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

and to Tazewell Co. in 1826. He bought out Thomas Cameron,
who had started in the tannery business, but had not finished any
leather. In July, the 17th, 1827, Mr. Davis moved his tannery to
Pleasant Grove, sec. 2, Elm Grove township. He carried on the
business there until the Tremont colony came. The colonists bought
up all the timber land and he could get no more bark, and was com-
pelled to abandon the business. It took him about a year and a



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 653

half to tan hides, as the fires that ran througli the timber liad weak-
ened the bark. Mr. Davis could do nothing at his business during
the winter of the deep snow. He was away from home, and
was unable to get home for two months. It is supposed that James
Chapman was the first settler in the township. Among other early
settlers were Michael Trout, David Lackland, Wm. Stcarling, Wil-
liam and James Broyhill, the former of whom bought the improve-
ments made by Chapman. For some years nothing of interest
occurred in the history of the township. It was not until 1834,
when the purchasing committee of the Tremont colony appeared,
that anything of interest is noted. This committee was composed
of Josiah L. James, John H. Harris and Wjlliam Sampson. They
selected a fine body of land on the prairie in the western part of this
and Elm Grove townships. There was no settlement on this prairie
at that time, save a place known as the Auburn house, which was
near the center of the township. The Tremont colony was formed
in New York City and in Providence, R. I., and came here in 1835.
It was composed of about fifty persons. They brought with them
the culture, refinement and enterprise of the East. The town pros-
pered at first, and soon secured the public buildings of the county,
which gave an impetus to its growth that was remarkable. But
soon the long, eventful and disastrous contention arose between
Pekin and Tremont, which not only retarded its growth at the time,
but injured the bright prospects of both towns. We speak of this
portion of Tremont's history in the second chapter of this book,
and will, therefore, make no repetition.

The rapid strides made by the young colony is shown by the fact
of their eagerness to incorporate as a town. On the 25th of July,
183G, a vote was taken for or against incorporation. There were
twenty -eight ballots for and one against the proposed move. The
incorporation measure being adopted, town officers must be chosen.
Accordingly, Tuesday evening, Aug. 2, 1836, at the school-house,
for the purpose of chosing five Trustees, an election was held. The
following gentlemen were selected : IMiilij) Flaglee, Coles Tomp-
kins, Palmer Holmes, J. C. Morgan, and Richard S. Updike.

Nathan Kinsey delivered the first load of lumber in Tremont for
the first house, which was Col. Chas. Oakley's, and Josiah Matthews
completed the first house. The old county buildings still stand, and
are owned by the town. The court-house was used for a number of
years as a high-school building, and many of the men and women



654 HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

who are to-day actively engaged at various callings throughout the
county, received much of their education in attendance upon the
the Tremont High School.

Among the early settlers of this township who are now living, is
Martha S. Sawyer, wife of Rees Sawyer. They came in 1835, and
she has lived here ever since. Mrs. Sawyer was born in 1801, and
during the past winter spun twelve knots in a day. She walks to
town, a distance of seven miles, and returns, apparently without
much fatigue.

Capps & Wisler have a grist-mill on the Mackinaw, in this town,
on section 26. This is a new mill, and has three run of burrs, two
for wheat and one for corn. The mill that formerly stood here was
destroyed by fire in the fall of 1878.

Phillips Bros, have a saw-mill on the Mackinaw, on the line be-
tween Hopedale and Tremont townships, on sec. 3 of the former and
34 of the latter. They have good facilities and are doing a good
business. They have a twenty horse-power engine, and a capacity
of turning out 4,500 feet of lumber per day.

Before closing this sketch of Tremont we wish to speak person-
ally of some of the leading citizens. We would call attention to
the following :

Charles A. Bowyer, son of Engle and Mary Bowyer, was born in
Cullpepper Co., Va., Oct. 31, 1822. In Dec., 1845, he moved to
Tazewell Co., and is farmer on sec. 12. He has served in the
important position of Justice of the Peace. Oct. 29, 1846, he was
married, and is the father of seven children. Politically he is a
Democrat.

John Boyle is an old resident of this county, having come here in
December, 1835, when he was a small boy. His father, John
Boyle, was a native of Ireland, while his mother, Sarah Green, was
a Virginian. They were residing in Henderson Co., Ky., in 1830,
when their son John Avas born to them. He is engaged in farming
on section 23. He was married to Sarah Miars, on the 23d of Sept.,
1856. Their children number six, wearing the following names:
Mary, Martin, Fannie, Charles, Martha and Archie. Twenty-one
years ago Mr. B. made a profession of religion and is connected
with the Christian Church at Mackinaw. He votes the Democratic
ticket. Post-office, Mackinaw.

Wileam Buchele is a native of Baden, Germany, where he was
born in 1841. His parents were Hieronymus, and Frances (Jager)
Buchele. He came to this county in 1865. He has a bakery,
grocery, and confectionary in the village of Tremont. He served,
during the war, in the 8th 111. Infantry, in Co. I. Mr. B. was uni-
ted in marriage, Feb. 11, 1866, to Josephine Brellesaner. She has



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 655

borne him five children — Henry, William, August, Josephine,
Mary, Francis. Mr. B. is a Catholic.

Fred Capps, miller, was born in Germany in 1842. His parents,
August and Fridrike (Trieka) Capps, were also natives of Germany.
Mr. C. attended the High Schools of Germany and finished his
edu<^ation in Wisconsin, When the Rebellion first broke out he
took up arms to defend the Government of his adopted country.
He enlisted in company H, 7th 111. Infantry, in December, 1861,
and re-enlisted in 1863 as a veteran. He accompanied Sherman's
army on the march to the sea. December 26, 1866, he was married
to Minnie Brown. Charlie, Minnie and Freddie are their children.
Mr. C. resides on sec. 26, and is carrying on a milling business on
the Mackinaw. He is a Democrat. Post-office, Mackinaw.

Milo Dalbey is a son of John, and Clara (Gard) Dalbey. Mr.
Dalbey was born in the State of Ohio, Jan. 23, 1843, and was
brought to this county the following year. He resides on sec, 34,
and is engaged in farming. He served during the Rebellion in Co.
E, 3d 111. Cavalry. At the close of the war he turned his attention
to domestic affairs, and was united in marriage, March 8, 1865, to
Miss Margaret Davis, Avho has borne him seven children, as follows
— Ira, George, Clara, Seborn, Henry, Idila, and Milo. Post-office,
Tremont.

Aquilla J. Bavis is one of the pioneers of this county. His par-
ents, Hezekiah and Sarah T. (Scott) Davis, came to this county in
an early day. Aquilla J., the subject of this sketch, was born in
this county, March 3, 1830. He grew to manhood while his native
county was being converted from a wilderness to modern homes.
When our nation was in peril, Mr. Davis went to her defense. He
was mustered as second lieutenant, Nov. 1, 1861, in Co. H, 11th
cavalry, under Col. R. G. Ingersoll, and served until Oct. 15, 1865.
He was promoted to lieutenant colonel. Dec. 24, 1850, Col. Davis
was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. Gowdy. They have
been blessed with seven children, three boys and four girls, six of
whom are now living. Col. Davis' political views accord with those
of the Democratic party. Post-office address, Tremont.

Thomas J. Bavis, farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Davis is a i)io-
neer of this county, having been born in Elm Grove township,
Nov. 23, 1831. His parents were William and Jane (Eads) Davis,
His flither was the old hunter, surveyor and early settler of this
county. Mr. D. was educated in the schools of his native county.
As a farmer and stock raiser, he has been very successful. He was
married April 10, 1859, to Miss Susan Fisher. Their children are
Sophronia, William, Charlie, Eliza, Archie, and Walter. In politics
he is a Republican. Post-office, Tremont.

Robert Sanford Finks is a son of John and Wineford Finks.
Robert S. was born in Culpepper county, Va., Oct. 5, 1816, and
when 18 years old went to Howard county. Mo. In the year 1836
he entered the State malitia, under General Clark, against the Mor-



656 HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

mons. They captured the leaders, among whom were Brigham
Young, White, and others. They took them to Richmond, Mo.,
where a compromise was made that they should leave the State. He
then went back to Virginia. After about ten years he came to Illi-
nois, and settled in Tazewell county, where he has since remained.
Mr. F. is a consistent member of the Christian Church, and an
intelligent and enterprising citizen. He was united in marriage to
Miss Lucy A. McQueen ; the union has been blessed with four
chldren.

James F. Finks is a native of Mackinaw township, this county.
He is a member of the firm of Finks & Allen, of Allentown, grain
dealers. The subject of our sketch was united in marriage, Feb.
29, 1872, to Miss Nellie Franklin; they have one child, who was
born May 2, '73.

Gustiis Flegel is of German parentage, and was born in Tazewell
county, June 4, 1855, where he received a common school educa-
tion. His parents are Christian and Willmanda (Hodgson) Flegel.
Gustus is engaged in farming on sec. 23, Tremont township, and
has been quite successful financially. He has identified himself
with the Republican party. Post-oifice, Mackinaw.

Marks Goodyear was born June 10, 1809. Mr. Goodyear left
New York on the 17th of Jf.n., 1837, for Illinois, with his family,
consisting of wife and three children. Their conveyance was a
wagon set on a sleigh. In this vehicle they traveled three hundred
and fifty miles ; then there came a thaw in which the snow disap-
peared, the wheels were put on the wagon, and they went from Day-
ton, Ohio, to Cincinnati, over very rough roads, most of the time it
being very cold. Arriving at Cincinnati, they had to wait a week
before they could get a boat down the river. Mr. G. says " they had
a long, tedious voyage ; the boat caught fire once, but finally the
flames were extinguished." He landed his familv in Pekin the 7th
day of March; he remained in this township till 1841, when he
moved to sec. 32, Morton township, where he now resides. Mr.
Goodyear was united in marriage, April 13, 1834, to Miss Eliza
Hodges. This union has been blessed with ten children, of whom
seven are living. Mr. G. is a member of the Episcopal Church.
In politics he acts with the Democratic party.

EUsha Grenard, farmer, resides on section 23 ; was born in Indi- '
ana in 1831. His parents are Elisha and Anna (Reeve) Grenard.
He was educated in the common schools of Indiana, and came to
this county in 1873. The 18th of Oct., 1855, is a memorable day
in the history of the life of Mr. Grenard. Upon that day he took
unto himself a wife in the person of Joanna Roll. Their children
number seven, all of whom are living. Their names are — John C,
Mary E., Elizabeth J., Emma J., Harvey L. and Fred. E. Mr. G.
is a member of the Mackinaw Methodist Church. In politics he is
identified with the Republican party. Post-office, Mackinaw.

Daniel W. Hammond is a native of the Buckeye State, having



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 657

been born in Miami county, of that State, in 1835. It was there
his early life was passed, and where he gained his education, in
attendance upon the common schools. His father, Jonathan Ham-
mond, was a native of the Green Mountain State, and his mother,
Louisa Harrington, was born in the Empire State. In July, 1843,
Mr. H. was married to Mary Lance. The following ten children
are the fruits of this marriage — Peter, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Catha-
rine, John, George, Alice, Annie, Winficld and Belle. Mr. H.
came to this State in 1840 and settled in Fulton county, and in 1848
came to Tazewell. He resides on section 23. Politically he is a
Democrat. Post-office, Mackinaw.

John H. Harris was born in Bedford, Westchester Co., N. Y.,
Oct. 31, 1792. He was the sou of Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Hamil-
ton) Harris, natives of N. Y. His early life was spent on the farm,
receiving a common school education. In the year 1809, he went
to learn the hatter's trade with William Garretson, at Sing Sing, N.
Y. ; here he remained until 1812, when he went to New York, from
there he went to South Carolina, on Nov. 1, 1812, to clerk for a
brother in the hatter's business. Mr. Harris was taken prisoner
twice by the British during the war of 1812, but was paroled both
times. Mr. H, returned to N. Y. and imbarked in the hatter's
business for himself in 1815, which he continued until 1833, when
he came to 111. to look at the country, which made a favorable im-
pression on him. He returned to N. Y. in 1835, and helped to
form a colony which afterwards settled in Tremont township. Mr.
Harris was made Treasurer, Mr. H. was married to Miss Catharine
Montross, Dec. 2, 1815. She bore him four children — Elizabeth,
Jacob, Louise M., deceased, and John H. Mr. H. was again mar-
ried, April 3, 1844, to Mrs. Sarah Holder, of Lynn, Mass. Post-
office, Tremont.

Henrietta Jenks was born in Somerset Co., Maryland Dec. 20,
1811. Her parents were James and Elizabeth (Nelson) Owens.
She came to this county in 1833, and was united in marriage, Oct.
29, 1835, to George Jenks. This union was blessed with ten chil-
dren. Mrs. Jenks resides on sec. 5, Tremont township, on what is
known as the Lone Tree Farm.

Jlclcin P. Lackland is a son of Col. William II. Lackland, who
served three years in the Civil war, and his wife, Cordelia C. (War-
ner) Lackland. Melvin P. was born in Tremont towniship, Oct. 12,
1851. He has received a liberel education, having graduated at the
Wesleyan University, of Bloomington, 111., with the Class of '78,
after a five years' course. He was President of his class. He took
a more extended course in mathematics than any graduate of the
Institution. Mr. L. has been a member of the Methodist Church
since Oct. 12, 1872. Post-offi(!e, Tremont.

Levi R. Matthews was born in Ro(!hester, Vt., in 1830. His par-
ents were Josiah and Mariette (Waters) Matthews. He attended
the schools of Tazewell county, and finished his education at Knox



658 HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

College, Galesburg, 111, He was married April 30, 1852, to Miss M.
A. Sill, who has borne him seven children — Mary L., Ellen M.,
Katie L., Annie M., Levi E,., Grace L., and Wimfred L. Mr.
Matthews became connected, in 1850, with the Antioch Christian
Church. He was a conductor on the Under-ground Railroad.
Post-office, Tremont.

Vitilda May is a daughter of Samuel and Malinda (Wood) May.
She is a native of Tazewell county, having been born here Sept. 15,
1358. She was educated in the schools of her native county. She
resides on sec. 36. Post-office, Mackinaw.

Samuel A. McClure is a native of McLean Co., 111., where he was
born Feb. 9, 1850. His parents were Samuel and Deliah J. (Oren-
dorff") McClure. The subject of this sketch was educated in the
schools of Logan Co., 111. He came to this county in 1858, and
now resides on sec. 35, following the occupation of farming. He
was united in marriage in 1874, to Miss Mollie Stout. They are
the parents of three children — Lillian E., Maudie J., and Lourin.
Mr. McClure is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Post-office,
Mackinaw.

Samuel R. Saltonstall, M.D. Dr. S. is one of the solid men of
this county. He was born in Scott Co., Ky., Aug. 31, 1818, and
came to this county in 1839. Dr. S. attended the schools of his
native State and finished his education at the St. Louis University,
where he received the degree of M.D. Dr. Saltonstall has repre-
sented this district in the State Legislature three terms, which fact
speaks of his ability in much higher terms than we can find words
to express it. He has also represented the township in the Board
of Supervisors. Dr. S. was united in marriage, Dec. 3, 1840, to
Elizabeth C. Harris. They have been blessed with three children
— Nathaniel M., born Sept. 20, 1841, by occupation a stock raiser;
Hamilton H., born Sept. 14, 1843, died March 28, 1868, was a law-
yer by profession; Kate, born March 5, 1848. Politically Dr. Sal-
tonstall is a Democrat. Post-office, Tremont.

Thomas S. Shaw is a native of Ky., in which State he was born,
Dec. 31, 1832. His parents were AVilliam and Alice (Nesbit) Shaw.
Mr. Shaw came to this county in 1865, and became engaged in
farming and stock raising, in which he has been quite successful.
He was united in marriage June 3, 1861, to Miss I^orena C. Marrs;
they are the parents of three children. Mr. S. is a member of the
Christian Church. In politics he is a Republican. P.O., Tremont.

James B. Sterling was born in East Tennessee, Oct. 11, 1827.
His parents were William and Jane (Lackland) Sterling. Mr.
Sterling came to this county when but four years old. He is a
farmer on sec. 17, in which calling he has been quite successful.
Mr. Sterling was united in marriage Feb. 1, 1856, to Miss Mary J.
Shepherd. His father was born in McMinn Co., Tenn., in 1800,
and came to this State in 1830, and stopped in Sangamon county
and put in a crop and came to Tremont in September and settled on



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 659

the place he now owns. He had nothing but one horse and a
wagon. His horse strayed away from him leaving him without any
horse. Then the deep snow came and his family saw no persons
except the family that came with him, which was Mr. Broyhill's, for
two months. They killed eleven deer, which furnished meat, and
they lived on deer and hominy. They could get no flour. They
got' out of corn and went to the nearest settlement, which was three
miles away, to get some corn to make hominy. It took all day to
gather 10 bushels of corn and four horses to haul it home.

Peter Speece, farmer ; is the son of Peter and Sarah (Princehouse)
Speece, Virginians. He was born to them in 1824, while they were
living in Champaign county, Ohio. In the common schools of that
State he received his education. At the age of twenty (Sept. 1,
1844), he was married to Tliamer Swiger, who has borne him seven
children, all of whom live. Their names are Washington, Martha
A., Mary E., "William, Elizabeth, Edward, and Thomas T. Mrs.
S. came to this State from Ohio in 1850, and settled in Sangamon
county, where he made a farm. In 1865 he came to Tazewell county.
In 1863 he made a profession of his faith in Christ, and united with
the Christian Church. He is connected with the Concord Congre-
gation in Hopedale township. Politics, Democratic. Post-office,
Tremont.

Wtlliam D, -S/je/T7/ was born in Onondago county, N. Y., Sept, 10,
1831. His father, Aurelius Sperry, was born in New Haven, Conn.,
in 1800, and came to Tazewell county in 1849. He was Deacon in
the Baptist Church at Tremont for many years and held the position
at the time of his death. His mother, Julia Mandiville, was born
in Middlebury, Conn., in 1804. She is now living. William's
grandmother died in 1877. She was born in New Haven, Conn.,
in 1780. On the 4th day of July, 1877, at a picnic, this old lady
was present and had grcat-great-grandc^hildren with her. They
were the children of William S. Russell. The younger nearly
three years of age. These children had eleven grand and great-
grand and great-great-grandparents living. Mr. Sperry resides on
sec. 10, and is engaged in farming. He formerly worked at the
cooper's trade. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for
eight years. In 1853, Jan. 11, he was married to Anna Dean.
Ella, Eugene, Adelbert, and Elmer E., are the names of their four
children. He is a member of the Tremont Baptist Church. In
politics, a Republican. Post-office, Tremont.

Henry L. Trout. One of the many young men who were born in
Tazewell county ; who have grown u]>, educated and married here,
and who have identified themselves with the interests of their native
place, is the subject of this sketch, Henry L. Trout. His parents
were Matthias and Mary (Ireland) Trout, of Tennessee. He was
educated in the common schools and Tremont High School. He is
engaged in farming on section 15. October 15, 1874, he was joined
with Elizabeth Owens in holy matrimony. Mrs. Trout is also a



660 HISTORY OP TAZEWELL COUNTY.

native of this county. They have a little girl, Gertrude, who was
born March 5, 1876. In politics he is a Democrat. Post-office
address, Tremont.

Mrs. Minnie E. Trout, wife of the late William H. Trout, a stock
dealer, which business he carried on successfully until his death,
which occurred Dec. 14, 1872, after a brief illness of thirty hours.
Mrs. Trout was born in Lorain Co., Ohio, April 23, 1839. Her
parents were Libeus and Anna (Bliss) Sperry. She was wedded
to William H. Trout April 18, 1861 ; they have had two sons —
Zenas A., born Sept. 7, 1862, died July 7, 1867; and Frederick H.
Trout, born June 5, 1864. Mrs. Trout united herself with the
Methodist Church in 1859. Post-office, Tremont.

Dc Witt C. Warner. In the dark days of the Rebellion Mr. War-
ner came forward and enlisted, Aug. 14, 1862, in Co. A. 108th 111.
Vol. He had the misfortune to fall into the hands of the enemy
at Price's Cross Poads, on ths 12th day of June, 1864. He was
taken to Andersonville prison, where he was confined for five long
months and eight days, sufficing terribly the pangs of hunger, his
rations being a half pint each of beans and corn meal per day, and a
tea-spoonful of salt once a week.

Fredrick W. Warner is a son of Hiram and Phebe Warner. He
was born in Tremont, this county, Dec. 24, 1854, and was educated
in the schools of his native county. He chose the pursuit of farm-
ing, in which he has been quite successful. Mr. W. was joined in
marriage, Aug. 13, 1875, to Miss Elizabeth J. Williamson,

Jesse Wilso7i, farmer, is a native of this county, having been born
in Tremont township. His parents are Edward and Mary Wilson.
Mr. Edward Wilson is a very large farmer and stock raiser, and is
the owner of 1800 acres of land. Post-office, Mackinaw.

3fary Wilson was born in Montgomery Co., Tcnn,, in 1829. Her
parents were John Allensworth and Rebecca Shankliu, his wife.
She came to this county in 1834. She was united in marriage Feb.
3, 1846, to Henry Wilson. She is the mother of seven children —
Edward S., Sarah E., Benjamin F., Susan E., William S., Jesse S,,
and John L. She is a member of the Hopedale Christian Church.
Post-office, Mackinaw.

Alexander Wynd, grocer and farmer, Tremont, was born in Dun-
dee, Scotland, June 18, 1808. His parents, Robert and Margaret
(Constable) Wynd, were Scottish people. Young Alexander was
apprenticed to the bakery trade to Margaret Proctor, of Dundee,
then worked in London two years, and shortly afterwards sailed for
America, landing in New York in 1830. He remained in that city
for a number of years, when he went to New Orleans, and in 1839
came to this county, and engaged in mercantile life. He received a
good common-school education in Scotland. In 1844, May 27, he
united his fortunes with those of Frances E. Clement, a native of
France. Their children numbered ten, six of whom are living —
Margaret, John C, Augustus P., Frances, Freeman and Genevieve.
Religiously he is a Presbyterian ; politically, Democrat.



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 661

Henry C, Vaicter, farmer, sec. 27, post-office, Tremont. He is a
son of J. D. and Sarah (Foster) Vawter. He was born in Ky.,
April 4, 1838, and came to this connty when bnt nine years old.
Was educated in the public schools of his adopted State and county.
He has been a consistent member of the Christian Church since
1858. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah L. Davis, Sept. 7,
1866. They have been blessed with three children — Oliver, Sarah
L., and Henry L.

The following gentlemen have served the townshi]) in official ca-
pacities since its organization :

SUPERVISORS.

R. W. Britrgs 1850 Peter Menard ISOG

John M. Bush 1851-52 Edward Allen 1S67

James K. Kellogg 1853-54 Stephen Stout. 1868-71

Charles Emerson 1855 A.J. Davis 1872-73

James J. Kellogg 1856-59 Edward Pratt 187-1

Samuel R. Saltonstall 1860-61 S. C. Hobart 1875-79

Edward Allen 1863-65

TOWN-CLERKS.