Chillicothe Township

Chillicothe Township

Is beautifully situated on the west bank of the Illinois river, eighteen miles above Peoria, and on the line of the Bureau branch of Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad. It was settled in quite an early day, and was laid out as a town in July, 1836, b}' Harrison H. Jameson and Joseph L. Hart, on the southwest quarter of section twenty-one, and the southeast quarter of section twenty. The original plat included thirty-eight blocks of ten lots each, sixty-six feet wide by one hundred and sixty-five feet deep.

The first cabin erected on the present town site was Ijy Jef. Hickson, a blacksmith, some time before the town was laid out, and stood on the bank of the river, where he also buill a shop and pursued his trade. The second cabin Wiis built aud occupied by Esq. E. Jones, now of Marshall county, iminedi.itely after the town plat was surveyed. He put a small stock of goods in one room of his double log cabin, and was the pioneer merchant of the place. Mr. Jones was also elected the first justice of the peace. He conducted the store for seven or eight years. About 18.38, Mr. Lehart came to Chillicothe ami erected a small frame house of one room, wiiich his family occupied ; and he kept a store in a cabin on Water Street, for several years, then removed to Indiana. In 18.35, James M. Brown - tiien a 3'oung single man - came from Ross county, (Ihio, and soon after built a story and a half frame house on First Street, containing four rooms on each floor, and opened a tavern, to which he gave the euphonious title of " AnK-rican House." A part of the old building still stands on the site. It was first kept by William Dunlap - afterwards Mr. Brown's father-in-law - for aliout five years, during which time liis house was a stopping ])oint on the Pioria and Chicago stage Jine.

The second tavern i)uilding was erected by John Hayes, and stood opposite to Messrs. Mathews & Holman's store. It was a frame structure containing ten to fifteen rooms, and known as the "Chillicothe House." Mr. Hayes kept it for a number of years. It was destroyed by fire in April, 1873.

Tiie first school taught in the village was in liie Winter of 1838-9, and occupied a vacant cabin. In 1845, a frame house of one room was built on the public square, which sufficed for school purposes until the first part of tlie present brick structure was erected in 1856.

The prosperity of Chillicothe h.is been somewhat impeded by several disastrous fires, which have at various times destroj'ed some of the most valuable jtroperty of the place. In the Fall of 18(34. tlie grain elevator at the depot burned ; in 1869, Wood A* Hosmcr's large steam mill and two large warehouses on the river bank were burned ; and in 1873, a large store and several dwellings on the corner of Elm and Second Streets, went up in thin air.

From an early period in its history Chillicothe has been prominent as a grain market. John Alonzo Moffitt, built the first grain warehouse, in 1847. The old frame still stands on the river l)anks. Henry Truitt erected a grain warehouse, at about 1853 at a cost of some $15,000; and forming a partnersiiip with S. C. Jack, conducted the fii-st legitimate grain trade of the j)lace. Some years later John W. Fuller succeeded Mr. Jack in the firm, and al)out 18t)7, machinery and dumps were put into the building. In the Winter of 187:'-4, .Mr. Fuller l)ought Mr. Tiuitl's interest, and tiie style of the firm iias since been J. W. Fuller & Co. In ls7ti, Mr. Fuller re-built and fitted uj) tlie warehouse with the most modern elevator improvements. It has a storage capacity of 75,000 bushels, and he has additional storage room I'or as much more. Tiiis firm iiandles half a million busiiels of grain per year, about half of wiiicli finds a market in I'eoria, and lialf in (Chicago.

Soon after the completion of the Bureau Valley railroad now the branch of the C, R. I. it P. - the railroad company built an elevator near the depot, winch was destroyed liy fire in August, 1S(J4 ; Ijut was re-built and filled with grain that season. The present imilding has a storage capacity of 75,000 bushels with all modern improvements. Siiic(! tile Spring of 18(1(1, C. \V. Carroll S: Co. have controlled the grain traffic over the road from that point, and haiidli- from ;i(JO,000 to 400,000 bushels and :'>50 cars of live stock, pi!r anmiin. Besides the elevator room the firm have crib storage room for 50,000 bushels of ear corn.

The Farmers' Mill erected by Adam Petry and A. C. Thomas, in 1868, at a cost of $5,000, containing three run of l)urrs, and a capacity for maiiufarturing fifty barrels of flour per ilay, consumes a consiilurable quantity of the grain grown in the vicinity.

In 1873 Chillicothe adopted a city form of government, previous to which its raunicipal affairs had been controlled by a board of five trustees. In April of that year the first Mayor and Board of Alderman were elected, consisting of the following gentlemen: Mayor, Henry Hosmer ; aldermen, William McLean, Levi Booth, Joseph Bailey, William H. Barbour and Richard Hughes. Wm. H. Barbour was elected mayor in 1875, Henry Truitt in 1877, and in 1879 Mr. Barbour was re-elected and now holds the office. It is now a place of about 1,200 inhabitants, and in size and commercial importance is the third town in the county.

It contains a bank, two dry goods houses, seven groceries, two fine drug stores, one farm macliinery house, two hardware and stove stores, two furniture stores, two large grain elevators, a lumber yard, a fine flouring mill, a saw and planing mill, two jewelry stores, a millinery store, a confectionery and bakery, a real estate office, two barber and two butcher shops, three carriage and wagon shops, three blacksmith shops, one tailor shop, a livery stalile, a bowling alley, two hotels - the Woods Hotel, C. Marble, containing about thirty rooms and well conducted, and the Will House about twenty rooms.

Doctors A. Wilmot, J. O. Tomlinson, J. F. Thomas, C. C. Allen, Mrs. E. Moffitt and O. F. Thomas are active in the medical profession. Societies of the place are A. F. & A. M., I. 0. O. F., and Temperance Reform Clubs. The bank does a heavy business, and the dry goods house of Mathews & Holman is the most extensive in the county outside of Peoria ; some of the grocery houses would be a credit to a city of 5,000.

Tiie public square, occupying a block near the center of the city, has recently been nicely improved, planted to deciduous and evergreen trees, and will in a few years be an attractive ornament to the place.

The Baptist Church, of Chillicothe, was organized in the Spring of 1838 with the following members : Peter Temple and wife, James H. Temple and wife, James Hammett and iiis wife and mother. Elders Thomas Powell, Tliomas Brown and Gersham Silliman ofiiciated. Elder Silliman preached for the young society occasional!}', and there were three additions to their number during that Summer. In 1838 Alexander Ridler, a Scotch clergyman, assumed pastoral charge and preached for the church till his death in 1840. After Mr. Ridler's decease the church was without a pastor for a number of years. J. H. Temple established a Sunday school in 1838, and held the sessions at private residences.

Mr. Bristol, a Congregational clergyman, and others preached occasionally. In 1850 Elder C. D. Merritt began preaching semi-monthly, and a re-organization of the society took place in June of that year, with 13 members. The first regular pastor of the churcli was Elder Thomas Bodley, who began his labors in June, 1850, and was succeeded bj^ Rev. Merritt in 1851. An extensive revival was held that year, resulting in 49 liaptisms, and an increase of membership to 92. In 1851 and '52 tlie society erected a comfortable brick edifice, with a seating capacity of 400. Through another revival effort in 1854, l^y Rev. Barry, the church was increased to 98 members. In 1857 the society numbered 102. During the war the interest declined, and the membership decreased to a few persons. The house was used for entertainments, given in behalf of that interest. In 1864 the church had become involved to the amount of $300. The building and property was sold at sheriff's sale for debts. Through the efforts of some of the members, and the generosit}- of the citizens, the amount was raised and it was redeemed. The building was put through a course of repairs in 186G, at a cost of about $900 ; aud in December of that year Rev. G. E. Prunk was called to the pastorate. The edifice was re-dedicated, and the church took a new lease of life. Several clergymen liave ministered successively to its spiritual wants since. From May, 1876, till the close of 1879, Elder L. D. Gowan served as pastor. The present officers are J. L. Kenuer and N. F. Bancroft, deacons ;

.1. I^. Kenner, acting clerk, and Henry Tniitt, treasurer. The society now numbers about 80 members. The chiiroli supports a flo'irishing Sunday seliool of 100 scholars

The Methodist Episcopal f AurcA of Ohillicothe was orjjanizeil about 18o0, with the following constituent members : Mr. Siddons and wife, Elijah Hoyt and Elizabeth Hoyt, Thomas Aspinwall and wife. J. W. Gates, Henry Truitt and wife. Mrs. Sarah \anMeter, G. A. Hoyt and Amanda Hoyt. John Hamniett and Elizal)etli Hammett, L.H.Thomas and wife, and some otliers. The church began the erection of a house of worship in 18.")3, wliile Rev. G. D. Miller was pastor, and completed it in 18^6, during Rev. A. H. Hepperly's pastoral charge. It is a neat frame structure, with a seating capacity for about 300 auditors. The society also built a comfortable frame parson.ige in 1852. The church now numbers 70 members, and supports a Sunday school of 85 scholars. Rev. J. A. Windsor is serving his second year as its present pastor.

The Reformed Episcopal Church, St. John's parish, was organized about the year 1865. The organizing clergyman and first rector was a Rev. Dr. Chamberlain, who was a clergyman of acknowledged ability. Under his administration, the churcli edifice now occupied by the parish was built and dedicated. The parish has never been numerically strong. Dr, Chamberlain was succeeded for a short time by a Rev. Mr. Russell, and he bj' a Rev. Mr. Jolinson.a very highly esteemed clergyman. On tiie 25th of October, 1874, as a missionary of the Reformed Episcopal Ciuircli, with tlie consent of the authorities of the parish, Rev. J. P. Davis commenced services in tlieir church, it having been for some time vacant.

On the 12th of September, 1875, the communicants of the parish, with the exception of four, voted to unite with the Reformed Episcopal Church, and since that date the parish ha.s been known as St. John's parish of the R. E. Church. The few members who declined coming with the majority have nevertheless kindly co-operated with them in parish work, and have rendered generous and eflBcient assistance. The new organization commenced with 27 communicants. Owing to the pressure of the times, it was decided, in April, 1877, to suspend pastoral services, and to close the church. By removals and deaths, the number of communicants was reduced to 21. Quite recently, in consequence of a rcmarkaljle religious awakening in the community, the house lias been re-opened, services have been re-estal)lished, and for the present Mi'. Davis is once more in charge of the parisli. On the 15th of April, 1S80, 18 persons were received by confirmation (Bishop Cheney officiating), and one by letter. The society expect to organize a Sunday school at once, and hopes soon to have the ordinary parish machinery in efficient operation, under encouraging prospects.

Schools. - The scliool of Chillicothc city, like liie country and the place, has been progressive. Tlie first one-room school-house on tlie stjuare, became inadetjuate to tiie wants of the growing town, and the first portion of the present brick structv\re was erected in 1856, 30 x 56 feet in size, two stories high and containing four rooms, at a cost of about *4,000. In 1870 the south wing, containing two scliool, two recitation rooms, and a hall, was added, which with some repairs uiton the other part, cost -*6,000. it occupies tiii'ci! city lots, is haiidsomcly located in tiie central part of tiie town, and presents an imposing and pleasing appearance.

The school consists of a first and second primary, intermediate, grammar and high school de[)arlments. Tiie course embraces ten years of attendance, and when completed fits tin? pupil for entering tlie freshman class in college. J. W. Moffitt is principal, and has an effi<i(?nt corfis of assistant teachers. The methoel of instruction is thorough, and eminently practical ; renilering the Chillicothe school, under tlie present management, one of tiie best in Peoria county.

There are three district schools in the township, beside the Chillicothe and Rome schools, each having a good house, and all carefully provitled for by the local school officers and in a flourishing condition.

Temperance Reform Clubs. - The Chillicothe Red Ribbon Club was organized Sept. 23, 1877, by Brother Bonticau, of Jackson, Miciiigan, with a membership of about five hundred. The following is a full list of the officers : Captain Adam Stuber, president ; J. W. Fuller, 1st vice-president ; J. L. Pond, 2d vice-president ; Robert Menzie, 3d vicepresident ; N. S. Cutriglit, secretary ; J. L. Kennen, Jr., assistant secretary ; James Kenlock, financial secretary ; Henry Truitt, treasurer ; William Story, steward ; Dr. J. F. Thomas, first marshal ; Thomas H. Oakford, second marshal ; Warren McFarland, sergeant at arms. Executive Comniittee : William Colwell, J. G. Johnson, A. H. Raney, Thomas Ashworth, and A. J. Story. Finance Committee: Stephen Martin, P. T. Matthews and C. W. Carroll. The club rented Slinn's Hall at two hundred dollars per annum.

The club has been the means of doing a large amount of good in the place. They hold a gospel temperance meeting every Sunday night, and their business meetings once in two weeks on Wednesday evening. The first Sunday evening in each month is given up to the children, and the hall is always crowded to its utmost capacity, the exercises consisting in school readings, singing and recitations, etc., by the children. One year ago there was a probability of the building being sold for saloon purposes, when the members of the club formed a joint stock company, and purchased it and lot, ran a partition through the lower story and rented it, receiving $200 per annum for the lower story ; giving the club the use of the upper story for the insurance and taxes on the building. The first year the expenses of the club were quite heavy, as it cost them about $100 to fit up their rooms, which, together with the rent was a heavy tax. Soon after renting the hall, the club fitted up a neat free reading room and smoking room. Sociables and entertainments are given by the club which are fruitful of much good, in improving the moral and social status of the community.

The club has paid out about $1,400, part of which has been to secure speakers and for charitable purposes. The White Ribbon Club is composed of the temperance women of Chillicothe. They have proved a noble band of workers, and have aided and strengthened the Red Ribbon Club financially, and by their words and deeds have done valiant service in the temperance work. The club is in a good working condition at this time. The present officers are : Dr. J. F. Thomas, president ; Stephen Martin, 1st vice-president ; Wm. J. Story, 2d vice-president ; J. W. Moffitt, 3d vice-president ; Dr. O. F. Thomas, secretary ; E. A. Mitchell, financial secretary ; Henry Truitt, treasurer. Executive Committee : Levi Booth, Capt. A. Stuber, Elias Entz. Finance Committee : L. A. Wood, P. J. Matthews, Thos. Ashworth.

George Washington Lodge, No. 222, A. F. tf A. M., was organized by dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 1855. In the following year a charter was granted, dated October 7, 1856, empowering the following brethren as officers for the ensuing masonic year to work, viz. : Wm. McLean, W. M.; L. A. Wood, S. W.; H. A. Raney, J. W. The balance of the charter members were : D. B. McMasters, Samuel C. Jack, Nathan Chapin, Hiram Goo^sell. Wm. B. Herrick was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and Harman G. Reynolds was Grand Secretary.

Chillicothe Royal Arch Chapter, No. 123, received their charter dated October 9, 1868, appointing Wm. McLean, H. P.; Henr}' Hosmer, King ; John L. Kenner, Scribe. The balance of the charter members were, viz: J. W. Fuller, J. W. Hurst, Isaac Lewis, Geo. M. Gibbons, John Ungar, Geo. P. Lester, H. F. Hyde, C. W. Carroll, Robert Will and Obadiah Eads.

Order of the Eastern Star, Wreath Chapter, No. 143, was organized by charter dated February 7, 1873. John L. Kenner, Worthy Patron ; Sarah V. Fuller, Worthy Matron ; Dorcas Lester, Associate Matron.

Fire Department. - In 187fi the first organization for the protection against fire was effected. The coniii;iiiy consisting of ten members was formed and named the Champion, with G. P. Lester as Fire Mai-shal. It only existed a few months ; and there was no furtlier effort made until the Fall of 1878, when another cumi)any, called the Rocket, was or;,'anized, with James Kenloek as Capt.; G. B. Temple, Lieut.; Wm. Story, Foreman and twenty members, G. P. Lester being appointed Fire Marshal by the city. Dining the existence of the Champion company a large, two-cylinder chemical engine was purchased, at a cost of 82.000 ; but finding it too heavy anil unwieldly, it was exchanged for two single cylinder engines of 100 gallon and 70 gallon capacity. The Rocket company is still in flourishing condition. In September, 1879, it competed at the State tournament, in Peoria, and won the first prize ; but from a hitch in the distribution of the i)remiums, the company failed to receive its award.

The Fress. - Like most country towns, Chillicothe has had a newspaper experience neither flattering nor profitable to the town nor the journalistic aspirants. Several papers have been started in the place and continued for a longer or shorter period, and died from lack of sustenance.

The Revieiv, its present representative in the newspaper world, was started in the Fall of 1879, by George Holton, a practical printer, and still lives. It is issued weekly, and the half of the paper printed in the home office is entirely devoted to local matters.

Rome

The village of Rome was laid out by Jefferson Taliaferro, and the plat filed for record December 24, 1832. The.origiiial plat contained twenty-four blocks, of eight lots, 5x8 perches in size, situated on section 5, town 10 north. 9 east. The town site is a beautiful one, on the right bank of the Illinois river, fifteen miles aljove Peoria, and for several years it had quite a rapid growth. In 1835 it contained a tavern of eight or ten rooms, liept b}' N. Sirlott, and several stores and groceries, some of them carrying large stocks of goods. Wm. A. Ogle, Hiram Cleveland, Mr. Bingham, J. B. Adams and Joseph Blish were among the first merchants. Hczekiah Rose was an early settler in the place. In 183") steamboats landed regularly, the town contained about 300 inhabitants, aiul was the most important point on the river for many miles. The first school was taught by a one-armed soldier, named James Pierce, who died some years ago in this county. The upper story of a store was used for school purposes until the present neat frame structure was erected in 1858, at a cost of $1,000. The district, which is an independent one, maintains school nine months in the year, with about fifty scholars in attendance.

Rome has had a post oflice since 1835, save tlie decade from 1S43 to 1854. Mr. L. Adams is now postmaster. There is no church building in the place, but the Methodists wlio have a class, hold services in the school house. The only mercantile establishment in the village is a small grocery kept by Tiiomas P. Nicholson.

In 1837, Isaac Underhill, of Peoria, purchased 2.200 acres of land, including the town site, and planted 500 acres to orchard in the immediate vicinity, some of which trees still stand. The financial crash of 1837 proved a fatal blow to Rome, from which time it steadily declined. It is a way station on the Bureau branch of the C, R. I. & P. railroad, and ships considerable fruit and jiroduce. Mr. H. S. Rose, who carries on lilacksmitliing, is the oldest resident living in the village, and has resided there over forty-four years.