Maquon Township

Maquon Township

When the red men roamed unmolested over this beautiful county their principal village was in this township, on Spoon river. As they were driven westward by the advance of civilization, a Mr. Palmer, a bee-hunter, came to the township and stopped at their vacated village. He arrived in 1828, but made no improvementin the way of fencing, or preparing a permanent home; and as it was not his intention to remain, he could not be termed a settler. He stayed here bu a short time, when he removed farther west. Interesting remains of this Indian village and of their burying ground are found. It will be noticed that their trails, as marked on the map in this work, lead from near the town of Maquon.

James Millan settled on section 25 in 1830. Among other early settlers were Wm. Darnell, Wm. Farmer and Mark and Thomas Thurman. The first Justice of the Peace was Mark Thurman. The first death was that of a little daughter of Mark Thurman, named Rebecca, who was also the first child born in the township. The first marriage was that of Elisha Thurman to Miss Anna Hall. Although they went to Fulton county to have the ceremony performed, yet they resided in this township at the time. The first school-house was erected on section 34 in 1834. The first school was taught by Benjamin Brooks. In the northern part of the township, on section 4, is situated the town of Maquon. Spoon river passes diagonally across the township in a southwestern direction. The township contains a good proportion of prairie and timber lands.

The prairie and timber land of this township is finely proportioned. Spoon river enters at section 1, flowing south makes its exit at section 35. The 0., B. & Q. railroad makes its entrance at section T, running southeast, converges with the river. The town of Gilson is in the township. This was the second township settled in the county, PJenderson being the first. In 1829 Parnach Owen, then a young man living with his widowed mother in Ohio, had a strong desire to go westward. He was strongly urged to remain in the bounds of civilization, but without avail. His mother, seeing his determination to emigrate to a new country, concluded to accompany him. Accordingly she with her two daughters prepared for this western journey. Knox county was their destination, and in September of that year they arrived in this township, where, on section 18, they erected their log cabin. When we reflect that the first white persons inhabiting this vast region of country were a widow lady and her children, it would seem that she possessed bravery unequaled, patience untiring, and a devotion and love for her son that would permit no separation but that of death. Could we give a detailed account of the life of this noble woman, of the trials and hardships and sufferings endured, it would be read with great interest. Mrs. Owen and family moved into Knoxville soon after that city was laid off, her son doing the surveying. Parnach Owen took an important part in organizing the county. He was a land dealer and speculator, and we are told that be has owned more land in Knox county than any other man. He died in Iowa, Mrs. Owen in Knoxville, and the two daughters are still living. One is the wife of Dr. Eice, of-Lewistown; the other the widow of the late John G. Sanburn and residing in Knoxville.

James Nevitt came to the township in the early part of 1832. The first child born in the township was his son, Charles Nevitt, in 1832. The first death was that of Eleanor Jarnagan. in the winter of 1834. The first school-house was built on section 8 in 1836, and the first school was taught by James or Susan Dempsey. The celebrated Peter Cartwright preached the first sermon in the township about 1831. Linneus Eichmond and W. W. Dickerson came into the township at an early day. Mr. Dickerson came in 1827. He remembers having to go to Chicago for salt one winter, to Peoria to mill, and many other inconveniences. Walter Bell, an aged resident of the township, came into the county 25 years ago. He was 85 years old Aug. 2, 1878. He is one of the few surviving veterans of the war of 1812. He also served in the regular army. He rode on the first horse car and the first steam car ever run in the United States, and saw the first steamboat run on Chesapeake bay. Mr. Bell enjoys good health, is able to be up and around, and will probably live several years longer.

The town of Maquon was laid out on the northeast quarter of section 4 in Maquon township. The survey was completed October 24, 1836. The proprietors were Parnach Owen, John G. Sanburn, William McGowen, R. L. Hannaman and Richmomd & Beers. Benjamin Cox erected the first building, a frame, to be used as a hotel. He kept it for a while; afterwards kept for 20 years by Nathan Barbero, and was known as the " Barracks." Matthew Maddox built the first store in 1839, expecting to occupy it for that purpose, but never did. John Hippie kept the first store in the place. Joseph Delay and Jacob Consor erected the two first brick dwellings in the summer of 1839. William McGowen was the first Justice of the Peace and the first Postmaster in the town.

There was no school-house built for 12 years after the town was laid out, and Mr. Nathan Barbero fitted up and furnished schoolrooms for the accommodation of the pupils and kept them in repair, rent free. The first school was taught by Harriet Hainlin in 1839. The first school-house was erected in 1848. The present school building is of wood, 54 by 36 feet, contains 3 large school-rooms, was erected in 1866, at a cost of about $9,000. Maquon was incorporated

March 19, 1857. The first Board of Trustees were S. A. Huber. Horace Jones, W. J. Lane, Samuel Long well and Dempsey Capps. The first Police Magistrate was Anson S. Potter. The present Board of Trustees are: J. H. "Wagnei:, President; J. G. Hamrick, G. W. Benson, A. C. Housh, L. J. Dawdy and A. J. Clayton. William Burkhalter is Clerk, and A. M. Maple Treasurer. Police Magistrate, J. L. Burkhalter. The estimated population of the town is now 800. It is an important point on the C., B. & Q. R. R., for the shipment of stock.

Milroy. - This place, which exists only in name, was laid out about 1837, or '38 by Conrad Leek, on section 33, Lynn township, and named Centerville. The first house was built by Simeon Ellis. The town grew and flourished for a time, but the railroads attracted trade and business to new towns, and Milroy remains only a fertile cornfield.

This town is located on section 19, Chestnut township, and was laid out by Archibald Long in 1840, on land owned by himself and Simon Markham. The surrounding country is settled by^some of the best farmers in the State, - those who fully understand the theory and practice of the pursuit of agriculture.

The city of Abingdon is situated on the Cedar and Indian Point township line, upon a very high and a surpassingly beautiful prairie. The eye gazes from this point upon one of the most beautiful agricultural districts in Illinois. In every direction the whole country is dotted over with fine farm residences, fertile fields, woody vales and high and densely timbered groves. A graphic writer who visited Abingdon in an early day speaks of the freshness of the atmosphere surrounding it in this language: " The monotony of vast prairie landscapes, such as the traveler often meets, would be as wearisome as that of the ocean were it not relieved in some degree by elasticity of the atmosphere. The writer the last time he approached Abingdon was sensible from its elevation and its situation in open prairie on every side, that the atmosphere must be very healthy and invigorating. The sky presented that same delicious blue for which the sky of Italy is so renowned, and as the sun was sinking behind the great swell of the western prairie, I thought this one of the most desirable points for a residence in the great valley of the Mississippi."

Abingdon was named by A. D. Swartz, who formerly lived in Abingdon, Mo. The first house was erected on Main street by A. M. Curry. It was a log hut. He and John Green built a log store near the dwelling. The first license to sell goods in Abingdon was issued to Green & Bowman Dec. 4, 1837. Public sale of lots was held in the spring of 1837, some of which are now worth $2,000 and upwards. A Mr. Mclntosh taught first school in 1838. Alonzo Iveece was first male child born. Mr. Duffield, father-in-law of John C. Evans, was the first person who died. He was an old man, and died in 1838.

Abingdon Fire Department was organized in Jan., 1878. C. C. Perdue, Fire Marshal; J. S. Richey, Assistant. Abingdon Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 is composed of 28 men, H. H. Bellwood, Foreman. Abingdon Chemical Engine Co. No. 1 has 24 men: C. W. Bassett, Foreman. This company has an engine costing $1,000. The Hook and Ladder Co. have attended State tournaments, and have run 300 yards in 53f minutes.

This is one of the prettiest locations for a town in the county. It is situated on a rolling prairie, gradually descending from all sides, making the location high, dry and pleasant. It is one of the oldest towns in the county, but railroads have drawn its trade to other points, and but few houses remain. It is located on section 19, Salem township.

Victoria

The village of Victoria was laid out May 11, 1849, by A. C. Denney, County Surveyor ; the proprietors were John Becker. John W. Spaulding, George F. Reynolds, Albert Arnold, Jonas J. Hedstrom, W. L. Shurtliff, Jonas Helstrom, Joseph Freed and John I. Knapp. Old Yictoria lay one mile and a half southeast of its present site; but here Jonas J. Hedstrom had a. blacksmith shop, John Becker a store, G. F. Reynolds a tavern, so that they with others concluded to build a town, and laid out the present village site.

Formerly the main route for the mail ran through the place, and a four-horse stage run through twice a day. The route ran from Burlington, via Knoxville, to Chicago, making Victoria a place for the change of horses.

George F. Reynolds came to this county in 1836, from Barrington, New Hampshire. He built the first house on the State road between Walnut Creek arid Knoxville, in Victoria township. He kept the first hotel in the vicinity, which he continued for fifteen years. He has entertained nearly all the first settlers of Galesburg at his house. His hotel consisted of a cabin 18 by 20 feet in size.

Oneida

The original town of Oneida was laid out September 1, 1854, by C. F. Camp and B. S. West. It embraced most of the northwest quarter of section 36, in Ontario township. Subsequently S. V. RHolmes and G. D. Camp became interested with the original incorporators, and the firm was known as Camp, West & Co. Other additions were soon made, and Oneida began to grow. A rough board shanty was erected that same fall, and work was begun on the hotel. About Christmas the hotel warming took place, and about the same date the cars on the C., B. & Q. railroad began, to pass this point. J. J. Rodgers erected a house for himself meanwhile, and these three were the only buildings occupied the middle of May, 1852. By the 4th of July the infant town contained eight families, namely: those of. C. F. Camp, J. J. Rodgers, C. W. Robertson, J. Kinney, S. Cooley, JEckley, M. Osgood and E. Child.

The 4th of July, 1855, will be remembered as the great day for Oneida. From 9,000 to 10,000 people gathered on the broad prairie? where never a tree had been planted or a garden made. They were tempted by the enticing offer of a " free dinner and a big time." The postoffice was established the previous winter. C. F. Camp was the first Postmaster, since succeeded by E. Collainer, 1ST. H. Walworth, J.

"The old South School- House " was justly styled "Freedom's Hall," for any citizen could appoint a meeting in it, for any speaker, at any time, provided that it did not interfere with any previous arrangement. Oneida became a station, with an agent, in the fall of 1855. The side track was gratuitously graded by the citizens.

Oneida has suffered severely from fires. The whole business row on Center street, a grist mill, planing mill, school-house, cabinet shop, wagon shop, blacksmith shop, several dwellings and other buildings have thus been destroyed. The people of Oneida and vicinity are emphatically a reading community. Consequently its postoffice is largely patronized. Its cemetery is ample, has a good location, contains many fine monuments, and is well kept.

The Oneida High School building is a handsome and substantial brick structure two stories high with a stone basement. It contains six large school-rooms and commodious chapel, seated with 300 chairs. This building was erected in 1870, at a cost of $14,000. The accompanying engraving is a fine representation of its exterior.

When the Central Military Tract E. K. - now C., B. & Q. - was being built J. B. Chambers furnished the men with supplies. He opened a store here, being the first one. The town was laid out in 1864 by heirs of John Thompson (one of the early settlers of the county) and called La Pier, and in 1863 was changed to Altona. During the same year an addition was laid out by Daniel Allen and E. B. Main. The town is located on section 16, Walnut Grove township. The surrounding country is unsurpassed and the town is a pleasant, neat place.

The village of Wataga was commenced in 1855. J. M. Holyoke was the first resident. The first religious services were held in private houses and 'then in the depot building. The first store was built by J. M. Holyoke and A. P. Cassel for the firm of Willard & Babcock. The railroad depot and Wataga House were built in 1856. Besides the Town, Masonic and Odd Fellows halls, there are 6 churches in the town. No people have been more enterprising socially and always foremost in reforms, as her numerous organizations and 6 churches indicate. One of the latest enterprises is the opening of a reading room, Oct. 1, 1878.

This town is near the southern boundary of the county, in Indian Point township, section 32. It was laid out by Harry Mattingly in 1856. Previous to this there was a town just over the line in Fulton county called by the same name, which was one of the oldest towns in this section; but after the railroad was built it was abandoned and a new town started.

Summit

Summit is located on the C., B. &. Q. railroad, and was laid out October 17, 1856, by W. K. "Wear, and named Summit because it was supposed to be the highest point of land between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The view of the surrounding country presented from this point is really grand. This luxuriant prairie, dotted with fine farm houses, barns, orchards, school-houses and churches, and skirted by stately groves, is seen for miles on every hand. Truly Summit is appropriately named, and the location for a town is not excelled in this part of the State, as far as the position of the land is concerned. It is located on section 7, Salem township.

On the southwest quarter of section 7. Haw Creek township, the town of Gilson is located. It is a neat little place on the Peoria branch of the C., JB. & Q., 11 miles from Galesburg. It was laid out by Lennuis Richmond July 10, 1857. The county has been settled up around the town for many years: indeed it is one of the oldest settled communities in Knox county.

Yates City

Is located on section 11 in Salem township. It was laid out by Amos ' C. Babcock, William Babcock and James Bnrson, who purchased the land from R. H. Bishop, Mrs. Gray and "W. D. Dixon.

The town was surveyed by E. T. By ram, County Surveyor, in 1857. It was named in honor of Yates county, New York, where "Wm. and A. C. Babcock were born and educated. The first building was erected by James Bnrson, in 1857, on the corner of Union and Main streets, occupied as a store. In 1858 a grocery and provision store was built by "W". D. Dixon and Mr. Wyningee. The same year D. B. Coykendall, Mr. Stimalt, John Sonnemaker and A. Kerns erected dwelling houses.

Iii 1866 and 1867 three churches were erected, - the Presbyterian, at a cost of $5,000; it has a membership of 135. The Methodist edifice cost $5,100. The Universalist building cost $3,400, and the church numbers 75 members.

The town has school buildings valued at from $5,000 to $6,000, and one hotel. It is located at the crossing of the Peoria and the Rushville branches of the C., B. & Q. railroad; is a pleasant town, surrounded by fine country, and has as residents some wealthy, refined and influential people.

The village of Rio is very pleasantly located on the southwest corner of section 16 and the southeast corner of section 17. It was laid off by William Robinson, Deputy Surveyor, in the summer of 1871. The public sale of lots occurred soon after the plat was made, - the first sale being by G. M. Wetmore to Schroder and Owens, on the southeast corner of section 17, for the consideration of $125. Upon this lot they built the first store. The average price of lots was $100. Soon after L. G. Bair built a small house near the southwest corner of section 16, and started a store with a small stock of drugs, but afterwards removed to the building erected by the Masonic order, on the opposite side of the street. Mr. H. P. Winchell represents the hardware and agricultural interests, and is doing a fair trade.

There is one church and one school building in the village. The town was originally called Coburg, in honor of Coe brothers, prominent men there then. The postoffice was first named North Prairie, but was changed to Rio. The following are the names of the postmasters, in the order that they have served: Nelson Coe, J. Bartlett, Sr., Eber Goddard, Larkin Robertson, Benjamin Harvey, Wm. Dailey, Ira B. Halm, and Charles F. Schroder, who is the present incumbent. Rio contains about 300 inhabitants.

The following are the officials of the village: Assessor, D. Rusk; Clerk, S. II. Brace; Constables, William Dunlap and R. Yickery; Commissioners of Highways, G. S. Snow, R. Robson and H. Gillis; Collector, William Dunlap; Justices, Robert Deatherage and G. M. Wetmore; Pound-master, Samuel Lafis; Supervisor. L. G. Bair; Trustees, William Melton, Henry Locklin and Samuel Junk; Treasurer, H. Gillis.

Source changes here: from Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, by Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago, published 1886; 1,271 words in this source stream.

Maquon Township

i^^^'>^ elected Supervisor ; Nathan Barbero, Assessor ; J. L. Lowman, Collector. It is watered by Spoon River, which enters the township on section z, and courses southwesterly, going out on section ig. Other little streams run through the township, emptying into this river, which affords good facilities for drainage and water. The land is mostly rolling prairie, yet there are some fine bodies of timber. James Millan was the first actual settler, locating on section 25, in 1830, and improving a farm. Among those who joined him soon after were Mark and Thomas Thurman, William Darnell and William Palmer.

The territory now embraced by this township was a beautiful country and attracted the Indians, who had at an early day one of their principal villages here, which was located on the banks of the Spoon . River. Soon after the Indians left their village, re- ^ treating before the advancement of civilization, a noted bee-hunter, by the name of Palmer, came to the village and tarried awhile; this was in 1828. He remained but a short time, when he proceeded farther Westward. Many interesting relics were found at the Indian village by the early settlers.

The first couple married from this township were Elisha Thurman and Anna Bell, the ceremony being performed in Fulton County. The first death was that of an infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Thurman. Born in the settlement, this delicate pioneer infant was too frail a flower to bear the rude blasts of untoward circumstance, of privation and adversity, and drooped and faded. It became the first gift to heaven from this township and was hapjiy, while those left to mourn gave with dutiful hand and heart to " Him who carries the lambs in His bosom."

'Squire Mark Thurman was the first man in the township to hold the scales of justice. Benjamin Brooks taught the first school, in 1834, in a schoolhouse on section 34.

After the Indian troubles were over Maquon settled quite rapidly, and became one of the prosperous townships of the county. It has a very thriving little village located on the northern line, bearing its

^5^^rHown name, where the people mostly do their trading. The advantages of ready transportation were given the people by the compleiion of the Peoria Railroad in the early part of 1S57.

Maquon is a good township, and within its territory are some good farms and fine buildings. It is a good stock country, and in raising hogs it ranks third in the county. Population in 18S0 was 1,448. The County Superintendent's report fortheyear 1885 furnishes the following items regarding schools :

" There were eight school districts, one graded and seven ungraded schools. The school property was valued at $12,000, with eight frame school-houses. Of persons under zr years of age there were 666, of whom 45S were of school age, 41 r being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were $75, the lowest $33. The highest wages paid female teachers were $45, and the lowest S30. The tax levy was $4,500."

> S situated in Maquon Township, in the ^.Ksg^^ northeast corner of section 4, and was laid fi)g^ ' out by Parnach Owen, John G. Sanburn, ^iJ^ Wra. McGowen and Robt. L. Hannaman in >p 1836. The survey was completed October 24, * same year. Benjamih Co.x erected the first building. It was a framiT one, and was used for a hotel, being opened as such by its builder. Subsequently this hotel passed into the hands of Nathan Barbero, and was kept by him some 20 years. It was called the " Barracks," and was a much belter hotel than its name would signify. Matthew Maddo.x erected the first store-house in 1839, with the intention of putting in a stock of goods, but he gave up the project, and it remained for John Whipple to offer for sale to this pioneer settlement the first goods. About the next buildings to go up in this town were two brick stores erected by Joseph Delay and Jacob Consor, in the autumn of 1839. In 1837 a postoffice was established and placed in charge of Wm. McGowen, who also had the honor to represent the village as Justice of the Pe^ce.

Miss Harriet Hamlin took charge of the education of the youth of this town in 1839, though it was not until 1S4S that a school-house was built.

The town went on adding to its numbers until it was thought it was large enough to be incorporated. Accordingly a vote was called for on the 19th of March, 1857, to decide this question. It resulted in favor of incorporation. 41 voles being cast for and 14 against the measure. In March an election was held for Village Trustees, which resulted in the choice of S. A. Huber, Horace Jones, W. J. Lane, Samuel Longwell and Denipsey Capps. At a meeting of the Trustees at the office of W. J. Lane, March 28, Dempsey Capps was chosen President of the Board; L. B. Potter, Clerk; and Anson S. Potter, Police Magistrate.

It was about this time that the Peoria Branch of the C, B. & Q. R. R. was completed through the town, which gave quite an impetus, for a time, to its growth. It was about the last of April or the first of May that the first railroad train went through from Galesburg to Peoria.

Maquon has some good stores and is a very good trading point. A very fine scliool-house was erected here in 1866, at a cost of about $9,000. It is a frame building, and contains three good-sized school-rooms. .A graded school has been established here, which has a good attendance and is ably conducted.

Maquon, according to the census of 1880, had a population of 548, which figure will pretty fairly represent its present population. Present Board of Trustees are: Chas. Brocker, .\braham M. Warfel, G. G. Shearer, L. G. Benson, C. T. Olmstead and Chas. Dennis. Abraham M. Warfel is President, and W. VV. Penmen, Clerk.

The Methodist Episcopal Church. After much persistent effort this society succeeded in establishing a permanent organization here, and in the fall of 1877 completed their church edifice at a cost, including grounds, of between $6,000 and $7,000. It was dedicated Sept. 11, 1877, by Bishop J. T. Peck, of Syracuse, N. Y.

Maquon Lodge, No. 256, I. O. O F.,w3ls instituted April 29, 1858, and received its charter Oct. 15, 1858. First officers were: L. W. Fenniruth, N. G.; Allen Harasick, V. G.; Wm. Davis, Warden; J. M. Burkhaher, C. In August of that year they were burned out. The present officers are: B. M. Bland, N. G.; N. B. Runibo, V. G.; Wm. Swigart, 'I'reas.; Chas. A. Walker, Secy. They have a membership at present of 48, and meet in the Masonic Hall. They are well equipped and in a prosperous condition.

Maquon Lodge, No 530, A. F. 6^ A. M., was organized Oct. I, 1867. They worked under dispensation nine months before receiving their charter. The first officers of this lodge were : Robt. Proseus, W. M.; Wm. Swigart, S. W; L. J. Dawdy, J. W. The present officers are L. J. Dawdy, W. M.; T. C. Olmstead, S. W. ; Henry Norris, J. W.; R. B. Seamen, Chaplain ; Wm. Swigart, Treas.; T. L. Mc- Girr, Secy. Present membership, 50 They have ' a good hall, which is well furnished and. equipped. This is one of the flourishing lodges of tlie county; they are out of debt, have funds in the treasury, and are in fine working order.

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; 1,106 words in this source stream.

Maquon Township

In 1827, ten years subsequent to the original survey of this military tract, William Palmer and family, consisting of his wife and five children, located on the southwest quarter of Section 3, about forty rods southeast of the present limits of Maquon Village. This was doubtless the first white family to settle in Knox county. Mr. Palmer's cabin, made of black hickory poles, stood in the midst of Indian gardens, which were usually deserted by the savages in early spring in favor of better hunting grounds farther west. They returned every fall to remain during the winter, until the year 1832, when, as a result of the Black Hawk War, they took a final leave and that neighborhood knew them no more. Mr. Palmer lived here five or six years, planted an orchard and cultivated the gardens, or patches vacated by the Indians, and, as his cabin stood on the old Galena trail, it afforded a stopping place for the miners going to and from their homes in the southeastern part of the state. A few years later Palmer sold his cabin to Nelson Selby and removed to St. Louis.

The following year Simeon Dolph, the pioneer ferryman of Spoon River, settled on Section 4, building his cabin of logs where the Rathbun house now stands. Owing, however, to a suspicion of his having been implicated in the death of an unknown traveler, he left the community a short time afterwards.

In 1829, Mark Thurman, with his family, settled on Section 25, and one of his daughters, Mrs. Hughs Thurman, of Yates City, is recalled as one of the oldest residents of the county. The next year the families of William Darnell, William Parmer, Thomas Thurman and James Milam settled on Sections 24 and 25. They all came from Highland county, Ohio. Subsequently a small, but regular and ever-increasing stream of settlers took up claims in the township, until in 1837, it was thought a favorable opportunity had arrived for laying out a village, which was called Maquon. This is of Indian origin, signifying spoon. Sapol means river, and as the stream bearing this name assumes somewhat the shape of a spoon from source to mouth, it was called Maquon Sapol, or Spoon River.

This township was one of the chief Indian settlements in the state, and here were congregated families of the Sacs and Foxes and Pottawattomies. Their principal village was located on the present site of Maquon as here the Indian trails centered from all directions in pioneer days. A vast number of Indian relics have been and are still being unearthed in the vicinity, and there are a great many mounds scattered about the neighborhood, the most prominent being the Barbero mound, which is supposed to have been built by the Aborigines and to contain human remains. Maquon is well drained by Spoon River and the many small tributaries that flow into it, fine timberlands abound throughout the township, and about one-half of the surface is underlaid with an excellent quality of bituminous coal. The township organization was completed in 1853, by the election of James M. Foster as Supervisor; Nathan Barbero, Assessor, and James L Loman, Collector.

The first school house in the township was built of logs in 1834 on Section 23, or, to locate it more accurately, about eighty rods west of where James Young's dwelling now stands. The first teacher in that building was Benjamin Brock. The next house to be devoted to educational purposes was erected in 1836 or 1837, and was situated about fifty rods south of Bennington. The first school north of Spoon River was conducted by Miss Mary Fink in a shed adjoining the residence of Peter Jones, a father of John Jones, at one time postmaster. The only reading book at that time was the New Testament. It is claimed by some of Miss Fmk's pupils, that she could read and write, but could not "cipher." However, notwithstanding this defect in her education, it was said that her labors were most commendable and satisfactory.

The township at first contained the three villages of Maquon, Bennington and Rapatee. Bennington was originally laid out in the center of the precinct in 1836 by Elisha Thurman, but it failed to develop sufficient importance to be called a village, although it was the township's polling place until 1858, when the name was changed to Maquon.

The township is justly proud of its unbounded patriotism some of its residents having taken part in three of the nation's most important wars. Among the early pioneers of the township were Philip Rhodes, John W. Walters and John M. Combs, who were soldiers in the War of 1812. Avery Dalton, who lived to a great old age and who has furnished much information of the early history of Maquon township, and Madison Foster, deceased were members of the Fulton County Rangers in the Black Hawk War, The rifle carried by Mr. Foster while in service is now owned by his son, Albert, and is in a good state of preservation, the old flint lock having been replaced by one of more modern manufacture. A full quota of two hundred and fifty soldiers was furnished during the Civil War, many of whom died on the field of battle fighting for the Union, while others still survive and occasionally live over again one of the most exciting epochs in the history of the country.

The first birth and the first death to occur in the township was that of Rebecca, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thurman, in 1831. The first marriage took place on Christmas, 1834, the contracting parties being Elisha Thurman and Anna Hall, and the first postmaster was William McGown, who held that position in 1837. The first bridge across Spoon River built in 1839, by Jacob Conser, but it subsequently collapsed by its own weight and was re-built by Mr. Conser the following year. It was located almost directly south of the village of Maquon. The second bridge was erected by Benoni Simpkins, in 1851, a few rods below the site of the present structure, which was built in 1873. The stone work was done by J. L. Burkhalter and John Hall, the wood work by Andy Johnson, and the iron work by Mr. Blakesly, of Ohio. The first distillery in Knox county was situated in Maquon and it furnished the cargo for the first shipment from Galesburg over the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

Note : The positive statement by Dr. Knowles regarding the William Palmer family seems definitely to fix Palmer as the earliest settler in the county.