Roodhouse Township (part 4 of 6)

During the early history of the county, the pioneers had the utmost confidence in one another. Nearly every one had more or less money with him, to be used in purchasing lands, and many were possessed of several thousands of dollars. This was all in gold and silver, and although very heavy and inconvenient to handle, the absence of banks made it necessary to keep it at hand. Children played with the silver pieces on the cabin floors. The money was kept in saddle bags, boxes, sacks, and in any other convenient receptacle. Very little effort was made to conceal it, and it was secured by no heavy iron bars or wakeful guards. For several years this mutual confidence was not abused, but in 1821, a little later than the incident above related, a violent robbery took place in the southern part of the county. In the southwest corner of Lofton's prairie there lived a family named Dixon, considerably advanced in years. They were English people, and were believed to have a large sum of money in their possession. One night a number of men came to the lonely house of the worthy old couple and with threats and manifestations of violence commanded Mr. Dixon to deliver his money. The old man had no alternative but obedience, and the robbers escaped with $1,200. An alarm was at once raised and a company, headed by Judge John G. Lofton, started in pursuit. Mr. Dixon recognized two of the party as Robert Sinclair and Wm. B. Whitesides. The latter was a very prominent man in Madison County, having served as its sheriff, and the former was also a citizen of that region. They were overtaken near Alton, and Whitesides and Sinclair were brought to Carrollton for trial. Sinclair was found guilty and sentenced to State prison. Either while out on bail, or when in charge of the sheriff (individuals differ on this point), he managed to slip away and reach a very fast race horse which was in readiness for him near the present David Black farm. Mounting this, he sped away to the southwest, with the sheriff in hot pursuit. But the superior blood of his steed gave him the advantage, and he made good his escape. He was afterward heard of in Arkansas, where he rose to some distinction and became a member of the Territorial legislature. The celebrated Thos. H. Benton, then a rising young lawyer, appeared for the people in this case. The people's witnesses were, Wm. Dixon, John G. Lofton, James Barnes, Thomas G. Lofton, Wm. Davidson, Ezekiel Gillham, John Finley, Wm. Prickard, Henry Hopkinson, Charles Gear and Joab White. W^hitesides also escaped the just punishment of his crime. On the jury which tried him was a strong friend of his, Charles Kitchen, who, it is said, hung the jury. This caused delay, which Whitesides contrived to prolong by the departure and death of witnesses, until finally the decease of Mr. Dixon left the State without testimony, and the case was dropped. This robbery

The Silver Mine Excitement

At a very early period in the liistory of the eastern part of Greene County, there was one James Kawlings, who settled in the edge of the timber, on the south side of Taylor's Prairie, and about a half mile north of the present postoffice, known as Rockbridge. About the year 1826 it was whispered around the neighborhood, among a circle of confidential friends, that a few miles farther up the Macoupin Creek there was a place that bore the appearance of an ancient silver mine of very respectable richness. A number of pits from which mineral had been dug, and large mounds of earth formed of the clay from the pits, were said to be visible. Moreover it was understood that some person liad actually discovered a furnace at which the silver had l)een separated from the ore ; while others pretended to have seen specimens of considerable richness, picked up on the hillsides near the old mine, and it was represented that the hills and points throughout the neighl)orhood bore unmistakable evidences of rich deposits of silver. No man was perhaps more deeply interested with the recitals of these stories than Mr. James Rawlings, and visions of wealth occupied his midnight dreams, and haunted his waking hours. Whether reposing quietly b}' his own fireside, or driving the plow, or chasing the wild deer over the plain, it was all the same to him, his active imagination constantly held up to liis view untold mines of wealth, lying just beneath the surface, inviting the diligent, the energetic, and the enterprising, who are ever awake to their own interest, to dig them out and fill their coffers. He was one of those who believe there is a crisis in the affairs of men which, when taken in its ebb, leads on to inevitable success, and a silent monitor within his breast seemed to say, " Seize, then, the golden moment ere it flies." It is very natural that any good, kindhearted man, about to become the possessor of a fortune so ample as to insure him an independence for a life-time, and afford not only all the luxuries his wishes might require, but untold sums besides, should desire to make his nearest relatives and favorite friends happy participants of his good fortune. This desire, so characteristic of a good heart, induced Mr. Rawlings to communicate, in a letter to his father, the venerable Mr. Roderick Rawlings, a pious minister of the gospel, residing some five miles north of the present town of White Hall, the particulars of the important discovery which was about to be made, in which he expressed his sanguine belief that a little labor and expense of exploration, and purchase of the land on which mineral deposits might be found, would be rewarded by a fortune sufficient to make life easy ever afterwards. He closed by affectionately inviting his beloved father to co-operate with him in securing the prize, and participate in its enjoyments. Upon receiving the letter, the good old man very sagely took the subject under consideration. He meditated upon it during the night, consulted ''the old lady " in the morning, and at last arrived at the conclusion that it was best to proceed in the matter with great circumspection ; it should be kept as a profound secret, at least for the present. But after further reflection, he was convinced of the wisdom of confiding tlie whole subject to two or three confidential friends, whose services would be valuable in assisting himself and his son to make the discovery of the precise spot where the mineral was situated, the proper numbers of the land to which it belonged, and to test any mineral that might be found, in order to ascertain whether it was valuable or base metal. There was no man within the entire circle of his acquaintance in whom he could more implicitly confide, and who was better qualified to distinguish between real silver ore and other combinations of mineral substances, than John Allen, Esq. He had pored over many volumes of geology, mineralogy, metallurgy, etc. He also possessed a retentive memory, a quick discernment, and a great amount of patience and perseverance in his investigations of scientific subjects, and withal was a man of good sound sense, unerring judgment, and great prudence in all his undertakings.

The elder Mr. Rawlings determined to lay the matter before him, without reserve, for his consideration and approval, and endeavor to secure his services in maturing his plans and testing the minerals that might be found on arriving at the premises. Mr. Allen did not enter into the enterprise with as much assurance of success as his elderly friend, but expressed his willingness to be one of the company and lend the expedition any service in his power.

He rationally concluded that if the enterprise proved a failure, the loss attending the exploration would be but trifling, and in case of its ultimate success it might prove profitable to all parties. John Allen was, as I have stated in a previous article, a son of Thos. Allen, of Allen's Mill, and Thomas was a brother of Zachariah Allen. Now, the family of Zachariah Allen was so numerous (consisting, besides his wife and four daughters, of seventeen sons and himself), and had been so instructed in their training, that among them might be found a man fitted for almost any purpose desired. Mr. Rawlings was on good terms with the family, and they were esteemed relatives of his friend and present adviser ; therefore it was determined to direct their attention toward that family for further assistance. But upon visiting them they found them busily engaged in their young corn, running near a dozen plows and an equal number of hoes. This was deemed a discouraging circumstance, for it seemed very rational to conclude that men so busily engaged, and so pleasantly and profitably employed, would not very readily forsake their work to engage in an enterprise which was at best only an experiment. But soon it was discovered that one of the younger sons, named George, was not just then engaged in the crop.

In fact, he was the very one of the large family best suited for their purposes. From childhood he had manifested a fondness for study ; he had read many scientific works on vai-ious subjects, and for the last year or two, whilst engaged in teaching school in the neigborhood, had frequently improved his leisure hours in the practice of surveying. With his compass, and some of the larger pupils to carry the chain, he had marked out on a small scale whole States and Territories, establishing base lines and meridians, and finishing with the subdivisions of townships, sections, etc., making the proper entries in his books with as much care and precision as if he were a Surveyor General in the employ of the

General Government. Being then a young man, of active imagination, easily inflamed witli a love of whatever was new and romantic, and viewing the proposed expedition in the light of a very pleasant recreation, in wliich he would be afforded an opportunity of exercising his skill at surveying, of which he was at that time very fond, he was easily prevailed upon to unite with his reverend friend, Mr. Rawlings, and his esteemed cousin, 'Squire Allen, in their search for the hidden treasure. The com))any was now complete, notwithstanding the fact that the services of some person skilled in searching for ores were as indispensable as those of a surveyor or metallurgist, the company was already in the possession of such an individual in the person of the venerable Mr. Rawlings. He had already acquired an enviable reputation as one particularly skilled in the art of pointing out the [)recise spot where water might be obtained by digging, and he unhesitatingl}^ declared his readiness to detect the presence of mineral deposits with equ;d facility. For this purpose he supplied himself with a brass "rod," being a piece of brass wiie three feet in length, which, being wound once round a stick in the middle, formed an eye or loop the size of the stick ; the ends crossed each other at the loop, and extended out an angle of forty or forty-five degrees. A small buckskin sack was tied by a string to the loop, after the stick had been removed, and was filled with some mysterious substance supposed to possess the power over silver ores that the mas:net does over steel. The manner of using this instrument will be described hereafter.

It has perhaps but seldom occurred that so much has been accomplished in a single day towards organizing a company for an object of so> much moment to those concerned. The comprehensive ability displa3'ed by the Rev. Mr. Rawlings in his selection of men so eminently fitted for their respective duties, reflects much credit on his discrimination. But the primitive simplicity of his method of detectingthe presence of valuable ores outstrips even' science itself, in bringing to view the treasure sought, before she could get her boots on for the expedition. The little company felt such a lively interest in the result, of this novel expedition, which was to be undertaken very early on thesucceeding morning, that they reluctantly separated for the night, with mutual injunctions and promises to keep their designs a profound secret.. Scarcely had the faint glow of the morning twilight arisen beyond the- Eastern hills, when our eager little company of adventurers have shakeni off the unconscious slumbers of the night, and sallied forth to breathe the,- morning air, and complete their pre[)arations for the coming adventure-. The household were also busy with their ample preparations for an early breakfast. No time was to be lost, for at the hour of sunrise, the parties were to be on the ground, ready for a start. We deem it unnecessary to dwell on the minutia of the morning's preparation. Those who have witnessed such scenes can readily apprehend the hurry and confusion with which those hasty preparations were performed, where all manifested a deep interest in the enterprise, and the parties were so eager to be promptly on the ground at the apijointed time. Along the lowlands, the rich mass of vegetation was still dripping with the morning dew, and the li'jlit floatiu'j: vapors forming themselves in sinuous clouds, hovering over the winding little streams, shutting out the light that shot D across them from the opposite hills, when our g;fillant little company, now increased in number to some six or seven persons, drew up their reins on the north bank of Apple Creek, reconnoitered the ford for a moment, and plunged boldly in, and emerged on the opposite hank. '' It is very well," observed 'Squire Allen, that our young surveyor had filled his portmanteau so liberally, for if its ends had not stood out pretty nearly in a horizontal line, he'd a got his instruments wet." "And lost his books, also," suggested Mr. Roderick Rawlings. " But, worse than all, he'd a spoiled his dinner," said a third. " No doubt, gentlemen, you think I'm poorly mounted," retorted George, " but soon we will be among the thick brush and grape-vines, when you will discover that I can easily pass through, while you will be compelled to walk and lead your horses." " Wc do not think you are very badly mounted," replied Mr. Rawlings, "but we do think the surveyor and chief engineer of so respectable a company as ours, ought to ride a large horse to support the dignity of his office." " As to that," replied the surveyor, " many great men have been content to go on foot, and some have rode donkeys, Avhile others very finely mounted have never become famous in any respect. I have observed that men of very refined taste in regard to riding fine horses seldom rise above the dignity of a country parson in these backwoods." A loud burst of laughter followed this sally, in Avhieh the whole party joined most heartily, but it was observed that tlie Rev. Mr. Rawlings was not so far carried away by this cacliination as to lose the power of speech, and sagely remarked, after the mirth had partially subsided, that it was " a happy circumstance that a man might be sharp enough to make an excellent surveyor, even though he should never rise to the dignity of a parson."

Thus did our happy company make the wild woods glad with their merry laugh, as they passed along near the borders of the bottom land that "^stretched away to the eastward, until crossing Whittaker Creek, where they ascended to the hilltops, to contend with the " thick brush and grape-vines," to which the young surveyor had alluded, AVJien, to their increased merriment, they saw his prediction verified by the simultaneous dismounting of about one-half the company. Sometimes on horseback and sometimes on foot, they groped along for three or four miles, which brought a handsome little prairie to view. "Do you know what prairie this is, 'Squire?" asked John Allen. "The Waltrips, Thaxtons and Starkies live just along there," he continued, pointing out the direction with his hand. " I think some of the Waltrips lived on our side of Apple Creek one winter," said George. "Yes," replied the 'Squire, "old Billy Waltrip, and old Billy Tliaxton and his son Larkin, spent the winter of '19 and '20 in a camp quite near my house, and moved over here in the Spring." " I should have been pleased," said George, "to have passed nearer their houses, to see what kind of improvements they have." " We thought it best to keep at a distance, lest our appearance should alarm the women and children," replied the 'Squiie. " Seeing such a company, armed and equipped, they might conclude there were Indians in the neighborhood."

The truth is that the leaders of our little company were so circumspect in planning their movements that they had purposely avoided the settlement, lest the imposing appearance they made should induce a belief on the part of the settlers that they were out on some improper business. They seemed fearful their (hisigns would ho understood by some one who might throw obstacles in the way of tlieir success; tliey chose, therefore, to follow the skirt of timber alonj;- the south side of Bear Creek, toward the east, rather than strike boldly across the prairie, through the settlement, toward the point of their destination. However, they gradually directed their course more to the south, as they proceeded, until at length they found tliemselves on the summit of the highlands dividing the waters of Apple Creek from those of Macoupin. Thev involuntarily reined up their liorscs, as the far-reaching prairie - running back to the horizon - fell on their vision from tlie southwest, and in silent wonder gazed upon the beauty and grandeur of the scene. To the north the narrow strip of timber along Bear Creek, appeared like a mere hedge-row, dividing String Prairie from another jjrairie, which reached back far enough, apparently, to support Ap[)le Creek timber, which, like a long line of blue clouds lying along the horizon, put an end to the view in that direction. To the east there was no limit to the range of vision but the horizon, though in that direction a herd of lialf a dozen nimble deer went leaping across the praiiie, Avith that freedom which they derived from the consciousness of ])erfect security wliilst taking their daily exercise. A long line of beautiful green timber, gently waving in the western breeze, stretched from a point two miles south of them away to the eastward as far as the eye could reacli. Tliere was a peculiar richness in the appearance of the dark green foliage, probably produced by the rellection of the sun's rays from the upper branches of the timber, contrasting finely with the dark shaded recesses below.

Our company proceeded, leaning to the southeast, as if to enter the timber one or two miles above the point to the south. "I think I see a cabin in that timber," observed one of the com])any; "'Squire Allen, do you know whether that timber has any settlers in it?" " I take that to be Kinkaid's Point," said Mr. Allen; "I have been told that some of the Kinkaids settled somewhere in this jiart of the county about five years ago this Spring. I know 'Squire Kinkaid and Captain Kinkaid very well, but I have never been at their house. The point where they live is called Kinkaid's Point, and I think that is the place." "It appears strange to me," observed one, as they came near the timber, "that there is not a string of settlements all along the edge of this timber. If this is Kinkaid's Point, old Fighting Jack's horsemill is somewhere near, and people coming to the mill and seeing such a beautiful country unoccupied would make it known to others if they did not want a place themselves." "That is all very true, l)ut men are too scarce yet to settle all the pretty places," remarked the 'Squire, "but there is prol)ably already a considerable settlement in this timber. Somewhere to the east, I think, you would find another settlement not more than three or four miles fioni this. The space between will soon be filled up, and there will be a line of settlements all along the edge of the timber." "The man that bought old Jimmy Purnell, I believe, lives in Kinkaid's Point," remarked one. "I heard them saying in town the other day that old Jimmy had run off, and after a day or two returned, and told the man he lived with that lie had been three miles tip the point to the east, laying out a town, that it was the prettiest place for a town in the whole country. He said tiiero was a nice little stream running along the east side of it, and when he brought his lots into market the people would desert Carrollton and Mount Pleasant to buy lots and settle in his town. He told Sam, I believe that's what he called his master's name" - "Samms," suggested 'Squire Allen. ''Perhaps that is the name," rejoined the other, "anyway lie told him if he wouldn't be angry at him forgoing off, he would give him a corner lot for a grocery. "-Poor Jimmy," exclaimed Mr. John Allen, " the last time I saw him he had a great gash cut in his head where somebody had struck him with the handle of an old iron shovel, for merel}^ coming into his house one cold night just before bed time. Every winter I think of Jimmy Purnell, and expect ever}' time a cold spell comes to hear of his being frozen to death." " You arouse my sympathies," said Mr. Rawlings. "Pray, how did it come that he was sold? I had not heard of that." " Don't you know him ?" said 'Squire Allen. " No, I never saw him, but I think I have heard of him ; isn't he a crazy man?" asked the other. "Yes, he labors under an aberration of mind, at times, and is perhaps never entirely sane, yet he is a man who seems to have been well educated, and is very shrewd and ready in answering questions, and sometimes appears very rational in conversation. He has lived about from house to house, for tliree or four years, upon the bounty of the settlers, and, though not generally troublesome, some have abused him, and not long since the county took him in charge, and hired him out to Mr. Samms. The people frequently gave him clothes and sometimes money, but he never kept any clothing only what he had on, and the money he would give to the first boy he found. I hope he will find a good home with Mr. Samms, and be well taken care of."

The foregoing conversation closed as the party drew up their reins on the bank of the deep and narrow ravine, which served to convey the water that accumulated on the prairie during the rainy season, through Kinkaid's Point down to Taylor's Creek, some five miles farther to the south. Along the steep banks of the ravine might occasionally be found a little spring, issuing from the black mould that covered the surface of the narrow bottom to the depth of four or five feet. Our party Avas not long in searching out one of these springs in the midst of a grove of widespreading walnuts, Avhere they spread their saddle blankets on the stunted growth of vegetation beneath the thick shade, and taking from their portmanteaus a small supply of shelled corn and oats, fed their horses, using the blankets for a manger. Then seating themselves on the ground, they took their dinner in the simple and primeval style of the genuine backwoodsman. During dinner conversation flowed freely around the little circle, each relating in his turn the incidents of his past experience in hunting excursions and camp life. It was a subject the old settlers loved to dwell upon, to the recital of whicli they listened with undivided attention. When dinner was over and an hour had been spent in resting their horses, they again mounted and proceeded in a lively mood to make their way over hills and ravines, through brush and brambles, frequently interwoven with grape vines. The sun had already passed the meridian, and would soon be declining in the Avest ; the whole party seemed to feel some apprehension that night would be upon them before they had reached the point of their destination. However, keep- ing their spirits up, they pressed forward throuy;h all o[)posing obstacles, aslf determined to make the best of tiie time allotted them. So wild was the appearance of the woods around them, so like an uninhabited wilderness, that our party despaired of seeins: any indication of the habitation of man. For them there was nothing inviting in those sharp ridges, steep hill-sides, and the numerous narrow and deeply-cut ravines that so frequently interrupted them in their march. They were, therefore, exceedingly anxious to escape from these annoyances by getting out on the prairie again.

But at the very time when least expecting it, the sharp bark of a dog fell on their ears. At the same time, Mr. Rawlings was observed to turn his horse's head to the right about, with the exclamation, " There's a house ! halt a minute, gentlemen," he continued, '' we must scatter out a little in passing this house; let only two go together, and afterwards two more, until we shall meet over at the point beyond the cabin. If we all go in company the people will think some very important movement is on foot, and they will arouse the whole neighborhood ; whereas by passing only two at a time we will get through without exciting suspicion." This mode of passing the house of Thomas Finley required a greater length of time than was desirable, for after passing the house a small prairie - perhaps a mile in width - must be crossed, and when two of the company had started across it, so fearful were the others of showing themselves in all their force, that the starting of the next couple was delayed until the first had passed out of sight. But at length they had again assembled on the south side of the prairie, only to plunge again into the forest, where after slowly working their way for two or three hours over every variety of uneven ground, crossing Taylor's Creek and a great number of smaller streams,' they found themselves at length entering the north side of another prairic^at the south side of which appeared a long string of timber reaching far to the east, and a short distance to the west seeming to unite with that from which they had emerged.

As the beautiful little prairie, almost as even as a floor, and adorned with millions of small opening flowers just bursting into life from among the rich growing herbage witli all the richness and freshness of Spring, opened out before them, exclamations of surprise and admiration were heard from each member of the party as they continued to gaze around them. It was indeed a lovely sight, very unlike any they had witnessed on the more undulating prairies farther to the north.

The sun was descending low in the west, shedding a flood of glowing light along the groves to the south and east, the tall tree-tops waving in the evening breeze, and the deep dark shadows below, presented a most beautifufvariety of light and shade ; and an impressive silence like the stillness of midnight prevailed, except as the merry lark, perched on the waving top of some tall flower-stalk, poured forth lun- song tor a moment, aiid flitted awav to another perch more remote from the intruder.

As they proceeded,' Mr. Rawliugs recognized the spot they had been admiring as Taylor's Prairie, and rising in his stirrups and passing his hand along in the direction of the long line of timber in the foreground, he said : '' Gentlemen, I think we are drawing near the end of our day's journey. That thick timber running along there is the Macoupin timber, and this is Taylor's Prairie. Just over there in that point is where

Jimmy lives. We will reach there by sunset. I think we will stay with him to-ni^lit, and make all necessary preparations for an early start in tlie mornin.f^, I am anxious lo see what will come of this singular adventure." "Yes," replied 'Squire Allen, "It would be pleasant to know that we were on the road to a splendid fortune ; but if onr explorations sliould prove a signal failure, and thus expose us to the ridicule of our friends, I am not in a hurry to find it out; notwithstanding it might be pleasant enough for one who has the faculty of enjoying it, to engage in a hearty laugh now and then, even if it be at his own expense. But as we are fully equipped with every thing necessary for camping out, I shall prefer spending the night in the camp. It is entirely unnecessary to trouble our friends with keeping us when we are so well prepared to keep ourselves." "That is very true," rejoined the other; " we will camn then, somewhere near, and Jimmy can come to our camp and spend two or three hours after night ; we will get what information we can from liim, and mahe ariangements for to-morrow. I hope we will get an early start in the morning, for I want to make as satisfactory a survey of the mineral region to-morrow as possible, and if we get a late start we may have to spend a day longer on the ground in consequence of it."

As Mr. Rawlings finished speaking, a dull, low sound fell upon their ears, much resembling the low tones of distant thunder. At this time our two friends between whom the above conversation was passing, were riding beside each other, and Mr. Rawlings perceiving - as he thought - that Mr. Allen was deceived in reference to the sound, said, "- 'Squire, I supposed you were more familiar with that kind of thunder than you seem to be. You may depend upon it there is no rain there." "But the reign of industry," replied jNIr. Allen, "the kind of reign that produces both food and clothing, and what is better than all, it is a reign of our own making." " It is surprising what a train of reflections may be produced in the head of philosophic men by the hum of a spinning wheel," replied the surveyor, "but great minds often perceive great effects proceeding from very small causes." " If George will show us the silver mine to-morrow," replied Mr. Allen, " we will be prepared to admit the justness of his remarks."

The laughter that followed these sallies had scarcely subsided Avlien the party halted in front of the rickety fence that enclosed the cabin of Mr. James Rawlings, and Mrs. James Rawlings answered the summons of her father-in-law by appearing at the door. After mutual inquhies concerning the health of the respective families, the Rev. Mr. Rawlings learned from his industrious daughter-in-law that his son was not at hand, but wottld return some time during the evening. Upon receiving this intelligence, it was decided to proceed half a mile further and camp near the Macoupin Creek. " Tell James to come down to our camp when he comes home," said Mr. Rawlings to Mrs. James Rawlings, as he raised his rein to ride off, while she resumed her spinning.

Proceeding to the creek, the party erected their tent, and, after taking their supper, lay down on their blankets to await the arrival of Mr. James Rawlings, but as tlie time passed away and he did not appear, the elder Mr. Rawlings, accompanied by 'Squire Allen, set out to visit the house, and finding him then at home, they proceeded immediately to discuss their plan of operations for the morrow, and receiving assurances from tlie youngest J\lr. Ruwlings, that lie would he ])ronipt at llieir camp at siimise in the moniing, to accoinpany tliem on the expedition, they returned to their camp, and soon the wiiole party were buried in sleep. But wliether it was that calm, quiet, and j^entle sJeei) that wra[)s the soul in deep unconsciousness ot" all events transpiring in the outer woild. or that wakeful, restless, dreamy, ritt'nl slnmher fraught with trouble, dreads aiul doubts, dangers and perplexities, that lifts the sleeper up the wiiuling way that leads to some high, cragged peak, or from some giddy height impels him down the unfathomed dejjth ot" some profound abyss, let those decide who have roamed abroad in search of treasiu'e.

Very early on the next moniing the inmates of the camp were astir, feeding their horses, pre[)aring breakfast, and packing up their equipage, ready to be off as soon as Mr. James Rawlings should make his aj)pearance. As the first rays of the sun peei-ed through the thick forest that lined the baidcs of the stream, they stood in front of the camp fire, bridle in hand, ready to mount and pursue their journey at a moment's notice. And as he crept higher up in the eastern sky, and sent down his glowing ra3-s to wipe away the hcav}' dew-drops fiom the grass and the wild flowers, many anxious glances were cast along the narrow path that led to the house of Mr. Rawlings, but he came not. The morning was wasting away, the sun rising higher up in his course, and the air growing warmer around them ; the dew had fled from the rich foliage, aiul the lark commenced her song for the day, but still Mr. Ra\vlings did not appear.

By this time the impatience of the party had reached its culminating point, and several voices at once exclaimed, " Let us be off: it's useless to stay here and await the motions of Jim Rawlings," and, reining up their horses, the}' pre[)ared to ride off. '' Gentlemen," cried Rev. Mr. Rawlings, " if you can have patience to wait oidy a few minutes longer, I will ride out that way a short distance and see if he is coming ;" and, putting his horse into a gallop, he was soon out of sight. On and on he went, unwilling to turn back. He constantly applied his heels to his horse's sides, endeavoring to increase his s])eed, until he reached the house of his son, and to his surprise and even astonishment, found him quietly sitting astride of a shaving-horse, putting a piece of hickory into the sha])e of a yoke for one of his horses.

" Why, James, what are j'ou doing there ? " cried he, " we have been waiting these three hours for you at the creek, looking for 3-ou every moment. The bo3's were just going to leave you, and 1 begged them to wait till I could come and see what you are al)out. Come now, don't spend another moment; be on 3-our horse in an instant or they will be gone." " I can't go just yet," replied the other, rather sheepishly ; "a gentleman is to be here in a few minutes with whom I have some business that must be attended to without delay ; it will, however, detain me but a short time. Tell the boys that I will meet them at Coo[>'s Creek by noon, and if they can't wait they can go on up there."

After receiving instructions from his son as to how they should find the way to Coop's Creek, the reverend gentleman hurried back to communicate the result of his hasty visit to his son's house. The party was in motion immediately', with Mr. Rawlings and 'Stpure Allen at its head. Their route lay along the Macoupin bluffs. A string of lakes and marshes stretched along their way on the left, and beyond them arose the heavy timber bordering on the Macoupin Creek. Coop's Creek is a small stream rising fifteen or 'twenty miles back in the country, and flowing in a northwesterly direction, empties its waters into the Macoupin on the south side, just before that stream crosses the line now separating the counties of Greene and Macoupin. Just at the point where it issues through the Macoupin bluffs, stands a wall of perpendicular rock, quite conspicuous to persons within the range of vision from that place. It was at this cliff where Mr. James Rawlings proposed to meet the parties at noon.

Tlie distance being found less than was anticipated, they arrived at the spot before 11 o'clock, dismounted, fed their horses, and, while some prepared dinner, others explored the country in the immediate vicinity to ascertain whether anything indicative of the existence of silver could be found.

Along the banks of the stream were found gneissoid stones, mica, slate, etc., in considerable abundance, together with other stones not common in the country. These our party took for favorable indications of something richer, and after dinner made a more thorough examination of the premises. Mr. Rawlings drew the mystic rod from his capacious saddle-bags, and, climbing to the top of the cliff, proceeded to satisfy himself in regard to the existence of silver ore at that point, which he considered the most favorable for making observations. The manner of using the rod was something like the following: Taking the ends between the thumb and linger, and turning the bow down horizontally forward, he walked slowly and carefully forward, observing the leathern sack at tlie bow or loop as an angler would watch the cork on his fishing tackle to see when it was drawn down by the fish on his hook. Mr. Rawlings knew, or at least thought, that whenever he passed over a spot where silver was deposited, its attraction for the contents of his buckskin sack would bring it suddenly down towards the earth, and show as clearly as anything could just where the precious metal was to be found. After having perambulated that elevated position for some time with only partial success, he descended to the plain, and examined in like manner the debris along the foot of the bluffs, as also some other points putting into the Macoupin bottom, but received no very satisfactorj^ assurances that anything like silver existed in the neighborhood. Not yet discouraged, our little company again mounted their horses and struck boldly across the Macoupin bottom. Mr. James Rawlings had not yet joined them, nor did they expect or desire him to do so. In truth, his character for veracity seemed to have suffered with some members of the company, and they did not desire to see him during the expedition.

After crossing to the north side of the Macoupin they directed their course down its northern bank, soon arriving at the furnace and all the evidences of mining operations mentioned by the young Mr. Rawlings in his letter to his father. There were several mounds of earth overgrown with briers, young cottonwood and sycamore, and at their base were the pits from which they had been taken. Immediately on the banks of the creek stood the dilapidated furnace, with coals, ashes, and lumps of mineral lying around. They were not only surprised, but greatly pleased to find the representations of the younger Rawlings, in his letter to his father, correct. His inexplicable conduct in the morning had thrown a sliadow of doubt over their minds, and they had viewed his assertions in reference to the silver mine with distrust ; but now the evidence was before tliem that he had adhered to the truth witliout exaggeration. But still his conduct was as much a mystery as ever. After having written to his father and induced him to take so much trouble to come from home to examine the spot, why did he not accompany the party? This was a mystery which none could solve. No doubts were now entertained of the existence of some kind of minerals al)Out these ancient mines. Many specimens were to be found of good size and apparent richness lying around on the surface, and the truthful brass rod of the Rev. Mr. Rawlings, clearly indicated that below the surface large quantities might be found by digging. For some reasons, unknown to the writer at this day, no analysis was made to test the value of the mineral found ; nor were the services of the surveyor called into requisition at that time. The party were probably satisfied with their discovery without pushing their investigations further. The day was fast hastening away, and they manifested a wish to return home, and were soon on their way. On their return, they seemed quite as desirous of passing the settlements unobserved as on their journey out. They arrived in the vicinity of their respective residences late in the afternoon of the following day, and scattering out in different directions, rode slily along the by-ways, behind the farms, and entered their cabins under the shade of night.

The men composing this company were blessed with good conversational powers ; they were remarkal)le for sociability and the easy manner in which they entertained their friends, and possessed a freedom of speech that at all times made them pleasant and communicative companions, but it is a remarkable fact that tliey always showed a disinclination to dwell upon the subject of their visit to the silver mine ; when that subject was introduced in their presence, they instantly became taciturn, and seemed to know less about it than any one else. They showed a desire to the last to keep the matter a secret, in which they partially succeeded, for, notwithstanding tiie fact that thirty-four years have passed away since that day, this expedition has been known to but a very few ]iersons. It has afforded us material for a long story, which we hope will repay the reader for perusing it. It is no high-wrought work of the imagination, no fancy sketch, and if it possesses not the interest of a highly-finislied romance, it yet has the merit of being true in every important particular.

Events Before Tiie Deep Snow

During 1821, the first settlement was made at Kinkaid's Point, which was for a long time a landmark in the county. The [)oint was an angle of timbered land, projecting into the prairie, which was so situated that it could readily be seen many miles away. Before roads were laid out or fences built the pioneers, in going fi-om the Macoui)in to the Mauvaisterre, would steer first for Kinkaid's Point, then lor a similar landmark farther on, and so on. The first settler at this point was Andrew Kinkaid.

He was followed very shortly by his son, William Kinkaicl, who was well known in the county as Esquire Kinkaid. Martin Burt also erected a cabin at about the same time.' Two or three years later James Kinkaid, another son of the original settler, arrived. Every one knew him "with his blue hunting shirt fringed with red and encircled by a belt, to which a sword was suspended, and Avearing a tall hat witli a feather." As he commanded a company he was a prominent figure at the musters at Carroll ton.

Very soon after Kinkaid's Point was settled, John Finley, better known, liowever, as " Fighting Jack," erected a horse mill south of the present site of Greenfield. Although very loosely constructed, it was a great convenience for the dwellers for many miles around. Men and boys visited this mill from beyond Carrollton, riding on their sacks of corn and leading horses enough to turn the mill. Strange as it may seem, this mill was supplied with neither wheel nor cog. At an elevation of six feet from the ground, a number of arms were passed horizontally through the driving shaft. They were of equal length, and their outer ends were deeply notched for the reception of a rawhide band twisted like a rope. This was passed around the end of the arms or spokes, resting in the notches, and tlience to the "trundle," being crossed, however, between the latter and the driving wheel, to prevent slipping. To the same shaft that carried the arms was attached a long lever, to which the horse or horses Avere fastened. This was all the gearing belonging to the mill, and from its great simplicity it was easily repaired when out of order. A few hickory withes usually secured any part that needed attention. John Finley and his son Thomas afterward entered the site of the Rockbridge Mills. The old gentleman settled on the bluff south of the creek, and his son made a home in Taylor's Prairie, just north of Rockbridge.

June 10, 1822, the following persons, then living in Cumberland, in the north of England, left their homes for the far off West: James Hobson, Elizabeth Hobson, Peter Hobson, John Hobson, Thomas Hobson, Mary Hobson, Robert Hobson, Jane Hobson, sister of the former, John Hobson, Margaret Black, John Black, David Black, Wm. Black, Thomas Black, Elizabeth Black (mother of Dr. Hobson, of this city), John Armstrong, Isaac Richardson, Chas. F. Hobson, Ruth Richardson, Jeremiah Richardson, Elizabeth Richardson, and Geo. Baty. In about two weeks they took shipping at Liverpool, and aftei- a perilous voyage of forty-seven days, landed ui New York City. From there they proceeded in wagons to this county, where they safely arrived, after the lapse of about" four months, making the entire period, from the time of leaving home, six months. These all settled near Carrollton. Of this pioneer band the following are still living: Peter, Thomas, Robert, and John Hobson, Mrs. Elizabeth Hobson (formerly Elizabeth Black), and William and Thomas Black, making the entire number of this company, now living, seven. Thomas Black, one of the survivors, who is quite extensively known throughout the county, has lived in the house he now occupies, fifty-two years, "and it is still a good, commodious, and comfortable dwelling. Tliose who remain of this company of old settlers all live in and near Carrollton, except John Hobson, who now resides in New Orleans. For several years the survivors have been in the habit of meeting at the residence of one of their number, having a dinner in keeping with the occasion, and spend inj^- the day in talkini^ over tlie past, and reconntini^ tlie events and memories of former years. The hist meeting was hehl at tlie residence of Dr. E. B. Hobson, in this city.

Concerninfr the settlements east of Carrollton soon after tlie orcranization of the county, ^Ir. Tunnell says, in an article in the Carrollton Press, 1800: "The first improvement east of Carrollton was made in 1818 or 1819 by Martin Wood, who is now living near Athens, in this county. It is now the residence of 'Mv. Curtius, a faim well known by every man in the country about Carrollon. Young Wood was a brother of Martin. By an unfortunate accident, while young, he was severely burned, disfirjurinof his face and disabling his hands to sucli a degree as to render them useless but for the skill acquired by long practice in using them, and which enabled him to write quite legibly and, indeed, to attend to most kinds of business with a readiness and dis[)atch really surprising. He was for a long time sheriff of Greene County, and occupied at an early day rather a prominent position in politics. He died many years ago. His cabin was on the place known as the Turpin Faim, and stood just where ^Ir. Turpin's house now stands. Passing from thence eastward and northward over a piece of very muddy land to the place now occupied by Mr. Hinton, you would find the cabins of John Dunn and Davidson James. To reach the next cabin you Avould travel eastward as far as the next sixteenth section, perhaps four or five miles, to where John Cooper had settled, a!)Out the spot where Father Boyd resided a few years ago. The John W. Huitt place was settled by Tholnas Finle}', who was well known by the early settlers. He afterward resided many years near Greenfield, and removed from there to Texas. IMessrs. Heacld and Bi'oghton improved the land now occupied by Mr. Ballinger, near Dover. One Mr. Blaney soon became its occupant, however, but befoie he had moved into the cabin, after Headd and Broghton had left it, one Levi Re\-nolds took shelter under its roof, and remaining there alone for a time, took provisions and water, and probably whisky, to the corps of surve3'oi-s engaged in the neighborhood."

In 182'2 occurred the most remarkable election of which we have an}' record in this region. It was the first election for senator and representative in the General Assembly since the organization of the county. This senatorial district then consisted of Greene and Pike Counties, the latter then including "all the military district lying between the Illinois River and the Mississippi, from the mouth of the former to the north line of the State. Thomas Carlin and Rev. Isaac N. PigQ:ott were the opposing candidates. The late Judge D. M. Woodson, in his Centennial address, said of them: "Carlin was a num of great nerve and energy and undaunted couiage. His personal popularity was great, for lie had been reared amongst tlie pioneers of Illinois, had served as a Ranger and shared with them their hardshi[)s and perils. Piggott was at that time a Methodist jireaclier. He possessed strong native talent, was a forcible speaker, also personally ijopular and a formidaljle opponent." Mr. Piggott's house was south of the Macou[)in, a short distance west of Kane. The canvass was prosecuted with the utmost vigor, for each candidate was aware that he was contesting with a foeman worthy of his steel. Each Avas aspiring and ambitious, and neither was at all oblivious of the honor of being elected the first legislator from the district. The candidates and their friends labored diligently with all the arts then known to politics. Mr. Piggott made frequent speeches to the citizens of the district and both traveled all over the region, shook hands with every one and made as much use as possible of the influence of their friends. The result of the election was so much in doubt that each claimed to be the successful candidate, and in some way each of them secured a certificate. With these they presented themselves at the senate and claimed seats. That body promptly decided that there had been no election, and sent the contestants back to fight their battle over again. Excitement was now at a fever heat, and probably a more heated, earnest canvass in so thinly populated a district was never before known. The result was a clear victory for Mr. Carlin, and from the Legislature he stepped, some years later, into the governor's mansion. Mr. Piggott died in 1874, years of age.

From that time Greene County has been represented in the senate by John Allen, Thomas Rattan, James Turney, Franklin Witt, Manoah Bostick, Alfred W. Cavarly, Linus E. Worcester, and Charles D. Hodges, all residents of Greene, besides by others who resided in adjacent counties. The several representatives from the county have ])een Thomas Rattan, John Allen, Franklin Witt, Samuel C. Pierce, William Goode, Charles Gregorv, Lewis W. Link, Dr. Cvrus A. Davis, William Lane, ulias William Mitchell, Calvin Tunnell, Revelle W. English, David M. Woodson, Alfred W; Cavarlv, Joshua C. Winters, Alfred Hinton, Josiah Caswell, WiUiam P. Witt, Charles D. Hodges, Alexander Witt, Alexander King, Benjamin Baldwin, Giles H. Turner, James H. Pursley, Nathaniel M. Perry, Henry C. Withers, Thomas H. Boyd, Jerome B. Nulton, Lucien King, and Frank M. Bridges.

The earliest settlers found on the 'banks of the Macoupin a large tribe of Lidians, who remained for some time, taking advantage of the immense quantity of game which abounded in this region. They were friendly to the whites, and were frequently to be seen at their cabins to the terror of the feminine portion of the families. Indians in greater or less numbers were frequent visitors of the county for several years, but were never in any way hostile to the settlers. Many of the pioneers, however, retained theirfeeling of hate for the savages, aroused during the war, and the determination to kill the first one of them who was met alone, was often expressed.

The Indians were not, however, on the best terms with each other, but they usually refrained from any outbreak of personal violence. If a white man passed near one of them in the woods, the Indian often seemed desirous of avoiding a meeting, but if the parties happened to be proceeding in buch directions as to render such a meeting inevitable, the red man would walk briskly up to the white man and, taking his hand in both of his owij, shake it cordially, calling him " Good man, good man ; " " Me Pottawatomie Indian " (or Kickapoo, as the case might be), *' Me good Indian; Kickapoo no good Indian, Kickapoo steal white man's hogs." In fact both the tribes annoyed the settlers by killing their hogs.

About this time a band of Indians camped on the Macoupin, in the east part of the county. They had with them their squaws, and came for the purpose of securing some of the game with which that region abounded. They had not been long in camp before some of their enemies near Carrollton determined tliat the}' sliould be driven away. The dwellers in the country had no objection to the presence of the red men, but as others were determined to eject them, they concluded to accompan}' the expedition. Gen. P^ry led the company, and amonu" those from the country wei-e John W. Huitt, the two Taylors, and Messrs. Alexander and Foster.

Arrived at the Indian camp they found it entirely deserted by the braves, who were all absent in pursuit of deer or turkey or other game. The wigwams, the fire, and the squaws, with their i)appooses, were alone to be found. In order to call in the busy hunters, and, at the same time, to occupy the time the party set up a mark and began firing at it with their rifles. The quick, repeated reports produced the desired effect, for the terrified savages soon came rushing in, panting and covered with perspiration and expecting to find their wives and children brutally massacred. They were much delighted to discover that they were unduly frightened, and, awaiting the arrival of the chief, entered into a friendly contest in markmanship Avith the pale-faces. The keen eye and steady nerve of the Indians gave them the victory and they did not hesitate to manifest their satisfaction at such result by loud and boisterous rejoicing. At last the chief arrived and to him the white men kindly but firmly communicated their desire that he and his people should quit the county. They asked the privilege of remaining until the sun should pass over their heads three times which being granted, they promised to go, and in the course of two or three days had disappeared. This was about the last appearance of Indians in this county, though an occasional wanderer was seen even down to a quite recent period. On the way home from this, expedition the party came upon a dressed deer and a number of skins belonging to tlie savages, and a few proposed that they appropriate them ; but the sense of honor of the majority ruled and the flesh and pelts were left undisturbed. Soon night overtook the party ; those from town were anxious to push on, but Mr. Huitt and his friends concluded to camp till morning. They passed a ver}' comfortable night and reached home during the next morning, feeling fresh and well, while those who had pushed on walked until nearly daybreak before reaching their own roofs.

Possibly some reader may be surprised to know that negro slaves were owned in tliis county during the first years after its oi'ganization, yet such is the fact. Early in the history of the county a man named Pullam came to Illinois from Kentucky. He settled on the Barr place, a short distance west of the property now owned by David Wright ; he brought with him about twenty negroes. After remaining here some time and learning that the laws of the State did not permit the owning of slaves, he sold out. Baynam White bought his improvements and he sold to one Pepperdine. Mr. Pullam took all his negroes south with him except one, " Old Strap," and he remained l^ere for several 3'ears. During the latter part of his life he was an expense to the county, and this explains the following entry in the records of the Commissioners' Court which has been a puzzle to many : " Ordered, that Robert B. Scott be allowed four dollars for keeping 'Old Strap.'" Thomas Rattan also biougiit negroes to this county with him. On arriving upon free soil he set them at liberty, but he was so kind a master that they preferred to remain with him. Mr. Rattan was emphatically a man of business and alwa3's carried on a c^reat deal of work. He hence liad a large nnmher of negroes in his family nearly all the time. They ate at the same table with himself, his family, and his gnests, the colored part of the honse being placed on one side of the table and the white folks on the other side.' Tlie last evidence that we have of the possession of slaves is found in the records of the deeds in the office of the recorder. In them we find mention of the following deeds : one dated December 7, 1835, by which James H. Cravens and wife deed to James G. Berry, John H. Marmon, and John C. Berry, in consideration of the sum of $500, the following property : " A negro boy slave called and kno\un by tlie name of Jonatiian, about fifteen years of age, of a light complexion, about five feet four inches high ; also a negro woman, Tener, about eighteen years of age, of a dark complexion ; also Tener's child, named Margaret, about two years old, of a light complexion, and all other increase which said negro woman Tener may have from and after this date ; said negroes are at this time in the State of Kentucky in the possession of Lewis Grimes." On Septeml)er 18, 1848, we find recorded a bill of sale, whereby, for the sum of 1:1,100, Larkin Rattan conveys to Thomas Rattan " one equal and undivided half of all my right, title, and interest in the following slaves, to-wit : Charlotte, aged forty-three years ; Bill, aged fourteen years ; Mary, aged twelve years ; George, aged about eleven 3^ears ; Louisiana, aged about eight years ; Gunn Iowa, aged about five years, and another slave boy, name unknown, aged about two years."

In this connection it may be interesting to notice how the name "Nigger Lick " happened to be applied to a stream in the eastern part of the county. It is said that a company of negro slaves fieeing from their masters camped on the bank of this stream. They were followed and tracked to their hiding place. At their camp the pursuers found a negro woman lying by the fire whose smoke had guided them to her. By means of threats they prevailed upon her to point out the location where the rest of the runaways could be found. Proceeding in the direction she indicated they soon came upon the negroes near a bold, gushing spring that came up through a fissure in a solid sandstone just large enough to admit a man's hand. A basin holding some ten gallons had been excavated from the top of the rock either by the water or by artificial means. The water rises in the center of this basin, and running over the sides, flows off in a brisk cui-rent. Close by the stream was a salt deposit, where the deer often resorted, drawn by the saline taste. This fact, with the incident above related, gave to the stream the name of " Nigger Lick," which it has since borne.

During the early history of the county there stood in the Court House park three whippingposts, and we hear of these being used as an instrument of punishment several times. Two of these posts were situated near tlie nortlieast corner of the yard and one in the southwest corner. Among the culprits Avho received coi-poral punishment while closely embracing one of these posts was Thomas Anderson, who had been convicted of stealing a horse. As he was brought out upon the square a crowd of men and boys gathered around, and a large company of ladies assembled on the second story piazza of a house situated very near where ALs. Keach's residence now stands. Sheriff Young Wood had charge of the prisoner, assisted by his deputy, Jacob Fry. The con- vict was commanded to remove his shirt, and then his hands were drawn up as liigh as possible and fastened to the top of the post and liis feet to the bottom. Then as he buried his face between his upstretched arms the Sheriff coolly grasped a heavy rawhide with his distorted hand and commenced slowlv to lay the heavy blows upon the bare shoulders of the sufferer. The deputy mentioned stood by and called out as each blow was given, " one," " two," '' three," etc., until fifty long heavy welts were traced upon the culprit's back, horizontally and vertically, checking his flesh into squares like those of a chess board. After the punishment was over the victim declared to the bystanders that his keenest suffering arose from his knowledge of the fact that ladies' eyes Avitnessed his disgrace.

In January, 1823, Morgan County was organized, thus cutting off the northern portion of the territory attached to Greene County. At the time of its organization, Morgan County included Scott and Cass Counties, but these were soon cut off.

In 1829 the territory now constituting Macoupin County was separated from Greene County, and by act of General Assembly erected into a separate organization.

The attention of the Commissioners' Court was mainly taken up in those days in the care of the poor, the laying out of roads and in other county improvements. The first court house was not finished until 1824, and March 27, 1830, the contract for the erection of the present edifice was let. The proceedings of the commissioners give in full the bond entered into by Thomas Rattan for the erection of the building for the sum of $7,000, to be paid in yearly installments of $1,000 each. The edifice was to be forty-four feet wide by forty-six feet long, and to be built of durable materials. The contract did not provide for dressing the stone used in the foundation and the citizens of Carrollton raised the necessary amount by voluntary contributions. It was furnished with five outside doors, three on the east and one each on the north and south sides. These doors Avere double and the windows were all supplied with blinds. The interior arrangement of the edifice was far different from that which now prevails. The first floor contained one large court room and two small offices. The court room was entered by the middle east door, or by either the north or the south door. The floor was of brick except that of the bar, which was of wood and considerably elevated. This important part of the court room was situated in the western part of the room and towering above it was the judge's bench. Opening out of the court room and also communicating with the outside by doors on the east, in the northeast and southeast corners of the building, were the offices of the circuit and the county clerk. Although small, these rooms were ample for the jiurpose and were sometimes found large enough to contain the bed of the clerk, who made the department at once his office and bed chamber. Up stairs there was one long room used by the grand jury and as a j)ublic hall for all kinds of traveling shows, lectures, '' the-ay-ters," " wax figgers," etc. There were also two rooms above for the accommoilation of the petit juries. The arrangement of the building was at once convenient and economical. The edifice, when finished in 1832, was the pride of the county audit was universall}' admitted at the time, to be the finest court house in the State. But of late it has become a disgrace

Thomas Rattan, the builder of the court house, was one of the most active, energetic men of business ever in the county. He was constantly active and ijushing forward some enterprise. He is believed to have contributed more to the material improvement of the county than any of his cotemporaries. He first lived north of Apple Creek. When the county was established he removed to Carrollton and kept the first hotel in the town. He was soon found on his farm again, north of Apple Creek, where he erected an ox mill, which was a great convenience to many. During this time he was elected a member of the legislature. He returned to Carrollton and was repeatedly sent to the General Assembly of the State. Beside the court house he built the bridge across the Macoupin Creek, erected the mill afterwards known as Turpin's mill, constructed a line brick dwelling on the premises, and talked of spending the remainder of his days there, but he had soon sold the mill and was again in Carrollton, keeping the brick tavern on the southeast corner of the Square. He afterward built the mill now known as Erisman's mill, and finall}'' removed to Texas. He died in the Lone Star State, November 11, 1854.

From the following order, passed June 9, 1824, an idea may be formed of the amount of taxes compared Avith the revenue of the present day : " Ordered that Jacob Linder, treasurer of this county, be allowed sixtyeight dollars for sessing the tax for the present year."

The first statement of the financial condition of the county was made in December, 1825, by Young Wood, sheriff. It deals with figures ridiculously small, when compared with those of the present day. The following is the report, in full, as it stands upon the records :

Farmers built flat boats and floated their produce and stock to St. Louis, or sometimes to a more southerly market. Canoes and keel boats coming up the river brought many of the conveniences and luxuries which could not be procured in other ways. In 18:i(), tlie first steamboat passed up the river, and then the stream became still more valuable to the county. The population had, in the mean time, been increasing, and large quantities of merchandise from the markets were demanded. These nearly all were brought up by river and distributed by wagons over the county. At one time the construction of a plank or stone road from the river to Carrollton, was much talked of, and later, a railroad from Greenfield to the Illinois was proposed, but neither plan has yet been carried out.

In 1826, the first settlements were made in the region in the eastern part of the county, known as String Prairie, or the vicinity of the Rubicon. The Rubicon is quite a small stream, rising near the Macoupin County line, flowing to the southwest and emptying into Taylor's Creek. It is so small a stream that until quite recently it had been nameless, when during a very wet season its volume was so much increased, that some enthusiastic dweller on its banks gave it the classic name it bears.

String Prairie is separated from the Rubicon b}^ a narrow strip of wooded land, and stretches thence for miles away to the north and west. The first recorded settlers in this region, were Isaac Wood, Alfred Wood, David Miller, Wm. Finley, and Thomas Finley. Their nearest neighbors were then at Kinkaid's Point. The next year Jeremiah Hand came among them, but for some time afterward few accessions to tJieir number arrived. The timber along the stream- was not heavy, and on this account many thought that tiie region could never support more than a very sparse population. In 1829, however, several new inhabitants arrived, among whom may be mentioned Jacob Young, Ichabod Valentine, Howard Finley, and James Cannedy. The last mentioned made his home northeast of where Greenfield now stands, the others settled southeast of the Rubicon. On the opposite side of the streanr, near its mouth, during the same year, James 11. Weisner, Wiley Wylder, Joel Grizzle and Herod Grizzle made improvements. In 1880, the settlement was still further increased in number by the arrival of William Askins at the head of the Rubicon, and between that stream and Taylor's Creek, William Handliu and Elisha Shelton. At the same time John Cannedy, Stephen Coon rod, Thomas Coonrod, Lewis Shearman and two Starlins, came on to String Prairie. Eri, David, and Joel Edwards settled in the same neighborhood about the same time. The descendants of these men still live in this vicinity, and are among the most substantial citizens of the county. From this time the settlement of that portion of tlie county was very rapid. Two or three years later Greenfield was laid out by George W. Allen, Esq., and, surrounded as it was by some of tlie finest farming lands in the State, it had a healthy and rapid growtli.

Further west on the prairie, in 1828, Wm. Grimes and Alexander and Benoni Banning erected their cabins. The next year Ellis and John Davidson, Henry Norris, and George Wright, made improvements. Henry Norris settled on the place now known as the '-'- Brushy Tavern," some three or four miles north of Greenfield's present location, and Mr. Wright at White Oak Spring.

came there about 1827. The property on which he settled has changed hands very frequently, and was at one time owned by John Waller. Dr. Throcmorton made improvements about the same time on property afterward owned by John Parks. During the first year of the county's liistory the polls for that precinct were established at the house of John Parks. Hiram Drake, William Smith, Thomas Vandaveer, B. T. Scott, Absalom Fair, Moses Chenny, Howard Finley, and Fayette Brown, settled between Nigger Lick and Bear Creek near this time. Edward Prather also came about this time, buying out a man named Carroll, who had been living in the region for many years. Davidson James, who settled on the Hinton farm east of Carrollton some years before, and afterward at Kinkaid's Point, now became one of the early settlers in th^s region as were, also, Silas Drum and Eli Butcher.

The Deep Snow And Other Events

In the latter part of November, 1830, snow commenced to fall and continued with short intervals until January, 1831. As one snow fell upon another, and was driven before the cold wind, it soon accumulated in many places to a depth of from seven to twelve feet, and whole fields were covered with a white mantle five or six feet thick. Fences and small buildings were entirely hidden, windows were darkened, and great distress was caused to the inhabitants, as well as to stock and game. In the heavy timber where there were no drifts the snow was said to average three feet in depth. The sun would occasionally melt the top of the snow, and then a cold night would freeze it into an almost impenetrable crust. For years before, the weather had been very mild until after Christmas, sometimes continuing all winter so warm that the cattle would browse and feed with but very little care from man. Many farmers had not gathered their corn, and were compelled, to go to the field and digdown beneath four or five feet of snow to secure the grain to preserve the lives of their families or cattle. Being unable to go to mill, a great deal of corn was broken in a wooden mortar, so that it could be eaten. Many suffered from lack of clothing, and from the airy construction of their cabins, as this was to the most their first intimation that they were living in a region where extreme cold weather was possible. The deer and other game suffered very severely. Prairie chickens and rabbits were very easily caught, and the deer in running over the snow would often cut through the crust and be unable to extricate themselves. They were then an easy prey to mankind, or the wolves. This "deep snow" is one of the events most vividly impressed upon the memor}^ of the "old settler," and it is used as a base line from which to calculate time in both directions. Only those who came to the county "before the deep snow" are deemed genuine "old settlers," although this rule is not very rigidly enforced. Many interesting incidents of this year are related. Mr. Tunnell states that in October, 1830, Elisha Cheney and his wife lay sick at a house near Mr. George Wright's residence at " White Oak Springs," east of Carrollton. Mr. Wright and Mr. Norris sat up with them in turns every night until February, when Mrs. Cheney died. The snow had already lain on the ground for over two months, and as the winter was excessively cold, the task of wading two or tliree miles frequently at night, and sitting up all night with the sick, could not liave l)een a pleasant one. About the time of the lady's death, a rain fell which filled the ravines and rendered the snow soft and yielding. It was then tliat Mr. Wright set out very early to obtain lumber with which to build a coffin for the deceased. But to travel a few miles required a great deal of time, and after a laborious day's tramp lie returned home without having accomplished his errand. He and Mr. Norris then cut two boards from a log with a whip saw, when night compelled tliem to retire. Hearing that Dr. Throcmorton had commenced building a house at a place called Mt. Airy, two or three miles distant, Mr. Wright set out early the next m(U-ning with the hope of getting some lumber from him. Although the soft snow was deep and heavy, and the low grounds covered with water in many places to the depth of three feet, he made the best of present troubles and pushed boldly on. He succeeded in obtaining only a portion of the lumber necessary, and completed the coffin with a l)oard ripped from the bottom of a wagon bed. The next day Mr. Wright conveyed the coi'pse to the burying ground in a wagon drawn by oxen wading " up to their bellies in snow," and, though the distance was not great, the day was consumed in going and coming. He and his friend Norris continued to wait on the sick man until "plow time,'' wlien he had so far convalesced as to dispense with their services.

Similar tales are told in every neighborhood, and the memory of the "deep snow" is very faithfully preserved. Until the latter part of February, when the snow^ went off with a great freshet, the ground was not seen.

The Summer which followed was a very wet one and at its close, on the 12th of September, came a hard frost biting the corn in the field, and rendering it valueless for bread or seed. The succeeding Winter was a very severe one, and in the Spring following seed corn was a scarce article. It was at this time that southern Illinois received the name of "Egypt," because the people of the northern counties had to go into the south part of the State for corn.

Greene County had been in existence ten years before a murder occurred within her borders. In September, 1831, the first human life was violently taken since the organization of the county. There was in those days, on the Macoupin, a distillery, where those who loved the fruit of the still were in the habit of gathering and indulging their appetites. Among these frequenters of the place was John Lofton, who was the father of a very bright little boy, named Samuel. One Saturday the distiller sent this boy on horseback to Mill's store on the Mississippi River, to collect about fifteen dollars due him. The boy started off with permission to stay over night with some friends at Gillham's Mound if he wished. He was successful in prosecuting his business, and started home with the money. As he was passing Carroll's tanyard he was accosted by an old acquaintance, an Irishman, known as James Sullivan, though Patrick Cavanauirh was afterwards leaiiied to be his true name. Cava- naugli was a man about forty years of age, who had been working for various persons in the southern part of the county. He asked the boy to allow him to ride with him on the horse. To this the lad consented, and lifting himself out of the saddle, took the place behind in order that he might give Cavanaugh the easier seat. As they rode along, Samuel related the day's experiences 'and displayed the money which he had collected. After a time Cavanaugh turned the horse off the road into a wood. The boy objected to this, and became somewhat frightened, but Cavanaugh proceeded nntil he reached a secluded spo't, whereupon, dismounting and picking up a club, he knocked the little fellow senseless. After Cavanaugh had possessed himself of the money the boy showed signs of returning consciousness, upon which his brutal assailant completed his work and luurdered him. He then turned the horse loose, and fled the country. Young Lofton's parents were not uneasy about his failure to return until Wednesday or Thursday of the next week. Search was then instituted, and on the "latter day the vultures guided them to the spot where his body lay. On Friday a coroner's inquest was held by Coronor P. N. Rampey. " The horrible brutality of the outrage cast a gloom over the whole county, and a large reward was offered for the apprehension of the murderer." The next Spring a citizen of the county took some produce to New Orleans in a flat boat. In that city he saw Cavanaugh, and recognized him. He enticed him into a saloon, and when thev were about to drink, proposed as a health, '' Here's hoping we shall meet in Greene County, Illinois." These words almost paralyzed the murderer, and he dropped the glass from his hands. He was promptly arrested, secured and taken to Greene County. The case against him was so clear, and he was so completely without money and friends, that he was promptly convicted and sentenced to be hung. He subsequently made a full and circumstantial confession. The gallows for his execution consisted merely of a frame supporting the beam from which the noose was suspended. It was erected about a mile northwest of Carrollton, on an elevation of land now belonging to David Wright, Esq. On the day appointed for the execution, an immense concourse of people gathered at the county seat. Every one within a range of twenty or thirty miles who could possibly leave home was present, and the roads were thronged. Cavanaugh was placed in a wagon seated upon his coffin, and surrounded by a guard appointed for the occasion, of whom Judge Alfred Hinton, still living, was one. Before they had proceeded far the prisoner signified a desire to walk, which was granted. At the gallows the ceremonies were brief. Jacob Fry, Sheriff, had charge of the execution, and a Catholic priest offered the condemned man the consolations of religion. He was placed in a wagon immediately under the beam, the noose adjusted, and the wagon driven from under him. The body was afterwards cut down and buried under an oak tree in the corner of the field, where the bones lie to-day. Just about the time the execution was consuriimated a remarkably heavy rain storm set in, and there were, doubtless, in Carrollton that day more wet people than at any one time before or since. The ladies of the aristocracy of those days wore immense paper bonnets of various hues and plentifully adorned with ribbons. The effect of the rain upon these was magical and they were soon ruined. _ The worthy dames were obliged to cast them aside, and the roads leading to Carrollton were thickly strewn with the wrecks of paper bonnets, which did not disappear for many days. The call for troops for the Black Hawk VVar had been issued but a short time previously, and the regiment of which

Sheriff (now General) Fry was Colonel, liad marched toward the seat of war several days before the execution. As soon as tliat cerenion}^ was over the colonel liur'ried to Carrollton, buckled on his sword, and mounting: his steed hastened forward to overtake his command. It is related tluit some years after these events a traveling expounder of the science of phrenology stopped at Carrollton to give lectures and delineations of character. George Wright, Esq., anxious to test the professor's skill, dug into the grave of Cavanaugh, and taking up his skull, presented it to the phrenologist. He examined it carefully, and proceeded to describe the man of whose frame it once formed a part, as a person of intellectual habits, gentle temper, very kind hearted, very just, etc., etc. When told that the skull was taken from the grave of a confessed murderer the delineator collapsed, and lectured no more at Carrollton.

Concerning Greene County's part in the Black Hawk War, I can not do better than to take the following from the Centennial Address of the late Hon. D. M. Woodson, as published in the Carrollton Patriot:

" Whenever the government has demanded of its citizens military service, the people of Greene have always responded with alacrity. In 1831, when volunteers were called for to repel the invasion of Black Hawk and to protect the northwest portion of the State, Greene was amongst the first to answer. Three companies were raised, commanded by Capt. Jacob Fry, Capt. Thomas Carlin, and Capt. Samuel C. Pearce. They marched and rendezvoused at Beardstown, and Captain Fry having been promoted to the office of Major, John Lorton was elected to fill his place. The forces were marched to Rock Island, but the Indians having escaped across the Mississippi, and their services being no longer needed, they were discharged. The following year the services of the people were again required to repel a second invasion of Black Hawk, and a companv was raised commanded b}' Capt. Samuel Smith, Enoch Baecus, First Lieutenant, and Samuel Bowman, Second Lieutenant. Col. Jacob Fry commanded a regiment of which the company formed a part. Col. Fr}' bore a conspicuous part in that enterprise, and is honorably mentioned in the written historv of the Black Hawk War, as it is called. At the battle of 'Bad Axe,' when Black Hawk was captured. Lieutenant Bowman lost his life, having been shot by an Indian, who in turn was shot by John Link, another Greene County volunteer."

A census taken in 1830 showed that the county contained 7,674 inhabitants, and during the ten succeeding years, although Jersey County was in the meantime cut off, the population of Greene County increased to 11,951, and Jersey County contained 4,515 people.

The Macoupin Creek bridge was built in 1831-2, the Apple Creek bridge having been constructed some time previously. During the same year a new jail was built by William Meldrum, who took the contract for .$3,560. Among the orders of this year we find one directing that the school fund be loaned for ''25 per cent, annual interest and no more."

In or about 1828 one Mr. Courtney and his son, Robinson Courtney, settled places just north of where Fayette now stands, and one Ezekiel Good improved a place one or two miles to the west, about the borders of Taylor's Creek timber. It is tlie place since occupied by William Edmonson. And in different parts of the neighborhood the following named persons located and commenced improving their farms during- the same year : John Lewis, Obadiah Lee, Joseph Van Meter and his father, Richard J. Keel and Richard R. Keel. Amasa Van Meter was once well known about Carrollton ; he owned a mill on the Macoupin south of Carrollton for several years, and struggled severely with adverse circumstances. He was a poor man and unable to put and keep his mill in good repair, so that it became a burden rather than a benefit to him. He was highly esteemed for his uprightness and unflinching honesty. After struggling through a few years of hardship at the mill, he accidentally slipped off a wagon load of hay or grain ; his pitchfork had fallen down before him, and stood with the handle on the ground, and the tines pointing upward as it leaned against the hay. As Mr. Van Meter was sliding down, a tine of the fork entered his leg, and, passing along up the bone, made a wound that rendered him a cripple for life. He kept his bed for several months, and upon recovering sufficiently to attend to business, he disposed of the mill, and in the year 1828 settled in Taylor's Prairie. A little farther down the prairie, toward the Taylor Settlement, Henry Etter and Peter Etter, Reuben Odle, Samuel Judy, and William Swinney located their farms, and settled in the neighborhood the year above named. William Swinney was a blacksmith, and erected a shop just at the edge of Taylor's Creek timber. He came from the State of Tennessee, and was a reckless, unprincipled fellow. He and Peter Etter had exchanged horses, and soon after they met at the Macoupin, where Rockbridge is now situated, and while engaged in a conversation about their horses, Etter said to him that the horse he (Etter) had got of him was older than Swinnej^ had represented him to be ; whereupon Swinnev flew into a passion, and when Etter was riding past his blacksmith shop soon afterward Swinney shot him and made his escape. Etter was killed and the other ^vas never apprehended.

About the year 1834 Mr. James Rives moved into the neighborhood where Rivesdale was soon after located, and Manoah Bostick, William Blair, James Metcalf, and others settled in. about where Fayette is situated. They all purchased large tracts of land and immediately took steps for improvement. Mr. Bostick enclosed an immense field and employed William Handlin to break two hundred acres, at the rate of one dollar per acre. Handlin went to work with two plows that opened each a furrow of eighteen inches in width, and to which were attached four yoke of oxen, and during the season he broke one hundred and forty acres, for which Mr. Bostick paid him one hundred and forty dollars, with which Mr. Handlin purchased a tract of land in the neighborhood, and became a settler for a short time. He improved as many places probably, in Greene and Macoupin Counties, as any other man. He settled at an early day near Carrollton, and moved nearly every year from place to place, still working eastward, until he got over into the county of Macoupin, and died on a farm he had improved a short distance from Summerville.

About 1833 a man named Leonard settled on what is now known as the Jerseyville Prairie. He was regarded as very daring to undertake to make a home so far away from the timber, and almost every one predicted that that portion of the county would never be occupied, except as grazing ground for cattle. The most valuable land in Jersey County is now situated on that prairie.

In 1833 the county suffered from Asiatic cholera so severely that in the space of a few weeks there were about fifty deaths from this disease. Of these thirty-two died in CarroUton, two or three along the Illinois River, a few at White Hall, and others in other parts of the county. Business was almost entirel/ suspended in various towns, and grass grew in the busiest streets in tiie county. Many of the inhabitants of the county were panic-stricken, and would not leave their houses for fear of suffering from the infection. Fifty deaths may seem a small number to produce so much commotion, but it should be remembered that there were, at that time, less than eight thousand people in the whole county, from Alton to Roodhouse.

The Fall of 1836, is made memorable by the event known as the " sudden freeze." This was occasioned by a remarkable current of cold air passing from the northwest to the southeast, directly over Greene County. Its width extended over the entire central portion of the State. Its velocity was, as near as can now be determined, about thirty miles per hour. It was felt in Jacksonville about noon, and was in Lebanon, Ohio, just above Cincinnati, at nine o'clock that evening. Mr. Washington Crowder, a resident of Sangamon County, was married on the 21st of December, 1836, and distinctly remembers going for his license the day before. This event fixes the date beyond a doubt. He was on his way to Springfield on the afternoon of the 20th, and when a few miles below the city had a fair view of the landscape for several miles in every direction. He saw in the northwest a heavy, black cloud rapidly approaching him, accompanied by a terrific, deep, bellowing sound. Closing the umbrella he was carrying over him to protect himself from the failing rain, he was in the act of drawing his reins taut, when the wave came over him. At that instant tlie snow and slush under his horse's feet turned to ice, while his coat, wet with the rain, became instantly as stiff as a board. He went on to Springfield, where he found his clothing frozen to the saddle, and being unable to dismount was compelled to call an assistant, who carried man and saddle to the fire to thaw them apart. He obtained his license, returned the same day, and was married the next. The wave passed over Greene County between one and two o'clock, and came so suddenly that chickens and small animals were frozen in their tracks. Several inches of snow had fallen a short time before and on that day it was quite warm, with light, spring-like showers, and the whole earth was covered with slush and water. The change was so sudden and the wind so strong that the water in the ponds in the road froze in waves, sharp-edged and pointed, as the gale had blown it.

One old settler remembers the day as warm and showery during the forenoon. Near two o'clock in the afternoon it grew dark, as if a rain storm was coming, and, in an instant, the strong wind, with the icy blast, came and all was frozen. Hurrying around to save some stock that he was fattening, he was able to get a part of it under shelter, but most of the animals suffered severely. The creek was about bank full of water, and, as his horses, wagons, etc., were on the north side, and his house on the south side, he was anxious to get all near the house, that he might take better care of them. The next morning early, with his brother and some other help, he went to the creek to get the animals across, l)ut, the horses not being shod, and the ice smooth, they cut the ice in pieces to get a track wide enough for the wagon, and with poles pushed it to one side and then drove through the water. The ice had frozen in the short time between two o'clock, p. m., and nine o'clock the next morning, fully six inches thick. He also found raccoons, opossums, and other animals frozen to death. Walking across the logs they were suddenly chilled and, falling off, they were unable to move again.

Travel was almost entirely suspended, and the whole county bore the appearance of a vast field of ice. When it was absolutely essential to venture out, the unshod horses were unable to make any progress and very little use was made of them. This remarkable event fixes the date of many occurrences in the history of the county. It is yet vividly remembered by the residents of that date who relate many interesting reminiscences concerning it.

The original townships, as given in the county records, are Otter Creek, Maquapin, Centre, Apple Creek, Diamond Grove, and Mauvaisterre. Of these two are now in Jersey County, two in Greene, and two in Morgan. In 1832 the precincts were quite differently named. _Maquapin, Otter Creek, and Apple Creek remain, but we have in addition Eastern, Carrollton, Piasa, and Mount Airy. The following table of election returns, taken from the records, will show the vote of the county and its precincts in 1838. It seems that in the Fall of 1838, by a clerical error in the return of votes to the Secretary of State, the number of votes cast for Stephen A. Douglas, for representative in Congress, was incorrectly stated, whereupon the "Little Giant" appeared before the County Commissioners and asked that a correct return be made. The court therefore ordered the clerk to make return to the Secretary of State, as follows :

About this time a wave of financial excitement seemed to flow over the whole west. A desire for enlargement, improvement, rapid growth, sudden money making took possession of the people and showed itself in various ways, most of which resulted disastrously. The first indication that this affliction had reached Greene County was the rage for layino- out towns, which manifested itself about the year 1836. Everyo where, along the river and highways, and even in remote, out-of-the-way phaces, towns were hiid out and beautifully executed plats were drawn and printed, and adorned the walls of public buildings, while posters and handbills were freely circulated announcing frequent sales of corner lots, and settinir forth the frreat inducements offered l)y the location foi- the investment of money. Each of these paper towns aspired at no distant day to become a cit}' or place of commercial importance. In each lot was hidden a wealth to tlie purchaser, which was sure to develop itself in time. There are to be found on the records of the county forty-two town plats. Among the projected towns which have not yet reached the height of their projectors' ambition may be mentioned Randolph, Hartford, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Teneriffe, Salisbury, Delaware, Concord, Norwalk, Columbiana, Rivesville, Centerville, Bloomfield, Homer, Shipping Point, Albany.