Dillon Township

Dillon Township

Fifty-six years have come and gone since Nathan Dillon erected his cabin on section 1, of this township. It is claimed that he was the first settler in the county, save the old French traders, and for proof to substantiate this we refer the reader to his own words, recorded in the first chapter of this book. There is another claimant, however, to this honor. We refer the reader to William Blanchard's sketch in the history of Fond du Lac township. He brings a prior claim to that of Mr. Dillon's. We state the facts as clearly and pointedly as we can deduce them, and leave the readers to draw their own conclusions. It is useless to dwell at length upon the early history of this township, as that is embraced in the first chapter of this volume.

A few incidents of the early settlement will illustrate the hardships encountered by the pioneers. Mr. John Trowbridge relates, that when he came to the county, in 1833, he worked for his uncle, James Kinman, for two years at his saw mill, and for other parties, for ^5 per month. He says there were but four or five cabins on his side of the Mackinaw then. When he and his brother, Jessie, first purchased land, they had no timber from which to make rails. They accordingly went over to a grove, called Walnut Grove, which they named at the time. This grove was eight miles from their cabin. In the first tree they cut down, which was a walnut, they found and killed four coons. While there at work it suddenly turned cold. This was the most intense cold weather ever experienced in the country. He does not so state, but it likely was the "sudden change" refferred to elsewhere in this history. They could not keep warm and their provisions gave out. Their folks were afraid to come for them and they dare not undertake to go home, for fear they would freeze to death on the way. They set a trap and proceeded to cut a tree for fire. They soon returned to their trap and found a quail. This made them one breakfast. Toward evening it began to turn warmer, and while busily cutting they heard a loud noise. They went back to their " shanty," made a big fire, and Jessie laid down to sleep, but his brother kept him awake, fearful that the wolves would devour them, for it appeared that there were over 500 right around them. The following morning they left for home, and when on the top of a sand ridge, just below them they counted 110 deer. They were running in Indian file and were counted as they passed. The noise made by their hoofs was heard at a distance of over a mile.

Mr. Trowbridge has seldom been out of the county since his coming. He used to go on hunting excursions with Seth Kinman, his cousin. Many of the old settlers remember this remarkable character. On one trip they started up a wolf and killed it, and started another, gave chase, and killed it also. They then found three bee trees and got four tubs of honey. While they were cutting the third tree, the dogs treed fifteen coons, all of which were killed. This was called a good hunt.

Mrs. Ellen Studyvin tells us that when they first came, which was in 1830, they kept a tavern or an inn. It was known as Studyvin's Tavern. She recollects the deep snow, and says it covered the fences entirely. Three children were drowned in the Mackinaw when she first came. They were sliding on the ice, which broke, they went through and were drowned. Their graves are near the Mackinaw. They were children of Mrs. Mosler, who now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Ball, at Delavan.

Mrs. Josiah Baily came in the fall of 1828, and is to-day, at the age of 73, one of the Smartest old ladies in the county. She resides with her brother, Daniel Brown. She remembers seeing Black

History Of Tazewei,L County

Matthias Mount came in 1833, Feb. 20. He served in the Black Hawk war, as Second Lieutenant in Co. C, 1st regt. He was at the battles of Wisconsin and Bad Axe, and attended the treaty at Rock Island, and says our portrait of Black Hawk is an excellent one. He had a horse shot from under him.

Daniel Crabb is one of the early settlers, and one who has, by his own labor and good management, amassed a fortune. He made rails for 37| cents per hundred, and took his pay in trade, when he first came.

The first meeting after the the township mode of conducting county affairs was adopted, was held April 2, 1850. Nathan Dillon presided. A vote was taken, and Nathan Dillon elected Supervisor ; J. W. Musick, Clerk ; R. H. Hardy, Assessor ; J. B. Landet, Collector; Daniel Dillon, Com. of Poor; Abncr Rulon, Obediah Study vin and Samuel Berry, Com. of Highways; Sherrod Williams and Jesse Kinman, J. P. ; John B. Landet and Wm. Stockton, Constables ; Andrew Wallace, Pound Master. Nathan Dillon was the first Justice of the Peace in the township ; he held his commission from Governor Edwards.

Antioch Ghridian Church was the first Church organized in the township. The congregation was formed by Jesse Fisher, Jerome AValtmire, William Dillon, Abner Rulon, and others. The first edifice was built in 1838; the present one in 1858, at a cost of $600. The Elders are J. R. Cainpbell, Wm. Johnson, Rees Gatlis and Allen Leonard.

There are two towns in the township, both of which are small and quite old. They are Dillon, situated on section 3 ; and TuUamore, on section 24.

In connection with the history of Dillon township, we mention some of the representative and leading citizens, believing they not only deserve mention, but that a short sketch of them will be read with interest.

John Birky, farmer, sec. 34 ; P. O., Delavan ; was born at Tremont, this county, Feb. 4,1849; son of Clu-istian and Catharina (Moseman) Birky, natives of Germany and France. Mr. Birky attended the common schools of this county ; is connected with the Omish Church; was married Jan. 25, 1874, to Magdelina Zimmer, also of this county ; she was born Oct. 9, 1854. They have had three

John C. Boivlsby, was born in 1799, in New Jersey; received a common school education ; has followed the pursuit of farming ; came to this county in 1868. Mr. Bowlsby went, with 1,000 others, to Hockistown, under Colonel Williamson, to fight in the war of 1812. Has held numerous offices in his time. Mr. Bowlsby gave his first vote to Thomas Jefferson ; is a Democrat. Was married in 1819, to Ann Young; is the father of twelve children, eight of whom are now living. P. O., Green Valley.

Charles H. Bowlsby. John, his father, and Ann (Young) Bowlsby, his mother, were natives of N, J., where Charles H. was born Oct. 5, 1836. He received a common school education. He came to Tazewell county in May, 1850; has been Collector and now holds the office of Justice of the Peace; was married Nov. 14, 1869, Is the fiither of Melvin J., born Aug. 29, 1871 ; Lillie B., born April 7, 1873; Charles M., born July 26, 1874; Lewis T., born Oct. 11, 1876; Warren F., born Dec. 10, 1878. He belonges to the Methodist Church ; is a Democrat ; P. O., Green Valley.

Daniel Brown, farmer, sec. 35 ; P. O., Delavan. Mr. Brown is a native of this county; was born Nov. 1, 1829. William Brown and Rachel Milner Brown were his parents. The subject of this sketch received a common school education ; has been School Director ; was brought up in the Quaker Church ; was married in Nov. 1859, to Ariette Lillie. They have two boys - Louis E., born March 30, 1862, and Daniel Jr., born Oct. 23,1867. Mr. Brown is a Republican in politics.

JoJi^ T. Clemens is a native of Indiana, where he was born July 29, 1830. His parents were Roger T. and Nancy (Higgens) Clemens. John T. received a common school education ; has held the office of Justice of the Peace. He came to this county in the spring of 1852, and worked by the month; 12 years ago he bought his first land, a valuable piece of farm land on which he now resides. Mr. C. has driven from the Mackinaw to Decatur when there were but few houses on the way, and has passed over the site where the city of Lincoln now stands when there were no houses there ; was married Aug. 20, 1854, to Tamzon Bowlsby. They are the parents of Charles W., born May 30, 1855; Frank T., born May 7, 1857; Henry, born July 29, 1859; Jennie H., born Feb. 14, 1865; Minnie, born Dec. 14, 1868. He belongs to the Methodist Church, and is a Republican. P. O., Green Valley.

Jeremiah Connell, farmer, sec. 23, P. O., Delavan. Mr. Connell is a native of Ireland, where he was born Sept. 1, 1825. His parents, James and Mary (Welch) Connell, were natives of the same country. The subject of this sketch received a common school education in his native country. He, like many of his countrymen, thinking to better his condition, came to free America, locating in

Daniel Crabb, farmer and stock raiser ; son of Edward and Nancy (Figens) Crabb, of Ohio. Daniel was born May 8, 1818, in the above State, and received a common school education. Mr. Crabb came to this county in the winter of 1844. He is one of the most thrifty and successful stock raisers, and now owns 10 head of horses and 300 head of cattle. He does not pay much attention to flirminff, although he is the owner of 1,400 acres of valuable land. Mr. Crabb was married in December, 1843, to Margaret Bailoy, who died Feb. 13, 1857. They were the parents of the following children : Frances, born Jan. 17, 1844 - she married Gilman Bailey, of this township, and has four children; Emily, born Aug. 14, 1845 - she married Joseph Phillips, of Malone township, and has four children ; Edward, born Dec. 26, 1846 - married Mrs. Powers, and has two children, and resides in Bates county. Mo. ; Lettitis. born Nov. 8, 1848 - she married Henry Bailey, of Dclavan, and has two children ; Richard, born June 23, 1851, died April 27, 1867; James Warren, born Dec. 28, 1853 - married Libbie Schureman, and has one child.

James Warren Crabb, farmer and stock raiser, was born in this county Dec. 28, 1853; is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Bailey) Crabb, natives of Ohio. James Warren was educated at Lake Forest Academy. He was married Sept. 21, 1875, to Libbio, daughter of Jonathan Schureman. They have one son. Mr. Crabb ])urchased his first farm from Jonathan Schureman. He is now numbered among the heaviest farmers and stock raisers, owning 540 acres of choice land in this county, and 640 acres in Mason county. He has on his stock-farm 15 head of horses, 200 head of cattle and 100 head of hogs. He belongs to the Democratic party. P. O. address, Green Valley.

Nathan C Fisher, farmer, sec. 1, P. O., Dillon. Mr. Fisher was born in Elm Grove township, this county, March 30, 1838. His parents are Jesse H. and Annie (Dillon) Fisher. Mr. Fisher was married March 12, 1865, to Helen Hitt. They have had three girls, but only one is living. He is a member of Antioch Christian Church.

Caleb W. Hopkins, farmer, sec. 34 ; P. O., Delavan. His parents, Samuel R. and Hattie (Bates) Hopkins, were natives of R. I., where Caleb was born, April 3, 1826. Mr. Hopkins is a descendant of Stephen Hopkins, who came to this country in the May Flower. The subject of this sketch received an Academic education in his native State. He came to this county April 15, 1856; was married July 23, 1849, to Catharine R. Stone, of R. I. Names and dates of births of children - Annie C, May 8, 1852 ; Hattie E., Aug. 15,

John R. Horton, farmer, sec. 33 ; P. O., Delavan. Mr. Horton is a native of Providence, R. I., where he was born March 19, 1838. His parents were Stephen and Harriet M. (Brown) Horton; received an academic education in his native State. He came West in search of a new home, and located in this county in the spring of 1860; was married, Feb. 8, 1869, to Mary A. Miller. They have had six children; they were born as follows: Louis, Feb. 17, 1870, died March 1, 1871; Carrie, Jan. 23, 1871; Nathaniel B., Nov. 22, 1872; Anna F., May 12, 1874; Henry, April 23, 1876; Grace v., Sept. 1, 1877.

Patrick Haypenny, farmer, sec. 22 ; P. O., Delavan. Patrick is a son of John and Mary (Donnell) Haypenny ; was born in Waterford county, Ireland, in 1830, and came to this county in 1850; is a Catholic. Mr. H. married Margaret Brien, a native of Ireland. They have had six children - Mary, born April, 1856; John, born March 18, 1858; Andrew, born 1860, died 1866; Thomas, born Jan. 17, 1862; Kate, born May 25, 1864; Patrick, June, 1866. Is a Democrat.

Chridian Lorenson, farmer, sec. 26 ; P. O., Delavan. Mr. Lorenson is a native of North Tlesvig, Germany, where he was born Oct. 21, 1850; parents, Erik and Anna (Peterson) Lorenson; attended the common schools of his native country ; is connected with the Lutheran Church; was married March 1, 1876, to Anna Sophia Grav, a native of the same place as Mr. Lorenson. They have one girl - Anna, born Feb. 25, 1878. Is a Democrat.

Nicholas Luft, farmer, sec. 1 ; P. O., Delavan ; is the owner of 217 acres. Is a native of Germany, where he was born Nov. 23, 1833; came to this county Aug. 6, 1851. Mr. Luft was in the cavalry, in the German army, 6 years; was married April, 1847, to Katrina Horn. They have had eight children - four boys and four girls, five of whom are living. Mr. Luft is connected with the Evangelical Church, and is a Democrat.

Jacob Maurer is a native of Germany, where he was born in 1835. His parents were Gatleib and Elizabeth Maurer; Jacob received a common school education. Mr. Maurer but recently came to this county, arriving here Feb. 4, 1878, He is a farmer; is the father of five children ; is connected wdth the German Reformed Church, A Democrat. P. O,, Delavan.

Dennis McCarthy is of Irish parents, and himself a native of Ireland, being born in Limerick, in 1833. His parents were Dennis McCarthy and Hanora Murphy, his wife ; attended the common schools, Mr. McCarthy left his native country to try his fortune in a strange land. He located in this county in 1848; he is a farmer; is a member of the Catholic Church; was married May 18, 1854, His children are - Michael, born 1855; Ellen, born 1857; Josie, born March 1859; Bridget, 1861 ; Katie, 1863; Annie, 1865; Dennis, Oct. 11, 1868; John, March 31, 1872. Is a Democrat.

Frederick Merhee, farmer, was born in Germany, Feb. 21, 1845. His parents, Jacob and Barbara, are natives of the same country. Mr. Merkee received a common school education. He left his native country and came to America and located in this county in 1873; was married Dec. 15, 1871, to Lizzie Schmidt. She has borne him four children, as follows - Lena, born Nov. 1,1873; John, born Dec. 4, 1874; Liddie, born Jan. 21, 1876; Lizzie, born Sept. 4, 1877. Is connected with the German Lutheran Church.

Thomas Morrisey is of Irish descent, being a son of John Morrisey and Julia Flinn, natives of Ireland. Thomas was born in AVarhor, Ireland, in 1839. The subject of this sketch left the land of his birth, and arrived in this county in the fall of 1857. He is a farmer and a Catholic; was married in Feb., 1862, Thev are the parents of John, Thomas, Kate, Patrick, Nellie, James, Martin and Michael. Is a Democrat. P. O., Delavan.

Matthias Mount. This gentleman is, perhaps, as well and flivorbly known as any other man in Tazewell Co. He was born in Shelby Co., Ky., Aug. 7, 1810, and came to this county in 1833, Feb. 20. He received his education in the log school houses of his native State and was married to Ann Louisa Broyhill, May 31, 1836. She died Feb. 20, 1840, leaving one son, Matthias, "born Jan. 13, 1840, who, also, sleeps in death. Mr. M. was again married Nov. 4, 1843, to Abigail Chapman Orendorff. She died June 23, 1853, leaving three children - Joseph, born Dec. 14, 1846; Jane, July 9, 1848; Martha, March 2, 1852. Again Mr. Mount was married. This time to Eliza Jane Bennett July 23, 1854. By this wife he has five children - William M., Jolin DeKalb, Mary Elizabeth, Nathaniel Green and Ida E. Mr. M. is engaged in farming and owns about 700 acres of land and is considered one of the solid men of the county. He has been a member of the Board of Supervisors for a longer time than any other member. He cast his first vote for Jackson in 1828 and has voted for every Democrat nominee for President since, excepting Horace Greeley. He came to Morgan Co., Ill, Nov. 25, 1830. He enlisted in the Jacksonville Co. and served in the Black Hawk war as 2nd Lieut, and participated in the important engagements of that war. In the spring of 1833 he came to Tazewell Co. and since has lived an honored, respected and useful life.

John Oswald, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Dillon. This gentleman is the son of Benjamin and Sarah (Geiser) Oswald, of Maryland. His father was born in 1776, his mother in 1792. John was born in Maryland, July 17, 1810, and came to this county in May, 1855, and has since lived an active, energetic life, respected and esteemed by all who know him. He was united in marriage with Margaret Stephey, April 14, 1833. This union has been blessed with three children, two of whom are living - William D., born May 7, 1834; Mary Ann, wife of Anthony Fisher, was born Oct. 13, 1836; John

Thomas Page, farmer, is a native of England, and son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Martin) Page. Thomas Page was born in Colchester, Essex, England, in Dec, 1823; received a common school education in his native country ; came to this county from England in the fall of 1844; has been School Director. AVas married in March, 1846, to Hannah Dillon, who lived but eight months and two days thereafter; married to Ruth Allgood, March 6, 1852, and is the father of four children. Thev were born as follows - Marv Ann, April 6, 1853; Allean, Jan.' 26, 1856, died, Aug. 28, 18o7; Thomas C, May 29, 1861 ; James H., Jan. 29, 1866. Mr. Page is one of the descendants of the Jenning's family whose estate is now in litigation, involving millions of money ; is a Republican. P. O., Delavan.

James Franklin Boilings, merchant and farmer; P. O., Dillon; was born in Jackson county, "West Ya., Sept. 23, 1843. His parents were James W. and Sarah (Casto) Rollings. Mr. Rollings came to this county in the spring of 1852, attended the common schools of this State, and spent his early days on the farm with his father. Has held the offices of Constable, Justice of the Peace, and Postmaster. Was married Sept. 28, 1865, to Martha Bliss. They have five girls - Sarah E., born June 25, 1867; Mary A., born June 10, 1871; Minnie J., Aug. 1, 1873; Martha M", May 25, 1876 ; Emma L., Dec. 21, 1878. Mr. R. is a member of the Methodist Church.

Hiram Boilings, farmer, was born in Virginia, Jan. 31, 1847. His parents were James and Sarah (Casto) Rollings. Hiram came to this county in the spring of 1852. He received a common school education. Was married Feb. 10, 1872, to Alice Rodecker. Their son, Edger, was born Sept. 24, '73, and daughter, Luella, was born Jan. 13, 1875; Mr. R. is a Democrat in politics, P. O., Dillon. Frank Scott was born in Dillon in Oct., 1851. His parents were Moses and Harriet (Alexander) Scott, natives of Mississippi. Frank spent his school-boy days at school in Dillon. He now follows the occupation of farming ; is a Democrat in politics. Was married Dec. 4, 1872, to Mary Cooper. They have one sou, Walter, who was born Oct. 30, 1874.

Cornelius Shay, son of David Shay, native of Ohio, and Rachael Ridgwav, native of Illinois. Cornelius was born in Dillon township April 15, 1857, and has always lived in this county; received a common school education. His chosen occupation is that of a farmer ; is a member of the Methodist Church ; was married Sept. 3, 1878, to Samantha Dillon. Political views, Democratic. P. O., Green Valley.

Henry Stevens, a native of X. J., was born in Jersey City, Nov. 20, 1852 ; his parents are Julius and Mary (McCord) Stevens. Henrv came to this county in the fall of 1856 ; attended the common schools of this township. His occupation is that of a farmer ; is a professor of religion in the Methodist Church. Mr. Stevens was married to Matilda Clawson, in 1875, who died three months after marriage; was again married, Oct. 1, 1878, to Delia Morris; is a Democrat. P. O., Green Valley.

Henry H. Stewart, farmer, was born in Tazewell county, April 20, 1847 ; is a son of Joel Stewart, native of Penn., and Mary Hinsey, native of Ohio; received a common school education. Mr. Stewart enlisted in the 139th Regiment, Company C, in April, 1864; was married Feb. 12, 1874, to Sophie W. Lantz. Cora B., their daughter, was born Aug. 27, 1875; is a member of the Christian Church; belongs to the Republican party. P. O., Green Valley.

Noah Studi/vin is a native of this county, having been born in Dillon township July 28, 1853; is a son of John and Ellen Studyvin, natives of Ohio. Noah attended the common schools. Follows the jmrsuit of farming. Was married in Dec, 1876; is a Democrat. P. O., Delavan.

Stephen Studyvin, farmer, was born in Dillon, Feb. 10, 1838. His parents were Obadiah and Cynthia Studyvin ; received a common school education. Has been Assessor and Collector. Mr. Studyvin was married Dec. 5, 1873, to Frances Ann Fisher. They have one daughter, Delia May, who was born July 4, 1875, and a son, Artie, born Nov. 6, 1877; is a Democrat. P."0., Delavan.

Levi Tollinger is a native of Penn., where he was born ]\Iarch 17, 1845. His ])arents were George and Margaret Tollinger. Levi received a common school education, and came to this county in Sept., 1872. In the dark days of the Rebellion Mr. Tollinger came foward and offered his services to his country. He enlisted in the 9th Penn., Cavalry; was engaged in many hard fought battles, among which we might mention "Thompson's Station," Tenn., "Stone river," "Lexington;" was with Sherman on his great "march to the Sea." He was one of the party who captured Gen. Johnson. Mr. Tollinger was shot through the clothes and had several horses shot under him, but had the good fortune to escape any personal injury ; was in the service four years. Was married in Dec, 1875, to Emma Trimble. Jesse L., their son, was born Aug. 19, 1876. Mr. L. is a Methodist. Republican in politics. P. O., Green Valley.

Jacob Zimmerman was born in Germany, May 12, 1829. His parents, Christian and Barbara (Sommers),'wcre "natives of Germany. Jacob attended the common schools of Ohio, and came to this county in the Spring of 1872; was married in 1852, to Catherine Unzickcr. She was the mother of nine children, born as follows : - Magdalena, Feb. 23, 1853; Barbara, July 29, 1854; Catherine, Nov. 9, 1856; Fannie, Feb. 26, 1858; Mary, March 28, 1860;