Clark County IL Archives History - Books .....Chapter XV 1883
************************************************

Copyright.  All rights reserved.

http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm

************************************************



File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com March 8, 2007, 4:54 pm

Book Title: HISTORY OF CRAWFORD AND CLARK COUNTIES, ILLINOIS

CHAPTER XV.



MARTINSVILLE TOWNSHIP—TOPOGRAPHY—SOIL AND TIMBER—PIONEER SETTLEMENT-NATIONAL

ROAD—EARLY HOTELS—INCIDENTS—INDIANS—VILLAGE OF MARTINSVILLE—ITS GROWTH AND

DEVELOPMENT—MILLS —SECRET SOCIETIES-SCHOOLS—CHURCHES.



" Where nothing dwelt but beasts of prey, 

Or men as fierce and wild as they."



IN the year 1832 Joseph Martin came to Clark County and settled on section 7 of

town 10 and built a house on the National Road, which at that time was in

process of construction.



  Subsequently he laid out a village, which he named for himself, Martinsville.

At the time the county went into township organization, the precinct in which

the village was situated, took its name from the town. The limits of the

township thus organized, concided with the limits of the congressional survey,

and contained the regular thirty-six sections.



  In 1859, on the formation of the township of Auburn, three sections from the

northeast corner were taken for that purpose, and subsequently, to equalize the

contribution of the various towns to the construction of Auburn, four and a half

sections were added to the northern boundary of Martinsville from Dolson, making

the township somewhat in the form of the letter L and containing in all

thirty-seven and a half square miles of territory. The township originally was

pleasantly diversified with prairie and woodland. The prairie portion is made up

of Parker Prairie, which occupies the northwest corner, and Dolson Prairie,

which extends through the central part of the township from the northern to the

southern boundary. The surface of the prairie is gently undulatory, and when

first pressed by the feet of white men was covered with a dense growth of tall

grass, interspersed with numerous flowers of almost every hue, which gave the

country the appearance of a vast garden.



  The original condition of the soil was wet and slushy owing to the hard clay

subsoil, beneath which the water could not penetrate. This moisture; together

with the vast amount of decaying vegetable matter which had rotted upon the

ground for centuries, proved the prolific source of many of the malarial

diseases with which the early settlers were afflicted. As the country became

populated artificial drainage was resorted to, and the parts that were formerly

looked upon as next to worthless have been reclaimed, and are now the best

farming districts in the township. The soil is a rich black loam, varying in

depth from fifteen inches to two feet, and can not be excelled for agricultural

purposes. The broken parts of the township are confined principally to the

eastern and western parts, and were originally heavily timbered with oak and

hickory. Along the water courses, walnut was found in limited quantities, and

elms of gigantic sizes were to be seen at intervals; much of the best timber

land has been cleared, and the ground put in cultivation. The soil in the timber

and on the more elevated portions is light and largely clay mixed. It is far

inferior to the prairie soil for farming purposes but yet by careful tillage it

returns fair crops of wheat, oats, corn and the other cereals.



  The township is drained by a number of water courses which traverse the

country in .various directions. The chief of these streams is the North Fork

which enters the township near the northwest corner, and takes a southerly

course through the western part.



  It receives a number of small tributaries in its course and leaves the

township from section 19. Along this stream the country is very broken and

abrupt, and poorly adapted for agricultural purposes. Willow Creek, the second

stream in size, has its source in section 16, and flows a southeasterly

direction and passes in its course through sections 12 and 20, and crosses the

southern boundary of the township from section 35. During the greater part of

the year this stream is very small, but in rainy seasons it frequently becomes a

raging torrent, and often overflows its banks for considerable distances on

either side.



  A tributary of Mill Creek known as Black-burns branch rises near the central

part of the township, and flows an easterly direction through sections 15, 23

and 24. Stock well Creek flows through the northern part of the township in a

southwesterly course and unites with North Fork, about one half mile west of the

village of Martinsville in section 18. All the streams enumerated receive a

number of small affluents which meander through various parts of the township.

The early condition of the country presented but few inducements to the pioneer,

and it was not until a number of years had elapsed from the date of the first

settlement in the eastern part of the county that any settlement was made within

the present limits of the township. A number of squatters whose name could not

be ascertained, located in an early day, along the North Fork, but made no

improvements further than erecting a few rude cabins, and clearing small spaces

of ground around them. They were allured to the county in quest of game, which

at that time was very plenty and easily procured. These transient citizens

remained but few years, and left for other parts at the appearance of the

permanent settlers who entered and improved the land. The first permanent

settlement in the township was made in the western part on the present site of

Martinsville village, about the year 1829. The principal attraction to this

point was the National Road which had been surveyed through the country a few

years previous, and at the time referred to was in process of construction. A

large number of men were employed on the work, which necessitated the erection

of boarding houses for their accommodation. Several of these were erected at

different places, but, unfortunately the names of the proprietors have been

forgotten. John Chancellor was the first permanent settler of whom anything

definite is known. He immigrated to this State from Kentucky and built his first

house, which was a small cabin, a short distance west of the main part of the

village in the spring of 1829. The following year he erected a more commodious

structure, a large two-story log house, which he opened for the accommodation of

the workmen and such transient guests as found it convenient to accept his

hospitalities. He appears to have been a man of some prominence and made a

number of improvements during the period of his residence in the township. He

entered the land where the town of Martinsville was laid out in the year 1832.

It was about this time that the first native accession was made to the

settlement in the person of John M. Chancellor, whose birth, occurred the latter

part of the above year. Chancellor died at his home in the year 1881, at an

advanced age. The old homestead is at present occupied by his daughter, Mrs.

Montgomery. Joshua Abney, a brother-in-law of Chancellor, came about the same

time and located in section 7, a short distance west of the village. He was a

Kentuckian also, but had lived in Coles County several years prior to his moving

to this township. He became the possessor of forty acres of land, which he

occupied until the year 1832, at which time he sold to Benjamin Dolson and moved

to Indiana. Dolson came to Clark County as early as 1824, and settled in Melrose

township. He moved to Martinsville six years later and erected a two-story hewed

log house on the National Road, a short distance west of the Chancellor farm,

which he opened for the benefit of the traveling public. This house became a

very popular resort and was a favorite stopping place for travelers for a number

of years. The generous hospitality of the landlord and the abundance of the fare

attracted the passers-by and the tavern was never in want of paying guests. It

was extensively patronized until the year 1843, when it was discontinued on

account of Dolson's death.



  Among the earliest settlers in the same locality, was Amos Potts who

immigrated from Ohio in the year 1830. He located on section 7 and erected the

first house on the original plat of Martinsville. Potts had the reputation of

being a shrewd trader and was induced to settle at this point through a spirit

of speculation. Not realizing his anticipated fortune, he sold his land to David

Weisner and Benjamin Dolson, after occupying it about eighteen months, and moved

with his family further west. In the year 1832, the little settlement was

increased by the addition of the following persons: Jacob Chriss, Isaac Chriss,

Jerry Chriss, David T. Weisner and Thomas Scholfieid. The Chriss family were

from Ohio. The father, Jacob Chriss, was one of the earliest pioneers of Miami

County in that State and lived there until quite an old man. Like all the early

settlers in this country they came west to make their fortunes which they

supposed could be realized in a very short time. Isaac Chriss settled about two

miles north of the village of Martinsville on land which is at present in

possession of the widow Ullery. Jerry located a short distance east of the

village on land which has since been added to the town plat. The father made his

home with his sons until his death which occurred a short time after their

arrival. The Chrisses were men of roving tendencies and remained but few years

in this part of the country, when they sold out and moved overland to Oregon.



  Isaac died in that State in the year 1852. Jerry subsequently moved to Texas,

since which nothing has been heard of him. David Weisner was a native of the

District of Columbia. He immigrated to Clark County some time prior to 1825 and

settled in York township .where he achieved considerable notoriety as a

pugilist. At the breaking out of the Black Hawk War he enlisted in the company

of volunteers raised at York, and was one of the few soldiers from this part of

the State who saw any real service in that struggle. He entered land in this

township, in 1832, on which he moved the latter part of the same year. He

achieved a very unsavory reputation while a resident of Martinsville and appears

to have been engaged in many of the rows and drunken brawls so common in the

early history of the village. His favorite theme was politics, which he talked

almost constantly, and when his arguments failed to convince an adversary he

frequently backed them with something more forcible, his fists. Being a very

Hercules in strength, but few cared to gain his ill-will and he was generally

allowed to have his own way. He subsequently moved to Cumberland County, where,

it is said, he reformed from his many evil habits and ways and became a

respectable and well-to-do citizen. Thomas Scholfield moved to Illinois from

Ohio, about the year 1828 and settled in Melrose township where he lived until

1832. He moved to Martinsville some time during the latter year, and acquired

forty acres of land lying a short distance west of the village. He improved a

portion of this land, and occupied it until the year 1835 at which time he sold

to Benjamin Dolson and David Weisner and removed two miles further west into the

adjoining township of Cumberland. Scholfield was a good man, and did much in a

quiet way to advance the interests of the community in which he resided. He

moved to Oregon in the year 1856 and at the present time is living in that

State. His son, Judge Scholfield, a man of State reputation and the leading

lawyer of the county, resides in Marshall. The following year witnessed the

arrival in the township, of William McGahan and Amos Bixby. McGahan located here

for the purpose of working on the National Road. He entered forty acres of land

near Martinsville, which he sold, on the completion of the road, and joined the

tide of immigration which at that time was making its way to Oregon and

California. Bixby was an unmarried man, or to express it in more terse English,

an old bachelor. He entered land a few miles west of the village, in this and

the adjoining township of Cumberland. He was a man of ample means and continued

to add to his original tract of land until he became the possessor of more than

six hundred acres. A good portion of this land was rented to early settlers on

their arrival in the county, before they had time to improve farms of their own.

Bixby was a man of intelligence and considerable business tact, but possessed

many peculiar characteristics. His conduct at times was very singular and he

seemed to labor under the weight of some secret trouble which gave rise to the

question of his sanity.



He built a good house on his farm which he fitted up with great care for his own

use. The morning after its completion, he went to a neighbor near by and

borrowed a gun for the purpose, he said, of killing a deer. No sooner did he get

the gun than he returned to his house, entered and securely fastened the door.

He then placed the muzzle of the gun beneath his chin, discharged it with a

stick and killed himself instantly. The manner of his death left no doubt in the

minds of the people as to his insanity. Among others who settled in the township

prior to 1836 were Green Redman and Joshua P. Cooper. The former was a native of

Kentucky, and, after his arrival here became an active politician. He was a man

of considerable talent and possessed the happy faculty of telling what he knew,

which he often did in such plain English, as to offend his political opponents.

He was chosen justice of the peace at the first election held in the precinct,

and served the people in that capacity for several terms. In the year 1840, he

sold his possessions in Martinsville and moved to Clay County. From there he

went to Missouri a few years later, and subsequently became a citizen of Kansas.

He took an active part in the Kansas agitation, and was a member of the

Lecompton Constitutional convention. He was afterward elected a member of the

Legislature of that State and made himself obnoxious to the anti-slavery members

by his vigorous outspoken pro-slavery sentiments. Cooper's native State was

Pennsylvania, which he left in early manhood and went to Indiana. He moved to

Illinois and settled near Martinsville in the summer of the year alluded to, but

made no improvements. He was an attorney, and might have become a rising man but

for his innate love of low things, which made him many enemies in the community.

He was one of the principal actors in the formation of the village of

Martinsville and took a lively interest in its growth and development. He

afterward moved to Marshall. During the succeeding year the following persons

settled within the present limits of the township: Albert Kitchell, David

Chancellor, James Wright and Samuel Dolson. Later came Asa Starks, Addison

Spenny, Lemuel S. Claypool and Willis Doughetee. Starks, of whom but little is

known, immigrated from the State of New York and located a short distance east

of the present site of Martinsville. He remained but few years when he sold out

and left the township. Spenny came to Illinois from Ohio in company with his

father and settled a few miles south of Martinsville. A brother, Morrison

Spenny, came about the same time and located in the same vicinity. He was, like

many of the early settlers in and around Martinsville village, a politician. He

served one term as sheriff and shortly after the expiration of his term, became

involved in some domestic difficulty and left the county. Addison Spenny

subsequently moved to California, where, at the last account, he was still living.



  Claypool came to this township from Melrose, where he had settled several

years previous. He was one of the earliest schoolteachers in the county, and

taught the first term in this township, the same year of his settlement. He

entered forty acres of land in section 17, which he occupied for a number of years.



  Willis Doughetee came to Clark County from Peoria, Indiana. His native State

was Kentucky, and he left his early home with the expectation of making a

fortune in the newly developed country of the Hoosier State. Not realizing his

expectations there he was induced to move to this State, owing to the flattering

accounts of the country he heard on every hand. He entered land in section 9,

and improved a very good farm. His distinguishing characteristic appears to have

been an inordinate love for public positions, and he was what might be termed a

chronic office seeker. His official career commenced when he was chosen justice

of the peace, the duties of which office he discharged with all the dignity of a

Supreme judge. Later he was appointed postmaster, at Martinsville, and in 1849

was nominated by his party for the Legislature, and elected by a handsome

majority. He was a prominent and enterprising citizen, but possessed a love of

self, which was developed to an abnormal degree. It is related that upon one

occasion, he submitted to a public examination, at the request of an audience,

to have his character delineated by a phrenological lecturer. After speaking of

his many good qualities and characteristics, the lecturer proceeded to tell in

what vocations of life the subject would best succeed. "He possesses many

qualifications of a chief justice, but has peculiar fitness for the army, and

would make a brilliant general. As a soldier, you could always find him in the

front rank—in a retreat." A few years after the expiration of his term in the

Legislature, he sold his farm to a man by the name of Shaffner, and moved with

his family to one of the Western States. He returned to Illinois a few years

later and purchased land on Parker Prairie in the adjoining township.



  Shortly after the foregoing settlers arrived, James O. Hedges, and his son,

James V. Hedges, settled in the township, on land which is situated a little

west of Martinsville village. They came here from Ohio, and for a number of

years were prominently identified with the history and growth of the township.

The names of many other settlers could be added to the list enumerated, but the

limits of this chapter forbid a further mention. But few of these who came in

when the county was a wilderness, remain to tell the story of their struggles

and hardships; of their many trials while laying the foundation of the homes

where their descendants now live, surrounded by circumstances calculated to make

life happy. The pioneers in this part of the county found no "royal pathway to

affluence—for many years their lot was anything but enviable." Hard work was the

duty of each day, in order to keep the hungry wolf from the door. The first

crops were principally corn, which afforded the chief means of subsistence for a

number of years. The settler's rifle, which was one of his most valuable pieces

of property, furnished the table with meat; this was easily obtained, as deer

and other game were so plenty as to prove very troublesome. Deer would come

close enough to the cabin to be shot from the door, while large numbers of

prairie chickens made their roosting places on the roofs of the houses. Much of

this game was shot during the fall season by a band of Kickapoo Indians, who had

their camp on Turkey Run and North Fork. At the time the first settlers made

their appearance, there were five hundred of these Indians in the country. They

would leave at the beginning of winter and remain away until the following fall,

when they would return on their annual hunts. They were not troublesome, but, on

the contrary, showed a great deal of friendship toward the settlers, and would

bring moccasins, beads, and various other articles into the settlement, and

exchange them for calico, pork, tobacco and whisky, of which every settler

always kept a supply. These annual hunts were finally discontinued, and, since

1836, no Indians have been seen in the township. Owing to the lack of natural

facilities in this part of the country, there was little inducement to erect

mills of any sort, especially as the older communities of Marshall and the

eastern part of the county were easily accessible. Situated in the western part

of the county, considerably removed from the early lines of business activities,

the country developed no tendency for mercantile pursuits.



  The stores of Marshall and elsewhere supplied such articles as were necessary,

and the settlement was for several years purely a farming community. In the year

1832, however, Joseph Martin came to the county and located in section 7, on the

National Road. He was a native of Ohio and a man of no particular enterprise and

drifted to this point without any definite motive. The land where he settled had

originally been entered by John Chancellor, who subsequently sold it to Amos

Potts. Martin purchased the land in about the year 1833. A short time afterward

Joshua Cooper, with some genius for speculation, suggested to Martin the plan of

platting a village on part of the property which was done in the year 1833 under

some arrangement of partnership by the two men. The platting of the town

attracted a small settlement, the out-growth of which was the erection of a

little log cabin where a small stock of groceries and more whisky, were offered

for sale. This little store, or gin-shop rather, was started by Fitch & Redman

and was the general rendezvous of the entire neighborhood. The community which

early gathered here, consisted largely of a floating class of people whose

practices gave the place a very unsavory reputation. The people were chiefly

characterized by their dissolute habits and general lack of thrift. Sunday was

especially devoted to horse-racing and carousing, a system of things which

continued to characterize the place for several years. In the year 1836, John

Stock well and a Mr. Chenoweth came from Darwin and moved a stock of goods into

the little cabin that had been used by Redman & Fitch for a grocery. About the

same time Willis Doughetee commenced the erection of a frame building near the

central part of the town, for the purpose of engaging in the mercantile

business, but sold the house to Stockwell & Chenoweth before its completion, who

transferred their stock to it. This firm was composed of men of high character

and active business abilities and gave the village a new lease of life. From the

time of their advent, a better class of citizens was attracted and society began

to amend at once. Their stock of goods consisted of a miscellaneous assortment

of merchandise and represented a cash value of about $3,000. Their business kept

pace with the development of the country and their trade became very extensive

and lucrative. They continued the business as partners until the year 1840, when

they closed out their stock at public auction. A second store had been started

in the meantime by Messrs. Hunt & Gamble, who kept a small stock of general

merchandise and a liberal supply of "firewater." They did business about

eighteen months, when, finding that they could not cope with the larger and more

successful store of Stockwell & Chenoweth, closed out their goods and retired

from the field. Stockwell again engraved in business about the year 1841, with

McClure as a partner. They continued the business very successfully together

until the year 1846, when McClure purchased the entire interest. McClure ran the

store on an extensive scale until about the year 1856, at which time he sold to

other parties and removed from the village. The Preston brothers erected a store

building about the year 1842, just opposite the Nicholas hotel. They stocked it

the same year with a large assortment of clothing, dry-goods, groceries, etc.,

to the amount of $5,000, and soon acquired a very extensive trade. William

Lindsey purchased this store in 1852, increased the stock and continued the

business until the year 1856.



A number of other business houses sprang up from time to time and the place soon

became noted as a permanent trading point. One of the principal factors which

gave character to the town, was the National Road, which offered the only means

of communication with other points. The increasing travel over this thoroughfare

necessitated the opening of hotels, and one was built shortly after the village

was laid out. Joseph Martin kept the first public house in a little cabin which

stood near the Vandalia Railroad. His place was not very well patronized,

however, and he discontinued the business soon afterward. Oliver Hall succeeded

Martin about the year 1836, but did not realize a fortune in his "role" as

landlord. The first regular hotel was built about the year 1837, and stood where

the Nicholas House now stands. It was a large hewed log building and was first

kept by a man named Jenkins. He kept a stage stand also, and his house was a

favorite stopping place for travelers on the National Road. Major Caldwell

succeeded Jenkins in the management of this hotel, and had charge of it until

the year 1850. At that time the building was torn down and replaced by a more

substantial and convenient brick structure which is still standing. It was built

by Jacob Anderson who kept it for some years. Another early hotel was built by

Willis Doughetee in 1840 and was known as the Rocky Mountain House. Doughetee

kept the house for a number of years and it became a very popular resort. The

building is still standing, near the Pan Handle depot, and is used at the

present time for a dwelling.



  The first mechanic who came to the village was Cornelius Jenkins. He built a

blacksmith shop near the central part of the village where the Knapp store

building stands, in the year 1838. He was joined the same year by Joseph Dixon,

and together they operated the shop for several years and did a very good

business. Among other early blacksmiths, are remembered, William Gordon and

James Wilson, both of whom worked at their trade prior to the year 1842. A very

small space will be sufficient in which to notice the early manufacturing

interests of Martinsville. The absence of facilities prevented the erection of

mills and factories in an early day and it was not until the year 1854 that a

manufacturing establishment of any kind was put in operation. In that year,

Messrs. Davis & McMurray erected a carding machine in the eastern part of the

village which proved a moderately successful venture. The building was frame and

the machinery was run by steam. It was in operation about five years, when the

building was torn down and used in the remodeling of Cooper's flouring mill.



  The latter mill was built in the year 1854 at a cost of $14,000. The original

building was three stories high and stood in the northeastern part of the

village. The machinery was operated by steam and the mill became extensively

patronized. It was purchased by G. W. Cooper, the present proprietor, in the

year 1856, who afterward remodeled it, enlarged the building and added new and

improved machinery. It is at present three stories and a half high, has ten run

of buhrs, and a grinding capacity of about two hundred and twenty-five barrels

of flour per day. It is one of the largest mills on the line of the Vandalia

railroad and ships flour to all parts of the country.



  Another steam flouring mill was erected in the town in the year 1868 by Samuel

Macy. It stands in the southern part of the village, and is at present run by W.

L. Roberts. The Sallee brothers erected a large steam sawmill near the railroad

in the eastern part of the town in the year 1880. This mill does an immense

business and manufactures large quantities of lumber.



  In the meantime the business interests of the town had increased, and the

completion of the Vandalia Railroad in 1871, gave the place a permanency it did

not before possess. Since that time a number of good store buildings have been

erected, and the village has taken upon itself the dignity of an incorporated

town. Its business is represented by the following exhibit: Three large dry

goods stores kept by Charles Douglass, W. G. Delashmuth and Elizabeth Vaughn; J.

Ishler keeps a general assortment of merchandise, Grange Store kept by Levi

Williams; Black & Fasig, Tichenor & Bro. and John Gamble, druggists; Henry

Randal and Benjamin Welch make groceries a specialty. There are two large

hardware stores kept by the Lindsey brothers, and Martin Flenner, John Sanderson

and Martin Taggart, harness-makers. There are in addition to the above, two

restaurants, an agricultural store, one wagon shop, two millinery stores, two

warehouses, one shoe shop, two barber shops and one livery stable. The present

town board is composed of the following persons: W. H. Randal, John Deahle, W.

G. Delashmuth, F. J. Johnson, J. T. Sanderson and O. D. Germain, Trustees; B. H.

Welsh, clerk.



  Clark Lodge No. 603, F. and A. M. was organized Oct. 6, 1868, with the

following charter members: A. G. Fetter, Thomas Milligan, Samuel Medkiff, George

Stevens, Charles Duncan, John Gamble, Alexander Ryan, G. W. Ewalt, J. Fulton and

John F. Alexander. First officers were A. G. Fetter, W. M.; Thomas Milligan, S.

W.; and Samuel Medkiff, J. W. The present officers are Jerry Ishler, W. M.; H.

Gassoway, S. W.; William Barbee, J. W.; John Gamble, Sec't.; W. H. Randal,

Treas. There are forty-five members belonging to the lodge at present and it is

reported in good working order. The meetings are held in Odd Fellows' Hall.



  Martinsville Lodge No. 134, I. O. O. F. was instituted February 28, 1853, by

J. W. Ellis, G. M. The following names appear on the charter. Benjamin McKeen,

B. F. McClure, Jonathan Rains, George Conger, T. B. McClure, William Lindsey,

Daniel Gard, Morrison Spenny and Jacob Anderson. The present membership is about

thirty-six. The hall in which the lodge holds its meetings was erected in the

year 1854. It is a good substantial building and belongs to the organization.

The present officers of the lodge are Isaac Ishler, N. G.; Carey Winterowd, V.

G.; J. T. Sanderson, Sec't,; J. C. Porter, Treas.; Thomas Troughton, R. S. N.

G.; Walter McCleary, L. S. N. G.



  The Martinsville Encampment was instituted in the year 1838 by the Paris

Encampment. The original membership was fourteen. The present officers are Isaac

Ishler, Chief Patriarch; J. T. Sanderson, Scribe; J. P. Spahr, High Priest; J.

C. Porter, S. W.; S. A. Fasig, J. W.; and John Deahle, Treas. There are about

twenty-one members belonging at the present time. A Lodge of K. of H. was

organized in the year 1874 with a membership of fourteen which has since

increased to twenty.



  They hold their meetings in Odd Fellows' Hall. The present officers are D. W.

Tibbs, P. D.; Levi Williams, D. ; H. Bradshaw, V. D.; Thomas Murphy, Ass't D.;

F. J. Harris, Rep.; H. Gassoway, F. R.; Jerry Ishler, Chaplain; B. H. Welsh,

Guide; O. D. Germain, Guardian; and C. B. Waterford, Sen't.



  The first school in Martinsville was taught about the year 1834 by Lemuel S.

Claypool in a little cabin which stood a short distance west of the village. The

house had been previously used as a residence by a squatter. Claypool taught

here several years but did not seem to give very good satisfaction. The second

school was taught by Salmon Rice some time later. Unlike many pioneer teachers,

Rice was a man of culture and brought with him to his work the advantages of a

collegiate education. He was a man of extensive information but was marked by

many eccentricities among which was his aversion to society. He was an unmarried

man and lived in a small cabin by himself and mingled but little with his fellow

men. Among the early pedagogues was Seth Hitchcock. He was a dwarf in stature,

but possessed the strength of a giant which he did not hesitate to exercise upon

any pupil who had the temerity to violate any of his iron-clad rules. He had but

one finger on his right hand but with it he could wield the rod with such force

as to bring the most obdurate to speedy terms. Absalom Hurley, Oliver Hall and

Robert Williamson taught schools in the village during the early years of its

history. The old Methodist church building was used jointly for church and

school purposes from 1842 until 1853. In the latter year a frame school-house

was erected in the south part of the town near the Vandalia depot. It was used

until the year 1871, at which time the present handsome and commodious brick

structure was erected. This building stands on an eminence in the south part of

the village and is one of the most complete school edifices in the county. It is

two stories high, contains four large size rooms, and was built at a cost of

$10,000. The schools at the present time are under the efficient management of

Prof. L. S. Kilbourn, principal, assisted by Jasper Bennett, Laura Arbuckle,

Mattie Sutherland and Lucy Ryan. The average attendance throughout the year is

about three hundred pupils.



  The first religious services in Martinsville Township were held at private

residences, and conducted by missionary preachers of the Methodist church. The

early settlers, whatever their beliefs or lack of belief, were generally ready

to open their doors to these missionaries. The early community of Martinsville,

however, seems to have been an exception to this general rule, and in 1834 John

Chambers, the pioneer preacher of this section found it impossible to hold

services because of the people's unwillingness to open their cabins for that

purpose. Nothing daunted by the inhospitable treatment, he arranged to hold a

meeting in a grove near by, the novelty of which served to bring out quite an

audience. A little later several Methodist families moved into the community,

and services were regularly held thereafter. Among the early ministers are

remembered, Jesse Hail, John Strange, _____ Blundell and ____ McGinnis, all of

whom preached to the little band of worshipers "without money, and without

price." None of these preachers were men of brilliant scholastic attainments,

but they all possessed a rude and forceful eloquence which suited the needs and

appreciation of their hearers. In the year 1838 .Rev. Mr. Chenoweth, was sent to

Martinsville by the Paris circuit for the purpose of organizing a society. With

the assistance of Rev. Holland James, and William Wilson, an organization was

effected the latter part of the same year with the following members: John

Stockwell and wife, Oliver Hail and wife, Wesley Low and wife, Walter Hill and

wife, and Miss Hill. Services were regularly held at the residences of the

different members until about the year 1842, when a small hewed log house was

erected on the National Road, in the eastern part of the village. The society

was attached to the Livingston circuit the same year in which the organization

took place. The first pastor was Lewis Amdson, who served one year. He was

succeeded by Samuel Burr who preached the same length of. time. L. Oliver

followed Burr and remained one year. Then came Jesse Hail who had charge of the

congregation for one year. Hail was a native of North Carolina, and a man of

fine education. He traveled extensively over the greater part of the western

country and was widely known on account of his many peculiarities. Rev. Joseph

McMurtry succeeded Hail, and preached one year. He was followed by William C.

Blundell, who remained the same length of time, and was, in turn, succeeded by

Thomas C. Lopez. The last named was an able preacher, and did much toward

building up the church during his pastorate. The names of other pastors were not

learned. The old log house served as a meeting place until the year 1854, at

which time steps were taken to build a house more in keeping with the growth of

the congregation. The present edifice was erected the latter part of that year,

and is still a comfortable house of worship. It is a substantial, frame

structure, and cost about $1,200. The church has increased rapidly in numbers

and is now one of the best appointments in the Martinsville circuit. A

flourishing Sunday school is maintained in connection with the church, and is

well attended. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. McElfresh.



  The Old School Baptists had a small congregation in Martinsville at an early

day, but its existence was of short duration. Their preachers were Richard

Newport, Stanley Walker and _____ Shields.



  The Church of God at Martinsville was established in the year 1847. The

members comprising it were all from Richland County, Ohio, and their names are

as follows: H. Rupp, Sarah Rupp, William Fasig, Betsy Fasig, Henry Fasig,

Elizabeth Fasig, Christian Fasig, Catherine Fasig, John Snavely, Eliza Snavely,

William Taggart and Sarah Taggart. The first minister, was Elder Henry Rupp, a

German preacher, of the Ohio Eldership. His zeal, and devotion to right

principles, gave him a firm hold upon the people, which he still retains, at the

age of 77 years. It is said that he has officiated at more funerals than any

other preacher in the county. The second pastor was Elder J. Blickenstaff, under

whose pastorate large accessions were made to the society. The next pastor was

Elder Geo. Sander, who was sent out by the East Pennsylvania Eldership, as a

home missionary, in the spring of 1851. He served the church ten or twelve years

at different intervals. Elder S. N. Miller, came next in the line of pastors. He

was an old and tried man and served the church with great acceptance. Elder R.

H. Bolton, present secretary of the General Board of Missions, preached for the

congregation from 1861, until 1867. His son, Cyrus Bolton, assisted him in the

work during the last year of his pastorate. Elder A. J. Fenton succeeded Bolton,

and preached very acceptably for two years. Elder J. W. Neely acted as pastor

two years. He was a physician of extensive practice and a fine theologian.

Elders W. B. Lewellen and E. Hart, each served the church acceptably as pastors.

The present pastor is Elder R. Perry. Their house of worship was built in the

year 1858. It is a good frame building and cost $1,000. The present membership

is seventy-five. Their Sunday school was organized in the year 1859, with J.

McManus, as superintendent, a position he held for over fourteen years. Henry

Ishler, is the present superintendent. The school has ten teachers and an

average attendance of seventy-five scholars. The Island Grove Baptist Church

dates its history from the year 1858. It was organized by a council, appointed

for the purpose, of which Elder Linus Gilbert was moderator and Rev. Daniel

Harbert, clerk. At the first meeting, the following names were presented for

membership: Gideon Stafford, Sarah Stafford, Samuel Midkiff, Agnes Midkiff, John

Cooper, Elizabeth Cooper, Matilda Stevens and Phebe Nichols. Rev. Daniel Harbert

was chosen pastor, a position he filled but a few months, when he resigned, on

account of poor health. He died a short time afterward. Rev. Eli Frey was called

in 1859 and served the church until the year 1870. He was succeeded by Rev. F.

M. Doty, who ministered to the congregation until 1672. The fourth pastor was L.

W. P. Gilbert, a native of Ohio, and graduate of Granville college. He was a

very able preacher, and remained with the church until the year 1875. Rev. T. J.

Thornton, was next employed, and preached acceptably for three years. Then came

Rev. T. J. Neal, who served from 1878 until 1881. The seventh, and present

pastor, is Rev. S. T. Reynolds, who was called to the pastorate in the year

1881. The present church edifice is a frame structure thirty by forty feet, and

was erected at a cost of $1,260. It was built in 1873.



  A Sunday school is maintained during the greater part of the year, and is at

present under the management of Mills Huckabee, superintendent.



  The Methodists have two churches in the southern part of the township, both of

which are strong organizations and in flourishing condition. They have good,

substantial houses of worship, and are known as the Saint Paul, and Shiloh

churches. Their present pastor is the Rev. McElfresh. The Methodist Church South

maintains two organizations in the township also. They were organized about

twelve years ago, and at present, are ministered to by Rev. J. D. R. Brown.



  The United Brethren have a strong society in the western part of the township,

known as the Lincoln church. Their church edifice is a good, brick structure—a

model of neatness—and was erected at a cost of about $2,000. The pastor in

charge at the present time is Rev. E. Hanley.



  There is a small society of the Adventists in the township, a few miles south

of Martinsville. They have a neat frame building, and are at present under

charge of Rev. M. Taggart, pastor.



  The Baptist Church of Martinsville was organized February 22, 1879, by a

council consisting of Elders F. J. Thornton, John Bratton, and others. The

original members were the following: John Roberts, Lucinda Kemper, Nannie

Randal, Lucy Laingor, Catherine Howell, Julia Grey and Martha Maxwell. The first

pastor was Rev. T. J. Thornton, of Westfield, who served six months, when he

resigned. The church was without a pastor for one year, when Elder J. L. Parker,

of Casey, was called. He served one year, and was succeeded by Elder S. T.

Reynolds, who served the same length of time. At the expiration of Reynolds'

term as pastor, T. J. Thornton again took charge of the church, and is the

present pastor. The membership is about twenty-eight.



  The Christians have an organization in the village, and a neat, brick house of

worship. Their number, at one time quite large, has diminished considerably

during the last few years, and at the present time, they do not maintain a pastor.



  The Mount Pleasant Christian Church was organized in 1879, by Elder C. W.

Hill, with fourteen members. Soon after the organization, a good, hewed log

house was erected, in the southeast corner of section 14. The present membership

is about twenty-five. The pastor in charge, is Rev. James Hill.



Additional Comments:
Extracted From:



HISTORY OF CRAWFORD AND CLARK COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.

EDITED BY WILLIAM HENRY PERRIN.



ILLUSTRATED



CHICAGO: O. L. BASKIN & CO., HISTORICAL PUBLISHERS,

LAKESIDE BUILDING.

1883.



File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/clark/history/1883/historyo/chapterx80gms.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/

File size: 42.2 Kb