Hampton Township

Hampton Township

The Village of Hampton, in Hampton Township, was surveyed and platted soon after the organization of Rock Island County. Among the earliest business men were Joel Thompson, Alonzo P. Clapp, Dower and Hammond, Samuel and David Lambert, M. W. Wright and Francis Black, followed by L. F. Baker, H. F. Thomas, H. O. Norton, Dr. George Vincent, S. L. Brettun, and Wm. B. Webster. The first postoffice was established in the winter of 1837, Joel Thompson being commissioned postmaster, followed by Francis Black, Samuel Heagy and L. F Baker. From the earliest settlement Hampton was one of the principal points for supplies for the farmers in the upper end of the county, and even considerable territory in Henry County. Here they brought their grain and sold their pork, which was packed by M. W. Wright and Francis Black, and shipped down the river by the steamboats. In after years the coal interests were the principal business reliance; Heagy and Stoddard and Taylor Williams being extensive operators. In 1884 Heagy and Stoddard were succeeded by the Northern Mining & Railway Company, who ceased operations about fifteen

The oldest person liorn in the township, if not in the county, now living, is George McNeal, who was born in 1834 in a log cabin which stood just south of the town hall in the same block in which he now resides.

The assessors' plats show there exists in the Village of Hampton, an old village called Milan, which was platted in 1837. The plat showing about thirty blocks. In this district at the present time are only four or five houses. In that year the postoffice department at Washington, D. C, was petitioned for a postoffice at this place to be called Milan. There being a postoffice of that name already in the state, the department established the postoffice under the name of Hampton, from which name the township and village derive their names.

Barstow is not an incorporated village. When the Sterling branch of the Chicago, Burlington A: Quincy Railfoad was completed through Hampton Township, a station was established on land owned by Joel G. Franklin, and named Franklin Crossing, a postoffice being soon after established and given the same name as the railroad station, and Mr. Franklin being commissioned its first postmaster.

When the main line of the railroad was run to this place, the name was changed to Barstow, and shortly afterwards the name of the postoffice was likewise changed. A large transfer in mail, passenger and freight business is done here, to and from the Sterling branch, and despatched and received to and from the main lines to St. Paul and St. Louis. The village now comprises about twenty-five buildings and houses, an eating house, depot, restaurant, a general store, blacksmith shop, school house and postoffice.

Village Of Watertown

Is located in Hampton Township, and was platted in 1857. The first store was started that year by Lucius Curtis, who became the first postmaster. The Western Illinois Hospital for the Insane is located there. On the 14th day of March, 1905, fifty-one legal voters _ of a district prescribed, petitioned the county court for the organization of the Village of Watertown. The 15th day of April, 1905, was set apart for an election t<.) be held at the M. W. A. hall to vote for or against village organization; the result being sixteen votes for incorporation and forty-four against.

April 24, 1905, another petition was presented to the county coiu't by forty-five petitioners for village organization and an election day appointed for the 13th day of May, 1905; the result being sixty votes for village organization and thirty-eight votes against organization.

An election held the 17th day of June, 1905, for village trustees, resulted in the election of Frank H. Sovey, John Rah, Henry C. McNeal and David Y. AUsbrow. A tie vote occurring of forty-nine votes for Eric Bowman and Henry Hillberg. Each came into court on the 23d day of Jvme, 1905, and agreed to decide by lot. One of the officers of the court was blindfolded, two slips of paper with each candidates names written thereon were placed in a hat, and the officer drawing therefrom, Eric Bowman was declared elected the si.xth trustee.

Village Of Cabbon Cliff

November 13, 1906, thirty-seven legal voters of Hampton Township, desiring village incorporation, petitioned the county court for same. The court ordered an election to be held on the 8th day of December, 1906, for or against village organization, the elec- tioii to be held at Hennegan's store. The result of said election was fifty-five votes for village organization and twenty-eight votes against same. An order was issued calling for an election for six trustees of the village the 12th of January, 1907. W. R. Carey, William Gearhardt, J. A. Hennegan, Clans F. 'Hansen, R. X. O'Donnell and P. N. Hennegan being elected.