Malone Township

Malone Township

This was the last township of Tazewell Co. to receive its first settler. His advent was not until 1850, over twenty-five years after settlers came into other parts of the county. Much of the priarie land, before the county was generally cultivated, was so wet that many supposed it never could be tilled profitably. In this respect Malone was worse than most any other portion of the county. We find a very good description of the state of the land in an early day in a report made by a commission appointed by the Legislature to survey and appraise the swamp lands of the county. This survey was made in 1852, and the report reads as follows: "The whole of this body of land is such as would be generally denominated wet prairie land. During the spring months of April and May M'ater stands upon the ground to the debth of from one to two inches to one to two feet. The higher ground on the west side is comparatively dry, and is composed of sand ridges interspersed with small oak timber, but the prairie on the north, east and south sides is among the best for farming purposes to be found in this section of the county. In the course of a few years this low land will become very valuable, both for pasture and meadow. At a little expense a ditch could be cut into Crane lake, when the land would be dry enough for the slough." Upon such lands as they adjudged swamp or overflowed lands, they put a valuation of from 50 to 80 cents per acre. In Spring Lake they valued some land as low as 10 cents per acre. Several years age a large ditch was cut through the township which, with numerous small ones, a fine system of tiling and cultivation, has relainied this rich soil, and now some of the finest farms in the county are located here.

Among the earliest settlers here were Silas Dowed, Thos. Perry, James McCoy, James and John AVilson, Calvin F. Buckman, Dr. Hubbard, S. and William Latham, Joseph Watts, and William Boyer. John A. Kerman was the first to train the children in the school room. The first marriage occurred in 1850. Francis M. Griffin and a daughter of James McCoy were the contracting parties.

Mr. Wm. Boyer relates some incidents of earfy life here, that will be read with interest, no doubt. He says Ohio, the State he left when he came here, abounded in game, and in consequence he had hunted a great deal. On his arrival here he found game equally as plentiful, and he has enjoyed many exciting hunts after deer, brant, geese, etc. One winter he, with his son, John P., Ed. Vancil and Manuel Purcell, went on a deer hunt. A heavy snow lay upon the ground. They started in a sleigh and soon discovered some deer, and succeeded in killing two of them. Across the "flat" there were two groves - one called Swamp Grove the other Ash Grove. Between the two the deer were generally numerous. The party saw some deer about a quarter of a mile away, and arranged it that Ed. Vancil should circle around them with the team and drive them through these groves, where Mr. B. and the others were to lie in wait for them. In a short time Vancil returned and reported that " the deer did not scare worth a cent." Indeed, instead of running at his approach, they came right up to the sleigh, struck at him, shook their antlers, and manifested unmistakable signs of fight. At least to such an extent that Vancil acknowledged being afraid to shoot, although well armed. At the conclusion of this singular report the party hurried to the spot, and succeeded in getting only one shot, and secured another deer. In this herd fortyseven deer were counted by Mr. B. He relates that at that time he could find deer at any season of the year in what was called Crane lake swamp. This was previous to the cutting of the county ditch and it was therefore very wet.

AVolf hunts were not unfrequent in an early day here. The wolves were so numerous and troublesome that regularly organized raids were made upon them. With dogs, guns, and other weapons, the people would turn out and drive them to their coverts. At one particular hunt, which is spoken of by John P. Boyer, six men engaged to exterminate or intimidate the marauding rascals, to such an extent, at least, as to aiford temporary relief. The hunt was carried on with dogs, used for the purpose of tracking them. The men went on foot, and often started up several and followed them for miles. The wolves were driven to their burrows, where the party succeeded in capturing nine young ones. These were divided among the party, taken home and trained, and grew to be well behaved dogs, save they were bound to live on spring chickens, campmeeting or no camp-meeting.

river Rhine. The subject of this sketch was born in Ripley county, Ind., Sept. 22, 1837 ; received a common scliool education, and came to this county in 1855; has hekl several local offices; was married, April 20, 1859, to Mary Jane Thompson, a native of" Hillsdale Co., Mich. She died Aug. 16, 1878; she was a consistent Christian lady and a member of the Christian Church. They were the parents of Henrict E., born Jan. 21, 1860; Lilly Olive, born Sept. 30, 1863; George Leander, Feb. 28, 1866; Jennie Maud, July 27, 1875.

Joseph Ary, farmer, sec. 8 ; was born in White Co., near Carmi^ this State, Oct. 20, 1820. His parents, George Ary and Susan Dosier, his wife, were natives of Virginia. Joseph received a common school education, and M-hile quite young worked at the cooper's trade ; has served his county in several local official positions ; was married, in 1839, to Frances Griffin, a native of Ky. The union has been blessed with nine children, only three of whom are living. They were born as follows: Lucinda,* Aug. 13, 1840; J. Henry,* Sept. 6, 1842; John Anderson, Feb. 5, 1845; Mary A.,* April 13, 1847; Millessa,* Aug. 8, 1849; Minerva A., Aug. 14, 1852; Geo. Alonso, Nov. 13, 1855; Presilla,* Feb. 2, 1859. Those marked * are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. iVry have been members of the Christian Church for 30 years. His grand parent, Adam Dosier, served in the Continental army for seven years under Washington ; Mr. Ary remembers distinctly of hearing him recite the many exciting times he had witnessed, and many hardshi])s he went through, in the war for Independence. He died in White Co., 111., at a very advanced age.

Jerome Boyiaparte Bailey, farmer and blacksmith, sec. 11 ; P. O., Green Valley; was born in Hillsboro, N. H., May 31, 1839. His parents are Josiah Gordon and Catharine (Barnes) Bailey. Jerome B. came to this county in 1853, attended school at Pekin, and ^vas married, July 7, 1864, to Ada Noel, of Green Co., 111. They have two daughters, Jesse N., born Oct. 23, 1869, and Mabel Lee, born March 16, 1875. Mr. B. is paying special attention to the culture of strawberries. In 1878 he raised on a small ])atch 54 bushels, being at the rate of 675 bushels per acre. He has If acres, which is a very large strawberry bed.

William Boyer, a native of Frederick Co., Md., where he was born in 1816. His parents were Peter and Catharine (Runkles) Boyer, natives of Germany. Mr. Boyer, with his parents, moved to Ohio in 1836 and settled in Muskingum Co. He arrived in this county in the year 1848, and located 480 acres of choice land. He has been a pioneer of two States. He has lived to see this county grow to its present populous and prosperous condition, and is now prepared to pass the remainder of his eventful life happily. He was married to Lucinda Day in April, 1836. They have been the parents of thirteen children. John P. was born Dec. 8, 1836, and he married Nancy M. Shoup; Susanna, born July 2, 1839, she married David Jones; David W., born May 23, 1841, married Mary Wise- man; Margaret Ellen, born June 4, 1843, married Wilson Griffin, died Jan. 1,1859; Manuel, born Sept. 6, 1844, married Harriet Dean; Thomas, born March 9, 184G, married Cecilia Worstall; William H., born June 15, 1849; Lucinda, born July 12,1850; Jacob, born May 26, 1853; James and three others died in infancy. Post-office, Green Valley.

John Peter Boi/er, merchant and farmer; P. O., Green Valley; is a native of Muskingum Co., O., where he was born Dec. 8, 1836. He is the oldest son of AVilliam and Lucinda Boyer. For an education he enjoyed only the advantages of the common school. He came to this county in 1849, and has held various local offices; was married, in Jan., 1858, to Nancy M. Shoup, a native of Muskingum county, O. Mr. Boyer and his wife are both members of the Christian Church.

Thomaii Boyer was born in Muskingum Co., O., in 1846 ; is a son of William Boyer, a native of Maryland, and Lucinda Day, his wife, a native of Licking Co., O. Thomas came to this county with his parents in 1849; received a common school education; his occupation is that of a former ; Avas married to Cecilia Worstall, in March, 1876, who is a native of this county. She is a member of the Christian Church. They have one son, Francis Melvin, lx)rn Nov. 23, 1877. P. O., Green Valley.

Hayes Brownlee, farmer, sec. 13 ; P. O., Delavan ; is a son of Jos. and Rosanna McKinstry Brownlee, natives of Washington Co., Pcnn. The subject of this sketch was born in Marion Co., O., in 1832. The Brownlees are of Scotch descent, and the McKinstrys Scotch-Irish. John McKinstry came to Penn. from Ireland over 106 years ago. He died at the age of 94. He could remember the battle of Cowpens of the Revolutionary war. It was near where his parents lived. Mr. Brownlee has held several local offices ; was married, in 1855, to Elizabeth Reed, a native of Marion county, O. They have six children, born as follows: Clark, Jan. 1857; Charles, April, 1860; Rosetta, Jan. 1, 1863; Mary J., Sept., 1864; Samuel, April 13, 1866; William, March 13, 1869. Mr. B. came to this county in 1852.

Bartholomew Buckley, farmer, sec. 24 ; was born in the county of Cork, Ireland, in 1824. His parents were Timothy and Bridget (Welch) Buckley. His grandparents were Bartholomew and Joanna (Murphy) Buckley, and on his mother's side, Edward and Ellen (Guyre) Welch. The subject of this sketch came to New York city in 1848, and then to Batavia, N. Y., and to this county in 1867; was married, in 1852, to Ann Madden. They have had the following children : Edward U., born 1854; Timothy W., 1856; Elizabeth A., Sept., 1860; Mary J.; George W., 1864; AVilliam H., 1866 ; Harriet A., 1868 ; Thomas J., 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Buckley are both Catholics.

John T. came to this county in 1857, and is engaged in farming on sec. 2; was married, in 1865, to Ellen Wilson. They are the parents of Anna M., born Nov. 29, 18()6; Louis W., horn March 2, 1869; Bessie Maud, born Dec. 11, 1876. Mrs. Burns is a member of the Methodist Church. P. O., Green Valley.

John W. Cline was born in Elm Grove township, Tazewell Co., June 17, 1825. He is, therefore, the first male child born in this county. Stephen Woodrow, to whom is generally accorded this honor, was not born until Sept. of 1825, three months after the birth of Mr. C. He has witnessed the transformation of the wild prairies into beautiful homes. Mr. Cline received a common school education, and has held the offices of Supervisor, School Director and others; was married, 18-47, to Roxana Stewart, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Cline's parents were Joseph Stewart and Elizabeth Grady, the first of New Jersey, and the latter of Penn. Phillip Cline, of Virginia, was his grandparent. He died at an advanced age at his son John's, in Elm Grove township. The Clines are of German descent. Mr. Cline is a farmer on sec. 17. P. O., Green Valley.

Simeon R, Orosby, retired, is a native of Bristol, Ontario county, N. Y., where he was born in 1806. His parents were Simeon and Anna (Rice) Crosby, of Mass. The Crosbys are of English descent. They settled in Mass. at an early day, and then moved to Ontario Co., N. Y., where the subject of this sketch was born. Mr. C. was Captain for a number of years in the N. Y. State Militia, and was promoted to Colonel. Mr. Crosby was married, in 1829, to Roxana Pitts. She is deceased. She was the mother of - Richard M., Russell W., Webster R., Silas H., and Vernon C. Mr. C. is a Republican in politics. Post-office, Green Valley. His wife was the widow of George Davis, of N. Y". Mr. C. came to this county in 1852.

Karl Hoehley, is a son of Gottfried and Christiana (Grumbach) Hoehley, natives of Prussia, where Karl was born in 1828. He crossed the ocean and came to this county in 1854. He attended the German schools for 14 years; was married to Mary Roush in 1859. To them have been born ten children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Elizabeth, Eeb. 16, 1860; Wilhelmina, July 8, 1861 ; Mary Catharine, March 19, 1863; Emma C, June 27, 1864; Frederick, Mav 10, 1866; Jacob Levi, Feb. 21, 1868; Louisa, Nov. 9, 1869; Jidia A., Dec. 21, 1871; W. Franklin, Aug. 18, 1874; Anna R., Feb. 11, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Hoehley are menibers of the Evangelical Association. He is a farmer on sees. 5 and 6. P. O., Manito.

Alexander Demmin// IngermU, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 15; P. O., Green Valley. Mr. Ingersoll is one of the most extensive farmers and stock raisers in Tazewell Co. He is the owner of 1245 acres of land, on which he usually raises 70 acres of wheat, 36 acres of barley, 70 acres rye., 500 acres corn, and 140 acres of oats. He has on his farm 14 head of horses, 40 head of cattle, and 85 hogs.

Mr. Ingersoll was born in Grafton, O., in 182;). His parents were Reuben and Christine (VanDuseu) Ingersoll, of Mass. The subject of this sketch received a common school education at Hinckley, O. He was engaged in the general merchandising business in his native State; came out West to this county in Jan., 185G, and has held the various local offices ; is a Democrat. He was married, Feb. 22, 1853, at Granger, O., to Sarah Vanorman, a native of Ontario Co., N. Y. They are the parents of James R., born Nov. 27, 1853; Georgia A., born June 9, 1854; Edward Y., July 1, 1855; John Elbridge, Sept. 27, 1857; Hubert I., July 1, 18(j0; Charles E., Aug. 31, 1862; Henrv C, Nov. 12, 1867; Ella Medora, June 16, 1868; Doctor Alexander, Sept. 21, 1870; Josie Belle, April 16, 1876.

Doctor Benjamin Franklin Ingersoll is the seventh son of Reuben and Christine (Van Duesen) Ingersoll, who were natives of Mass. They moved to Ohio in 1816, where the subject of this sketch was born, at Hinckley, Medina Co., in 1832. He received a common school education. He arrived in this county on the 29th of Jan., 1856 ; is the owner of 520 acres of land and considerable stock ; has held several local offices; was married, Dec. 23, 1852, to Ann Eliza Johnson, of Ohio. They are the parents of eleven children, born as follows : Emmagene Z., born, '53 ; Franklin T., born Dec. 13, '51 ; Josephine A., born Sept. 14, '56 ; AVilliani H., Oct. 5, '58, died Feb. 4,'63 ; Lauretta, Oct. 6, '60 ; INIilton Webster, Aug. 22, '62 ; Frederick L., Sept. 11, '64; Samuel B., Dec. 11, '66; Clara Belle, Sept. 21, '68; Stephen Asher, Jan. 14, '71; James O., Jan. 28, '74. Post-office, Green Valley.

William Pitts Latham, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., Green Valley; was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in 1824. His parents were Hubbard Sylvester and I^aura (Short) - I^atham, natives of New York. Hubbard Latham and Mercy Bennett were his grandparents, and Hubbard and Ruth Farbold were his great grandparents, who were natives of England, His great grandfather served in the Revolutionary war as Colonel in the Continental army. AVilliam P., whose name is at the head of this sketch, came to this county in 1851 ; has held the offices of Supervisor, Collector, etc. He was married, Dec. 30, 1851, to Ann E. Waggoner, daughter of Abraham and Catharine (Strawbridge) Waggoner, natives of Penn. Mr, Latham is the father of John S., born Nov. 5, '52 ; Julia, Nov. 8, '54, deceased ; Ada B., Oct, 3, '56; Charles W., May 2, '59; Laura C, Nov. 15, '61, deceased; Daniel Lee, April 14, '65; Cassius W., May 12, '67; Frederick G., Aug. 25, '71.

John M. McDowell, farmer, sec. 25 ; P. O., San Jose ; was born/ in Franklin Co., Penn., in 1850. His parents were AVilliam E. McDowell and Mary E. Davidson, his wife. John M. came to this county with his parents in 1855; received a common school education, and was married, March 9, 1876, to Elizabeth Irving, a native of Perry Co., O. They have two daughters, Myrtie Bell, born

Henry Crawford McDoicell, farmer, sec. 24 ; P. O., San Jose ; was '' born in Franklin Co., Penn., Nov. 12, 1827. His parents were William and Sally (Work) McDowell. Henry C, attended the common schools of his native State. He came to this county in 1853, and was married, Dec. 3, 1856, to Eleanor Glud, of Berkshire, Mass. They are the parents of William H., born Sept. 21, '60; George A., born June 13, '63 ; Carrie May, born May 14, '69 ; Charles C, born March 30, '72. Mrs. McDowell is a member of the Baptist Church.

Thomas McKinsiry was born in 1813. His parents were Mary (Patton) McKinstry, a native of Penn., and John McKinstry, a native of Ireland. He came to this country about the year 1773. They had seven children, six of whom are now living, which shows that the McKinstrys are of a very long-lived family. Maria, now 72 years old, is the widow of James Brownlee. Rosanna is 70 years old, and the widow of Joseph Brownlee. James is 68 years old. Matthew, aged 65. Rebecca, aged 53 ; she is now a widow. All the above, except Thomas, reside at present in Ohio. Thomas, whose name is at the head of this sketch, is 65 years of age. He was married, in 1835, to Mary Ann Graves, a native of Ohio. They have one son, James F., born June 14, 1850. He served as Justice of the Peace for 14 years, and has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for 30 years. He came to this county in 1852. Is a Republican in politics.

George Solon Nave was born in Marion, Perry Co., Ala, March 22, 1846. His parents were Jesse B. and Mary W. Nave. Mr. N. went through the Sophomore class at Horow College, Ala., and graduated at the University of Ala. Is now a farmer, sec. 4. He served in the 20th Ala. regt., C. S. A., as Sergeant Major and Captain, being promoted for gallantry at the battle of Rock Face Mountain. AVas married, Dec. 19, 1875, to Ella M. Latham. They have one son, Hubert Latham.

Joseph N. Phillips is a native of Tazewell Co., being born here March 19, 1842. He is the only child of John and Catherine (Stipes) Phillips, who are natives of France, but now reside in Sand Prairie township, this county. They were among the earliest settlers. Joseph received a common school education ; was united in marriage with Miss Emma Crabb. They have four children - John D., born April 8, '70; Joseph W., born Dec. 24, '71 ; George Edward, born March 26, '77 ; Catharine Margaret, born Oct. 10, '78. He is a Democrat ; P. O., Green Valley.

James K. Pagh. Mr. Pugh is a descendant of Jesse Pugh, who came to America with AVilliam Penn. Ellis Pugh and Phoebe Copie were the parents of James. James and Joanna Pugh were the parents of Jesse. Jesse and Rebecca (Babb) Pugh, natives of Va., were the parents of James K., who was born in Warren Co.,

O., in 1826, and came to this county in 1848. Has held the offices of Supervisor, Collector, and Com. of Highways ; was married to Sarah S. Tcnnent, a native of N. Y. They have had born to them four children, only one of whom is now living. Mr. P. is a farmer and resides on sec. 10.

Benjamin Strmcbridge, farmer, sec. 9 ; P. O., Green Valley, was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., May 14, 1814. His parents were Benjamin and Alargaret (Kiuman) Strawbridge. Mr. S. had only such advantages for an education as the subscription schools offered. He learned the shoe-maker's trade. Mr. S. was Notary Public at Williamsi)ort, Penn., appointed by Gov. Packard ; was elected County Treasurer of his native Co. in 1861, on the Democratic ticket,* being the only Democrat elected. He was married July 14, 1844, to Sarah Calvert. Thev were the parents of John B. ; Mary C; William R. ; Frank B.;' Jesse; George B. McC. ; Mary C. ; P. W.; Ellis; Smaley E.

Michael Pritc-hard Wolford, farmer, sec. 24 ; P. O., Green Valley ; was born in Hampshire Co., W. Va., in 1845. His parents are Peter and Elizabeth (Short) Wolford. Michael came to this county with his parents in 1855; attended the common schools and learned the blacksmith trade; was married March 25, 1875, to Mary J. Metcalf; they have one daughter, lona Elizabeth, born Feb. 24, '76, and one son, Frederick Marion, born July 23, '78. Mr. and Mrs. Wolford are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Samuel Mijron Woodrow, farmer, sec. 25 ; P. O., San Jose. Mr. ' Woodrow was born in this county in March, 1855. His parents are William and Ellen R. (Kellogg) Woodrow. Mr. W. attended school at Pekin High School, Eureka College, and Peoria Business College. He is the owner of 501 acres of valuable land, and has it well stocked and improved. He was married Jan. 31, 1877, to Sarah Gravett, a native of White Co., 111. They have one son, William W., born April 24, 1878. Mrs. Woodrow is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. W. is a Republican in politics.

Edward D. Wordall was born at Zanesville, O., in 1824. John Worstall, a native of Penn., and Lucy Morris, his wife, and a native of N. J., were his parents. When Mr. W. came to this county in 1851, he carried on blacksmithing at Pekin and afterwards the same business at Circleville, and in 1861 he moved on the flirni where he now resides. He filled most of the town offices, and has been Justice of the Peace for the past 1 1 years ; was married Oct. 4, 1849, to Mary V. Foster, of Zanesville, O. They have had ten children - Sarah A., who married William Dean, of Mason Co.; John C, who married to Manty Debolt, of Ohio, and who resides in this township; Charles W. is dead; Arrila J., who married Isaiah Correll and lives in Sand Prairie township ; Celia M., who married Thomas Boyer and resides one-half mile west of the old homestead; George F. ; James M. ; William IL, and Lottie who is dead.

The Supervisors, Clerks, Assessors and Collectors who have served this township from its organization, and the years of serving, are as follows :