Carrollton Gazette Newspaper
16 Sep 1848
The Cholera.—A London letter of Aug. 14, published in the National Intelligencer, says “The Cholera is exciting much attention in this country. It is coming frightfully near to our shores, for it has advanced to Berlin. It seems to be making its periodical revolutions round the globe and is advancing at an ascertained rate at from fifteen to eighteen miles a day. It appears to be following, as heretofore, the lines of commercial communications; but there are innumerable exceptions to the doctrine that it is spread by contagion. It seems to jump rather than to be carried, from place to place and to be capricious in its movements selecting some localities and shunning others. The difficulty of reconciling its progress with that of ordinary communication has led to the supposition that it is generated by a poisonous vapor forced from the bowels of the earth. Some persons suppose that the potato rot and the cholera have the same cause. Dr. Hawthorne, a physician of Liverpool, has published an elaborate pamphlet upon the subject and is one of those who supposes that the disease is caused by a specific agent from the bowels of the earth by a subterraneous commotion.
One reason for this opinion is that it is uninfluenced either by someone or by any other (perceptible) external causes. This, in fact, constitutes its alarming mystery. Unfortunately, we have not discovered either its cause or its cure. Dr. Hawthorne recommends “horizontal posture of the body, opium, cordial stimulants, and perspiration.” Cholera seems a disease of society. It attacks towns and gatherings of men rather than the sporadic dwellers in the wilderness or the smaller congregations of persons in the villages or hamlets.
From all that we have read and thought upon the subject, we should be inclined to join in the opinion that “the abundance of food, temperate and cheerful lives, cleanliness, which is next to godliness, free air and the light of the sun, nourishment, enjoyment, and virtue are among the best preventives of the Cholera.” This disease seems to offer additional testimony against the humbled degraded portion of the masses of people which is thought by some persons to be the order of nature. The New York Journal of Commerce says, “The latest news concerning the progress of the plague is favorable. At St. Petersburg it has nearly disappeared, while at Berlin, only twenty-seven cases had occurred in the aggregate. The British Government, in anticipation of the appearance of the Cholera on their coast, have ordered the Benbow and Devonshire, old line of battleships, to be immediately prepared as hospital ships to receive Cholera patients from merchant vessels; and another ship, the Iphigenia, is also to be fitted as a Cholera hospital ship, should necessity require additional accommodation.
23 Dec 1848
“Greene County California Adventures” wagon train to start for the Gold Mines in California. Overland route to California to be ready April 15 or 1st of May. Each man required to equip himself with a good rifle, if convenient a pair of pistols, 5 lbs powder, 10 lbs. Lead, hatchet, hunter’s or bowie knife, 150 lbs flour, 150 lbs. Bacon, 26 lbs. Coffee, 30 lbs. Sugar, sufficient clothing for 2 years and other light articles he may deem necessary. For further particulars, J. Headrick, Carrollton House or Dr. Henry Bragg, Bluffdale.
Sarah A. Simmons married to Marshall S. Spencer, Dec. 20, 1848.
Bluffdale heirs of Borden M. Voorhees late of Washington, D.C. - Peter B. Staats, Catherine Staats, Abraham F. Staats
Governor Mason’s report on the Gold Region, Headquarters, 10th Military Dept., Monterey, California, Aug. 17, 1848. “Reached San Francisco on 20th June—all male inhabitants gone to mines—town almost deserted. Arrived Sutter’s Fort July 2.
24 Mar 1849
Notice is Hereby Given, that a negro man calling himself
Peter Hawkins, supposed to be about 35 years old, five feet 10
or 11 in height rather sharper features than common for negro’s,
and very shrewd dressed in yellow jeans and frock coat and pants
same color thick boots and Tarpoleon Hat was taken up by Henry
R. Dickerson and Wm.
Davis, at Pegrams Ferry in Calhoun, Illinois on the 19th day of
March inst, and taken before Mark Whittaker, a Justice of the
Peace, in who committed him to the custody of the said sheriff
of said county, to be further dealt with according to law. Said
negro having failed to produce a certificate of his freedom as
required by law. I therefore received said Negro into my custody
on the 20th day of March, inst, and there being no jail in my
county have lodged him in the jail at Carrollton, Greene Co.,
Ill. This 21st day of March AD 1849.
William D. Hamilton
Sheriff of Calhoun
14 Apr 1849
It is said there have been five cases of Cholera in or near White Hall.
Transcribed 05 Dec 2002 by Linda Jones Craig
28 May 1859
A severe storm of Thursday evening made its appearance in the southwest at 4 p.m. It seemed first about the size of a man’s head. Its first appearance was that of a fountain boiling over. It increased in size throwing small chord like folds increasing in width and violence, as it approached the earth. As far as heard from, it began in Calhoun County carrying everything – men, horses, barns, fences, trees and cattle with it.
From Manchester, to a distance of twelve miles directly northeast, we can count thirty-six dwelling houses with all the barns and out houses destroyed. The numbers killed as far as heard from are eleven, Mr. G. Route, a son of George VanZant, Samuel Brown, a Portuguese in the employ of Mr. Route, Johnathan Garlyle, Jacob Sample and wife, and a Mr. Thomas.
There are about fifty seriously, if not mortally wounded, most of them it is feared must die. A schoolroom, twenty by thirty was with heavy timbers and all carried away and cannot be found within two miles of the place. A windmill was carried over four hundred yards, with pipes, pump and etc., attached, small end foremost. There is not ten feet square within the route of the storm that has not got rails, boards, and etc., stuck in so that no one can easily pull them out. Whole partitions of houses are gone, and cannot be found. A man riding in a field was blown from his horse, the saddle torn off and carried about two miles from the place. No one can form an idea of the terrific effect of this storm, which lasted but five minutes, with but little rain. The cloud was very bright, while of either side it was so dark as not to distinguish objects.
Transcribed 20 Dec 2002 by Carol S. VanValkenburgh
26 Nov 1853
For Sale: The splendid spring wagon, formerly owned by the “Carrollton Brass Band”. Enquire at the Carrollton Drug Store of C. Armstrong.
Nov 1856
Elected at the last general election Nov. 4, 1856, Abraham Spencer, Clerk of the Circuit Court; Lemuel J. Patterson, Sheriff; Marshal Dulaney, Coroner.
27 Aug 1859
A Negro named GEORGE BOWLIN, was sold at public aution in this place on Saturday last, under the statue providing against the immigration of Negros into the state. He was bought by Felix Morris, for amount of fines and costs which was $63. He was a worthless fellow and had been keeping a disorderly house or the law would not have been enforced against him.
Transcribed 10 Dec 2002 by Shirley A. Aleguas
15 Dec 1860
The Holidays are close at hand, and the old folks as well as young expect a Merry Christmas and New Years – panic or no panic. Those who expect to supply the wants of participants would do well to advertise.
06 Jul 1861
Clothing, Groceries
W. A. Davis, Carrollton
13 Jul 1861
New Family Grocery
Adam Gimmy
South Main St.
Carrollton, Ill.
1862
Gazette 1862 article collection
1864
Charles D. Hodges – Attorney at law
James W. English – Attorney at law
James J. Rowen – Attorney at law
Conrad Kergher’s – Furniture Ware-rooms
Woodson Cocke – Police Magistrate
A. Bowman, M.D. – Physician, Surgeon, and Accoucheur
Dr. J. B. Samuel
Dr. George A. Williams – Athensville
Henry Johnson – Attorney at law
S. F. Corrington – Attorney at law
George W. Davis – Deputy County Clerk of Greene County
Dr. Hardtner – Dental Surgeon
Dr. A. Thompson – Physician
09 Jul 1864
Samuel Heaton appointed Deputy Surveyor for this County.
A case of transfusing animal blood into a human subject was
practiced in Leipzig lately, with success. Twelve ounces from
the veins of a living lamb were injected with benefit into a
patient of the hospital in this city.
29 Oct 1864
There has been considerable excitement in our county during the past week, on account of reports brought from the west, on the Mississippi and Calhoun County, that a large band of guerrillas under the head of Gordon, were crossing over towards our place. On Tuesday night a report came that fifty had crossed at Hamburg and fifty more to cross, and that they intended to visit this county for plunder, robbery, and murder. Our citizens turned out to the number of some three hundred, and all principal streets, lanes, roads etc., were closely guarded all night, but no demonstration was made. It turned out afterwards that the excitement was premature. It is stated however that on the same day this band fired into a Mississippi packet, captured the boat, killed the captain and plundered it of all contents of value.
This Gordon, who is said to head this band of bushwhackers and outlaws, who at last accounts occupied the island at Hamburg, is really a man by the name of Clingman, notorious throughout guerrilla warfare in Missouri. It is supposed also that Stonewall Jackson, alias Wells, who is now in jail, waiting his trial for murder, with Frank Rose, has some connection with the gang. These men, Rose and Wells, killed a young man named Grissom of Hamburg last year, and the principal apprehension here was that these desperadoes intended to attack the jail and rescue these criminals, but no such attack has been made.
A young man, French Farrow, who brought the news to town on Tuesday, was some time during the night, thrown from his horse and was seriously injured, which was the only accident occurring under the excitement.
In these troublesome times it is highly important that the people should be vigilant and always ready for defense. Indeed we see that the people are thus ready. A large company from White Hall and another form Eastern precinct came in promptly to the defense of the town, and with our citizens there was no holding back, but all ages and classes were on hand to do duty. It is very evident that five hundred armed men can be raised at this place in a few hours notice at anytime and some three hundred armed men can be relied on at a few moments notice, and bushwhackers will find this a warm place, whenever they are so foolish and reckless as to attack us.
[The above article is of special interest to my wife and I.
(Ben and Thelma King)
In 1859, Stephen Klingaman, a fairly wealthy farmer and business
man from Tama County, Iowa, spent one of his afternoons helping
hang, the Bunker brothers, a couple of horse thieves. As horse
thieves go the Bunker brothers were a little above average for
their profession and practiced their trade over much of Iowa,
with little interference by the authorities. They also had the
support of their mother, who had been know to drive the sheriff
off of her property when he came to visit with her sons. The
general consensus was that Klingaman and his two partners had
improved the community. Stephen knew that he wasn't going to get
off for nothing and began setting his business in order. He
turned all of his property over to his brothers and left a wife
and family in poverty. He drove a large amount of stock to the
Mississippi river, and loaded them on a steamboat, for the St.
Louis market, and went with them. A few months later he was
aboard a steamboat that exploded, at Helena, Arkansas, and was
supposed to have died there.
Later happening seem to disprove this theory. His wife, or widow, did marry three years later. There are some in the family who think that Stephen saw the hanging of the Bunker brothers as a good chance to abandon his family and that he could very well have been the Clingman who was the leader of a band of guerrillas.
John Wardinski, a shoemaker by trade, immigrated from Poland to St. Louis, Mo. in 1853. His family consisting of Maryanna, his wife, and children, Frances Clementina, Antone, and Mary Magdalina arrived in St. Louis the following year. It was a happy but sad reunion. Their son Thomas had died in route and was buried at sea. John followed his trade of shoemaker in St. Louis. Their daughter Florence was born there. In the fall of 1860 the family moved to Columbiana, a small Illinois River port in western Greene County, where John followed the general merchandising trade. Disaster struck on the night of 24 Oct. 1861 when John was killed by "Bushwhackers" in his store at Columbiana. He was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Michael, Calhoun County, Illinois.
As you may have guessed, Stephen Klingaman was the great grandfather of my wife, Thelma, and John Wardinski was my great great grandfather. We still do not know exactly who Clingman, the leader of the guerrillas, was. There is no doubt that he fits in Thelmas family in some way. We do not know who was in the group that killed John Wardinski. There was three years difference between the killing of Grandfather Wardinski and the time that we know Clingman and his guerrillas was operating in the area. It's a strange world and there is always that chance.]
15 Apr 1865
List of people drafted for this county. The whole list
comprises 118 names and if fifty per cent or 59 more than will
be required to fill the quota for the county.
CARROLLTON 44
| Conrad Kergher | John Craig |
| C. H. Eldred | Lewis Ray |
| John Rainey | Henry Sleight |
| Green Mayberry | William D. Graves |
| Smith May | John F. Osborn |
| Michael McCarty | Charles White |
| Joseph Gardiner | James E. Roberts |
| Lewis Pagget | Wesley P. Rickart |
| James Jewel | Patrick Curtin |
| James A. Martin | Edward M. Cooper |
| Washington Pond | Thomas Doolan |
| John Carmody | Wm. B. Lynn |
| Hampton Jackson | James Legg |
| Peter Stillwagon | Adolphus H. Loles |
| Jacob Rathgaber | Justus Bulkley |
| Henry Johnson | Isaac Smith |
| Thompson Waltrip | John E. Davidson |
| Franklin Blackburn | Peter Carmody |
| Thos. Laneen | John M. Hinton |
WOODVILLE 8
| John Girar | Robbins S. Austin |
| Jacob Perine | John Reece |
| Wesley Flatt | Wm. Anderson |
| Nathan A. King | Martin Schantz |
WALKERVILLE 12
| Wm. Hubhbard | Wm. Sweetin |
| James W. Cox | John Duniger |
| Wm. H. Kinser | Thomas Murphy |
| W. D. Fears | Bainbridge Gillingham |
| Joseph Walker | John Painter |
| James B. Gillespie | Thomas Likely |
NORTHWESTERN 8
| Orris McKinnuite | Wm. Rawlins |
| Robt. Smith | John W. Rose |
| Richard White | John Hubbard |
| Augustus Thomas | Reuben J. Kessinger |
FAYETTE 2
| Walter Collins | Wm. Covall |
EASTERN 12
| J. H. Valentine | George Liffley |
| John Shelton | Reuben W. Smith |
| Wm. M. Wright | David Cole |
| Thomas Draper | Moses Freer |
| Green P. Cameron | George L. Burruss |
| Leroy Stringer | John White |
Transcribed 11 Nov 2002 by Carol S. VanValkenburgh
15 Apr 1865
By reference to our list of drafted men, it will be seen that Peter Stillwagon is one of the ticket-holders. He leaves next Tuesday. He leaves a family. His wife, Mrs. Stillwagon is engaged in the millinery business on the south side of the square.
25 Aug 1866
Additional Bounty of $100 – Who are entitled
1. All those who enlisted for three years and served their terms
out, and have honorably discharged.
2. All who enlisted for three years and have been honorably
discharged and account of wounds received in the line of duty.
3. The widow, minor children, or parents of any soldier who
enlisted for three years and who died in the service, or of any
diseases or wounds contracted while in the services, and in the
line of duty.
Addition Pensions
For total disability so as to be helpless…. $25 per month
For loss of both feet, or one hand and one foot, or equivalent
disability…. $20 per month
For loss of one hand or one foot or equivalent disability…. $15
per month
To the widow for each child under 16 years of age…. $2 per month
Transcribed 11 Nov 2002 by Carol S. VanValkeburgh
01 Sep 1866
During the past three weeks there have been four deaths from Cholera. James Henderson, Mrs. Abrams, and Irishman at the residence of Dr. Simpson. He came from the poorhouse; his name was O’wire, and Munroe Perry.
Transcribed 05 Dec 2002 by Linda Jones Craig
15 Sep 1866
More deaths from Cholera. Freddie Cook, Mrs. Sophie Glass, Patrick Smith, Senior, Patrick Devin, P. Whittashek, Johnny Cook.
Transcribed 05 Dec 2002 by Linda Jones Craig
22 Sep 1866
Cholera made its first appearance here on the 20th of August 1866. The first case was first victim. The date of the last case was Sept 14, 1866. There were from 80-90 cases with 14 deaths. The last occurring Sept 11, 1866.
Transcribed 05 Dec 2002 by Linda Jones Craig
15 Dec 1866
A number of citizens met Sat., Dec. 8, 1866 to organize a lyceum. R. S. Cole was selected Chairman and W. W. Beaty, Secretary.
04 Dec 1869
A bird’s eye view of our city and its surroundings
– A pencil sketch made up from observation –
Our business and Businessmen etc.
Those persons, who may come to Carrollton with the fond expectation of finding a rough, new place, where chaos reigns supreme and where order of once beauty are abstract ideas, only to be thought of once in a while will be wonderfully mistaken.
And again, those who expect to find everything bearing the impress of age – everything fixed and immutable as the will of Deity will be disappointed.
Carrollton has reached that happy medium position where - though not young, it is still vigorous- though not old, yet possessed of stability. Such at least is the opinion the writer has formed after careful observation of and close attention to all matters pertaining to the town.
Here we must be allowed to degrees a little, and remark that it was our original intention to make this paper an historical one, drawing aside the veil of the past, which time in its flight had left behind. We did intend to brush away the dust and the clouds which the swiftly speeding years had deposited upon and over all things connected with the past, and in this sketch to embrace especially a synopsis of the early history of Greene County and its Capital and tracing its growth year by year, note its gradual development from the infancy into a full ripe manhood, whose star has not reached the zenith of its glory. The time required for such a preparation would be much too long and length too great to be published in the newspaper. In this article we must content ourselves with a pen picture of Carrollton as it is today.
Carrollton is the county seat of Greene County, in the southwestern portion of the state, a county rich in all that makes a county desirable in fact, a perfect garden, the fact is well known throughout the West that this is the wealthiest county in the state of Illinois, according to its population. Almost every species of grain is indigenous here. The topography of the county is all that could be desired, The ground is mostly rolling, well watered and with an abundance of timber lining the water courses, dotting the vast expanses of prairie.
We have the purist of pure air and a climate that is mild, being of neither extreme. The billowy prairie is like the Atlantic at rest.
Carrollton has never especially acquired notoriety - it has not been needed. being the county seat, it has obtained a little prominence, but before the railroad reached the city, it was probably as "humdrum" a place as one could find. after the railroad was a certainty, the town and underwent a railroad change. new parties located here. from a near Hamlet's it has become a city of between three and 4000 inhabitants, possessed of good schools, churches, society etc. the business of the town is conducted mainly upon the flour sides of the square, in the center of which stands in the courthouse, rather a decapitated looking brick structure. the streets of the city are laid off at right angles with each other, and are well provided with substantial plank walks, and lined up on either side with a multitude of shade trees.
The business blocks are chiefly of brick and very substantial in their appearance, and the churches would do credit to any town. of the different denominations there are Baptist (brick) Rev. W. D. Clark, Pastor; Presbyterian (brick) finest of all; Rev. Mr. Hyde; Methodist (brick) Rev. W.D.R. Trotter; Christian (brick); Rev. E. L. Craig; Catholic (brick) Father Cline. The Episcopalians have formed a society and now meet in the courthouse.
There are two new school buildings, one occupied by children in
the primary department, and the other designed as a grade school
under the charge of Mr. J. Dobbins. the school is divided into
six departments with Miss E. Churchill, first assistant; Miss
Mary A. Pike, 2nd; Miss Della Schenck, 3rd; Miss Nannie Price,
4th; Miss Carrie Boyd, 5th. the total attendance is about 350.
the accommodations are at present incomplete, but during the
coming spring a new school building will be erected, as it is
now, the public schools are credible.
11 Dec 1869
Carrollton cont
In addition to the public Schools, there is a
private school known as the Academy, under the charge of Mrs.
Hopkins.
We have the Jacksonville branch of the Chicago & Alton railroad. At present there are two other routes being surveyed through the city.
In the manufacturing line, Carrollton neither occupies an insignificant nor a prominent place in addition to the large flouring mills, there are several carriage and wagon shops, and a woolen manufactory, but there is room for still more.
Here are a few business men of Carrollton; Mr. George Wright, one of pioneer businessmen for over 2 score years; McFarland, Robinson and Hodges dry goods; F. Winfield & Co. groceries; Smith Bros. Drugs; Engleman & Co, boot and shoe trade; Messrs’ J.P. Morrow & Co. hardware; G.L. Williams & Co. groceries; Sharon Brothers, dry goods; A.W. Lynn & son dry goods; Messer’s Davidson & Kelly groceries; L.E. Green & Co., dry goods; P.C. Sciverling, wagon making; George Case, tailor; M. Constable, books; B. Villinger, jeweler; Dr. C.P. Clemens, drugs; W.S. Tandy, photographs; George Rumrill, wagons; W.W. Sleight, groceries; John Lang & Co., banking; Jesse Stanley, billard parlor, others: Pierson’s Band; a2 newspapers, The Gazette and the Patriot, others there is not enough space for.
19 Mar 1870
Township Organization: We now have a permanent township organization under a legislative charter. The town council meets frequently. Its proceedings are of interest to the public. Why not have them published regularly? It will cost something to have it done. But will not the people be willing to pay for the publication in order to get information as to the doings of their servants?
09 Jul 1870
County Official Directory
County Officers:
County Judge – John Ruyles, Athensville
Associates – F. M. Fishback, Bluffdale; J. H. Rines, Fayette
County Clerk – Geo. W. Davis, Carrollton
07 Jan 1871
City Government
Mayor - Hon. Andrew M. Cunningham
Aldermen - Thomas Moore, 1st ward; John Rainey, 2nd ward;
Frederick Schafer, 3rd ward; Geo. L. Williams, 4th ward
Clerk of Board - S. F. Corrington
Treasurer – John Long
Street Supervisor – L. F. Wheeler
Police Magistrate – Woodson Cocke
Weigher & Measurer – Joseph T. Camren
Constable & Lamplighter – Edward Wilson
15 Jul 1871
“Wrightsville” is the name of the full-fledged new post office and station on the Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis Railroad at the point half way between Whitehall and Greenfield, and John Doyle, Jr. is the first person to receive a Gazette mailed to that office.
07 Dec 1872
Our County Officers:
County Judge – John Ruyles
Associates – J. H. Rines and F. M. Fishback
Clerk – Geo. W. Davis
Attorney – J. J. Fitzsimmons
Sheriff – N. J. Andrews
Circuit Clerk – T. J. Carlin
Supt. Of Schools – John Jones
Master in Chancery – S. F. Corrington
Assessor & Treasurer – A. M. Browning
Surveyor – J. C. White
Coroner – Henry P. Nash
(Mr. Andrews succeeds F. M. Bell as sheriff; Mr. John Jones,
deputy.)
25 Jan 1873
Gen. Jacob Fry, Hon. John W. Huitt, Samuel Thomas, John S. Thomas, Benj. Smith, Robt. Lorton, Judge Alfred Hinton, Anderson Headrich, Thos. Hanks, and Joel Johnson are about all of the old settlers living who came to this county in 1818, the first year of the settlement. Mr. Huitt was the first and Mr. Samuel Thomas the second settler. Gen. Fry erected the first house in Carrollton in 1821.
12 Jul 1873
White Hall – Died – July 5, 1873 Mr. Harvey Pinkerton of
White Hall died at Louisiana, MO from cholera. His remains were
brought here to be interred.
His son-in-law who came with the corpse was about town Monday
and became ill Monday night and died Tuesday morning of cholera.
He was William Peters. Mr. Charles Ballow, another son-in-law is
threatened with the disease.
Transcribed by Linda Jones Craig, December 5, 2002
21 Aug 1875
There are 10 newspapers in Greene County now. Gazette, Patriot of Carrollton, Register at White Hall, Independent, Headlight and Signal at Roodhouse, News and Locomotive at Greenfield, Times and Express at Kane.
Wedding Bells
A quiet wedding occurred near Kane Wednesday last at 3 o’clock
p.m., Rev. W. H. Gannaway officiating. Miss Mary F. Pope and Mr.
Wade H. Greene were the high contracting parties. The ceremony
was followed by delicious refreshments. Quite a company of
relatives were present and the young couple received some
beautiful presents.
During the afternoon the young folks had a rollicking time over a number of unmarried (unable to read) to dance in the hog trough. The veritable hog trough was brought in and the victims submitted to the inevitable, to which those present had condemned them. It was an enjoyable occasion. May the couple live long and be happy, is the wishes of their many friends. They boarded the northbound passenger train for Mr. Sterling, where they will spend their honeymoon. As they left a shower of rice and cut flowers greeted them.
08 Jan 1876
The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Evans of Richwoods died during holiday week.
Mr. Benj. Roodhouse, president of the agricultural board, has been quite ill, but is now rapidly improving.
The remaining personal property in the Samuel Thomas estate will be sold at the homestead on the 15th inst.
Various are the stories told of the effects of the unusual weather. One is that a snake, three feet long, was killed in the road east of Carrollton on the 3d inst.
Do not let the noise of our machinery deter you from coming in and settling. We are too busy to call on our customers, and will have to ask them to call on us.
A Mrs. Tucker, about four miles southeast of Whitehall, was killed last Saturday, by the falling of a tree in the fierce wind. She was occupying a woodchopper’s tent.
It is believed that more damage has been sustained by citizens of this county, on account of the high winds of Saturday last, than was ever previously known to occur from the same cause.
Mr. John Smith, better known as California Smith, died on New Year’s day, at his residence near Hickory Grove. There will be a sale of his personal effects on the 12th inst.
A young man named Allen Taylor, living at Sheffield, attempted suicide recently, by taking strychnine, but the doctors saved him. This is the third attempt he has made on his life.
A three year old son of Mr. John G. Pronger, who resides on the farm of Mr. David Stith in North Richwoods, chopped off three fingers of his right hand “with his little hatchet,” during Christmas week.
Many of our friends have called promptly to settle up, and nearly all have spoken words of good cheer. Our books still show very many small sums due us, which, in the aggregate, foot up in a large amount.
We have some wise farmers who are on the side of the sheep, and many more who affirm for the dog. The depredations of the latter continue to be such that it is decidedly unprofitable to raise and protect the former. There should be a speedy compromise between the two parties.
03 Mar 1877
Hard Winter in Illinois
Taken from John Carrel Powce’s History of Sangamon County,
Illinois
In a central Illinois between Christmas 1830 and January 1831, snow fell to a depth of three feet on the level. Then came a rain, with weather so cold that it froze as it fell forming a hard crust over the three feet of snow. For weeks the Mercury on the thermometer was not in any one morning higher than 12 below zero. The snowfall remained for nine weeks at this depth. Many Deer, Turkey and other wild game died of starvation.
On December 20, 1836 the morning was mild with a settled rain gradually and changing the snow on the ground to a miserable slush. Suddenly a black cloud came sweeping over the sky from the Northwest, accompanied with a roaring wind. As the cold wave it bore struck the land the rain and/were changed into a twinkling into ice. it is related of one traveler on horseback, caught in this storm that he had barely closed his umbrella having dropped the reins on the horse's neck for the purpose ere the wind reached him. At that instant water was dripping from everything about him; but when he drew the reins taunt, ice rattled from them. Within fifteen minutes the travelers horse was walking on frozen road. The rider at this time was four miles from Springfield, and when he arrived at the village and attempted to dismount, his coat was like a mail of sheet iron and he found himself held firmly in his seat. He then called for help, and two men came out, who tried to help him off.; but his clothes were frozen to the saddle, which they ungirthed and carried man and saddle to the fire and thawed them asunder.
It is stated by many eye-wittnesses, that the change of temperature in this storm was so great and so swift that chickens and geese also hogs and cattle were frozen in the slush as they stood, and unless they were extricated by cutting the ice around their feet they remained there to perish.
One man went across the street, through the rain, to a shoe shop to have a few minutes work done, and on returning walked on the ice, another coming into town from the east when half a mile from the Public Square, the weather changed so that when he got to the square, horseback, he had to have his blanket cut off of him to get in one of the stores.
A cord of wood burned in one fireplace in one day and to get the wood they had to run and bring it in as fast as possible to prevent freezing.
03 May 1883
In an old record at the courthouse bearing the date of April 1842, on the application of Jacob Hart, c. man of color, an affidavit of Wiley Wilder to the effect that said Jacob was formerly the slave of Henry Hart, in the State of Tennessee, and that said Jacob was sent to this state by his master for the purpose of having him set free, and the court having satisfied from facts appearing from the papers in this cause that said Jacob is a free man, orders it to be certified to 'whom it may concern' that said Jacob Hart has been proved in court to be free.
Transcribed 10 Dec 2002 by Chris Sawyer
06 Sep 1884
List of old settlers deaths republished due to errors:
Pat Murphy
Woodson Coke
Perry Scoggins
Mrs. Job Collins
Thomas Scott, Sr.
Abner Smith
Cas. D. Hodges
Henry Fishback
Aaron Flatt
Thomas Bennett
Gilbert Fuller
23 Nov 1888
Marriage – Dennis T. Menely will be married this afternoon (Nov. 22) to Miss Eva Burroughs, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. David Burroughs.
07 Dec 1888
Meneley, Dennis T.
License to wed Eva Burroughs; 7 Dec. 1888, v. 20, p. 8, col. 3
17 Jan 1890
Carrollton’s old public school building burned on the morning of Nov. 17th, 1888. The citizens at once began the agitation of a new building. The plans of different architects were sought and examined by the Board of Education. On February the 4th 1889, the plans of F. S. Allen, of Joliet, Ill., were adopted and an advertisement was at once published for bids to build the building. On April the 9th, bids were opened and the contract was awarded to W. F. Hoyle, of Lincoln, Ill., for $25,240.
The corner stone was laid June the 6th, with imposing ceremonies by Grand Master Smith, of Chicago, and an able address by State Superintendent Edwards. The contract provided that the building was to be completed Sept. 15th, 1889, but the extreme wet weather of last summer made this impossible. This building is now completed. The furnaces have been fired up the past week, and heat admirably. A force of men are cleaning up the rooms and putting down seats, and if nothing prevents the building will be occupied next week. The cost is very little over the contract price, and the general opinion is that the building is an excellent one and the cost very reasonable. The Gazette will give details next week.
LATER -- School will be opened in the new building Monday. The building will be opened Saturday until 3:30 p. m. for inspection.
Transcribed 19 Aug 2003 by Grace Karr Gettings
Mar 1895
A Fatal Blow
On David D. Pierson’s ranch, about seven miles northwest of this
city, a difficulty took place between Thomas Newton and George
Badman which resulted in the death of the latter. Thos Newton
and George Badman were employed on the ranch as laborers, and
were under the direction of Oliver Campbell, foreman of the
ranch. Mr. Campbell had given the men orders to get out to work
earlier in the morning as the weather was getting better, and
more work should be done. On Saturday morning Newton had gotten
out to work earlier than Badman. Mr. Campbell, foreman,
suggested to Badman that he must get out to work earlier, and
rode off about his business. Newton was hauling feed to stock
and Badman was getting ready to haul lumber. Badman, who was not
much in favor of getting out earlier, cursed Newton for getting
out earlier, and told him that his actions caused all the hands
to get out earlier. Over this matter the quarrel began and
resulted in Newton getting a pitchfork to defend himself and it
struck Badman twice, once in the left arm and once on the left
side of the head near the top. Newton claims that Badman was
approaching him a knife when he struck him. Badman started for
home on horseback after he was struck but he was unable to ride
and get down he was found and hauled home where he lingered
until Tuesday afternoon, when he died. Newton did not flee, but
awaited the arrival of sheriff Robinson and went to jail to
await his preliminary. Badman was 27 years of age, and leaves a
wife and three children. Newton is a quite industrious man and
has a wife and four children. The affair is an unfortunate one
for both parties.
Two Alton sportsman have been arrested by the sheriff of Jersey county for killing quails in that county last January. They are charged with having killed 21 quails there, for which they are asked to pay $5 a bird.
Transcribed by Allen L Austin
01 Jul 1904
W. L. Morgan attained his 77th year today, July 1, 1904. For sixty-seven of these years he has made White Hall his home. When asked now much of a town White Hall was when first he saw it, he replied that he could easily count the houses. The only building which has retained its original appearance is the residence of A. Nesbit on Main Street. This building was just reaching completion when he arrived here.
The old Amos Hotel which was torn down a few years ago and replaced by Wyatt's livery stable was then in operation and known as the tavern, but was only a part of the building which is familiar in the minds of the younger people of White Hall.
According to Mr. Morgan’s memory, the two buildings now occupied by Mrs. Martha Doughty and H. O. Potts were the old M. E. Church. The one occupied by F. M. Hull is the old school.
The lot now occupied by J. E. Silkwood and the street south were known as nigger quarters and but one of the old buildings remains, which is an old shed next to McFarland’s shop.
The old carding mill and several other buildings are pictured on his memory. In his early days, Mr. Morgan purchased the ground on which Union Hall now stands for $400. Mr. Morgan's first home was located on the lot now occupied by the residence of H. W. Roodhouse.
It is interesting with one indeed who has grown with the town and a much better report could have been given had more time been given it. From what Mr. Morgan tells us that White Hall has grown socially in the same proportion as she has in extension.
The city marshal in those days seemed to think that only when the lifeblood flowed was it his duty to interfere. Though 77 years old, Mr. Morgan seldom fails to make the trip he has made each day for many years to his wagon shop where he yet turns off neat and satisfactory work.
Every Saturday afternoon Main St. was turned into a racetrack and the hilarious crowed commanded teamsters to “keep off the road” until the race was won. And in a little aside he told us the whiskey ran as freely as did the horses.
Transcribed 11 Aug 2003 by Grace Karr Gettings
07 Oct 1904
School Progress
Reported by County Supt. L. K. Jones
I began the work of visitation this year with a visit to our two largest high schools, Carrollton and White Ball. I was particularly anxious to see them make a good start, as the teaching force in both of these schools is almost entirely new this year. .. I am certain that the patrons are willing to give Messers. Sparks and Avis their hearty support in maintaining good schools.
Hanover:
The people in this district have erected a modern school
building supplied with furnace
heat. Harry Barger, the teacher is teaching his third year.
During his service the library of 85
volumes, purchased a number of good pictures and a school organ
from the proceeds of
entertainment. An oyster supper was held there last Saturday
evening. New desks will be added
later. Solid slate boards were transferred from the old building
to the new. Also have a good case
of maps.
Walnut Grove:
This is one of the neatest, best kept school buildings in the
county. This school board is
very prompt in getting what is needed for the school. New single
desks were purchased from C.
M. Sackett this summer and put in before school began. The
school is provided with solid slate
black boards, has a library of 62 volumes. The school needs a
good case of maps. Walls were
decorated with a number of good pictures. Miss Jessie Bare is
teaching her first term.
Dover:
This is one of the best-equipped country schools on our list.
Mr. Charles Reed and Miss
Bernice Clark are the teachers. A new hot air heating apparatus
has been installed; the library
consists of 105 volumes. This room is also supplied with a
school organ.
Pacific Union:
This district voted on a new schoolhouse last spring but the
proposition was defeated. It is
hoped that the people will reconsider and decide to put up a
modern building there next summer.
Not withstanding the unattractiveness of the old building, Miss
Martha Connole is working
faithfully to build up a good school and good interest is
manifested in the work. The school has
put in some new desks this fall. This school has a case of maps
and a library consisting of about
50 volumes, and has slate black boards. No well, the water is
carried from a farmhouse.
Eldred:
Here two ladies, Miss Amy Pinkerton and Miss Maud Ellis, are in
charge. The best
discipline prevails and Eldred will certainly be heard from in
schoolwork this year. Built a
cloakroom on the north end this year. Have slate blackboards and
a case of maps with 93
volumes in the library. Have a good well on the grounds.
Union:
Has the prettiest schoolyard in the county. Forest trees furnish
shade and the grounds are
very well kept. Three new pictures were added last year, making
a total of nine good ones that
adorn the walls. Richard Shannon is teaching his second term
this year. Have a case of maps,
slate blackboards and 101 volumes in the library. Also a good
well on the grounds.
Walnut Hill:
Have slate black boards and some good pictures on the wall. The
school board had the
well cleaned and walled and a new platform built. Have no good
maps, grounds need more shade,
library consists of l0 volumes. Miss Anna Karrer, the teacher,
is working up a good interest in
the schoolwork. This is her first term at that school.
Robley:
This school building, nestling at the foot of the bluffs, is no
longer a neglected one as
the school board has had a general over hauling of the old
premises. New windows have been put
in, a cloakroom has been added, a new coalhouse and other out
buildings have been constructed.
One thing badly needed is the installing of new seats to take
the place of the old fashioned
straight-backed seats now in use there. Good slate black boards
should be put in. Have a library
of 24 volumes. Miss Naomi Auten is teacher.
Woodbury:
This is a fine appearing school property. Situated on a little
hill the new school building
with its unique front porch presents and imposing appearance.
The school board has recently had
built a new front porch and coal shed and have purchased a new
revolving chair for the teacher.
The teacher and school have recently purchased about $11.00
worth of pictures and a new
bookcase. In the district the teacher and directors work very
harmoniously for the good of the
school. The old court house bell is in use here. Have case of
maps, hypo late black boards and
104 volumes in the library.
Have the old-fashioned drop desks. Not enough shade and windows
need repair. Frank March is
teaching his third year at this school.
White:
This is the oldest building in the county now used for a country
schoolhouse. It was built
in 1840 out of hewn timbers from the vicinity of Macoupin Creek.
It was the first school building
in the county painted white. Hence its name. It now needs paint
about as much as any of them. It
once numbered 75 pupils on its roll. Now there are nine. Has a
large shady yard with a brook
running through it. Here in this brook the county superintendent
had his first experience in
immersion, being immersed twice (accidentally). The walls of
this old building are covered with
diplomas from both the county and state fairs. One large picture
was added by the teacher last
year. Have a school organ, slate blackboards and 101 volumes in
the library. Need a good case of
maps. Miss Edith Curtis is teaching her first school at this
place.
Old Kane:
School building and property are kept in very good repair. Need
a good case of maps and
some good blackboards. Have a dictionary and a library of 33
volumes. This was like the White
once a large school. It is now one of the smallest. Miss Marry
Baker is teaching her second year
at this school. Have a good dictionary and stand.
Greene Summit:
The building would have made a better skating rink than a
schoolhouse. Owing to the
increased attendance a few years ago an addition was built which
makes the room too long for
the present small school. One end could be utilized for a
cloakroom to advantage. New green
hypo plate blackboards were put in this summer. Apparatus is all
old and much of it needs
replacing. Stovepipe was in bad shape from rains. The school has
been smoked out that forenoon.
The library consists of 60 volumes 24 of which were put in last
year by the teachers and pupils.
In all the schools I visited I found the recommended Readers and
Arithmetic’s in use. I found an
increased interest in the subjects. I shall be glad to report
other visits in the future.
Diamond:
Anna Settles, teacher. The school here is kept up in very good
condition. The school
building is not a very stout structure, but is sufficient. The
school has 57 volumes. Has good slate
boards. Primary pupils have been doing some nice work in clay
modeling.
Berdan:
James Pinkerton and Mrs. M. E. Staats teachers. Everything here
is in excellent repair.
The school board is progressive and gets everything that is
needed for the schoolwork. Have
plenty of supplies of all kinds. Library of about 100 volumes.
White Oak:
Lottie Aulabaugh, teacher. Have a nice large playground with
some good shade. House in
very bad condition. I consider it a risk to allow children to
assemble there each day. The sills
have become rotten. The ceiling is sunken and two oak props are
required to hold up the ceiling
near the center of the room. Surely the people of the district
will never allow another school to be
held in this old building. The walls have been newly papered and
the room looks very neat for an
old one. Lot of supplies on hand, library of 40 volumes.
Salem:
Ada Smith is the teacher. This is a nice little school property
and is kept in good
shape by the directors. Wall could be improved with paper. Have
single seats, slate blackboards
and about 52 volumes in the library. Need a good case of maps.
Prof. Haven of Greenfield gave
to this and a number of other schools in the Greenfield area
using recommended books.
Elm Grove:
G. Clardy, teacher. School grounds and house too small. This is
another district in need
ofa new building. Have fourteen new single desks and five old
double desks. Supplies old and
need replacing. Library consists of 15 volumes. They were not
using the new books, but
expected to put them in soon on a gradual plan.
Sunrise:
Albert Giberson, teacher. I think this school derived its name
because of its location on a
hill overlooking the Macoupin Valley. School building has been
newly painted on the outside. It
is an excellent place to view the sunrise if you are not able to
visit Pike's Peak, Colorado. Desks
are old. Recently purchased a case of eight new maps and a
chart, also have a new dictionary.
Using recommended books. No library.
Pleasant Grove:
Minnie Simonds, teacher. This is one of the new buildings of the
county, having been
built only a few years. It is equipped with single seats, slate
blackboards, case of maps, and
almost everything necessary for a good school. Library consists
of 40 volumes. Directors have
recently had new walks built, and the porch painted. The
"Authorized Series" of physiologies’
are still in use there. The new Readers and Arithmetic’s were
adopted on the gradual plan.
Bryan:
Elsie Sackett, teacher. As a gentle reminder of past campaigns
this school still maintains
the standard advocated by the statesman for whom it was named. I
found that the parity had not
been destroyed, as there are now 16 pupils to one teacher. One
of the best scenic views in Green
County may be witnessed on the road to this building. The hill
near Mr. Carrico's house is a
natural elevation above the surrounding country. This school
property consists of one school
building, one slate blackboard, one stove, one chart, and one
out building. Yard is full of stumps.
Have no dictionary and no library. "Authorized Series" of
physiologies still in use. New books
adopted on the gradual plan.
Mount Hope:
Nellie Foley, teacher. School building in good condition. Color
on the inside hard on the
eyes. Have a very good lot of supplies. Had ordered a new
dictionary and library consists of 20
volumes. Two window lights out. Room decorated with small
pictures. A new front porch
needed. The recommended books were not adopted at this school.
Transcribed 19 Aug 2003 by Grace Karr Gettings
