Canton Township (part 2 of 6)

On the 19th of January, 1850, the church extended a unanimous call to Rev. E. Marsh, a New-School Presbyterian minister, to the pastoral charge. Rev. Edward Marsh was thus made the fourth pastor of the Congregational Church. He was a gentleman of culture, kind and genial in his character, and a failspeaker. He filled the office very acceptably to the church and congregation, until in August, 1865 - a period of fifteen years. During his administration the church continued to increase in numbers and influence. He left Canton with the general goodwill of the community, as well as of the membership of his church and congregation.

On the 2d of January, 1866, the committee on ministerial supply announced that they had secured the services of Rev. Henry Mills for an indefinite period. Mr. Mills, however, declined to take the pastorate, but consented to remain until the new church could be finished. Mr. Mills was a gentleman of more than average ability, an eloquent pulpit orator, and it is to be regretted that he was not willing to remain in charge of the church.

During Mr. Mills's stay, the present Congregational house of worship was completed, at a cost of $18,000. It is not exaggeration to say that to Mr. Mills is due very much of the credit for the early and successful completion of the church edifice. It is situated on the east side of Fourth street, between Union and Illinois streets, and in point of architecture is not surpassed by any church edifice in the city. It was dedicated to the service of Almighty God on Tuesday, the 15th day of January - Rev. Edward Beecher, of Galesburg, a brother of Henry Ward Beecher, delivering the Dedicatory Sermon.

Rev. Edward Bates, the present pastor of the church and its first Congregational pastor, was called to and accepted the position of pulpit supply with the pastorate in view, on the first Sabbath in January, 1867, at a permanent salary of $1,250 per annum. Mr. Bates was from Grass Lake, Michigan. He is a plain, unostentatious man, a fair pulpit orator, a gentleman of culture, deep, earnest piety, and eminently adapted to the discharge of the delicate duties of the pastoral office. He has continued from the first to grow into the affections of his congregation, until he is now endeared to them as a pastor, a friend, and a counselor, to an extent that secures for him great opportunities for usefulness. Mr. Bates was, by vote of the church, on the 15th of August, 1867, elected and installed pastor.

This church has been blessed, from its organization, with a continued prosperity. Constant accessions have been made to its membership, until at present it is one of the leading church organizations in the city. The present membership is 130 resident and a large list of non-resident members.

TUB first settler in Joshua township was Joshua Moores, who immigrated to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1819, and to Fulton county in 1824. Mr. Moores settled on the place well known as the Moores farm, west of Canton five miles. Mr. Moores was accompanied by his son-in-law John "Walters, who was killed at Stillman's defeat in 1832. Mr. Moores was a Methodist, and at his house were held many of the earliest Methodist meetings. Here, surrounded by a few of the pioneers, David W. Barnes, the Sergeants, the Buffums, John Hannan and his family, old Father Fraker, John Owens, Jacob Ellis, and a few others, Rev. - - Randall, Smith L. Robinson (the one-eyed preacher) and Peter Cartwright would preach sermons full of primitive fire and religious zeal. At his house were held the class-meetings and love-feasts, and here were held the merry-makings wherein those present had rarer sport than is known to the silk and velvet gentry of the present fast age.

John Walters left a widow and four children, who still survive him. Jennie Walters will be remembered by all the old settlers as a devoted Methodist, a warm-hearted, impulsive woman, a strong Democrat, and a good neighbor. The author desires 'here to express his obligation to her for valuable information furnished for this work. Mrs. Walters now resides in Rushville, Illinois.

The Public Square

THE Public Square formed a portion of Nathan Jones's First Addition to the Town of Canton. It was proposed originally to give to the public for a public square one whole block, extending from Main to Prairie street east and west, and from Union to Elm street north and south. This proposition,however, from some unknown cause, Avas not carried into effect, and when the survey was made the Public Square was limited to one-half its present area, extending from Union street south to the alley which divides the block. The two lots south of the alley were given as a donation to the Presbyterian house of worship which was erected upon one of them. It was not until in about 1841, after the removal of the church from the Public Square, that Deacon Jones - who had not previously deeded the lots, although intending so to do, - by an arrangement between the two branches of the Presbyterian Church after the separation, deeded the lots in question, thereby making the square its present size. The deed to these lots was not immediately put upon the records, and as a result of this neglect they were assessed and sold for taxes, and purchased by Ahira Saunders. Mr. Saunders undertook, in about 1842, to obtain possession, but was met by the deacon's deed to the public, and, as public property was not taxable, his speculation failed.

Prior to 1830 the business of the town, as well as most of the residences, were on "Wood street; and in that year, when Joel Wright and Childs & Stillman commenced business, they located their stores on that street. In about 1830 the first building was erected on the Square : it was a log house, built by Richard Stevens, a brother-in-law of Isaac Swan, and was about where Mansfield's brick store-house now stands, on the south side.

In 1832 Joseph Anderson built a cabin on the lot now occupied by Ingersoll's store on the west side. Mr. Anderson moved into this house to be near the Fort at Esquire Wright's, during the Black-Hawk War.

In 1833 Louis Bidamon erected the first frame house on the Square. This house was a very low one-story house, long and narrow, and stood about where the house of Mrs. Graham now stands on the east side.

In 1834 Messrs. Tryon & McCutcheon built and occupied the first store-house on the Square. This was a frame building, and a part of it is still standing, on the west side, near the original location, and is occupied by Chauncey Webster as a grocery store. Messrs. Tryon & McCutcheon sold out, a few years later, to Messrs. Markley & Solomon. The property afterward passed into the hands of Dr. J. R. Walter, who remodeled it and occupied it as a residence for many years.

Messrs. Tryon & McCutcheon sold out to Messrs. Markley & Solomon in May, 1$3G. The Mr. Solomon of this firm was the well-known - to old settlers - Joel Solomon, for many years circuit clerk of the county. Pie now resides in Mills county, Iowa.

Judge David Markley was the senior partner. In November, 1836, Mr. Markley purchased Mr. Solomon's interest in this store, and became sole proprietor, continuing in business until 1839.

Mr. Markley was a man eminently fitted for pioneer life. A large, powerful man, a wit, and at the same time a man of sound judgment, he soon became prominent among the pioneers. He had filled the offices of county judge in Champaign county, Ohio, and of colonel of a regiment in the War of 1812, previous to his emigration, and was very soon after his immigration identified with the public interests of the people with whom he had cast his lot. In 1838, two years after his settlement in the county, he was elected to fill a vacancy in the State Senate, caused by the resignation of Judge Hackleton,'and was twice reolected, making his term of service ten full years. In 1847 he was elected a member of the Convention to form a new Constitution for the State of Illinois, and was one of its most influential members. About the same time Governor Ford appointed him a member of the Board of Canal Commissioners. While acting in this capacity, he selected the lands granted by the United States Government to the state in aid of this enterprise. In 1844 Judge Markley removed from Canton to Banner township, near Monterey, where he remained until 1856, when he again removed to Nebraska; but, not satisfied with that territory, he soon returned, and settled in Stark county, near Rochester in Peoria county. He still resides in the same neighborhood, although at present in Peoria county. Mr. Markley now, at 80 years, still preserves his mental vigor.

In about 1836 Messrs. Brooks & Cogswell opened a,store on the Public Square, in a long frame building which stood on the east half of the lot now occupied by Bell's block. They continued in business until about 1839.

In the fall of 1835 Jno. C. Willis erected a frame building for hotel purposes on the Public Square, on the lot immediately south of the lot now occupied by the Graham building, on the west side. This hotel was rented to a Mr. Williamson and David Russell, who run it a short time and then gave place to Frederick Mennert, who, in his turn, was succeeded by Hugh R. Smith. Mr. Smith's successor was David Collins. Ih about 1841 Thos. Wills took the house, and remained its proprietor until about 1853 or '4.

In 1836 Messrs. Steel & Ballard occupied one of the groundfloor rooms of this house as a store-room. Mr. Steel was the sonin-law of Ossian M. Ross. He came in 1836, and remained a resident of Canton until his death, which occurred very suddenly in 18 - . His widow, a very estimable lady, still resides in the city.

In 1836 Messrs. Shinn & Vittum erected a store-house on the southwest corner of the Public Square, as a business house. This store was occupied by Mr. Shinn up to the time of his death.

The first brick store-room on the Public Square was erected by Mr. John Blackadore, in 1845. It was on the south side, on the lot he now occupies. This was an old-fashioned brick, two stories high, and was burned in 1865.

In 1848 Mr. S. Smith built the second brick on the Square, on the lot east of Mr. Blackadore's building. This building was afterward purchased by the Messrs. Babcock, and was known as the "Regulator." It was burned in 1865, in the same fire that destroyed Mr. Blackadore's building.

_-' The same season, T. Maple erected the first three-story brick block in the city, on the southeast corner of the Public Square. It is the building now known as Odd-Fellows' Block. In this building were the first box window-frames ever put into a building in Canton. The fall of the same season Mr. Jno. G. Graham and A. II. White each erected three-story business houses - White the building now occupied by D. A. Bell, and Graham that occupied by Mr. Gleason. Mr. White disposed of his building by lottery in 1856.

In 1838 a Mr. Squires built a house on the northeast corner of the Square, and established a grocery-store. This establishment did not run long before Squires sold out to Jones & Weeks, who turned it into a dry-goods store. Jones was either a Spaniard 01? Portuguese, and, from his complexion, was known as "Black Jones." He spoke several foreign languages, and was quite a shrewd man, but not suspected of honesty to any great extent.

First Baptist Church

THE Baptist Society now worshiping at Canton was organized at the house of Wm. Spencer, in Banner township, about three miles east of Canton, and recognized as a regular Baptist church by a council that convened at the residence of Father Spencer on the 14th day of June, A.D. 1833. The council proceedings a^e signed by Elder John Logan, President, and Elder Ga'rdner Bartlett.

The names of the constituent members of this society, as appended to their articles of organization, were Elder John Clark, Anna Clark, B^etsey Breed, Roxanna West, Wm. Spencer, Rachel Spencer, Nathan West. The name adopted by the society was, "The United Baptist Church of Deer Creek."

The first regular church-meeting after the organization was held at the residence of Father Spencer, on the 13th of July, 1833. Elder John Clark was chosen moderator pro tern. Ozias Hale was received into fellowship by letter, and presented a license as a regular ordained preacher of the Gospel, and the church ordered that he be licensed to preach by this church.

On the 26th of October the church appointed Brother John Clark to bear-a letter to Schuyler county to meet a convention to form an association. In the same year Ira Mills - afterward known as the Hermit of Utica Hill - was received into the " watch-care of the church."

On the 26th of July Rev. Ira Mills withdrew from the watchcare of the church, and at the same meeting messengers and a letter were sent by the church to Salem Association, with power to attach the church to that association. Ozias Hale and Nathan West were the messengers.

On the 27th of September Nathan West was ordained as an Elder in the Baptist Church, and was the first minister ordained by this church. The ordination sermon was preached by Elder Jacob Bowers, the ordaining prayer, offered by Elder G. Bartlett, the charge given by Elder John Logan, the right hand of fellowship by Elder John Clark, and the concluding prayer offered by Rev. Ozias Hale.

The meetings of the church continued to be held at Father Spencer's until it was resolved to change the place of meeting to Canton; and the church-meeting convened on the last Saturday in December of that year at the residence of Nathan West in Canton. At this time, while the church numbered in its membership Rev. John Clark, Rev. N. West, and Rev. O. Hale, it was still without a pastor; and therefore, on the 9th of April, 1837, Elders Clark, Logan and Miner were invited to preach for the society as often as convenient.

The membership at this time amounted to only 17 persons. The church was at this time connected with the Salem Association, and in July of that year (1837) voted to assume the name of the "Regular Baptist Church of Canton." In September of the same year the church removed its connection from the Salem Association to the Illinois-River Association, which convened in Peoria. During the latter part of 1837 and a portion of 1838 the meetings of the church were held in the Methodist Chapel in Canton, which had extended to them that courtesy.

Early in 1838 Rev. Gideon B. Perry, LL.D., removed to Canton from Hopkinton, Rhode Island, and assumed the pastoral care of the church, being its first regular pastor. The acquisition of Dr. Perry infused new vitality into the feeble and struggling church. He was a man of superior education, a finished orator, and a man of more than ordinary enterprise. He became at once a leader in religious and educational matters in Canton. He was also a physician, and eked out the scanty support the feeble church, aided by the Baptist Home-Mission Society, could give him by the practice of medicine and by his salary as President of Canton College. At the first meeting presided over by Dr. Perry, a committee was appointed to superintend the location and plan of a house of worship. This committee consisted of Isaac C. Johnson, Samuel Hannan, and Thompson Maple. This committee reported, and a building committee was appointed, consisting of Wm. M. Spencer, Isaac C. Johnson, and Thompson Maple, on the 23d of June, 1838.

The first organization of the church as a body-corporate under the laws of the state was consummated on the 16th of July, 1839; and the first board of trustees were Win. M. Spencer, Isaac C. Johnson, and Thompson Maple.

first deacons elected by the church were Jonas P. Cutler and John G. Piper, who were ordained on the 25th of August, 1839. Deacon John G. Piper is still a deacon of this church, having served about thirty-one years, and it is to be hoped the term of his service will still be extended for very many years.

The new meeting-house was finished and dedicated on Sabbath, October 26th, 1839. This housp was situated on Fifth street, between Elm and Main streets, just north of the present Baptist Church. At this time the church numbered 38 members, and was considered to be in a very flourishing condition. Under Dr. Perry's charge the church had prospered. He was now, however, to dissolve his connection with the church, having received a call from the Baptist Church of Alton, Illinois, to become their pastor. Accordingly, on the 4th of October, 1841, he resigned his pastoral charge, and Rev. Isaac D. Newell was elected his successor. Mr. Newell's salary was fixed at $500 per annum. Under Mr. Newell's administration the church continued to prosper. When he took charge the membership had increased to 113, and during the first year of his ministry it increased to 131, and had the pleasure of sending two of its young members - Charles West and G. S. Green, - as students for the ministry, to Shurtleif College; and soon after three more, viz., John M. Spencer, F. O. Campbell, and William M. Freeman, were licensed to preach, and all were recommended to the Baptist Educational Society for an education at Shurtleff, preparatory to the ministry.

Mr. Newell remained with the church until in November, 1843, when he closed his connection with the church as pastor. The membership had now increased to 145 communicants, and had begun to take the first rank in numercial strength among the churches of Canton. Mr. Newell had labored successfully, and was parted with regretfully by the larger part of his congregation.

From the time of Mr. Newell's resignation until in June, 1844, when Elder Alva Gross was elected pastor, the church was without a pastor. Mr. Gross on that date assumed the pastoral charge, in response to a unanimous" call of the society. He was a genial, warm-hearted man, a fair pulpit orator, and an excellent pastor. He is still remembered by the old citizens of Canton for his wit and geniality, as well as for his virtues.

At the church-meeting held January 3d, 1846, the subject of "hooking timber" was taken up and discussed at length, and the following preamble and resolution upon the subject were adopted:

WHEREAS, The practice of taking timber from non-resident lands lias hitherto been practiced to an alarming extent, and as many of the professed followers of Christ have been engaged in the business, much to the grief and loss of others, and believing it to be incompatible with the true principles of Christianity and demoralizing in its tendency ; therefore,

" Hooking timber " from the " stump quarters " was thus discouraged ; but then most of the non-resident land had been stripped. There being no more timber to hook, it was time to stop the practice. ,

On the 7th of June, 1846, Elder Gross terminated his connection with the church as pastor, from which time until the 19th of June, 1847, the church'was again without a pastor. At that time Elder Erastus Miner was called to the pastorate.

Elder Miner, in December, 1846, called upon Elder Morgan Edwards - The Sailor Preacher - to assist him in a series of meetings, which were the first of the series of remarkable revivals with which the Baptist Church of Canton has been blessed. Over sixty persons were added to the Baptist Church, and many who had grown lukewarm renewed their zeal. The candidates for baptism were baptized in Big Creek. The stream being frozen, the ice was cut, and immense concourses of people witnessed the solemn ceremony.

Elder Erastus Miner only remained with the church one year, when Elder Simon G. Miner, on the 19th of August, 1848, was elected pastor by a unanimous vote. Elder Miner found his church with a membership of 190 and in a prosperous condition, he labored zealously to keep up the prosperity of the church, and with_a success for many years remarkable and unabated.

Resolved, That Elder Newton, Bro. Matthew J. Scott, George Efnor, Sisters Mary Ann Scott, and Susan Putnam, be and are hereby set off and constituted into a branch of the First Baptist Church of Canton, Illinois, at Ellisville, with power to administer the ordinances and report quarterly at Canton.

About the 1st of November, 1850, Elder Jacob Knapp, the celebrated evangelist and revivalist, began his first protracted meeting here, in the old Baptist Church. This revival was one of the most powerful and extensive, perhaps, ever known in a village of less than two thousand population. Soon after the meeting began, it became apparent that the house was much too small to accommodate the immense concourse of people that nightly assembled to listen to the eloquent and powerful minister. One evening, at the close of the services, Thompson Maple announced that on the next night the church would be large enough to accommodate all who might come. The apparent impossibility of the fulfillment of this promise attracted an increased crowd the next night, and lo ! there was room. The male members had assembled at dawn, torn off" a part of the weatherboarding and plastering from the south side of the building, and erected an immense tabernacle of boards on the south side, seated it and put in stoves, all in one day. That night every body-slip in the old church was full of mourners, and for several days - even weeks - there was no abatement in the interest. All the churches in town received considerable accessions to their numbers from those converted at this meeting, while to the Baptist Church were added, including a few backsliders restored, two-hundred and thirty-one persons.

The effect of this revival on the temporal prosperity of the church was such as to lead to the erection of the present Baptist Church, the corner-stone of which was laid on the 30th day of April, 1850, with appropriate ceremonies. In the corner-stone was deposited a document giving the date of the organization of the church, of its removal from Duck Creek to Canton, its membership for each year of its organization up to that date, and the names of pastors; also, the names of the President of the United States then in office - Millard Fillmore, Governor of the State of Illinois - Augustus C. French, President of the Town- Corporate of Canton - John TV. Shinn, and a statement that the population of Canton at that date was "1,853 souls." The membership of the church for that year was stated at four hundred and fifty -three (453).

Of course, after this revival, there was a falling-off of such as had joined without sufficient evidence of conversion, but the falliiig-off was not nearly so great as might have been anticipated,

On the 1st of January, 1852, the first service was held in the new church - Elder Jacob Knapp preaching in the lecture-room to a large congregation.

On the 20th of February, 1853, the new church was dedicated - the dedicatory sermon being preached by Elder H. G. Weston. A protracted meeting was begun, wherein the pastor, S. G. Miner, was assisted by Elder Henry G. "Weston, then of Peoria, now President of Crozer Theological Seminary, near Philadelphia, during which fifty-three accessions were made to the church and the old members revived and strengthened greatly.

In December, 1853, Elder Morgan Edwards was again called to Elder Miner's aid during a series of revival meetings continuing six weeks, during which seventy-nine persons were admitted to church fellowship.

On the 22d of February a council was convened with the church for the ordination to the ministry of Richard S. Johnson, a member of this church.

During the latter portion of February, 1854, Elder Miner held a series of meetings at Overman's School-House, northwest of Canton, which were the means of adding ten more to the chui'ch membership. Another protracted effort at the same place, wherein Elder Miner was assisted by Elder Joel Sweet, of Trivoli, resulted in ten more additions ; and the same series of meetings removed to Canton, wherein Elder Ichabod Clark was assisting Elder Miner, gave thirteen more additions to the membership.

About the 1st of March, 1856, Elder Joslin came to the aid of the pastor of this church, in a series of meetings which resulted in the additions of twenty -five more members.

At the annual business meeting held on the 15th of November, 185G, Elder S. G. Miner was for the eighth time elected pastor by a unanimous vote, and his salary was increased from $500 to $1000. November 23d, 1856, letters of dismission were granted to Alonzo Barnes, T. C. Luther, Rebecca Barnes, Elizabeth Luther, Joseph B. Robison, Abigail Robison, Matthias Himinover, and Matthew McComb, for the purpose of uniting with others in the formation and organization of a Baptist Church at Prairie City, Illinois.

July 31st, 1858, letters of dismission and commendation were granted to Bros. James Burson, Alanson Swan, Alonzo M. Swan, and Sister Nancy W. Burson, for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church at Yates City, Illinois.

On the 24th of October, 1858, Elder S. G. Miner resigned his pastoral connection with the church; but the church by vote refused to accept his resignation at that time. There had grown up some dissatisfaction in regard to his pastoral relation, which satisfied Elder Miner that the day of his usefulness had about closed so far as his connection with this church was concerned; but the majority of the church thought differently, and earnestly plead with him to remain. He, however, was inexorable, and did sever his connection with the church as its pastor on the 30th of October, 1858, after eleven years' pastorate. It is not now necessary nor would it be profitable to discuss the reasons pro and con which led to this separation. It created great dissatisfaction among the membership of the church. Elder Miner, however, was recalled after one year's absence.

January 3d, 1859, letters of dismission were granted to Jaquez Vorhees, Sarah V. Vorhees, Elizabeth Hill, Alletta Ann Ferine, Christian V. Spader, Jane V. Spader, Amanda T. Ferine, and Wm. Ferine, for the purpose of being organized into a Baptist Church in Henderson county, Illinois.

During the year of Elder Miner's absence, Elder H. Daniels was called to the pastorate of the church, but declined. Elder T. S. Griffith was also called, but would not accept, although consenting to supply the pulpit for a few months.

On the 10th of September, 1859, Elder S. G. Miner was again elected pastor of the church by a large majority, and consented to serve. He accordingly returned, and remained with them as pastor until December 22d, 1860, when he again resigned, this time permanently. The immediate cause of this resignation seems to have grown out of difficulties originating in the choir, but were really but the old difficulties fanned into a new flame.

Elder Miner was not an eloquent man, yet his discourses were sound in doctrine according to the tenets of his church, and respectable in ability. As a pastor he was without doubt one of the most competent ever in Canton. Kind, cordial and tender, he was at once the pastor, father and brother of the younger members, and the sympathizing friend of all. Mr. Miner was loved by a majority of the citizens of the town as few men have ever been loved, and by the membership of the church, with few exceptions, as few men ever are.

On the 9th of June, 1861, Rev. Mr. Webb, of Dixon, Illinois, was elected pastor, at a salary of $600 per annum ; but he appears to have declined, and on the 3d of August Rev. W. B. Bolton, of St. Louis, was called to the pastorate, and began his labors on the 18th of August, 1861.

On the 10th of September, 1862, a council called by the church convened, and ordained John C. Bolton to the work of the ministry in connection with the Baptist Denomination.

In August, 1864, Elder Bolton resigned his position as pastor, but agreed to reaccept the position at a salary of $800 per annum, he being permitted to practice medicine at the same time. In January, 1865, Elder Bolton asked an increase of salary to $1200 per annum, he to quit the practice of medicine and devote his entire time to the church ; but the church refused to grant the increase, and accordingly he resigned, his resignation taking effect on the 15th of February, 1865.

In March, 1865, the church elected Rev. W. R. Webb as its pastor, agreeing to pay him one thousand dollars per annum, quarterly in advance. He accepted the call and began his labor in April of that year.

At the annual first of January Week of Prayer, in 1866, there was an unusually great revival, considering the fact that no outside assistance was called and no revivalist was laboring with the church. Eighty -five persons were added to the church as the result of this meeting. ,

Under Elder Webb's administration there was a thorough overhauling of the church records and a general weeding-out of unworthy members. The great numbers who from time to time had been added, many of whom had removed from the city and whose names were still borne upon the church books, necessitated this measure. After the weeding-out had been completed, the membership for 1867 footed up a total of 375 members. They had raised that year, for pastor's salary, $1000; for incidental expenses, $261; for domestic missions, $77.85; for Baptist Missionary Union, $80.45; for Sabbath School, $326; for printing minutes, $5.00; a total of $1,750.30.

In January, 1867, a four- weeks protracted meeting was held, Elder "Webb being assisted by Rev. Mr. Palmer, of El Paso, Illinois. This meeting resulted in the addition of thirty persons to the church communion.

Elder Webb terminated his connection with the church as its pastor, by resignation, on the 1st of October, 1870, leaving with the esteem of the church and the community. His labors had been successful in healing old breaches and more firmly establishing the church in a pure membership. Mr. Webb was a man of fair ability as a speaker, and a careful and deservedly popular pastor. He received while here the degree of D.D. from Hamiltqn University.

On the 1st of January, 1871, Elder D. H. Cooley, having been elected pastor of the church, entered upon the discharge of his duties, at a salary of $1,200 per annum, payable monthly.

Elder Cooley signalized his advent as pastor by a series of meetings beginning with the annual January Week of Prayer, which were instrumental in a revival of the Christian zeal of the members of the church and the addition to its numbers of twentythree persons.

There are many features in the history of this church which would be interesting to the religious reader; but the limits of this volume will not admit a more extended history.

Three of the members of the old Duck Creek Church, atod they among the earliest members, are still living and still* in full fellowship with the church, viz., Maria Wilson, widow of Samuel Wilson, and William Swan and Jane Swan his wife. Each of these were admitted in 1833. Each has maintained connection with the church for a period of thirty-eight years.

In 1852, David M. Smith, jr., was employed as sexton, and for over nine years discharged the duties of that office at a salary of $100 per annum, - discharging them faithfully, and to the entire satisfaction of church and congregation.

The First Sabbath School

IK the fall of 1832 and soon after the Black-Hawk War, a Sabbath school was organized in Canton - rather in the neighborhood of which Canton was the nucleus. It was conducted by Gabriel Walling as superintendent, and met in the second story of Childs & Stillman's Distillery on Big Creek, a little north of the west end of Cole street. Here were gathered, in addition to the children belonging to town, children from Barnes's settlement, from John Orendorff's neighborhood, Sterling Turner's ton for three or four miles, until, when all were assembled, there were not less than eighty scholars in attendance. Here, with the aid of Christians of all denominations, were taught, on Sabbath, the juvenile minds in the ways of life eternal, and during the week, in the room below, adults were fitted for eternal death.

This Sabbath school gradually gave place to denominational schools, and by 1840 each of the churches represented here by an organization had schools of their own. Now there are over twenty-five Sabbath schools in the county.

In 1857 the friends of Sabbath schools in the county decided to organize County Sabbath-school Conventions, for the better organization of the system, Mr. Wm. P. Turner writes me in regard to this movement as follows :

"Mil. A. M. SWAN. Dear Sir: . . . My mind and heart were greatly exorcised in that direction. I was a volunteer S. S. Missionary - so much so that my thoughts, by night and by day, were directed to the Sabbathschoql work.

"As a result of these meditations, I prepared a paper to be used at any preliminary meeting that might be called as a basis for organization, and prepared myself to show what might be done to thoroughly canvass the county throughout every school-district and township. Finally, one Sabbath afternoon in 1857, a preliminary meeting of the friends of Sabbath schools was held at the residence of Deacon John G. Piper, in Canton* There were present, I think, John G. and I. S. Piper, John W. Ingersoll, Cyrus and Na- than Overman, myself, and a few others whose names have escaped my memory. I was called upon to state the object of the meeting, which I did as briefly as possible, and also read my constitution. Brother Ingersoll's remark was, ' The plan of that constitution is about what we need, if we only had the men to carry it out. It is rather too cumbersome, there is too much of it, as we are now situated.' Deacon Piper stated that he had received a letter from Bro. Parrish, of Farmington, suggesting the propriety of calling a county convention. Out of this meeting grew the first County Sabbathschool Convention ever held in Fulton county. During the summer I visited Lewistown, Marietta, Vermont, and other townships, and urged this matter. We got the convention called, holding it at Lewistown. My constitution was the basis of the present constitution under which the county convention is organized. The first President was Deacon John G. Piper. I think this was two years before the organization of any other county in the state : now all of our one hundred and two counties are organized, and we have had a State Sabbath-school organization and convention for eight or ten years.

Converting Drunkards

SOON after the Indian War, a Methodist preacher who had been assigned to this circuit preached a temperance sermon here, following it up by the circulation of a total-abstinence pledge. A good many of the people signed, including many who scarcely ever indulged themselves, but signed simply for the sake of casting the weight of their influence upon the side of temperance. Among the signers were Isaac Swan and Elizabeth Swan, Nathan Jones and Matilda Jones, Joel Wright and his wife, all temperate. The preacher was delighted with his success, and at once forwarded to the newspaper organ of his church an account in which he stated that the Lord was abundantly blessing his labors, and that he had been the humble instrument in God's hands for the conversion and reformation of the following drunkards : then followed a list of the names of all who had subscribed to his pledge. Isaac Swan did not see this article till on a Sunday morning just before starting to church, and it excited his indignation terribly. On arriving at the school-house where preaching was held, he found the offending minister in the act of reading a hymn. Marching up to him, he laid his hand on his shoulder, and in a low but stern voice invited him to step out of doors before proceeding further with his services. The preacher, seeing that Isaac was in dead earnest, concluded it was best to comply. On reaching the door, Isaac pulled out the paper and said,

"Don't you know that there is not one word of truth in it? Don't you know that these persons" - pointing to the names of several well-known temperance men and women - " are not now and never have been drunkards ? "

"Now, sir, you have just one thing to do. You must take this paper into the house, read that article to the congregation and tell them that when you wrote it you lied, and you knew it. Do that, sir, or I will break every bone in your body."

Pioneer Method Of Advertising

Mrs. Darrow was the first milliner ever located in Canton. She was a Methodist, and, among her accomplishments in the millinery line, she possessed the art of making a sort of fur bonnet shaped much like the old round-crowned Methodist bonnets. Old Father Lumery, one of the earliest Methodist preachers here, was much pleased with Mrs. Darrow's bonnets, and at all his appointments would exhort the Methodist sisters to purchase them, saying that they were the proper helmet for a female warrior of the Lord. This plea was so successful that Mrs. Darrow was enabled to sell one of her bonnets to neai-ly every Methodist sister in four congregations.

A Literal Interpretation

At a church-meeting of a church in Joshua township, one of the brothers was arraigned for drunkenness. It was proved that he had stopped at Canton on his way to Copperas- Creek Landing and indulged to the point of drunkenness in Mallory's best. The evidence being conclusive, the vote on the question of expulsion was about to be taken, when one of the old brothers arose and asked :

" Brethering and sisters, I do n't reckon we kin do any thing more in this case. You all know what the Scripter sez : ' It 's what comes out'en a man's mouth as defiles him, and not what goes in.' Now if the brother did n't puke, I reckon there was nothin' come out'en his mouth, and he was n't defiled."

The good brother sat down conscious of having made an irresistible scriptural argument that could not be overthrown, and the congregation decided he was right.

A Parson Nonplussed

Rev. Robert Stewart, who preached for the Presbyterians, was not always judicious in timing his admonitions. On one occasion he was making a pastoral call on Mrs. Alex. McPheters, who was sick, and there met Dr. Newton. The doctor, as usual, was under the influence of liquor, and was pacing the floor snapping his fingers, and ejaculating " Oh, h - 1 !" at every step. The doctor's profanity grated harshly on the parson's ear, and he forthwith decided to reprove him.

The doctor stopped in his walk, eyed his interrogator, gave the peculiar wink for which he was noted, and responded - "Yes, sir: I know all about it; I've been there." "Been there?" said Stewart, "well, tell us all about it." The doctor struck an attitude, winked again, and said : "I tell you, Bob, old hell is a pretty respectable kind of a place; but just a little the other side of old hell they have got a new hell for Presbyterian priests, that 's the G - d d - st hole you ever seen."

Rev. Williston Jones had just moved into his new house on the corner of Elm and Wood streets, when it occurred to him that green blinds to his windows would be an improvement. Buckley was accordingly called in to do the job, and was soon at his task, swearing, working, and joking, as was his habit. Williston one day suggested to him the idea of reciprocity in patronage. " I patronize you, Mr. Buckley, now you ought to patronize me."

" Oh, certainly," said Buckley, feeling for the scribe-mark on the strip he was dressing, " I had just as soon have my pay in preaching as in money. Let me see, how much do you get a year for preaching?" Williston informed him. "How many sermons < do you preach per annum ? " continued Buckley. On this point he also received information. Taking out his pencil, he computed how much preaching his job would pay for, and informed Williston that his work would just come to two sermons. No more was thought of the matter by Mr. Jones until, on passing Buckley's shop, some time afterward, he was hailed and his bill presented as follows :

" Now, sir," said Buckley, "I need those sermons to-day, so you may just mount that work-bench and preach them." Mr. Jones was nonplussed, and insisted on paying the money. Buckley at first demurred, demanding the fulfillment of his contract, but finally relented and took the money.

Buckley on one occasion visited St. Louis, and at dinner at a leading hotel had placed before him a bill of fare. Being exceedingly near-sighted, he did not undertake to read it, probably did not notice it. On the waiter's returning for his order, Buckley inquired what they had, and was directed for information to the bill of fare lying before him. Picking up the document, he handed it to the astonished waiter, with the remark, " Oh, d - n it, fill the bill." While eating, he noticed several snobs loudly calling the waiters to change their plates. Now at Tyler's, Sebree's and Freeman's taverns this plate-changing was not in vogue, and Buckley thought it foolishness ; so, to rebuke it, he arose and, in a stentorian voice, called, "Waiter, change my chair. By G - d, I '11 have something changed."

Buckley was an infidel. His residence being opposite the old Baptist Church, he was in the habit of donating five dollars annually to the Baptist Sabbath school. Some one inquired how it was that one entertaining his religious views should be thus liberal to a Sabbath school. " I do it," said he, " to keep the d - d boys out of my cherry-trees on Sunday."

" Ike and me were coming up from Copperas-Creek Landing in a wagon. On the road up we concluded we 'd steal a pig from a mighty fine litter we seen along the road. Well, we stole the pig, and throwed it into the wagon and brought it home. We thought a good deal of that pig, slopped and fed it carefully until it was nearly big enough to kill. So one day the pig got out, and one of the neighbors put it up right away. We soon found out where it was and went after it; but the plagueoned feller would n't give it up. ' You see,' said he, ' I got that hog the same way you fellers did, and I got just the same right to it you had ; and just the less you say about it the better.' Ike and me had no more to say, we just let the feller keep it."

The religious belief of three of the old pioneers may be inferred from the following conversation, which occurred in Dr. Bell's drug-store soon after the death of John Coleman, sen. Old Shannon and Benjamin Perry were sitting by the fire warming, when old Ha'penny, an old Revolutioner, who, from some trifling cause, had fallen out with Coleman during his life, entered.

is not in the evil country ; Mr. Coleman is an inhabitant of the good country. Mr. Coleman is not in the rank and file in the evil country, either; on the contrary, her most august and imperial highness has given him an official position in the home of the blessed."

"Why, sir," said Shannon, "Mr. Coleman and myself commune with each other daily. He comes to me for instruction in regard to the important duties of his position. I am his mentor, sir, and talk with him face to face, as a man talks with his brother."

Perry had listened uneasily to this conversation, and could no longer keep out. Rising and pacing rapidly back and forth, swinging the skirts of his blue coat in an excited manner, he broke out - "You are both a pair of d - d old fools. Coleman lies right up here on the hill five feet and a half under ground, and he'll lie there till the resurrection. I know, by G - d, for I helped to put him there."

The First Turning-Lathe

THE first turning-lathe in Canton was owned and operated by Deacon Nathan Jones. It was a spring-pole lathe, with the cord wound around the stick to be turned, in such a manner that the stick ran half the time one way and half the time the other. Upon this lathe the deacon turned his chair-stuff'. This lathe was a part of the outfit of the first chairmaker's shop in Canton. It is related of the deacon, while engaged in this shop, that on one occasion he had carried a lot of chair-stuff" into the kitchen to season by the kitchen fire. The deacon had neglected to provide Aunt Matilda - his wife - with wood, and this neglect had so excited the old lady's ire that she seized and burnt an armful of chairrungs. The deacon stood and contemplated the destruction of his chair-rungs in solemn silence for some moments. As the flames began to curl around them, the deacon's lips parted, and his hand was raised, not in anger, but in sadness. He tipped his hat to one side with the uplifted hand, and exclaimed, "Matilda, I wish you were in Heaven !" And this, it is recorded, was the most nearly an oath the good old man had ever allowed to escape his lips.

The first power lathe, operated by horse-power, was put up by Daniel H. Dewey, and began operations in- March, 1838, on the ground still occupied by Mr. Dewey, on the southeast corner of White and Jones streets. Mr. Dewey also put into operation the first circular saw in Canton, in 1841. It was eight inches in diameter, and was used in cutting blind-stuff - Mr. Dewey being at that time engaged in the manufacture of window-blinds.

About the same time that Mr. Dewey's power lathe was put in operation, his brother Milton C. Dewey had a lathe operated by men turning a large crank, and Peter L. Snyder another operated in the same manner.

The first kiln of brick ever made here was burnt in 1830, and was made by Deacon Jones. The deacon burnt several kilns during the five or six succeeding years, taking into partnership with him in the business his son-in-law Loving Ames. Jones & Ames furnished the brick for the first brick house that was erected in Canton. This house was built for James Hood, was situated on lot 74, Jones's Addition to the Town of Canton, between Jones and Walnut streets, fronting on Fourth street. The house is still standing. Jones & Ames also furnished the brick for the Canton College. These brick were not equal in quality to brick made here now, as the makers did not thoroughly understand the business or the material they were called upon to work.

The Corn-Husking

A PIONEER corn-husking was an event of more than ordinary interest, at which would congregate the young and many of the middle-aged of the entire neighborhood. When the farmer's corn was "snapped" from the stalk, in the husk, and the time arrived for it to be "opened" for winter use, a boy would be dispatched to warn the settlers, for miles around, that "We're g'wine to have a schuckin' til our house Wednesday nite, and we want you all to come over." This invitation was more sure to meet an affirmative response than do the perfumed and gilt-edged cards of invitation of this more refined age.

About three o'clock of the day of the " shuckin'," the young folks would begin to arrive : the beaux dressed in linsey-woolsey ' ' hunting-shirts," or " wamuses," and the girls in checked linsey, or cotton gowns, with cow-hide brogans. The corn had been divided, when hauled, into two separate piles of equal size; and before these piles the assembly was convened. From among the most expert huskers two captains would now be chosen. These captains, when selected, would toss up for first choice of huskers, and then choose alternately from among those present, male and female, until all the working hands had been selected. Now rails were placed between the piles to prevent the sly kicking of corn from one pile to another, and at a given signal work would begin.

And now the fun would grow fast and furious, each side striving to outstrip the other, and each side taunting the other with their lack of skill and sloth. Whenever some lucky fellow found a red ear in husking, he was entitled to a kiss from his girl. At some frolics the "red ear" entitled its "shucker" to a kiss from all the girls on his side ; of course, the announcement of a " red ear" was the signal for fun, and many a tussel would ensue between some stout and buxom pioneer lass and stalwart beau; he determined to have the kiss to which the " shuckers' " law declar§d him entitled, and which with the maiden coyness and fun she would pretend to refuse. It was noticed, however, that the man in these encounters was always the stronger vessel, and would be sure to obtain his kiss. And such is human nature to this day.

At frequent intervals, during the evening, the bottle of Monongahela whisky would be passed, and all "took it by word of mouth"; i. e., each would^ turn the bottle up to their lips, drink from it and pass it to their next neighbor, male or female.

The victorious captain would be seized by the party, raised upon the shoulders of a few stout men, and borne from the husking-pile to the house, surrounded by the crowd, cheering and shouting; the bottle-holder marching by his side, furnishing him refreshments by the way.

After the piles would be husked, loud crowing and shouting would announce the victory; and the winning party enjoyed themselves hugely at the expense of the vanquished. Husking completed, supper was next in order. This meal had been prepared by the more sedate of the matrons, while the young folks were busy " shucking." Boards were spread, borne upon boxes or tables, and a bounteous meal prepared. The choicest pewter and delft dishes from the whole neighborhood had been borrowed for the occasion ; and the table fairly groaned under its load of venison, stewed squirrel, squirrel pie, chicken pie, johnny-cake, hominy, honey, and stewed pumpkin. Perhaps, too, if the laudlord was rich, there would be a high dish of fried doughnuts at each end of the table.

At these frolics many a backwoods youngster would master courage to tell his inamorata, in faltering terms, of his love, and receive her coy pledge of fidelity.

After supper the tables would be cleared, the furniture removed to the " yard," the dogs driven out, and a dance begin. The fiddler, who was an important personage at these gatherings, witn an air of pompous authority, would take his position at one end of the room and announce with professional dignity a fourhanded reel, or jig. At these dances there was no standing still ; each "hoed it down" with might and main, in a style that would excite the astonishment of a dancing-master of to-day. The jig , was a favorite dance, as it gave the boys an opportunity to cut each other out, and in it each tried to tire out all the rest; so that it would some times continue for hours. .

The bottle passed as frequently during the dance as it had before the " shucking," and we confess, with shame, that our ancestors would some times get just a little uproarious before daylight, for it was not until daylight that any body thought of going home.

When the dance broke up, bashful swains and coy maidens would trudge off homeward, on foot, hand in hand ; or, perhaps, both mounted on one horse, go jogging along together telling of the fun that they had enjoyed. Carriages and sleighs were then unknown ; and had they not been, the roads were not in a condition to have made it pleasant traveling over them.

The Shingle Weaver. The First Frame House In Canton

ONE of the earliest steamboats in the Illinois-River trade was the steamer "Exchange," which plied between St. Louis and Peoria. She was familiarly known as "the Shingle Weaver"; so called from the fact ot her carrying upon her hurricane deck a machine for cutting shingles, which was operated by the ma- chinery of the boat, cutting whenever the boat was in motion. Shingle timber would be obtained at the wood-yards along the river, and market found for the manufactured goods either at St. Louis or Peoria. This boat was an especial favorite with the people of Canton, many of whom would, when desiring to take a trip by river, wait for her coming, and most of the early stocks of goods were shipped on her; she also carried most of the Canton " beeswax " and other products to their market.

The first frame house erected on grounds now within the present city limits was built for Deacon Natlmn Jones, in the spring of 1830. Isaac Swan was the "boss carpfenter," and was aided by the deacon. TMs~building is still standing, on the south side of Jones street, between Wood and Lewiatown streets, and is now occupied by Mrsi Dean. ItHa a tgo^atory frame house. The frame, of the ' V>ld-fashioned " variety, was built without any sawed stuff; the joists and studding being split out of heavy timber, the sills and plates hewed, and the weather-boarding split boards, shaved. The weather-boarding was not jointed, but the ends of the clapboards were shaved thin, and lapped. The roof was laid with split and shaved oak shingles. The floor, doorframes, corner-boards and stairs, were alone of sawed lumber. When the carpenters had finished their work, Mrs. Jones took the job of painting, and did quite a respectable job, too, painting it Venetian red. This house was considered to be the most stylish in the country. As Deacon Jones was Postmaster and kept the Post-Office at his house, it became the place of resort for the most intelligent of the pioneers, who would congregate here and discuss educational and religious topics. This building was not on the original town plat, however, being then considered out of town. The first frame erected on the original town site was built in 1831, and was the property of Joel Wright. This building was, in fact, but an addition to an already existing cabin. Isaac Swan was also the builder of this. It was occupied by Mr. {/ Wright as a store-room, and was situated on the southeast corner of Wood and Illinois streets. This building is still standing, but has been removed from its original site, and is now standing on First street, between Illinois and Cole streets. It was occupied until recently by David Will, as a wagon-maker's shop.

"SHOW-DAY" was an institution twenty years ago. The dead walls and the bar-room walls had been plastered, for weeks preceding, with pictures of all sorts of impossible feats. Animals unheard of in natural history were to be there in abundance. Two clowns, the wittiest that ever were known, had been engaged at an unheard-of expense, expressly for this "great combination show." What excitement these bills produced. On Saturday crowds would stand before them, commenting on the wonders that were to be exhibited.

" Show-day " here at last. By the first gray streak of early dawn the boys are wide awake, and have gone down to the Lewistown Bridge, to see the show come in. They are small boys at first who wait about the bridge; but by seven or eight o'clock older boys begin to arrive, and by nine o'clock a few gray hairs are sprinkled among the waiting crowd. A few adventurous spirits, not content with waiting at the bridge, have disappeared an hour ago over the hill toward Shepley's, and now their shouts are heard, as they discern in the distance - away out toward Captain Slosson's - the pioneer teams of the coming show. There is a rush now; across the bottom, up the hill, splash, splash, through the mud they go, until the first wagon is reached, and then - but pshaw, it's only a baggage-wagon at last! And now they pause and wait, as one after another of the long train of wagons pass, and all are anxious - they want to see the bandwagon, the actors, the elephants, and camels. The procession stops in the Big Creek bottom, and the forty-horse team is harnessed to the band-wagon, whose body resembles, in a distant and uncertain kind of way, the mythical dragon which no body ever saw. How the boys wonder, and how wisely the gray heads talk of "them ar leaders, and that ar on0 wheel-hoss." The band are mounted now, and the procession moves. How the excitement boils and bubbles, until every fellow wishes it was always showday. The band has crossed the bridge, but the elephant refuses to trust his weight upon the frail structure. How anxious the boys grow! Will they ever get him across? What a whopper he is. But the dilemma is overcome; he has forded the narrow stream, and the great tracks in the soft mud will be visited for a month after the show is gone. As the procession reaches the hill by " Bishop " Clark's, there are accessions to the crowd ; men, women and children gather and fall into line upon both sides of the road. When the square is reached, it would not be exaggeration to say that there were more people on the square than there was population in the town. As the band moves around the square and through the principal streets, there is a shouting, yelling procession that reminds one of pandemonium let loose.

And now Grandmother Bridgman has set up her cake-stand, and quarter-sections of gingerbread begin to appear under the arms of hungry fellows from the country, who have started this morning before breakfast, so that no part of the procession or show might be lost. And now comes Captain Haackee with a barrel of cider, and more gingerbread, which he is selling to hungry and thirsty customers. The peripatetic candy-stand has also been opened. The vender of razor-straps and patent soap has opened his mouth, and gathered an admiring crowd. The regular circus bummers, who follow in its train, are named legion, and all are low gamblers, and will have had victims when the tents are folded and show-day is over, Here comes good old Deacon Jones, to hear the music; and there is - but why single out, when, with one excuse or another, all will be sure to see the show; at least stand outside where they can listen to the clown and the music.

He who was not a boy in a western village on show-day, at least once in his life, knows but little of life, and is to be sincerely pitied for his ignorance. Old men, young men, old women, young women, and children, all are here, and all will see the show. They have been picking blackberries and selling, saving eggs and churning rolls of yellow butter for the occasion. I well recollect when I visited my first show. I had earned the money by cutting "jimpson weeds" around the old church in the public square, and I was richer then - prouder of my success - than I have ever been since, or ever expect to be.

The Westerfield Defeat

IN the spring of 1832 the Black-Hawk War was a source of great alarm to the citizens of Canton. Major Isaiah Stillman, of Canton, in command of a battalion of volunteer infantry, was in the field, and had under him most of the young men of the community. On the 13th of May, 1832, the force under his command met with a defeat above Dixon, in Lee county, on what has since been known as " Stillman's Run," and the news soon reached Canton, coupled with the fact that Bird Ellis, Tyus Childs and John Walter, from the vicinity of Canton, had been killed, and a number of others from here wounded. This news not only cast a gloom over the community, but created a feeling of insecurity in the bravest of the settlers, and of decided alarm, amounting in many cases to absolute panic, in the more timid.

The settlers were certainly liable to attack from the red-skins, who were known to be in force and on the war-path to the north. There was no adequate force in reach to prevent any incursion they might feel disposed to make, when the "Westerfield Defeat," as it was called 'in derision, occurred. Perhaps never in the history of frontier life has there occurred so broad a farce with so many of the elements of tragedy and melodrama combined. The news of Stillman's Defeat had reached Canton, and grief-stricken mothers were in the first anguish of their mourning for slaughtered sons, when rumors reached the settlement of a purpose on the part of Black Hawk and his warriors to move southward for an attack on scattered inhabitants. The excitement was intense. Stories of slaughtered families, of burnt homes, of "captive women and children subjected to every fiendish indignity, were the current subjects of conversation at every gathering. Meetings were called in every neighborhood, and preparations for defense or refuge begun. Block-houses and stockade forts were erected, and scouts kept constantly in the prairies to the northward to warn the people of the approach of the Indians.

One of these forts was erected around the store and residence of Joel Wright, on the corner of Wood and Illinoft streets, where Mrs. Wilson now resides. This fort consisted of two blockhouses and a palisade inclosure of split logs. This was built by standing the logs on end in a deep trench, which was then filled up and the dirt well pounded around the logs.

In March, 1832, scouts were sent out by the people of Canton to see if any indication of hostile Indians could be discovered. These scouts had been out several days, but had brought in no report of an alarming nature, when one day, toward the last of the month, Peter Westerfield, an old frontiersman, and Charley Shane, a Frenchman, determined to go on a scouting expedition on their own responsibility. They were both well mounted, and, crossing Big Creek north of town in the prairie, rode nearly north until they reached a point nearly in the line between Farmington and Ellisville, on Spoon River. The morning before they started out a number of mounted white men had crossed the prairie from Peoria toward Quincy, and their trail, of course, was fresh and showed very plainly in the dried prairie grass. They had rode single file, in Indian style, and a better scout than even Peter Westerfield might have been deceived by their trail. When Westerfield and Shane reached this trail, they both dismounted, examined it carefully, and both were satisfied that it had been made by a large party of mounted Indians. They cautiously followed the trail until their suspicion crystalized into comparative certainty, when, remounting, they started back toward Canton to alarm the citizens, and take measures for the safety of themselves and families. As they neared Big Creek - which by the melting of snow had risen until it was out of its banks, - they had a new cause for alarm.

Jonathan Buffum and Ed. Therman had holed a wolf, and were shooting into the hole. They were in a direct line between where Westerfield and Shane reached Big Creek and Col. Barnes's place - where John Lane now lives. These boys were not only shooting, but indulging in all sorts of unearthly yells, imitating Indians, screaming and hallooing. Another pioneer was squirrelshooting in the same vicinity, and another party shooting at a mark in the same neighborhood.

Westerfield and Shane listened to these noises with undisguised fear. That it was Indians there could be no mistake - Indians at bloody work, shooting, tomahawking and scalping the families of Col. Barires and Henry Therman. They did not stop long to consider, but plunged headlong into the turbid waters of the raging Big Creek, and right gallantly did their noble steeds buffet the mad waves, until the angry stream divided them from the dreaded foe. Their saddles were wet and heavy, and would load their beasts too much for the fearful race for life they were entering upon, and, with a coolness never too much to be admired, they dismounted and relieved their gallant steeds of the dripping leathern saddles, which were deposited for safety in a convenient thicket of hazel. This was the work of but a moment, when they remounted upon the backs of their bare-backed animals and were away over the smooth prairie, across the few ravines, and on, on to the fort at Canton. As they passed the cabin of Wheaton Chase, they shouted "Injins are killing Barnes's folks : flee for your lives ! " Soon Coleman's grocery was reached, and the cry of "Injins! Injins!" reiterated. On, on to the fort they rode, and still their cry was " Injins ! Injins ! " " The Injins have killed every body at Barnes's and Therman's ! "

And now began a scene of the wildest confusion. Men shouted the dreaded alarm; women screamed; small boys, pale with fright, crept into the dense hazel-thickets and fled for their lives. Some of these boys were thus hiding for days and days, subsisting on roots, berries, and elm-bark. " To the fort ! To the fort ! " was now the cry, and soon the people were gathering, a pale, nervous, affrighted throng, within the little wooden inclosure which was then their only hope of safety. To us, who from the distance of nearly forty years contemplate the scene, it is a broad comedy ; but to those affrighted pioneers it was a tragedy, the denoument of which might prove fatal to them and their loved ones. It was known that Keokuk and three thousand warriors were encamped opposite the Yellow Banks, held in check only by his promise of neutrality ; and who would believe the word of the treacherous red-skin? Black Hawk's band, too, were on the warpath. They had defeated Major Stillman, and men from Canton were among the victims, while between here and the scene of that disaster there was no sufficient force for the protection of the infant settlement. All these facts were well known, and had been frequently canvassed among the settlers. Peter Westcrfield was a man, too, in whose word the most unbounded confidence was placed. He was a Baptist licensed preacher, a man of undoubted courage, and had had a considerable frontier experience. He believed the trail he had seen, the yells he had heard, the firing he had listened to, the work of Indians, and had no doubt that Col. Barnes's family had been massacred. What wonder the defenseless people were frightened !

Preparations for defense, however, were not neglected. The women filled several large kettles with water, and determined to aid all they could in the common defense by using it on the foe. There were incidents of broad comedy intermingled, even then, with the tragedy, that caused grim smiles to illumine even faces white with fear - incidents that have served to enliven many a fireside description of those frightful days.

Joel Wright was, by common consent, selected as the commander of the fort, and Isaac Swan as his second in command. Joel was dressed in a light suit, with a linen round-about. During the excitement he was every where; assuring frightened women, issuing orders for defensive preparations, and distributing powder and lead to the men.

Be it understood, the women preserved their courage far better than their lords, as was evidenced by the fact that when no male hand could be found sufficiently steady to pour melted lead into bullet-moulds, a woman volunteered to make the bullets, and made them without spilling a drop of the melted meltal. Mrs. Doctor Coykendall was particularly noted for her coolness and courage on this occasion, and did most of the bullet-moulding.

To recount all the varied phases of this scare woufd itself require a volume: some were dramatic, most farcical, as viewed through the light of forty years, and by the knowledge that there was absolutely no danger. Among the amusing incidents of the day was the arrival at the fort of Jerry Coleman and 'Squire McKim, who were at Coleinan's mill, on Big Creek, when Westerfield's news was communicated to them. Jerry got the word a few seconds in advance of McKim, and, being lame, set out at once. McKim was not long in overtaking him, however. Mc- Kim wore an old-fashioned dress or swallow-tailed coat, and as he ran past the slow-paced Jerry, the coat-tails offered so tempting an aid to the boy's flight that he could not refrain from seizing hold of them with both hands. McKim was a large, portly man, who weighed nearly two hundred : at the same time McKim was a frightened man, and fright is ever selfish. He was not willing to be retarded by the weight of Jerry attached, like the weight to the tail of a kite, to his coat-skirts, so he turned on Jerry and tried to disengage his hold ; but Jerry's grip was always good, and fear had turned it into a grip of iron; he would not let go.

McKim turned to run, but still the weight of the crippled boy would retard his speed, and he would turn again and plead and fight, and pray for deliverance from the tormenter. Jerry loved life and feared Indians too much to be influenced either by prayer, threats, or blows. He hung on, and was still hanging on when McKim dashed into the fort.

Jerry found his father gone and the store thrown wide open. He took possession and sold out the whole stock of powder and lead in a few moments, not stopping to take an account of sales or settle with customers. It had cost him nothing, and he sold at cost and was satisfied.

Wm. Haunan, Charles Reeves ind William Babbett, boys of perhaps a dozen years old, were so much infected with the contagion of fear that they determined to seek refuge in flight. They accordingly left town and took to the timber. They crossed Big Creek north of Jacob Ellis's mill, and struck down the creek through th£ timber to a point west of Lewistown, where they hid in a dense thicket. Young Reeves had on a pair of buckskin breeches, and during his flight he had got them completely saturated with water. When the party took to cover he pulled them off and hung them up on some brush to dry. This was a serious error on Charles's part, as the sequel showed. He had not taken into his calculation the peculiar idiosyncrasy of buckskin, and found, to his chagrin, that the pants which had fitted exactly before they were wet, been too large while saturated with the treacherous fluid, were in their dried state infinitely too small - so much so that by no amount of stretching, coaxing or pulling could they be induced to come over his bare limbs. He had to give it up in despair, and made the rest of his trip through brush and briers in a primitive toilet, more simple and convenient than pleasant. They were out all the day of the Westerfield scare, all the succeeding night, and until the next night, subsisting on berries and elm-bark. How long they would have hidden no one can aflirm - perhaps they would have been hiding until this day, - had they not been attracted by the sound of an ox-driver's " Wo-haw, Buck," and ventured to "interview" him, thus learn-

At Col. Barnes's the news was tardy in coming that Westerfield brought. The colonel was out serving at the head of his company under Stilhnan. Stephen Babbett's wife heard the alarm sounded on the east side of Big Creek, and, gathering up one child and calling to her two remaining children to follow, ran at her utmost speed to Barnes's. Henry Andrews, then a boy of perhaps fourteen years old, saw her coming and called to know what was the matter. "Oh," she exclaimed, "the Indians are murdering every body across the creek. The people are running and hallooing Indians ! Indians ! " Andrews at once sent Col. Barnes's two younger boys over to old Mr. Swegle's to give them alarm, and in a short time they returned, bringing with them the old gentleman - who was far advanced in years - and his old lady and daughter. Mrs. Barnes now took the direction of affairs, and directed the party to seek shelter in a thicket at the head of a neighboring ravine. Tp reach this thicket the party were instructed to strike the ravine at a point considerably below, and then to follow up the bed of the stream, wading in the stream to hide their trail. The two small boys led the way, and the old gentleman and the women and children followed. There were fourteen persons in all, and only one boy, armed with a trusty rifle to protect them, Henry Andrews, brought up the rear; and as he followed he picked his flint and prepared for the struggle for life and for the lives of the women and children who were confided to his guardianship.

On reaching the cover of the dense hazel-thicket, the party took to cover, except Henry, who stood guard for a couple of hours - and they seemed mortal hours to the boy, who looked each moment to have the red-skins pounce upon him. At last, grown tired of waiting, Henry determined to venture to Canton and see what the real condition of affairs might be. He proceeded very cautiously, keeping in the cover of the hazel-brush as much as possible, until he reached the " Morse quarter " adjoining Canton, when he came upon John Huff, who was out on guard. Huff was frightened, and it was with difficulty Henry succeeded in making himself known : he succeeded finally, and proceeded to the fort. Here he found the wildest confusion existing. All crowded around him, believing him the sole survivor from among the settlers on the west side of the creek. Mutual explanations followed, and at once the scare was at an end. This scare was named, in honor of its progenitor, " Westerfield' s Defeat," and as such is still known.

The Westerfield scare was by no means confined to Canton, but spread through all the surrounding townships. In the Mailory settlement - now Putman township - -'were living quite a number of settlers, among whom were the Mallorys, Fellows, Stricklands and Holcombs. There was an understanding between Isaac Fellows and Joel Coykeudall, at Canton, that if any serious alarm was given, Joel should communicate the news to Fellows.

No sooner had the word brought by Peter "Westerfield reached Canton, of proximity of Indians, than Joel mounted a fleet horse and rode at utmost speed to Fellows's, to warn him of danger, according to his promise. The men in the neighborhood had met that afternoon to drill; the place of muster being near old Mr. Holcomb's. Thither Coykendall was directed by Mrs. Fellows, who, terribly alarmed, gathered up her two children, Penella and Stephen, and calling for her sister-in-law, Mrs. Cyrus Fellows, started for the same place.

The company at drill were terribly excited when Coykendall communicated his news, and at once, by common consent, separated, with the understanding that they would meet and fort at Holcomb's, whose house was the most roomy in the settlement.

Holcomb's house was a cabin, with two rooms, and situated on the prairie. He had no stable, but on the ground, ready for raising, had the logs for a small log-barn.

The men were wonderfully expeditious in collecting their little families at Holcomb's; so expeditious, indeed that not a man of them had thought of his arms. When all were assembled, the scene would have beggared the pencil of Hogarth to paint all its serio-comic and tragic effects. Women, with disheveled locks, were praying; men palsied with fear, and children screaming with affright. Some one suggested that a fort must be built about the house. The suggestion was grasped at, as drowning men grasp at straws.

It was soon discovered that the supply of barn-logs would not be sufficient for a stockade; so it was decided to build a breastwork. This was soon completed, and was only about three feet in hight. Then was discovered a dire calamity. Here was a breast-work, and here were brawny defenders, but there was only one gun that was serviceable.

Breast- works aie a good thing in themselves, but without arms their strong points in defensive warfare could not be brought out to advantage. What was to be done ? So much time had been occupied in preparing their fortifications that it was not probable there would be time to return to their homes for arms before the murdering savages would be upon them, and then, the women have since suggested, that their lieges were too much - well, say demoralized, - to venture so far from the fort. Some one suggested clubs ; and as there happened to be a convenient thicket, the suggestion ( was at once adopted. Clubs, those primitive weapons of warfare, were cut in such abundance that Mrs. Isaac Fellows persists to this day in saying there were fully four wagonloads; enough to keep the Holcomb family in wood until long after corn-planting.

While the young and athletic men were engaged in the club business, old Mr. Strickland, who weighed nearly three hundred pounds, and was too fat to venture so far as the thicket, engaged in improvising for himself a weapon more formidable than the club. Procuring a bayonet with about one-third of the point end broken off, he fastened it to a hoe-handle; then stationing himself before a window in an arm-chair, he poised his blunt spear, and, with an expectant look, pronounced himself ready to send whoever of the red-skins should present himself at that window to his last account. As Strickland sat expectant, waiting,' watching, he prayed - for he was a religious man - watched and prayed, determined to die at his post - and no Indian within fifty miles. While Strickland was preparing his formidable weapon, old Mrs. Stewart, who weighed nearly as much as that old hero, was loading and doubly loading the only serviceable gun.

Still the Indians did not come, and men and women began to breathe easier. Finally one bold pioneer volunteered to go down the road tqward Canton and see if he could discern any signs of the enemy. He soon returned with hair erect, and eyes dilated, and declaring that the "Injins" were coming, marching in solid column, at least a thousand strong.

And now Pandemonium was a quiet place compared with Fort Holcomb. Men, women, children, all were screaming, all were praying, all were - but why attempt to describe what is indescribable ? Had Black Hawk, with any of his braves, been within a mile, the noise then and there would have frightened them out of the country.

Still the Indians did not appear. Dark came, lights were extinguished, and in darkness and doubt the frightened people watched and waited. Twelve o'clock, and still no ruthless savage. Dawn, rosy dawn, came, and still the wary savage failed to make morn hideous with his terrible war-cry.

And now came a suspicion, faint at first, but gradually growing stronger until it crystalized into conviction, that the scare was without foundation, and then, all at once, men became brave. Messengers were now found willing to go to Canton to learn the extent and cause of the alarm. They soon returned, bringing the good news that there was not an Indian within, perhaps, one hundred miles of the county line.

The "Westerfield scare was communicated to the Moores's Grove settlement by a runner, who crossed below the Lewistown Bridge and made his way to Harvey Crosswait's. Crosswait communicated the alarm at once to his neighbors, inviting them all to take refuge at his new log-house, which was quite roomy and tolerably well calculated for defense. Between Crosswait's and Joshua Moores's there was a ravine that, on account of the melting snow, had -been converted into a raging torrent. Crosswait went as nearly to Moores's as this torrent would permit, and hallooed across to old Mrs. Moores. The old gentleman was now quite old, and Walters, his son-in-law, had just been killed at Stillman's defeat. Old Mr. Moores gathered up his sick wife in his arms and, followed by his daughter Jennie, her sister, and their four children, they started for the expected place of safety. On arriving at the slough,' they waded in across the bottom for some distance to a foot-log across the small stream, Mr. Moores carry- ing his wife, the two daughters wading, each carrying a child and leading one. When the foot-log was reached, Mrs. Moores expressed her belief that the alarm was false, and insisted on being taken back home; but at length, yielding to the entreaties of her children and the expostulation of her husband, consented to go forward. The whole party crossed over - the old folks by crawling on* their hands and knees, and the younger women by wading through the swift current, carrying one child and dragging the other. This was not accomplished without danger, as the water was deep and the current swift.

When the two young women had reached the shore, they noticed close behind them a neighbor woman - Mrs. Robinson, with two children, wading through the overflowed bottom toward them, and at once determined to wait for and assist her across. When Mrs. Robinson reached the foot-log, Mrs. Walters called to her to know where he was. Mrs. Robinson replied, "I don't know. Him and his brother were with me until we got to the creek, and then disappeared: I don't know what has become of them." It proved that both men, who were young, stout and hearty, had deserted the poor woman to her fate, and in company had started, as fast as their frightened limbs wTould carry them, for Springfield. They did not return for more than three weeks.

Mrs. Walters and her sister aided Mrs. Robinson to cross the stream, and accompanied her to Crosswait's, where the company, with many of their neighbors, remained until dark, when another runner arrived from Jacob Ellis's, informing them that there had been no danger.

Orendorf and Richard Addis had started to Hazael Putnam's place - since known as the " Woods Farm," - to attend the muster of their militia company. On the way across Canton prairie and when ne#r the mound, they met Richard Tompkins, who informed them that Peter Westerfield had just come home, and brought word that the Indians were killing every body north of Canton - that Barnes's folks had all been killed, and the danger was imminent.

ment to some extent reassured Tompkins, and he consented to return and go with Orendorf and Addis to Westerfield's house. Westerfield resided on what is now known as the " Capps farm." On arriving at Westerfield's, they found the place deserted - Westerfield having fled to the woods with his family for shelter. They accordingly turned and rode over to Putnam's. Here they found the militia company in consultation as to the course to be pursued. Esquire Orendorf was called upon for his opinion, and, after questioning Anderson, who was the only person present that had seen Westerfield, he expressed himself in favor of sending a messenger at once to Canton to ascertain the facts, and volunteered to go himself on that errand. Addis at once volunteered to accompany him. The company agreed to remain together at Putnam's until their return.

Orendorf and Addis set out at once on their mission, and had scarcely struck the high prairie before they discovered Peter Westerfield coming from toward his place, and evidently with the intention of joining them. Westerfield was mounted, barebacked, on a sorrel raw-boned animal ; his head was enturbaned with a red bandana handkerchief; he carried his rifle and shotpouch by his side, and wore a look of grim determination. He was evidently going to war, and his courage would not fail him. Westerfield communicated his news to Orendorf and Addis, said he had hid his family, and was going to the fort at Canton to aid in its defense.

On arriving at Canton, they found the scare had subsided - Henry Andrews having come in from the Barnes farm with news of their safety, and that no Indians were in that vicinity. When Westerfield heard this, he grasped Orendorf 's arm, and exclaimed, "I tell you, Orendorf, it is true, I know. Didn't I hear them and see their trail?" It was no use telling Westerfield that his senses had betrayed him.

Orendorf and Addis now rode back to Putnam's tp notify the company that the danger was imaginary ; but on arriving there they found that the valiant militia, taking a new scare, had run to their homes and were hiding out their families.

Theodore Sergeant

WAS Lieutenant of the Canton militia company during the Black- Hawk War, and in that capacity for a considerable period had the command of the company. After Stillman's defeat, an order came from the Governor to Sergeant for seven men from the Canton company. Sergeant at once - mustered his company in front of Childs & Stillman's store, and read the requisition, calling on those who would go to fall in after the music, which was at the same time ordered to march and countermarch. Up and down tramped the musicians before the company, but not a man fell in behind them. Sergeant was equal to the emergency. Ordering the music to cease, he went into the store and bought two gallons of whisky, which he passed down the ranks, treating every man. "Now, boys," said he, "I've got to have seven men, or I '11 draft them. Music ! forward, march ! Boys, fall in, you who wanlfto go." Either the whisky, or the threat, or patriotism, proved potent, and nine more than the required number at once fell in.

James Sebree

JAMES SEBBEE came to Canton on the 27th day of October, 1832. He was from Piqua, Ohio, and was a farmer by occupation. Mr. Sebree brought with him to Illinois seven children, five of whom were boys and two girls - one of the girls, Nancy, being married to Lewis Bidamon, who was also with the family. Mr. Sebree's arrival here was quite an epoch in Canton's history, not only from the impetus given to population by the addition of so large a family, but from the amount of wordly effects "Mr. Sebree brought with him. Of his sons, Preston was twenty-two, Robert T. nineteen, Curren - who died here in October, 1837 - fourteen, Charles W. twelve, and Howard W. ten years old. Eliza Jane, his single daughter, was also a young lady. She afterward married John C. Parks.

one two-horse carriage. Mr. Sebree bought property on the northwest corner of Main and Cole streets, where he soon after opened the " Sebree Tavern," of which mention is made elsewhere. Mr. Sebree was for many years familiarly known as, " Old Boon," from a fancied resemblance in person or character to that old pioneer. He Avas a genial, honest and intelligent man, a hard worker, and in all respects a good citizen.

Mr. Sebree used to raise honey, and one winter, soon after coming to Canton, a pack of graceless boys conceived the idea of stealing a stand to satisfy the cravings of their " sweet tooth." Accordingly, Duke B. and A. J. Coykendall, the Porter boys, one of the McConnels, and some others, made a descent on the bee-bench of old Boon, and captured one of the heaviest gums. It was taken to McPheeters's oil-mill and stored away in the loft, where it received regular visits from the boys so long as its sweets held out. Old Boon made no complaint, never mentioned his loss to any one, indeed, but kept an eye out for the offenders.

While the honey lasted, a revival meeting was commenced at the Methodist Church. Old Boon attended, stationing himself near the door. The boys also attended, and were in the habit of visiting their stolen treasure before going to church, and would come in past old Boon licking their fingers, some {inies, too, with a piece of comb in their hands. Sebree by this means found them all out, but kept his own counsels until spring. In the spring he called on the -young gentlemen and informed them that he must have pay for the stand of honey they had stolen, and that they could choose between working for him two days each loading and hauling manure from his stable or being prosecuted. The boys had no alternative but to do the work. Accordingly, Mr. Sebree set a day for the work to commence, and all were on hand, at noon the boys were called in to dinner, and at the table old Boon would pass an empty honey-dish to each, insisting that he should take some of it. All worked their time out but Jack Coykendall, who was discharged by the old gentleman for breaking three forks the first half-day. Of course, the forks had been purposely broken. While the boys were at work, they were visited by nearly the entire population of the town, who enjoyed themselves poking fun at them. Rev. Dr. Perry rode by and, stopping by the fence, inquired of them which they preferred - honey, or manure. The lesson was not soon forgotten by the boys.

Mr. Sebree continued to reside in Canton until his death, which occurred in 1867 - he having reached the ripe old age of eightythree years. He retained his vigor to the last, and caught his death-cold by wading throught the swamps and lakes in the Illinois-River bottom, while hunting, only a few weeks before his death. He was old Boon to the last.

Dewey Brothers

AMONG the sons of Orville Dewey, who came to Canton from Vermont in 1832, were two - Roswell W. and Carroll C. Dewey - who have since become well-known and highly-respected merchants. Roswell began his business education as a clerk for Joel Wright, in 1836 or '7; and Carroll by clerking for Tracy Doolittle, in 1840. They both continued at clerking until 1849, when they were offered a copartnership with Joel Wright. They accepted, and the new firm began business under the name of Deweys & Wright, and did business in the old Wright storeroom, still standing, on the north corner of the Public Square. In 1855 this firm was dissolved by limitation, and the Dewey Brothers established business on their own sole account, under the name of R. W. & C. C. Dewey. They purchased the storeroom of Sully & Tracy, who were then closing out business, and from that time until January, 1867, continued to do business in the same stand. At that time their store-room was consumed by fire, and for the succeeding year they transferred their business to the west room of the Maple Block, now occupied by Thornton, Eyerly & Co. They purchased during that year the location at present occupied by C. C. Dewey, and, remodeling the building, made of it a store-room one hundred feet in depth, forming the north wing of Union Block. In 1870 Roswell W. Dewey retired from the firm, selling his interest to C. C. Dewey, who still continues in business.

The Dewey Brothers have never failed of friends or customers since they commenced business, and have passed, by judicious management, through all the financial revulsions without a failure. Patterns of business integrity, their example is of great value to the younger class of business men.

Samuel Porter

IN 1834 Samuel Porter came to Canton. He was originally from the City of Boston. Mr. Porter was a painter by trade, but, finding very little business in his line among the log-cabins of the pioneers, with true Yankee adaptability to circumstances, he turned his attention to wagon-making. Porter lived on Main street, on the lot now occupied by Heald's boarding-house. He went into partnership with a man by the name of Davis, in a distillery which was located in Utica, at some time between 1834 and 1838, but did not long continue in it.

Mr. Porter was said to have brought the first violin to Canton. When he came he brought with him a well-supplied medicinechest, and furnished many indispensable articles to Drs. Donaldson and Newton. Mr. Porter also traveled, during his residence here, as a land-agent, in the employ of Timothy Gridley, a noted land-speculator of that day. He was a Universalist in religious belief. He removed from Canton in 1838.

Henry Clark

HENRY CLARK - or, as he was" familiarly known, "Brady Clark" - came to Fulton county in 1832, from Ohio. He was born and educated in Connecticut. Mr. Clark settled at first in Totten's Prairie, near the " Tazewell farm," below Cuba, where he commenced business as a hatter. Mr. Clark remained but a short time in the place of this settlement, removing to Canton in the spring of 1833. On his arrival at Canton he purchased three acres of ground from Isaac Swan, giving him twenty-five dollars per acre, which was considered at that time to be an extravagant price. This property is situated on South-First street, south of the Lewistown road, and has been known at different times as the "Bishop Clark place," the "Slosson place," and is now owned by J. S. McCreary, Esq. Mr. Clark established here

The First Hatter'S Shop

- he sold to Thompson & Watson, on which the" Slosson Mill was erected. The house built by Mr. Clark was long known as the Bennett Taylor place, now owned by Pat. Raiferty.