Woodford County, Illinois - Chapter 16, 1910

WOODFORD county has no large center of population but it has a number of prosperous villages and small cities. These have been the centers in the historic drama that has been enacted since 1836, which date marks the founding of the first town. They have not, however, been universally prosperous ; some have even passed out of existence.

Towns as well as nations rise and fall. Changing conditions take from them their promise of growth ; they reach their zenith of greatness and decay. History records the names of many cities that once gave promise of greatness, but are now known only as its pages record them. Even in the brief period covered by the annals of Woodford county, towns have been founded, prospered for a time, decayed and have become a matter of history.

The year of 1836 was important in the history of the development of the county. In that year the first postoffice was established at Black Partridge. It also witnessed the platting of four towns, Bowling Green, March 7th, 1836 ; Spring Bay, April 2nd, 1836; Versailles, June 3rd, 1836; Metamora, June 7th, 1836.

surveyor, for Francis M. Willis. The name has been corrupted in common practice from Boiling Green to its present form, Bowling Green. October 21, 1837, an addition was made to the town by Aaron Richardson. The name of Versailles is connected in the minds of pioneers,with county seat hopes and disappointments while that of Bowling Green is coupled with the idea of business push and enterprise.

Among the first settlers in Panther Grove were Charles, Josiah and Campbell Moore, who came in 1830. They set about constructing a mill, and soon had it ready for business This was before the establishment of the town, and was the first water mill of which we have any record. In 1831 James and Aaron Richardson came to the vicinity and soon became the leading figures in the growth of the town. They came from New Albany, Indiana, and as was usually the case had little capital to start with. James M. Richardson had a horse, a one horse wTagon, and thirty-seven cents in money when he came to Woodford county,yet within a few years he was one of the leading business men, not only in Bowling Green, but in the whole county.

In 1837 James M. and Aaron Richardson opened the first store, and for a number of years did an extensive business. This was the first store in the eastern part of the county. As in the case of Versailles, Bowling Green at that time belonged to McLean county, and- any official business had to be transacted at the county seat in Bloomington. A little later James Robeson opened a store there and enjoyed quite a trade. The mill erected by the Moores was sold to Francis Willis, and about 1839 James and Aaron Richardson erected a second mill, one-half mile southeast of town. It was built on an extensive plan for those days and was known far and wide as the Bowling Green mill. A dam was constructed across the stream, and ample power was furnished for its operation. Many of the older settlers remember taking wheat or corn to this mill for grinding. A fixed toll was charged for such service and it was frequently paid in grain, as money in those days was a scarce article. The volume of business transacted here was surprisingly large. Bowling Green was the only town except Versailles in the east side of the county, and the trade was drawn for many miles. Col. B. D. Meek is authority for the statement that the annual business of Bowling Green was at one time equal to that of Eureka at the present day.

It was on the stage line between Peoria and Bloomington, and was the first stop east of Versailles. A postoffice was established at an early date and was located in the store of Kichardson Brothers. On the organization of the county in 1841, Joseph Moore, from the vicinity of Bowling Green was chosen as one o f the three county commissioners. That office at the time was one of great im J. M. RICHARDSON. portance as practically all the affairs of the county were in the hands of the commissioners. In the division of the county into voting precincts, one was designated Bowling Green precinct. In 1814 James Richardson was chosen county commissioner and held that responsible position six years. He was the father of AY. R. Richardson, who resided in or near Secor for so many years. Aaron Richardson was the father of Dr. Prank Richardson, the noted Christian minister of Kansas City, Mo. The establishment of towns, more favorably located than Bowling Green, led to its decay and the final abandonment of the place, yet it played an important part in the.

Spring Bay. Within a few days of the establishment of Bowling Green, another town was laid out on the river in the western part of the county. The newly founded village was located so as to enjoy the river traffic. It was in what was at that time known as Tazewell county, and it was quite natural that the town should first be known as Tazewell. Later the name was changed to Spring Bay, because of the number of springs found in that region. The town was platted for James Day and Henry Matson, the plat bearing the date of April 2nd, 1836. The first store was conducted by a man named Rice. In 1843 Ira Y. Munn came to the village and opened a store which was conducted for several years under the firm name of Scott & Munn. In 1844 a postoffice was established at Spring Bay with C. S. Shults as the first postmaster. Mail was then brought across the river from Peoria. Later mail was carried from Kappa, a number of towns being visited on the trip. In 1850 the first hotel was opened by David Couch, and in 1862, Joseph llilenbrand built a saw mill that was later changed to a grist mill by William Burt.

One of the most extensive enterprises was the brewery owned by Peter Eichhorn. This was quite an extensive plant for that time and employed a number of men. The investment in the enterprise has been estimated at $25,000.

In 1849 a contract was entered into by the county with C. A. Genoways for the construction of a levee. This way later changed thru an agreement with Mr. Munn, so as to greatly enlarge the original plan of the work. It was ultimately completed at the cost of about $4,000, the work being done by William Delph.

In 1849 the town of Spring Bay was incorporated, being the second town in the county to take this step. It has always maintained its organization. The officers at the

Perhaps the name that is more widely known than anyother of the residents of Spring Bay is that of Zeller. Dr J. G. Zeller came to Woodford county in 1855. He practiced medicine for many years in the western part of the county. A son, Dr. George Zeller, has won a world wide reputation as superintendent of the General Hospital for the insane at Bartonville. His theory has been that shackles and bars are unnecessary in the care of the insane. He has a collection of hundreds of these that have been thrown aside by patients under his care. Another son, Julius C. Zeller, has recently been elected president of the University of Puget Sound.

Captain Zeller, whose death occurred a few years ago, was deeply interested in the collection of Indian relics, and at the time of his death had a fine collection, that had been gathered by patient efforts, extending thru a number of years.

Among the famous towns of the former days was Versailles, mentioned prominently in preceding chapters. June 3rd, 1836, the village was platted for M. R. Bullock and John P. Beaty, on the S. E. y4, Section 20, and S. W. y±, Section 21, Township 26, Range 1 West of the Third Principal Meridian. The plat was filed for record in the office of the Recorder of McLean county, as Versailles was at that time a part of that county. The boundary streets were named North, South, East and West, while the intermediate streets were named Peoria, Chestnut, Bloomington, State, Walnut and Locust.

In 1838, Durritt and Calloway opened the first store. This was followed by other stores until in 1841 quite a prosperous community had been established. The town was. progressive and its people were energetic. The movement for the creation of a new county originated with the leading citizens of that vicinity. They saw in the plan an opportunity to make Versailles the seat of justice and a city of consequent importance. The news that a new county had been created, with Versailles named as its county seat for two years, caused great rejoicing in the town. From 1841 until 1843 the town was at the height of its prosperity. A stage line ran thru the village from Bloomington to Peoria. This brought attorneys and other visitors to the sessions of the court. A postoffice was established and the first postmaster was named King. He was succeeded by Ben Kelley. In 1843 the commissioners voted to locate the county seat at Hanover, and the hopes of the people of Versailles were blasted. The town never recovered from the effects of this disappointment. After the news of the decision of the commissioners was received, the people began to leave town and it soon lost its prestige. There were, however, evidences of its greatness for many years after the removal of the county seat. South of Versailles a saw mill was erected by John, Clarion and Thomas Moore. It was later sold to Blaksley and Co., who owned a foundry at Metamora. The last store was owned by Ben Kelly, who was in business there for many years. This store, with a blacksmith shop, school and church, remained as relics of blasted hopes.

There were two churches at Versailles, the first established being the Church of Christ, the second the Methodist. The former was organized by James Robeson, W. C. Poynter and Amos Watkins, and for some time the school house was used as a place of worship. Later they erected a neat church, which served as a place of worship for many years. When the members of the congregation had become scattered and it was no longer possible to have services, the building was given to the Palestine church, and it was moved into that township. The M. E. church was erected at a much later date. Garland and David Moore taking a prominent part in its organization. A building was erected and services were held for a number of years, but the congregation finally became scattered, and the church was moved into Palestine township near Panther Creek.

There are now but few evidences that the town of Versailles ever existed. All the buildings and stores have long since been removed or destroyed. Few remain who remember Versailles in its prosperous days, and these are aged men and women. The town site, however, remains platted as in early days, altho it is now farm property. This causes some annoyance in making out deeds or in clearing of titles, as the lands have been owned by so many different parties.

Metamora has for many years played a prominent part in the civic life of the county. Her citizens have held prominent positions and it has been the center of numerous county movements. In 1836 the town of Hanover was surveyed. The name of the postoffice was Partridge Point, as there was another Hanover in the state. About 1815 the name of both the village and postoffice were changed to Metamora, the name being suggested by Mrs. Peter Willard.

The first house in the newly established town was built by John W. Page, and in a short time stores were opened. The first of these was by Wilson Tucker and the second was opened in a short time by Israel & Weeks. Later a store was opened that superseded both of the above and was on a much more substantial basis than those previously established. Both Mr. Parks and Mr. Willard, who had control of a store opened there in 1813, were practical business men and enjoyed an extensive trade. The latter bought grain and was a member of the firm of Scott & Munn of Spring Bay.

One of the first industries to be opened in that region, reside from the usual saw mill, was a foundry, established in 1851, by L. C. Blakesley & Co., but it was not operated many years, as it was not a paying investment.

House was erected, and stil! stands, altho it has been altered in appearance greatly since that time. In 1851 the jail was erected and served as a place for the retention of county prisoners for more METAMORA HOUSE. than forty years.

The church history of Metamora has been fraught with many changes and much interest. In 1847 the Episcopalians erected the first church. The next was erected shortly afterward by the Congregationalists. In 1849 the Christian church was built.

The year following the Baptist society was organized and in 1854 their church was erected. The Methodist structure was built in 1855. These organizations have for several years been quite weak and union services have been held. A pastor is employed, regardless of his denomination.

The Catholic church was organized in 1863, by Rev. Father Derters, of the diocese of Chicago. In the beginning services were held in the court house. In 1864 the corner stone of their church was laid. The first structure was built of brick 50x30 feet. From 1864 to 1866 Redemptbrist Fathers from Chicago visited the church once a month. In the latter year the congregation was given in charge of secular priests who attended it until 1877. On July 4th, of that year the Capuchin Fathers of Cumberland, Indiana, assumed charge of the congregation and Rev. Father Anthony was the first pastor, Washburn and Washington being mission points. In 1877 the building of a larger church was begun. It was completed in May, 1878, the convent and church improvements costing $10,600. The pipe organ cost $1,100. In 1885 the spire was completed at the cost of $1,895, and a fine chime of bells was installed. In 1878 Father Francis Xavier came to the church and remained until 1881, when Father Joseph Cal assumed charge of it. Father Joseph Anthony came in 1884, and remained until 1888, when Father Joseph Cal returned. In 1894 the Franciscan Fathers of Cincinnati, accepted the place and Father Edmund Klein was sent there. He was succeeded by Father Leopold Osterman, who was in turn followed by Father Eugene Butterman. In 1900 Father Eugene was succeeded by Father Otto Zeigler, the pastor at present. The church property is valued at more than $25,000.

St. Mary's Orphanage is the greatest institution of its kind in this part of the state. It was established in 1880 as near as can be ascertained. The Sisters of St. Francis, of St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, first had the work. Later the Sisters of St. Francis of St. Joseph's Home for the Aged, of Peoria, assumed control and have had charge for twenty years. The Bishop of the diocese has oversight of the institution. The Home had but fourteen inmates in 1880, now it has 72 children. They are cared for by seven sisters, at the head of whom is Sister Teresa, sister superior. A magnificent addition has recently been completed at the cost of $20- 000, and the home is now splendidly equipped. They have their own water, gas and steam plants. The home has a well arranged school room in connection with it. St. Mary's school is the parochial institution of the church. They have a separate, well-equipped building and a large enrollment of pupils.

The first school house in Metamora was built about the time of the erection of the court house. It served the purpose until 1850, when a new brick structure was erected. Prior to the time of the building of these, instruction was given in private houses, and for a number of years this was all the schooling received by the children of the pioneers. The building of 1850 was destroyed by fire, and in 1873, a new brick edifice was erected that has served as a school house since that time. Recently the district has been enlarged to take in two outlying districts.

In January, 1859, it was incorporated, and the following officers were chosen : President, Samuel J. Cross ; clerk, Edgar Babcock ; trustees, James Whitmire, William Lamson, F. F. Briggs, and H. L. S. Haskell; justice of the peace, Elijah Plank. In 1875 it was organized under the general law as a village. The following officers were then elected: A. H. Kinnear, N. Portman, Garmon G-ish, J. B. Knoblauch, F. F. Ilirsch, and A. E. Nesmith, trustees.

No town in the county has ever been connected with so many men of state and national reputation as Metamora. The old court house has been the scene of trials in which men, who have since moulded the affairs of the nation, were interested as attorneys. The immortal Lincoln was a familiar figure on the streets of Metamora. Mrs. T. B. Spears, whose husband was proprietor of the Metamora House, remembers distinctly the visits of Mr. Lincoln to the town. She also remembers Mr. Douglas in his visits there. Robert G. Ingersoll was another of the early visitors at the sessions of court. He was at that time practicing at Peoria. Adlai Stevenson for many years practiced law in the Woodford county courts. A host of other prominent figures in the political arena were frequent visitors in the county seat.

In 1894 the election was held that resulted in the removal of the court house to Eureka. Metamora has not, however, suffered greatly from its removal. There is a greater spirit of enterprise evident among the business men than before, and it has improved greatly during the past few years.

One of its more recent enterprises is the creamery, owned by a stock company composed largely of farmers. Since its organization it has been a paying investment. Thousands of pounds of high grade creamery butter are turned out

The old court house is now the property of the village, and it is used as a place of public meeting. Altho it is no longer the scene of important action as heretofore, it is still a center of historic interest. The long series of years of service has made it an important place because of the memory of what it has been The village is at present controlled by the following officers: President, Frank Giehl;

No history of Metamora would be complete without a reference to John L. McGuire, who for many years has been its leading citizen. He was born in Ireland, in 1844, and came to America when 9 years of age. In 1858 he settled in Metamora and has continued to claim that as his residence since that time. In 1862 he enlisted in the 51st Illinois Infantry and served until the close of the war. In 1870, he married Miss Delia Page, whose death occurred a few years ago. He has been prominently connected with the political affairs of the county, and represented this district in the legislature two terms, being elected IRVING. in 1894 and 1896.

J. C. Irving is another prominent character in Metamora. His father, David Irving, was born in Somerset county, New Jersey. In 1844 he moved to Woodford county and was awarded the contract for building the court house at that place. J. C. Irving was born in Metamora in 1850, He was a student in Eureka College and after leaving school was connected with the Sentinel for some time. He served eight years as deputy circuit clerk and in 1888 was elected to that responsible office. He has held numerous positions of trust in the city of which he is a resident.