Taken from the Marshall County Republican Newspaper, Henry, IL
November 21, 1867
L. P. Bates of Sparland, communicated the following sketch of Franklin W. Graves, to the Lacon Journal, who owned and occupied the ground upon which Sparland now stands 37 years ago; also of F.M. Bates. Both will be interesting to many of our old settlers who knew them in their day.
| Franklin Ward Graves | Richard Scholes | F.M. Bates |
Franklin Ward Graves
Franklin Ward Graves settled in what is now Sparland in 1830. He was from Indiana, and came here because he thought it was a great wheat country. Mr. Graves and family lived here 15 years, and then started for California, because, as he believed, that was the best wheat country. Probably he thought he was going to a wheat country, but probably the frontiersman's life best suited his restless nature, and when his monopoly of the spontaneous production of the country was about to be disputed, he found this a poor wheat country.
But hard was the fate of that once happy family. Losing the way in attempting to find a nearer one, and overtaken by an early winter, among the Rocky mountains, several of the family, and many of the company perished of cold and hunger. So desperate was their condition, that everything that could sustain life a moment was made use of, and even the horrid feast of human flesh was freely indulged. Whether any were sacrificed for the purpose, or whether the already dead saficed, has always been in doubt, but the most probable theory is, that lots were cast, and the orgies of cannibalism consummated. Mr. Graves, Mrs. Graves, and a son-in-law and two children perished; the next after suffering more than death, obtained assistance from California and escaped.
Mr. Graves and family wre a true type of western early settlers. When they came here, and for two years after, the present town site of Sparland below the railroad, was the corn field of the Indians. They were on good terms with the natives, and after the Indians left, any stranger or neighbor was always hospitably entertained. Their cabin stood very near where Mr. Cotton now lives, and one room was at once, parlor, bedroom, kitchen, and to a considerable extent a grain ware house. But there they lived from 1830 to 1846 and no healthier, happier, kinder family ever lived than they. In 1845 Mr. Gravessold near 500 acres for $1500, and whilst the trade was pending, he told the writer in confidence, that he was bound to sell if he only got congress price. But this was a fair price at that time.
Richard Scholes
Another case of cheap land occurred with Richard Scholes of La Prairie township, aobut that time, or rather later. A gentleman from the east owning a beautiful quarter, came to look at the country; a winter storm came on, and being weather-bound, he pored over Mr. Scholes' library and offered Mr. Scholes the rare bargain of a splendid quarter of land for $100, and he would take a copy of Storme's works, which he had been reading, for a first payment, the balance on long time.
The first few settlers of this country fared better, and enjoyed life better, and were more contented, healthier, and happier than the succeeding wave of emigration that come over the country. The first could live without work. Game was plenty, deer and turkeys were numerous, honey in the woods was easy found, and of simple frugal habits, no overtaxing of the energies was required. But when enterprise took the lead, struggles commenced and in the unaided contest with nature many a strong frame has been brought down. As an instance of the pioneer life, I will give a little history.
F.M. Bates came to Illinois in 1837, and possessing all the qualification of a first class wrestler with nature, he went to work to make a farm. His claim of 160 acres must be fenced and plowed. He built a hut six feet by ten, door, chimney and window. He built in a ravine, 100 feet below the level, kept "bach" all winter, made rails, cut hard logs, carried his grub six miles on his shoulder, and in that long cold winter worked every day, and scarcely ever saw a human being, except on his visits to the settlement.
Have men deteriorated, or where is the young man now that with a good education, excellent business qualifications, that will shoulder his axe and with that alone carve out a fortune and name?
Taken From the Henry Republican
Father C. C. Camery
July 24, 1873
Father C. C. Camery of Whitefield is a pensioner of the War of 1812 and we believe is the only one in the county. These quarterly installments come right handy in his feeble old age.-- Transcribed by Nancy Piper
Mrs. Lucy Snider
August 7, 1873
Mrs. Lucy Snyder, mother of Mrs. O. A. Green of this township, who has lived to the good old age of 75 years, was stricken down a few days since with paralysis. The entire left side is afflicted, for she lies not only helpless, but in a critical condition. Her advanced age, it is feared, will interfere with her recovery, as the shock is severe. Mrs. Snider is one of the veterans of this township, having settled with her husband Col. Henry Snider, near Crow creek, nearly 40 years ago. The colonel’s home was one of the landmarks of the times, and noted for its hospitality and welcome to all who visited this pioneer couple.
Their house was a church for years and years, and hundreds still reside in this vicinity who have worshiped at their hearthstone. All of those who knew the family in the early days will hear with keen sorrow this calamity. Sad as it is, the faith has been kept, and the summons to a better and a more exalted life awaits the good old mother in Israel.-- Transcribed by Nancy Piper
February 5, 1874
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hunt
Mr. Richard Hunt and his estimable wife Ruth, made a wedding yesterday at their spacious and commodious residence in Whitefield, for their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Andrews, commemorative of their fifth returning anniversary of wedlock. .....In connection with this article we cannot refrain from saying a few words about our old settlers, Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, who came across the river in 1839 and were one of the first to settle in Whitefield. From his house, until 1850, a person could ride in any direction, and there was but one or two houses in sight. Now lanes meet you everywhere. At that time log cabins were in rage, and the big fire place and the iron bake kettle, in which all the baking, frying, boiling, and the dish washing was done. We remember that in 1846, in two rooms, ate and slept 24 persons for over a week, the females taking the four beds, while the males bunked it on the floor. Mr. Hunt’s house was always a good place to visit; and like all the old settlers, were generous and hospitable to all new comers.
They have raised a large family, the married ones settling about them (Mrs. Andrews excepted) to all of whom farms have been given to start them in life. Mr. Hunt has still 240 acres, enough to sustain him as long as our aged friends live. Mr. Hunt will be 70 in May, and still in good health and strength, though a little deaf. Mrs. Hunt is a few years younger, and apparently as robust and agreeable a when we knew her 20 years ago. Mr. Hunt has a fine stock farm, well watered, and large pasture ranges in the bluffs, and has a large number of horses and cattle, though the number we did not learn. Throwing aside the bygones, the cabin and its hallowed associations of inconveniences and-go-along-most-any-how accommodations, Mr. and Mrs. Hunt now have a very commodious, comfortable home, well furnished, the daughters skilled in music, one of Mason & Hamlin’s costly cabinet organs ornamenting the setting room, and everything added to make life happy and enjoyable. Now about them is a host of grandchildren to bless and cheer their venerable years, and these like us, know well how to appreciate the generous affectionate home of father and mother Hunt. Having borne the labors and toils of a well spent life, may they now take rest, throwing off the anxiety and turmoil of busy life, and enjoy the remainder of their days with their children and grandchildren, for having rounded three score and ten, may Mr. H., score 10 more years at least. So mote it be.-- Transcribed by Nancy Piper
Joseph Warner and Lemuel Gaylord
June 22, 1876
In a little cemetery on Sandy, in the northeastern portion of Marshall county repose the honored remains of two revolutionary veterans. The names are Joseph Warner who died in 1840, aged 107 and Lemuel Gaylord, one of the pioneer settlers. No memorial stone marks their resting place and only the fading memories of a few aged settlers hold their names and deeds in recollection. One of them drew a pension for years but the other owing to some informality of papers was not on the government payroll. Something should be done to rescue their names from oblivion and a small sum from each would provide fitting monuments.- Lacon Journal-- Transcribed by Nancy Piper
August 31, 1876
John T. Smith
Mr. John T. Smith, one of our older settlers, and very successful farmers of Whitefield, has sold his farms in that township to his children, proposing to move to Henry and take the decline of life easier. The homestead of 160 acres, valued at $13,000, the Thompson place of 80 acres near W. G. Barnes, and a five acre wood lot, 245 acres in all, were sold to Thomas Monier, his son-in-law, for $17,000. Another 80 acre farm, located east of John N. Barrett, was sold to his son, Charles Smith for $5000.-- Transcribed by Nancy Piper
August 2, 1877
Mrs. Elizabeth Wykoff
Yesterday was celebrated in our city the birthday of one of our oldest and most respected members of society -- Mrs. Elizabeth Wikoff. The allotted period of one's life is three score years and ten, but Mrs. Wikoff has been permitted to add ten years more to this allotment. A few friends, learning that the first day of August was her natal day, determined to give her an impromptu surprise in the way of a quiet tea party. There were assembled Dr. J. E. Powell and wife, Mrs. Huldah Hoyt, Mr. C. Gould and wife, Mrs. Matthew Hoyt, Mr. H. C. Wright and wife, Rev. Mr. Martin and wife, Mr. M. Snider and wife, Mr. Peter W. Wikoff, wife and Miss Vandever and Mrs. N. M. Rollins. Nearly all of these have passed the meridian of life, while a few may be classed among the "old folks". Seated at the tea table were nine persons whose united ages make the sum of 609 years, an average of a little over 67 years to the person. As we looked at this company of aged travelers, we thought of how richly stored must be their memory-houses, and how many changes their eyes had witnessed. Eighty years are a long time looked in one direction. But in another they are but as a passing shadow - a flitting cloud. Mother Wikoff has lived many of these years among us, and hers is a name fragrant with the sweetness and purity of a christian life.-- Transcribed by Nancy Piper
November 14, 1878
Aaron Bartlett
Aaron Bartlett, a colored resident of Henry, completed his 70th birthday on Friday last November 8, and came in and paid us a visit at the sanctum. For one of his age he is hale and hearty, with a frame but slightly bent over, though his hoary wooley locks denote age. He is a native of "way down in Tennessee;" was born a slave Nov. 8, 1808, to Abraham Carrithers at Hartsville; he was a lively youngster, and so likely a chap, that at the age of five years was sold to Alfred A. Brevard, for the large sum of $500, who owned a plantation on Big Goose creek in that state. At the age of 36, or in 1844, he married a free colored woman, by whom four children were born to him, three boys and a girl. He and his wife were field hands, and lived pleasantly together, until the iron hand of the barberous slave system separated them at the caprice of his master and her "boss," and the wife married to antoher against his protest and appeals, and against everything he could do to prevent it. His children too were scattered and he has never seen them since. The rebellion set him free, and he traveled north, locating at Granville, Putnam county, where he married his present wife, Mrs. Harriet Sanders, a widow and formerly a slave to a man named Phillips in Missouri. Mrs. Sanders had a son, and the daughter, the fruit of the second marriage, now constitutes the family. Mr. Barlett has been quite anxious to hear from his children in Tennessee, and though he has written several times to parties he once knew there, he yet has failed to get any trace of them. It would gladden the old gentleman's heart to see once more his children, now grown into manhood and womanhood, and though "in the sere and yellow leaf," it is to be hoped he may live to see his long hoped for and prayed for wish gratified in this respect.-- Transcribed by Nancy Piper
Taken From the Henry Republican
February 27, 1879
The Roberts Familly Reunion
The Roberts family had a reunion dinner at the old homestead in Roberts township on Sunday last, at which the following children of Mr. and Mrs. Livingston Roberts were present: T. D. Roberts, Mrs. J. S. Roberts, Mrs. J. A. Roberts, Mrs. J. Throm, William Roberts, Riley Roberts, Miss Ida Roberts, Miss Molly Roberts. Mr. T. D. Roberts and family left on Monday's train for Kansas where he has purchased a farm. Mrs. John W. Burns, the other member of his family is now residing in Kansas. The members of the Roberts family are a credit to the community and highly respected citizens.-- Transcribed by Nancy Piper
John Spencer, Jerusha Burt, George Burt and Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett
August 14, 1879
At Father Burt's in Whitefield township, there are four old persons, all over 70 years of age, and yet all are enjoying a reasonable degree of health. We give their names and ages, John Spencer 83, Jerusha Burt 79, George Burt, Sr. 73, Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett of Jackson, Mich., 72. Their united aged foot up 307, with an average of 76 years for the four. Mr. Spencer is deaf and blind and feels the infirmity of age, but is still able to feel his way about the house, and get along as well as could be expected for a deaf and blind person. He uses an ear trumpet. Mother Burt has all the use of her faculties apparently unimpaired, which is remarkable for a woman of her age. Father Burt is slightly deaf, while Mrs. Bennett is quite well. Father Burt has a brother who is 77 years, who is quite well, but very deaf; also a sister 71 years of age. Father and Mother Burt's families show longevity, and are long lived.-- Transcribed by Nancy Piper
April 22, 1880
Judge P. M. Janney celebrated his 70th birthday on Thursday, April 8, and a company consisting of the 14 children, and grandchilden of the judge, and Miss Mills of Virginia, sister of Mrs. E. M. Janney, and Miss Nellie Wheaton, sister of Mrs. T. B. Janney, gathered at the residence of Mr. T. B. Janney, at Minneapolis, Minn., to celebrate the event. The formal celebration of the event proved a complete and pleasant surprise to the judge, made all the more memorable by the numerous presents given him by the numerous guests. Despite the fact that Judge Janney has lived the time usually allotted to man of three score and ten, he is still a young man and doesn't look with ten years of that age. The Henry Republican joins with a large circle of old timed friends of Henry and elsewhere in wishing him many returns of that happy event.-- Transcribed by Nancy Piper
July 1, 1880
Mrs. George Burt, Sr., of Whitefield township, mother of the writer, reached the venerable age of four score years on Sunday last, which, with no sense repaired, and only a lame arm, is enjoying a liberal degree of good health. Her three sons and their wives and families were present to congratulate her on this anniversary and to leave tokens of esteem. Mother Burt was a native of Hartford, Ct., moving to Illinois in 1846. Here children all reside near her, the oldest being 46, the youngest 40. Her oldest grandchild is aged 12 years, and there are 12 of them. Her oldest brother, who is 85, resides with her. The united aged of Father and Mother Burt, and Mrs. B.'s brother is 239, their ages averaging 79 2/3 years. All are reasonably well, and are comfortably provided for.-- Transcribed by Nancy Piper
The Mallary-Frisbey Families
Taken From the Henry Republican, Henry, IL
April 15, 1915
In the death of Henry Frisbey, whose obituary appears elsewhere, we are reminded of the passing of the second generation of the pioneer families of this vicinity. His father, Loton Frisbey, located in this section when settlers were sparse, and wild game and the Indians were still roaming this part of the great state. His mother was a Mallary - Rhoda Mallary, sister of Hiram, Page and George Mallary, and a sister Lodema, a family of pioneer residents of this vicinity of the early '30's. Hiram owned a considerable tract of land in a body, of which the Daniel Harney estate was a part; Page Mallary owned the farm known as the John Kapraun homestead in Whitefield township; George owned a farm just east of the Frisbey farm; Sylvanus Mallary also owned a farm between lands belonging to Hiram and Page. Page was the first blacksmith to erect a shop at his farm and conduct shoeing and repairing of plows and machinery for a wide territory. Later the families of these three brothers moved elsewhere, Hiram to Chicago, page to Waukegan and George to Henry county.
Loton Frisbey, who built a farm house on his farm, 75 years ago, constructed it well, which is the only landmark still standing as a monument of "ye olden tyme". Of course primitive in appearance as dwellings are built now, but still inhabitable for tenants. Mr. Frisbey's family consisted of eight children, six of whom reached maturity, were married and had sons and daughters. They were all prominent young people, taking active parts in the local life of the community. As the family was known by many of our readers a brief allusion to the Frisbey children may interest them. Amanda was married three times - to Watson Cook, George Bonham and A. C. Putnam; Emeline married twice, Wm. Moore, and at his death Horace Spencer, Mrs. Rosella Herr of Whitefield, being a daughter of this latter marriage; Eliza is the wife of Edwin Culver, residing in Kansas, but an invalid, having been confined to her bed the past five years. Alvira is the wife of W. H. Borland, residing at Maderia, Minn., hearty and well at 71; Hiram was an apprentice at the printing business with the writer in 1854-55 at La Salle, but as the vocation did not appeal to his liking, he abandoned it for farming, which he followed until his death in Minnesota some years ago; Henry has followed to the spiritual world, leaving only the two sisters mentioned elsewhere. Many of the families' acquaintances still linger, and remember the family with respect and affection, reminded of the early day associations. -- Transcribed by Nancy Piper