Newton Township

Newton Township

EWTON Township in its first precinct government belonged to Crow Creek Precinct. It was afterwards attached to the Albany Precinct. With many other precincts, the people of this township voted, in 1849, in favor of township organization. It was during this year that the Commissioners fixed the present IxMindary lines, and gave to the township the name of Greenfield. The election in 1849 was invalid, and in 1851 the citizens again expressed themselves at the polls as favorable to the township system. Accordingly, on the 6th of April, 1852, the citizens met to consummate their organization. The meeting was held at Greenfield, but no record is made of the preliminary officers. Joseph Miller was elected Supervisor; S. B. Slocumb, Clerk; John Thompson, Assessor; John Mitchell, Collector; Luke Abbey, Overseer of the Poor; George Rowe, William G. Nevitt and Oliver Root, Commissioners of the Highway; Win. W. Slocumb and Arthur Hoffman, Constables; and Wm. Payne and S. B. Bliss, Justices of the Peace.

Jeremiah Pearson, a Georgian, has the honor of making the first settlement in Newton. He made a claim on section 21, in 1835, and put up a log cabin, which was the first in the township. Adam Stallnaker, from Virginia, came in next, and located on section 16. These two pioneers did not seem to like Newton very well, for they soon sold out their interest, the former going beyond the Marais d' Osier, and the latter to Albany Township, where he afterwards died. John and William Piercy, who came in in 1836, l>ought Pearson's claim, and the following year sold out to Joseph and John Miller. Stallnaker sold his claim to Alexander Thompson and Samuel Miller. In 1837, W. G. Nevitt, S. B. Slocumb and

Wh1Teside County

Luke Abbey made claims here. Mr. Nevitt located on section 6. Luke Abbey located on section 24, and Slocuinb on section 6. There were no roads in the township at this time, and Mr. Nevitt did not like the idea of living in a country without roads, or even a cow-path, so he went into the timber, cut down a tree and then, hitching a couple of yokes of oxen to it, he started out for Albany. When he returned home with his tree he thought he had a pretty fair road ; at least, he could find his way out to a settlement then. Settlers came in rather slowly during the early years, the land in this township not coming into market until 1845, and after this the population increased more rapidly.

There were Indians al>out here, as there were in most of the townships, in the pioneer times, but they were peaceable, doing nothing beyond stealing Whenever they had a good opportunity.

Henty Rexroad and Eliza, daughter of Luke Abbey, were the first to enter into matrimonial alliance. The first child born in the township was William, son of Luke Abbey. At the breaking out of the late war he enlisted, and was mustered into the 341)1 Regt. 111. Vol. Inf., but died before goingintbany active service. The first death was that of John Winchell's child, who died near Mineral Springs.

The few Methodists who were here in the early days went to Albany for worship. Afterwards they held services around ^in the houses of the settlers. John Freek, a religions devotee who lived by the sand ridge, in Erie, used to come on foot to preside at these meetings. This gentleman organized a Sunday-school here, and would be punctually on hand every Sunday to preside over his flock. Later on, Mr. Nevitt put up a building near his home, in which the people worshiped. When the schoolhouse was completed, meetings were held there. Other school-houses, as soon as built, were appropriated on Sunday for divine services. Through the efforts of W. G. Nevitt and S. B. Slocumb, a church building was finally erected. It was afterwards used lor a school-house.

Between the years 1855 and 1860, the people of Newton Township were greatly exhilarated over the prospect of having a railroad, which was to run from

Mendota through their township to Albany, thence across the Mississippi to Comanche. They embarked in this project eagerly, mortgaging their farms to help on the enterprise. Nothing was done further than partially grade the line, and the farmers lost heavily by this swindle. If all the men who have been directly instrumental in robbing the farmers under the plea of constructing a railroad were to get their just deserts, it would require a larger factory than that now used for manufacturing the bicycle to make the gallows.

Newton Township did nobly during the late Rebellion, sending into the field nearly 150 volunteers. They also contributed liberally in aid of the war.

The topography of this township is exceedingly beautiful. The land is mostly rolling, and sufficiently timbered. While it has no large rivers or streams of water, there are several pretty little creeks that meander through. There are some splendid farms within its borders, and many fine dwellings; and most of the farmers are in independent circumstances.

The first and the only murder committed in this township was that of William Andrews, by his son, May 5, 1884. The father and son did not agree very well, and finally the father ordered the son to leave the premises, which order he obeyed. Subsequently the father went away on some business, and when he returned home he found his son there. He said nothing, but allowed him to remain. One day the father was correcting a younger son, when the elder son, whose name was John, interfered, telling his brother not to mind what the old man was saying. This angered the father, and he reprimanded the John, whereupon he drew a revolver and fired at his father, who ran out and around the house. John followed him, firing all the time, until he fell, as was supposed, dead. John immediately left the farm and the country, and has never been heard of since. A reward was offered for his capture, but it was of no avail. Mr. Andrews died one month after he was shot, and was buried in Erie Cemetery.

A postoffice is established in the township, called Kingsbury. It has no special locality, or fixed place, but is transferred wherever the Postmaster happens to live. Paul Burke is the present incumbent of this office.

The Methodist Episcopal Church - Have a very substantial church building in the northeast part of the township. This is called Zion's M. E. Church. The building is 24 by 40 feet and cost $r,ooo. They have about forty members. Rev. F. Lines, of Albany, holds service here every two weeks.

Presbyterian Church. - This is known as the Kingsbury Church. They have a prosperous society, with sixty -four members, and a large and interesting Sabbath-school. A very neat little church structure, which was erected some fifteen years ago, at a cost of about a thousand dollars, affords this society a pleasant place of worship. A good organ is provided, which is used in connection with congregational singing. Rev. J. Lafferty is the present pastor in charge.

The Dunkards and the River Brethren have quite a following in Newton. In their religious simplicity, however, they do not go so far as to construct church buildings, but confine their places of worship chiefly to barns and groves.

Source changes here: from History of Whiteside County, Illinois from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908 : Illustrated, with Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent Citizens of the County, by Davis, William W, published 1908; 2,106 words in this source stream.

Newton Township

In one respect, Newton differs from all the other townships. Instead of a village or city, a strong church is the center of influence. All its early history, its cherished traditions, its present social life, are bound up in Newton Presbyterian church, which lies in the heart of a community of farms and homes which hold many a precious association. Its semi-centennial, 1857-1907, was celebrated in the latter year, and from a pamphlet issued at the time, we glean many interesting particulars.

As early as 1839 the Millers, Thompsons and Booths were upon the scene, and at once felt the importance of religious services. Mr. and Mrs. John S. Thompson took part in the organization of a church at Albany in 1839. After the Methodists appeared, both denominations held services as they could secure ministers in the log schoolhouse near the James Smack place. After the old Kingsbury school house was built in 1854, the Presbyterians met there until the erection of their present edifice. Ministers from Albany, Fulton, Morrison and other towns in the presbytery sent supplies. Finally a meeting was called in the Kingsbury schoolhouse, March 11, 1857, and a permanent organization effected with James Blean and John Thompson as ruling elders. The sermon was preached by Rev. Louis Gano, and the constitutional questions proposed by Rev. W. E. Mason, of Fulton. Fourteen persons united- in the organization: Joseph Miller, Robert Blean, John Thompson, Thomas Wilson, James Blean, Mrs. Nancy Kennedy, Mrs. Emmons, Mrs. Joseph Miller, Mrs. John Thompson, Mrs. James Blean, Mrs. Deborah Booth, Mrs. Sarah Thompson, Mrs. Robert Blean, Mrs. Thomas Wilson. The same day, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Slaymaker, William Weakley and Mrs. Ephraim Rexroad united with the church. For eleven years the people continued to meet in the Kingsbury schoolhouse, but in the spring of 1868, assisted by the Board of Church Extension, sufficient money was raised to erect a building.

The church was united with that at Albany as one charge until 1873, when Rev. Josiah Leonard of Clinton agreed to preach for what salary they could raise. In 1877 Rev. D. B. Fleming became resident pastor, and that fall a parsonage was erected on the lot adjoining the church. He was succeeded by Rev. J. L. Lafferty. For twelve years or until 1885, the church was self-sustaining. Of late, however, the congregation has not felt able to maintain a regular minister, and services are now held in connection with the Garden Plain church, one society to have preaching in the morning for three months, and then the other. This order was adopted at the installation of Rev. W. C. Miles in 1891.

The Societies

have done so much for the welfare of the community. Fourteen women, at the suggestion of Mrs. Helen Fleming, the pastor's wife, met Sept, 25, 1877, and organized the Ladies' Home Missionary society. The first officers were: Mrs. M. J. Arrell, president; Mrs. Helen V. Fleming, vice president; Miss Mary Carruthers, secretary; and Miss Alice Arrell, treasurer. Since 1902 it has been called the Woman's Missionary society. One of the members, Miss Edith Jenks, went in Oct., 1901, to the Punjab, India, and is laboring faithfully as a foreign missionary. Meetings are held monthly and officers are elected annually. At present the society numbers 23 active and three honorary members. Altogether 83 have been enrolled since the beginning. The society has made and sold carpets and quilts, given dinners, suppers and socials. The total amount raised since organization is $1,969, divided equally between home and foreign missions. Since 1883 a scholarship has been sustained in Miss Noyes' school, Canton, China. The salary of a missionary teacher at St. George, Utah, has been assisted. Occasionally addresses have been delivered, the last by Rev. W. S. Marquis, D. D., of Rock Island.

Girl S Mission Band

This was organized Nov. 12, 1887, with a membership of nineteen girls from two to fourteen years of age. Mrs. L. A. Slaymaker was elected first president, and re-elected for fifteen years until her removal to Albany in 1902. At present twenty-two on the roll. Meetings are held regularly every month. . Each girl pledges five cents a month. Various methods for raising money have been adopted, such as mite barrels, birthday offerings, earning dollars, autograph quilts, fairs, bazars, mite boxes, sociables. During the first ten years $489 were raised. Since, $512, making a total of $1,001, all given to the cause of foreign missions. This is a record hard to surpass for a country society. The secretary regularly attends meetings of presbytery and brings back reports for encouragement. Since Mrs. Slaymaker, five of the girls have been presidents.

The Newton Y. P. S. C. E.

This was organized Feb. 22, 1891, with twenty-six members. It was in existence for thirteen years, but was finally discontinued owing to removals and other causes. In 1894 the society undertook to aid in the support of Graham Lee, missionary in Corea,- by raising $1.10 per member from 59 members. This obligation was afterwards assumed by the Rock Island church. In 1895 a series of four lectures were given. Dr. Skinner of Morrison, "The Bible in Literature;" McCluskey of Geneseo, "Formation of the New Testament;" Dr. Davis of Aledo, "Bible Inspiration;" Dr. Marquis, of Rock Island, "The Bible and Its Monuments." During its short but earnest history, the society gathered $403 for missions and other charities.

The Boys' Band

These Mission Soldiers, as they are sometimes called, were organized in 1888 with seven boys: Albert, Jesse, George and Louis Slaymaker, Alvin Van Fleet, Edward Hawk and Robert Blean. During the twelve years fif-

The Newton Bible Society

This met in the old log schoolhouse at Newton Center until 1859, when quarterly meetings were held at different places. Since 1859 by donations and subscriptions, a total of $2,100 has been collected. It is undenominational, the offerings being from all good people interested in the cause.

Pastors Of Newton Church

A long roll of devoted clergymen. Rev. Louis Gano, 1857 to 1859. Dr. Lackey closed his service in 1862. Rev. Jacob Coon was seven years from 1863. Rev. John Giffin, 1871-1872. During much of the time the Newton and Albany charges were served by the same minister. Rev. Josiah Leonard began his ministry in 1873, and remained over three years. Rev. David Fleming came to the Newton church in 1877, spending six and a half years of faithful labor. From 1883 to 1885 Rev. James Lafferty occupied the pulpit. Rev. Edward H. Sayre, after seven years in India, began his ministry in 1885, for two years being the first pastor who served the Newton and Garden Plain churches as one field of labor. Rev. John L. Henning preached two years from 1887. C. S. Bain for one year, when his mind became affected. Rev. Will C. Miles remained two years from 1891. Rev. William H. Hyatt came to Newton and Garden Plain in 1893, remaining over two years. Rev. Andrew McMacken next for two years from 1896. Rev. Charles P. Andrews, 1899, served the two churches for three years. Rev. Lewis C. Voss came in 1902 and recently resigned for another field.

The Church And The Manse

On Sunday, Jan. 24, 1869, the present edifice, 36 by 52 feet, was dedicated. Rev. Josiah Leonard of Fulton, and Rev. Jacob Coon of Albany conducted the exercises. The building cost about $2,000 and will seat 250 persons. In 1877 subscriptions to the amount of $1,300 were made and the parsonage was erected on a lot bought from Joseph Marshall for $200. Also from him was purchased the cemetery lot in 1858 for $50, and here repose many of the early citizens. At the semi-centennial in 1907, Rev. Lewis C. Voss preached the sermon from I Corinthians : "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." The records show that 281 persons have been members of the church. The number of deaths is fifty-six. The present membership is eighty-six. It was highest in 1899 with 136 members, but numerous removals and deaths have materially reduced the roll.

The Pioneer Millers

Among the first comers no name is more deserving than that of Miller. Three brothers, Joseph, John and Samuel, who made their first trip to Whiteside, like the Wallaces of Sterling, on horseback. This was in 1838. In 1840 they settled in Newton. Joseph and Samuel had several children. John was single. At an old house along the main township road the writer met Jack Miller, son of Samuel, who emigrated from Cumberland county, Pa. He proved to be a veteran, having enlisted in the 93rd Illinois Infantry, Col. Putnam, and saw three years of service. He is sixty-seven, and lives on the original claim. Part of the house is ancient, half of it having been moved from another on the hill. Mr. Miller is still active. His uncle, Joseph, was one of the charter members of the Presbyterian church.

Alexander Thompson, 1839, was another Cumberland county man. Luke Abbey, 1837, and John Beardsworth, were from England. Wm. Booth, 1839, was from Virginia, and also Henry Rexroad. Stephen B. Slocumb, a genuine Sucker, was born in White county, on the Wabash river, 1813, and settled in Newton in 1841. Most of these pioneers reared large families. The broad prairies were lying waste and they believed they should be peopled.

The Cemetery

Not far from the church is the cemetery. The soft, shady lawn, in perfect order, speaks volumes for the refined and earnest people whose kindred are here. As you ramble over the sacred grounds, familiar names of the early settlers are inscribed on the marble and granite: Millers, Booths, Robert and Mary Blean, John Blean, 1796-1867, Elizabeth Kilgour, 1794- 1874, Slaymakers, Alexander Thompson, 1840, aged eighty-three, and his wife, 1783-1859, Sarah F. Hawk, 1877, aged seventy-eight. The Beardsworth family have a massive monument. John, 1810-1895, Mary, 1815- 1870. Alfred B. was a soldier, 1837-1863. No family name has a worthier record than that of Blean, worthy in church and state. The Bleans were Christians and patriots. Here is James H. Blean, second lieut. Co. B, 75th 111. Infantry, Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862. D. K. Blean, Co. G, 156th 111. Infantry. Major Joseph A. Ege, 1805-1861.

What a pretty prospect as one- gazes over the wide expanse of alluvial lowland, dotted with cottages, to the bluffs on the horizon. In one lot are the town hall and Kingsbury school, 1898, both white, making a pretty contrast with the foliage of the grove. Miss Flora M. Parker presided in the youthful realm with 21 pupils.

A Rural Arlington

As you drive east from Newton church to Fenton Center, lying on a hill, north of the road, is one of the most inspiring spots in the county. St. Paul's, London, has Wellington, Nelson, and her heroes under the pavement, but here the patriot graves lie open to sun and shower. A goodly company of soldier boys. They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their deaths they are not divided. Elisha Ege, 75th 111., 1864; William S. Abbey, Co. A, 34th 111., died in camp, 1861 ; Ellis Passmore, shot on his way to regiment, 1865; Robert M. Hawk, Co. G, 15'6th 111. Vol., 1865, with Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty;" Ira A. Payne, killed at Mission Ridge, Tenn., Nov. 25, 1863; William Rainier, Co. F, 16th Iowa Infantry, 1873; Harrison R. Myers, Co. C, 8th 111. Cavalry; Harry Hawk, Co. F, 93rd 111. Vol., wounded at Mission Ridge, Nov. 25, 1863, died Dec. 5, 1863. Then there are many of the fathers and mothers who bore the burden and heat of the day at home while the noble sons were battling at the front. Luke Abbey, Yorkshire, England, 1869, at eighty-two; Van Fleet, 1809-1882; Polly Wells, 1847, at sixty-six; Rexroad; "Myers and others. A charming situation. It is a city set on a hill that cannot be hid, city of the dead.

A fine quality of winter wheat was once grown, and threshed with flail or by tramping with oxen. No nearer market than Galena or Chicago until Albany became a shipping point.

The first schoolhouse was built in 1842 near Mineral Springs. It was of hewn logs. When the schoolhouses were ready, religious services were held in them.

Near the eastern boundary were two springs whose waters were once so highly esteemed that they promised to be the Carlsbad of the county. A romantic spot. Ideal for a picnic or an excursion.

In 1856 a rail fence, staked and ridered, five feet high, was decided to be a lawful fence. In 1862 it was voted to invest $50 of tax money in wolf scalps, one dollar for old fellows. In 1864 a tax of one per e.ent on each $100 valuation was voted to pay soldier's bounties.