Georgetown Township (part 1 of 2)

Georgetown Township

Georgetown township lies in that portion of the county which is south and east of the center. It is in the second tier of townships from the south boundary line of the county, and has the Indiana state line on its eastern border. It embraces all of congressional township 18 north, range 11 west, and the fraction of 18-10 which lies between the former and the state line, and six sections in the southeast corner of 18-12. The Yermilion River runs across its northeastern corner for about five miles, and so deep down is its bed that the surrounding country is easily and perfectly drained into it. The Little Vermilion makes a short turn into its southern border, running through sections 33 and 34. The "State Road," from Vincennes to Chicago, runs across the township, and the "Salt-works Road," on which the products of the salt springs were carried into eastern Indiana (long before commercial intercourse had become so perfected that salt, boiled at Syracuse, could be transported to Danville and sold cheaper than it could be made here), ran diagonally across it. The Danville & Southwestern railroad runs through the town almost parallel with the " State Road," and has on it the two stations of Georgetown and Westville.

The township was originally nearly all timber, there being only about one-third of it along its western border and in its center, which was prairie. Some of the earliest settlements in the count}7 were made within its borders, and considerable farms were cleared before people learned that they could live on the prairie. Coal is known to be under pretty much all of the territory comprising this town ; and along the streams which flow into the Yermilion, its outcroppings have been freely worked. It was one of the tirst to be generally settled ; the abundance of its timber, the water supply, the general make of the land, and its proximity to the salt-works, - which was the center of settlement at that day, - drew to it those who first came to the county to make their pioneer homes.

The first one to make a home here was Henry Johnson, who settled on section 36 (18-12), just two miles west of the village of Georgetown, in 1820. It was the same year in which Butler made his home at worthies were the pioneers of this county, and were here at nearly the same date. Mr. Johnson has been long gone from here, but he is remembered as a man of generous impulses, and as a neighbor was little, if any, less than a "Good Samaritan." It is told of him (and in the light of the present day it seems hard to believe) that he would not take interest of his neighbors to whom he loaned money for a time, simply because he did not believe it was right to do it. Very soon after him came his brother-in-law, Absalom Starr, who took up his claim the following year, 1821, on the same section, south of Johnson's, where the then Mrs. Starr (now Mrs. Jones) yet resides. For fiftyeight years this good woman has lived here, performing all the arduous duties which mothers in the pioneer days were called on to do, and has seen the wild home of the red man converted into the busy abode of progressive civilization. Without seeming to realize it, she is now a wonder and a surprise, and is to-day the oldest living resident of Vermilion county, the story of whose life, trials, labors, triumphs and good deeds would make of itself a volume of fair proportions and enduring interest.

Henry Johnson, Mr. Starr, Jotham Lyons and John Jordan, all settled near each other, and their several histories are, when put together, so near a history of those times, that they will be grouped together here. Mr. Johnson, after living here about twelve or fourteen years, sold to Levy Long and went farther west. He purchased a tine farm on what was known back in the thirties as the " Military Tract," - though that name has largely passed out of memory now, - that productive and beautiful region of country between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Here he was making a good farm, when it was discovered that his title was worthless, and like so many others of his neighbors there, this kind, generous man, was rendered penniless by the fraud of those land-sharks who gave the people of that beautiful tract so much trouble in the early days, by forged land titles. His place here was for a long time known as "Johnson's Point." John Jordan had his farm where John Jones now lives, east of the others. He was a good farmer, but his weakness was his generous desire to help others. "Security" ruined him. Jotham Lyons took land just west of Johnson's where Cooper now lives. " Lncle Jackey McDowell " says that " fifty-six years ago this summer he tended corn on that farm," and he thinks it has never failed to produce a crop in its season from that time to this. Lyons died here and his children were scattered from Wisconsin to Texas. Absalom Starr came here from Palestine, where the land-office was located, before it was moved to Danville, in the spring of 1821, and selected the piece of land which he thought he wanted. He remained on the farm at Palestine during the season of 21, and raised corn and wheat enough to keep him in meal and flour for a year. This was, coming into a new country, " pretty well fixed," for few of the pioneers were so well off. He sold his lease and came here in December, built a little cabin, and with his wife and four children commenced life in his own house. Things looked bright for the young family, and why should they not? - a little place of their own ; four bright growing children which would soon be their help; flour and meal enough for a year; a good yoke of steers; good health and clear consciences were theirs; surely, " goodness and mercy had followed them," and they felt it. During that first winter, while Mr. Starr was out on a coon hunt, his shoe hurt his heel, and after trying ineffectually for some time to cure the troubled spot, to their great sorrow they learned that a cancer was working rapidly on him. Doctors were not as " thick as blackberries" around here then, and the frightened couple whose prospects a few weeks before looked so bright, went back to Palestine for medical aid. The doctor there agreed to warrant a radical, permanent cure for $50, casually remarking in an undertone, something about cutting off the limb if other powerful remedies failed. This kind of " heroic" treatment was not exactly in keeping with Mrs. Starr's wishes in behalf of her husband, and being short of the $50 they decided not to employ this doctor. With sinking hearts they went back to their little home, where deep sorrow and fearful forebodings took possession, where shortly before all was joy and hope. Oh ! who can now imagine the keen anguish that filled the soul of that brave, faithful wife and mother! with a helpless husband and four children too small to help her; the only growing crop upon which to depend for another year was her little garden and two acres of corn which she planted, after plowing the new land with one horse, in momeuts stolen from her hours of rest, - alone out there in the woods, far away from family and friends who might have consoled or comforted her. It was then that the goodness of Henry Johnson showed itself. He gave them two acres of his cornfield, and they felt assured against starvation.

Mrs. Starr heard of an old Indian doctor whose reputation was above cutting off a man's best leg to cure his heel, and hunted him up. He could not talk English, but indicated plainly that he understood what the trouble was, and went oft" to the Vermilion River, about seven miles away, and collected some herbs, which soon had the effect to cure the troublesome disease. The Indian called himself "Old Bonaparte's Indian," and that was the name he went by. It was generally understood that he had assumed the name from a kind of admiration

Mrs. Starr was the mother of eleven children, most of whom grew up. After Mr. Starr's death, Mrs. S. became Mrs. Jones, and resides in the large brick house on the land which she first helped get into cultivation.

Achilles Morgan became a resident of this township as early as 1825. He lived where Joseph Stewart resides, on section 15. and was from the first recognized as one of the leading men in the county. He was one of the first county commissioners, and with Mr. Butler, organized the first county commissioners' court at Butler's Point, by the appointment of Amos Williams as clerk, and Charles Martin, constable, in March, 1S26. His family had been a famous one in Virginia, and were known as great Indian fighters. The traits which had made the family prominent there were not wanting in him, and it is more than likely that the name given him was the selection of some one who intended to perpetuate the direful recollections of "Achilles wrath:"

Some of the earlier settlers here and in the township south were the Friends, who were driven from their homes in East Tennessee and the Carolinas by the firm position which the society had taken against the institution of slavery. For more than a century this religious society has, by its discipline, its firm protests and its silent but effectual prayers, been a standing menace to human slavery, and the spirit of that church did much to crystallize the moral sentiment of Christendom against the abominations that were clustered around that relic of barbarism. These worthy people came here to be away from the blighting influences and associations of the institution. They brought their religion with them, and their daily lives and history here have been a living exemplification of gospel truth. The Haworths, the Hendersons, the Canada}^, the Mendenhalls, the Newlins, the Folgers, the Fletchers, and many others of those who have passed away, as well as those who still remain, have given character to the community and worth to the township. The strong traits of character which have made them a peculiar people remain a rich legacy to this portion of the county.

The settlements in and about Brooks' Point were made anion e the earliest in the town. Benjamin Brooks came from Indiana and looked out the place on what is called the Spencer farm, now owned by Mr. English, and made claim to it. He went back to Indiana, and before he returned here Spencer had taken the land, and Benjamin Canaday gave him the claim at the point of timber, which from that time was known by his name. Bob Cotton and Mr. O'Neal had moved in in the meantime, and made quite a little neighborhood. It was here that James O'Neal was born, - probably the first white boy born in the county, - in 1822. Mr. Brooks died here and left five children. His son Benjamin, who was two or three years old when he came here, resides now in Danville township, and John lives in Oatlin.

James Stevens came from Indiana in 1826, and bought a claim which Mr. Crane had taken on section 9. He died in 1876. His son James H. lives yet on the same section. H. P. Stevens lives on the old homestead, and William I. on section 7. Mr. Crane had been here about two years.

James Waters, who came here in 1S32, lives here yet, on a farm in section 8. Though now eighty years old, he is still able to attend to his work. He looks as though he would outlast his hat yet. His wife died three years ago. His father came here to live at about the same date.

Isaac Gones came here about 1825. John L. Sconce came here from Kentucky and settled in the same neighborhood. He also died in 1876. His son Philemon lives near here, and John L. at Eugene, Indiana. John and James Black came at the same time from Kentucky, and settled on sections 1 and 5. They are both dead. James left no children. John's son Robert lives just east of where his father settled, and Samuel in Catlin. Mrs. Lockett lives in Catlin and Mrs. Eli Henderson in Georgetown.

John Cage and O. S. and L. II. Graves, from Kentucky, with their father, James Graves, made homes on sections 17 and 18 about 1828. They have been prosperous farmers and useful, enterprising citizens.

James Sandusky resides on section 9, where his father, Isaac, first took a claim when he came to this state from Kentucky. Isaac had been in the war of 1812, and had been taken prisoner at Hull's surrender, and escaping from captivity, he made his way back to Kentucky through this region of the country. He decided then, standing on the mound at Catlin village and viewing the landscape o'er, to some day own an eighty, or at least a forty, on that beautiful prairie. In 1828, in pursuance of this decision, he came here and made his home first at Brooks' Point. He was a man of energv and thrift, and soon had land enough to satisfy his youthful aspirations, but not enough to give homes to his seven children. lie left James here and went himself to the mound at Catlin, where he and his sons Harvey and Josiah bought pretty much all the land lying around Butler's Point. At one time it became something of a question whether he or Henry Jones should own the township. James Sandusky has ten children, eight of whom live here with him on the farm.

South of this Brooks' Point neighborhood, Subel Ellis was anions; the first to make a farm. He was on section 29, and died there, leaving a son and four daughters, who remained here some time, and Mrs. Dukes lives here yet. Achilles Morgan lived three miles east of this for a while before going to Danville. James Ogden lived south of Morgan's and had a considerable farm there. John and Lewis Hitter were in this neighborhood, then called Morgan's, but since known as McKendry. Lewis died here, and Mr. Calhoun bought his land. John went to Texas.

Jacob Brazelton was in just north of them very early, and w7as the first justice of the peace in this part of the county. He is spoken of as a man of excellent character, and was everywhere respected.

Joseph and Abraham Smith came as early as 1828, and lived on the edge of the timber wrest of Brazelton's. Abraham went to Indiana, Joseph died here, and his children, W. D. and J. L. Smith, Mrs. Ganse, Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Spicer, live here yet.

The Pribbles, Mr. Foley and Mr. Dickason entered land near here as early as 1828 or '9. Over east of the river, and near the Indiana line, James Niccum and Donavan lived.

The old salt-works road ran nearly diagonally across the township, striking the township line near the present residence of Mr. Alexander Campbell. Mr. Stark first settled this place about 1828. He died there in 1850. His daughter, Mrs. Smith, lives near by in Elwood township. Mr. Campbell's first residence was farther down, in Elwood township. The farm upon which he lives, in section 36, is one of the finest in the township. Farther west Mrs. Davis settled early with several children, where Win. Davis's widow still lives. Mr. Lacey lived next west. He sold to Henthorn. Wm, Moore lives on the place next northwest, where A. J. Richardson now lives. Mr. Denio took up land, and Cyrus Douglas, who now lives in Fairmount, entered land near here. Mr. Denio sold to Mr. Williams, and he to Malon Haworth.

James Pribble entered land next along this road. He is dead, and Thomas Pribble lives on the place. Daniel Darby lived near here, and had a wagon shop. He went to Missouri, and Mr. Jeffries has the land. Wm. Haworth lived half a mile farther north. Mr. Stowers lived earlv where H. Yoho lives. Moses Scott was one of the earliest settlers near Brooks' Point. He died there, and his family went to Iowa. The Dukes boys live there, John on the Brooks land.

John Kyger and Win. Sheets came to the Little Vermilion in 1833, and in 1835 came to this neighborhood to live. Mr. Kyger bought land of James Sprawls, Mr. Kirkpatrick, David Wand and Mr. Lemley. Since that time he has been an honored resident of this township, fulfilling every duty to his family, to the church of which he is a member, and to society. As old age is coming on him, surrounded by beloved children and grandchildren, he feels the rewards of his early years of trial and privation. He lives now with his son-in-law, Levi Underwood, just east of McKendry church. Age is never looked forward to with the pleasantest feelings; but there is a pleasant side to it when, as in the case of Mr. Kyger, we see it made happy by the smiling faces of bright little ones, who love and revere him who possesses its silvery insignia.

Wm. Sheets, till his death, lived on the beautiful farm which he purchased of Mr. Hitter, or, rather, the one his labor and excellent taste has made beautiful, an honored and respected citizen, beloved and admired by every one who has known him. It gives us great pleasure, as it doubtless will our readers, to be able to present the portraits of these two worthy old pioneers. Near Mr. Kyger, on the farm just north, lives Andy Reynolds, now well advanced in years. He came to this county a poor orphan boy, more than fifty years ago, and lived for several years in Catlin, where his youthful days, which under brighter circumstances would have been spent in school, were given to earning enough to keep him clothed in winter. He has now one of the pleasantest homes in town, where he delights to dispense cheerful hospitality in his happy way. ( >ne of the earliest of his recollections is standing on the mound in Catlin a cold winter day to see a wolf hunt on the surrounding prairie. He had grubbed roots in the timber so long that he thought a prairie could only be of value as a place to have grand wolf hunts on.

George Nelson lived early just north of him near Brazelton's. He went to Indiana. Moses Darby was another early settler in here. Aaron Howard settled first in this county north of Danville; but milk sickness drove him out, and he bought a portion of the Brazelton land in section 15, on Big Branch, where he engaged in coal mining and farming. His son Henrv still lives on the farm. Elwood Bates took up a farm on section 30 as early as 1830.

-ashainecl of. Achilles Morgan was the first county commissioner, and helped very materially in putting the machinery of county organization into operation. Old citizens will not forget Hiram Hickman, who kept tavern here so long, and who had the repeated close contests with Captain Frazier for the office of sheriff, in which he was finally successful. Elam Henderson was also a county commissioner and an associate justice. George Dillon, after a faithful service in the army, in which he lost an arm by rebel bullets, was elected circuit clerk, an office he still fills to the entire satisfaction of the bar and the people. Rawley Martin, another grandson of Achilles Morgan, after having preached the gospel far and near, organizing churches, and filling the vacant pulpits of his denomination, was elected county treasurer, and performed the duties in a very acceptable way to the citizens whose servant he was.

Rawley M. Martin was born in what was then Monongalia county, Virginia, on the 27th of February, 1816, came to Vermilion county with his parents in 1820, and settled near Georgetown, where with wonderful energy and perseverance, without the help of any kind of schools, he acquired a very liberal education, and with the earnest solicitude of an ambitious mother, he soon became familiar with all the books possible to obtain at that time, principal among which was the bible. With this he became so familiar that he could repeat it almost verbatim. He united with the Christian church, of which he was afterward ordained a minister, in which capacity he labored for more than twenty-five years. He organized many churches in the county, baptized more than three thousand persons, was a superior teacher of the scriptures, unyielding and uncompromising in his religious convictions. He became an able and earnest defender of the faith. During the rebellion his public denunciation of the right of secession, and bold defense of the Union and the emancipation proclamation of 1863, won for him the confidence of a patriotic people, who rewarded him with an election and reelection to the office of county treasurer. He died at Danville, Illinois, on the 28th of October, 187S, having lived in the county fifty-eight years.

Henrv Martin was born in Maryland on the 25th of August, 1786, removed to what was then Monongalia county, Virginia, where he was married to Mary Morgan on the 11th of May, 1S15. He served one vear in the war of 1812, in Ohio, immigrated with his family to Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1820, and made permanent settlement near Georgetown. He enlisted again under his father-in-law, Capt. Achilles Morgan, in 1820, and proceeded to Chicago to garrison Fort Dearborn against the Indians of the northwest. After a short campaign returned

Georgetown Towxsh I P.

Besides being the early educational center of this county, George" town seems to have been a "light set upon a hill," in a religious point of view. Its early settlers were, with hardly an exception, men strongly imbued with deep religious convictions, and maintained religious institutions, and built churches all over the town. There are not less than eight in this township.

The Methodists held their first meetings, so far as the writer can learn, in the old school-house on the public square of Georgetown : but from all accounts thev were sliraly attended. During the first ten years of the life of that place, few, if any, of that denomination resided there. Mr. William Taylor "gives his experience" in attending the meeting at which Father Anderson preached. He says that besides himself and wife, Mr. Dickason and daughter, Miss Kelley, Mr. Brackall, and the colored woman, Harriet, who had come here from " Ole Virginy" as an attache of the Dickason family, were the only persons present. The preaching was excellent, and would have been appreciated, but there were so few of that faith here that the meetings were necessarily very small. A few years after this the number increased, and the class here purchased the old store of Mr. Haworth, which stood just north of Frazier's store, took out the partitions, and used it for services. Harriet is still living, though the Dickason family with whom she made her home are all gone except Mrs. Ruby. Somewhat later the building: used for a church stood at the southwest corner of the square, and was moved to the site of the present edifice.

During Rev. Mr. Muirhead's preaching, in 1863, the present edifice was built, he and Father Cowan uniting to secure a suitable house of worship. At this time this circuit contained Georgetown, Ridge Farm, Douglass school-house and Sugar Grove appointment. The church is 36x5(5, surmounted by a belfry and spire. A large Sabbath-school is maintained the year round. The McKendry Methodist Episcopal Church, which by someone's forethought took the name of the good bishop, was built upon land, on section 23, given for that purpose by I. Ritter. He entered the land in 1829, and gave the corner there to the Methodist denomination for a church and burial-ground, and sold the farm and went to Texas - which is about the only record of the man the writer has been able to reach. That he was a good man seems evident from his donation to the church; but his selling such a splendid farm and going to Texas tells brightly against the man's judgment.

When William Sheets, the late owner of the farm, came here in 1835, there was preaching in the school-house near Phelps', and in his house at times. Mr. Phelps was very old, had been a revolutionary soldier, and, while he longed to hear the Word, he could not always go the distance of the school-house to hear it. Daniel Darby was the classleader; he was a wagon-maker by trade, and lived west of the church on the Salt Works road. William Stowers and family, living at the edge of the prairie; John Stowers and family, living on land now owned by Mr. Yoho; George Nelson, George 'Sires, who was the school-teacher here; Moses Darby, Mr. Phelps, David Kyger, living where Meeks now resides ; Henry Kirkpatrick, Mr. Underwood, living a mile east, and Henry Gardner, were among the members. None of these remain to make the history of this branch of Zion more clear. The first church building was erected about 1836 - possibly a year or two later. Mr. Fox and Mr. James were among the early preachers. Later, William Stowers was class-leader and local preacher. The church was burned about 1860 by a young man who wanted to vent his spite on some one, and hence took it into his head to destroy the house of the Lord. The present neat building is 36 x 46, erected in 1866 at a cost of $1,500. It now belongs to the Catlin circuit, the preacher attending here every alternate week. The Sabbath-school is in a prosperous condition under the superintendency of Miss Sarah Buchanan.

The Fairview M. E. Church stands just on the town-line, between Georgetown and Catlin township. It belongs to the Catlin circuit, and is supplied by the same preachers who preach at Catlin and Mc- Kendr}7.

The Mount Pisgah Church of the Cumberland Presbyterians, near the western line of the town, was the first one of that denomination organized in the county, and was the pioneer work of that faithful laborer in the Master's cause, Rev. James Ashmore, after making his home among us. In February, 1840, together with Rev. Mr. Hill, he held a protracted meeting in that neighborhood, and in March organized the church, with forty-five members, under authority of the Foster Presbytery, at the house of Alexander McDonald, just over in Carroll township from where the church edifice stands. The first elders were Alex. McDonald, Charles Canaday and Richard Swank. Until the fall of 1842 the meetings were held in the school-house, then in a building on the farm of Mr. McDonald, where the camp ground was. Father Ashmore continued as pastor of this church thirty-two years. The first church edifice was built in 1842, of logs; the second in 1854.

The present neat building was erected in 1876, on land given by Richard Swank and Levi Long; is 36x50, and cost about $1,800. The pastors who, besides Mr. Ashmore, have served this church are Rev. W. O. Smith, Rev. G. W. Jordan, Rev. H. H. Ashmore and Rev. Thomas Whitlock. The elders since the first have been Levi Long, E. Snyder, Samuel Hinton, R. Swank, Jr., J. S. Long, J. G. Thompson and J. S. Jones.

The Georgetown Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized by Rev. Allen Whitlock, on the 19th of January, 1860. The original members were (several being members of Mount Pisgah Church) A. McDonald and wife, Aaron McDonald, Wm. Hesler, Charles Canaday, George Richards, D. S. Tucker, Elizabeth Ashmore, Rebecca Drake, V. Harris and wife, Sarah Hesler, Sarah White, Catherine Patty, D. McDonald, Martha Hinton, Sarah Hill, Geo. Miley, J. P. Miley and wife and Mary Richards. The original elders were Wm. Hesler, Aaron McDonald, Charles Canaday and A. McDonald. The pastors and stated supplies have been: Rev. Allen Whitlock, five years; Rev. H. H. Ashmore, one and one-half years ; Rev. G. W. Jordan, two years; Rev. James Whitlock, one year; Rev. R. C. Hill, six months; Rev. C. P. Cooley, two and one-half years, and Rev. G. B. Miley at present.

The church edifice was erected in 1860 ; is 36x50, and cost $1,439. One member of this church has entered the ministry. Presbytery has met here three times, and synod once. The church now numbers sixty-one. The present session consists of J. A. Dubre, Thomas Cooper and Zackeus Cook. A flourishing Sabbath-school is maintained.

The Westville Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized on the 17th of June, 1871, by the veteran minister, Rev. W. O. Smith, with the following membership, most of whom had been members of Mount Pisgah : D. G. Lockett and wife. R. J. Black, John Cage and wife, Rachel Dukes, Sarah A. Graves, Susan J. Baldwin, Ann Sconce, Mary Lacey, Tabitha Cook, S. W. Black and wife, Sarah E. Walls, Elijah Timmons and wife. D. G. Lockett, R. J. Black and John Cage were elected elders. The society worshiped at Brooks' Point schoolhouse until February, 1877. The present church edifice, a neat and substantial building 34x48, with belfry and bell, was erected in 1876, and dedicated on the 19th of February, 1877, Rev. J. H. Hendrick preaching the dedicatory sermon. The cost of the building was $1,600. Rev. W. O. Smith continued to act as pastor for the church only one year. He was an old man, and full of faith and good works. Finding his strength failing, he resigned to go to Kentucky, the home of his childhood, to die. He had well filled up the measure of his time, and left among the people with whom and for whom he had so long labored a kind remembrance of the faithful pastor and christian teacher. His pastorate was followed by that of Rev. James Ashmore and Rev. W. R. Ilendrick. The present membership is 67. Present session, J. W. Lockett, Hiram Baldwin and A. M. Bushong. The Sabbath-school has been under the superintendency of W. D. Spencer, A. M. Bushong and J. W. Lockett, successively. It has an average attendance of fifty, with seven teachers.

The Christian Church, known as Brooks' Point Church, was organized in April, 1870, by Elder Martin. James B. Stevens and James O'Neal were elected elders, and T. W. Blakeney and David Wilson, deacons. The original membership was seventy-seven, which with those who have since been enrolled makes two hundred and forty-seven. The church edifice, 32x44, was built in 1876, and dedicated in September of that year. It cost $1,200. Elder R. Martin preached seven years, and Elder J. C. Myers two years following. The following have preached occasionally : Elders John Sconce, of Moultrie county ; McBrown, of East Lebanon ; Stipp, Cosat, John Martin and Williams, of Edgar comity ; Gregg, Colton, Stevens and Morris. The church is in good working order, with preaching once a month and prayer-meeting each week. A large Lord's-day school is maintained by Deacon BJakeney on the Sherwood plan, numbering from seventy -five to two hundred in attendance. The poor are looked after, and contributions for preaching are kept up regularly.

The Friends have a meeting at Georgetown. Their regular days of meeting are First day (Sunday) and Fourth day (Wednesday). Their neat meeting-house is really a church, for in no respect is it different in appearance from the better class of church edifices in villages of this size. It was built in 1874, Huffman & Reid being the builders. It is brick, 36x60, not over plain in its appearance. The doors and windows are neatly coped with ornamental stone and brickwork, and the building is surmounted by a neat belfry. A bell was purchased, but as no bell had ever been hung in a Quaker meeting house in America, the belfry had not been sufficiently stayed to be considered safe, and a tower was built near by to hold it, so that now the progressive Friends of Georgetown are summoned to their First-day and Fourth-day meetings by the gay ringing of a bell. It is said to be (though the writer has not been able to verify it) the first case of the kind on record. A substantial iron fence surrounds, the lot upon which the church is built, and shade trees and evergreens are growing in the inclosure. Inside, the building presents anything but a "Quakerish" appearance. It is ceiled around with vari-colored woods, and the seats are set off with black-walnut, the aisles covered with matting, and the desk-stand car- peted with Brussels carpet, over which, where the preacher stands, lies a rug of bright colors. Fancy lamps, suggestive of naiads, stand on either side of the desk, and the ceiling above, in mellow tints, adds beauty to this pleasant house of worship. The little Sabbath-school singing-book, "Pure Gold,"" is found in the pews. A little dressing-room off in the corner next the door is supplied with wash-bowl and pitcher, combs and brush, and a moderate-sized looking-glass, which has the faculty of depriving the handsomest face of beauty, hangs against the wall. The building cost $4,000. No salary is paid preachers. Mrs. Jenkins and W. F. Henderson are the preachers.

In the earliest times citizens here went to Indiana to get grinding done. The first effort made in this township to emancipate the people from paying toll to the Hoosiers was by Jacob Brazelton, who put up a horse-mill at his place over near the Vermilion. These horse-mills were rather cheap affairs, but were in good demand when no better ones were near.

William Milikan built a carding-mill about 1830. This was the first mill of the kind in the county, and was a decided^ primitive affair. It was run by a tread-power, and the time required to get up steam depended largely on his ability to find the oxen, which usually run in the bush. If they happened to wander over to the Vermilion river in quest of water, he might find them in two days, and then again, a week might ensue before he could card up a job; in the meantime, the old women were obliged to find other work than knitting.

William Jenkins built the water-mill on the Vermilion about 1840. This was a good mill and did good work ; but high water carried it away. The bridge across the river at this point was nearly thirty-five feet high. While a boy was crossing it with a load of corn, it fell to the water. The bridge, on examination, was found to be ruined, and the wagon disabled; but the boy, to the surprise of all, received no other injury except that he was frightened out of a year's growth.

Henderson, Kyger & Morgan built the large steam mill at Georgetown in 1850. It is 40x50, four stories high, and has three run of stone. It has proved a great success, and is doing a " land office business." Mr. Hall had a mill on the Little Vermilion ; but the water decreased with advancing civilization, and the mill is among the things that were.

The Perrysville & Georgetown plank-road was among the institutions of the pre-railroad times. It was thirteen miles long, and run very nearly in a straight course, cutting diagonally across sections. The capital stock was $30,000, which proved a dead loss to stockholders, never having paid a dividend. Not only was it a loss as a speculation, but the business men here found that it injured their trade. People would go to Perrysville to trade, as it was a pleasant ride; and the Georgetown folks were glad to let it go down. It was only kept up about four years, and the only evidences left of it are the pieces of diagonal roads still kept up running in that direction.

It was the custom in those days to drive everything to market which had legs and wTas marketable; not only cattle and hogs, but turkeys were driven, and a drove of geese was once driven through Georgetown en route for Iowa, where it is to be hoped that they and their descendants did full duty in rendering the beds of the pioneers there " as soft as downy pillows are." A drover with a lot of turkeys got caught in a sleet-storm on the road to Chicago, and the birds refused to go any farther, and he was obliged to slaughter them.

The timber of Georgetown was composed principally of sycamore, cottonwood, maple, hackberry, beech, buckeye, black-walnut, butternut, elm, ash, hickory and oak. The oak is being largely used yet as building and fence lumber, and the black-walnut is being rapidly cut off and shipped east, b}r parties who are largely engaged in the business, sending it by rail to all parts of the country.

A singular case of disease occurred to an industrious citizen about 1864, which appears to have been almost or quite without a parallel, in this vicinity at least. Mr. Gebhart, who was one of the early settlers on the Little Vermilion, about two miles west of Georgetown, where he had raised a large family, was afflicted with a disease in his feet which was so like the descriptions given of leprosy that it was believed by many to have been that. The affliction came on gradually, about the year 1864. Inflammation set in, and the feet became so much affected that the flesh began to come off, leaving the bones exposed. He could get relief only by holding his feet in a tub of water, and he actually sat for weeks without removing them, the disintegration meanwhile continually going on. Day and night he sat in great suffering, praying for death to relieve him. He conceived the idea that if the feet were amputated he would get relief, and begged to have it done for him. He finally took a knife, and with his own hands removed what he had no longer any use for. He did not get the relief he expected from a removal of the putrid mass. He lived several weeks afterward, with the stubs of his limbs in the water, when death brought relief. Whether it was considered by physicians a case of leprosy was not known by the neighbors from whom these facts were received.

cially the old ones. This is owing to the fact that under the general road act of 1827, which was the first act passed on the subject, the legal width of roads was fixed at not less than thirty feet and not more than fifty feet. The more recent law, fixing the width at sixty feet, did not alter the width of those already laid out, and those in this township were nearly all established under the former act.

Corn, wheat and oats are the staple crops. Winter wheat is, and long has been, one of the most successful crops, especially on the timber land. The crop of the present year has been one of the marvels of agriculture, and reminds one of the exaggerated stories which come back to us from recently-settled portions of the west and California. In no single case has the crop of wheat turned out less than twenty-five bushels per acre, and instances of nearly twice that amount are quite common. In many instances the crop in the field before threshing is worth more than the land upon which it grew wras valued at in the spring. Such remarkable uniformity in abundance has probably never been equaled in this county, - perhaps never before in the state. It adds new wealth to the town, increases the value of agricultural labors, and gives new life to every industry. Threshing by steam power has come into pretty general vogue, and for the first time this year self-binding reaping machines are beginning to come into use. There are men still living here who have in their younger days reaped their entire crop with a sickle and threshed it with a flail, who have planted their corn by hand in furrows marked by a wooden mold-board plow, and covered it with a hoe, who plowed it all with a "bull-tongue" plow, and thought they were getting along very well.

Below is given, in tabular form, the names of those elected to the principal township offices since 1851, the time of the adoption of township organization:

Justices of the peace have been, Patrick Co"\ an, Jacob Gants, John Newlin, Jacob Yapp, Y. J. Buchanan, Richard v'otton. J. G. Thompson, Titus Bennett.

On the 11th of May, 1867, a special town meeting was held to vote for or against levying a tax of $1S,000 for aid to the Chicago, Danville & Yincennes railroad, which resulted, for, 230 ; against, 184. This road was never built, however, through this township. On the 25th of September, 1869, at an election held for the purpose of voting for or against subscribing $30,000 to the capital stock of the Paris eV: Danville railroad, the vote was, for, 221 ; against, 195 ; which was a very close vote, considering the conditions with which the proposition was hemmed about : " Xo part of such bonds shall issue, nor bear interest, until the road is completed. The road to run within a half a mile of the public square of Georgetown, and be completed within three years from September 1, 1869." The bonds were signed and put into hands of Elam Henderson as trustee, under a bond from him in the penal sum of $40,000, conditioned that he should not date or deliver them until these conditions were complied with. A resolution was also adopted directing the supervisor to sell the stock as soon as it should come into his hands, to the railroad company, for $10.

Georgetown Village

Georgetown village, or rather, as it was then called, the town of Georgetown, was laid out in the spring of 1827, two months after Danville was. The plat was acknowledged before Esquire Asa Elliott,

Jane 5, and contained onlv four blocks of eight lots each. The only two streets were State street, running north and south, and West street crossing it at right angles. These streets were sixty feet wide. The public square, which remains to the present time as it was then, was laid out after the fashion of the day, as seen in Danville and other towns of that age, by cutting corners out of the four central blocks. The naming seems to be problematical, - -some asserting that Mr. Haworth named it for his son George, who was a cripple, and who is said to have entered into the frolic which was made on the opening day, with a spirit that indicated something more than " lemonade straight ;" others, that Danville having been named for D. W. Beckwith, that Haworth believed it was a good stroke of policy to try to divide the sympathies of the Beckwith family by naming his place in honor of George Beckwith. The probability is that both statements are true, and that the two considerations combined to fix the naming as it is.

When Mr. Haworth laid out his town, Mr. Nelson R. Moore, who for a time had lived on the adjoining section, was talking of laying out one. Haworth was more of a man of action than of talk, and one day Moore started out with his son W. M. to hunt for a deer in the bushes which grew where the village now stands, and found Haworth and his son measuring off town lots with a mammoth grapevine which he had cut a rod long. It seems that he was afraid to call in the aid of a surve}ror, as Moore might discover what he was up to. Subsequently, additions have been platted and recorded by James Haworth, A. Frazier, Samuel Brazelton, Malon Haworth, J. B. Haworth, A. F. Smith, Mr. Henderson and others. In laying off the lots his " vine" needed some stretching, and a little variation in the force employed to do this stretching, will account for the variation which still exists in the size of the lots> some of which are six feet longer than others. This son George, after whom the town was named, died of cholera in 1854.

The first building here was a doctor's office. Dr. Smith, a man of good education and an excellent man, put up a building to hold his little stock of "calomel and jalap," salts and senna, lancet and wisdom. Dr. Smith, after a short practice here, went to Mackinaw and died. " The next house was a blacksmith shop," and then came a store, or, rather, an inclosure made of poles was called a store. It stood out on the square, in front of where the red store now stands. It was built by Samuel Brazelton. Here a little stock of goods was kept for sale. The log tavern stood near where the post-office is now kept, just north of it, and a log house farther south. This was made of huge sassafras logs as large as a small barrel. He had to go to Butler's Point to get men to come to the raising.

The first school-house was also built on the square in front of Frazier's store. H. Givens taught the first term of school there. " Coffeen's Hand-Book," page 24, says : " The first school was taught on the Little Yermilion, near the present location of Georgetown." Upon the authority of Wm. M. Moore, now the oldest resident at present in Georgetown village, the writer is satisfied that this school at Georgetown was the one spoken of by Mr. Coffeen, though it is possible that the Friends at Vermilion Grove may have had one there before this building was erected in Georgetown. This school-house was hardly a model for architectural display at the present day. Indeed, it was about as cheap a concern as could be constructed out of logs. Amono- those who learned wisdom from Givens, and after him from Owen West, were Perry, Martha and Luzena Brazelton, Bracken Lewis, George Lewis, Millikan Moore, Eli and Malon Haworth, and James Staunton. Mr. Moore thinks this was in 1827, though it may have been a year later. The books used, as far as he can remember, were the old English Reader, Talbott's Arithmetic, American Spelling- Book and Lindley Murray's Grammar. At that time it was the universal practice to study aloud in school, and the lad who made the most noise was popularly credited with making the greatest progress. Preaching service was first held in this building by traveling and local preachers of the Methodist church. James Haworth had a farm just north of the village, where Mr. Frazier now lives.

Nelson R. Moore came from North Carolina, but had lived a while in Kentucky and Indiana, and arrived here in 1825. He made his first cabin just southwest of Georgetown, and bought some land of Andrew Wagerman, who lived farther west, near Johnson's Point. Wagerman was a son-in-law of Jotham Lyons. Moore bought two hundred acres of Wagerman and Lyons, and went to work to make a farm of it. He moved here with an ox-team, coming in one of those old-fashioned "schooner" wagons, such as have passed entirely out of use, and indeed fast fading from memory. They were made very heavy, the box being framed and fitted with panel-work, being elevated at least a foot at each end higher than it was in the middle. Why they were given this shape it is difficult to tell, except that it may have been that in the hilly country where they were made the danger of having the load spill out over the ends when going down the steep hills, or ascending, must be provided against. As late as thirty years ago they were frequently seen passing across these prairies, carrying the movers toward the setting sun, and were even at that day a curiosity, and were called "prairie schooners." Indeed, all they lacked to give them the appearance of a schooner were the masts, ropes and sails.

The first log cabin put up where John Madden's house now is was built in 1827, and was raised by the help of all the men that could be found. "Indian John" was a character here then ; he was six feet and a half in height, and had been a famous medicine-man of the Pottawatomie Indians, but remained here with the white man when they went away.

Mr. Moore did about as much as any of his neighbors toward settling this part of the country. He was the father of thirteen children, all but one of whom grew to adult age. Carroll, a soldier in the grand army of the Union, was killed in battle at Peach Tree Creek. His widow and children still live here; George, a lieutenant in the 25th Regiment, served through the war, and was killed, while crossing the plains, by Indians; Jacob served two years in the Mexican war, and died after returning; Elijah early took Greeley's advice to "grow up with the country," and if the country does not stop growing pretty soon he will have to give up the job; W. M. lives in Georgetown; Mrs. Rogers is dead; Mrs. Friezell lives in Missouri; Mrs. Dr. Porter in Lebanon, Indiana; Mrs. Judge Glessner in Shelby ville, Indiana; Mrs. Harding in California, Mrs. Dr. Blanchard and Mrs. Peck here.

Benjamin Canaday was one of the first to engage in mercantile business here, and continued for about forty years to sell goods in Georgetown. He came with his father to the little settlement west of Vermilion Grove Station, about 1822, but went back to Tennessee. He was a tinner bv trade, and after they came back here again from Tennessee he built a small log house, which he used for a dwelling and tinshop, and there made up a stock of tinware, which he took to Louisville and traded for goods. He brought these goods back and put up a store and turned merchant. He continued this kind of trade till 1830, when he was induced to come to Georgetown, and, with the Haworths, commenced the mercantile trade here. He afterward formed a partnership with Abraham Frazier, and soon sold the business and store to Dr. Gillaspie, who came here from Tennessee, and continued the business with Frazier awhile. Canaday and the Plaworths belonged to the Society of Friends, and early instituted religious meetings here. Canaday lived in the house on the corner of the public square, where "William Alexander now has a store. It was a small one-story house, and has been enlarged since. He continued the leading merchant of Georgetown, and built the large brick store now occupied by his successors in business, Richie & Thompson. He amassed a comfortable fortune, and died a few years since, honored and respected. His latter years were largely given to making proper disposition of the accumulations of a busy life of frugal care, and was one of the principal donors to the beautiful church at Georgetown. He was the father of eight children. His two sons are dead, though the two daughters of one of them (John) are living: Mrs. Holloway, of Danville, and Mrs. Thompson, of Georgetown. Of his daughters, Mrs. J. P. Johnson lives in Kansas, Mrs. Dr. Morgan in Iowa, and Mrs. Richie lives at Georgetown ; Mrs. Morris and Mrs. McCowan are dead. Few men have left as a legacy to their children a more honored name or the example of a more useful and successful life.

Dr. Gillaspie, before spoken of, continued in business a short time and then went to Arkansas. He was a man of splendid parts and good education, whose usefulness was destroyed by the habit which in those days ruined so many of our ablest men.

TTm. Taylor left his home in Wayne county, Ohio, when only twenty-two years old, intending to be gone six weeks, and has not yet returned. He had been apprenticed to learn the cabinet trade, and believed he had got it well enough learned to make his way in the world without further instruction. He went to Brown county, Ohio, and made that his home. He became well acquainted with the Grant family there, and had an opportunity to see the budding genius of young Ulvsses. There was little that was remarkable about the lad, as Mr. Taylor now recollects him, but the dogged pertinacity with which he would conquer every unruly horse which he could get hold of. His father used to say that he would make a great man of him, but the lad's greatness failed to take any very useful turn, unless riding horses may be considered such. He never liked hard work, and the boys sometimes doubted whether " Lys " wTould ever, in any alarming degree, fulfill the high anticipations of his doting father. Mr. Taylor came to Georgetown in 1831. He purchased the log house and two lots back of the tavern for §120, and put up an addition to it, which made a very comfortable residence. He also bought the old log store which stood in front of the red store, and went to work at his trade. For thirty years he carried on cabinet work here, and, until by the changed order of things, he could buy work cheaper in Cincinnati than he could make it. Long after this he continued making coffins, and has probably made more of those articles than any man in the county.

Mr. Brazelton was first to " keep tavern." He occupied a building which was on the site of the present post-office. Benjamin Canaday wTas for a long time the postmaster.

Abraham Frazier was one of the first to engage in trade. He was a tanner by trade, and made that his business for awhile before he commenced mercantile trade. He was a man of excellent judgment, very careful business habits, honest and true. He had no children, and hence his propensity to save was deemed penuriousness, but those who knew him best unite in saying that he had none of the sordid love of monejr which marks the miser's traits. That he was plain in all his tastes, and exceedingly careful in his expenses, is undoubtedly true. He died leaving an honored name for probity and industry through an unblemished life. His brother, Abner Frazier, came here with other Friends from East Tennessee, in 1830, and farmed awhile, then clerked for his brother. He married, and commenced farming southwest of the village, and afterward bought the Haworth farm, north of town, where he resides at this writing, gradually sinking from advanced age and the labors of an active life, largely given to exacting toil and business. He holds the highest place in the esteem of those among whom his active years have passed. With a large family of children around him, whose characters he has molded in habits of industry, thrift and christian life, he reaps the honors which are higher than merely worldly ones. Two sons carry on a large trade in Georgetown, enjoying in a large degree the goodly reputation of their father, and one lives on the beautiful farm just north of the village. Two daughters, Mrs. Snapp and Mrs. JSTewlin, reside here, and Mrs. Mendenhall and Mrs. Rogers in Kansas.

John Sloan was probably the first blacksmith here. Dr. Thomas Hey wood was one of the earliest to practice medicine. He was a man of good education and excellent judgment. He was educated in Ohio, and came here to begin his practice. After a time he removed to a farm southwest of Georgetown, in Carroll township, and continued his practice until his death. Dr. Richard Holmes practiced here a while, and then went to Ohio.

James Shannon was engaged in selling goods here at an early date, and his brother John was engaged in the practice of medicine. They went from here to Mackinawtown, in Tazewell county, and one cold winter's day the latter wandered off into the stream, and after going a mile in the water went out into a cornfield, where he froze to death, and his remains were not discovered until long after, when they had been partially devoured.

Elections for this voting precinct were held here from the first. They were held in the old store which stood north of Frazier's large brick store, and which was afterward, though of good Quaker origin, converted into a Methodist church. Voters were required to give in their votes viva voce. The honest, un trammeled political voice of Georgetown precinct in the olden times sounded the name of Jackson with great unanimity.

For many years legalized dramshops sold ardent spirits freely in Georgetown. In fact, at an early day, before the temperance societies were an established institution, drinking and drunkenness were very common. Horse-racing was a common sport before the civilizing effects of circuses and agricultural fairs were felt. The Sons of Temperance had a wide field to exercise their graces and good works here; but triumphed at last, and the results are everywhere evident. Sobriety rules, and every one rejoices in the change.

In 1831 came another young man whose life has been a part of the history and business success of Georgetown. Elam Henderson came with his father, Eli, to Elwood, in 1824, and in the year above mentioned came to Georgetown, where he commenced to make a farm in section 28. Here he showed the qualities of energy, thrift and perseverance which have clung to him through life. While attending to his large farming interests he was drawn much into official life, and served as county commissioner and associate justice. After acquiring a sufficiency he engaged in trade at Georgetown, helped to build a better class of buildings than had been known here before, and helped to build the mill. Later he established the Citizen's Bank, and with the opening of railroad facilities engaged in buying grain. He served for many years as supervisor of this township, and in other official capacities. Now, at near seventy, he is actively engaged in business, giving the same careful attention to all its minutiae that he did when such care was a necessity. Indeed, with him it has become a settled habit. Together with Mr. Canaday, he bore the larger part of the expense of building the new place of worship which was recently erected at Georgetown. He has shown himself a thorough business man, whose good example is better than all the golden precepts which could be showered upon the young of the growing generation.

Patrick Cowan was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1794. As he grew up he became interested in religious matters, and joined the Methodist Church in 1818. He was licensed to exhort February 14, 1833, and to preach, at the quarterly conference at Paris, September 5, 1834, by Presiding Elder Michael Taylor. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Morris, September 15, 1836. He was a hatter by trade, and lived near Bloomfield for some time, coming to Georgetown to live in 1846. He engaged in wool-carding as a business, for which there was much local demand here, at a time when everybody kept a few sheep, and people very generally made their own cloth. Tin's business he carried on for several years, all the while preaching here and there through the country, at McKendry, at Douglass' school-house and at other preaching points. He never accepted the traveling relation, preferring the local work. Coming into a community which from the beginning had been strongly of another denomination, he had a good opportunity to exercise the liberal Christian traits of which he was possessed. Citizens of all denominations respected and esteemed the character of Father Cowan, and hold his good name in kind remembrance. He was always punctual to every duty; particularly was this so in regard to political and official duties. He was often called on to administer the affairs of the town or township, and always gave the same conscientious attention to them that he did to his own affairs. He died September 4, 1873, in his eightieth year, leaving to his children the inheritance of a good name and the remembrance of a life devoted to his family, his people and his God. He left a family of seven children. His sons, trained under his kind and careful eye, are among the leading business men of Georgetown. His widow still lives, at the advanced age of eighty-three, the care and associate of these loving children, which she so long watched over, guided and instructed.

J. H. Gadd came to this township with his mother and brother in 1834. After helping to hew out a farm in the Wabash timber east of here, he concluded to study law, and for several years has been engaged in the practice of that profession in this county. For five years past he has represented this town on the board of supervisors, to the evident satisfaction of the people.

G. W. Holloway, who came here in 1835, has been long in business, taking an active part in the religious and educational interests of the town.

Dr. Payne was an early practitioner of medicine, and remained here two years; then went to Iowa. Dr. Isaac Smith commenced the practice as early as 1830. He lived just south of town, on the Little Vermilion. He was from Tennessee. He died on the farm where the Martha Smith school-house is.

The first burials were made at the small burying-grounds in the neighborhoods around, at Vermilion Grove, Elwood Meeting-house, and at others. Win. Taylor laid off a cemetery in 1838, which was afterward conveyed to the town for a public place of burial. Felix Noel was the first one buried there.

The particular school of doctors known as Thomsonian, or, in popular parlance, "steam doctors," had a considerable practice here at an early day, and the Indian practice of doctoring with herbs and roots, found in profusion at an early day, was quite common. New material was added to the Materia Medica, and roots and steam did duty on every conceivable occasion. The pioneer doctor of this country will not soon forget the occasion of the introduction to his notice of the celebrated Wacun root, until then to him a new remedy. Dr. A. M. C. Hawes, wrho came here in 1836, is now next to Dr. Fithian, the oldest practicing physician in the county. He was educated at La Fa}7ette, Indiana, where he studied with Dr. O. L. Clark. Previous to this, however, he had traveled through this state, looking over the central and northern portions of it. Early in life he had entered a printing-office, and, after graduation in that school, which gives to its pupils a breadth of education not found in any other, became an editor of the La Fa}'ette "Journal" at its starting, nearly fifty years ago. After preparing himself to practice medicine, he came to Georgetown, and at once grew into a wide and successful practice, all over the southern part of this county, and in Indiana, Edgar and Champaign counties in this state. Being a great student, and having an investigating turn of mind, he has kept abreast with the times, never retaining an old theory or practice because it is old, or adopting a new one because it is new. After more than forty years' practice, he is still found fully up with the times, and wears well. He was one of the early promoters of better educational facilities, and a friend of liberal education. He was one of the originators of the County Medical Society, and was its first president, and was selected as its annalist to prepare for the Society the history of the profession in this county, - a work from which much is expected. It is rare, indeed, that a man of Dr. Hawes' analytical turn of mind, - one who sees so much in what is daily going on around him, and has so good a faculty of retaining for use that which he sees, and can put it to so good use, has such excellent opportunities for studying, during a daily practice of almost half a century, the great questions which are his chief delight, and which pertain to the highest physical interests of man. The wealth of information - knowledge is a better term - is not easily contemplated.

Jacob Yapp has been for a number of years one of the leading business men of Georgetown. He has always exhibited a broad public spirit, and gives that close attention to business which commands success under any circumstances. Frequently called to attend to the public affairs of his town, he has shown himself a wise and faithful officer and a good citizen, while in his own business affairs he has maintained a reputation for business integrity of the highest order.

The sons of Mr. Abner Frazier, who have long managed the important interests and kept up the business which he and his brother built up, are men of excellent business capacity and the strictest integrity. Messrs. Richie & Thompson have, as successors of the important business of Mr. Canaday, acquired a reputation second only to him whom they succeeded in business. The Cowans have grown into business men of first-class ability, evincing business traits of a high order, giving close attention to their business. Mr. G. W. Hollowav has for years maintained a splendid reputation for business, and carries on a large and successful trade.

The mercantile business of Georgetown has always been its chief interest. Since the day Benjamin Canaday commenced, her leadingmen have sold goods, grown rich, and left their business, their acquired capital and their reputations to their children, who have followed on in the good way. What Canaday, Henderson, Frazier and Cowan have done here in days gone by their sons and successors are doing now. A similar state of things probably does not exist in this part of the state, certainly not in this county.

In educational interests, Georgetown, under the lead of the public spirit, which actuated her early settlers, has always been in advance of neighboring towns. The first school held in a little building on the Square has been described. The school thus begun was continued by subscription, with varying success, until 1844, when the Georgetown Seminary was organized, and for twenty years continued to be the center of educational light for this and surrounding counties.

Several years before any high-school was in existence at Danville, this seminary was furnishing excellent educational facilities to the youths who came here from the surrounding country. Benjamin Canaday, Presiding-Elder Robbins, J. H. Murphy, of Danville, and Mr. Curtis, were its early promoters. The seminary was under the charge of the Methodist Conference, and the teachers were selected by that body. They were fortunate in the selection of the first principal, in the person of a young man of excellent education, commanding presence and superior tact, - Jesse IT. Moore, - then a local preacher, but since one of the leading preachers of that church, a presiding elder, then a general in the grand army of the Union, buckling on "'the sword of the Lord and of Gideon" as he went forth to establish the authority of right against treason, then a long time member of congress from this district, and afterward pension agent at Decatur. A gentleman who in every position has acquitted himself with honor and credit, and who, as his long and useful life is now certainly drawing to a close, may well feel that in no position, however exalted, in no avocation, however honored, has he done more lasting good than during the four years of his service as principal of Georgetown Seminary. During his administration the school was held in the frame building which had been built for a church and had been moved to the grounds now occupied by the district school. His assistants were Miss Fairbanks, Walter Smith, now a Baptist preacher, and Archibald Sloan, since become a minister. Among the pupils who ''grew up" under his fostering care were Elijah Moore and Jesse and G. W. Holloway. The seminary building was erected in 1848. It was a plain brick building, two stories high, and capable of accommodating two hundred pupils. Prof. J. P. Johnson, now of Highland, Kansas, was in charge of the school for five years, his wife and two nieces being assistants. During his excellent management the school increased in numbers and popularity. Pupils came from one hundred miles away to attend the school, and Danville sent great numbers. Miss Sophia Lyons, now Mrs. Holloway, taught music. During a portion of the existence of the seminary there was a kind of a partnership existing between the district and the trustees of the seminarv. - wanting in legal authority, it was admitted, but so just in its character and so successful in its operations that no one complained. Among those who received their education here the following are remembered by Mrs. ¥m. Taylor, to whose faithful memory the writer is under obligations for most of the facts in regard to this now almost forgotten institution : Rev. O. P. Light. Daniel Trimble, of Coles county, and Dr. Morris, of Mattoon. Prof. Asa Guy taught two years, from 1853 to 1855. His wife and Miss Hazelton were assistants. Rev. Mr. Railsback. who died recently, was principal for four years, and after him Rev. Mr. McXutt, until it became entirely absorbed in the free school.

The seminary building was built by the proceeds of contributions made by the citizens in general, such as money, cattle, hogs, shoats, lumber, yellow-legged chickens, and anything that a good Methodist preacher could secure by energetic begging.

The directors of the district came into full management of the school in 1861. by the disbanding of the seminary in consequence of the growing sentiment in favor of free schools, and the perfecting of our school system by state action. Asa S. Guy taught first, and was assisted by T. Barnett and Rebecca Lawrence. After them Mr. Spangler, Mr. Barnett, Mr. Mack. Mr. Lane and Mr. Cathcart taught. The present teachers are : F. N. Tracey, principal ; Mrs. Tracey, Miss Mary Ankrnm, Miss Emma Jenkins and Miss Lanra Richmond, assistants. The district has a magnificent school-building, erected in 1872 at a cost of $10,000. It is of brick, two stories high, and is substantial and well built, nicely set off with neat display work in brick. It is 28 x 90 in front, with a rear extension 30x40; six rooms. The school is in good hands, and is deservedly popular. It is graded, high-school, grammar school, first and second intermediate, and primary. All the branches usuallv taught in the high-schools of this state are taught.

The annual report of Joseph Thompson, Esq., treasurer of schools for town 18, range 11, and fraction of range 10, for the year ending July 15, 1ST9, is as follows:

Georgetown Lodge, No. 62, I.O.O.F., was chartered on the 25th of July, 1850, by G. W. Woodward, G.M. The original members were: Samuel Huffman, J. E. Dugan, D. C. Hill, Othniel Gilbert, William Anderson, Wm. Tayor, Newton Dukes, Dr. Balch, Dr. Davis, A. A. Dunseth and H. Cook. The lodge was prosperous for a time, and then, owing to the dispersion of its members, became weak, and surrendered its charter. In 1872 it reorganized, and the following officers were installed : Henderson Cook, N.G. ; A. H. Kimbrough, V.G. ; J. H. Ladd, Sec. ; William Taylor, Treas. The present membership is twenty-two, and its officers are: James A. Dubre, N.G. ; James H.

There were nourishing lodges of Sons of Temperance and Good Templars in times past; but both have been discontinued, as the need for their special work seemed to grow less.

W. C. Cowan is collecting a museum of antiquarian curiosities, among which are a land patent of 1825, bearing the autograph of J. Q. Adams, President; a six-dollar bill of Virginia, agreeing to pay six Spanish milled dollars, or their value in gold or silver, dated May 6, 1777. on the thick brown paper of that day; and quite a collection ot the different scrip issues of the United States issued during the recent "unpleasantness," and a petrified buffalo's tooth. The Historical Society will be glad to enlist him in their work.

The streets of the village are wide, and a general air of neatness pervades them. "While this is true, the habit of crowding the buildings which are used for residences, out near the street, leaving insufficient yards before them, or none at all, detracts from the elegance which would otherwise attach. Xo amount of decorative taste can make amends for a cramped door-3-ard, in a locality where land is no object. There are many pleasant residences, ard several substantial business blocks in Georgetown.

The large double three-story store, occupied by Pichie & Thompson, was erected by Benjamin Canaday about 1850, and like its builder, is a great broad-shouldered, honest specimen. It cost 85,000. The Holloway building, fifty feet on the square and sixty on State street, three stories high, brick, was built by the proprietor in 1S67. His store and the bank occupy the first floor, offices the second, and the upper story is occupied and owned by the Masonic fraternity. The Frazier store, 36 x 60, brick, two stories, was built in 1859 at a cost of s5.00ii. W. C. Cowan's drug store, 18x40, built in 1872, brick, two stories, s2,000. Elam Henderson built the drug store occupied by Cowan & Co., 18 x 40, brick, two stories, later, at a cost of $1,800. The residence of Dr. E. T. Pritchard, one of the best in town, is 34x40, two stories with addition one story, and cost $2,500. The grounds are nicely adorned with shade trees and shrubbery. Elam Henderson's brick residence was built in 1S70. and is about the same size; it has ample grounds. J. K. Pichie has a nice two-story brick residence, with comfortable grounds and pleasant surroundings. "Win. Frazier has a good story-and-a-half brick residence, and Zack Morris a pleasantly fixed framed house of similar dimensions. Miss Ha worth has a fine two-story residence, and P. West has a very pleasant one.

The first record which appears in the office of the clerk is of a meeting of the town council, April 12, 1866, at which were present, H. Cook, president; Patrick Cowan, clerk; J. PI. Lockett, Josiah Bailey, J. H. Gadd and W. C. Cowan, trustees. There is no further record until April 5, I860, when John Newlin was elected president; Elam Henderson, Abner Frazier, D. B. Reid, Oliver Finley and J. H. Lockett, trustees; Titus Bennett, police magistrate; W. H. Newlin, treasurer, and J. E. Moore, clerk.

February 22, 1873, the question was submitted to a vote of the legal voters whether Georgetown should become incorporated under the general act of 1872, and was decided in the affirmative by 51 to 35. The first election under this organization resulted in the election of Titus Bennett, W. O. Mendenhall, A. Frazier, E. B. Ankrum, B. F. Cook and P. West, trustees; J. H. Hewitt, police magistrate, and W. H. Newlin, clerk. The present Board consists of Jacob Yapp, J. Thompson, W. F. Henderson, W. B. Cowan, J. H. Hewitt and J. I). Shepler; clerk, C. A. Fertig ; treasurer, Daniel Alexander; police magistrate, W. B. Hanes. License for the sale of liquor is not granted.

Westville, a station on the Danville & Southwestern railroad, four miles from Georgetown, was laid out by William P. West and E. A. West, on the southeast corner of section 6, in May, 1873. Two blocks only were platted for record. Parker & Ellsworth commenced business in 1872, west of the railroad. When thev moved across to the east side, Cook & Alexander bought them out, and began a general mercantile trade. Dukes & Doops succeeded that firm, and Boone & Jumps Brothers followed them. They continued in business here only a short time, and were succeeded by J. W. Lockett & Brother, who are carrying on a fair trade in general merchandise, and bujring country produce. H. C. Myers opened a drug store in 1877, and has been succeeded by Dr. W. D. Steele, who is engaged in the practice of medicine. Jonathan Clayton commenced the blacksmith business in 1872. He died three years ago. Mr. Haller had the shop a year, and was followed by J. F. Hutchinson. The post-office was established in 1876, and S. W. Dukes was appointed first postmaster. He was succeeded by J. W. Lockett, the present incumbent. John Dukes is engaged in buying and shipping stock.

Biographical

James O'Neal, "Westville, farmer, was born near his present place, in Georgetown township, on the 20th of April, 1822. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-six years of age, when he moved near Kyger's Mill, and from thence to his present place. On the 18th of May, 1 84:8, he married Miss Vesta Pratt. She was born in this county, near Danville, on the 2d of October, 1829. They had ten children, eight of whom are living, viz: Cynthia Ann. Oliver P.. Jonathan T., Mary Lincoln, Silva A., Clarrissa E., Effie L. and James Hawes. Mr. O'Neal's parents, Thomas and Sarah Howard O'Neal, were natives of Nelson county, Kentucky, and settled here in the fall of 1821. He died in the fall of 1861, and she in the tall of 1863. Mr. Thomas O'Neal and one of his sons volunteered in the Black Hawk war. His son James was among the first born in this county. The latter's daughter married Mr. Simon Doop, on the 19th of November, 1868. They are living here with .Mr. O'Neal. They had five children, three living: Alfred E., Jessie P. and Yesta J.

Elam Henderson, Georgetown, president of the Citizens' Bank, is a native of Union county, Indiana. He was born on his father's farm, on the 6th of July, 1810, and lived on the same fourteen years. The family then moved to Illinois, and settled in Edgar, now Vermilion county, about five miles south of Georgetown, where they engaged in tanning, and remained until 1831. In the year last named he moved into the neighborhood of Georgetown, and engaged in farming on his own account, and continued at the same until 1853. He then engaged in the general merchandise business in Georgetown, and in 1855 moved his family to the village. He continued in the business until 1876. At this date he took an interest in the Vermilion County Bank, of Danville, and retained the same about a year. He then occupied himself in looking after his farm and in building. In 1878 he formed a partnership and engaged in the banking business, under the firm name of Henderson & Mendenhall's Citizens' Bank. The institution was opened on the 1st of January, 1878, and is now conducted by E. Henderson & Co. Mr. Henderson held the office of countv commissioner from 1S36 till 1839. He was then elected associate justice, and held that office until 1853, and that of supervisor from 1857 till 1S73, except two years. On the 11th of March, 1830, he married Miss Mary Golden. She was born in East Tennessee.

Elijah Moore, Georgetown, farmer, is a native of this township ; he was born on his father's farm on the 16th of October, 1S25, and is the oldest living resident native of this part of the township. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-one. He then bought feathers.

marketing them in Chicago. He traveled in Illinois and Indiana, and then began farming on his own account on a farm adjoining his father's, and lived there about six years. He then sold his farm and came on the home farm, buying the location of present residence ; built a house, and has lived here since. After his father's death he bought the old homestead, and has added to it, until now it contains nearly four hundred acres. On the 7th of December, 1848, he married Miss Nancy S. Chambers, a native of Indiana. They had five children, four of whom are living : Jesse C, Homer, Romazo E. and Nelson R. The name of the deceased was Sarah Ann.

Esau Starr, Georgetown, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Vermilion county, Illinois; he was born on the 10th of February, 1826, and has always lived in this county. His father died when he was about four years of age. He lived with his mother until he wras twenty-three. On the 31st of May, 1849, he married Miss Rebecca Sherer, who was born in this county on the 23d of October, 1831. After his marriage he rented one year; he then bought his present place and settled. He has made many trips to Chicago bv team, dating back as early as 1840. He had six children, three are now living: James T., Carrie A. and Lydia J. He owns one hundred and eightyseven and a half acres of land in this county, which is principally the result of his own labor and management.

Henry Howard, Danville, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Pike county, Ohio, on the 12th of December, 1821, and lived there five years with his parents. He then settled near Danville, Illinois. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age. February, 1844, he married Miss Susannah Ogden. She was born in this county, and died in November, 1851. They had four children, three living, viz: James, Lucy J. and Reason. On the 11th of May, 1852, he married Mrs. Rachel Martin, formerly Miss Mossbarger. She was born in Vermilion county, Indiana. They have seven children, viz : William H., Eliza A., Jacob, Daniel, Charles, Mary A. and Melissa. Mr. Howard has served one year as supervisor of this township. He owns one hundred and six acres of land in this county. His parents, Aaron and Jane (McDougal) Howard, were natives of Ohio. They came to this county in 1826. He died in April, 1860, and she in March of 1844.

Win. D. Smith, Georgetown, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Washington county, Tennessee, on the 29th of December, 1822, and lived there nearly six years ; then, with his parents, he came to Illinois, and settled in Vermilion county, near his present place. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-four, when he came to his present place and has lived here since. On the 22d of August, 184S, he married Miss Sarah F. Littner. She was born in Knox county, Tennessee, on the 1st of July, 1831. They had thirteen children, nine of whom are living, viz : James F., Sarah F., Thomas, Phebe, Theodore, William D., jr., James, Andrew S. and Susan. He owns two hundred and eighty-five acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor and management. He teamed to Chicago, beginning as early as 1836. From 1812 to 1816 he made seven trips by flat-boat to New Orleans, from Eugene, Indiana. He followed threshing for twenty-six years, and took the premium at Catlin fair for best threshing. He was also considered one of the best feeders.

James Sandusky, Westville, farming and stock-raiser, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, on the 27th of July, 1817, and lived there until 1S27, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois and settled on the present place, and lived here until 1836, when they moved to where Catlin now stands, and lived there until 1848, when he again came to the present place, and lived here until 1859. He then rented the place and moved to his brother's farm at Catlin, and lived there until 1861. He then came to the present place, where he has since lived. On the 6th of December, 1847, he married Miss Mary Ann Greene. She was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, where they were married. They had eleven children, nine living, viz : Sarah E., Josiah, James S., Henry C, Eliza, Stephen A. D., Thomas, Susan A. and Lora. Mr. Sandusky marketed wheat in Chicago in early days. In 1838 he, with six yoke of oxen, took one hundred bushels, and received si. 25 per bushel. He owns three hundred acres in this county. His parents, Isaac and Euphama McDowell Sandusky, were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, and came here as stated. He served in the wars of 1812 and the Black Hawk war. He wTas taken prisoner in the former. He was with Harrison at Tippecanoe. He died on the 6th of August, 1852; she died on the 15th of June, 1864.

Andrew Reynolds, Georgetown, farmer and stock-raiser, is one of the early settlers of this county. He was born on the 25th of May, 1819, in Knox county, Tennessee, and lived there about eight years. During this time his parents died. He then came to Illinois with his brother, who lived near Catlin, and remained with him four years. He then came to Georgetown township, and lived with Mr. Gardner until he was twenty-one. He then rented a place, and has farmed on his own account since. In 1859 he came to his present place. He owns one hundred and six acres in this county, principally the result of his own labor. He married Miss Amanda Smith. He came here from Tennessee by wagon. In 1835 he made his first trip to Chicago by

A. B. Smith, Danville, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Washington county, Tennessee. He was born on the 25th of December, 1817, and lived there eleven years. He then, with his parents, came to Illinois, and settled near Georgetown. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-three. On the 8th of October, 1840, he married Miss Eliza Lockett. She was born in Wythe county, Virginia. After his marriage he settled on his present place. He is no office-seeker, and has held no offices except those connected with the school and roads. He owns five hundred acres in this county, principally located nine miles southeast of Danville. In early days Mr. Smith made journeys by team to Chicago, making his first trip in 1832, and he has sold wheat there as low as forty-two cents per bushel. His parents, Joseph and Sarah (Brown) Smith, were natives of Tennessee, where they were married on the 15th of August, 1812. He was born on the 7th of March, 1793, and she was born on the 29th of May, 1793. Both died in this township.

O. S. Graves, Westville, farming and stock-raising, was born in Clark county, Kentucky, on the 5th of May, 1818, and lived there until he was ten years of age. With his parents he then came to Illinois, and settled in Vermilion county, near the present place. He lived with his parents until he was thirty years of age. He then came to his present place. On the 21st of September, 1843, he married Miss Sarah Ann Ashby. She was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, and came to Vermilion county, Illinois, with her parents, in 1829. Mr. Graves has made a number of trips to Chicago b}' team, taking wheat, stock, etc. His first trip dates back to 1838, and he has sold wheat there at from forty-four to sixty-four cents per bushel. They had six children, - five living, viz: James L., Henry C, Martha E., Isabel and Orvil D. The two former are married, the latter live at home. Mr. Graves owns four hundred and forty acres in this county, iocated on the main road from Danville to Georgetown, seven miles south of the former place. His parents, James and Margaret (Blackburn) Graves, were natives of Kentucky. They were married there, and came to Illinois in 1828. He died in July, 1857, and she is living with her son.

Charles Yoho, Georgetown, retired farmer, was bom in West Virginia in the spring of 1807, and lived there eighteen years. He then went by water to Eugene, and from there to his present place, where he lived one year. He then went back to his home, and in the following winter went down the Ohio to Rising Sun, and cut wood. In the spring following he came to Illinois, and worked in this neighborhood. He has lived here since, with the exception of the time spent in a few short trips east and to Chicago. In 1832 he volunteered in Major Sloan's regiment to fight Black Hawk. He has teamed to Chicago a number of times, and sold wheat as low as thirty-seven and a half cents per bushel. He married Miss Annie Brown, of Tennessee. They had sixteen children, fourteen of whom are living, viz: Hiram, Jacob, Thomas, William, Alleck, Catharine, Eliza, Jamina, Nancy, Victoria, Lucinda, Lilly, Elmyra and Julia. After his marriage Mr. Yoho engaged in boating to New Orleans. He owns two hundred and eighty acres of land in this county, which he has earned by his own labor. He came to Illinois in company with James and Thomas Pribble and N. Henthorn. They had two boats, and at the Falls of Ohio had to pay $10 to be piloted through. Mr. Yoho accompanied the first boat, and concluded he would save the $10 on the second, and so piloted the same through in safety, though greatly opposed by the native pilot.

James Pribble, Georgetown, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Monroe county, Ohio, on the 21st of September, 1826, and lived there three years. In 1829, with his parents, he settled in Vermilion county, Illinois, near his present place, and lived with his parents until their death. In 1853 he began farming on his own account, farming part of his father's place. He married Miss Susannah Haines. She was born in Virginia, and died in the fall of 1860. They had four children, - three living, viz: Mary E., Deborah V. and Flora L. His present wife was Miss Catharine Yoho. She wTas born in this county, and married on the 4th of May, 1861. They had nine children, six of whom are living, viz : Richard, Andrew, Robert, Ellen, Rachel and Justin. Mr. Pribble owns one hundred and twelve acres in this county, located three and a half miles east of Georgetown. His parents, Thomas and Deborah Dickinson, were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia. He moved to Ohio when young, and followed keel-boating. He died on the 10th of September, 1872, and she departed this life on the 13th of September, 1851.

James Ashby, Westville, farmer, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, in September, 1817, and lived there until 1829, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois, and settled in Vermilion county. He lived with his parents twenty-eight years, and then rented a farm and worked for himself. In 1863 he came to his present place, which contains sixty-four acres. On the 3d of April, 1845, he married Miss Sarah J. Blakeney ; she was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky. They had nine children, seven of whom are living: Milton, Liza Ann, Martha E., Paulina J., Pleasant, Emma L., and Medora L. Mr. Ashby has hauled apples to Chicago as early as 1851. His parents, Joseph and Nancy Oloe Ashby, were natives of Stafford county, Virginia ; they were married there, and came to this county in 1829; he died in the fall of 1845, and she in 1861.

Thomas Pribble, Georgetown, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ohio on the 1st of March, 1828, where he lived one year. He then, with his parents, came to Illinois and settled on his present place, coming down the Ohio and up the Wabash to Eugene, settling on his present place in 1829. In 1854 he took the management of the farm. In 1862 he enlisted in the 125th 111. Regiment, and was in service until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Perryville, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Dallas, Georgia, where he was wounded and confined to the hospital until his discharge. He returned to the farm and has lived here since. He owns eighty-two acres of land, located three miles east of Georgetown. On the 25th of December, 1866, he married Miss Cynthia Morgan ; she was born in this county. They have four children : Commodore, Hamilton, Snowden 41. and Minnetta. His parents were James and Flora (Cree) Pribble.

Levi Long, Georgetown, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Nicholas county, Kentucky, on his father's farm, on the 20th of October, 1810, and lived there until the fall of 1830. He then, with his brotherin-law, Mr. Jones, came to Illinois, and settled in Vermilion county, and, after living here one year, went to Kentucky and assisted in moving his brother-in-law's family to this county. On the 15th of December, 1831, he married Miss Celia R. Jones; she was born in Nicholas county, Kentucky, and died here on the 5th of June, 1876. After his marriage he rented a place, and farmed it one year ; he then went to Elwood township, and farmed three years. On the death of his father-in-law he bought out the heirs and moved to the place, and has lived here since. He assisted in laying out the roads of this township, and served as road commissioner for some time. Of the ten children, seven are living: John E., William L., Charles F., Nancy J., Josiah S., Sarah F. and James P. Mr. Long owns five hundred and forty-eight acres of land in this county, which he has earned by his own labor and management. As early as 1833 he hauled potatoes to Chicago for twenty-five cents per bushel, and he has made a number of trips since.

Gabriel Pribble, Georgetown, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Monroe county, Ohio, on the 14th of June, 1826, and lived there four years, when, with his parents, he settled near his present place in Vermilion county, Illinois, and lived with them until he was twenty-eight years of age. He then farmed a portion of his father's farm for one year, when he bought eighty acres adjoining, and moved on the same, and there remained for twenty years, when he moved to an adjoining eighty, which he bought. He owns one hundred and sixty acres in this county, located four miles east of Georgetown. He has made a number of trips by team to Chicago, the first dating back to 1846. In the fall of 1S58 he married Miss Moriah Ramsey; she was born in Ohio, and died on the 23d of June, 1873. They had seven children, five of whom are living: Jerome, James, Flora B., Isadora, and Sarah M. On the 13th of November, 1S76, he married Miss Jane Canaday.