Eliza Township

Eliza Township

This is No. 15, in range 5, of the fourth principal meridian. Rock Island county bounds it on the north, and the Mississi}»])i river on the west. A chain of irregular and abrupt bluffs extends from north to south, through the center of the township, from the south line of section 32 to the northern boundary line between Eliza townshij) and Rock Island connty, at the northwest corner of section 0. Three creeks run in a southwesterly direction through the town, the princii)al one of which is Eliza creek, whose source is in the N. E. J of Sec. 12, of Duncan township. Fed by small tributaries on botli sides, it runs southwest through that township, crossing the eastern boundary line between the two townships in the N. E. ^ of Sec. 24 ; runs southwest to the center of section 23; thence northwest to the north section line between sections 15 and 22 ; thence southwest, crossing the west section line between sections 21 and 22, through sections 21, 29, 30, 25, and 36, and em])tying into the head of lower Eliza lake. Winters- creek enters the township in the N. E. J of Sec. 25 ; flows southwest through sections 25 and 35. Glancy branch enters the townishi]) at the northern boundary line between Eliza township and Rock Island county, in section 5, and runs southwest through sections 5 and 7. These streams and theii- tributaries furnish am]de sui)plies of water for stock at all seasons of the year.

In the western part of the townslii]i, below the bluffs and between the river, are nestled numerous small lakes and ]>onds. The most ]>i-oininent of the lakes are U])])er Eliza, (Tlancv, and Swan, the largest being Swan, part of wliich extends south into Xew Boston township ; this lake is two and a half miles long and a half mile wide, and, like all the rest, the water in this lake is clear and from four to five feet in depth. Upper Eliza is one mile long and a quarter mile vnde, and from three to eight feet deep. Glancy extends north into Rock Island county, and is about two miles long, one-eighth mile in width, and i'rom five to twenty feet in depth. These lakes and tlieir tributaries are mostly skirted with timber and a species of willow commonly called buck brush. The timber consists of the various oaks, hickory, maple, sycamore, hockberry, buckeye, wild honey-locust, ash, walnut, and pecan, of which a fine young growth is now growing. Grape and other wild climbers also abound along the banks of creeks and lakes. These lakes and tributaries abound in game and fish of fine flavor, and the business of fishing is carried on to some extent by parties who lease the grounds for that purpose. Wild ducks and geese are also plentiful in seasons when they migrate Irom north to south, and vice versa.

The soil of Eliza township is admirably adapted to agricultural purposes. The land lying on the southeast side of Eliza creek is mostly prairie, and is composed of rich black loam, with yellow and brown clay subsoil in places, which produces heavy crops of corn and other agricultural staples. The land lying north of the creek is undulating, and, near the bluft', quite hilly ; is mostly covered with timber, and is used for pasture, for which it supplies a fine growth of blue grass.

The land on the bluft' and in the vicinity of the river seems to have been the favorite abode of the ancient mound builders, of which race of people we know but little at the present day. All along below and on the summit of these bluft's can be seen these mounds, the most noted of which are on sections 28 and 29, north of Jay Wilson's farm, Martin Bear place, on section 16, now occupied by Edwin Bishop's house, and on the east part of sections 1 9 and 30, the most prominent of which are (tn sections 19 and 3,0. All through the timber on these lands can be seen what appears to have been at one time a line of earth-works, thrown up for a defense, inside of which are hundreds of these mounds. Some of them measure fortv feet at the base, and on top large oak trees, four feet in diameter, have grown. Many of these mounds have been o])ened by scientific men and curiosity seekers. In some of them have been found S])ecimens of several grades of pottery, from the common clay to some artistically decorated and a]»])arcntly glazed. Some curiously shaped pi])es and axes have also been found, among which was a double edged one, having a round hole in the center for an eve. The most important thing found in these mounds was a skeleton measuring nine feet in lengtli. Tlie bones taken fi'om the mounds are all well preserved.

All that portion of land extending westward and nearest the river is of the finest quality, but owing to tlie exjiosure to ovei'ilow and the damp nature of the soil in seasons for y)lanting, is not farmed. It is covered with a heavy growth of tall coarse grass which makes line l>asture for cattle, hundreds of which are grazed upon it annuall}' and hundreds of tons of hay are made and stacked for winter use. The land nearer the bluff is of the finest grade, the soil being from five to ten feet deep, and susceptible of the highest state of cultivation, and in favorable seasons unaccom])anied by overfiow, has produced more corn })er acre than any other land in the country; but in seasons of extreme rtiiny weather in the northern states, it is subject to ovei-fiow, as was too truly the experience in that locality in the sj^ring and fall of 1881. After the farmers had planted their corn and it had grown a foot or more the land began to overfiow, and in the course of a few days crops were completely submerged in a vast sea of water extending from the blufi' to the Mississippi. Crops of all kinds were completely destroyed. Many cattle, horses and hogs were drowned and those only were saved that could be brought out on fiat-boats. The sudden and unexpected appearance of this fiood was without a parallel Xo the oldest inhabitants. The water reached a height equal to that of 1851, soon subsided and disappeared. The inhabitants were at first discouraged at the pros})ect for a crop that season, but they went to work re})laiiting their corn hoping to be favored by a long season to mature the second crop ; the second planting germinated and grew and so<jn looked better than the first. The season of 1881 being unfavorable for corn throughout the state, proved the best in this locality on account of the peculiar adaptability of the soil. The crop raised that season was the best in the county, but when harvest time came and the farmers were about to realize the results of their labor, with corn at sixty cents i)er bushel, a repetition of what had taken i)lace in the spring ensued ruining the crops and swee})ing away horses, cattle, hay and fences. No portion of land could be seen anywhere. Unlike the previous overfiow in the spring, the water was slow to pass ofi'and covered the land for two months, during which time, drawn there by the excellent feeding, the wild ducks swarmed in by the thousands, completely stripj)ing the corn that was standing out in the water. Sj)ortsmen came from all })arts of the state, the reports of whose guns sounded to the old soldier like a distant skirmish line. It has been estimated that during that season forty thousand ducks were killed and shi])ped from tluit ])lace to the large cities.

First Settlements

The lirst early settlers of Eliza, with but few exceptions, came from Indiana and, in most instances, brought their families with them, making the journey through the open prairie and enduring all the hardships incident to the times. There being at that time a few trading places at New Boston, that point was mostly aimed for on account of the freight and commercial advantages it then afforded. Another attraction was the timber along the bluff. The majority of these people having been raised in and adjacent to timber in the Ibrmer state, looked npon farming without the use of timber as impracticable, and without which they were unable to constrnct their rude log cabins and fence their farms.

J. H. Witter was the first settler in Eliza township. He came from Indiana to Eliza in the spring of 1833 and settled on Witter's creek, then named for him, but afterward changed to Winter, who was the next man to settle near the same place. Witter did not stay long in Eliza, but sold out and moved to Iowa.

In the fall of that year David Shaunce and family, accom])anied by his son, John Shaunce, arrived. They entered the E. ^ of the S. E. J of Sec. 29, but by mistake settled on a quarter of land in the W. -J- of the S. W. J of Sec. 29, soon after which William AVilson and John Hill came. AVilson was from Indiana and Hill from Kentucky. Hill took a claim and built the best house then in the to"«Tiship, on the E. ^ of the S. E. ^ of Sec. 29, which land by right belonged to Shaunce. As soon as the mistake was discovered a difficulty between the parties ensued, causing a bitter enmity in both men. After considerable quarreling" over the disputed land, Shaunce sold it to J\Ir. I). F. Noble on condition that he (Shaunce) should take possession of the l)lace. Shaunce first tried to get Hill off the place by legal process, but failing in that he then nndertook it by force, which was the cause of some heavy fist battles in the neighborhood. Hill, howcs'er, relinquished his right to the property by moving off the premises, of which Noble took possession. Hill then bought a piece of land on section 31, where he lived for a short time, and sold out to Sanuiel Elliott and moved to Iowa. Shaunce's name is familiarly remembered by all the old settlers of the ])resent time. His house was the radiating point. A traveler inquiring the way to a place was invariably told that the place inquired for was so far to or from Shaunce's. Shaunce was one of the first grand jurors chosen in the C(Minty, and also one of the first ]^arties in a law suit.

entered a piece of land, wliere he built a cabin and lived until he sold out to Daniel Noble, when he moved to liock Island county, town of Drury, which bears his name. lie then built a large mill on Co])])eras creek, familiarly known to all the old settlers as Drury's mill. Mr. Drury's lather, Charles Drury, and J. P. Reynolds did not remain long in Illinois, but took i)assage on board a steandjoat at New Boston on their way back to Indiana by way of Cincinnati. Reynolds returning the same season lived with Dr. Reynolds until the following spring of ls35, when he was married to Miss Ilettie Elliott, formerly from Morgan county, Indiana. This was the iirst marriage in the township, which event is distinctly remembered from the circumstance that followed. Reynolds died in just four weeks after the wedding day, and was buried in Eliza cemetery, Charles Drury, returning in the fall of 1S35, was also nuirried to Miss Nancy Prentice, who died eleven months after, lie then moved to Rock Island county and studied medicine with Dr. Revnolds, after which he married Mrs. Eliza McGreer, moved back and practiced medicine throughout the townshi}), living upon what is known as the E. W. Mardock farm. He quit the practice of medicine in 1851 and moved to Oregon.

In the fall of 183-4 Jesse Willits and family, also from Indiana, settled on section 32, the place now owned by Frank Willits. Willits was the first probate judge, and one of the first justices of the peace ; also one of the first grand jurors chosen in 1835. lie lived on the place where he first settled until the time of his death in 1S43. Dr. Miivk AVillits settled on the same piece of land \vitli Jesse Willits, on section 32, which he sold after li\ing upon the place one year. Dr. Mark Willits was also one of the first grand jurors chosen fi-om the township that year. Dr. Willits was a native of Indiana. ]\Iark Mullen and family arrived late in the fall of that year and settled on section 7, where he built a cabin and small blacksmith shop, near the bluff, which is still standing. Mullen was the first blacksmith in the township, and it is presumed he was not troubled much with com])etition, as the nearest shop to him was at North Henderson, some thirty miles distant. INIullen lived but a short time on the place where he settled, and selling his place to Samuel Elliott he moved to Iowa. Isaac Dawson and AVilliam Jackson came next. Dawson settled on land now the August Schrader place, which he sold to Martin A. Cook in ls.51, and moved to Iowa. Both men were from Montgomery county. Indiana. Jackson settled on Poj)e creek, near Keithsburg. Lewis Noble and family settled on section 32, where he built a house and im})roved a farm, which he afterward sold. :nid moved to Decatur countv, Iowa.

Tlie glowing accounts of the then far west sent back by those who had settled here, induced others to follow them, and the next one coming in the spring of 1S35 was John Drury and family. They settled on section 35, now known as the A. B. Childs place, on which he lived until the time of his death. Aaron Mannon then bought a piece of land on section 29, which is now owned by Harvey Mills. After Mannon bought the land he returned to Indiana for his family, leaving his son, who had come wdtli him, in charge of the place. During his father's absence he built a house on section 30, which land he had entered soon after his first arrival with his father. Ilis father returning in the following May, settled on section 30, land now owned by W. H. Mills. Abijah Wilson and Allen Wilson came in the summer of 1835 ; they took up land on section 33, which they afterward sold. Robert Childers settled on section 16, where he built a cabin, lived a short time, sold out and moved to Iowa. John and William Fisher came in the fall and settled on section 18, the Joseph Bush place. John also bought land in section 23. William settled on the Ira Noble place, at the foot of the bluff. Jesse L. Adams settled on section 19, from which place he moved to section 22, where he now resides. Rezin Pratt came from Indiana to Mercer county in 1836. He first bought in section 30, and subsequently bought land adjoining. He then returned to Indiana the same season for his family. Pratt was the fu'st postmaster in the township and had his office in the house in which he lived. He was also the first justice of the peace.

Daniel Noble and family, accompanied by his son, D. F. Xoble, and wife, came soon after Pratt. They rented land the first season of Jessie Willits, and the same year Daniel iSToble bought some land from Silas Drury, arid atthe^ame time entered on sections 30, 18' and 19. He built a house on the S. E. |- of Sec. 30 the same year. D. F. Noble fii"st entered land in sections 31 and 20, which he afterward sold ; he also bought eighty acres in section 29 at the same time, as did David Shaunce, where he first settled. He afterward bought land in section 30, near the bluff, u])on which there was a small house, in which he lived until 1881, at which time he built a fine new frame, near the site of the old one. Thomas Morgan, of Montgomery county, Indiana, settled with his family on section 22, on which place he died in 1S5»>. The place is now owned by Martin Bear, and occupied by his son Madrew. The first log cabin built upon the place is still standing in a good state of preservation. Morgan was buried in Eliza cemetery. Samuel Elliott bought the Mark Mullen ])lace in 1836, in section 7. George Moore came in the spring and settled on the S. W. ^ of Sec. 30, which he sold in the spnng to his brother John Moore, who came" during the j^revions winter, Moore started early in tlie winter to make the jonrney by boat, accompanied by liis wife and a small cliild. AVhen boarding the boat at Cincinnati he fell througli u liatchvvay and was severely injured. On arriving at Fort Madison they found that they could not proceed farther by boat, owing to the river being frozen over at that point. They left the river at that place and began the balance of the journey on foot, through a wilderness of prairie grass and howling wolves. The sufferings they endured on account of cold and hunger was intense, but after several days ])ainful travel, tired and foot sore they finally arrived at the house of Joseph Glancey, where they staved during the winter, and in the s[)ring settled in EHza on land bought of his brother George. John Moore seems to have been exceedingly unlucky, for in the s])ring of 1839, while in the timber s])litting rails, a tree fell u[)on him crippling him for life. But notwithstanding all the sufferings he had previously endured, he went to work and built a saw-mill on Eliza creek, the first of the kind in the triwnship, Martin and Jacob Bear came next. They started from Indiana about April 16, in company with John Thompson, and Abraham Piatt. Thomjoson and T^iatt were from Ohio, and settled in AYalnut Grove, in Knox county, Illinois. The Bears' outfit consisted of four yoke of oxen hitched to an old fashioned Virginia road wagon, heavily loaded, in consequence of which the journey was a slow and tedious one. Often the drivers had to unhitch their teams and carry their loads out of a slough on their backs, and often tills interesting performance was re])eated several times during each days' j<nu-ney. Many times they would hitch all the (^xen to one wagon to pull it through a slough, and when that failed* then the interesting process of wading throngh the mud was resorted to. Mr. Jacob Bear's ex])erience on the occasion as related by him must have been an exceedingly interesting one to him. Among the party there was a small child who was very fond of him, and when not in his company would continually cry for him, and as Mr, Bear's part of the programme was to drive the cattle, he was forced to strap the child to his back, in which manner they made the trip to Illinois together. The party arrived in Mercer county on the evening of May 10, 1836, having been twenty-four days on the road. Arriving at a point two miles below Pope creek, they went into camp for the night, on top of a high bluff. Tliey turned their cattle out to graze, built a fire and began })re}>arations for su])])ei-. A heavy storm that had been threatening for a few hours before suddenly broke with great violence upon the i>arty, ])utting out their fires and carrying away their tents, leaving them to sit all night in a drenching rain. As soon as daylight came, they moved foi-ward to

Mrs. William "Will its', where a breakfast was prepared for them, after which the}' continued their journey, reaching the place where they settled and still own. George and Isaac Dawson, learning of their arrival in the neighborhood, concluded to frighten them, and accordingly prepared their toilets in true Indian style, jjainted their faces with blood root, and, to give them a more hideous look, they bedaubed their hair with yellow clay, in which style they suddenly rushed upon the emigrant party. It is hardly necessary to add that the scheme had the desired effect upon the party. Martin Bear bought his land of Thomas Morgan, on section 22, upon which he lived until a few years since when he moved to Aledo. Jacob Bear still lives where he first settled, and has at different times since bought other lands adjoinmg. For the first few years after coming to the country, he lived with his brother Martin. He first broke ten acres the first season, and built a cabin near the site of which he has since built a large frame house. John Glancy settled in Eliza in 1837. He still lives where he first settled, on section 7. He bought the land of Samuel Elliott, and from time to time bouglit lands adjoining it, and now owns one of the largest farms in the county.

The Indians were plentiful here in the days of the first early settlers. They were peaceful, however, and disposed to ti'ade honorably with the whites. They belonged mostly to Black Hawk's tribe. Black Hawk himself was a frequent visitor to Mr. Silas Drury's cabin, where he was accustomed to stop to enjoy a night's rest on his cabin floor. , Among Black Hawk's tribe was one familiarily known to the old settlers as Slim Jim, who was noted for his cunning, and of whom many good stories are still told by the surviving settlers. Jim lived in the bottoms below the bluff', but was quite fond of lounging about the settlers' cabins, and especially at Mark Mullen's. One day Jim came up out of the bottom and reported to Mullen that he had found a bee tree in the timber below, which, after considerable bartering, he succeeded in buying Jim's right in the tree for one dollar in silver. Then Mullen and Jim started to hunt for the tree, which they found as Jim had stated. Mullen then set to work chopping the tree, which was a large one. Mr. D. F. Noble and John Pratt, being in the neighborhood, on hearing the noise went to where the parties were at work, and offered their assistance for a i)art of the honey. Thus reinforced the tree soon began to fall, and on its downward course fell against another near by, breaking off' a large limb, from the opening of which there fell out upon the snow a comb of honey, about the size of Jim's fist, which he quickly picked up and ate. Upon furtlier examination it was soon found that Jim had got all the honey the tree contained, besides a good joke on the parties present and a dollar in silver. Mullen concluded to keep cool about the matter and revenue himself in some other way. lie used to keej) li(|uor for sale at his cabin, an article that Jim had a ])cculiar liking for. One day, not long after the bee-tree transaction, Jim's thirst ibr fire water became so great as to force him to ])awn a line new blanket to him for a quart of the ardent, which, if he failed to redeem in a specitied time, was to be the i)roperty of ^lulleii. When redemi)tion day came around, Jim's cash account being short, he forfeited his right to the blanket. Jim took in the situation at once, but said nothing, and quietly walking away was not seen about the place for many days after, and wdiile the settlers were feeling alarmed lest some evil had befallen him he one day suddenly made his aj»])earance. with a large powder horn filled with lead ore, which he took into ^Mullen's cabin and began to mold bullets from. This excited Mullen's curiosity greatly to know where Jim had found the ore. Upon inquiry Jim pointed across the and by signs and gestures conveyed the impression that the place was quite a distance away. Mullen began at once to enter into negotiations with Jim to be conducted to the El Dorado. Mullen wished to start immediately for the place, but Jim, pointing to the ground, told Mullen that the place could not be reached in the winter season, but that they must wait until the grass grew in the spring, so the oxen could graze. This philoso])hical statement satisfied Mullen, and he took Jim and his squaw in the cabin with him, where they both enjoyed Mullen's hospitalities during the winter, but when spring came, and they were nearly ready to start for the promised land, Jim suddenly disappeared, and was not seen again for many years.

The first mill built in the township was by Rezin Pratt and John IL Mannon, about 1837. It was situated just above Daniel Noble's, and was built about 184-1-, or 1845. This was a grist mill, and disai)peared years ago. No other mill has since taken its jjlace, owing to an insufficient body of water of late years to run one. A saw mill, built by Rezin Pratt and E. Esley, stood on the same stream, a little below ^Ir. Koble's, and was built somewhat later; no remains of it can be seen there now. The mill was a large one and was well patronizetl at tlie time. For a long time after this mill ceased running there was no other mill in the township, until about 1864, when a steam saw mill was erected by Jesse Bogart. which, for the want of jtatronage, did not do much business. A steam grist mill for grinding feed was started on section IT. bv J. C Achisoii. Before the establishment of the first mill in the township, the inhabitants, having then to go as far as J^ortli Henderson and Monmouth, one man would generally do the business for several of his neighbors ; he was usually detained fi'oni six to ten days, according to the stage of water and the number of jjersons ahead awaiting their turn. They usually started with a supply of rations and feed for an emergency. The teams quartered about these mills gave the place the appearance of a camp-meeting ground.

The only town of importance in the township was started by Edwin Bishop, who settled there in 1S50. Being a blacksmith by trade, he there started a shop on the corners, and the place was then called Bishop's Corners until Mr. Bishop's appointment as postmaster ; the office having formerly been called Eliza, that name was substituted. The place is located near the center of section 16. On or about the year 1876 Dr. Thomas L. Edwards bought a house and moved to the place, where he followed his profession until a few years since, when he retired from practice on account of advanced age, and was succeeded by Dr. Reynolds, who is the only physician in the place. Harrison, son of Edward Bishop, built a large house in the place a few years ago, on the opposite corner from his father's, where he resides and follows the carpenter trade. The next, a building sixteen feet square, was built for a store by Isaiah Bishop in 1876, which was stocked and opened up for the first time on the morning of the annual town meeting of that year. His stock consisted of a barrel of kerosene and a few other light goods which he had carried on his back from Muscatine the day before. Not having a large stock, his business at first was slow and perplexing ; some of his customers greatly annoyed him by calling for such goods as they knew he did not have on hand. After a careful survey of his stock, one of his customers remarked that his was the only store he ever saw which he felt able to buy out. Bemembering the old adage, that from small acorns large trees grow, he continued in business, and by carefiil watching of the wants of his customers, has built up a large trade, and added an addition to his store-room, which is now well stocked with such merchandise as is usually needed by farmers. Before the establishment of this store, the trade of the township was divided between New Boston and Muscatine, Iowa. The place also contains a jeweler shop and the business is carried on by Mr. Taylor.

Soon after the organization of, and at the September term of the board of supervisors of ISo-l, on order was made by that body authorizing the issuing of a bond of $100,000 to the capital stock of the Warsaw & Rockford Railroad Company, to be paid in county bonds to nm twenty years with interest at six per cent, providing that the bonds should not be issued until a sufficient amount of available capital stock was subscribed to build the road ; and providing tliat the monev from the sale of the bonds should be expended within the limits of the county. In 1S55 Mr. Iliram Thornton, agent for said company, filed a petition asking a modilication of the terms of the bonds, and asking that the bonds be made unconditional and payable on demand of the company or its agents. The question of rescinding the former action was submitted to the voters of the several townships in the spring of 1856. Eliza township cast eight votes for rescinding the former vote, and twenty-eight against.

For a few years after the first settlement here the settlers were greatly annoyed by speculators and land grabbers, in consequence of which they were ever upon the lookout for intruders, who usually appeared in the guise of emigrants seeking homes, therefore all new comers were eyed with suspicion. Upon one occasi(m three strangers were noticed in the neighborhood whose actions aroused the 8usj)icions of Mr. Silas Drury, then sheriff of the county, as to the real nature of their business. After carefully examining several of the best pieces of land in that vicinity, they came to Drury and requested him to show them such lands as had not already been taken, saying that they were seeking places upon which to settle. Supposing that they were land sharks, he took them up on tojD of the bluff in a thickly timbered place where left them, knowing that they would get lost. Then returning to his cabin he mounted a swift horse and notified his neighbors of the threatening danger. They all met that night at a cabin at the foot of the bluff to determine the best course to pursue in the matter. Believing the parties to be sj)eculators, they began to realize the importance of quick action, and accordingly concluded to gather all the money in the neighborhood and start Mr. Drury to the land office to buy in their lands for them. Drury left that night in com[)any with a neighbor who was going a part of the way. They took a trail leading through Eock Island county, at which place it was their intention to have staid for the night, at a cabin owned by one Dunlap. On arriving they rode up to the cabin, and looking through a partly open door, saw the same parties whom Mr. Drury had left in the timber but a few hours before. Mr. Drury at oitce came to the conclusion that the parties were heading for the land office, and determined to get ahead of them if possible. Not wishing to proceed farther that night, the man accompanying Drury rode forward to the cabin and called Mr. Dunlap, who, being in sympathy witli the settlers, was confidentially told their business. A cabin a short distance away was pointed, out to tliem, where they were assured they could find quarters. Drurj started from that phice early the next morning, and reaching Andalusia just at sun up in the morning, was directed to cross the river at that point and take a trail made the day before, from Rock Island down the river by drawing a log through the snow, to allow the Indians to go there to trade. Arriving at Rock Island about noon, he stopped at a tavern kept by a man named Dixon, who was county clerk of the county. He was instructed by him as to the route to take, and also informed him that he should stop at Port Byron for the night, which if he passed he would not find another stopping place within forty miles. Soon after leaving Rock Island Mr. Drury looked back and saw a man on horseback, apparently in pursuit, which he supposed to be the speculator. On arriving at Fort Byron the man o^'ertook liim and remarked that Drury must have a fine horse as he had tried all the afternoon but had failed to overtake him. They left in the morning in company, but had not gone far until Drury noticed that the stranger's horse was a superior animal, which, not agreeing with the statement he had made the day before, caused Driu-y to fear that the man was following him for the purpose of waylaying him at the first opportunity. After a few hours' ride together he told Drury that he had just come from Eliza township, where the day before he had beaten a citizen doctor in a horse race and taken $500 from him. Drury also noticed by the actions of the man that he likewise -suspicioned him, and thus the two men rode along together in silence, the one watching the movements of the other. Presently the stranger asked Drury if he had any money about him. He replied that he had $2.50 and was hurrying to get to Galena to find work, and asked if he was acquainted there. The man said that he was, but that work was scarce. He ofiered to bet Drury that his money was counterfeit, and demanded an examination, after which he passed it back, and producing some of the same kind fi'om his own pocket, said that he was well acquainted with the parties in Galena, who made it. This statement aroused Drury's fears more than ever, and as it was now growing dark both parties watched closer than ever. They however reached Dubuque in safety, and Drury going straight to the land office was there informed that they were three weeks behind with their books and that he would have to await his turn to make the entries. Not satisfied he went Ijack and enlisted the co-operation of a friend and the tw(^ succeeded in making the entries that same night. The next morning just as Drury was preparing to start back the speculators made their appearance, and going to the office were told that the lands had all been entered the day before, at wliicli tliev broke out in a fit of rao;e and said the trick liad been played by that little sheriff of Mercer county, and if he conld be found they Avould cowhide him within an inch of his life. Instead of being settlers looking for homes, they turned out to be Virginia land agents.

The first road laid out in the township was one leading from the bluff to Rezin Pratt's mill, on Eliza creek. This road was located in 1850. In the same year a road was laid out from the blufi" to the old Bloomington road, at Bear's. Another road, commencing where the Millersburg and Muscatine road crossed the county line, running west in Mercer county, through II. Mardock's land, intersecting the county line at John Boruff's, then west into Rock Island county, was laid out in 1851. A road leading from George Scott's house in New Boston township to D. F. Noble's, was laid out in 1851.

The first town meeting was held at the house of Daniel Noble A])ril 2, 1854. J. P. Mannon was chosen moderator and Joseph Leonard clerk. The first election resulted in the choice of John Glancy, for supervisor ; L. AV. Noble, town clerk ; James M. Mannon, assessor ; AYilliam Irvin, M. A. Cook and D. W. Noble, commissioners of highways ; H. H. Randolph and G. W. Black, overseers of highways; Dudley AVillits, overseer of the poor; and Eli Mills, poundmaster. The whole number of votes cast was thirty. At an annual town meeting held at the school-house in district No. 2, twenty-five votes were cast for supervisor ; twenty for town clerk ; twenty-five for assessor ; twenty-three for commissioner of highways ; twenty-four for overseer of the poor, and five for pound-master. A vote was taken to decide the question of township organization, which received eight votes in favor, and twenty-three against it.

The Nobles at times held nearly all the ]3rincipal ofiices in the township. The Bishops have also held numerous ofiices, notably that of town clerk, which was filled by one or the other for ten consecutive years.

At the first breaking out of tlie late civil -svar, the question as to "my duty to go," was responded to affirmatively by many of Eliza's truest patriots, and from the beginning to the termination of the great struggle, they bravely answered ever}- call for troops ; father and son left the farm to offer their lives, if need be, that the nation might be perpetuated. And it was not until the town liad almost exhausted her resources that men were hired to fill the quota. Many from Eliza enlisted in Iowa regiments, among whom were P. Whaley, B. R. Whaley, Jasper Eeed, David j^oble, Mom-oe Leech, Eli Mills, Pyrhus Glancy, Isaiah Bishop, E. A. "Wood, S. S. Wood, Walter Keneday, John I. Reed, Alexander Irwin, Harrison Bishop, wounded. Those who enlisted in the 102d reg. III. Yol. Inf. were : J. G. Merritt (who entered company K as a private and was promoted to captain, and was wounded at Averysborough, North Carolina), Maclison Retherford, Jacob A. Reed, Thomas Beverlin, James A. Barlett, William Carr, Ezra Fuller, H. J. Frazier, Josiah Spicher, James R. Wood, Abram Fuller (died of disease February 8, 1862), James Collier (died of disease December 4, 1862), George Barlett (died May 18, 1864, of wounds received at Resaca), Noah Spicher (died of disease October IT, 1863), Otis Albee (discharged on account of wounds), Peter O. Pierce (died May IT, 1864), M. Biverlin, John H. Murfin, Franklin Ferguson, Daniel Knapp, Walter Smithers, Henry Smithers, Harvey J. Fisher (wounded at Averysborough, North Carolina), J. F. Essly (enlisted in company outside of the county), II. C. Esley, W. D. Maladay (who was killed at Stone River), and Van A. Noble (wounded at Chickamauga).

Burial Places

There are several burial places in the township, the most noted of which are Eliza and Leech's. Eliza cemetery is situated just east of Mr. D. F. Noble's house, on top of the bluff, on a beautiful site overlooking the Mississippi. More than a hundred have been buried here. The first person buried in this cemetery was Miss Elizabeth Pratt, who was also the first person to die in the township. Leech's cemetery is located in the northeast part of the township, just south of William Leech's house, and contains some fifty graves. There is also a burial ])lace on the old Miller farm, and one at John Clancy's.

Timber

TIMBER. At the time of the first settlement of the township, old timber, such as the various oaks and hickory, ash and elm, was found in abundance on the upper lands along the edge and on top of the bluffs and in the bottoms near the lakes, but young timber could not be found, having been destroyed by prairie fires started by the Indians to drive out the deer and other game to points where they could the more easily capture them. Noticing the destruction of the young timber by these fires, many of the settlers began plowing around the edges of the timber to protect it, which had the desired effect, and in a few years young saplings sprang uj), and where once only large trees could be seen the ground is now thickly dotted with a fine new growth of oaks and hickory large enough to convert into rails. Many of the large oaks now standing were here when the early settlers first came. On the land of Harrison Bishop, pc large white oak is standing, as straight as an arrow, three feet through at the base, and sixty feet to the first limb, xbiother, the largest tree in the county, is standing in tlie dooryard of J. Y. Merritt. It is an elm measuring 37^ feet in circumference at the ground, and 34 feet three feet fi-om the ground. It is 108 feet high and has a spread of top of 104 feet. Much notice has been taken of this tree by the j^ress throughout the country, and having several times been measured by competent surveyors is pronounced the largest in the county. It is said that Black Hawk used to hold council under the shade of its branches.

In the bottom lands west of the bluff and near the Mississippi river is nestled numerous small lakes, all linked together by a chain of tributaries extending from one to another from north to south, the currents in these outlets being strong in places. The lakes are all fed by the under drainage of the river and from numerous springs along the summit of the blufts, in consequence of which the water is fresh and clear. In many places the lakes are shaded by large trees, and the sun's silvery rays shining through the tree-tops on the face of the water gives it a picturesque beauty. Fish and wild game are plentiful, and the angler and hunter find enough to occupy them pleasantly for a short stay. Late in the summer season these lakes become thickly matted along the edges with a tall green moss growing from the bottom to the surface of the water. At the time of the first settlement here, these lakes, with the exception of Glancy lake, were much wider and deeper than at the present time, owing to the accumulation of decayed vegetation and continual washing from the blufi". Glancy, however, still maintains its usual depth, owing to a swift current passing through it from the river in seasons of high water. At the present time the depth of Glancy lake is from twenty to twenty -five feet in places; Eliza, three to five ; Swan, four to six. All along these lakes was the favorite hunting ground of the Indians.

Tlie first school-house in the township was built on top of the bluff, a short distance from where D. F. Noble now lives. The house was built of logs, and the first school tauglit in it was presided over by ]\Iiss Mary Ann Delabar, and afterward by Miss Emily Cawkins. The school was kept up for many years by subscription, until tlie legislature passed a law authorizing such townships as desired to levy a tax for the maintenance of schools, soon after which a meeting was called to discuss the merits and demerits of changing to that system. It being determined at that meeting to accept the provisions of that act, the schools have thus been kept u]) ever since. Before the change was made the township had but one district, whicli was composed of what is knowTi now as districts 1, 2, and 3, since whicli the town has been divided into six school districts, as follows : Center, No. 1; Boruff", No. 2; Glancy, No. 3; AVhite Eagle, No. 4; Eliza Creek, No. 5 ; Winter Creek, No. 6. The following, as shown by Mr. A. B. Swisher, present school treasurer, are the amounts received and disbursed by him for school purposes for the year 1880 :

Religious Meetings

Many of the early settlers here were church members, and religious meetings date from 1836. At the request of Mr. Daniel Noble, the first was held at his son's (D. F. Noble) house which, at the time, was the largest house in the neighborhood ; and afterward at David Shaunce's and other places in the township, until the first log cabin was built on the blufi', which was then used for all meetings, public and religious. The Methodists were the most numerous at that time, but the meetings were of a union character, and were participated in by members of all other religious sects. The Metliodists afterward became a regular organized body here, which has since been broken up owing to many of its members having joined churches located elsewhere outside of the townsliip. They, however, as well as the Baptists and Cln-istians, still continue to hold meetings at the several school-houses in various ])arts of the town. Neither denomination being strong enough to support a regular minister, the services are conducted 'by transient preachers. Asa McMerter and Samuel l^inkly were the first preachers, who were at tliat time termed exhorters. Soon after the first log cabin on the blufi* was built, a regular camp-Ill ooting ground m\is cstal)lislied near the site of it, wliere the peo])le of the whole neighbor! lood congregated to worship and talk to familiar friends and acquaintances.

In 1S42 a kiln of brick was burned in the township, on the premises of Samuel Strauss, from which several houses in the neighborhood were built the same season.

Biographical

Maktin Be.ve, a retired farmer, now residing in Aledo, was born in Northumberland county, Catawissa township, Pennsylvania, April 6, 180S, and moved with his father at an early date, to Pickaway county, Ohio, where he was raised and educated at a common school, and resided till his marriage with Miss Catherine Dodson, September 8, 1831. In the same month thev were married thev emigrated to Covino-ton, Fountain countv, Indiana, and after a residence of four years there thev came to Mercer countv in 1836, arrivino; May 10th and settling near Eliza creek, in what is now Eliza tcnraship. Jacob Bear, his brother, then a single man, accompanied and settled near him. In 1835 Mr. Bear first came out to look at some land, and traveled pretty much all over northern and central Illinois, and bought a claim from Thomas Morgan. In 1836 he went to Galena and entered the tract, with some other pieces to which he had obtained the choice number. When Mr. Bear came out here in 1835, somewhere about the head of the Edwards river, night overtook him, and the darkness was not relieved by moon or stars. Xo house could be seen, so without anything to eat, he slipped the reins over his horse's head and sat down in the tall grass to hold his horse while he M-as grazing. He fell asleep, and in the morning when he awoke found that his horse had gotten away from him. After iinding his horse he journeyed on and the following night reached Major Lloyd's at Camp creek a little below Millersburii:. That was the onlv house around. ]\Ir. Bear felt at home here. The major was bragging about the fat of the land, which the good housewife illustrated with a very fat coon for supper, the first Mr. Bear had ever tasted. In early times Mr. Bear used to go to Spoon river to get his milling done, and to Knoxville to get his plows sharpened and general smithing done. When Mr. Bear first came here he found the following persons living in the neighborhood : Isaac Dawson, Esq., John Drury. Daniel Xoble, D. F, Noble, Aaron Mannon, Elisha Essley, John Shaunce, Isaac Drury, William Fisher, Jesse L. Adams, all from Indiana ; David Shaunce, from Carolina ; Abijah Wilson, from Connecticut ; John Shaunce and Thomas Morgan, from Ohio ;

Martin Fislier (father of "William Fislier), Jacob Bear and John Pratt, all from Indiana, in 1836. Thomas Miller came about 1837 ; William Eetherford, in 1840 ; James Larue, about 1812 ; J. J. Huston arrived about 1847 ; Edwin Bishop, in 1850 ; William Irvin, about 1849. A. B. Cliilas, still residing in the township, settled here June, 1838, at which time there were residing in the northern part of the township, John Glancey, William and John Fisher, Valentine Boruif (and his sons, Felty and John), Miles Boyd, and Martin Bear. In the northern part of the township was Daniel Strauss, who fell from a tree while gathering hickorj-nuts, and was partly devoured by hogs before found. John Shaunce lived near Boruif 's. Mr. Chilas was a blacksmith, and worked at his trade there ; was a smith in New Boston ; he sharpened plows and shod horses for twenty miles around.

Francis Laivibert was born in the southern part of Ireland, in 1816, and moved to America with his father's family in 1840, landing first at St. Johns, New Brunswick, where he resided for two ^^ears, and then went to New York, in which city he resided for ten years. Being of a roving dis^^osition, he next went to Pennsylvania, where he staid one year ; then went to Tazewell county, Illinois, where alter a short stay he started back to New York, but changed his mind when arriving at St. Louis, and started north for Galena, at which place he resided ten months. He then came to Pock Island, and from there to Buffalo, Iowa, and from there to Eliza, settling on section 10, where he made a farm and now resides. He was married in Iowa in 1844 to Miss Nancy Moore, who was a native of Ohio. Mr. Lambert was educated in this country, and has followed farming as an occupation. He began life poor, but by industry and close attention to business has attained an easier position in life. In politics Mr. Lambert is a democrat.

George Moore, of New Boston township, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, October 5, 1807. He moved with his parents while young, from that state to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1814, where he was educated at a common school and afterward worked at the carpenter and wheelwi'ight trades until his marriage, when he moved to Mercer county, settling in Eliza, near where D. F. Noble now lives. Since his residence in the county he has followed farming. In April, 1852, Mr. Moore crossed the plains to Oregon, and was five months making the journey, in company with other parties. They sto])ped first at Yam Hill county, Oregon, and went from there to the southern part, where they stayed until February 20, then went back to Yam Hill county, where tliey stayed until October 7, and then started for home. Leaving Port Louis, Oregon, on board a steamer they went by way of San Francisco and the Isthmus of Daricn to New York, then lip the Iliidsoii to ButJhlo, and froin thence to Chicago, reacliing home December 8, 1853. Geoi-fi^e Moore's great-grandfather was born on December 19, 1732. His grandmother was born February 24, 1706. Mrs. George Moore, wife of the subject of this sketch, was born in Ohio September 27, 1813. They have seven children, one of whom, Leslie G., died a soldier, at St. Louis, January 14, 1862. lie was a member of the 2d Iowa cavalry. Sarah Jane, Helen L., Araminta E., Cara, Robert C, are living. Ella Clarissa is deceased. In religion Mr. Moore is a Universalist, and in i^olitics a republican.

Edwin Bishop was born in New Jersey October 29, 1815. and moved with his parents to this state November 13, 1850. They made the journey through by canal and steamboat up the Mississippi river, landing first at Muscatine, Iowa, where he stayed until December 2, 1850, when he settled in Eliza. He received a common school education in the former state, and learned the blacksmith trade, which he has followed during his residence in Eliza. Lie was married in Pennsylvania August 31, 1837, to Miss Sallie Meeker, who was born in Crawford county, that state, in 1819. Mr. Bishop's father was an American and his mother Scotch. They left New Jersey in January, 1816, and moved to Pennsylvania. Mr. Bishop has from time to time filled all the various oftices in this town, and has served as justice of the peace for twenty-four years, and is at present postmaster. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His family of children consists of Delilah, Isaiah, Harrison, Barbara A., Levi A., and Sarah (deceased).

Silas Drury was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1808, and moved with his parents to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1811, and from Wayne county to Morgan county in 1820, where he received a common school education and was brought up to farming. His father was English and his mother AVelch. His grandfather was also English, and was born in London (Drury Lane, which bears the name of the familv), where he was educated for a lawver. After this he turned Quaker and moved to America, settling in Baltimore, Maryland, where he followed legal writing as a profession. Silas Drury, the subject of the sketch, came from Indiana to Mercer county in the spring of 1834, just after serving as a soldier in the Black Hawk war, which service he entered in 1832. He first settled in Eliza township, and was the first sheriff" elected in the county, April 6, 1836, after which he moved to Rock Island county, Illinois, where he now resides. He has, since his residence in that county, held the office of justice of he peace, assessor, and several minor oftices, for twenty-six consccuive vears. ^Ir. Drurv is a member of the masonic fraternitv, and a member of the Illinois Citj Lodge ; also a member of the Old Settlers' Association, of Eock Island county. In i)olitics he is a national. His business is farming and trading along the river. He was married in Ivock Island countv in 1843 to Miss Malinda Bentley, by which marriage they had four children : Silas, Sarah, Oscar, and Byron.

J. y. MERirr, the subject of this sketch, was boi-n in AVayne Indiana, January 5, 1828, and is the third child of a family of eight, all of whom are liying except Aaron J., who died a soldier at Bardstown, Kentucky. He was a member of the 36th reg. 111. Vol. Inf. Moses, a merchant, resides in Appanoose county, Iowa. Eliza, wife of A. C. Reynolds, whose husband is a farmer, also resides in that county. Mary, wife of Samuel Spangler, a farmer, resides in Whitesides county, Illinois, near Port Byron. Sarah Free also lives in that county. Mary M. Kirlin lives in Mercer county, Illinois. John, a farmer, lives in Wayne county, Indiana. J. Y. Meritt's mother's maiden name was Margaret Trindall, and of Scotch-Irish descent ; was raised in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. His father, E. J. Meritt, was born and raised in Belmont county, Ohio, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812. J. Y. Meritt received a common school education in Indiana, and was there raised to farming. He came to Mercer county, Illinois, in 1848, and for the first few years worked at the carpenters' trade, which he picked up after coming to the state. He bought the land where he now resides in 1856, and on December 25 of that year was married to Miss Mary Prine, and in 1858 moved upon the place. His residence is marked by a large elm tree, the largest tree in Mercer county. J. Y. Meritt enlisted in the three gears' service in the late war in 1862, as a private in company Iv., 102d 111. Vol. Inf., and was afterward jDromoted to the captaincy of the company, and participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged. He was wounded at Avery sborough, North Carolina, in March 1865. Unlike many who enlisted at that time, he served until the close of the war, in 1865, when he was mustered out of service after participating in the grand review at Washington, U.C. In politics Capt. Meritt is a republican.

D. F. Noble was born in Fayette county, Indiana, February 9, 1813, and is the son of Daniel and Sarah Xoble. His father is Scotch-English, and was born in !North Carolina, August 22, 1787 ; his mother is Crerman, and was born in Pennsylvania, January 20, 1788. His father left Xorth Carolina with his })arents at the age of six years, and went to Tennessee, where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he moved to Oliio, where he was married in 1810 to Miss Barbara Fruit, soon after which he went to Indiana, where he resided until 1836 ; he then moved to ^Mercer county, Illinois. Jle was drafted for a sohlier in tlie war of 1812, but did not serve, owing to the termination of the war soon after his enrolhnent. Ilis father was a soldier in the revolutionary wai*. On comin*!; to this county Daniel Xoble tirst settled in Eliza township, where he remained until the time of his death in 1880, his wife having preceded him in 1875. They were buried side by side in Eliza cemetery, which place is marked by an appro])riate monument. They had lived together sixty-five years. D. F. Xoble, the subject of this sketch, is widely and favorably known, ha\ing from time to time served in all the various offices in this township. Soon after township organization he was elected supervisor of his town, which office he held for several years in succession ; he also served as justice of the peace, and was postmaster for twenty consecutive years when the salary of the office amounted to one dollar per year. After serving in that office for twenty years he received his twenty years' salary, amounting to $20 and a few cents. During the late war of the rebellion he was appointed enrolling officer for Eliza and Millersburg townships. lie has also served as school director for thirty-six consecutive years. Mr. Xoble received a common school education in Indiana, and moved with his parents to Eliza in 1836, since which he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. Pie was married in Union county, Indiana. January 26, 1836, to Miss Sarah Pratt, who died in 1881 and was buried in Eliza cemetery. Eight children have been born to them, six of whom are living. Miss Avarilla married Elisha L. Essley, to whom four children were born ; Essley having died, Mrs. Essley married Michael Shannahan. Ira Xoble married Miss (Airoline Reed, who also died. The result of that marriage was ten children, two of whom died in infancy. Ira lives just a mile north of his father's place. David Xoble married Eliza Hampton, of Kock Island county, and they had five children, one of whom died while young. Miss Barbara E. lives with her father on the home place. J. F. Xoble also lives at home. Edward II. was married to Miss C. A. Bean in 1881, and lives with his father and farms the place.

William Shields was born in AVayne county, Indiana, January 9, 1819. He there received a common school education, and was also raised to fanning. His father was a native of Westmoreland county, A'irginia; and his mother, of Kentucky. They moved to Hamilton county, Ohio, wdiere they were married. William Shields came to Mercer county in the spring of 1840, and first settled in Xew Boston township, after which he moved to Eliza and settled on section 33, which land was then owned by Abijah Wilson, whose daughter Lucy he married April 12, 1849. His father and motlier foUowing in the same fall, settled in ISTew Boston township, in sight of their son's residence. William Shields has long been a member of the Methodist Episcoj^al church, and also a Mason for thirty-two years ; he is a member of Xew Boston Lodge, I^o. 59. Out of a family of eight children only three are living: Mariah AYillits, Ira, and Jo. The two last named are living with their parents.

John Glancey, a farmer and stock raiser, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1800. He moved with his brother from that state to Indiana in 1820, where he received a common school education, and for a while after followed wool carding and cloth dressing. Joseph Glancey, his father, was Irish ; and his mother, whose maiden name was Maith Willits, was English and the second wife, his father having been twice married. Mr. Glancey was the sixth child of that family. His father's third wife was Lura Chambers. Mrs. John Glancey ""s father's name was Robert Moore, Scotch-Irish ; his mother's maiden name was Deborah Willitts, of English descent, and having formerly li^-ed in York county, Pennsylvania, moved from that state to Ohio, and then to Indiana in 1812. Mrs. Glancey's father was married twice, and Mrs. Glancey is the seventh child of the second family. John Glancey, the subject of the sketch, came to Illinois and settled in Eliza in 1837, and still resides where he first settled. Mr. Glancey's name has been familiar to the public for many years. The most striking points in his character are his disposition to help others in their life struggles ; his generosity ; his animated and kind nature ; his earnestness in his neighbors' success ; and these have made for him friends everywhere, and he lives to see his bright dreams realized at the golden age of eighty-two. Mr. Glance}' was elected first supervisor of his township; he was also one of the first county commissioners.

John Mason was born in Switzerland, December 8, 1812. Casper Mason, his father, was born in the same parish in 1787, as was also his grandfather, Casper, July 11, 1762. Jacob John Mason, son of Casper, was born in the same parish, October 28, 1722. Susana, wife of John Mason, was also born in the same parish, May 3, 1816. They were married January 10, 1834, by which marriage they had eight children : Jacob, Henry, Albert, August, Jacob John, and John. Two not named died in inlancy. Jolm Mason received a liigli school education in the parish, which school was controlled by the family. He. also served as a soldier in the Zurich war before coming to this country. He left his native country for America June 20, 1847, and arrived at New York city July 21. After his arrival in this countiy he sj)ent several years traveling from place to place, finally settling in Berks county, Pennsylvania, where be remained six years, from which place he moved to "Wayne county, Indiana, where he stayed ten months. He then came to Illinois, settling on the Essley place. After a residence of five years he moved where he now resides. Like many others of the first settlers, ]\Ir. Mason's circumstances in life were exceedingly limited, but by industry and economy in his business he has managed to acquire a good farm, with plenty around him.

Thomas Beverlin was born in Wayne county, Indiana, I^overaber 10, 18Jr3. His father was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, and his mother in Virginia. They were married in Indiana, and. moved to this state in IS-iO. Thomas Beverlin received a common school education in this state, having come with his parents while young. His occupation is that of farming. He enlisted in the three years' service in the late war in lS*i2, in company K, 102d 111. A"ol. Inf , commanded by Capt. J. Y. Meritt, and after serving for nearly three years was mustered out of the service in 1865, having been engaged in all the battles with his regiment. On arriving in Illinois Mr. Beverlin's father first settled in Bock Island county and afterward in Eliza, Mercer county, on the place where Henry Brockett now lives, at which place he died August 8, 1878. His family consisted of eight children, of whom only tAvo are now li^'ing. Thomas Beverlin was married July 16, 1866, to Miss Mary L. Denison. Four children born to them are all living: Emaranda, Fannie E., Estel, and Carrie. Mr. Beverlin is a memWr of the republican party, and also a member of the Masonic fraternity, Illinois City Lodge, I'l(jck Island county.

August Schrader, a native of Germany, was born in King county, Hanover, December 27, 1830. He was educated at a common school, and afterward learned the wheelwright trade, which he followed until he came with his parents to America. The family first landed in iVew Orleans, where they remained a short time, and then moved to Mercer county, settling at Xew Boston, where August followed his trade for a while. After a residence of twelve years at Xew Boston he moved to Eliza, settling on the old Martin A. Cook farm, which he imju-oved and still resides upon. Mr. Schrader was married in ^S'ew Boston in 1851. He is a member of the Methodist E]>iscopal church and also of the masonic lodge of that city. In })olitics he is a re}»ublican.

Jacob Bear was born in Pickawav countv, Ohio, November 29, 1812. Peter Bear, his father, was a German, a native of Hamburg, who on fii'st coming to America settled in Pennsylvania, after which he moved to Pickaway county, Ohio, about the year 1811. Catharine, his mother, was a native of Pennsvlvania also. Jacob Bear is the third child of a fiimily of eight, six of whom are still living. lie came to Mercer county in company with his brother Martin in 1836, and immediately began improving a farm, upon which he broke ten acres the fii-st year. He was married in 1844 to Miss Jemima Carson, of Morgan county, Ohio. His family are Clinton, Carlton, and Holland. Clinton is at home. Carlton is at present absent from home. Holland is deceased. Mr. Bear received a common school education in Indiana and was brought up to farming. He is now engaged in farming and stock i-aising.

JoHX HoiPHEiES Leech was born April 8, 1811, -in Monroe county, now West Virginia. His parents were Chichester and Margaret Leech. His mother's maiden name was Humphries. Chichester Leech was born in Culpepper, Yirginia. His parents were Andrew and Elizabeth Leech. Chichester Leech was of English origin, his grandparents being among the first early settlers of America. Losing his father very vouno;, his mother married one Burns and moved west to Monroe countv. He had two uncles in the revolution, George and Valentine Leech, who . entered that service at the age of sixteen and eighteen. They went to Georgia and were never after heard of. Margaret Humphries was the daughter of John and Catharine Humphries, whose name before marriage was Dickison. Her parents were from Ireland, but raised in America, near the Cow Pasture river in Virginia. John Humphries was raised in Ireland, near Dublin. His mother was the only daughter of Sir Toby Butler, lord mayor of Dublin. Young Humphries lirst landed in Pennsylvania, and from thence went to Virginia, where he became acquainted with and married Catharine Dickison, after which he moved to AVest Vu-ginia. He there laid a warrant on 1,0U0 acres of land, had the same surveyed and recorded at Pichmond. He there made his home, and raised a family of ten children, six boys and four girls, namely : John, James, William, Samuel, Pichard, Pobert, Elizabeth, Isabel, Margaret, and Martha. John was a miller by trade, Pobert a shoemaker; the rest were all farmers. Samuel and Pobert were in the war of 1812. Pobert was present at the surrender of Hull in Canada. After the war he moved to Calloway county in 1818. Pichard, following in 1820, settled in the same county where, after a short time, they were followed by their grandparents, accompanied by Isabel Carlton and husband, the rest of the familv remaininc; in A^irs-inia, where thev died. William was elected high sheriff of tlie county where he was raised. Pichard was elected county judge in jNIissouri, and was also there elected to the legislature of that state. In 1832 Chichester Leech and a family of nine children, all single but Samuel, started for ]\Luli- son county, Indiana, on which journey tliey lost one of the fjunily. On the fourth morning of their journey they met tliirty-fiye droyes of hogs being driyen from Kentucky to the markets of Phihi(k'l]^liia, Baltimore, and Richmon(h The journey was an exceedingly hazardous one, it haying rained almost incessantly and the muddy roads were almost impassable. ( )n the lirst day of Deceudjer the party arriyed at Henry Warner's, in AVayne county, where they went into a log cabin for the winter. Here they i'ound times good; wheat 50 cents per bushel; corn, 374^; ])ork, 83 per hundred; day's wages, 37^ cents; rail-making, 37^ cents per hundred. When the spring opened up the ])arty started for Madison county, forty miles distant, which place they reached in a week's trayel. J. 1 1. Leech at this time was twenty-two years old, and he concluded to begin life for himself, and accordingly api)renticed himself to C. T. Ilooyer, a cabinet maker of Pendleton. At this jilace in 1.S42 malarial feyer was prevalent and the family suli'ered terribly from its rayaji:es, their father falling a yictim to the malady in the s[)ring of 1835. The family still stayed at Madison, where they experienced the financial crash of 1837. This caused a reverse in tlie family affairs, ending in great financial ditliculty to them. At tliis time J. II. Leech wt'iit into partnership witli Samuel Dale, his old employer, bought his uncle's interest, and they carried on the Ijusiness until 1830, when Leech entered tlie carpenter trade Ayitli Isaac Williams. In the fall of that year, money being scarce, they wound up that business, and from that time till 1842 they were engaged in fixing u|) their business preparatory to moving farther west, and in that tall they came to Illinois, first landing in Mercer county near where J. Y. Merritt now lives, on section 31. In the early i)art of 1839 Mr. Leech was married to Eiener R. Sibley, by which marriage they have had eight children, as foHows: James W., Marianna II., Leander M. (who was a member (jf the 9th Iowa cavalry), Corydon, Adolphus M., Sarah E., A'irginia C. and Mary B.

The Leeches are widely and finorably known throughout Mercer county. They came to Mercer county in an early day, with but little means with which to begin life in the new country, but by energy and honest diligence have attained an enviable position in the comnuniity in wliich they live. The three brothers, William, Andrew, and J. II., live but a few miles a})art in Eliza township. William Leech was born in Monroe county, Virginia, in 1821, and came to this state at the age of twenty-one. He was married in Eliza township to Miss Eliza Spirling. Viewing his fine residence now one would hardly suppose that lie came to this country with but .half a dollar in his pocket, ret such was the case. Andrew Leech was born in Virginia, in 1S19, and when he left that state for Indiana was but twelve rears old. After his arrival in Mercer county he first bought eighty acres before he was married to Miss Matilda Spirling. His wife was bom December 25, 1830. From this union they had born to them : Daniel, AVilliam, Eliza J.. Delphia A., George R., Mary E., Ulysses G., Susan F., and D. A. Leech. His daughter, Eliza J., married S. W. Anderson, who died October 22, 1873. George married Maggie Sloan December 26, 1878. Delphia died June 27, 1867.

Mrs. Hariet Xoble, widow of Jonathan Xoble, formerly a native of Indiana, was born in that state in 1821. He spent his youth in that state where he also received a part of his education, finishing in Illinois after his removal here with his parents. He was married in 1861 to Miss Harriet Irvin, a native of Pennsylvania. Eight children resulted in this union : Peter, George, Cora, Omar, Charles, Jennie, Beecher, and Henry, named in order. Mr. Xoble first began business with his father which he continued for some length of time, when he removed to Iowa where he purchased 160 acres of land near Iowa City. Then returning he was married and soon after bought a farm of 280 acres on sections 17 and 18, upon which Mrs. Koble is now living, and which is sujDcrintended by the oldest son. Mr. Xoble was a hardworking, thorough business man, and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was a member of the masonic fraternity.

Ira Noble, son of D. F. Xoble, was born in Mercer county in 1839, and was married in 1860 to Miss Caroline Reed, of the same county. She died December 28, 1878, leaving a large family of children, all of whom are residing at home with their father: Sarah, Eva, Blanch, Clarinda, Gertie, Avarilla, Tom, and Caroline. The two oldest, Fred and Flora, were t^vins and died while young. Mr. Xoble is a republican in politics, and a member of the masonic order of Xew Boston.

Mrs. Eliza Martin, wife of the late sergeant J. Martin, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, and went from there to Burlington, Iowa, in company with her sister in 1859. Mrs. Martin has been twice married, first to Charles Sabin, after whose death, July 19, 1865, she married a second time to J. Martin, who was well and favorably known, especially among his army associates, whose friendship and esteem he merited. He was chosen first sergeant of his com})any, 124th Vol. Inf., and credibly distinguished himself in the battles of Raymond, Jackson, Fort Gibson, Champion Hill, Fort Hill, Siege of A'icksburg, Brownsville, Spanish Fort, Yazoo City, Benton, and was present with his regiment during th« ^Nft-ridian cam]iaign. He served from the com- menccment of tlie o;reat struggle to its close in 1S65. He died in 1S70, leaving four cliildri'ii to lament his deatli : Albert J., Laura, Grant, and Jenny. Grant is superinten<ling tlie farm.

L. B. NoHLE, son of Lewis and Matilda Xoble, was born in Eliza townslii]) in LS39. Ills gi'oat-grandfatlier was Irish and his greatgrandmother English. They settled in Virginia in an early day, where our subject's grandparents were born and raised near Lynchburg, and where his parents were also born. They mo\'ed from that state to Tennessee, then to Ohio and from there to Lidiana, in an early day. Here they resided about twenty years, after which they moved to this state in 1834, and were among the first early settlers of the townshi}). Lnmediately after arriving here he took a claim and began improving a farm upon which our subject was raised. L. B. Xoble enlisted in the late war, in the !2Tth 111. Inf.. in which he served three years. He was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain in 1864. After the close of the war he returned home and continued farming. In 1873 he was mai-ried to Miss Irabell Stephens, of Adams county, Iowa. By this marriage they had four children: Archer L., Elsie M., Don L., and Ethel J., all whom are residing at home.

John PRArr, son of John and Avarilla Pratt, and brother of Rezin Pratt, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. His father, a German by descent, and a native of Maryland, moved w4th his parents to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in a very early day, where he was married to Mrs. Avarilla Boner. Eleven children was the result of this union, all born in Pennsylvania. His father first mo^'ed to Union county, Indiana, in 1830, where they remained until 1838, at which time they moved to Mercer county, Illinois, first settling in Eliza township, on section 29, where he lived until thej' moved to his son Jonas' house in Xew Boston to^\^lship. Here he died, his wife following seven years later. His oldest daughter, Eliza, died in 1830, and was tlie first death in Eliza township. They are all reposing in the Eliza Creek cemetery. Benjamin died in 1868, Lacey, in 1866, and liezin in 1880. Jonah resides in New Boston township where he settled about the year 1852. Xancy, widow of AVesley Wicks, resides with her brother Jonah. Avarilla, wife of Elisha Essley, resides in Kansas. Tamar resides in X'ew Boston. Annie, wife of John Dungan, in Kansas. The subject of this sketch was married in 1852 to Miss Xancy Fergason, by which marriage they have had nine children born to them. Sarah, the oldest, married Joel Woodward, a farmer, and they reside in Adams county, Iowa. Avarilla, wife of Oliver Essley, also resides in the same county. Louis married Miss M. Mol- iiiger, of Iowa. ^Mary. wife of Henry Taylor, resides in Adams county, Iowa. Nancy, wife of Jolm Jones, resides in Adams connty, Iowa. Harvey, Malisse, Riitli. and Xellie are at home with their parents. Our subject began the busines of farming in Eliza township, on section 30, where he lived five years and in 1853 bought a farm in section 36 and soon after eighty acres adjoining it, where he built a handsome residence and is now living in comfort and ease. His business has been tarming and stock raising.

Source changes here: from Past and Present of Mercer County, Illinois, by Bassett, Isaac Newton, published 1914; 2,130 words in this source stream.

Eliza Township

This township constitutes one full congressional township and about twenty-one sections of another. It is probably the largest in area of any in the county. It is one of the most attractive in the county from several points of view. On the west lies the Mississippi, which often overflows the flat lands west of the bluffs. The eastern part is composed of higher land, through which run the small streams which empty into the lakes of the lowlands. These principal streams are Eliza Creek, which flows through the south central part to Eliza Lake; Winter's Creek, formerly known as Witter's Creek, which flows through a few of the southeastern sections; and Glancey Creek, which comes from Rock Island County and enters Glancey Lake. Eliza Creek has several small streams and altogether the township is well drained except in the western part. The bluffs extend from section 32 on the south to section 6 on the north. The three principal lakes are Upper Eliza, Swan and Glancey.

The soil of the township, as a whole, is well adapted to agricultural purposes. East of Eliza Creek it is mostly prairie and consists of a rich black loam. North of the creek it is more undulating and in places quite hilly. Much of the township originally was covered with timber. On the bluff lands are to be found many mounds which were constructed long before the white settlements by people who were called Mound Builders. The most noted mounds were found on sections 16, 19, 28, 29 and 30. Even yet there can be seen a line of earthworks thrown up for defense, inside of which are scores of these mounds. Several measure forty feet at the base and at the time of the earliest settlement there grew upon several of them trees four feet in diameter. It is not presumed that these mounds and earthworks were built by the real Mound Builders. According to the best authorities they were constructed by the Indians, who, in a measure, imitated the customs of the original Mound Builders in constructing earthworks of this character. Many of these mounds have been opened and in a few articles of coarse pottery have been found, also a few trinkets and ornaments and from one was taken out a skeleton, which was reputed to be nine feet high. It was prob- ably not more than six or six and a half feet. These mounds show that they were built for defensive, ceremonial and burial purposes. Along the lowlands of the Mississippi the soil generally is very rich and large crops can be grown there, but it is not undertaken owing to the liability of its being flooded. More than once in the history of the township the Mississippi has risen so quickly and so high that live stock on the bottoms have been cut off and drowned. During these periods enormous numbers of wild fowl appeared, especially in the early times, and then scores of hunters came from the back country and thousands of ducks and geese were shot and marketed.

The lakes in this township are attractive bodies of water. They vary from three to four feet to nearly twenty feet in depth. Formerly they were the favorite hunting grounds of the Indians and ever since the first white settlement have been the resort of hunters in pursuit of wild fowl.

The timber of the township was very valuable in early times. It consisted of oak, hickory, ash, elm, sycamore, etc. The largest tree in the county stood in the dooryard of J. Y. Merritt. It was an elm and measured 37T_> feet in circumference at the ground and 34 feet in circumference three feet from the ground. It was about one hundred and eight feet high and had a spread of 104 feet.

There are several burial places in the township, the most noted of which are Eliza and Leach's cemeteries. The former is situated on the top of a bluff overlooking the Mississippi, just east of the old Noble Place. Leach's Cemetery is in the northern part near Mr. Leach's house. In addition there was an old burial place on the Miller farm and a small one on the farm of John Glancey.

The first road in the township led from the bluff to Rezin Pratt's Mill on Eliza Creek. The road was built in 1850, but the mill was in use before that date. The latter had a large patronage in early times. Another road ran east and west through the township. Another highway led up from New Boston past Ogle's house and was laid out in 185 1. At the time of the first settlement there were several Indian trails across the township, one leading from New Boston to Rock Island, which for many years was still visible.

J. H. Witter was the first settler, locating on Winer's Creek in the spring of 1833. The creek was named for him, but the name was afterwards changed, probably because Mr. Witter removed from the township. In the fall of the same year David Shaunce and family arrived and settled on section 29, but through some mistake located on the wrong tract. Other early settlers were William Wilson and John Hill. The latter took up a claim on section 29 which really

In the spring of 1834 Silas Drury and his cousin, Charles Drury, and J. P. Reynolds arrived. Silas Drury sold out in a short time to Daniel Noble. Several of these first settlers left the township in an early day and located elsewhere. In the fall of 1834 Jesse Willits and family located on section 32. He became the first probate judge and was an early justice of the peace. In 1835 he was on the grand jury. Dr. Mark Willits settled on section 32 at an early date. Mark. Mullen and family arrived about this time and took up a claim on section 7. He built a cabin and started a small blacksmith shop near the bluff. He was no doubt the first blacksmith in the township. He sold out later to Samuel Elliott. Isaac Dawson and William Jackson came about this time. The former settled on a place which he soon sold to Martin A. Cook. Jackson settled on Pope Creek, near Keithsburg, at a later date. Lewis Noble and family took up a claim on section 32 and there improved a large farm. In the spring of 1835 John Drurv and family arrived and settled on section 35. Aaron Mannon came the same year and acquired a tract on section 29. Mannon's son built a house on section 30. During the summer of 1835 Abijah Wilson and Allen Wilson appeared and took up land on section jj< but soon afterwards sold out. Robert Childers settled on section 16 and built a cabin. In the fall John and William Fisher came and settled on section 18. The former also bought land on section 23. William settled on a place at the foot of the bluff. Jesse L. Adams made his home on section 19, but later moved to section 22. Rezin Pratt came to this community in 1836. First he bought on section 30 and later purchased adjoining land. He was the first postmaster in the township, the office being in his house. He was also one of the first justices of the peace. Daniel Noble and family came about the same time. His son, D. F. Noble, took up land on sections 31 and 20. Thomas Morgan came and settled on section 22. This place was afterwards owned by Martin Bear. John Moore arrived during the winter of 1836-7. Martin Bear bought his land of Thomas Morgan. It was a portion of section 22. He lived there for many years and finallv moved to Aledo. In 1837 John Glancey settled in this township on section 7. He purchased his farm of Samuel Elliott.

At this time the township was full of Indians, who encamped on the lakes and on almost every stream. They belonged to Black Hawk's tribe of Sacs and Foxes. Black Hawk himself often appeared

There were several of the Nobles who became prominent in this community. Elijah Essley was here at an early day. Aaron Mannon had several sons, among whom were James M., Preston, Samuel and Cyrus. James M. became very prominent in this county. Martin A. Cook came at an early day. Joseph Bush came in the '50s and about the same time A. B. Childs and Abraham Swisher arrived here.

The first mill built in the township was erected in 1837 by Rezin Pratt and John H. Mannon. It was located just above Daniel Noble's residence and was a combined grist mill and sawmill. It was a Godsend to the early settlers of the interior who came here, in several instances, from a distance of at least thirty miles. The sawmill stood a short distance below the grist mill. These mills had a large patronage and were well known by all the settlers far to the east. A steam sawmill built by Jesse Bogart during the war took the business of the old mill in a large measure. Still later a steam grist mill for grinding feed was established by J. C. Atchison on section 16.

Eliza

The only town of any consequences in this township was founded by Edwin Bishop, soon after 1850. He was a blacksmith and opened a shop at what was then called Bishop's Corners. This is now known as Eliza Postoffice, the old name having been resumed. The place is located on section 16. Dr. Thomas L. Edwards practiced medicine here for many years. At a later date Doctor Reynolds succeeded him. Harrison Bishop, son of Edwin Bishop, conducted a carpenter shop here for many years. Isaiah Bishop opened a store here in the '70s. Previous to this date farmers were obliged to go to New Boston and Muscatine to do their trading.

At the present time the little Village of Eliza has a population of forty-eight and a rural free delivery from Muscatine. H. S. Beeney is blacksmith, Isaiah Bishop has a drug store and Omer Jackson conducts a general store.

Early in the '50s the township was organized under the new law. The first meeting was held at the house of Daniel Noble, April 2, 1854. J. P. Mannon was chosen moderator; Joseph Leonard, clerk; John Glancey was elected supervisor; L. W. Noble, town clerk; James M. Mannon, assessor; William Irvin, M. A. Cook and D. W. Noble, commissioners of highways; H. H. Randolph and G. W. Black, overseers of highways; Dudley Willits, overseer of the

Another little hamlet in the township is known as Petersville. It is located on section 23 and at times has had a shop or a store and a postoffice. At present they receive a free mail delivery from New Boston.

In the spring of 1864 the citizens of Eliza Township met and organized the Eliza Association for the Detection of Thieves. The object was to protect its members from horse and other thieves and to pursue, capture and punish the guilty persons. The special officers or marshals were called "Outriders," and their duty was to give immediate chase to the guilty persons. A constitution and by-laws were adopted and regular meetings were held. The first members were M. A. Cook, S. L. Duffield, John Kinnamon, Henry Small, Jacob Bear, J. J. Huston, Peter Bear, Roland Bear, Milton Boruff, Valentine Boruff, William Irwin, David Duffield, H. H. Roberts, Stephen Noland, Sr. and Jr., J. B. Reed, Elias Pulien, William Shields, Patrick Green, A. R. Sutton, James Wilson, William Rutherford, A. B. Childs, Ira Noble, John Pratt, Frank Lambert, E. W. Mardock, John Boruff, Jesse Bogart, Jonathan Noble, H. B. Noble, John Miller, D. F. Noble, Elisha Essley, D. W. Noble, John Mc- Grew, John Glancey, Rezin Pratt, Leroy Willits, Tobias Mosier, Lewis Noble, William Leach, James W. Moore and E. Moseley. The first officers were: Samuel L. Duffield, president; H. H. Roberts, secretarv; Jacob Bear, treasurer.

In 1913 there was a partition suit, Charles J. Noble vs. other Nobles, heirs of Brown Noble, who was the son of Daniel Noble. Through inheritance and purchase Brown Noble had become the owner of the Daniel Noble Farm and died without having been married. There were fifty of the Noble family who were made parties in the suit, each of whom had some interest in the land, and a large number of them lived in that vicinity and others elsewhere in Mercer County, and several of the heirs lived in Los Angeles, California, and other states. The Daniel Noble land was sold and Edmund H. Noble, Sr., his grandson, bought it in and is now the owner.