Crawford County IL Archives History - Books .....Chapter XV Oblong Township 1883
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Book Title: HISTORY OF CRAWFORD AND CLARK COUNTIES, ILLINOIS

CHAPTER XV.*
* By G N. Berry.

OBLONG TOWNSHIP—PHYSICAL FEATURES—SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS—THE COMING OF THE
PIONEERS—DEVELOPMENT OP THE COUNTRY—EARLY INDUSTRIES-ROADS AND MILLS—VILLAGE OP
OBLONG—CHURCH HISTORY -EARLY SCHOOLS—PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.

"But long years have flown o'er these scenes of the past, 
And many have turned gray in the winter's cold blast; 
While others only think of the time that is gone; 
They are bent by the years that are fast rolling on."

HE who attempts to present with unvarying accuracy, the annals of a county, or
even of a district, no larger than a township, the history of which reaches back
through a period of more than a half century, imposes upon himself a task beset
with many difficulties.. These difficulties are often augmented by statements
widely at variance furnished by descendants of early settlers, as data from
which to compile a true and faithful record of past events. To claim for a work
of this character perfect freedom from error would be to arrogate to one's self
that degree of wisdom not possessed by mortal man. To give facts, and facts
only, should be the aim and ambition of him who professes to deal with the past;
and in the pages which follow we incline to those statements supported by the
greater weight of testimony. In the western part of Crawford County lies a
prairie which on account of its peculiar shape was named by the early settlers
who located near it, Oblong, a name afterward applied to the township which
forms the subject of the following pages. This township lies in the west central
part of the county and embraces a geographical area of fifty-six square miles of
territory being eight miles in extent from north to south and seven miles from
the eastern to the western limits. Surrounding it on the northeast and south are
the townships of Licking, Robinson and Martin, respectively, while Jasper County
on the west make up the complete boundary. A number of streams traverse the
township, among which may be noticed Big Creek, North Fork, Dog Wood, Willow and
Muddy Creeks. Big Creek, which affords the principal drainage of the eastern
part, enters the township near the northeast corner, flows a southwesterly
direction and crosses the southern boundary in section 17. It is a stream of
considerable size and importance and flows through a well-wooded and somewhat
broken section of country. The North Fork flows a southerly course through the
extreme western part of the township and receives a number of affluents, the
principal of which is Willow Creek. The last-named stream waters the northwest
corner of the township, flows a southerly course and empties into North Fork
near the county line, in section 26. Dog Wood branch rises in Licking Township,
flows a southwesterly course through Oblong and empties into Big Creek, in
section 17, about a half mile from the southern boundary. The face of the
country presents no scenes of rugged grandeur, but rather the quiet beauty of
rounded outlines of surface, clothed with grassy plains, and forests, often
arranged in park-like order. About one half of the township was originally
woodland, the timbered portion being confined principally to the eastern and
western parts and to the water courses enumerated. The timber found growing here
is similar to that of other parts of the county, and consists of walnut in
limited quantities; sugar maple along the creeks, elm, ash, hickory, sassafras
and the different varieties of oak common to this part of the State. Much of the
best timber in the township has long since disappeared, and many of the finest
farms were originally covered with a heavy forest growth. Oblong Prairie, to
which reference has already been made, occupies a scope of territory in the
western part of the township, embracing an area of about ten sections, while
Willow Prairie includes a similar amount of land in the northern and central
portions. Small prairies are found at intervals in the southern and southeastern
parts of the township, all of which are designated by names peculiar to their
localities. The soil of the wooded portion is a rich gray loam underlaid with a
clay subsoil, which renders it susceptible of enduring a continued drouth. The
prairie soil is darker, very fertile and well adapted for general farming and
grazing. Agriculture is the chief resource of the people, the great majority of
whom own land, and perhaps in no division of the county are there as few renters
as in this township. One happy fact upon which the citizens of Oblong are to be
congratulated, is that there are no large tracts of land owned by single
individuals, to retard the country's development.

   The settlement of this part of the county dates back to the year 1830, when
Lott Watts made the first permanent improvement in the hitherto undisturbed
forest. Previous to his arrival, however, a number of persons had traversed the
country on tours of inspection for the purpose of selecting homes, but at the
date mentioned no family appears to have been living within the present limits
of the township. Watts was a native of Tennessee and immigrated to this State a
few years prior to 1830, settling first a short distance northeast of Robinson,
where he became the possessor of eighty acres of land, which he afterward sold
to Judge Kitchell. He located in the southern part of the township and made the
first entry of land in section 6, one year after his arrival. He was a man of
considerable note and, in recognition of his worth the precinct of which Oblong
originally formed a part, was named in compliment to him, "Watts Precinct." At
the first election he was unanimously called to the office of justice of the
peace and later was elected associate county judge, a position he filled very
credilably. He was a resident of the township until the time of his death in
1854. Robert Watts, a brother of the preceding, came to the county the same year
and located in the same locality. He settled in this township about the year
1831, on land at present in possession of William Wood, on which he lived until
1871, at which time his death occurred. In company with Robert Watts came Jesse
and Jeremiah York, who were followed in the latter part of the same year by
Jesse Eaton. Jesse York came from Tennessee and had lived several years in the
vicinity of Robinson before moving to this part of the county. He improved
eighty acres in the southwest part of the township which he afterward entered.
"Uncle" Jesse, as he was familiarly called by the early settlers, was a man of
character and influence in the little pioneer community, and did much both by
precept and example to improve the morals of his neighbors, many of whom stood
in special need of culture in that direction. He was a pious member of the
Methodist church and opened his house for the first religious services ever held
in the township. In the year 1853 he sold his farm to a man by name of Pearce
and moved to the northern part of the State, and later to Missouri where he died
several years ago. Jeremiah York was a cousin of Jesse and a native of the same
State. He settled near the southern limit of the township on land which he
entered four years later, and was identified with this part of the county until
the year 1865. The farm on which he located is at the present time owned and
occupied by H. Larabee.

   Jesse Eaton settled on North Fork near the western boundary of the township,
where he made a few temporary improvements on government land. He lived in that
locality a couple of years when he left his improvements and moved to the
northeastern part of the township, where he afterward entered land and resided
until the year 1863. Eaton was a minister of the Old School Baptist church and
preached at different places throughout the township during the early years of
its history. In the year 1834 "Arch" York and Ezekiel York, relations of Jesse
and Jeremiah York, found homes in the township, the first named settling in the
southern part near the Watts farm, where he lived until the year 1855 when he
sold out and moved to Missouri. Ezekiel became possessor of a good farm in the
same locality, which he retained until 1868, at which time he disposed of his
possessions and followed his brother west. In striking contrast to the settlers
enumerated, who were all men of principle and high moral worth, was George
Miller, a squatter who settled in the northeastern part of the township about
the year 1834. Miller hailed from Kentucky and belonged to that class of
characters generally found on the outskirts of civilization, where departure
from a community is always looked upon as a happy omen. In him were combined the
qualities of the successful hunter and trapper in a marked degree, to which were
added the animal strength and low cunning so essential to the bully and frontier
rough. He maintained his family principally by hunting, but did not scruple to
supply his larder from his neighbors' smoke-houses when favorable occasions
presented themselves. He lived for some time in Licking Township and afterward
moved to the western part of the county on North Fork, where he died about the
year 1863. Another character deserving of special mention and similar in many
respects to the one referred to, was James Watts, a son of Robert Watts. He came
to the country in company with his father and soon acquired a wide-spread
reputation as a hunter and backwoods fighter. He was daring almost to
fool-hardiness, and many are the adventurous exploits related of him. He
afterward married a daughter of William Wilson, built a small cabin on his
father's farm and spent the latter years of his life trapping, at which pursuit
he acquired considerable means.

   In the year 1836 the following persons with their families were added to the
township's population: Greenberry Eaton, John Salisbury, Elijah and John Smith.
Eaton settled in section 36, a short distance north of the village of Oblong,
where he entered land the same year of his arrival. He was a cooper and found
plenty of work at his trade in supplying the neighbors with barrels, tubs and
buckets, articles which they had hitherto accustomed themselves to do without.
He sold his place to Reuben Leach in the year 1851, and moved from the township.
Salisbury was a native of Germany, but came to Illinois from Indiana. He settled
in section 19 about two and a half miles north of Oblong village, where by
industry and almost niggardly economy he acquired a valuable tract of real
estate. His only object seems to have been money, and he possessed a nature
totally devoid of any refining quality. His close dealings, together with the
cruel treatment of his wife and children, gave him a very unenviable reputation
in the community, and his friends were few and far between. The Smith brothers
were Kentuckians and men of roving tendencies. Elijah made his first settlement
in southern part of the township on Dogwood Creek, where he remained but a short
time, afterward moving about from place to place with no definite place of
residence. John was of an adventurous nature, and spent the greater part of his
time in hunting, which afforded his chief amusement and the maintenance of his
family as well. Another brother, James Smith, came in a short time afterward,
and settled east of Oblong, where he became the possessor of forty acres of
land. He was a good man, and served as constable in an early day, being one of
the first in the precinct to fill that office. Prominently identified with the
early history and development of Oblong was Joseph Wood, whose settlement in the
township dates back to the year 1839. Wood was born in Virginia, but moved to
Vincennes, Indiana, as early as the year 1809, traveling all the way horseback,
and packing the few household goods the same way. He remained at Vincennes about
one year and a half, when, thinking there were better lands and more favorable
chances further west, he moved to this State and settled near Palestine. During
the Indian troubles he served as a "ranger" along the Wabash, and engaged in
several bloody bouts with the redskins. It is related that upon one occasion he
and a companion were so hard pressed by the Indians that they were compelled to
go three days without tasting a morsel of food. The Indians relaxed the pursuit
on the fourth day, which gave the rangers an opportunity to rest and seek some
nourishment. The latter was afforded by a coon, which was cooked and greedily
eaten without the use of salt or other condiments. Wood said it was the most
delicious repast he ever ate in his life. At the close of the Indian troubles
Wood settled near Palestine, and engaged in farming and stock raising. He
afterward located in the vicinity of Robinson, where he lived until 1839, when,
becoming dissatisfied with the country on account of the milk-sick, which proved
a serious hindrance to his stock, he moved to Oblong Township. He settled
southeast of the village of Oblong near Big Creek, in section 3, where he made
his first entry of land. He afterward entered land at different places in the
township, until he became the owner of more than two thousand acres. He was a
man of considerable prominence, and died in the year 1866. The old homestead is
at the present time owned by his sons, J. H. and Robert Wood, both of whom are
prominent citizens and men of character. Another son, William Wood, came to the
township in company with his father, and has been one of its leading citizens
ever since. His place of residence is situated about one mile east of Oblong on
the Vandalia State road. Other settlements were made in 1839 by Richard Lecky, a
son-in-law of Wood, who located near the eastern boundary in section 2. D. F.
Hale, a native of New York, who entered land in northeastern part. Abraham
Walters who located in same vicinity. John Holingsworth in section 32, and Reily
York, who made improvements in southern part of the township on section 18.
Later came George Jeffers, who entered land in section 27, which he afterward
sold to William Hill. James Boatright, a native of Tennessee, who located a farm
in section 23, in the eastern part of the township. Ira King, a native of New
York, who settled where the widow Henry now lives in section 27. William Wilson,
who settled in section 31, where he purchased land of John Holingsworth and John
McCrillis, an Ohioan, who located in section 32, east of the village of Oblong,
where he improved a fine farm, and operated a tan yard. Other settlers came in
from time to time, and by the year 1850, all the vacant lands were taken up and
the township well populated, the majority of the immigrants being from the
States of Ohio and Indiana. The carving of a home in a new and undeveloped
country a half century ago, was a task from which the most of us at the present
day would be willing to shrink. Savages were still to be seen, and wild animals
both fierce and dangerous were plenty, and roamed the forests and prairies
everywhere. Provisions, except game, were scarce. None of the luxuries and but
few of the comforts of life were to be had. For years the pioneer's home was a
rude log cabin of the most primitive type, and his food and raiment were equally
poor; and yet the early settler was happy and enjoyed his wilderness life. There
are those still living in Oblong who remember the rude log cabin with its stick
chimney and puncheon floor, the spinning wheel and the loom. These rough times,
together with the relics of a pioneer age, have passed away, and the country,
where a few years ago they reigned supreme, is now the cradle of plenty and the
home of education, progress and wealth.

   The pioneer's attention is first of all directed to the importance of a mill,
and one of the first cares is the erection of some kind of rude contrivance to
provide his family with the staff of life. The first mill within the present
limits of Oblong was erected by George Miller near the northern boundary of the
township as early as the year 1832. It was a horse mill and when kept running
constantly could grind about fifteen bushels of corn per day. Miller operated it
but a few years when it fell into disuse on account of other mills being:
erected in different parts of the country. Richard Eaton built a water mill on
the North Fork in the western part of the township about the year 1833. The
building was frame, its dimensions about twenty by thirty feet, and two stories
high. It was a combination mill and for a number of years did a very good
business both in grinding and sawing. Joseph Wood erected a mill in section 34
in the eastern part of the township about the year 1840. It was a combination
mill, had one buhr and could grind when kept running steady about one hundred
bushels of grain per day. It was a frame building 20 by 32 feet, and two stories
high. It was operated by the water of Big Creek and was kept running about
sixteen years when the machinery was removed and the building torn down. The
Oblong steam flouring mill was built in 1869 by John Miller, who was unable to
complete it on account of a financial embarrassment. It was purchased by Wood
and Condrey the same year, who finished the enterprise, which proved a very
successful venture, by supplying a long-felt want in the community. The building
occupies a space of ground 30x40 feet, is two stories and a half high, and was
erected at a cost of $3,000. Wood and Condrey operated the mill as partners
about two years and a half, when the entire interest was purchased by the
former, who sold to Joel Zeigler one year later. Zeigler ran it two years when
he disposed of it to W. and P. Condrey. It afterward passed into the hands of
Levi Stump, who in turn sold out to the Kirtland brothers, the present
proprietors, about the year 1879. It was thoroughly remodeled and furnished with
new and improved machinery in the year 1881, and at the present time is
considered one of the best mills in the county. It has three run of buhrs, with
a grinding capacity of fifty barrels per day, and does both custom and merchant
work.

   Among the early industries of Oblong was a distillery which stood in the
northeast corner of the township. It was built by a man by name of Barlow about
the year 1849, but did not prove very remunerative, and was abandoned a few
years later. A wagon and general repair shop was erected in an early day about
two miles east of Oblong Village by Robert Tindolph, who worked at his trade in
that locality for two years. A number of wagons made at this shop are still to
be seen in various parts of the country. The first blacksmith shop in the
township was built about the year 1852 and stood in the northern part near the
Barlow distillery. It was built by Jesse Barlow, who operated it very
successfully for four or five years. John McCrillis opened a tan yard on his
farm east of the village of Oblong in the year 1857, which he operated until
1862. A very good article of leather was made at this yard, and during the time
the business was carried on it returned a fair profit to the proprietor. A
second tan yard was afterward started in the village by David McCrillis, who
conducted the business on a more extensive scale. He continued it, however, but
two years when he abandoned the business to engage in other pursuits.

   The first legally established highway in Oblong is the Vandalia State road
which passes through the central part of the township from east to west. It was
laid out about the year 1831, and has been since that time one of the principal
thoroughfares of the county. The range line road which crosses the township from
north to south was surveyed about the year 1852. It intersects the Vandalia road
at the village of Oblong, and is the second road of importance in the township.
The Stewart's Mill and York road was laid out in a very early day through the
eastern part of the township. It passes through the county in a northeasterly
direction, but has undergone so many changes in the past twenty years that it
would be difficult to describe its original course. Another early road known as
the Henry road crosses the northern part of the township and was laid out for
the purpose of connecting Hanner's mill in Jasper county with Robinson. Other
roads have been established from time to time, all of which are well improved
and kept in good condition. The condition of the country during certain seasons
renders traveling over these highways exceedingly difficult on account of the
mud, but such is the nature of the soil that it dries out very rapidly after the
frost leaves the ground. The S., E. and S. E. narrow gauge railroad passes from
east to west through the central part of the township. It was completed in the
year 1880, but up to the present time has proved of little benefit to the
country. Its history will be found more fully given in another chapter.

   In 1853 D. W. Odell built a store-house at the crossing of the range line and
Vandalia roads, near the central part of the township, and engaged in the
mercantile business. The distance of the locality from any town—the nearest
market-place being about ten miles away—gave the "cross-roads" quite a
reputation, and Odell's store soon had a large run of customers. Other families
settled in the vicinity from time to time, and within a few years quite a
thriving little village sprang into existence. Among the first who purchased
real estate and located at the "crossing" were John B. Smith and Joel Zeigler,
two blacksmiths, who erected a shop shortly after their arrival. David McCrillis
was an early settler in the village also, and worked very diligently for the
success of the place. A second store was started about the year 1855 by Lucas
and Pearson who erected a building for the purpose a short distance west of
Odell's building on the west side of the range line road. The firm did a good
business for about two years when they sold the house and moved their stock to
Greenfield, Indiana. In 1858 William Wood erected a two-story brick business
house in the central part of the village which he stocked with a large
assortment of general merchandise. The presence of this store gave additional
importance to the place and it soon gained the reputation of being one of the
best trading points in the southern part of the county. Wood sold goods about
four years when he disposed of his stock to John Smith, who did a flourishing
business until the year 1867, at which time the store was purchased by William
Parker of Robinson. Parker increased the stock and continued the business about
two years when he was succeeded by Wood, Arnold & Muchmore. The firm was
afterward changed to Muchmore & McKnight who are doing business at the present
time. Odell sold goods uninterruptedly for twenty years when, becoming tired of
the business, he closed out to the Gooch brothers, who have had charge of the
store since 1873. In the meantime the population of the place had constantly
increased and at the earnest solicitation of the citizens of the village and
surrounding country the town was regularly laid out and platted in the year
1872. It is situated in the southwest corner of section 31 of town 7, range 13
west, and was surveyed by A. W. Gordon for D. W. Odell, proprietor, and named
Oblong.

   Shortly after the village was platted a number of lots were sold and several
buildings erected among which was the business house of McQuillis & Buff
situated on lot 12, north of Main street. Wirt and Wood built a fine brick store
house north of Main Street near the central part of the town in the year 1882.
It cost about $2,500, and at the present time is occupied by the large general
store of Zachariah Wirt. The village at the present time has a population of
about three hundred and twenty, and supports the following busiess: three large
general stores, three grocery stores, one furniture store, one millinery store,
two drug stores, two blacksmith shops, two carpenter shops, three grain houses,
one undertaking establishment, two butcher shops, one shoe shop, two harness
shops and one barber shop. There are two hotels in the town, the Oblong and
Cottage Houses, kept respectively by William J. Odell and William Rankle. The
locality is said to be a very healthy one, yet despite this fact the following
medical gentlemen reside in the village and practice their profession in the
town and surrounding country: T. J. Edwards, H. C. Kibby, M. E. Rafferty and W.
R. Dale. The Oblong post-office was established in the year 1854 and D. W. Odell
appointed postmaster. The present postmaster is D. C. Condrey.

   The Oblong City Lodge No. 644 A., F. & A. M. was organized October, 1870. The
charter was granted by Grand Master H. G. Reynolds and contains the following
names: D. Z. Condrey, J. D. Smith, William Wood, Manuel Beaver, Benjamin F.
Buff, John J. Burton, Henry M. Barlow, M. Cawood, Thomas J. N. Dees, Joseph C.
Hughes, William Larabee, Hiram Larabee, James McKnight, James G. McKnight,
George McCrillis, Hiram McCrillis and George Routt. The first officers were D.
Z. Condrey, W. M.; John D. Smith, S. W., and William Wood, J. W. The officers in
charge at present are T. J. Edwards, W. M.; Clinton Cawood, S. W.; M. E.
Rafferty, J. W.; R. H. McKnight, Treas.; Zachariah Wirt, Sect.; L. R. Bowman, S.
D.; C. D. Condrey, J. D.; J. R. McKnight, Tiler; M. L. James, Chaplain.; Marion
Blake, S. S.; and B. F. Byerly, J. S. Meetings were held in hall over Muchmore &
McKnight's store until the year 1875, when the place of meeting was changed to
Wirt & Wood's hall which had been fitted up for the purpose. In 1878 the lodge
was moved back to the hall first used which has been the meeting place ever
since. At the present time the lodge is in a flourishing condition and numbers
thirty-five members.

   The Gospel was introduced into this township by the pioneers themselves, and
long before churches were built religious services were held in their cabins,
and when the weather permitted, in groves. When no minister was present at these
meetings, some one accustomed to "praying in public" would read a chapter in the
holy book, offer a prayer to the Most High, after which the exercises were of a
more general nature, consisting of singing, praying and "telling experiences,"
in which all who felt religiously inclined were at liberty to participate. As
their numbers and wealth increased societies were organized, church buildings
erected in different sections of the country, and ministers employed. Just when
or where the first church edifice was erected in Oblong is not known, unless it
was the old Mount Comfort church, which stood near the southern boundary of the
township. A society of the Methodist church was organized in that vicinity a
number of years ago, with a large membership. Meetings were held at private
residences and school-houses until about the year 1860, when steps were taken to
erect a house of worship. Ralph Johnson donated ground for the purpose, and
citizens of the neighborhood took an active part by contributing both work and
money toward the enterprise. The building was a hewed log structure, very
comfortably finished, and was used as a meeting place about twenty years. The
society, at one time in such flourishing condition, gradually diminished in
numbers, until it was found impossible to maintain an organization. The class
was finally disbanded and the building allowed to fall into decay. Among the
early pastors of this church were William St. Clair, C. C English, ___ Noll,
John Leeper, J. P. Rutherford, and ____ Wallace. The Oblong class was organized
in the year 1856 at the house of Owen Jarrett, with the following members: Isaac
Dulaney and wife, Owen Jarrett and wife, and Lydia Leech. The first accessions
after the organization were David Caudman and wife, who joined the society at
the second meeting. The organization was effected by the labors of Rev. William
St. Clair, at that time on the Robinson circuit, who preached for the
congregation two years. He was succeeded by John Leeper who had charge of the
circuit one year. Then came in regular succession John Taylor, Noll, Williamson,
Woolard, Butler, Bonner, Hennessee and English. The present pastor is Rev. S. A.
Seeds, who is assisted by John Cullom. The residences of Owen Jarrett and David
Caudman were used as places of worship until the Oblong school-house was built,
when the organization was transferred to the village. Services were held in the
school-house about ten years, when the Baptists erected their house of worship
which has served as a meeting place for both denominations ever since. The
society was attached to the Oblong circuit about ten years ago, and at the
present time has upon its records the names of forty members.

   The Prairie Methodist Church is located in the northern part of the township,
and dates its history from the year 1857, at which time their first house of
worship was erected. It was a neat frame building, about forty by fifty feet,
and cost the sum $1,500. The society was organized by Rev. John Leeper, a master
of the Gospel, well known in Crawford County, and a man of considerable ability
and untiring industry. Under his labors, about sixty members were gathered into
the church shortly after the organization, but as the original records could not
be obtained none of their names were learned. Their building was used as a place
of worship until the year 1879, when it was abandoned. At that time the
membership was scattered over such an extent of country that it was found
expedient to divide the society into two distinct organizations, which was done
the same year by mutual consent of all parties interested. The members living in
the vicinity of the old church met for worship at the prairie school-house,
while those living west formed themselves into what is known as the Dogwood
class, and held religious services in a school-house of the same name. In the
year 1881 the two societies divided the old church property, and erected houses
of worship, which are known as the Dogwood and Prairie churches. They are both
fine frame buildings 38x42 feet, and cost about $1,100 each. The Prairie church
numbers fifty-six communicants at the present time, while the records of the
Dogwood chapel contain the names of sixty-seven members in good standing. Both
churches maintain good Sunday schools, which are well attended. The following
pastors have preached for the churches since the reorganization in 1879: Revs.
Leeper, Taylor, Hardaker, Sapington, St. Clair, Woolard, English, Glatz, Lopas,
Grant, Carson, Waller, Reeder, Rutherford, Harrington, King, Bartley, Stanfer,
Dee, Jackson, Seeds and Cullom. The last two being pastors in charge at the
present time. The Wirt Chapel Christian Church was organized by Elder G. W.
Ingersoll, at the Wirt school-house in the year 1862. The school-house served
the congregation for a meeting place until 1875, when their present temple of
worship was erected. Their building is frame, 26x36 feet, cost $900, and stands
in the western part of the township, two and three-quarter miles southwest of
Oblong, on land donated by Mrs. Deborah Ogden. Eider Ingersoll had pastoral
charge of the church until the year 1873, at which time he resigned. The second
pastor was Elder Daniel Conner, the exact length of whose pastorate was not
ascertained. Elder Daniel Gray succeeded Conner, and preached very acceptably
for a couple of years. The present membership is about thirty-six, it having
started with ten. A good Sunday school is maintained in connection with the
church, which at the present time is under the efficient management of Jacob
Wirt, superintendent. Among the early preachers of the township were Daniel
Doly, Richard Newport, Daniel Parker and Thomas Canady, Baptist ministers, who
held services at Oblong Village at intervals for a number of years. A few
members of that denomination resided in the village and vicinity, and organized
themselves into a society November 2, 1872 The organization was brought about
principally by the efforts of William H. Smith and D. W. Odell, and the
following names recorded as constitutional members: John B. Smith, Nancy Smith,
Eliza Ellis, Blanche Gill, Samuel R. Mock, Amelia Mock„ Christina Eoff, Margaret
Eaton, D. W. Odell and Margaret Odell. William H. Smith has been pastor of the
church since its organization. There are eighteen members belonging at the
present time. The house of worship where the society meets, was erected a short
time prior to the organization, on ground donated by D. W. Odell. It is a neat
frame structure, stands in the eastern part of the village, and represents a
value of about $600. The present trustees are John B. Smith, D. W. Odell and
Samuel R. Mock. The Universalist Church of Oblong was organized in the spring of
1873, by Rev. Harris, with a membership of about twenty persons. Efforts were
immediately put on foot to erect a house of worship, and a building committee,
consisting of D. Z. Condrey, E. Ubank, T. J. Price, J. H. Watts and John King
appointed. This committee purchased ground of William Wurtzburger in the western
part of the village, and work at once began on the building. The house, which is
a frame edifice 26x36 feet, was completed in the summer of 1873, at a cost of
$700. Rev. Harris, the first pastor, preached two years and was succeeded by
Rev. C. C. Neff, who remained with the church three years. Then came Rev. M. L.
Pope, who ministered to the congregation about two years, and was in turn
followed by Rev. S. S. Gibb, the present pastor. The present membership is about
forty.

   In educational matters the citizens of this township have always taken a
lively interest, and schools were established shortly after the first settlers
made their appearance. The first school-house, as near as could be ascertained,
stood on the west side of Oblong Prairie near the North Fork, and was built some
time prior to 1836. Among the first teachers who wielded the birch in this rude
domicile was one James Smith; the names of other early teachers who dignified
this frontier college with their presence have unfortunately been forgotten. The
second school-house was a hewed log building and a decided improvement on the
one described. It was erected about the year 1837 and stood near the Oblong
grave-yard. It was first used by a man by name of Fithian who taught a three
months' term in the winter of 1837 and 1838 with an attendance of about fifteen
pupils. Among the early teachers who taught in the same place are remembered
Samuel Crump-ton, John M. Johnston, Levi James, J. H. Price, and Peter Long. The
house was in use until the year 1863 when it was abandoned as being no longer
fit for school purposes. The first frame school-house stood on Jesse Barlow's
farm in the northeast corner of the township and was erected about the year
1850. It was in use for twenty-six years. The school lands were sold in the year
1851 and realized to the township the sum of $1,100. Seven per cent of this
amount together with $70 which the township drew the same year formed the basis
of the present splendid school fund. There are at the present time ten good
buildings in which schools are taught about seven months in the year, thus
bringing the advantages of a good education within the easy reach of all. Nine
of these buildings are frame, and one, the Oblong school-house, is brick. The
latter was erected in 1881 at a cost of $3,000. It is two stories high, contains
three large, well furnished rooms, and covers a space of ground forty-three feet
long by twenty feet wide. The Mount Comfort Grange No. 1006 P. of H. was
organized in 1873 with a membership of thirteen. First officers were Harrison
Seers, Master; D. M. Bales, Overseer; and A. Walters, Sect. The present officers
are William Cortourly, M.; Edward Johnson, O.; Joseph Kirk, S.; Albert Skaggs,
Sect.; Wm. Johnson, Treas.; Chas. Johnson, Chap.; Thomas Keifer, Lecturer; J. E.
Skaggs, Gate Keeper; Anna Cortourly, P.; Lucinda Johnson, A. S.; Rachel Kirk,
F.; Catherine Keifer, C.

   Dog Wood Grange No. 1007 was organized January 29, 1874, at the Dog Wood
school-house with thirty charter members. First officers were the following:
Preston Condrey, M.; Matthew Wilkin, O.; Scott Thornburg, L.; William E.
McKnight, S.; Absalom Wilkin, A. S.; J. H. Wilkin, Chaplain; Hiram Larabee,
Treas.; R. S. Comley, Sect.; Wilson Brooks, G. K.; Emily Wilkin, Ceres;
Elizabeth Condrey, Pomona; Carrie Snider, Flora; Rosilla Larabee, L. A. S. The
present officers are A. Reed, M.; C. Stifle, O.; R. S. Comley, L.; S. Wilkin,
S.; J. A. Wilson, A. S.; G. W. Crogan, Chap.; A. Weir, Treas.; M. Wilkin, Sect.;
J. J. Water worth, G. K.; Mrs. E. E. Wilkin, Pomona; Miss E. Reed, Flora; Mrs.
Mary Wilkin, Ceres; Mrs. C. Wilson, L. A. S. The lodge is in flourishing
condition at the present time and numbers forty-two members.


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.

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