Indian Township History

Indian Point Township was first settled in 1834 by John C. Latimer, from Tennessee, who with his family settled on section 6, putting up a log cabin and commencing the improvement of his land. About the same time John H. Lomax and his wife came in, settling on section 7. Stephen Howard and family came in soon after and located on section 6. He subsequently moved to the southeast part of Kansas, where he died a few years ago. These were the only settlers in this township during 1834. In 1835 there were several additions made to this primitive settlement, and among those coming in were John Howard, who made a claim on section 16; Isaac Latimer made a claim on the same section; John Crawford, a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher, settled on this section. Alexander Latimer was among the settlers who came in 1835, settling on section 16. He sold out in 1836 to Daniel Meeks and located in Cedar Township. Subsequently he moved to Minnesota, where he is still living. With Mr. Meeks came John Killiam, a brother-in-law, who settled on sections 15 and 22. Henry Russell and family came in this year and made a claim on the southeast quarter of section 24. Here he lived for over a quarter of a century, making one of the finest farms in the county, and then moved to Kansas. Others soon followed, and soon there was quite an influx into the township, which gave the new settlement a prosperous appearance. Among the list was Manyweather Brown, who settled on section 7. He was a good citizen and was at one time one of the County Commissioners. J.P. Bartlett Boydston came and settled on section 17, where he reared a large family of children. One of his sons, W. A., is Roadmaster on the C. B. & Q. R.R. John Howard sold out to John Dowty and moved into Warren County. Daniel Meeks was an active man, taking a prominent part in township affairs. He was at one time County Commissioner and also Justice of the Peace, and died in 1874. John C. Latimer was an active and thrifty citizen, holding various positions in the township. After living half a century on his farm he sold it and moved to Iowa, where he had been preceded by his children.

Ann Francis, daughter of John H. and Nancy Lomax, was the first child born in the township, which was in 1835. Phobe Latimer was the second child born, her birth occurring a short time after that of Ann Lomax.

The first death in the township was Mr. Herbert, who died on section 16 in the spring of 1838. He was buried at Indian Point Cemetery. Judge Dennis Clark was the pioneer teacher in this township, commencing the improvement of the minds and hearts of the children of this neighborhood during the winter of 1837-38. This institution of learning was located at Indian Point, on section 16, and was a substantial structure of logs. Mr. Clark had 30 pupils during his first term, which closed July 1, 1838, and taught here several years. His warm heart and genial nature attached him very much to the children, who applied themselves to their studies as much to please their teacher as for their own improvement.

The first sermon preached here was by Rev. John Crawford, a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher. The services were held at John Howard's residence. He died many years ago, but his widow is still living.

The first marriage in Indian Point Township, was that of Wm. Ogden and Damantha Roberts, October 19, 1837. The ceremony was performed by John Terry, a Justice of the Peace of Chestnut Township.

Judge Dennis Clark and Jonathan Latimer broke the first ground in this township, on section 16. Mr. Clark drove the ox-team and Mr. Latimer held the plow. Stephen Howard put up the first cabin on section 6, and John C. Latimer the second. There were no Indians in this township when the first settlers came, but there were numerous evidences that they had lived here in former times. There were found the remains of bark wigwams, flint arrows, hatchets, etc. They were found at the point of timber, and it was named Indian Point on this account. In early days this point seems to have been the favorite camping ground of the Indian tribes. There are two towns within the borders of this township -- Abingdon, which lies on the northern line, and St. Augustine, which is situated near the southern part, on section 32. When first settled there was but little timber here, and this was on section 36 and along the borders of Cedar Fork, on the western side, and on Indian Creek. After the question of township organizations had been settled a meeting was held for organizing the township April 5, 1853, at the school-house in District No. 2. S. H. Richey was chosen Moderator and T. A. Baldwin, Clerk. The following named persons were elected to the various offices:

Daniel Meeks Supervisor; Dennis Clark, Clerk; S. H. Richey, Assessor; Jefferson Dawdy, Collector; Henry Ground and Charles Williams, Justices of the Peace.

Indian Point is regarded as one of the best townships in the county. There is hardly an acre of land within its borders but what is or can be readily cultivated. The land is undulating and very fertile. The township is liberally watered by Cedar Fork and Indian Creek, with their little branches, which meander through it. Indian Creek empties into Cedar Fork and the latter into Spoon River. Of the early settlers not one now lives in the township; they are either dead or have moved away. When the Quincy branch of C. B. & Q. R. R. was completed through, it added greatly to the development of the township, and gave the people ready means of transportation. It has two railway stations, one at Abingdon and the other at St. Augustine. Indian Point is highly cultivated, and its farmers are all in good circumstances, having good dwelling-houses and farm buildings. In the raising of horses and hogs this township stands at the head of the townships in the county, and in cattle among the first.

Its population in 1880 was 1,725, which is about the number of inhabitants at the present time. Indian Point has eight school districts, one graded and seven un-graded schools. The school property values at $6,050, with one brick and seven frame school- houses. Of the persons under 21 years there were 726, of whom 498 were of school age, 429, being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were $72.50, the lowest, $35; the highest wages paid female teachers were $45, the lowest $32.50. The tax levy was $3,777.89.

SUPERVISORS
Daniel Meek 1853-54, H. B. Cashman 1871, J. C. Latimer 1855-56, P. H. Smith 1872-73, W. Butler 1857, W. W. Campbell 1874-76,  Daniel Meek 1858-60, James W. Butler 1877-78, J. C. Latimer 1861-60, M. B. Harden 1879, Daniel Meek 1863- 67,  J. J. Boydstun 1880, P. M. Smith 1868-69, M. B. Harden 1881-83, T. L. Frasher 1870
 

Chestnut Township History

     Chestnut Township is located in the southern tier of townships and is numbered 9 north of range 2 east. It has for its northern boundary Orange Township, its eastern Maquon, on the south lies Fulton County and on the west Indian Point Township. It is quite liberally watered and fairly timbered. Spoon River enters the township on section 24, and, meandering in a southwest direction, passes out on section 34. Other little streams, tributary to this river, course through the township, which afford ample drainage. The surface of the land is mostly rolling prairie, and is very productive. In the southwestern part and along Spoon River, the land is broken and pretty heavily timbered. Chestnut was among the early settled townships of the county. In 1833 its beautiful prairies attracted the attention of Anson Dolf who came in and made a claim for a home on section 17. The following spring Mr. Dolf permanently located here and commenced the improvement of his farm. He did not dwell here long alone, for this same year came John Terry and settled on the adjoining section 16. Mr. Terry was a Virginian, and came from Greenbrier County. It was not long before William McFarland, another Virginian, came in. In the latter part of 1834 Mr. Shaver moved in, locating on section 17. From 1839 the township settled up quite rapidly, and with a sturdy, thrifty and an intelligent class of settlers. John Terry had the honor of serving the township as the first Justice of the Peace. Squire Terry also performed the first marriage ceremony, that of Mr. Gray and Miss Cope. The first natural increase to the population of Chestnut was through the agency of Mr. and Mrs. Shaver, in the birth of a daughter, in 1835.

     Chestnut was organized as a township April 5, 1853. A meeting for the election of officers was held on this day. There is no town of any importance in this township, there being no railroad passing through it, and the people do their trading mostly at Abingdon. In 1840 a town was platted by Archibald Long, on section 19. It never grew to be more than a small hamlet. It was named Hermon. At this place at an early day a Christian Church was organized, the membership of which was at one time quite large. It is still in a good, healthy condition, and is presided over by a minister from the Abingdon Christian Church.

     Chestnut is one of the best townships in the county, and ranks about third in stock-raising and is hardly excelled by any in the production of grain. Its farms are well laid out, intelligently cultivated, and adorned with good houses and farm buildings. Take it altogether, it is a very attractive township, and a man who has a home here can very easily be contented with this life.

     The population according to the census of 1880 was 1,087, and it is estimated that there has been an increase since that time. From the County School Superintendent's report for the year 1885, the following items were taken: There are eight school districts, with no graded schools. The school buildings are all frame, with a valuation of school property of $5,800. There is one library. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 455, of whom 330 were of school age, 261 being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teachers was $50 per month, the lowest $25; the highest wages paid female teachers was $45, the lowest, $25. The tax levy was $3,566.07. From the Assessor's report for 1885, the following items are obtained : Number of acres of improved lands, 22,695; value of same, $288,495. Number of improved lots, 32; value of same, $3,045. Number of horses, 793; cattle, 2,423; mules and asses, 20; sheep, 782; hogs, 3,650; steam engines, 2; carriages and wagons, 221; watches and clocks, 51; pianos, 1; melodeons and organs, 35. Total value of personal property, $74,055.

SUPERVISORS

Samuel Collins, 1852-54; D. B. Routh, 1855; Samuel Collins, 1856; Daniel B. Routh, 1857-61; Thomas Newell, 1862-64; L. D. Ferris, 1865; Thos. Newell, 1866-67; Owen Betterton, 1868; Thomas Newell, 1869; Geo. Pickrell, 1870; Thos. Hopkins, 1871; Daniel Wainright, 1872-74; Samuel McFarland, 1875-80; Leon A. Townsend, 1881-86. 

Maquon Township History

     Maquon Township was organized April 5, 1853. James M. Foster was elected Supervisor; Nathan Barbero, Assessor: J. L. Lowman, Collector. It is watered by Spoon River, which enters the township on section 2, and courses southwesterly, going out on section 19. Other little streams run through the township, emptying into this river, which affords good facilities for drainage and water. The land is mostly rolling prairie, yet there are some fine bodies of timber. James Millan was the first actual settler, locating on section 25, in 1830, and improving a farm. Among those who joined him soon after were Mark and Thomas Thurman, William Darnell and William Palmer.

     The territory now embraced by this township was a beautiful country and attracted the Indians, who had at an early day one of their principal villages here, which was located on the banks of the Spoon River. Soon after the Indians left their village, retreating before the advancement of civilization, a noted bee-hunter by the name of Palmer, came to the village and tarried awhile; this was in 1828. He remained but a short time, when he proceeded farther Westward. Many interesting relics were found at the Indian village by the early settlers.

     The first couple married from this township were Elisha Thurman and Anna Bell, the ceremony being performed in Fulton County. The first death was that of an infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Thurman. Born in the settlement, this delicate pioneer infant was too frail a flower to bear the rude blasts of untoward circumstance, of privation and adversity, and drooped and faded. It became the first gift to heaven from this township and was happy, while those left to mourn gave with dutiful hand and heart to "Him who carries the lambs in His bosom."

     Squire Mark Thurman was the first man in the township to hold the scales of justice. Benjamin Brooks taught the first school, in 1834, in a school-house on section 34.

       After the Indian troubles were over Maquon settled quite rapidly, and became one of the prosperous townships of the county. It has a very thriving little village located on the northern line, bearing its own name, where the people mostly do their trading. The advantages of ready transportation were given the people by the completion of the Peoria Railroad in the early part of 1854.

     Maquon is a good township, and within its territory are some good farms and fine buildings. It is good stock country, and in raising hogs it ranks third in the county. Population in 1880 was 1,448. The County Superintendent's report for the year 1885 furnishes the following items regarding schools:

"There were eight school districts, one graded and seven un-graded schools. The school property was valued at $12,000, with eight frame school-houses. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 666, of whom 458 were of school age, 411 being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were $75, the lowest $33. The highest wages paid female teachers were $45, and the lowest $30. The tax levy was $4,500."

SUPERVISORS

Jas. M. Foster 1853, J. G. Hamrick 1867, John G. Hamrick 1854-56, A. L. Humphrey 1868, W. J. Lane 1857, R. H. Morgan 1869-70, John G. Hamrick 1858, Wm. G. Taylor 1871, A.M. Maple 1859, L. W. Benson 1872-73, Nathan Selby 1860, Alex Donason 1874, John G. Hamrick 1860-62, W. N. Lagland 1875-76, A. H. Potter 1863-64, John C. Morse 1877, A. M. Maple 1865, L. W. Benson 1878-80, John M. Combs 1866, Joshua Boynton 1881-86.

Salem Township History

      Meeting was held for the organization of Salem Township, April 5, 1853, at a school-house near Michael Eagan's, which resulted in the election of S. S. Buffum for Supervisor; Wm. Gray, Clerk; J. R. Knable, Assessor; D. Waldo, Collector; T. A. Croy, G. W. Enke and J. Jordan, Justices of the Peace; M. B. Mason, A. Kent, J. E. Duel, Highway Commissioners; J. Taylor and D. Waldo, Constables, and G. Chrisman, Overseer of the Poor.

     Alexander Taylor and family are credited with being the first settlers in the township, making a claim on section 5, in 1834, where he put up the first log cabin ever built here. Soon after Mr. Taylor came Felix and John Thurman, Henry and Avery Dalton, Solomon Sherwood, Benona Hawkins, Wm. Kent, John Darnell, John Haskins and Sala Blakeslee, most of whom came in with families.

       In 1835, the population of this township was in creased by the advent of little Laura, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Haskins. The first persons to be joined in wedlock were Avery Dalton and Delilah Dalton in 1835. Andrew Corbine died the same year, which was the first death. These pioneers were quite religious and held their prayer-meeting soon after the first settlement. This attracted the attention of Rev. Henry Summers, who came and preached for them, delivering the first sermon in the township on section 13, November, 1836.

     In 1837 the settlement became of sufficient importance to have a post-office, which was established at Middle Grove. Abiel Drew taught the first school in a log house on section 13, in 1838. The enterprising and progressive Sala Blakeslee erected the first frame building in the township in 1837, for a barn. It was quite a large barn, but it did not stand long, for it was burned the same year - a reproof, some of the neighbors said, for his extravagance.

     William Davis was the first man to hold the scales of justice, and it is said of him that he did it with a fair but strong hand. On the farm located by Sala Blakeslee may be seen some fine old chestnut trees, grown from seed planted by him in 1846.

     Salem was settled up by a good class of people, and after a beginning was made it population increased quite rapidly. Its lands lie fair and are rich and very productive, and easily drained by the little watercourses that meander through. A great portion of the township is beautiful rolling prairies, the southeastern and southwestern portions being somewhat broken. These sections at one time were liberally timbered. It is regarded as one of the best townships in the county; it ranks second in raising cattle and horses, and first in hogs. It has more miles of railroad than any other township, except Galesburg, and is third in population.

     The Peoria Branch of the C., B. & Q. R. R., which was completed in December, 1856, passes through the northern part of the township, running nearly east and west; the Rushville & Buda Branch enters the township, forming a connection at Yates City, where the people of the township do most of their marketing and trading. summit, another town on the railroad, claims and gets some of the trade. This town was platted Oct. 17, 1856, by W. K. Ware, on the northeast corner of section 7 and the sough east corner of section 6. It is located on a high rolling prairie.

      Uniontown, on section 19, was one of the earliest settled towns in this part of the county, and before the advent of railroads there was quite a trade done here. The railroad towns have taken the trade away, and there is nothing here now but a blacksmith-shop.

       Salem is a great farming township, and is dotted over with fine dwellings. Its population, in 1880, was 1,794, and it is claimed that these figures have since been enlarged. From the School Superintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1885, the following items were obtained:

     There are ten school districts in this township, one graded school and nine un-graded. The school property was valued at $14,650. In the ten districts there are two brick and eight frame school-houses. Of the persons under 21 years of age there were 767 of whom 554 were of school age, 473 being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were $100 per month; the lowest $33.33; the highest wages paid female teachers were $40, and the lowest $22.

Cedar Township History

     The first settlement made in Cedar township was by Azel Dorsey, who with his family located on the northwest quarter of section 18, in 1878. He sold out soon after to Mr. Finch, who was a Methodist exhorter, and moved to Fulton County. Mr. Finch subsequently sold out and moved to Missouri.

     With Mr. Dorsey came Rev. Hiram Palmer, who located near him on section 7. Mr. Palmer was a Methodist preacher. He subsequently, in the spring of 1832, moved to the southeast quarter of sec. 32, where the Abingdon Cemetery is now located.

     In 1829 Abraham D. Swartz and family, from Warren County, moved in, settling on the southwest quarter of section 17. This place is now occupied by James Kays. He had settled in Warren County, to make a home there, but being an ardent Methodist, and learning that there were some of his faith here, he moved over, in order to be with his brethren. With him came his nephew, Josiah Stillings. It was Mr. Swartz who first conceived the idea of founding a college at Abingdon. Over twenty-five years, however, passed away before this project was carried out, and then Mr. Swartz had gone to his long home. The establishment of Hedding College is due mainly to the earnest efforts made by this noble Christian gentleman.

    He died in 1852, and was buried in Abingdon Cemetery. His devoted wife had preceded him to that better home. They died of typhoid fever. It was Mr. Swartz who laid out the town of Abingdon. They had eight children, three boys and five girls. They are all dead but one boy and two girls. The oldest girl lives in Washington Territory, and the youngest, Sarah E., who married Mr. Thos. R. Wilson, is also living in Washington Territory. The son is living in Kansas.

The next settler was Joseph Latimer and family of four children, from Tennessee. They moved in in 1831, and made a claim on the northwest quarter of section 29. Mr. Latimer was a good citizen, and built him up here a fine home. He and his wife died at their home and were buried in Cherry Grove burying-ground. George Latimer, son of Joseph, came in 1831 and settled on section 29. He was followed in 1832 by his brother Jonathan, who settled on section 28. He came from Sangamon County, where he had been living awhile. Jacob West, father-in-law of Jonathan Latimer, came with him, settling near by. In 1833 Joshua Bland came with a large family, settling in section 16. Dennis Clark came in this year and lived with Col. Geo. G. Latimer. He was a smart, active and intelligent young man and made himself very popular as well as useful about the settlement. Mr. Bland was quite a benefactor to this new settlement, manifesting this element in his nature by erecting a corn-cracker. It was started in 1833 and located at the headwaters of Branch Creek, as it was called. It was moved by horse power, and rather a primitive arrangement, yet it was as welcome as the night dews to the withered flowers. Before this mill was started the settlers went to Ellisville, on Spoon River, to have their grain ground, and afterward, too, for his little mill was not equal to the increasing demand made upon it. Ellisville Mill was very good for those days, and was largely patronized from an extended area of territory. People going there for their grists were sometimes obliged to wait a whole week before they could turn their faces homeward; and often, while there, kept body and soul together by eating parched corn. There was only one dwelling-house at the mill; and that was not set up as an eleemosynary institution and could not be expected to feed all the hungry people waiting the slow turning of this mill. While this was not a mill of the gods, yet it was not fast in the grinding.

Wm. Bevins and family made an addition to this settlement in 1834, locating on section 23. He was a son-in-law of Mr. Bland. After dwelling here for six years his wife died, and he subsequently removed to Iowa, where he died. Lewis and Bennett Spurlock also moved in this year, settling on section 23. Lewis was a great deer-hunter. His success in hunting this game kept the settlement very liberally supplied with venison. After all, this settlement fell under a very propitious circumstances, for Bevins was a great bee-hunter, and with plenty of corn-cake, honey and venison, they were not likely to go hungry. Bennett Spurlock moved away ; Lewis lived and died here. Reuben Castle, hearing of this happy and thrifty settlement, came in this year, making a claim on section 12. A great claim, however, was made by this pioneer, to the hand of Miss Lang, which he took with the owner, to strengthen and brighten his castle. Neither of these persons has had cause to regret this action, for many years have rolled by to bless the union, leaving them yet living happily together at the old homestead. About this time Hugh A. Kelly and wife, a brother-in-law of Castle, came in, settling on section 15. He was an active man in township matters and is still living. In mentioning the early settlers, Mrs. Catharine Reed should not be overlooked. She was a widow of John Reed, who settled on section 17 in 1836. His location was made on the ground the Indians camped on before the Black Hawk War. Mrs. Reed was born in Scotland in 1790, and emigrated to this country in 1796.

The first couple to join their hearts and hands as one, in this township, were U. D. Coy and Susan Latimer in December, 1832. They afterward moved to Iowa, where they died. Mr. Coy was in the Black Hawk War.

The first natural increase to the population of this settlement was in the person of little Miss Ellen Swartz, November 29, daughter of A. B. Swartz, whose advent into this community was as welcome as a bright May morning.

The first death was Miss Olive Strange, who died in 1834. She was a niece of Rev. John Strange, of Indiana, and came to this place with John Kays, in 1833.

The first school taught here was in the winter of 1835-36, by Mr. Seymour, at Cherry Grove.

Rev. Hiram Palmer was the first man to administer religious food in the way of preaching to the people. Service was held at this time at the residence of A. D. Swartz.

Wolves were quite plenty here in the early days and were very troublesome to the settlers. Some of the cabins had no doors other than straw bedticks hung up at the entrance to keep out the cold. When the husband would necessarily be compelled to be absent of a night the wife would keep up a bright fire during the long hours, to prevent any invasion by these hungry and dangerous animals. These wolves not only annoyed the settlers by their prowling about the cabins, but were constantly preying upon the sheep and young stock. Panthers were also seen occasionally about the settlements.

Cedar Township is numbered ten, north of range one east, and is bounded on the north by Galesburg, on the east by Orange, on the south by Indian Point Township, on the west by Warren County. It is watered by Branch Creek and other little streams. A greater portion of the township is undulating prairie with a rich soil.

     April 5, 1853, a meeting was held for the purpose of perfecting a township organization. The voters selected Hugh A. Kelly, Moderator, and L. W. Conger, Clerk, and then proceeded to cast their votes. E. P. Dunlap was chosen Supervisor ; Wm. Marks, Clerk ; Wm. Lang, Assessor ; James W. Smoot, Collector ; J. W. Stephens and W. H. Heller, Commissioners of Highways ; P. M. Shoop and Joseph Harvey, Justices of the Peace ; Thos. S. Bassett, Overseer of the Poor ; Sol. Stigall and Eli Butler, Constables.

 The election was held at what was then Louisville, about two miles north of Abingdon, on section 16. A vote was also taken for the place of holding the next election, which resulted in favor of Louisville.

This township was organized as Cherry Grove, but was changed to Cedar. In 1855 the place for holding elections was changed to Abingdon. The same year the township was furnished the means of transportation by the completion of what was called the Northern Cross Railroad, from Quincy to Galesburg. There is but one town in Cedar, which is Abingdon, and is located about midway on the southern line of the township. It is highly cultivated, and splendid farms, with fine houses and farm buildings, can be seen in every part of it. Special attention has been given, of late years, to the cultivation of blooded stock Short-horns and the hornless breed and in this line Cedar ranks first of the townships in the county.

Cedar Township has eight school districts, all of which have un-graded schools. Value of school property, $8,000, with two brick and six frame school-houses. Number of libraries worth $200, four. Of persons under 11 years of age there were 448, of whom 345 were of school age, 320 being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were $45, the lowest $30; the highest paid female teachers were $40, and the lowest $25. The tax levy was $2,355. The population of Cedar, in 1880, was 1,976, which is about the number of inhabitants at the present writing.

SUPERVISORS

Below are given the names of the citizens who have been honored by the votes of this township with the office of Supervisor : E. P. Dunlap, 1853-54; J. R. Johnson, 1855; Thos. B. Mount, 1856-57; H. A. Kelly, 1858; J. W. Stephens, 1859-62; James McKinnie, 1863; Shaftoe Lowrey, 1864; E. S. Hardin, 1865-68; M. C. Bates, 1869; E. S. Hardin, 1870; M. C. Bates, 1871-72; P. M. Shoop, 1873-74; M. C. Bates, 1875-76; J. S. Latimer, 1877-79; M. C. Kimball, 1880-85.

Orange Township History

     Orange Township was organized by the election of township officers, April 5, 1853. Asa Haynes was chosen Supervisor; Anderson Barnett, Clerk; A. Pierce, Assessor; John G. Rude, Collector; Samuel Mather and J. Wallace, Overseers of the Poor; John H. McGrew, Thomas Gilbert and Morris Chase, Commissioners of Highways; James Godfrey and Davis Stevens, Constables; Peter Godfrey and Charles Corwin, Justices of the Peace.

     Joseph Wallace and family were the first to come in and settle, in 1830, making a claim on section 25, and erecting a little cabin for their shelter. His first wife died at the old farm place, and Mr. Wallace subsequently moved to Iowa. He has been dead many years. Mr. Cranmar settled there in 1831. James Ferguson, with his wife and children, settled on section 11, in 1832. They had previously lived in Henderson Township, near Henderson village, to which place they came in 1830 from Kentucky. They reared a large family of children, a part of whom were born here. The names of the children were Narcissa, Nancy, Francis, Sarah, Cynthia, Andrew, Thomas, and Martha. Of these Narcissa and Cynthia are dead. Mr. Ferguson died in 1841. He was quite an active and prominent man in township affairs, and was generally known as Major Ferguson. His widow survived him some 20 years, departing this life at the old homestead, in August, 1861. They were buried in the Ferguson cemetery on section 11. Sarah Ferguson was married to Thomas Godfrey, who removed here from Ohio, March 6, 1848, Squire Barnett performing the ceremony. Her husband died in October, 1868. and is buried in the Ferguson Cemetery. Subsequently she was married to Aaron Weir, and they are now living on section 15; Andrew Ferguson on section 10; Thomas is living on section 11. The Ferguson's were good people and were well thought of. Samuel Mather and family moved in soon after the Ferguson's, settling on section 14. John Denny, with John and Simon McAllister, made claims in the township in 1834. John McAllister and family moved to Oregon; Simon lived and died on section 12, where he first located; so did his wife. His son, Wesley, is living on the old place; he was married to Harriet Reed. (Both buried in the McCallister Cemetery.)  Mr. Denny had a large family; they all moved to Oregon, where they prospered. Thomas Gilbert was one of the early settlers, locating on section 8. He died some years ago, and his widow is living in Knoxville. His oldest son, Thomas, is also living there. Israel Turner came to the settlement in 1837, and later on his brother, William, came. ( Israel Turner's are buried in the Haynes Cemetery.)

     In 1837 Anderson Barnett, that now genial, highly respected and poetical old gentleman, sought a home in this township, locating on section 10, where he erected a cabin for himself and his good wife. To this worthy couple were born 18 children, ten of whom are still living and, diligent in business, are winning high places in life. After living on his farm for 45 years, and having acquired by his industry and economy a handsome competency, he has retired from active labors, and is now living with his faithful life companion at Knoxville, enjoying the fruits of his industry, surrounded by numerous friends, by whom they are loved and respected. James Reed, a brother-in-law of Mr. Barnett, came West with him. He afterward moved to Iowa.

     In 1834 four of the young people of this township found life in this Western prairie very lonely and dreary, unblessed by conjugal ties, and concluded to form alliances more conducive to their happiness. Their names were Alex. Robertson, Narcissa Ferguson, and Daniel Fuqua and Lydia Bowmar, all of whom were living on section 11. Rev. Jacob Gum tied the Gordian knot.

     The first birth was Cynthia, daughter of James and Martha Ferguson, in 1833. The first death was that of Mr. Cranmar, who died on section 11, in 1832. James Ferguson was elected the first Justice of the Peace. The first school taught was by Thos. Ellison, on section 14, in 1836. Mr. Ellison is now living at Abingdon. Anderson Barnett taught the second school in 1837-38. The first man to administer gospel food in the way of preaching was Rev. Jacob Gum, a Baptist preacher.

The first church building was the Orange Chapel, by the Methodist denomination, on section 22, in 1845. It was constructed of brick, which were made by A. Barnett. A Methodist class was established in 1836. Meetings were held at the Wallace school-house and in private houses. The walls of Orange Chapel are cracked and it is very much out of repair, and services are now held in what is called Haynes Church. Rev. James Core is the present preacher in charge. This is a fine church building. The United Brethren have a congregation in this township, on section 22. It was organized some 20 years ago. Elder Smith has charge of the society.

      There were plenty of Indians in the township when the white people came in, and remained until after the Black Hawk War. They were quite troublesome, and a block-house was built on the southeast corner, into which the people could go for safety. This place is now owned by Cornelius Runkle. One man was killed in this township about the time of the breaking out of the Black Hawk War. He went out of the block-house about sundown to cut some hay, and some Indians came out of the woods and shot him, and then fled. Orange Township is watered by Haw Creek and branches, and some other little streams. It is quite liberally timbered in the northeastern and eastern portions, and in the western the land is quite broken. About the middle portion the land is rolling, and the soil is rich. In this section there are many fine farms. Considerable attention has been given of late years to the raising of cattle and hogs, and the farmers haven been successful. The Peoria Branch runs across the northeast corner. The people do their marketing and trading at Knoxville.

     In 1880 the population was stated by the census taker at 1,130. It is not far from this at the present writing. There are eight school districts in the township, all of which are ungraded. The school property was valued at $6,923.00 The school-houses are all frame. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 438, of whom 345 were of school age.

SUPERVISORS

Asa Haynes 1853-54, Peter Godfrey 1870-73, Thomas Gilbert 1855-56, T. W. Sumner 1874-75, A. W. Martin 1857-59, A. Barnett 1876, T. W. Sumner 1860, J. E.. Eiker 1877, W. Woolsey 1861, T. W. Sumner 1878, Peter Godfrey 1862, W. H. Reynolds 1878, Geo. Newman 1863, M. W. McCollister 1880, T. W. Sumner 1864-70, J. C. Eiker 1881-82, George Harlan 1871, Luther Clark 1883-85.

Haw Creek Township History

Truro Township

Persifer Township Hisotry

The township is very liberally watered by numerous streams which meander through it and empty into Spoon River. This river also ventures a little way into the eastern border. The township is quite broken in some parts and pretty well timbered; the southwestern portion, however, is rolling prairie. It, like the four townships cornering on it, Elba, Truro, Victoria and Copley, has no railroad. The Peoria Branch, however, passes within about half a mile of its southwestern corner. R. C. Benson is credited with being the first settler in the township, coming in 1835. He was also the first man to form a matrimonial alliance, taking to his cabin home the only marriageable lady in the township, in the person of Sarah J. Bradford. This wedding was celebrated at the home of the bride's father, Charles Bradford, Jan.5, 1837. Mr. Benson took his fair bride to his home, which was not unlike most of the dwellings in those pioneer days. He was a great hunter, and upon his unerring aim and good rifle he depended mostly for his substance. To this he added a more delicate luxury, the product of the wild bee. In looking for a bee-tree his eyes were as true as when looking along the line of his rifle-barrel after a bounding deer. Adding the above articles, venison and honey, to that of corn-meal, made up the repast during the pleasant days of the honeymoon of Benson and his bride.

The first child born was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds. The first death was that of Mrs. Elizabeth Bradford. The first sermon preached in the township was by Rev. B. B. Miles, father of Rufus W. Miles. In 1838, a Sabbath-school was organized at the home of Charles Bradford, by this clergyman, and it is remembered to have been a very interesting one. John McIntosh taught the first school, in 1841, in a log school-house that was built this year.

The Indians were living about this township when the white people came. They remained for some time, hunting and making baskets and maple sugar. Among these Indians were a squaw and her son. She had, it was reported, accumulated quite an amount of money in gold and silver. Having to leave, with her tribe, and being unable to take all of her money with her, she buried part of it on the banks of Court Creek, in one of her iron kettles. Subsequently she sent her son back for it, but he was unable to find it, and as far as is known it has never been found.

Persifer is the home of Hon. Rufus W. Miles, who has held many important township positions, and who has also represented the county for several years in the Legislature. It was Mr. Miles who sent President Lincoln a pen made from the quill of an eagle, with which the martyred President wrote his first inaugural address. Accompanying the quill was a letter to the President which was remarkable for its prophetic character.

There are four churches in the township - the Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church, the building of which was erected in 1863, on section 30, at a cost of about $1,800. Maxey Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, on section 4, was erected several years ago. The United Brethren have a church on section 34; their building is a good one and was erected in 1868; this is called the Persifer Chapel. Mound Chapel is located on section 8, and was built in 1872.

There are some finely-cultivated farms in this township, and pleasant homes. It has no town within its borders, the nearest market being Knoxville, where most of the people do their trading. The population at the last census was 765, and there has been but little gain since.

The School Superintendent's report for 1885 gives the following statistics regarding the schools of this township: There are nine school districts, with nine un-graded schools, and all the school-houses were frame. The value of school property was $2,875. 25. Of persons under 21 years of age, there were 327, of whom 213 were of school age, 181 being enrolled.

SUPERVISORS

George W. Manley, 1853-54; R. W. Miles, 1855-58; George W. Manley, 1859; James W. Maxey, 1860-61; R. W. Miles, 1862- 67; James Dorsett, 1868-69; J. J. Biggerstaff, 1870-71; R. W. Miles, 1872-78; E. J. Wyman, 1879-1884; R. W. Miles, 1885-86.

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