Blue Ridge Township

Blue Ridge Township

S township lies in the extreme northern part of the county, J- and though not containing the amount of timber some of the other townships have, it has a fine location and contains a large amount of rich tillable land. It received its name probably from the fact that a ridge, which in the distance looks blue, extends in the northern and northeastern part of the township. The land in the eastern part drains into Madden's Run, that of the southern part into Goose creek, while Salt creek receives the drainage of the northwestern part of the township.

This township has a great number of artificial groves of trees, which are of great use, and add much beauty to the general appearance of the land. The efforts of the citizens in preparing these groves are certainly praiseworthy.

. Two railroads pass through this township. The Chicago division of the Wabash enters the township about four miles west of the southwest corner of the township, passes toward the northwest and leaves the township about one mile west of its northwest corner. The Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western road crosses the eastern boundary line about two miles north of the southeastern corner of the township, extends northwest and leaves the township a little above the middle of its western boundary line. These roads intersect at the town of Mansfield.

however, were made long after those in Monticello township. Among the names of the early settlers, we can mention Win. Pierce, Richard Webb, Jacob Denning, Joseph Aikens, Noah Coffman, Squire Gillespie, LaFayette Cox, James Watson, Mr. Keenan, the Thomas brothers, and Mr. Littleton, besides several others. It is reported to us that Mr. Wm. Pierce began the improvements near Gardner Switch, and that the farm-house near said station is the first house of the township. Isaac Thomas reported that Dulsina Webb, who died about 1850, was the first one who died in the neighborhood of Gardner Switch. The first birth was probably Mary Watson. The first election was held at Stringtown school-house, the first one of the township, and as late as 1858, when the men went to vote they carried stakes to fasten their horses to. The first election after the township organization was held on the Littleton place. The first preaching at the Stringtown schoolhouse was by Minor Chew, while Messrs. Crandall and Stoddard were latter ministers.

Mansfield. - Gen. J. L. Mansfield moved, in 18TO, to his farm upon which he laid out the town, which was named in his honor. This gentleman did a very great deal in the way of donations and in using his influence for the advancement of the town. His death was much lamented, and the growth of the town was thereby retarded.

The first birth in the place was that of Josephine Ruch, a daughter of Uriah Ruch. Dr. J. J. Tremble was the first physician, and Dr. Scott came not long after him. The first Sunday school was held October 16, 1870, in Gen. Mansfield's dining-room. After this the Sunday school was held in the depot. In 1871 Mr. Bailey built and opened the first store of the town. Sam'l Alexander opened the second store in 1873. This store was owned by Alexander, Taylor & Co.

Churches. - It was probably through the influence of Mrs Mansfield more than that of any one else that the Episcopal church was erected about 1873 or 187-t. 'Tis a neat little chapel, and a credit to the town. In 1870 a minister was obtained from Champaign, and since that time missionary ministers have been employed. Albert E. Wells was the first minister.

Biographical Sketches

first meeting was held in the George Harver building. Jno. Burford, T. C. Wrench, Jas. H. Frieze, W. H. French, James Wolf, Levi Wolf and L. Clouser were charter members. The recent place of meeting has been over F. H. Ross' store; there are fifty -eight members, and the society is doing good in helping the poor.

Mansfield to-day is a growing town of over 400 inhabitants, has a good location, and is destined to become quite a town. It contains over a dozen business firms, and several new business houses have been recently erected. Mansfield has the neatest post-office in the county.

Lindsay chapel, in the northern part of Blue Ridge township, was built about 1877. Mr. Win. Lindsey donated the land and some money for the building.

Stations. - Blue Ridge and Yan Meter stations are situated above Mansfield, on the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific railroad. Both are shipping points for grain. The former station was established in 1877 and the post-office soon after. About 500,000 bushels of grain were shipped from Blue Ridge last year. Van Meter station was named for the Van Meter family.

Source changes here: from Past and Present of Piatt County, Illinois : Together with Biographical Sketches of Many Prominent and Influential Citizens, by McIntosh, Charles, published 1903; 298 words in this source stream.

Blue Ridge Township

Bounded as follows: Beginning at the N. W. corner of Sec. 18, T. 21 N.. R. 6 E., thence east on county lipe to the X. E. corner of the county, thence south on the county line to the S. E. corner of Sec. 24, T. 20. R. 6 E., thence west to the county line, thence in a northeasterly course along the county line to the place of beginning.

The brick house was built in; 1893 at a cost of about $12,000. It is a modern brick building of six rooms, heated by steam. A four years' high school course was adopted in 1902, and its work has been accredited by the State University. The principals are as follows :

The Gillespie is a modern one-room house, built in 1901. The McGath house was extensively repaired in 1902 and practically made into a new house, and the West Point school house was repaired and worked. over in 1903, and the Langley school in 1900. The Blue Ridge school house is brick, all the others are frame.

township are the following : William Pierce, Richard Webb, Jacob Denning, Joseph Aikens, Xoah Coffman, Mr. Gillespie, Lafayette Cox, James Watson, Mr. Keenan, Thomas Brothers.

The town of Mansfield was laid out in 1870 by Gen. J. L. Mansfield, and named in his honor. The first church building was an Episcopal church erected in 1873. The Wabash and Big Four Railroads cross at this place. It is a good grain market and thousands of bushels of grain are marketed here each year. It has two banks. The business part of the town is well improved, there being some modern brick store buildings. The Odd Fellows own a very nice building here. The population in 1890 was 533 : in 1900, 708.