Woodford County, Illinois - Chapter 2, 1910

Chapter 2

THE history of the west side of the county embraces Spring Bay, Partridge and Worth townships. Bordered on the west by the Illinois river, its area is hilly and wood clad. For several miles east of the river the roads are winding' and its scenery is picturesque. Years before the fee! of the white man touched this region, ii was occupied by Indian tribes, and these have left on that territory tho unmistakable evidence of their occupation. When their white brothers came to the country, they still found scattered representatives of Indian tribes, among these were the Pottawotamies, Sacs, Foxes and Ottawas. The timber lands offered protection from the fierce storms that swepl unimpeded over the wide prairies, at the same time they furnished an abundance of game to satisfy the eager hunter. The broad waters of the Illinois invited him to its banks, open ing the way for his canoe and supplying him with fish. The springs, which abounded, furnished an abundance of pure water. The region offered him an ideal retreat.

This part of the county is rich in relies of a previous occupation. A number of mounds are found in Partridge and Spring Bay townships that were without question thrown up by those who possessed the country in by-gone days. Near Spring Bay on Mrs. Gunther's property is found a very perfect specimen of a mound. It covers quite a large area, and it is almost perfectly rounded at the top. It has never been opened, in deference to the wishes of the owner who desires to preserve it as it is. The origin of these mounds is in dispute, some claim that they were buill by the so-called mound builders of prehistoric limes, while others believe thai they were the work of the [ndians themselves. The contents of the mounds thus Ear explored indicate that they were of Indian origin. The question is. however, on open one.

An [ndian graveyard extends north and south thru the village of Spring Bay. From whal isseen of this -raveyard, they appear to have buried their dead in trenches about two feet in depth. In digging cellars or excavating lor foundations along the line of this graveyard, Indian skeletons are frequently found.

This region was the scene of the first settlement made within the boundary of Woodford county. The site was selected by the pioneer because of its proximity to the river. H was hut a short time after the coming' of the first settlers that new comers began to arrive from the older states, and from the shores of Europe. Germany and France sent many loyal, sturdy settlers from their shores to Woodford county. Many of these came to New Orleans, and ascended the .Mississippi and Illinois rivers to the landings near the western borders of Spring Bay or Partridge. Others came to Chicago, and pushed their way to county borders. These people possessed the perseverance and sterling integrity that made them the foundation of the county's true greatness. No more loyal patriotic citizens of America have been found than these pioneers and their descendents.

Spring Bay. The region of Spring Bay early became the home of a thriving class of pioneers. Not great in wealth nor extended in power, yet having a wealth of patience and courage that enabled them to bring the river bottoms under cultivation. A mon- the most prominent of these pioneers was the Belsley family. In 1831 Joseph Belsley settled in Woodford county. He lived on the west side until 1879, when his death occurred. Several of the descendents of this family are quite widly known through the county, being now residents of Roanoke. Beside Joseph Belsley there were

The West End

Christian, Michael and Peter, who settled in the same vicinity. Michael only remained a short time and moved to Tazewell county. Peter died there, and of the Hour, Christian is the only one living' in the county today. He is SI years of age and has resitted here since he was seven years of age. They came from Europe, and were among those settlers who came on the river.

Horace, Austin and Holland Crocker came from Columbia county, New York, and for a number of years were prominent figures in Spring Bay life. They came among the earliest settlers in the county, and soon erected the Crocker mill. For more than half a century this served the people of the west end, but it has long since gone to decay.

Another well known miller was William [Iosher, who came in 1830 from Ohio. lie was accompanied by his brother Jefferson, who served as county commissioner for several years. Iloshor's mill was another of the early enterprises of the county. A part of it still stands as a relic of its former presperity. The Williams family was also well known figure's in the township, the three brothers, Richard, Lewis and Jackson, being connected with the business interests of the town. C. A. Genoways was another who held a prominent place in the business life of Spring Bay. J. C. and Phineas Shottenkirk came in the early 30 's from New York. They bought land and prospered in their newly founded home. There were numerous other prominent settlers aside from these, among whom were William Blanchard, who settled in 1822 in Tazewell county and later moved to Spring Bay township. Jesse Day who began to farm there in 1829, Angus McQueen in 1837 came from New York, being a native of Scotland. Isaac Phillips, Jacob Wilson, Elzy and Sampson Bethard, George Sommers and William Barker were other pioneers of that region.

These settlers had been here but a few years when they began to make plans for founding towns. Spring Bay was one of the early villages of the county, It was founded in

The firsl schools were taughl in the cabins of those interested in education. The township now lias two schools expending about $1,100 annually in their support.

When the townships were formed the portion of the county forming the subject of this discussion was laid ou1 as a, township, altho it was not half the size of a congressional township. The name of the village within its borders was assigned to the newly created township. The first officers were as f ollows : Supervisor, G. W. Schnibley; assessor. John Hazard; collector, C. A. Genoways; town clerk. C. S. Shults.

The present township officers are as follows: Supervisor, Alfred Hosher; collector, William S. Eichorn.; assessor Adolph Hoffman; clerk, Henry Bieber; commissioners. Fred J. Loser, Gottlieb Koch, Robert Miller; Justices, Peter Loser, George Winkler: constables. Otto Urban and Lewis Mackey.

Partridge. To Partridge township belongs the honor of being Hehome of the first white settler in the county, for altho William Bleylock merely lived Indian fashion in the woods and hills, he must be considered a settler, since his family resided with him in their tent or wigwam. It was several years before settlers of a more permanent character began coming to the forest clad hills. The first among these was Francis Avers, who came from Ohio in 1831, having previously stayed a short time in Metamora township. Joseph Belsley, familiarly known as "Red Joe" came to Partridge from France in 1831. Shortly afterward Louis A. Guibert came from the same ountry, settling in that township in IS:!:'..

Snyder arrived in 1834, coming from Germany. John Sharp came from Peoria in 1835. Other settlers were Ghauncey Baker, Philip Bettelynne, John M. Clingman, Daniel and Samuel Hedlock, Daniel Sowards, Benjamin Young and William Hunter. There has never been a town in Partridge township, but there was at one time a si ore. conducted by George Ramey. The first blacksmith shop was opened by Jeff. Tolafero. It ultimately passed into the hands of Mr. Johnson. A postoffice was maintained at the home of Chauncey Baker for a number of years, and mail was brought over from Chillicothe by any one going over.

The earliest preachers in the township were Rev's Davenport, Palmer and Pigsley. For many years the people of Partridge were without a church, but in recent years one has been erected about four miles southwest of Cazenpvia. Here the settlers have enjoyed the privelege of hearing the gospel proclaimed since its dedication. It is of the Christian denomination. The first schools were taught in the homes, Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Plummer being the pioneer teachers. There are now in the township three schools, expending annually about $1,200 for their support.

When the townships were formed in the county, Partridge was named for the Indian chief, Black Partridge, and Jefferson Hoshor first acted as suprvisor. The township is at present represented by the following officials: Supervisor, Solomon Winkler; clerk, Ross Beavers; assessor, Andrew Butte ; commissioners, John Bohlander, Louis Curry, Ben Fuchs; justices, Louis J. Johnson and Wm. Jones; constable, Henry Spilliman.

One of the most important undertakings ever launched in the county was begun a few years ago by citizens and land owners in Partridge township. It was known as the Partridge Drainage district. A petition was presented in ihe county court for the formation of a drainage district that would drain land valued at more than a million dollars. The cost of the work would probably reach one hundred

One of the pleasanl occasions for the gathering of the people of Spring Bay, Worth and Partridge townships is the annual fish Pry. People gather Eor miles around and enjoy the music, amusements and speeches. All are treated to all the lisli they can eat, and enjoy a general good time.

South of Partridge and east of Spring Bay lies Worth township. Early in the history of the county Worth began to attract settlers to its territory. Among the earliest ol these was Zedock Hall, a pioneer Methodist preacher. For years no figure in Methodism was more prominent in Woodford county than was this early expounder of the gospel. His message was heard far and wide, and was productive of much good. For many years his son Lewis Hall lived in Worth township. Among other early settlers may he found the names of Peter Weber, Christian Smith. Charles Molitor, Joseph Schertz, Christian Belsley, Jacob loerger, Martin Sommers, Peter Natfzinger, "Red Joe" J>elsley, M. Wagner, John J. Tool, David Kindig, James West, John, Christian and Thomas Brownfield, Simon Groves, Samuel Beck, John Sunderland and Thomas Sunderland, Jr. Peter Klein opened the first blacksmith shop, while William Hoshor owrned the first hotel, which was called the Germantown House. Peter Saale conducted a bar and grocery there for a number of years. This was also kept at one time by Frank Tropp. Later a saw mill was erected by Mr. Hoshor. This little hamlet was known for years as Germantown. Another well known resort of former days was the Union House on the state road five miles west of Metamora. The later comers numbered among them Henry Waldsclimidt, Peter Barner, John Miller, Valentine and Conrad Rohman, Adam and George Wenzel, Peter Gingerich, Charles Molitor, Conrad, Jacob and John Alig and George Greiner.

They brought their household goods to the sea shore, sold their horses, put their goods on a sailing vessel and came to New Orleans. They were two and a half moid lis on the trip. They then came on the Mississippi and Illinois to Spring Bay, which was as large as Peoria at that time. They are said to have brought the first wagons to the county. They hauled grain to Chicago in those days, and il required ten days to make the trip. The greater part of these early settlers built themselves log cabins. A number of these are still in use by residents of Worth township.

An interesting story is told by Mayor Frank (Held, of Metamora concerning the first stand of bees in the western part of Woodford county. One of the pioneers was returning home one day, when he saw a swarm of bees that had settled on a tree near by. He was very anxious to have them, and improvised a novel means to capture them. A part of a hollow log was secured and a piece of his clothing was lied around the lower end and the bees were caught in the log. When they were all in he tied up the other end of Hie log and went on his way rejoicing. At home, he made a hive Tor his prize from another hollow log, and from this start he received his first honey

One of the earliest schools in the county was taught in Benj. Williams' barn by Mr. Ellmore, but the first school house was built at a much later date. As early as 1846 school was held in a log school house at Lourds. In 1882 a new building was erected. There are now six schools in Hie township which require an annual expenditure of about $2,300 for their support.

zation was formed in 3837, and For several years held services in a barn. In 1840 a little log church was erected. This was the first congregation in the county to build a church, and it is said to have been the first church built between Peoria and Chicago. This served for a number of years as a meeting place. The church was first served by a priest from Joliet. Tn 1854 Rev. Father M. Gipperich came to the organization and remained two years. About that time work on the new church was begun. It was built from brick made by Peter AViltz in his brick yard, which was quite an extensive establishment. The church was finished in 1858, and in the storm of that year, the roof was blown off. It was at once replaced and the church still serves as a convenient place of worship. The structure cost about $12,000. It has connected with it a large cemetery. There was at one time a log church under the control of the Lutheran' denomination, but this long years ago passed out of the memory of the greater part of the people. An old Amish church was built on the State road in more recent years.

The officers at present are as follows: Supervisor, Leo F. Schwenk ; clerk, John Meister; assessor, John G. Eckstein ; collector, John G. Fandel ; commissioners, Win. Rohman, Peter Kieswetter, Adam Geigerich ; justice, Conrad Dubois, Ed. Noe ; contables, Conrad II. Kerker, Charles Studer. xlmong the early settlers was George Schneider, a resident of Benson at the present time. He remembers many incidents connected with pioneer life, altho he was not among the first settlers.