History of Tazewell county, Illinois ; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons and biographies of representative citizens. History of Illinois ... Digest of state laws online

has for many years held the position of Justice of the Peace. Mar.
13, 1843, he was united in marriage with Mary Brock way. She died
Dec. 25, 1872, and in April, 1877, he was married to Mrs. Henrietta
Barker, of Peoria, at Monmouth, 111. He has two children — Henry
P., born Mar. 20, 1846, and James O., born July 20, 1847.

Gyrus M. Kingman was born in Deer Creek township, this Co.,
Sept. 20, 1839. His father, Abel Kingman, came from Mass., and
his mother, Mary A. Kingman, came from Baltimore, Md., in 1831.
They were married the following year in Elm Grove township. At
that time there was but one other family living in the neighborhood,
though the Indians were numerous. The elder Kingman served for
several years as County Commissioner, and died many years ago.
His wife continues to reside on the old homestead, in Deer Creek.
In July, 1861, Cyrus M. enlisted in 47th 111. Inf, and served three
and one-half years. He entered the service again as 1st Lieut, of
Co. D., 152d 111. Inf. He participated in 37 engagements, and
had a horse shot from under him, being himself slightly wounded.
He holds commission of 1st Lieut, in the State militia. In 1867,
May 27, he married Lucy Rouse, at Bloomington. Their children
number four — one girl dead. Mr. K. is engaged in the hardware
business. He has three brothers, all of whom are engaged at differ-
ent places in the same business.

William Knott, farmer and stock raiser. His father, Ephriam
Knott, was a native of Pennsylvania^ and his mother^ Agnes Knott,



444 lilSTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

was born in New York. They settled in Fayette Co., Ind., early
in the present century, where in 1821, Dec. 28, was born to them
a son, the subject of this sketch. Ephriam Knott took great
interest in preserving the Union when it was assailed by traitor
hands. Although too old to take up arms, he contributed liberally
for the cause. At the age of twenty-one, William was united in
the holy bonds of matrimony with Margaret Clark, in Randolph
Co., lud. Miss Clark was born in Montgomery Co., O. Their
home has been blessed by seven children. The gloom of death has
found its way over the threshold, however, and carried away one of
the number.

Samuel Lmvton, jeweler, Delavan, came to this county in April,
1855. He was born July 12, 1831, in Warren, R. I. His parents,
William B. and Sarah (Smith) Lawton, were also natives of Rhode
Island. His educational advantages were limited to the common
schools. He has acted as Township Treasurer for fifteen years.
For many years has been connected with the Methodist Church.
In October, 1856, he took unto himself a wife in the person of
Albina Briggs, of Delavan. They are parents of four children.

George A. Martin, carpenter, Delavan, was born in Middlesex
county, N. J., Nov. 30, 1821. His parents were Henry and Cathe-
rine (Strangman) Martin, who were natives of the same county.
He was educated in the common schools and at the Semenary, at
New Brunswick, N. J. Mr. M. came to this county in October,
1855, from New York city, where he lived five years. Jan. 1,
1850, he was married to Margaret Mundy, at New Brunswick.
They have one child living, one dead.

John McKinstry, miller and farmer, is the son of Thomas and
Isabella (Huston) McKinstry, and was born in Franklin Co., Pa.,
July 22, 1822. In May, 1855, he came to this county, and for
nearly a quarter of century has engaged in active life here, winning
the respect and esteem of all who know him, and being successful
in his business career. He is now actively identified with the
business interests of this place. His father was a native of Ireland,
and was brought to this country when only four years of age ; his
mother was born in Franklin Co., Pa. He held at one time a com-
mission as Second Lieutenant, under D. R. Porter, in Co. A, 7th
Regt., Pa. Vol. This regiment was organized previous to the Rev-
olutionary War, and is still in existence. Sept. 12, 1843, he was
united in marriage with Anna M. Work, of Pennsylvania. She
died April 4, 1861, leaving six children. He was married a second
time to Mary Hall, of Gettysburg, Pa., Dec. 21, 1863. Mr. Mc-
Kinstry united with the Presbyterian Church in 1842, and has been
a consistent, liberal and active member since. His portrait, as a
representative citizen, may be found in this volume.

George Nichoh, farmer ; P. O., San Jose ; was born at Boston,
Mass., Jan. 20, 1825, and is the son of John and Mary (Gordon)
Nichols^ who^were natives of New Hampshire. Mr. Nichols' peo-



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 445

pie came to this county in 1836, and after a little settled in Elm
Grove township. They remained here till obout 1854, when they
removed to Prairie Creek, just over into Logan county. Here
John Nichols died, in 1871, and his wife a few years after, both at
a good old age. The family consisted of four boys and four girls,
three of whom settled in Kansas ; one died 32 years ago, at the age
of 11 ; a sister, the wife of William Jones, lives on the old home-
stead next to Mr. Nichols' home. The latter moved to Prairie
Creek, in 1856, and he still occupies the same place which he did
while in Logan county, is still a part of the original township of
Delavan. His home is one of the finest country residences in this
section. He owns 330 acres of land in Tazewell county, and 240
in Logan. He was married Feb. 14, 1854, to Caroline, daughter of
Thos. Edes, of Elm Grove. He has had six children, five of whom
are living, viz: Ella E., born April 6, 1857, died September, 1858;
Norman T., born June 23, 1860; Enos R., born Dec. 18, 1863;
Clara G., born Oct. 16, 1866; Gertrude E., born Feb. 15, 1871 ;
Jessie M., born Jan. 4, 1S79. Mr. Nichols boyhood was spent in
this county, when the schools were neitlier good nor plentiful, and
he therefore did not enjoy very fine educational advantage. But he
was blessed with good common sense, was energetic and industrious,
and has achieved that success in life which those ({ualities are bound
to bring. A portrait of Mr. Nichols appear in our Delavan group.

John L. Orendorff. The family of Orendortfs, since the organi-
zation of Tazewell county, have been prominently identified with
its history. The name has numerous representatives residing in the
county at present, which are, in general, descendants of the old
pioneers. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, is a repre-
sentative of the earliest pioneers of the county. Enoch and Rosan-
na Orendorff came from Kentucky to Tazewell county as early as
1826, While living in Hopedale township, and Sept. 15, 1835,
John was born to them. He received a common school education
in that township, moved to Delavan, and is now engaged in the
jewelry business, in whl(;h he has been successful. In July, 1858,
at Delavan, he was married to Mary Arnold. One boy and two
girls have blessed the union, all of whom are living.

Qaintus Orendorff] son of Enoch T. and Rosanna Orendorif, was
born in Tazewell Co., 111., Nov. 10, 1828. His father was one of
the earliest pioneers of this Co., having come here in 1826. He
died April 2, 1852. The death of his wife occurred April 15, 1851.
Quintus received such school training as the common schools aiford-
ed in pioneer times. He embarked in business life in Delavan.
He erected a steam flouring mill here in 1855, which was the first
in the town. This proved a financial detriment. He then went to
Mason City, 111., and engaged in the mercantile trade. He
remained here for eleven years, when (1866) he returned to Delavan
and went into merchandising. He is a live enterprising business
man and respected by the whole community. He married Miss



446 HISTOEY OP TAZEWELL COUNTY.

Emma E. Kelley Sept. 24, 1854. This union has been blessed
with five children, the names of whom, in the order of their births,
are — Oren B., Anna B., Olive B. (deceased), Charles B. and
Jesuline B.

George W. Patten. This gentleman was born in Jeiferson Co.,
N. Y., May. 8, 1836. He is the son of John A. and Betsey E.
(Caster) Patten. He received a liberal education in the common
schools and Lowville Academy, Lewis Co. He has been engaged
in farming during the greater part of his life, and in addition has
conducted a hardware store in Delavan for four years. He has,
however, disposed of both his store and farm. He served three
years in 73d 111. Inf., enlisting in July, 1862. He is now Captain
of Co. K. 7th I. N. G. This company is made up of citizens of
Delavan. He led to the marriage altar in 1867, Sept. 10, Lottie J.
Holmes. Their children are John A., born Sept. 27, 1868, Maggie
B., Nov. 27, 1869, Zeboim C, Sept. 15, 1875, and George H., Oct.
15, 1877.

/. B. Phillips, merchant, is the son of ^enoni and Lucy (Fry)
Phillips, who were both natives of Khode Island. He was born in
Providence, of that State Nov. 7, 1828. He attended the common
schools of his native city and obtained a good education. A few
months before he attained the age of eighteen (June, 1846) he came
into this county. For a period of twenty-five years thereafter he
was engaged in farming on sec. 3, of Delavan township. He then
embarked in marcantile business in Delavan, and has been success-
ful at both occupations. For several years he has been a member
of the Town Board, of Delavan. Jan. 31, 1843, he was united in
marriage with Ann Hoghton, in Delavan. Two children, a boy and
a girl, bless their home.

James Ryan was born in Limerick Co., Ireland, in 1811, and
his parents were John and Johanna (Leyston) Ryan. On Feb. 18,
1842, he married Margaret Hayes, who was born in the same county,
Oct., 29, 1825. Mr. Ryan was a poor man, and, though he had a
strong affection for " old Ireland " he decided to try his fortune in
America. He came to this country in 1851, leaving his wife and
four children behind him. Shortly after his arrival he went to
Delavan, and after working three years he saved sufficient money
to send for his family. After a few years he was able to buy some
land, to which he has, from time to time, made additions and he now
has a farm of 415 acres with excellent buildings. The names of
his children are as follows : Johanna, John, Patrick, Michael, Cath-
erine, (died Dec, 1851), James, (died in 1856) Catherine, James,
William (now at school at Notre Dame, Ind.) Daniel and Margaret
Idella. Besides these they have an adopted daughter, Johanna
Dohaney and a grandchild, Margaret Ryan, now living with them.
Mr. Ryan is a Catholic, and is one of the principal men in the
Church at Delavan. He votes with the Democratic party.

George T. Scott, farmer, son of Simon and Elizabeth (Farish)



HISTOEY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 447

Scott, was born in Scotland, Dec. 8, 1797. Mr. Scott came to this
country in 1830 and settled iii Rhode Island, where he worked at
cotton spinning till 1843, when he came to Logan county. 111., and
engaged in farming. In 1854 he made another move and came to
Delavan where he has since lived. Sept. 1, 1819, he wes married to
Sarah R. Bell, in Scotland. Twelve children were born to them.
Mrs. Scott died in July, 1854, at Delavan. He was married again,
Aug. 7, 1855, to Mary Pratt. Of Mr. Scott's children five sons
and two daughters still live, — Simon lives in Atlanta, 111., John
resides in Delavan, Dr. George, at Sedalia, Mo., William and Nor-
man F. at Delavan. One of the daughters is the wife of Harvey
Pratt, of Pekin, the other is Mrs. Elizabeth Perrin, who lives in
Kansas. Of the dead children, one of the first born died in Scot-
land ; two died young in Providence, R. I. ; a daughter married
John Phillips and died in Delavan in 1872 ; Richard enlisted in the
73rd Illinois Infantry and was wounded in the battle of Franklin,
Tenn., in 1864, and died shortly after at Jeiferson Barracks, Ind.
His body was brought home and buried at Delavan. Mr. S. has for
many years been a member of the Christian Church.

John N. Snedeker was born in Mercer county. New Jersey, Feb.
18, 1832, and he is the son of James W. and Ann (Newell) Sned-
eker. He learned the trade of harness making in the East, but on
coming West, he settled on a farm in Delavan, and later he moved
into Boynton. He has always enjoyed the highest esteem of his
neighbors, and has represented Boynton in the Board of Supervi-
sors. He still owns a fiirm in Boynton, but is engaged in harness-
making in Delavan. He was married Nov. 20, 1853, to Miss
Amanda ]\Ieranda, of Warren county, O.

Arthur Stubbs, of the firm of Stubbs & McKinstry, millers, pro-
prietors of the Young American Mill. This genteman, who repre-
sents one of the important business interests of the county, was
born in Sheffield, England, Dec. 11, 1837, and is the son of George
and Harriet Stubbs. In 1849, his father crossed the Atlantic to this
country, leaving his son, then only twelve years old, in England.
He remained only two years, when he too sailed for the United
States. His father settled in St. Louis. Arthur was not long in
this country before he found his way to Tazewell county, for he
arrived at Pekin in 1861. He remained in that city for two years,
and then went to Morgan county, but returned to Tazewell in 1866,
and two years thereafter moved into Delavan, and, in connection
with Mr.'Starz, built the Delavan City Mills. Later he sold his
interest in that mill and built, in 1870, the Young American Mill,
with Mr. Ironmonger and C. L. Booth. In 1873, Mr, Booth sold
his interest to Mr. John McKinstry, and the present firm was
organized. In February, 1861, Mr. S. was married to Celia Ann
Sanford, of Macoupin Co., 111. They have seven children living,
one dead. Mr. S. is connected with the Presbyterian Church.
Ebeii a Teft, farmer, section 9 ; was born Dec. 24, 1829, at East



448 HISTORY OF T'X'ZEWELL COUNTY.

Greenwich, R. I. His parents were George and Eliza A. (Clark)
Teft. His father came to Delavan, in 1841, and bought a farm and
lived there until his death, which occurred Feb. 17, 1874, at the
age of 67. In the spring of 1852, the subject of this sketch crossed
the plains to California. He remained on the Pacific slope over
thirteen years, when he returned to Delavan. He was united in
marriage with Jane Rose, of Fulton county. 111., at Delavan, Nov.
2, 1873. Their children, Eliza and Rosa May, were born, respect-
ively, Aug. 15, 1874 and Nov. 25, 1877. Religiously he is non-
sectarian. Post-office, Delavan.

Henry H. Tomm, grain dealer, Delavan ; son of Joachim and
Carolina (Nunke) Tomm, was born in Prussia, Germany, Dec. 31,
18391 He came to this country at the time his father's family did.
He attended the schools of Prussia and Quincy College, Quincy,
111. He first entered the dry goods business, but now deals in
grain. He served in Co. C, 139th 111. Infantry, during the late
war. He is of the Lutheran faith, religiously.

James H. Upham was born March 26, ] 820, at Sand Lake, N. Y.
In '49 he went to California at the breaking out of the gold excite-
ment. After spending two years there, he decided to try his for-
tune in Australia, where he remained nearly two years more.
Leaving Australia Mr. U., and George Chase, the companion of his
travels, sailed for the western coast of South America. Greatly
impaired in health, and with no desire to catch the yellow fever,
which was at that time raging there, Mr. U. decided to return home,
which he did after an absence of four years. Few men have had so
varied an experience as has fallen to the lot of Mr. U. He not only
encountered the usual dangers of mining life, but twice narrowly
escaped death on the sea. The vessel on which he sailed to Austra-
lia was unseaworthy, and as she carried a heavy insurance, there
were strong indications that the owner intended that the boat should
not reach her ultimate destination, though, as he himself was on
board, his plan was to run upon the rocks near the Australian coast.
Convinced in his own mind that such were the facts, Mr. Upham
and his chum left the vessel at Sidney, with the intention of making
the 100 miles to Melbourne afoot. Whether his suspicions were
correct or not a typhoon suddenly struck the vessel and she went
down with the most of those on board, including the owner. The
news of the lost vessel reached America, and Mr. U.'s friends, not
receiving any of his letters, mourned him as dead ; nor did they get
any information from him till he himself appeared two years later.
Again, when sailing for South America, a watery grave seemed to
await the entire crew. The vessel was conveying sand ballast, and
when in mid-ocean sprang a bad leak. The sand got into the
pumps, which, continually clogging, could not be worked to any ad-
vantage, whatever. There was no ship-carpenter aboard, and matters
became worse and worse. Mr. Upham was lying sick at the time,
and knew nothing of the state of aiFairs till his companion told him



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 449

they had to go down. "Why can't we put in mining pumps?" said
the sick man. Sure enough, why coukhi't they"? They would
pump water, sand, or whatever came in their way. They were both
carpenters, and after consulting the captain, who was very glad to
receive a suggestion from anybody, a number of pumps were soon
in operation and the vessel saved. Some time after reaching Amer-
ica Mr. Upham again came to Delavan, where he has since lived,
serving, for ten years, in the different capacities of Constable, City
MarshTd and Deputy Shcriif. He was married, May 20, 1857, to
Catherine Mounts, who died Jan. 13, 1861, leaving two children,
Ella and Charles; was again married, Jan. 2, 1866, to Mary Rugg,
who was born, Sept. 25, 1834, in Oneida Co., N. Y. One child,
George H., has been the result of this union.

Isaac Vanicy, farmer, sec. 1 ; P. O., Delavan ; was born in the
District of London, Canada, June 4, 1826. His parents were
Smith V. and Mary (Johnson) Varney. His father was a native
of New Hampshire, and when a young man went to Canada to
engage in school teaching. He remained in the Queen's dominion
for about fifteen years, and while there married jSIiss Johnson.
After this event of his life he changed hi:; profession for the life of
a farmer, and came to this country in 1839, and settled north-east
of Washington in what is now Woodford Co. At this time Isaac
Varney was about nine years old. His father died in Dec, 1843,
and the widowed mother with her family came to Delavan the next
year. March 5, 1857, Mr. V. was married to Eliza Allgood, who
was born in England, Nov. 2, 1831. She was brought to this
country when an infant child They have had born to them four
children, two of whom are now living — George E., who was born
Oct. 7, 1859, and Flora I., born May 27, 1864. Mr. V. is connect-
ed with the M. E. Church and identified with the Republican party.

William A. Vaughn, farmer, section 9. This gentleman, who has
been residing in this county since October, 1851, was born in
Coventry, R. I., Nov. 6, 1827. He is the son of Caleb Vaughn,
also a native of Rhode Island. He was privileged to attend the
common schools of Providence, where he attained a good education,
which, with his practical knowledge, has enabled him to meet with
success in life. He has held local offices but is no office seeker. In
1855 he united his fortunes with those of Susan OrendorfF, of
Hopedale. This union has resulted in the birth of three children
— one boy and two girls.

Hugh A. Work, farmer and clerk, came to this county in the fall
of 1847, and located in Groveland township. In the spring of 1852
he moved into Dillon, and nine years later came into Delavan.
During this year the flag of our country was assailed by rebel hands,
and in the month of September Hugh enlisted in the 4th 111. Cav. ;
served three years and four months, and in Feb., 1865, re-enlisted
in Hancock's Veteran Corps ; served till the close of the war.
Shortly after Lincoln's assassination this regiment was ordered to



450 HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

Washington, where it remained for three months, and then to Albany
for that length of time. He was mustered out that fall, at Elmira.
Hugh A. Work was born in Franklin Co., Pa., June 15, 1827. His
parents, Henry and Susan C. Work, were also born there. In June,
1852, he was married, in Pekin, to Harriet Hill. Their children
number seven, one of whom sleeps in eternity.

Jacob Yontz, farmer, son of Jacob and Fanny (Lehman) Yontz,
was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Jan. 14, 1835. When a young
man he came West, with only money enough to pay his fare. Arrived
in this county April, 1852. He worked out a number of years, and
in 1854 bought 40 acres of land. He now has 160 acres on section
29. He enlisted, in Oct., 1861, in Co. H., 4th 111. Cavalry. He
served mostly in Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana ; took part in
the battles of Fort Henry, Donelson, Shiloh and others. He was
mustered out in Dec, 1864, at Natchez, Miss. He has been married
twice. His first wedding occurred Jan. 17, 1860, at Springfield, 111.,
when he was united in marriage with Anna M. Cochran. She died
Dec. 23d, of the same year. He was again married Aug. 26, 1866,
this time to Kate Cummings, at Mt. Pulaski, 111. His children
were born as follows: Samuel J., born Dec. 16, 1860; Laura F.,
Oct. 30, 1867 ; Robert A., Aug. 24, 1870; William E., July 7, 1873,
died Aug. 25, 1875; John, June 2, 1875. Politically, Mr. Y. is a
Republican. Post-office, San Jose.

Sarah Youle, widow of the late William Youle, was born in Eng-
land, July 28, 1819. William Youle, her husband, was a native of
the same country, and born Jan. 4, 1823. Her maiden name was
Sarah Askren. They were married May 6, 1845, in England, and
came to this country in June, 1851, and to this county the following
autumn. Thev did not locate in Delavan till 1866. From 1858 till
1866 thiey lived just across the line, in Mason Co. Mr. Y. engaged
in farming during the greater part of his life. He also was an exten-
sive stock raiser and stock dealer. From 1873 till his death he was
engaged in the lumber business, and was a member of the firm of
Youle & Brunson. His death occurred Aug. 4, 1878. He was a
man loved and respected by all who knew him. In business, enter-
prising and successful, as a citizen, honored and esteemed, and as a
husband and father, loved. He was the first to introduce osage
hedge, for fences, into this county, and was for a time engaged in
the hedge business. The marriage above referred to was blessed
with nine children — Michael A., died in Iowa in 1869; Leathan,
died Oct. 8, 1861 ; Wm. S. ; Elizabeth D. ; Laura J., died Dec. 15,
1875 ; Emma, George S. and Ada M.

Other prominent men here worthy of mention are Benjamin F.
Orndorff, Louis Bechcith, Thomas Pawson and 31. D. Beecher.

The following is a list of township officials from its organization
to the present time, wnth dates of the years served :



HISTOEY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 451

SUPERVISORS.

Wm. W. Grossman 1850-55 H. L. Fisher 1866

Ira B.Hall 1856 Benj. F. Orendorff 1867-68

Henry Pratt 1857-60 Richard Holmes 1869-72

Henry R. Green 1863 M. D. Beecher 1875

James H. McKinstry 1864-65 Richard Holmes 1876-79

TOWN-CLERKS.

Charles H. Grant 1854-55 Wm. J. Scott 1866^7

Abraham Storms 1856-60 Charles L. Gale 1868

E.O.Jones 1863 Thomas S. Morris 1869

Wm. J. Scott 1864 M. D. Beecher 1870-74

Louis D. M. Lawton 1865 Louis D. M. Lawton 1875-79

ASSESSORS.

Silas Dand 1854 J.N.Nichols 1864-65

David Vandeventer 1855 Ricnard Holmes 1866-67

John Upham 1856 Burt Newman 1868

Daniel Reid 1857 Joseph J. Slaughters 1869-70

John Upham 1858 Geo. W. Patten 1871-73

Wm. D. Evans 1859 John N. Snedeker 1874-79

J. M. D. Davidson 1860-63

COLLECTORS.

Daniel Reid 1854-55 Simeon R.Drake 1865-72

Eben P. Sanford 1856-53 John Disbrow 1873

Levi T. Cheever 1856-60 Charles L. Gale 1874-78

Samuel Lawton 1863-64 Joseph M. Garrett 1879



DILLON TOWNSHIP.



Fifty-six years have come and gone since Nathan Dillon erected
his cabin on section 1, of this township. It is claimed that he was
the first settler in the county, save the old French traders, and for
proof to substantiate this we refer the reader to his own words,
recorded in the first chapter of this book. There is another claim-
ant, however, to this honor. We refer the reader to William
Blanchard's sketch in the history of Fond du Lac township. He
brings a prior claim to that of Mr. Dillon's. We state the facts as
clearly and pointedly as we can deduce them, and leave the readers
to draw their own conclusions. It is useless to dwell at length
upon the early history of this township, as that is embraced in the
first chapter of this volume.

A few incidents of the early settlement will illustrate the hard-