Godfrey Village

Godfrey Village

and highly improved agricultural region. It is at the junction of the Jacksonville branch, with the main line of the Chicago and Alton railroad, and the numerous trains to St. Louis make it an admirable point for suburban residence. The name of the town, which was laid off by Capt. Benjamin Godfrey and Enoch Long, is placed on the records as Monticello, but it is now universally called Godfrey, that being the appellation of the post office and railway station. The town plat was ri corded. May 30th, 1840. A town of Godfrey, ar joining the original Monticello, was laid out in town lots, by James fc^quire, in 1882, and is northeast of the old town. Tlie Monticello Female Seminary is the most prominent object of interest in Godfrey. Its proximity to Alton has prevented any great business devflopment. The first store was opened "by Timothy Turner, in a small building, which still stands on the lot on which is his former residence. Mr. Turner was also the first postmaster, and was appointed to that pcsition on the esiablishment of the office in 18-10. Previousto that time the citizens got their mail at Alton. Turner resigned the office in 1860, on account of old age and debility, and Thomas P. Walworth, who had formerly been his clerk, received the commission. He held the office only a short time, and was succeeded by Benjamin Webster, who was postma.«ter from 1801 to 1881, when he was succeeded by the present incumbent, Edward A. Masun. Few post offices in the state show such a record of infrequent changes, two of the post masters, each having held the office for twenty years.

There are now two grocery stores kept by Edward A. Mason and John F. Boyd, and one in which dry goods and groceries are sold, of which George Churchill is proprietor. John Roberts has a restaurant. The business of blacksmithiug and wagon making was carried on extensively by Aaron C. Mason and T. Baldwin, but is now conducted by Mark Robidou and the firm of Wirth & Weber. X. Maier and Carl Wenzel, have shoe shops. A flouring mill was built here in the year 1857, by Henry and Uriah Howell, who disposed of it to Richard Blackburn, who after running it about three years, died. Sears & Dodgson were the next proprietors. The mill was finally moved to Clifton, where for a time it was operated as a cement mill. The schoolhouse is a neat structure, containing three rooms. The principal of the school is James Squire, with Fannie A. Burgess as assistant. The colored school is in charge of J. M. Anderson.

In the extreme southwest corner of the township, was laid out by D. Tolman and Hail Mason, and the plat recorded October 10th, 1840. A cement mill was established at this point and quite extensive arrangements made for the manufacture of cement, but it was never operated with success. A saw mill was built by Daniel Tollman and Samuel Thurston, about 18o5, and was in operation for a few years. Louis Steritz, who has the largest vineyard in the township, keeps a place at which he dispenses the product of his vineyard) and which is often visited by parties from Alton.

within less than a mile of Clifton. There are about half a dozen houses in the place. Mrs. Louis Schmidt has a small store, and has charge of the post office. There is a Congregational church and a public school, of which George F. Long is teacher. A distillery was formerly carried on at this point.

Coal Branch

In the southern part of the township, not far from North Alton, is a settlement comprising about twenty families. The inhabitants are mostly engaged in mining coal. There is one store, of which John and Hugh Pierce are proprietors. The Coal Branch is the name of a small stream, along which out-croppings of coal are visible. Coal was mined by Joseph and Richard Whyers, at an early date. They supplied the first coal usid in the penitentiary at Alton. The coal was procured by a drift, extending into the bank. The first pit was opened by James Mitchell, in the summer of 1848. A few months later a pit was sunk by Thomas Dunford. After ihe opening of the Chicago & Alton railroad considerable quantities of coal were shipped to Springfield, Bloomington, Chicago and other points in the northern and central parts of the state. Not only has this traffic ceased, but Alton itself is now largely supplied from more distant points. The coal is of superior quality, equal to the best mined in the state, but the vein only has a thickness of thirty inches, and the coal can not be mined as cheaply as in a larger vein. The shafts range from fifty to one hundred and twenty feet in depth. The vein is now nearly exhausted, and it is only a question of a few years when the working of the pits will be abandoned. The owneis of the pits are Dennis Noonan, James Mitchell, Peter Robinson, Charles Crowson and William Watte, Henry Camp, Peter Taylor & Co., Nathan Sydcl, Henry Conlon and John Rutledge.

^Vas the name of a former post office which has now changed to that of North Alton. James Strong, a native of Cumberland, England, in the fall of 1837, built a large frame building, over the doorway of which the antlers of a buck were suspended, and opened it as the Buck Inn. This building stood on the south line of the township, where the Grafton road leaves the road to Godfrey. The building was burned down in 1 855, and the present brick structure was then erected. James Strong died in 1869, and his son, Jacob Strong, has since carried on a store at this point. The post office of Buck Inn was established in 1868, and Capt. P. J. Melling was the first post master. The office was kept at his house in the present"<jlodfrey township. After two years. Captain Melling was succeeded by William Hall> who removed the office to the present town of North Alton. The office was called Buck Inn, up to the time of the incorporation of the town of North Alton. In this part of Godfrey township, Adolphus Denz built a steam mill in I860. The machinery was transferred in 1882 to a new mill erecf ed just north of North Alton, on section thirty-five. There

Supervlmrs. Tohn M. Pearson, elected in 1876-77 ; was succeeded by James Squire, in 1877-78, and by re-election, Mr. Squire has represented the township to the present.

Roland J. Ingham

The Emerald Isle has contributed many of her sons to America who have taken high rank in literature, in art and in science. Among such may be properly classed the Ingham family, who lived in Dublin, and who in their native home were liberal patrons of art. Thomas and Jennie Ingham came to this country in 181(3. lauding first in New York city, thence to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Thomas was the son of a gentleman, a lauded proprietor of Dublin. He had a family of five sons and four daughters. A son Charles, was an artist, in which pursuit he excelled. Of his paintings at least two, "The Lovers ' and " Death of Cleopatra," have received recognition of critics as masterpieces. Thomas, a retired merchant in New York city, and now the sole survivor of the family; Roland J., the subject of this sketch; Sydney, who was lost at sea in 1841 ; Oscar, who lived with Roland and died here in 1870 ; Florence, Paulina, Augusta and Jane Rowena. Roland J. Ingham was born in Dublin, Ireland, March 6ih, 1.^07. In 18:j."), with his father's family became west, locating about a mile from the present home of Lucretia Ingham. His father returned to Utica, New York, a few years after, where he died January 9th, 1817. Mr. Ingham's first wife was Rebecca Peutzer, by whom he had five children, three of whom are living. Two of his sons, Charles and Theron B., were soldiers in the United States service during the rebellion. On the 22d of April, 18.5:i, he was united in marriage by Rev. Washington Wagoner, a Methodist Episcopal minister, to Lucretia M Ragsdale, formerly of East Tennessee, although a Virginian. By this marriage there were b3rn eight children, seven of whom are living. Names as follows ; Emma Augusta, Thomas Cassius, Julia Paulina, James Arthur, Sydney Roland, Jane Rowena and William Eilward.

great love of art. His beautiful home bespeaks his taste. He was an earnest Republican in p )litic3, and a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church in religious faith. Progressive in his views, his days were all days of activity. Eminently social in his home, its attractions were shared by neighbors and friends. Loved and respected and full of years, he died February 2d, 1881.

John Castagnetta

It is a peculiarity of the institutions of the United States in contradistinction to the institutions of every other country, that they assimilate different and discordant nationalities. Every year hundreds of thousands of emigrants arrive from different countries, accustomed to other forms of government speaking other languages, observing different customs; yet are absorbed and assimilated into a nationality. In fact we are a nation of foreign elements. Italy has contributed many of her sons since Columbus discovered the islands along our eastern shores. John Castagnetta was born in Genoa, Italy, April 18, 1829. In 18.53, he reached New York to try his fortune in the new world. His first employment was as a railroad hand on the Charleston and Memphis railroad, then as a baker and confectioner, which he learned in Charleston In 1855, he made his way to St. Louis, thence in November to Alton. In 1856, he locited where he now resides, in Godfrey township, where he engaged in the manufacture of wines, brandies, etc., a business he has since prosecuted with great success. He married Julia Gro.«jean, July 4th, 18,58. She was a native of Paris, France, from whence she came to Highland when a child. They have three children living, Louis, James and Louisa. Mr. Castagnetta is prompt, energetic and awake to business.

One of the representative men of bis township, was born ill New Hampshire, August 5th, 1806. His father and grandfather were also natives of the old granite state. When quite young his parents moved to New York, and during the war of 1812, moved to Vermont. Here he acquired a fair common school education. In October, 1837, they came to Illinois and settled where his widow now lives. He was married to Perlina Pond in Vermont, in 1833; by her he had three children, Ann Louisa Havens, now living in Chicago, Illinois ; Charles Henry, killed by the falling of a tree, and Hekn Perlina, wife of William B. Hancock.

His second wife was the widow of a printer, Henry K. Stockton, who died in Upper Alton in 1838. Mrs. Stockton's maiden name was Cynthia Northway. She was born in New Hartford, New York, August 8th, 1798. From 1840 to 1844, she was matron in Monticello Seminary. She was married to John Mason, May 1st, 1846. Few men in the community where he lived were more thought of than John Mason ; the counsel of few was more sought. Earnest in all his undertakings ; faithful in the discharge of all his duties, he was respected of all. His death was mourned by many friends.

Son of Asaph and Eunice Andrews Merriman, was born in Wallingford, Connecticut, on the 14th of August 1811. His parents were both direct descendants of Lieutenant Nathaniel Merriman and Nathan Andrews, original settlers of the town of Wallingford in 1669. He was the fifth born of six children, and lived at home on the farm until his seventeenth year, when his father died. He went to New Haven to learn the carpenter's trade; thence to Boston, ]\Iass., where he was united in marriage with Miss Edith Bishop on March 29th, 1834. This marked an epoch in his history, since by virtue of it he became, as was his wife, an earnest and zealous member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in which relation he remained until his death. Mr. Merriman was not free from the ambitions of this life. In the summer of 1835, leaving his wife and infant son Charles in Midd'etown, he started west, going first via the lakes and canal to his brother's in Granville, Ohio. Tarrying but a short time he proceeded by horse and buggy westward, reaching Teoria, Illinois, in the early autumn time of 1835. There he presented his church letters to Bishop Chase, who said to him : " You are the very man I want, come along with me." Arrangements were made for him to accompany the Bishop to the site of his new college. There he and the Bishop worked together in the construction of the famous " Robin's Nest," so called because composed chiefly of mud and sticks.

They roomed together, sleeping on a rude sapling bed under which the chickens roosted. As soon as the Bishop and family were comfortably housed, Mr. Merriman left for St. Louis. For nine years he remained here plying his trade, as carpenter and builder. In 1844 he commenced farming operations in St. Louis Co., Missouri. Here he carried with him his devotion and influence as a Christian man, and was the means of establi.*hing a mission at Bridgeton, a town near his home. In 1845 his wife Edith died, leaving to his care one son and one adopted daughter. In 1850 he, accompanied by his son Charles, then fifteen years of age, went to California, crossing the plains e/i route, here he remained two years, returning via the Isthmus and New Orleans, settling finally on the farm in Godfrey township, now occupied by hia son Charles. In 1873 he moved to property purchased by him in North Alton, near the chapel, and devoted much of his time to church labor. He was married to Lucinda Wells on the 15th of December, 1845. He died August 13, 1881. At the time he was Senior Warden in the church in whose success he took so great an interest. For nearly a half century, amid the ups and downs of a more or less wandering life beset by its strong temptations, he was found always faithful and true to his trust. His memory is held in dear esteem by hosts of his friends who knew him, as an honest, upright. Christian man.

James Mitchell was born in Scotland, December 21st, 1811. His parents were Robert and Mary Mitchell. His father was well liked by his fellows, among whom he was somewhat a leader. When he determined on bettering his condition by seeking an American home, he brought with him some three hundred colonists. His objective point was Nova Scotia. On the 4th of July, 1829, they landed at Pictou, a seaport in that province, brought over safely by the brig " Hero of Gdnnock." In all, Robert had a family of eleven children, six daughters and five sons, of whom James was the eldest. Not altogether satisfied with Nova Scotia, they determined on emigrating to the " States," as then called, and made their way to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in 1834. The subject of this sketch obtained a fair education in the common-schools of Scotland in his youth ; he was a clerk in a g.»neral store. When he reached his majority he worked in coal-mines, first in Nova Scotia, then in Pennsylvania. In 1835 he made his way t) the salt works on the Kanawha river, in West Virginia; thence to Kentucky, stopped at a village on the Ohio river, about 130 miles below Louisville, thence to New Orleans. Aftor a few years spent thus in looking about, he visited his old Nova Scotia home. While on this visit, he met and was united in marriage with Mary Smith, a native of the Island of Cape Breton. The marriage rites were celebrated in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, on the 7th of October, 1839. Soon thereafter he returned to the States, this time to Missouri, and in 1848 to Madison county. To him belongs the honor of having opened the first coal mine in Coal Branch, above Alton. By his first wife he had eight children, foUr of whom are living. She died October 4th, 1857. He was married to his present wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Bird, November 3d, 1857.

Politically Mr. Mitchell is an earnest, unswerving Republican. His first ballot was cast for William H. Harnson. He has never failed attending a local Republican convention since the organization of the party, when physically able to do so. Although thoroughly awake to party spirit, he never would accept office, save the supervisorship, which was forced upon him one terra. He has been often a member of the central committee, and has ever proved himself a most loyal citizen. Farming and operating in coal have engaged mjst of his attention since locating in this county.

The present popular supervisor representing Godfrey township in the county board, is a young man possessed of many commendable traits of character. He was born December 11, 1843. His parents were William and Lydia Squire (Widaman). His father, William, was a native of Devon" shire, England, where he was born August 9th, 1814. He came to America in 1835, locating first in Coshocton county, Ohio, from whence he came to Madison county, 111., in 1839. Arriving in Alton he commenced wrk as a laborer, but, upon his refusing to work on Sunday, he quit his employment, and moved to Godfrey, where he became foreman on Godfrey's farm, a place he held for years. His wife, Lydia Widaman, «as a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where she was born March 8, 1818. Her father was a teacher - a vocation he pursued first in Germany, then in this country. On the first of March, 18-13, she and William Squire were united in marriage by Rev. I. B. Randle, of Edwardsville.

James Squire received a fair common-school education, which was aided by attendance at Shurtleff College. It is related that when attending school taught by Miss Corbett, he'and his brother Frank encountered a panther in their pathway. Quite terrified, they hurried home, telling the story to their parents, who thought it incredible ; but the following day parties dispatched the monster, and established the correctness of the boys' story. During the war James Squire enlisted in the service of the United States in the 144lh Regiment Illinois Volunteers. He has been quite uniformly engaged in farming and teaching. In both pursuits he has been successful. He was married to Mattie Braden, March 25, 1874, by whom he has two children living, Vinnie Grace and Mattie Pearl, and one dead, James William. His wife died May 14, 1882. She, was a daughter of Isaac Braden, one of the pioneers of Nameoki township.

Politically he is an earnest, outspoken Democrat; is a member of the Democratic Central Committee ; was elected supervisor from Godfrey township in 1877, and has been annually re-elected ever since. When it is considered that this is a Republican stronghold (Garfield's majority being 66), his election can only be accounted for on the ground of personal popularity. He is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellow's orders ; has been a justice of the peace, and was deputy sheriff under R. W. Crawford ; has taught thirteen years, and is at present principal of the Godfrey school.

William Lindley

WILLIAM LINDLEY Was born in Lincolnshire, England, May 10th, 1810. His father, George Lindley, was a mason by trade, and brought up his family in the ways of industry. At the age of nineteen years William came to America, landing at first in New York City. Thence he went to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he engaged his services in print works. In 1839 he made his way westward, and with his savings entered laud near Carlinville, Macoupin county. Breaking prairie, howevi-r, and waiting for returns until a farm could be made was too slow for him, hence he went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he engaged in the dairy business. Here it was he met Mary C. Straw, now his surviving widow. Engaged in selling milk from house to house he had for a patron a family named Paterson, formerly of Quincy, and who had brought with them as one of the family Mary, to whom he was married November 22d, 1842. She was born in Germany near the river Rhine, and came with her people to America, in 1823. Her family located first in Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio; from thence she went with a sister to

Quincy, Illinois, and then to St. Louis Together they continued the dairy business successfully until 1851 when they moved to Madison county, Illinois, where Mrs. Lindley yet lives. There were born to them in all eight children, seven of whom yet live. By name they are Sarah, Mary C , George, William E Horace, John A., and Samuel S. All are straightforward, honest and energetic citizens During his life Mr. Lindley was an earnest Republican and impressed that political doctrine indelibly upon his sons. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. Active and energetic, honest and frank, ever ready to help a friend or do a kindness, he succeeded well in life. He died March 2d, 1869. His widow, a woman of more than ordinary business qualities, survives him and has continued farming with great success. She has cleared a hundred and twenty acres of land since her husband's death, and bought an additional farm in Jersey county. She relates her only transaction whereby she made money without work as being the sale of gold when it was worth two hundred per cent, at a bank in Alton.