Henderson Township

Henderson Township

This township was the first in the county to have the home of a white man located within its boundaries. Here, in February of 1828, Daniel and Alexander Robertson settled. Many of the first incidences of the county occurred in this township, and, as a greater portion of the first chapter of this wrork is located here, and many other historical items given all through the book, we refrain from repeating. Here, on sections 23 and 26, the Indians had their corn-fields and cultivated the soil for years.

In an early day, on section 30, near the creek, a well was dug. On arriving at a depth of 60 feet the workmen came to what seemed to be an Indian camping-ground. Ashes, stumps, and general rubbish were there as fresh as though the fires had just gone out. A red cedar log was tJso found.

H. M. Sisson, of this township, has done much to better the class of stock, and deserves credit not only from the citizens of the township, but of the county. He has, perhaps, the oldest horse in the county. It has been in his family for thirty- six years, and he has plowed with it each year for thirty years.

This township has a fine body of timber known as Henderson Grove. A beautiful stream of water passes through this delightful grove, which takes a southwesterly course, and, after receiving several branches, enters into the Mississippi. The timber in this grove is large and lofty, and occupies an area of several square miles. The prairie around is undulating, very rich and dry. Along the edges of the timber the first pioneers settled, and here, too, in Log City the Galesburg colony made their temporary quarters.

This township lies in the extreme northwest part of the county, and for agricultural purposes is not surpassed by many townships in the whole Northwest.

In the spring of 1830 Joseph Kowe located on section 33, being the first settler in the township. He was soon followed by Reese Jones and Joseph Hailiday, the former locating on the northwest cor- tier of section 6, within a stone's throw of the corner of the county. Soon thereafter came Abe Jones, and in 1832 John Cresswell settled on section 27, near Fort Aggie, which was situated within forty rods of the southwest corner of the same section. This fort was built during the Black Hawk war in 1832 and was named in honor of Cresswell's wife. It stood unmolested until 1836, when Joseph Hahn tore it down and constructed a barn out of the logs, near where the fort stood, for the purpose of tramping out wheat with horses, as was often done in pioneer days when the present mode of threshing was unknown.

In 1836 came Nelson and Lewis Coe, and John "Wooley. Wooley had come into Knox township in 1832, where he remained four years. Luther Fitch came in 1840. After that period accessions to the population of Rio were numerous until now it numbers about 1,200.

The township received its name in this wise: About 1851 a meeting was held by request of the County Court to select a name for the township. In connection with this meeting a proposition was made to lay off a village plat on the school section. While this was being discussed, some one made a motion to lay off the proposed town along the slough east of the road and north of the barn of E. A. Bartlett, for the reason that the land was good for nothing else. This motion prevailed, which, as it was intended, killed the project altogether. Several names for the township were proposed. The Mexican war had just closed, and the Rio Grande river as the boundary line of the United States and Mexico was in the mouth of every war man in opposition to Rio Nueces river as claimed by the Mexicans. Thus at this meeting Rio Grande had a majority of admirers; and besides, there being many streams in the township, it would very appropriately admit of the name, the Spanish word rio meaning river. No resolution however wras passed in regard to selecting a name, as quite a number thought the matter had better be left with the county authorities. Lewis Coe was opposed to passing over the question so indifferently, as through his instrumentality the meeting had been called. He accordingly took it upon himself to attend the meeting of the Court to suggest a name. He could see no good reason for the "Grande" part of the name, and therefore only presented the word "Rio" as suitable. This was accepted and adopted, and thus ever since the township has worn the beautiful Spanish name.

There are four churches in Rio township. One union of Congregational and Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Episcopal, Regular Baptist and Protestant Methodist.

At one time in this county's history, Henderson played an important part. It was laid out June 11, 1835, by Calvin Glass. It is located on section 14, Henderson township. March 7, 1838, an election was held to vote for or against incorporation; 28 votes were cast for the measure and none against it.

Galesburg is beautifully situated, on a high, undulating prairie, on sections 10, 11, 14 and 15, of Galesburg township, near the middle of the western side of the county. It is by rail 164 miles from Chicago, 100 from Quincy, 53 from Peoria and 43 from Burlington.

excellent railroad facilities and with no city of equal size between it and either of the above, save Aurora (38 miles this side of Chicago), its future greatness is destined.

The growth of the city, from its inception, has been of a stable, steady and permanent character. Its history, from the moment its founder conceived the idea of building a city upon the broad prairies of Illinois, until to-day, when it numbers 15,000 inhabitants, is one replete with extraordinary events, and will be read by posterity, especially, with great interest. G. W. Gale originated the idea of founding a colony early in 1834. We give a brief personal sketch of this man, in order that posterity may know something of him who was the prime mover in founding their beautiful city.

George "Washington Gale, son of Josiah and Rachel (Mead) Gale, was born December 3, 1789, in the town of North East, Douches county, N. Y. He graduated at Union College, K". Y., and Princeton (Seminary, N. J. He entered the ministry about 1820. From ill health, he was obliged to quit ministerial labors, when he retired to a farm; but being so desirous of seeing the young around him receiving better education, he could not remain inactive in this great field. Accordingly, he commenced teaching the young men of his neighborhood, asking no compensation, and receiving none save the satisfaction of seeing their conditions bettered. This really was the germ implanted, which in a few years led a band of worthy pioneers to the wild prairies of Knox county.

He was rather sanguine of the success of his undertakings. His ambition was lofty and noble, inspiring him with high thoughts and anxiety to do something great and good for the benefit of others. Consequently he was always engaged in some public enterprise, which, backed by his powerful energy, excellent judgment and the enthusiasm of his sanguine nature, was almost invariably crowned with success. From poor health' his naturally even temper had become irritable; but he subdued it by the magnanimity of his spirit, comporting himself with a courteous and gentle gravity, and never indulging in any intemperance of language. He was of a religious temperament and a zealous member of the Presbyterian Church; nor did his piety consist in mere forms, but was genuine and fervent and partook of that lofty and solemn enthusiasm, with which his whole character was strikingly imbued. He was one of the most agreeable and instructive companions. Though always pious, there was nothing austere, obtrusive or revolting in his religion; and in his domestic circle he would often indulge himself with great playfulness and humor, yet no occasion was ever lost in instilling into the minds of his children or companions pure, honorable and lofty sentiments and principles. He departed this life on the 13th day of September, 1861, in the city of Galesburg, and his remains were consigned to earth in Hope Cemetery in the western part of the city.

Thus ended the life of a good and noble man, one whose memory will grow brighter and dearer as the city which perpetuates his name shall grow larger. So thoroughly imbued was Mr. Gale with the idea of starting a colony in the West and then founding a college, that

After maturing a plan by which a colony might be formed, he issued a lengthy circular setting forth the necessity of converting the young to Christianity and of giving them the advantages of a liberal education. In this circular he also made known his plan, - a remarkable combination of philanthropy and sagacity. It was extensively approved by prominent men, who warmly advised and urged its prosecution; and the unquestionable wisdom of this plan is demonstrated by the fact that although but about one-half the sum originally contemplated was ever received from subscribers and only 10,- 746 acres of land purchased for the colony, yet on this greatly diminished scale of operation the enterprise has proven eminently successful. There was, however, one feature of Mr. Gale's plan which proved to be impracticable in this western country, and that was the idea of aiding students by affording manual labor.

Mr. Gale, by the early part of 1835, had secured a subscription to the amount of $21,000. On the 6th day of May of this year the first meeting of the subscribers was held in Rome, N. Y. At this meeting an organization was effected, and a Prudential Committee appointed, consisting of George W. Gale, H. II. Kellogg, J. C. Smith, N. West, Thomas Gilbert and Walter Webb. This committee appointed an exploring committee which consisted of Nehemiah West, Thomas Gilbert and Timothy B. Jervis. They were not to purchase land, but examine the country and report a suitable location for the objects of the colony. A purchasing committee was subsequently appointed to proceed forthwith to Illinois, select a location if possible, and make a purchase. This committee were Sylvanus Ferris, Nehemiah West, Thomas Simmons and George W. Gale. They left New York September, 1835. The committee entered about 17 sections of land in township 11 north, 1 east, Knox county, at $1.25 per acre, and returned home, being absent but about 8 weeks.

A plat of the purchase was now prepared, and from it the land was distributed among the subscribers, only two of whom had ever seen the country. There were 10,746 eighty -one hundredths acres, which cost with expense of exploring $16,559.70; 560 acres were reserved as town property, and 1,004 acres were reserved for college use. The balance of the purchase was divided into farms, which were appraised upon the average of $5 per acre. The town plat made in the center of the land purchased embraced 560 acres. The form, size and price of lots were fixed. A 10-acre lot on each side of the town was reserved for male and female academies, also a cemetery of 5 acres, ground for a meeting-house and a lot for a parsonage. Plans for academy buildings, public house and steam-mill were suggested, but the latter were finally left to private enterprise.

When the committee were entering the land at the land office in Quincy, they visited Marion College, Missouri, and met Sherman Williams and Henry Ferris. Both of these gentlemen decided to go to the new village. Ferris immediately started, and by the first of November, 1835, was on the ground, the first actual resident colonist.

On the 2d day of June, 1836, the first company of settlers, 25 in number, arrived at Log City. This was a place at Henderson Grove selected as a temporary location until they could erect houses on the site of their proposed village. This place received the name "Log City" from the fact that all its dwellings were constructed of logs.

A second company, under the leadership of John C. Smith, purchased a canal-boat at Utica, !N". Y. On this they embarked with their families and effects. Their voyage was long, their progress slow, the boat was crowded, the weather was warm, and the alternation of scorching heat by day and chilly dampness by night necessarily subjected them to sickness, which very few, if any, escaped. Wagons were sent to Illinois river to carry them to Log City, but they were found at an inn nearly all sick. Forty persons were crowded into one narrow canal-boat from two to three months in the warm season of the year. Three of the leading men died from the efiects of the trip. Colonel Isaac Mills died ten days after arrival. Captain Smith speedily followed Mr. Mills to the grave. Mr. Lyman, after being removed from the boat to the grove lingered about two months and then died.

on the south side of Henderson Grove. There they spent their first winter, preparing to improve their farms and commence the building of their village the next season. How the colonists lived during their temporary sojourn at Log City is graphically described by Mary Allen West in a paper read before the "Old Settlers' Association" July 4, 1873. In speaking of one family, she says:

"Their goods came all the way by water to Chicago, and did not reach here till six weeks after the folks came. Consequently their supply of furniture was rather limited. As near as I can discover, all the 'kitchen fixins' they had during those six weeks were a longhandled frying-pan and a horse pail. (Not that horse pails usually belong in that category, but this was an exceptional one.) The frying-pan performed all offices for which iron was necessary, and the horse pail did the rest. Indeed it seems to have been the most important member of the colony just then: and if a stave of it remains it certainly deserves a pension. It must first water the horses; that was what it \vas made for, and pa's horses were always of the dainty kind that would not drink out of a trough; then after a good scrubbing it must submit to having bread mixed in it, for what else was there to mix it in? The frying-pan managed the baking, but after the baking came the eating, and after the eating'came the dish-washing. I don't say the dishes were washed in that long-suffering pail, but only remind you it was the only thing in all the colony that would hold dish-water.

"Then the people were rather thick for the limited accommodations, especially after Mr. and Mrs. Gale came with their six children. But children are easily disposed of, in warm weather, when one lives in the woods. I have heard some of these boys, now bearded men, sigh for a lodge in the wilderness; well that's just what they did have then, - those children. A rude tent was built out of boughs, off in the woods, and thither, each pleasant morning, trooped the delighted youngsters, dinner-baskets in hand, to spend the day as it seemed unto them good. Oh, the delights of those long summer days in the green wood! I know their memory was fondly cherished by at least one of their band till her dying day.

"It has ever been my great regret that I did not arrive on the scene early enough to take part in these sylvan pleasures. At night, when the men returned from work, and the children rushed in, ravenously hungry, then came the tug of war. But the house-mothers had been hard at work all day preparing for the onslaught, and now they managed to fill all the hungry mouths and, what was more wonderful, stow away all the tired bodies in bed. Imagine the stowing-awav process, following close on the feeding! At least Iknow Brother ;Byr won't let his children be sent to bed till they want to go, remembering the torture he endured from the sun shining in his eyes through the chinks of the log cabin, after he had been put to bed to be out of the way. But if misery loves company, he ought to have been content, for he had enough of that. The space between the two parts of the double cabin, four or five feet wide, had been enclosed, bedding spread down, and here without regard to sex, and the children do aver, with alternate heads and feet, like sardines in a box, were stowed away for the night the future lawyers, doctors, engineers, farmers, legislators, housekeepers and teachers of our city."

Of the pioneers of Galesburg the following are still living. There were many children, of course, that are still living, but we give only those married at that time or connected with the enterprise personally. Widow of Nehemiah West, Galesburg; widow of N. H. Losey, Galesburg; widow of Leonard Chappell, Galesburg; Daniel Wheeler's widow, at present a Mrs. Anderson ; William Hamblin and wife, Galesburg; widow of Henry Wilcox, Galesburg; C. S. Colton and wifer Galesburg; widow of Isaac Colton, living in New York; John G, West, living west of Galesburg; widow of Lorentus E. Conger, Dexter, Iowa; John Kendall, Cleveland, Ohio; George Avery and wifer Galesburg; widow of Sylvanus Ferris, Galesburg; George Ferrisy Nevada; Western Ferris, came in 1835, went back, and returned in 1839, Galesburg; widow of N. C. Ferris, Galesburg; Levi Sanderson and wife, living with children in Galesburg and in Brooklyn, New York; Eli JFarnham, Galesburg; G. D. Colton, Galesburg; H. H, May, Galesburg; Sheldon Allen, Galesburg; Abram Tyler, living in Iowa; Ralph Skinner, Galesburg; A. Z. Hay nor, Galesburg; widow of Edward Dailey, Galesburg; A. C. Higgins, Galesbnrg.

In November, 1836, a bachelor, Phlegmon Phelps by name, commenced a frame house on block 16, of the newly laid-out town. This building was afterward known as the Holyoke house, and stood on the north side of Main street, just east of Prairie street. The first marriage which occurred was during the winter passed at Log City, and was that of Henry Ferris. He and Maria Hudson were then united in the bonds of matrimony. Fidelia Wheeler, now Mrs. Albert Porter, was born here this winter. Professor Losey, assisted by Miss Lucy Gay, opened a school in January, 1837.

Cedar and Ferris, built by Mr. Wheeler, the one on the northwest corner of the same block, built by Elisha King, and one on Cedar and Simmons streets. Several log cabins were occupied in May, in which month, in the cabin standing where President Bateman's residence is, and occupied by Colonel Caleb Finch and family, was born Harriet Finch, now Mrs. Luther Wilcox, who was the first child born in Galesburg. The summer was a busy one upon the prairie. Houses were being constructed, the virgin soil was being plowed and everybody busily engaged in making preparations to enter their new homes. In the spring, Messrs. Swift, West, King and Gale erected a steam sawmill on block 8, of which Mr. Swift soon became sole owner. The town was not without its store. May 1, 1837", the County Commissioners granted a license to Chancey S. Colton, to sell general merchandise. He was the first merchant of Galesburg. Matthew Chambers also erected a small building on the east side of the square, but moved to Knoxville. This building was used as a school-house on week days and a meeting-house on Sundays.

By the time cold weather began, in 1837, most of the colonists were permanently settled, and then began in earnest the stern, long-protracted labors and trials incident to building up a city on the wild, unbroken prairies, - labor and trials that can never be appreciated by the present and future generations.

A town was now fairly started. It consisted of those who came in 1836 (173 individuals), and those who came in 1837(59), making a total population of 232.

While under village organization, Galesburg was always a strict prohibitory, town on the liquor question, and for many years after assuming the title of "city" no saloons were on her streets. Indeed, the saloon is a new feature to Galesburg life. It may be supposed that more or less liquor was sold during all these years, but it is quite evident the gilded signs of " Saloon " were not visible on every hand, as now. In accordance with a clause in the first city charter, which was granted by the Legislature, February 14, 1857, the people were to vote for or against granting the city council discretionary power to license the sale of liquors. Accordingly, on the first Monday in April, a vote was taken on the question, resulting in 462 votes for prohibition and 104 for power to license, - a majority of 358 for temperance, - thus making prohibition a clause in the fundamental law of the city, and seconding the efforts of the founders of the city, who had inserted the temperance clause in the deed to every lot.

conceived to have granted saloon licenses. They found, however, that under the old charter nothing could be done; so the agitation of a new charter was commenced, and on July 17, 1876, an election was held in the city to vote for or against the city organizing under the general incorporation act. The main feature of the new charter over the old one was that its charter gave the city council power to regulate the licensing of saloons, where the old charter gave them no power whatever in the matter.

Great interest was manifested by both the license and anti-license people. Indeed, it was one of the most exciting elections ever held in the city, for never before, save one year, 1872, had a saloon been licensed in the city. During that particular year the council took it upon themselves to grant license, but the following year, believing they had no power to do so, refused to give any legal right to engage in the liquor traffic.

There was another point at issue, although subordinate to the license question, which was the power granting to each ward the privilege of electing two aldermen instead of one, thus increasing the council to 14 members. Originally each alderman received $200 per year: the present charter allows $2 per meeting; and although the number of aldermen has been doubled, for 1877 the 14 were paid one-half what the seven formerly were.

Both parties lough t hard for what they believed to be their right. The new charter was adopted by a majority of 220, there being 971 votes for, and 751 cast against its adoption.

The question of minority representation was also voted on at this election. This mode would have given to each ward three aldermen. It was almost unanimously voted down, there being but 12 votes cast for it, and 1,707 against, defeating the measure by 1,695 votes.

The new charter giving the council the privilege of granting licenses, that body shortly after the election exercised the power, and at present from its effects there are 16 licensed saloons in the city doing a thriving business ; at least enough to enable them to pay $600 annually for the privilege of selling.

Early in the winter of 1854-5 railroad trains reached Galesburg. This was a season of joyous demonstration by her citizens. They had labored long and earnestly for it. We speak at length of railroads in another chapter, to which we refer the reader.

From the earliest period of the history of Galesburg until slavery was crushed, there was no place in the liberty-loving North that took a more active part in breaking the chains of bondage and making freemen out of four million of people born under our national ensign of liberty, the stars and stripes. The first anti-slavery society formed in this section of the State was organized here the first winter after the arrival of the colonists. Here^was a [depot of the famous "underground railroad" which did such a thriving business in black freight; and during the dark and bloody days of the rebellion no city was more liberal in furnishing soldiers and money to fight for the cause they so early and earnestly advocated. She sent to the front 554 " boys in blue," besides the 100-day boys and about 25 colored troops, which would make over 600. Aside from these brave men, Galesburg gave thousands of dollars in money, both for soldiers in the field and their families at home. The amount given soldiers as bounty amounted to $24,000, and $25,000 was contributed toward securing supplies for soldiers. The amount given to families of soldiers was $16,000. The Soldiers' Aid Society did a noble and wonderful work. For a fuller sketch of this worthy organization see chapter on "War - at Home." Through enthusiasm the liberality of the citizens was almost bound-; less. They gave beyond any reasonable expectation. Even the pub-, lie officials, besides giving large sums for bounty and soldiers' families, gave liberally in other ways. Wednesday evening, November 18, 1863, the City Council offered $12 per month extra for recruits up to 40, who would enlist under the call made just previously. Certainly no greater inducement was made by any town in the loyal States, considering the large county bounty obtained, and the care taken of their families. This bill, however, never became an ordinance, as Mayor Dunn did not affix to it his official signature. It was found to be unwise; but it showed the willingness of the people to do.

The city of Galesburg has several salient features, which combine to make it a most desirable place of residence. It has four railway arms leading to the four points of the compass; has excellent public school?, with six large buildings, the high-school structure being one of the finest in the State; two colleges that are unsurpassed for thoroughness; a seminary for young ladies, with superior teachers in all departments; a commercial college of established reputation; with fine churches occupied by all of the leading denominations; with pleasant parks and drives; delightful residences and streets; a good article of coal gas; cheap coal, and all desirable city features.

In 1872, October 12, the city bought of Knox College what is now known as the City Park. This park is bounded by Tompkins, Cherry, South and Cedar streets, and contains blocks 38 and 39 of the original town. The city had the privilege of paying for it in twenty years. The last $14,000, however, was paid in 1877.

as an inducement to secure the county seat, on condition that the court-house should be erected thereon. The city gives the county the privilege of either erecting tire court-house on this park or on the Public Square.

The city taxes are at present lower than in any other city of the State. For ?nany years, during the war and the agitation of the removal of the county seat, the city made large expenditures aside from supplying its regular and material wants. It cost the city in the neighborhood of $50,000 direct to secure the county seat, besides large sums incidentally expended during the past twenty years.

The first bonds issued by the city was in 1860, to fund the city indebtedness. Bonds to the amount of $30,000 were issued for two and three years. Those that have been issued from time to time have sold at par, and generally taken by home capitalists. Previous to April? 1877, all bonds drew from 8 to 10 per cent. At that date all the bonds bearing the higher rate of interest were called in, and those drawing 8 per cent, issued.

Gas Works. - Galesburg Gas Light and Coke Company organized with a capital of $100,000 in 1860. Nothing permanent was done toward forwarding the manufacture of gas until 1865, when the company began to prepare to supply the city. Since then, starting with three miles of mains, new ones have been laid each year, until at present there are eight miles of gas pipe in the streets of the city. The most distant main is about one mile in length.

This company is purely a home enterprise, having been organized, and stock taken, by citizens of Galesburg. Hon. R. H. Whiting) President of the company, was the most prominent man engaged in the enterprise. C. E. Carr was the first Secretary. The present incumbent is J. K. Mitchell. There are 12 men employed by the company. The factory is on Cedar street, between Ferris and Waters.

furnished from wells and cisterns. Of the wells there are- two, one located in George W. Brown's works, and the other- at the Frost Manufactory. The one at Brown's is 12 feet in diameter, and was dug as deeply as it could be for the influx of water. The city has constructed a large reservoir on Seminary street, with a capacity of 1,100 barrels, and one on West street, holding 1,500 barrels. These are kept constantly filled from the wells. The water pipes extend only through the central portion of the city. At various points on the mains are located 12 hydrants. The water, is forced through these pipes by two large steam pumps, one at Mr. Brown's works, and one at Frost Manufacturing Company's works. Besides these wells the -city has made some 20 large cisterns.

Fire department, - The first effectual move to have a Fire Department was made in 1856, when the Council ordered a fire engine, and the "Prairie Bird," with hose cart, was bought. The company was organized the same year, with H. K. Sanderson, Chief. It was composed of almost all the business men of the city. In 1860 went to -Quincy, and took first prize in a tournament. In 1862 "Pioneer Hook and Ladder Co." was organized, but disbanded in 1863. In 1865 the "Erickson Engine Co. No. 2" was organized, with new engine, and also the " Marshall Hose Co. No. 2." June 25, 1873, the boys took engine and cart to the square, and made their farewell parade and play. In July, 1869, the " Rescue Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1" was organized by prominent men, who bought their own machine, and tendered their services to the city. "Steam Pump Hose Co. No. 3" was organized in 1870. It is located at Brown's shops. The "Tornado Engine No. 1," and the " Stewart Hose No. 1," located near the City Hall, was organized several years ago. The -companies have won several prizes at State tournaments.

Galesburg Public Library. - In the "Centennial History of Galesburg" prepared by Prof. George Churchill, he says, in giving an historical sketch of the Public Library:

"Either in 1857 or 1858, the 'Young Men's Literary and Library Association' was organized, but as the records of the association have been unfortunately lost, I am unable to give the names of the founders, the dates of organization or subsequent operations with as much accuracy as would be desired. In the newspaper reports I find the names of Newton Briggs, J. W. Baker, J. C. Hurlburt, F. Col ton, M. M. Clark, E. R. Adams and Prof. A. Hurd, as taking an active part in its early history. I find also numerous reports of debates and literary exercises held, in which many of our lawyers and leading citizens took part.

"In the winter of 1858-9 a lecture course was arranged, and Pres. H. Curtis, John Lyle King, Prof. A. Hiird, Fred Douglas and Geo. D. Prentice gave lectures. In the winter of 1859-60, the Lecture Committee was M. M. Clark, N. Briggs and }- J. "W. Baker, who brought forward as lecturers, Doesticks, Rev. T. Starr King, R. "W, Emerson, Rev. E. H. Chapin, Prof. Youmans and H. Greeley. I suppose these lectures proved financially successful, as on Feb. 1, 1860, the association had 400 volumes of standard works, and over $100 worth of furniture in their hall. At this time it was deemed best to enlarge the field of operation, and after due consultation the constitution was remodeled, its preamble setting forth that its object was 'The diffusion of sound knowledge among our citizens.'

"On June 15, 1860, the directors invited the public to attend their re-opening, and notice was given that thereafter the Library would be open for drawing books every Friday evening. The City Library, as thus organized, pursued the even tenor of its way, with ups and downs, yet nevertheless with a steady increase of books and interest, until the winter of 1873-74, when an arrangement was made by which, under the general law of the State, it became 'A Free Public Library for the city of Galesburg.' '

The present Board of Directors are T. J. Hale, Dr. G. W. Foote, Dr, C. E. Stone, P. M. Johnson, J. W. Cothren, Prof. Geo. Churchill, H. W. Belden, Wm. Davis and Dr. A. G. Humphrey. Mrs. F. A. Smith was chosen permanent Librarian, Oct. 21, 1874, which position she still retains. In the discharge of her duties she is prompt, affable and impartial. The following is her report for September, 1878:

An interesting and instructive feature is the collection of a museum. L. G. Conley, Esq., has presented an excellent collection of geological specimens. The great success attained is largely due to the personal labors of Profs. Hurd and Churchill and Dr. Foote.

Health Institutions. - Galesburg is the oldest point west of New York State known as a health retreat, not because it is a healthier place than any other, but because the first " water-cure " in the West was started here. The first building opened in the city for the treatment of patients by the hydropathic and hygienic svstem was the one erected by Theodore Jennings for the purpose on North street. It was opened May 1, Dr. John B. Gully, now of Geneva, 111., being the physician. Although the patronage was all the institution could accommodate, the hard times of 1857-8_caused it to be closed in the fall of the latter year.

In the fall of 1862 Dr. A. G. Humphrey and wife, both physicians, came to Galesburg, and in the following spring re-opened the old ''Water-Cure" on North street. They ,[ had fair patronage until in 1865, when they sold out their interest to Dr. Henry McCall, and went to St. Anthony, Minn., taught a class in Dr. Trail's Hygeio- Therapeutic College for a short time, and in the spring of 1866 returned to Galesburg and established a health institution near Lombard University, which he has conducted ever since.

From 1860 to 1865 the name "water-cure" was dropped by most of the health reformers, as it was so inappropriate, the believers attaching far more importance to pure air, movements, rest, diet, temperature, etc., than to water. The term "Hygienic"kis now generally assumed.

In June, 1877, Ewing Summers and wife, the latter a physician, came from Lansing, Mich., and took possession of the institute near Lombard University, retaining Dr. Humphrey as a partner, but -in April, 1878, they removed up town and opened a "Health Institute" at 74 East Main street.

As a 'city, Galesburg has furnished these institutions a very large patronage, but patients are also received by them from all parts of the Northwest.

Sketches. - The first sketch of the town was prepared by its founder, Rev. G. W. Gale, in 1845. It was entitled "A brief history of Knox College," and contained 15 pages, 12mo. So closely were the town and college allied at that time that a history of one would necessarily incorporate that of the other. This sketch was afterward bodily introduced into Sellon's History of Galesburg, which was printed by J. H. Sherman, Galesburg, in 1857. This is a pamphlet of 64 pages, and contains the history of Galesburg from the time it was founded in 1837 to 1857.

An "Historical Discourse" concerning Galesburg was delivered in the First Church, June 22, 1866, by Rev. Flavel Bascom, and a Statistical Paper, prepared by Rev Frederic T. Perkins, pastor of the First Church.

Tillage," by Mary Allen West, ran through 15 numbers of OUT Home Monthly, published in Philadelphia. This story commenced in the October number, 1873. Although the writer made no claims to penning a history of Galesburg, yet the foundations of the highly graphic and romantic story were taken from the history of this city.

A Historical Paper, read by Mary Allen West before the Old Settlers' Association July 4, 18T3, and published in the Republican- Register of July 29 and August 5, 1873.

In 1876 Prof. Geo. Churchill prepared by request a "Centennial History of Galesburg." This was by far the most complete and elaborate history ever published of the city. It is well written, and embraces the history from its inception to 1876.

The Union Hotel Slock. - This fine structure, which is shown in the engraving, stands at the north side of the Public Square, in the city of Galesbnrg. It is modern in style of architecture, substantially built of brick and stone, four-stories high, and has a frontage of 114 feet on the square, and a depth of 90 feet on Broad street, besides an ample two-story addition in the rear for kitchen and servants' rooms. It is the property of the Galesburg Hotel Company, which was organized in March, 1869, with a capital stock of $300,000 in shares of $50 each. The site was purchased, and the erection of the original building - since burned down - was begunan the fall of 1869, and completed in October, 1870. The old block was, in all essential points, a duplicate of the present one. It had been finished and occupied but a few months when, from some unknown cause, it took fire on the evening of April 18, 1870.

It was resolved to rebuild; and by April 1, 1872, at a cost - lot and building - of about $100,000 the present structure was erected. The entire block was at once leased and occupied by prominent business firms.

tThe Union Hotel proper occupies a portion of the first floor and the entire upper stories of the block. A Western Union telegraph office in the main front hall furnishes ready means, with its myriad wires, for the transmission of thought to and from all portions of the civilized world. The house is lighted with gas and heated by steam. It has all the modern improvements and elegant appointments of a first-class city hotel.

The Farmers' and Mechanics' Sank was chartered March 31st, 1869, with an authorized capital of $200,000. Its banking office is located in an elegant corner-room of the Union Hotel Block. The bank room and parlor are conveniently arranged and neatly furnished. The massive vault was constructed after the great Chicago fire, and combines the latest improvements to guard against fire and burglary. Inside of the vault stands a new steel cash-box, made of 32 thicknesses of steel and weighing 6,000 pounds, secured by four combination and chronometer locks of the latest invention. -

The following gentlemen are Directors: C. S. Colton, Capt. Charles E. Grant, E. R. Adams, Geo. V. Dieterioh, Francis Colton, "Wilkins Seacord, Wyrum Wiswell, Geo. C. Alden and Job Swift.

The officers of the bank are: Francis Colton, President; Charles E. Grant, Vice President; Wm. H. Little, Cashier; P. F. Brown, Teller; G.Y. Dieterich, Clerk of Board.

George Premier, druggist, an occupant of this Hotel Block, established his business here in 1872. By judicious management he has gained a prominent place in the drug trade of the city. With a large stock of all articles appropriate to his line, his fine location and ample experience, Mr. B. possesses facilities for supplying the wants of customers equal to any house in the country.

Antedating the Gaiesburg Horticultural Society there existed in Knox county a society which represented the combined interests of horticulture and agriculture, under the name of the " Downing Horticultural Society." As early as 1857 there are extant records of the meetings and doings of a "Farmers' Club," of which Eli Farnham was President, and C. A. Hinkley, Secretary. In the latter part of that year the Downing Horticultural Society was organized, and for two years held its monthly meetings, at which interesting reports were read and topics discussed pertaining to the plants, trees and flowers of this locality.

The officers of the present year are as follows: President, Prof. J. Y. K. Standish; Yice President, Mrs. T. J. Hale; Secretary, Albert J. Perry; Treasurer, Mrs. J. Y. N. Standish; Executive Committee, T. J. Hale, Dr. A. G. Humphrey, R. W. Hunt, Mrs. J. W. Dieterich, and Mrs. J. Y. N. Standish. The membership now is over 200.

Galesburg Philharmonic Society

The Philharmonic Society is a large and flourishing musical association located at Gaiesburg. It has for its object the mutual improvement of its many members in the art and rendition of music, and the development of musical taste within the sphere of its influ ence. The Board of Management at present consists of five trustees and the following officers: President, Alonzo Wookey, Gaiesburg;

This association was organized in the city of Galesburg, 111., on the 22d day of Feb., 1878, by the following gentlemen, who are corporate members under a charter granted by the State, and who constitute the Board of Directors and officers of the institution, viz: Hon. Newton Bateman, President; Hon. Francis Colton, Vice President; Capt. Francis Fuller, Treasurer; Hon. O. F. Price, Attorney; A. P. Willoughby, Esq., Secretary. The remaining directors are J. C. Stewart, Geo. W. Brown, R. L. Hannaman, and Judge Dennis Clarke.

This association is strictly a benevolent institution, organized for the purpose of affording relief to the families or friends of the members, when disease or casualty shall disable such members. It is purely mutual in its operations. The well-known character and ability of the officers and directors, and the benevolent features of the institution have already made it popular and successful. The semiannual statement just issued makes a very gratifying exhibit.

Source changes here: from Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, by Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago, published 1886; 3,753 words in this source stream.

Henderson Township

^ENDERSON TOWNSHIP was organized April 5, 1853. The meeting was called to 'f^- order by William McMurtry; S. G. Dean was appointed Moderator, and W. R. Jackson, Clerk; 155 votes were cast at this election, resulting in the choice of Peter Frans for Supervisor; Martin W. Gay, Clerk; James McMurtry, Assessor ; G. G. Dean, Collector ; Thomas McKee and Abraham Jackson, Justices of the Peace.

Henderson for Knox County is a historical and an interesting point, for it was here that the first settlement was made. In February, 1828, Daniel Robertson found his way into the township, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 15, and commenced his improvements. This was the first settlement made in the county. This land was subsequently claimed by a speculator, and Mr. Robertson, rather than to have any trouble, gave it up and located on the southwest corner of section 11. His brother Alex, and brother-in-law, Richard Mathews, came in soon after and made a claim on section 2. During the spring and summer of this year, Jacob Gum, John B. Gum, James Gum, Zephaniah Gum (sons of Jacob), Riggs Pennington, Stephen Osborn, Robert and Eaton Nance, B. Coy, A. Frakes, R. Greenwell, Thomas Sheldon and N. Voiles, with their families, and Jesse Gum, Alex, and Andrew Osborn, James Reynolds and M. D. Coy, unmarried men, all located along the eastern and southwestern skirts of Henderson Grove. Early in the fall Thomas McKee and Alex. Frakes joined the settlement, locating on the southwest quarter of section 9. Of these " twenty-eighters," only two are now living - Daniel Robertson and Maj. Thomas McKee, the former at his old homestead, and the latter in Galesburg. Daniel Robertson married in the winter of 1830. Alex. Robertson died in 1853. His widow afterward married again, but is now dead. John B. Gum located on section 32, Zephaniah on section 14 and James on section 34. James in a later day moved to Oregon, and Zephaniah to Missouri. John moved to Knox Township and afterward to Oregon. Riggs Pennington moved to Texas in 1836.

The Nances located on section 9. Robert Nance moved to Menard County in 1831, where he died, and Eaton Nance moved to Missouri and died there. Stephen Osborn located on section 23; he raised a large family of children and died at Henderson village. His widow survived him for many years. He was the first Sheriff of Knox County. Alex. Frakes, who came with his wife and five children, moved to Oregon in 1853, with a part of his family. He died there a few years ago. He was from Indiana, but a native of Kentucky.

In 1829 William and James McMurtry and Philip Hash, with their families, formed a further addition to the pioneer settlement, locating on section 3 William became quite an active and prominent politician; was Lieutenant-Governor from r848 to 1852. He died at the old homestead. His wife had preceded him to the other world. His son, James C, is living on the old place. His brother James still occupies the farm on which he first settled. Robert Greenwell located on the northwest quarter of section 15. After a few years he moved to Grand River, Mo., where he died. Thomas Shelden in the spring of 1829 moved to Rock Island, and went to work for Col. George Davenport. He died that year.

Maj. Thomas McKee was in the first and second Black Hawk Wars. He went to Schuyler County and lived for awhile. In 1830 he married Maria Rice at Henderson Grove. In 1830 Thomas Ferguson, the Roundirees, Goffs, William Lewis and Solomon Davis with their families came in, locating along the south sidej of the grove, and following them were the Brown brothers, filling up the gap with farms around to the old "Galena Trail."

During the last-named year that worthy old citizen, Harmon G. Brown, from Kentucky, came in, locating about a mile south of Henderson village. He wintered there and the next year married Nancy Hogan, and also changed his location to the southwest quarter of section 30, where he and his good wife are still living, surrounded by children, grandchildren and loving friends. One of his boys - Henry Clay - was killed during the siege of Vicksburg.

Solomon Davis died May 2, 1862, but his widow, Lucinda, is still living at the old homestead, section 32, with her children, although in feeble health and in her 82d year. They had a family of nine children, six of whom are still living. Solomon Davis was in the Black Hawk War, in active service, and held the rank of Lieutenant. He left his wife and three children with Maj. McKee 's family, who were then in Sangamon County.

Peter Bell, Thomas Maxwell, Squire Reed and James Reynolds also moved in in 1830. Peter Bell located on section 32, now the Frans place, and James Reynolds also on section 32.

The Indians were about here during the early settlement. They lived in their wigwams, helped the settlers in sugar-making and other work, and were friendly until the war broke out.

Harmon Brown went back to Kentucky, and when he returned, which was in the fall of 1 831, he brought his sister, Mrs. Sally Frans, with him. She rode a horse all the way, carrying her two small children. Her husband, Peter Frans, followed some months later. He died in 1863. He was a strong sympathizer with the Rebellion, so much so that his life at one time was in some danger. His Union neighbors got a flag and forced him to put it on his house, and compelled him to keep it there. Sometimes they would find it down on the ground and ihen they would go and put it up, or compel him to raise it. Mr. and Mrs. Frans raised a large family of children, seven of whom are living. Mrs. Frans is also living on the old farm on section 33.

Mrs. Zephaniah Gum received the hearty congratulations of her neighbors for presenting the first native citizen to the settlement in June, 1829. He grew up to useful manhood and died at about 21 years of age. Alex. Osborn and Ann Hendiicks were the first two loving hearts to unite their fortunes for life, which was in the warm summer month of July, 1829. Alexander was obliged to go all the way to Rushville to procure the necessary papers to consummate this event. His good example was soon followed by Fielden Hash and Elizabeth Razor, who were united by Philip Hash.

The first death was that of Philip Nance, who died Jan. 7, 1829. His remains were interred on J the southeast quarter of section 9. Maj. McKee placed a marble slab at his grave. Since then there has been an iron fence put around it.

The first school was taught by Franklin B. Barber in a log shanty near the grove, in 1830. There was another opened in 1833 on section 31, taught by Harmon G. Brown. It is now the 4th School District. Mr. Barber died in Te.xas.

Rev. Jacob Gum preached the first sermon in 1829. In the summer religious meetings were held in the woods, after the manner of the AfKDStles, and in the winter in the log cabins. Mr. Gum was a Baptist. The Baptists were the first to organize here, the Universalists next, then the Christians ; now the Methodists and the United Brethren are in the ascendancy.

The first "corn-cracker" was put up in 1830, on Henderson Creek. This was quite an event to the pioneers, but when, in 1833, the Ferris brothers - William and Olmstead - put up a steam mill, the settlers felt that they had no more to ask for. This mill was located on the northeast corner of section 30, on Henderson Creek; at one time in an early day there were six mills within six miles of each other. There is nothing now to indicate that there was ever a mill here.

For the first few years the people went to Rushville for their mail. In 1833 a post-office was established in the township, and John G. Sanburn held the commission from the Government as Postmaster. This post-office was located on section 32, where Mi. Sanburn had a store, which he opened in 1832. Near here, on section 33, White & McCarver established a store in 1833.

The first court held in the county was in John B. Gum's house, on section 32, southeast quarter. He had a double log cabin, and the county rented a part of it. It was near Sanburn's store. Court was held here about two years. The building is now owned by the Davis family. Mary Ann and James Davis were young children in 1833, the former about three, and ' the latter one and a half years of age. They went out to play in the woods one warm spring morning, and not returning by noon their parents went out to '^ look for them. Not readily finding them, they became alarmed and a general search was instituted. It became dark and they were not found. The whole neighborhood then turned out, and the hunt was continued until the next day without success. Along in the forenoon Harmon G. Brown discovered them near the edge of the prairie in a straw-stack. They were much frightened when Mr. Brown came to them, and tried to run away. They seemed to have become a little wild. It was supposed that they had gone down to the stream called South Henderson and followed it down. The girl had some sorrel in her apron, which they had been eating. When brought home they refused to eat at first. James is dead, and Mary Ann is living on the old place.

One warm spring day in 1832, Mr. Brown thought he would go liunting, a sport he was not only very fond of, but in which he was very successful. Becoming tired, he sat down on a log near the creek for a rest. While thus resting in his solitary seclusion, a large blue crane flew over and alighted on a tree near by, where it had a large nest near the top. Not particularly desiring tlie companionship of the crane, and wishing to test his skill, he drew his old and trusty rifle on the bird and fired. The crane sprang several feet up in the air, and coming down caught in the forked limb of the tree, where it remained. While gazing at the dead crane he heard a noise, and looking in the direction from which it came, he beheld a raven peeking out from a large hole in the trunk of the same tree that held the crane. Having been so successful in bringing down the crane, Mr. Brown concluded to draw his bead on the raven. He fired, and the raven fell back into the hole. Looking up again, he saw anotlier raven in the hole. He reloaded his rifle, and the raven still remained staring at him; he fired again, and the second raven disappeared into the hole. This hole seemed to be prolific in ravens, for no sooner had the second one passed down than a third put in an appearance. He was treated to another charge of lead from Mr. Brown's unerring rifle, with the same result. This practice was kept up, Mr. Brown entering enthusiastically into the sport, thinking that this was the land, or rather the tree of the raven, until seven had gone down the hole. He gazed long and wistfully for another to come out, but, none appearing, he shouldered his rifle with some disappointment and started for home. Arriving there, his brother and neighbors wanted to know what he had been firing at. He was loth to tell them, thinking they would not believe him, as ravens were not numerous and were among the wildest of birds and the most difficult to get a shot at. They replied that they were not disposed to doubt his veracity. When he told them, they asked for the birds. He replied that he would produce them if they would cut down what he believed to be the largest tree in Henderson Grove. They accepted the challenge, and agreed to meet the next morning with axes ground and proceed to the raven slaughter, and have ocular proof of what they considered the biggest raven story on record. At the appointed time they all met, and after a walk of some minutes they arrived at the tree. What was their great surprise when, on looking down at the foot of the tree, they saw the seven ravens lying there dead, instead of being down inside of the hole. The only solution to this raven mystery was that there were one or more live ones left and they had thrown the dead ones out.

Anticipating an Indian outbreak, the settlers came together and erected a fort. They then fonned what was called a minute company of Rangers for home protection, and concluded that should there be an outbreak, they would send their families out of the county. But there was no trouble here. The fort was located on section ^3, now the home of Mrs. Chas. Evans. The settlers lived happily, and some of those still living do not think there was so much hardship and suffering as is sometimes reported. They had then to go to Rushville, a distance of 75 miles, for their mail, which was a great inconvenience, and they felt some uneasiness on account of the Indians. But they had plenty of home-made clothes to keep them warm, plenty of wild game, pork and beans, and corn-bread and honey to eat, and after the first year of the settlement they had plenty of wheat-bread ; this, added to what they believed to be a prosperous future before them, gave reasonable grounds for contentment.

Harmon Brown tells of a hunting expedition which he, in connection with Peter Frans and Benjamin Bruington (known by old settlers as "Governor" Bruingtoii), had in the fall of 1833. They started out for a several days' hunt, going in a northeasterly direction. Late in the day they came to a grove, since known as Walnut Grove, some 15 miles from home, where they halted. Mr. Brown put out his . bee-bait, the "Governor" went in search of a camping ground, and Peter Frans started out for a deer. Soon a bee came to the bait, and Mr. Brown had no trouble in following it back to its hive, which was in a large dead burr-oak tree. The report of Frans* rifle was heard echoing through the woods, and soon he came in with a large buck across his horse. They made their camp near the bee-tree. It was then growing dark, and they built a large fire to give them light while cutting down the tree. It was a large tree, and they had but one ax, which they used by turns. It was a late supper they had that night, but a good one, and was enjoyed by the hunters. It consisted of fried venison, bread and butter, honey and hot coffee. After their repast they went to work to get out their honey. The hole was full for some 12 feet, and they estimated that there was at least a barrel of honey, which was as pure and white as any honey they ever saw. They made a bag of tiie deerskin and had it about full, when, to their horror, they discovered that the prairie south of the grove, where Galesburg now stands, was on fire, and the wind was blowing toward their cabins. They hastily broke camp, took their honey and venison, and mounting their horses started for their homes. It was very dark, and they experienced some difficulty in crossing the prairie sloughs, but they arrived home in about two hours. The fence on Mr. E. Morse's place was on fire. They threw it down and put out the fire. From there they went to James Reynolds' place and threw down the fence for a mile, putting out the fire. Alfred Brown's fence was also on fire, which they treated the same way. They then went about three miles into Floyd Township, Warren County, where they found Edmond and Henry Adcock's fences on fire. Here they threw down a mile of burning fence and saved it from the flames. While fighting the fire here the sun arose. They breakfasted at the Adcocks' and then returned to their homes, completely tired out. The fire caused them so much work in repairing fences that they never finished their hunt.

June 2, 1836, the first installment of the Galesburg Colony, 25 in number, arrived. They were soon followed by a second company. Others came singly and in groups. They all located south of the grove and built up what afterward became somewhat distinguished as Log City, on section 33. When the cold weather set in, there was in this " city' ' a population of 170 souls, living in cabins. As this settlement here was only temporary, and does not strictly belong to the history of Henderson Township, a further account of it will be given elsewhere.

In the spring of 1837 came the balance of the colony, among whom were S. W. Allen, wife and one child, who permanently settled in the township, at Log City, where he lived three years, when he moved into Galesburg and is now residing there. He was the first butcher in the county, opening his market at Log Cit) . He supplied this settlement, Henderson, Knoxville and Galesburg. Mr. Allen raised a large family of children, one of whom, S. O., was the first male child born in Log City, and who is now living in Henderson Township, and is a thrifty farmer and one of the prominent citizens of the township. (See biography.)

An effort was made by the citizens of this township to secure the railroad line through here. Had they been successful, probably the principal city of the county would have been built somewhere within its borders. As it is, without a railroad, it has a fair growth. It contains a beautiful body of timber, known as Henderson's Grove. It is well watered by Henderson Creek and its tributaries, and much of the soil is rich. The western and northwestern portions are somewhat broken, but in the eastern parts Jhere are some fine roUing prairies. There are many fine farms in the township and good, substantial dwellings. Most of the farmers are thrifty and in good circumstances. Some remain who can look to the days when this country was a wilderness - to the time when the foundations for homes were laid, and to the struggles and privations which were necessary to complete those homes. They can contemplate now the realization of the hopes and the aspirations of their youth, and the progress and development that have been made duringthe first half century. The population of the township in 1880 was 1,454. which is about the figures now. Henderson village is situated in the township, but it is not a very thrifty town.

fffifENDERSON was laid out June ii, 1835, by f-i.^yi5 Parnach Owen, for Calvin Glass, and is (|}K*'°^ located on section 14, Henderson Township. A At a very early day there were great expecta- T tioiis concerning Henderson. But the growth 1 of a town is not always within the control of individuals interested in it. It was so in this instance. At one time Henderson had five stores, two shoeshops and three or four blacksmith-shops. The first store opened was by Gardner & ("hapin. A gristmill was put np here by one of the Osborns, in 1829. The burrs were brought here by Jacob Gum. The mill was run by hand at first. A saw-mill was started here in 1830. An enterprising man, who believed that a " little wine was good for the stomach's sake," put up a distillery here. It was burned and rebuilt, burned again, but not rebuilt again. Evidently there were some people here who did not believe in the above quotation.

Henderson was incorporated in 1838. An election was held March 7, to vote on incorporation, which resulted in 28 votes being cast for the measure and none against it. The village records have been destroyed and the village officials elected cannot be given Tlie village organization, as well as the village, is still kept up - for what reason, it is difficult to determine. Henderson Township has to help pay the village expenses. There is some good farming land that might be used to good purpose lying idle and unproductive here. Within the corporate limits it is estimated that there are now about 150 persons.

Methodist Episcopal Church

The Methodist Episcopal Church at this place was organized in 1837, and consisted of about a dozen members, among them Samuel Mathena, Sarah Mathena, Anson Rowe, Lorana Rowe, Ruth Burner, Susan Burner, Rebecca Pippin, Plina Morse and Catherine Norris. The following constitute the list of pastors who have officiated here, so far as their names could be secured, and the term of service of each one: Rev. Mr. Waters, 1841 ; N. S. Plummer, 1842-43; Samuel Burr, 1844; U. J. Giddings, 1845; R. N. Morse, 1846; H. Hadley, 1847-78; no record of the two years following; Wooliscroft, 1852-53; Watson Bell and VV. N. McKaig, 1854; J. B. Quimby, 1855; L. P. Crouch, 1856-67; J.D.Taylor, 1858-59; F. R. Boggess, i860; H. Bresson, 1861; A. K. Tullis, 1862-64 ; T. Watson, 1865 ; J. B. Smith, 1866; Wm. Haney, 1867 ; J. Luccock, 186S-69; D. Pershin, 1870; J. M. Murphy, 1871-72 ; N. T. Allen, 1873; H. Brink, 1874-75; D. Ayers, 1876; A. Kellar, 1877 ;N. G. Clark, 1878-80; H. S. Humes, 1881-83; J.Rugh, 1884-85, and N.T. Allen, present pastor. The first meetings were held at private houses or in the school-house. In the year 1849 or 1850, a church building was completed, which was the joint pror.erty of the Methodists and Baptists. The United Brethren now worship in this building. The beautiful edifice in which the Methodists now worship was built and dedicated in 1874. The present membership is 40. David Henderson, Miss Annie Rowe and Miss Ettie Riley constitute the Board of Stewards. The Sunday-school numbers about 50.

Source changes here: from Annals of Knox County : Commemorating Centennial of Admission of Illinois As a State of the Union in 1818, by Knox County (Ill.). Centennial Historical Association, published 1921; 3,214 words in this source stream.

Henderson Township

It is meet and seemly that some permanent record be placed in the archives of the Centennial History of Illinois of the citizens of Henderson, who have been identified with the early history of Knox county and been prominent in the upholding of the commonwealth that those who came after them may know to whom they are indebted for the benefits they now enjoy. We are all debtors to the honored and useful lives of those brave pioneers, who blazed and prepared the way for coming generations.

The distinct personality of this locality in the history of our state and county arouses in us a feeling of pride in our past, because our earliest settlers exercised a great influence that has been a great value to humanity. The future of Knox county and Henderson in no small part lay in the hands of those early pioneers. A future full of hardships but also full of hope.

In writing the early history of this particular locality, one is obliged to ignore much that must naturally come in other parts of this history. We find we have to tell the history of the state or the history of the county, not the history of Henderson township. Take the important figures in the history of this region during the earlier period and you will find they do not belong particularly to Henderson, but to the greater areas of which this place is but a small part.

The question naturally arises, whence came the first settlers ? What conditions drove them to face the hardships and privations of the frontier to make new homes.

It has been said that before the railroads emigration moved on parallels of latitude. This was never more clearly illustrated than in the early settlement of Knox county. It is safe to say that the majority of the early settlers were either natives or descendants of natives of Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. Many of them had ancestors who were also pioneers in these same states. Some came from the eastern states. They were extraordinary people, courageous, hardy, intelligent, honest, industrious, honorable, patriotic and God-fearing. A more self-reliant set of men and women never trod the earth. The immigrants who were to settle Henderson crossed the Ohio river in their covered wagons (prairie schooners), with a jerk line in one hand and a rifle in the other, a few coming by horseback or by foot. Conditions in Kentucky and other southern states drove the small farmer to emigrate.

and below the ground, it seems strange there was not a rush of settlers into this region in spite of the natural inference that the land that could not produce trees must be worthless as farm land, which has proved in the end to be the richest possession of our "Prairie State."

When we consider that Daniel Robertson and his brother, Alexander, the first settlers in Henderson township, did not come until 1828, when Illinois had been a state ten years, one naturally asks why it was that a locality full of possibilities was not settled at an earlier date? There were many influences to retard immigration ; the actual opening of land offices, the promised land sales, the extinguishing of Indian titles, the limited means of travel, the Indians themselves, and others no less important.

The early settlers of Henderson invariably located in the timber or along its border. This is not so strange when we consider that these pioneers mostly had been brought up in the shelter of the woods. This nearness to the timber was an advantage in many ways. It furnished material for their log houses, fuel for their fireplaces, meat for their food, and shelter from the fierce cold winds in winter, which often caused a great deal of suffering. The first settlers were verj^ fond of hunting and many interesting stories are told of them in quest of wild turkey, prairie chicken and deer.

Henderson was the first township in Knox county to be settled by white men. It is well watered by the branches which make up the head waters of Henderson river. Along these branches originally stood one of the finest groves of timber to be found anywhere in Illinois. Here was a favorite place for Indians, who had extensive fields of corn on Sections 23 and 26, south of the village of Henderson. These Indians were friendly and remained till the breaking out of the Black Hawk War, when they left without doing any serious harm.

Alexander and Daniel Robertson, two Scotch brothers, left their father's home in Morgan county, Illinois, and came to Schuyler county, where they remained one year. In February, 1828, they set out, each riding an old mare and carrying a gun and ax, came to Henderson township and settled first on Section 15. Daniel 22, and Alexander 20 years of age and single. Here they built their first log house together. This house stood east of the creek at the top of the hill, a short distance south of the wagon road and was about midway between where is now the Rio Branch of the C, B. & Q. railroad and the State Aid road. The Robertsons lived here several years together, till their land was claimed by a speculator named Baker. During the discussion over the possession of the land Baker shot at Daniel but missed him. The later went to the cabin for his gun, but was persuaded by his wife to make no further trouble. The Robertsons gave up this land and settled on the southwest comer of Section 11. Here they built their second log house, which stood across the road and northeast of the first, where Daniel lived most of his life. About 1836, Alexander settled and built a log house on Section 2, where he lived till his death in 1853.

During the next spring and summer others came, among them, Jacob Gum, a Baptist minister, who preached the first sermon in 1829, at the residence of his son, John B. Gum, on Section 32. This two-roomed log house was the first county court house. Here the first circuit court was held October 1, 1830. The judge presiding was the Hon. Richard M. Young, afterward United States Senator. Here also the first county election was held, Mr. Gum being elected the first county treasurer.

Riggs Pennington came about this time, who became one of the most prominent men of northern Illinois. Phillip Hash and Chas. Hansford. These three were the first county commissioners after the actual organization in 1830. Stephen Osbom, the first sheriff; Parnac Owen, the first county surveyor; Alex. Frakes, Major Thomas McKee, Robert and Eaton Nance, who settled on Section 9.

The first death in the county was that of a young man, Philip Nance, which occurred January 9th, 1829, in Henderson township, and was buried on Section 9. Major McKee, who came the fall before, was present at his death and funeral and was instrumental in erecting a suitable stone at his grave. A few years later, the people of the vicinity of Henderson raised money and erected an iron fence around his grave.

The next year, 1829, the brothers, William and James Mc- Murtry and their families, came in November and settled on Section 3, on a quarter bought of Riggs Pennington, paying $1.25 per acre; but afterward had to repurchase to secure a clear title. It was on their farm on the northeast 40 acres of Section 10, that the entire neighborhood assisted in building a fort, which would protect them from the Indians. Into this the surrounding families before and during the Black Hawk War would often gather. While there were often rumors of Indian uprisings, and the settlers were constantly on the watch for them, they were never molested by them. A company of rangers was organized by Wm. McMurtry, who was their captain, to be ready to pursue the Indians in all directions if needed. In 1832, James McMurtry, accompanied by F. Freeman and Thomas McKee went to Rock Island for guns to protect the settlers during the Black Hawk War. They secured 100, which were sent down the river as far as Ruthsbury, and from there by teams to his home, where they were distributed to the settlers. He sei*\'ed during the Black Hawk War under Major Butler. The pioneers, Wm. and James McMurtry, were descended from pioneer ancestors. Their grandfather, Captain John McMurtry, was a pioneer in the state of Kentucky, along with Daniel Boone and others. He made the stones and the first mill for grinding com meal in Kentucky, He was killed fighting the Indians as Captain of Kentucky militia in 1790. William McMurtry became quite an active and prominent politician. He was a firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party and a friend of Stephen A. Douglas. It was largely through him that the history of Henderson is so closely connected with the early history of the county and the state. He was active in the organization of Henderson township, April 5, 1853. In 1832, he was appointed first county commissioner of school lands. This office he held till his resignation in 1840, his chief duty being to sell the school section in each township and later to distribute interest money to the teachers from the school fund.. He always took an active interest in the early schools, sold the school lands, invested the money and advanced the educational interests of the county very much. He was keenly awake to public needs, and had an eye to the interests of the people. Thus his name was brought before them as a candidate for office in the state. He was a member of the Legislature during the years 1836-37 and 1838-39 ; State Senator up to the time he was elected Lieutenant-Governor with Gov. French in 1848. In 1862 he was commissioned Colonel of the 102 Illinois Voluntaiy Infantry. After serving a short time in Kentucky he resigned on account of ill health and was honorably discharged. The McMurtrys were natives of Kentucky. They lived and died on the farms on which thev first settled in 1829.

In 1830, Thomas Furguson, Roundtrees, Goffs, Lewis and Davis with their families came in locating along the south side of the grove. Following them were the Browns, settling along the old "Galena Trail."

Peter Bell, Thomas Maxwell, Squire Reed and James Reynolds also moved in in 1830. During 1831-32 a number of families came. Among these were the Ferrises, who put up a saw mill on Henderson Creek ; Rees Jones, who built the first grist mill, in 1830, on Henderson Creek. These mills were great events to the pioneers and they felt now they had all they needed.

In 1836 the first of the Galesburg Colony came, locating south of the grove and built up what afterwards became known as Log City, on Section 33. This settlement was only temporary and does not strictly belong to Henderson township, but more to Galesburg where they finally settled.

The first few years the settlers had to go to Rushville for their mail, about 75 miles. Here Alex Osborn was obliged to go for his license to marry Ann Hendricks. This was the first marriage ceremony in Knox county. Philip Hash, the first Justice of the Peace, officiated.

In 1833 the first postoffice in the county was established on Section 32, at the store of John C. Sanburn. Mr. Sanburn held the commission from the government as the first postmaster.

The first school in the county was in Henderson township in 1830. This school was a subscription school taught by Franklin B. Barber in a log shanty near the grove. There was another school opened in 1833 on Section 31, taught by Harmon Brown. The first school district was formed at Log City in 1837, under the management of Wm. McMurtry, the first school commissioner.

The first pair of lines for driving seen in this section was brought in by Gov. Wm. McMurtiy. Having seen them used by a stage driver in Springfield, decided to have a pair. The first Sunday he was home the entire neighborhood spent trying to adjust these lines, but it could not be done till the Governor went back and had another view as to how they worked. Then he saw one check went to the other horse.

Two of the four forts built by the pioneers of Knox county were located in Henderson township. These were to protect them from hostile Indians before, during and after the Black Hawk War. One fort site has recently been located on Section 33, on what was long known as the Peter Franz farm. The other fort was on Section 10 on the land always known as the McMurtry farm. These sites commanded the view in all directions. To this the surrounding families often went, remaining for days and nights.

For a number of years the oldest house in Knox county was about one-half mile north of the village of Henderson. It was a two-roomed log house, built in 1834 by Wm, Riley. Later the oldest house standing was two miles northwest of Galesburg. Of these primitive log houses scaarcely a one can be found in the township today. No one remains who can look to the days when this country was a wildnerness, to the time when the foundations for homes were laid. For a number of years, to 1903, the longest continuous resident was Dr. James C. McMurtry, son of Wm., who came with his father's family in 1829, and was less than one year of age.

The first roads were Indian trails. The wild Indian having similar instincts as the buffalo, followed the same trails which led from timber groves to timber groves, always choosing the shortest and best routes. Many of these same trails the first settlers traveled seeking homes, and are public highways today. One of these, the great "Galena Trail," from Peoria, passed throuh the western part of this township in a northwesterly direction. Traces of this old trail can be seen today. There are evidences that the American army in the Revolutionary War under Col. Montgomery, passed over this same trail through Henderson. Ordered by Gen. George Rogers Clark to follow the Sacs and Foxes to the lake on the Illinois river (Peoria) across the country and attack them on Rock river near the mouth. This he did in 1780. The old Peoria and Rock Island road passes through the township in a northwesterly direction. This was among the first main traveled roads, much of which today is State Aid road.

These pioneers at first lived like one big family. They helped each other build their houses or anything where help was needed. They kept open-house. Strangers were always welcome and cared for. Their first log houses had a puncheon floor, split out of lynn wood, a clap-board door. The clapboards were lapped over each other from top to bottom to turn the rain. The latch was made of wood, with a string tied to it to lift and lower it in a wooden catch. Their windows were holes in the logs. Their furniture was made by hand and split from logs. The fire-places were made of mud and sticks at first, later of brick. In these rude fire-places they cooked, using long handled "skillets" and in iron pots, and baked in covered "skillets" surrounded with hot coals. Fires were started from flint stone or borrowed from a neighbor. The bedrooms were made in one end of the house by hanging quilts for curtains between the beds. Children slept in "trundle" beds, which were pushed under the larger beds during the day. Their first lights were twisted cloth floated in a saucer of grease. Later candle moulds were obtained and each family made their own candles of tallow.

The first year or two their bread was made of corn grated on a tin grater. Then their grain was prepared for food in a neighbor's mill, a hand mill, made of two stones placed together, the top one being turned back and forth with a lever.

Soon a water mill was started on Henderson Creek by Mr. Jones. Later people went to Milan, where was started a better mill for wheat floor. Often one of two neighbors went for the neighborhood and would fish while their wheat was being ground.

Sugar was made from the sap of the hard maple, which was boiled in large pans in the timber. The "buckets" were wooden troughs to catch the sap. The spiles were made of Sumack, with the pith burned out with a hot iron. Barrels of sugar and molasses were made from this sap. When it would not make these any longer they made the best of vinegar of it. Soap was made from lye, leached from ashes and grease. Starch was made from potatoes.

After the Indian War sheep were brought in and spinning wheels. The women spun and wove the wool into cloth for their clothing. This "homespun" they dyed at first with walnut bark and hulls for brown and oak bark for yellow. For green the yellow was dipped into indigo blue. They raised flax from which their linen was made. Money was scarce, but they needed little money, as there were no markets near. About the first means of obtaining money was from hunting honey of which there was an abundance in the timber. The Robertsons obtained their first money by selling honey at St. Louis. Many interesting stories are told of their bee hunts.

West of the center of Henderson township is located one of the best examples of a community center to be found. At an early date these Swedish people began to come into this township and by hard work and saving were able to purchase land and build themselves homes. Thsi community built a church in 1881. This church was burned and replaced by a more modern one about 1914.

The only village in this township is Henderson, on Section 14. It was laid out June 11, 1835, by Pamach Owen, and incoi^porated in 1838. In early days it was a flourishing place and there were great expectations for its future. Between 1840 and 1850, over 30 coopers were employed here in making barrels, which were shipped all over the state.

In 1839, the post office here was the largest in the county and previous to the building of the railroad in 1854, Henderson was nearly as important as either Knoxville or Galesburg. Through Gov. McMurtry it was able to exert sufficient influence to secure the insertion of a provision in the railroad incorporation act that the line should pass through the town, but the provision was evaded. The road going to Galesburg, leaving Henderson a few miles to the north. Subsequently, trade being attracted to the railroad stations, the village gradually declined, until little remained. In 1886, the Rio branch of the C.,

Note: Miss McMurtry gives Robertson as the name of two early comers to the township. Elsewhere the name appears as Robinson. As Miss McMurtry grew up in the township, her spelling must be accepted as correct.)