Essex Township (part 1 of 2)

Essex Township

I II IS division of the county was settled in 1829 by the Essex family, in whose honor the name was given to it in 1853, by Calvin Eastman, Henry Breese and T. F. Hurd, the commissioners under the act of 1851 for dividing the county into townships. Essex forms the center of the trio of Stark's southern divisions. It is a full congressional township ; but owing to the fact that the vagrant Spoon river and rambling Indian creek selected it as a special section for their wanderings, the area under cultivation is not of equal extent. The population in 1880, including part of Wyoming village, was 1,452, the village claiming 434. The villages of Duncan, Slackwater, and Stringtown form the leading settlements. Moulton on its northern border, and Massillon on its western border long since passed away, and their sites were plowed over by the modern husbandman. Princeville township, adjoining on the south, was settled by Daniel Prince, in 1822, but the family of Stephen French was the first there. Miss Esther Stoddard taught'the first school ; Theodore F. Hurd was the first male teacher. Rev. Robert Stewart, a Presbyterian, was the first preacher, while the first death was that of Isaac Essex's father-inlaw. Princeville village was platted for W. C. Stevens, in 1837, where the Presbyterian church of 1834 was built. Monica is a new village. About the time the first settlers came into this district of Spoon river, the Indians were residents. Subsequently they moved some miles westward and did not return until 1830, when they remained a few years. At this time the forest presented its huge trees without underbrush, with Indian trails stretching out in every direction.

The largest log ever cut in Stark county was that cut in Abner Kerns' timber, just west of Thomas Falkner's farm, in 1876. It is known as the " Centennial Walnut Log." It measured 13 feet long, 5A feet in diameter, and 17 feet in circumference. Payne, Thomas, David, James, Richard and Abner Kerns assisted in hauling it to the depot at Wyoming for shipment to Chicago.

There are no records now existing to point out the end of a large number named in the foregoing Hst : but to tlie majority many references are made in the previous and succeeding chapters, as well as in this one ; for the early settlers of Essex spread out through adjoining townshi]is, and as a rule aided in their advancement. Madison Winn takes us back to 1828, when Isaac B. Essex moved with his family from Virginia to Fort Clark, now the city of Peoria, and tarried there that winter, teaching school, and it lays between him and Hiram Currier as to which taught the lirst American school in that city. In 1829 he came to what is now Stark county, it being tlien an entii'e wilderness, and built a cabin on the south eight}' of the northeast quarter of section 15. His nearest neighbor was Daniel Prince, one and one-half miles southwest of Princeville. Some time afterAvard he was appointed ])ostmaster, the office being called Essex, the neighbors carrying the mail by turns from Hicks', on LaSalle Prairie, in Peoria county. 1832 he was appointed special commissioner by the legislature to sell school section of Essex township. A little farther east was (Ireely Smith and his father, who came from Ohio in 1830 and settled on a farm now owned by James Graves, and east of him was J. C. Owens, who ^vas made the lirst Justice of the Peace in the county, being elected in August, 1831, at the house of Benjamin Smith, and held the office until 1834, when he moved to Canton, selling out to Moses Boardman. This is now the Thomas Graves estate. In August, 1834, Benjamin Smith was elected Justice, and in August, 1835, Major Silliman was elected constable to lill the place of John Dodge. Further up the river was Thomas Essex and David Cooper, who came from Virginia in

1830. Mrs. Cooper, later Mrs. Ennis, is still living in Wyoming, and is 89 years of age. The farm they settled on is now owned by Mr. Kerns. A little farther up the river and near where Mr. Kerns' house now stands lived (Joonrad Leak, and still farther on was old man Leak, who moved from Tazewell county, this state, in February, 1832, and built a saw and grist mill on Spoon river, southwest of Wyoming, where vou could get your clapboards sawed, corn cracked and wheat - mashed. A freshet in LS36 washed the mill away, yet traces of it may be seen today. Still u]) the river and on the east side was Sylvanis Moore, on the place now known as the General Thomas homestead. Also Jesse Heath kept a little store near by. A little south of here lived John Dodge, on the place now owned by Simon Cox. Up and west of here, near the Methodist camp-grounds, lived Wesley and Peter Miner.

In 1832 Samuel Seeley moved from Indiana, leaving his family at MosGville, Peoria county, came to Spoon river, made a claim and built a loff cabin a few rods south of where Mr. Duckworth's house now stands, northwest of Wyoming. While himself and two other men were building this cabin it turned cold and they started for Mossville, and when they got to Camp run found it frozen over, and in attempting to cross on the ice with a yoke of oxen and span of horses, it broke through and let them in the water ; the horses got tangled in the harness, and Seele}^ to save them, jumped in himself and ha(l to be dragged out, and finallv all got out and across. Mr. Seeley 's clothes immediately were frozen stiff, Avhen the men stripped off everj^thing but liis shirt, and rolled him up in bed quilts and straw, and drove in that condition, one walking and driving and the other rubbing Seeley, and save frozen hands, got through all right.

One mile south of Toulon lived Samuel Merrill, P. Turner now owning the place. Further south was Major McClennehan, who lived where James Biggs now resides, and part of that house was built 54 years ago.

South of this lived Stephen Worley, on the farm now owned by Hopkins Shivvers. Mr. and Mi's. Worley are still living, having moved to Henry several years ago. Mr. Woi*ley is over 80 years of age. Benjamin Essex came from V^irginia in 1830, and settled a little to the west of where Joseph Cox now lives. Mrs. Essex is now living in North W3^oming, and is 85 years of age. Henr}^ White lived on what is known as the Peter Sheets farm, and John Marrow on the James Ballentine farm. Charles Pierce settled here in 1834, erecting a logcabin a little north of the Sheets cemeter3\ Thomas Winn came from Switzerland county, Ind., in October, 1831, stopping near Peoria; in 1834 he came to Stark county, and built a cal)in in the old Spoon river fort, on section 16, now owned by Samuel Adams.

Jarville Chaffee came from Michigan in May, 1834, and stopped with Miner's until fall, when he built a cabin where C. H. Cox's line house stands. Thinking to get up something extra he split the logs, whitewashed the inside, and had an upstairs reached by a ladder. This was the entire settlement on Spoon river and Indian creek from 1829 to May, 1834. Dr. Ellsworth came from Ohio in the fall of 1834, and was the first practicing physician in the county. Up to this time there

In 1839 several families moved from Pennsylvania and settled in Wyoming, and while they did not particularly want the county seat, they thought themselves entitled to the postoffice, so got it changed from Essex to that place, AVilliam Godley being appointed ])ostmaster. The Eastmans came from New Hampshire in 1838, and started a blacksmith shop in JMoulton, a little south of John Lefler's. Here you could get anything done, from the welding of a knitting needle to ironing a wagon. It is claimed they ironed the first wagon and Imggy that was made in the county, and that Calvin L. made the first plow that would scour in this soil.

Up to 1835 most of the trading was done in Peoria. In Augnst of this year the Essex and Cooper families ran short of groceries, so they filled two grain sacks with meat, saddled two horses, Coo])er takingone and Madison Winn the other, and with sacks across the saddle, started for the city, taking an Indian trail, going through Princeville and crossing the Kicka])Oo at Dunlap, arrived at Thomas Essex's late in the afternoon. The day was exceedingly warm, and what iiad become of the meat in the sacks was a n.iystery. Winn was a mess of grease from his waist to his heels. They made the trij) in three days. Henry Colwell came from Ross county, Ohio, in 1837, and was the first stock auctioneer in this county, and has now been an auctioneer for forty-nine years, being seventy-four years old. He is the father of nineteen children - nine sons and ten daughters.

Pleasant Yalley Cemetery. - The soldiers and old people interred in Pleasant Yalley Cemetery are named as follows, the date of death bemg given: George Springer, '^'^'6\ Eve Springer, '72; Jacob New- man, '79; Christian Gingrich, '76; Joseph Armentrout, '63 ; Susannah Honze, '70 ; Christian Gingrich, Sr., '39 ; Eliza A. Gladfelter, *63 ; Polly Gingrich, '49; Isabella Slaughter, '76; Keuben Collwell, '74; Catherine Smith, '84; Marv M. Xichohis, '68: Marv Coleman, '56; Martha M. Waldron, '71; David Waldron, '75; Calvin White, '70; Malon Cox, '83; Samantha Springer, '62; Amv Graves, '77 ; Clarinda Colwell, '80 ; N'ancy Trickle, '81 ; Mary Huffman, '83 ; Sarah Huffman, '73; George Springer, Sr., '49; Henry Springer, '45; Eleanor Graves, '71 ; Elizabeth Barr. '70 ; Elizabeth Earr, '67. The soldiers buried here are: Michael Springer, '63 ; Calvin Yulgamott, '65 ; William B. Barr, '64; Ezra Gingrich, '65; Noah Fantz, '64 ; John Gingrich, '65. In Shebel's cemetery are the remains of Elizabeth Eby, '85 ; Joseph Eby, '82 ; William Dawson, 85 ; Gottlieb Klepfer_j '81 ; Sarah S. Smith, '85 ; Sewell Smith, 73; Edwin L. Smith, '(52 ; Gottlieb Schultheis, '71. E. L. Smith served in the Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry.

ScliooJs of Essex. - In 1832-3 the question of establishing a school in the Essex settlement was brought before the legislature, and on March 1, 1833, an act was approved creating Isaac Essex commissioner of the school fund and authorizino- him to sell section 16. On Februarv 4, 1834, this section was sold for $968.70. The day ]>rior to this sale, the voters assembled at the Essex cabin and elected Sylvanus Moore, Greenleaf Smith and Benjitinin Smith, trustees. Moses Boardman was elected in 1835. Madison Winn, in his paper of 1886, says: "On the fourth day of July, 1834, the people came together for the purpose of buildingone. The site chosen was near the northeast corner of the northeast quarter of section 15, in Essex township. The building was planned to be twenty feet square, and all went to work with a will, some cutting, some hauling, some making claplioard. and others building. By noon it was l)uilt up waist high; and there coming a shower, we arranged the clapboards over the wall and underneath ate our Fourth of July dinner. The first day the Avails were built up to the roof, which was soon covered, and from Leak's mill slabs \a ere brought for seats. A post was driven into the ground and a slal) laid on it for a teacher's desk, while mother earth was the floor. Adam Perry commenced school about July 15, with about thirt}' scholars, out of which number I am the only one living. (This Perry received $55.50 for teaching the winter school of 1834-5 for three months. Saln'ina Chattield, later Mrs. B. Ililliard received §13 for a three months summer school in 1835, and Mary Lake $6.31^ for six weeks' teaching during the fall term.) In the fall the house was finished - a floor put in above and below, three windows sawed out, the east one having a light of glass in it, the other two covered with cloth, craclvs ])lastered up with yellow clay, holes bored in the walls in which pins were inserted and slabs laid on for desks, and a sod chimney built. Sabrina Chatfield, better known as Grandmother Hilliard (whose death is recorded elsewhere), of Lafayette, now taught, and was the first female teacher conducting a school in the county. Next was Jesse W. Heath. Mary Lake, Joseph K. Newton, William Samis. and James Dalrymple. At the close of Mr. Dalrymple's school, in March, 1839, he gave a school exhibition, the first in the county. C. L. and S. W. Eastman and Jarville Chaffee took part in this exhibition, C. L. speaking the first piece. All three are still living here today. Great credit is due the Eastmans for the interest they took in this exhibition. The first Sabbath-school was organized in this building, by one Seigle, in iS3T. The Methodists held meetings here for some years, coming from Lafaj^ette and Princeville, ])ringing their dinners and staying all day. On June 30, 1840, twenty -three votes were cast in favor of organization for school purposes. In December. 1856, Cox's school-house, Essex township, was completed, on land donated by Joseph Cox. In April 1862, when the pi-esent record in possession of treasurer A. G. Hammond was opened by W. S. Bates, then treasurer, Sewell Smith presided over the ])()ard with Svlvester F. Otmnn and Henry A. Ilolst, trustees. In 1863 the board was similarly constituted. In 1864 Sewell Smith, Henry A. Hoist and George Fautz formed tlie board. In February A. G. Hammond was appointed treasurer, vice W. S. Bates, resigned, ]irior to leaving for Iowa. He was a Universalist preacher at Wyoming and other places during his residence here, among his ai)pointments being Sewell Smith's schoolhouse. In 1865 George Fautz was chosen president with Messrs. Hoist, Butler and Jefferson Trickle, and in 1866 the name of William II. P.utler. with IMessrs. II. A. Hoist, Philip Earhart and Hammond constituted theboai'd, with II. A. Ilolst, president. In 1867, 1868 and 1869 the same names appear on the record. In 1869 a petition to cliange the boundaries of districts 4, 5 and 6 was presented, but owing to a remonstrance the subject was adjourned. In 1870 Jarville Chaffee, Henry A. Hoist, Philip Earhart antl A. G. Hammond constituted the board. They also served in 1871 and 1872 until John Barr replaced Mr. Chaffee on the board. In April, 1872 the petition was re-presented for a change of school districts and on June lOth, that year, it was considered. In order to answer this petition favorably it was found necessary to change the l)oun(laries of the majority of the districts in Essex Township, and this was accomplished after much delay and discussion, a plan and chart (foi-med and drawn l:)y ]\Ir. Hammond) was presented to the board by IVIr. Ilolst. This provided for the ten disti'icts as now known, and seemed so reasonable that its adoption settled this troublesome question. In 1873 the same board transacted school affairs here until the election of Perry Winn and William II. Butler, vice Phili]) Larhartand II. A. Ilolst, Messrs. liarr and Hammond being continued. In 1876, W. II. Butler's name appears as trustee, and in 1877, A. J. Slieets was elected, Mr. Hammond continuing as treasurer. In 1879, Augustus Bailey, C. F. Hamilton and Dr. N. B. IVIorse, were elected trustees, and in April appointed Kev. John W. Agard, treasurer, vice Mr. Hammond. In May following the old treasurer turned his books over to the new board, not however before obtaining an auditing and full business statement proving the accounts correct in ever}' [)articular. In April, 1880, John Jordan and Royal H. Miller were "elected to the vacancies occasioned by the removal of Dr. Morse from Essex, and C. F. Hamilton, term expired. This election brought up the legal use of length of term expressed on ballot, or decision on length of term by new board after election. The new board re-appointed A. G. Hammond treasurer vice Rev. J. W. A^ard, who willingly tnrned over the records and accounts. The whole legality of the election of trustees was questioned, and the supercession of Mr. Agard \)y the appointee of the new Ijoard was tested in a case presented before Judge McCuUough, in Septenil)er, 1880, at Toulon. Messrs. Fuller and Shallenberger appeared for A. G. Ilaniniond; Messrs. Decker and Wilson, for C. F. Hamilton, who had also been ap])ointed treasurer by a minority of the board of trustees. This was decided in favor of the defendant, and Mr. Hammond retained the office. Messrs. Miller. Jordan and James E. Galvin formed the board in 1S81. In 1882 C. P. McCorkle was elected trustee. In 1883 X. Monroe Cox was elected, vice J. R. Galvin. Mr. Hammond being re-appointed treasurer. In 1881 Philip F. Earhart and X. M. Cox, were placed on the board. In 1885, J. R. Galvin was reelected. In 1886 P. F. Earhart. X. M. Cox, J. R. Galvin and A. G. Hammond, constituted the board. In 1886 there were 310 males, and 315 females under t wentv-one vears. or a total of 625. nine ungraded sciiools. and one traded school attended by 193 males, and 186 female pupils, presided over by six male and seventeen female teachers, the former receiving §,1.525.53. and the latter s3.636.98 as salary. The district tax. 83.636.98; value of pro])erty. 816.775 : of libraries, 8300 ; Ijonded debt, 83,0()0 ; total receijns, 812.529.16 ; total expenditures, 86,770.45. A. G. Hammond serving as clerk and treasurer.

In August. 1870. an election was held in Essex township on the (piestion of voting 815. OoO in aid of the Court Cr. R. R. or Galesburg and Chicago R. R., and this after a great majority of the citizens of Illinois had s'oted against the issue of township bonds for such purposes. The West Jersey people held a similar meeting in July.

Pioiretr post-ofjire. - ^In 1833-4 there was a weekly mail route established from Sprin trfield via Peoria to Galena. This route ran along the bluffs of the Illinois river, above Peoria up to Hennepin, to Dixon and on to Galena. Upon this the early settlers were entirely dependent for their mail matter. There was some sort of an office, or " hole in the bluff " just below the present town of Northampton in Peoria count3% and a man by the name of Hicks was postmaster. In 1833 a post-office was established in the Essex settlement, and Isaac B. Essex was a|)pointed the first postmaster within the present limits of Stark county. The mail was carried on the volunteer system, the settlers taking turns at carrying it once a week from the office nnder the bluff. It was usually carried in a meal bag, and could have been in the crown of a man's hat. " Galena Miner" (as Mr. Harris Miner was often called) genei-ally carried it on foot. The office at this time was an old boot box, setup on pins driven into the wall, high and dry, and above the reach of children in the cabin of Mr. Essex. In 1833 only two newspapers were taken in the count}^ one by Mr. Essex and the other by Benj. Smith. At this date two weeks were required to get a paper from Springfield, and a pro'portionately longer time to get intelligence from Washington. This office was transferred to Wyoming, where Godley was appointed master. The coming of the railroad brought with it the village of Duncan, and with the village returned the post-office.

Churches. - The early history of Methodism in this townshij), like that of its first settlei\ient is very fully treated in the general history and finds mention in the sketches of the Wyoming and Toulon churches. Its establishment is contem wrary with the settlement of the Essex family here in 1820, although a class was not regularly organized until 1835. Ilev. Wm. C. Cummings writes: "In 1835 I was ap])ointed by Bishop Koberts from the Illinois conference of the M. E. church to (what was then) Peoria mission. It extended over a large territory - nearly all embraced now in Peoria and Kewanee districts, being parts of the following named counties, viz: Peoria, Fulton, Knox, Stark and Marsliall. I preached at Father Fraker's, whose name is of precious memory in the churches, and rode from there over the ground where Toulon and Lafayette now stand, though they probal)ly had not then been thought of. Not far from the present site of Toulon lived Adam Perry, whom I ap|)ointed class leader of a small society in the Essex settlement, and where we held a quarterly meeting in 1835, at which W. B. Mack and Stephen II. Beggs were present. The circuit preachers who attenilc^d here from 1830 to 1839 are na,med as follows : S. R. Beggs, 1830; Rev. Wm. Crissay, 1831; Zadoc Hall, 1832 ; Joel Arlington, 1833 ; Leander S. Walker, 1834; J. W. Dunahav, 1836; W. C. Cummings, 1835-7 ; A. E. Phelps, 1837 ; S. R. Beggs, 1S3'J. Since Mr. licggs' last term, the history of Methodism in Essex is that of Toulon or Wyoming.

In church affairs, the Methodists were first on the field, but were soon followed by the Latter Day Saints, who made some converts here, and, it is said, led some members of the Essex family and others equally prominent, away from their allegiance to Methodism.

United Brethren Church, of Essex township, or Pleasant Valley Church was regularly organized in 1867, and the present house of worsliip erected that year. The pastors have been: 1867, B. C. Dennis;

68, J. L. Condon ; '69, F. J. Dunn ; '71, John Wagner ; '72. P. B. Lee ; 74, Geo. H. Varce ; '75, A. Norman ; '77, J. K. Bradford ; '79, A. A. Wolf; '81, A. W. Callaghan and J. S. Smith ; 'S3, J. Lessig; '85, E. O. Norvill; '86, W. E. Rose, the present pastor. The members are Geo. Fautz and wife, Noah Springer and wife, Christina Springer, Geo. W. Springer and wife, Jared Jones and wife, Henry Springer, Sarah Nickel, Eliza Col well, Mary Sheets, Andrew antl Geo. Sheets, Eliza Eby, Charles Eckley and wife, Peter Sheets, Mar}^ Howell, Mahala Sheets, Geo. Williams, Amelia J. Motes, Cora Colwell, Arch Jones, Matilda Swanson and Peter Sheets, Jr. Pleasant Valley Church lot and cemetery were platted by Edwin Butler, in August, 1873, on two acres in the northeast corner of northeast one-quarter, section 32, township 13, range 7.

Duncan. The town of Duncan Avas surveyed by Edwin Butler for Alfred H. Castle in June, 1870. Monroe, Adams and Jefferson streets running north and south ; Main, Washington and Galena streets running east and west, were represented ; but block one forming the extreme northwestern part of the village and all Galena street with northern extensions of Monroe and Adams, have been vacated. The first purchasers of lots at Duncan were the Scotts, of Wyoming, in 1871 ; Davis Lowman, Albert D. White, F. F. Brockway, S. Berg, John T. Fox, in block one, W. O. Cox, Joseph Buck, J. H. Francis, Joab Graves, Rebecca Alford, Nancy Barber, Alex Ivens, Emmett Illingworth, Samuel M. Adams, Benj. F. Gharrett, John H. Slater, W. S. Brockway, and others in blocks two, three, four and live ; Geo. Fautz, Peter Olson, Olof Bergguist, Geo. Colwell, Louisa Plummer, S. N. F. Westerfield in blocks four and five ; C. M. Jacques, W. J. Alford, Wm. Hobbs, Chris. Gingrich, Jos. P. Paul, Day Bros, k, Cvj , W. H. Nickerson, the Dixons, Slaters, Gharretts, Scotts and Scott & Wrigley, Artemus W. Wheeler, in block six. Duncan l)usiness circle comprises F. F. Brockawa}^ and John H. Slater, merchants ; A. J. Scott, grain and lumber; Geo. Fautz it Co., hardware; Wm. Heath, grocer and hotel ; T. C. Thomas, physician ; E. L. Marvin, R. R. agent ; John Barker, blacksmith, with H. G. Slater, postmaster. W. H. Miller was postmaster at Duncan in 1870.

The Essex Horse Company was organized in April, 1858, on cavalry plan, but not for military purposes. It was to compete with the other townships for the agricultural society's premium for the best twentysix horses. H. Sliivvers presided, with J. W. Drummond, secretary.

The Essex Townsliip Association was permanently organized in September, 1884, with Mr, Chase, of Duncan, president ; Atlvinson, vicepresident ; Mrs. Wm. Smith, secretary, and E. L. Marvin, treasurer.

In 1834-5 the Indians cultivated their corn-fields along Camping creek and near its mouth ; but their old village on the borders of the Josiah Moffitt farm was then deserted, and their council-house in ruins. Even the mimic fortress built at the close of 1832, to commemorate the war, was then aroinor to decay. A new era Avas introducing itself.

which, within fifty-four years effected a total change in the customs and manners of the people, as well as in the country which the pioneers found a wilderness. Throughout this State there cannot be found a more beautifully located township tlian this of Essex. Within its limits many of the early settlers made their homes ; there also, that natural locater, the Indian, built his wigwam, and squatted, so to speak, in the midst of plenty. The streams of the township offered the lazy red men their wealth of fish, the forest its game, and the soil its wild fruits, herbs, and in some cases corn.

So many references have been made to the township in the general history of the county, as well as in that of the townships, and so complete are the biographical sketches of its citizens that little remained to be written here, beyond the si)ecial items pertaining directly to the township.

F. F. Bvochway, the son of J. H. and Harriet (Fuller) Brock- / way, was born in Broome county, N. Y., in the year 1832. His paternal grand])arents were natives of Scotland who emigrated to America and settled in the state of New York about the year 1800, and there reared a family of six children. J. H. Brockway, their only son, was born in Scotland, and with parents came to New York at six years of age, remaining at home until about seventeen years of age, and then spent some three years in Illinois, prospecting, with the object of obtaining land. He entered 6,000 acres near Jacksonville. Returning to his father's home, he, at the age of twenty -three years, was married to Miss Harriet Fuller. They resided in Broome county until 184-1-, when they removed to Illinois and settled in Boone county, where he ])urchased land and remained some seven years. The death of his faithful wife, whom he followed to the grave some years later, took place there. He liad been a man prominent wherever he had ^ resided, having held the office of sheriff' of Broome county, N. Y., eight ^^ years. His family comprised six children, three of whom are still living. F. F. Brockway, the second child of the family, remained in Broome county, N. Y., until about thirteen years of age, when with his parents he made the journey in wagons across the prairie to Boone county, 111. Until about the age of eighteen he remained in that county, and then went as an apprentice to learn the trade of a mason, and after two years began work for himself; but desiring to know his business thoroughly, he went to St. Louis and served again his time, thus showing a determination that but few possess. After two years of hard work, having become ])roficient in his business, he obtained important contracts for work on public buildings, as the jail, cottage female seminary, and other Ijuildings at Davenport, Iowa. Thus two years were passed, when he turned his steps toward Stark county, Where his home has since been made. For one year here he devoted his whole time to his trade. In the winter of 1856 he was married to Miss Catherine Trickle, of Stark county, daughter of Jefferson Trickle. After their marriage they settled upon a farm in the southern part of Essex townshi]), where for fourteen years they resided, when they moved to Wyoming, Mr. Brockway engaging in mercantile business there. He continued in business five 3^ears, returned to the farm and erected the finest farm house in the county, svhich AA'as unfortunatel_y burned owing to a defective flue in the spring of 1 884. Some nine years after returning to the farm they again left it. and moving to Duncan vifiage, reengaged in mercantile business, and built up by all odds the largest and most progressive house of the place. In the spring of 1886 Mr. Brockway turned the business over to his sons, and since has given his attention to stock buying and feeding. Five children have blessed tlieir home, of whom death has claimed one. M. J. Brockway is a farmer of Stark county; AV. L. and C. G. are in business at Duncan, and liattie attends school at Knox seminary. Politically Mr. Brockwa}^ is independent, voting for the best man and measure rather than party. The family is one well known and very much respected, being foremost in all enterprises for the welfare and upbuilding of their town, and Air. Brockway stands prominently among the best citizens of the county.

_ Thomas CoJiveU, one of the first settlers of what is now Stark county, located in what is now Essex township, on the southeast quarter section eight, in the fall of 1837, purchasing a small tract of land there. He was Ijorn in Vii'ginia and was a son of Thomas, Sr., and Elizabeth Colwell, who were married in Kentucky, from which state they removed to Ross county, Ohio, where his parents resided until their decease. Of their children Thomas alone removed to this county. He came here a married man - having married, in Kentucky, Sallie Ogden. Their family comprised eight children, namely : Washington, of Chillicothe. 111., deceased ; George Fresslev. deceased ; Henry, of Essex ; Robert of Salt Lake ; David, deceased ; Emily, wife of John Berfield, Toulon, and Sarah, married, of Toulon township. Mr. Colwell lived in this county after his settlement. He served a short time in the war of 1S12. He died in 1857, in his eighty-fourth veai". Mrs. Colwell died in June of the same vear, in the seventveighth year of her age.

Henry Colwell, the only son of Thomas now living in Stark county, was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1813. He was married when he came to this county. In this townshi]) he has resided since 1837. He has served as supervisor of the township three terms ; has been a member of the Agricultural Society almost since its organization, and the president of the Societv manv vears, being the present incumbent. His son Miles was a member of Company C, One hundred and twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry; enlisted in 1862; served three years as a private soldier. Mr. Colwell has been twice married, first to Miss Elizabeth Dawson, of Hocking county, Ohio, who bore him six children, namely : George, John, x\lcinda. Miles, Mary Jane and Martha, all livino-. Mrs. Colwell died in 1817, ao^ed thirtv-three vears. His second wife, Miss Clarinda Ebv. he married in Stark countv. Thev are the parents of tliirteen children, namely : Eliza, deceased ; Angeline, Marvin, Sarah, Day, Bunn, Clarinda, Douglas, Emmett, Louisa, deceased, Jennie, Sallie, and Allie. Mrs.' C., died in 1880, aged fiftyone yeai^s. Mr. C. has been a staunch Democrat in political belief during his life-time.

John Colwell, son of Henry and Elizabeth Colwell, was born in Stark count}' in 1837, where his parents settled at an early date, as related in their history in this chapter. At the age of twentj'-fonr years he married Miss Ehnira Fast, daughter of Philip and Mary Fast, who was born in Ohio in 1845, and came with her parents to this county in 1849, where her father died in 1855. After Mr. Colwell's marriage he entered on farming for himself, and now owns 154 acres of choice land on section 18. They are the parents of four children, Mary B., Charlie O., Marvin B. and Mira J. In politics Mr. Colwell is Democratic. By industry he has built up round him a pleasant home, and by example a good family.

Josej^h Cox, one of the pioneers of Essex township, still resides here, linkiug the present with the past of this division of the county. A reference to the original entries of lands in this township points out the settlement of the family of Nathan Cox here in 1836 ; a reference to the sketch of the cemeteries also will give the names of many members of tiiis large family.

ThoTiias Walter Cox, son of Joseph and Catherine (Edwards) Cox, was born in Stark county. Ills., in the year 1847. His parents, natives of Virginia, removed to Ohio and thence to Illinois, settling in Stark county, where they still reside. Thomas W. Cox remained with his jjarents until his 20th year, when he married Miss Clara DeWolf, daughter of Ca])tain David and Matilda (Greenwood) DeWolf. This lady was born March 23, 1847; her fatlier was of French descent, born in Nova Scotia March 30, 1822 ; her motlier was born in Clark county, Ohio, February 22, 1 823. The military record of Capt. DeWolf is worthy of his ancestry, and is on record in the military chapter and history of Toulon county. After his marriage INfr. Cox began farming in Essex township on his first farm, where he resided about live years. He sold this property and ])urchased 193 acres on sec. 24, Essex township, where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living - Edwin E., born March 23, 1868 ; Alice, born September 1, 1871; Stella, born May 26, 1874; Joseph, born June 22, 1876; Hattie, born August 16, 1880, and Cora, born November 27, 1883. An infant, born in the year 1883, died July 11 same year. On November 4, 1886, Mrs. Cox passed to her last longsleep. Her illness was of short duration. Up to the morning of her death she seemed as well as usual. She was buried at Wyoming, and the cortege which followed the remains to the grave was the largest seen at Wyoming, there being eighty-six vehicles. She was a faithful, loving wife, and her death was mourned by a large circle of friends. Politically Mr. Cox is a republican, and is a member of the Masonic order.

W. K. Cox, son of Enoch and Sarah (Drummond) Cox, was born in Boss county, O., August 20, 1832. His fatlier and mother were natives of Ohio, the former a miller by trade, married at the age of twentytwo, in 1829. In 1837 they moved to this county, and here he erected one of the first grist and saw mills on Indian creek, famous for fifty miles around. He built this mill outright himself, and worked it until the water failed, when he erected a larger concern at the mouth of

Camp run, on Spoon river, where his desire to do what was right brought him hosts of customers and won him many friends. In 1858 Mrs. Cox died. Of her eight children, seven are hving and four residents of this county. A few years later Mr. Cox transferred the mill to W. K., the present operator. The old gentleman married a second time, his wife dying in 1880. For eight years his own healtli has shown signs of failure, so that now the great old pioneer miller of Indian creek is only a shadow of the strong man whom the pioneers and old settlers knew so well. W. K. Cox resided with his parents until 1850, when he became a cattle-buyer. Some years later he resumed farming, and prior to the war took charge of his father's mill. In 1860 he married Miss J. E. Miller, born in 1842 in Hocking count}', O., and came to tliis county with her parents in 1844. For twelve years after this marriage Mr. Cox continued milling, but owing to the radical change in machinery he discontinued this industiy, and has since devoted his attention to stock growing and agriculture. Of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cox, five are living - Mrs. Brock way, of Duncan ; Orrin W., deceased ; Plessie E., Mrs. E. Miller, of Essex ; Nettie M., Mrs. L. Brockway ; Ilarley G. and Herman C. In politics Mr, Cox is Ilepul)lican, and liberal in all ideas.

Malon Cox died at his home, near Spoon river, July, 1883. He was born in 1826; married Ruth liatcliff in 1854; moved to Indiana in ls67, and to Stark county in 1871.

Mis. Hannah Dixon, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Rains) Cox, was born in Ross county, O., in 1835. Her parents died there, and soon after she accompanied her brother to this county, where she married Samuel Dixon, in 1852, and took up her residence on section 24, Essex.

Sanmel Dixon was born in Jackson county, O., in 1830. He was the son of Lemuel and Rosanna (Graves) Dixon, with whom he resided until twenty-one years of age, when the family came to Stark county. Here he married Miss Cox, and at once entered on farm life for himself, in which he was industrioush^ engaged until February 16, 1865, when he enlisted at Peoria, and at once went into the held. While in the service he contracted such diseases from hardship and fatigue as to warrant him a furlough. While en route home he sank to rest at Michigan City, Indiana. His remains were taken home, and as related in the history of W3'oming cemetery, rest in this county. Of their three children, Maria is Mrs. J. McCorkle, of Wyoming; Martha J. is deceased, and Lemuel is a resident of Essex. This family has played an excellent part in the progress of Essex for over thirty 3'ears.

Pliilip F. Earhart, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ritz) Earhart, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., November 18, 1830. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, where his father was engaged in farm- ing and at times worked at the cooper's trade. In 1831 he moved to Ohio, and settling near Columbus, followed farming. Here, in 1814, he passed to his last long sleep, and in 1850 was followed by his wife. Philip is the sixth child of their family of nine children. After his mother's death he worked by the month for his brother for about a year. He then being twenty-one years of age, came to Illinois in 1851. He came to Stark county and began as a hand for his brother-in-law in the summer and attended school in the winter. On February 21, 1853, he married Amanda F. Sheets, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Weigal) Sheets. This lady was born April 11, 1834. Her parents were natives of Virginia, wdio removed to Indiana, and thence, in 1830, to Illinois, settling in Essex township, where they remained until death, Mr. Sheets dying in 1880 and Mrs. Sheets in 1874. After his marriage Mr. Earhart 'began farming. In 1808 he purchased eighty acres on section 17, w^here he still resides. Three children came to his home, all of whom still live - Lavina S., Emma S., and Alva M. On July 9, 1804, Mrs. Earhart, having been in poor health for a number of years, passed away, l)eing then in hev thirty-first year. On September 7, 1805, Mr. Earhart married Miss Lucretia J. Dolison, a daughter of Andrew and Dorcas (Long) Dollison, born Noveinber 3, 1843. Her parents w^ere natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Ohio, and in 1850 to Illinois, when they settled in Stark county. Later they purchased a farm in Peoria county, where her father died in 1871, being then fifty-five years of age. Her mother now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Earhart, and although now^ nearly seventy-one years of age, is quite active. Two children have been V)orn to them - George F. and Jay M. Politically Mr. Earhart is a Republican. He has held the offices of supervisor, assessor, collector and school trustee, which he has filled with credit to himself and profit to the township.

Isaae B. Essex, the pioneer of Stark county, was born in Virginia in 1800, moved to Ohio, and thence to Peoria, III, under Rev. Jesse Walker, the Methodist itinerant. In 1828 he selected his home in this township, and settled here permanently in 1829 with his family. In 1831 his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Essex, their four sons, their daughter, Mrs. David Cooper, and her husband, arrived. The father, Thomas, died at David Cooper's house on sec. 10, May 15, 1853, and the motiier, Elizabeth, January 20, 1853. Thomas Essex was born in Virginia January 13, 1771, and Elizabeth, his wife, in 1773. Joseph, brother of Isaac B., died in 1876, as related in the history of Toulon ; Thomas resides in Peoria county, David is in California, Isaac B. moved to Dongola, 111., John remained in the district, also Mrs. Cooper, while William moved to Knox county. Whether to credit the statement that Isaac B. Essex joined the Mormons to Mr. Baldwin, of Peoria, Capt. Haacke, of Peoria, Martin Shallenberger, of Toulon, or an old record of Mormon circuits in Illinois, the waiter cannot determine. It \i\ certain, however, that the statement was made on what appeared to be good authority. At the close of this volume a complete sketch of the Essex family and of their settlement in Illinois is given.

Thomas Essex, born in A^irginia in 1803, is the son of Thomas and Ehzal)eth (Bowen) Essex, natives of Maryland, came with the family to Spoon River in 1831, and settled near Wyoming. In 1834 Thomas Essex bonght his present home in Richwood's township. He served in the Black Hawk War, being the only one of the family named in that connection. Mrs. E. Essex resides at Muscatine, Iowa.

Ph'dip Fast, who died in 1856, had one son, Daniel, who served in Capt. Brown's Company K, Forty-seventh Illinois. The widow of this pioneer and mother of the soklier - Mrs. Mary Fast, was granted a pension of $8 per month, to date from 18^2, in February, 1885.

Mrs. Jane {Fairchild) Frail, born in Luzerne county, Pa., in 1815, died in Goshen townshi]), this county, Februaiy 25, 1882. She married Barney Frail, in 1833, and both moved to Stark county, 111., in 1835, making their first home near Wvoming, in what was "Moulton City."

James M. Estep was born near Fairfield, la., February 7, 1842. His father, John Estep, died there two years later, and his mother, Sarah Whittmgton, returned with her family to Peoi'ia county, 111., and resided there several vears Avith her brother. In 1849 or '50 she married Christian Miller, and with them James M. made his home. At the age of eighteen years he became a farm laborer and for nine years gave his attention to this work. When twenty-seven years old he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George and Christina Springer. This lady was born in Essex township, in 1849, and resided there until her marriage in ISIJS. The six succeeding months they resided in Peoria county, and then moved into their small house in Essex, which has given place to present home. Their original farm of eighty acres has been increased to 160 acres with all improvements. In politics he is democratic, but above party when a man or measure deserves his confidence. Only two children came to their home. Jennie Y., deceased, and Anna ]S^. He is indeed a self-made man, and of that intelligent class, too, whose friend is always a friend.

George Fautz, was born in Germany, March 9, 1812. His parents, Michael and Elizabeth (Stacer^i Fautz, came to the United States about 1818, settled in Perry county, Ohio, moved thence to a point near Lancaster, Ohio, where the mother died in 1867, and the father died in 1869. George remained with his parents until the age of twentyone years, when he married Miss Sally Springer a native of Ohio, whose parents came from Virginia some 3'eai's before. In 1841 Mr. Fautz came to Stark county, while the wild jirairie stretched out in every direction. He located 160 acres of i)rairie, l)reaking some acres that year and planting his first cro]i of corn. The tract he increased to 346 acres which iie sold in 1883, and moving to Duncan, established his large hardware and grocei'y store there. Of his family of twelve children, nine are living-. Six of the nine have gone westward to seek their fortunes. Ellen is Mrs. Wheeler, of Duncan ; Andi'ew resides in Essex township ; Malinda is Mrs. Turner, of Princevilie. Peoria county. A reference to the historv of the United Brethren church here tells that Mr. Fautz was one of its first members and always promment in every effort to build it up to its present importance. In politics he is republican, a strong tempei'ance worker and a man very ranch respected. He came here when lie had to drive his cattle and haul his grain to Chicago to find a market ; and remembers driving his hogs to Peoria receiving $1.25 per !()(- ])ounds, for hogs that weighed 2»)0 pounds and upwards. l.")<» pounds and upwards, seventy-five cents per 1(»0 ])ounds, and under 15U jxjunds s9 per dozen. At Chicago the butchers reserved the hide and tallow for their pay, while he sold the meat at $1.50 per 100 pounds. Letter rate at that time was twenty-five cents. With all the hardships and small rewards attending the early labors here, he raised and etlucated a large family, and took a full part in every movement tending to improve the moral and commercial condition of his county.

Jo.^epJi Friedman, son of Ignatz and Theresa (Geotz) Friedman, was born at leaden, Germany, in 181*J, where his parents died a few years later. At the age of twenty-two years Joseph came to the United States, and for three years labored at Pittsburgh, Pa. ; there he married Miss Caroline Krisenger, daughter of John and Clara Krisenger; she was also born at Baden, ana came in 1817 with her parents to Pittsburgh. Some time after their marriage they settled within fifteen miles of Buffalo, N. Y., and worked by the month there until 1852, when they came to Valley townshi}). Stark county. 111., and purchased a farm on sec. -^1. At this time there were not over twenty families in Valley; wolves and deer were numerous. In 1857 he purchased 160 acres in Essex, built his home there, and has been identified with the progress of Essex for thirt}^ years. His first tax payment was 95 cents, now increased to over $000 annually. Of their family, John is in Peoria county, Joseph C. at home, William C. also here, Sophia and Lizzie are numbered among the dead, Caroline resides here. The family are old members of the Catholic church. In politics Mr. Friedman is decidedly independent, voting always for the best man and best measures. He was a member of the anti-horse-thief association and lends his aid to every project for the advancement of virtue and the detection and punishment of vice.

Mrs. Lncinda (ringricJt, widow of Daniel, is tlie daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Cxathney) Porter. She was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1822; in 1823 moved to Richland county, O., when nine months old ; her father was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods while thei'e. In 183tt he removed with his family to Decatur, III., and engaged in mercantile business. This Daniel Porter was a soldier of 1812, who was honorabl}^ discharged on account of illness, and resided here until his deatli, in his forty-fifth year. Mrs. Lucinda Gingrich married in her twenty- seventh \"ear. Her deceased husband, Daniel Gingrich, was ])orn in Franklin county. Pa., in 1808, where his father. Christian, was a farmer and cabinetmaker. They came here, as related in this chapter, in 1837. To his marriage with Miss Porter five children were born : Alvorado A., a graduate of Abingdon College, now a farmer here ; Daniel L'., in Kansas ; Eslella D., now Mrs. J. Addis, of Stark county; Ophelia C, now Mrs. Arthur Hotchkiss, of WaKeeney, Kan., and Violetta A., deceased. The father, Daniel Gingrich, died August 20, 1885, in his seventy-seventh year. His first wife. Miss

Coleman, died December 16, 1849, leaving four children, three of whom are living, as previously noted in this chapter. In political life he was an ardent Democrat. For years he was commissioner of highways here. A reference to tlie township history will point out the various Darts taken by this family in the building up of Essex.

A. E. Gingrich^ son of Daniel and Polly (Coleman) Gingrich, was born in Stark county May 14, 1840. In early years he worked on the home farm, attended the primitive schools, and studied at home. At the age of twentv-nine vears, he married Miss Harriett, daughter of Silas and Elizabeth (Brock) Caskey, of Ohio, who moved to Illinois about 1863; was married in 1869; remained on home farm one year ; then the young couple removed to their present home near Duncan, where their five children, Florence M., Allan A., Yiolla D., John J., and AVilliam AV., were born. His brother, D. H. Gingrich, is interested with A. E., and resides in the same house. The family, in all its parts, have been prominent in evervthing contributing to the agricultural interests of Essex, and indeed of the count3\ In politics, democratic; yet party considerations generally give Avay to the claims of candidates whose characters are irreproachable.

Mrs. Nancy Graves, the widow of Thomas Graves, and the daughter of Xathan and Ann (Dixon) Cox, was born in Ross county, Ohio, in the year 1826. Her parents were respectively from Virginia and North Carolina. Their respective parents removing to Ohio, they became acquainted and were married. Some twenty-five ^'^ears after their marriage they removed to Stark county. 111., in 1836, and started to build the first mill in Stark county. It was on Indian creek, and was used for many years. In 1840, Mr. Cox, after a brief illness of but two weeks, passed from earth in his fifty-sixth year. For three years after her husband's death, Mrs. Cox remained at the old home, and there followed her husband to the last slee]), in her sixty-fourth year. They were both prominent among the pioneers of the county, and highly esteemed. Their family consisted of ten children, five still living, four of whom are in Stark county. ]\Irs. Graves remained witii her father and mother until lier father's death. In 1841 she was united in marriage to Thomas Graves, the son of John and Elizabeth Graves. He was born in Chatham coimtv, N. C, in 1816. When eight 3'ears of age, his parents removed to Ohio, where he received a common school education, and in 1840 came to Stark county, where he met and married Miss Xancv Cox. Some eiglit vears after their marriage they remained upon the farm of her father until 1850, when they removed to section 23, Essex township, where since then the famih^ has resided. On the 12th of December, 1876, after several years of failing health, and but nine weeks confined to his bed, he died. He was a man prominent among the progressive and enterprising farmers of the township, and one who was known only to be held in high esteem by all, and it is to such men that the real progression of Stark county is owing. Since her husband's death, Mrs. Graves has remained on the homestead, where she still resides with five of her children. Her family consisted of ten children, AVilliam H., in Essex township ; Martha L. (Mrs. Riner Duncan) ; Lorenzo D., Armourdale,

Kan.; James H., in Essex; Mary A. (Mrs. J. H. Moran), widow at home; Franklin J., in Essex; Harriet E. (Mrs. A. J. Smitli), Essex; Forney L., Essex; Hermie Augusta, Essex; and Archie L, Essex. Mrs. Graves has reared a family of useful citizens, and is considered one of tlie county's foremost women.

James Graves, one of the oldest settlers of the county, was born at Chatham, N. C, January 6, 1818, his parents, John and Elizabeth (Freeman) Graves, being natives of North Carolina and Virginia respectively, and their ancestors natives of Ireland. John was born in 1789, was nuirried in 1813, moved to Ohio in 1821, died there in 1811. His widow came with her son James to this county soon after, where Mrs. Graves died in 1875, in her eighty -first year. Of her twelve children, nine grew to manhood and womanhood, six are living and five reside in this county. James Graves was married in 1842 to Miss Maria, daughter of John and Mary (Waters) Francis, who was born in Ross county, O., in 1820, her parents being of German and Irish origin. She remained at her father's home, but being a good spinner was always a welcome guest and helper at the wheel throughout the neighborhood. While with Mrs, Graves, Sr., the friendship which led to her mari'iage was formed. In settling in Essex, Mr. Graves and his brother purchased fifty acres on credit. This small l)eginning has grown into an excellent farm of three hundred acres, fully improved nnd equipped. Of his children, Mary, married S. Cox, is deceased; B. F. Graves; Matilda is no^\' Mrs. G. A. Thomas, of Chicago ; Frances, now Mrs. M. R. Cox; Malinda A., now Mrs. II. L. Crone; Amanda, Austin and John, deceased. This family has been closely identified with the county for over forty years, and has always been on the side of progress.

Joseph S. Graves, son of John II. and Amy (Wili^inson) Graves, was born in Vinton county, O., in 1833. Until twenty-three years of age he assisted on his father's farm and attended school. At this age he was appointed teacher in charge of the district scliool, and lor three winters was engaged in teaching. In 1856 he accom])anied his father to Stark county, located, and purchased the one hundred and sixty acres on which he now resides, and in the course of a few weeks returned to Ohio. In 18()1 he revisited this township, but did not come to reside here until 1863. In 1865 he began to improve this farm, and has since made his home here, transforming the wild land into one of the most fertile tracts in the county. On December 12, 1867, he married Miss Mary J., daughter of Theodore and Elizabeth Wliitten, a native of Licking county, O. This lad}^ came to Stark county with her parents in 1855, and was one of the early teachers in our schools. A few months after this marriage they assumed the work of housekeeping on tlieir farm in the same house wliich has been recently rebuilt. Their children ai'e : Carrie E., John W., Amy E., Theodore, Alva L. (deceased), Marion li. and Alice M. The mother, when a young woman, united with the M. E. church of West Jersey, while Mr. Graves united with the Christian church in Ohio. He is decidedly Republican, was a member of the Union League in the time of the Rebellion, and always foremost in supporting ^vhat seems just as well as what promises the greatest good to the greatest number.

Jacob Graves^ born in Vinton county, O., in 1834, is the son of John and Amy (AVilkinsoii) Graves, John Graves was born in Ohio, of North Carobna settlers. His wife was daughter of Jacob and Amy (Brady) Wilkinson, also Xorth Carolina- settlers of Ohio. The Graves family resided in Ohio until 1S04, wlien they came to Essex, and purchased a farm of 160 acres, but some time prior to this John purchased lands here for his sons. Mrs. Amy Graves died here in 1878. Of their children, Mrs. Annie Eatcliff has since died; Joseph S., Jacob, Mrs. Amy Bamber, of West Jersey, Mrs. Alma Whitten, of West Jersey, are all residents of Stark. In 1884 Mr. Graves sold the homestead, and has since made his home among his children. A member of the Christian church since childhood, he has opposed secret societies. He was a Whig and Abolitionist, and since 1856 a Republican. Jacob (ilraves was raised and educated in his native county. At the age of twenty -two _years he married Miss Sidlay A., daughter of George and Mary (Bouyer) Barnett, of (Jhio, natives of Penns3dvania, and whose parents came from Germany. George Barnett and wife moved to Guernsey county from Pennsylvania, and thence to Vinton county, where the wife died in 1855, leaving twelve children, of whom Mrs. Graves was the youngest. The father died there in 1876. Jacob and jVirs. Graves resided eight years in Ohio after marriage. In April, 1864, he enhsted in the One-hundred-and-forty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served round Richmond, City Point, and Petersburg until ex])iration of term, when he returned, and in a few days set out with his family for Illinois, entered on improving his farm, and raised it from the wilderness to be one of the finest tracts in Essex. Of their eleven children, Mrs. Mary A. Fautz, is in Kansas; Mrs. Lucinda A. Shebel, Elba V., Smiley R., Stanley S., Lyman S., Julia E., Clinton E., Elton O., Emery R., and Jennie E., all residents of Essex. The father of this large family holds a Grand Army membership. As assessor of Essex for six years, the board of equalization has never changed one of his figures ; as supervisor, his associates never negatived one of his propositions, and in all })olitical and social connections his precision and adherence to truth have brought him into the esteem of every one.

Argelon Graves died Se|itend:)er 26, 1856. The burning of William Graves' daughter, while tr3nng to save her father's barn from fire, near Duncan, April 25, 1879, was one of those dreadful afflictions wdiich draw forth the sympathy of people.

Jerome Graves and his wife, Lucie De Lent, both former residents of Essex, and the latter formerly a teacher in Essex and West Jersey townships, were married at Beaver Dam, Wis., February, 1885,

James IlartJey, son of Ednujnd and Mary (Morris) Hartley, was born in Lancashire, England, in 1827, immigrated in 1851, and shortly after settled at Trivoli, 111., and worked by the month until 1854, when he came to Essex with Mr. Ingram, and jointly purchased 160 acres. In 1856 he man-ied Miss Ann Mellor, settled on his purchase of 1854, and entered on the work of reducing the wilderness, and how well he sue- ceeded is shown in the fine farm he left his family at his death in 1871. Of his children, Edwin resides in Essex; Mary A., now Mrs. John Duckworth, of Valley ; William H., Walter J., and Clara, residing at home. Sarah J. and Eliza H. are numbered nmong the dead. In early years Mr. Hartley became a member of the Protestant E[)isco])al church, and died in communion with that society.

Mrs. jbm Ilart/e//, widow of James Hartley, was l)orn in Iloyton, England, in 1S3T, where her mother Mary (Holland) Miller, died m 1S89. Her fatlier, eTose])h Miller, was a weaver, and m the cotton factories made tiie acquaintance of Miss Mary Madden, whom he married. About 1846 the family immigrated, settling at Crookville, Pa., but within eii>'hteen months returned to England. Soon after tlie parents of Jose])h and Mary (Madden) Miller died, and again they sought America for a. home ; coming in 1851, they obtained work in the woolen mills at Crookville, came to Peoria in 1852, thence moved to Trivoli, and ultimately settled at Wyoming. Mrs. Hartley accom- ])a-nied her parents in their travels until the age of seventeen, when she beo-an woi'k for herself, and at Trivoli worked for a cousin of James Hartley, where she met her husband, and was married in 1856. Since his death she lias not only managed the farm, but also increased the original property to nearly HOG acres, and is today consi(h3red one of the most enterjirising and successful business women in the wliole Congressional district.

//. Ingravi was born in Kentshire, England, in 1820. His father, William, and mother, Margaret, died there. At the age of ten years Mr. Ingram hired out as a butcher's boy. Eleven years later he emigrated to the United States, staying a short time in New York and at Chicago, and settled at Peoria, where he found work at $8 per month. Some years later lie came to this townshi]) in conijiany with James Hartley, he purchased 160 acres, on which he worked with a will and soon added a house to the few then in this section of Stark. Two years la.ler he married Miss Jane, daughter of Edmund WiMgley, and sister of the bankei", John Wrigley. This lady was born in England, but came to America with her father and family as related in their family history. Eor three years the young i)eople lived in a small house on section 12, then moved to Wyoming, where Mr. Ingram established the first meat market. The year the C. B. & Q. was completed to Wyoming he resumed farm life on section 12, Avhere Mrs. Ingram died in 1878. Of their six children, Emma is Mrs. C. McMillen, Charles, Harry, Fred, Jesse and Nellie reside in the townshi]x In November, 1882, Mr. Ingram married Miss Laura Strange, of Peoria, born at Fishkill, N. Y., in 184-1-; lived in Ohio with her grandmother until 1860, when she joined her parents in Peoria county. In agricultural and fine stock affairs Mr. Ingram is truly a representative man. He is one of the lOO men who own the lecords of the Devon Cattle Association, and in local matters takes a leading ])lace among the stock-growers of the district. His home is evidence of all wliich thrift and labor may accomplish. In politics he is Republican.

to Ohio at the age of sixteen years with his grandfather, and served in the war, and soon after married Nanc}'^ Moss, of Pennsylvania, who settled in Jackson county, Ohio, with ner famih\ Henry and Nancy Jones made that State their home until their death. Jared Jones married Miss Catherine, daughter of Michael and Hozanna (Waldron) Sollars, in 1836. This lady was born in Jackson county, Ohio, in 1818, where her parents, Virginians, had settled* After this marriage they settled on a farm which they purchased. In 1838 the farm was sold and the young people coming to this township, purchased their first homestead in the west, where they have since resided. While in Ohio Mr. Jones joined a volunteer company enlisted to protect the frontier from Indians, and on coming here was ever ready to become a member of protective organizations against the white savages engaged in horsestealing and claim-jumping; l>ut notwithstanding all his vigilance he had to pay for his land three times to meet the demands of the old claim sharks. Of the twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, ten are living. David, John, Xcmcy, Ann, Ilozannah, AVilliam, Sylvester, Michael M., Sarah, James A., Christopher (deceased), Lydia J., Laura (deceased). The father of this laroe familv was for vears a Democrat, but recently gives his support to the prohibitionist cause. His wife and he are members of the United Brethren church, opposed to secret organizations, but always ready to aid any object of a beneficial and progressive character.

Aimer Kerns^ son of William and ]V[ary (Drummond) Kerns, was born in Ross county, O., in 1821. His father was born December 25, 1800, of Pennsylvania settlers in Ohio. About 1823 he married Miss Drummond. a daugb.ter of Benjamin and Anna (Kerns) Drummond, born in ISoT. in 1855 this family came here, purchased a farm and resided until the death of AVilliam, on September 18, 1873. His widow is still among the old settlers. Abner Kerns shared his parents' labors and fortunes until his twenty-eighth year when he married Miss America, daughter of Daniel AVatts, born in 1828 of Kentucky settlers of Ohio. Prior to this marriage Mr. Kerns often drove cattle across the mountains to Baltimore and New York cities and after marriage engaged in stock-growing, his wife superintending the farm. In 1871 they moved on their farm of 160 acres, one mile south of Wyoming. Of their seven children six are living: Mary J., Emma, Frank A., Fred, Harris and Hattie. Alice is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kerns have always supported the Methodist church of which his aged mother is a respected member. Himself and boys are decidedl}^ Eepuljlican. His farm of 56(> acres he has transformed into a garden-spot, and there erected a commcxlious house, the center of much that is pleasant and instructive in that neighborhood.

Jo?in Le-fHe>\ son of John and Frances (Wilkinson) Leffter, was born in Stark county, September <;, 1850. His father was a native of Ohio, where the Pennsylvania Lefflers settled at an early day, came to Illinois in 1849 and here married Miss Wilkinson. Six weeks later, January 1, 185(1, he died. His widow, daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth Wilkinson, whose history is given in this chapter, still resides here. John Leffler, jr., married in his twenty-ninth year. Miss Anna, daughter of Jesse and Lutitia Boblet. This lady died March 12, 1881, leaving one child, Nora Leffler. His second marriage with Miss Ella, daughter of Isaac and Martha Nicliolas, was celebrated Marcli 3, 1886. Her parents, natives of Oliio, came here with their parents, were married here and made their home here since. Mr. Leffler has built up here one of the best farm houses in the county, and around it a fertile farm of 175 acres. In politics he is Democratic. His public sympathy centers in school matters and at present he is clerk of the school board of his district.

Jesse L. Moffitt, son of Josiah and Jane (Stuart) Moffitt, was born in tliis county in 1814. Josiali Moffitt was born in Iloss county, O., in 1808 where his parents, John and Lydia (Cox) Moffitt, natives of North Carolina, had settled. Up to his twenty-first year Josiah Moffitt's educational advantages were very limited. In 1829 he married Miss Jane, a daughter of John and Ann (Carney) Stuart, wiio was l)orn in Derry 'county, Ireland, in 1813. She came with her parents to New York in 1817, and in 1820 moved with them to Ross county, ()., where her mother djed shortly after. Her father moved to Slark county, ])urcliased a farm and resided iiere until his death in 1865. Josiah Moffitt and wife were engaged on their Ohio farm until 1836, when they took up 160 acres in Essex and made their home in the west - the log cabin being without doors and windows, Indians prowling around, and in the absence of the disagreeable but then innocuous savage, wolves presented tliemselves. The nearest market was Peoria. Here the young wife was often left to protoct her four chikh^en. Josiah died m 1885, but this pioneer lady still fives with her son (Jesse), now in her seventy-third year. At one time she, with her sister, were lost on the prairies, and did not find a lanchnark until the following day. Jesse Moffitt remained on the homestead which he aided in improving. In 1879 he married Miss Sarah Arganbright, born in Ohio in 1860, where her father still resides. Their children are Fred, Ada B. and Harley INI. In society matters Mr. Moffitt is a,n Odd Fellow, in politics democratic, and in all public enterprises enterprising and liberal.

John II. Ogle, son of William and Lucretia (Butler) Ogle, was born in Stark county in 1810. His father was born in Ohio in 1810. His mother was born in A^ermont the same year, and with her jiarents emigrated from Vermont. Thev were married in 1835 and shortly after came to the wilderness of Spoon river, engaged in agriculture until 1856 when they moved to Toulon, where Mrs. Ogle is today a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and William one of the leading citizens, as related in the history of Toulon and in the gener-al history. John H. spent his youth as other pioneer boys. In his eighteenth year he entered Rock River Seminary, and, after a full course engaged in school teaching in Stark county. In his twenty -third year he married Miss Diantha W., daughter of Job and Diana Shinn, the father being a Virginian and the mother a native of New Ham])shire. Of seven children born to this marriage, six are living: William S.. Lucretia D., Mary E., Laura, Diantha, John G. and Marcia (deceased). Mrs. Ogle, the mother of this excellent family, died September 7, 1880, In 1882 the widower married Miss Anna, daughter of Hugh and Ann

(Galbraith) Winn, I)oi'n in 1843. to whose family full references are made in the histories of Goshen and Toulon and in the general history. To this marriage two children were born : Roljert and Maggie R. In i-eligious matters Mr. Ogle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in society matters a member of the Blue Lodge at Toulon, and in all townsliip and county affairs an interested and just ex])onent of the cause of right. His farm of Oil acres, in Essex, is considered vei'v valuable and well improved - all the work of his own hands.

Henry M. Rogers, son of William and Eleanor Rogers, was born in Westchester county. X. Y.. May 9. 1816. His father, a blacksmith, was boi-n there in 1775, died in 1812, and his mother born in New York in 1778, died May 4, 1852. Henry M. in early life was engaged at several trades, amono- them a lake sailor. At the age of twentythree he migrated to Peoria county, purchased land there and was a day lal)orer for some time, in order to raise money to make a payment on this land, but with all his labor he was compelled to borrow, paying fifty per cent interest. In 1844 he married Miss Amelia, daughter of John and Frances Evans, establishetl their home in Peoria county, and I'esided thereuntil ls57. when they moved to Stark and built u}>. so to speak, the Rogers farm, one of the finest in the county. After a most useful life he moved to the old settlere' higher home in 1878. For sixteen years he was supervisor of his township, and a most able member of the county board. A i-eference to tlie township history, and to the society liistory of Wyoming, will convey an idea of the part he took in public affairs. Since his death his widow, assisted by James T. Rogers, has had charge of the estate, and resides there with three of her children - the survivors of a family of six. The lady is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of the Eastern Star Chapter, and prominent in all benevolent or charitable associations where woman's work is needed. James T. Rogers has taken the active management of the estate since his father's death. LilvC him. he is democratic in politics, and in other respects follows closely in the footsteps of that excellent old settler who left the county forever in 1878. John Evans and wife were natives of Maryland, but old residents of A'irginia, where he died in 1850. Two yeai's later his widow moved to Peoria county, where she died September 12. 1864. Of their eleven children only four are livino. Mrs. Rogers being the only one in this county. She came to Peoria county in December, 184<>, with her sister's family, engaged in weaving there until 1844. when she married Mr. Rogere.

John Scott died at his home, five miles south of Tcjulon. August 20. 1882. He Avas born in New Jersey March 17, 1821; married Miss Phoebe Ann Trowbridge in 1848, and in 1868 moved to Stark county.

Peter Sheets, one of the first settlers of Essex townshi}) and the son of Henry and Katherine Sheets, was born in Germany in the year 1786. When but a child his parents came to Pennsylvania, and several years later removed to Virginia, and thence after years removed to Indiana, where at an advanced age they both died. Peter made his home with his parents until his marriage in 1813. His bride was Miss Elizabeth

"Weig-al, a native of Pennsylvania, her parents being Germans. For twenty -three 3'^ears after their marriage he made his home in Virginia and Indiana, starting in the latter state on a new place which he improved and put in a flourishing condition. In 183G they turned tlieir steps toward the new West, and having purchased a tract of nearly new land, he began at once to make improvements. Living in an old loghouse for several years, he in 1838 erected a square-topped barn, which still stands in a good state of preservation and is yet one of the best barns in the vicinity. In 18-1:2, Mr. Sheets, endowed with the spirit of enteri)rise which always cluiracterized him, erected the first and only native stone house in the county. The pine for the finishing was drawn by wagon from Chicago. The house is yet a good house and long will stand as a monument to its wortliy builder. Ever ])rominent in every matter whicli j^'omised to advance the interests of his county, lending a helping hand wherever he could, he and his faithful wife spent many b'lppy years together until 1874, when death called Mrs. Sheets to lier reward, in her eighty-tliird year. In the spring of 1880 Mr. Sheets, in his ninety-fifth year followed his wife to the last sleep. The joys and sorrows of sixty -two years of married life they had spent together, rearing a family of fourteen children. Six still liv^e, and three in Stark c()unt\'. JVlr. ami Mrs. S. were prominent members of the IJaptist church and people whom it was only necessary to icnow to highly esteem. By thrift and good management he had increased his possessions to nine hundred acres of good land. He was a self-made man. William Sheets, tlie twelftli child, remained in the home of his father until his twenty-second year, obtaining a practical education at the common schools of tluit time, and at eighteen began teaching a "geogra]>hy school," which he continued some three winters, meeting with good success. Wlien he first left 'lome he proceeded to Switzerland county, Ind., and here remained two years. While in Indiana he made the ac(piaintance of Miss Mahala llouze, who, in 1851, became his wife. Slie was born in 183f), lier ancestors being of German extraction, who came to America at an eai'ly date, some of them taking an active part in the war of 1812, her granthnother having an arm l)roken during a siege of one of tlie forts, which was so fiercely assaulted by I>ritish and Indians that, every man bemg needed at the front, the women had to act as physicians and attending the wounded, set her arm, which afterward l)ecame strong. Mrs. Slieets remained at home until her marriage, liaving in the meantime obtained a good education and acted as assistant in a school one winter. Some twenty months after their marriage they removed to Ilhnois. and the following spring, 1856, built upon and removed to a farm of eighty acres on section 17, Essex townsliip, where their home has since been made. Since then his farm has been increased to 213 acres of good fertile soil. Their family consists of nine children - Philip A., Susan V., George A., Mary J.. Peter U., William J., Harriet I. and Nancy M. (twins), Arminda M. The youngest five are at home. J\[rs. Sheets is a member of the United Brethren church, as are seven of her children. Mr. S. is in pohtics a Democrat, but pays more attention to the affairs of his immediate business.

Henry Springer^ the third survi\^ing child of George and Christina (Fantz) Springer, was born on tlie old homestead December 5, 1847. At the age of twenty-two he married Miss Araminta M. Miller, daughter of Henry and Lucinda (Mills) Miller. This lady was born May 27, 1850, in Princeville township, Peoria county. Her father was a Carolinian, who in his youth moved witli his German parents to Kentucky, and tlience to Peoria county in 1837, wliere he met and married Miss Mills, a native of Tennessee, where her mothei' died when slie was two years old. She was taken care of and raised by a relative at Princeville, 111. From the age of thirteen to the age of twenty-two, when she was married, she labored for herself. After her marriage with Mr. Miller they settled on the old farm, wliere their thirteen children, nine of whom are living, were raised and educated. Mrs. Springer remained with them until her marriage, when she, with her husband, took up her residence on section 34, and l)ailt a small house there. Their home is said to be one of the happiest in the county. Of tlieir four children two are living - John H. and Nellie E. Mr. Springer is republican in politics. For five years he has served as commissioner of highways, and still fills that office.

Mrs. Amelia M. [Emery) Standard, (hiughter of Henry and ()live (Jacobs) Emery, was born in Ashhind, O., August 15, 1827. Her father, a native of Pennsylvania, was born 1801, and came with his parents to Ohio when but a boy. Her mother, a native of ISIew York, was born about 1805, and wdien slie was a child came with her parents to Ohio, where, in 1822, she married Mr. Emery. Remaining in ()hio, during which time Mr. Emery was engaged in farming, and during the winter he worked at the cooper's trade. In 1834 he came to Illinois, and settled in Fulton county, where he followed farming and also followed liis trade, shii)ping the barrels that he made down the Illinois rivei' to St. Louis. In 1857 he removed to Henry county, and settled in Galva. Remaining here two years, he purchased a farm in Weller township, then moved upon it, began its improvement, and I'emained here until about two years before his death, when he returned to Galva, where, November 17, 1875, he passed away in the seventy -fifth year of his age ; his Avife having preceded him to the grave some fifteen years. Amelia, whose name heads this sketch is the second child of a family of eleven children. Her early life was spent at home with her parents, until November 29, 1846, when she married John P. Standard. His parents were natives of Noith Carolina, removed to Kentucky, and resided there in the time of slavery. He was a slave owner, Init being opposed to slavery he came north and settled. in southern Illinois, and in 1832 they removed to Fulton county. This was about the time of the Black Hawk war, and on one occasion, when an alarm of Indians was sounded, the ])eople rushed from their beds to the fort, but fortunately the alarm was a false one. But the Indians at times took the libert}^ of helping themselves to whatever ])roi)erty they could carry away. Mr. Standard died 1877; Mrs. Standard died 1839. After their marriage Mr. and Mi's. Standard began farming in Fulton count}^, and in 1854 came to Stark county and settled in AVest Jersev township. Two years later they returned to Fulton county, where Mr. Standard died, October 23, 1S56. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Five children blessed their union: Evalina, now Mrs. Gus. Hulsizer, of Toulon; Olive M., now Mrs. William Barton, of Iowa; Marcia A., now Mrs. Milo Griffin, of Iowa; Lyman E., now at home; Tliomas II., in Iowa. In 18f)(> Mrs. Standard married Lyman E. Standard, a brother of her former husband, wlio was born in 1830. In 1862 the}?^ came to West Jerse}' townsliii) and began farming. Again, in 1865, she was left a widow; Mr. Stan(hird's death occurring Fel)ruary 5, 1865, his liealtii having been failing some time. By her second marriage Mrs. Standard is the mother of two children : Jennie M., now Mrs. W. E. Wliite, of Essex townshi]), and Alva A., at home. Mr. Standard, as is Mrs. Standard, was a member of the Methodist Episco- ])al churcli.

In 1875 Mrs. Standard purchased 108 acres in Essex township, and moved upon it, wliere she has erected a fine residence, about four miles from Duncan. The lady is now in her sixtieth year, and until recently has been quite well and active for a person of that age.

Edward Triclxle^ Sr., one among the few pioneers of the county now residing here, was born in Howard county, Md., in ISOT. His father, Christopher, died in Wa\me county, O., in 1814, while in a fort seeking refuge from the fury of British and Indians. His mother was Mary Wilson, who, like her husband, was a native of Maryland, and moved with him to Ohio al)Out 1811. Edward married Miss Rebecca Miller in 1833, and their family of two cliildren. came to this township in 1836. Stephen, his brother, came from Indiana in 1836 witli his wife, Jemima Kinser, and five children : Adam, Thomas, John, Harriet and Rebecca. This Stephen set out for California during the mining stampede via Panama, but was buried in the ocean. Thomas, another brother, settled in Rock Island county in 1836, but moved to Missouri a few years later, wliei'e he was killed during the political troubles preceding the late war. Edward Trickle has served his township as justice of the peace and in various township offices. Of his children, Eunice. Wilson, Rebecca, Martha, Milton, Eliza, Edward II. and Nancy are living. Milton served in Company F, One Hundred and Twelfth Infantry for three years, and Edward II. in Company B, Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the war until discharged in 1865. A reference to the general and township histories will point out more fully tlie important parts taken by the family in the settlement and progress of the county.

Jefferson Trickle, who died November 25, 1883, was the son of Christopher and Mary (Wilson) Trickle. He was born in Maryland, February 1, 1805; in 1811 moved with parents to Ashland county, O., and in 1837 settled in Essex township, with his wife, Nancy Mason, to whom lie was married at the age of twenty-seven years, and two cliildren, Jackson and Catherine Trickle. In 1871 he moved to Wyoming, where his wife died, in August, 1881. Of their four children, two reside here - Mason and Catherine ; the latter is the wife of F. F. Brockway. On coming here he purchased 409 acres, which he increased to nearly 1,000 acres before his death.

born in this county in 1849. His father was born in Maryland, in 1805 ; moved with his parents to Ohio in 1811 ; married Miss Xancy Mason in his twenty-seventh year; came to Eochester. lU., in 1832. and after a short time settled on sec. 21, Essex. Miss Mason was born in Ohio, in 1812, of Pennsylvania settlei-s in that state. In 1862 these pioneers moved to Wyoming; thence, in 1875, to sec. 7, Essex, where Mrs. Jefferson Trickle died in 1881 and her husband in 1883. as shown in the cemetery records of this work.

Mason Trickle assisted on the home farm or attended school until the age of twenty-one years, when he married Miss Sarah, daughter of Henrv and Clarinda Colwell. referred to in this chapter. He began life for himself then, on section 21. where he resided until 1875, when the familv moved to their present home, on section 7. The fii'st section on which they resided denoting the age of the owner at his marriage; the second, the number of his cliiklren. Politically he is independent. In townskip matters he has been honored with many offices and is now highway commissioner. The family, on both sides, come of representative pioneei*s, and like them have contributed in every form to the wealth of the county while building up their own interests.

SyJveder WUl-inson, who settled in this county in 1819, was born October 11, 1812. His father. Solomon, was a native of North Carolina, to which state his people for generations belonged. His mother. Elizabeth, daughter of AVilliani Ray. was born in Ohio. In 1819 they came here witli their children, making the journey in wagons. Of their children, Ijoru in this townsliip. Frances is the widow of John Leffler; Eachel married Aaron Curfman, now of Xemaha county, Kan. ; Charity is the wife of Levi Francis, of that county ; Xanc}^ is also married ; Sylvester, named above ; Alonzo and Xewton. Sylvester was married here to Miss Eunice, daughter of Jesse Boblett, of Moultrie county. Ilk, who. like her husband, was born in Jackson county, O. They are the parents of two sons and three daughters, namely: Elizabeth. Everett. Cora and Clara (twins), and Jessie. Mr. Wilkinson has fiUed several township and school offices, and is a supporter of the Methodist Episco]ial church. His farm of 360 acres is among the best in the county, and his stock-breeding establishment always marked by a full line of fine cattle, horses and hogs.

Alonzo Wtlli/ison, son of Solomon and Elizaljeth (Ravi Wilkinson, was born in Ohio, in 1811. as stated in the family history in this chapter. He came here with his parents, and for thirty years resided with them, assisting in making and improving the old homestead. In 1871 he married Miss Esther F.. daughter of Owen and Sarah (Tiercel Thomas, whose history appear-s in the chapter on Toulon. This lady was born here in 1855, two years after her father's settlement in the county. Of five children born to them, there are living - Emma R.. Cordia X., James P. and Alonzo ; the eldest, Solomon O., is numliered amono^ the dead. Mr. Wilkinson has always been a son of industry, and has succeeded in making a fully improved and fertile farm of three hundred and forty acres in Essex. In religious affaire the family belong to the Methodist church, and in political life he is a Democrat. His neighbors know him as a genial, intelligent citizen.

Solomon WilJcinsony born in Xorth Carolina in 1801, moved to Ohio in 180G, married ]\[iss Eay in 1828, moved to Essex township in 1819, where he died April 2, 1885. His grandfather was a native of Ireland.

Thomas Winyi, born in Yirg'inia in 1801, married in 1823, and the same year settled at Peoria, came to Stark county in 1831:, and died at his son's home (Perry Winn), October 12, 1879.

Source changes here: from History of Stark County, Illinois, and Its People : a Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement .., by Hall, J. Knox, published 1916; 4,405 words in this source stream.

Essex Township

Essex is the middle township of the southern tier and includes Congressional Township 12, Range 6. It is bounded on the north by Toulon Township; on the east by Valley; on the south by Peoria County, and on the west by the Township of West Jersey. The Spoon River enters from the north about two miles west of the northeast corner and flows in a southerly direction across the township, and the western part is watered by Indian Creek, which forms a junction with Spoon River in Section 33. In the southeastern part Camping Run and Mvul Run flow westwardly through a small section of Essex, their waters finally nn'ngling with those of the S])oon River. Along the streams the surface is slightly broken, but by far the greater part of the tow^nship consists of a gently undulating surface, with a fertile soil, and there is very little waste land.

This township was named for Isaac Essex, the first white settler in what is now Stark County. Prior to the inaugm-ation of the townshij) system in 18.53, this portion of the county was known as Massillon

Section 1. William Kly and John Trask; Section 2. John McClf)ud and ^Vl)ram Walton; Section 3, aiaron Graham and John Xewkirk; Section 4, Joseph Cox, Peter Lawrence and Ralph Tucker; Section 6, William Lloyd and James McCray; Section 7, John JNleeks; Section 8. (xardner Herring and Oilman Smith; Section !). Nathan Bennett, Jarville Chaft'ee, John A. Newiiall and James Zings; Section 10, Benjamin Davis, R()l)ert King. John B. ]McKenny and John ^Vortshough; Section 11, Tryon Fuller, Solomon Libhy, John Odam and Joseph Wright; Section 12, Roswell Post, Harvey Sperry and Joseph Woodmansee: Section 13, John II. ^Martin, James Reed, James Selah and J. II. Winney; Section 14. John Baptiste, Benjamin Lovell and John Lovell; Section 15, John Bruce and Rufus Stanley; Section 17, Samuel Banner, George Blanchard, Aaron Scott and Joseph Elliott; Section 18, Thomas Hamilton and Jacob House; Section 10, John Union and George ^V. ^Voods; Section 20, Thomas Briggs and Jacob Yost; Section 21. Henry Harmon, Cornelius Overlock, Abram Parker and Abram Prior; Section 22, Timothy Green and John Miller; Section 23, Taylor Hardin. John INlurray. D. A. JMyers and Israel D. Towle; Section 24. Uavid Bell. Charles Cain and Henry Smith; Section 2.5, jNliehael Colebrough, Herman Fisher, Ldward Keough and Jeffrey AVorthington ; Section 26, John Francis, Abraham Lucky, George IMiller and Amos L. Smith; Section 27, Orra Bardsley. J. V. Fcagles, George Phipps and Peter Pilgrim; Section 28. John ^IcLaughlin. Joseph Lutz and Samuel Little; Section 29, Ldmund Ueady and Jt)hn Dickaman; Section 30, Abraham Birch and Jeremiah Hillers; Section 31, William HoUings. Joshua Nelson and Tyre Nelson; Section 33, Charles Austin, James Coleman and Thomas ]\Ierritt: Section 34. John J. Uunbar. Silas Hodson. Ezra Hutchings and Consider Yeames; Section 3.3, John Hyatt, Charles JNIaynard, Francis JMorrow and Reuben Rowe; Section 30, Richard Ford, Charles Frost, William Goodman and Andrew Gott.

]Most of these entries were for a quarter section each, hence it Avill be seen that more than fifteen thousand acres of the land in Essex Township were claimed on land wari'ants by the veterans of the War of 1812. A few of the claimants afterward became actual settlers, but the greater number sold their titles, which caused considerable trouble to those who came in later years.

west of the Spoon River, about two miles soutli and one mile west of the present city of \Vyoming. Here he built his cabin in the spring of 1829, cleared a few acres of ground, and raised that year the first crop ever grown by civili/ed man in Stark County. Compared with ])resent day conilitions it was not much of a crop, but it marked the beginning.

In the fall of 1829 John B. Dodge located a claim and built a cabin in Section 14, directly east of Isaac Essex. His cal)in was the second house in the county. The following spring Renjamin Smith, Dodge's father-in-law, settled in Section 14.. His son, Greenleaf Smith, came a little later and located in the same neighborhood. The three cabins of Essex, Dodge and Smith constituted the only habitations in the county at the close of the year 1830. In 1831 came \\i\- liam D. Grant, Tiiomas Essex, David Cooper, John E. Owings (who occupied the cabin built by Dodge) , Sewell and William P. Smith, and a few others, all of whom settled in what is now Essex Township.

An election was held at the house of Renjamin Smith in August, 1881, when John E. Owings was elected justice of the peace. He held the office until in 1834, when he sold out to Moses Boardman and removed to Canton, Fulton County.

Retween the years 1831 and 183.5 a number of immigrants came in and established homes within the present township Ihnits. Among them were the Leeks, father and son, wiio came from Tazewell County early in 1832 and built a saw and grist mill on the Spoon River, a short distance southwest of where Wyoming now stands. The mill was washed away by a flood about four years later, but while it stood it was a great convenience to the settlers. Samuel Merrill settled in the northwestern part of the township, about a mile south of the City of Toulon, and a little farther south was the house of Elijah iNIcClenahan, Sr., where the first election was held after Stark County was created by the act of March 2, 1839. Stephen Worley settled south of ^McClenahan and in 1834 Thomas Winn came from Indiana and built a cabin in Section 16.

Jarville Chaffee, who laid claim to a part of Section 9 under the IVIilitary Rounty Act in 1818, came from Michigan in ^Nlay, 1834, and stopped with one of the settlers until he could build a house of his own. Concerning that house, Leeson's History of Stark County says: "Thinking to get up something extra he split the logs, whitewashed the inside, and had an upstairs reached by a ladder."

weekly mail route was established from Springfield, via Peoria, to Galena in 18.'}8 and the same year an otfiee was opened in the "Essex Settlement," with Isaae B. Essex as postmaster. The neighbors took turns in bringing the mail from the "office under the bluff" in Peoria County. Mrs. Shallenberger says: "The office was an old boot box, set ui^on pins driven into the wall, high and dry, and above the reach of the children in the cabin of Mr. Essex. In 1833 only two newspapers were taken in the county - one by Mr. Essex antl the other by Benjamin Smith. At this date two weeks were required to get a paper from Springfield, and a proportionately longer time to get intelligence from Washington or the East." The office was at first called Essex, but after the Town of Wyoming began to grow it was removed to that place and the name changed to Wyoming.

By the act of IMarch 1, 1833, Isaac B. Essex was appointed commissioner of the school fund in his settlement and authorized to sell section 16. The section was sold on February 4, 1834, for '$9(58.70. JMadison \Vinn, in a paper read before the meeting of the Old Settlers' Association in 1886, says:

"On the fourth day of July, 1834, the people came together for the purpose of building a schoolhouse. The site chosen was near the northeast corner of section 15, in Essex Township. The building was planned to be twenty feet square and all went to Avork with a will, some cutting, some hauling, some making clapboards and others building. By noon it was built up Avaist high, and there coming a shower we ari'anged the clajiboards over the wall and underneath ate our Fourtli of July dinner. The first daj^ the walls were built up to the roof, which was soon covered, and from Leek's Mill slabs were brought for seats. A post was driven into the ground and a slab laid on it for a teacher's desk, while mother earth was the floor. Adam Perry commenced school about July 1.5th, with about thirty scholars, out of which number I am the only one living."