Thompson Township

Thompson Township

Not being within the principal mining district and of not very inviting appearance to settlers agriculturally disposed, on account of the roughness of its territory, Thompson Township was not settled at so early a date as many other portions of the county. An old county directory places the date of the first settlement at 1830, but does not state who inhabited at that time. Soon after the Black Hawk War, Robert Johnson and family settled on section 20, but removed to Missouri about 1840.

Among those who were permanent settlers at the time of the arrival of C. C. Thompson in 1839. were John Soule and family, who settled on section 5 or 6, and Gilbert Soule, his brother, who settled on section 8; two brothers named Keenan; John Isabel and wife, section 30; Win. Isabel, section 28; Robert Johnson and family ; Mr. Bird ; and Marcus Hodgins, who settled on section 17, afterwards married a daughter of John Soule, and is believed to be the oldest living settler of the township. About the time of Mr. Thompson's arrival, - Walbridge and Whitfield Conlee put in an appearance, but soon removed.

As above stated, Christopher Columbus Thompson, with his brother Hiram and cousin Ichabod, settled on section 24, in 1839. There they erected a saw mill, for which they got out all the timbers by hand, after which they sawed the materials for a grist mill, 40 by 70 feet in size, of two stories, and containing two runs of stones. This they completed in 1842, and both mills were in successful operation until 1868. It was run by water power from the Apple River.

In 1845, the death of Hiram occurred, followed by Ichabod's death in the next year, thus leaving C. C. Thompson alone. He built, in 1856, a large, threestoried, stone grist mill, 30 by 50 feet in size, with three runs of stones, which he continued to manage until 1868, when he sold out for $10,000, to Eustace (John) and Schenouth. In 1872, they sold to Barrett and another John Eustace. In 1869, Mr. Thompson put in a steam saw mill, a half mile northeast of the grist mill, which in 1874 he moved to about seventy rods southwest of the mill. It was sold, in 1877, to Wm. Miller, who moved it down near the mouth of Apple River.

Schools. - In 1857, C. C. Thompson employed Ervina Earley, and afterwards Etta Jewett, to teach the children of the three families in the neighborhood. The schools were taught in his house. A stone school-house was afterwards built near the house of Mr. Thompson, in which Miss A. Wells first taught. This was the second school-house in the eastern half of the township, the first one having been erected near the north line on the Apple River Road. There are now school-houses in sections 2, 5, 23 and 27.

Churches. - There was preaching at Mr. Thompson's house in"i844, after which occasional services were held there and in the school-house. A circuit rider named Bennett had previously preached a few times in the township, though the first regular circuit preacher was Mr. McGee, from New York, who embraced a circuit of over forty miles, receiving but $200 per annum for his services.

The Salem M. E. Church. - This church, located on a picturesque rural spot at the junction of the roads leading from Thompson's Mills to Schapsville, and from Apple River to Elizabeth, on section 23, was erected in 1869. It was the first built in the township, Christopher Columbus Thompson and William Witham being the active men to whose zeal, exertions and influence the Methodists are indebted for its erection, George Westaby donating the land (one acre) on which it stands. It is a commodious frame building, 28 by 44 feet ; cost $1,600, and is clear of debt. It was dedicated by Rev. S. A. W. Jewett. Rev. Archibald Smith, of the Rock River Conference, was the first pastor. He died in 1869, and was succeeded by Rev. F. R. Mastin, Messrs. Roberts, Brotherton and Kennedy, in the order as mentioned. W. J. Liberto at present holds service fortnightly, the pulpit on alternate Sundays being filled by Mr. William Witham and other local preachers. The congregation numbers forty members, and has a large attendance at Sunday services. The people of all denominations (Catholic included), and many of no religious belief, subscribed towards its erection. Henry Evans, William Witham, Ichabod Sampson and George Westaby were the first trustees. The present ones are William Sincox, William Witham, Charles Westaby, John Bastian and William Chapman.

The German Presbyterian Church, called Zion Church, was organized in the year 1854, with fifty members, with Elders G. Stadel and C. Winter, and Deacons John Wenze) and Ehrhard Dittmar. They erected a house of worship in 1860, 20 by 30 feet in size. The first pastor was Rev. A. Kolb, for three years, then the Rev. Rensker, for one year. After this the Rev. A. Kolb was their pastor, serving for four years. In 1864 the Rev. Jacob Schwartz was his successor until the Summer of 1865. A call as pastor was then extended to the Rev. J. Liesveld. Under his ministration the membership increased. In 1875, a call was given to Rev. J. E. Funk, of the Nazareth Church of Gasconade Co., Mo., who is the pastor at present. The present membership is one hundred. The Elders are G. Stadel C. Winter, J. Dittmar, J. Weiss and George Gruby.

The Thompson and Guilford Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company was chartered and organized in April, 1877, to endure twenty-five years, its object being to protect its members against loss by fire and lightning. Officers and Directors are : Philip Parkins, President ; Jeremiah Leavitt, Secretary; Charles Cable, Treasurer, and Edwin Rogers, E. T. Isbell, Anton Shap, J. G. Dittmar, G. A. Page, and Edward Sweeney, Directors.

The first post-office was established, with Peter Scofield as postmaster, in 1855, but it was kept by Mrs. Thompson, at the Mills, as deputy, until 1858, when C. C. Thompson became postmaster. In 1869 Philip Parkins took the office, moved it to his residence, in section 29, and it was changed to " Houghton," the former name having been " Thompson's Mills."

At the time of township organization in 1855, Thompson Township extended to the state line. At a meeting held to decide upon a name, James McAllister made a motion to call it after the oldest resident, which was carried, and the name of "Thompson" decided upon in honor of C. C. Thompson, although Mr. Hodgins is now known to be the older resident.

Mr. Thompson was elected the first Supervisor, an office which he continued to hold for five successive years. The first Township Clerk was Gilbert Soule.

, Supervisor - Philip Parkins; Town Clerk - Edward Sweeney; Assessor - Conrad Winter ; Collector - Gottleib Stadel ; Commissioner of Highway - Geo. Bell ; Justices of the Peace - James N. Gallagher and Philip Parkins ; Constables - Francis Keenan and A. P. Ketterer.

BARNINGHAM JAMES, Farmer; Sec. 10; P. O. Apple River; born in North Riding of Yorkshire, Eng., July 22, 1818 ; came to this state in 1839 ; lived five years in St. Clair Co., moved to Galena, thence to Council Hill ; came to his present home in 1855 ; owns 320 acres, valued at $9,600; is an American Reformer in politics, a Methodist in religion, and radicaUy opposed to all secret and oath-bound societies; was married at Council Hill in August, 1851, to Miss Catherine Reisbeck, also a native of Yorkshire ; they had seven children ; oldest six are living, viz. : Sarah J., Marr, Margaret, Elizabeth Ann, Hannah and Mary Helen ; youngest died in infancy: he is also raising and educating an orphan from the New York Juvenile Asylum, John Wesley Gregory, of whom Mr. B. seems very fond, and says he is a very intelligent youth of 20 years, truthful, and of remarkably good morals.

M R S. Mary

owns 330 acres, valued at $6,600 ; she was born in Rush Tp. April 3,1845 ; was married March 20, 1862, to Wm. Westaby, a native of Lincolnshire, Eng.; he was killed Jan. 14, 1870, while rolling a log at Thompson's mills ; on Jan. 18, 1871, she married Richard Darnill, a native of England ; he died Sept. 29, 1874; she has six children : Joseph Henry, Nellie May, and Charles James Westaby; Richard Wm., Peter Gideon, and Frederick Edmond Darnill; she is independent in religion.

DURRSTEIN GUST A V, Farmer; .Sec. 6; P. O. Scales Mound; born in this Co. in 1847; owns 209 acres of land, valued at $5,250; Democrat; Mennoujte; married, March 31, 1872, Miss Rosy Elizabeth Beeler, born in Guilford Tp. in 1852; has two children, viz.: Annie Katie, born Aug. 22, 1874, and George Christian, on' Good Friday, March 30, 1877 ; his mother, a native of Saxe Coburg, a very intelligent, respectable and healthy lady, aged 74 years, lives with him; his father died Feb. 5, 1877.

EVANS HENRY H. Farmer; Sec. 35 ; P. O. Elizabeth ; born in Carnarvonshire, Wales, Feb. 2, 1837; came to this Co. in 1845 ; married, June 8, 1861, Miss Sarah, daughter of Andrew Jackson Gordon, of Pike Co., Mo., where she was born May 24, 1841 ; her parents moved to this state when she was a child ; they had nine children, seven are living: David T. ; Sarah J., Florence A., Elizabeth A., Margaret, William H., and Alice ; two claugh- ters - Cora and Hannah - died in infancy ; he owns 244 acres, valued at $4,800 ; Republican; independent in religion; has held the office of School Director.

FUNK REV. JOHN E. Pastor of the German Presbyterian Church, Schapville, P. O. Houghton ; born in Hesse Cassel, Aug. 13, 1848; came to Wis. in 1853 ; made his preparatory studies at Hazel Green ; was six years a student at the German Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Dubuque; received a call from the German Presbyterian Church of Frank Hill, Minn., while a student, accepted and officiated there two years; received and accepted a call from Nazareth Church, Gasconade Co., Mo., of which he was pastor 19 months, and in 1875 responded to a call from the pastor of which he is now pastor ; was married near Dubuque, Oct. 7, 1872, to Miss Sophia C., daughter of Henry Kortemeyer of that place ; she was born in Lippe Detmold, Germany, April 16, 1852 ; has three children : Lydia, born Jan. 17, 1874; Henry D., Nov. 5, 1875; and Jno. G., Sept. 19, 1877; Republican, and is highly spoken of as a zealous minister and exemplary man.

GALLAGHER PATRICK, Farmer; Sec. 13; P. O. Apple River; born in Tully, Roscommon Co., Ireland ; was married there in Oct., 1850, to Miss Nancy, daughter of Michael and Eliza Glancey; came to this Co. in 1852 ; lived in Galena 18 years; moved to his farm in 1870; owns 240 acres, valued at $6,000 ; is a Democrat and a Catholic ; their children are : James, born in Ireland, Thomas, John, Christopher, Mary Jane, Ann Eliza, William and Peter, born in this Co. ; he buried two children that died in infancy.

GALLAHER JAMES A. Farmer; Sec. 16; P. O. Houghton; was born in Frederick Co., Md., August 15, 1811 ; was married in Baltimore, Jan. 8, 1833, to Miss Mary C. Schwatka, who was born in that city March 30, 1814; her parents were natives of Prussia; he came to this Co. and set! led in Galena in 1837, when it had only one brick building; carried on the business of carpenter and builder, filling various public offices; first was elected Constable, and when the village became a city was elected Marshal; was Deputy Sheriff in 1846-'7; served two years as Harbor and Lumber Master ; in 1849 he started for California, but was taken sick at Panama; he remained six years on the Isthmus working as ship carpenter repairing Chagres River boats, etc. ; in 1855 he returned to his family at Galena and was again elected City Marshal ; served 3 years ; in 1869 he moved to his farm ; has served one term as Tp. Supervisor; is now School Trustee and Justice of the Peace; has nine daughters and one son: Charlotte A., Annie E., Mary C., Sarah M., Rebecca P. , Helena C., Daniel J., Erneline E., Mary M., and Louisa S. ; owns 160 acres, valued at $4,000 ; Democrat ; Catholic.

GRITRE GEORGE, Blacksmith; Schapville, Sec. 9 ; P. O. Houghton ; born in Hesse Cassel, Germany, in 1849 ; came to the United States in 1857 ; lived in Hazel Green, Wis., 15 years ; came to this Co. in 1870 ; Nov. 15, 1871, he married Miss Lena, daughter of Charles A. Cable; she was born in Galena in 1853; has four children: Henrietta, born Oct. 2, 1872; Emma S., April 17, 1874; Eveline, Jan. 17, 1876, and Matilda C., Nov. 10, 1877 ; owns 33 acres, residence and shop, valued at $2,500 ; Re publican, and Elder in the Gerrnan Presbyterian Church.

HAYES PATRICK, Farmer; Sec. 1 ; P. 0- Apple River; born in County of Wexford, Ireland, in 1816; came to this county in 1845 ; married Miss Ellen White in 1849 ; went to California in 1851 ; worked in the gold mines three years ; was fairly successful there; returned in 1854; lives on his Mount Sumner farm of 400 acres, valued at $14,000, where he was many years Postmaster of Mount Sumner P. O. (now discontinued); Mr. Hays is a well preserved, young-looking man, of most pleasant, genial, and hospitable disposition ; seems to eujoy the comforts of a wellspread table, and true domestic felicity, being surrounded by his nine fine sons, five amiable and finely deported daughters, and their good, lady-like mother; his children are aged in the order named: William, Margaret, Richard, George, Kate, Robert, Ellen, John, Patrick, Moses, Alice, Mary, Joseph, and Edwin ; the latter is in

KETTERER A^TOW, Boot and Shoe Maker, Schapville; P.O. Houirhton; born in Baden, Germany, May 3^1850; came to the United States in 1868 ; lived in Wisconsin 6 years ; came to this Co. in 1874, and married Miss Sophia, daughter of Charles A. Grube, in April, 1875 ; she was born in Germany in Aug. 1857; they had two children that died in infancy ; he owns a nice, new residence, a good workshop, and two village lots valued at $1,600 ; is a Catholic and Greenbacker.

1856 ; owns 100 acres valued at $3,500 ; in 1860 he married Miss Julia, daughter of the late Michael and Margaret Lynch of this Tp. ; she was born in 1837, in Co. Cork, Ireland ; they have five children living: George A., Frank, Abigail, William S., and an infant son, not named ; before he began farming he was by trade a house carpenter; on Oct. 10, 1864, he enlisted in the 1st Regt. I. V. Lt. A., Co. I ; went to Nashville and Eastport, Miss. ; lay in Di-

- vision Hospital at the latter place about three weeks ; went thence to Evansville, Ind., and was discharged at Louisville, J une 5, 1865 ; has been four years a Justice of the Peace ; several years Town Clerk ; was School Trustee and is Secretary of the Thompson and Guilford Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company; Greenbacks ; Independent in Religion.

W1I. Farmer; Sec. 5; P. O. Scales Mound; born in Ennisharron, Monaghan, Ireland, in 1815 ; came to this Co. in 1851; lived about two years at Council Hill; moved to his present home in 1854; owns 270 acres of land, valued at $10,800; was married in Ireland in 1844, to Miss Jane McKnight, native of Monaghan ; has five children : Eliza A., born Nov. 21, 1846; Margaret, July 4, 1848; Alfred J., Oct. 21, 1852; Wm. H., March 21, 1855; and Mary Ella, April 26, 1858; Eliza A. is married to Wm. W. Claypole, of Franklin Co., Iowa, and Margaret is the wife of Henry Thuirer of Washington Co., Kansas; Mr. L. has been President and Treasurer of the Board of Road Commissioners for 15 years ; several years School Director, and one term Tax Collector; Republican; Methodist.

McKII^L-IPS WM. P. Farmer; Sec. 34; P. O. Elizabeth; born in Bath Co. in 1831 ; came to this Co. when four years old ; was married in 1856 to Miss Amanda L. Miller of this Co. ; she died Nov. 21, 1871 ; has seven children : Wm. A., Matilda, George, Henry, Edward, Ella A., and Frank, aged respectively, 21, 19, 17, 15, 13, 11 and 9 years; he owns 160 acres valued at $4,000; he followed the smelting of ore for 16 years; Republican; independent in Religion but a believer in Christianity.

Fermanagh, Ireland, March 16, 1825 ; came to this Co. in 1847 ; bought property and lived in Galena 22 years ; moved to his present residence in 1869 ; owns 240 acres valued at $6,000, and property in Galena worth $2,000 ; was married to Miss Mary Ann Deery, native of Fermanagh, May 6, 1856; has nine children: George P., Mary C., John F., Win. J., James H., Sarah A., Peter, John and Eliza, all living with parents ; Mr. McQuillan is School Director, and has filled the office for six years ; is a Democrat and a Catholic.

MUSSELMAtf MICHAEL, Farmer; Sec. 6; P. O. Scales Mound; born in Bavaria, July 25, 1829; landed in New York City, May 1, 1846; lived two years in Lancaster Co., Pa. ; came to this Co. in 1848 ; owns 190 acres, valued at $5,000 ; was married on Oct. 16, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of the late John and Louisa Durstein, of this town ; has nine children living: John, Louisa, Christian, Gustav, Elias E., David, Michael, Benjamin and William; his wife died June 9, 1875 ; he has been nine years School Director, one term Trustee and twelve years Road Commissioner; Democrat; Mennonite.

TDARKIKf PHILIP, Farmer and J7 Postmaster ; Sec. 29 ; P. O. Houghton ; was born in the Parish of Camborn, Co. of Cornwall, England, Oct. 20, 1817; came to this Co. in 1840 ; married in April 1845, Mrs. Margaret Lee, a native of Ky. ; they have no children ; own 123 acres, valued at $3,690; was elected Commissioner of Highways when the Tp. was organized; filled the office 8 years ; has been overseer of Highways; is one of the Board of Supervisors ; has filled the office six years ; is

Postmaster, Justice of the Peace (an office he has held 15 years), and President of the Thompson and Guilford Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company; he donated one acre, the site of Mill Creek school house, Dis. 3, Sec. 29 ; Republican in politics ; Independent in Religion. Polkow Wm., Sr., farmer; Sec. 31; P.O. Houghton.

Ace George

ROMMEL MRS. AtfXIE, Widow; Sec. 6; P. O. Scales Mound; she was born in the Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, July 11, 1831 ; came to this Co. in 1845; lived in Galena about ten years; married Henry Rommel (native of Prussia), in Jan., 1850 ; husband died in 1869 ; she has ten children living: Annie K., Henry, John, Charles, Elizabeth, Fannie, Emma L., William, Valentine and Mary ; Annie K., and Henry are married; the family are Lutheran ; sons are Republican.

SMITH JOHN W. Farmer; Sec. 8; P. O. Scales Mound ; born in this Tp. in 1844; enlisled in 1862 in the 96th Regt. I. V. I., Co. E; drilled two weeks at Rockford ; went to the front ; fought at Chicamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Kingston and Kenesaw Mountain ; had many skirmishes to Atlanta ; marched thence, under Gen. Thomas, to Franklin, and Nashville where he was last engaged in battle ; was mustered out there in June, 1865; was paid off at Chicago; on Aug. 24, 1867, married Miss Evaline Willard; born in GuilfordTp. in 1846; buried four children ; has one living, Emily Marion, born Oct. 14, 1868 ; he owns 40 acres, valued at $1,000; Republican; Methodist.

THOMAS THOMAS H. Farmer; Sec. 36; P. O. Elizabeth; born in Carmarthenshire, Wales ; came to this Co. in 1850 ; had been married in Wales to Miss Elizbeth Jones, who died in that country; he had one son and a daughter whom he brought with him to the United States ; the son, John, died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn., in 1864; his daughter Ann is the wife of Henry Hartmanof Black Oak, Colorado; he was married on Feb. 21, 1868, to Mrs. Fanny, widow of Daniel Williams; is a native of Anglesey; was first married in Wales, and with her late husband and two children came to this Co. in 1846 ; he died here March 5, 1865, leaving ten children: Hugh, born Sept. 3, 1842 ; Ellen, March 31, 1845; Wm., Feb. 17, 1847; John, July 18, 1849; Elizabeth, June 9, 1851 ; Richard, July 17, 1853 ; Robert, May 1, 1855; Daniel Dec. 17, 1857; David, Feb. 29, 1860, and Mary Ann, March 31, 1863 ; Mrs. T. owns 204, and Mr. T. 40 acres, all valued at $4,1)00 ; she is a Methodist, he is Independent in Religion and politics.

V Sec. 36 ; P. O. Rush ; was born in this Co. Feb. 28, 1853 ; his father was a native of Cardiganshire, Wales ; died here April 12, 1872 ; his mother in May, 1874 ; they are buried in Thompson Cemetery; his brother James served in the 96th Regt. I. V. I., Co. A, and was killed at Rocky Face skirmish, May 9, 1864, aged 18 years ; he owns 200 acres, valued at $5,000; is single; a successful hunter, fond of the chase, and is a terror to the wolves and other vermin that prowl among the hills and woodlands and often prey upon the sheep and poultry of the farmers of Thompson ; Republican ; Independent in Religion.

Tt7Agner Christian

WEtftfER JOHN, Farmer; Sec. 9; P. O. Scales Mound ; born in Lebanon Co., Pa., Jan. 31, 1819; came West in 1839; worked at the carpenter trade in St. Louis ; moved to Galena in 1841 ; worked at his trade, mined and farmed there 14 years ; came to his present farm in 1855 ; owns west of Galena 73 acres, and 560 acres in this Tp., all valued at $20,500 ; was married at Galena Oct. 8, 1852, to Miss H. E. True, a native of Syracuse, N. Y. ; has four children: Ira H.,aged 24; Alice M., 19; E. E., 16, and Helen D., 2 years ; was nominated in 1850 by the Whigs for Representative and repeatedly asked to accept nomination for the office of Sheriff; has filled the offices of Tp. Treasurer 18 years, Supervisor 2 years, is now School Director; in 1847 was appointed Tp. bidder at government land sales for theTp. of West Galena.

WESTABY GEORGE, Farmer; Sec. 23; P. O. Houghton; son of Thomas and Mar}' Westaby, of Barren, Lincolnshire, Eng., where he was born Nov. 19, 1822 ; was married April 12, 1850, to Miss Ann, daughter of Wm. and Maria Wilson, of Alton Le Moor, Lincolnshire, and emigrated to this Co. same year; she was born Oct. 22, 1822 ; they have four children: Stephen, born June 12, 1852; Tom, March 12, 1855; Wilson, July 17, 1857, and George Rice, March 29, 1863; they lost by death two daughters and one son; they are* raising a grand-nephew of Mrs. Westaby,

Thomas Wilson, born in Eng. Aug. 28, 1864, whom she brought to this country on her return from a visit to her native home and relations ; Mr. W. owns 584 acres valued at $11,680; is Road Commissioner; has been Overseer of Highways ; School Director four terms ; Assessor and Collector several years ; Republican in politics ; Independent in Religion; donated site (one acre), for the Salem M. E. Church, and was a member of the Building Committee.

WILLIAMS WILJLIAM, Sec. 25; P. O. Rush ; was born in this Co., Feb. 17, 1847 ; he rents 320 acres from Mrs. Mary J. Darnill; enlisted in the 96th Regt. I. V. I., Co. F, on Oct. 8, 1864; participated in the last battle of Nashville, and was honorably discharged at Springfield, on the 30th day of Oct., A. D., 1865; was married Dec. 4, 1872, to Miss Annie M., daughter of John and Ann Hutchinson of Elizabeth. Tp. ; has three children : Fred Russel, born Nov. 4, 1873 ; Cora E., April 27, 1875, and Jesse, Jan. 3, 1877 ; Republican in politics and Independent in Religion.