1883 Combined History
CITY AND PRECINCT OF ALBION
*For much of the data of this chapter relating to the early English settlement, we are indebted to the notes prepared by George Flower, now deceased.
THE history of the early settlement and subsequent progress and
development of the town and precinct of Albion is attended with more than
ordinary interest to the reader of the history of the now great commonwealth
of Illinois. That the efforts of the founders were successful, the beautiful
landscape of well-cultivated farms, dotted here and there with richly
constructed farm buildings, amply attest on every hand.
Albion precinct is centrally situated in the county, from north to south,
and extends itself entirely across the county, from east to west, comprising
nearly one-third of its entire territory. The precinct is bounded on the
north by the base line and Shelby precinct, on the east by Bonpas creek, on
the south by French creek and Dixon precincts, and west by Wayne county and
Shelby precinct, and comprises a part of townships 1 and 2 S. and ranges 10
and 11 east. Originally it was divided between prairie and timber land, the
former interspersing the latter in a picturesque manner. The surface of the
uplands is quite rolling, and the soil is a. chocolate-colored clay loam,
and is very productive. The bottom land along Bonpas creek is heavily
timbered, the land being a deep alluvial soil, and especially adapted to the
cultivation of maize, grasses, etc. The principal streams are the Bonpas and
Big creeks. The former constitutes the entire eastern boundary, and the
latter is situated in the southwest, and discharges its waters into the
Little Wabash. Two lines of railroad extend through the precinct, the
Peoria, Decatur and Evansville passing frost north to south, and the
Louisville, Evansville and St. Louis road extending east and west, forming a
junction with the former at the town of Browns.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
Really the first white men to locate here were emigrants from the South,
about 1816; and as it is due to them that the first blow was struck toward
civilization in this once wild region, we have given them a place in the
history of this precinct; but as their stay was but transitory, the larger
portion of the early settlement narration will be devoted to the English
settlers, as it was they who mostly developed this part of the county, and
have made it one of the richest communities in the state.
Of the former class we find the names of Jeremiah Birk, Walter Anderson,
Hugh Collins, John Hunt, Rollin and Joseph Lane and William Ham. These were
located in a settlement in the west part of the precinct, a little north of
Big creek.
From the best information at this date. Mr. Birk, or Captain Birk, as he was
sometimes denominated, was the first to locate in the wilds of Albion
precinct; and we here take the liberty of quoting from Mr. George Flower's
account as given by him on his first approach of Birk's cabin: " In my
wanderings, the thought struck me of finding out Captain Birk, mentioned to
me by my old friend Sloo, of Cincinnati, as being hereabouts, the oldest
settler in these parts. Going in the direction in which I thought he lived,
I espied a trail, made by the dragging of a log. Following this, I suddenly
came to a worm fence inclosing a small field of fine corn, but could see no
dwelling. I wished to see Birk, but felt a little I diffidence in appearing
before the captain in my deshabille; for after several days' travel and two
nights' I camping out, my toilette was considerably compromised. Looking
closely, I observed between two rows of corn a narrow path; this I followed
until I came suddenly in sight of a small cabin, within twenty steps of me,
a little lower than the surrounding corn. Looking in the direction of a
voice, calling back a savage dog that had rushed out to attack me, I saw a
naked man, quietly fanning himself with a branch of a tree.
My first surprise over, finding his name was Birk, I told him who I was and
my errand, at which he did not seem well pleased. What surprised me was the
calm self-possession of the man. No surprise, no flutter, no hasty
movements. He quietly said that he had just come from mill at Princeton,
thirty miles distant, and was cooling himself a bit. His cabin, 14x12 feet,
and 7 feet high, with earth for a floor, contained a four-post bedstead;
said posts driven into the ground, were sprouting with buds, branches and
leaves. The rim of an old wire sieve, furnished with a piece of deer-skin
punctured with holes, for sifting meal, a skillet and a coffee-pot were all
the culinary apparatus for a family of seven. A small three-legged stool and
a rickety clap board table was the only furniture. An ox lay at the door and
a rifle stood against the wall. Himself and boys, when clothed, wore
buckskin; his wife and three daughters were dressed in flimsy calico,
sufficiently soiled, and not without rents." Such is part of the description
as given by Mr. Flower of the first pioneer of the precinct.
Mr. Birk moved to the "Sangamo" country about 1819. He was a genuine hunter
and backwoodsman, and could not bear the onward progress of civilization. To
use his own language, he "did not want to live where neighbors were so
plenty; that to see three neighbors within a day's ride was sufficient for
him."
The prairie, near this little improvement, is yet known as Birk's Prairie.
Walter Anderson, before mentioned, cultivated a small patch of ground in
section 30, and it is said that he planted on his place the first orchard in
the county. This was about 1817. He, like Birk, remained but a short time,
when he removed to a less civilized part of the country. Hugh Collins
settled in section 20, and in a year or two sold his improvement to John
Woods; Senior. John Hunt, of the same settlement, died here in 1820, leaving
quite a family of children. But one of his descendants, a grandson, James T.
Hunt, is now living; he resides about one mile northwest from the old farm
of his grandfather. Rollin and Joseph Lane, and William Ham moved away long
ago, none living now to tell where or whence they went.
In 1817, a new era opened to this part of the west, Morris Birkbeck and
George Flower, both well-to-do Englishmen, came to this country, the latter
in 1816, and the former one year later. They had known each other in
England, and on meeting in this country, they mutually agreed to explore the
western country together, and if possible find the new Eldorado that was
then agitating the minds of the people of the south and east. They had heard
of the beautiful prairies of the Illinois territory, and so infatuated were
they with the glowing accounts given, that they determined to see for
themselves; and if it came up to their expectation, it was their intention
to plant a colony of their own countrymen within the western wilds. They
left Richmond, Virginia, in the spring of 1817, party being composed of Mr.
Birkbeck and family, and Mr. Flower. Mr. B. was a widower, but had four
children with him, two sons and two daughters, named respectively, Bradford,
Charles, Eliza, and Prudence. There were also four others in the party, a
servant boy of Mr. Birkbeck's named James Gillard, Miss Eliza J. Andrews,
Elias P. Fordham, and Elizabeth Garton, an orphan girl adopted by Mr.
Birkbeck. Miss Andrews was well acquainted with the Birkbeck family in
England, and desired to share the adventures with them in the new world. She
afterwards became the second wife of Mr. Flower.
The journey was a long and tedious one, the distance being made by stage and
horseback. At Princeton a halt was made, and suitable quarters obtained for
the parties except those who proposed to press forward and find the goal of
their ambition. This trio was composed of Mr. Birkbeck, and his son
Bradford, and Mr. Flower. After several days' travel they came in sight of
Boltinghouse Prairie, and the emotions it brought forth when it first met
their gaze, I will give in Mr. Flower's own language. He says, "Bruised by
the brush wood and exhausted by the extreme heat, we almost despaired, when
a small cabin and a low fence greeted our eyes. A few steps more, and a
beautiful prairie suddenly opened to our view. At first, we only received
the impressions of its general beauty. With longer gaze, all its distinctive
features were revealed, lying in profound repose under the warm light of an
afternoon's summer sun. Its indented and irregular outline of wood, its
varied surface interspersed with clumps of oaks of centuries growth, its
tall grass with seed stalks from six to ten feet high, like tall and slender
reeds waving in a gentle breeze, the whole presenting a magnificence of park
scenery, complete from the hand of nature, and unrivalled by the same sort
of scenery of European art. For once, the reality came up to the picture of
imagination. Our station was in the wood, on rising ground; from it, a
descent of about a hundred yards to the valley of the prairie, about a
quarter of a mile wide, extending to the base of a majestic slope, rising
upward for a full half mile, crowned by groves of noble oaks. A little to
the left, the eye wandered up a long stretch of prairie for three miles,
into which projected hills and slopes, covered with rich grass and decorated
with compact clumps of full-grown trees, from four to eight in each clump.
From beneath the broken shade of the wood, with our arms raised above our
brows, we gazed long and steadily, drinking in the beauties of the scene
which had so long been the object of our search."
Their ideal of the vast rolling prairies of the west was fully realized and
verified, and now came their plans for action. After long and deliberate
consultation, it was decided that they should jointly put together all the
means that they could then command, and Mr. Birkbeck was to proceed at once
to Shawneetown, the general land-office, and enter as much land as possible
with his means at hand, while Mr. Flower was to hasten to England for more
money, and also to superintend and expedite the scheme of forwarding
emigrants to form the new colony. Mr. Birkbeck, it was understood, should
return to their lately bought possession, to prepare and receive the
emigrants. Both fulfilled the part they had to perform, and the English
colony became a reality. Too much cannot be said of the indomitable energy
and perseverance of these two pioneers; nay, more should be said; they were
among the foremost philanthropists of their age. They left a home of plenty,
surrounded with the comforts of life that wealth can give, and took upon
themselves the hardships, sufferings and dangers of the pioneer. Through
their efforts, many of their countrymen were provided with comfortable
homes, not having means sufficient, in their own country, to supply them.
They risked their all in this mammoth enterprise, and virtually speaking,
lost all, both of them dying comparatively poor in worldly means. Both were
strong anti-slavery men, and did much to prevent the slave system being
planted in the State of Illinois.
Mr. Birkbeck, until his death, had a large influence in matters of State of
the new formed commonwealth, having the honor of receiving the appointment
of Secretary of State under the administration of Governor Coles in 1824. He
was drowned in Fox river, near New Harmony, Indiana, in 1825. His remains
were found and buried at the same place. It is but a short time since that a
friend of the family received a letter from the Hon. E. B. Washburn, stating
that he would be responsible for a donation of five hundred dollars toward
erecting a suitable monument to Mr. Birkbeck's memory, providing his remains
could be brought to the State of his adoption, and place of his noble
efforts. It is to be hoped that the future historian may be able to record
the epitaph inscribed upon the proposed monument. After Mr. Birkbeck's death
his children scattered to the four corners of the earth, all of whom are
dead, except Eliza, wife of Gilbert T. Pell, who, at last accounts, was
residing in Australia.
Mr. Flower lived some years after Mr. Birkbeck, and aided, as well as his
crippled means would permit, to build up the little colony, being one of the
founders of the neat little city of Albion. He died at Grayville the 15th
day of January, 1862. We insert the following closing words of tribute, paid
to Mr. Flower by Dr. Barry, then librarian of the Chicago Historical
Society, and which appeared in the Chicago Tribune of March 22, 1862: "On
the morning of the 15th of January last, there lay, under the loving and sad
watch of dear friends; at Grayville, the sinking form of the aged man, whose
worth we have poorly attempted to set forth, and the partner of his long and
chequered life. But a week before they had expressed the hope, often
repeated, that, happily united in life, they might not be divided in their
death. While the rays of the morning sun were gilding the room of the fond
wife, she expired; and soon after the going down of the same day's sun,
followed, to his last and welcome rest, the spirit of George Flower." Only
three of Mr. Flower's family are living; Camillus resides a little south of
Albion; Alfred lives in Paris, Edgar county, and a daughter resides at
Grayville, Illinois.
Another pioneer of 1817, was Alan Emmerson, a native of Kentucky, who, in an
early day, emigrated to the Territory of Indiana. He was then a single man,
but subsequently, in 1810, he married Nancy Mounce, and in the summer of
1817, he moved with his family to Edwards county, and located in section 4,
township 2 south, range 10 east. There were four pioneer children, Martha,
Jesse, Sanford, and Indiana. The latter died soon after their coming, and is
said to be the first death in the precinct. Mr. Emmerson entered a quarter
section of land, erected a log cabin, and commenced the life of a pioneer.
After many privations and hard struggles, he improved a good farm and
enjoyed the fruits of his labors. Having the confidence of the people and
extended acquaintance, he was elected, several times, to fill offices of
trust by their suffrages. He was elected County Judge for a succession of
terms, filled the office of County Treasurer and Assessor, and served two
terms the State Legislature. He and his wife both died in 1876, Centennial
year. They were widely known, and their loss to the community was mourned by
a large circle of friends. Only one of the pioneer children is now living,
Jesse, who resides in Albion, and is one among three of the oldest pioneers
in the county.
Rev John Depew emigrated from the South in 1817, and located joining farms
with Mr. Emmerson. He was the first Methodist preacher in this part of the
country, and so fastidious with regard to his religious views, that upon one
occasion, when invited to eat honey that was taken from a bee tree on
Sunday, he utterly refused the sweet morsel, although very fond of it. He
remained here but a few years, moving to Marion county in 1820.
One of the oldest settlers of this part of the state was James Chism, a
native of Virginia, who came to Illinois Territory - now Wabash county - in
1813. He located at Bald Hill Prairie, near the center of the county. His
family consisted of his wife Sarah, and three children, Ellen, Elisha and
Permelia. The father and mother died more than half a century ago. Elisha is
the only one of the family living. He resides in Albion, and is one of the
oldest surviving pioneers, in either Edwards or Wabash counties.
William and John Woodland were from South Carolina, and came to the precinct
in 1817, and located about four miles west of Albion. They both went off
with the Mormons.
The heavy tide of immigration commenced in 1818. It was in this year that
Mr. Flower sent from England the first ship load of immigrants, and this was
but the precursor of what followed in the way of immigration until 1820, and
perhaps later. Among those who came at that early date, and who have
descendants yet residing in the county, are the following: Joel Churchill,
John Woods, Sr., John Tribe, Brian Walker, William Nichols, Hugh Ronalds,
John Brissenden, William Wood, William Fewkes, George Woodham, William
Harris, John Skeavington, Elias Weaver, Henry Sydney, and John Spring, Henry
Birkett, James O. Wattles, and several others. It would be impossible in
this chapter to give space to all the numerous newcomers of the years 1818,
19, 20.
Mr. Churchill, above mentioned, was one of the immigrants of 1818. At his
coming, he was a single man. He entered quite a large tract of land
southeast of Albion, where he located and remained until 1823, when he moved
to Albion. In 1824, he married Eliza Simpkins by which union eleven children
were born, nine of whom are living. Mr. Churchill led a busy and active
life. He died in the spring of 1872, in the city of Albion. Mrs. Churchill
is yet living, and is active for one of her age. Charles and James Churchill
are prominent business men in Albion. John Tribe came to the precinct in
1819, and located at Wanborough. He was then a single man, and a carpenter
by trade. Some time after coming he married Jane Stanley. A large family
were reared by them, eight of whom are now residents of the county. William
B. Tribe, a son, is the present efficient Circuit Clerk of Edwards county.
Mr. Tribe was noted for his intelligence and goodness of heart. He died at
Albion in August, 1880, his wife surviving him.
John Woods, Sr., came to Edwards county in the fall of 1819, and located in
Wanborough. His family then consisted of his wife and five children,
William, John, Jr., George, Ann, and Elizabeth. One son was born in the
county, Thomas T. Mr. Woods subsequently moved to Albion, and thence to
Shawaeetown, where he died. Two of the pioneer children are living, John,
Jr., and George. The former is a merchant in Albion, now upwards of eighty
years of age. In 1829, he married Elizabeth Penfold, daughter of Abraham
Penfold, another pioneer, who located in Wanborough, in 1819. John, Jr. held
the office of County Treasurer for about forty years. George Woods is
residing in Wisconsin, and Thomas T. is a prominent farmer in Albion
precinct. Other settlers of about the same date, were three brothers, Moses,
John, and George Michels, who were natives rf the state of Maine. The former
was elected to the State Legislature for the term of 1820-22. George, Jr., a
son of the pioneer George, is a resident of Albion.
A prominent accession to the colony in 1821, was Gen. William Pickering, a
native of Yorkshire, England. He made his first settlement in the Village
Prairie, but subsequently moved to Albion. He was the first to introduce
blooded stock from England to the new colony. In 1824, he married Martha
Flower, sister of George Flower. Mr. Pickering took a lively, interest in
all matters of State, and became a leading Whig politician. He .represented
his constituency in the State Legislature from 18J2 to 1852. He was an
intimate friend of Abraham Lincoln; on the latter's election to the
presidency, he appointed him governor of Washington Territory. He died at
his son's residence, near Albion, in 1875. Only one of the family is now
living in the county, Richard, who resides in section 2, a little west of
Albion.
A prominent settler of 1827, was Alexander Stewart, who was born in
Scotland, and a descendant of one of the old Scotch families. He landed in
New York City, in the fall of 1818. On Christmas of the same year he reached
Illinois and located in Carmi, White county. His family then with him
consisted of five sons, and his wife Mary, nee McLaughlin. Four daughters
were left in Scotland; who afterwards came to America in 1824. One of the
sons, Alexander, Jr., came to Edwards county in 1827, and located in Albion,
his family then being his wife and one daughter. He commenced the business
of blacksmithing, which occupation he followed for several years.
Subsequently he engaged in the mercantile I and pork-packing business, etc.
He was very successful in all his transactions, and retired from active life
in 1876, with a good competency. He is yet residing in: Albion with a host
of friends, who feel that their com- | munity has been largely bettered by
the industry and example of Mr. Stewart. Two sons, Charles and Ed- I win,
are extensive merchants in Albion.
George Bower, Sen., was another early settler, and came from Germany to the
United States in 1827, and in 1831 he moved to Albion. He had a family of
three children, Adam, John and Margaret. Two children were born to the
family after coming George, Jr., and Henry. Mr. Bower was a potter by
occupation, and was one of the first to establish the business in Edwards
county. He was a useful citizen in his day; both he and his wife died some
years ago. Only three of the family are now living Adam, John and George,
Junr., all of whom reside in Albion. Among other early residents of the
precinct are: F. W. Johnson, Joseph Skeavington, John Walker, Joseph
Mitchels, Mary A. Morgan, Charles Nichols, Mrs. Sarah J. Daver, nee Wells,
George, Francis, and Lucius Harris, Dr. F. B. Thompson, Dr. H. L Dixon, John
Smith, S. N. Dalby and his wife (Sarah H., nee Skeavington), George Gillard,
George Bunting, William Bowman, and others.
Believing that the lands first entered in the several townships of the
precinct will prove of interest to the present and future readers of
history, we here present them:
The following are those for the years 1816, '17, '18, within twp. 1 south,
range 10 east of 3d P. M.: Oct. 1st, 1816, Henry Houston entered the
southwest quarter of section 29. January 27th, 1817, Alexander West entered
the east half of the northeast quarter of section 31. Sept. 12th, 1817, John
Embree entered the southeast quarter of section 27. Sept. 26th, 1817,
Benjamin Clark entered the east half of the northeast quarter of section 19.
Oct. 3d, 1817, Gorum A. Worth entered the northeast quarter of section 20.
Oct. 13th, 1817, Wm. Embree entered the southwest quarter of section 27.
Same day, Edward Mitchell entered the southwest quarter of section 38. Jan.
13, 1818, James Emmerson entered the northeast quarter of section 28. April
14, 1818, Henry Houston entered the east half of the southeast quarter of
section 19. May 4, 1818, John Houston entered the west half of the northwest
quarter of section 20. July 6, 1818, Morris Birkbeck entered all of section
24. September 17, 1818, Robert Leslie entered the northwest quarter of
section 20. Same day, William Baston entered the southwest quarter of
section 32. August 16, 1818, Hugh Reynolds entered the east half of the
southeast quarter of section 29. November 12, 1818, James Green entered the
northwest quarter of section 36. Sept. 17, 1818, J. and J. Dunlap entered
all of section 30 in twp. No. 1 south, range 11 east.
The following entries are in twp. No. 2 south, range 11 east: Nov. 2, 1814,
J. G. Pattson and G. Loftis entered all of section 18. May 15, 1818, Wm.
Nichols entered all of section 6. June 13, 1818, George Nichols entered all
of section 7. The following entries are in twp. 1 south, range 14 west of
the 2d P. M.: Morris Birkbeck entered all of sections 4 and 5. Dec. 8, 1818,
Richard Flower entered the southwest quarter of section 33. The following
entries are in twp. No. 2 south, range 14 west of the 2d P. M.: May 15,
1818, J. Woods and others entered the east half of the northeast quarter of
section 6. July 25, 1818, J. Sherrington and T. Brown entered the west half
of the northwest quarter of section 7. Same day, John Brissenden entered the
southwest quarter of section 7. The following are the earliest entries made
in twp. 2 south, range 10 east: September 14, 1816, Walter Anderson entered
the northwest quarter of section 7. September 28, 1816, Robert Anderson
entered the southwest quarter of section 7. October 7, 1816, Hugh Collins
entered the southeast quarter of section 19. October 14, 1816, Sidney Spring
entered the northeast quarter of section 18. Same day, Samuel Anderson
entered the northwest quarter of section 18. October 23, Rollin Lane entered
the southeast quarter of section 18. October 24, 1816, Joseph Lane entered
the northeast quarter of section 19. October 30, 1816. John Hunt entered the
southwest quarter of section 17. November 1st, 1816, Daniel Grove entered
the east half of the northeast quarter of section 24. May 22d, 1816,
Jeremiah Birk entered the northwest quarter of section 29. October 12, 1816,
Win. Ham entered the southwest quarter of section 30. January 19, 1817,
Uriel Emmerson entered the east half of the southeast quarter of section 5.
Feb. 18, 1817, John Woodland, senior, entered the northeast quarter of
section 8. May 12th, 1817, Alan Emmerson entered the northwest quarter of
section 4.
Several other tracts were entered in 1817-'18, but are too numerous to
record.
One of the customs of those early days was the requirement of every one of
lawful age to meet at some designated point and muster once a year, or be
fined for non-attendance. The first muster was held at Boltinghouse prairie
in the spring of 1820. The rank and file not being supplied with arms,
corn-stalks and hoe-handles were substituted. To get a vivid account of
these trainings, and the consequent amusements accruing therefrom, it is
absolutely necessary to receive a description of the same, first-handed,
from the pioneer.
That the present generation may have some idea of the prices of general
merchandise, as compared with the price of produce, we here give a table of
the leading articles:
Sugar per pound 37-1/2c.
Coffee do 62-1/2
Sheeting per yard 50
Prints do 37-1/2
Nails per pound 25
Tea-cups and saucers per set 75
Plates do $1.00
All kind of produce was very low, as the following will show:
Corn per bushel 10
Pork per 100 Ibs $1.25
It is yet told of Benjamin Skinner trading 1800 Ibs. of dressed pork for a
saddle. It will be seen from the above quotations what the first settlers
were obliged to undergo in order to supply a living competency for their
families.
A DEPARTED GLORY.
The first town laid out in this precinct was by Morris Birkbeck in the month of August, 1818, and situated in township two south, range eleven east, and about two miles due west of Albion. The latter town came into existence a few months later, and they thus became rival villages. For a time Wanborough was in the ascendency, having a population of about 153 inhabitants, while Albion had but thirty. Indeed, Wanborough had become a place of considerable pioneer importance, having at the height of its glory, a stocking factory, one store, a flouring mill with two run of stones (Hine and Knight proprietors), besides other shops and industries above the average frontier town. It was laid out in five-acre lots, Mr. Birkbeck believing that every town family should have sufficient ground to raise all necessary vegetables, etc., and that it was conducive to the morals of the community that the children of neighbors should not be brought into too close contact with one another. After the county seat was established at Albion, Wanborough began to wane, and it was but a few years when all the business had been removed to Albion, so that to-day, Wanborough is only a thing of the past; nothing left to mark the spot, that this was once the site of a town named after the beloved home of Mr. Birkbeck back in old England.
ALBION.
This town was laid out by George Flower & Co., in October, 1818, and as
already stated, only about three months after Wanborough was platted. For
the details of its birth we are indebted to the notes of Mr. Flower. He
says: "As yet I had done nothing in erecting buildings for the public in
general, as there had been no time. One evening, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Ronalds,
and I think, Mr. Fordham, called at my cabin, when we discussed the measures
that should be taken to form some village or town, as a centre for those
useful arts necessary to agriculture. Every person wanted the services of a
carpenter and blacksmith. But every farmer could not build workshops at his
own door. Daylight ceased, darkness followed. We had no candles, nor any
means of making artificial light. On a pallet, mattress, or blanket, each
one took to his couch, and carried on the discussion. After much talk, we
decided that what we did do should be done in order, and with a view to the
future settlement, as well as our own present conveniences. The tract of
forest lying between Mr. Lawrence's settlement in the Village Prairie, on
its southern border, and mine at the north of the Boltinghouse Prairie, was
about three and a-half miles through. Somewhere in the centre of this tract
of woodland seemed to be the place. To the right of this spot, eastward,
lay, about a mile distant, several prairies running north and south for many
miles, and others running east and west to Bonpas creek, from three to five
miles distant. Northeast from Mr. Lawrence's cabin, prairies of every form
and size continued on indefinitely. About two miles west, and beyond
Wanborough, were numerous small and fertile prairies, extending to the
Little Wabash, from six to ten miles distant. On the south was my own
beautiful prairie. Thus the spot for our town, in a central situation, was
selected. Now for a name. We were long at a loss. At last we did what almost
all emigrants do, pitched on a name that had its association with the land
of our birth. Albion was then and there located, built, and peopled in
imagination. We dropped off, one by one, to sleep, to confirm in dreams the
wanderings of our waking fancies." It was agreed the next morning, before
separating, that they should meet on the following day as follows: Messrs.
Flower and Fordham were to leave home at a given hour the morning following,
and travel due north from Mr. Flower's dwelling, and at the same hour in the
morning, Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Ronalds were to travel south from their homes
in the Village Prairie, and that the place of meeting should be the place of
the imaginary town. The programme was carried out, and the place of meeting
was in rather an open space of woodland, and the ground level. They said,
"Here shall be the centre of the town." The spot of their meeting is now the
public square of Albion. This selected ground is situated in the northeast
portion of township two south, and range eleven east of the third principal
meridian. The surveying and platting of the town was entrusted to Mr.
Fordham. One of the company went to Shawneetown and entered one section,
which was all laid off in town lots, with a large and commodious square in
the centre. The blocks immediately around, and on the main streets, were
divided into quarter-acre lots. The blocks outside were divided into half
acres. As the distance increased from the centre, the lots increased in
size, until the outer belt of allotments comprised five and seven acres. No
additions have been made since the laying off the town. It still remains one
mile square. What is somewhat peculiar about the platting, is that not a
street in the town was given a name. By common consent of the citizens the
street north of the square is called Church street; that on the east, Park
street; on the south, Main street; and the one in the west, Depot street. No
other streets have ever received adopted names.
The first house built in the town was a double log cabin, and situated on
Main street, southeast of the square, and was constructed for a tavern. John
Pitcher was the landlord. Both have passed away long ago. The next building
was a double and single log cabin, occupied for both a dwelling and
blacksmith shop. John Penfold was the smith. In the language of Mr. Flower,
"There stood Albion, no longer a myth, but a reality, a fixed fact. A log
tavern and a blacksmith shop."
Among the first business houses was the old markethouse, situated in the
square, a little south of the courthouse. It was seventy-five feet long,
standing on a stone foundation, and covered with a shingle roof. One
division of it was fitted up for the reception of books that were donated by
the friends in England for the purpose of a nucleous to establish a library.
The room was also used for public meetings and public worship. When Albion
became the capital of the county in 1821, the first courts were held in the
market-house. The first goods were sold by George Flower, and the storehouse
was situated on the hillside, back of George Ferriman's old store. Elias P.
Fordham bought Mr. Flower's little stock of goods, and after conducting the
business for a short time he sold out to James Oliver, who conducted the
business for several years. The first postmaster was a man by the name of La
Serre, and the mail was kept in a log building just west of Frank Harris'
present dwelling. The first school was taught by Oswald Warrington, near
Edgar Brandon's residence. The first regular school was conducted by John
Love, in an old building which stood in the northeast corner of Robert
Curdling's lot. The first school-house was erected by four citizens of
Albion, on the lot where the Cumberland Presbyterian church building now
stands. The first church-house erected was in 1840. It was built by the
Christian denomination; it was constructed of brick, and is yet in a good
state of preservation. The first mill was built in 1821, and located on the
lot where James Churchill's present residence stands. It was a tread mill
run by four oxen and with no great capacity.
The growth of the town was very slow until the county seat was established
here, when it took a new impetus, and built up quite rapidly. Its present
population is about one thousand inhabitants. The precinct, according to
census of 1880, contained 3,156 inhabitants.
Incorporation - The town was organized under a general act of the State
Legislature, and the first meeting of the Town Board was held December 3d,
1860, the following named persons being the officers elect of said board:
Dr. F. B. Thompson, George Harris, George Bowman, Edgar W. Brandon and Edwin
Dickson. Dr. Thompson was chosen president of the board and George Bower ws
appointed clerk pro tern. At a subsequent meeting held December 6th, Joseph
Williams Sr., was appointed village clerk, John Bower, treasurer, and K. A.
Bowman, town constable.
Re-organization: - At a meeting of the Town Council held November 2d, 1875,
a petition was presented, signed by thirty-three legal voters of the town,
asking that the question be submitted to the legal voters of the town of
Albion, as to whether such town shall organize as a village under the act
providing for the incorporation of cities and villages, approved April 10,
1872. The proposition was carried, and the fourth Tuesday of November, 1872,
was named as the day for holding said election. The result of the vote was
as follows: For village organization, 66 votes; against organization, 29
votes. Whereupon it was decided at their next regular session, that the town
of Albion from henceforth should be duly incorporated as a village under
said act
The present officers are, William Curtis, president. Other members of the
board, John Eastham, George Baker, John Wilson, William Runcie, Lucius
Harris, and Edward Craig, clerk.
Street commissioners, John W. Brown; treasurerEdgar W. Brandon; city
marshal, Joseph Ibbotson; city attorney, J. M. Campbell.
PRESENT BUSINESS.
Anchor Mills, Steel & Harris, proprietors. This industry was established
in 1874, by Smith Bunting and Walker, and took the present firm name in
December, 1881. They are situated on the east side of Depot street, near the
Air Line depot. The building is a frame, three stories high, and a basement.
The main building is 40x50 feet in size; the engine-room is a brick one
story, 30x40 feet; a warehouse detached is 30x60 feet. The estimated value
of capital invested is $12,000- It contains four run of stone, with a
capacity of manufacturing 125 barrels daily, and gives employment to seven
men. It does both merchant and custom work, and ships mainly to New York,
Philadelphia and New Orleans. The principal brands are, "Level Best," "Gilt
Edge," "Rosette," and "Southern Belle." The mill is driven by a fifty
horse-power engine.
Albion Flouring Mills, owned and operated by Hodgson Brothers, and located
in the east part of the town, on out-lot No. 36. This mill was built in the
summer of 1857, by John Hodgson, and was the first steam flouring mill
erected in Albion. The present firm have been the proprietors since August,
1863. It is a three story frame building, and 40x53 feet on the ground. The
capital invested is about $9,000. It contains three run of burrs, with a
capacity .of grinding forty barrels of flour per day, and furnishes
employment to three men. It does both merchant and custom work, and ships
mainly to the south. The annual value of manufactured, product is about
$40,000. Power of engine, thirty horse.
Packing House of C. S. Stewart & Co. This industry was established by
Alexander Stewart in 1843. He continued the business until 1875, when it
passed wholly into the hands of his sons. The pork house is situated in the
southwestern part of town, and is 38x100 feet in siz, and two stories high,
the basement story being brick. It has the capacity of packing 3,000 hogs in
the season, and when in full operation it employs ten men. The product is
shipped mainly to Cincinnati. Other packing houses have been in operation at
Albion, but have recently gone out of business.
Wagon and Plow Factory. - This establishment is conducted by Painter &
Frankland, and is situated on Church street, north of the public square. The
business was commenced in 1868. The shops comprise the wood-working portion
of the buildings, 25x38 feet, brick, one and one-half stories; blacksmith
shop 20x80, one story, frame paint shop 20x70, two stories besides two
lumber sheds, each 60 feet in length. The annual manufacture of wagons and
plows will average about seventy of the former and six hundred of the
latter, with a value ranging from $12,000 to $15,000. Ten men are given
employment. The plow manufactured is a patent belonging to the company, and
is known as the "Stump Plow." It is sold both east and west.
Wagon and Carriage Factory, George Bower, proprietor. It is situated on the
south side of Main street, one block east of the square, and the business
was established in 1860, by the firm of Tribe & Bower. It contains two frame
buildings, the wood-shop being one and one-half stories high and 22x60 feet
in size; the blacksmith shop is about 40x50 feet. This factory turns out,
annually, about twelve buggies and twenty wagons, giving employment to four
men. Furnishes home demand and neighboring counties with carriages and
wagons.
Cooper Shop of A. Bassett is situated on the west side of Depot street, near
the Anchor Mills. The business was established by Mr. Bassett in about 1876.
The building is a frame, one story, 22x56 feet, with store room 18x50 feet.
Both loose and tight work are manufactured. Four men are employed. Value of
manufactured product per year, about $5,000.
Cigar Manufactory was established in 1875, by Frank Dalby, and came into the
hands of the present proprietor, J. C. Ferriman in November, 1882. It is
located in the Craig Block, southwest from the square. Three men are
employed, and a product of about $3,000 manufactured per annum.
Brick Yard of Bassett & Sons commenced operations as early as 1850. It is
located in the south part of town, just across from the Air Line railway.
When in operation it gives employment to twelve hands, and burns about
400,000 bricks each season. Ships largely to the southern parts of the
state.
Carding Mill, owned by Mrs. John Tribe. This mill was established by John
Tribe, at Wanborough as early as 1827. In 1836, it was moved to Albion,
where it was conducted by Mr. Tribe until his death. It is yet in running
order and located on out-lot number 88, in the west part of the town. In an
early day it did all the carding for the citizens for many miles around.
Albion Marble Works, B. F. Thrall proprietor, are situated on the south side
of Main street, two and a-half blocks west of public square. These works
were established in the spring of 1880, by Mr. Thrall. Two men are employed,
and a product of about $1,800 is turned out annually.
Besides the above the town contains a good library; a well drilled cornet
band with nineteen instruments, the members all uniformed; an excellent
school building; four good church buildings, Presbyterian, Methodist,
Episcopal, and Christian; also two Hotels. The side walks are well kept, and
numerous shade trees abound in every part of the city.
BUSINESS HOUSES, TRADES, ETC.
General Stores. - Churchill Bros., Harris Bros , C. S. S. Stewart & Co.,
John Woods, Frank M. Martin and K. A. Bowman.
Groceries, Queensware, etc. - Frank Dalby, George Baker, Edward Craig, John
Hands, Jacob Michels.
Hardware and Stoves. - Charles H. Mann, John Skeavington.
Stoves and Tinware. - George Weaver, Harry Dalby.
Druggists ad Pharmacists. - B. F. Michels, John C. Ferriman, H. F. Low.
Dry Goods. - H. Wagoner.
Clothing, Hats, Caps, etc. - N. Gross & Co.
Merchant Tailor. - S. N. Dalby.
Harness, Saddlery and Hardware. - James T. Craig & Son.
Harness and Saddlery. - H. P. Craig, Richard Curdling.
Furniture and Undertaking. - Craig Bros.
Furniture Store. - K. A. Bowman.
Undertaker. - John Bower.
Lumber Merchants. - W. H. Brown, John Smith, Eli Bunting.
Agricultural Implements. - John Skeavington, Painter & Frankland, Eli
Bunting.
Blacksmiths. - Robert Hall, W. H. Johns, T. J. Chism.
Bakeries and Restaurants. - Frank Dalby, George Baker.
Boot and Shoe Stores. - R. Curdling and Son, John Batson.
Books and Stationery. - William Runcil.
Florists. S. N. Dalby, Mrs. J. R. Jacobs.
Jeweler. - John W. Leonard.
Physicians. - F. B. Thompson, L. W. Low, H. L. Dixon, A. Low, H. Walters, J.
C. McClurkin, S. D. Low.
Grain Dealers and Shippers - Harris Bros., C. S. Stewart & Co., John
Eastham.
Meat Market - E. Chism, L. C. Bond.
Milliner. - Misses Williams.
Milliners and Dressmakers - Misses Smith and West.
Dressmakers. - Miss Miller, Miss S. Simpkins.
Livery Stables. - John Sentance, T. J. Killough.
Barber. - Samuel Payne.
Contractors and Builders. - Elias Weaver, J. C. Weaver, Hall & Tribe, John
Bower.
Masons, Bricklayers and Plasters. - William Borrell, George Horton, George
Bassett.
Stone Mason. - Hugh Denoon.
Painter and Glazier. - E. W. Brandon.
Photographers. - F. B. McConnell, J. W. Belts.
Postmaster. - J. Churchill.
Hotels. - Woods House, E. and L. Woods, proprietors; Bowman House, William
Bowman, proprietor.
Newspapers. - Albion Journal, Morris Emmerson, editor; Albion News, Walter
Colyer, editor.
SOCIETIES.
Hermitage Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No 356, was chartered the 3d of October,
1860, with eight charter members. The present membership is 56. The whole
number of names enrolled on the lodge books is 98. The lodge meets in its
hall over Churchill Bros, dry goods store. Financially it is in good
standing
Albion Lodge, No. 181, A. O. W. W., was organized and chartered April 7th,
1881, with 38 charter members; it now numbers 41. The whole number enrolled
is 48. The lodge meets in Temperance Hall the first and third Tuesday of
each month. Its finances are in excellent condition.
Albion Division, No. 157, S. of T. was chartered November 27th, 1848, with
11 charter members, eight of whom are yet living, and four of the same are
still members of the lodge. Present membership, 85; whole number enrolled,
840. The lodge meets at Division Hall every Monday evening. It is out of
debt, and sufficient means in treasury to conduct the lodge. Tradition says
that there was an organization of Masons and Odd Fellows in Albion as early
as 1819.
TOWN OF FRAZIER (BROWNS).
This town was laid off and planted by John Henderson, December 26th, 1880, and placed of record, December 28th, of the same year, and described as follows: Commencing at a stone corner in the N. E. corner of the N. W. 1/2 of sec. 4, Tp. 2 S., R. 14 W. of the 2d P. M. The town takes its name from the prairie in which it is situated - Frazier's prairie.
BUSINESS OF THE TOWN.
Tile Factory, Boren & Beloat, proprietors. It is situated two blocks east of
the depot, on the south side of the Air Line railway, and was established in
the summer of 1882. The shed of the works is 18 by 250 feet in size; the
tile mill is Penfield's patent, and has the capacity of manufacturing 8,000
feet of tile per month. The works give employment to five men. The size of
tile made is from 3 to 8 inches, and the estimated value of manufactured
product per year is $4,000. Three hundred cords of wood are consumed during
the season.
St. Charles Hotel. - Milton Westfall, proprietor.
Physician. - J. H. Harris.
Physician, Druggist, and Pharmacist. - A. W. Messick.
Groceries, Notions, and Hardware. - K. Marriott.
General Stores. - Stephens & Malone, Jennings & Mussett.
Groceries, Queensware, etc. - E. Craig.
Wagon and Repair Shop. - W. Biggers.
Grain Dealer. - K. Marriott.
Shoe Shop. - Nelson Jones.
General Blacksmith. - Charles A. Schwartz.
Dressmaker and Milliner. - Miss Mills.
Postmaster. - K. Marriott.
A coal shaft is being sunk near the town, and at this writing, a depth of
100 feet has been reached. A shallow vein of coal has already been passed
through, and the present indications are that a paying bed of coal is not
far beneath.
EDWARDS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL BOARD.
This society was organized in April, 1857, under the title of the "Edwards
County Agricultural and Industrial Society." Pursuant to the call for
organization, William Fewkes was called to the chair, and M. W. Uttley was
appointed secretary, and F. W. Johnson appointed treasurer pro tem. The
following named persons were appointed a committee to draft resolutions for
the formation of the society: John Brissenden, Wm. Fewkes, George May, F. B.
Thompson, and Joseph Skeavington. As per resolutions adopted, in order to
become a member of the society, one dollar matriculation fee was required,
besides the annual payment of the same amount. The following are the names
of the first members: Brian Walker, Sen., F. W. Johnson, F. B. Thompson,
Samuel Thompson, S. N. Dalby, Isaac Smith, Edward Colyer, Sen., Joseph
Skeavington, Wm. Fewkes, Wm. Woods, John Brissenden, George May, Brian
Walker, Jun., M. W. Uttley, Thomas Gill, Sr., John Collyer, Thomas Marriott,
Gaspard Trasset, John Skeavington, Joseph Wood, Samuel Skinner, and John
Pearce. The first officers elect were: President, John Brissenden;
Vice-President, Joseph Skeavington; Secretary, Dr. Samuel Thompson;
Treasurer, Gaspard Trasset.
The first exhibition was commenced Oct. 22d, 1857, and was held in block Z,
in the southeast part of the town. The fair was a success, as the records
show that after all liabilities had been paid, there was $103.73 remaining
in the treasury.
A special meeting of the board was called August 24, 1872, to take into
consideration a re-organization of the society, under an act of the State
Legislature, passed April 17, 1871. At this meeting it was decided to
organize under said act, and the foregoing name was accepted by the society.
The present fair ground was located in the spring of 1859, and situated in
the north part of town lots 63 and 68. The society at first purchased only
six acres, but subsequently have added 81 acres, making a commodious ground
of 14-1/2 acres, and which contains an excellent one-third mile track. The
grounds are also furnished with an amphitheatre, judges and band stand,
floral hall, agricultural hall, eating house, about forty horse stalls,
thirty-five cattle sheds, feed stable, and upwards of forty sheep and hog
pens. An excellent grove adorns the ground for the comfort of visitors,
while the privileges for water are everything that could be desired. The
society can boast of paying all premiums in full, from its first
organization to the present time
The present officers are: President, Joseph Skeavington; Vice-President,
Thomas J. Smith; Treasurer, Geo. Weaver; Secretary, Morris Emmerson; General
Supt., John Landrigan; Marshal, John Eastham; Directors, W. W. Willis, H. B.
Riggs, John J. Wick, L. C. Bond, Joseph Dixon, and Thomas Curtis.
This subject would be incomplete without the mention of an Agricultural
Society being established at Albion, by Morris Birkbeck, George Flower, and
a few others, in 1825. It is said to be the first fair held in the State.
The premiums were paid with medals and silver ware.
Extracted 03 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from A Combined History of Edwards, Lawrence, and Wabash Counties, Illinois, published in 1883, pages 203-211.
