1883 Combined History
Chapter VII - Pioneers and Early Settlers

EDWARDS COUNTY
FIRST SETTLEMENT AND EARLY SETTLERS.
Tradition relates that the first white men to penetrate the wilds of Edwards county, were three brothers by the name of Daston, as early as 1800. They were great hunters, and spent most of their time in hunting and trapping. They made little or no improvements, and all that is known of them by the pioneers who made permanent settlements, is that their cabins were left standing in sections 10 and 15, in township 15, 1 north, range 14 east, when the first permanent settlers came to the county. Prom whence they came or where they went, tradition is silent.
The first families to make a permanent settlement in the county were those of Jonathan Shelby, Thomas Carney, John Bell, Lot Sams, and Isaac Greathouse; these all made their advent here in 1815. Shelby and Carney came together with their families and located near each other in township 1 north, range 10, now Shelby precinct. They were from Tennessee, and made the long journey to Grayville with their families overland, in wagons, the only method then for traveling. They halted at Grayville, where they remained one year, when they removed to the northern part of the county, as above stated. Mr. Shelby located in the northwest quarter of section 34, where he erected a cabin and commenced the life of the pioneer in the wilds of Edwards county. He was an active and energetic man, and in a few years had under cultivation several acres of land, and was surrounded with the comforts of a good home. In 1831, he moved to section 18, on the Little Wabash, and four years later constructed a water grist mill on this stream, it being the first water-mill in Shelby precinct. He was one of the first justices of the peace in the county, which office he held for many years. He died about 1838.
Mr. Carney also located in section 34, and subsequently became one of the leading farmers of the times. He had the confidence of the people, and in 1832, he was elected to the county commissioners' court, which position he held until 1838. Mr. Carney was always a public-spirited man, and to him belongs the honor of constructing the first mill in his neighborhood. This was in 1832. The mill was propelled by horse-power, but it answered the wants of his neighbors. About 1844 he moved with his family to the State of Missouri, where he died a few years ago.
John Bell was of German descent, but was born in South Carolina. In an early day he moved to Kentucky, and from thence to Tennessee. From this State he enlisted in the war of 1812, where he served about one year; and in 1815 he moved with his family to Illinois and settled in section 27, township 1 north, range 10 east, where he resided until his death. He was a plain, unassuming man, and a good neighbor. One son, H. C. Bell, resides in section 10.
Lot Sams was a native of North Carolina, but had been a resident of Kentucky and Tennessee. He came with his family to Illinois in 1815, and located in section 35, township 1 north, range 10 east. His mode of travel to this State was by pack horses; upon these he made the whole distance with his little family. In 1821 he located in section 25, where he died in the fall of 1863. At his death he had accumulated considerable property, and the little hamlet of Samsville, in Shelby precinct, has the honor of bearing his name.
Isaac Greathouse came from Kentucky in 1815, and with his family, located in this part of Illinois, where he followed the pursuit of farming for a short time; but the Indian depredations drove him into one of the forts. Being tired of the Indian warfare on the frontier he returned to his native State, where he remained several years. Again, in 1821, he moved to Illinois and settled permanently in the S. W. 1/4 of the N. W. 1/4 of section 13, Salem precinct. He was a plain farmer, never aspiring to office of public trust. He died at the old homestead. Enoch, the eldest of the pioneer children, is a wealthy farmer residing in section 18, township 1 north, range 11 east. Francis, another son, lives in section 13. The father of Isaac was one, if not the first English settler in this part of the State, west of the Wabash river, a sketch of whom will be found in the chapter of Mt. Carmel precinct, and pioneer history of Wabash county.
In 1816 a settlement was formed in the southwest part of the county on or near Big Creek, the first of whom was "Captain" Jeremiah Birk, who came from one of the Southern States, and located in the edge of Big creek timber, where he erected a small cabin and cleared a patch of land on which he raised a meager crop of corn sufficient for the wants of his family. His cabin was erected just in the margin of the timber overlooking quite a prairie belt, which subsequently received the name of Birk's Prairie. His family consisted of his wife, four sons and three daughters, and their mode of living was of the most primitive character. Their cabin contained but one room, which served the purpose of kitchen, eating and sleeping room. The family remained here but, about three years, or until about the time of the English colony settlement, as Mr. Birk was of the pure type of the backwoodsman and could not tolerate civilization. To use his own language as related by one of the pioneers, "He did not wish to live where neighbors were so plenty; that to see three neighbors within a day's ride was sufficient for him."
Walter Anderson, who came about the same time, located in section 30, township 2 south, range ten east. He had the honor of planting the first orchard in the county, on his little clearing, in 1817. He remained but a few years, when' he moved to some other portion of the State. John Hunt located in the same settlement and remained here until his death; but one of his descendants is now living in the county, a grandson, James T., who resides about a mile from his grandfather's old home. Others who lived in this settlement were, Hugh Collins, Rollin and Joseph Lane, and William Ham. They were all natives of some of the Southern States, and remained only a few years after coming.
In the fall of 1816, quite a sensation was created among the few settlers of this part of the country, caused by the killing and mutilating of the body of one Joseph Boltinghouse. He was a single man, the family then residing in White county. In the fall, Joseph drove to the Big creek timber, quite a quantity of hogs to feed and fatten from the mast, then so plenty in this part of the county. He built him a camp, a little south of the creek, on what is now the Churchill land. While here a band of Shawnee Indians prowling through the country espied his camp, and finding that he was alone, took him by surprise, and murdered him upon the spot. When found his body was lying close to his camp in a mutilated condition, and his head, which had been severed from the trunk, was suspended upon a pole near by. Tradition relates that the murderers suffered dearly for the crime. They were captured near the Wabash river, stones were lashed to their bodies and they were sunk in the river. The following spring, James and Daniel, brothers of the above, moved to the county from Gallatin, now White county, and located in section 26, township 2 south, range 10 east, a little south of Big creek, in the edge of the timber, overlooking the prairie that subsequently took their name. Daniel was a man of family, and his brother James resided with him. They cleared and improved a good farm, and became prominent citizens of the county. In about 1837, they all moved to the State of Arkansas.
Thomas Riley, a native of Ireland, settled near the Boltinghouse's, the same year, 1817. Mr. Riley was then a single man, but subsequently married Sarah Morris, a daughter of one of the pioneers. He improved a good farm, where he resided until his death, which occurred about 1852. His father-in-law, Isaac Morris, came from the south and settled in section 5, township 3 south, range 10 east, in the same year as the above. He had a large family, and was a genuine backwoodsman. He spent the most of his time in hunting, and was noted for his exaggerated tales and hair-breadth escapes while in the woods. He remained in the county until his death, which occurred many years ago. His children are scattered to the many points of the West, none of his descendants being now residents of this part of the county.
Another pioneer of 1817, was Clem Martin, who located in section 33, township 2 south, range 14 west. He came from the southern States, partaking of the spirit of emigration to the new Eldorado, then so popular with the poorer class of the south and southwest. Mr. Martin was what would be termed to-day, a man of eccentric for peculiar ways. He was outspoken and fearless in character, somewhat rough and uncouth in manners, and thus made enemies when he might have had friends. For some reason the family stood in rather bad odor in the new settlement; this was undoubtedly due to the wild, unpleasant ways of his children. He died in the county many years ago. It is said that some of his descendants are living in White county.
About this time, in 1817, a new era dawned upon the settlements made in what is now Edwards county. Morris Birkbeck and George Flower, both well-to do Englishmen, made a tour of the west in search of the "beautiful prairies" they had heard and read about, in the new world, with the view of establishing a colony of their countrymen within the same, should the reports given meet their expectations. Mr. Flower crossed the Atlantic, landing on American shores in the spring of 1816. He spent one year in making inquiries and becoming acquainted with the people, country and institutions of our republic. One year later Mr. Birkbeck and family came to the United States, and in company with Mr. Flower, they made a tour of the west. The country pleased them, and it was agreed between Mr. Flower and Mr. Birkbeck that the former should return to England and induce immigration to their chosen spot, Edwards county, while the latter was to attend to procuring the necessary lands, and otherwise to prepare for the reception of their countrymen. Of the first emigrants their names, time, and manner of coming, we quote from the account as given by Mr. Flower in his history of the English settlements in Edwards county. He says, "Early in March, 1818, the ship Achilles sailed from Bristol with the first party of emigrants, destined for our settlements in Illinois. Mr. Charles Trimmer, of Yeatly, Surrey, a young farmer, and a neighbor and acquaintance of Mr. Birkbeck, with forty-four men and one married woman, sailed in this ship. The men were chiefly farm laborers and mechanics from Surrey. Many of them had for years worked for Mr. Birkbeck, others were from his neighborhood, and were personally acquainted or knew him by reputation. This party was under the special care and leadership of Mr. Trimmer. About an equal number, composed of London mechanics and tradesmen from various parts of England, formed, another party that sailed in the same ship. These were under the guidance and direction of Mr. James Lawrence, merchant tailor, of Hatton Garden, London. Mr. Lawrence being a man of property, a resident of the city, and well acquainted with the usages at the docks, custom-house, shipping, etc., became actually the head of the whole party." Another prominent party in this ship's company was Mr. Hugh Ranalds, from Hammersmith, near London. He was then a single man, but subsequently married Mary C. Flower, a sister of George Flower.
According to the account given by Mr. Flower, the emigrants landed at Philadelphia early in June, 1818. They made their way to Edwards county overland, some in wagons, others on horseback over the mountains to Pittsburg, then descended the Ohio river in flat boats to Shawneetown, and from thence on foot, in wagons or on horseback, to Mr. Birkbeck's cabin, situated on Boltinghouse prairie, the place being subsequently named Wanborough, after Mr. Birkbeck's old home in England. He had received notice of their coming and had made the best preparation possible for their reception. A square of rough log houses had been erected, each cabin being supplied with two doors with a small sash window in each door. This hamlet was subsequently denominated "The Barracks," and was open to all new-comers. It was here that the first ship's company - eighty-eight in number - were accommodated, all men, excepting three women. Mr. Flower, in his reminiscences, says of this novel state of affairs in the new found land, "I must leave to imagination the various feelings of its motley inmates, some of whom were used to the refinements of civilized life; all to the comforts of a home however humble; some without money, and all for a time, without occupation; without vegetables; corn bread and salt pork their only diet; whisky their sole luxury and consolation, and some not able to get that. It was for a time a fermenting mass. Strange and conflicting emotions exhibited themselves in ludicrous succession. Some laughed and joked, some moped and sulked, while others cursed the fates that brought them there. All things worked out right in time. The activity and energy of the national character soon displayed itself, and all became fairly satisfied with the condition of things."
Mr. Birkbeck had laid out the town of Wanborough in five-acre lots, and on these were built cabins, rented by some, and bought by others as the means of the immigrants would permit. In a short time an ox mill was erected for grinding their corn, and the necessary blacksmith shop was added to the village. This formed the nucleus of the new-founded colony.
In April, 1819, another ship-load of emigrants swelled the numbers of the already prosperous little community. Of this accession Mr. Flower says, "My own immediate family and friends occupied the cabin, and my domestic servants and other emigrants going out to join us, filled the steerage; my live stock of cows, hogs and sheep from the choicest breeds of England, took all the spare room on deck." Among those who came in this ship were, Mr. and Mrs. Flower, parents of George Flower . the latter's two sisters, his brother William, a mere lad, his two sons, Miss Fordham and the servants of Mr. Flower. These constituted the immediate family party of Mr. F. Prominent among others seeking the promised land were Francis Rotch and brother, friends and acquaintances of Mr. Birkbeck; an elderly gentleman of means, Mr. Filder; Dr. C. Pugsley and family; Adam Corrie; John Wood, then a single man; John Ingle and family; David Bennett and family; Mr. White and family; a carpenter and builder from London, and Captain Stone and family. These, with some others, formed an emigrant party of upwards of sixty, who were bound for the ''prairies" of Illinois.
On arrival upon American shores, they divided into parties preparatory for their long and tedious journey to the wilds of the west. Their manner of traveling was similar to those who had preceded them one year before. Mr. Fordham, under the instructions of Mr. Birkbeck, had in the meantime been busy in preparing for the reception of the new emigrants. He had made frequent excursions into the prairies to assist in the preparatory arrangements, as well as making more distant journeys to Cincinnati and Louisville, for many articles needed by the settlers, which he loaded upon flat boats and sent down the Ohio river to be conveyed to the new settlement. The emigrants, for a time, were obliged to occupy the log cabins of the hollow square of Wanborough, until other and better arrangements could be made. The increase of population far exceeded the privilege of comfortably receiving them, though all was done that could be for their comfort and convenience. It must be remembered that this part of the country was in a state of nature, and that buildings and improvements could not be made with the facilities they are to-day. Mr. Fordham had also built two cabins on the land of Mr. Flower, and it was at one of these cabins that Mr. F. deposited his family after the long and tedious trip from the seaboard. We here give the language of Mr. Flower relating to his arrival at his new-found home. He says, "I entered the prairie with my carriage at the same spot from which we had, one year before, first seen it. The prairie grass completely enveloped my horses, and they labriously dragged the heavy-laden vehicle. The cabin built for me hove in sight, which was to be our home in the new found land. It was well sheltered by wood from the north and east, with an arm of the prairie lying south in a gently descending slope for a quarter of a mile, and was as pretty a situation as one could desire. The cabin, however, could boast of no comforts. It contained a clap-board roof, held down by weight-poles, a rough puncheon floor, and had neither door nor windows. Two door-ways were cut out, and the rough logs were scutched down inside. All the chips and ends of logs left by the backwoods' builders lay strewn upon the floor. We were now face to face with the privations and difficulties of a first settlement in the wilderness." From Mr. Flower's statement it seems that one of their greatest privations was the lack of good water. A well had been sunk on his land, but it was a quarter of a mile away. He further says that, "The floor of their cabin being cleared, a fire was kindled in a hole where a hearth was to be. One of us had a half mile trip for water. Then for the first time we knew the blessing of an iron tea kettle. Our first meal was spread upon the floor from such provisions as the carriage afforded, cheese, crackers, tea, etc. The tea we drank alternately from one or two tin cups. Some sitting, some kneeling, some stretched at length, resting on an elbow upon the floor ancient fashion, was the way we took our first meal. But then I was in my own house, on my own land, in a free and independent republic, and could cast my vote into a hollow tree for coon or 'possum to be president of the United States if I so desired." It will thus be seen what privations and discomforts the pioneers underwent, although some of them at the time of their settlement were accustomed to all the comforts of life that wealth could give. Mr. Flower and Mr. Birkbeck both were representative men in England, and each commanded quite a fortune when they landed in this county. Whether their philanthropic efforts have been fully appreciated, the present generation of Albion and vicinity must answer. The former lived to see the "prairies" and surrounding country largely populated with prosperous farmers of his own countrymen. The little colony which he had been accessory in planting, had become among the most prosperous and independent of the great prairie State. After seeing and enjoying the results of his patriotic efforts, he passed the portals of this life at the city of Grayville, January 15th, 1862. For some reasons, his and Mr. Birkbeck's relations in social or business matters were not altogether agreeable, but that is a personal matter and belongs to no part of history. Mr. Birkbeck during his life time looked well and took good care of the interests of his countrymen, who had virtually placed themselves and families under his care and advisement. Wanborough, for a time, grew and prospered as a town. Albion springing up and getting the precedent as a county seat, in 1821, was a death blow upon the little town of Wanborough, the parent town within the present limits of Edwards county. Mr. Birkbeck became one of the leading men of the State, and it is said that through his efforts, and a few others, Illinois never has had the stain of slavery placed upon its escutcheon. From his sound judgment and clear ideas with regard to governmental affairs, Governor Cole saw fit to choose him as his Secretary of State in 1824. This office he held but a short time, when he returned to his little colony. It was only about a year following that he met with a sudden and tragic death, the circumstances of which are so well and vividly portrayed in a journal of that day, that we copy the same for the readers of this history: "On June 4th, 1825, Mr. Birkbeck went to Harmony, Indiana, taking a packet of letters for us to Mr. Robert Owen, who being on the eve of departure to England, had kindly promised to deliver them. On Mr. Birkbeck's return occurred the melancholy circumstances of his death. In attempting to cross Fox river, with his son Bradford, they found the "flat" on which they expected to be carried over, had been taken away. They, therefore, entered the stream with their horses with the intention of swimming the river. Bradford's horse plunged and threw him into the seething water. Being a good swimmer, he, although encumbered with an overcoat, besides being weak from a recent illness, had nearly reached the opposite shore, when he heard his father's voice calling for assistance; and turning himself around he saw him struggling in the middle of the stream, and returned to him. Upon reaching him his father caught hold of him, and they both sank together. Upon coming to the surface, Bradford desired his father to take hold of his coat in another place, which he did, and again they both sank. At this time only Bradford arose; he finally reached the bank in safety, but he left his father beneath the waves. After some time his cries brought a person to his assistance who endeavored to recover the body of his father. It was all in vain, and it was not until the following day that the body was recovered from the angry waters. When found his umbrella was grasped in his right hand, the position he held it when he went down. His body was taken to New Harmony, and there interred with every mark of respect that the living could give. So passed away the soul of one who had labored, faithfully, many years of his life, to benefit his fellow-man."
A prominent pioneer of 1817, was Alan Emmerson, who was born in Kentucky. When a young man he emigrated to Indiana, where he married. On coming to this State he located in section 4, township 2 south, range 10 east. His family then consisted of his wife and four children. He built a snug little cabin on the quarter section of land he had entered, and here commenced the hard labors of the pioneer. In a short time he was elected justice of the peace, being among the first to hold that honorable position in what is now Edwards county. He served several terms upon the board of County Commissioners, and for several years was the presiding Judge of the county court. He was also elected County Treasurer and Assessor, and was one term in the State Legislature. In fact for many years prior to his death, he was almost constantly serving the people in some public capacity. He lived to a good old age, he and his wife both passing away in 1876, Centennial year. But one of the family is now living, Jesse, who resides in Albion, and is among the wealthy and influential citizens of the town.
Rev. John Depew came in the same year as Mr. Emmerson. He was an immigrant from the South, and on arriving in the county he located on land adjoining Mr. Emmerson. He was a zealous Methodist divine, and the first of that persuasion in this part of the country. It is remarked of him that he was a good neighbor, an honest and conscientious man, and practiced what he preached. Being at a neighbor's house one day, and asked to take dinner with the family, he refused one of the delicacies of the early times - wild honey, - as he had learned in the mean time that the Sabbath had been desecrated in felling the bee-tree. He remained here but a few years, when he moved to Marion county.
In 1818, three months after Wanborough was established, Albion was founded. Mr. Flower, in his reminiscences says, that the emigrants were continually flowing in, and it became necessary to furnish them with suitable and comfortable quarters. They would first visit Mr. Birkbeck, who had but small accommodations, and would then call upon Mr. Flower, who at the time, was less prepared to receive them than Mr. Birkbeck. At this stage, says Mr. Flower, "we were experiencing the many inconveniences of a population in the wilderness, in advance of necessary food and shelter. Do as you will, if you are the very first in the wilderness, there are many inconveniences, privations, hardships, and sufferings that cannot be avoided. My own family, one day, were so closely run for provisions, that a dish of tender buds and shoots of the hazle-brush was our only resort."
Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Trimmer, who led the first ship's company, made their settlement in Village Prairie, so called from the Piankashaw Indians, who had formerly located there. Other emigrants kept coming in, some on foot, some on horseback, and some in wagons. Some sought employment and accepted of such labor as they could find. Others struck out on their own responsibility and made small beginnings for themselves, while others dropped back into the towns and settlement in Indiana. At this time Mr. Flower had been unable to prepare for the reception of the emigrants, his whole time having been occupied in making his own family comfortable. One evening, after he had completed his surroundings for the comfort of his family, Messrs. Lawrence, Ronalds, and Fordham called at the cabin of Mr. Flower. The question of making suitable preparation for the incoming tide of emigration was discussed, and measures were to be adopted for the laying out and building a town, as a center for the useful arts, and conveniences necessary for a prosperous agricultural district. The subject was considered in all its various bearings, and there in the darkness of Mr. F's. cabin (they were then not even supplied with a candle) the village of Albion was located, built and peopled, in imagination. But one day was suffered to elapse between the decision and execution of what had been purposed. The gentlemen, before mentioned, had remained over night with Mr. Flower, and it was decided in the morning that Messrs. Fordham and Flower should start north from the latter's dwelling, while Lawrence and Ronalds were to go south from Village Prairie, at a given hour on the following morning, and at their place of meeting should be the future town. Mr. Flower says: "We met the next day in the woods, according to appointment. The spot seemed suitable, the woods being rather open and the ground level." With one accord, it was decided that the spot upon which they then stood should be the center of the town. They were then standing upon the ground now enclosed in the public square. It was thus that the town of Albion was born. The first building was a double log cabin, utilized for a "tavern," and was built by John Pitcher, who, with his family, constituted a portion of the first emigrants in 1818. Among these emigrants were Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Penfold, all excellent mechanics. The second buildings in the town were a house and blacksmith shop for the family and use of Jacob Penfold, who was the first blacksmith of Albion. These families have all passed away long ago; one, a daughter of Abraham Penfold, is yet living in Albion, the wife of "Uncle Johnny Woods." She has lost her eyesight, but is active for one of her age.
Another of the emigrants, of 1818, was Joel Churchhill, an intelligent and educated young man from London. He entered quite a large tract of land about five miles south of Albion, now Dixon precinct, built a log house, and commenced the life of a pioneer in the timber of Big creek. In 1824 he married Eliza Simpkins, from which union eleven children were born. Being of a business turn of mind, Mr. Churchill removed to Albion, and engaged in the commercial business. Here he erected a brick store-room, and built a stone dwelling. By good business tact he had, in a few years, increased his mercantile affairs to considerable proportions, besides establishing a large manufactory for pressing and shipping castor oil. He died at Albion in 1872, having led a busy and prosperous life. His widow and two sons are prominent citizens of Albion. One of his sons, Charles, has had the honor of representing the district in the State Legislature.
John Tribe came from England one year later than Mr. Churchill. He was then a single man, and first located at Wanborough. He subsequently married, and reared a large family. In later years he moved to Albion, where he carried on the business of wool-carding until his death, which occurred in the summer of 1880. Mr. Flower, in his memoirs, says of him: "He has not made that accumulation of property that many men have, that came with as little as he, but this is probably because he has not given himself up to the one idea of acquisition and accumulation. As he has labored moderately through life, he has always reserved a little time for observation, reflection, and reading. His house is small, his living plain and simple. He reserves a small room for himself, where he receives any friends who may call. On his table are placed writing materials, books, periodicals and newspapers. In his garden are a few of the choicest flowers, that would grace the grounds of Buckingham palace. Is not a New York millionaire poor, compared to Mr. Tribe?" That he was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and reading, is fully attested by the evidences given by the citizens of Albion of to-day. Many a time has the writer in interviewing the old citizens of the town for information for this volume, heard them exclaim: "How unfortunate that this book had not been written a little earlier, before the death of 'Uncle Johny Tribe;' he was a perfect walking encyclopedia, and could have told you all about it." Mrs. Tribe is yet living in Albion, and eight of the children are residents of the county; one son, William B., is the present Circuit Clerk of Edwards county.
John Woods, Sr., of Surrey, England, came in the fall of the same year as the above. He was a man of family, having a wife and five children. He settled at Wanborough, where he remained for several years, when he moved to Albion, and thence to Shawneetown, where he died. One son, John Jr., is a merchant in Albion, and one of the oldest surviving settlers in the county. For nearly forty years he served as County Treasurer and Assessor, and is yet active for one of his years.
As previously stated, Richard Flower and his wife, father and mother, of George Flower, came from England, with the latter in 1818. They stayed one year at Lexington, Kentucky, and the following spring moved to Albion. Mr. Flower was what would be called wealthy in those days, being worth between one and two hundred thousand dollars. He built a mansion much after the style and architecture of the farm-houses in England. Thirty acres of woodland were preserved in connection with the house, the under-brush was cleared away and the entire ground sowed with blue grass. This gave the grounds an appearance of a beautiful and commodious park. Hence, it received the name "Park House." Mr. Flower, in speaking of it, says: "Old Park House, near Albion, will long be remembered by old settlers and distant visitors for its social reunions and open-handed hospitalities. Here the family party of children and grandchildren met at dinner on Sundays. An English plum pudding was a standing dish that had graced my father's dinner table from time immemorial. Here all friends and neighbors, that had any musical tastes or talent, met once a fortnight for practice and social enjoyment. Strangers and visitors to the settlement received a hearty welcome. It may be truly said that, for thirty years, 'Old Park House' was never without its visitors from every country in Europe, and every State in the Union."
The following is a short sketch of some of the settlers in Albion and Wanborough, as given by Mr. Flower:
Brian Walker and his friend William Nichols, from Yorkshire, came to Philadelphia in 1817, and to the settlement, at Albion, in 1818. Mr. Walker, when he landed at Philadelphia, had but one guinea in his pocket. How much there was left of that guinea when he arrived in Illinois, there is no record. He and his friend Nichols settled on land side by side, situated on the skirts of a prairie, one mile east of Albion. They worked hard, opened land, built their houses, married, reared large families and became possessed of abundance. They, with most of the other early settlers, have passed away.
William Wood of Wormswold, Leicestershire, a small farmer, with his wife and one son, Joseph, left England for the prairies of Illinois in the spring of 1819. Accompanying him were two young men, John Brissenden of Kent, and William Tewks, from Leicestershire; also Miss Mea, - afterward Mrs. Brissenden, - and Joseph Butler and family, from Kent. The party kept together, and came the usual route from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, and descended the Ohio in an ark. When near their journey's end Mrs. Wood was taken ill, and on reaching the mouth of the Wabash, died. On a point of land at the junction of the Ohio and Wabash, on the Illinois side, far from any settlement or habitation, her grave was made between two trees, on which her name and age were carved, and thus were her remains left alone in the wilds of a new country. Who can image a more melancholy situation for an old man, left virtually alone, just at the end of his toilsome and weary journey, to lose his life-long partner, just as the promised land they had so much doted on, was heaving in sight? Mr. Wood being a man of great vigor and good sense did not yield to discouragement as many might have done. After reaching his destination, Albion, he soon opened a good farm, planted an orchard, and lived for several years enjoying the fruits of his labors. His son Joseph, in after years, became one of the wealthiest and most thrifty farmers in the county.
John Brissenden, after working for a time, and having acquired a little money, settled on a tract of land by the side of his old friend Wood. His was the usual way to competency of the early settlers. He cleared his farm, married, reared a large family, and in time built a fine house, besides having an interest in a mercantile house in Maysville, Clay county. He died some years ago, leaving a good property to his heirs.
William Tewk's career was simply a repetition of Mr. Brissenden's. For a time he was a carrier between Albion and Evansville, Indiana. He acted in the capacity of itinerant commission man between both places, making the purchases which his wagon brought home. He drove one of the wagons himself, and met with an accident, which proved fatal, about twenty years ago.
John Skeavington from Nottinghamshire, England, came in the same year and located on the prairie near Mr. Brissenden, and cultivated a good farm. Like his neighbors, he commenced with but little if any means, but before, his death, had amassed a good competency. Several of his descendants are good and respectable citizens of Edwards county.
William Harris, also from England, came with the migrants of 1819. For many years he followed teaming with an ox team. Mr. Flower says of him: "William Harris' team was a sort of institution in the county for many years. I would charter Billy Harris' wagon for a long journey across the prairie. It was strong, large, well covered, and, when well fitted up with bedding and provender, was comfortable enough. Myself and family have taken many long and pleasant journeys in it. It was the best conveyance for our rough county at that day - no hill too steep, no bog too deep for Mr. Harris' strong ox-team. Not railroad-like, but more independent, and in some respects, more comfortable." In later years Mr. Harris located on a farm near Albion, where he resided in peace and plenty.
Samuel Prichard, who sailed in the Columbia in the spring of 1819, had a family consisting of his wife, four sons and four daughters. He belonged to the society of Friends, possessed a good property, was liberal minded, and well educated. He was an acquaintance of Mr. Birkbeck's in England, and on coming to the county he located near Wanborough, on the road leading to Albion. He contracted a fever soon after coming, and lived but a short time. His descendants are yet living here.
William Clark and family came about the same time as Mr. Prichard. Mr. Clark also belonged to the society of Friends, and was a valuable acquisition to the colony. He settled on one of the little prairies lying between Albion and the Little Wabash, and it was owing to his capital and enterprise that the first wind-mill was constructed in the county. Three other parties came at the time of Mr. Clark, David and George Kearsum, and a Mr. Sampson, none of whom are now living - at least none are residents of the county.
Another early settler was William Hall, from Surrey. He had a large family, and located on the prairies west of Wanborough, where he improved a good farm. Mr. Hall was a well educated man, a close observer and one of more than ordinary intelligence. He kept a record of all important passing events, and it is to his journal and notes that Mr. Flower acknowledges indebtedness for many points obtained in the furtherance of his history of the English settlements. We here insert a letter written by Mr. Hall to a friend in England relating to the sad death of one of his boys while engaged in hunting wild turkeys. He says: "Preserve this letter, dear John, as a monument of the instability of all human felicity. The very dav I wrote it, on the fatal morning of the 24th of April, 1822, I heard the sound of my two sons passing through the porch, into which my bed-room opens. One of them I knew by his light step and cheerful voice, to be my beloved Ned, the other was unfortunate Robert. About half an hour after, I heard the report of a rifle in the woods. I lay about a quarter of an hour longer, until it was light enough to dress. When I went out of the door it was just five o'clock. Upon going to the back of the house, where I heard most unearthly cries of distress, I saw poor Robert rolling on the ground and writhing in the utmost agony. I immediately concluded he was dreadfully wounded, and it was some time before he could speak. He exclaimed, Oh, father, I have killed Ned, and I wish I was dead myself! I uttered an in voluntary exclamation, and sank down myself upon him. The noise brought out his mother, and the scene which followed cannot be described. Two of the neighbors, aroused by Robert's cries, assisted me in conveying him and his mother and laying them upon the bed. I went with them in search of the body, which was not found for some time. At length it was brought in, and buried in a spot which my poor boy had selected for his garden. It seems they had sighted a turkey, when Robert dispatched his brother one way, and lay down himself behind a log, to endeavor to call up the bird within gun shot, with his turkey-call. After a little while, he heard a rustling but a few yards away, and soon afterward saw what he concluded to be the turkey. He took aim, fired, and leaped up, shouting for Ned, and ran in triumph to pick up his game. Think of his feelings, when he found it to be the corpse of his brother weltering in his own blood."
Mr. Hall died many years ago, and the family have moved to other scenes. One daughter, widow of Walter L. Mayo, it is said is now a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas.
The first English settlers in Village Prairie, were John Brenchly and wife, and John Lewis and family. In speaking of them Mr. Flower says: "Mr. Brenchly had been a distiller in the old country; not a man of country habits, or possessed of much capital. Mr. Lewis was a man of excellent education, but with small pecuniary means. These were both difficult cases for a new settlement. In a few months they both left their quarter sections in the prairie. For a year or two, Mr. Brenchly lived chiefly by his labors as accountant, etc., and finally moved to Philadelphia. Mr. Lewis remained longer, and for a time, rented the first brick tavern in Albion, built by Richard Flower, Senior. The family subsequently moved to Cincinnati.
"Speaking of the Lewis's," says Mr. Flower, "reminds me of an accident that nearly proved fatal to one of the family. I had dismounted from my horse, and hitched him by the bridle to the handle of the well-windlass, that was situated near the kitchen door at the Park House, and had run over to my cabins about seventy yards distant. Soon afterward a servant came running in haste, exclaiming that Mary Lewis had fallen into the well. The child, about twelve years of age, had been standing on the well-top; the horse became suddenly frightened and pulled the windlass and curbing from the well, and the child had dropped in. The well was about forty feet deep and contained ten feet of water." Assisted by two or three parties at hand, the little girl was rescued from her perilous situation, though pretty well exhausted through fright and drowning. This well has a further history connected with it. It was of large diameter, the sides and bottom being of smooth sandstone. At the sinking of it, the digger, William Truscott, had nearly completed his work, and was engaged in sweeping at the bottom of the well, just preparatory to coming to the surface. Suddenly a dreadful hubbub was heard in its vicinity the mingled voices of a man and beast in agony of distress came forth and attracted every one within hearing to the spot. The cause was at once apparent. A large, fat hog had strayed to the mouth of the well, and had slipped his hind feet over, and was struggling with might and main to recover himself. While in this position, squealing for aid, the man below looked up in terror and loudly roared for help. Seeing that the hog was gradually losing his hold, he flattened himself against the stone sides and waited the dread results. Down went the animal to his instant death; for a moment all was silent. Shouts from the top were given, asking if the digger was hurt? A faint voice said, "Oh, yes, do haul me up." The man was brought to the surface, nearly dead with fright. The hog was subsequently removed from the well, but was split open on the back from head to tail, as if the process had been performed with a sharp knife.
One of the great fears that the pioneers labored under at their coming, was that the place they had chosen would have to be abandoned on account of the inability to obtain good water. Wells were sunk to considerable depths, but no water could be obtained only as they filled by the surface flow. We are informed that to-day, water can be reached almost anywhere, at the depth of ten or fifteen feet. Science and theory has thus far failed to give any satisfactory or intelligent reason for this phenomenon.
In 1820, Thomas Spring and his family, left Derbyshire, England, for the beautiful prairies of Illinois. The second son, Archibald, was left at a medical college, in Baltimore, to finish his studies. The family proceeded to Wheeling, Virginia, by land, when Mr. Spring was taken with a fever and died before reaching his destination. His three sons, Henry, Sydney, and John came on with their mother, and located on Birk's Prairie. Sydney afterwards married here and reared a large family He subsequently removed to Graysville, White county. Henry, in after years, became a merchant in Olney. Archibald, after completing his studies, came to Edwards county, and for many years was a successful physician in Albion, where he remained until his death.
Others who came about the same time were, James Carter and family, Gilbert T. Pell, Mr. Kenton, Mr. Coles and family, Mr. Peters, Thomas Simpkins and family, Mr. Gillard, Henry Bowman, then a single man, Oswald Warrington and family, James and Robert Thread, Mr. Orange and family, Henry Birkett, Mr. Stanhope, Francis Hanks and family, J. B. Johnson, William Hallum, Thomas Shepherd, Henry, John and Henry Cowling, Edward Coad and family, Joseph Thomas and Kelsey Crackles, John May, William Cave, Thomas Swale, Moses, John and George Michels, Ellis Weaver, and many others.
A prominent settler of 1821, was William Pickering, from Yorkshire. He came a single man, but subsequently married Martha Flower, and first made his settlement at Village Prairie. He was an active and energetic man, and in a few years rose to distinction in the State. Governor Washburn says of him: "Gen. William Pickering was a well-known man among the old Whig politicians of Illinois, of his day. He was a representative man in the party, in the southeastern part of the State. I often met him in conventions, and knew him well in the Legislature. He had a continuous service in the State Legislature, as the member from Edwards county, from 1842 to 1852, a service of exceptional length. He was a man of great intelligence and public spirit. He had a fine presence, and was thoroughly English in look and manner. He was an intimate friend of Mr. Lincoln, who, on his accession to the Presidency, appointed him Governor of Washington Territory." Mr. Pickering died at his home, near Albion, about eight years ago. One son is living at the farm a little west of Albion.
James O. Wattles was another distinguished early settler. It is said that he was a good lawyer, and when engaged in reading his briefs or other papers, he did so with the paper upside down. This was caused by a peculiarity of the eyesight. He was elected Judge of the fifth Judicial District of Illinois, by the General Assembly, and commissioned January 19, 1825, and was legislated out of office, January 12, 1827. He moved to New Harmony, Indiana, about the time of the settlement of Robert Owen, at that place.
Ex-Governor, Augustus C. French, also commenced his life in the west, at the town of Albion. He was a graduate from one of the eastern colleges. On his arrival at Albion, he possessed but his education and wits to make a livelihood. He first taught school at two dollars a quarter for each pupil, and in the meantime commenced the study of law, in which profession he gained some reputation. Subsequently he was elected to the Legislature, and in 1846, was elected Governor of the State. Prior to this, however, he had removed to another part of the State.
Henry I. Mills was a prominent settler of early times. He was a native of Ohio, but had for several years lived at Vincennes, Indiana, before coming to Illinois. He first located in section 28, on the prairie that bears his name. His family then consisted of his wife and two children. He soon became popular among the early settlers and as early as 1820, was promoted to the office of Sheriff, which position he held until 1826. In 1838, he was appointed School Commissioner, being the second officer for this position in the county. Twelve years prior to this, we find him in the State Legislature, where he served as Representative, from 1826 to 1828. Again in 1832, he is sent to the State Senate, served one term, and in 1838, is re-elected to the same position, where he remained until 1840. He died at the old homestead, in the spring of 1854. Three of his sons, born of his, second marriage, are now living at the old farm.

Benjamin Ulm was a native of Ross county, Ohio, and came to the county in 1820, and is one of the few survivors of the early settlers. He now resides in section 32, township 2 north, range 14 west, and has ever been considered one of the staunch citizens of the county.

One who figured very prominently, for many years in the civil matters of the county, was Walter L. Mayo. He was elected Clerk in 1831, and served continuously in this capacity until 1870. He was a genial, popular, whole souled man, and had the confidence of all who knew him. He amassed a good competency, and subsequent to 1870, he moved with his family to Leavenworth, Kansas. While returning to Olney, Illinois, to transact some business, he was way-laid, as supposed, in East St. Louis, and nothing has ever been heard of the cause of his untimely and sudden death.

Alexander Stewart, who has seen the town of Albion grow up almost from its infancy, is among the early prominent business men of the English settlement. Mr. Flower in speaking of him says: "Nearly forty years ago, (it is now nearly sixty) a young Scotchman in his teens, rode up to my house and wished me to purchase his horse, saddle and bridle, which I did for sixty dollars a good price in those days. I built him a forge, which he rented at first and afterwards purchased. With the proceeds of the horse, he purchased iron and went to work. This was the beginning of Alexander Stewart, who, after several years of labor and industry, added to his blacksmith shop a store. Business and capital increasing, he soon went largely into the produce trade of the country, of which pork, corn and wheat, are the staples. He is also proprietor of a large flouring-mill at Graysville."

It is but a short time .since the writer saw Mr. Stewart, who is yet living and enjoying the comforts and luxuries of a good home, the legitimate results of ardent, honest labor. He is now somewhat feeble, and has withdrawn from active life, yet is a living monument of what frugality and industry may accomplish, as his possessions may be counted by tens-of-thousands.

One peculiarity of the ups and downs of the English colony is, that those who came with an abundance, died, after years of struggle with the various freaks of fortune, with far less than they brought with them, while those of little or no means have made comfortable homes, and attained a degree of wealth which is commendable to their many years of industry.

Extracted 23 Dec 2017 by Norma Hass from A Combined History of Edwards, Lawrence, and Wabash Counties, Illinois, published in 1883, pages 58-66.

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