Stark County, Illinois - Chapter 6: Organization and Commissioners Court, 1887 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 6: Organization and Commissioners Court

i^ the organization of Illinois Territory in 1809, it was divided into the counties of Randolph and St. Cllair. In 1818 the whole northwest part of the state belonged to Madison as set off from St. Clair on the establisliment of state government. In 1821 Pike county was founded, aiul in 182?> Fulton county was organized. When this (Fulton) county was established and for over two years thereafter, it extended east and west from the Illinois to the Mississi])})i rivers, and from the base line near where Rushville, Schuyler count}^, now stands, to the northern boundary of the state, including the country where Rock Island, Galena, Peoria, Joliet and (Chicago now are. It was indeed a large county, and embraced wliat is Jiow the wealthiest and most populous portion of the great West. The great lead mines of Galena had not yet been discovered, and Chicago was only a trading and mditary post. In 1825 the Legislature created Peoria county and attached to it for all county purposes all the country lying north of it within this state on l>oth sides of the Illinois river as far east as the third principal meridian. The Commissioners' Court of that county convened for the first time March 8, 1825. In this year also, Schuyler county was established, and the same >'ear the counties of Adams, Hancock, MoDon- (jugh, Warren, Mercer, Knox, Henry and Putnam were set off from Fulton. In 1839 Stark county was formed out of six congressional townsliips of Putnam and two of Knox county. On A])ril 2, 1831, Putnam was divided into four precincts, one of which, Spoon River, included all the county south of the direct line from the head of Crow Prairie to Six Mile Grove, thence northwest to the oi-iginal county line; Bureau precinct, all the present county of that name and })arts of Stark and Marshall counties, with nineteen voters. The voters in the Spoon River precinct of Putnam county, August 1, 1831, were W. 1). Grant, Sewell Smith, John B. Dodge, Sylvanus Moore, Benjamin Essex, Thomas Essex, Thomas Essex, Jr., Daniel Cooper, Harris W.

Dnring the Black Hawk war, in May, 1832, the miHtary companies known as Eads', Barnes' and Bangliman's, with a detachment of Ignited States infantry nnder CoL Zacli. Tavlor, and Lients. Jeff Davis and Sidney Johnson, camped at Boyd's Grove. It is related that many of the Spoon River voters nltimately '-were taken with the war fever " and entered the ranks, l)ut of this the writer has no anthority, be^'ond the rosters given in the military chapter.

In March, 1831, the commissioners of Pntnam laid off the county into road districts. All the settlements in the Spoon river neighborhood formed No. lY, with Sylvanus Moore, supervisor. At this time James Holgate, Samuel j\[eri'ill and James McGlenahan were appointed fence-viewers for townshij) 13 north, range 6 east.

In June, 1834, Benjamin Smith, James Holgate and Elijah McClenahan were appointed judges of election in the Spoon Iliver precinct. The first election after organization was held August 1, 1831, when the following named voters were recorded in Spoon Iliver precinct: W. D. (larrett, Sewell Smith, John B. Dodge, Sylvanus Moore, Benjamin Essex, Thomas Essex, Thomas Essex, Jr., David Cooper, Harris W. Miner, Isaac B. Essex, Greenleaf Smith, B. Smith, Wdliam Smith, Benjamin Smith and John C. Owings. The judges of election were William and Greenleaf Smith and W. B. Essex, with John C. Owings and Benjamin Smith clerks. The meeting was held at Benjamin Smith's house.

Little or nothing was accom})lished in the way of ]>ublic improvements in Spoon Biver precinct. The towns of Wyoming, Osceola, IMoulton, Massillon and Lafayette Avere jilatted in 183P)-7, but beyond this ])ublic enteri)rise did not lead.

The, bribery act of 1837, granting millions of dollars to public woi'ks which were never completed, and loans of money made to counties, so as to win the people's approval, resulted in Putnam receiving $10,000 as her share of the public plunder. Amnion Moon, who Avas then county treasurer, loaned this sum Avithout proper security, and thus Putnam lost her spoils. Stark, however, received the portion of this fund to Avhich she Avas entitled.

The time had now arrived when the people of Avestern Putnam resoh^ed to haA^e a little commonwealth of their own. This period and events belonging are well portraj^ed by Mrs. Shallenberger, thus: ''At the session of the legislature in 1836-7, an act "for the formation of the county of Coffee" Avas approved. Noav, as Colonel AVilliam Henderson Avas from his first settlement here prominent in local politics, and known to be an enthusiastic admirer of the Tennessee hero. General Coffee, Avith or under Avhom he had done military serAnce, it is hi^'hlv iirobable that this, as Avell as siibse- (|nent acts for the same purpose wei-e secui-ed thi'ough his instrumentality. The ncAV county was to be eighteen miles scpiare, comprising nine full toAvnships - six Lo be taken from Putnam, two from

Knox and one from Henrv. Benjamin Mitchell. Eicbard X. Cullom of Tazewell, and Samuel Hackleton of Fulton, were the commissioners to select the site for the county seat, which, if located on ground not alread\^ laid out as a town, should be called Eipley. This act, however, was not to take effect unless a majority of the voters in Knox and Henry counties, at an election on tlie K'tb day of April.

1837, should sanction it. Putnam was allowed no voice in these proceedings, and the ])roject failed on the vote; so ''Coffee county*" was no more, although it had already appeared on several maps of that day. A more vigorous attempt was made during 1838, continuing through a great part of the year. Much feeling was excited by this contest, as is usual in local questions. Both parties in the struo-u-le had weif-'htv arouiments to wield. Those wisliino- to make the Illinois river a boundary on the east, urging the increased taxation that must result to the residents in a small county ; the other side uro'ino- the convenience of a county seat near at hand. So the question of a new county was made the leading issue in the canvass for another representative from the Spoon river country. As early as February. 1838, a meeting was held at the house of James Holgate, near AVyoming. when it was "Tlesolved. to petition the next legislature for a new county, and to protest against the Illinois river as a boundary on the east," and "to nominate Colonel WiUiam H. Henderson, in order to the success of their plans." After adjournment, a meeting of the disaffected minority, some fifteen or twenty, was held and resolutions passed "to accept the Illinois river as a boundary on the east, and to put Thomas S. Elston, Esq., of Bureau. in nomination for the legislature.*' Mr. Elston, however, does not appear to have become a candidate. Others were nominated in different parts of Putnam and Bureau ; but only the names of Colonel Henderson. Amnion Moon. B. M. Hays of Hennepin, and Andrew Burns of Magnolia, were conspicuous in the canvass. In an address to the electors of the district, puldished in the nearest papers. Colonel Henderson stated that '"he sliould lay down as a basis for his action, two lines, to-wit: the lines dividing ranges 8 and 9, east of the fourth principal meridian, and another which had reference to the formation of Marshall county.'' He was elected bv a plurality of nearly a lumdred over his competitors, receiving the almost unanimous vote of Spoon river, Lacon and Lafayette precincts. Notice for a petition for a new county was again advertised according to law, in October.

1838, and on the sixteenth of January, 1839, Colonel Henderson presented this petition from citizens of Putnam. Henry and Knox counties, praying the formation of a new county.

The subsequent proceedings are summarized from legislative and other documents as follows : In 1837 the vote of Eastern Knox county for division and annexation to Coffee county was 77, while against the measure ISO votes were cast, thus effectually closing the road which earliei' appeared open to the success of the measure. On January 23,

1839, Mr. Moore reported a bill for an act to establish Stark county, which was twice read, and on motion of Mr. Stapp, referred to a committee composed of Stapp, Henderson, Alexander, Compher and Jar- rott. On Febniarv 5, Jarrott I'ejiorted the bill, Stap]> moved indefinite postponement ; Init on motion of Henderson the bill and amendment were laid on the table. ()n P'ebruar}- 7, on motion of Otwell, tliev were referred to a committee, composed of ]\[urphy, Otwell, Duljois, Jarrott and Kercheval. On Febrnarv 11, Duljois reported the bill, etc., and recommended ado])ti()n. Forty three votes were recorded in favor and 31 contra. On Febrnarv 15, the engrossed l)ill was read a third time, but its passage was negatived. On Febrnarv K!, the question - "Shall the bill passT' was again negatived. On February 28 a message from the senate announced that that bod v amended a bill for "an act to dispose of the territoi'v lying west of the Illinois I'iver in the county of Putnam and for other ])nr])oses," so as to read, " an act for the formation of Stark and for other purposes," and further asked the concui'i'ence of the house. On March 2, the council of revision reported approval of the act, and Stark county was established.

John Stark, after whom the county is named, was born at Londonderry, N. H., August 28, 1728, of Irish parents, who came to the colonies in 1719, and in 1730 moved to Derrvfield, now Manchester. In 1752 John joined a hunting expedition through the wilds of Northern New Hampshire, was captured l)y the Al)enaquoies, carried to Canada, released by a Ijoston friend on payment of $103, and the vear following visited the headwaters of the Androscoo-o-an. Durinothe Ivevolntion he was at Saratoga, and was of the council which stipulated the surrender of Bui-goyne. He also served in Ilhode Island in 1778, and in New Jersey in 178(». In 1781 he Avas a])pointed commander of the northern department of the American army and served until he greeted the birth of the United States. In his Irish rifle brigade were seventy-one Irishmen, who r.erved at Bunker Hill, where four of them were killed. Stark's order was, '- wait till you see the white of their eyes," and on another occasion, "We must win today, boys, or tonight ]Molly Stark is a widow.'' The name has not suffered in its present connection, for in later years the sons of Molly Stark obeyed luany an order, with a much nobler foe in front than Stark fought against.

The act approved Fel)ruary 1, 18-l:(), provided that Cyrus Walker, of McDonough county, D. G. Salisbury, of Bureau county, and William Fenn, of Marshall county, be commissioners to locate the seat of justice for Stark county, they to meet at W, H. Henderson's house in 1840. It was further jirovided that that ])ortion of Henry county within the following-named boundaries be attached to Stark, viz.: " Beginning at the southeast corner of Henry county, running north on line dividing ranges 5 and (! to the northeast corner of section 2-I-, T 15 N., R. 5 E., thence west with the section lines to the northwest corner of section 22. in B. 4, thence along the section 22, thence south along line dividing towns 13 and l-t N., thence east to beginning." This addition was sul)ject to a vote of Henry county, ordered to be taken in March, 1840. Another act, a]>]n'oved February 1, 1840, declared valid the assessment of taxes taken in Stark and Henry counties in 1839, as if taken regulai-ly under the act concernino- ]Hd)lic revenue, as approved February 26, 1839. The act approved February 27,

1S41, provided that the east ^ of E. 4 and all of R. 5 in townships 14 and 15 N. constitute a part of Stark, and be taken from the southeast corner of Henry county, on condition that the people of Henry county would vote in favor of such addition to Stark. It was further provided that John Dawson, Peter Van Bergen and AVilliani F. Elkin, all of Sangamon county, be ap]winted conimissionei's to locate the town of Toulon, the county seat, and they were instructed to meet at "\V. H. Henderson's house in April, 18-1-1. The action of those commissioners was also made liable to a vote of the ])eople of Stark. The sale of lots in the town, and the transfer t)f school funds from Henry and Knox counties to Stark county, were also provided for. A reference to the ])ioneer chapter will point out the opposition this question met with from the citizens of Henry county, concerned an anti-square opposition which still persists in denying a ninth township to Stark.

Co7nmiss{o7iers^ Record. - The first meeting of the County Commissioners was held at Elijah McClenahan's house, April 4. ISMO, under the act establishing the county, approved March l\ that year. Calvin AVinslow, Stephen Trickle and Jonathan Hodgson present. The two first named qualified before the latter, who was a justice of the peace, and he. in turn, before Calvin AVinslow. Oliver Whitaker was ajipointed clerk j>/r> tern. Mmott Silliman qualified as treasurer and Oliver Whitaker as clerk. On April 5th. T. 14, R. 6 and 7 E. was laid off as justice district Xo. 1 ; T. 13, R. 7 E., as district Xo. 2 ; T. 12 X., R. 5 E., as district Xo. 3; T. 13, R. 5 E., as Xo. 4, and T. 13, R. 6 E., as Xo. 5. The boundaries were not exactly those of the congressional townships. Xine road districts were established on this day also. The road supervisors then appointed were John Lyle, James Holgate, AVhitney Smith. Jefferson Trickle, W. ^ . "Webster (June term), Joseph Palmer, Peter F. Miner, S. G. Worlev and John ^Miller. It was then ortlered that every able-bodied man should perform three days' work on the roads. There were five assessors' districts established. Isaac Spencer. J. "W. Agard, I. H. Barnett, Silas Richards and Adam Perry were appointed justices of the respective justice districts.

On A^n'il 5. ISoO, James Holgate was appointed school commissioner. The school lands trustees appointed on April 6, 1839, were I. C. Avery, Henry Seely and A. M. Smith, for Osceola ; Henry Breese, Samuel Camp and I. Spencer, for Penn : J. W. Heath, Samuel Seely* and Adam Perry, for Toulon : Calvin Powell. Sr.. Moses Boardman and AVhitney Smith, for Essex ; AY. W. AVebster, Jose]jh Palmer and Milton Richards, for AVest Jersey : C. H. ]^Iiner. Luther Driscoll and Samuel Pari'ish, for Goshen. The first tleeds recorded in the county were as follows: AVilliam Dunliar to Ruliff Parrish. June 24, 1839, for lots 1, 2 and 8, in block 38, La Fayette village; Henry and Eliza Seely to Xicholas Sturm, February 28, 1839, for the X. -J-,'X. AY. \. Section 27, T. 14, R. 7, the consideration being 8187.50.

Robert AlcClenahan was appointed county collector. A lottery was held to determine the terms of the commissioners, which resulted in giving Stephen Trickle one year, Jonathan Hodgson two, and Calvin AYinslow three years. The board decided that the county and circuit courts should be held hereafter at AA". H. Henderson's house. On

June 4th a tax of 40 cents per |100 valuation was ordered. At this session live election })recincts were established, grand and ])etit juroi's were appointed, and the assessors ordered to be paid. In Sej)tend)er. 1839, William Ogle replaced Commissioner Trickle. John Hester, Adam Perry and Joseph D. Lane were commissioned to locate a road, commencing at Boyd's Grove toward L. S. Dorrance's mill. This was the introduction to road-makmo- undei" the new local government. On September 3d a number of orders were issued for $1 each, to judges and clerks who presided at the August election, and the day after a resolution was recorded granting 75 cents per day to each grand and petit juiyman who would be called to serve in court. On December 2,

1839, an order was issued for $2.50 to B. M. Jackson, to cover freight and other charges on eleven record books, from Cincinnati, O., to Stark county, and one for 75 cents for conveying seven record books from La Fayette to Colonel Henderson's house was issued to Philip Anshute.

The ilrst regular bridges over Spoon river on the Peoria and Galva road were erected in the fall of 1839, L. S. Dorrance supplying the lumber. In March, 1840, William Lyle was paid ij^l().50 for the original book-case in clerk's office. At this session the following names were bestowed on the five election precincts respectively, viz : No. 1, Osceola, Wyoming, Massillon, La Fayette and C.entral. On March 7,

1840, Minot Silliman presented his account as follows: $L2C)8.7<) from September !2, 1839, to date, including ^505.(50 of the internal improvement fund ]iaid over by the Stai'k count}^ commissioners as agents for Putnam county; contra jurors' certificates, $27; county orders paid out, $528.49; commission, $n.lO; total expenditure, $5r)«).59 ; cash on hand, $702.17. Henry P)reese was appointed collector of the county. The iirst overseers of the ])Oor were appointed September 9, 1840, as follows: William Mahany, Central township; Henry McClenahan, La Fayette townshi]); Brady Fowler, Osceola township; Nehemiah ]\Ierritt, Wyoming township. In October. 1840, a special election for justice of the peace was held in Massillon township, which cost the county $5.50 judges' and clerks' fees. The total expenditures for the year ending March 7, 1841, amounted to $l,2!ts.o2. and the total revenue, incliuling balance from 1840, $2,111.00.

On July 12, 1841, John Dawson, P. V. Bergen and' AV. F. Elkin, appointed under the act of February 27, 1841, to locate the county seat of Stark county, made theii- repoi't, stating that on Afay 17, 1841. they did locite the Town of Toulon as the county seat, on ninety rods of land then owned by John Miller, being a ])art of the southwest quarter of section 19. in townshi]) 13, noi'th, range 0, east, being twelve rods east and twelve rods noi-th of the west and south boundaries of the (piarter section ui)on the c(jndition that John AEiller execute to the commissioners a good deed in fee sim])le for the tract. This de(Ml was made July 28, 1841. by John and Mary Ann Millei", r(^s(M"ving only such timber and shrubs, buildings, rails and fruit trees, to be removed by him l)efore April 1. 1842, and hke property when the owner of any lot shall commence buildino- on and enclosing'' the same. This {\iH'i\ was acknowledged by Joseph Peri-y. In Se[)tember, 1841, Heady

Fowler re})laced Calvin Winslow on the county board. The expenditures for the year ending March 9, 1842, exceeded $1020, still leaving a balance in favor of 1843 of $1,053.19.

Tlie commissioners in 1843 were AVm. Ogle, Brady Fowler and F. AV. Emmery. In 1844, L. S. iJorrance took Wni. Ogle's ))lace; in 1845. Joseph Palmer replaced Brady Fowler; in 1 846, Jefferson Trickle took F. W. Emery's place; in 1847, James llolgate, Joseph Palmer and Jefferson Trickle formed the Ijoard, and the last named with Theo. J. Hurd and Thomas Lyle in 1848. They were the last commissioners of Stark and its five precincts, Toulon, Osceola, Lafayette, Massillon, and Wyoming.

During the year 1849 the commissioners' court was abolished and the l)usiness of the county ])laced in charge of tlie county court. James Holgate, deceased, was judge, and Wm. F. Thomas, slieriff. and ex officio, collector of taxes. Calvin L. Eastman, Theo. F. Hurd and Henry Breese were ap])ointed commissioners in r)eceml)er, 1852, to divide the county into townships in accoidance with the act of Februaiy 17, 1851, pi'oviding for townslii[) organizati(jn. One of tlie last acts of the old board, June fi, 1853, was a resolution favoring $50,000 aid to the "Western Air Line Raih'oad. In August. 1853, 534 voters sanctioned this aid, and 141 op]Mjsed tlie ]>roposition.

The justices of the ])eace holding office in 1849 were: W. W. Winslow. Dan. J. Ilurd. Walter M. Fuller. Isaac Thomas, ]\riles A. Fuller, Jacob Young, John F. Thompson. James B. Lewis. John Miller. Wm. Ogle. Alilton Eckley, JosejJi Catterlin. John Finley and Heri'ick A. Ilalsey were elected in 1851; James Hathaway. Chas. C. Wilson and John F. Thompson in 1852. -lauies llolgate was county judge, and Oliver Whitaker notary public. The names of the pioneer justices from the days of Squire Owens and St[uire Benjamin Smith down to 1806. are given in the marriage record, while from 1853 to the jiresent time the I'ecord is given in the histories of the several townships.

The committee on division of the county re])orted in January, 1853. the following names for seven of the eight divisions : Essex, Valley. (Toslien, Toulon. Penn, Elmira and Osceola. The su])ervisors subse- (piently chosen, were Lemuel Dixon, Charles C. Wilson, Lewis H. Fitch. Calvin L. Eastman, James Holgate, Thomas Lyle and Bradford Foster. AVest Jersey was subsequently organized in 1853, anti AV. AV. AVebster elected first =;u]iprvisor. James Holgate was elected first chairman of the board. -June 7. 1853. The committee above named received $1.50 for their services, and the new organization was completed. The justices elected in LS53 are named as follows : Alfi'ed Fi-cemaii, Clins. B. Donalson. John Millei-, Jacob E. Jones, Hervey J. Phodes. Henry Breese, John Snare. James Buswell. W. AL Fuller, Isaac TJjonias, John Finley, Herrick P. Ilalsey. AVashington Trickle, Jacob Young, Alex. Moncreif, James Holgate. county judge. From 1S54 to the ])resent time the names of sii])ervisors ;iiul justices are given in the histories of the townships.

('ounty Bidldingfi. - The county courthouse and jail are noticed by Mis. Shallenberger. thus: "The first courthouse, a plain wooden sti'iictui'c built to meet present wants, was completed in 1S42. and served many important pur])oses for the county and town, not only as a seat of justice, but sometimes as church and sclioolhouse too. The old jail was built a year or so later, perhaps, in isl-t, by Ira Ward, Jr.; a man from Knox county by the name of Hammond, doing the mason work. This still serves to hold, rather insecurely, however, Stark county criminals, and it can hardly be said ihat its accommodations or management, reflect any great credit upon the county officials who control this matter. The present courthouse is a substantial and well proportioned brick edifice, with airy and convenient offices on the first floor. Standing, as it does, on a square shaded by a fine growth of young trees, it is a pleasant and comel}" picture foi' the eye to rest upon ; one for which a good many of our citizens would be willing to fight valiantly should its possession ever be seriously disputed - as some see fit to predict. Tt was erected in ISSP) at a cost to the countv of $12,000." On July 14, 1SS4, the l)id of J. Volk & Co. for imilding a fire proof office structure for the county was accepted, and Messrs. Caverly, Jordan and Armstrong were appointed a building committee. This building contains the offices of the county clerk, circuit clerk and treasurer onlv, the other offices with tlie court rotmi beino- in the old building.

The Poor Farm. - In the notice of the old commissioners' court, reference is made to the establishment of an almshouse. Mrs. Shallenberger, speaking of this institution, says : "The first county ])ooi'-house was located a little noi'theast of Toulon, on what was long famibarly known as ' Adam Perry's ])lace;' indeed, the house was but the old residence enlarged, and ada])te(l in various ways to its new duties. But tliis beino' deemed insufficient to meet the demands bable to be made by the increase of })au})ers, as the county grew in years and numbers, it was decided in ]S()8 to 1)U3" a larger farm, farther from town, and to erect upon it a good, substantial and commodious ])()orhouse. Accordingly a ti-act of land described as the noi'theast cjuarter of section 12, in township 12 north, range 5 east, in Stark county, was purchased from Davis Lowman, at a cost of al)out $8,000, and early in the following year i)reparations for building l)egan - the committee in charge being (\ M. S. Tyons, J. 11. (^uinii and II. Shivvers." Hewes A¥hite was appointed superintendent in March, 18()2. The old poor-farm was sold June 27, 18(58, in lots of five and ten acres, bringing $7,865. A few months ])rior to this the county ])urchased from Davis Lowman 160 acres for $f),(»00, and on this the present county j)oor-house stands. I'he biiihlings were erected l)y William (laverly at a cost of $16,00(». In August, 1870, J. S. Green, superintendent, reported nine inmates. Tewis Lacy died there. July 20, 1870, in his 80th year. From f 80S to June. 188(). two hundred and two persons were received into this institution. For a number of years Suj)erinteudent jMorrison has managed the house, and by methodical business means placed it at th(^ pinnacle of all county charitable houses in the state. In December, 1880, the house was destroyed by fire; no lives were lost, l)ut the superintendent lost his personal property.

Polhical History

OLITK'S, or the science of government, occupies a first ])]ace in the estimation of all free peoples, and of those wlio would be fi'ee, even as it does in that of the governingclasses of countries where little or no freedom exists. Fnder our own Hag, in every county and nuniici})ality in the Union, ])olitics is an ever-recurring subject. For this reason a large sjmce is devoted to this chapter, and the folh)wing summar}" of the history of conventions inti'oduced. Previous to 1796 the nominations for President and A'ice President were entirely in the hands of the Electoral College: subsecjuently. tlie nominating ])ower became one of the pi'ivileges of the sevei'al [)arties in Cono-ress. Georo-e Washiiit>ton was nominated as the first President without any formality of convention in 1788. It is, ])erhaps, forgotten that John Adams had nearly half as many votes in the Electoral ("olle"'e. Washini'ton was renominated for a second term in 1792, but not without consideral)le o])position. Probably most I'eaders of this o-eneratioii do not Icnow that in the first Electoral College the names of Lincoln and Harrison wei-e presented as rival canditlates for election. K H. Harrison, of Maryland, received six votes; and Benjamin Lincoln, of Massachusetts, one vote. The sharp contrast between the method of nominating candidates now and in the early da\'s of the Ke]nil)lic is shown l)y the following sketch of the contest for the Presidency in isoo; The method, as the Constitu- tion then stood, of voting for two candidates without distinction as to the office for which they were intended - the one receiving the highest number of votes to be President - furnished pecuhar facihties for quietly displacing Adams without seeming to make any open attack ujion him; and even without tlie necessitv that more than a limited numljer of influential politicians should be in the secret. The names of Adams and Pinckney being brought forward in a private caucus of the Federal members of Congress held for the purpose of agreeing upon candidates to be supported by the party, it was recommended pretty unanimously that both should be voted for equally ; but the opponents of Adams secretly hoi)ed that means might be found to secure Pinckney the larger vote. A similar caucus of the opposition members selected as their candidates Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr - with the distinct understanding, however, that Jefferson was the choice of the party for President. Both these caucuses were held with profound secrec}^ - this sort of dictation being not yet recognized as a part of the institutions of the country. Their proceedings, instead of being formally reported, were communicated to local leaders by letters.

In 1804, for the first time, the electors balloted separately for President and Vice-President, Jefferson being chosen by the administration party, and Charles C. Pinckney by the Federalists. In 1808 a Democrat ic-Pepublican congressional caucus nominated Madison, and a Federalist, Charles C. Pinckney. In 1812 a congressional caucus renominated Madison, while an op])osition caucus at New York selected DeWitt Clinton. In 1810 Monroe received the nomination of the Democratic-Republican congressmen, and liufus King, of the Federalist caucus. In 1820 the power of the caucus waned, failed, and Monroe was reelected. In 1824 Crawford, nominee of a congressional caucus, failed, and the revolt against the system threw the onus of nomination on State legislatures. C'la}^ Jackson, and J. Q. Adams were nominated, and the latter was ultimately elected b}" vote of the House. In 1828 Jackson was nominated bv the Tennessee Legislature, and Adams by the National Eepulilicans. Two years later the Anti- Masons' C(nivention was called, met in September, 1831, at Philadelphia, and nominated William Wirt for President. In December the National Repuljlicans nominated Clay at Baltimore, and the national nominating convention was at last a fact. Since 1830 the national convention has grown in popular favor, until in our own time it forms a meeting that claims the attention of the whole world. In the following record of elections mention is made of the candidates for President, and the vote each received in this county.

Prec'incf Ehti'ions. - The election of 1839 for precinct No. 4 was held at T. J. Ilurd's house, when fifty-five voters were ])resent. The August elections for justice of the peace resulted in the choice of Silas Picliards. Israel Cummins was elected constable. The election of 1830 for district No. 2 was held at James Holgate's Ijouse. Forty-four votes were recorded for county officers. The election of township officers resulted in the choice of Washington Trickle and John Finley, justices, and Lewis Finch, constable. The elections of 1839 for pre- cinct Xo. 5. at the house of Wm. II. Henderson, resulted in the choice of Wm. Mahoney and Joseph Perrv, justices, and David Gwinn, constable. In September, David Gwinn, or Gwire. was elected justice. In precinct No. 1. fifty-three voters Avere of record. Wm. Parks and James Buswell received equal votes for justice, and Nicholas Sturm was elected constable. In September, Wm. Pai'ks was elected over BusweU b}^ six votes.

County Elections. - The first general election after organization was held August 5, 1839. For some months prior to election day the county was kept at fever heat not only by the democrats and whigs, as distinct parties, but by sectional and personal influences Avithin each partv. An account of the condition of the county at that time is given in chapter Y. In the following pages a complete record of elections is given : mill Turner, James M. Thomas, and Wni. Lowman were delegates to the Ohicag-o River and Harbor c(niventioii of 1S41); but there is no mention of a Starlv County delegation in tlie reports of tliat meeting made by Horace Greeley.

The office of Master in Chancery was established here in 1853, when H. J. Drummond was appointed. In 1854 Martin Shallenberger ^vas commissioned, and served until 1850, when James A. Henderson received the appointment, but I'esigned ]n May, 1802. George A. Clifford was appointed, but did not file bonds. In 18(55 he was succeeded by James W. Hewitt, and he by Judge W. AV. Wright in ] 809, who filled the office until 1875. In this year John E. ])ecker received the ])osition. In 1870 Allen P. Miller was commissioned Master, and served until the appointment of Patrick M. Blair in 1880.

Local Political Conventions. - The first convention or caucus ever held in Stark county was in 1838, followed b}" the more imjiortant one of 1830. For the decade and a lialf succeeding' there is nothino- on record to show who participated in political organization bevond the election returns embraced in this chapter.

F. Otman, Paul Pouse, jr., Nicholas Sturm, W. D. Blancliard, and James Ilolgate. The delegates-at-large were B. M. Jackson, E. M. Emery, W. B. Armstrong, and W. Ogle. J. W. Parker was nominated for prosecuting attorney, and Martin Shallenberger for representative. The following notice a])peared under date, Wyoming, 111., September 20, 1850 : "The Old Line Whigs of Stark are requested to meet at Toulon, October 8, 1850, for the purpose of organizing the old Whig party." This was signed by Henry Butler. This meeting was duly held, and the repulJican ticket of that year approved. The American caucus followed with their nominations, and the officers of three parties were named for the thrilling campaign of that year.

Stephen A. Douglas visited Toulon, October 20, 1858. The next day Abraham Lincoln arrived. The first Lincoln man in Stark county was Hugh Godfrey, the wagon-maker, who, in 1858, after Lincoln's visit to Toulon, wrote with chalk on the cross-beam of his shop: "For President in 1800, Abraham Lincoln." When asked was he in earnest, he said, "Old Abe is the man I am going to vote for in 1800," and he did vote for him. E. W, Blaisdell, Avho is still living in Pockford, 111., claims to be the first man who ])ublicly suggested Abraham Lincoln for President. This he did in a "rinoino- editoriaP' in the Pockford Mepioblican, of which he was editor during the memorable Lincoln- Douglas senatorial campaign. The joijit discussion Ijetween R. C. Ingersoll and Judge Kellogg took place at Toulon, Se])tember 25, 1800.

Throughout the winter of 18GU-1, "Kansas Meetings" were held in every township, when moneys and supplies were liberally contributed for aid of the Kansas sufferers.

si^linter of the veritable rail that "- Old Hanks "' brought into the Re- |)ul)lican State Convention. If a rail can make Lincoln president, certainly a splinter ought to send Mr. Brace to the legislature. Readers, the genuineness of this splinter is well authenticated. There has been a question about the rails which the Republicans had at their ratification meeting, some people saying they were stolen from Culbertson's fence, but you can rely on this splinter."

The unconditional Union convention of Stark county assembled October 19, 1S63, with (). Whitaker president and Dr. A. M. Pierce secretary. The Union convention of 1861 assenil)led Au^ist 20, Georo-e AV. Dewey president. The delegates were: Toulon - George W. Dewey, IJrady Fowder, George W. Scott, R. 0. Dunn, James Johnson, ('. ]\r. S. Lyon and Hiram "Willett. AVest Jersey - Jacob Young, J. Raymond, S. H. Sanders, I. L. Xewman and E. B. Pomeroy. Osceola

- J. H. Wilbur, Hugh Rhodes, I). M. Kelly, Charles Hines and J. IL Barnett. Elmira - Walter M. Fuller. James Buswell. Lewis Austin and George Grey. Penn - George Moss, William Eagelston. John Acklev and Robert M. Bocock. Yalley - Joseph Woodward, H. McYicker and J. M. Rogers. Essex - H. A. Hoist, O. C. Walker, Jose])h Cox, Ho])kins Shivers and Edward Trickle. The delegates to congressional convention elected were P. M. Blair, W. H. Butler, John Schank and James Blanchard. Davis Low^nan. Isaac Thomas and P. M. Blair w^ere elected members of the central committee.

The Chicago Trilmne, published September, 1876, gave an account of the Sons of Lil)erty in Illinois, and their design to capture Camp Douglas and release the Confederate prisoners in Xovember, 1861. In the list of prominent members of the order the present postmaster (Judd) of Chicago, Martin Shallenberger of Toulon, and a half a dozen of men from Putnam, Henry, Knox and Marshall counties are mentioned. In reference to those terrible days, it might be added that had not cool heads led the people of Stark their zeal would have l)rouo-ht them to the execution of four or five neiglibors, and thus blacken one of the proudest w\ar records in Illinois. It is a fact that neither Judd, Shallenberger, or any of the men named in the report, entertained the idea, of rescuing the prisoners.

The Union League, then in full force here, embraced almost the entire numl)er of republican voters residing here. The differences existino- between the Knio'hts and Leamie did not rest at all on the former's sympathy with the reljellion, but were grounded mainh' on plans for a settlement between the Xorth and South. The Unconditional Union party of Stark county called a convention for Septeml)er 23, 1865, which call was signed b}" P. ]M. Blair. Davis Lowman and Isaac Thomas, L'nion Central Committee.

Tlie first soldiers convention of Stark county was held October 21, 186.5, and nominated a soldier's ticket for county officers. Rev. A. J. Wright, nominated for county judge, S. F. Ottman for county clerk and Oliver White, for superintendent of schools, declined the nomination.

noiiiiiiated Rev. F. B. Ives, for congress. It is related tliat up to this time temperance ideas grew apace under the genial guidance of temperance associations ; but now ])ohtics crept into each meeting room, organization deca3xd, so to speak, and men wlio were recUiimed solely 1)V association, fell back into their drunken ^vays.

The anti-polygamy meeting, held at Toulon on February, 1882, was ^' addressed by Judge ' Wright, A. P. Miller, B. F. Thompson and Reverends Myers and Stouffer. J. II. Miller offered the resolution as follows: '- Resolved, by the citizens of Toulon in nuiss meeting asseml)led, irrespective of sex, political parties, or religions creeds ; being fully impressed with the belief that all citizens, no matter where situated, should and do look with horror upon the encroachment of anything that tends to invade our homes, or the homes of our fellow^ citizens; as w^ell as any teaching or ])ractice that tends to set at defiance the sanctity of the niai'riage relation, oi' doctrine that under the pretense of a revelation defies the laws of l)oth God and man, which have declared from time immemorial in all civilized nations and governments. ' that one man should have but one wife, and one woman l)at one husband ; except in case of death or a legal sepai-ation in conformity with the laws of civilized legislation, when either is at liberty to marry again.' And we denounce in unmeasured terms any doctrines or teachings that recognize any invasion (^f the sanctity of the nuirriage relation, or endangers social order as understood in all enlightened governments; l)eing without precedent in the past, and in utter defiance of all that is pure or sacred.-' The second resolution denounced niormonism and its practices, and called upon the journalist, lu'eacher aiul orator to act and speak in favor of the bill then before congress. In the fall of 1882 the differences between the republicans of Stark and ]?nreau counties in re the senatorial convention, were amicably juljusted.

The greenback county convention held at Wvoming, in August, 1881, endorsed the county ticket of the proliibition and democratic parties. The democratic and republican conventions of that year partook in a great measure of the interest attached to the presidential canijiaign.

The greenback district convention was held at Beoi'ia, Se])tember 15, 188<;. The Stark county delegates were Jacob Shnhiw, W. II. Sherman, C. F. Hamilton, Dexter G. I). Eagleston, Anton Sundguist, riiili]) Bromer, ]\Iicliael Ryan, Allen Burl, J. B. Robinson, Richard Iloadley, John Foster Coulson. Some discussion followed the pro[)0- sition to nominate a greenl)ack ticket, and in the confusion which followed, Richard Iloadley, chairman of the Stark county delegation, announced that, "as it was YQvy })lain to be seen that the convention was being run by bulldozers, that they could h()[)e for no impartial decisions br the chair they should witlidraw from tlie convention." This they immediately (tid, followed l)y a large portion of the Knox county delegation and a ]);irt of tlie Peoria county delegation. Fifteen delegates remained, nominated W. T. A^allace, and resolved to call their ticket " The National Labor Party." The thirty-nine who withdrew, met in John Brady's office as a regular convention, adopted four resolutions, one of which was an approval of Mr. Wortliington's course in Congress, and one expressive of adhesion to the greenback party. The committee on resolutions comprised J. T. Thoni])son, C. F. Hamilton and Irwin J. Clark. The nominee for Cono-ress declined and A. M. Clark was subsequently selected.

The Pepublican convention of the tenth district was held at Gales- Imrg, August 26, 1886. Col. William Jackson, :\Iiles A. Fuller, and I>. F. Thompson represented the county on the committees of credentials, organization, and resolutions respectively. A. G. Hammond's motion to ])roceed with an informal ballot was carried, and the roll of counties for nomination l)eing called, J. A. Leeper, of Fulton, nominated Hon. G. Barrere; G. W. Price, of Knox, nominated Gen. P. S. Post ; and B. F. Thompson, of Stark, nominated Judge W. W. Wright as the unanimous choice of Stark county. Mr. John McGinnis, of Peoria, seconded the nomination of Mr. Wright. The I'oll was then called and stood as follows: Fulton, 23 for Barrere; Knox, 25 for Post; Peoria, 15 for Post and 15 for Wright; Stark, 7 for Wright, making a total of 2o for Barrere, 40 for Post, and 22 for Wright. Before the announcement of the vote by the chairman, the Fulton county delegates changed their votes from Barrere to Wright, making the total vote stand 45 for Wright and 40 for Post. A motion to adjourn was lost by a vire voce vote, but carried by a rising vote. On reassembling, the first formal ballot was taken as follows: Fulton, Wright 21, Post 2; Knox, Post 25: Peoria, Wright 12, Post 18; Stark, Wright 7; total. Post 45; Wright 40. On motion of Capt. Thompson, (tcii. Post's nomination was made unanimous. Mi". Thompson's speech in nominating Judge AVright was highly c-omj^limented by the Galesburg and Peoria ]iapers. Judge AVright made a speech, promising his best support and that of Stark county to the successful candidate.

The Democratic Congressional convention of the tenth district for 1886 was held at Canton. X. E. AVorthington was ]-enominated. S. Y. Thornton, of the Fulton county Ledger^ called the convention to order. Dr. Walter Hall, of Toulon, was made chairman of the convention, and J. E. AValsli, of Peoria, secretary. The delegates to the convention from this C(junty were U. H. Brown, Dr. AV T. Hall, Ed Colgan, and Frank Thomas. The alternates were J. AI. Kogers, AY. T. Ditmon, T. AY. Ross, and Alatthew McKeighan. The delegates were instructed for X. E. AA^»rthin<i'ton.

Politic A I. Iiistoky

The Greenback county convention assembled August 28, 188(5, with W. P). Armstrong as chairman, and C. F. Hamilton as secretary. Jacob Shulow, Henry CV)hvell, and W. H. Sherman composed the committee on organization. Dr. King, of West Jersey; J. B. Robinson, of Essex; and Eicluird Iloadley were the committee appointed to confer with a committee fi'om the Democratic convention on the ticket to be indorsed bv this convention. The report of this committee was received, and upon motion adopted, to indorse the ticket nominated bv the Democratic count}^ convention. The following Avere appointed delegates to the congressional convention, with instructions to vote for the renomination of IS". E. Worthington : Jacob Sliulow, of Valley; Philip Beamer and Andrew Kamerer, of West Jersey; Michael Ryan and Allen Beall, of Valley; W. H. Sherman. John Dexter and G. D. Eagleston, of Penn; Richard Iloadley, Foster Goulson aiul Antony Sundquist, of Toulon ; Henry Colwell, of Essex. The following were appointed a committee to attend the representative and senatorial convention, to be held at Princeton, September 21, 188G: Dr. R. W. King, George VanSickle, J. W. Cole and Thomas Dryden, of West Jersey; C. F. Hamilton, of Osceola; AV. B. Armstrong, J. I>. Robinson and A. J. Smith, of Essex ; John Black, Xathan Snare and Fred Greenwood, of Toulon; Frank ]vissinger and Elbert Drawyer, of Penn; John A. Colgan, of Valley; James JacKson, of Elmira. The delegates chosen to the state convention ^vere Henry Colwell, of Essex; W. II. Sherman and John Dexter, of Penn.

The members of the Greenback county central committee were chosen as follows: J. B. Robinson, of Essex; Elisha Swank, of West Jersey; Jacob Shulow, of A'alley; W. II. Sherman, of Penn; Henry Colwell, of Essex.

The Democratic County Convention assendjled at Payne's Opera House, Wyoming, August 30, 18S(;. Pati'ick M. Ijlair, of Toulon, was elected temporary chairman, and George Nolan, of Toulon, temporary secretary. Harmon Phenix, F. II. Brown, John II. Ogle, S. II. j\IcKeighan, and William Stevenson were cliosen a committee on credentials ; and A. J. Sturm, T. AV Ross and James Fi'ail a committee on ]iermanent organization. They rej^orted in favor of F. II. Brown, of Goshen, for chairman, and George oVolan, of Toulon, for secretary, and these gentlemen were chosen. Frank Thomas, John E. Decker, AVill A. Scott, and AV. A. Truax were made a committee to confer with a similar committee of the Greenback convention in session. The following were made a committee to select the names of candidates for the county offices, to be tilled at the coming election : AVillis Pierson, IT. C. Brown, James Estej), J. M. Rogers, P. M. Blair, James G. Brady, W. T. Ditmon, Humphrey Avery, A. J. Sturm. The conference committee had ao-reed with the Greenback committee that onlv one ticket should be nominated by both conventions, and also had agreed ii])on the names of candidates for the oifices to be filled, and the committee to name candidates reported in favor of the names agreed n])on, which were: For County Judge, Martin Shallenberger ; County Clerk. James Nowlan ; County Superintendent of Schools, Wm. ll. Sherman; C-ounty Treasurer, Henry Colwell; Slieriff, Henry Hamilton; CV^roner, James M. Rogers. The delegates to the legislative convention were : J. E. Decker, Harmon Phenix, ]>enjamin Turner, T. W. Ross, AVinfield Scott, Dr. O. C. Darling, Chester Turner, and C. P. Jackson.

To fill vacancies on the county central committee, the following wei'e chosen : Edwin Ferris for Penn, Willis Pierson for West Jersev, and Madison Winn for West Toulon, vice Winfield Scott, A. W. Palmer, and J. Knox Hall, resigned.

The democratic senatoiial convention at Princeton, September S.'^, nominated John P. Pi'yan for state senator and A. Morrasy and J. M. liogei's for I'epresentatives. Benjamin Turner was a delegate from Stark county, and was accompanied thither by his son Chester.

The republican county convention, held in August, 1886. The meeting w^as called to order Ijy J. M. Brown, and E. S. Buffum, of Lafayette, chosen temporary chairman, and F. C. Willson, of Bradford, secretary. C. W. Young, Cyrus Bocock, and A. G. Hammond were apjiointed a committee on credentials. J. D. Quinn, John Lackie, Jacolj Graves, William Jackson and S. F. Otnian, committee on permanent organization, who reported in favor of the officers named. I). J. Walker was declared in nomination for county clerk, John Hawks for county treasurer. W. R. Sandham for county superin tendent of schools, and Dr. L. T. S})rague. of Lafayette, for coroner. An informal ballot was now taken for candidates for county judge, and the following were brought oiit : M. A. Fuller, B. F. Thompson, G. C. VanOsdel, A. P. Miller. On vote Ijeing taken, M. A. Fuller received 37; B.. F. Thompson, 22; A. P. Miller, 11; G. C. YanOsdel, 3. Mr. Fuller having received a majority of all the votes cast was declared in nomination. An informal ballot was next taken for candidates for sheriff, and the follo\v]ng presented : James Montooth, John F. Rhodes, B. A. Newton, J. R. Jones. On vote being taken, Montooth received 25; J. F. Rhodes, 20 ; J. R. Jones, 10; B. A. Newton, 12. Second l)alloting, Montooth received 35 ; Rhodes, 20 ; J. R. Jones, 10 ; C. R. Miner, 2. Montooth having received a majority of all the votes cast was declared in nomination. (\ W. Young, \V. T. Dickinson, and N. J. Smith were appointed a committee to select delegates to tlie congressional convention, which selection was as follows and accepted bv the convention : E. S. Buffum, A. G. Hammond, C^'rus Bocock, William Jackson, M. A. Fuller, D. S. Hewitt, B. F. Thompson. The following were the delegates appointed to the re[)ublican state convention : fJohn Lackie, W. F, Price. O. Brace. The following were selected as the county central committee : B. R. Brown, of AYest Jer sey ; E. S. Buffum, <^f (4oshen ; Perry Winn, of East Goshen ; Jacob Graves, of South Essex; A. (i. Hammond, of North Essex; ,) . IVf. Brown, of Toulon; Marsh Winn, of East Toulon; AVilliam Jackson, of Eliiiirji ; Samuel Wrigley, of Yalley ; Cyrus Bocock, of Penn ; Josepli Flemmiug, of Osceola. The committee was organized with J. M. Brown chairman and E. S. Buffum secretary. The following were appointed by the caucus as delegates to the legislative convention, to be held at Princeton; September 7: Xewton J. Smith, Xiles A. Fuller, A. W. King. J. A. Clock, C. W. Brown, B. F. Garrett, T. FI. Crone, A. G. Hammond, Wilson Trickle, L. Egbert, Perrv Winn, Samuel White.

At the republican legislative convention held at Princeton September 7, Edward A. Washburn, present county treasurer of J>ureau county, was nominated for state senator. Sterlino- Pomerov, of Bureau county, and James H. Miller, of Stark county, were nominated for re[)resentatives.

The victors and vanquished of the campaign, which followed the several nominations, are referred to in the pages devoted to election returns ; \vhile in the pages devoted to family history tlie greater number of them hnd mention.

Chapter Yiil The Courts And Bae

ROM the earliest ])eriod in the history of the world the advocate has existed and made his presence known where men of other trades were silent and unfelt. The author of '' Paradise Lost " lived at a time when mental revolutions reduced humanity to a state of skepticism and left the conscience of the peo])le uncontrolled by that spiritual government which for centuries ruled the Christian world, and judging from the experiences of tliat time declared that '' most men are allured to the trade of law, grounding their ])ui"])oses not on the ])rudent and heavenly contemplation of justice and etjuity, which was never taught them, but on the promising and pleasing thoughts of litigious terms, fat contentions and flowing fees." The advances made by society in after years fostered certain ambitions, and among the highest of them was to attain the ])rofession of the law. It became a great never-ending study, and thus in Johnson's time the bar end>raced

" ]V[en of that large professipu, who can speak To every cause, and tliing-s indeed contraries, Till they are hoarse again, yet all be law : That with most (juick agility can turn. And return, make knots, and undo them. Give forked counsel, take provoking gold From either side and p>it it up."

a permanent local bar, l)ut not until 1847, when Martin Sliallenberger settled at Tonlon, did the nnmbers of circuit lawyers attendino- Stark county courts decrease. Within the last four dec:ides Stark county has claimed many excellent lawyers, and even furnished a few to the new states and territories. In the following pages brief notices of the old and new bar are made.

The Circuit Court of Fulton county, the first connected with Northern Illinois, was held April 20, 1824. There was not another term of the court held until iS^ovember, 10, 1825, when John York Sawyer, presided. Judge Sawyer was one of those early judges Avho had no finely furnished and fitted room in which to hold court. It was the humble cabin, or plain board building, in which this al)le judge ])resided. He has been known to hold court upon the liank of the Mackinaw river in Tazewell county. He was a man eminently suited to the times. John Twing, attorney general jpro tern., acted ks prosecuting attorney at this term, and Stephen Dewey, clerk. Ossian M. Itoss oificiated as sheriff. This was the first circuit at that time, and extended throughout the northern pai't of the state. A few years later it was changed to the fifth, and included all the country in the military tract, even the counties of Cook and Jo Daviess.

In ^lay, 1831, Judge Young opened the first session of the first circuit court for Putnam county. Among the ])etit jurors present were John Whitaker, Wm. Boyd, Wm. AYright, Ezekiel Thomas and Justus Anient. A number of fines were imposed on absent juroi's, most of whicli were remitted. In Septeml^er, 1831, the names of Benjamin Smith, Sylvanus Moore. AYm. D. Grant, Ilari'is Miner, Isaac B. Essex, Aaron Whitaker, Jolin B. Dodge, James Garvin, Eoswell Blanchard, Wm. Smith and David Cooper appear as grand jurors. At this term Clark Hollanbeck was chai'ged with "malfeasance in office*' as justice of the peace, but tlie case was subsequently quashed. The first indictment in May, 1831, was that of Resin Hall for l)iganiy, and ^Martha Wright, one of liis wives. Before the September session was held, Hall, wives, cal)in and all disappeared.

The first entry in the record A of the circuit court of Stark county (held at the house of W. H. Henderson, October 11, 1839, with Tiiomas Ford, judge of the ninth judicial circuit, presiding; Norman J. Purple, states attorney; Augustus A. Dunn, sheriff, and John W. Henderson, clerk), is as follows: Luther Driscoll having been duly summftned as a grand juror was appointed l)y the court, forenuin of the grand jury ; and Asa Currier, Henrv Seelev, Samuel Love, John Hester, David Simmerman, Nathan Swartz, Adam Day, Adam Perry, Wm. ^Mahany being also (hdy summoned, also gave their attendance, and tliere not being a sufficient number to constitute a grand jury, it is ordered that the sheriff summon two others from the bystanders to complete tlie panel: and the sheriff, thereupon, returned the names of James K. McClenahan and Wm. W. Di'ummond, who also gave their attendance, " who with tlie others were sworn to enquire for the body of the county of Stark aforesaid, and retired to consider of their indictments and presentments. This jury brought in a true l)ill against Frederick Ulard, and having no further business received discharge.

The Courts And Bak

J allies Pollok, who left Ireland in 1832 and came to Philadelpliia, declared his intention to l)ecome a citizen of the United States, October 12, 1839, before Judge Thomas Ford of the ninth judicial circuit. This is the first declaration of record in Stark county. Tlie Turnbull and Oliver declarations bear date October, 1810.

"It is Frulay morning, Octol)er 11, A. D. 1839, and the early settlers of Stark county have met at a private residence, about one mile due south of where tlie court-house now stands, to be present, as officers, jurors, suiters, Avitnesses or spectators, at the first term of the Circuit Court held in the county. Tliomas Ford, Esq., is judge, ISTorman H. Purple, states attorney, and Onsk)w Peters and Tlieophilus Lyle Dickey are the lawyers present. John W. Henderson is clerk, pro tern.; Augustus Dunn is sheriff, and Luther Driscoll as foreman, Asa (Jurrier, Ilenry Seeley, Samuel Love, Samuel Seeley, John Finley, Adam Day, William Mahaney, "William Porter, Sumner Shaw, John Hester, David Simmerman, i^athan Swartz, Adam Perry, James K. McClanahan and William W. Drummond constitute the grand jury, while Washington Colwell, Calvin Powell, sr., Elijah Eltzroth, Daniel Hodgson, Henry McClanahan, Milton Richards, Jeremiah Bennett, Minott Silliman, William P>owen, David Cooper, Josiah Moffit, Samuel llai-ris, Ilobert Sharer, Nicholas Sturms, Isaac Spencer, James Buswell, Horace \i\\\, Nehemiah Merrit, Christopher Sammis, Thounis Timmons, Thomas S. Clark, Washington Trickle, George Eckley and Jacob Smith form the petit jury. And scattered here and there in groups upon the grass beneath the magnificent trees which sheltered the home upon the hill, we will imagine we see the Arnolds, Websters, liarnets, Lyons, Piddles, Nichols, Jones, Dawsons, Pratz, Dunbars, Lakes, Grants, Cummings, Bonhams, Chatlields, Camps, Wykoffs, Dunns, Berhelds, Trickles, Uicliards, Emerys, Pigins, Powells, Clarks, Eckleys, Egberts, Finches, llurds, Jacksons, I) wires, Ilodgesons, McWilliams, Masons, Turners, llilliai'ds, Halseys, Farrs, Stodclards, Geers, Sillimans, Ogles, McC'lanahans, Peeds, Mascalls, Greenleafs, Coopers, Essexs, Eastmans, AVards, Smiths, Coxes, Colwells, Sheets, Graves, Mounts, Moffitts, Thomas, Ihitlei's, Agards, BaiTetts, Dorrances, Averys, Shavers, Sturtevauts, Parkers, Holgates, Walls, Fullers, Breeses, Pikes, Moores, Phenixs, Sturms, Searles, Dalrymples, Parks, Whitakers, Halls, Spencers, Ihiswells. Woodwards, J^races, Turnbulls, Olivers, Pules, Lyles, Blanchards, Whites, Fowlers, Parrishes. Miners, Perrys, Austins, Heaths, AViuns, Alillers, Maxlields, Days, Williams, Polk^cks, Mitchells, Nowlans, Frails, Gradys, Drays, Worleys, Winters, Littles, Potters, Lesons, AVlieelers, Ames, Van Dykes, and man\' others whose names 1 cannot now recall. They are laughing, talking, shaking hands and telling of each othci's welfai'e. Some have journeyed hither on foot, others on horseback or in wagons. Some have come from afar, while others live 'near by, and that may mean a mile or six away. The fainily, as was the custom with all the early settlers, has made expensive ])reparations to I'eceive and care for all who may come - judge, lawyers, jurors, suitors, witnesses and people. AVe will suppose that all have come, and as we look back and remeinljer how many grown people had to eat before the boys were admitted to the table, it seems as if none were absent.

The court has opened, the grand jnry has been im]')anelled and charged, and after a brief absence in a corn-crib ]iear by, has returned into court with a ' true bill,' charging a member of one of the most respectable families of the county with the crime of larceny, on the testimony of Christopher Sammis. a merchant of IMoulton, Avhose goods had been stolen. Joseph K. Lane, Moses Boardman, John Pryor, Dawson and J. Chaffee were here. The grand jury has been discharged. The prisoner made his escape before trial, and perhaps never was in the county afterwards. If his attorneys. Peters and Dickey, had been as longheaded then as they afterwards ]3rove(l themselves to be. possibly they might have cleared him, by picking a flaw in the indictment. In another room there stands a long table whicli has been covered Avith a bountiful supply of the humble fare of the pioneer's home. And all are expected to enter and partake of it as freely and as heartily as if it were their own. At last the sun has readied tlie highest point in the heavens, and paused, as it were, for a moment's rest ere starting down the westward grade. Sheriff Dunn has, in obedience to tlie order of the court, just cried an adjournment for dinner. The outsiders have been duly summoned, and as those Avho have been fortunate enough to gain admission to the little court-room file out, the doors leading to the other rooms are thrown wide open, and. in the name of the liead of that hospitaWe home, who is here iio more to perform that office, I bid you, Mr. President, and each one of you old settlers, to enter the o])en door, and beg to assure you of a hearty, earnest welcome from all witliin. Walk in and be seated, and as you partake of the noon-day meal, talk of the events of 1839 - of the years long gone 1)V. But, as I step aside to ]iermit your entrance, I am reminded that almost fortv-three vears have passed awav since that table was spread and that dinner was eaten by the early settlers of Stark county. I am also sadh" reminded that many of those who^e names have been called and who were there on that day, are not here now."

Among the first circuit judges was Richard M. Young, a native of Kentuckv, who settled in Illinois at an early date. He was appointed circuit judge in 1S28, and served until January. 1837, when he accejited a seat in the United States senate. In matters relating to the constitution and laws of the state he took a very active part, until stricken down b}^ insanity. Thomas Ford, who served as prosecuting attorney prior to 1835, was appointed judge of the nortliern circuit. He was born in Pennsvlvania in the vear 1800: was brought bv his widowed mother to Missouri in 1804, and shortlv afterward to Illinois. He received a good education; studied law; was elected four times judge - twice as circuit judge, judge of CMiicago, and judge of supreme court. He was elected governor by the democratic party in 1842 ; wrote his history of Uhnois in 1847, and died in 18r)0. John Dean Caton was ap])ointed judge of this circuit in August, 1842, and served until 1848. Mrs. Shallenberger speaks of him thus: "During tlie administration of Caton, there was quite a strife over the appointment of circuit clerk, tlie aspirants heinii' John AV. Hendei'son, whio-, and Oliver AViiitaker, democrat. Caton being a democrat, appointecl Mr. Whitaker, \vh(j lield the office under tliis ai)pointment until a change of law made it elective, when he was again chosen by the peo- ]>le, and served every term till ]N"ovember, 1852, when he was defeated by Jefferson AVinn." Thomas Lyle Dickey was the first judge of the ninth district, over which he presided until Stark was placed in the tenth district, with Judge Kellogg presiding, from 1849 to 1852. Judge Onslow Peters presided over the sixteenth circuit in 1855. His death occun-ed at AYashington, D. C, in February, 185(1. In April, 185(>, Jacob Gale was elected, but did not serve, when Elihu X. Powell was ;i])pointed. He was defeated, in June, 1861, by Amos L. Merriman, who gave place in 1863 to Marion AVilliamson, who defeated Martin Shallenberger in the contest for the judgeshi]). In 1867 Sabin I). Puterbaugh was elected; resigned in 1873, when Henry B. Hopkins was chosen judge. In 1873 Jose])h AV. Cochrane was elected on the A. M. D. ticket, and served until June, 1879. David AlcCulloch, nominee of the prohibition party in 1886 foi' congress, was elected on the I'epublican ticket in 1877, and, Avith X. J>. Laws and Judge Burns, was reelected in 1879 for the eighth judicial circuit. In Se]:)tember, 1886, Judge Samuel S. Page [)resided here, with John AI. McAIillen, foreman of gi-and jury ; S. G. Brees, clerk of grand jury, and the circuit clerk and sheriff. In 1885, Judges Page, Thomas M. Shaw and Xathan AV. Green were elected. A reference to the ])olitical ciiapter will point out the names of court oflftcers here since 1839. The greater number of the lawyers of Stark countv being closely connected with public affairs here, are noticed at some length on other ])ages ; but, lest any of the old or present bar might not be mentioned, the following personal notices are made :

Benj. F. Fridley, state's attorney in 1846, resided at Ottawa, but traveled through the circuit. He moved to Anrora snbsequentlv. AVhile ])ossessing little educational ti'aits, he was a man of strong natural ability. Julius Alanning, an old lawyer of Ivnoxvdle, practiced liere in 1846 ; died at Peoria. He was a very able lawyer, and generally, if not always, assisted AV. AV. Drummond, first resident attorney of Stark. H. O. Merriman, of Peoria, who attended court here in tlie forties, died at Peoria "Lawyer" Bangs was admitted to the bar at Peoria; practiced at Toulon in 1845-6, when he moved to Iowa. AV. J. Phelps, the second la\vyer who estal)lislied himself at Toulon, left here in 1846 for the AVest. Onslow Peters, a Afassachusetts man, of the Peoria bar, was one of the old bar ; subsequently elected circuit judge; died in 1856, at AVashington, D. C. In his office Martin Shallenl)erger read law in 1846-7. Silas Ramsey resided at Lacon, but i)racticed in Stark occasionallv in the forties. " C. K. Ilarvev, a circuit lawyer, practiced here tlirough several terms. He was one of the leading lawyers of those times. His daughter married A. AI. Craig, judge of the supreme court. Aaron Tyler, jr., read law with Onslow Peters ; came to Toulon in 1845, and practiced here for some two years, when he moved to St. Louis ; thence to Knoxville, Avhere he was appointed circuit judge, and thence to Cliicago, where he died. Another lawyer, the senior Tyler, had a large list of cases here in 1S4:C). Lincoln B. Knowlton, a Peoria pioneer lawyer, was prosecuting attorney for this circuit, and continued in ])ractice there until his death, about 1S55. He was an eloquent and logical s])ealver, eccentric in a])pearance. Benton C Cook was state's attorney in 1847. Martin Shallenbero'er, the senior member of the Stark County Bar, settled here in IS-tT. His reputation of being the best read man in the eighth judicial circuit is generally admitted. Lawyer Taylor was present here in 1847; but whether it was J. L Taylor, of JPrinceton, or not, is even yet undecided. J. S. Fancher, who practiced at Peoria for a short time, practiced here in 1847. Amos L. Merriman, subsefjuently circuit judge here, resigning in 1863, now a resident of AVashington, D. C, was a circuit lawj^er in 1847, with his brother. E. N. Powell, of the Peoria bar, who was judge for this circuit subsequently, practiced here in 1848; died at Peoria, July 15, 187L AVm. A. Chumasero, a lawyer of La Salle county, now of Helena. M. T.. was here in 1848. Ira J. Fenn, of Lacon, practiced here occasionally from 1848 to 1860.

H. G. Reynolds came from Rock Island to Knoxyille about 1851, moved to Springfield in 1854, and is now a citizen of Kansas. At Knoxville he served as state's attorney and postmaster. George A. Clifford, who came from Massachusetts at an early" date and settled at Rochester, practiced law at Knoxville; then was city editor and reporter on the Chicago Democrat; next practiced law at Toulon, entered the service of the Union, and afterward was em])lo3^ed as stenographer and legal adviser and again as official reporter of court martials and other heavy cases. In I860 he was assistant editor of tlie campaign paper called the Stark County Democrat^ and in 1862 was appointed master in chancery. He fell into intempei'ance, and it is said that wliile suffering under a nervous attack he di'op]:)ed from a window at Washington, D. C., and was killed. His widow now resides at Albert Lea, Minn. Xorman H. Purple was distinguished for high legal abilities, served as judge of Fulton county from 1845 to 1849, refused official positions and devoted his whole time to his office. Harvey J. Rhodes, a pioneer justice of Stark county, began practicing law in 1851 ; died some years ago. Ezra G. Sanger, a Peoria lawyer, visited this court in 1851, and for some years after. Robert Wilkinson, of Rock Island was here in 1852; like his brother, Ira O. Wilkinson, he was one of tlie reliable lawyers of thirty years ago. E. Gav Johnson, a Peoria lawyer and state's attorney, ])racticed law here occasionally from 1852 to the period of his death. George Blakely, his partner, Avas here also in 1852, Dr. Roberts, of Pekin, who later became a lawyer, is credited with being here in 185: . Leander Douglas, of Knoxville, afterward of Galesburg, where he died a few years ago, practiced here in 1852. Thomas J. Henderson is noticed throughout the history of the county and particularly in the sketch of Toulon. William F. Bryan, of Peoria, practiced in the courts of Stark county in 1853. Lorin G. Pratt, of Peoria, visited Toulon in 1853, moved to Chicago many years ago, where he is still in practice. William Kellogg's name appears on the circuit coui-t docket in 1854. He was judge of this circuit from 1849 to 1852 ; elected to congress; died at Peoria some yem's ago. He was considered a very able lawyer. Judge J. W. Hewitt, practiced liere in 1855. H. N. Keightly, of Knoxville, at one time a partner of G. A. Clitford, practiced in tlie courts of Stark county in 185-1-. Geo. ~\V. Stip]), l^etter known as Judge Stipp, of Uureau county, practiced here in 1855. John II. Howe, of Kewanee, practiced in 1857; was electetl colonel ISItli 111. Yol. Inf.; served as circuit judge; died some 3'ears ago, Hiram Bigelow, of Galva, apjieared in the courts here in 1857 and has been an occjisional visitor since that time. Alex. JMcCoy, state's attorney, practicetl here in 1857. He moved from Peoria to Chicago some years ago. John Burns, who presided here recently as circuit jndge, practiced here in 1859. C. C. Wilson's name appears on the list of lawyers in 1857. He was a pioneer of A^alley township; moved to Princt^tori, and ultimately settled at Kewanee, Avliere he now resides. John I. Bennett, now of Chicago. ])racticed here in 1801. Judge Bailey, of Macomb county, practiced here in 18<)1. Levi North, of Kewanee, is a name connected witli the courts here since 1801. He is said to be as good a portrait painter as he is a lawyei".

Ira O. Wilkinson practiced here in 1802, was subsequenth^ circuit judge of the Rock Islaud circuit. Geo. W. Pleasants, who also practiced here in 1802. is now circuit judge. Henry B. Hopkins, of Peoria, was here in 1802. He served as circuit judge by ap])ointment, succeeding S. D. Puterbaugh. - ]\[iles A. Fuller, a pioneer of the county, was admitted to the bar in 1862. A sketch of his life is given in the history of Toulon. Julius Starr, of Peoria, practiced herein 1804. D. C. Young came here in 1805 ov 18(i0, ])racticed law here for a few years. Ivol)ert Barr studied law under JSlartin SluiUenberger, was admitted an attorney in 18<><;. moved to Adell, la., where he is now. Vi. W. AVriglit, noticed in tlie history of Toulon, as well as in other cha])ters, has tilled an honoral)le place among the members of tlie bar. Ford D. Smith read law under Martin Shallenberi>er, was admitted to the bar in 1808. practiced here until 1872 or 1878, when he returned to his home near Ilackettstown, N. J. J. H. Miller, one of the leading members of the state legislature, ju'acticed in the circuit court here in 1809. Nicholas E. Worthington, who came from Maryland to Peoria, entered the practice of law in the sixties, practiced here in 1869, was elected member of congress in 1882, reelected and received the unanimous nomination of his ]iarty for a third term in 1880. Tiiomas E. Milchrist, of Galva, practiced here as early as 1808, and is still a visitor. He is states attorney at Galva. Sabin D. Puterbaugh, author of "Pleading and Practice," came here first in 1869, served as judge of this circuit until his resignation in ]87o. Mariou AVilliamson, circuit judge from 18(^2 to 1800, born in Adams county, Ohio, died at Peoria in 1868. C. K. Ladd, of Kewanee, ])racticed here in 1871. Jos. W. Cochran, judge of this circuit, practiced here in 1871. He preceded Judge McCulloch on the bench. AV. H. Adams, whose name is identified with archaeological discovery in this district, practiced in the circuit coui't here in 1872. Tillottson and Guiteau opened a law office at Bradford in 1874, and a branch office at Toulon, over which Guiteau presided. Thomas Cratty, of Peoria, practiced here in 1878. He is now at Chicago. A. P. Miller's name a])pears as an attorney on the circuit court docket in 1881. Frank Thomas was admitted to the l)ar in 1878, now of W3^oming. Bradford F. Thom]>son's name ap])ears as attorney before the circuit court in 1878. F. N. Pi'out studied under J. H. Miller, is now engaged in law practice at Blue Spring, Neb. James E. Bush, admitted in 1878, practiced law at Bradford, now at Beatrice, Neb. Thomas D. Higgs studied under Martin Shallenberger in 1878, now at Storm Lake, Iowa. W. W. Hammond, son of A. (1. Hammond of Wyoming, is now in practice at Peoria. Lawyer Kerns, read law at Peoria. Frank Marsh read law under Martin Shallonberg-er, was admitted to the bar, is now in Neljraska. Ilenrv 0. Fuller was admitted to the bar here and ]s now a resident lawyer of Peoria. Harry Pierce was admitted to the bar in May, 1883. Gi'ant Newell, a son of Dr. O. W. Newell, of Bradford, studied law at Chicago in 1885.

Among the lawyers who practiced here, not hitherto mentioned, were Shill, Fraser, Kinners and Mirrin, 1818-50; Fleming, Hazard, W. Sandford, Craig, H. L. Miller, Perley, Davidson, Blair, Keed, Sanders, Fenice, Porter, Richmond, Stone, Bishop, AVilliams, Farwell, Hinman, Walshe and Page, 1851-61 ; Jolinson, P. S. Pei'ley, D. C. Young, Stephens, George Puterlmugh, Cooper, Worrell, Moss, M. Kendall, Ide, G. G. Gibbons, 1862-9; J. C. Maclin, G. E. Ford, Shaw, Ingersoll, Brawbey, Herron, Fargo, Hannaman, Kretzinger, F. W. Wright, Bassett, Cornell, Emerson, Wear, Jack and G. M. Dixon, in 1870-1 ; McKinzie, F. S. Potter, J. S. Starr, in 1872 ; J. E. Busli, M. M. Lucy, L. Allen, Winchester, J. E. Cone and Ulrich, are names of attorneys on the docket in 1878; Talliaferro, Pepper, Gannon, Olson, Pettee, B. P. Duffy, C. C. Wilson and J. P. Miller, in 1879 ; Price, Shepherd, Marston, Foster, Raum, in 1881-2; M. M. Bassett, in 1883; F. S. Bossettei-, C. W. McGovernand Muckle, in 1881 ; W. S. Brackett, Moore, Bradford and Prince, in 1885.

While many important civil cases have been tried and disposed of here, a large number have been carried to the Supreme Court, and before that court some of the most elaborate ai-guments on i-ecord have been made by Stark county lawyers. In criminal matters the county is almost barren. The few ca})ital crimes committed are noticed as follows : Piney Arnold, once a resident of Stark county, murdered James M. Sweeney at Solana, Cal., in 1859, and was tried, convicted and sentenced in January, 1860. In November, 1865, one Archie Moore murdered one Lafferty in presence of a number of people, and then lied. C^aptain Brown, then sheriff, learned that a letter was mailed to him at Farmington, and, going thither, awaited Moore. The plan succeeded, and the murderer was taken to tiie Peoria jail. Joseph H. Wilbur, while returning from tlie postoffice at Lafayette to his home, on the evening of October 13, 1867, was assaulted and killed. David Anshutz was arrested on the charge. The trial took ])lace in November, 1868. Martin Shallenberger represented the })eople. Judge Howe the prisoner. He was found guilty, and the jury fixed the punishment at twenty-one years in state's prison. Stewart Bowers murdered Paxton Perry, son of Anderson Perry, of Goshen township, at the bank corner at Toulon, Jul\' 4. The case was tried at Toulon, l)efore Judge Cochran nnd jury. jVI;irtin Shallenl)ergei' and the hite AV. W. O'Brien defended Bowers, James IL Miller and Judge Puterbaugh ])rosecnted. A verdict of "not guilty" was returned, as the charge of murder could not be maintained. It appeared on the trial that they often went into the timber to play Indian, shooting at one another, dodging the bullets behind trees. Bowers subsequently married Perry's sister, and is now a prosperous citizen at JSTebraska. The shooting of John Hopkins 1)}^ Benson S. Scott, at Duncan, occurred in July, IST'J.

Peter lluber of West Jersey township was murdered by a tramp named Church, December 1, 1881. This Church was a resident of Toulon for over twenty years, wdiere it is said he married a very questionable character. The coroner's jur}^ - W. A. Hampton, A. Kamerer, S. M. Huffman, Xaam I]. Leigh, J. M. Wick and Francis Dugan - found that Andrew J. Church stabbed Huber, from which wound the latter died in eight or ten minutes. Robert H. Thompson and Wm. H. Bell arrested the murderer near Henry Godfrej^'s house, wdiile trying to escape. The trial took ])lace in April, 1882. J. E. Decker and A. P. Miller defended ; B. F. Thompson and J. IT. Miller prosecuted. He was found guilty, and sentenced to hard labor for life. Sylvester Makinson was sentenced to death, March 15, 1885, and executed May 11, for the murder of Mrs. M. E. Copeland. In April, 1886, William and Mrs. McCaul of Coal A'illage, were tried for the murder of the little Sturm child, but acquitted. Martin Shallenberger and James H. Miller defended, winning an acquittal.

The law circle of the county, like the county, is small; but large in all those qualities wdiich bring honor to its membership, and tinge all dealings with honesty and ability. I^Towhere in this State or outside it does a higher sense of integrity obtain than within Stark county's limited legal circle.

Journalism And Litekature

[IE history of the press of the county presents an apt illustration of its progress. Periiaps in the wliole world of journalism there cannot be found its equal in nianl}^ expression and sound reasoning - certainly not its superior. A great deal of courtesy is manifested in the offices, a "svestern friendliness exists among the journalists, and, above all, a desire to do justice to the people, by exposing what is wrong, and commending what is right, is a})parent. Tlie business of a newspaper is to give the neivs. This may be done in different ways; but journals agree upon one point - that their readers are entitled to adequate information respecting whatever notewoi'thy thing has happened. It is also the business of the press to review the and herein consists the higher element of journalism. The charge, so jnstly brought against many of the sul)sidized papers of the great cities, and also against the little sheets of eastern towns for narro^v, anti-national reviews was never api)lical)le here. Many of the owners and editors of the Stark county journals have devoted the Ijest years of their lives to this district ; they have, so to speak, a stake in the country, and with it a reputation for and sound judgment which they have held during the building up of our institutions and I'efiected through their newspapers and books.

The Prairie Advocate was issued January 4, 1856, by John G, Hewitt, editor; and John Smith, j)rinter and publisher. The subscribei's' list shows aljout 000 names. On the front page is the carriers' address to the patrons of the Prairie Advocate, on page 2, the salutatory, general news and a six-verse rhythmic acknowledgement of a Christmas donation visit, written by Kev. C. Brinkerhoff. Page 3 is given up to marriage notices and advertisements, so also is page 4, The local news seemed to be the least appreciated at that time, as it received very little notice. Charles Smith was the carrier boy. In establishing this journal. Judge Hewitt, a dentist here at that time, interested a number of his fellow citizens in the ]iroject, and, with a $300 bonus, he visited John Smith, of Pekin, and agreed with him to move the office to Toulon. The type was antique, indeed, and fit company for the p'^'ess - supposed to be the third printing press introduced into this state. Toward the middle of the year, Oliver "White, then a school teacher at Toulon, became a regular contributor, and ])assed so much time in the office that he learned to work at the case. Moving to Henry county, he took a position on the Dial. John Smith meantiine, sold his interest to Hewitt and retired to farm life, leaving the latter to carry on the Advocate until earlj^^ in 1857, Avhen he sold the entire oufit to Rev. K. V. Dunn, avIio chaug'od the title to i\\eStarlx' County Xcws

Tlie /Sta/'l- County News is the regular successor of the Pioneer Advocate^ as purchased 1)}" Mr. Dunn, in the spring of 1857, who gave it its ]n'esent title. After a few months he sold tlie office to Messrs. AV'hitakei" and Henderson, who placed Dr. S. S. Jvaysl)ier in charge as editor. At the close of 18(50 the publication sus):)ended, and the Neios office was a blank until the fall of 1861, when W. II. Butler took control, and resuscitating it. called his new venture the Stark County Union.

The Starh County Union was non-political, but decidedly Unionist. At that time no one waited for a local weekly ]iaj)er. Every one rushed for the daily journals ; even advertising was forgotten, so that, notwithstanding Mr. Butler's earnest effort and lil)eral outlay of money, the Union was forced to suspend.

The Starh County News (revived) peered out from the debris of tlie old office in the spring of 1863, and under the new lights by which Dr. S. S. Kaysbier illuminated the now very small newspajier. The little news became a power in the land. In January 1861, Oliver AYhite joined Kaysbier in its publication, placed the name of Lincoln at the head of an enlarged pa])er for a second term, purchased sole ownershi}) in Julv and continued its publication until the fall of 1868, when he sold a half interest to Joseph Smethurst, and in the spring of 1869 sokl the other half to Edwin Butler. Subsequently James A. Henderson purchased Smethurst's interest, and with Mr. Butler managed the paper until his death, Mrs. Henderson now holding her late husband's share, and acting- as local editor of the News.

The Stark county Democrat was first issued July 19, 1860, the price being- stated at fifty cents for the campaign. Martin Shallenl)erger was editor, with CI. A. Clifford, AY. H. Butler, Charles ]\[yers, Ben. AVilliams, J. II. Anthony, J. B. liassell, AY. D. Hicks and Thomas Ross, assistant editors. It advocated the election of the "Little Giant," or Stephen A. Douglas. The policy of the editor is portrayed in lines written June 1, I860, l)v IVfelville " for the first issue, the last verse of which is thus given :

In the issue of November 3, 1860, printed by C. Bassett, of Ivewanee, 111., this notice appears: "BAY UB. AYe shall jiublish one more number of this ]^a})er, giving the full election returns throughout the United States, when the Democrat will be no longer ])ublishecr. AYe expect emry man who is in arrears will pay up now." The little sheet, thirteen by nineteen inches, recommending itself as the best advertising medium in the county, and having- one column of the same. The "largest dry goods merchants," B. Ar J. Nowlan, having recently purchased the entire stock of Thos. B. Starrett, indulge in a four-inch ad. Rockwell's saloon is also advertisetl. For politics, Lin- coin is slurred and liis stories ridiculed, while Douglas is represented <as making rapid strides toward the ]?residency. Under the head of "Carrying Coals to Newcastle" are noted the meetings held by Republicans in Elmira.

Some facts respecting the origin of the Stark county Deinocrat of 1860 will not be out of phice. On July 6, 1860, a meeting of leadingdemocrats was held at Toulon to take ste})s toward the publication of a ]>arty journal. E. L. Emerv suljmitted a plan prepared by M. Shallenberger, })roviding for a stock subscription to carry the work on for a stated time. This stock was to be assessed just as required, but, sliould the paper become self-supporting, tlie amount of capital stock unpaid would be still collected and applied to the printing and distribution of Douglas literature. This plan was ado])ted and the gentlenuMi named as editors were elected. P. Nowlan was elected fiscal agent and bookkeeper, and Benjamin Turner, distributing agent. The agents appointed to canvass the different towns were Benj. Turner, E. L. Emery, T. J. AVright, Wm. B. Armstrong and G. J. Taggart, Toulon; M. Blanchard and B. F. Thompson, Osceola; James Holgate and Dexter Wall, Penn; J. Mofht and H. Col well, Essex; John Morris and Benj. ['xmghn. Valley; Jesse Funk and J. Hepperly, Elmira; E. Mailvley and J. M. Parker, West Jersey; Jesse Atherton and T. W. Ross, Goshen. It was also agreed that the Toulon National Democratic Association present a banner to tlie town furnishing the largest list of" subscribers. The ])roceedings were signed 1)y D. McCance, president, and F. A. Forman, secretary, of the Toulon National Democratic Association.

--The same old stereotyped charge which the editor (shade of departed Franklin, forgive us!) of the News likes to make. -People who live in glass houses should never throw stones." " - Stark county Democrat.

"AN EMPTY ^.nilNG. A whisky barrel in a ball-room, wlien a Eepublican editor has had an opportunity to suck at the bung-hole.'" - Stark county Democrat.

Stark C^ounty Democrat^ not that of 1860, was first issued August 2, 1867, by Seth F^ Rockwell, from the office in the Culbertson budding, in Rockwell's row. M. Shallenberger was political editor. In the latter's salutatory address, it is stated that with the exception of the campaign journal of 1860, "it is the first time in the history of the county that any other than a Republican paper has been published." Indeed, it may lay claim to be the pioneer Democratic pulJication, since that of 1860 was only inspired and written here, but printed and published at Kewanee. This lirst number contains a criticism of the first chai)ter of the history of Stark county, printed in the News., supl)Osed to be written by the editor-in-chief. The Democrat was regularly issued up to December 25, 1867, when a notice appeared stating that its publication w^ould be suspended through the holidays. No. 20 appeared on Januaiy 8, 1808, and every week tliereafter to the close of October of that year. In November, 1808, paper had not arrived; there was a l>rief suspension, and the next issue was ])ubhshed under the name The Prairie Chief. On August 19, 1808, S. F. Rockwell issued his valedictory. The Prairie Chief, Avith M. Shallenberger and Ben. W. Seaton editors. Yol. II., No. 2, appeared November LS, 1808. The editors gave as a reason for the change of name: "'We think the heading of the paper looks better." In April, 1872, he sold the Chief to Henry M. Hall, who published regularly until January, 1870, (when he moved to loAva) under the title JSeai Era., a Democratic paper.

The Kit Klux Bulletin was issued at Toulon, May 7, 1809. Its motto was, "Chide mildly the erring." Its editors were ''Grand Cvclops," ''White Alligator" and "Rattling Skeleton;" or, as alleged, Thomas Shallenberger, Charles W. Wright and Albinus Nance, the latter afterwards governor of Nebraska. The following extract from the salutatory gives an idea of the principles of this journal: ''Our Pulletin is not a religious paper. Others may ])rate of the orthodox, the martyrs, and the clergy; of the peace and happiness of religion, and spiritual hap])iness ; but we ])refer to deal with the human creatures about us. We do not confine ourselves to any sect or creed ; we are on the side of reform, and our field of labor is as broad as the universe. Toulon needs reorganizing, and we attempt to reorganize her. Let us ho])e that we may meet with better success than Artemus, when he attempted to reorganize Betsy Jane." The first page was maiidy devoted to a story called " The 'Lyon ' Hunt," a local subject. On the third page the (piestion is asked, "Why is our barber like Charlie Wright?" and answered, "Because he never wears out the knees of his breeches in secret prayer." On the fourth l)age the im])ortant question is asked, " Why is P. M Blair like a turkey gobbler?" and answered, "Because he cant swallow a billiard liall." Almost every one learned sometliing regarding himself from this little four ])age journal; but it was not a success, the editors grew tired, and like the clan after whom it \vas named, colla])sed.

Ilolly Starl\ a tri-Aveekly newspaper, was issued l)y Olivei' White at Toulon, in 1870. The little journal was decidedly republican, aud carried the name of James CI. Blaine for President.

Toulon seuii-weekly Ileraid., a four-page, twenty-four-column journal followed MoUi/ Starl'. Yol. lY, No. 1, was issutnl July 2, i8S0, l)earing the editorial name of E. H. Phelps. This, too. was re])ublican, carrying a twin miniature picture of (4arfield and Arthur at the head of its local cohunus. In every issue of this paper a- desire to give the people news, and plenty of it, is manifested. Among the eccentricities of the types, the following notice from the Peoria Call, relating to the Jferald office, bi'ings foi'th one: "The Toulon Herah] has a poet, and the poet wrote a beaiitiful little poem all about 'a IViend with a heai't of gold,' and the Herald ])ri liters set it u]) a 'heart of Chicago,'' and when Plieli)s, the ])i';!ctical and mattar-of-fact editor of the IferaUL read the ])roof. he mildly wondercMl at th(> ])liysi()Iogical ]i<Hndiarity of the friend's heai't, l)iit didn't i|uestion the accuracy of the statement, and so it went through the paper, 'heart of Chicago;' and now the poet threatens to put a head on the whole office, if they don't fix the thing u]) satisfactorily." It is said that this paper was moved to Wyoming in 1881, and published there under the name of Wyoming Herald.

The Stark countv Senthrel closed its sixth volume, September 23, 1886. The paper was first issued October 8, 1880. On April 30, 1881, the partnership between Thomas IT. Blair and Will E. Nixon was dissolved, and that of W. E. Tsixon and J. K. Hall formed, which existed until ALay, 1882, when Mr. Hall became sole owner. On January 1, 1884, Gus Ilulsizer purchased an interest in the paper. This copartnership, existing between J. Knox Hall and Gus Ilulsizer, Avas dissolved Fel)ruary 13, 1885, and the latter became sole owner and editor. The Sentinel is now one of the strongest prohibition journals in tlie state. It is well edited, full up of local news, and claims a very wide circulation in the western states, as well as in this county. The editor, in closing volume six, says: "AYe are thankful for the friends we have got, and are ready to hea]i coals of fire on the heads of our enemies; in fact, do anything honorable to keep our 'list' booming and bring delinquents to time, and we greatly fear when oui* spirit departs it "will seriously haunt the lives of some, unless they bring up their arrears soon. Amid clouds and sunshine, buoyant hopes and ])rospects figured out mountain high, we change to volume seven and thank our numerous readers for liberal support, kind words, and timely advice, and ho]^e by judicious management and fine maneuvering to retain all and <>-ather in manv more."

The ti'i-weekly CaJl was issued by ]Sixon Bros, at Toulon, March 20, 1883. It was changed to the semi-weeklv Call, but ceased puljlication August 16, 1883.

The Post-Chronicle dates l)ack to 1872, when E. H. Phel]>s. now of Kansas Oity, was requested to found a newspaper at Wyoming. The first number was issued August 9, 1872, to eighty ])a_ying subscribers. Tlie name ado])ted \vas due to the fact that the Bradford Chronicle then held the field in the eastern townshijis, and the new ])aper was in fact a consolidation of the newspaper interests of AVyoming and Bradford.

The AVyoming Post, a new name given to the pioneer journal of the town, made its appearance within a few months under Mr. Phel]«' charge, and continueil in charge until the sale of liis paper to Gilchrist. In October, 1878, Oraddock ilv: Yosburg issued their greetings as editors of the Post. This journal continued in existence until Februar}' 5, 1885, when it was consolidated with the Herald., under the name Post-lLrald. J. M. Xewton, of the last-named journal, holding a position in the office almost continuousl}' from 1872 to 1885.

The Wyoming Ilerald was one of the journalistic enterprises of E. II. Phelps. Whether it was a continuation of the Toulon Herald or a se])ai-ate venture the writer will not say, Imt from the following paragra])h, which a])i)eared in tlie Peoria rA^^/yv?«/, Noveiid)er ]2. is^d, it appears to be identical with the Toulon Herald, excei)t in name of office: "When Phelps of Xht^^yonxmg Hercdd sold out to Gilchrist, the paper he was then publishing - the Wyoming l\)st - he agreed not to pul)Tisll a paper in Stark county for five years. Eecently he removed his |)a})er from Toulon to Wyomino-, and thus game m (hrect conflict with Gilclirist's successor, Sandham. Tlio hitter has now asked for an injunction restraining- Phelps from publishing the Herald in AVyoming. The point is to be argued in this city next week." Agreeable to the above facts, B. F. Thompson, ])etitioner"'s attorney, and J. II. jMiller, defendant's attorney, went to Peoria to argue the case before Judge McCulloch." It is clear, however, that the Iierald survived this attack, for in April, 1SS2, Chandler & Sweeney ]nirchased the office from E. H. Plielps, who left for Kansas Oitv. In February, 18S4, L. W. C-handler sold his interest to A. AV. llotchkiss; Sweeney also dis])Osed of his interest, and on January 1, 1885, the ])ublicati()n of a tri- weekly newspaper ceased, the owners continuing a weekly journal, until its consolidation with the Post under the name Fost-JIerald. On February 5, 1885, the flrst number of the Posf- Herald was issued, with AY. P. Sandham and A. AY. llotchkiss, pul)- lishers. Jason M. Newton has been assistant editor from ])rior to this time to Januarv, 188(;, and editor since that time, thus leaving Mr. Sandham free to attend to his official duties as Superintendent of Schools. The Post-Herald is an excellent weekly ])aper. Sound judgment marks its progress; while in its local and editorial columns the enterprising spirit of the town of its publication is nnide manifest. A. W. llotchkiss, so long connected with this ])a])er, is publisher of the Wo^-Keeueij Trlhune^ in Kansas.

The Dalhj Post Herald is a newsy sheet, issued from this office during the fairs of the Central Agricultural Society. In make-up and local news it vies with anv of the penuv dailies of our laro-e cities.

The jSta/'k Count ij Bee was issued m 1870, at AVyoming, by M. M. Monteith. Professing independence in politics Avhile leaning toward republicanism, it could not exist very long, nor did it.

The Bradford ('hr<))il<'Je dates l)ack to the spi'ing of 1872, l)ut there is no ])ositive information at Inind to warrant the statement that it was published tlien. In August of that year it was consolidated with the Post, at AVyoming, under tiie title Post-Chronicle.

The Bradford Times was flrst issued December 25, 188(». Tlie salutatory was as follows: '' The cpiestion will })rol)ably arise in the minds of. many who receive this copy of the Tiiaes, AVhat is the use of anotlier ])aper in Stark county? AVe answer l)y saying that the peo])le of Bi'adford tliink tliey can support a ])ai)er. They also think that while it may be beneflcial to them in manv ways it can do them no ])ossible harm. This is all the excuse we have to offer, simply letting the |)a])er speak foi' itself. F. N. Prout, editor."' Prof. AY. li. Sandhanrs naine appears as editor Sei)tember 21, 1881 The Times was not ])i'inted at Jh'adford. The l^radford Lndependeid was issued June 4, 1885, fi-om the flrst printing office ever established at Bradford, by (\ F. Ihimilton and J. C. Blaisdell, the latter continuing in pai'tnershii) until .June 1, 188(1, when Air. Hamilton became sole owner.

Authors Of Puulisiikd Works

IP we exce])t the liistorical contributions of George Clifford to tlie })ress. the readal^le little book of 1863, by Oliver AYhite, on the marine artillery, and the pamphlet on the progress of the R. I. & P. R. E., by P. M. Blair, in 1869, we must j^lace the historical work of Mrs. Shallenl^erger first, and her name among the first authors in the county.