Boynton Township,Tazewell County, IL Genealogy Trails

(The following is a small excerpt of the history of Tazewell County townships from the book
“Souvenir of Early and Notable Events in the History of the North West Territory, Illinois and Tazewell County.”)
Submitted by: Linda T - 2008

Boynton township was not organized until 1854. It was named in honor of Mr. Boynton. Joe Grant (or Grout) made the first settlement on section 9, in 1839.
Albert, son of Robert Houston, was the first white child born, (1842).
Among other settlers, prior to 1852, we find Benjamin Roe, G. W. Clamon (or Clarnow), Samuel Faylor, John Blair, Andrew Kerr, Wm. Benton. Wm. Milner, Charles and Richard Holden, John T. Scates, Wm. and Peyton Alexander and John Jacobus.

The first Justice of the Peace was John Houston. Ira Judy became the first Constable.
The first school was held at Philip B. Ware’s residence, section 21, in 1854, and a Mr. Phillips was the first teacher.
The first marriage took place in 1852, the contracting couple being J. T. Morgan and Miss Kitchell.