1882 History of Waynesville Township, DeWitt County, Illinois

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives
Copyright 1999 Earliene Kaelin

1882 HISTORY
WAYNESVILLE TOWNSHIP

Waynesville is situated in the extreme northwestern part of the 
county, and formerly belonged to McLean county. It has the honor 
of containing the next oldest settle ment in De Witt, having been
settled as early as 1825. Originally it was very evenly divided 
between prairie and timbered land, the latter being somewhat in 
excess of the former. At this writing plenty of good timber abounds 
suitable to all the wants of the people. It is bounded on the north 
by McLean county, on the east by the township of Wapella, on the 
south by Barnett and on the west by Logan county, and contains 24 
sections, or upwards of 15,000 acres.

Kickapoo creek enters the township in the north-west part of 
section fourteen and flows south-west, pawing into Logan county 
from section 30. Prairie creek enters from the north in section 
17 and empties into the Kickapoo nearly on the line between sections 
17 and 20. Rock creek flows north and west through the township, and
joins with the Kickapoo, near the centre of section 20. Other small 
streams abound, discharging their waters into some of the above 
mentioned creeks. From the above it will readily be seen that the 
natural drainage of the township is excellent, and yet the farmers 
are tiling largely, experience teaching them that it is money and 
labor well spent. The Illinois Midland Railway furnishes the trans-
portation facilities, entering in the southern portion of section 30,
where it takes an easterly course to Waynesville. Here it forms an 
elbow, trending southward and crossing the township line between 
sections 31 and 32. The surface is somewhat diversified. Along the 
creeks it is quite broken, and in places approaches in form to small
bluffs. The soil is comparatively shallow, but most excellent for 
the raising of wheat and blue grass. The prairies are slightly 
undulating and contain the rich alluvial soil of the world-renowned 
Grand prairie.  

FIRST SETTLEMENTS

The honor of taking the first steps toward civilization within 
the boundaries of Waynesville, belongs to Prettyman Marvel and 
his wife Rebecca. Mr. Marvel was a native of Georgia, and his 
wife was a South Carolinian. Their parents were pioneers of 
Indiana, where their children grew up together. In May 1823, 
they were married, and the following year moved to Illinois and 
stopped in Sangamon county. February 1825, they moved to within 
a short distance of what is now Waynesville village in section 
31, De Witt county. Their mode of conveyance was a cart drawn 
by a yoke of oxen. It was ten o'clock at night before they 
halted. There was no light in the window-no warm friends or home 
to greet them. That night the snow formed their bed to rest upon 
and the starry heaven was their shelter. A few sticks gathered 
and fired by the side of a log furnished the only means of 
warmth. The next day they fixed up a temporary cabin by driving 
four crotched posts into the ground. These were connected by 
poles and were overlaid with split slabs of wood for a roof. In 
time it was enlarged to two rooms by building an addition of the 
same kind. The former was aristocratically called a bed-room and 
the latter the sitting room. Let the present generation imagine, 
if they can, a " sitting room " with the ground for a floor, for 
such was the case with this mansion. The fireplace was outside of
the entrance called a door. This consisted by hauling up before 
the entrance a fore and back log, within which the fire was built,
and here the cooking and warming was done. It was found when the 
snow melted away in the spring that the cabin had unfortunately 
been built in a slight depression of ground. Water stood a foot 
deep in their rude domicil. This they remedied by pounding in 
pieces of dry-rot logs and filling up to a sufficient depth to 
make the rooms a passable place to stay in for the time being.  
During the spring and summer a more comfortable cabin was erected
on a more favorable site. Of course this log cabin was quite 
pretentious for the times, and being such we will give a slight 
description of it as given to the writer by "Aunt Becca" Gambrel, 
formerly wife of Prettyman Marvel, the pioneer. It was a small 
log cabin about 12x16, and covered with split staves four feet 
in length, while the floor was mother earth. The fireplace
extended nearly across one end of the building, with stick and 
mud chimney of the olden time. The beds were constructed by 
placing poles between the cracks of the logs a certain distance 
apart and laid over with rived clap-boards; the shelves for the 
tableware were prepared in the same manner. This mine spring Mr.
Marvel broke a small piece of ground and planted it in corn and 
potatoes. This was the first farming done in the county with the
exception of that performed by the Shugarts and Elisha Butler in
Tunbridge, which was the mine spring -1825. Wolves were then more
plentiful than village dogs, and about as tame. It was very 
difficult to raise chickens or any of the small domestic animals,
as the wolves were so bold that they would come up to the very 
door of the cabin, and would only leave when shot at or beaten 
off with clubs.

These lonely pioneers were cheered and encouraged in their new-
found home by two children, mere babes then, John S. and James.
They both grew to manhood, married, and raised large families; 
several of their representatives are yet living in the county. 
John and James died several years ago. Nine other children were
born in the township, Nancy, Cynthia, Lavinia, Prettyman, Rebecca, 
Mary A., Wiley and George, all of whom are living but one, a 
twin to Nancy, who died without being named. All reside in the 
county except George and Lavinia. The latter lives in Vermillion 
county, this state, and the former in Nebraska. Mr. Marvel lived 
to see and enjoy the fruits of his labors, owning a large farm 
at the time of his death which occurred in the summer of 1842. 
In 1847 Mrs. Marvel was again married to Thomson P. Gambrel of 
Indiana. He died in 1877, his wife surviving him. Mrs. Gambrel 
is at this writing an inhabitant of the village of Waynesville 
and enjoying excellent health and vigor of mind for one of her 
age, being in her seventy-sixth year. She is the oldest resident
of the county, and has had eighty-six grand-children and thirty-
two great-grandchildren.  John Barr, a brother of Mrs. Gambrel, 
came here but a few days after Mr. Marvel, and lived in the same 
cabin with his brother-in-law until spring, when he built a small 
cabin just over the line in Logan county. Mr. Barr is upwards of 
eighty years of age, and still resides near where he settled in 
the spring of 1825.

Samuel Curtright made his advent here the next day after Mr. Marvel,
and settled on section 32. He went to work at once to erect his 
cabin, which in architecture was much after the style of his 
neighbor's. He had quite a family, none, however, large enough to 
aid him in his pioneer efforts. In March, 1828, he entered the 
W. 1/4 of the N. W. 1/4 of the above section. He remained here 
for several years, when be moved with his family to what is 
now Clintonia township, where he became an active settler, 
building the first corn mill. He died several years ago; some 
of the family yet reside in the county. Felix Jones was also a 
pioneer of 1825. He moved here from Indiana, having a wife and 
a large family of children. Soon afterward his wife died, when 
he married again, and drifted to parts unknown.

In the spring of 1826, John Glenn with his wife Jane and his son-
in-law, Abraham Hobbs-then a widower-and the latter's four 
children, moved in and squatted in the Kickapoo timber, in section 
29. Mr. Glenn was a native of South Carolina, and migrated to 
Tennessee in 1803, and from thence to Indiana, and afterward to 
Illinois as above stated. He remained here but a few years, when 
he moved with his grand-children further west, where he died. 
Samuel P. Glenn, a son of the former, was born in South Carolina, 
and lived with his father until they moved to Indiana. Here he 
married Ruth Scott, and in the spring of 1827 moved here and 
settled in section 26, and was one of two persons to make the 
first land entries in De Witt county. His mode of conveyance 
was an ox wagon peculiar to travel in those times. He bought 
the " improvement right " of his brother, Thomas M., which, 
was a few acres of ground and a pole cabin. To use the language
of Mr. Glenn, "It was so meager and shabby that a person of 
today would not stable his horse in it." But it was the best he 
could do until he could build a better, and thus he and his young
wife moved into it. Mr. Glenn is yet living, and one of the 
oldest citizens of the county, as well as a prominent farmer. 
After the county was organized in 1839, he was among the first 
to represent the people in the State Legislature. He served 
several years in the capacity of justice of the peace. Has been
twice married; his second wife's name was Mary Riley. No children
were born from the first marriage, and but one from the present 
union, Margaret M. who died but a few years ago. Mr. Glenn and 
his wife are now residing at the old homestead in section 26, 
where he first settled in 1827. Thomas M. Glenn, brother of the 
above, was also born in South Carolina, and was with his father 
when he moved to Indiana. In 1825 he came to Illinois, Sangamon 
county, where he stopped until the famiy came to Wayneville 
Township. He had a wife and nine children, seven daughters and 
two sons. When he brought his family to this state his mode of 
conveyance was with pack-horses, but he had purchased an ox team 
and wagon before moving to Waynesville. A small log cabin was 
soon erected, and the family made comfortable. That summer he. 
broke a small patch of ground and raised a crop. He remained 
here about twenty years and improved one of the best farms in 
the county. In 1855 he moved with his family to Iowa. But one 
of the family are now residing in the county, Nancy, wife of 
William Fruit.

James K. Scott, a brother-in-law of the Glenns, and one of the 
most prominent of the pioneers, was a native of South Carolina, 
and moved to Indiana in an early day. He caught the Illinois fever-
migration which was then prevailing, and, in company with Samuel 
P. Glenn, landed here in the spring of 1827. He and Mr. Glenn 
made the two first land entries in the county, being the 3d of 
November, 1827; the former locating in section 27, and the latter 
in section 26. Mr. Scott brought his family with him, consisting 
of a wife and two sons, Lorenzo Dow and John W. Five children 
were born to them in the county; Martin H., Crafton P., Jane C., 
Polly A., and Lucinda. The former three -Lorenzo, John, and 
Martin-died several years ago. The daughters are living in 
Missouri, and James C. and Crafton P. are residing near Kenney, 
in Tunbridge township. Mr. Scott was a very active and useful 
citizen in his day. He represented the people in the State 
Legislature two terms, was widely known as a pioneer preacher, 
besides holding minor offices of trust and honor. He died 
several years ago, lamented by many warm friends. His remains 
lie in one of the oldest cemeteries in the county, situated on 
the premises of Samuel P. Glenn, in section 26.

One of the peculiar pioneers, in fact such an one as we some, 
times read about in " border life " novels, was Sylvanus Shurtleff, 
a native of Vermont. He was a peculiar composition of genius and 
romance. He was of a restless, roaming disposition, and had lived 
more or less with the Indiana. Indeed, he was initiated and became 
one of the tribe of the Pottowatomies in 1823. He remained with 
them for some time, and in 1827 drifted to Waynesville, then 
called Big Grove. From him comes the origin for the name of Salt 
Creek. He says that at one time the Indiana manufactured salt 
upon its banks, hence its name, Salt Creek. A few years later we 
find him in De Witt township, where he built the first mill, a 
description of which will be found in the history of that township. 
It would be needless to add, that as civilization advanced, he 
packed up his possessions and moved further west. It is said that 
he is yet living somewhere in the far west, just in the skirts 
of barbarism.  

Abraham Onstott was born in Kentucky, and left his native state in 
the spring of 1823 and arrived in Illinois in May of the same year. 
He first settled with his brother David, who had preceded him, in 
the forks of Salt Creek and Sangamon river, Sangamon county. In 
the fall of 1824 he married Miss Mary Branson: he remained here 
until the spring of 1829, when he moved to Waynesville, and located 
in section 29. Prior to this, Dec. 2, 1828, he had entered the west 
half of the north-west quarter of the above section. Mr. Onstott 
relates that he has seen at one time seventy head of deer feeding 
together, not far from his present residence, and at that time the 
nearest post-office was at Springfield, and that they received 
their mail semi-annually. He is now a very old man, living at the 
old home in sec. 21.

John J. McGraw was born in South Carolina and subsequently migrated 
to Kentucky. In the spring of 1830 he with his father-in-law, 
Tillmon Lane, moved to Illinois, and located in section 34, on the 
farm now owned by James Strange, near Waynesville. On their arrival 
they had no house to move into; they-therefore did the best they 
could, which was to clean out the stable of one of the old settlers, 
Martin Scott, and move into it. Imagine, if you can, a log stable 
accommodating a family of ten persons for a whole summer ; but such 
was the case with these pioneers. That summer they raised a crop 
of twenty acres of corn on the land now owned by Amos Dick. In the 
fall, they each built cabins in section 25. The spring following 
they broke prairie and raised small crops of corn and potatoes. In 
course of time they were in possession of fair farms. Here Mr. Lane 
lived until his death, which occurred in 1835. Mrs. Lane resided at 
the old homestead until the spring Of 1852, when she died. Two
granddaughters and one grandson are yet residing at or near the old 
farm. Only two children of this large family survive their parents-
Mary, wife of James W. McCord, in Harp township, and Rebecca Crum, 
who lives in Kansas. 

Judge J. J. McGraw is now residing in Clinton, a bale and hearty old 
man, and one of the representative citizens of De Witt county. He was 
elected first county clerk after the county was organized, and served
as such for eighteen years; was school commissioner for the same 
length of time; appointed master in Chancery by Judge Treat; served 
as United States assistant assessor under Abraham Lincoln, and was 
reappointed to the same office by President Grant. He was elected 
police magistrate of the city of Clinton for six years, chosen county 
judge, which office he filled upwards of three years; served several 
terms as justice of the peace, and is now filling that office, not so 
much for the emoluments, but that he may have something to do. He has, 
indeed, been a busy and useful citizen. The first Sabbath-school 
organized in the county was conducted by him at the house of Edward 
W. Fears, near Waynesville, in the fall of 1830. A short time ago 
he informed us that he had solemnized the rites of matrimony for 356 
persons, the histories of whom would undoubtedly be a peculiar medley. 
Mr. McGraw's family consisted of his wife and four children: one son 
and three daughters-only two of whom are now living, Leander S., and 
Nellie C., wife of A. R. Phares, both residents of the city of Clinton. 
Mrs. McGraw died the 25th of December, 1877, at the advanced age of 70
years. 

Judge McGraw is in the 76th year of his age, and looks and appears as 
though he might become a centenarian.  

John B. Jones was born in Ohio, and migrated to Indiana at an early day. 
In the fall of 1830 be moved with his family to this township, and 
settled in section 2 1. He made the trip with an ox-team, and on his 
arrival hastily threw up a pole cabin. His family were his wife and 
five children. The children's names were as follows: Caroline, Adolphus, 
Lavinia, Ellen, and John M. Several other children were born to them after
coming to the county. John M. resides in the same section that his father 
located on, and is a very prominent farmer; Charley, a younger brother,
lives on the old farm, a comfort to his mother in her old age; John B., 
the pioneer, died about twenty-five years ago.

William W. Dunham settled in section 29 in 1831. He was a native of 
Massachusetts, and moved to Rhode, Island, where be married Miss Mary 
Greenman. In 1815 he migrated to Ohio, where he remained for sixteen 
years, and from thence to Waynesville, as above stated. His family 
consisted of his wife and five children; Thomas E., J. P., William S.,
Mary, and Amy. Mr. Dunham died in 1833 ; his wife survived him upwards 
of thirty years. But one of the family is living in the county, J. P. 
Dunham, who lives in Waynesville, and is a prominent merchant and farmer.  

George Isham, a native of New Hampshire, settled here in the same year as 
Mr. Dunham. He had a wife and two children Andrew B., and Polly Ann. The 
latter is the only one living of the family, and is now the wife of James 
Cook, in Waynesville.

Another of the hardy pioneers was John Robb. He was native of Tennessee, 
and emigrated to Illinois in the spring o 1829, making a halt of one 
year within sight of Springfield.  The spring following he moved with 
his family into this township, and settled in section 27, a part of 
which he had entered in the fall of 1829. He had a family of five sons 
and five daughter as follows: James R., Samuel H., Win. R., Eli H. Thos 
C., Elizabeth G., Ann C, Isabel L., Mary Jane, and Laura C. The mother's 
name was Barbara. As they had no house when they came, the family camped 
by the side of a log, and built a rail pen in which to stow away their 
furniture until they could construct a cabin. This, when built, was of 
the rudest kind. The door, for some time, was nothing but a bed-quilt 
suspended from the upper part of the door-jamb. The small stock, 
consisting of four sheep, were stowed away in the cabin with the 
children, to keep them from the ravenous wolves. This was the beginning 
of what, in after years, proved a prosperous family.

E. H. Robb, a son of John, who now resides in Barnett township in section 
9, relates the following incident, to a part of which he was an eye-
witness. It was one of the trials of the "deep snow," in the winter of 
1830-31: Josiah Clifton, John Clifton, and David Norfleet, left the 
old mill on the Kickapoo with two yoke of oxen and sleds, each con-
taining a sack of meal, bound for their homers near where Clinton is 
now situated. The track was dim, the snow fell very fast, and soon it 
was almost impossible to keep the road or make any head-way in travel-
ling. They soon became bewildered, and their teams gave out. They unyoked
the cattle, set the yokes by the sled, and started on foot to find, if 
possible, some cabin. By this time the snow was waist deep, and they 
were obliged to take turns in going before to break a path. Several 
times they burrowed in the snow to rest, that they might retain their 
strength to complete their journey. A little before sundown they came 
in sight of a cabin. It was John Robb's meager dwelling.  They were 
nearly frozen and exhausted. Mr. Robb and his son James helped them 
over the yard fence and into the house. The Clifton boys had sufficient
vitality left to get into the cabin without aid, but Norfleet was so 
exhausted that they were obliged to carry him in. Their faces were 
covered with ice and snow, and their hands were badly frozen. They 
remained here several days before they were in a condition to reach 
home. One yoke of their oxen wandered to the cabin of Thomas M. Glenn 
that same night, the other was found the next day bewildered in the 
deep snow, and was driven in and cared for.

Joshua Cantrall and his brother Z. G. Cantrall, were natives of Virginia,
but emigrated from Ohio here in the fall of 1835; both had considerable 
families. The former settled in section 32. His family consisted of his 
wife Rachel, and ten children; Thirza, wife of John Thompson; Zebulon; 
Mahala, wife of Elijah Hull; Polly, William, Levi, Nancy, Isham C., and 
Eli. He was an active church member, and in the spring of 1836, took 
measures to organize a Presbyterian Society, which was effected in June
of the same year. He died the 11th of August, 1840. Isham C., a son, 
now resides in Waynesville, an old and respected citizen. Z. G. Cantrall, 
brother of Joshua, died many years ago. R. D. Taylor, another early 
settler, was born in Tennessee and came to Illinois in 1836. He was 
brought up on the farm but when he was 18 years of age he entered the 
Princeton College, Ky., and studied for the ministry. He was an ardent 
worker in the cause, and was the first to establish a Cumberland Presby-
terian Church at Marion, now De Witt. Mr. Taylor gives an account of the 
manner of hunting deer and wolves in an early day. He says, "I well 
remember in the summer of 1836, soon after coming to the country arrange-
ments were made for a general deer hunt. The plan was to form a circle of 
about ten miles in diameter. All hands turned out for miles around, men. 
boys and dogs. Within this circle there would be enclosed at least fifty 
or a hundred deer, and wolves too numerous mention. No great excitement 
prevailed at first, only now and then the crack of a single rifle as some 
stray deer attempted to escape through the lines. But as the circle became 
smaller, and the huntsmen closer together, with the deer and wolves 
enclosed as it were within a wall of fire, then the excitement commenced 
which beggars description. The deer would run and leap from side to side, 
only to be shot down by the nearest marksman. Some would escape in the 
burly burly excitement, but many a trophy would be left to the hunters 
on the field of battle" Mr. Taylor moved from Marion to Le Roy, McLean 
County, several years ago, where he still resides, well known as one of 
the pioneer preachers of Central Illinois.

Among other early settlers, were Thomas Cuppy, Jonathan Atherton, Edward W.
Fears, Wm. Branson, John Strange, Nicholas and Enoch Lundy, Henry Atherton, 
Matthew Hammett, now living in section 9, George Robb, and J. C. Riley.

Many are the accounts of privations and hardships, mingled with pleasures, 
as recited by a few of the remaining pioneers. The friendly feeling and 
hospitality then existing are unknown to this generation of greed and 
selfishness. A stranger was always welcome, and remained a guest of the 
family as long as he desired. The women manufactured their own clothing 
from wool and flax. A young man was in full dress with a linen shirt and 
buckskin pants. All of the early settlements were made in the timber, the 
prairies not being improved until the railroads developed the country. The 
old settlers date every event from the winter of the "deep snow," - 1830-1.
It is their almanac their substantial guide to early and subsequent data. 
It is the important epoch in the pioneer history of Central Illinois. 
Indeed the "deep snow" prevailed throughout the western States and 
territories. On account of this severe visitation, the early settlers 
suffered untold hardships and privations. The snow commenced falling 
early in December, and continued without abatement throughout the winter.
The measurement in the timber was upwards of four feet deep. The stumps 
standing, where trees had been cut for firewood, after the snow had passed
away, had the appearance of being felled by giants, as some of them 
measured over six feet in height. For weeks the settlers were buried in
their cabins, and only went forth, as food and fuel demanded, from pure 
necessity. The people lived on rye, hominy and potatoes, as they could not
have meal, the mills being inaccessible for the grinding of their corn. 
Apropos of this we will here relate a circumstance of true charity, equal
to the suffering and subsequent relief of the Russian peasants, the story
of which is so familiar to every schoolboy in the land. It was at this time
had they money to purchase it. They counseled together, and concluded that 
they would make the trip, a short distance, to Mr. John Barr's, and see if
they could not obtain enough to supply the wants of life. They accordingly
mounted their horses, and by evening reached Mr. Barr's cabin. They made 
their wants known, informing him in the meantime that they bad no money to
pay for the corn, but that they were strong and willing to work, and when 
the snow went away in the spring, they would pay him by making rails. Mr. 
Barr replied that they could have all the corn they wanted, and pay for it 
as per agreement. And now comes the point of this anecdote that will, perhaps,
surprise this generation of selfishness and money-getting. Said Mr. Barr, 
"I had a man here the other day wanting a few bushels of corn, and he 
informed me that he had plenty of money to pay any price I might ask. I 
told him if he was so well prepared with means he could buy corn most 
anywhere, and that I would keep mine for those more needy." The stranger 
went away without purchasing. Mr. McGraw and his neighbor each shelled a
sack of corn, posted off to the nearest mill, and came home, making their 
families happy with plenty to eat. By way of supplement, Judge McGraw 
informed us that in the spring they paid the debt; and that he never 
mauled rails with more pleasure, or gave bigger count than he did in 
payment for that sack of corn.

In the fall prior to the winter of the deep snow, Governor Reynolds was 
running for the Chief Magistracy of the State, and according to the 
customs of those times, visited nearly every town and hamlet in the State.
Among his appointments was one at Murphy's mill, then just built-on 
Kickapoo creek, in what is now Waynesville township. At that time the 
political parties were Whigs and Democrats. There were a large number 
in attendance, voters for miles around-being in all about twenty-five 
voters. It was a motley crew, half of them, at least, were barefoot, 
while the best dressed were in their shirt sleeves, and wore buckskin 
for pants. The Governor made a stirring speech under an oak-tree. Some 
one passed around a copious bottle of whisky, and of course when 
election came, all voted for Gov. Reynolds, both Whigs and Democrats.

This chapter would not be complete without relating the following 
circumstance, which occurred the 4th of July, in the same year as the
above. Both of the parties were pioneers, and are yet living, one 
residing in Clinton, and the other in Texas township. Mr. Thomas 
Davenport, then a young man, was passing through Waynesville with his
family, to visit friends in another part of the county. He made a halt 
in the prairie, near Judge McGraw's premises. While here the question 
came up with regard to physical powers, etc., and a banter was made by
some one present, that Mr. McGraw could beat Davenport in a, footrace.
Both parties prided themselves in their capacity as, foot-racers. The 
champions eagerly sought the opportunity to prove their valor. A 
partially plowed prairie was selected as a scene of contest. A land 
that bad not been completed, about six or eight feet wide, was the 
chosen spot. The furrows were straight, and it was arranged that each
should take a furrow, and start at the word, "Go !" The distance was 
a hundred yards. The race was run, and it was conceded that the Judge,
came out a little ahead. Our informant says that Davenport walked 
around his competitor, after the race was over, looked, him up and 
down in astonishment, and finally exclaimed, "that he did not think 
that that man had been created who could out run him" In 1880 fifty 
years afterward it is said they met at the same ground at Clinton, 
to have their -youthful foot-race, over again.  Of course the race 
was not run.

The following are the first land entries made in the township: November
3d, 1827. Samuel P. Glenn entered the E. 1/2 of the S. W. 1/4 in 
section 26. On the same date, James K. Scott entered the E. 1/4 of 
the N. E. 1/4 of section 27. These were the first land entries made in 
De Witt county. Levi Johnson entered the E. 1/2 of the S. E. 1/4 of 
section 15, the 18th of March, 1828. Prettyman Marvel entered the E. 
1/2 of the N. E. 1/4 of section 31, March 28th, 1828. On the same day,
Samuel Curtright entered the W. 1/2 of the N. W. 1/4 of section 32. 
April 7th, 1828, Daniel Vinson entered the E. 1/2 of the N. W. 1/4 of 
section 28. Abraham Onstott on the 2d of December, 1828, entered the 
W. 1/2 of the N. W. 1/4 of same section. Heirs of George Kline at the
same date, entered the E. 1/2 of the S. W. 1/4 of section 22. January 
14th, 1829, Edward W. Fears entered the W. 1/2 of the N. W. 1/4 of 
section 27. Thomas M. Glenn entered the E. 1/2 N. W. 1/4 of section 
35. June 6th, 1829, Henry Atherton entered the W. 1/2 of the N. E. 
1/4 of section 28. Jonathan Atherton entered the W. 1/2 of the S. W. 
1/4 of section 26, June 26th, 1829. John Robb entered the E. 1/2 of 
the S. E. 1/4 of section 27, October 13th, 1829. October 16th, 1829,
Isaac Carlock entered the W. 1/2 of the S. W. 1/4 of section 22. Win.
Branson entered the E. 1/2 of the S. W. 1/4 of section 27. Mark 
McPhearson entered the E. 1/2 of the N. W. 1/4 of section 32, May 
28th, 1830. November 19th, same year, John Strange entered the W. 
1/2 of the S.E. 1/4 of section 27. Nicholas and Enoch Lundy entered 
the W. 1/2 of the N. E. 1/4 of same section, November 27th, 1830. 
Same date, Jesse Sutton entered the E. 1/2 of the N. W. 1/4 of section
29. December 8th, 1830, John B. Jones entered the E. 1/2 of the N. W.
1/4 of section 21. In the same year December 18th, Thomas Cuppy 
entered the E. 1/2 of the S. W. 1/4 of the same section. Hiram Crum 
at the same date, entered the W. 1/4 of the S. E. 1/4 of section 28.

The first interment made was on the farm of Samuel P. Glenn in section
26, in 1829, and the first person buried was Samuel Scott, a brother 
of James K. Scott. The grave was situated on a little rise of ground
just west, of where the Christian church now stands. The cemetery at 
this writing contains one acre of ground, and was donated by Mr. Glenn
to the county for a public place of burial. Many of the deceased of 
Waynesville and the vicinity are buried here.

The first couple married were James Johnson and Mahala Nichols. The 
marriage rites were solemnized by Samuel P. Glenn, then justice of 
the peace. This occurred in the summer of 1829. The first child born 
was a daughter of Prettyman and Rebecca Marvel, which occurred the 4th
of November, 1827. She was born at their log cabin, situated in section
21. The second born was Nancy, a daughter of Thomas M. Glenn,. in the
spring of 1828. The first school taught was a private session, and 
conducted by J. J. McGraw in the winter of 1832. To this day the old 
settlers claim it was one of the beat schools they ever had. The house 
was a log cabin, situated in section 28, on the land formerly owned 
by A. P. Cushman.

Among the pioneer preachers were Peter Cartwright, James K. Scott, 
William See, Hugh and Walter Bowles, James Hughes, R. D. Taylor, and
Abner Peeler. Peter Cartwright was then the presiding elder of the M. 
E. Church. It must be remembered that at this time there were no church 
houses, and the services were held at the cabins of the pioneers. 
Prettyman Marvel's house was one of the favorable resorts for church 
services. At this time-1825-, an informant tells us that there were 
but six who would congregate to hear the word expounded; and the 
enjoyment of these few who gathered together on the dirt floor of 
their cabins, was only equaled by the simplicity and earnestness of
the worshippers. The first church house was constructed in 1837, and
located in section 26, in eight of Samuel P. Glenn's residence It was
a frame structure, and the first frame building in the township. It 
was moved to the village of Waynesville three years ago, and is now 
utilized for a blacksmith shop and carriage factory by Evans Bros, 
a relic of the olden time.

John Glenn was the first justice of the peace. Thomas M. Glenn, and 
Samuel P. Glenn were also among the first. The first blacksmith was 
Robert Eckler, a native of New York. His shop was a little pole cabin, 
situated in the north part of the town of Waynesville. This was in 
1833. Mr. Eckler moved away in an early day to parts unknown. The 
first mill was built by Zion and Edom, Shugart in 1829, and was 
situated on Kickapoo creek in the northern part of the township on
the land now owned by Mrs. Tenney. It was a water grist-mill, and 
had a capacity of grinding from 15 to 20 bushels of meal daily. The 
burrs were about two feet in diameter, and hewn out from prairie 
boulders. The first saw mill was built by Russell Post in 1837, and
situated on the Kickapoo in section 23. It had an upright saw, and 
was run by an undershot wheel. Nothing but a portion of the old dam
now remains, to point out to the passer-by that here was once a mill.

Charles Maltby was the first postmaster, and the office Was situated 
on Maltby street a little north of J. P. Dunham's store. It was 
established in 1834.

The township in 1860 contained 872 inhabitants: in 1870, 970 inhabi-
tants; and the last census, 1880, there were 1,042. Among the most 
prominent stock raisers at this time are: Taylor Bros. They make a 
specialty of propagating the finest quality of sheep and swine. The 
prizes taken at the fairs for their stock in 1879 were upwards of 
$2,000.

The following is a list of the Supervisors elected since Township 
organization: Thomas C. Robb was elected in 1859, and served two 
terms. Boynton Tenney, elected in 1861, and served two terms; was 
chosen Chairman of the Board for the year 1862. Thomas C. Robb, 
re-elected in 1863, and served one term. J. M. Simpson, elected in
1864; 1. C. Cantrall, elected in 1865, and served two terms. E. 
Davenport was elected in 1867. Boynton Tenney, re-elected in 1868,
and served as Chairman of the Board for that year. Calvin Timmons,
elected in 1869, and served until 1872. W. H. Oglevie, elected in 
1872. James P. Strange was elected in 1873. Amos Dick, elected in 
1874, and served three terms. Mathew Hammett, elected in 1877, and
served three terms. E. D. Sessions was elected in 1880. Charles 
Jones was elected in 1881, and is the present incumbent.

VILLAGE OF WAYNESVILLE

This is the oldest town in De Witt county, and is situated in section
29, just in the southern edge of the Kickapoo timber. It was named
by George Isham in honor of Gen. Anthony Wayne, of whose exploits 
and generalship Isham was a great admirer. The township afterwards 
received its name from the village. The 6 rot town-plat was filed 
by Isham the 4th of June, 1832, and described as follows: A part of 
the E. 1/2 S. W. I section 29, and contained six blocks. This terri-
tory was then a part of McLean county: Subsequent additions were 
made as follows: Post and Isham, addition made January 12th, 1836. 
Russell Post, addition made October 10th of the same year. The first 
attempt for incorporation was made June 26th, 1844. A meeting was 
called and a vote taken, with the following result. For incorporating:
A. Hamilton, David Wheeler, Charles Maltby, Bussel Post, E. J. 
Lawrence, Harrison Maltby, J. L. Ginnings, William Evans, John F. 
Buckner, Samuel Richards, R. E. Post, John Zoller, D. J. Grosh, 
Thomas Congher, Jessie Griffin, Victor N. Sampson, Jacob F. Sampson, 
James H. Morley, F. S. Harrison, J. M. Laton, G. W. Stipp, John W. 
Anderson, and A. N. Dills. Against incorporating: Nathaniel Harris,
and James McNealy.

For some cause no organization was effected, and it was not until in 
the fall of 1868 that the town was incorporated, and then under a 
general act of the Legislature for the incorporating of villages. 
The first elected officers were: F. Brock, President of the Board; 
J. W. Dix, J. Wilson, J. J. Starkey, Charles Williams, and James M. 
Evans. John Dickey was chosen clerk. The present officers of the 
village are: W. C. Whiteman, President of the Board; William H. 
Cantrall, Charles Tenney, Henry Armstrong, William P. Gambrell, 
and James M. Evans; Clerk: Dr. S. A. Graham; Treasurer, C. W. 
Williamson; Police Magistrate, John McLeod; Town Constable, E. 
Gambrel.

The first goods sold in the town (being the first in the county,) 
were by Greenman & Dunham in 1830, two years before the town was 
laid out. They had a small stock of notions and groceries, and 
their customers came for many miles around. At this time there 
was but one store in Bloomington, which was kept by James Allin,
founder of both the towns of Bloomington and Clinton. -The 
storeroom of the firm of Greenman & Dunham was a small hewed 
log cabin, situated in the eastern limits of the present corpora-
tion of Waynesville. It was afterwards taken down and moved to 
another spot in the same part of the town. It is now weather-
boarded, and is used as a part of James M. Evans' dwelling.

The first house built in the town proper, after it was platted, 
was erected by George Isham in 1832. It was a hewed log building,
16x18 feet in size, and situated on Maltby street, opposite what 
is now Odd Fellow's Hall. I. N. Chrisman put in a small stock of
goods, which business he conducted for some time. The building 
was afterwards moved back from the street and used as a stable 
by Linus Graves. Some of the old logs may yet be seen in the 
northwest part of the town where they are utilized for a 
sidewalk.

The first frame building was erected by Benjamin Day for a 
dwelling in 1832, and located on Maltby Street in the lot now 
occupied by R. H. Dragstern's store-room. The building was torn 
down many years ago. The first school-house was built by George
Isharn in 1836, and situated in the first addition to Waynesville,
on Maltby street, in the lot now occupied by Addison Harrison. It
was a little log building, and the first school taught in it was
by Linus Graves.

The first and only grist-mill constructed in the town was under 
the auspices of James Metland in 1850, and was situated in the 
northern limits of the village, a little east of Eber Davenport's
tile factory. George Isham donated seven acres of ground in order
to establish it. The building was a frame, two stories, and cost
about $3,000. It had two run of Stones, and other belongings to
make a very good mill. Several years ago it was taken down, and
moved to McLean county. Livingston & Davis constructed the first
sawmill in 1853. It was situated a little west and north of the
Illinois Midland depot. It was ran by steam-power, and had, an 
upright saw.

The relic of the old frame may yet be seen, but the machinery was
taken out several years ago and utilized for other purposes. Homer
Buck situated on First street, in the lot now owned by the Ginnings
family. It passed from existence many years ago. The village has 
two cemeteries, one situated in the east part, of the town and 
the other in the west. The ground of the former was donated to 
the inhabitants of the town by George Isham in 1852.  The latter 
was donated by Prettyman Marvel, and antedates the former.

The present school building is situated on the public square, and
was erected in the fall of 1866, at a cost of $4,000. It is a 
square building, 36x36, and two stories in height. There are two
rooms, furnished with the latest improved furniture, etc. A 
cupola, adorns the building, from which is suspended a school 
bell. Two teachers are employed, and it is thus partially graded.
Nine months is the usual term taught in the year, and it has an
attendance of about 75 pupils. The town also contains two good
church buildings, Cumberland Presbyterian, and Methodist. The 
former is a large frame building with spire and bell. This was 
the first church house built in the village, and was constructed
in 1839. The latter is a substantial brick house, also ornamented
with a spire and bell. For a more complete account of the churches,
see special chapter on Ecclesiastical history.

At this writing the town of Waynesville contains about 360 inhabi-
tants. Two fine brick business houses are already in process of 
erection; and there appears in all parts of the town a good show 
of energy and push for a small country town. The people have met
with several reverses to retard the progress of their town, among
which, probably the most prominent, was the cholera epidemic in 
the latter part of the summer of 1855. The following are the names
of the deaths in the village of that year: Dugald Walker and wife;
Young Fouts, wife and child; Mrs. Hogland; Mrs. Isaac Bowman and 
child; Mrs. Grimes; Dr. F. S. Harrison; a child of J. P. Dunham,
and a child of Mr. Shelly,-12 in all. In the neighborhood' of the
village the following were the deaths: John Ackerson, wife, sister
and four children; Alexander Gaston, and one other person, name 
not known.  Great suffering and privations prevailed at this time
for the lack of nurses, and medical attendance. The family of 
Ackerson were all buried in crude boxes, and interred in the night,
so afraid were the people of the infection spreading in their 
midst.

PRESENT BUSINESS

Brick and Tile Works of Eber Davenport were established in 1852, 
and situated in block 43, Port's addition to Waynesville. The shed
and inclosure is 130x144 feet, and the driveways occupy upwards 
of one acre of ground. The factory contains three kilns for burning
tile, and has the capacity of manufacturing 200,000 feet of tile 
annually. The works also contain a brick kiln, capable of burning 
300,000 per year, and in all give employment to six men; The value
of the manufactured product is upwards of $3,000 annually. Mr. 
Davenport is the patentee of the "down and up draft" kilns which 
are proving such a success in the country.

Atchison Tile Works, David Atchison, proprietor. These works were
established in the fall of 1877, and are situated in the north 
part of the town at the foot of Maltby street. The cost of this 
manufactory was $2,000. It has the capacity of manufacturing 
350,000 feet of tile in the working season, and gives employment
to four men. Manufactures tile from 21 inches in diameter to 
eight inches. The grounds occupy two and a half acres, and are 
conveniently arranged with drying sheds, and driveways suitable
to the business. The works contain a sawmill attachment and at
certain seasons of the year. It does quite a thriving business
in the lumber trade. The whole business is driven by a twenty 
horse-power engine. Annual value of manufactured product, 
$7,000.

Elevator A. Gambrel & Cook, proprietors. This industry was esta-
blished in the spring of 1877; and is situated at the foot of 
First Street, and on the switch of the Illinois Midland Railway.
It was was built by Cook & Son, and passed into the hands of the
present proprietors in July 1881. It is a frame building, three
stories high, and 36x48 feet on the ground, and built at a cost
of $3000. It has two dumps, and driveways complete, and the 
capacity of elevating 5000 bushels of grain per day, and can 
store 12,000 bushels; besides having cribs attached, capable of
holding 50,000 bushels of corn. This elevator is driven by horse
power, and gives employment to five men and three teams.

Carriage and Wagon Manufactory. This was established by Evans 
Bros. in the spring of 1875. The building is a frame, two stories,
and 30x7O feet in size, and cost the proprietors $2000. It is 
located on the corner of First and Maltby Streets; employs eight 
men, and the annual value of the manufactured product is $4000.
All the work is performed by hand.

Brick Yard, owned and operated by A. L. Yocom. This yard was 
established in the spring of 1879, and is located in the north 
part of the town, between Isham and Maltby Streets. It gives 
employment to four men, and manufactures 200,000 bricks annually.
Mr. Yocom also owns a portable saw-mill, situated in the north 
part of the village, capable of sawing from four to five 
thousand feet of lumber daily It is run by a traction-engine of 
16-horse power, and gives employment to four men. The logs are 
hauled from the Kickapoo and Rock Creek timber.

General Merchandise: J. P. Dunham & Co.; R. H. Dregstren; Fults 
& Dix.

Drugs, Medicines, etc.: Whiteman & Williamson.

Drugs and Groceries: Wakefield & Dick.

Harness and Saddle Store: W. H. Cantrell.

Lumber, Coal, Lima, Agricultural Implements, etc: Gambrell & 
Cook.

Physicians: J. J. Starkey; S. A. Graham; Philetus Wakefield.

Milliner: Mrs. Helen A. Whiteman.

Blacksmiths: C. W. Blinker; William Tracy.

Boot and Shoe Repairers: James Dickey; John D. Black.

Stock Dealers and Shippers: Gambrel & Marvel.

Masons and Bricklayers: John Wilson; Israel Frank.

Painter and Glazier: Victor Sampson.

Butchers and Meat Market: Clark & Clemmons.

Barber: A. Harrison.

Hotel: W. H. Robertson.

Postmaster: W. H. Cantrall.

SOCIETIES.

Wayne Lodge, No. 172, A. F. & A. M. was organized under 
dispensation in 1855, and the first meeting held, May 26th 
of the same year. The Lodge was organized under it charter
the 3d of October following. The charter officers were, 
John R. Lisk, W. U.; Calvin Timmons, S. W.; Samuel Graham, 
J. W. ; David Wheeler, Treasurer; E. Stuart, Secretary; 
John S. Cantrall, J. D., and S. Lowe, Tyler. The Lodge 
then contained but seven charter members. The present 
officers are, John M. Burkholder, W. M.; J. J. Starkey, 
S. W.; John R. McLeod, J. W.; Wiley Marvel, Treas.; Wm. 
P. Gambrel, Sec.; John P. Dix, S. D.; Henry M. Leal, J. D.;
John Booth, Tyler. The Lodge meets every Saturday night, 
on or before the full of the moon.

I. 0. M. A., No. 110.-This Lodge was organized by M. L. 
Ross, of Quincy, Ill., February 28th, 1881. The following 
are the names of the officers: James Thompson, P.; H. T. 
Armstrong, V. P.; Charles E. Evans, R. C.; S. A. Graham, 
F. S.; D. H. Fults, Tress.; Doctors Wakfield and Graham, 
M. E. There were fifty-two charter members. The present 
officers are, W. P. Gambrel, P. ; J. C. Evans, V. P.; 
H. T. Armstrong, R. S.; S. A. Graham, F. S.; D. H. Fults, 
Treas.; Doctors Wakefield and Graham, M. E. The present 
membership is the original number, fifty-two.

Prairie State Lodge, No. 104, 1. 0. 0. F. was organized 
Feb. 3th, 1852, and was chartered October 15th, of the 
same year. The charter officers were as follows: John H. 
Peak, N. G.; John H. Lisk, V. G.; J. B. Hoover, Sec.; 
John Lewis, Treas.; E. Stafflord, R. S.; K. T. Scher, 
L. S.; J. M. Sampson, 0. G.; V. N. Sampson, 0. These 
constituted the members of the Lodge when it was insti-
tuted. The present officers are, W. C. Whiteman, N. G.;
J. W. Dix, V. G.; Thomas A. Banks, Sec.; F. M. Jeffrey,
Treas.; John McLeod, R. S.; Thomas Dick, L. S.; James 
Cook, R. S., V. G. ; John Evans, L. S., V. G. ; E. K. 
Ginnings, 0. S. G.; J. P. Strange, I. S. G.; P. Wakefield, 
C.; E. D. Sessions, W.; Alford Dick, R. S. S.: J. J. 
Buck, L. S. S. The present membership of the Lodge is 
fourteen. The Lodge is out of debt, and has money in 
the treasury.


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