Woodford County, Illinois - Chapter 3, 1910

Chapter 3

THE earliest settlers came to Metamora township when the county was but in its infancy. The pioneers were attracted to its picturesque woods, and soon had a nourishing little settlement. Around the site of Metamora cluster a host of historic memories that serve to make the actors in these important events the center of interest in the county. Even before the coming of the first settlers, the region was important in the Indian life of prehistoric days. No single portion of the country is so rich in historical data as is this.

The first settlers to make their appearance on the scene of action were Danial, William and Solomon Sowards. The exact date of this settlement is in doubt, but it was probably about 1824. The example set by these bold pioneers was followed by others and within a few years the region numbered a score of families. So rapid was this settlement that by 1836 there was a demand for a postoffice and in that year one was established about three miles north of the present site of the town, in the home of James Boys, who was the first postmaster in the county. It was discontinued in a short time and one was opened at Partridge Point. The first postoffice had been named for the chief, Black Partridge, and the name of the second again honored the old Indian chief. Partridge Point was near Metamora, the postoffice being at Parks' saw mill. William Davenport was the first postmaster there.

Settlers came from various states and the region soon became one of the most populous parts of the county. In 1828 George Kingston settled in the township, coming from Ireland. Peter Engle, Sr., -John Engle, Francis Bregeard. Christian -Engle, Joseph Bachman and Michael loerger came from France.

From Kentucky there came Robert T. Cassell, who was connected with the history of Metamora for many years; Joseph Wilkerson, William II. Delph and Jesse Dale. The latter was twice elected county treasurer of Woodford county.

Another prominent family from Kentucky was that of Jacob Banta, who came with his sons, David and Cornelius D., in 1832, and who was followed by a third son, Albert J., the next year. This family became one of the most influential in the county. Mr. Banta was a native of New Jersey, as was his grandfather, Albert Banta, The family originated in Holland and came to America in easiy colonial days. The first one to come over was Epke Jacob Banta in 1659. He settled at Bergen, now a part of New Jersey. Albert Banta was one of the fifth generation and was grandfather to Jacob Banta, the subject of our sketch. The latter was born in Hackensack, N. J., March 13, 1771, and was fourteen years old when he accompanied his parents to Kentucky. He came to Illinois in 1832 and lived a short time near Washington, then came to the region of Metamora. He became a prosperous citizen, living to be 00 years of age. He died Feb. 26, 1861. His sons, Cornelius D., David and Albert became prominent members of the rapidly growing community. Cornelius took up land near Metamora, as did also Albert. Among the most prominent members of the Banta family was Jacob Banta, an early settler of Roanoke, and later resident of Eureka. His son, Dr. C. F. Banta, is engaged in the practice of medicine in the latter city. The

Jacob Banta

George Ray came to Illinois from Ohio in 1836 and soon came to Metamora, where he resided al the lime of his death. He engaged in the cattle trade quite extensively in tin1 early years of his life here. He soon became a promineni figure in the county and in 1850 was elected sheriff and in 185-4 was again elected to that office. He was the father of Jacob Ray, who has been connected with the political life of the county for many years. In 1882 the latter was elected county clerk.

Welcome P. Brown came to Illinois from New York about 1833. lie first settled in Bloomington after visiting several other points. He finally came to Woodford county and was chosen the first county judge in 1849.

In 1835 John Page, Sr., and Ebenezer Page came from New Hampshire to Woodford county and settled in the vicinity of Hanover. The members of the Page family trace their geneology back to John Page, who was born in Dedham, England, in 1586, and came to America with Governor Winthrop in 1830, The members of this family were prominent in their new home, and held various responsible positions. John Page, Sr., died at Metamora in 1855. Ebenezer Page died there also after a long and useful life. Of the decendants of these pioneers it is necessary to name three, John W, Adino and Samuel True Page. Of these the former was the most prominent. He held numerous prominent position. He was the first school treasurer of his township. In 1845 he was elected county commissioner of schools, having been elected as coroner the year before. In 1857 he was chosen county treasurer and was re-elected in 1859. Aside from these county offices he held various other positions, lie was supervisor, school director, village treasurer, etc.

He erected the first house in Metamora, and was connected with the business interests for many years, being engaged in banking and the sale of merchandise.

Adino Page was also quite prominent. He was for eight years superintendenl of the Woodford county poor farm, having held a similar position in Massachusetts. He was justice of the peace for aboul L8 years, and was engaged in business with John \Y. Page.

Both .John AY. and Samuel True Page enlisted in the Mexican war in 18-lb. Samuel Page also served in the war of the rebellion in the 108th regiment. Another prominent member of this family is Judge S. S. Page of Chicago, who holds a high rank as an attorney and judge. Dr. J. F. Page of Eureka is a member of this well known family.

Deacon Joel Ranney came to Metamora township in 1S38 Prom Stockbridge, Vermont, making the journey across the country in a wagon drawn by two horses. He bought a tract of prairie land in what is now Metamora township. [n 1848 1 is death occurred. Two children remained, lion. J. A. Ranney and a daughter, Esther J. Packard. The former is still a prominent character in Metamora township, lie was deeply interested in the solution of the slavery question and on one occasion was conductor on the underground railroad, lie became prominent in the republican party and in 1876 was elected as a member of the legislature and served in the general assemblies of 77 and '79.

Xo account of the history of Metamora would be complete wit hoid a sketch of the Morse family, which was so prominently connected with the work of the underground railroad.

Parker .Morse came to Woodford county in 1835. The family first settled in the vicinity of what later became Low Point, but in a short time they moved a mile south of the present site of Cazenovia, in Metamora township. There were several members of the family and the vicinity soon became known as the Morse settlement or Morsetown. Levi P. Morse was but 15 years of age when he came thru with Ids father to Illinois but he drove a team the entire distance from Vermont. Other members of the family were Joseph

John W. Page

T., Milton and Mark Morse. These were among the Rrsl abolitionists who came here, and they were active in the work of the underground railroad, mention of which is made hereafter. Miss Love K. Morse is said to have taughl the firsl Tree school in the county. It is appropriate thai an account of the work of the underground railroad should appear a1 this point. Only one remains of all those connected with its work, J. A. Rauney, and he is aide to tell many interesting incidents in connection with it.

Tin' Fugitive Slave law aroused great feeling among the opponents of slavery over the entire north. It was especially obnoxious to those who had belonged to the Abolotionists. So great was the opposition to its enforcement thai conceited plans were made to evade it. These led to the formation of certain well denned routes that were taken by the slaves in their effort to reach Canada, where they .vould be free from pursuit. Since travel along these lines was done as secretly as possible, they came to be known ;is underground railroads.

Woodford county was no exception to the general ride, and there was bitter opposition to the enforcement of the fugitive slave law. This condition was not surprising, since the county had men, who were strong opponents of slavery and likewise men who would make any sacrifice to have the institution stamped out. Over this branch of the underground road many a run-away slave passed on his way to freedom. There was such a. strong sentiment against the traffic that conductors and stations were found in sufficient number to carry on the work successfully.

Fugitives came into Woodford county from what was then called Deacon street, between Tremont and Morton. They passed around Washington, which was regarded as unfriendly toward plans for their escape, and came to the place of Deacon Dutton, half wray between Metamora and Washington. Deacon Dutton himself was the principal con- what was called Morsel own. Tins was a set 1 lenient of the Morse family and was south of Cazenovia, near the .Morsetown cemetery. Captain Parker .Morse and -Joseph T. Morse were in hearty sympathy with all efforts made for Hie escape of the slave. From there the fugitives were taken to a point beyond Magnolia, to the home of a Quaker named Lewis, or if there happened to he no excitement, they were taken to the home of a man named YYerk, near Crow creek, this side of Lacon.

Deacon Parker Morse was ;m importanl character in this work of escape. North of Low Point, -James (J. Bayne, and the family of John McCoy, took an active pari in aiding slaves, James Piper, easl of Low Point, was ;ilso a strong sympathizer with those seeking liberty. J. A. Ranney, who still resides south of Cazenovia, once acted as a conductor on this road, and has a vivid recollection of some of his experiences on that trip, altho he was quite young at the time, lie reached the home of Lewis, three miles beyond Magnolia, with his party about three o'clock in the morning. The family was aroused and Mr. Ranney still remembers the welcome sight of the room into which they were ushered on their arrival. He styles it the best Looking room he ever saw.

In these trips the towns were avoided as much as possible as there was more danger of betrayal attached to going thru a town. It was a common occurrence to see bills posted offering a reward of $50 to $100 reward for the capture of some run-away boy or girl. Occasionally the reward was even greater than that. This was an incentive to aid in the recovery of any fugitive that might be seen, and made it necessary to take the quiet roads. Much of the traveling was done at night, and every precaution possible was taken to prevent discovery. All aid granted to these fleeing slaves was a violation of the fugitive slave law, yet in spite id' this the work went on with very little molestation for a lone time in this county. The efforts of the conductors were known in the community, but the general disposition seemed to be one of non-interference, altho there was an occasional murmer of disapproval.

On one occasion Joseph Morse was arrested for aiding in the escape of a slave. At that time Woodford county had no jail and he was taken to Pekin in Tazewell county, by William T. Magarity, who was sheriff at the time. The jailer was not at home when Mr. Magarity arrived with his prisoner so that Mr. Morse was left until his return. On the jailer's appearance, the prisoner was discharged as his papers were not sufficient to warrant his detention. The indictment against him was finally quashed. This appears to be as far as the open opposition to the work of the road appears to have gone.

The educational interests of the township received attention at an early date. The first school was taughl in 1836 by Miss Betsy Page. The first public school has been referred to as having been taught by Miss Morse. The trustees at that time were James Owens, Thomas Jones and Parker Morse. The work of education prospered and Metamora township has now nine schools in the township requiring an annual tax levy of $7,000.

When the county was divided into townships, Metamora township was named for the town within its borders. The first supervisor was Simon P. Shope, who was honored by being chosen the first chairman of the board of supervisors.

The township is at present governed by the following officers: Supervisor, Henry Ileininger; clerk, James Hall; assessor, Henry Longenbacher - collector, Lewis II. Wagoner; commissioners, John Schierer, John Minger, Joseph Schneider; justices, John L. McGuire, Frank Giehl ; constables, J. D. Griggs and Ed Full.

One of the early residents of the township was Yos1 Bally who came there at an early date from Ohio. Two sons Samuel Bally, of Benson, and Christian Bally, of Roanoke, now reside in the county. Thomas Whorrall was another of the early settlers. For many years he took a prominent part in the affairs of his township. He later moved to Iowa where his death occurred.