Indian Point Township

Indian Point Township

This is one of the finest townships in Knox county. It is mostly prairie land, being high, undulating and fertile. Yery little unimproved or waste lands are within its boundaries. Indian creek rises in the northern part of the township, courses southwest and empties into Cedar Fork of Spoon river. The latter stream enters the township at section 30, flows south and makes its exit on the southern line of the southwest quarter of section 31. The streams arising in the eastern part of the township meander in a southwesterly direction, swelling Spoon river.

There are two towns within the borders of the township, - Abingdon, on the northern line, and St. Augustine, almost on the southern boundary. These are connected by the C., B. & Q railroad.

Indian Point township took its name from a body of timber which extended from Cedar Fork to section 16. Along the edge of this timber was the favorite camping ground of the Indians, the remains of whose camps were extant long after settlement by the whites. In consequence of these remains this point or body of timber took the name of " Indian Point; " and when, on Monday, January 14, 1850, the townships of the county were christened, the name "Indian Point" very naturally suggested itself for this township, and ever since that time "Indian Point" has become a familiar phrase to almost every person in the county.

John C. Latimer, who settled on the northwest quarter of section 6 in 1833, is believed to have been the first white settler, at least to make this permanently his home. Mr. Latimer was born in Robinson county, Tennessee, August 18, 1812. He came to this county with his father, Joseph Latimer, in 1831. John C. Latimer still resides on the same farm he first settled, in a commodious and convenient farmhouse, near where the old log-cabin was first erected.

Others soon followed Mr. Latimer into this naturally favored township. Among them were Stephen Howard, John H. Lomax, John Howard, Sr., Rev. John Crawford, "William Stewart, Henry Russell,

Daniel Meek, John Dowdy, Manyweather Brown, Anthony Bowers, and Alexander Latimer, some of whom figured quite prominently in the early history of Knox county. Not one of the above-named pioneers, except John C. Latimer, reside in the township; and all have crossed the Jordan of death, save Alexander Latimer, Henry Russell, and Manyweather Brown. John C. Latimer seems to have been specially favored; for, although the oldest settler, he and his good wife live in peace and plenty, and enjoy the fruits of the hard toil of their earlier years; and now, as they traverse the autumn of life, it is with sadness and pleasure commingled that they reflect upon the trials and joys, die sufferings and pleasures, the sorrows and happiness of their pioneer days in this township.

The first child born in the township was Ann Frances Lomax, daughter of John H. andXancy Lomax, who was born about the 25th of October, 1835. The first death was in 1S33, that of Mr. Hibbard, an elderly gentleman, and father of Widow Robinson, at whose house he died. The first school was taught by Dennis Clark, the present County Judge, in the winter of 1S37-8, in a little log school-house on section 16. The present schools of the township are excellently managed. There are three churches, two Christian and one Catholic. The following gentlemen have represented the township in the Board of Supervisors, from year to year, since 1S53: Daniel Meek, John C. Latimer, James W. Butler, Patrick Smith, T. L. Frazier, N. R. Cashman, William Campbell, H. Crisman (by appointment to fill the unexpired term of William Campbell), and J. W. Butler, the present Svpervisor.

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This township is 10 north, range 1 east, and was one of the earliest settled townships in the county. It is said that Rev. Hiram Palmer settled on section 1 in 1828. Abraham D. Swartz came to the township in 1829. Jonathan Latimer came in 1832 and settled on section 28. He erected a little log cabin, and not being able to construct a door to it for some time, they filled a bed-tick with straw, and hung it up in the doorway to keep out the cold. Wolves frequently came prowling around and threatening an invasion of the house. When her husband was away from home Mrs. Latimer would keep up a fire all night to prevent the wolves from entering the house. These pests of a new country would often come to the doorway and press against the bed, crowding it in; but when they saw the fire would retreat. Mrs. Latimer says they have done this many nights, but the bright fire kept them at bay. Mrs. Latimer has often taken the products of her loom on horseback to Knoxville, and exchanged them for family supplies. Mrs. Catharine Reed, widow of John Reed, settled on section 17 in 1836. They located on the very ground the Indians camped on before the Black Hawk war, and used water from the same spring. Mrs. Reed was born in Scotland, in 1790, and came to America in 1796. She at present resides with her son-in-law, J. W. Kays, of this township. One of the early settlers of this township is Reuben Castle, who came in 1834 and settled on section 12. The country was in its native state, except here and there a cabin, and a field improved, until 1844; and while prairie fires ran over the country all the grass and brush were annually burned off. As soon as these fires were stopped the timber began to grow; and now much of it has attained lofty proportions, and will make from four to six rails to the cut. Mr. Castle says that panthers, wolves, and other animals would prowl around, destroying stock and annoying the settlers. William Bevans, in 1834, was carrying some soft soap to his home from where he was working, and was attacked by three black wolves. In defending himself with his axe he spilled his soap; and while the wolves were devouring it he fled and reached home in safety.

The first child born in this township was Helen E. Swartz, daughter of A. D. Swartz, born in November, 1829. The first marriage was that of U. D. Coy and Susie Latimer, in December, 1833. The first death was Miss Olive Strange, who died in 1834. The first sermon was preached at the residence of A. D. Swartz, by Rev. Hiram Palmer.

This is one of the finest bodies of land in Knox county. It contains more miles of railroad than any other township in the county. The corporate limits of the city of Galesburg cover nine sections. Gaddial Scott broke the first land in the township. He, with Edward Morse, were the first settlers. Mr. Scott settled on section 19 in 1834. Mr. Morse settled on section 3. As the history of the city of Galesburg mostly includes the history of the township, we will not repeat it, but refer the reader to that portion of this work.

Galesburg township, including the city of Galesburg, contains 18,318 acres of improved, and 1,658 acres of unimproved lands. Value of land outside of city, $557,117. In 1878 6,649 acres of corn were raised, 51 acres of wheat, and 1,309 of oats. There are. 3,839 acres devoted to meadow, 371 to orchard, and there are 338 acres of woodland in this township. The total valuation of the town lots in the city is $2,059,710. There are owned in the township 1,245 horses,

Source changes here: from Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, by Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago, published 1886; 1,157 words in this source stream.

Indian Point Township

point township was first settled in 1834 by John C. Latimer, from Tennessee, who with his family settled on section 6, putting up a log cabin and commencing the improvement of his land. About the same time John H. Lonia.v and wife came in, settling on section 7. Stephen Howard and family came in soon after and located on section 6. He subsequently moved to the southeast part of Kansas, where he died a few years ago. These were the only settlers in this township during 1S34. In 1835 there were several additions made to this primitive settlement, and among those coming in were John Howard, who made a claim on section 16; Isaac Latimer made a claim on the same section; John Crawford, a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher, settled on this section. Alexander Latimer was among the settlers who came in in 1S35, settling on section 16. He sold out in 1836 to Daniel Meeks and located in Cedar Township. Subsequently he moved to Minnesota, where he is still living. With Mr. Meeks came John Killiam, a brother-in-law, who settled on sections 15 and 22. Henry Russell and family came in this year and made a claim on the southeast quarter of section 24. Here he lived for over a quarter of a century, making one of the finest farms in the county, and then moved to Kansas. Others soon followed, and soon there was quite an influx into the township, which gave the new settlement a prosperous appearance. Among the list was Manyweather Brown, who settled on section 7. He was a good citizen and was at one time one of the County Commissioners. J. P. Bartlett Boydston came and settled on section 17, where he reared a large family of children. One of his sons, W. A., is Roadmaster on the C, B. & Q. R. R. John Howard sold out to John Dowty and moved into Warren County. Daniel Meeks was an active man, taking a prominent part in township affairs. He was at one time County Commissioner and also Justice of the Peace, and died in 1874. John C. Latimer was an active and thrifty citizen, holding various positions in the township. After living half a century on his farm \\t sold it and moved to Iowa, where he had been preceded by his children. Ann Francis, daughter of John H. and Nancy

Lomax, was the first child born in the township, wiiich was in 1835. Phoebe Latimer was the second child born, her birth occurring a short time after that of Ann Lomax.

The first death in the townshii) was Mr. Herbert, who died on section 16 in the spring of 1838. He was buried at Indian Point Cemetery. Judge Dennis Clark was the pioneer teacher in this township, commencing the improvement of the minds and hearts of the children of this neighborhood during the winter of 1837-38. This institution of learning was located at Indian Point, on section 16, and was a substantial structure of logs. Mr. Clark had 30 pupils during his first term, which closed July i, 1838, and taught here several years. His warm heart and genial nature attached him very much to the children, who applied themselves to their studies as much to please their teacher as for their own improvement.

The first sermon preached here was by Rev. John Crawford, a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher. The services were held at John Howard's residence. He died many years ago, but his widow is still living.

The first marriage in Indian Point Township was that of Wm. Ogden and Damantha Roberts, Oct. 19, 1837. The ceremony was performed by John Terry, a Justice of the Peace of Chestnut Township.

Judge Dennis Clark and Jonathan Latimer broke the first ground in this township, on section 16. Mr. Clark drove the ox-team and Mr. Latimer held the plow. Stephen Howard put up the first cabin on section 6, and John C. Latimer the second. There were no Indians in this township when the first settlers came, but there were numerous evidences that they had lived herein former times. There were found the remains of bark wigwams, flint arrows, hatchets, etc. They were found at the point of timber, and it was named Indian Point on this account. In early days this i)oint seems to have been the favorite campingground of the Indian tribes. There are two towns within the borders of this township--Abingdon, which lies on the northern line, and St. Augustine, which is situated near the southern part, on section 32. When first settled there was but little timber here, and this was on section 36 and along the borders of Cedar Fork, on the western side, and on Indian Creek. After the question of township organization had been

-Hsettled a meeting was held for organizing the township April s, 1853, at the school-house in District No. 2. S. H. Richey was chosen Moderator and T. A. Baldwin, Clerk. The following-named persons were elected to the various offices :

Daniel Meeks Supervisor; Dennis Clark, Clerk; S. H. Richey, Assessor; Jefferson Davvdy, Collector; Henry Ground and Charles Williams, Justices of the Peace.

Indian Point is regarded as one of the best townships in the county. There is hardly an acre of land within its borders but what is or can be readily cultivated. The land is undulating and very fertile. The township is liberally watered by Cedar Fork and Indian Creek, with their little branches, which meander through it. Indian Creek empties into Cedar Fork and the latter into Spoon River. Of the early settlers not one now lives in the township ; they are either dead or have moved away. When the

IQuincy Branch of the C, B. & Q. R. R. was com- 1 pleted through, it added greatly to the development I of the township, and gave the people ready means of iL transportation. It has two railway stations, one at Abingdon and the other at St. Augustine. Indian Point is highly cultivated, and its farmers are all in good circumstances, having good dwelling-houses and farm buildings. In the raising of horses and hogs this township stands at the head of the townships in the county, and in cattle among the first. Its population in 1880 was 1,725, which is about the number of inhabitants at the present time. Indian Point has eight school districts, one graded and seven ungraded schools. The school property values at $6,050, with one brick and seven frame schoolhouses. Of persons under 21 years there were 726, of whom 498 were of school age, 429 being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were $72.50, the lowest, $35 ; the highest wages paid female teachers were $45, the lowest $32.50. The tax levy was $3,777.89.

T. E. Givens is one of the breeders of the Norman horse, and is giving considerable attention to it. He has fine thoroughbreds, and about 20 grades.

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; 3,613 words in this source stream.

Indian Point Township

Every intelligent and patriotic citizen manifests a pardonable pride in the achievements and progress made in this great state during the past century. To understand these and appreciate them fully, a man must know some thing of the history of his town, county and state. The origin of the different races of people, who inhabited this country prior to the coming of the white man, has always been a debatable question. To many there is a striking similarity between the facial features of the Oriental type of mankind and the American Indian. This similarity has lead them to believe that the Indian is of Oriental parentage. Still there are others, who see peculiarities in his physical structure that preclude the American Indian from common parentage with the rest of mankind. In the absence of either history or tradition, archaeologists have advanced many plausible theories relative to the prehistoric races that inhabited this country prior to its discovery in 1492. Discussion of the question of their origin seldom enlightens and frequently confuses. There is, however, one point, upon which all agree, and it is the fact that when Columbus landed on the shores of America, he found the Indians in undisputed possession of the continent.

Early events, affecting this locality, transpired long before Indian Point township, or Knox county, or even the State of Illinois assumed its its present boundary. History records the fact that as early as 1673, the Indians had well established trails running diagonally across Knox county, the oldest, and perhaps the most important of which was the one leading from the Mississippi River near Keokuk, to La Salle on the Illinois River. This trail passed where Abingdon is located. There can be but little doubt that this trail followed the same public highway now entering that city from the southwest and extending in a northeasterly direction. It is believed by many that it is the trail traveled by Father Marquette, a Jesuit missionary, on his occasional visits to the Indians of this section of Illinois in 1673. It is said "History hold in her iron hand no more picturesque story than these trails could reveal were their guarded secrets known."

While the pioneer settlers in Indian Point encountered no Indians, they found many traces of their occupancy. The remains of the wigwams, axes, spears and arrow points, gave evidence that Indian Point was once their "happy hunting ground."

History records the fact that Azel Dorsey came to this township in 1829. To him is given the honor of being the first white man to enter Indian Point for settlement. He came from

Cedar, and remained but a few years. The first permanent settlement in Indian Point was made on Section 16 in 1833, by- John B. Latimer, who came with his family from Tennessee. The following year came John H. Lomax and Stephen Howard of Kentucky, John Howard, Isaac and Alexander Latimer and John Crawford. In 1835, Daniel Meek and John Killiam settled in Indian Point. The former purchased the home of Alexander Latimer. This farm lies just east of the Indian Point school, and has for generations been known as "the Meek farm."

Among the list of early settlers in Indian Point, who came shortly after the above were: Silas Roe, Bartley Boydstun, Wm. Stewart, Seth Bellwood, Hugh Lowry, Henderson Hagan, L. A. McKiearnan, Chas. Fielder, Geo. Hunt, David and Benjamin South, Wm. Flannagan, Bry and Wm. Edmundson, James Martin, H. Chrisman, Henry and Austin Mattingly, Martin Burke, Joseph Probasco, Robt. Supple, Harrison and Thos. Immel, Dan Ryan, Jacob, Nathan and Zene Bradbuiy, Jacob Dorman, George and Joseph Wheat, Francis Robey, George and Mortimer Clements.

The present generation owes much to these sturdy pioneers who blazed the way to ciivilization. With them must be shared the honor for the many blessings we are enjoying today. Their lives were lives of privation, and oftentimes of suffering. They lived not for themselves alone, but were mindful of the happiness of future generations. When we consider the rigors of the long winters on the open prairies, unprotected by trees, the deep snows that often rendered transportation impossible, the great distances to the river markets, the inconvenience of getting medical aid in times of accidents and sickness, the lack of communication between the scattered settlers, their meager stores of food and fuel, we realize then some of the privations and hardships endured by those good people. Notwithstanding all this, they were mainly happy and content. If they raised a surplus of grain or livestock, it was marketed, usually at either Copperas Creek Landing or Peoria, the nearest river markets. The prevailing prices of farm commodities in those early days were not such as to prompt farmers to produce much in excess of his needs. Dressed pork sold in those days at $2.00 per cwt., half cash and half trade. Corn often sold at 6 cents per bushel. The good mothers then spun, wove and made the garments worn by the family. Contrast conditions then with those of today. This was long before the advent of the railroad. The completion of the Quincy branch of the C, B. & Q. from Galesburg to Quincy, in 1855, gave an impetus to farming and livestock operations in this locality. Since that time land values advanced steadily. At that time the government sold land at

The first white child born in Indian Point was Ann Frances Lomax, daughter of John H. and Nancy Lomax, born Sept. 25, 1835. The first death recorded was a Mr. Hibbard, in 1838.

Educational facilities in those pioneer days were very meager. The principal studies were represented by the three R's, readin,' ritin,' rithmetic. The first school house erected in Indian Point was on Section 16, near where the Point school now stands. It was built of logs, with split logs for seats. This was in the year 1837. It was first taught by Dennis Clark, who was aftenvard elected and served many terms as County Judge of Knox County. He too was an early settler here. The school district comprised all of Indian Point and the eastern part of Warren county. The school year then was only the fall and winter months. Thirty pupils were enrolled the first winter, that of 1837-38. Today very few country^ pupils have more than two miles to go to reach school. Aside from the country schools there are splendid educational facilities within easy reach of the pupils of Indian Point to complete their education in the high schools, colleges and academies of Knox county.

Education and religion usually go hand in hand. They mark the beginning of civilization. In Indian Point there are only two religious bodies, Catholic and Christian. The later has two church organizations, one at Abingdon and the other at St. Augustine.

Since 1836 Catholic services have been held at St. Augustine. The first services were conducted in that year by Father Le Fevre, who afterwards became Bishop of Detroit, Michigan. The first church was built in 1843, and dedicated the following year by Bishop Kenrick of St. Louis. Among the pioneer priests, who held services here were Fathers St. Cyr, Conway, Doyle, Drew, Raho, Brady, Griffith, Kennedy, Edward and Thomas O'Neil, Fitman, Meehan, Albrecht, Larmar and Mangon. In 1863, the present church was erected, and five years later moved to its present location. Father Halpin came in 1873, and was the first resident priest. Since that time the following pastors have resided here: Fathers McMahan, Dalton, Howard, O'Reilly, now auxiliary Bishop of Peoria, Fallihee, Dunne, Scheuren, now of Providence, R. I. ; Walsh, Kniery, now of Peoria ; Kelley, Markey, now of Loda, 111. Since October, 1912, the present pastor. Father P. V. Egan, has been carrying on the work inaugurated here more than four score years ago. When completed, the interior decorations of the Catholic church here will eclipse any church decorations, from an artistic standpoint, in the state, outside of cities. The present

The first Protestant services held in Indian Point, of which there is any record, were conducted by Rev. John Crawford, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, at the home of John Howard in 1848. The Methodists effected an organization at the Pleasant Valley School, under the leadership of Rev. Williams. This was in the Sixties. Services were held occasionally, but the organization did not continue long in Indian Point. The Christian church was first organized at Abingdon in 1840, by Hiram Smith and Richard Johnston. The first church was erected in 1849 at a cost of $1,000.00. The present church edifice is a beautiful brick veneered structure. The interior decorations are artistic and in keeping with the attractive appearance of the exterior. The present pastor. Dr. A. M. Hale, is veiy popular with his people, whom he has served many years. He is a booster for any worthy cause. The present membership is about 300. At. St. Augustine, the Christian church organizaton was effected in in 1868. The number of charter members was 104, of whom only four are living, namely. Dr. P. Harrod, of Avon; J. E. Edmundson of Houston, Texas; Nathan Harrod and L. B. Harrod, of Galesburg. The first services were conducted here by Rev. Miller. In 1874, Rev. J. A. Seaton held a revival here, and the membership was increased to 148. The present membership is about 100. In 1870, the church was erected. Among the resident pastors of the church were: Revs. Seaton, Kincaid, Stevens, Dillard and Hiett. The following ministers served here at various times since the organization of the church : Revs. Joseph Royal, J. S. Gash, F. M. Bruner, Knox P. Taylor, W. B. Foster, John Hankins, M. Jones, W. Branch, W. J. Burner, Fred E. Hagan, S. M. Thomas, H. G. Bennett, N. L. Collins, D. Shanklin, Rev. Keefer, Davis, Brannie and Cook.

Indian Point took its name from a body of timber extending from Cedar Fork to Section 16. Along the edge of this timber was a favorite camping ground of the Indians, the remains of whose camps were extant long after settlement by the whites. This, coupled with the fact that many axes, spears and arrow-points were found here, gave rise to the name of Indian Point. By this name of "Indian Point" the township was christened on Monday, January 14, 1850, when the township organization was perfected. Daniel Meek was elected the first supervisor in 1853, The first meeting of the Supervisors was held on April 5, 1853, at Knoxville, then the county seat of Knox county.

At the present time Indian Point has the following officials: Willard Tinkham, supervisor; W. H. Clark, town clerk; Geo. L. Hagan, assessor; I. T. Perry, single highway commis-

St. Augustine is the only municipality lying wholly within the boundaries of Indian Point. It is the oldest town in this section of Illinois. It was originally laid out a half mile south of its present location by Henry and Austin Mattingly on May 6, 1835. The early settlers who located here were principally from Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. For twenty years business was transacted where the village was originally laid out. Upon the completion of the C, B. & Q. Railroad from Galesburg to Quincy in 1855, the village was moved to the present site, on account of the improved railroad facilities. Business naturally drifted to the new location. The former location is now known as "Old Town." Sebastian Pike was the first merchant, Isaac Rubart, the first postmaster. Dr. A. Baldwin, besides being the first physician, was also the first agent for the railroad company. Among the pioneer merchants were Clements & Son, Thos. Terrj% Hall & Carbon. Thos. Blake was the first blacksmith. Clements & Smith owned and operated the first lumber yard in 1857. J. G. Gallett and P. H. Smith built the first elevator in 1857. Ten years later the building and contents burned. The only grist mill ever built in Indian Point was erected by Craighton & Ogden at St. Augustine in 1857. Besides making flour and meal, a distillery was run in connection. A few years later, a wool-carding machine was installed. This machine was operated by Henry Livers. During the spring of 1879 the mill and contents burned. While St. Augustine has had several fires, the most disastrous from a business standpoint,, was that of April 30, 1897. The fire had had its origin in a vacant building. It swept all the business buildings on the north side of Sixth street and left but three on the south side of the street. Buildings of a more substantial nature have since been erected. In April, 1911, the Catholic parsonage burned. The fire was discovered at midnight. It had gained such headway that nothing could be saved. Miss Elizabeth McKeon, the house-keeper, was alone at the time and lost her life.

The merchants of St. Augustine are an energetic lot of business men, who by close application to business, have turned the tide of trade their way. Among them are Mills & Sons, Harrod & Fielder, James Tanney, S. H. Ryan, Miss Kate Jennings and Neice & Co, In 1902, the Bank of St. Augustine was chartered and began business the following year. Since that time the business of St. Augustine has more than doubled. This being an agricultural community any enterprise to succeed must have the patronage and support of the farmers.

Much of the success achieved is attributable to them. Geo. L. Hagan, Assistant Cashier of the bank, was born and raised on an Indian Point farm, and is famihar with the hkes and dislikes of the farmers. He knows that they appreciate courtesies extended them in business. For this reason, he serves them from 6 a. m. to 9 p. m.

Saloons had a long lease of life in St. Augustine. This had a tendency to drive the better element of trade away from town. However, in 1908 ''John Barleycorn' 'was voted out for all time to come. Since that time many new residences have been erected, and an improvement in business has been very noticeable. Any history of St. Augustine, without mention of the trade boosters, would be incomplete. For the past ten years, T. J. Sailer, Walter Clark, Sherman Babbitt and later on G. L. Smith, have been instrumental boosting the business interests of St. Augustine. These gentlemen are extensive farmers, buyers of livestock and grain, feeders and shippers. Frequently these gentlemen handle 12 to 15 carloads of livestock per week. They also make a good market for all the surplus corn and hay of this community.

Since 1903, the St. Augustine Eagle has kept the village in the limelight, and has given it a prestige that it never enjoyed before. It is published by Karl R. Haggenjos, and has for its local editor Geo. L. Hagan.

This beautiful city enjoys many natural advantages, which tend to make it an ideal location for a city. It is surrounded by broad and fertile prairies, which have contributed much toward its prosperity. As only a small portion of the city lies within the boundaries of Indian Point, it is my pui*pose to write only of the institutions and enterprises located in this part of the city, leaving the major portion of the city to the writer of the Annals for Cedar Township, In May, 1846, "South Abingdon," as this part of the city was formerly called, was laid out by Frederick Snyder. At that time it contained only two and one-half blocks. The first school house was a frame structure, 20 by 40 feet, and contained but one room. Later the building proved too small and several additions were added. It stood a few rods south of the present Washington school, which was built in 1888. In 1853, P. H. Murphy opened an academy in a frame building. For two years he lectured among his people, and infused into them much of his own zeal and wishes, to such an extent that they were ready to give his academy the rank of a college and erect the necessaiy buildings. A plain three-story brick building was erected, in which the college work was inaugurated in 1855. Mr. Murphy became its first president. Ill health forced him to resign the position in April, 1860, and he died the following August. He was succeeded by J. W. Butler, who was elected in January, 1861. President Butler served until 1874, Dissensions broke out among the faculty a few years prior to this time, which had a telling effect upon the influence and power the institution formerly wielded. It was the beginning of the end. The college building stood vacant many years, and was finally razed in 1917, to make room for the new Community High School, which was erected at a cost of near $75,000.

Foremost among the factories of this part of the city is the Abingdon Sanitary Mfg. Co. This enterprise was organized under the law of State of Illinois in August 1908. Prominent among the early promotors were: James Simpson, Dr. Bradway, Orion Latimer, G. A, Shipplett, G. K. Slough, P. H. Maloney and others. The first buildings erected were thought to be sufficiently commodious to serve the wants of the company for years. The popularity gained by the output of the factory was such that the company was forced to make several additions to the original plant. They make not only plumbers' earthenware, but many vitreous china specialties. At the present time the company employes 130 men, and the annual production amounts to near a million dollars. While much of the raw material is obtained from the states of Maine, Delaware, New Jersey, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, great quantities are imported from England. The products are shipped to every nook and corner of the Union, and many shipments are exported to South America and Australia. J. E. Slater is president of the company.

Another factory that is rapidly forging to the front, is the Abingdon Milling and Cattle Feeding Co. On October 24, 1913, the company was incorporated under the laws of Illinois, and the manufacture of feed was begun in May, 1914. The early promotors of this enterprise weve I. L. Reynolds, of Clinton, Iowa; Roy A. Johnson, of Taylorville, 111. ; D. E. Kincaid, of Greenfield, 111.; Carl S. Burnside, of Galesburg; L. H. Robertson, E. I. Blevins and S. H. Whiteneck of Abingdon. The feeds manufactured are "Malasso" for cattle and "Jumbo" hog feed. The raw material entering these products are oil meal, tankage, cotton seed meal, bran, hard-wood charcoal, corn, flax seed products and Cuban cane molasses. The bulk of the small grain is bought at Minneapolis, the bran and corn in Central Illinois, the charcoal in the State of New York, and the molasses in Cuba. The products of this mill have grown in favor with feeders all over the com belt. Shipments have been made to the Pacific coast. The demand for the products has steadily increased until many thousand tons are manufactured and shipped annually. The present board of directors are: L. H. Robertson, E. I. Blevins, S. H. Whiteneck, L. M. Fralich of

On March 8, 1882, the Abingdon Argus was launched by its present efficient and talented editor, Hon. W. H. Clark, For near forty years he has been untiring in his efforts to make the Argus a truly representative weekly newspaper. He is regarded as an exceptional writer.

In reviewing what we are pleased to call the "Pioneer Days," we must not loose sight of the fact that those good oldfashioned people had their sports and pleasures, as well as their privations and hardships. For the men were the wolf hunts, log rollings, political rallies and horses races. The ladies had their quilting bees, rag tackings and social gatherings. The younger people had their dances, singing and writing schools in the winter time. Later on the spelling schoDls proved both interesting and profitable. Each school took a pariticular pride in seeing its pupils win in spelling contests. The literary and debating societies were a source of pleasure and profit in their day.

It may be interesting to know that the biggest snow storm that ever visited this county was during the winter of 1830-31. It continued to fall for several days, and measured four feet deep on the level. In many places the drifts were twenty feet high. It lay on the ground for months. Another heavy snow fell during the winter of 1863-64. It drifted badly, and it was not an unusual sight to see teams and sleds driven over hedges and fences.

The following are still living in this community, who were here prior to 1850, Hon. W. H. Clark, T. H. Roe, Miss Delia Bellwood, of Abingdon, Mrs. Leah South, Mrs. L. D. Jennings, Wm. South and wife and Luke Filder. Those who have spent three score year or more here are: Jas. W. Cox, J. E. Cox, J. E. and W. F. Robertson, J. W. Lomax of Abingdon, David and George South, Mrs. Laura Edmundson, Mrs. T. B. Bourn, Miss Josie Edmundson, Mrs. C, H. Mason, Geo. L. and Albert Hagan and Mrs. Luke Fielder.

The future historian of Indian Point may look back to our times with the interest that we now view what we are pleased to call pioneer days. If our efforts in writing the Annals of Indian Point at the present time prove helpful to him, we feel that our work has not been in vain.

Grateful acknowledgement is herebv made to T. H. Roe, Hon. W. H. Clark, L. M. Fralich and J. E. Slater for valuable assistance rendered in compiling these annals.