Loudon Township

Loudon Township

^^MjjITUATED in the north-east corner of Fayette County, was partially settled as early as 1830. A family named Ammerman g Qyv j were probably the first occupants of what in those days was considered, perhaps, the most desirable of situations, plenty of timber and no scarcity of water. The Kaskaskia river forming the western boundary of the township, and its tributaries watering the central and south¬ ern portions of it. The character of the soil is a sandy loam, but nearly the whole of the township is yet heavily timbered.

Amongst the early settlers who came here between the years 1835 and 1840, we find the following names: Steven Ammerman, James and John Ammerman, John Harris, John Eeiley, Eich'd Brazzel, Isaac Kipsword, Griffin Kipsword, and Matthew Capps. The first settlement was made near the Kaskaskia Eiver, by the Ammerman family. Later on amongst the names of old settlers we find the inevitable John Smith, Sapp family, Harris family, John Bock, John Graves, Joe Ehodes, Dan'l Buzzard, John Bur¬

First Marriage . - The first couple married in Loudon Township were Joe Waller and Maria Carlisle. The second marriage was consummated between Matthew Ammerman and Mary Capps; this was in the year 1840.

Deaths . - The death of Finas Neely was the first that occurred in the township. And the old Ammerman grave-yard was the first buryingground laid out; this was in the year 1835.

Schools . - The first school-house erected in the township was a building con¬ structed of logs, in 1840, near the center of the township, on Section 16. There are at the present day seven school districts, each district having good, substantial school buildings.

Churches . - About thirty-five years ago the Methodists constructed a log building in which to hold their services, on Section 29 of this township.

Both the Methodists and Baptists have to-day regular organized Churches. At an early day before any church was erected, sermons were preached in the private houses of the old pioneers, and Griffin Kipsword, a Baptist, is said to have preached the first sermon.

Saw and Grid MUls.-In 1835, John Riley owned a grist-mill which was situated on Big Creek, in the south-west part of the township. This mill was run by horse-power*. And a year or two later, Joseph Stewart owned a saw-mill near the same locality. There are now some four or five saw-mills in the township in addition to numerous grist-mills.

Crime . - In December of 1841, Geo. Ogle, a resident of this township, was tried for the murder of his wife, and hanged. And about four yeara ago, Levi Ammerman killed a man named Janies Jackson. The trouble arose through matters connected with the Jacksdn family. L. Ammerman stood his trial and was cleared.

Roads and Bridges , dec . - The first road running through this township was the Shelbyville road, and the first bridge created Big Creek upon this road. This was in 1837.

The first store in the township was kept at Post Oak, in 1839, by Jas. Drake. And in 1846, Rob't McConnell kept tavern in the same place. And some two years later finds Joshua Morris Post-master at Post Oak.

Holliday . - The town of Holliday, situated on the county line, one half of it being in Shelby County, was laid out in 1873 by Thomas Holliday. It is situated on Section 23, on the Springfield branch of the O. and M. R. R. It has a population of about one hundred inhabitants, and the following business places are represented, viz.; two general stores, one drug store, two blacksmiths' shops, one wagon shop, one saw and grist-mill, (this is worked by steam, and is the property of Mr. Holliday,) one physician, and one shoe-maker. There is also a good school-house in the town.

HIS Township was formed in 1876, by taking a portion from the Townships of Wilberton and La Clede, and comprises a com¬ plete geographical township within its limitB.

Among its early settlers who deserve mention as taking an active part in developing this portion of the oounty we find the names of Widow Collins, Daniel Hedges, George Wilcher and Mr. McPate. These parties came here between the years 1830 and 1835. James Edwards, Solomon Harris, Samuel G. Harris, James Godsey, H. W. Tucker, J. W. L. Tucker, Thomas Williams, John Brazzle, Allen Ross, Rodger Williams, Alexander Hamilton, B. D. Johnson, Amos McDaniel, E. D. Bolen, James Brown and Wm^F . Countryman, all of whom came at a later date, some¬ where between 1840 an3l850, yet may be considered as old settlers in the township.

Soil, dec . - The nature of the soil in this township is a black loam, very rich and productive. With the exception of a small portion of timber land in the north-west and south-east corners of the county, the whole township is prairie. East Fork Creek flows through the south-east portion of the township and after flowing through Bond and Clinton Counties, falls into the Kaskaskia River, at the extreme south-wo t corner of Fayette County. Wheat is the staple article grown in Lone GroVw Township, althoi > grass, com and other commodities are produced in abuudanoe.

The earliest road made in this township, which was in 1825, was called^ the Vandalia and Maysville Road; and the fist bridge was built on the, same road in the same year.

Churches, dec . - There are two Church buildings in this township, one be¬ longing to the Cumberland Presbyterians, and the other was erected by the Uni ted Brethr en, in the year 1870, and situated in the north part of the township.

Their first preacher was Andrew Findley. This denomioaMon now have a nice little church near the north line of the township, ana membership of more than one hundred. The following Churches also have organizations, but no chnrch buildings, viz.: the Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians and Lutherans. Probably the first preacher in the township was Jesse Doolan, who preached in private houses as early as 1840.

Sehoole . - The first 8chool building erected jn thiajownship was built upon 8ection 7, near where Thompson Mahon now re* ; des. It a as constructed of rough logs, in the year 1857. Soon af> the organization of the township in 1876 it was divided into school distr# and it now has six good schoolhouses, with efficient teachers. There also two private schools, under the direction and maoagement of the Lutheran Cbur -- denomination very strong in this township. Van Rensalaer Heusti ativu of New York, was the first teacher.

Fir it Settlement - The first settlement was made at Lone Grove, - from which the township derives its name, - by Messrs. McPate, Hedges, Havnil ton and Mrs. Collins moving in and building about the same time, viz., in 1830.

First Birth . - Mary Williams, now the wife of J. W. L. Tucker, super, visor, from this township, was the first child bom within the township limit*. This was in 1839. Elizabeth Faulkner and Martin McPate were bom th? following year - 1840.

First Deaths . - A child of Pliant Mahon's died in 1837, which was pro¬ bably the first death in the township. Daniel Hedges, one of the oldest settlers, died in the winter of 1889. They were both buried on bection 34, in the southern part of the township, where the burying-gronnd w*> fint laid out.

Eighth Infantry

COMPANY H. - Samuel B. Kaller, killed at Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862. James Bradrich, died at Nashville, Tenn., of wounds received at Shiloh, April 6,186a. Egglestine M Rose, died at Mound City, Ill., February aa, 186a, of wounds. Leroy S. Bostic, killed at Fort Donel¬ son, February 5, 186a. Munson M Beckman, (Prom. Sergeant), killed at Raymond. Miss., May ia, 1863. Andrew J. Merryman, killed at Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862. Wm. H. H. Patterson, died February 13, 1862, at Cairo, Ill. Francis M. Tuttle, killed at Fort Donel¬ son, February 15, 1862. Wm. Allen, died at Marshall, Texas, July ix. 1865. Geo. W. Haley, supposed killed in action at Shiloh, April 6, 186a. Adolphus N. Hinds, died at Vicksburg, June 19, 1864. Robert Kern, killed at Vicksburg, May aa, 1863. Wm. M. Mitchell, died at Cairo, January 8. 186a. Henry G. Miller, died September 17,1864. Robert Montgomery, died at Paducah, Ky., February 36, 1862. Wm. Poland, died at Norfolk, Mo., September 90, 1861. Wm. D. Rockwood, (Prom. Corporal), died at Keokuk, Iowa, April 30, 186a. George Sales, killed at Fort Donelson, February 15, 186a. James Stokes, died at Cairo. October 8. 1861. John Shopler, died at Vicksburg, July 7, 1864. Charles Tucker, died at Cairo, December 14, 1861. Jacob Ulrich, supposed killed in action at Fort Donelson, February 15, 186a. James A. Bateman, died at Marshall, Texas, October ao, 1866. James Smith, died at Vandalia, Janury 35. 1865. W. W. Smith, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1865. J. M. Lee, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1865. Henry Ledbetter, died at Camp Butler, January 3,186a. Eli Forbis, died at Mound City, April ao, 1862. Charles C. Hainer, died at Cincinnatti. May 34, 186a. Geo. M. Ledbet¬ ter, died at Mound City, April a, 1862, of wounds. Henry M. Ledbetter, died at Camp Butler,

Thirty-Fifth Infantry

Company B. - Geoige W. Hounshell, died at St. Louis, March 5, 186a. Moses Buchanan] killed at Stone River. January x, 1863. Andrew J. Davis, died December 31. 186a, of wounds* Thomas M. Elken, died at Rolla, Mo., Feb xo, x86a. Alexander Green, died at Rolla, Mo.' January x6, x86a. Thomas Maines, died at Rolla, Mo., March 8, 186a. Wm. J. Matingly* died at Camp Benton, September 14, x86a. Wm. Mason, killed at Stone River, December 31, x86a. Joshua Tate, killed near Resaca, Ga.. May 15,1864. Marcus L. Davidson, died at Jacinto, Miss,, August 3,186a. Homer Enlo, died at St. Louis, Mo., December 17, x86x. Tilmon W. Milon, died at Springfield, Mo., February 20, 1869. Henry Townsend, died at St. Louis, De¬ cember 17, x86x. James Taylor, died of wounds, March 17, 1862. William Taylor, died at Nashville, Tenn., December a6, x86a. Hillard Watkins, died at Jacinto, Miss., August 9, x86a.

Company G. - Joshua Welker, died October xo, 1863 of wounds. Wm. Wright, died at Chat¬ tanooga, December 19, 1863. Adam Preston, died December 29, 1863, of wounds. Geo. Ral¬ ston, died a Chickamauga. September 20, 1863. Alexander Yolton, died at Chattanooga, No¬ vember xo, 1862. David Mck. Smyth, killed at Kenesew, June, 18 1864. John T. Dunn, died at Murfreesboro. June, xi, 1863. James M. Britton, died of wounds, October 2,1863. Peter Beard, died at Hamburg, Tenn., May 13, 1863. Thomas Binyard, died March 25th, 186a, of wounds. Wm. Cook, died at Chattanooga. December a ? 1863. Francis M. Durrough, died at St. Louis, November 20, 1864. Charles R. Daggett, died at Chattanooga, January 28. 1864. Benj. F. Evans, died at Vandalia, 111 ., September 9, x86x. Joshua Hawkins, died at St. Louis, November 26, x86x, Wm. Hawkins, died at St. Louis, February xo, x86a. John J. Kepner, killed at Chickamauga, September 19,1863. Jessie Morris, died at Chattanooga, November xx, 1863. James E. McAllister, reported killed at Chickamauga, April xa, 1865. Wm. R. Nichols, killed at Chickamauga, September 19,1863. Frederick Otto, died at Chattanooga, November xx, 1863. Hugh B.Porter, died at St. Louis. October 21st, i86x. John W. Porter, killed at Pea Ridge, March 7,1862. James Rodman, died at Tuscumbia, Ala.. September 1, x86a. John Stigall, died at Chattanooga, December a, x86a. Robt. Sanders, died at Nashville, Tenn., Sep¬ tember 3, 1863. Calvin Thorn, killed accidentally, April 19 1864. Curney M. Wicker, killed at Stone River, December 31, x86a. Phillip Beal, died at Rolla, Mo., December 9, x86x.

COMPANY K. - George Buzzard, died of wounds, January 3, X864. Jessie Gordon, killed at Dallas, Ga., May a7, 1864. Levi Blakely, died at St. Louis December 3, x86i. I.enoar Jen¬ nings, died at Chattanooga, November 29,1863. Geo. W. Olinger, died at Rolla, Mo., Decem¬ ber x6, 1861.

Thirty-Eighth Infantry

Chickamauga, September ao, 1863. Isaac Branch, died at Andersonville Prison, July 20, 1864. No. of grave 4259. John Comfort, missing in action at Chickamauga. Christopher Carrol, died of wounds, January 25, 1863. Benj. Elishardt, died of wounds, February 2, 1863. Patrick Fitzpatrick, died at Andersonville Prison, January ao, 1864. No. of grave 2210. John Holland, died of wounds, September 19, 1863. John Hester, died at Andersonville Prison. January 13, 1864. No. of grave 1906. Peter Lynch, died at Andersonville Prison. October 26, 1864. No. of grave 11,467. John Matthews, died at Chattanooga. August 23, 1864. James O'Brien, shot dead by Corpoial Henry Bang, September 24. 1862. Theodore Williams, killed at Stone River, December 31, 186a. Wm. Thom, died at Quincy, III., September 5, 1864.

Forty-Ninth Infantry Nintv.Srvrnth Infantry

Company E. - Silas A. Yelton, died at Milliken's Bend, March 9, 1863. Wm. Cochran, died at Memphis, April, 1863. Allen Merritt, died at Milliken's Bend, March 97,1863. James Mayfield, diedatSt. Louis, April 3.1865. Thomas Stout, died at Arkansas Post. January 15. X863.

Company F. - Israel Haynes. died«t home in 1863. James A. Schutts, died at Arkansas Post, January ix, X863. Rolley B. Pashall, died at Cairo, IIL, April 4, 1865. Alvi- c ~ergeon, died at Memphis, December ia, 186a. Zadock Clark, died at Memphis, March 90, ' *. Rich¬ ard Davis, died at Memphis, December 92, 186a. James A. Deperd, died at Mill i's Bend, La., May 13, 1863. Wm. A. Evans, died at home November 96, 1863. John R. Grear, died at Arkansas Post, January 18, 1863. Samuel Hadley, died at Young's Point, La., Februaiy 28, 1863. Benj. Hatchet, died at home, April a, 1864. Albert O. Hiatte, died at Memphis, Janu¬ ary 25, 1863. Wm. A. Harris, died at Young's Point, February 23, 1863. Marion G. Jackson, died at Milliken's Bend. La., April 7, 1863. Cyrus J. Knight, died at Young's Point, La., Feb¬ ruary 93, 1863. Joseph P. Leach, died January x8. 1863. Jacob Landers, died at Milliken's Bend. May xa, 1863. Miles C. McKinney, died at Milliken s Bend, Januanr 23, 186*. Benj. F. Myres, died at St. Louis, March 35, 1863. Samuel Morris, died at New Orleans, November

? l, 1803. James M. Pickens, died at New Orleans, April 98, 1864. Wm. F. Rice, died at Miliken's Bend, March ax, 1863. James Ray, died at home, May 9. 1863. Wm. H. Steavenson, died at home. January 9, 1863. Beni. R. Withington, died at New Orleans. May xa, 1864. Augustus Williams, died at Memphis, January xa, 1863. David M. Wear, died at Vicksburg, July ai. X863.

COMPANY H. - Isaac S. Lyons, died at Carrollton La., September 1.1863. James L. Mitchell, died at New Orleans, May 99, 1864. Benj. F. Moore, died at Young's Point, La., January ai, 1863. James H. Surhur, died at Young's Point, La., February 8, 1863. Doctor F. Wicker, died of wounds at home. January 13,1865. Wm. A. Needham, died at New Orleans, May 99, 1864.

Company I - Francis Ackerman, accidentally killed, November 1,1863. August Davis, died of wounds at New Orleans, May 3, X863. Wm. Girard, died at New Orleans, December 17 , 1863. Samuel Kehr, died at Lexington, Ky., October 28, x86a. John Geo. Miller, accident¬ ally killed November x, 1863. Michael Singler, died at Galveston, Texas, July 9. 1865. Mar¬ tin Scrote, killed at Fort Blakely, Ala., April 9, 1865. Geo. Wolf, died January 97, X863.

One Hundred And Forty-Third Infantry

COMPANY E. - John M. Blankinship, Geo. Miller, died at Mattoon, Ill., September 94,1864. Uriah Morton, died at Helena, Ark., September 8, 1864. Fred. Sonneman, died at Mattoon.

Seventh Cavalry

Company F. - Wm. Allen, died at Mound City, Ill.. January 20,1862. John Becannon, died at Corinth, Miss., September 15, 186a. Nathan C. Coldron, died of wounds received at Can¬ non's Mills, Tenn., November 27,1862. Pat. Davis, killed near New Castle, December 96, 1863, Lewis German, died at Cape Girardeau, Mo., July xo, 1864, of wounds. John Sage, died at Hamburg Landing, Tenn., March 30, 1862. Gideon B. Wren, died at Bowling Green, Ill., De¬ cember 90, 1864. Geo. W. Savage, died at Lagrange, Tenn., July xo, 1864, of wounds. John S. Hawkins, died at Camp Butler, Ill., April ?, 1865.

Fourteenth Cavalry

Company F. - Darby Mehan, died at Peoria, Ill., February 4, X863. Lucien Nichols, died in Andersonville Prison. August 26, 1864. No. of grave 6945. John B. Soiles. died in Anderson¬ ville Prison, September 20, 1864. No. of grave 9345. Steel Mills, died in Andersonville Prison, October 14. 1864. No. of grave 10.921. Charles A. Pratt, died at Annapolis, Md., April x6,1865. Company M. - Geo. M. Campbell, daad.

Range 3 East

Brecht, Fred. Brecht, Elise Borchelt, John H. Borchelt, Anna M. Boezkiewity., Alex Boezkiewiez, Perc. Branson, Thos. W. Branson, Ag A. M Coon, A. S.