Butler Grove Township

Butler Grove Township

When Butler Grove township was surveyed in 1819 it included one settler, who belonged, as we have shown before, to the Hillsboro settlement. Tins settler was Jacob Cress, who in 1818 entered a. farm in section 34. Mr. Cress came originally from North Carolina. It is well to note here that in coming across the prairies the early emigrants were compelled to follow Indian trails or buffalo paths in their journey. It. is related of Mr. Cress that he made this trip during the warmer months of the year and that lie found the Hies in such immense swarms that he could not travel by daw ami that it was only during the night and when the stars were shining that he could proceed on bis journey. Mr. Cress brought with him much live stock from his native state. and we find in a previous narrative the statement that to keep his hogs from being lost he supplied each with a little hell. Tn 1865 Jacob Cress, the pioneer, crossed to that other country, having completed bis course and having faithfully performed the service of a long and eventful life he might well enter into the joys which are prepared for those who have "fought the good fight." We have noticed at some length Jacob Cress, of Hillsboro township, who was the son of Jacob Cress, the pioneer. The next to locate in this township was Israel Seward, of Hamilton county, Ohio. In L819 .Mr. Seward pitched his tent on what is known to us as Seward's hill. Mr. Seward was the first school commissioner of the county and when teachers made their reports directly to the count] commissioner. As the state had provided a small allowance for each child enrolled, it was neeessan to make tins report to the school commissioner and receive this pittance in addition to the subscription fee paid by the parent. To the reader I would suggesl that when visiting the county seat he will find one of these old schedules, kept in 183? b\ Alexander Buie in East Fork township. On this schedule you will find the names of the Whittens, the Cresses, the Barringers and many others which were familiar to all the older settlers. The writer, to preserve tins document, had it framed in 1892. and it lianas in the other days. Mr. Seward left many descendants in the neighborhood of the village of Butler. Butler Seward, who was a brother to Israel Seward, made his settlement in Seward's Grove in 1829, and doubtless it is from this fact that the township derives its present name. Butler Seward, however, afterward removed northward to what was known as Seward's Point. This is located in Raymond township. In 1823 Obadiah Ware came from New Hampshire ami settled a paid, of section 15, and here he built one of the most pleasanl and attractive homein the county. I'pon this farm he resided for over half a century. William A. Young, who married a daughter of Mr. Ware, is the owner of the old homestead. Mr. Ware had other children: Mrs. Harris, wife of the late Thomas E. Harris; Elizabeth Westcott; and Henry Ware. A brother of Obadiah Ware was also an early settler of this township. His name was Benjamin, and. like his brothers, was one of the quiet, unassuming, though successful, farmers of Butler Grove. Justice Ware is a son of Benjamin Ware and succeeded to his father's estate. Ware's Grove, in Butler Grove township, receives its name from the Ware brothers, Obadiah and Benjamin. The wife of Obadiah Ware was a Miss Electa Post, of Addison county. Vermont. She died, however, in 1858, and Mr. Ware died in September, L876. David Ware'- father, 1 am informed, never came to this stale, but David Ware was tor many years among the most prominentcitizens of his township. lie lived northeast of Ware's Grove and much of his large estate included the black, heavy soil lying north and east of the mound. Lyman Ware. John Ware and other sons of David Ware are among the best citizens of our county. William II. Cass settled in tins town-hip on section 5 in 1824. Mr. Cass left several children, among whom is William ('ass. one of the largest landowners of the township, but who. some years ago, moved to the village of Raymond. The first mill built in the township was in 1825. It was a horsemill, so called because the power was supplied by horses. This was built by Jacob Cress. Sr. It was the only mil] within a radius of many miles, the nearest being Fogleman's i -< - ; >- per mill. This mill was operated in this way for a period of twenty years and was finally remodeled into a steam mill. Mr. Seward erected a mill about one mile south of the present village of Butler in 1839. This venture, being upon rather a, large scale, did not prosper, ami Mr. Seward soon found himself in financial embarrassment. Mr. Seward was not the man to let a. matter of this kind discouragi him. and when the gold fever of 1849 swept over the country Mr. Seward, in company with others, made l he overland journey to that western country, and there, in the "new Eldorado," he amassed considerable fortune, and he it saiil to his credit he returned to Illinois and paid all his outstanding obligations, lie disposed of the idd mill which had been his undoing, ami once more stood among his fellow men free from the obligations that had. in a made improvements in this township at an early date. Tin' farm is at present owned by John Grassell. Thomas A. Gray was another early settler of this township, and among those who at one time held Large estates mm lie mentioned Solomon Harkey, of Eillsboro; Henry Welge, John and William Turner, D.G. Burris, George Grassell, Muses Berry, Orlando Mack, James M. (icss, William Watson, John Clinesmith, Joseph Stickle, A. H. 11. Rountree, Absalom Cress. Charles W. .Jenkins. James Doyle, Isaac Doyle, E. M. Hodges. Roberi Bryce, William W. Keele and James M. Puntenney. Many of these estates, however, have changed owners within the past leu years. Charles W. Jenkins, at one time the efficient circuit clerk of Montgomery county, owned an estate immediately south of the village of Butler, and here his widow resides on the old homestead. An only son, Roto, manages the estate. A daughter, Camilla, who resides with her mother, was for a period of several years one of the leading teachers of the county. Moses Berry, one of the successful farmers and stockmen of the county, lives on a well-apportioned farm about one mile north of the village. Uncle Moses i.- a familiar figure in the little town, and though an octogenarian he is frequently seen at the county seat. He has for many years been connected with the school board of the Butler district, ami to his interest the Butler schools owe much of the superior standing which the) enjoy among the schools of our county. On a farm adjacent to Mr. Berry lives Jesse Barrett, ex-county superintendent of Montgomery county. We have alluded to Mr. Barreti in our article on the county in general. W. A. Young, who lives on the old Obadiah Ware estate, is not to he regarded as limited in his work ami reputation to the narrow confines of his township. Mr. Young .-lands among the best known horticulturists of the state, and for many years he has been a member of the hoard id' agriculture. Ai the Paris Exposition and also at Buffalo Mr. Young secured lirst prizes for fruit grown on his Butler Grove farm. Isaac and James Doyle, who settled in the northern part of the township, were gentlemen of the highest order. Thev were among thai class of farmers whose farms at once proclai) 1 them men of progressive ideas and habits of thrift - two qualities absolutely necessary to develop the highest character in any branch of industrial life. The writer i- glad to have been able to know these gentlemen among his true friends, and though they are no more numbered among the living it is a pleasure to reflect upon their good qualities as citizens and as friends. Robert Bryce, for thirty years and more township treasurer of the schools of that township, has become the trusted friend of the succeeding count)' superintendents of schools who have served in thai capacity during the long period of years in which Uncle Robert has made his annual report to that office. Robert Bryce is a native of Scotland and is a typical character of that rugged country. It is a pleasure to converse with him about the Scottish poets and statesmen. Ih' is familiar with the location of all the scene- described in Scott's "Lady of the Lake" and by Robert Burns, whose poems are as familial- in America as in his native land. The\ describe no quiet vale or mountain crag that Uncle Robert has not seen, for in his boyhood as a guide he pointed out each spot made famous in the song and story that tell of Scottish life. Orlando Mack was another of the earlier settlers of Butler Grove township. Ih' came to this county in 1840 and, being a millwright, he assisted in building and equipping many of the water nulls that were found in Montgomery county fiftv or sixty years ago. Orlando Mack left three daughters surviving him: Elizabeth, wife of William Nimmons; Myra, wife of George Walcott; and Ella. Oscar Mack came to this count) from New Hampshire with his father. Calvin Mack, about 1830 and settled on a farm in section 9, Butler Grove township. Calvin Mack died in 1845 and left Oscar Mack, then a lad of fifteen years of age, to assist his mother in the direction of the affairs of the farm and caring for the younger members of the family. Dexter Mack is the youngest of a family of six children left by Calvin Mack. At last accounts he was living on a farm about four miles north of Hillsboro. i (sear Mack died some vears nso and lefl surviving him Calvin 11., an only son, and several daughters, ('alia Mark, as be is called, ranks among our energetic and enterprising voung farmers. Ee lives on the estate formerly owned by his father. I >. C. Burris, who married Roselma, a sister of Oscar Mack, was another of those who have contributed much toward the development of Butler Grove. He succeeded in acquiring a Large homestead in the northwestern part of the township. He died smile years ago ami this estate has been divided among his children. George W. Brown, father of George W. Brown, Jr., came to Montgomery county in 1838. In 184] he was married to Miss Sarah A. Jenkins, daughter of Stroud and Rebecca Jenkins. The oldest son is George W., Jr.. of Butler, Illinois, lie has been engaged in the village in various lines of business during the past thirty years. At one time he owned and operated the elevator and mills at that place. For the past few years he has been engaged in general merchandising. Hi- sons, James and Frank, conduct a large hardware ami implement business in the city of Hillsboro. S'eott Hoes ami Charlie are engaged in general merchandising in the village of Butler ami they have, by strict business principles, built up a very large trade. They have a very extensive general stock, which enables them to supply their patrons with anything thai can he found in any well-arranged creneral stock anywhere. Frank McWilliams operates the elevator at this place lor Munday & Settlemeyer. Frank is of the pioneer Mc- Williams stock, ami his upright, business-like methods have won fur him many frii ads in his neighborhood. William Elliman, who lives in the vicinity id' the village, is another of the leading citizens of this township. Mi'- Elliman has been engaged in tanning ami stock-raising. He is interested, however, in whatever contributes to the bettermeni of the community. James Ward, who moved from Urn- d'Arc to Butler Grove township about twelve years ago, ranks as one of tin' first real estate men of the county, ami h\ his attention to his large farming interests and to his land deals he has become one of the financial strong men of Butler Grove township. We may sav for Mr. Ward that bis estate has been built up from a beginning so small that it was not. appreciable, and. though he enjoys a position of affluence to-day, no man can say that .lames Ward acquired any of his holdings by deception or indirection, lie is another whose latchstring is always out and the hospitality of his elegant home lie is every ready to extend with a friend. In closing I must not forget to mention my good friend, dames Sammons. Like Mr. Ward, the reputation of Mr. Sammons is not circumscribed, tor he is known by cattlemen throughout this entire section of the state. Possibly Mr. Sammons is the largest shipper of fat cattle in Montgomery county. This closes our narrative of Butler Grove township, and we hope to preserve in these pages the names id' sonic of the worthy citizens, living and dead, who have contributed to the progress and development of our county.

Realizing the importance that attaches to the press in everything that contributes to the well being of the community, we had promised to give a chapter in tin- volume exclusively to the press of the county. In pursuance of this idea we sent imitations to each of the editors of our county publications requesting that they furnish us with data concerning the history of each newspaper Inning a circulation among our people. I am sorry to be compelled to give only such facts as have come to me through outside sources, as but two among our several editors have responded to our invitation. Nevertheless we shall do the best that we can in the face of the fact that we have but little exact data at hand. The first newspaper published in Montgomery county was issued in 1838. II was called tin1 Prairie Beacon and was edited by Aaron Clapp in Hillsboro. After a period of eighteen months, during which there was continual financial embarrassment, Mr. Clapp suspended publication. We are told that the enterprise was unpopular by reason of its neutrality on all questions in which it should have been positive. An attempt to carrv water on both shoulders resulted in over- turning the pail. We have this condition of affairs just the same to-day as was experienced fifty years ago. A man or a newspaper must stand for something. IF he attempts to stand for everything, sooner or lain- he stands for nothing. In 1850 Frank and Cyrus Gilmore established tin- Prairie .Mirror, a Whig sheet politically, but advocating some of the doctrines taught by Douglas. In 1851 the Messrs. Gilmore sold the Prairie Mirror to William K. Jackson, who made Mr. C. D. Dickerson editor and foreman. This gentleman was tainted with the "Know Nothing" doctrine that swept over the country at this time, lie purchased the plant from Mr. Jackson in 1854 and continued as proprietor and editor until L856, when he changed the name to Montgomery County Herald. Shortly afterward he sold the Herald to Mr. .lames Blackman, dr.. who conducted it as a "Know Nothing" paper until 1858, when he sold the Herald to John W. Mitchell and Frank H. Gilmore. who conducted it as an independent paper until the commencement of the campaign of 1860. at which time Davis. Turner and Company bought it and commenced its publication as a Democratic paper during the campaign. Frank Gilmore repurchased the plant and continued it as a Democratic sheet until 18.62, when he sold the outfit to Mr. E. J. Ellis, a refugee from Missouri. Mr. Ellis in turn sold the concern to Ed L. Reynolds and Wilbur F. Stoddard. In 1865 E. J. ('. Alexander came in posse of the plant and changed the name to the Hillsboro Democrat, which name it retained through the several years of ownership of Mr. Alexander, who sold his interests to the late Ben 1-1. Johnson, who conducted it as a Democratic organ during a period of several years, when mi (lie death of Mr. Johnson, his son Emmet assumed editorship. The name has been changed since the purchase of the publication by Mr. Pdiss to the Montgomery News and under this heading it is known throughout southern and central Illinois. The present editors. C. W. F.liss and son. Clinton, are publishing one of the best country newspapers in the state. In politics it is Democratic, but not partisan to the extent of being offensive. The forecasts published in tin- news have attracted attention as matters of wit and sarcasm. Mr. Bliss has a style peculiarly his own and many of his pungent paragraphs are extensively quoted by publications in all parts of the country. Clinton Bliss, junior editor of the News. has won considerable reputation as a writer of stories for children. The Montgomery News has a very wide circulation and its popularity extends wherever it is read. The News Letter of Hillsboro was established by C. E. and Emma T. Bangs and was conducted by them as a Republican organ during the life time of the late Charles L. Bangs. Charles Truitt became proprietor and editor, which position he held until associated with B. F. Boyd. Mr. Boyd afterward purchased the interest of Mr. Truitt and was for some years sole proprietor and editor of the Journal, which name the publication now bore. On the appointment of Mr. Boyd as postmaster in Hillsboro. he sold the Journal to Josiah Bixler, who is its present proprietor, editor and owner. "Mr. Bixler has made the Journal a very excellent paper. It is Bepublican in politics, but in its editorials it. is clean and perfectly free from everything that may be considered questionable in character. The Journal has an extensive circulation and finds its way into most of the leading homes of Republican families and those of many Democrats within the county. Mr. Bixler. the editor, was for several years city superintendent of public schools of Hillsboro. He is a scholarly gentleman and wide awake to all that pertains to the interest of his city and his county. In 1867 E. J. C. Alexander sold to B. S. Hood, of Litchfield, the Monitor, a Republican organ, which Mr. Hood removed to Litchfield and published for a season at that place. Taylor and Kimball, of Bellville, purchased the plant from Mr. Hood and in turn sold it to Messrs. Coolidge i\- Litchfield. The former gentleman was the salaried editor of the Independent. This was in the latter part of the \ear of 1871. The office was removed to Empire Hall, where it remained until autumn of 1874. About this time Mr. Litchfield sold his interest to Mr. Coolidge. The latter gentleman remained in control until 1876, when he associated with him F. O. Martin as partner. In 1878 the concern was sold to Charles Walker and B. S. Hood. Shortly after Mr. Hood became sole proprietor and continued in that relation until 188] when J. G. Campbell became a partner. The Monitor established its reputation as a newsy publication under the management of B. S. Hood, but by far the ablesl writer on its editorial staff was the late 11. A. Coolidge. A1 present the Monitor is owned by Samuel Eessinger and he is also editor in chief and in addition to the publication of his paper as a weekly, he also issues the Daily News. The Monitor is one of the leading Republican papers in this section of the state. It lias a wide circulation and is ably edited. Mr. Kessinger being a gentleman of education ami ability, has by his enterprise built up one of the best paying newspaper plants in this section of the country. The Litchfield Herald, a Democratic organ, grew out of the necessities of the party to have an advocate in the metropolis of the county. Associated in the earlier management of the enterprise was the late Fred Beeman. After Mr. Beeman's time conns Kelley and Cornelius and in some way Walter S. Parrott was connected with its earlier management, but in what manner, the writer has forgotten. Later Robert P. Bolton and Mr. Kelley became sole proprietors of the concern. Later Mr. Kelley sold his interest to J. C. Wilson, who in turn resold to Mr. Bolton, since which time Mr. Bolton has been sole proprietor and editor. Under bis able management the Herald has secured a wide circulation and much valuable patronage. Mr. Bolton is a thorough gentleman and lias maintained for his paper under all circumstances the highest standard in its moral tone. He is a ready and versatile writer and his editorials would do credit to a metropolitan paper. Some twenty years ag ' more

C. E. Cook and Walter S. Parrott established a printing office in the village of Raymond. Here they issued a weekly publication. This was the beginning of the present plant owned bv J. W. Potts. He lias been the proprietor and editor of the Raymond Independent for several years and the success of the Independent in a financial way lias been almost unprecedented in the county. His paper carries the largest line of local ads of any similar publication in our comity, and the only criticism that can he passed by any one as to the independent is that its reading matter is limited because of the space given to advertisements. With all. Mr. Potts makes bis paper an attractive little sheet and it serves as a medium to push all the best interests of Raymond. Joseph \V Potts is a forceful and energetic newspaper man and in a wider Held would soon make his influence felt among men in his class. The [rving Tunes, edited by Aaron EL Vandever, contains a weekly report of the doings and undoings of the little village of Irving. Mr. Vandever being an ex-teacher tries to make his newspaper not only a digesl of the week s news, hut nearly always contains some observation of a character to educate and elevate its readers. Considering the limited territory in which his publication must derive its support, Mr. Vandever has succeeded extremely well. This gentleman comes of pioneer stock, hut his ancestry belongs to Christian county rather than lo Montgomery, lie is a nephew of the late Judge Vandever of Taylorviile. Some two or three years ago Harry Dean, a lad of eighteen or twenty summers, established a little paper in Paisley and called it the Search Light. The enterprise, not receiving sufficient patronage, was sold to Mr. Toy of Fillmore. This in turn after a publication of a short while sold its subscription to the Montgomery Democrat, of Coffeen, Illinois. As early as 1868 Nokomis could boast of a newspaper. This was devoted largely to the land interests of the county and had a free circulation. In 1871 Pickett and White c meneed the publication of the Gazette, hul the expenses of the concern wore too great ami il was sold to meet the incumbrances against it. In 1873 A. H. Draper commenced the publication of the Bulletin, which was continued through a period of several years. During this period, however, it had several publishers. In 1877 E. M. llulhert commenced the publication of the Free Press and in 1878 it was consolidated with the Gazette and has Icon known ever since as the Free Press-Gazette, Mr. F. M. Hulbert, editor and publisher. II. M. Graden published a paper called the Atlas hut not receiving much support, it suspended in 1881. In connection with the Free Press-Gazette Mr. F. M. Hulbert began the publication of the Deutscb Amerikaner. This was the firs1 German paper ever published in this section of the state. Mr. Hulbert sold his newspaper interests to Joseph Wilde, who for several years was sole editor and publisher. Mr. Wilde has since aboui L900 associated with him Mr. Henry Webster. Mr. Wilde, being a man of considerable means, lias always been able tn supply his printing oilier with the very hest materials and Ins papers have received a wide patronage. His job printing is perhaps tv. His German paper has a circulation covering several counties in tins part of the slate. Mr. Wilde is a Large contributor to all public enterprises connected with the city of Nokomis and he takes a delight in conserving the moral interests of his town. His wife is a daughter of "Uncle" Mike Ohlman ami has inherited from her parents the same cordial and hospitable spirit which they always manifest. Henry Webster, formerly engaged in agriculture hut recently associated with Mr. Wilde in his newspaper enterprises, is one of the genteel, up-to-date, business men of Nokomis. His late wife was a Miss Mat tie Forehand and it was the privilege of the writer to spend a few months of his school life associated with her as a student at the old Hillsboro Academy. He remembers her as one of the brightest and best students in that institution. Her disposition was one of calm and dignified reserve, hut at the same time a brilliant conversationalist and pleasant entertainer. She was the mother of two sons in whom she took great pride. She lived to see them complete their education and enter upon the purpose of life. Henry Webster socially and morally makes his influence felt in the community in which he lives. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and takes greal interest in the Sabbath-school, Epworth League and the other church work. The Nokomis Progress, W. P. Hagthrop, editor ami publisher, is a newsy little sheet. In politics it is Democratic, of the William J. Bryan brand. However, he carried the Parker ticket at the mast head of the Progress. In addition to the weekly issue Mr. Hagthrop publishes a monthly magazine which is devoted to educational interests and to 1 1n* cultivation of the taste for better lit. ratine. The magazine also devotes considerable space to the social life of Nokomis. All in all. the Progress is worthy the support and patronage of Nokomis people. Some ten years ago Frank Bolt established a paper at Coffeen and called it the Enterprise. He published it for several months and sold to John W. Whitlock. who after an experience of a little while, sold to Lot Pennington and after Pennington came 0. A. Jewett. who was really the first newspaper man to make a success of the business in the village. After a time Mr. Jewett sold the Mercury, as the paper was now known, to William H. McCracken and Walter Roberts. Later, however, Mr. Roberts bought McCracken's interest and has operated the plant ever since. Under the name of the Montgomery Democrat Mr. Roberts has succeeded in building up one of the best newspapers in the county. He has a large cylinder press and gets out one of the cleanest little papers to he found anywhere. Mr. Roberts is a clear, forceful writer, and nothing of an offensive character ever appears in his column. The paper represents the Democratic side of public questions, yet it is always open to any investigation that will lead to the establishment of truth. The Montgomery Democrat has an extensive patronage in this part of the county and the merchants of Coffeen who patronize its columns contribute to the support of a very worthy enterprise. Walter E. Roberts is a young man about thirty years old. Some years ago he married Miss Lillie Mc- Giffin, of his home town. They have a very bright little girl in whom they take especial pride. We have given in this brief article a mere survey of what is being done by the press in Montgomery county. We hope, however, that our friends, the editors, will take for "deed," and remember that we appreciate in advance their kindly criticisms.

War History Of Montgomery County

a home in the closing years of their lives. Anion-- these was Harris Revice, whose daughter married Joseph Wright. she being the mother of Harris Wright and Elijah Wright, yet living, and "Yank" Wright, deceased. W'ooten Harris was another, father of William 1!. and Benjamin Harris and grandfather of William Harris, of Bingham, and the late Wooten Harris, of Hillsboro. Ezra Bostick, t'ather-in-law of duel Knight, and great grandfather of W. J. McDavid, our present county superintendent. The fourth was an old Uncle John Owens, who settled on a farm near that made by Xewton Coffey, the pioneer. He was father-in-law of the late Samuel Bartlett, of [rving. In the war of 1812 might be enumerated several who came and settled in this county after our second war with England: William McDavid, John Harrison. Sr., Thomas Allison, .lames Mann. William Allen. Elijah Davis and doubtless others whose names we have failed to secure. In the war of 1832 in Levi D. Boone's company, Second Regiment Whiteside's Brigade I find this list: Levi D. Boone, captain; James G. Hinman, first lieutenant: and Absalom Cress, second lieutenant; sergeants, C. G. Blockberger, M. H. Walker. Israel Fogleman and William McDavid; corporals, John Prater, A. T. Williams, Cleveland S. Coffey and Xewton Street; privates, James Brown, Samuel L. Briggs. Harrison Brown. Colbart Blaire, IT. C. Bennett. Peter Cress, G. W. Canins, John Crabbtree, George E. Duff. Michael Fannin. William Griffith, James Grisham, Johnson Hampton, James Hawkins. Benjamin Holbrook, Joshua Hunt, Samuel Ishmael. William Jordan. Artishua If. Knapp, Ephriam Killpatrick, Stephen Killingworth, George E. Ludewiek. Roberl A. Long. John K. McWilhanis. Thomas J. Mansfield, William Mayfield, Barnabus Michael, Samuel Peacock, Eli Robb, James M. Rutledge, William Roberts, William D. Shurley, Daniel Steele. Curtis Scrubener, Thomas Jefferson Todd, McKinzie Turner James I',. Williams, Easton Whitton, Benjamin R. Williams and James Young. These men were mustered out of the service at the mouth of Fox river on the Illinois river May 28, 1832, two hundred and ten miles distant from the place of enrollment. Hiram Rountree's company. Second Regiment, Third Brigade, organized Ma\ 31, 1832, and mustered out id' the .service August Hi. 1832. Hiram Rountree, captain; John Kjrkpatrick, first lieutenant; Thomas Phillips, second lieutenant ; sergeants Andrew K. Gray, John Stone. Samuel Jackson, David B. Star; corporals, Spartan Grisham, Malalri Smith, Thomas McAdams, Thomas Edwards; privates, Clement Aydlott, John Brown. John Briggs, Joseph Burke, James M. Berry. Levi W. Booher, Cleveland Coffey, David Copeland, John Corlew, James Cardwell, John Duncan, Thomas Earley, Thomas Evans, Almond Forehand, William Griffith, Thomas Cray, Alexander R. Cray, John Hart, George Tlarkey, John M. Holmes, William Harkey, Thomas W. Heady, Thomas C. Hughes, John Hannah, Alfred Johnson, William Jones. Jesse Johnson. Thomas Johnson. James Lockerman, John K. Long, John McCurey, Malcolm McPhail, David T. McCullough, Horace Mansfield. Axrin Mc- Culloch, Robert McCulloch, John M. McWilliams, William McDavid. Samuel Paisley, Thomas Potter, James Toller. Jacob Rhodes. Willis Rose. Luke S. Steel. Thomas Sturdevant. Zjchedee Shirley. John Slater, William M. Tenis, James Wilson. David M. Williams, William S. Williams, Joseph W. Wilson, Thomas Wood, Thomas Williford. William lTmng. These two companies form the roll of those who served in the Black Hawk war. Several of these have died within the last few years and only a fortnight ago John Corlew. the only survivor, answered the last roll call and has gone to join his comrades on the other side. In the Mexican war Company C Third Regimen, was commanded by Colonel Ferris Format! and discharged from service Ma\ 21, 1847; James C. McAdams, captain; first lieutenant, Thomas'Rose; second lieutenants. John Burke and John Corlew; sergeants, James M. Williford. Miles Morris and Jesse J. McDavid; corporals, William Stephenson, Benjamin Blockberger, Charles II. Rutlidge; lifers. Joseph Mapes, James F. Withers] i : privates,

T. I mis. John M. Lingle, Thomas McWilliams, Joseph McPhail, .lames McPhail, Thomas Mapes, Joseph Penter, John Pruitt, Major Pruitt, George W. Rose, A. B. Star. Wilej B. Smith, J. M. Scott, John Turrentine, A. B. Thomas. William II. Varner, Joseph G. Wright, Thomas F. Wright, .lames S. Williams. Jarrett Wright, J. C. Wilson. .lames B. McDavid, J. M. Quellman; privates discharged on sergeant's certificate: Isaa'C .1. Bishop, William I'. Collier. Martin A. Cress, .loel N. Fogleman, Edwin E. Grubbs, Samuel P. King, Isaac Lewey, William B. MeCaslin, Thomas A. Norman, Eli Peacock, William Seymour, .lames Walker; those who died in the service: Robert Williamson, Elija Isaacs. William IT. Barnett, Moses Barringer, William C. Burke, George Bryant, Levi Card, John J. Coleman, John C. Gastain, Henry Hill. William S. Halford, Ezra P. Knight, E. G. Lazenby, Charles W. Lynch, Alex. W. Pierson, Franklin Boner and John A. Williams. Those who died in the service were located at Matamoris ami Camargo ami T find thai but one. Levi Card, died of wounds. These he receivedin the battle of Corgordo, but his death took [dace at Galapa. I had intended to give a list of those who entered the service of the late Civil war from this county, hnt T find that it is hardlynecessary at this time as it requires hut little effort to liml in the adjutant general's report of Illinois a complete roster of all the names of those who entered the service from this county ami 1 would advise those who desire in interest themselves in looking over thai honored list to secure the report which 1 have mentioned and there you will liml a complete record of their services, the time spent in hospitals, those who died (iii the battle-field or those who died from tin' effects of wounds received in battle, those who succumbed to disease and also whether the\ were deserters ot whether they received an honorable discharge. I feel that 1 have given all that is required at this time concerning our war historv.

Banks are essential to the business interests of a community and Montgomery county is no exception to the riih'. Early in the history of Eillsboro Robert W. Davis organized a private banking concern with hut small capital. This institution later received an addition ami was known as the Ilaskill. Davis & Company Bank of Hillshoro. In 1862 a branch was extended to the city of Litchfield. This banking venture seems to have been profitable during it- earlier vears. About five years thereafter the Litchfield branch became known as the Haskill. Seymour & Company Bank. Mr. Seymour having purchased the interest of Mr. Davis. Mr. Harris became identified with the Hillshoro end of the concern and that hank was afterward known as the Haskill-Harri< & Company Bank of Hillshoro. ilr. Harris having purchased the interests of Mr. Davis. About the year 1869 Mr. Ilaskill removed to Alton ami Judge Brewer of Hillshoro hecame identified with the Litchfield hank and the linn name was changed to Brewer. Seymour & Company with S. M. Grubbs as cashier. For a period of several years this hank continued under this management. Later, however, Mr. Seymour retired and Mr. Grubbs hecame the associate of Mr. Brewer and the firm name was changed I" Brewer & Grubbs Bank, city of Litchfield. This institution has been one of the soundest hanking concerns in this section of the state. Later it has been changed into a national hank. S. M. Grubbs, president, Eli Miller, cashier. At the present time the deposits of this institution are the largest of any banking house in our county. The Hillshoro hank, known as the Farmers- Mechanics Bank, failed in L878 and three vears later it was followed by the failure of the Haskill-Harris Bank, which had been considered a very solvent institution, though the failure of two banking concerns in so short a time in the city of Eillsboro did not destroy the faith of the business men in that town in hanking concerns if properly conducted. The failure of the Farmers Mechanics Bank was indeed a great misfortune as it cast a shadow over the reputation of its promoter, the late A. H. H. Rountree, only son of Judge Ebuntree, the pioneer. Many theories have been advanced as to lli<' cause of this failure, but nothing satisfactory seems to have been uncovered. That tbr country had just passed through a most severe panic and that possibly the depreciation in the value of securities held by the bank resulted in losses that finally compelled the sus.- pension as late as L878. Those who knew Aaron Rountree have never been Full)' able to bring themselves to that point where they could believe him guilty of deliberate peculation. Mr. Rountree died shortly afterward and it is the opinion of his very warm friends that his death was directly the result of the bank's failure. That he could not return to those who in confidence had trusted their moneys to him so crushed his spirit that lie sunk beneath the weight id' this reverse, paying the extreme penalty of his misfortune, his life was made the forfeit and what more can a man give than this? The failure of the Haskill-Harris Bank was traceable to the effort which tin1 hank made to finance certain enterprises in the city of llillsboro. These enterprises proved non-productive and shrinkage in value in an extent that meant to the bank almost complete less of its advances, forced a suspension in 1881. In the city of Litchfield as early as 1860 John W. Haggart opened a private bank in Beardsley's jewelry store. Ha vine- hut little capital, he soon closed his accounts and abandoned the business. Nathan Kenyon under a special charter organized the Litchfield Bank and witli a paid up capital of twenty thousand dollars opened for business in 1870. Half the stock of this institution was held in Brockfort, New York. and half by citizens of Litchfield. This institution did not prove a financial success and Konvon sold his stock to Litchfield parties and retired. The stockholders reorganied the business under the firm name of Beech, Davis & Company, of which D. Davis became manager and D. Van Deusen was made cashier. Tor many years this banking institution has been one of the strongest of the county. It was changed to the M. M. Martin & Company Bank, under which name it flourished until 1902, when it was reorganized. The moving spirits in the organization of the new banking concern was 0. B. Munday and D. 0. Settlemeyer. The Martin interests were purchased by a company consisting of several wealthy citizen- of Litchfield ami a certain trust company of St. Louis, Missouri. It is a state hank and is organized with a capital slock of one hundred thousand dollars. 1 -. (i. Settlemeyer is president ami strongest statebanking institutions in this section of Illinois, having at present total assets exceeding four hundred thousand dollars. The Eillsboro National Hank was organized some fifteen years ago with Charles A. Ramsey, president, ami Luther Beck as cashier. Since its organization its history has 1 n one of continued prosperity. It has a capital stock of sixty thousand dollars and besides paying large dividends on its stock it has accumulated a surplus of forty thousand dollars. Stock in this concern has recently sold at. two hundred per cent par value. Some three years ago Mr. Beck resigned his position as cashier to take charge of a banking house in Kansas, and Edward Miller was promoted from assistant cashier to tin1 position vacated by Mr. Beck. In this important and responsible place Mr. Miller has proven his fitness and at present is regarded as one of the hest posted and most thoroughly informed in matters of banking of our many efficient cashiers. C. A. Ramsey is well known throughout banking circles in this section of the state and his opinion is sought by banking interests in the adoption of new and untried theories relative to the business of hanking. All i lie concerns at present engaged in business in safe and but little sympathy is felt for him who loses sums of money by trying to bide it away in secrei place about, his home instead of placing it in a bank.

The Glen Brothers organized under a state charter soon after the failure of the Haskill- Harris Bank, the Montgomery County Loan & Trust Company Bank of Hillsboro. Associated with the Messrs. Glen were some of the financially strong men of that city. This bank at once inspired confidence among the business interests of the country and it was not long until the farmers and stock men began to patronize this institution. James Glen was for many years president of the bank and .Tames Blackburn was ils cashier. Succeeding Mr. Black- burn came Eli .Miller and following him James B. Barringer assumed the duties of thai very important position. Under the wise management that has governed this banking house, it same time it lias strengthened its credit and increased the value of its stock by the accumulation of a good surplus. Joel K. McDavid succeeded James Glen as president of this hank some few years ago and the interests of the concern have not lost by the change. We regret that wo have not been furnished with a statement giving the actual condition of this hank. bid we are in position to give this assurance that it is among the safest hanking houses in central Illinois.

The private hank of John Ball was organized under the name of the Farmersville Bank several years ago and being the only hanking institution at that time in the northern part of the county, it received a wide patronage. The sterling integrity of John Ball gave the hank immediate standing among financial concerns throughout the country. It is one of the strongest private banks in this section of the state and the deposits are among the largest of any bank in our county. Another hanking institution is located at Waggoner and while we are not personally acquainted with the management, we have the assurance from parties living in that vicinity that the hank is a safe and conservative concern Inning good patronage among the farmers and husincss men of that section. The private hank located at Irving enjoys a very g I patronage and its stockholders receive dividends that satisfy the most exacting. Milton Berry is the very gentlemanly cashier of this bank and Dr. R. V. Parkhill is its president. We are not in position to give the amount of stock nor the deposits which tins bank carries. Bliss & Allen organized the Fillmore Bank about fifteen years ago and from its inception it has been well patronized. L. ( '. Allen is the president and Frank Herron is cashier of this institution. This bank, being located at considerable distance from Eillsboro anil Nokomis, has become a place id' deposit for a wide territory, and the reputation of Mr. Allen as a safe and conservative husincss man paying hanking houses in the county. In 1900 C. F. Edwards established the Bank of Coffeen at that place ami at ahoui the same time A. Studebaker and George W. Buffer put in the American Exchange Bank in the same town. While there has been a division of the hanking husincss, yet both of these institutions have paid the promoter.- large dividends on the -lock held l.\ them. The Bank of Coffeen has at the present time a very fair deposit ami is regarded as a sound institution. Since last January William T. Edwards has been president and ('. F. Edwards cashier of this hank. Arrangements are being perfected to convert the Bank of Coffeen into a national bank, beginning operation January 1. too."). Mr. A. Studebaker, proprietor of the American Exchange Bank, conducts a. loan and exchange husincss and his careful, prudent methods have secured for him a very nice husincss. In Bin-.1 ('. ( '. Mansfield established a private hank in the village of Donnellson and at once it became a paying institution through the patronage of the husincss men and farmers in that community. Thus it will lie seen that the private banking concerns of Montgomery county, although numerous, are all doing a thriving husincss. We account for this through the fact that for the past several years the business interests of our county have been very prosperous and from an agricultural point of view no county in the state has fared better. The diversified character of the farming interests of Montgomery county gives to it a continuous and generous income throughout i he year, which was not the case during the wheat age of the county. About eighteen or twi'iii\ years ago John Green established a private hank in the village of Raymond ami a few years thereafter he sold his business to B. F. Culp, who so managed the affair as to secure a \or\ strong line of deposits and a wide patronage. Mr. Culp, however, sold out his private banking concern to a party of gentlemen in 1902, who established the Raymond National Bank with William 11. Cass as president and James I-".. McDavid as cashier. This banking house is another of the strong banking con- cerns of our county. Approximating the deposits of the several banks of Montgomery county, we should place them on a reasonable estimate ;it one million five hundred thousand dollars, and my personal experience within the Last few months enables me to state that loans can be secured on good collateral at from one to one and one-half per cent lower rates of interest than can be secured on the same class of collateral in counties lying wholly within the com licit, and where the land is selling at from a hundred ami twenty-five dollars to a hundred ami seventy-five dollars per acre. But few banks in the county pay interest on time deposits and the practice is not looked upon by the more conservative element as being in harmony with the best banking rules. However, we would state that some of the strongest hanks in this section pay a small rate of interest to time depositors. A. J. Williford, cashier of the Nokomis National Panic, has at our request furnished us with an article discussing the several phases of national banking. In connection with hi- article he presents a statement of the Nokomis National Bank.

National Banks

The national hank act was horn of the sore need nf the government in time of war, and like many another matter that is the fruit of necessity, has thoroughly proved its usefulness. When, after nearly two years of hitter warfare between the armies of the north and south, the necessity for a large increase in the fighting forces in the north, with all that that implies, was made apparent; when the unwelcome fact of the unpreparedness of the Federal government fur war was plainly manifest; when the credit of the nation was so impaired that it could no longer find a market for its bonds; when f\-i-ry expedient known under such conditions had been resorted to and failed to meet the requirements; when the officers of government were brought at last face t,. face with the appalling fact that money, lots of monev, must he had. then the great war secretary. Chase, who had seen tins situation coming, placed hefore congress a plan which he bad devised for the chartering, not of a national hank, hut of a system of national hanks by the Federal government, each hank to he purely a local affair and entirely independent in itself, subject only to the regulation and supervision of the national government. His plan embodied the two essentia] needs of government - that each hank should l>e compelled to buj government bonds to the amount of twenty-five per cent of their capital, ami might issue circulating notes up to ninety per cent of the value of the bonds.

Capitalists were slow, at first, to take advantage of this law. hut gradually it found favor and the government at Washington emitted a sigh of relief. The national hanks organized could, and did. provide a market for government bonds, not only for circulation purposes, hut for investment also. Although there have icon many amendments, the law is to-day substantially the same as originally conceived. < hie of the latest amendments authorizes the organization of hanks with twenty-five thousand dollars capital, fifty thousand dollars having been the minimum heretofore.

One provision worthy of note is that out of the net profits of each hank ten per cent of such profits must be placed in a surplus fund until the surplus amounts to twenty per cent of the capital stock. This is for the purpose of meeting any losses that may occur from loans or investments that prove to he partly or wholly uncollectible, without impairing the capital of the hank.

There are restrictions that tend to make the national hanking system one of the best in the world. National hanks are forbidden to lend more than ten per cent of their capital to ;m\ one person or Brm. They can not fie up their funds in real estate loans, which are usually for long time. They are subject to examination without notice by an official examiner appointed by tin' comptroller of the currency as often as comptroller may require it. not ]<>s< than once each year. For some years past this has been done twice annually. They must publish -worn comptroller, such publication being in a newspaper published in the county in which the bank is located. They must at all times have at least fifteen per cent of the amount of their deposits in cash, either in their own vault or in the vaults of reserve agents (other national banks in reserve cities), approved by the comptroller. As a matter of fad must national banks keep thirty, forty, sometimes fifty per ceni on hand and with reserve agents.

Each national bank must redeem the circulating note- of any other national bank as well as its own. and the treasurer of the United States must redeem them all. For this purpose each national bank must keep on deposit with the treasurer an amount equal to five per cenl "f its circulating notes.

All the expenses of the bureau having charge of national banks - the comptroller of the currency - as W<?H as the salaries of the examiners, express charges on currency, etc., are paid by the hanks, in part by a tax on their circulation and in part direct. When yon add to all this that provision of the law that each stockholder in a national hank is liable to depositors not only for the full amount of the stock they own. hut an e.ptal amount in addition, you have as much safety for those doing business with them as seems possible to have, or as is required.

It may interest the general reader to see the manner in which National hanks are required to publish reports of their condition that th«' public may know from time to time just how their affairs stand, so I have included an exact copy of the official report of the Nokomis National Bank, of Nokomis. Qinois, made to the comptroller of the currency by his order. showing the condition of this hank at the close of business September 6, 1904.

Bank Report

I. A. .1. Williford, Cashier of the above named bank, do solemnly swear that the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. A. .T. Williford, Cashier.

Perhaps the most beneficial effects brought aboui by the national bank acl which was fell I > \ the public was the elimination of the ten thousand differani varieties of the old state bank notes, whose value was problematical from day to day. and which, to enable the holders to know their value, required the help of the l.i i I \ publication of the "Bank Note Reporter" without which no hank could do business safely. and even with which they were always in grave doubt as to what the next day would bring forth. By placing a tax on these state bank noie- much heavier than that imposed on the national currency the state notes were gradually retired until those hanks which were solvent had redeemed all their issue, while those which were insolvent went into bankruptcy.

A careful study of the law creating and controlling national hanks, and a just comprehension of the beneficial results of this act viewed in the light of the history of their accomplishments in the last forty-two years, will enable an] one to appreciate the far sighted wisdom of Salmon I'. Chase, the congress which passed the lav. and President Lincoln who signed the bill February 25, L862.

The Eillsboro National Bank began its corporate existence September 15 and opened its doors for business ISTovember 6, 1882, with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars and the following list of stockholders, namely: William Brewer, William II. Brewer, Edward Lane, Samuel R. Thomas, John .7. McLean. Charles A. Ramsey, George M. Raymond, Thomas C. Kirkland, Thomas E. Harris. Eenry Priedmeyer, (diaries II. Messimore, George W. Brown Jr.. Charles 0. Brown. William Watson and Moses Berry. Of these fifteen original stockholders only five now have any holdings in the hank, six having died and four having disposed of their stock. William H. Brewer. E. Lane, George M. Raymond. George W. Brown Jr.. Thomas E. Harris and Charles A. Ramsey constituted the first board of directors. Charles A. Ramsey was chosen president : William II. Brewer, vice-president, and (Jeorge

M. Raymond, cashier. Judge Lane and Mr. Ramsey alone remain of the original board of directors, and Mr. Ramsey has the sole distinction of serving continually the same position from the organization until this date. Judge Lane having resigned during his term of service in congress.

in the twenty-two years since its organization the Eillsboro National Bank has hail three cashiers. George M. Raymond, from September lo. L882, to his death in July. 1884 ; Luther M. Beck, from October 1. 1884, to June 15. 1902, when he resigned to go to another field, ami E. J. Miller, who hail previously acted as bookkeeper and assistant cashier, from June 15, 1902, to the present time. In 1894 the capital stock was increased to $60,000 and ten more stockholders added, six of whom still have their names on the stock hooks. In 1S93 the building now accupied by them was erected. The board of directors as at present constituted are: Judge E. Lane. Judge George R. Cooper, W. M. Abbot, George N. Allen, E. M. Stubblefield, C. W. Bliss and C. A. Ramsey.

As evidence of the conservative ami careful policy pursued by its officers it may be stated that iii the twenty-two years of its corporate existence this institution has found it neees- -ar\ to charge oil' as had debts only $236 or less than eleven dollar- per annum. It may be of interest to the public, as showing the growth of this bank as well as indicating the material prosperity of the surrounding country, to present side by side a summary of the first statement of condition made by the Eillsboro National Bank upon call of the comptroller of the currency December 30, 1*82, and the last one made September 6, 1904: