Mackinaw Township

Mackinaw Township

The land in the northern part of the township is somewhat rough and broken. It is covered with a splendid growth of timber. The southern portion is fine rolling prairie, and contains some of the best farming land in the county. The first improvement was made by Abner Smith, on sec. 28. Among the early settlers were Mordecai Mobley, Elijah Sergeant, Samuel Judy, Michael Hittle and Jonas Hittle. Michael Hittle is the only one of the first settlers now living here. We can say with the poet ;

The first birth was that of Wm. Hittle, in 1833. The first death was Abner Smith, in 1828. The first marriage occurred in 1830, when Conway Rhodes was united with Miss Harmon. The first sermon was preached by Mr. Mitchell, a Methodist, in 1829. The first Justice of the Peace was Jonas Hittle. The first school was taught by Silas B. Curtis. The first round-log cabin was built by Mordecai Mobley, a pioneer, who, in an early day, officiated in the several positions of what are now County Judge, County and Circuit Clerks, Recorder, and Postmaster. But of so little importance

The early history of the villags of Mackinaw is very fully detailed in the second chapter of this History, we therefore deem it unnecessary to record it here. The present population of the town is about 800. It is on the line of the I., B. & W., and I. M. Railroads. The first post-office was established in 1827. Mordecai Mobley was the first postmaster ; the present postmaster is James E. Hill. There is one drug store, three grocery stores, one furniture store, one hardAvare store, and two of general merchandise, one hotel, one large agricultural implement house, three wagon shops, and a grist-mill. There is a Masonic lodge, which was organized over a half century ago, and is now in a flourishing condition. The Trustees of the town are as follows : Daniel Beckly, James H. Porter, J. L. Davis, Thomas Higgins, and J. H. Wilson.

Christian Church. - From the earliest settlement of Mackinaw township, dating as for back as 1826, there were occasional religious meetings held at private houses and subsequently school-houses. Methodist, Cumberland Presbyterian, United Brethren, occasionally a Baptist, a New Light, or Old Christian preacher, living in other settlements, or traveling through, would stop with the friendly pioneers and preach to those who would gather in. These meetings were not without some good effect. In 183-t, Elder James A. Lindsey came from Kentucky and settled in the east part of the township. He was a minister of the Disciples or Christian Church, and was, perhaps, the first resident preacher of the township ; was a man of sterling worth and integrity, kind and genial in disposition, and ardently devotional. He began at once the proclamation of the Gospel as taught by this people. Having a large family, and realizing the importance of regular church influence, he soon made it a special feature of his work to establish the cause in his own neighborhood. He was successful in harmonizing some of other religious views, and baptizing others who had made no profession. These efforts resulted in a meeting for consolidation, which was held at his house in Sept., 1837, and on the 5th day of October, at what was known as Mt. Pleasant school-house, the first Christian Church of the township, and perhaps the first, that was strictly on that basis, in the county. The Methodist Conference had established a station at

Mackinaw town, and had monthly preaching, and this has always been a point in their Conference. The Christian Church organized with 23 members and chose as Elders, George Hittle and Samuel Fleshen; Deacons, Michael Hittle and Nehemiah Hill; James E. Lindsey, Evangelist, and R. F. Houston, Clerk. From the first the congregation prospered and increased steadily, seldom failing to meet on the first day of every week. Her circle of influence and boundaries enlarged. The school-house and the private homes were soon too small to contain the anxious congregations. The groves, God's first temples, were the frequent resorts of the early worshippers. This book will foil into the hands of those who will remember with emotions of supreme delight many of those grove meetings, where was heard the clarion voices of a Davenport, a Palmer, or a Bowles, or the milder teaching of a Young, a Major, or a Lindsey, all of whom have gone to their rewards. They brought scores to the Cross and delighted the souls of 'the devoted throngs. When, in the year 1849, the congregation conceived the necessity of a house of worship, a majority of the members favored building in Mackinaw town. Accordingly, in that and the following years, they erected a large and comfortable house. For a period of over a quarter century they occupied it, and seldom failed on the first day of the week to hold their meeting in accordance with their faith. During these years they have enjoyed the pastoral and evangelizing services of many of the finest speakers of Central Illinois. In addition to those already named there were AVm. Ryan, James Robinson, the Johnsons, the Aliens, S. T. Jones, Howe, Mitchel, R. Williams, Chaplin, Poynter, Shick, Samuel Lowe, John Lindsey, ^\. Houston, and a host of others.

In 1875 the Christian Church disposed of the house they had used so long, and erected another more modern in architecture, and at a cost of ^3,300. On the 22d day of August of that year it was formally opened. Elder Joseph Lane preaching the first or dedicatory sermon. Since that time H. A. Pallister has labored one year with them with marked success, and a number of other speakers of notoriety have been with them. The venerable G. W. Minier has been a frequent speaker for this congregation for many years. At the present time Prof. Kirk, of Eureka, and Elder R. B. Chaplain, of Normal, each preach once per month. The meetings are well attended. The present officers are: Elders, D. W. Puterbaugh, Joseph Myers, Thos. Wilson, Geo. Patterson; Deacons, Solomon

Puterbaugh, Jacob Smith, Moses Ingersoll, James E. Hill, Samuel Puterbaugh, David Philips. More than 2,000 persons have had membership with this congregation. About 150 are attending members now. Several who made their religious start here have been acceptable preachers, and some of them dfstinguished. Some whose Christian career began at Mackinaw, have been instrumental in building up the cause in other places. Thus the history of the little start in the log school-house, in 1837, can never be told in full until Millennial morn, when the gathering hosts shall meet before the grand assize and strike glad hands, and receive the recompense of their reward.

The M. E. Church. - The church edifice of this congregation was erected in 1850, at a cost of §1,000. The first pastor was Rev. Wm. Beadle. It was organized with about nine members - J. Tucker and wife, Dr. Sailor and wife, Jas. Mathewson and wife, and A. S. Smith and wife. The several pastors have been Revs. George Miller, Samuel Smith, John Calhoun, Wm. McKay, Mr. Pinkcrton, George Milsap, John Smith, and others. The present pastor is Rev. Wm. Wiley. The present membership numbers 24.

Seventh Day Adventists. - This congregation was organized in the village in 1877, and includes members residing in Deer Creek. They have no church edifice, but meet in private houses. All members take part in exercises. One-tenth of the actual income of members goes to the Church. They have no discipline but the Bible ; construe immersion as baptism, and observe the seventh day instead of the first day, as the Lord's day. Xo person is admitted into the Church who uses whisky, tobacco or opium in any form. They believe Jesus Christ is soon to come to earth to destroy it, and set up his kingdom ; that the soul sleeps in the grave until the final judgment day.

Edward H. Bacon, farmer, stock raiser and brick-maker, sec. 13; Post-office, Lilly. Mr. B. is the owner of about 1,200 acres of land. He is a native of Oxford, Butler Co., O., having been born in tliat State March 13, 1827. His jiarents were Edward and Jane Bacon. His father was a native of X. J., and mother of l\'nn. Mr. B. received his education in the schools of his native State. He came to this county in the year 1860, and has been very successful in business matters. He was united in marriage March 15, I860, to Miss Sarah Worden, Of this union one daughter and one son

Charles Bergen has followed the occupation of farming since he came to this State. He located in this county in 1832 ; has only moved once since coming to the State and then only eight miles ; now resides on sec. 22. He is the owner of 720 acres of fine farming land. Mr. B. was born in Kings Co., N. Y., Jan. 21, 1806; his parents were Johannes and Johanna Bergen, natives of N. Y. He was educated in the common schools of his native State and was married Feb. 6, 1834, to Eleanor Maples. They are the parents of eight children - two boys and six girls - only three of whom are now living. Post-office, Lilly.

Isaac Blair is a native of Ross Co., O., having been born in that State Feb. 4, 1836. He is the son of Bethnel and Sabry Blair, who are natives of the same State. Mr. B., the subject of this sketch, received his education in the common schools of his native State and 111. By occupation he is a farmer, residing on sec. 27. He was united in marriage Oct. 5, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth S. Chaplin; their union has been blessed with six children, five of whom are living. Mr. B is a member of the Christian Church. His Postoffice address, Mackinaw.

Joseph L. Boucher, salesman for George Miller and Son, Mackinaw, was born in Licking Co., O., March 22, 1828. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth of Maryland and Virginia. Mr. Boucher came to the county in 1837, and was a delegate in the first Republican convention ever held in Tazewell Co. ; was postmaster at Armington under the administration of Buchanan, and at Mackinaw under Lincoln and was U. S. ganger for four years under Grant, and no indictment or fault was ever found against or with him in his official duties. Mr. Boucher was married Jan. 16, 1850, to Sarah Parmelee, who died Jan. 13, 1851; was married again June 15, 1853, to Mary A. Hittle. He is a member of the Christian Church, and a Republican.

Joseph L. Davis, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. Mr. Davis has been Justice of the Peace since 1849, with the exception of two years, and has at various times filled the offices of Town- Clerk, Collector, and Assessor. In politics he is a Democrat. He resides in the village of Mackinaw. He is a native of Bennington Co., Vt., where he was born April 22, 1814. His parents were Gideon and Lydia Davis, of New Hampshire. He attended the common schools and Chester Academy, of Chester, Vt. He was married Sept. 22, 1838, to Catherine Lance. They have had nine children - two boys and seven girls - six of whom are living.

John C. Dennis, jr., farmer, sec. 35. He owns 160 acres of fine land and has been successful in his chosen pursuit. When our country called for men to perpetuate the Union, Mr. Dennis donned the bliie and joined Co. G, 17th 111. Infantry, May 25, 1861, and served his country for over three years. He is a native of Morgan

Mps. Emily I.Hill

Co., this State, where he was born March 27, 1832. He was educated in the common schools of his native county. His parents are John C and Rachel A. Dennis, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Kentucky. Both of them arc now living at Eureka, this State, aged 76, and 71. The subject of this sketch was married INIarch 22, 1866, to Susan A. Railsback, daughter of D. G. A. Railsback. They have had six children - three boys and three girls - five of whom are living. He belongs to the Christian Church. P. O., Minier.

Robert A. Dunham, retired, resides in the village of Mackinaw, and is the owner of 345 acres of land. Mr. Dunham started in life with a cash caj^tal of twenty-five cents, and never received a cent from any one but what he gave value received. He was born in Northumberland Co., Pa., April 15, 1806. His parents, Mathias and Maria Dunham, were natives of Pa. and N. J. He received a common school education in his native State. He came to this county in 1834; was married July 11, 1839, to Sidney A. Halsey. They have had nine children - five boys and four girls, but three of whom are living. He is a Methodist. His political views are Republican.

Peter G. Ilai/ was born in Christian Co., Ky., Jan. 12,1825; his parents were John and Celia Hay, of Virginia and Kentucky. Mr. Hay attended the common schools of Kentucky and Illinois. He came to this State in 1835 and settled in this county in 1853; he now lives on sec. 25. He pursues the occupation of farming and stock raising, in whicli he has been quite successful. He ownes 793 acres of land. The subject of this sketch was married Nov. 27, 1850, to Almedea Smith, who has borne him eight children, one of whom is deceased. Mr. Hay is connected with the Christian Church. Political views are Democratic. P. O. address, liilly.

Neheminh Hill is a native of North Carolina, and a son of Garland and Elizabeth (Wade) Hill. His mother died when he was quite small. His father moved to Ky. in an early day, in which State Nehemiah grew to maidiood and was united in marriage to Emily I. Wooldrige May 13, 1828. They have celebrated "their golden wedding. Their union was blessed with nine cliildren ; their names are as follows : Mabel, who died in infancy ; Henry W., who served three years in the 47th regt., is now deceased ; John W. ; J. E. ; Benjamin C, who served in the 26th regt. and was killed in battle; ^lary Elizabeth, deceased; Philip P., who served in the 26th regt.,jwas wounded at luka. Miss. ; Nehemiah L., who served in 26th regt. ; and Hernion W. Mr. and Mrs. Hay are consistent members of the Christian Church. He was an old-time Wliig, but has acted with the Republican ]>artv since its organization. Postoffice, Mackinaw.

Hermon W. Hill, druggist, INIackinaw. Mr. Hill luis a first-class drug-store, is an experienced apothecary, and is (juite successful in his business. He is a native of Tazewell Co., and was born Aug.

7, 1850. His parents are Nehemiah and Emily I. Hill, natives of North Carolina and Mississippi, respectively. Hermon W. was educated in the common schools of this county and Eureka College, Woodford Co., 111. He was married to Ida B. Boucher Feb. 20, 1879.

James E. Hill, postmaster, of the firm of J. E. & N. L. Hill, general merchants, INIackinaw. Mr. Hill was born in this county and township, Oct. 29, 1835. His parents were Nehemiah and Emily I. Hill, of North Carolina and Mississippi. James E. attended the common schools of this county ; was married to Mary E. Blair Dec. 27, 1862. They have one boy and two girls. Mr. Hill is a member of the Christian Church, and, politically, a Republican.

Michael Hittle was born in Greene Co., O., Nov. 29, 1808. His parents, George and Mary Hittle, were natives of Northumberland Co., Pa. His father came West to Ohio in 1790. He visited Illinois in 1817, and moved into Sangamon county in 1825, where he remained only four months, when he pushed on to the beautiful grove in Hittle township, which was christened Hittle's Grove in honor of the Elder Hittle. Mr. H., the subject of this sketch, felled the first tree and split the first rail in Hittle township. He sold out his improvements in Hittle's Grove in 1830, and moved into Mackinaw township, sec. 22, where he has since resided. He received his education in the log school-houses of Ohio and Indiana. Aug. 6, 1828, he was united in marriage with Mary Ewing, of Logan county, 111. She died Sept. 15, 1869. June 16, 1870, he married Mrs. Agnes Bovd. His children, with dates of birth, are as follows: Eliza Jane, May 29, 1829; Mary Ann, Oct. 27, 1831; George, April 8, 1836 ; Ehzabcth, July 8, 1837 ; Angeline, Aug. 19, 1839; Harriet, Aug. 20, 1841; J. A., Oct. 16, 1843; Clara B., June 12, 1846; Jonas, May 14, 1849, and Emma A., Sept. 6, 1851. Seven of these ten children are now living.

Mr. Hittle was a member of Capt. Adams' company, Avhich went from this county during the Black Hawk war. He participated in the battle of Stillman's Run. We were not aware Mr. H. was in the Black Hawk war at the time we wrote the chapter on that war, in this volume, or we would have given his name there. We made diligent inquiries, but his name was not mentioned. Mr. H. is a member of the Christian Church ; politically, a Republican ; postoffice, Mackinaw.

Mosea W. Ingersoll is a son of William and Lora Ingersoll, natives of Mass. Moses AV. was born in Courtland Co., N. Y., Sept. 26, 1813. He was educated in the schools of his native State. Mr.

II, 1840, to Miss Caroline Hoffner, by whom he had eight children. She died April 12, 1856. He was again married June 25, 1857, to Elizabeth Taylor, by whom he had five children. Of his

Elder Jtimes Alfred Lindsey was l^orn April 28th, 1793, near Haw river in the vicinity of Raleigh, N. C. His father, James Lindsey, a native of Va., was of English and Welsh origin. His mother, Delilah Hodgson, a native of North Carolina, was of Scotch ])arentage. His father was a mill-wright by ])rofession. On his way from the South at the close of the Revolutionary war, in which he served as a soldier for many years, he was taken down sick in North Carolina, at the house of Mrs. Delilah Brewer, formerly Miss Hodgson as above. On his recovery he was mtirried to the Avidow Brewer, who bore him eight children, four sons and four daugliters, among whom was James Alfred, the subject of our narrative. When he was thirteen years old his parents removed to Christian Co., Ky. Here his father opened a farm and built a mill, which bears the name of Lindsey's mill to the present day. James A. grew up among the pioneers of Western Kentucky, and had many an adventure with the wild beasts of the forest ; bears, wolves and panthers being numerous. When about 19 years of age he enlisted in the army against the Indians in the war of 181*2; but before leaving home he obeyed his deep religious convictions, and was baptized Sept. 29, and united with the Baptist Church, of which his forefathers had been members time immemorial. He was chief musician in his regiment. He was married when 21, to Miss Jean Scott, dautrhter of Wm. Scott, also a Revolutionarv soldier. Jean's origin was Scotch and Irish. She Avas also at that time a member of the Bajitist Church and deeply pious. She had, however, been reared a member of the Scotch Presbyterians or Independents. Soon after his marriage James A. became fully convinced that God required him to preach the Gospel. He therefore began his work as a minister. He was poor, but thirsted for knowledge, and went to school after his marriage, and among other studies he mastered surveying. He was elected County Surveyor of Christian Co. He, however, grew exceedingly unhappy over human creeds and human names in the Church, and resolved to abandon all these, and have no creed, but God's word, and, accordingly, he left the Baptist connection and took his whole church with him. In the meantime he fell in with the ChristUoi B<(pfisi, and on reading it he found that in many things Alexander Campl)ell taught his own views, and on many other points Campbell gave him new and better views. So, when he took the Noali's Spring Church witli him they were at once, in derisif>n, called Campbellites. This was the first church in Kentucky south of Green river to take this position. Soon many other churches and several other preachers went with them. His new position was taken as early as 1827 or 1828. W'iicn he had worked hard all day as surveyor he wouhl j)reach at night, and he, in this way, baj)tized many. His wife, Jean, bore him twelve children - six sons and six daughters - who all lived to be grown. The fami- ly record is as follows : James Alfred Lindsey, born April 28, '93 ; Jean Scott, his wife, Aug. 6, '92 ; Elizabeth, Dec. 5, '14; James, Feb. 18, '16; William, Oct. 13, '17; Alfred, June 1, '19; John, June 15, '21; David, Jan. 28, '23; Delilah, Dec. 21, '24; Jane, Oct. 22, '26 ; Eliza Davenport, June 10, '29 ; Lucy Ann Major, Feb. 1, '31; Mary Eleanor, Dec. 3, '32; Felix Erastus, April 15, '35. He never dabbled in party political strife, but was early convinced that human slavery was wrong and alike injurious to master and slave. Hence his great concern, for many years, was to move his family from the region of its pernicious influences. Elder Lindsey first came to Tazewell county, in the fall of 1833, in search of a new home. He entered land on sec. 23, Mackinaw township. During this visit he baptized the first man and the first woman ever baptized in Tazewell county. In the Spring of 1834 he moved to the spot chosen for his new home, with his wife and their eleven children, the twelfth being born the following year. On his arrival at Little Mackinaw, which occurred about two o'clock in the afternoon, on Saturday, he found that they had a meeting appointed at three. He preached that afternoon and again on the next day, the Lord's-day, at the house of Thomas Railsback, five miles south of Mackinaw. He thus promptly began his life-work in his new home, which he prosecuted to the day of his death with unabated interest. His first work was at Little Mackinaw, where he and his numerous family held their membership, till he gathered in enough of his neighbors to form a congregation in his own neighborhood, called Mount Pleasant congregation. This took place in 1837. Being a practical surveyor he was of great value in locating corners and lines, and this settled and prevented many difficulties and much strife. Being a good practical scholar he taught for several winters. But his life-work was preaching the Gosjiel. So, as the Apostles and the primitive preachers, he went every where preaching the Word. He constituted a church at Stout's Grove ; preached often at Bloomington, and in the region all round about Bloomington, Danvers, Lexington, Leroy, etc. He began to preach early southwest of Tremont, and soon built up a large and prosperous church called Antioch. He preached much at Hittle's Grove, where he baptized many and established a strong church. He was the first man who ever taught the distinctive features of his church at Sugar Creek, now in Logan county. Salt Creek, Dewitt county, at Hieronymus, Delavan, Pekin, Green Valley, and, indeed, for from fifty to one hundred miles all around Mackinaw. He early formed the acquaintance of H. D. Palmer, near Lacon, Hugh Bowles and his son, Walter P. Bowles, near Clinton, Elder E. Rhodes, near Bloomington, and several others, who belonged to the Christian connection or New-Lights. He had much earnest labor in harmonizing the differences between himself and them. Yet he ultimately succeeded, and those who differed so widely at first became one, and all preached and practiced as he had done from the first. Thus he became one of the greatest mouklino; powers that gave shape and caste to all the churches in the State of Illinois, from S])riiigfiekl, north, and from the Illinois, east. Although his great power lay in organizing and harmonizing, this was by no means his only power. His mind being clear and delineative, he seldom failed to bring conviction to those who heard him. Hence, he was a successful prosclyter, and baptized manv hundreds with his own hands. Being mild and gentle toward all he was generally beloved, and early received the title. Father Lindsey, and was so addressed and spoken of during the last forty years of his life, and his name is yet sacred in the memory of thousands.

He had the pleasure of seeing three of his s(nis successful ])reachers of the Gospel, James, Alfred, and John. The two former went to the spirit land before him. He was an earnest advocate of the great temperance cause, and as early as 1842, in company with his sons, John and William, got up a Washingtonian society, writing the pledge with his own hand. He was often heard to say: "if this nation is ever overthrown, it will be caused by intemperance and })ride." He was also one of the first jireachers of his church who advocated a missionary society, and a new and improved translation of the Scriptures into our great English language. He advocated the establishing of high schools and colleges for the education of preachers and teachers ; and after his son, John, graduated at Bethany College, and entered into the work of establishing AValnut Grove Academy (now Eureka College), he gave him his full aid and support, and deserved more honor than any other man, living or dead, who lived as far from the College as he did, for the existence of that great seat of learning. During his career of near forty years in this county, besides constituting some twenty or thirty churches, he had the good fortune to induce many young men to enter the ministry. Tiie last earnest labor of his useful life was to aid in establishing a congregation and erecting a house of worship at Lilly, a new town near his own home. To this work he subscribed very liberally. His son William is now Elder, presiding over it. And his aged widow, now near 87 years of age, is a member of the Lilly congregation. His three living daughters also have their membership here, and are all active workers, both at home and for the foreign mission cause. The mother also gives freely to the mission work. Before taking any step in life, his standing question was, "Is it right?" His motto in action towards others was, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." " Owe no man any thing," was his financial motto. Hence he never went in debt. For all reliijious dutv he said, "Give me a thus saith the Lord." His posterity, living and dead, number at the date of this writing, eighty-eight persons. The leading features of his life grew still more vivid as he drew near to his closing hour. His house, as he lay on his death-bed for many weeks, was truly a house of worship. As friends crowded around him from far and near, before each one took his last earthly farewell, he had a portion of God's word read, singing and prayer, and then followed the exhortation to be faithfnl. Thus there was worship from three to five times a day in his room. He was in his 80th year when he died. Shortly before he breathed his* last, he looked steadily into the face of his son John, who stood near him and said, " My Son, work while it is day. The night soon cometh when no man can work." " How short is life in which to do the great work for God, for Christ, for Humanity." He wrote his last will and testament with his own hand many years before he died, chosing Michael Hittlc, who had for near forty years stood by him and been true as a neighbor, a friend, and a brother in Christ, to see that he was hurried in a precise spot, and that his wife was laid to his right side. He committed to the care of his daughter, Jane, and her husband. Dr. S. K. Linn, his beloved and aged wife, having also left ample provisions for her support, then fell asleep, and rests, not like Jacob, with his fathers, but, like Abraham, with his children. As a souvenir for the many who dearly loved the old veteran, we place in this volume his portrait, and, also, that of his wife.

Elder John Llndsey, A. 31., was born in Christian Co., Ky., June 15, 1821. His parents, James A. and Jean (Scott) Lindsey, were blessed with twelve children, of whom John was the fifth in order of birth. He was in his fifteenth year when his father moved to Tazewell Co. A few days after John was 15 years old he obeyed his religious convictions and was baptized, uniting with the Little Mackinaw Christian Church, being the first north of Sangamon to take the Bible as a rule of faith, and break the loaf every first day of the week. At the age of 19 he began to preach in Tazewell, McLean, Logan, Dewitt and Woodford counties. He was ordained when quite young and began to administer baptism when almost a boy. He preached much and baptized many before going to college. He entered Bethany College, AV. Va., in the fall of 1844; graduated in 1848. AVhile a student he often went out to preach, and especialy during vacations, and gathered many into the Church, also many of the so-called New Light congregations, of West Va. and Tenn., laid aside their peculiarities and came into the fellowship of the Disciples. In two summers more than 1,500 souls thus came over. At the close of his stay in College he returned to Illinois, and after preaching till his last coat left the elbows exposed to public gaze, he commenced teaching a district school in Mackinaw township. While in school he conceived the plan of erecting one central college in Illinois, and a subordinate high school in each county in the State. On presenting his plan to his father. Elds. J. P. Jones, Wm. Davenport and H. D. Palmer, and especially Elder Major, they decided to locate at Walnut Grove, now Eureka. After a few rousing meetings at Eureka, he went forth, in company with Wm. Davenport, among all the Churches, soliciting means to found the College. He would first give a lecture on education and then

Elder D. would join him in appealing to their pockets. Where they would not give money, he would take a cow, a horse or any other property worth money. On one occasion he procured a mule, blind of one eye, and sold "it in an hour for §37.50. He also solicited money to build a boarding house. The school was opened and he began to teach in the fall of 1850, in company with Professor A. S. Fisher. He was married the previous April to Miss Mariah Mason, of Woodstield, Ohio. He taught for two years and then abandoned teaching on account of the failing health, both of himself and wife. During this period he had also done much preaching, and held successful meetings. In the meantime his plan being openly made known, the Church at Jacksonville and one at Abingdon aimed to outstrip the Eureka enterprise, and each desired to become the central school. This engendered strife and division, and greatly retarded the well-begun work. He returned to Tazewell county and located in Washington, Avhere he built up from a handful of 32 members, a strong Church numbering 150 members. He removed from Washington to Peoria, where he built up a congregation of 65 members in a short time, and a neat and elegant house of worship. His best estimates of additions in Tazewell county is about 1,000; he can count up near 500 at Mackinaw alone, 250 at Washington, 125 each at Lilly and Antioch, and about 40 at Pekin. He also held a very successful meeting in Tremont. These two Churches were sutfered to go down when he was called to other fields. While in Peoria he Avas one of the editors of a religous paper. He has been married three times. He was first married in 1850, to Miss Maria K. Mason; second, in 1855, to Miss Sarah F. Eeding; third, in 1858, to Miss Martha M. Davidson. His children by the first two are all dead. He has three childreen by the present wife. He began in the temperance work when a boy, and has been very earnest all his life as a temperance man. He has been State Evangelist or Corresponding Secretary of the State Missionary Society for three different times, a year each ; was President of Princeton College, Kentucky, two years; has been pastor at Peoria, at Pekin, at Washington, at Atlanta, Logan county, and at Duquon, in Illinois ; also pastor of the Churches at Palmyra and St. Joseph, Mo. Of his 5,000 additions to the Church, one-fifth have been in Tazewell county. Being the first college graduate among his people in Illinois, he has been often called upon to hold public debates, and in the numerous discussions held by him, he has always succeeded in leaving his people in a healthy and prosperous state, and fully confident that he had sustained himself well. At the present writing his residence is in Eureka, yet he always calls it going home to return to Tazewell. He has just entered his fortieth year as a minister of the Gospel, and is yet strong and vigorous, being only 58 years old. He loves to recount the days when they beat all their meal in the old homony mortar, or went thirty miles or more to mill. The wolf chase, and deer hunt of the early times, are percious to his memory.

Samuel K. Linn, M. D., was born in Clinton Co., O., Aug. 17, 1819. His parents Avere Samuel and Jane Linn; He was educated in the common schools of his native State and was graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, O., Feb. 21, 1848. Dr. Linn came to this county in 1840 and owns farm property on sec. 23, on which he lives and farms in connection with the practice of medicine, in which he has been successful ; was married Oct. 22, 1850, to Jane Lindsey, daughter of Elder James A. Lindsey. Dr. Linn is a member of the Christian Church, and a Republican in politics. P. O., Lilly.

John McFall. Mr. McFall was born at Brownsville, Fayett Co., Penn., June 4, 1822. He is the son of Charles and Jane McFall and came to this State in 1846, locating in Peoria. He moved to this Co. in the year 1859. By occupation he is a blacksmith and brickmaker. Mr. McFall has served his people in the office of Justice of the Peace. He has considerable musical taste and talent and has taught vocal music for many years. He was united in marriage April 14, 1842, to Miss Mary Wagoner. They have had seven children, only three of whom are living. He is a member of the Methodist Church. P. O. address, Lilly.

Philip J. F. 3Iiller, former, sec. 22 ; P. O., Mackinaw. Mr. M. is the happy possessor of 333 acres of choice land. He was born in Robinson Co., Tenn., Nov. 4, 1836. George and Elenor, his parents, were natives of Virginia. Philip came to this county in June, 1837. Attended the common schools of this county; and has held the offices of Assessor and Highway Commissioner; was joined in wedlock to Martha Adams, June 29, 1858 ; they have had seven children - three boys and four girls; five are living; is a member of the Christian Church, and a Democrat in politics.

Joseph H. Myers is a son of John and Catharine Myers, who were natives of Pennsylvania, in which State Joseph H., the subject of this sketch, was born March 1, 1826. He came to this county while a lad nine years of age. He is a farmer on sec. 27, and is the owner of 263 acres of land. His post-office is Mackinaw. Mr. Myres has been a consistent member of the Christian Church for the past sixteen years. Mrs. Myers is also a member of the same Church. He was united in marriage to Mis Susan Perry, who was born in Kentucky, April 30, 1830. The day upon which he led Miss Perry to the hymenial alter was March 13, 1849. They have been blessed with six children, four of whom are living.

Daniel W. Pnterhaugh, farmer, lives on sec. 26, and is the OAvner of 619 acres of choice farming land; has succeeded admirably in his chosen profession. He was born in Miami county, Ohio, Oct. 24, 1824. His parents were Jacob and Hannah Puterbaugh, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. Daniel W. was educated in the common schools of Ohio and his adopted State. He is a member of the Christian Church, and has served as Elder for about sixteen years; was married Oct. 8, 1846, to Sarah J.

Smith, who was born in this township Sept. 9, 1829. She is the mother of seven children - three boys and fonr girls - six of whom are living. Mr. Pntorbaugh has served as Justice of the Peace for sixteen years, and has held the offices of Supervisor and Highway Commissioner. P. O., Lilly.

Solomon Putcrbangh is an extensive farmer and one of the solid men of the county, owning over 1,000 acres of land, well stocked and equipped. He is a native of Miami Co., O., where he was born Sept. 9, 1822 ; his parents were Jacob and Hannah Puterbaugh. Solomon came to this county in 1839. He only enjoyed the priyilegeof attending the common schools of pioneer times, yet with his rare native business qualifications he has conquered, to a very great extent, the circumstances that tend to keep men down, and has made of life, thus far, a success. Has been Supervisor and Highway Commissioner. In politics is Repulican and Prohibitionist. Mr. Puterbaugh was married Feb. 27, 1844, to Eliza A. Howell, who was born in White Co., this State, June 10, 1826. They have had four children - three boys and one girl - of whom two boys are living. He is a member of the Christian Church. P. O., Mackinaw.

Warren Percy, deceased, was born in Rutland, Meigs county, O., Jan. 26, 1822. His parents were natives of the same State. He Avas educated in the common schools of Ohio, and came to this county in 1858» He resided on sec. 35, where he owned 160 acres of fine land, which he cultivated. In this he proved quite successful. Mr. and Mrs. Percy accepted the teachings of the Gospel of our Savior, and united with the Christian Church. He Avas a Republican, politically. Mr. Percy went to California in 1850, where he was quite successful, financially. He returned in 1854, and was married Dec. 15, 1857, to Emma E. Williams, a native of Meigs county, Ohio, where she was born March 7, 1835. Their home was blessed by the birth of two boys and two girls, only one of whom, a boy, is now living.

D. G. A. Railshack, farmer, sec. 32. Mr. R. has spent an active life of almost half a century in this county, and has acquired 356 acres of land ; P. O., Mackinaw. He is one of the substantial pillars of the Christian Church of this section, having been a member for 45 years ; has been an elder in the Church for nearly 25 years. The subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery Co., Tenn., April lb, 1819,' and moved to this county in the fall of 1830. Thomas F. and Louisa V. Railsback, his parents, were natives of Virginia. The first school Mr. Railsback went to in this county was taught by his father in his own cabin, in 1832. Mr. Railsback was united in marriage Jan. 17, 1839, to Ellen E. A. Walles, who died in March, 1853; was again married Aug. 5, 1854, to Virginia E.Adams; He is the parent of eleven children - four boys and seven girls - nine of whom are living. Thomas A., his eldest son, served during the Rebellion in the 94th 111. Inf

Tonn., where he was born Feb. 16, 1816. His parents were Joshua and Eliza])eth Smith, the former a native of Va. the hitter of Ky. Mr. Asa S. Smith came to tliis county in 1848. He foHows the occupation of farming and stock raising. He was united in marriage May 16, 1838, to Elizabeth Neville, a native of Montgomery Co., Teiin. They have had twelve children - nine boys and three girls - four of their sons were taken with a fever, in Jan., 1867, and died within forty-two days. Mr. S. has been a member of the Methodist Church for thirty-five years. Post-office, Mackinaw. We will cite an incident of his life which he vividly relates : In Jan., 1836, while engaged in the woods getting out timber, in the State of Louisiana, and having no weapons of defense but his axe, he was attacked by a panther. So sudden was this nimble and treacherous animal in its attack, that Mr. S. was compelled to drop his axe and use only his hands against the formidable enemy. After a long and severe struggle, he succeeded in killing it by choking it to death. The scars of the many wounds he received cling to him yet and will through life.

irichnrd Sparks, of the firm of Sparks & Son, fiirmers and grain dealers, Mackinaw. He is a member of the Christian Church, and was born in Salem Co., N. J., Aug. 19, 1805. Thomas and Abigail, his parents, were natives of New Jersey. Mr. Sparks has lived for over half a century in the holy bonds of matrimony, having been united in marriage March 14, 1820, to luicy Devore, of Brown Co., O. She is the mother of ten children - five boys and five girls - eight of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Sparks celebrated their golden wedding March 14, 1879. On that occasion four of their children and ten grandchildren were present. Mr. Sparks is one of the original Republicans, having acted with the party since its organization. Tliomas Sparks, the third son of Richard, served in the 3d 111. Cavalry during the Rebellion.

James R. Whisler, proprietor of the steam flouring-mill at Mackinaw, was born March 17, 1836, in Cumberland Co., Pa. His parents were Jacob and Mary A. Whisler, natives of l*a. James R. while a youth, attended the common schools of his native State, acquiring a good practical education, and came to this county in 1855. Two years later, Oct. 28, 1857, he was married to Mary C. Smith, who was born Sept. 14, 1840, in Fulton Co., Ky. She is the mother of three girls. Mrs. Whisler is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. W. is identified with the business interests of Tazewell Co., and has been quite successful.

Georr/e Walker, farmer on sec. 22, He has acquired the ownership of 900 acres of land, and, too, when he commenced life with nothing. He worked as a laborer at $12 per month for his first start, "This certainly speaks well for his energv and business ability. Mr. Walker was born Cecil Co., Md., May 24, 1832. His parents, George and Harriet Walker, were natives of Maryland. He came to this county in 1838; attended common schools of

William Allensworth Edward H.Bacon

McLean county, 111., where lie received his education. He was married March" 18, 1858, to Mary Lilly. They have five children - two bovs and three girls. He made the good confession befi^re men and ibr sj)iritual strength and support, and to aid in the great labor of the Church, united himself with the Christian Church. His P. O. address is Lilly.

George T. Williams was born in this township June 2, 1834. He is a son of Isaac J, and Anna AVilliams, natives, respectively, of Ky. and Tenn. They are among the earliest settlers of the county, having come here in the year 1829. George T. Williams, the subject of this sketch, is a farmer on sec. 13, and is the owner of over 400 acres of land. Mr. T. was married May 6, 1858, to Miss Rebecca A. Macy, a native of Randolph county, Ind. Their home has been blessed with three daughters and three sons, of whom two girls and one boy are living. Mr. W. acts with the Republican party, and is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. P. O., Lilly.

John H. Wilson was born in Augusta Co., Ya., July 11, 1834; attended the common schools of his native State and came to this county in 1855. P. O., INIackinaw. His parents were Daniel and Elzabcth A. Wilson, natives of Virginia. JSIr. Wilson was married Nov. 18, 1858, to Charlotte Sargent. He was in the Quartermaster's Department for over a year during the Rebellion, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and Assessor of his township.

Below may be found a schedule of the township officials serving since the organization of the township, together with the years of serving :