Ramsey Township

Ramsey Township

ggg^SlAMSEY includes the Congressional Townships of 8 Range 1 E. fl SI and 9 'Range 1 E., of the third principal meridian, and was 3 organized in 1860, having previously formed a part of Bowling

Green precinct. It is bounded on the north by Shelby County, on the east by Bowling Green Township, on the south by Sharon Township, and on the west by Hurricane Township. About one-half of Ramsey is prairie, which lays in the north and north east part, although strips of prairie are found in the southern portion of the. township. The prairie is considered only fair as wheat and corn land, but makes first-class pasture. The timber land ranks No. 1 for wheat growing, and is fair corn-producing soil. In the prairie the soil is of a light color, while in the timber land it is a black loam with a red sandy clay subsoil. It is a well watered township, and therefore is admirably adapted to stock raising.

The 8Tream9

are Ramsey Creek, Ash Creek, Blankinship's Creek, Dry Fork, and Beck's Creek. The most important of these is Ramsey's, which received its title from one of the early settlers whose name was Ramsey. The same may be said of Ash, Blankinship's and Beck's Creeks, all of which were called after old settlers. All of these streams run in a south-eastern direction and empty into the Kaskaskia River, which stream touches Section 36, of Town¬ ship 8, Range 1.

in the township were Valentine Brazil and family, who had as a companion the noted Tom Higgins, who single-handed had such a determined and deadly fight with three savage Indians near Hill's Fort, Bond County, Illinois. He killed two of the savages and would also have killed the remaining one if he had not got out of the reach of the infuriated back- I woodsman. The excitement over and weak from the loss of blood flowing from wounds all over his body, he dropped to the ground insensible. In this predicament the brave fellow would have been lost, as the remaining J savage was close at hand and others not far off, if a woman named Pursely j had not sallied forth at the head of the Rangers who were in the fort, and ! carried him back in safety. Higgins finally recovered. His friends had extracted two balls received in the fight, but two yet remained, one of which I gave him a great deal of pain. Hearing that a physician was within a day's | ride of him, he went to see him to have the annoying piece of lead removed, i The doctor asked him fifty dollars for the operation. Higgins refused, ! telling the M. D. that " it was more than a half year's pension." When he | got home he found that the bullet had worked outwards so as to be seen 1 through the skin. He asked his wife to get him his razor, and cutting in until the razor struck the bullet, with his thumb he " flirted it out," as he used to tell it " without costing him a cent." This Higgins' battle occurred August 20th, 1814. For main particulars see history of county elsewhere.

third principal meridian. In the year 181G they built a log house there, which was the first house erected in what is now Ramsey Township. It was a rude affair, and was located on the bank of Ramsey Creek.

Z. F. Watwood came in 1817, followed shortly by John Hall, Joseph Hall, Jeremiah Riley, Charles Tetrick, and a man named Ramsey. In 1820 came Isaac Anderson, Charles Radcliff, Zichariah Blankinship, Zadock Blankinship, A. Chandler, N. Nowlin, E. Pierce, and Win. James. Moses Poland, Sr., and others came about 1827. The first school was taught by Henry Walker, he and Z. F. Watwood being the first teachers in the town¬ ship. The first school-house wa9 built in Section, 35, Township 8, Range 1 E. It was a small log building, but was the best they could afford in those days. The first sermon preached in the township lies between Rev. Mr. Dodson, Charles Radcliff, who was a member of the mission party Baptist, Jamas Street and Henry Sears, but which of them preached first and the date the first sermon was preached, is in doubt. All of them were members of the Regular Baptist Church. James Street is supposed to have preached there about the year 1818.

The first marriage in the township was Z. F. Watwood and Charity Hinds. Miss Hinds* father came to the county in 1817, but settled in Sharon Town¬ ship. This marriage occurred in 1820.

The first death in the township was John Journey, who was buried in what is now Sharon Township. The first grave-yard in the township was in Sec¬ tion 34, Tp. 8, R. 1 E. There were but three or four buried in that place. It has not been used as a burial place for about forty years, and is now under cultivation with the remainder of the farm it was located on.

The first flour mill was built by Wm. James on Ramsey Creek, and was the first water mill built in the township. A saw-mill was connected with it, which, however, was not in running order for a few years after its erection, which was about 1827.

The first frame house was built by John Hall, in Sec 34, Tp. 8, R. 1 E., which is still standing, although in a very dilapidated condition. Z. F. Wat¬ wood built one about the same time.

The first church organized in the township was the Regular Baptist, Rev. Mr. Dodson officiating as minister, Z. F. Watwood, Nathaniel Nowlin and Elijah Pierce, being about the first and most prominent members. They had no church building, and held their meetings in school and farm-houses. There is but one church building outside of the Town of Ramsey. It belongs to the Baptist denomination, and is located in Section 11, Township 8, Range 1 E.; it was built in 1866.

The Methodist Church was organized in Ramsey Township in 1846. The first meeting was held at the house of Moses Poland, a small log building located in Sec. 8, Tp. 8, R. 1 E., and which is still standing, being a part of the present home of Mr. Poland. Alfred Walker preached the sermon on that occasion. The Methodists erected the first church building in the town¬ ship, in 1860, in the Town of Ramsey. Their meetings before this time were held principally in school buildings.

The Christian Church was organized in the township about 1851, Wesley Smith being their first preacher, and holding his meetings at the houses of the members, among whom were Elijah, Elisha and Bazil Prater, Geo. Bartlett, Wm. McClary, Jacob Miller and Alex. Williams. Their first and only church building in the township was erected in the town of Ramsey, in 1866, aod is a small brick building. The Rev. G. T. Bridges is the officiating preacher.

The Catholic Church, generally called the " Mother Church,'* came into the township at a later date. The first mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Welch, at the house of Edmund Coady, in the year 1867. Quite a number of priests held services in Ramsey after Father Welch, whose names we could not learn. In 1871, a Catholic church was built in the town of Ramsey, and the first mass celebrated on Ascension Thursday, May 18th, of the same year, by the Rev. Father Strembler. After him came the Rev. James Rausman, Rev. Father Zingleberger and Rev. Longinus Quitter, who is the present priest of Vandalia, but also holds services in Ramsey.

The first Justices of the Peace in the townships of 8 Range 1, and 9 Range 1 E., were Z. F. Watwood and Henry Walker. After the organization of Ramsey Township in 1860, Alex. Anderson and Wm. Bridges, were the first Justices of the Peace, followed by James Giles, Frederick Stoddard, A. Anderson, Mr. Lancaster, Frank Bolt and Wm. P. Langford. The two last are the present justices.

Vandalia, supplying the goods. This store was located iii Section 19, Town¬ ship 9, Range 1 East, and was kept about 1848. A short time afterwards, Jackson Grider kept a store in Section 29 of the same township, but finally moved to Section 16, Township 8, Range 1 East, where he sold goods for some time. These stores were not v^ry extensive, but supplied the wants of the inhabitants, which were not many, being principally powder and lead for the "old rifle,** "a little tobacco," and a "dram of whiskey" ouee in a whi'e. This is what the old settlers will tell you in speaking of those days Money was a scarce article, and the store-keeper took in return for hi* goods just whatever his customers had to dispose of, whether it was the pro duce of the farm or the skius of wild animals. S)metimes the people could indulge in such luxuries as tea and coffee, and the ladies be able to get a dress of " store calicobut not often could they be bo fortunate, and gene¬ rally had to be contented with home-production.

The first blacksmith in the township was Wm. Be 2 k, who kept a shop in Section 28, Township 9, Range 1 East: this wa3 about 1838. Edward Beck had a shop in Section 21 of the same township about the same time. Tney were followed shortly by Jerry Goodin, who kept a shop in Section 26, Town¬ ship 9, Range 1 East. About the year 1845, a man named Ewing had a shop in Section 16, Township 8, Range 1 East. He kept it about two years, when he took sick, and before his death requested that he be buried in his shop, which request was carried into effect, his grave being partly dug while he watched from his death-bed. to satisfy himself that they would bury him there.

The first fine stock was introduced into the township by Wm. James about 1845. They were blooded hogs, and went by the name of " Irish Grazers." Ttie first blooded cattle were brought into Ramsey Township by J. J Hinds in 1858. The principal 9tock dealers in the township are S. C. Morrison, E. B Stokes, and J. P. Rogers.

The first murder in the township occurred on the evening of November 22, 1872. While Francis Little, who was a farmer, living in Section 30, Town¬ ship 8, Range 1 East, was enjoying himself in singing with his sisters in his home, and while the house resounded with the beauties of the song, a shot rang out on the night air, and Mr. Little dropped to the floor a corpse. The shot was fired through the window between seven and eight o'clock in the evening, the assassin making good his aim by the light of the lamp near which the family were sitting. Who fired the fatal shot yet remains a mystery, and will probably remain one until that awful day, when all must render au account of the deeds done in the flesh. Mr. Little was quite a young man, and bore an excellent reputation as a quiet, peaceable, inoffen¬ sive citizen. This was the only murder that has ever happened in the town¬ ship, although, during aud after the war of the Rebellion, a good deal of fighting aud shooting was done in the town of Ramsey. In 1865, one of those pistol-fights took place between Thus. M McClaiiihan.an ex-lieutenant of the army, aud Tlios. Sears, who was a member of the " Klingmau gang," and a terror to the whole country. Thompson Culbertson, a friend of Sears, while looking at the fight, received a pistol-shot in the neck, from which he afterwards died. McClanahau was tried for the killing, but acquitted. The general impression prevailed that McClauahan did not in¬ tend to shoot Culbertson. Sears was badly wouuded in the fight, and after recovery left the country, and is supposed to have settled in Missouri. McClauahan also finally left for parts unknown.

In the southern part of the township can be seen the remains of some old Indian mounds or graveyards. Iu those burial places have been found many Indian relics, such as bones, stone axes, and stone implements of war. Those mounds or graves are now ploughed over, and only dim traces of them are visible.

The first land entered in Tp. 8, R. 1 E. wa< by John Watwood, who entered 80 acres iu Section 34, January 16th, 1821. Ferdinand Ernst entered 80 acres in Section 29, February 16th, 1821. William Cole entered 80 acres in Section 34, February 8th, 1822. Those were the first pieces of land entered in Tp. 8, R. 1 E. The three first entries of land in Tp. 9, R. 1 E. are William Beck, who entered 40 acres in Section 28, Feb. 10th, 1836; Edward Beck, who entered 40 acres in Section 21, April 14th, 1836, and Mary Ann Eacle, who entered 40 acres in Section 21, June 30th, 1836.

The living " Old Settlers " of the township, or those who can lay claim to be designated as such, ;*il Moses Poland, J. M. Watwood, George Dycus, Bowling Neeley, George Bolt, John Beck, David Lte, James Little, A. L. Little, John Little, George Little, A. J. Merrimau, Benuett Anderson, E. B. Stokes, George C. Stokes, Thomas M. James, F. M. James, Samuel Wesner, J. B. Hinds, J. P. Rogers, J. M. Price, L. F. Stoddard, Thomas Hicks, William Ginger, M. Donaldson, Edward Lee and Jacob Miller.

The town, of Ramsey is situated on the Illinois Central Railroad, twelve and a half miles north of Vandalia. It was laid out August 20th, 1857, by Clifton H. Moore, Alexander Anderson and Salmon Washburn - John Carsou, surveyor; and lays in Sections 8 and 17, Tp. 8, R. 1 E. It was called after one of the early pioneers, named Ramsey; the same man that Ramsey Creek and the township were called after. Ramsey was incorporated May 4th, 1864. The first trustees were Alexander Anderson, Geo. W. Bolt, David Williams, A. Meyers and M. W. Randall; M. W. Randall, president of the board; M. Layman, clerk. It contains about 60C inhabitants, and is the second largest town in the county. It has six dry goods and grocery stores; one drug store; one hardware store; one furniture store; two saloons; two blacksmith shop; two boot and shoe shops; one harness factory; one hotel; and the Ramsey Mills, owned and run by Geo. W. Bolt.

Ramsey is the shipping point for Hurricane, Bowling Green and Ramsey Townships, and is noted as the greatest " railroad tie' 1 depot on the Illinois Central line. There are also a great many cattle and hogs shipped from this point.

The first Store inside the limits of the town was built by Salmon Wash¬ burn ; but this was before the town was laid out. After the laying out of Ramsey, the first store was built and kept by Donaldson and Bolt. The first house was erected after the town was laid out, by R. W. Smith.

The Churches in Ramsey are the Catholic, Christian and Methodist, whose histories will be found elsewhere in the history of Ramsey Township.

The Ramsey Public School . - The standing of this school is first-class, and is said to rank second to none in Fayette County. The Principal, James R. Campbell, is a graduate of Notre Dame, Indiana. He is quite a young man, but is counted a first-class educator. Miss Laura A. Thiele, assistant teacher, ably seconds Mr. Campbell in his efforts to bring the school to a high standard. Number of scholars, 184; average attendance, 120. The branches taught are algebra, philosophy, physiology, United 8tates history, grammar, reading, orthography, arithmetic, geography and writing.

Joseph Cobb, who became residents about 1855. Several physicians had practised in the township before that date, but they did not reside there. Ramsey has four physicians - L. F. Stoddard, H. S. Short, W. P. Gordon and J. F. Jones.

The First Postmaster was Salmon Wathburn, who held that position in 1855, two years before the town was laid out. After him came M. W. Randall, F. M. James, and Geo. W. Bolt, who is the present occupant. Before a post-office was established where Ramsey now stands, the citizens got their mail at Vandalia and Bowliug Green, where an office was located.

The first police justice in Ramsey, was D. Williams, followed by A. Lan¬ caster, D. Wright, Levi Davidson and W. F. Dycus, who is the present Police Justice. In Aug., 1877, Ramsey was changed by the vote of the people to an incorporated town under the present law.

A Lodge of the ancient order of United Workingmen, No. 103, was insti¬ tuted in Ramsey, Jany. 23d, 1878, by W. H. McCormick, Deputy Grand Master of Workmen, assisted by Robert W. Ross, of Vandalia. Officers : Rev. Geo. T. Bridges, P. M., H P. Hess, M. W., John B. Hinds, G. F., F. M. James, O., R. B. Stoddard, Recorder, D. II. Gill, G., George W. Bolt, F., Rudolph Lindhorst, R., C. W. Shutt, I. W., S. F. Lipsey, O. W. The trustees are R. H. Gray, James I. Bridges and Daniel Shockey. L. F. Stod¬ dard M. D., Medical Examiner.

Biographical Sketches

Of Ramsey Township. We present his name as one worthy to be represented in the biographical sketches of the substantial citizens of Fayette Co. Mr. Wat wood was born in this county, May 25th, 1830. He is the only surviv¬ ing child of Z. F. and Charity (Hindsj Watwood, Mr. Z. F. Watwood was a native of Tennessee, and his wife of Kentucky. Mr. Watwood moved to Kentucky, where ho met Miss Hinds. Her father, Joseph Hinds and family, together with Mr. Watwood, came to Fayette County in the fall of 1*17, and settled on section 34, Tp. 8, Range 1 East. He taught the first school in the township, and was also the first Justice of the Peace in the township. Three years later he was married to Miss Hinds, bought and settled on sixty acres of land, to which he added occasionally, and at the time of his death Sept. 29th, 1850, owned about five hundred acres. His wife survived him until Sept. 1st, 1872.

After the death of Mr. Watwood, the homestead with forty acres of land became the property of his son, J. M. Watwood. He lived here with his mother and two sisters, about five years. In the winter of 1854-55 he made a trip to Texas, for his health, and soon after returning was married - Nov. 1 by which union they have had nine children, seven of whom are living. Their I names are in the following order of birth: - J. F., J. L., W. I., Ella F., Win. S., Geo. E., and Marshall W. The deceased are Geo. M., died Feb.

2d, 1*01, and Alice, who died Nov. 6tb, 1867. Mrs. Watwood was born in Sc-fton Township, Fayette county, Nov. 2d, 1837. Her father was a native of Kentucky, and mother of Pennsylvania. They both moved to Indiana, where they grew up and were married, and emigrated to Illinois in 1834, and settled in Sefton Township, Fayette County, where they remained until their death. Mrs. Sage died May 2d, 1857. Mr. Sage survived her until Oct. 2d, 1872. Mr. Sage was a large and prominent farmer, and his name is well known throughout the County. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1854, Mr. Watwood purchased from his sister one hundred acres of land, and has continued adding to his real estate until he now owns four hundred and seventy-seven acres, three hundred of which is in a good state of cultivation, and well improved. A half page view of his premises may be seen elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Watwood acquired his early education at home, under the tutorage of his father. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and has held the office of assessor and collector, for one term each. He was also the second supervisor of Ramsey Township, and has six times been re-elected to fill that position. He is now chairman of the board of supervisors, which position he holds with satisfaction to the people, and credit to himself. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and are among the best citizens of the county.

Bennett Anderson

Is the son of Bennett and Susan Anderson. He was born in Ramsey Town - ship April 30, 1830, and is the youngest of a family of five children, one of whom is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, Srs., were natives of North Carolina, and emigrated to Fayette County, Ill., in 1820, entered and settled on land in Sharon Township. At the time of his death, in 1853, he owned about two hundred and fifty acres. Mrs. Anderson survived him until March, 1874.

The subject of this sketch commenced for himself early in life by working at twenty-five cents per day. He continued at day-labor for three yean, and then worked for Simeon Hinds one month, for which he received eight dol¬ lars. In the summer of 1848 worked a piece of corn, and in the fall con¬ tracted to make one thousand rails for four dollan. With this money he procured a marriage license, and November 25, 1848, he was married to Elizabeth Merriman, daughter of Charles Merriman, by whom he has had eight children, one of whom is deceased.

In 1855 he bought forty acres of land in Section 17, Township 8, Range 1, which he paid for by hard labor. He traded places a number of times, and finally located on one hundred and sixty acres in Section 28, Township 9, Range 1, where he now lives.

His advantages for an education were very limited; still he acquired a good knowledge of the common school branches. Politically, Mr. Ander¬ son has always been a Democrat.

The Andersou family is noted for longevity. The grandfather of our sub¬ ject fought in the Revolutionary war, and lived to be over one hundred ; and it is hoped that Mr. Anderson will live a long, happy, and prosperous life.

George Dycus

Is a native of Todd County, Ky., and was born August 18,1814. He is the second of a family of ten children (only three of whom are now living) of Andrew and Margaret (Watwood) Dycus, who are natives of North Carolina, both having emigrated to Tennessee, where they were married. They moved to Fayette Co., Ill., in 1832, and settled in Township 8, Range 1, where our subject grew to manhood. His father died in about a year after he came to the county, leaving a widow and nine children, the support of whom de¬ volved upon him. He worked the eighty acres of land entered by his father until he was able to leave home, when he went to work for the Government, quarrying stone at 75 cents per day. He entered forty acres of land in Sec¬ tion 28, Township 8, Range 1, which was his first property. He now has a farm of two hundred acres, eighty of which is in a good state of cultivation and well improved.

Mr. D. had not the opportunity for gaining an education, as the newly settled country afforded but few schools, and the large family which was de¬ pending upon him employed his time on the farm. In politics he has always been a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and are strong believers in its teachings.

Mr. D. has never sought office; but has been Road Commissioner and Director of District Schools. He is now sixty-four years of age, having spent a life of hard labor, and is known as an honest, Christian gentleman.

Moses Poland

When success is achieved by those who have the advantages of early education, of wealth, or influential friends, it is not deserving of comment, as evidencing the possessor of great power, unless that success is of a cha¬ racter to place the possessor at the very pinnacle of fame in the particular pursuit or profession to which attention has been given. Success in life belongs to no one occupation or profession. Every walk in life is open with advantages. Industry, energy and careful thought are only necessary to the accomplishment, when those advantages are combined with these quali¬ ties. The accidency of failure is the exception. Success acquired without the advantages, but with and by the exercise of those qualities of industry, energy and thought, is not unfrequent, but, whenever it has been attained, it has shown a combination of qualities, that, had they been combined with the advantages of life, would have given the possessor high rank.

Moses Poland, was born in Warren County, Tennessee, May 20,1814. He is the fifth of a family of eight children, four boys and four girls, only two of whom are living. His father was a native of Tennessee, and mother of Virginia. They emigrated to Fayette County in 1^27. Mr. Poland bought aud settled on one hundred and sixty acres of land in Section 17, Township 8, Range 1 E., for which he paid cash. At the time of his death in 1854, he owned three huodred acres. Mrs. Poland died two years previous. Mr. Poland's father, the grandfather of our subject, fought in the Revolu¬ tionary war.

Mr. Poland of whom we write was married December 19,1834, to Miss Jane Boaz, daughter of Edmund and Nancy Boaz, by which union they have bad ten children, three of whom are living, viz.: Jacob, John, and Sarah. Mr. Poland lived for one year after his marriage with his father-inlaw. Afterward bought twenty acres of improved land in Hurricane Town¬ ship, on which he raised one crop. He then entered forty acres in Section 8, Township 8, Range 1, on which he erected a log house. He has always been an industrious, energetic, and honest gentleman, and always succeeded in whatever he undertook. He now owns two hundred and twenty-nine acres, one hundred and forty of which is in a good state of cultivation and well improved.

Mr. Poland*8 advantages for an education were limited, but being a man of progress, he has acquired a fair knowledge of the common-school branches, and a large store of general information.

Politically he has always been a Democrat, and has never been known to scratch the ticket. He has held the office of Road Commissioner, and Director of district schools.

Mr. and Mrs. Poland are members of the Methodist Church. They have lived together for over forty-three years, and rank among the best citizens of the county.

Elias B. Stokes

Was born in Bond County, Sept. 16th, 1831, and is the seventh child of James and Tabiatha (Merriman) Stokes. His parents were natives*of North Carolina, and emigrated to Tennessee, at an early day, where they were married. Soon after they moved to Illinois and located in Bond County, where they lived but a short time, moving to Fayette County, and settled on Ramsey Creek, Hurricane Township, aod from there they removed to Ramsey Township, near Ramsey. Mr. Stokes died in August, 1874, in his 78th year. His wife still survives him, and resides on the old homestead.

Their son, Elias B., the subject of this history, came to this county with his parents when an infant. His early years were spent on his father's farm. He attended subscription schools only a short time, but by perseverance managed to acquire the rudiments of an English education.

He remained with his father until thirty years of age. On the 21st of November, 1861, he married Miss Margaret Hawks, daughter of Hervey and Louisa J. Hawks. Mrs. Stokes was born in Jersey County, Illinois, and emigrated to Marion Co., in 1844. By this union they have had four children, in the following order of their births: - Effie L., Sheridan E., and twin infants, Lawrence E., and Tillie E

In politics Mr. Stokes was originally a Whig, as was his father, and was the only man in his township that voted for Bell and Everett. Since the dissolution of that party, he has been identified with the Republican party; voting in 1860 for Mr. Lincoln.

Mr. Stukes commenced in life with little means, but by a life of industry and honesty he has acquired a competency, and is one of the solid substan¬ tial farmers of Hurricane township.

Was born in Fayette County, Illinois, September 4th, 1833. He is the seventh of a family of thirteen children, and is the son of Zadock and Sarah (Jones) Blankinship. Zadock B. was a native of Patrick County, Ya. He moved with his family to Tennessee, where they remained but a short time; came to Illinois about 1820, and settled in Bowling Green Township, Fayette County.

His father died in 1835, leaving his family in moderate circumstances. Zadock by this time had grown to manhood, and settled on eighty acres of government lands, which he paid for by hard labor, clearing it all himself. He was married to Miss Sarah Jones, daughter of Benjamin Jones. She died in 1840. Mr. Blankii diip died September, 1862, leaving the hand¬ some property, consisting of four hundred acres.

Our subject commenced early life working by the month, and succeeded in saving enough money in a few years to purchase a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, for which he paid cash. He was married August 17th, 1858, to Miss F. E. J. Burruss, daughter of Charles and Ruth Burruss, by which union they have had eight children, four of whom are living, viz.: Jacob Franklin, Carrie C., Addie Alice, Sidney \V. Those deceased are Charles Oscar, Joseph E, Harriet C., Zadock J., all of whom died in infancy.

In politics Mr. B. was a Democrat until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he became identified with the Republican party, of which he has ever since been a member. August 9th, 1862, he enlisted in the 97th Ill. Regt. in defence of bis country. He remaihed in the service three years, during which time he participated in a number of important battles. He held the rank of sergeant from enrollment, received his discharge at Galveston, Texas, July 9th, 1865. His grandfather, Benj. Jones, was in the Revolutionary war.

His advantages for an education were very limited, but he improved his leisure moments by reading and studying such books and literature as were accessible, and has acquired a good store of knowledge. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episco¬ pal denomination.

Mr. B. owns a farm of one hundred and forty acres, one hundred of which is in a good state of cultivation, and well improved. All of this he has gained by a life of honesty and industry, assisted by a willing and cheerful helpmate.

Bowling Neeley

Another example of the industrious and persevering farmers of Ramsey Township will be found in the gentleman whose name appears above. Mr. Bowling Neeley was born in Madison County, Illinois, in 1812. He is the second of a family of thirteen children, only two of whom are living, of Jacob and Nancy Neeley. Mr. Neeley was a native of Georgia, and bis wife was born in Tennessee. Jacob Neeley died in 1833, and Mrs. Neeley in 1842.

Our subject lived with his parents until the age of fourteen, and then com¬ menced to work in the neighborhood at five dollars per month. He con¬ tinued working in this way for one year, after which he worked about pro¬ miscuously for about four years, succeeding in saving three hundred dollars. At the breaking out of the Black Hawk war he volunteered for three months, and received one dollar per day while in the service.

In 1833 he married Elizabeth Alley, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Alley, by whom he has had eight children, six boys and two girls, four of whom are living.

Mr. Neeley and wife commenced life by working a rented farm, near Vandalia, where they remained for one year, and then moved to Loudon Township. Two years later they emigrated to Texas, where they spent one year, returning to Fayette County, where they bought eighty acres of land in Section 35, Township 8, Range 1. They also entered an adjacent eighty acres, and a few years later made another purchase, making in all two hun¬ dred and forty acres, all of which they have gained by a life of industry and economy.

In politics Mr. Neeley has always been a Democrat. A kind neighbor, an energetic man, and a good citizen; he is one of those men who add to the prosperity of the country.

C. L. Bolt

Was born November 29,1834, near Leesburgh, Ohio, and is the third child of a family of eleven children. He is the son of Elias Bolt and Elizabeth (Aldermao) Bolt Elias Bolt emigrated from Ohio in 1836, and settled in Sharon Township, Fayette County, Illinois, but afterwards removed to Bowl¬ ing Green Township, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. The father and mother are residents of this county yet, and like many of the old pioneers bear their age remarkably well.

C. L. Bolt was married to Martha Paine, December 24,1856, by whom he has had six children - five yet living, four boyB and one girl; the other child, a girl, died in infancy. The mother of Mrs. C. L. Bolt is living, but her father died when she was an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Bolt commenced life at "the bottom-round of the ladder/' but by hard work and frugality have steadily climbed up, and are now the owners of a good farm of 137 acres well improved; and what is more, paid for. Both are members of the Christian Church, and firmly believe in its dootrines. They are fitting their children for life by giving them the advantages of a good common school education.

Mr. Bolt has always been identified with the Democratic party. He has been elected Justice of the Peace three terms; he has also been Assessor, Collector, and Township Treasurer. Though yet a young man, by his honesty and integrity of purpose, he has won for himself the respect and con¬ fidence of the entire community in which he lives. Mrs. Bolt is a good wife and affectionate mother, and her husband owes much of his success in life to her industry and good management

Jeremiah T. Rogers

Is a native of Fayette County, is the fourth child of Milton T. and Rachel (Curson) Rogers, was born May 30th, 1843. His parents were both natives of Washington County, Virginia, and came to Illinois in 1837, and settled in Bowling Green Township.

His father died March 5th, 1877, in the 63rd year of his age. His mother is still living in Shelby County, where they had removed to when their son was about three years old.

Uotil his 19th year he worked upon a farm and attended school, when the opportunity offered. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H. 54th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Columbus, Kentucky, where he went for that purpose. He was with his regiment ordered to various points in the south, when he contracted disease and was sent to the hospital at Jackson and thence to Little Grange, where he was mustered out. He returned home and turned his attention to farming and trading, in which he has been very successful. In 1872 he purchased his present farm, a tract of 720 acres of fertile and productive land. He is a thorough-going, active business man, although he has never entirely recovered from the disease contracted while in the army, and overwork since. He is numbered among the be9t men of his section.

H HIS township is situated in the north-east part of the county. It is bounded on the north by Shelby County, on the east and south by the Kaskaskia River, and on the west by Ramsey Township. It contains the fractional congressional townships of 8, Range 2, 9, Range 2, and 9, Range 3, east It originally contained all the territory that now comprises Ramsey Township, but was cut down to its present limits in 1860 when the county went under township organization. The north and north-west part of the township is mostly prairie; the east and southern por¬ tion along the Kaskaskia is heavily timbered. The streams are Beck's Creek and Little Creek. Beck's Creek rises in Shelby County, runs in a south¬ easterly course through Bowling Green Township, emptying into the Kas¬ kaskia on section 11, Township 8, Range 2, east. Little Creek also rises in Shelby County, runs south through Bowling Green Township, and empties into Beck's Creek near its mouth in section 11.

The soil is a clay loam of a mulatto color. It is deep and rich, standing in the front rank of the townships of the county in that particular, and no township in the county outranking it in the growth of wheat and corn, which are its main products.

The first settler in the township was Guy Beck, who came there in the early part of the year 1815 and located in section 9, township 8, Range 2, east. His father, Paul Beck, came in 1818. Silas Bankston, James Bankston, Jonathan Hill, Zadock Blankinship and Father Berney Bone, Benjamin Jones, Richard Thomasson, John Depew, William Nichols, John Watwood, and B. J. Wren, came about the years 1820 and 21.

Guy Beck built the first house. It was a log building situated in section 9, township 8, range 2, and is still standing. He lived in this house until his death, which occurred in 1871. The Becks had large families, and the name of Guy Beck is a household word throughout the township.

He and his father, Paul Beck, built the first grist mill in the township. It was located on Big Spring branch, in section 20, township 8, range 2, east, and was erected about 1825. Guy Beck built another grist mill on Beck's Creek; horse mills had been in use before those water mills. Connected with the mill on Beck's Creek was a saw mill, which was the first in the township, it was also built and owned by Guy Beck. This grist and saw mill on Beck's Creek is still running, and does a good deal of business for the farmers in the vicinity.

The first school was taught by Moses Storey. The buildiug was a small log house erected in 1820 on section 17, township 8, range 2, east; those who attended school in those early days had to travel many miles to do so, as the country was very sparsely settled, and teachers a scarce article; but what was still more scarce was the money to pay the teacher. Still the parents in those days struggled hard to send their children to school, no matter what difficulties stared them in the face. To-day no matter where you may go in the township you will see the small white school building, and hear the glad shout of the scholar at play. Now school is called, and they all retire within the building, there to pursue those studies, which will form their after lives, there to obtain that common school education which is the glory and pride of the American nation.

The first death was Hiram Hill, son of Jonathan Hill, followed shortly after by his two younger brothers. They were buried on the farm now owned by John H. Welch, in section 17, township 8, range 2 east, which was the first graveyard in the township, and is still used as a burial place. Most of the first settlers are buried there. Few are left to tell the tale of the trials they had to undergo.

The Methodists were the first denomination who held worship in the town¬ ship, James Bankston, John Depew and William Nichols being exhorters. The meetings were held at the houses of the members.

The Baptists organized shortly after the Methodists, and held their meet¬ ings principally at the house of Guy Beck, although meetings were held at other places.

The first church in the township was built by the Christian denomination in 1872, on section 18, township 8, range 2 east, on the farm of John H. Welch. It is a good-sized frame building, and both the Christian and Methodist denominations hold worship there, farm and school buildings being used previously to hold their meetings in. There is also another church in the township built and owned by the Christian denomination. It is located in section 22, township 9, range 2 east, on the farm of Wm. Fraley, j was laid out by a man named Bowling Jones, a Teunesseean, and received its name from the beautiful city in Kentucky, called Bowling Green. It is located on section 31, township 9, range 2 east, and was surveyed and platted July, 1835, by the county surveyor. The location was an excellent i have a grand view of the surrounding couutry, as it slopes off on every side, extending like a beautiful panoramic view before the eye. It now goes by the name of Bowling Green Hill, and as a town is obsolete. The farms of Doctor Goldsmith and N. B. 0wings now occupy the entire mound.

The first store was kept by Samuel Carson, in a log building on section 19, township 8, range 2 east, no-v near the house occupied by Capt. John H. Welch. This wa9 about 1833. Carson was a Virginian, and had come to the township about 1831. Before startiug this store he had sold goods through the township, using a horse and light wagon with which to carry on his business. His brother, W. L. Carson, is now one of the prominent farmers of the county. His residence is in section 9, township 8, range 2 east, and is the finest farm residence in the vicinity.

The first fine blooded stock was introduced into the township in the year 1853, by W. L. Carson. He bought both hogs and cattle, and has done more than any other man in the township to improve its stock. Too much credit ctnnot be given him for setting an example that every good farmer should be proud to follow.

The first Justice of Peace in the township was William Nichols, followed by Guy Beck, Heston Buchanan, Peyton Bankston, Hiram Carson, M. Larton, Jacob Austin, John Adams, Asa Harper, C. D. Fraley, Jr., Hiram Bolt, C. L. Bolt, William Dauley, John Donaldson, Z. F. Watwood, James McFadden, Jeremiah Goodwin, Jesse Mays, Peyton Bankston and E. Prater.

The first murder in the township was committed by John A. McClauahan about the year 1845, who shot and killed a man named Webster Nance. McClanahan left the county but afterwards returned, was tried at Vandalia and acquitted, claiming that he shot Nance iu self-defence- The second mur¬ der in the township occurred during the late Rebellion in the year 1863. Charles McClanahan and Harvy Rice, two soldiers io the U. S. army while home on a furlough, got drinking in a low groggery with a man named Richard Nowlin, who was a strong southern sympathizer. A political dis¬ pute arose, ending in a fight, when McClanahan shot and killed, Nowlin. McClanahan and Rice left the county and are supposed to have returned to their regiment. They were not arrested, and therefore were never tried for the offence. The third and last murder in this township, occurred May 5th, 1876, on Bowling Green hill, where Abraham Depew shot and killed a man named Wm. Austin. The impression prevails that the cause of this murder was the seduction by Austin of Depew's daughter. Austin was a married man with a wife and two children. Depew had quite a large family ; both were men of doubtful character. Depew stood trial iu Vandalia at the fall term of the Circuit Court, was convicted of murder and sentenced to the Penitentiary for twenty-five years, where he is now serving out his sentence.

Among those now living who are old settlers of the township, are the fol¬ lowing: - John H. Welch, W. L. Carson, E. Blankinship, John Flemming, Jesse Mays, John Sarver, Moses Luster, Wm. Pety, G. Larton, John Larton, A. Francis, John Fraley, C. D. Fraley, Sr., Jacob Austin, John D Wren* Jackson Guthrie, C. L. Bolt, Wm. Burruss, Wm. Jackson, Allen Austin, John Depew, Henry Ginger.

The first supervisor of the township, was Jacob Austin, who served in 1860, followed by Jesse Mays in 1861, who also served in 1862. Lemuel Jackson in 1863, Guy Beck in 1864, also in 1865, A. W. McDonald in 1866, N. B. Owings iu 1867, also in 1868 and in 1869, J. D. Perine in 1870, John Adams in 1871, J. D. Perine in 1872, also in 1873, John Adams in 1874, N. B. Owings in 1875, J. D. Perine in 1876 and in 1877. Jesse Mays suc¬ ceeded Perine in the latter part of 1877, and is the present supervisor. In finishing this history of Bowling Green Township we are pleased to be able to record that the general character of the people will rank with most of the townships io the County. The township is well supplied with schools, the majority of the people being anxious to give their children a good edu¬ cation. A large number of the farmers take the County papers, and quite a few the St Louis as well as other weekly journals, and are therefore well en¬ lightened oil the current events of the day. The roads are as good as the facil¬ ities at hand can make them, gravel and stone being a scarce article in the township. We are indebted to the courtesy of John H. Welch, W. L. Carson, C. L- Bolt, Jacob Austin, Wm. Ginger and C. D. Fraley, Sr., for many of the facts concerning the early settlement of the township; but more than any one to Mrs. Martha Welch, wife of John H. Welch, who was the daugh¬ ter of Richard Thomasson, one of the first settlers of the township. She is the oldest living settler of Bowling Green Township, and gave us many facts we could have got from n > other source. But to all those mentioned we re¬ turn our sincere thanks, firmly believing we have given an impartial history of Bowling Green Township.

Captain John H. Welch

John H. Welch was born in Cumberland County, Kentucky, January 7th, 1812. He is the eldest child of Richard Welch and Jane (Jones) Welch. His grandfather was a soldier, serving through the whole of the Revolutionary war under the command of Gen. Morgan, fighting bravely in the cause of freedom until the termination of the Revolutionary troubles. Richard W. Welch, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the State of Virginia, and in his youth removed to Tennessee, where he became acquainted with Jane Jones, a native of North Carolina, and married her in *he year 1811. The young couple were in very moderate circumstances, and thinking to better their condition moved to Kentucky. He was a hatter by trade, but devoted most of his time and attention to farming. After the death of his wife which took place March 16th, 1827, he emigrated with h?8 family to Fayette County, Illinois, and settled in Township 8, Range 2, east of the Kaskaskia River, which now forms part of Loudon Township. In politics he was a Democrat, but very conservative in his views. Both himself and his wife were members of the Baptist denomina¬ tion, and lived and died devout members of that Church. After reaching this county John H. Welch, the subject of this sketch, remained working for his father about one year, and then hired out to work in the neighborhood, receiving eight dollars per month for his services, which at that time was the highest wages paid - making for himself a reputation as a reliable, trustworthy man - his wages were increased to nine and eventually ten dollars per month.

Upon the breaking out of the Black-Hawk war he volunteered as a soldier, serving fourteen tnonths, eleven months of which time he was a Ranger in the service of the United States, receiving one dollar per day for his services. He was mustered out of the service at St. Louis in the year 1838, and had saved enough money to purchase a piece of land consisting of one hundred and eight acres in Section 17, Township 8, Range 2, in Fayette County, Illinois.

On September 20, 1840, he married Elizabeth Smith, (daughter of Wil¬ liam and Sarah Smith,) who was born in Clinton County, Illinois, March 16th, 1821, and removed with her parents to Fayette County about the year. 1824. By this marriage Mr. Welch had six children, of whom two only are living, viz.: Sarah Jane, wife of Henry Reed, now residing in Kansas, and Charles, who is attending the Medical Institute at St. Louis, Missouri. The names of the deceased children, all of whom died in infancy, were Wyatt, who died September, 1844; Isabel, died December, 1844; Julia, May, 1849; and William September, 1852. Mrs. Welch, the mother of the above chil¬ dren, died October 13,1852.

Mr. Welch was again married March 25, 1856, to Martha Jones, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Richard and Ellen Thomasson, who came to Bowling Green Township in this county about the year 1820. Mrs. Welch is the oldest resident of the township. She has a son by a former marriage, now engaged farming in Texas.

Politically Mr. Welch was a Democrat, but upon the breaking out of the late Rebellion he became identified with the Republican party, of which he has since continued to be a member.

In 1862, assisted by Geo. Bolt and a Mr. Ray, he raised a company of which he himself was Captain. This company was organized into the Ninety-seventh Illinois Regiment, at Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois. On this occasion he served his country about six months, when ill-health compelled him to resign. He was Recorder of Deeds for four years; was also Deputy Sheriff and Constable.

Charles, the son of John H. Welch, enlisted into the United States service in 1864, serving three months in the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Illinois Regiment, and was mustered out at Mattoon in this State in September of the same year. He was twice married, first to Sarah Conner, who died July, 1865, by whom he has two children. His second wife, Emily J. Guthrey, he married Oct. 1,1877.

John H. Welch went to school but nine months only, but taking advan¬ tage of every opportunity for self-education, has become one of the best read men in his township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Welch are members of the Chris¬ tian Church, and have always endeavored to do their duty as good citizens and Christians. Mr. W. has a farm of four hundred and twenty-four acres of land, one hundred and fifty of which is under a high state of cultivation, with good improvements thereon. A view of his residence will be found on another page of this work. All of this property he made himself by dint of hard work and persevering energy, and now stands in the first rank of suc¬ cessful farmers in Fayette County.

William Ginger

William Ginger is a native of Burke County, East Tennessee, where he was born, April, 1809, and was the eighth child of a family of fifteen, only five of whom are now living. He is the son of Henry Ginger and Chancy (Luster) Ginger. The Ginger family are of German descent, the grand¬ father of the subject of our sketch emigrating to this country when the father of William Ginger was but seven years of age, the family settling near Philadelphia. Upon the breaking out of the Revolutionary war Henry was a stout lad of sixteen years of age, and volunteered to serve for the defence of his adopted country, and fought bravely till its termination.

He was taken a prisouer at Charleston, South Carolina, and while being marched through the town, under a strong guard, was reviled by one of the bystanders, a big, raw-boned mulatto. Henry drew from his pocket his ration-bottle, and by a well-directed blow, 41 laid out " the insolent " darkey." After peace was declared he married and settled in North Carolina. After living there many years, he removed to East Tennessee, where William Ginger was born. He afterwards removed to Maury County, in that State, and re¬ sided there about fifteen years, finally removing, with his family, to Illinois, where he settled in Bowling Green Township, Fayette County, February, 1825, where he concluded his days; dying on the 8th of February, 1842. at the advanced age of over eighty years. His wife, Mrs. Chancy Ginger, also died in Fayette County, about the year 1839.

William Ginger worked for his father until he arrived at the age of twenty-one, when he married Miss Mary Moutry, daughter of # Theophilus Moutry, March 11th, 1831. He had seven children by this marriage, only two of them now living, viz.: David H. Ginger, (an eugineer by profession) now a resident of East St. Louis, and Geo. W. Ginger, a farmer, of Bowling Green Township. Mrs. Ginger died November 29th, 1858. Mr. G- married again, October 27th, 1859. His second wife was Thalitha Jane Whittington, the daughter of William Whittington. By this marriage he had four children, two of whom survive, Louisa Fouke Ginger and Mary R. Ginger.

After his first marriage Wm. Ginger bought forty acres of land on Beck's Creek, in Bowling Green Township, upon which there was an improvement. For this land he paid one dollar and a quarter per acre, with money he had previously saved from his hard earned wages. He is now the owner of a farm of well-improved land, consisting of two hundred and eighty acres, situated in Bowling Green Towship. In the town of Ramsey he is the * owner of three business houses, nine town lots, beside the private residence in which he now resides.

In politics Mr. Ginger was a Whig prior to 1856. On that year he cast his vote for James Buchanan, the Democratic candidate for President, and ever since has been firm as a rock in upholding the principles of the Demo¬ cratic party. He has served as county commissioner three years, deputy sheriff five terms, and constable about thirty years.

Mr. Ginger is somewhat conservative in his religious views, and although not a member of any churchy has a firm belief in the doctrines held and preached by the Methodists. His opportunities for obtaining an education in youth were but few, attending school but eighteen months in all. This was in Maury County, Tenn. Having, however, a will for progression, he afterwards acquired a fair English education by his own exertions. Mr. and Mrs. Ginger, in their declining years, can look back with complacency upon the past, feeling assured that, as parents and citizens, they have ever en¬ deavored to do their duty.

Jacob Austin

Jacob Austin was bom in Cumberland Co., Ky-, Jan'y 15th, 1829, and is the twelfth child of a family of thirteen, seven boys and six girls; of this large ! family but six survive.* His father, Richard Austin, was a native of the " old | Dominion," and his mother, Mary (Odell) Austin, was bom in North Caro¬ lina. They removed to Kentucky at an early day, where Richard Austin died, his bereaved wife being left with a numerous family; Jaoob, the subject of this sketch, being then quite an infant. The mother and femily immigra¬ ted to Illinois in 1830, settling iu Bowling Green Township, Fayette County, ' where Jacob grew to manhood, and in the year 1850, married Miss M. E. Stafford, by whom he had seven children, three of whom are now living. Mrs. Austin died in Aug., 1868, deeply regretted by all her femily and friends. Mr. Austin again married, choosing for his second wife Miss Jane Philips, whom he wedded in Oct, 1873. By this marriage he has two chil- i dren, a boy and a girl. Like many other early settlers in this State, Jacob Austin had but limited chances for an education. He went but four terms ' to school, each term consisting of three months, and extended over a period of fear years, his entire schooling costing twelve dollars, or three dollars per term, which amount he secured by working hard for the sum of twenty-five cents per day. By determined industry he surmounted all difficulties, and to¬ day is the owner of 240 acres of good land, 200 of it under cultivation in Section 7, Township. 8, Range 2.

He was die first candidate nominated on the Republican ticket for County Judge in this oouuty; but was defeated at the election, the oounty being strongly Democratic. He was the first Supervisor of Bowling Green Town¬ ship, being elected in 1860. He was also Justice of the Peaee two terms; Deputy Sheriff one term; Township Collector one term, and Constable one term. In May, 1873, Mr. Austin commenced merchandizing in a building he erected on his farm. He was very successful as a merchant until his business placet was destroyed by fire Dec. 25th, 1876. By this calamity he lost a stock of goods valued at about $3500.00, besides the store-room, which cost in erection, $500.

He did not rebuild his business place; but has since devoted bis entire at¬ tention and energy to farming. Mr. Austin's life has been a successful one; by strict attention to business and a determination to succeed, he has made for himself a good position in life, and is winning from all that respect and praise which is his due.