Sangamon Township

Sangamon Township

SANGAMON township lies north oi Monticello township, and contains forty-eight sections of land. The land of this part of the county is well drained by the Sangamon river, which flows southwest across the- township, and Camp creek and Madden's run, both tributaries of the Sangamon. In addition to a goodly portion of timber land, there is a generous amount of rich tillable land. Sangamon township has three railroads, more than any other township in the county. These are all in the possession of the Wabash Railway Company. The first one built, which until recently was known locally as the Champaign & Decatur road, strikes the township near the middle of the eastern boundary line, runs southwest, crossing the southern boundary line about a mile east of the extreme southwest corner of the township. The Havauna branch leaves the road just referred to at the station White Heath, runs northwest, leaving the township a little above the middle of its western boundary line. The Chicago division of the AY abash road enters the township almost exactly at its southwest corner, crosses the township angling a little to the east, and leaving it about two miles east of the northwest corner of the township. There are three stations on these roads, White Heath, Gales ville and Lodge. fairly settlement. - Some of the first settlements in the county were made in this township. Mrs. Nancy Ingram still lives in the township, and Mr. and Mrs. Henline used to live here. The Wrights were early settlers, as were Mr. Senders, the Oulerys, Maddens, Mackeys, Coons, Argos and others. It was reported to us that a child of Mr. Andy Winters was the first birth in the township, and that Mrs. Sarah Wright, who was buried at the Cline and Ingram cemetery, was the first one who died in the township. For some reason it was exceedingly difficult to collect general items relating to this township, so we have to content ourselves with the amount given.

Centerville. - This is the oldest town of the township, and settlement was started by Mr. Archibald Maffett, who built the first house. About 1842 or 1843 Samuel Maffett and Thomas Newell put up a saw mill, and not long after a grist mill was added. Samuel French, about this time, started the first blacksmith shop of the vicinity. About 1850, town lots were laid off, the town was named Centerville, and a post-office was established. An old man living near the town, for some reason, gave it the homely nickname of Lickskillet, and we are glad to say that such name is going out of use. Mr. Young was probably the first postmaster, Mr. Brundel the first regular circuit minister, and Jane Maffett taught the first school. This was at one time quite a flourishing little village, but since the beginning of other towns near, it has been gradually declining. At present, however, there are two churches, Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren, a schoolhouse and three or four business houses. Mr. Edward Bates has a storebuilding in the town.

White Heath. - Mr. Porter Heath bought the land White Heath was laid out on of Mr. Frank White, and for a stock company. We suppose the town was named in honor of these two gentlemen. The town was laid out about 1872, and Mr. Heath thinks that James Webster put up the first dwelling-house in the town, and he was also the first postmaster. Miss Frank and Mr. Vin. Williams put up the first hotel and opened the first store of the place. Dr. Unangst and Dr. Henrie are the only physicians who have located in the town. At present there are five or six business firms in White Heath. The Methodist Episcopal church was built several years ago. The town is in a good location, botli in regard to railroad facilities and the situation of the ground.

Galesmlle. - This town was laid out on Mr. Rufus Calef's land, and was first called Calef's station. The name was changed to the present one in honor of Mr. Calef's mother, whose maiden name was Gale. The store building at the station was erected in 1876, by Mr. Calef, and the first residence was built and occupied by John Donlan. The postoffice was established in 1876, and Wilber Alvord was the first postmaster. The depot was built in 1877, but has recently been destroyed by fire. Galesville has over fifty inhabitants. Improvements are being made continually, so that we anticipate a continued growth in the town.

Lodge. - The station known by this name was situated about half a mile below the crossing of the Chicago division of the Wabash and the Havanna branch of the same road, and the postoffice was located at this place. This crossing referred to was named Woods, in honor of superintendent Wood, of the Chicago division of the Wabash. After the postoffice was moved from Lodge to Woods, the postoffice department refused to change the name of the postoffice, and hence the town at the junction of these roads, took the name of Lodge.