Woodford County, Illinois - Chapter 20, 1910

Chapter 20

IN recent years the annual picnic of the Old Settlers' Association has come to be very popular, and thousands of people attend the exercises given under the auspices of that organization each year. The pioneer hardships endured, serve to unite the early settlers thru the ties of common interest, and they gather m great numbers to renew acquaintanceships and exchange reminiscences of pioneer days. These gatherings are also a source of great interest to the younger generations. The stories of early struggles, endured with unfiinching courage, awaken strong admiration in the hearts of those more favorably situated, as are the men of today. The programs presented consist of addresses and talks by men who have experienced some of the hardships of life in an undeveloped country.

In 1874 the Old Settlers' Association was organized, and the year following the first meeting was held at Eureka. The following were the first officers chosen : President, John Summers ; vice-president, W. R. Willis ; secretary, R. N. Radford ; corresponding secretary, B. D. Meek ; treasurer, P. H. Vance. The meeting of 1876 was held at Eureka July 4th, and that of 1877 was at Metamora. The constitution at that time provided that any one who was a resident of the county at the time of its organization in 1841 could become a member. The association at its first meeting elected the following vice-presidents from the various townships : Montgomery, H. A. Robinson ; Metamora, John W. Page ; Cruger, M. E. Davidson; Palestine, L. P. Hereford ; Panola, M. R,

Miscellaneous

The list of the original members of the association can not be obtained, but from other sources a few of the names of members have been secured. In addition to the above named officers were the following : Adino Page, AY. C. Watkins, Zadock Hall, D. Kindig, AY. Lamson, George Arrowsmith, Thomas Clark, Wm. II. Delph, Benj. Grove, John Warren, Abner Mundell, Simeon Mundell, Jesse Hammers, Samuel Mundell, W. Drennen, John Tanton, Richard Tanton, Thaddeus Page. N. Dutton, AY. P. Brown, D. D. Fairchild, L. P. Morse, J. G. Bayne, Joseph Alorley, J. S. AVhitmire, Henry Martin, B. J. Radford.

The association was not maintained with unimpaired regularity. For a time its meetings were abandoned, and in 1891 a meeting was held in ElPaso for the purpose of reorganizing the association. A new constitution was adopted and the requirements for membership were changed. It is asked that an applicant for membership be over 50 years of age and that he has lived in the county at least 35 years. The meetings in 1891 and "92 were held at ElPaso, 1893, '94, '95, '96, '97, '98, '99, and 1900 at the camp ground in Eureka. In 1901 the meeting was held at Metamora and that city was chosen as the permanent home of the association. The following have served as presidents of the organization in the order in which they are given. Presidents: Samuel Stitt, F. D. Learned, AY. AI. Bullock, S. II. McClure, J. H. Reeder, E. S. Fursman, B. J. Radford, James AV.Pleasant, Al. W. Wilson and John L. AlcGuire. E. W. Dickinson has served as secretary-treasurer for a number of years. The records of this association bring to mind the names of many settlers not previously mentioned.

early date was Jehu Hinshaw. His father, George Hinshaw, came to Blooming Grove, near the present site of Bloomington, in 1827. There was no town there at the time of his coming. In 1840 he moved to Kansas township, J. D. Franklin coming at the same time. Dolphus Hinshaw, who now resides in Eureka, is the son of Jehu Hinshaw and has many interesting memories of pioneers experiences. The prairies were wild and unbroken. His father was one of the settlers that marked the roads between East White Oak Grove and Bloomington. This was twelve miles in length and did not follow any direct line, but wound around, the highest ground being chosen, as it was less likely to become swampy or to be covered by ponds. The road was marked by plowing a furrow on each side of it with a prairie plow and ox team. Much time was spent in hunting in those days and Jehu Hinshaw, Winton Oarlock, Zachary Brown and Isaac Allen spent many a day in the pleasures of the hunt. Deer were very plentiful and these were the hunter's coveted prize. Many of them were quite gentle and would come up to the houses. On one occasion a deer came up to the fence that surrounded Mr. Hinshaw 's yard and looked over the fence. Mrs. Hinshaw shot at it, but failed to bring it down. The only apparent result was that it tossed its head and ran away.

In 1856 Andrew Tomb came to Woodford county and settled in the vicinity of Eureka. Mrs. Tomb remembers when the postoffice, grocery and dry goods store were all in a single small building. She also recalls many of the great changes that have occurred since that time. Several of the members of this family have been widely known in the county. Andrew C. and John C. Tomb are each of them well known in a business way. The former conducts an extensive poultry business, and the latter was at one time

Much earlier than this, Matthew Tomb, a brother oil Andrew, came to this county and settled. His family experienced many of the pioneer hardships. Of the members of this home, but one remains, John W. Tomb. Another son, A. J. Tomb, was a resident of Eureka for a number of years, but at the time of his death was a resident of Peoria.

Another Matthew Tomb, a cousin of Andrew and Matthew Tomb previously referred to, came thru from Ohio in 1855, as was usually the case they made the trip across the states in wagons, and naturally met with many hindrances on the way. lie was the father of a number of children, who have since become widely known thruout the county. R. D., John and Smith Tomb are sons, while Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Ed. Moore and Mrs. Grant are daughters.

Two other pioneers are Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kennell, each of whom were born in the county. Christian Kennell, the father of Peter, came to Woodford county from Prance in 1842, and settled in Worth township. His death occurred in Metamora about 18 years ago. Other members of this family are Christian and Joseph Camp. Mrs. Kennell 's father, Debolt Housholter, Sr., came here from the borderland of France, having first stopped in Pittsburg a short time. The family settled in Worth township about 1846. Of the members of this family still residing in Woodford county are Debolt Housholter, Jr., Mrs. Joseph Camp and Mrs. Christian Risser.

James Pinley came to Woodford county in 183G and settled in what was then known as "Walnut Grove. He came to Woodford county from Cecil county, Maryland, and built a log cabin near the present site of the college campus in Eureka. He, together with the Meeks, Radfords, Davidsons, Majors, Dickinsons and Oatmans, was among the early settlers of that region. The family later moved to Versailles and finally moved onto a square section on the Mackinaw river, there Shelby M. Culloni broke prairie for them in 1850. The parents of Senator Cullom came to Illinois while it was still a new state and settled near the borders of Woodford county. Here the childhood of the present senator was spent, and he experienced many pioneer hardships. He broke a great deal of prairie land, and was employed by Mr. Finley in this task. An ox team was used in breaking the prairies. Samuel Finley, one of his sons, was a well known figure in the county for many years. He grew up with a great love of the woods and was never so happy as when on a hunting trip. He provided game for the table, and made a practice of selling game and furs. During the years when Mr. Finley was an active hunter, he killed more than three hundred deer. In one day he brought down four of these animals. He killed three one morning before breakfast, and on one occasion killed two bucks with one shot from his rifle. He bagged more than three hundred wild turkey the largest of which weighed over thirty pounds. On one occasion he and his brother got eighty-seven prairie chickens in about eight hours with rifles. Foxes, wolves, raccoons, opossums and many other varieties of game fell before the rifle of this sturdy hunter. Mrs. Samuel Finley also came from a pioneer family, her maiden name being Laytin. The family settled in Tazewell county near the settlement made by the Culloms and Smalls. As was customary in those days, she spent many a day in the harvest field, and she was accustomed to spin and weave, as were most of the housewives of pioneer days.

Among other well known names are those of the Brubakers of Eureka. In the early days of the development of the county Benjamin Brubaker came here from Ohio. As was customary the journey was made across country in covered wagons, about two months being consumed in the trip. They first came to the state with the intention of settling in the vicinity of Rockford and Mr. Brubaker started out on horseback to go to that place to select a farm. Before traveling a great distance he came up with a man, who was walking. He dismounted and walked a distance with him, and was told of a farm for sale just west of the present site of Eureka. Instead of continuing his journey, Mr. Brubaker turned back, visited the farm and purchased it. The family retained possession of it until about 1876. It is now known as the H. K. Swisher farm. Seven children came with their parents to this county, and of this number but two remain in the county, Peter and David Brubaker, both of Eureka. Four members of this family enlisted in the Union army, Peter and David being among the number. Among the younger generation are a number of well known men, among them being W. II. Brubaker, a prominent business man of Benson.

Christopher Roth came to America in 1844, and first settled in Texas. He remained there but a short time and moved north. He finally came to Illinois about 1847, and settled in the vicinity of Metamora. But one representative of the family is still a resident of the county : Jacob Roth, for many years a well known business man of the county.

P. F. Briggs, for many years a prominent figure in the business circles of Metamora, came to Illinois in 1851, and soon embarked in the undertaking business in the county seat. He was a man who was very accurate in keeping his books, and he had a record of funerals conducted during a half century of business life. Several members of this family continue to reside in the county.

One of England's contributions to the growth of Woodford county was Thomas Whorrall, who came to Metamora, at an early date. He was a prominent member of the church and frequently filled the pulpit in various churches of the Methodist denomination of which he was a member. He occupied the farm and met with success in his chosen field of labor. A number of years ago he removed to Iowa and settled in Grundy county. Other members of the family located in that state, and they prospered in their new home Since going to Iowa both Mr. and Mrs. Whorrall have died. They have four sons there now, E. E. and Joseph Whorrall, of Beaman; James and William Whorrall, of Conrad. Rev. Charles Whorrall, whose burial recently occurred at Washburn, was another son of this estimable couple. He was prominent as a minister of the Presbyterian church.

The Hammers family has been identified with the history of the country 'now known as Woodford county since A. D. 1835, at which time Jesse Hammers came with his family from Greene county, Pennsylvania, to what was at that time a part of Tazewell county and settled just west of the present village of Cazenovia, in the edge of the Illinois river timber, the greater part of his farm lying on the prairie adjoining the timber. His father-in-law, Isaac Buckingham, and Ms brother-in-law , James Boys, who was one of the first county commissioners of Woodford county, having come from Pennsylvania and settled in the same neighborhood a year or two prior to his coming.

Jesse Hammers lived on the farm where he first settled all the rest of his life and died there in 1880. He was always interested in the development of the new country and did much personally to advance its agricultural, horticultural and live stock interests. He encouraged the development of the educational and religious interests of the community and did his share towards the establishment of schools and churches. He also assisted in the organization of the county fair held for many years at Metamora and was for some time president of that organization. He was the first breeder of Short Horn cattle in the county, a business which his son-in-law, Hon. P. A. Coen, afterwards also carried on very successfully. At his death he left surviving him his widow, Ruah Hammers, who has since died, and his children Joseph S.

Joseph S. Hammers came with his father, Jesse Hammers, to the country, afterwards Woodford county, in 1835 when he was but two years of age. In 1856 he was elected county surveyor and served in that capacity four years. In 1857 he settled on a farm in Greene township, upon which farm he resided until his death, which occurred in 1893. lie was a successful farmer and stockman and a prominent breeder of short-horn cattle. He left surviving him his widow, Eleanor Hammers, and his children, Isaac B. Hammers, Laura II. Nelson, Charles II, Hammers, Lewis J. Hammers, James R. Hammers and William E. Hammers all of whom still reside in the county except Laura II. Nelson, who resides at Ainsworth, Iowa, and Lewis J. Hammers who is a prominent doctor at Lexington, Illinois.

Morgan B. Hammers settled in Greene township and resided there until his death in 1882. He left surviving him Rosa B. Hammers, his widow and his children, Ella B. Hammers, Lillian Hammers, Jesse Hammers, Morgan Hammers and Edna Hammers.

James A. Hammers at the beginning of the civil war enlisted as a private in the- 77th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served three years and re-enlisted and was mustered out as orderly sargeant, his rank having been conferred upon him for bravery in action. After the close of the war he settled on a farm which was part of the original homestead of Jesse Hammers where he resided until 1878, in which year he went to Anthony, Kansas, and now resides in Los Angeles, California.

William 0. Hammers at the breaking out of the civil war enlisted in the 77th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was chosen Lieutenant of his company. He re-.

mained in the active service for about two years when his health failed and he resigned and came home to recover his health. After some time he re-entered Chicago University and was in due course graduated from that school. He located on the farm where Cazenovia now stands and lived there until 1878. He now resides at Eunice, La.

About 1850 Joseph Hammers, father of Jesse Hammers and James Hammers, Joseph T. Hammers and his sister, Mary Myers, with their families came out from Pennsylvania and settled in Greene township i n Woodford county, where Joseph Hammers and his wife died. Mary Myers afterwards removed to Panola in said county and died there about 1880. Joseph T. Hammers, James Hammers and JOHN LEYS. Samuel Hammers all removed from the county in 1874 or prior to that date and for many years lived at or near Clearwater, Kansas, at which place the most of their children still reside.

The county has profited by coming in touch with the Hammers family as they one and all have been good citizens and patriotic, progressive, high-minded men.

The Woodford County ' Agricultural Association of which Jesse Hammers was one of the organizers was formed in 1858. Its object was to hold an annual fair at Metamora. The following were the officers : President, Jesse Hammers ; vice-president, Charles Rich ; secretary, H. L. S. Haskell; treasurer, John W. Page; directors, Horace Hazen,

One of the most familiar figures in connection with official affairs of the county was that of John Leys. For thirty-one years he was either a deputy or official in the service of Woodford county, and was as well versed in the duties of the various positions that he filled as any one in this portion of Illinois.

He was born in Burges, Belgium, March 21st, 1837, and his early education was gained while living there. He later attended the Antwerp Naval school and spent some years as a sailor and received a certificate of navigation from the French government. In 1857 he came to Chicago and from there came to Woodford county. Later he removed to Mc- Lean county. He enlisted in Company C of the 33rd Infantry, August 15th, 1861, at Bloomington.

On the day of his return from the war, he was married to Miss Ann Taylor. Six children were born to this union, of whom Edna L. Evey, Anna L. Hodgson, J. II. and J. Albert Leys, still survive.

The newly married couple settled in Kansas township and remained there until 1874, when Mr. Leys was appointed deputy county clerk. He served as deputy until 1886, when he was elected county clerk. After one term he again became deputy, and served until 1894, when he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of T. A. Iluxtable. His death occurred at Eureka, December 1st, 1905, having been in the service of the county thirty-one years.

James Shields, Sr., came to Clayton township at an early date in its development and purchased the farm now occupied by his son, John Shields. It was bought from the Illinois Central, which had secured it directly from the government as a part of the grant received to aid in the construction of the road. Of this family James and John Shields reside in the county, as do also two daughters, Mrs. Charles Hoffman and Mrs. Frank Bentfeld.

what is now the Hart homestead in Palestine township in 1837, having purchased the property from the U. S. government. He was a member of the first jury that eve:* tried a case in Woodford county. This case wis heard at the April term of the circuit court at Versailles, in 1812 and was entitled: "The People, etc. vs. Jos. L. Gardner, indictment for attempt to do ner was fined $30 and costs. One of the attorneys in the case was Abraham Lincoln. In 1850 when Palestine township (which then included ElPaso township) was organized, Mr. Hart was elected supervisor, which office he held for several terms. He was the first passenger to land at Kappa from a passenger train, having returned from a visit to New York just in time to get on board the first passenger train that ever passed through Kappa, which was in 1854. Mr. Hart died in 1879 very suddenly of heart disease. He was a pleasant and very popular gentleman and his family are all highly respected. A son, John Hart, and Mrs. Judge Kennedy and his grand-children. Circuit Clerk Louis Van Alstine and Mrs. Wm. A. VanAlstine, still reside in Woodford county. Attorney Harvey Hart and Dr. Ed Hart with their two sisters and mother reside in Bloomington. Wilson A. Hart is in the banking and abstracting business at La Jaunta, Colorado.

Mrs. Nancy Kirk one of the oldest residents of Minonk was born in Ireland in 1819. She came to America in 1845 and two years later she was married to William Kirk. She has nine children living; Win. Kirk, of Woodford; Mrs. S. A. Ililsabeck, Minonk; Samuel Kirk, Iowa City; Mrs. J. C. Ililsibeck, Hastings, Neb.; Mrs. C. A. Trunk, Chatsworth, Matthew Kirk, Minonk; Mrs. Anna Kindig, Burlington; Mrs. M. T. Heath, Chicago, and James S. Kirk, Minonk.

The oldest woman in the county is Mrs. Volke Uphoff, who was born in Riepe, Germany, in 1811. If she lives until June 4th, 1910, she will have reached her 99th year. She was the wife of Wait Uphoff, whose death occurred a number of years ago. They came to America in 1855 and remained in Peoria two years. They then came to Clayton township and settled on the farm in 1857. The country was then wild and almost unsettled, MRS. NANCY KIRK. while the broad prairies

Mrs. lTphoff lias- many descendants, who hope to see her pass the century mark and live far beyond it. The children are B. W., Adam W., J. W., Bartlett W. Uphoff and Mrs. Giles. There are forty-two grand-children and sixty-eight

Volke Uphoff

In the early days of the county, attorneys were rarely seen within its borders, but as the country became more thickly settled, the demand for the services of the exponents of the law became more and more pressing. It was not, however, until after the organization of the county that a lawyer became a resident within its borders. The attorneys of those days drove great distances to appear before the court, and it was no uncommon occurrence for one to drive from Springfield to plead a cause in Woodford county. The attorneys present at the first session of court at Versailles included a number who afterward gained wide reputations as attorneys and politicians. Among these were Abraham Lincoln, John T. Staurt and Stephen T. Logan. The former had already given promise of future greatness, altho no one foretold for him the great career that he later made. He had been in the state legislature and had made something of a reputation as a public speaker. He was more famous as a story teller at that time than for any other talent. He bad just closed his partnership with John T. Staurt, who had been elected in 1837 over Stephen A. Douglas as a member of congress ; and had formed partnership with Judge Stephen T. Logan, one of the ablest lawyers in the state. This group of attorneys was alone sufficient to make this session of court famous as a gathering of great men, but there were others there whose names have been justly recorded in the hearts of the people as truly great men There was the gallant Col. Ed. D. Baker, justly famed as the silver tongued Baker. David Davis, noted for his broad mind and sound judgment, while John J. Harding and A. Gridley were among the others present. There was the greatest spirit of good fellowship among them and there was an absence of that disposition of abuse that is now occasionally witnessed in court. The first licensed attorney was John B. Holland. He became well known in the county, and served as probate justice for several years. Other familiar names

The first physician in the county was Dr. Hazzard, who settled in Germantown in 1836. There had been others, such as Ben Major, who were skilled in the use of medicine but there were none prior to that time who devoted themselves exclusively to the practice of a physician. Dr. A. Reynolds was a pioneer physician at Bowling Green. J. S. Whitmire came to Metamora in 1847 and was for many years a well known figure among the members of the medical fraternity. Few among the early settlers who were not acquainted with his name, which was a household word among them. He associated with him in his practice, Dr. Z. IT. Whitmire. Another well known figure was that of Dr. Twcddale, of Washburn, who for many years was a successful practitioner in the county. Dr. Wilcox at Minonk was for many years a leadei in the professional and political life of the county. He has been succeeded by his son, who is a very successful physician. Dr. Lichtenberger was another prominent doctor. His son, N. C. Lichtenberger, still resides in Eureka, where his father practiced. Other well known names are Drs. Crawford, Rosenberg, Slemmons, Schiffbauer, Tribbey and John.

Historical Society. Another organization that has a growing membership is that of the Woodford County Historical Association. It was formed in December, 1903, and holds its meetings semiannually. The purpose of the society is to collect historical data and to keep it in a manner that will make it of service in supplying a complete record of matters pertaining to the growth and development of the county. The following are officers : President, L. J. Freese ; vice-president, Isaac B.

his life. It was his custom to look after the pumping for the city water works, and went down to the plant early Tuesday morning, October 12th. He had been there but a short time when the muffler of the gasoline engine exploded and he was so seriously injured that his death occurred in a short time. He succeeded in dragging himself a short distance from the pumping station, and attracted the attention of the people of the vicinity by calling for assistance. Aid was of no avail. He died at 7 :15 A. M. He was born in Pennsylvania, October 12th, 1868, and was married to Miss Minnie Brandt in this city. He was a member of the K-nights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen, and had made a splendid record as city marshal.