Farm Ridge Township

Farm Ridge Township

Farm Ridge embraces all of Township 32, Range %, except Sections 31 and 32, which lie on the south west side of the Vermillion, and are attached to and form part of the town of Vermillion. It is all Prairie except the extreme southwestern portion, which borders the Vermillion. The most striking topographical feature is a high ridge or swell extending northwest and sontheast, parallel with the general course of the river, from which the town derived its name.

The ridge is from two and o half to four miles from the Vermillion, and forms the divide which separates the waters which flow into that river from those that run to Covell ereek and the Dinos. The substratum of the ridge, to a considerable depth, and coming within six to eight feet of the surface, in the western part of the town, is composed of pure washed sand, from which issue several large, never-failing springs of water. The descent from the summit or divide to the Vermillion river is quite abrupt, while to the northeast it is more gradual. A similar ridge, though not as high, runs nearly east and west across the north part of the town, while the central part is more level, but, asa whole, has a most excellent and well-drained soil.

William McCormick settled on 8. 18, In 1833, and in 1834 broke the first prairie broke in the town ; in 1835, sold his claim, crops and improvements, and located on 8. 3, town of Broce. He married Mary Morgan, and has had eleven children; Sanders, in

Troqnois County; Hampton, in Strawn: Bruce, in Champaign ; William, in Strawn; Ann Eliza, married Mr. Bodine, now in lowa; Mary, inChampaign Connty ; Rees, Worth, and Morgan, in Ford Co,

Sammel Mackey settled on §. 83, in 1833; sold to Charles McCormick, and removed to 8.1, town of Bruce. In company with his brother, Norton Mackey, built a saw-mill on Otter Creek. In 1830, in company with Rees Morgan, built a saw-mill on the Vermillion, in the centre of a heavy timbered region, which did a large business for several years; he died in 1854 ; he was the first Supervisor of the town of Brace. His widow, Sarah Morgan, is living in Streator. He left children: Malvina, married Mat. Morrison: Stephen, married Emma Holly; Minerva, married William Cadwell; George and Jaber, are single ; Agnes, married Methuel Bronson.

Rees Morgan, son of William Morgan, of Bruce, settled on S. 33, He marricd Rebecon, daughter of David Reader; in 1888 sold to Marvin W. Dimock, and moved on to S. 8,7. 31, R. 3; after running the saw-mill on the Vermillion for several years, he served one term as County Treasurer, then removed to Dayton, and is now living at Strawn, Ford Co., Tilinois. He has several children.

Elmer Baldwin, Beebe Clark, James B. Beardsley, and Noble W_ Morwin, came from New Milford, Connecticut, in the spring of 183% ght the élaim, improvements and crops of Wi Gormick, and the claim of Alfred McCormick - purchased the land at public sale, at Galena, in June, and settled on Sees. 18 and 19, T. 32, R. 3,

James B, Beardsley brought out his wife, Laura M. Platt, and settled on his purchase in the spring of 1836. His wife died in July, 1887. The same year he married Prudence Barrass, from Saratoga County, New York. In 180 he sold his farm to Rey. Daniel Baldwin, from Connecticut, and removed to the town of Vermillion, where he now lives, an active member, and Deacon of the Baptist Church, His son, George, and daughter, Harriet, wife of Angustus Hall, live near him. Sidney P., the son of his first wife, died at the age of 19.

Beebe Olark settled on his farm as soon as purchased. In 1887 he married Susan Bishop, of Connectient, and cultivated his firm till 1860, when he sold, and moved to Joliet, to live with his daughter Henrietta, an only child, the wife of the Rev. Chas, A. Gilbert ; he died Peb., 1870, and his widow died two years after.

Elmer Baldwin brought his family, consisting of his wife, Adeline Benson, and an infant daughter, Mary, now the wife of Rinaldo Williams, in the spring of 1836 ; his wife died in January, 1887. He married Adeline O. Field, of Worcester County, Massachusetts, fay, 1838, and still resides on the land purchased of the United States in 1885, @ far mer and nurseryman. He held the office of Justice of the Peace fourteen consecutive years; Supervisor of the town five years; Postmaster twenty years ; School Treasurer of the town from its firat settlement, till 1874; twice a Representative in the Lexislature, and once in the State Senate; and a member and President of the Board of State Charities five years. His son, Noble Orlando, married Maggie Jackson, and lives adjoining the old farm. Susan Orvilla is at home.

Harvey Benson, and wife, Fanny Northrop, came from New Milford, Connecticut, in 1886; he settled on S. 20, where he died in 1841 ; his widow occupied the same premises ll her death, in 1871. Their only child, Adeline, was the first wife of Elmer Baldwin.

Solomon Brown, from New Milford, Connecticut, in 1896; he settled on S. 18: he sold to Moses G. Hallock, in 184%, und moved to S, 13, T, 32, R, 2, where he died, in 1846 ; his widow, Armida Waller, divd 1856. His daughter, Jane, married Marvin W. Dimoek, now a widow, living with her brother, Henry. His son, Henry, is a minister of the Prot stant Episcopal Church, and lives in the State of New York.

Rirjeth A. Hunt, from New five 'children, came from Co eettled on S$. 19, on the premi' W. Merwin; remained on Connecticut, He cold his Hatch.

Marvin W. Dimock, from Washington, Ct., came im 1838. He bought the farm of Rees Morgan, and married Jane, daughter of Solomon Brown. In 1850 he sold to Hiram Jackson, from Pennsylvania, And removed to Ottawa. Tn 1865, while showing a

The foregoing eight families conatitated what was called the Yankee settlement. Fiveof thesecamein company from Connecticut by the way of New York and Philadelphia, by railroad from Philadelphia to Columbia on the Susquehanna, then by canal and slack water on the romantic Juniata to Holidaysburg, by the Portage Railroad over the crest of the mountains to Johnstown, thenee by canal to Pittsburg and by steamer to St. Louis, and from there by a stern-wheel Tlinois river boat to Utica, La Salle Connty - being five weeks on the trip.

Dea. Henry W. Gridley, and wife, Lucy Diekin: son, came from Deerfield, Mass., in June, 1885, and settled on 8. 1, where he resided until 1848, when he sold to Thomas Dunnaway and removed to Ottawa, where he now resides. His children are: Caroling E., married Henry L. Brash; Chas. H., is deceased ; Laura W., married Dr. D. Hopkins; Luey S., at home,

Wm. Moore, and wife, Miss Wauchope, came from Treland in 1885, and settled on 8. 35, where he raised # large family. He sold his farm to Mr. Bossermans: abont 1854, and moved to Pall River. The practiceof persistent industry and rigid economy has prodneed in the history of Mr. Moore what it always has done, the possession of abundant wealth.

John McCormick, brother of William, came from Fayette Co., Pa., settled on Sees, 38 and $4, in 1885, - He married Miss Morgan, daughter of Wm. Mor

He raiseda family of seven children, In 1875 he sold his farm, and is now in Missouri. His children are: Charlot: ; Ralph; Charivs, married Limie Hays; Nelson; Zachery, deceased; Olive, married Joseph Wanchope ; Dow,

Charles McCormick, and wife, from Fayette Co., Ps., parents of William, John and Alfred, came from Fayette Co., Pa., in 1836; bought the farm of Samuel Mackey on Section 93, where they died a few years after,

Alfred McCormick, son of Charles, came from Pennsylvania in 1885; made a claim on Section 19; #old and located on Sec. 33, and lived there until | 1866, then sold to Mr. Hampson, and removed to Streator.

James G. Patten, and wife, daughter of Charles MeCormick, came from Fayette County, Pa., in the fall of 1836, and settled on Section 33. In 1839 he removed to Wisconsin.

John Tront, from Brown County, Ohio, came in the fall of 1838, and settled on 8.6. In1842 went to Ohio on a visit, and died there. He left six children: Jolin M., married Abby Angell Fry, now living in Kansas; William C., married Mary Morehead, live in Vermillion ; Susan, married John Morehead, now widow ; Sarah M., married Hiram Cole, and lives in Kansas; Harriet, married Salathiel Snell, in Deer Park.

Dea. John T. Ross, from Clermont Connty, Ohio, fame in 1836, and settled on Sec. 6, and died in 1837, aged about $0, leaving three children: Archibald Tweed, went to Missouri and died there; Henry,

George Gleim, and wife, Katharine Weitzel, came from Germany to Baltimore, in 1884, and settled on S. 36, T. 32, R. 3, in 1840. His wife died in 1858, leaving two children; Frederick, who occupies the homestead, and is a successful farmer; Anna, isnow living in Texas. Mr. Gleim married a second wife, by whom he had six children, all living in the town of Brace.

Isaac Wheatland, and wife, came from England to Ohio, and from Ohio here; made a claim on Section 33, in 1836, where he lived till his death. His wife died about 1843, and he again married. About the year 1846 he was drowned while crossing the Illinois river at Ottawa. He left six children: Elizabeth, married William Wedgebury, now living in Iroquois County; Mary Ann, who married and went to Livingston County; one son died single; William, married Miss Casey, lives in Farm Ridge; Georg: a Ellen

Amos Clark, brother to Beebe, came from Gonnecticut in 1887; purchased a farm on Sections 20 and 29, and in 1839 sold to Myron B. Bennett, and returned to Connecticut,

Myron B. Bennett came from Connecticut in 1889; in 1842 he married Mary Stuart; he was an ener getic and successful farmer; he died in 1856, leaving a widow and two children; his widow died in 1858. His son, Jasper, married Maggie Ackley, of New Milford, Ct., and lives in Evanston, Ti; Ella, at present, resides with them,

Sketch of Setilers - Farm Ridge. 389 Dr. Johnson Hatch, and wife, came from New Preston, Ot., in 1837, and bonght the farm of Kirjeth A. Hont. An old experienced physician, his services were in demand during the sickly seasons of 1838 and '39, and the release from labor which he songht by coming West was hardly found ; "he returned to Connecticut in 1841. dJolm W. Calkins, and wife, Miss Page, came from Salisbury, (t., in 1838, and settled on Sec. 19. Mrs. Calkins died in 1888. He married Miss Beards! of Connecticut, who died soon after. He then married Oynthia Bishop, of Conneoticnt, Mr. Calkins removed to Deer Park in 1842, and subsequently Ottawa, where he died, leaving four children: James, who married, was engaged in the lomber frade in Ottawa, subsequently in Chicago, and is now manufacturing lumber at Manistee, Mich. ; Helen, married Edgar Baldwin, from Connecticut, and lives near Vermillion Mary, married Henry M. Baldwin, from Connecticut, and settled In D. Park - Mr. Baldwin died, y is now the wife of Henry Page. in Cs William W., married Louise Hossack, and li og Charles H. Green, son of Henry Green, of Ottawa, tame to Illinois with his father, and settled on S fion 3; he married Jane Loyd, and has thre danghters. Mr. Green cultivates a large farm and has a fine herd of short-horn stock.

Fall River

Fall River embraces that part of Township 33, Range 4, lying south of the Tilinois river, Tt derives its name from the grand rapids of the Mlinois, which lie along its northern boundary. Until 1863 it formed a part of the town of Grand Rapids, which was also named from the same natural feature, It embraces considerable fertile bottom lands along the river, The south bluff of the river, extending along its entire northern boundary, is a marked object in its topography; covered with timber, with points extending back into the prairie, and having the Covell Creek timber on the southwest; all its people have easy access to that important article. The prairie is rolling, and as fertile as that of its sister towns.

'The first settler in the limits of the present town was James Galloway; he came from Pennsylvania to Ohio, near Sandusk, d remained there three years ; he visited the Illinois river in the fall of 1824, and is said to have spent some months in hunting, trapping, and exploring the country; moved his family to Chicago in 1826, and wintered there; in 1826 he bought a claim on 8. 24, T. 3, R. 4, which wus first made by a man by the name of Rawson, who sold to Ephraim Sprague, and Sprague sold to Galloway, where he made a home and spent his days. His first wife died in 1830; her children are: George, claimed to be the first white mule child born in the county, now living near the old farm ; John, died in Missouri; Susan, married Joel Ellis, lives in Chicago; Jane, married Mr. maar ; Mary, married Mr. Clyburne, and lives in Chicago. Mr. Galloway's second wife was Matilda Stipes; her children are: Archibald, married Mary Dickerman, and lives near the old farm; Marshall, whois a@ conductor on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad; Samuel, lives in Michigan; Sarah, married Mr, Pearson, and is liying on the old farm; James, is living in the vicinity. Mr. Galloway died in 1883, aged 73 years. His widow died in 1864.

Abraham Trambo was born in Pendleton County, Va., and resided in Licking County, Ohio, eighteen years; left there for Illinois in November, 1829, with the Greene Colony. That company crossed White river, in Indiana, in the morning, and Mr. Trambo arrived on its banks the evening of the same day : it had become swollen during the day so that he was detained four weeks before he could eross. He went to Sangamon County, where he wintered, and reached La Salle Connty in the spring of 1880; he first bought a claim of William Richey on S. 17, and afterwards purchased on Secs. 14 and 22. He was the first Supervisor of the town. He died Oct. 7th, 1866, aged 73 years, and his wife, Esther Dyer, died in April, 1865, His children were; Jane, who died in 1848 ; Ambrose, married Cashia Gentleman, is @ wealthy farmer on the old farm ; Margaret, married John 8. Armstrong, is living in Mission; Rebeoca, married Samuel Parr, and lives in Rutland; Jackson, died of cholera in 1848.

Ottawa, which bears his name. He was drowned in sight of his house while erossing the Illinois in returning from the land sale in 1835. The family lefe in 1841.

Join Powers, trom Bridgewater, Mass., came to Southern Mlinois, and from there here in 1834, and settled on Section 26, He was the first Justice of the Peace inthe town. He died in 1862; his widow, Nancy Ford, from Litehfield, Ct., still survives. He left six children: Charles R. Powers, lived near the old homestead, bas removed West; Aaron P., is in Grundy County ; John H.; Mary, married; Lucy, married Andrew Greenless ; Lura, married Samnel Hammond. The family have all left the county.

Samnel R. Lewis is of Quaker parentage; his parents, Jehu Lewis, and Rachel Mills, from Penn.. settled in Putnam County, in 1833. Samnel R.. with his wife, Ann Harley, removed to Seetion 21 in Fall River, in 1843. He held the office of County Treasurer two successive terms; has been Supervisor of the town several terms, and is now chairman of the County Board. His children are: William, who married Ellen Eichelberger, lives in Grand Rapids; Edward C., educated for and admitted to the bar - he married Nellie Armstrong, and took charge of the large farm and stock business left by his wife's father, J. W. Armstrong; Charles, has just graduated from Oberlin College, and is now in the law office of Lawrence, Campbell & Lawrence, of Chicago;

S. Morris is in Chicago University. Mra. Lewis. mother of Sammel R., died in 1874 ; her son buried her beside her husband in the Quaker buryingground at Clear Creek, Potnam County.

William Gentleman, from Vermont, settled in the town on Section 18, in 1834, and is still on the old farm ; has buried two wives, and has four children : Eliza; William, has recently graduated at Cornell University ; James; and one younger daughter.

A.M. Ebersol, son of Joseph Ebersol, came with his father's family in 1854. THe was married to Miss G. ©. Whittlesey, by the Rev. Owen Lovejoy, the renowned abolitionist, in 1844, having made a journey to Princeton to have the ceremony performed by that distinguished man. Mr. Ebersol has been an active citizen; he hag been Superintendent of a Sunday School twenty-three years; Justice of the Peace: Elder in the Presbyterian Church; Town Olerk twelve years, and Secretary of the Old Set- Hers Association. He has six children: Calistine and Elizabeth, are at home: Lelia, married Lewis m, went West; James, married Miss Tryon, and lives in Ford Connty; EB. Corinne, wife of Mr. Coleman, lives near home; Alice, married Charles T. Ferrel.