KK) in " wildcats " for the quarters, the only jiarts then weighed in the market. During the da^^s passed at Chicago, he boarded at the City Hotel, corner of State and Lake streets, a mile distant from the old slaughter house. On leaving Chicago, he passed the first night at the " Nine Mile House," and there met Jack and Bill Britts of New Bradford on Green River. Pushing forward with the Britts, Jack remained at Paw Paw while Emery and Bill Britt went forward to Princeton. They had no sooner arrived there than two men, well mounted, appeared. They were robbers on his track. At Princeton he was introduced to a ladv and her son from Meadville, Pa., who wished to learn the way to Carson Berfield's home in Stark. He volunteered to accompany them, and next day set out on the journev. Noticing the carriage and the saddled hoi'se, one of the robbei's exclaimed: " What ! off so soon t and rushed in hot haste to the stable for their horses, quickly a])pearing again, one patting on the bridle and the other with the saddle away up on his horse's shoulders was vainlv striving to tighten the surcingle as the horse plunged about. At this juncture the lady and son stepped into the cari'iage. As soon as seated she requested Mr. Emery to hand her his valise and overcoat, a request which he lost no time in complying witli. The landlady had informed almost every guest of the jeopardy that the stalwart looking drover was in, with the solemn admonition not to mention it as they valued their lives. As a matter of course every guest in the house was on deck to see the outcome. ]\[en and women were all in favor of the drive, most particularly the women. When Mr. Emery handed his valise to the occupants of the carriage, one of the robbei's said, " AVhat, are you going with them folks ?" Emery i"e})lied. ** Yes ; look liere - here is one thousand dollars in paper (reaching into his vest ])ocket and pulling out the wallet)." Replacing this, he reached into his trousers pocket and withdrew the gold, saying: "Here is two hundred dollars in gold ; I would like to see you get it. As soon as you approached me last evening I knew what your business w^as, and who set you dirty, contemptible, thieving skunks on my track. You can come and go with me if you think it will be healthy, or you can go back to Paw" Paw Grove and tell Jack Britt that you didn't get my

Hundreds of stories, more or less of this character, are current, some of which are briefly told in the pages devoted to towmship and personal history.

J. Blanchard, writing from Burrton, Kas., to Captain Brown, in 1883, recites the following reminiscences: "In the fall of 1841 the writer married one of the fair daughters of Osceola. Soon after the ceremony, which was performed by the venerable Square Parks, I took my bride to our cabin away out on the prairie, even before the windows and doors were adjusted. But, contrary to the present custom of wedding tours, we went to work fixing things and getting ready for real housekee])ing. Our household then consisted of my wnfe and I and my bachelor brother. At the commencement we laid in a toleral)le supply of groceries and provisions, and things went on swimmingly, yes lovingly, for a time. But near the end of the next summer our stores run alarmingly low% and we were reduced to 'pumpkins and ])otatoes.' In those days there were no w^ater-mills nearer than the Kickapoo or IVIackinaw rivers except an old log mill on Jack creek, known as Parker's mill. But at that time there was no w^ater behind, and the only way to get a little corn cracked was for two or three men to get on the water-wheel and tread it out. But about this time Lemuel Dorrance built a saw and grist mill on Spoon river, about one mile distant. And a year or two previous to 1811 the steam mill was put in operation at Wethersfield. So I tramped out some smutty spring wheat with my oxen and started to the latter ])lace to mill. And though it was but seven or eight miles on a bee line (for there were no farms in the way) from Myrtle G. Brace's to AYethersfield, yet I was three days making the round trip. While I was there, a gaunt-looking man from Victoria came in, having on a very long face, and he said, ' Pherris, when can you grind my grist ? We have eaten the last ])umpkin.' 'Don't know,' said Pherris, the miller. 'Perhaps in two or three days.' 'Why, God bless you! my family will starve in that time,' exclaimed the gaunt man. 'I can't help it,' replied the miller. But if the bottom had not dropped out of the well at the steam mill the ^vater had, and we had to haul water from a S])ring near Squire Blish's, ami })our it into the well. However, in the course of two or three days, we all got our grists, and went on our way rejoicing. And the flour was soon kneaded, set on the coals in the big stove or sod fire-place (for we had no quick meal stoves in those days), but it came out a real short cake or light biscuit. Not long after we set up housekeeping, we had a kind of infair, and.

our cabin not being finished, I deLayed putting on the wedding garments until the guests had arrived. I asked Mrs. B. where I should change ray clothes. Mrs. Oliver Whitaker being present, and alwa3^s ready for a joke, said, 'Why, Blanchard, go up-stairs.' But, lo and behold! there was nothing up there but sleepers and rafters. So I resorted to the haystack, and soon came back as good as new."

James B. "Witter, writing to Oliver Whitaker, from Fairmont, Neb., in 1883, says: "AVhen I received j^our card of invitation, instantly my mind ran back over the years when I first came to Stark county. It was in the fall of 1839 that I first came into the county; it gave me an opportunity to see the growth of that little count}^ u]) to 18C9. The first few years of my residence there, the places of almost every man were familiar. I passed over almost every road that was used in the county, knew almost every house and the names of the persons residing in it. But what a change in thirty 3^ears ; still more in forty. The settlements were fia'st made along the streams and near the timber, and in passing from one settlement to another it was often a lonely tramp,, not hearing a sound excej^t the birds that were used to a prairie countr}^, or perhaps some wild animal would jump up and dash away and would soon l^e out of sight in the tall grass. But those things have long since disap])eared, and now ap])ear cultivated fields, fine houses, with herds of different kinds of stock, which serve to enrich the farmer and to give life and activity to the people of the county. I would further say that my wife came to Illinois in the year 1835, and her father came to Stark county in 1837. AVe were married in 1842, and together we toiled through those hard years which followed the early settling of Stark county."

The letter of H. C. Henderson, dated Marshalltown, Iowa, August 25, 1883, is a model pioneer letter, such a one as every old settler sliould write. It was addressed to Dr. Henry M. Hall, then secretarv of the Old Settlers Association, and from it the following extract is made : " I think of the broad, uncultivated prairies of old Stark, of the lieautiful hills and valleys, the woodlands and streams, that delighted my boyish fancy, when the young blood coursed freely through a frame quivering with strong, happy life. I remember well the wcjods and prairies decked with many-hued fiowers, and carpeted with native grass. I remember the waving fields and golden harvest, I recall the summer's heat, the smoky autumn, Avith its foliage of fire and gold ; I think of snowy winters and ice-bound streams, of the caljin and barn, of the log-cabin school house, of fun and frolic, of work and play ; how I used to go barefoot, and often was compelled to do so; of the thi'eatll)are clothes and sometimes scanty fare at the family Ijoard ; of the spelling-schools, of the singing-schools, and, after awhile, of the Sunda}^- school, in the organization and direction of which your venerable father took an active part; of the campmeetings and celebrations; of the elections and the courts. Well I rememl)er the first county meeting at Major McClenahan's to organize the county ; and the first courts held in m}' father's old cabin, when all the county were our guests. How lonesome it used to be in the old cabin after court, or the meeting of the count}^ commissioners, composed of Jonathan Hodges, Calvin

Winslow and Jefferson Trickle, or William Ogle (I forgot which now), with Augustus Dun as sheriff and Oliver Whitaker county clerk. As I glance back at those times how those venerable forms come up before me. I remember when the county seat was located at Toulon, and Carson Berfield staked out tlie lots through the hazel and plum thickets, so dense that a way had to be cut with brush scythes to enable them to carry the chain and point the compass. I recall also the old court house built by Elder Mott, who, it was said, painted it with ])uttermilk. ITo^v well I remember when Ben Turner opened up a hotel in the northwest corner of the puljlic square, and Mr. Whitaker kept l)oarders in the northwestern ])art of the town ; when Dr. Hall moved his old eccentric cabin from Osceola to town, and rebuilt it with its quaint angles and odd proportions, on the hillside south east of the court house. In those days I knew nearly everybody in the county, and had at one time and another been at nearly all their cabins. I could now almost name them all : Wesley Miner, William Bowen, William Mahany, Major McClenahan and Stephen G. Worley on the west and south sides and Andrew Swartz, Minot Silliman, William Ogle, Adam Perry, and "old man Leak," on the east side, composed the entire settlement on Indian creek above the old town of Moulton, not now known to the younger generations. At Wyoming, with only one house in it, I think, resided General Thomas and his family, the Butlers and Whituey Smith. Above them, east of S]ioon river, Elijah McClenahan, Syl. Moore, Jesse Heath, James Holgate, Lemuel Dorrance and Mr. Breese made up nearly the entire settlement east of S])oon river between the Osceola and Wyoming settlements, and the Winslows, Buswells, Sturms, Myrtle G. Brace and the Lyle brothers made most of the settlement on upper Spoon river. The Woods, Adam Day, Essex, Chaffees, Coxes, Smiths, Boardmans and Trickles were nearly all the inhabitants of the southeast part of the county. I might mention many others whom I remember with pleasure, who then, or shortly after, resided there - the Olivers, Fullers, Turnbulls, and many others whom I have neither the time nor space to mention now. I knew them all well for a number of years and have heard of them often since, and always with pleasure. They laid the foundations of society deep and strong, and fifty years have I'olled away since, but the influence of these good fathers and mothers is still felt, and their works follow them in the prosperity and glory of the present time."

S. II. Henderson, of Hastings, Neb., writes: "More than fortyseven years ago (July 2, 1836) on a rainy day, my father, with his family, and the family of Mrs. Jane Elliott arrived at the place selected for our home on Indian Creek, just one mile south of Toulon. Not one of the Elliott family remains, and the descendants of the widow are scattei'ed far and wide. And 1113^ dear father and mother are longsince passed away. Their children are remembered for their sakes. Many who are regarded as old settlers in Stark county settled there, after our family emigrated to Iowa in 184:5, nearly thirty-eight years ago. I regret exceedingly that I cannot be with .you. For a quarter of a century I have been an itinerant ])reacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, and in that time I have missed roll-call l)ut twice, and then I

Many reminiscences might be introduced here ; ])ut as innumerable references to pioneer days are found throughout this Avork, moi*e particularly in the pages devoted to township history and biography, the writer selected the foregoing as a fair resume of ]noneer history for the country's pioneer circle.