Wapella Township

Wapella Township

This town was laid out by David A. Neal in the fall of 1854, and the first lots were sold in the spring of 1855. Neal was in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and was then the vice-president of the road. He it was that gave it a name, and it was first spelled Wapellah. The first survey was made by the civil engineer of the railroad company, the then county surveyor of De Witt being Alexander Barnett, who simply recognized said survey without certifying to it officially. For this reason and some little dispute with regard to some of the corners it was again surveyed in 1861, by Oliver Lakin, then county surveyor. The lines, streets, and all were left intact, no change being made from the original platting. The following is the official description of its boundaries. : Commencing at the Dorth-east corner of the south-east quarter of the south-east quarter of section 34, town 21, range 2 east the 3rd principal meridian ; thence running west one-half mile, thence south one mile, lacking fifteen rods ; thence east one-half mile ; thence north one mile, lacking fifteen rods to the place of beginning. At onetime, soon after the railroad was built, in 1854, '5, it looked as though Wapella might be the leading town in De Witt county. The Central Railroad built an immense brick hotel here, and located the machine-.shops and round-house at this point, expecting to make this the central objective point between the northern and southern termini of the road. The question of moving the County Seat from Clinton to Wapella was mooted in 1S57, and the battle between the two places wa.xed warm, but the effort proved a failure. In 1879, another eflbrt was made to the same end, but proved abortive as before. In this effort it was proposed to change the boundaries of the county Hue, the petition ai-king for a p irtion of the southern part of McLean county to be joined to De Witt; thereby making Wapella more central. The machine shops were subsequently moved to Clinton, and the question of changing the county seat was abandoned.

The first to settle in what is now the village of AVapella was Gibson Coy, in the summer of 1853, at the time of the grading of the Central Railroad. His house was a board shanty, 16x40, situated in the middle of what is now called East and West Centre street. The shanty had bunks arranged one above the other, extending along on either side of the building, and were filled with straw for sleeping purposes- Samuel Rounds was the architect, and by trade a ma,son and bricklayer. He afterwards made the brick for the machine shops and hotel for the Railroad Company, aud aided in their construction. The second inhabitant was Philip Donnigan. He built a small shanty for a dwelling, 12x16, and it was situated on Xorth Main street. This was the same year as the above. Daniel Thompson sold the first goods. The store-house was a little shanty, and located in the lot now occupied by A. D. Metz's business house on South First street. This was in the fall of 1854. He continued here in business until 1878, when he moved to Lead City. .Mr. Thompson was also the first postmaster, and the office was established in 1855. He kept the mail matter in his store, and every person helped himself to his own mail. The second frame house constructed in the place was a story-and-a-half building, 18x26, and situated on South First street. It was built in the fall of 1854, and utilized for a hotel, and kept liy A. J. Foster. The sleeping rooms were in the upper story. The beds were eight in number, and so closely packed together that one could scarcely pass between them. It was no uncommon occurrence to stow away the guests with three in a bed. At that time it was neither lathed nor plastered. It is yet standing and occupied by Isaac Bolin for a dwelling. The large brick hotel built by the railroad company was commenced in 1854, and completed the following year at an expense of about §20,000. It is now utilized by the company for a general freight-house and ticket-office.

William Ciraves was the first blacksmith in the town. His shop was a board shanty, and situated on Locust street, between South First aud South Second streets. This was in 1854. The shop was torn away long ago.

The first brick edifice constructed, except the railroad buildings, was built by John.son and Rigg for a store-house in 1855. It is situated on the corner of North First and Oak streets, and is now occupied by J. il. Green for a grocery, boot and shoe store. Father O'Harry held the first church services in 1854, in the shanty of Philip Donnigan. Dr. John Wright was the first to practice medicine, about the same year as the above. He then lived with Joseph Spencer, a mile north of town. The first teacher was J. C. House, who taught in the summer of 1857. The school-house was a board shanty, 16x20 feet, and situated in lot 5, block 7, corner of Locust and North First streets. It was built by Lewis Celeskia, and is yet standing. It was last used for a barber-shop on Locust street. Gibson Coy was the first elected Justice of the Peace, in 1856. He soon afterwards resigned, and Thomas Loer was elected to fill the vacancy. The first church building was constructed by the M. E. Church in 1858, and located on the corner of Locust and South Third streets. It is a frame building, 35x45 feet iu size, and cost about 81,500. It has a cupoli aud bell, and is still in good condition for holding church services- The town now contains three other churches - Catholic, Christian, and Presbyterian, - -a full history of which will be found in the Ecclesiastical chapter. The first fruit tree and the first fence-post was set by J. D. Metz in 1855. The latter was placed at the corner of South First aud Locust streets. It was removed only two years ago.

Incui-poi-dtiim. - The preliminary meeting for incorporating the town was held on the 9th of February, 1867- Daniel Thompson was chosen president of the meeting, and F- M. Vanlue, secretary. A vote being taken for and against incorporating, resulted in 37 ayes and 17 uays. The first election for officers was held on the 16th of February following. Daniel Thompson, T. Green, E. Swift, F. M. Vanlue, and J- D- Metz were elected trustees. At the meeting of the board, Daniel Thompson was chosen president, and F. M. Vanlue secretary, for the ensuing year.

The present village officers are, President, W- R. Carle; other members of the board, (}. R. Davis, H. B. Ives, A. H. Lighthall, James Buttcrworth and A- D- Metz. Village Clerk, Edward Norvell.

The town now comprises about 400 inhabitants, principally of American aud Irish nationality. It is strictly a temperance town, and it is said by the inhabitants that it is prospering under this regime, there not having been an inmate of the calaboose for more than two years, and business being good for a country town- It has had its ups and downs in various ways, by first losing the hope of making it at some time the future county seat, and subsequently the removal of the machine shops and round house of the Central Railroad. In the winter of 1867, the smallpox prevailed in the town to an alarming extent. It is said that there were not less than a hundred cases of this dread disease and varioloid, only five of which, however, proved fatal. And yet with all its drawbacks, it is a growing and thrifty little village, with fair side-walks, business houses and other improvements to make it a pleasant place in which to reside.

Girle & ISatterwortli's Warehouse. - This is one of the largest grain houses in the county, and is situated on the west side of the railroad and south of south First street- The building is a brick, and was formerly used by the Illinois Central Railroad Company for their car shops. It is two stories, and 41x160 feet in size. It contains 5 dumps and a storing capacity of 50,000 bushels of grain, besides cribs sufficient to contain 25,000 bushels of corn. The dumps including approaches are 320 feet in length. This firm is composed of experienced grain dealers, and was established August 1st, 1881-

History Of Be Witt Couxty, Illinois

Warehouse of E. Kent & Co., is located just west of the railroad and north of south First street. The business was established in 1877, and the building of the firm is leased from the Central Railway Company. It was originally a part of the car shops of the company, and is a brick building, 32 feet high, and 40x100 feet on the ground. It contains three dumps, and a capacity of storing 2.^,000 bushels of grain ; also, 400 feet of cribs which will hold 20,000 bushels of corn.

Corn Grist Mill, owned and operated by A. A. & W. Alexander. This was the first and only enterprise of the kind established in the town. It was built in 1875, and is situated west of the railroad track in the northern part of the town. The building is a frame, one story, and 22x84 feet in size. It has an engine power of 2.5 horses, and has the capacity of grinding 1.50 bushels of meal daily. Three men are given employment, The proprietors propose to enlarge their mill, and make many new improvements, suitable to a first-class flouring mill.

A tile factory and saw mill are also situated about two miles north of the village near the Central Railroad. The former is owned and conducted by Karr & Downing, the latter by John Marker. The engine of the tile works also runs the saw mill.

The present school-house was built in 1868, at a cost of S7,000 including furniture and ground. It is a neat frame building, two stories high, and 34x50 feet on the ground. It also contains an L 14x18 feet, and of the same height as the main building. Three teachers are employed, and therefore the school is fairly graded. The house has a cupola and bell, and is surrounded by one acre of ground. Maximum attendance 150 pupils. Carle's Hall is situated in the building over the store-room of A. .1. Latimer. The hall is 22x48 feet, and is conveniently seated with chairs, and can accommodate an audience of 100 persons. It has a stage 10x22 feet.

Society

Fore.it Lodge, No. 255, I. O. 0. F. was chartered October 15, 1858. The charter members were, I. N. Frost, W. T. Sherr, George Harrington, William Green, and Lewis Carey. The following are the present officers : I. S. Swearingen, N. G. ; C. W. Short, V. G. ; E. J. Caddy, Seo: ; A. A. Alexander, Treas. ; E. J. Caddy, " Rep." Present membership 35. The Lodge meets in Woy's Hall every Saturday night. The Lodge financially is in a good condition, having monevs, notes, and property valued at SI ,000.

The little hamlet of Zabriska is situated on the old state road three miles north of Wapella, and from its general appearance would strike the observer as having its origin as early as 1800 ; but this is a mistake, as it dates back only to about 1850. A mill was erected here at this time, and as it was situated on the public thoroughfare of the township (there then being no railroad) a nucleus was formed, which under favorable circumstances would have finally developed into a town. The hamlet now contains seven houses with a population of about thirty inhabitants, and is one of the landmarks peculiar to the state road of ye olden times, prior to the screeching of the iron horse through the prairies of central Illinois.

Biographecal Sketches

The world loves to honor those who through their own exertions and by virtue of native ability acquire enviable positions in life. Success is largely measured by one's acquisition of property, and he who begins in poverty and unaided works his way to wealth, is looked upon as successful in life. To this class belongs William R. Carle, who was born in Wellsburg, West Virginia, INIarch 24th, 1832. His parents were John Carle and Rebecca Carle, (nee Miller) natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Ephraim P. Carle, who lived in New Jersey, was a Hollander, his wife, Nancy Clark, was of .Scotch origin. AVilliam R., was the eighth in order of birth in a family of nine children. His father was a carpenter by trade but forsook its following for the more lucrative business of manufacturing cotton cloth. He erected a factory in Williamsburg, and in company with others opened a store in connection therewith. In 1857 the company failed, so that William, whose advantages had been good for the acquisition of knowledge found himself confronting a cold world, jienniless. Although poor in means he was rich in energy, in tact and talent. He left his native home for the west ; reaching St. Louis he found cholera reaping its harvest of death, and so made his way north-ward to Bloomingtou. Here he took charge of a public school just outside the limits of the city. For this work his attainments, commanding presence and excellent judgment well fitted him. His success is attested by many patrons, and further by the fact that his services were in demand. He taught in Major's Grove without interruption, summer and winter for three years, when having saved some means he formed a co-partnership with David S. Hord, in the grain business. The new firm bought a warehouse just being constructed, and had the misfortune to lose it by fire when it was ready for occupancy. With commendable energy they built upon its ruins and within thirty days were in occujjation. In 18.59 he disposed of his interest to his partner. As indicative of the fact that his a b c in the grain trade was dearly bought experience, he found himself barely square with the world financially ujjon closing out his share in the business. In April, 1859, he formed a co-partnership with Sabin Taylor, to prosecute the grain trade in Clinton, which they did in the place now occupied by Emmett Kent. Disposed of his interest in July, and in August located in Wapella, where he worked for an old Englishman named Dixon, for $1.25 per day. At the expiration of two months service Dixon proposed a partnership if he would raise one hundred dollars. He at once went to Bloomington, where he was well known, and borrowed the amount on thirty days time. This business move, proved eminently successful and through its means was laid the foundation of a competency enjoyed by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Carle continued in the grain trade until the fall of 1862, when he disposed of it to E. Kent & Co., and bought a stock of general merchandise. In the dry goods trade he continued until 1865, when he again entered the grain trade, combining with it, dealing in lumber, this time in connection with E. B. Harrold. This arrangement was continued a year when he pursued the business alone until 1869, when he went to California on account of failing health, returned after a single seasons [sojourn in the Golden State, and resumed the general merchandise business here. In the fall of 1870, he was elected a member of the 27th General Assembly, by a majority of two hundred and forty votes. As a member, the same business tact, integrity acd ' earnestness that have ever followed him through life, gave him a reputation as an able legislator. The same year, 1870, he was elected President of the Clinton National Bank, a position he held for three years. Mr. Carle has continued in the grain trade since his return from his California trip, and also for part of the time in general merchandising. Politically Mr. Carle is an active outspoken Democrat, as undeviating in his devotion as the needle to the pole. In religion he is just as firm and faithful to the Disciple's faith, contending earnestly for the restoration of the primitive order of things. Possessed of rare social qualities, unquestioned integrity of character, he enjoys the respect and esteem of hosts of friends. His tall, athletic figure, being six feet four inches in height, and proportionally built, commands attention among his fellows. His business career, so uniformly successful since he gained his' first foothold in 1869, calls for admiration and emulation.

Was born October 27th, 1827, in Seneca County, Ohio. His parents were John and Hannali Davis, (nee Kashner). His father, a farmer, was born in Maryland. His grandfather, a A^'elsbman, ran off from home, took to the sea at the age of seventeen and came to America prior to the Revolutionary war, in which he took part as a cavalry man. The military spirit was transmitted to the son, who bore his part in the war of 1812. In 1849, John Davis came to his death by falling from a load of hay. In 1859, the subject of this sketch came to Illinois and located in Wapella, where he has since resided. Until nineteen years of age he worked on a farm, when he went to blacksmithing, which avocation he followed for six years, during which time he husbanded his means with a view to attending Medical Lectures, which he did in the Western Reserve INIedical College, in Cleveland, Ohio, and from which institution he graduated in 1857. For two years before coming west, he practiced his profession in Nevada. He is a member of the County, District and State Medical Societies, and takes high rank among physicians. He was married to Mary Patterson, August 17th 1856, by whom he has three children living, namely : Hippocrates. Veselius and Bursilia. Politically the doctor is an ardent Repub licau, a natural outgrowth of the Whig principles impressed upon him in early life. His second presidential ballot was cast for John P. Hale, who was nominated as a Free Soiler Candidate. In religion he holds to the Universalist faith. He is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows' and Good Templar orders. A skilled and careful physician ; an earnest, thoughtful man ; u kind and indulgent father; a whole-souled neighbor and frieml, Dr. Davis is an honor to his profession.

A farmer, living in an elegant home, a view of which axioms this work was born November 27th, 1836, in Senaca county Ohio. His parents were Isaac Greer and Alice Ann Watson, nee Doan. They were natives of Pennsylvania. Their ancestors in turn were of Scotch origin. Isaac G. Watson was a farmer and tanner. Hugh D. Watson was his second child, the older brother being William, had a sister Mary. In boyhood Hugh obtained a fair common school education which was added to by attendance for a year at an academy at Republic, Ohio. He came to De Witt county Illinois, in 1865. He was married to Eveline Stevens, March 28th, 1861, by whom lie has six children. His wife is a daughter of Colonel James X. Stevens, a very prominent citizen of Seneca county, Ohio, who was born in New Jersey : served as colonel of the -SSth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry and has always taken a leading part in politics in his vicinity. Mr. Watson is an unswerving Republican in politics, who points with pride to his first vote having been given for Abraham Lincoln for the Presidency. He and his most estimable wife are earnest working members of the Presbyterian Church. Their family is a most interesting one, and the advancement of their children's happiness seems to be their chief concern. Everything calculated to make home life happy is availed of by Mr. AVatsou and wife.

Whose portrait appears on this page was boru in North Carolina October 8th, 1812. He was the son of Jonathan and Kebecca Harrold to whom were born nine children, namely, Ab-alom, Jonathan, James M., Isam, Mitchell, Mary, Naomi, Eli, and Sophronia. Of these Isam and Eli are farmers in Wapella Township, De Witt county. James 51., is iu Vernon county, Missouri Naomi, now Mrs. James IM. Fears lives in California ; the other five are dead. The Harrolds are of English and Welsh extraction and were very early settlers in America. Jonathan Harrold Jr. was raised on a farm and educated to farm pursuits. When he arrived at maturity he left his native state and located in Indiana where he married Miss Abigail Bishop. Seven children blessed this union. In 1840 he came to De Witt county where he engaged in farming. His father came here in'' 18.33, and died iu 1838. In 1856 he lost his wife by death, and in 18.59 was married to Miss Rebecca Draper. By this last union there were born five children. In 1869 Mr. Harrold moved from where he first located to Wapella township where he lived until his death which occurred October 11th, 1881. His wife survives him and lives on the old homestead. Five of his sons live in Wapella township and farm a large tract of land in partnership under the name of E. B. Harrold & Bros. They are also extensively engaged in the cattle business in Texas. Jonathan Harrold .Jr. was a lover of justice as between man and man, was industrious and ambitious to excel in his vocation, and was respected of

Virginia, the old dominion state has contributed her full share of emigrants to Illinois. Especially was this true when the state first attracted attention. From Virginia originally came the Harrolds, and in that state October 23rd, 1814 was Isam Harrold born. His parents were .Jonathan and Rebecca Harrold. He received a fair common school education in Indiana, where his parents lived for a few years prior to coming to Illinois, which they did in the year 18.33, locating in the vicinity of Waynesville. On the 9th of April, 1840, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Lisenby, the ceremony being performed by Squire

Peter Crum. By this union there have been born seven children, six of whom, Louisa, Rebecca, Ruth, Winfield S., Nancy and Laura are living. His most excellent wife was of that honored pioneer family the Lisenbys, - a family whose influence has ever been felt for good. In politics Jlr. Harrold is a Republican. In 1S36, when he cast his first ballot he voted the Whig ticket, and says he has never found cause to forsake the doctrines first held by the Whigs and being carried out by the Republicans. In religious faith he is a LTniversalist, whilst his wife is a member of the Christian Church.