Elmira Township

A Period time, little over half a century, has passed away since the American pioneers of this division of the county made their first settlements here. Those years have been replete with changes, social, political, religious, even physical change. The visitor of today, ignorant of the past history of Elmira, could scarcely realize the fact that within five decades a large population grew up, where, in the second quarter of the Nineteenth Century, Indian tepees stood, and the savages themselves had worn the warpaint and retained their scalp-belts. The people have not only increased in number, but also in wealth, refinement and all those characteristics of advancement which mark the older settlements of the North Atlantic states. Cultivated fields now occupy the hunting grounds of the aboriginal races; while a people endowed with the highest faculties have taken the place of the Illinois and Pottawatomies themselves. There are but few left of the old landmarks — still a smaller number of old settlers. Civilization and its demands have conspired to raze every monument of the red man — to obliterate almost every trace of his occupancy. Old time, too, has not looked calmly on; but, by way of reprisal, has driven many a pioneer to the promised land beyond the grave, or led others from the old homestead westward in the track of the Indians, to reenact beyond the Mississippi the drama of early settlement. As a general rule, the men and women who first settled in this township were fearless, self-reliant and industrious. No matter from what state or what country they came, there was a similarity of character. In birth, education, language and religion, there were differences; but such differences did not interfere with harmony; on the contrary, they were lost in association; forgotten in that common interest which united all. In such a community there was a hospitality, a kindness, a benevolence, and high above all, a charity, unknown and unpracticed among the older, richer and more densely populated settlements of trans-Alleghany counties, just in the same manner, perhaps, as there was a higher faith animating the early Christians than that which marks our latter day Christianity. The very nature of the surroundings of those pioneers taught them to feel each other's woe, to share each other's joy, and live in communal integrity. Therefore it is not strange that, among the old settlers of this township, a deep-seated friendship existed and grew and strengthened with their advancing years. The incidents peculiar to life in a new country — the privations and trials of early settlement in the wilderness, were calculated to test, not only the physical powers of endurance, but also the moral, kind, generous attributes of true womanhood and manhood; and bring to the surface all that was in them of good or evil. In this chapter, taken in connection with others, a full effort is made to deal in a thorough manner with the pioneers and old settlers. Almost the whole story is based upon the authority of records, and thus, at least, claims authenticity—a fact which must go far to compensate for the absence of legendary or unauthenticated relations.

This division of the county is certainly one of the fairest parts of Illinois. Prior to 1834, it was a common hunting-ground for the Indians, and even that year the population of the settlement therein was made up of two families. In 1835 the Peoria colony arrived, settlements extended, and within forty-five years the number of residents increased to 978, including the population of Osceola, sixty-nine, and of Elmira, eighty-four. With the exception of the wild land, along Spoon river, the township presents a rare scene of pastoral beauty. With very few exceptions, the homes of the people may be classed as residences, for they are generally large houses, surrounded by well-kept lawns or gardens—in every house a library, and in every garden, flowers. The fields, too, are laid out regularly, enclosed by Osage orange hedges, and in each miniature swail, a line or grove of willows, sometimes trimmed to correspond with the hedge, but oftener allowed to attain full growth for shade or shelter. On the west and north the township is bounded by Henry and Bureau counties, on the east by Osceola Township, and on the south by Toulon Township.

The coal fields of the township are extensive, but the industry has not claimed much attention. One mile north of Elmira post office, is Thomas Oliver's coal shaft, opened in the winter of 1885-86. The coal produced is large block, equal to any hitherto mined in the county. There are small outcrops in the river region of the township, which have been worked for years. Native and cultivated groves are scattered throughout the township, while in the river valley plenty of native timber is still to be found. In a few instances, as at Dr. Board-man's, groves of thrifty pine are found, and on the lawns several species of ornamental pine, juniper and cedar find a home. The progress of the district within a half century was entirely unexpected by the great majority of the pioneers. Robert Hall in his reminiscences of 1837, relates that while aiding in building a barn for Major Robert Moore, the son of the latter, now of Toulon, remarked that the time would come when a railroad would stretch across the prairies from Chicago to Burlington through this county. Mr. Hall thought over the matter, conversed with other pioneers, and ultimately appealed to David Currier for an opinion. The latter declared emphatically, that the "prophet was crazy." The prophets in other branches were also set down as a species of madmen.

The original entries of the lands of Elmira, with the names of present owners of farm tracts, are placed on record as follows :

Matthew B. Parks, lot 2, and E. hf. lot 1, n. e. qr., sec. 1. March 11, 1852. Matthew B. Parks and W. Parks.

William Briggs, w. hf. lot 1, n. e. qr. and all of n. w. qr., sec. 1. July 23,1851. Ditto.

Preston McClellan, s. w. qr., n. e. qr. sec. 1; July 23, 1851. Charles Stuart.

Godfrey Reemer, s.e. qr. n. e. qr., sec. 1; Oct. 6, 1817. C. Stuart and J. E. Gardner.

Aaron Harvey, lot 2, e. hf. lot 1, w. hf. lot 1, n. e. qr., sec. 2; Nov. 28, 1849. Robert Hall, all n. e.qr.

Aaron Harvey, lot 2, n.w. qr. and s, hf. n.w. qr., sec. 2; Nov. 28, 1849; Robert Hall, all n. e. qr;

Aaron Harvey, s. hf. n. w. qr., sec. 2; Nov. 10, 1843. John Bates, e. side n. w. qr.

Robert Hall, e. hf. lot 1, n. e. qr. sec. 2; Dec 6, 1850. Geo. W. Eyer, w, side n. w. qr.

James Thomas, s. w. qr. sec. 2; Jan. 29, 1818. Robert Hall, n. hf. of s. w. qr. Algernon F. Spencer, s. hf. s. w. qr.

William Shepherd, s. e. qr., sec. 2; Jan. 29, 1818. Simeon Spencer, s. e.qr.

Thomas Hamilton, n. e. hf. and n. e. qr , s. e.., qr., sec. 3; Nov. 7, 1851. John Hamilton, n. hf., G. W. Eyer, s. hf.

John T. Sturm, e. hf. lot 1, n. w. qr., sec. 3; March 7, 1851. David Currier, all n. w. and s. w. qr.

John Dement, w. hf. lot 1 and lot 2, n. w. qr. sec. 3; March 7, 1851. David Currier, in n. w. and s. w. qr.

David Currier, n. e. qr.; s. w., sec. 3; July 2, 1852.

John Dement, w. hf. s. w. qr., sec. 3; Dec. 12, 1849. Geo. W. Eyer, n. e. qr. of s. e. qr.

Charles Dement, s. e. qr. s. w. qr. and w. hf. of s. e. qr. sec. 3; April 18, 1853. M. B. and J. Parks, w. hf. of s. e, qr.

Aaron Harvey, s. e. qr. s. e. qr., sec. 3; Jan. 28, 1852. Isaac Spencer, s. e.qr. of s. e. qr.

Ewen Davis, n. hf. and s. w. qr., and e. hf. lot 1, u. e. qr., sec. 4; July 7, 1847. Ewen Davis, n. e. qr.

John Dement, lot 2; s. e. hf. lot 1, n. w. qr., sec. 4; Nov. 21, 1849. Ewen Davis, c. side n. w. qr.

M. A. Green and W. F. Beatty, w. hf. lot 1, sec. 4; Nov. 3, 1849. John G. Turnbull, w. side n.w. qr.

Reuben Close, s. w. qr., sec. 4; July 10, 1818. John G. Turnbull, e. hf. s. w. qr.

John Anderson, w. hf. s. w. qr.

I. Spencer and W. B. Bunnell, n. e. qr. s. e. qr., sec. 4; May 27, 1854. Case heirs, n. w. cor. s. w. qr.

John Lyle, n. w. qr. s. e. qr., sec. 4, Sept. 12, 1851. Ewen Davis, n. hf. s. e. qr.

John Disbrow, s. hf. s. e. qr.,sec.4, Aprils, 1852. James Green, s. hf. s. hf. s. e. qr.

John Dement, lots 1 and 2, n. e. qr., sec. 5: Nov. 21, 1849. John G. Turnbull, n. e. qr.

John Dement, n. w. qr., sec. 5; Nov. 21, 1849. John G. Turnbull, e. side n. w. qr.

James Murphy estate, n. w. qr.

John Hughes, s. w. qr., sec. 5.; Feb. 24. 1818. Ewen Davis, e. hf. John M. Hatch, w. hf.

Charles Armstrong, s. e. qr., sec. 5; Feb. 24, 1818. John G. Turnbull, s. e. qr.

Thomas Lyle, lots 1 and 2 n. e. qr. and lot 2 n. w. fr. sec. 0; Sept. 5, 1851. John M. Hatch, n. e. qr. sec. 6.

Wm. Lyle, w. hf. lot 1 and s. e. qr., n. w. fr. qr., sec. 6; Feb. 2, 1851; Feb. 12, 1846. Tunnard Longmate, n. w. qr.

Wm. Lyle, s. w. fr. qr.,sec. 6.; Feb. 3, 1851. Franklin Lyle, s. w. qr.

Wm. Walsh, s. e. qr., sec. 6; Nov. 14,1818. Carlos S. Smith, s. e. qr.

Elias B. Siles, n. e. qr.; (cancelled).

Joseph Park, n. e. qr., sec. 7; March 27, 1852. Tunnard Longmate, e. side, n. e. qr.; Joseph Park, middle of n. e. qr.; William Anderson, w. side of n. e. qr.

John Lyle, n. w. f. qr., sec. 7; Aug. 6, 1851. A. C. Smith, G. Purdom, J. Pask.

Alex. Murchison. lot 1, and n. hf. lot 2, s. w. qr., sec. 7; Jan. 25, 1851. John McRae, guardian.

Thomas Lyle, s. hf. lot 2, s. w. qr., sec. 7; Jan. 14, 1851. John McRae, guardian.

John Flemming, s. e. qr., sec. 7; Oct. 14, 1818. Ann Park.

A. O. Smith, n. e. qr., sec. 8; May 6, 1818. J. M. Hatch, e. hf.; D. Murray, w. hf.

David Armstead, n. w. qr., sec. 8; May 6, 1818. D. Murray, n. w. qr.

Owen Reese, s. w. qr., sec. 8; Oct. 18. 1851. D. McLennan, D. Murray, Jos. Pask.

Richard Lloyd, s. e. qr., sec. 8: Sep. 29, 1852. Adam Jackson.

R. Kern, n. e. qr., sec. 9; April 14, 1818. Jas. Green, n. hf.; Jos. Armstrong, s. hf.

Jacob Martin, n. w. qr., sec. 9; April 14, 1818. John M. Hatch, n. w. qr.

Jas. Arey, s. w. qr., sec. 9; Nov. 29, 1817. W. Turnbull, e. hf.; A. Jackson, w. hf.

Henry Atkins, s. e. qr., sec. 9; Nov. 29, 1817. W. G. Perkins, s. e. qr.

John Hamilton, n. e. qr., sec. 10; Nov. 21, 1851. J. Hamilton, n. e. qr. of n. e. qr. Madison Weaver, P. C.Rear, John G. Turnbull, and Alex. Turnbull, small lots on n. e. qr.

John Bates, s. w. qr. of n. w. qr., sec. 10; March 5, 1851. J. G. Turnbull, J. Green, John Bates, Robert Hall, S. R. Scott, lots on n. w. qr.

John Dement, n. hf, n. w, qr., sec. 10; Dec. 12, 1849.

J. Hall, s. e. qr., n. w. qr., sec. 10; Jan. 24, 1844.

Thomas Lyle, e. hf s. w. qr., sec. 10; June 21, 1843. J. T. Currier, Sam. Macock, Asa Bunton, Adam Jackson, John McBeath, D. Fulk, Franklin Lyle, Charles Stuart, W. G. Perkins, lot owners on s. w. qr.

Leonard Carter, n. w. qr. s. w. qr., sec. 10; Feb. 19, 1845. Small lots on above.

W. Lyle. s. w. qr. s. w. qr., sec. 10; Feb. 14, 1844. Small lots on above.

Isaac Spencer, s. e. qr., sec. 10; May 15, 1843. Isaac Spencer, s. e. qr.

Thomas Madden, n. e. qr., sec. 11; June 8, 1818. Isaac Spencer, 153 1/2 acres of n. e. qr. On the 6 1/2 acres are the Baptist Church, Milo Boardman, E. O. Boardman, Samuel Mix, J. O. Meigs, W. V. Wolff and George Currier.

O. Whittaker, w. hf and e. hf n. w. qr., sec. 11; Nov. 10, 1843. W. H. Hill, n. w. qr.

Richard Gates, s, w. qr., sec. 11; Dec. 3, 1817. Chas. Busswell's 90 acres on s. side, s. w. qr.; I. M. Spencer's 65 1/2 acres on n. side, s. w. qr.; other small lots on then, side, s. w. qr.

Charles Smith, s. e. qr., sec. 11; Dec. 3, 1817. Chas. Busswell, s. e. qr. or 145 acres. Other small lots on s. e. qr.

Mary Jones, n. e. qr., sec. 12; Oct. 6, 1817. W. W. Busswell, n. e. qr., sec. 12.

Fred. Jenkins, n. w, qr., sec. 11; Oct, 6, 1817. T. J. Turnbull Bros., 140 acres on n. w. qr.; Charles Stewart, 20 acres on n. w. qr.

Daniel Crottnell, s. w. qr., sec. 11; Feb. 9, 1818. John G. Turnbull, 117 acres on s. w. qr.; L. H. Austin, 43 acres on s. w. qr.

James Patterson, s. e. qr., sec. 11; Feb. 9, 1818. Russell C. Briggs, 160 acres.

Moses Sears, n. e. qr., sec. 13; Feb. 24, 1818. Russell C. Briggs, 160 acres.

Richard Howard, n. w. qr., sec. 13; Feb. 24,1818. Russell C. Briggs, 160 acres.

Henry Shannon, s. w. qr., sec. 13; Jan. 1, 1818. D. Fulk, A. F. Winslow, s. w. qr.

Ephraim Small, s. e. qr., sec. 13; Jan. 1, 1818. D. Fulk, A. F. Winslow, s. e. qr.

John Carroll, n. hf n. e. qr., and e. hf n. w. qr., sec. 14; Nov, 28, 1849. D. Fulk, L. B. Thompson, J. G. Turnbull, on n. e. qr.

R. M. Moore, s. w. qr. n. e. qr., sec. 14; Feb. 7, 1848. Same.

Thomas Lyle, s. e. qr. n. e. qr., sec. 14; Oct. 19, 1852. Same.

Riley Chamberlain, w. hf. n. w. qr., sec. 14; Nov. 10, 1843. Joshua Gilfillan, Mrs. H. J. Boardman, T. J. Turnbull Bros., C. P. Buswell, R. Grieve, Henry Scott, W. W. Buswell, E. O. Boardman, on n. w. qr.

C. L. Winslow, w. hf. and e. hf. s. w. qr., sec. 14; Nov. 10, 1843. D. Hudson, C. Fuller, O. Brace, Iantha Brace, Lucy Brace, M. M. Brace, C. PI. Brace, S. B. Spencer, E. P. Wright, C. Girvin, on s. w. qr.

Wm. Hall, e. hf s. e. qr., sec. 14; Feb. 11, 1851. William Hall, s. e. qr.

Wm. Hall, w. hf. s. e. qr., sec. 14; Nov. 10, 1843.

Wm. Parks, e. hf n. e. qr., sec. 15; Feb. 19, 1845. G. C. Parks, Win. Parks, Ewen Davis, Thomas Oliver, H. H. Oliver, A. Oliver, on n. e. qr.

Ewen Davis, n. w. qr. n. e. qr., sec. 15; Nov. 21, 1849. D. Murray, H. H. Oliver, John Anderson, Wm. Stevenson, Alex. Rule, n. w. qr.

Adam Oliver, s. w. qr. n. e. qr., sec. 15; Feb. 19, 1845. Moses. H. Weaver, Abel Armstrong.

Robert Rule, n. e. qr. n. w. qr., sec. 15; Jan. 20, 1853. John McRae, W. M. Fuller, Moses H. Weaver, John Turnbull, on s. w. qr.

John McClennan, n. w. qr. n. w. qr., sec. 15; July 21; 1852.

Jerome Porter, s. w. qr. n. w. qr., sec. 15; Feb. 17, 1853. John Turnbull, 70 acres; James Turnbull, 10 acres; and Adam Oliver, 40 acres. Carlos B. Lyle, Mary L. Bunton, John Lyle, W. and D. Jackson, 20 acres each on sec. 15.

Oliver H, Smith, s. e. qr. n. w. qr., sec. 15; Jan. 10, 1852.

Ambrose Fuller, e. hf. s. w. qr., sec. 15; Nov. 10, 1843.

Thomas Lyle, n. w. qr. s. w. qr., sec. 15; Oct. 20, 1852.

John Turnbull, s. w. qr. s. w. qr., sec. 15; Jan. 23, 1850.

John Turnbull, e. hf. s. e. qr., sec. 15; Nov. 10, 1843.

John Lyle, w. hf s. e. qr., sec. 15; Jan. 12, 1843.

John M. Hatch, lot 1, sec. 16; Jan. 1, 1852. S. D. Stoughton, 43 acres.

John Leason, lot 2, sec. 16; Dec. 23, 1847. James McKeighan, 36 1/2 acres.

George White, lot 3, sec. 16; Nov. 15, 1845. Wm. Turnbull, 140 acres.

Philip Munson, lot 4, sec. 16; June 17, 1845. W. D. Blanchard, 20 acres.

Wm. Turnbull, lots 5 and 7, sec. 16; Sep. 26, 1849. J. H. Turnbull, 120 acres.

Richard P. Belangey, lots 6 and 8, sec. 16; April 16, 1850. J. Turnbull, 80 acres.

Joseph Blanchard, lot 9, sec. 16; Nov. 15, 1848. E. B. Boardman, 40 3/4 acres.

David W. Bennett, lot 10, sec. 16; Dec. 24, 1847. Chas. Decker, 40 acres.

John A. Griswold, lot 11, sec. 16; Dec. 4, 1847. Moses H. Weaver, 22 3/4 acres.

Lewis Fitch and Ezra Hines, lot 12, sec. 16; Dec. 4, 1847. G. B. Spencer, 9 acres.

John Pollok, lot 13, sec. 16; Dec. 3, 1847. John McRae, 79 1/4 acres.

Nelson Bonham, lot 14, sec. 16; Dec. 3, 1847. Isaac Spencer, 4 1/2 acres.

I. Sponger and Wm. Hall, lot 15, sec. 16; May 19, 1845. C. M. S. Lyon, 2 acres.

Wm. Winter, lot 16, sec. 16; May 19, 1845. Thomas W. Rule, 1 acre.

John Leason, lot 17, sec. 16; May 19. 1845. Wm. Fowler, 1/2 acre.

Lewis Austin, lot 18, sec. 16; Nov. 23, 1847.

Samuel Maycock and Jas. King, lot 19, sec. 16; Feb. 6, 1847.

John Round and J. Duck, lot 20, sec. 16; July 19, 1847.

Henry J. Rhodes, lots 21 and 22, sec. 16; Nov. 23, 1847.

N. Wilson Rhodes, lot 23, sec. 16; Nov. 23, 1847.

Myrtle G. Brace, lot 24, sec. 16; Nov. 30, 1846.

Jonathan Hodgson, lot 25, sec. 16; Dec. 4, 1847.

Robert Mitchell, lot 26, sec. 16; Jan. 12, 1848.

John Leason, lot 27, sec. 16; Dec. 23, 1847.

H. R. Halsey, lot 28, sec. 16; Jan. 20, 1848.

Philip Munson, lot 29, sec. 16; June 17, 1845.

John Turnbull, lot 30, sec. 16; June 7, 1851.

John Leason, lot 31, sec. 16; Dec. 3, 1847.

G. Roberts, n. e. qr., sec. 17; Feb. 9, 1818. J. H. McLennan, n. e. qr.

J. Stenbert, n. w. qr., sec. 17; Feb. 9, 1818. Duncan McClennan, n. w. qr.

Michael Conway, s. w. qr., sec. 17; Nov. 22, 1817. Robert Armstrong, s. w. qr.

Aaron Burbank, s. e. qr., sec. 17; Nov. 21, 1817. Carlos B. Lyle, s. e. qr.

Rufus Bastin, n. e. qr., sec. 18; Feb. 14, 1818. Mary L. Bunton, n. e. qr.

Alex. Murchison, n. hf. lot 1, n. w. fr. qr., sec. 18; Jan. 25, 1851. Alex. Murchison, n. w. qr.

Duncan Murchison, s. hf. lot 1, n. w. fr. qr., sec. 18; July 2, 1851.

John Lyle, lot 2, n. w. fr. qr., sec. 18; Aug. 6, 1851.

Robert Rule, n. hf. lot 1, s. w. w. qr., sec. 18; Aug. 15, 1851.

Thomas Lyle, s. hf. lot 1, s. w. qr., sec. 18; Jan. 14, 1851. Harrison Cole, s. w. qr.

Robert Rule, n. hf. lot 2, s. w. qr., sec. 18; June 18, 1851.

Robert Rule, s. hf. lot 2, s. w. qr., sec. 18; April 8, 1851.

Rufus Bastin, s. e. qr. sec. 18; Feb. 14, 1818. Mary L. Bunton, s. e. qr.

Francis Herbert, n. e. qr. sec. 19; May 5, 1818. Donald McDonald, n. e. qr.

Robert Rule, n. hf. lot 1, n. w. qr. sec. 19; March 21, 1851. Mary Buchanan e. side, n. w. qr.

Robert Rule, n. w. qr. of n. w. qr. sec. 19; July 14, 1847. Betsy Buchanan, w. side, n. w. qr.

Robert Rule, s. hf. lot 2, n. w. qr. sec. 19; Sept. 28, 1849.

Robert Rule, s. hf. lot 1l, n. w. qr. sec. 19; Sept. 28, 1849.

John McLennan, lot 1, s. w. qr. sec. 19; March 13, 1851. John McLennon, est. s. w. qr.

Barbara McLennan, n. hf. lot 2, s. w. qr. sec. 19; Nov. 17, 1848. John McLennon, s. hf. lot 2, s. w. qr. sec. 19; March 13, 1851. Duncan McLennan, est. s. e. cor. of s. w. qr. and s. e. qr.

Daniel Gaskel, s. e. qr. sec. 19; May 5,1818.

Samuel Lucas, n. e. qr. and n. w. qr. sec. 20; Oct. 6,1817. Thomas Oliver, n. e. qr. and e. hf. of n. w. qr., Andrew Oliver, w. hf. n. w. qr. and Mary Mc Rae, 1/2 acre on n. w. qr.

Isaac Smith, s. w. qr. sec. 20; Dec. 23, 1817. J. McRae, guardian, n. side of s. w. qr. Adam Armstrong, s. side of s. w. qr.

Ambrose Fuller, s. e. qr. sec. 20; Jan. 12, 1843. W. Henninger, A. Dore, D. J. Moon, Laton Fuller, John Stires, W. Stevenson, Isabella McDonald, trustees of Knox Church, trustees of U. P. Church, C. Fuller, W. W. Fuller, all lots on sec. 20, W. W. Fuller owning 105 3/4 acres here.

Richard Lloyd, e, hf. n. e. qr. sec. 21; June 30, 1852. Israel T. Hallock, 80 acres; E. R. Boardman, 79 1/2 acres; John Turnbull, 160 acres, Robert Armstrong, 163 1/2 acres, Horace E. Lyle, 72 acres, Geo. O. Broadman, 78 acres; Andrew Creighton, trustees of Knox Church, W. McBride, W. Stevenson, and M. Risedorph owners of small lots on sec. 21.

Myrtle G. Brace, n. w. qr. of 11. e. qr. sec. 21; July 1, 1852.

Alfred Woodward, s. w. qr. of n. e. qr. sec. 21; June 27, 1845.

John Turnbull, n. e. qr. of n. w. qr. sec 21; March 21, 1851.

John Turnbull, n. w. qr. of n. w. qr. sec 21; Sept. 26, 1851.

John Turnbull, s. w. qr. of n. w. qr. sec. 21; Jan. 23, 1850.

John Turnbull, s. e. qr. of n. w. qr. sec. 21; Feb. 15, 1844.

William Thompson, s. w. qr. sec. 21; Feb. 26, 1818.

John Barnett, s. e. qr. sec. 21; Feb. 26, 1818.

Thomas Lyle, n. hf. of n. e. qr. sec. 22; Oct. 2, 1852. Horace E. Lyle, 120 acres; L. T. Hallock, 160 acres; Brady Fowler, 40 acres; W. J. Hunt, 10; Iantha Brace, 70; Chas. H. Brace, 80; David Jackson, 40; Thos. Lyle, 40; L. M. Buchanan. 80 acres.

Wm. D. Blanchard, s. w. qr. of n. e. qr. sec. 22; Oct. 6, 1852.

Jerome Porter, s. e. qr. of n. e. qr. sec. 22; Feb, I7, 1853.

Francis Lloyd, n. w. qr. sec. 22; June 16, 1852.

Elias Hughes, s. w. qr. sec. 22; June 2, 1818.

John G. Turnbull, n. e. qr. of s. e. qr. sec. 22: October, 1, 1851.

Alonzo Abbey, n. w. qr. of s. e. qr., sec. 22; Feb. 9, 1853.

R. Turnbull, s. w. qr. of s. e. qr., sec. 22; Feb. 15, 1844.

John T. Sturm, s. e. qr. of s. e. qr., sec. 22; March 7, 1851. F. B. Hallock, 47; Clinton Fuller, 10; Wm. Murray, 20; J. H. Turnbull, 7; James Medearis, 3; Clinton Fuller, 25; Henry Scott, 18; D. D. McLennan, 10; Matthew Bell, 20, on n. e. qr. sec. 23.

Malbry Palmer, n. e. qr., sec. 23; Nov. 29, 1817.

John Potter, n. w. qr., sec. 23; Nov. 29, 1817. James Kidd, n. w. qr.

Elias B. Stiles, n. c. qr. of s. w. qr., sec. 23 Nov. 23, 1853.

Norman H. Pratt, n. w. qr. of s. \v. qr., sec. 23; July 15, 1854. I. M. Jones, n. hf; James Kid, s. hf. s. w. qr.

Thomas Lyle, s. w. qr. of s. w. qr., sec. 23; June 10, 1854.

Isaac Demerick, s. e. qr. s. w. qr., sec. 23: April 28, 1853.

Henry Sturm, n. e. qr of s. e. qr., sec. 23; Dec. 1, 1843. Robert Hunter, s. e. 150.

Henry Sturm, vv. hf. of s. e. qr.; sec. 23; Nov. 14, 1843. Ruth Jones, n. w. 10 acres of s. e. qr.

David Morrison, s. e. qr. of s. e. qr., sec. 23; July 3, 1852.

Juliana Richer, n. w. qr and e. hf. of n. e. qr., sec. 24; June 10, 1846. Juliana Richer, n. e. qr.; John Eagelston, n. w. qr. of of n. e. qr.; R. C. Briggs, s. hf. of n. e. qr.

Isaac Spencer, s. w. qr. of n. e. qr., sec. 24. Sept. 6, 1851.

Wm. H. Winslow, n. w. qr. of n. w. qr., sec:. 24: Feb. 3, 1851. Frank B. Hallock, and also, n. hf. of s. vv. qr. of n. w. qr.

Wm. H. Winslow, e. hf. n. w. qr., sec. 24; Nov. 14, 1843. W. W. Winslow.

Franklin Pratt, s. w. qr. of n. w. qr., sec. 24; Sept. 8, 1851. James Armstrong, s. hf. of s. w. qr. of n. w. qr.

Matthias Sturm, e. hf. and w. hf. of s. w. qr., sec. 24; Nov. 14, 1843. Wm. Stevenson, 68 1/2 acres in s. w. qr.; J. O. H. Spinney, D. Phenix, Homer Martin, A. Loudenburg, S. Montooth, Ann Pask, T. Mellor, Charles Wilson, owners of lots, in s. w. qr.

John Jones, s. e. qr., sec. 24; Oct. 15, 1818. David Fulk e. hf. of s. e. qr.: Martha Morrison and W. Stevenson, w. hf. of s. e. qr.

Nicholas Sturm, n. e. qr. of n. e. qr., sec 25; March 23, 1846. Leggitt estate, e. hf. n. e. qr.

Servis Austin, w. hf. of n. e. qr., sec. 25; Nov. 14, 1843. B. Fowler, Wm. Cade, Edgar Austin, W. S Austin, James Jackson, J. M. Jackson, on w. hf. n. e. qr.

P. Pratt, s. e. qr. of n. e. qr., sec. 25; Jan. 25, 1844.

John Leeson, n. e. qr. of n. w. qr., sec. 25; April 15, 1846. John McRae, Lewis Austin, G. Murray, James Cinnamon, James Sturm, L. Buchanan, on n. w. qr.

Benajah Orsman, w. hf. of n. w. qr., sec. 25. July 1, 1847.

W. D. Blanchard, s. e. qr. of n. w. qr. sec. 25; Sept. 24, 1847.

Charles Bolt, n. hf. s. w. qr., sec. 25; March 6, 1851.

Charles Vandike, s. hf. of s. w. qr., sec. 25; Sept. 8, 1853.

Charles Bolt, n. hf. of s. e. qr., sec. 25; March 6, 1851. W. & D. Jackson. 80. A. H. Loudenburg, 80 on s. w. qr; Lewis Osborne, 80, and A. H. Loudenburg, 80, on s. e. qr.

Charles Van Dyke, s. w. qr. of s. qr., sec. 25; July 7, 1847.

Archibald Van Dyke, s. e. qr. of s. e. qr., sec. 25;" Sept. 19, 1844.

Benjamin Barrett, n. e. qr., sec. 26; Nov. 29, 1817. Robert Hunter, 86; G. Murray, 74, on n. e. qr.

John Wood, n. w. qr., sec. 26; Nov. 29, 1817. W. & D. Jackson, 160, n. w. qr. Thomas McFadden, s. w. qr., sec. 26, Feb. 20, 1818. Miles Miner, 80; G. Murray, 80, on s. w. qr.

Neely Man, s. e. qr., sec. 26; Feb. 20, 1818. Miles Miner, 77; John Kunkle, 3; Geo. S. Maynard, 80, on s. e. qr.

John Crowell, n. e. qr., sec. 27; Oct. 6, 1817. Lochlin M. Buchanan.

Wm. Cowenhaven, n. av. qr., sec. 27; Oct. 6, 1817. D. Jackson, 53; Thos.. Jackson, 107 acres.

James D. Wells, s. w. qr., sec. 27; Feb. 18, 1818. George Murray.

Henry Davenport, s. e. qr., sec. 27; Feb. 18, 1818. George Murray.

Jesse Stocker, n. e. qr., sec. 28; Jan. 8, 1818. Horace E. Lyle, 120; W. & D. Jackson, 40.

John Vandergraft, n. w. qr., see. 28; Jan. 7, 1818. W. & D. Jackson.

Henry Eldridge, s. w. qr., sec. 28; Oct. 6, 1817. D. Hudson, 107 acres; Cinnamon, 53 acres.

Bela Dexter, s. e. qr., sec. 28; Oct. 6, 1817. Lochlin Buchanan.

Philip Logue, n. e. qr., sec. 29; Nov. 29, 1818. Clinton Fuller, 76 1/2; W. M. Fuller, 7834; Robt. Armstrong, 4 1/2' acres; Mary Adams, 1 acre, on n. e. qr.

Francis Lincoln, n. av. qr., sec. 29; Nov. 29, 1818. Adam Armstrong, 127; W. M. Fuller, 36 acres, on n. av. qr.

James Tiner, s. w. qr., sec. 29; Jan. 1, 1818. W. M. Fuller, e. hf., and Adam Armstrong w. hf., s. w. qr.

Bird Lavender, s. e. qr., sec. 29; Jan. 1, 1818. Clinton Fuller, s. e. qr.

Bradford Willis, n. e. qr., sec. 30; Feb. 26, 1818. G. Armstrong, e. hf.; P. McLennan, w. hf.

John McLennan, n. hf., lot 1, n. av. qr., sec. 30; March 13, 1851. Duncan McLennan, n. hf. n. w. qr.

Adam Oliver, s. hf., lot 1, n. av. qr., sec. 30; Sept. 29, 1851. Adam Oliver, s. hf. n. av. qr.

John McLennan, n. hf., lot 2, n. av. qr,, sec. 30; June23, 1851.

Adam Oliver, s. hf., lot 2, n. av. qr., sec. 30; Sept. 29, 1851.

Wm. Oliver, lot 1, s. av. qr., sec. 30; Jan. 25, 1751. Adam Oliver, s. w. qr., 149 a.

Wm. Oliver, n. hf., lot 2, s. w. qr., sec. 30; Jan. 25, 1851.

Adam Oliver, s. hf., lot 2, s. av. qr., sec. 30; Nov. 17, 1848. Geo. Armstrong, 2 1/2 acres, s. e. qr.

Stephen Benjamin, s. e. qr., sec. 30; Feb. 6, 1818. Henry H. Oliver, s. e. qr., 157 1/2.

Charles Board, n. e. qr., sec. 31; Dec. 9, 1817. Henry H. Oliver, n. e. qr.

Thomas Oliver, e. hf., n. w. qr., sec. 31; July 14, 1847. Adam Oliver 6 acres, and H. H. Oliver 74.

Andrew Oliver, av. hf., n. w. qr., sec. 31; July 14, 1847. Andrew Oliver, av. hf., 70 acres.

William Oliver, s. av. qr., sec.31; Jan. 25, 1851. Andrew Oliver, s. av. qr.

Henry Cruser, s. e. qr., sec. 31; Dec. 9, 1817. Robert Armstrong, s. e. qr.

John Rodgers, n. e. qr., sec. 32; Jan. 14. 1819. Robert Armstrong, n. e. qr.

Henry Bradford, n. av. qr., sec. 32; Jan. 14, 1819. James Armstrong, n. av. qr.

John Timberlake, s. av. qr., sec. 32; Opt. 6, 1817. George Armstrong, s. av. qr.

Wm. S. Tompkins, s. e. qr., sec. 32; Oct 6, 1817. Lochlin Buchanan, 120; James HasAvell, 40 acres, on s. e. qr.

W. D. Blanchard, n. e. qr. of s. e. qr. and av. hf. of n. e. qr., sec33; 1843 and 1847. Lochlin Buchanan, n, hf. n. e. qr.; S. C. Flemming, 26 acres, and W. D. Blanchard, 54 acres on n. e. qr.

Lewis Bronson, n. w. qr., sec. 33; Jan. 3, 1819. James Cinnamon, n. w. qr.

Timothy Weston, s. av. qr., sec. 33; April 20, 1818. A. Buchanan, e. hf.; Wm. Murry, 1/2 acre; James Haswell, av. hf. s. w. qr.

John Whitlock, s. e. qr., sec. 33; April 20, 1818. William Murray, s. e. qr.

Benj. Jackson, n. e. qr., sec. 34; March 16, 1818. Flora Cinnamon, e. hf.; J. M. Jackson, w. hf., and Cumberland Presbyterian church, 1 acre.

David Norton, n. av. qr., sec. 34; March 16, 1818. S. C. Fleming, av. hf.; Geo. Murray, e. hf.

Robert Goodwin, s. av. qr. sec. 34; Feb. 2, 1818. J. M. Jackson n. side; C. Vandyke, s. side.

Lewis Green, s. e. qr., sec. 34; Feb. 2, 1818. J. M. Jackson, n. side; W. Sturm, s. side.

Richard Scott, n. e. qr., sec. 35; Dec. 11, 1817. Richard Scott, n. e. qr.

John Davis, n. w. qr., sec. 35; Dec. 11, 1817. John Jackson, n. av. qr.

John Giers, s. w. qr, sec. 35; Feb. 4, 1818. H. Prouty,80: Eli Mix, 80, on s. w. qr.

Seeward Walters, s. e. qr., sec. 35; Feb. 4, 1818. Abram Loudenburg on s. e. qr.

Conrad Sarr, n. e. qr., sec. 36; Dec. 15, 1817. E. M. Funk, 40. D. Phenix, 80; D. Fulk, 40, on n. e. qr.

William Jears, jr., n. w. qr., sec. 36; Dec. 15, 1817. C. L. Gerard, n. w. qr.

H. Edwards, s. w. qr., sec. 36, April 7, 1818. James Cinnamon, s. w. qr.

James Joyce, s. e. qr., sec. 36; June 3, 1818. Sam'l Montooth, 88 1/2; B. G. Rowel 71 1/2

First Settlement.—The settlement of the township is graphically and correctly given, by Mrs. Shallenberger, as follows: "In December, 1835, a number of resolute men had pushed their way from Peoria to what has since been called Osceola Grove. Among them were James Enswell, Isaac Spencer, Thomas Watts, Giles C. Dana, Peter Pratt and Dr. Pratt. They came out under the auspices of Major Robert Moore, who had obtained a map of the lands in township fourteen north, range six east, designating the patent and unentered lands; and he now encouraged emigration hither, with a view to building up a town, which he had surveyed and called Osceola. Major Moore was an intelligent, active business man, ever ready to take advantage of circumstances and fond of adventure. He subsequently went to Oregon, with one of the first parties that ever crossed the mountains whither his family followed him some years after, with the exception of his youngest son, Robert Moore, Esq., who is at this date a resident of Toulon. But, at the time of which this narrative treats, Major Moore owned a ferry that crossed the river at Peoria, and to this he gave his personal supervision; and, as emigrants crossed, which they did frequently, he would take the opportunity to recommend the Osceola country to them. In this way probably originated the company he led there in 1885. Quoting Clifford's history in regard to this enterprise. 'The parties above named were all from Vermont — which Saxe says is a good state to come from, but a poor one to go to — except Moore, who was from one of the southern states, and Day who was from Massachusetts. When these persons reached the Grove there was no one living there except Henry Seeley, who then had a cabin near where he lives now, and. Lewis Sturms. A portion of the party stopped the first night at Sturms', and were hospitably entertained. It was a dark, dreary, rainy night; they all slept on the floor in the small cabin, and from the day's fatigue, having come on foot from Prince's Grove, they soon fell asleep, to be disturbed soon after by a loud hallooing outside, occasioned by the arrival of the Sturms family proper, the number of whom our informant was unable to state, further than they filled the little cabin 'chuck full.' They were made up of men, women and children, wet, worn, fatigued and hungry. Our informant says one of the women came on horseback with twins in her arms, and in a sorry plight from having been 'pitched off' her horse in sloughs and gullies concealed by the darkness of the night. Some of the party were taken over to Seeley's while the remainder filled the floor. The next day the balance of the Peoria party came in from Boyd's Grove, having lost their reckonings and strayed out of their direction. The whole party then moved west for the purpose of surveying and making their claims. For one week they camped out, in the severest weather of the month of December, that week being the coldest of any during the whole season. The provisions which they had brought with them from Peoria were exhausted, and nothing was now left them to sustain life, except corn they had brought to feed their horses during the excursion. For the last clay or two they subsisted entirely upon nubbins of corn burned by the fire, which culinary operation was performed in the morning, each one taking a few burnt nubbins of corn in their pockets for dinner. At night they varied this luxury by burning the corn, pounding it up and making coffee of it. Clifford further states that the parties named moved upon their claims in May, 1830. This is certainly a slight mistake as regards some of them. They probably built cabins as soon as that, or sooner, but some of the families referred to did not arrive in the settlement till later in the summer, or in the fall. There is no doubt, however, that during some portion of that year many new names must be added to our list of pioneers. In June came William Hall and wife, Robert Hall and their sister Mary, now Mrs. Hasard of Neponset, and occupied for a short time the cabin owned by Mr. Buswell, who was still with his family in Peoria. With the Halls came the Vandyke brothers, Archie and Charles, the former bringing his wife with him, and Mr. Brady Fowler, who had been their companion up the river, soon followed them to the Grove. Myrtle G. Brace, Esq. (father of our present county treasurer), E. S. Brodhead, and a large family by the name of Davis, the latter from the then frontier land of Tennessee, all located in this neighborhood about the same time. The Sturms family had some of them readied Seeley's Point in 1834, and detachments continued to arrive from time to time, making claims near the South part of Osceola Grove, till they had a settlement of their own. They were regular frontier's men, every one mighty hunters of tall stature, combining strength and activity in an unusual degree. Wearing an Indian garb of fringed buckskins, their feet encased in moccasins, with bowie-knife at the belt and rifle on the shoulder. No wonder many a new-comer started from them in affright, supposing they had encountered genuine 'scalpers.' But these men were by no means as savage as they seemed, but had hearts to which friend or stranger never appealed in vain."

The beginning of the Scotch "plantation" or settlement of the township may be said to be made in February, 1838. The Turnbulls and Olivers set sail for America, June I7, 1837, were six weeks on the ocean and almost as many more en route from Quebec to Chicago, where they remained a short time before moving to Joliet. At Joliet they found two vacant cabins into which they were ordered to move, and wrhile there met with many kind attentions from the settlers, and each family purchased a cow from a passing herder.

The subsequent events in the history of settlement here are well told by Mrs. Shallenberger as follows: "Of course, these people were looking for land to enter (everybody was in those days), and they fell in with a Kentuckian named Parker, who had a patent on the quarter afterward owned by Myrtle G. Brace, on the state road; but the man supposed his land lay near Wyoming, and so agreed with Mr. Turnbull to meet him there; 'thought they could probably strike a trade.' Parker left Joliet on horseback, Mr. Turnbull on foot, to make their way over a trackless expanse of snow, and with but a very indefinite idea of where they were to meet, but it was to be somewhere in the neighborhood of Wyoming. This journey was undertaken January 1, 1838. Occasionally, Mr. Turnbull could catch glimpses of the horseman as he rode over some high ridge in the distance; and this was all he had to guide his steps, save a general idea of the points of the compass. After this lonely, tiresome tramp of sixty or seventy weary miles, he found himself at the house of General Thomas, but only to learn that the land he was in quest of lay some ten or twelve miles to the northwest, the Kentuckian being mistaken as to its locality. He must then retrace his steps. Upon reaching Mr. Holgate's, hunger and fatigue compelled him to seek rest and food, and such comforts -were never denied a stranger there; and, beside, Mr. Holgate had learned by some means that Parker had gone to the Osceola settlement, so Mr. Turnbull was again upon his trail, and found him ere nightfall at the cabin of Mr. William Parks, then in Osceola Grove, as old settlers will remember, not far from where the first school-house in the township was built, on the road to Spoon river bridge. While resting by the wide fire-place built of rough stones, in the jambs of which a recess had been constructed, capable of holding a few common books, curiosity prompted the traveler to withdraw one from its place, that he might see what kind of books the people read in this strange country, still he was wondering all the time if it was not a piece of impertinence to do so without permission. But what was his surprise, his delight even, upon finding he held in his hands a well-worn copy of Burns! Strong though he was, and capable of bearing all things without murmuring, still he could not refrain from tears as his eyes traced the familiar Scottish lines, and he thought how far, far away he was from his native hills. Mr. Turnbull did not buy the title of the Kentuckian, after all his trouble, having a dread of patents and complications, of which he heard many sad reports; but shortly after purchased from the Lyle brothers, John and Thomas, forty acres in Osceola Grove, with a cabin thereon, with the understanding that if the Oliver family saw fit to come on. the Lyles should sell them forty acres more. He then trudged leisurely back to Joliet, got his wife and Andrew Oliver, rigged out an ox sled, to which they yoked a couple of half-broken steers, and about the middle of February started for Dorr's, whose house stood near where the town of Providence now is. The weather continued to grow colder, the wind to blow more and more fiercely, and glad were the wanderers to find shelter for the night, with the hospitable family referred to. In the morning the sun came up flanked by 'dogs' on either side, the snow crunched and squeaked under the feet with the peculiar sound every backwoodsman knows as indicative of extreme cold; the thermometer indicated some twenty degrees below zero. Mrs. Dorr, clearly comprehending the suffering and danger that must attend a journey that day, kindly urged them to remain until the storm abated, saying, she would board them very cheaply. But they had no money to pay board bills, be they ever so small, and the inborn pride of their race forbade their 'being beholden' to any one, so there was but the other alternative to push ahead. Mrs. Dorr was standing in her cabin door silently watching the preparations for departure going forward; but, when all was ready, plaids folded tightly, Scotch caps tied firmly, sled drawn round to the door, steers awaiting the word of command to start, she exclaimed with tears in her eyes: 'Men, go if you will, but for God's sake leave this woman with me! she will surely perish in the cold today. It shall cost you nothing, and when the weather moderates you can return for her.' But Mrs. Turnbull preferred at all hazards to share the fate of her husband and brother. We fancy such pluck would be hard to freeze; at any rate, despite all obstacles they arrived intact at Seeley's point before bed-time, stiff and hungry doubtless, but such ills were curable by a good fire and supper, which were quickly at their disposal, and they retired to rest with grateful hearts. The next morning was still very cold, but they had a sheltered route through the woods by the old road that formerly led by the house of Calvin Winslow in the timber, south of William Hall's place, which they passed about noon, February 14, 1838. Soon after they reached home, as they called the cabin of the Lyle brothers a little farther on. They promptly paid for the first forty acres, which contained the cabin, but as by arrangement the Lyles were to remain with them until they could obtain possession of the Dukes farm, which they had bought, and the rest of the Oliver family coming from Joliet, the four families, consisting of eight Lyles and thirteen Turnbulls and Olivers, contrived to live, till spring opened, in one room, and that one sixteen by eighteen feet. That they succeeded in doing this harmoniously, so that the survivors can now look back through the mists of nearly forty years, and make merry over the experiences of that first winter in Osceola, is creditable to all concerned."

Elmira Cemetery. Prior to going farther into the history of this township, a reference to the present resting-place of many old residents is made, and a brief sketch of the cemeteries given.

Elmira Cemetery, on sections 20, 21, Elmira village, dates back to May 30, 1845, when Ambrose Fuller was interred on lands of Clinton Fuller. It was incorporated October 3, 1882, with H. H. Oliver, president; Robert Grieve, secretary, and W. M. Fuller, treasurer, the latter two being reflected to date, Winfield Fuller, superintendent, and D. Moon, sexton, with John Turnbull, A. Oliver and William Jackson, trustees. The names of the old people buried here, with the year of death, are given as follows: Tabitha Abbey, 1867; James Armstrong, '76; John Adams, '79; Anna Brace, '55 ; Myrtle G. Brace, '66; Phoebe Brace, '73; John Buchanan, '60 ; Alex. Buchannan, '73; W. D. Blanchard, 81 ; John Buchanan, '60; Allen Boughman, '82; Mary Bartell, '85; William Brace, '50; Walter Brace, '51; Webster Brace, '50; John Clark, '65; Eliza Clark, '60; Hannah Creighton, '78; James Craig, '54; Margaret Craig '66; Davis McPherson, '69; Margaret McPherson, '76; Mary McPherson, '67; Charlotte Darby, '74; James Darby, '83; Alison Davis, '80; Rebecca Fleming, '67; Eliza H. Fuller, '83; Mrs. Hannah Fuller, '84; Ambrose Fuller, '45 ; Hannah Fuller, '46; Jehiel Fuller, '71: Mary Godley, '71; Martha Garley, '81; Ellen (Scott) Grieve, '85; Daniel Hudson, '74; John Holmes, '79 ; Whitney Hudson, '55 Mary Harris, '67; Thomas Jackson, '55; Janet Lyle, '49; Wm. Lyle, '58, Margaret Moon, '66; James Moon, '71; Alex. McKenzie, '64; Alex. Murchison,'73 ; Ann Murchison,'69 ; David Moffitt, 54; Wilhelmina Moffitt,'65; Finley Murchison,'72; Roderick McBeth, '77; Theodosia Moon, '81; Finley Matthewson, '83; Silas Norris, '86 ; Margaret Oliver, '58; Thomas Oliver, '67; Wm. Parks, '57; Amy Perkins, '61; Nancy Parks, '75; Agnes B. Parks, '77; Mary Bavell, '75; Jane Rule, '54; Robert Scott, '65 ; Ellen Scott, '68; Henry Scott, '51; Thos. Scott, '55; Mary Turnbull, '59; Mary Turnbull, '73; Allen Turnbull, '48 ; Robert Turnbull, '74; Margaret G. Turnbull, '81; George White,* '38 ; Heber Amy, '73.

*This interment was made in the timber between Spoon River Bridge and Osceola.

Andrew Oliver was president in 1885 and is still serving. James Haswell, William Jackson, and George Murray are the present trustees, with Robert Grieve, secretary.

Osceola Cemetery is the successor of the old burial ground which was located between Spoon river bridge and the village. Within it are the remains of the following old residents: Wealthy Stuart died in 1864; Mark E. Lockwood, '75 ; John Hamilton, '73; Cassandra B. Hamilton, '83; Mary J. Wever, '67; Samuel Case,'62; Virginia Wever.'61; Cathleen Wever,'60; Otis Garder, '80; George Garder, '63; Eliza P. Blake. '64; Mary J. Blake, '56; Daniel Tower, '65; Edmund Winslow,'46; Eliza P. Miller,'55; Calvin Winslow, '57; Betsy Win-slow, '58; Lewis Pratt, '69; Henry Carpenter, '71; Marvin Terpenning,'61; David Dana, '48; Rachel Dana, '61; Mary E. Dana, '59; Mary Gilfillan Varnum, '62; Phoebe A. Currier, '61; James Buswell, '52; Albert G. Buswell, '46; John Bates, '75; Hezekiah Balcomb, '79; John Sloan, '68 ; George W. Willey, '65 ; Hannah J. Blanchard, '79; Catherine Pattridge, '65; Joseph Pattridge, '73 ; Samuel Maycock, '80; Augusta Maycock, '83; W. H.; Barstow, '76 ; Mary Fowler, '58; Elias Fowler, '59; Julia Stone, '58; Mary J. Duklin, '54; Robert Conley, '66; Jonathan Huckins, '62; Abigail Rollins, '80; Sally Currier, '73; Asa Currier, '68; Wm. Douglas, '68; Margaret Gunning, '80; Ansel Gardner, '80; Morgan Wever, '62; Susanna Ballard. '65; Eleanor Bishop, '53, and Amasa Drury, '52.

Pioneer Neighbors.—The northern neighbors of the pioneers of Elmira were the first settlers of Henry county. Dr. Baker came from East St. Louis to section 16 in Colona township in 1835. A few days later came James and Thomas Glenn and Anthony Hunt, who settled near Dr. Baker. In 1836 John Kilvington settled near Kewanee, and shortly after, John F. Willard and Henry G. Little settled near Wethersfield. In 1837 Jacob Kemerling settled at Burns, William Stackhouse and James Mascall at Sugar Tree Grove, near Cambridge. During those years the Geneseo colony from New York arrived, then the Andover colony from New York City, next the Wethersfield colony from Connecticut followed by the Morristown, N. Y. colony and the La Grange (Pittsfield, Mass.) colony. The town of Oxford, in Henry county, was the financial centre of the county up to 1860. In that year the wild cat bank, called "Bank of the Mississippi Valley," existed here. After the Scotch settlement of Elmira, other immigrants of that nationality settled across the line, making the district almost distinctly Scotch—either Highland or Lowland. The Highlands, which comprise Sutherland, Ross, Inverness and Argyle shires are inhabited by a race of Celts who passed over from Ireland in the third century. In their first invasion they were repulsed by the Picts, but later assisted them against the Anglo Saxons. In 503, under King Fergus they erected a kingdom in a part of Scotland, and about the year 900 were masters of the country which was called Scotia. The crowns of England and Scotland were united in 1603, when James VI. of Scotland ascended the English throne. In 431 Pope Celestine sent St. Palladius, a Roman, to preach to the Scots, who eagerly received the faith. Calvinism was introduced under the Presbyterian form of church government, and this movement was much opposed by James VI. and his successors. In 1688 the Scots established Presbyterianism as the national religion; but all other forms of Christianity were tolerated. Pope Pius IX. reestablished the Roman Catholic church there, which, in 1861 embraced one-fourth of the population; while dissenting churches embraced fully another one-fourth. The royal tragedies ending with the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, the massacre of Glencoe, the Battle of the Clans and the reign of patriotism under William Wallace and Robert Bruce tinge her history with romance. The condition, however, of the "crofters," laborers in town and country, and of the entire third and fourth orders of the people abolishes romance in the heart of the inquirer, and fosters the wish that some day the toilers there may reap the rewards of honest labor. The Bishop Hill colony, composed exclusively of Swedish dissenters from the Lutheran, or Royal church, dates back to 1845-46. At that time Olaf Olson settled at what is known as Red Oak Grove; and was soon joined by Jonas Olson and Eric Jansen. Like almost all foreign pioneers of our prairies they were poor, and, being so, excavated large caves and in those subterranean huts lived during the first year or two of settlement. The colony subsequently erected a communial residence in which each one slept and boarded at a common expense to all. In 1853 the colony was chartered, and its affairs placed under the control of seven trustees. This was three years after the murder of Eric Jansen by John Root — the first evidence of disintegration within the colony. In 1860 the government, by trustees, fell into disrepute, and in 1871 a suit in chancery was commenced to close up the affairs of this colony as an incorporated body. Prior to this, however the Swedes became independent in thought and cast off the communal system, under which they came here and lived for some years. The grading of the American Central railroad through Stark county was in greater part, the labor of the men and women of this colony.

Schools.—The question of organizing the township for school purposes was decided January 10, 1838, when ten voters, then all in the township, assembled at Robert Moore's house and voted in favor of organization. At this time Robert Moore, Mathias Sturms, Robert Hall, Thomas Watts, M. Gr. Brace and James Buswell were elected trustees. Three years after organization there were no less than 148 pupils under twenty-one years old. In 1845 forty-nine legal voters petitioned for the sale of school lands, and a few lots were sold that year, but the section was not entirely sold until 1852. In 1856 there Were 83 pupils in District No. 1, 54 in District No. 2,160 in District No. 3, 84 in District No. 4 and 51 in District No. 5, or a total of 432 pupils. In 1858 David Currier was president and W. M. Fuller was reflected treasurer of the school board. In October, 1858, the question of dividing the township into two school districts was voted on, when 62 votes opposed the division and 10 were content, thus leaving the five old districts in existence. In 1858 Miss Emma Hall, George Currier and others taught in District No. 1, Clara Pike in No. 2 and win. Spencer in No. 3. In No. 4 Miss Harriet Rhodes taught in 1860, Henry B. Upton in District No. 3 in 1861. In March, 1862, J. W. Watts taught in District No. 1 at $20 per month. The average attendance out of 52 enrolled pupils was 38. In District No. 2 S. Fast presided over a school of 21 at $22, and Miss E. S. Lyman taught in District No. 3 at $25 — pupils enrolled, 4T. E. J Griffin received $25 per month in District No. 4, where 52 pupils were enrolled. District No. 5 was not opened. A. G. Crawford in No. 6 taught 36 pupils for $28 per month. The first regular record of the Elmira township schools is dated April 7, 1862. Andrew Oliver, John Turnbull and Charles Rood were trustees. In 1865 Laton Fuller, Alex. Murchison, Jr., and Matthew B. Parks were trustees, Andrew Oliver in 1867 and Charles Stuart in 1868. In 1870 David Currier, Thomas Oliver and Andrew Oliver were chosen. In 1871 M. B. Parks was elected trustee; in 1872 Thomas Oliver: in 1873, John T. Thornton; in 1874, Joseph Parks; in 1875, Thomas Oliver; in 1876, Laton Fuller; in 1877, Joseph Parks; in 1878, Andrew Oliver; in 1879, Laton Fuller; in 1880, Joseph Parks; in 1881, Andrew Oliver; in 1882,. Laton Fuller; in 1883, Robert Hall; in 1884, Andrew Oliver; in 1885, Laton Fuller; in 1886, George Murry. In 18S6 there were 201 males and 200 females under twenty-one years; seven ungraded schools, attended by 126 male and 117 female pupils, and presided over by five male and eight female teachers ; the former earning $1,288 and the latter $1,025. The district tax was $3,000 ; value of property, $8,000; total receipts, $6,032.74; total expenditurre, $3,936.90. W. M. Fuller served as treasurer and clerk.

Officials.—The organization of the township is noted in the organic chapter. Since that time the following supervisors have served: 1854, Myrtle G. Brace; 1855, Isaac Spencer; 1856-58. James Buswell; 1858-61, John Turnbull; 1861., James Buswell; 1862. H. H. Oliver; 1863, Charles Stuart; 1864-66, Andrew Oliver; .1866-8, Matthew B. Parks; 1868, Lewis Austin; 1869-71, Charles P. Bussell; 1871- 74, Thomas Oliver; 1874-77, Matthew B. Parks; 1877-80. H. H. Oliver; 1880-82, M. B. Parks; 1882-84. Robert Armstrong; 1884, Robert Armstrong; 1885, Wm. Jackson; 1886. Andrew Oliver.

The justices of the peace elected since 1853 are named as follows; 1853, James Buswell and W. M. Fuller; l860; Walter M. Fuller; 1860, Joseph Blanchard; 1863, M. G. Brace; 1865, James Buswell and John Turnbull; 1869, John Turnbull and H. B. Upton; 1873, H. B. Upton and John Turnbull; 1875, Seth W. Stuart; 1877, John Turnbull and M. B. Parks; 1878, David Currier: 1881, John Turnbull; 1882, Gideon Potter; 1885, John Turnbull and II. S. Scott.

In 1853, M. G. Brace was clerk. Walter M. Fuller was elected clerk in 1854-59; M. B. Parks served 1859-60; Geo. Currier; 1860-61, Wm. Fuller, 1861-86.

F M. F & L. I. Co.—The Farmers' Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company of Elmira, was incorporated September 10, 1876. The following named were the policy holders: Clinton Fuller, Wm. Murray, Horace Lyle, E. R. Boardman, $3,000 each; Martin Rist, $2,500; John Turnbull, W. P. Caverley, S. Lougmate, Sarah Bates, $2,000 each; Robert Hall, Donald McDonald, C. Stuart, M. B. Parks, John McKenzie, S. C. Fleming, and David Murray, $1,500 each ; Adam Jackson, Gideon Murray, John Weir, J. W. Fowler, Wm. Jackson, Wm. Turnbull, and James H. Newton, $1,200 ; J. H. Turnbull, Gus; Goodale, Joseph Newcomer, Carlos Lyle, and Wm. Sourky, $1,000 each; Robert Grieve, Z. Newton, $700 each; Eli Mix, $600; Geo. Hall, James Hadwell, $500; W. B. Turnbull, Thomas Hogg, $400; Thomas Wales, $300; Wm. Stevenson, $250; Wm. Stevenson, David Jackson, $200; Harrison Miner, $100. In September, 1876, Robert Grieve was elected president, John Turnbull, treasurer and James Haswell, secretary. The first directors were James Haswell, Martin Rist, Wm. Jackson, E. R. Boardman, John Turnbull, Robert Grieve, Harrison Miner, M. B. Parks, Clinton Fuller, and Wm. Stevenson. In October the following named were appointed auditors; M. B. Parks, Osceola; Harrison Miner, Goshen, and E. R. Boardman, Elmira. The president, treasurer and secretary named above have held office continuously down to the present time. On January 8, 1878, there were 97 members holding policies valued at $108,532. The directors included the president, treasurer, John Weir, W. P. Caverley, J. M. Hatch, M. B. Parks, John H. Turnbull, and Wm. Jackson. In 1879 the name was changed to "Farmers' Mutual County Insurance company." David Currier, Elmira ; B. R. Brown, W. Jersey, took the places of J. M. Hatch and Wm. Jackson. In 1880, Mort. A. Packer, of Toulon; Robert McBocock, of Penn; John Lackie, of Osceola; E. R. Boardman, Wm. Jackson and John Turnbull, of Elmira; Martin Rist and Robert Grieve, of Toulon, and John Weir of Goshen, were chosen directors. On January 1, 1880, there were 207 policies representing $217,836. The first claim against the company was that of M. B. Parks for $1,315, destroyed by fire March 12, 1880. The second fire was that of J. J. Spencer's, West Jersey, December 16, 1881, costing the company $872.15, and the third and last fire was in June, 1884, when J. G. Turnbull's house was destroyed. This cost the company $2,300. In 1881 Andrew Oliver, E. R. Boardman, R. Grieve, J. M. Hatch, M. A. Packer, James Snare, John Lackie, John Weir, John Turnbull were elected directors. In 1882 Francis J. Leggett and Harrison Miner took the places of Messrs. Snare and Lackie. In 1883 D. Murray, E. R. Boardman, John Turnbull, John Weir, Harrison Miner, H. Grieve, J. J. Spencer, M. A. Packer, E. P. Wright were directors. At the close of this year 296 policies, represented $350,274. In 1881 W. M. Fuller. J. M. Hatch, Daniel Whisker were chosen vice Messrs. Murray, Miner and Wright. In 18S5 M. B. Parks and William Nowlan, vice Messrs. Weir and Boardman. In January, 1886 Dr. E. O. Boardman, George E. Holmes, William Nowhin, T. J. Bocock, Myron R. Cox were appointed appraisers, Wm. Murray, John Turnbull, E. O. Boardman, J. M. Hatch, W. M. Fuller, K, Grieve, G. C. Holmes, W. W. Winslow, J. J. Spencer, Joseph Chase were elected directors, who in turn elected the officers of 1876. The number of policies January 1, 1886, was 290, valued at $361,252.

Elmira Grange, No. 1062, was organized February 7,1874, with the following named members: John, William, David, James M. and Cyrus Jackson; Mrs. David Jackson, Mrs. William Jackson, Mrs. James M. Jackson, Mrs. John Jackson, Mrs. James Cinnamon, Miss Emma Fleming, Mrs. Jesse Funk, Mrs. B. E. George, James and William Cinnamon, Jesse Funk, S. C. and Benjamin Fleming, Eli Mix, D. B. Pittsford, Charles, Theodore and Charles H. Vandike, Joseph Sharer, Wilmot and Zera Newton, James Turnbull, Laughlin Buchanan, James Bullard. Later the names of James Boulier, Mrs. Liza Jackson, Mrs. F. Cinnamon, Wm. Sturms, H. H. Jackson, C. S. Thompson, (died in 1877), Thomas and Mrs. Winters appear upon the records. Of the 37 persons admitted to membership, there were only 17 belonging January 1, 1880. The last entry in the record book or documents is a receipt from the State Grange secretary to Wm. Jackson, dated March 20,1880. In 1874 Wm. Jackson was elected Master and A. M. Fleming, secretary, who was succeeded by James Cinnamon. In 1876-77 David Jackson was elected master, and Wm. Jackson, secretary; in 1878 Wilmot Newton, master; in 1879, C. H. Vandike, master. During the year 1879 membership decreased.

G. A. R. Post, No. 244, of Elmira, was chartered March 11, 1867, with the following members: Orlando Brace, Robert Turnbull, John Styres, William Jackson, Frank Hudson (in Iowa), David Jackson, James Cinnamon, Asa Clark (in the East), Marshall Lecox (in Iowa), and John McLean (gone West and supposed to have died there). William Jackson was first commander, followed by Thomas Bide. Among the other members were A. M. Palmer, now of West Jersey, and Daniel J. Moon.

James Jackson Post, G. A. R., No. 37, was chartered March 6, 1876, with the following named members: William Jackson, Archibald Campbell, David Jackson, Samuel Montooth, F. L. McLennan, James Cinnamon, Theo. Vandike, Joseph Sharer, Asa Adams, John T. Thornton, Gustave Anderson, and Thomas Murray. The past commanders of this post are, Wm. Jackson, 1876-83; James Cinnamon, Samuel Montooth and David Jackson, with James Montooth present commander. The record and roster of Elmira soldiers are given very fully in the military chapter. Here, however, the record and roster of this pioneer post appear, with date of enlistment and term of service.

James Cinnamon, Ireland, June 12, 1861; 36 months; 19th Ill. Inf.

William Jackson, Scotland, June 12, 1861; 36 months; 19 Ill. Inf.

Joseph Sharer.

John Stiers, New Jersey, Jan. 1, 1862; 43 months; 2nd Ill. Art.

Chas. Sharer, Pa., June 1, 1864; 12 months; 139th Ill. Inf.; in Nebraska

Asa Adams, Maine.

Theodore Vandike, Pa.

Thomas Murray, Scotland, Feb.; 112th Ill. Inf.; in Iowa.

David Jakson, Scotland; 19th Ill. Inf.

Archibald Campbell, Scotland, Feb. 17, 1864; 26 months; 11th Ill. Vac. and 5th Cav.; in Iowa.

Gustave Andersen, Sweden; moved away.

John Q. Adams, Maine, June 12, 1861; 36 months; 19th Ill. Inf.; Minonk, Ill.

Carlos Lyle, Elmira, May 18, 1864; 100 days; 134th Ill. Inf.

George B. Gerard, New York, Oct. 26, 1861; 36 months; 14th Wis. Inf.

Seth D. Stoughton, Pa., Aug. 1862; 36 months; 93d Ill. Inf.; Bureau county.

Samuel Montooth, Pa., June 12, 1861; 36 months; 19th Ill. Inf.

James Montooth, Pa., June 12, 1861; 36 months; 19th Ill. Inf.

John C. Cumming, Ill., March, 1865; 126 days; 15th Ill. Inf.

Walter A. Fell, Scotland, Feb., 1864; 124th and 133d Ill. Inf.; Chicago.

Joseph R. Hunt, Ind., June 17, 1861; 19th Ill. Inf.; Minn.

Joseph C. Meigs, Vt., June 17, 1861; 19th Ill. Inf.

Benj. J. Whitcher, Vt., May 2, 1864; 100 days; 139th Ill. Inf.

John Whitcher, Vt., May 5, 1862; 36 months; 65th Ill. Inf.; died at Wyoming.

Artemus E. Ewers, New York, March 9, 1862; 39 months; 65th Ill. Inf. and 14th U. S. A.; died Oct. 4, 1879.

William Douglass, Scotland, June 12, 1861; 36 months; 19th Ill. Inf.; in Neb.

Norris Lyle, Illinois.

Theodore McDaniel.

B. F. Mehew; in Kansas.

Wm. H. Winn; in Nebraska.

James P. Palmer, N. Y., 1862; 12 months; 176th N. Y.; Rock Island Co.

James W. Karney, O., Feb. 12, 1862; 39 months; 65th Ill. Inf.

Edward Somers, Pa., Sept. 6, 1861; 24 months; 47th Ill. Inf.

Wm. W. Stuart, Ireland, Aug., 1861; 36 months, 47th Ill. Inf., in Neb.

Peter Risedorph, N. Y., Aug., 1861; 55 months; 42d Ill. Inf.

Leo Gulg, Germany, Aug. 1862; 36 months; 77th Ill. Inf.

Henry Grife, Pa., Aug., 1862; 36 months; 86th Ill. Inf.; in Neb.

Edward Holmes, England, Aug., 1862; 36 months; 112th Ill. Inf.

Andrew D. Neeley, N. Y., Aug. 1861; 36 months; 42d Ill. Inf.; in Bureau Co.

Lewis W. Thomas, Pa., 1861; 36 months; 33d Ill. Inf.

Edward P. Wright, Ill., 112th Ill. Inf.; in Iowa.

A. H. Loudenburgh, Pa., May, 1864; 139th Ill. Inf.

Geo. L. Talbot, Pa., March, 1864; 14 months; 19th Iowa Inf.

John A. Kunkle, Pa., Aug. 1863; 22 months; 149th Ill. Inf.

S. K. Conover (Vide history of Wyoming.)

Dr. Selden Miner, N. Y., Oct. 1, 1861; 55 months; 9th Ill. Cav.; in Kan.

Robert Freeland, O., May 1, 1864; 100 days, 139th Ill. Inf.

Lewis Osborne, O., Aug. 12, 1862; 34 months; 112th Ill. Inf.

Alfred Diefnderfer, Pa., Aug. 7, 1862; 36 months; 83rd Ill. Inf.

F. B. Hallok, Ill., Jan. 22, 1862; 36 months; 53d Ill. Inf.

Joseph W. Pask, England, June 12, 1861; 36 months; 19th Ill. Inf.

Wm. F. Horahan, O., Aug. 12, 1862; 17 months; 1st U. S. M. A.

D. J. Moon, Pa., June 12, 1861; 36 months; 19th Ill. Inf.

The adjutants were, Arch Campbell, 1879; Samuel Montooth served eight years; Wm. Jackson 1884-86; W. F. Horahan, 1886. The Elmira Horse Company was organized in April, 1858, with Charles Stuart captain, to compete for the Agricultural Society's prize.

Wm. T. Leason, of Elmira, was the only pensioner located there in 1883. He received $6 per month.

Elmira Library Association was organized January 18, 1856, at the Elmira school house. William Moffitt was secretary with Adam Oliver, president. The original members were William McBride, Andrew Oliver, William Moffitt, Adam Oliver, Thomas Oliver, Jr., M. G. Brace, Alexander Cameron, Walter M. Fuller, Henry Scott, James Nicholl, George Rutherford, Joseph Fell, John H. Turnbull, Angus McLennan, Gideon Murray, W. H. Turnbull, Jonathan Goodwell, William Oliver, Peter Ingalls, A. S. Murchison, E. R. Boardman, Matthew Bell, John Murchison, It. H. Turnbull, J. J. Turnbull, Abner J. Stearms, Laton Fuller, Robert Grieve, John Rule, Gideon Purdom, D. Murray, Gideon Murray, and Joseph Blanchard. On January 25, W. M. Fuller, Andrew Oliver, and William Moffitt were appointed a committee on constitution and by-laws, and Dr. Boardman, W. H. Turnbull, and Adam Oliver a committee on book lists. On February 8 the committees reported. At this time Alexander Pule, Adam Jackson, William Smith, and William Jackson joined the Association. Adam Oliver was elected president, William McBride, vice-president; William Moffitt, secretary; Walter M. Fuller, treasurer and librarian. Lewis Austin, William Porter, Benjamin B. Adams, and Clinton Fuller joined the society at this time. In April 1856 W. B. Turnbull was elected assistant librarian. In .April 1857 Clinton Fuller was elected treasurer and librarian. In January 1858 William McBride was chosen president, Andrew Oliver, vice-president; John Oliver, secretary, and Clinton Fuller treasurer and librarian. In 1800 Laton Fuller was elected president and secretary and librarian continued. In 1861 Laton Fuller, Gideon Murray and Clinton Fuller, president, secretary and librarian, respectively. The president and librarian were re-elected in 1863 and in 1864-71. In 1871 William Stevenson was elected secretary, vice Thomas Oliver. In 1872 the officers were re-elected, also in 1873-9. In January 1880 James Haswell was elected secretary. In 1886 Winfield Fuller was elected secretary, the other officers holding over. In 1885 the old board was re-elected and in 1886 James Haswell was chosen secretary, the other members being re-elected. The present members of the Library Association are William Murray, W. M. Fuller, Samuel C. Fleming, David Jackson, W. M. Fuller, Robert Grieve, David Murray, H. H. Oliver, James Haswell, Robert Armstrong, William Jackson, Adam Jackson, John Turnbull (Uncle Johnny), William Stevenson, Abel Armstrong, John H. Turnbull, Clinton Fuller, Alexander Murchison, Laton Fuller, George Murray, Dr. E. R. Boardman, Thomas Oliver, George Rutherford, Andrew Oliver, Orestes A. Blanchard. There are many others whose names are on the roll, but owing to dues not being paid are not counted as members. The library consists of about 500 or 600 volumes—said to be one of the best selections in the district.