Rosefield Township

Rosefield Township

This township first was settled about the year 1833, by Amos Stevens, who located at the Kickapoo Forks, and built the first log cabin and broke the first prairie. Winney Rynearson and a brother of A. Stevens came in shortly after. John and David Combs, Lewis Cooledge, and Wm. Mixon came in 1835; Benjamin Miller and Joseph Bohrer a year later. The first cliurch was a Methodist, organized in 1807. Tlie first school-house was l)uilt ou section t*, in 1838. Roswell Smith was the first teaclier in tlic schuol-house; but the first sciiool was held in a private house, tau^'ht by Martha Miller, daughter of Beiijaniin Miller, in the year 18o7. The township is generally broken, except in the southwest corner, where some beautiful farms and good substantial farmers are to be found.

Oak Hill

The village of Oak Hill is situated on the C, B. & Q. R. R., about twenty miles from I'eoria, in Rosefield township. It was laid out and platted by Joseph Bohrer and Wni. M. Dudge, in l8."j.'>. Mr. Bohrer was born in Frederick county, Va., on the 9th day of May, 1805. Was married February, 18J9, to Harriet Dawson, and lived in Morgan county, Va., until 18;j6, when he emigrated to Illinois and located in Rosefield township. There is at present three general stores, one owned and occupied by A. Y. Forney, who commenced business in 1865, who also has been postmaster about the same length of time. Mr. Jacob Dawson has been in business since the C, B. & Q. passed through, most of tiie time dealing in stock and grain ; but at present in the mercantile business. W. W. Miller owns and occupies one of the stores. He came to the township among the earliest settlers. There is one church (Methodist) ; a good school building ; two blacksmith shops and one warehouse.

In 18G') the camp ground of the M. E. Church was bought by the Peoria district, where thousands of people congregate yearly to worship. It is situated a short distance northwest of town, in a beautiful grove, and has a fine spring of water on the ground.

Oak Hill Church. - In 1837 or '38, the first M. E. Churcli was organized on section 14, and known as the Combs meeting-house. Since that time the church has gone to decay. The church at Oak Hill was organized in 184."), and held their meetings in a school-house until 1858, when they erected a church edifice under the supervision of Rev. G. R. Palmer, and at that time had a membership of aliout sixty. The Ix'aid of othcers were Cutten Dawson, Daniel Bniwn, Austin Nixon. Jacol) Gunth, Isaac Wethrell, W. W. Miller, A. Dawson ; and building committee, Austin Nixon, \V. W. Miller, J. Dawson ; class leader was A. Nixon, after the new church was built. The cost of building was 81,-00. Rev. C. W. Green has charge of the chuich, and is doing a good work. Has a school building 28x36, 16 feet C, and the attendance is forty. School is conducted by Miss Ida Hurt.

The Methodint Churrh at Texan:. - This church was organized in Rosefield township, in 1854, and is known as the Wrigley Church. The original nienibers were ten in number. The first class leader was Joseph Dunn. Trustees were Robert Wrigley and Henry Robins. The first pastor was J. M. Snyder. For the first few years the society worshiped in a iirick school-house. Their present church was built some time about 1860, a frame building, 26x34 feet, and will accommoilate between 200 and 250. It cost jil.GOO.

liogefield M. E. Church. - The first Metliodist class williin the vicinit}' of tlie present church edifice was formed in 1844, or periia[)s a ^ear or two earlier with twelve original members. Tiie first church edifice was built in 1854 ; and in 1874 was abandoned and a new cliurch erected acro.ss the road, costing $1, 650, and was dedicated by Rev. R. N. .Morse. .Mtliough the Imiiding is not large, it is however, neat and attractive, ami the churcli is tree from debt. The house is sujiplied witli a good organ. \\ tiie present time the memlK'rshiji is twenty-four. Nelson Siiephcrd is class leader and Sunday school superintendent; John Yinger, steward ; and these with John VanAnsdall, trustees. The pastors have been tiie same as at Pleasant Grove witli few exceptions, prior to 1850.

for the purpose of mutual protection against loss or damacre by fire or lightning. The first election occurred on the 6th of March, 1875, when the following Board of Directors was chosen : J. H. Hart, James Richardson, S. S. Glasgow, N. Huffman, Thomas Lapsley, A. J. McFarland, John Yinger, J. J. Harding and Thomas Clinch. On March 13, following, the directors elected J. H. Hart, president, Thomas Clinch, treasurer, and O. B. Green, secretary. At the date of organization the schedule of property upon which policies were issued aggregated sixty-three thousand dollars. The business office of the company is located at the school-house of District No. 3 in Logan township, Peoria county.

BROWN SOLON, farmer. Sec. I2, P. O. Kickapoo, son of Benjamin H. and Fannie (Jewitt) Prown, natives of New Hampshire; immigrated to Peoria Co. in 1844, where his mother died the following year; father still living, at the age of seventy-four. Solon was born in New Hampshire, Sept. 8, 1839, and came with his parents to this county, where he received such an education as the public schools afforded. He married Miss Almira Hanlon, the daughter of John Ilanlon, born in Peoria county, Dec. 22, 1842. The fruit of this marriage is three children, two living - Hattie and Fannie. Mr. B. has 140 acres of land, well supplied with fruit, valued at $7,000.

CLAYTON ISAAC, blacksmith and wagonmaker, P. O. Rosefield, son of William and Sarah (Critton) Clayton, natives of Virginia ; father born 1781, died 1847; mother came to Illinois in 1835 and died the following year. Isaac was born in Perry county, Ohio, July 20, iSig. where he was reared and educated, and in 1835 came to Peoria county, Til., and followed farming for three years. In 1S38 married Miss Eliza Day, who was born in Hampshire county, Va,, Dec.

27, lSi6. The fruit of this marriage wai eight children, six living, viz : Sarah Ann. now Mrs. William Arnold; William, Elcnor. now Mrs. J. E. Endes; John, Margaret, Jane, now Mrs. Sylvester Lines, and Dora. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the M. E. Church. He has held several local offices. The family spent the first Winter in a log cabin. l6xl8, all in one room, where they wintered very comfortably. In the Spring of 1836 moved into section 4 and commenced farming. He has worked many a day for 37 |j cents, and taken corn and wheat for his pay, and sold corn for 10 cts. and wheat for 25 cents per bushel.

CLINX'H JOHN, farmer. Sec. 17. P. O. Rosefield, son of John and Caroline Clinch, natives of county Kent, England. John was born in same place, July 26, 1849; came to the United States in 1S6S and located in Rosefield township; married Miss Mary H. Manock; she was born in Peoria county, Aug. 9, 1849; two children were born to them - Carrie Viola and Charles Francis. Owns 160 acres of land. 135 under good cultivation, valued at $5,000. Mr. C. has a tine farm and home, and is in comfortable circumstances.

CLINCH THOMAS, farmer. Sec. 30, P. O. Trivoli. son of Thomas and Matilda (Lucas) Clincli. natives of England ; father born in l802, died in 1836 ; mother born in 1807, died in 1S69. Thomas was born in county of Kent, England, Jan. 26,1827; came to the United States in 1850, and worked on a farm for fifteen months, at $13 per month ; lived in Logan township for three years, where he rented land, and in 1855 came to this place; married Miss Sarah Ann, eldest daughter of Maj. S. Hohanan 101854. She was born in Saratoga county, N. V., Sept. 2, 1835. Their family consi.sts of four children - Walter A., born Sept. 24, 1856; Charles E. T.. born Aug. 11, 1858; Vilu Maud, born Aug. 29, 1864; Sada B., born May 22. 1S72. Mrs. C. has been a member of the Congregational Church for nineteen years. Mr. C. has represented this town for six years as supervisor. Has 290 acres of land, 270 under good cultivation, well supplied with fruits, valued at $12,000. Came to this county with a good will and pair of hands, and by those has made a good property. Coll IlueL. wauoii innkcr. P. (). Hoielleid.

COON OKOKGE. farmer. Sec. 33,?. O. Summerville. Was born in Dover, Duchess Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1814. Came to Peoria Co. in 1852, where he has resided since, except ten years in Knox Co. Married Mis> Sarah Kurh.inlz, born in the .same place in 1819. She died in 1854, having been the mother of six children, three living, viz., Oeorge, John and Elmer. Mr. C. married Jane Yengcr. who was born in Hampshire Co., Va., Nov. 20, 1826, by whom he has had five children, viz., Ualhena, llaltie, Emma, Walter and Winnie. Members of the M. E. Church. Has 160 acres of land

D.WVSON JACOB, merchant, P. O. Kosetield. Son of Isaac and Hannah Dawson, natives of Morgan Co., Va., where his father died at the age of sixty-five. Mother after coming to this county died in Kickapoo township at the age of eighty-four years and six months. Jacob was born in same county Jan. 28, 1816. where he received his early education in a log house, with slabs for seats and writing desks. Married Mary Ann, daughter of Wm. and Rebecca Roby, Itorn in Washington Co., Md., Nov. 16, 1S16, died June 16, 1879. Came from Virginia to Fairfield Co.. Ohio, in 1837, where he remained seven years. In 1844 came to Peoria county and located in Kickapoo township a short time. Thence to Rosefield township where he has been since, .\bout 1 860 engaged in grain and stock business. In 1878 met with a misfortune, having his warehouse and contents of 3,500 bushels of grain burned. Is at present engaged in a general mercantile business. Carries a stock of $3,000 and does a cash business of $15,000. Came to the State with a team, moved into a log cabin 14 x 14. with clapboard door, mud chimney.

t^OKNEY E. Y. merchant and postmaster, Oak Hill, P. O. Rosefield. Son of George and Elizabeth Forney, natives of York Co., Pa. The subject of this sketch was born in the same place, where he received his early education. When he was seventeen years old. left home and went to Kaltimore, .Md., and learned the drug business, and afterwards onducted it for himself for fourteen years. In 1859 came to Peoria, where he had four brothers, and remained one year. Thence to St. Louis in the commission business for a year, an^ owing to the excitement of the war. he returned to Edwards Station, remaining two years, where he became acquainted with and married Miss Eliubeth, daughterof Jacob .Switzer, born in Cumberland, Md., in 1843. She bore him three children, two living, Clyde C and John W., who was named after the noted John W. Forney of Pennsylvania, who is a cousin of Mr. Forney. On their wedding tour Mr. F. bought the goods for his present business and located at Oak Hill where he has remained since. Mr. Forney wu commissioned twice under Abraham Lincoln as po*tmaster.

Rosefield Directory

GKUNDY JAMES, farmer and coal dealer, P. 0. Trivoli. Was born in Lancashire, Eug., Marcli 10, 1S30; came to the United States in 1852 ; stopped in Fall River. Mass., one year, thence came to Illinois. Married Miss Margaret Bowen.who was born in England in 1837. Six children have been born to them - Richard, Henry, Edward, Thomas, Elizabeth ard Margaret. Has eighty acres of land, valued at $2,000; has a coal bank with a vein of 4J< feet. Enlisted in loSth I. \'. I., Co. G. Was in the battles of Magnolia Hills, Siege ofVicksburg, Arkansas Post, Champion Hills, Jackson. Miss., Guntown, Tenn.. and Mobile. Was in every battle of the company, and was always found at

HASSELBACHER JOHN PETER, farmer. Sec. 7, P. O. Rosefield. Was born in Bavaria. Germany, Nov. 13. 1S2S, where he received his early education. Married Miss Eva Gundaker. She was born in same place, March 7, 1826. They have four children - Ludwig, Catharine D., Mary I., and Simon P. Emigrated from Germany to the United Slates, Nov. 27, 1S57 ; came on sailing vessel ; was fortyeight days in making the trip ; arrived in Peoria Cn. Dec. 4, where he has remained since. Has eighty acres of land, valued at $3,000. They are members of the M. E. Church, of Oak Hill. Mr. H. has held the office of school trustee and other local offices.

HOLT THOMAS, farmer. Sec. 29, P. O. Rosefield. Was born in Dancashire. England, April to, 1823. Came lo the United States in 1S54, and arrived in Peoria June 16, of the same year. In the Spring of 1855 came on the farm where he now lives. Married Susanna Hitchen ; she was born in the same pl.nce in 1826. Six living children compose their family, viz : James, Benjamin L., Thomas H., Mary E., Lawrence C, Florence E. Mr. and Mrs. II. are members of the M. E. Church. Has 175 acres of land, valued at $5,- 000. When he arrived in Peoria county had only one i 5-franc piece in his pocket. On Nov. 12, 1S66. was I burned out, and lost $700, which was a big loss for him at that time.

Peoria county in 1S44, and located in Brimfield township, where he followed farming. Married Miss Cecilia P. Moore, who was born in Scoharie county, N. Y., Jan. 22, 1832. Their marriage resulted in three children - Clarence W.. Eva C. and Lena May. Are members of the Congregational Church. In 1856 Mr. K. settled on the place where he now lives. Has 240 acres of land, eighty acres under good cultivation, and valued at $5,000, and 160 acres valued at $2,500. Has held several local offices. Mr. K. is a relative of Judge Kellogg, of Canton, also of Pitt Kellogg, of Louisiana. In 1836 the father of the subject of this sketch came to this county and located 600 acres of land.

KESSLER HENRY, farmer. Sec. 4, P. O. Rosefield, was born in Germany, April 24, 1820, came to the U. S. in 1850, in a sailing vessel ; was nine weeks making the trip ; landed in New York. Thence went to Jefferson county. Mo. where he lived sixteen years. In 1866. came to this county, where he bought his present farm. Married Miss Elizabeth Black, born in Germany in 1826. Have four children : Henry E., George, Maggie and John. Are members of the M. E. Church. Their homestead consists of n6 acres of land under good cultivation, valued at $6,000. When Mr. K. came to this county he was very poor, but hard work has brought success.

KING DANIEL, farmer. Sec. 26, P. O. Edwards Station, was born in Peoria county. Ills., Novenrber 4, 1845, where he was brought up and educated. Married Miss Elizabeth Trigger, who was born in Peoria county, March 28, 1851 ; and is the mother of four children : Ebenezer, born October 30, 1S71 ; Lenora, born December 16, 1874 ; Ella May, born April 3, 1876 ; Maud E., born July 13, 1879. Rents 160 acres of the homestead of his father. Enlisted in 131st I. V. I., Company A., Captain H. H. Andrew; was in several lively skirmishes ; mustered out at Columbus, Georgia.

MOODY JOHN S. retired farmer. P. O, Rosefield, son of James and Peggy (Richardson) Moody, natives of England. Father died at the age of seventysix years, mother at the age of ninety-four, in England. Were the parents of eleven children, four of which are living. John S. was born in Yorkshire, England, December 26, 1809 ; came to the United States in 1842, and located on section 2g, when the country was wild and the inhabitants scattering. Married Ann, daughter of James Metcalfe ; she was born in England, August 23, 1810, died January 18, 1S69, having borne four children: James M., Mary Ann, Thomas and Elizabeth, of which the two sons are living. The family are adherents of the M. E. Church. Mr. Moody hxs held several local offices.

NIXON AUSTIN, farmer. Sec. 17. P. O. Rosefield, son of George and Catherine Nixon, was born in Hampshire county, Va., May 15, 1817, and immigrated with his parents to Perry county, Ohio, in 1S2S, when that country was wild, and in 1844, came to I'eoria county. Married Adeline Auld in Ohio, in 1841 ; she was bom in Brownsville, Pa., February II, 1S24. Ten children were born to them, seven living, viz ; George, Thomas, Louisa, Mary, Robert, Emma and Nettie. Are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. N. has held several local ofBces. They came through with teams from Ohio ; were twenty-one days on the road ; moved into a log cabin, 14x16, with a family of seven, and used an old-fashioned fire-place, made of sticks and mud, with puncheons for floor. Their capital consisted of one horse, bedding, and five dollars in his pocket ; of that amount, paid out two dollars and a half for a doctor's bill, soon after. Owns 160 acres of land, 140 acres under good cultivation ; valued at

KOBBINS H. S. f.vrmer. Sec. 18, P. O. Rosefield, son of Henry and Elza (Hart) Robbins, father native of Conn., mother of N. Y. They immigrated to Rosefield township, where they located, and raised a family of five children, two boys and three girls. Father died in 1S74, and mother has been dead for some years. They were members of the M. E. Church, and died in the faith. The subject of this sketch was born in Hartford county. Conn., Dec. 16, 1830. Came to Kosefield township when he was nine years old. At that time there were only two houses between where he now lives and Trivoli. He knew almost every man in the county. The prairies were wild, and there was plenty of game. In 1838 his father came to Rosefield and traded a clock for 200 acres of land. Mr. R. married Christiana, daughter of Nehemiah Stevens, of Hartford county. Conn. She was born in Middlesex county. Conn.. March 10, 1834. Has 80 acres of land under good cultivation, valued at !f4,oou.

of age, attending school pan of the time in Tift" Accompanied his parents to Illinois, arriving at Peer on the 7th day of April, 1856. The firtl year oth residence in the county, Samuel engaged as a moait laborer among farmers and others. In the Spring o! 1S5S he bought a tract of wild prairie land in Woodford county, near El Paso, and commenced imprtniag it. Raised and sold com at ten cents per buhd to help pay for it. He continued breaking prair and often got up at two o'clock in the moi: ing, bunted and yoked his cattle, and went work. In the Fall of 1864, be sold oat Woodford county and came to Peoria county, ai bought his present home in this township. InOctobt 1S65, married MissCelia Gillhom, by whom he had v child, William L., bom Dec. 10, 1867. The mott died when her babe was six days old, and in Februai 1S68, Mr. S. married Martha A. Casey, widow of Jot Casey and sister of his first wife. This mamage without issue- Owns 45 acres of land, valued at $5.oi- Polttically, a Democrat. Religiously, accepts the Bit as the inspired word of God, and as his rule of faith at action.

YINGEK JOHN, farmer. Sec. a8, P. O. Edwards Station. Son of Casper and Winneford Yinper, who immigrated to this State in 1836. In 1S37 came to Rosefield township among the earliest seltleri. John was born in Hampshire county, Va., March 30. 1851. Left Virginia when he was six years old and came to this county, where he has followed fanning since. Married Miss Rebecca Rynearson, who was bom November I, 1833. Seven children blessed their union. ri» : Ephriam P., Sar.ih J., I^ura A.. Henrietta, Francis E, Ada M., and Winnie. Members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Yinger has 311 acres of land under good cultivation, valued at $12,000. Enlisted in the 77th Rej:irae«l I, V. I., Company K. Mustered in at I'eorii in l86t. The principal engagements were Vicksburg, Arkansas I'ost, Magnolia Hill, Champion, lUack River. Siege o( Vicksburg, and capture. Thence to New Orleans at the time of the Red River defeat, when se%-eral of thdf men were captured, was on a furlough. Thence fort Gaines, Fort Morgan, Spanish Fort, and Mobile. Was in the seivicc neatly three years; was orderly setgeant and had command of the company most o( the time. Was always found at his post.