Henry County IL Archives History - Books .....The Wethersfield Colony 1877
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Book Title: History Of Henry County, The

THE WETHERSFIELD COLONY.

    The direct settlement of Henry County is largely attributed to the location
of colonies. These were mainly from New England, and brought with them all their
New England foresight, energy, and frugal thrift; and to the Wethersfield
colony, possessing all these attributes, the present prosperity of this portion
of the county may be traced.

    As has been noticed in these pages, Mr. Pillsbury, and his associates,
Slaughter and Pike, were commissioned by the New York Association, in 1835, to
select a location for the "Andover Colony." Upon the return of Mr. Pillsbury in
the Fall of that year, he was written to by the Rev. Dr. Caleb J. Tenney, of
Wethersfield, Connecticut, concerning the location of another colony in the
region of country in which the lands of the Andover Colony were situated, and an
interview requested. The result of this interview led the Doctor to project
another colony, to be styled the "Wethersfield Colony," and to be located near
the former. Dr. Tenney was an eminent divine, and well acquainted with the
prominent men of that day who would be likely to favor an enterprise by which
religion and free education might be successfully planted in the great
Mississippi Valley, and he addressed many of them in relation to this matter.
These efforts led to a meeting in the Congregational Church at Wethersfield,
some time in the Autumn of 1835, the exact date of which can not now be
obtained. Here the enterprise assumed a tangible shape, and at a subsequent
meeting an organization was effected. As the names of the projectors of this
enterprise will be of interest to many of the citizens of the county, and
valuable as an item of history, they are here given. They were: Dr. Caleb J.
Tenney, Selden Miner, Roger Wells, Martin Kellogg, John Francis, Chancey
Coleman, Weltha Wiilard, Rev. John Marsh, Joshua Goodrich, George Wells, Horace
Blaine, Henry Robbins, Col. Sylvester Blish, Rev. Samuel Redel, William Butler,
Rev. Ithamar Pillsbury, Miles Adams, Elizur Goodrich, Samuel Galpin, E. Porter,
Rev. Horace Hooker, William Tenney, George P, Shipman, Russell H. Nevins,
Timothy Stillman, Allen Talcott, Rev. Geo. A. Calhoun, Francis Loomis, Edward
Payson, D. D., Rev. Geo. Stebbins, Rev. John Woodbridge, Gersham Buckley, Geo.
Buckley, Gardner Spring, D. D., Merritt Butler, Osmond Harrison, Rev. Harvey
Tolcott, Jeduthan and Jonathan Hubbard, Sullivan Howard, Geo. Richards, Jasper
Gilbert, Rev. Alpha Miller, Nathan DeWolf, J. L. Belden, Nathan Kelley, Stephen
Topliff, Dr. A. Welch, Geo. B. Holley, Rev. Chancey Booth, Richard T. Haines,
Rev. Ralph Emerson, Robert Gipson, and a few others whose names cannot now be
obtained.

    This Company was styled the "Connecticut Association." The stockholders
resided at different points from Maine to New York, some of whom were quite
wealthy, and others were very prominent in the religious world. The great
temperance agent will be recognized in Rev. John Marsh, Dr. Payson was a
distinguished Christian minister, and Rev. Gardner Spring was an eminent divine
at the head of one of the most aristocratic Presbyterian churches in the nation.

    The stock of the company was fixed at $250 per share, and entitled each
shareholder to one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land, twenty acres of
timber, and a town lot. During the winter of 1835-'G one hundred shares were
taken, and $25,000 paid into the treasury. In February, 1836, a "committee of
purchase" was appointed, consisting of Rev. Ithamar Pillsbury, Col. Sylvester
Blish and Elizur Goodrich. The first of these was selected on account of his
having some experience in matters of this kind; the second, on account of his
energy and prompt business habits, and the third because he was a competent
surveyor.

    The route of this committee was through Baltimore; over the mountains to
Wheeling; down the Ohio River by steamboat to its junction with the Mississippi;
thence up that stream to the Illinois River; up that to Peoria, and thence to
Knoxville, Henderson Grove and Andover, at which latter place was a house or
two, but no inhabitants, nor did any arrive until July following. Arriving here,
neither feed nor horses could be obtained, and they were compelled to walk some
twenty miles, over to "Barren Grove"-with only a deserted cabin on the way, in
Sugar Tree Grove-along the south side of which they commenced to select the
Company's land. Rev. Pillsbury and Col. Blish were sanguine of the future of
Illinois, and, owing to the previous knowledge of the former, were not long in
finding the "desired haven." The surveyor did not partake of their unbounded
confidence, and trudged around locating the selections they made, until they
had, at different times, succeeded in selecting and entering ninety-nine quarter
sections of land, in Townships 14, R. 5 and 15, R. 5-the first entry being made
May 7, 1836.

    The purchase was made from the Government in the name of Goodrich and Blish,
who deeded the land in trust, for the purposes of the association, to Chester
Bulkley, secretary and treasurer, who afterwards deeded to individual members,
or to those who purchased of the company.

    The following Spring, March, 1837, an additional quarter section was added,
making the entries a round hundred. This committee returning, another,
consisting of Rev. Joseph Goodrich, John F. Willard and Henry G. Little, was
appointed to survey and lay out a town plat, and to divide the timber land into
twenty-acre lots. On November 11, 1836, Mr. Willard and Mr. Little reached the
lands purchased by the company, with the intention to at once layout the town
and the timber lots. They found in the grove, one and one-half miles northeast
of the purchase, a cabin, and the family of Mr. John Kilvington, of whom mention
is made in the early history of Kewanee. This afforded a home for the party. An
effort was at once made to obtain the services of the county surveyor, who lived
thirty miles distant, to perform the task, but the attempt proved fruitless, as
he could not accomplish it until the following Spring. They returned to French
Grove, in Peoria County, where Mr. Little had taken a cabin, and secured the
services of Surveyor Nelson Simons, well known to many citizens of this county.
The returning party consisted of John F. Willard. H. G. Little, Nelson Simons,
William Wheeler, W. T. Little, Sullivan Howard and Simeon B. Stoddard, who
reached, on foot, the purchase, on the evening of November 16, 1836. The two
following days were spent in surveying and locating the tracts. Toward the close
of the second day the party, with the exception of Willard, who remained to
build a cabin, started for "Fraker's Grove," twelve miles distant. As it was
very misty the night was intensely dark, and they lost their way. By removing
the glass from the face of their compass, so they could feel the hands on the
face, they with great difficulty regained their course, and reached their
destination about midnight. Awakening "Old Man Dunbar," as he was called, from
his slumbers, they were given food and shelter in the only cabin in this vicinity.

    Willard worked two weeks at his cabin, boarding at Mr. Kilvington's, some
two miles distant. When he had completed it, in company with N. Butler and
Joseph Goodrich, he "bached" it through the Winter. He hauled his hay from where
Sheffield now stands, and obtained the greater portion of his corn in Peoria
County.

    During the Spring of 1837, the services of the County Surveyor were
obtained, the timber divided into twenty-acre lots, and the town of Wethersfield
laid out. "In the month of April," as now appears on the county records, the
streets were laid out at right angles, and were six rods-ninety-nine feet-in
width. The blocks contained four lots of two and one-half acres each, except
those immediately on the public square designed for business lots, and
containing one-fourth acre each. One block was set apart for a public square,
and one for Academy and College purposes, but the former of these only appears
on the town plat. Two lots, one on the east and one on the west, were set apart
for cemetery purposes. It will be noticed this village was a counterpart of that
of Andover. Counting from north to south the streets bore the names of North,
Mill, Church, North Main, South Main, College and South streets. Running east
and west they were named East, Edwards, Dwight, Willard, Tenney, Hollis, Payson
and West streets. It will also be observed the names of divines entered largely
into this list, Edwards and Dwight being in their day presidents of Yale
College, and Tenney and Payson having a national reputation.

    John F. Willard, as has been stated, erected the first cabin on the colony
purchase. Sullivan Howard built a cottonwood board "shanty" in February, 1837.
He wintered in French Grove, Peoria County, and hauled his lumber from
Ellisville on Spoon river, seventy miles distant. Henry. G. Little, now living
in Iowa, "raised" a cabin in March. William T. Little built another soon after.
   This latter was just eighteen by twenty feet in dimensions, and, for some
time, accommodated the family of his father, Abner B. Little, the two families
comprising nine members. In June, the first birth in this colony occurred in
this cabin, a daughter being born to William T. She lived to maturity, married,
and removed to Vermont.

    Elisha R. Wolcott, and Caleb J. T. Little arrived in' April, Evan Wheaton
came in June, and C. B. Miner in July. In August, Colonel Sylvester Blish and
his son William arrived with their families. They were better prepared than most
settlers, and were the first to come through from Connecticut with teams. They
stopped with H. G. Little on their arrival, and with his family rather filled
his cabin. Shortly after this the first election was held in this precinct after
its organization, the place of voting being Mr. Little's house. Selden Miner
came in August. Luther C. Sleight some time that season. In the Summer of 1838
Francis Loomis came. John H. Wells and David Potter, whose family became
somewhat prominent in the colony, came in October. This latter gentleman planted
the first orchard in the settlement, and raised the first fruit crop. Champlin
Lester moved in the Spring of 1839, Deacon Zenas Hotchkiss in the Summer.
William T. Little, before mentioned, turned the first furrow on these prairies
where now C. C. Blish resides. He was soon followed by others, and that
season-1837-quite a "sod crop" was raised,-and mostly eaten by cattle. The
project of building a steam grist and saw mill was agitated the first year of
the settlement, and in 1837 decisive steps were taken toward the accomplishment
of this most necessary of conveniences.

    Abner B. Little, father of H. G. and C. J. T., came to Wethersfield in
April, 1837. He was born at New Salem, N. H., in 1774, and married Nancy Tenney,
of Hollis, N. H., Jan. 20, 1802. Thirteen children were born to them, ten of
whom came to this county, and whose names appear elsewhere. Mrs. Little died
July 7, 1847, aged 66 years. Mr. Little, Sept. 8, 1863, aged 89 years.

    The food of the colonists was exceedingly coarse and rather scanty. Coffee,
cornbread and pork-pork, cornbread and coffee, constituted the chief variety;
but what was lacking in quality was made up most abundantly in the amount
consumed. The appetite of the frontiersman is not generally so dainty as
voracious. Excellent air and abundant exercise atoned for all tastes. The mill
proved disastrous financially to the colony, involving it some $4,000 in debt,
besides the amount paid on its completion.-$5,000. No one could be found to
purchase such an incumbrance, and after various changes, it was sold to Jeduthan
Hubbard for $2,000, thereby making a clear loss of $7,000. It had been most
beneficial, however, in supplying a dire necessity to all this country. A most
interesting incident occurred in its erection and continuance, which the reader
will find recorded in these pages in the chapter headed "Interesting Events."

    As the indebtedness of the colony had to be met, but little more than eighty
acres of prairie land was given to each stockholder in addition to the town lot
and timber land.

    Out of the nearly sixty members of the association only four came personally
to aid in the organization. These were Col. Blish, Francis Loomis, Sullivan
Howard, and Charles Richards. Selden Miner was represented by two sons, and
Gardner Spring, D. D., by one son. Rev. Ithamar Pillsbury, was already at the
head of the Andover colony, where for many years he was the most prominent man
in it. He was married here, Dec. 18, 1837, to Miss Caroline Miller. On August 22
previous he performed the first marriage ceremony in the colony (also the first
in the county), being the nuptials of Lewis Hurd and Caroline W. Little, a
sister of Henry G. and W. T. Little. They are still residents of Wethersfield.
James E. Carson opened a temporary store in the Winter of 1839-'40. but
suspended operations in less than one year. In the Spring of 1845, Garey E.
Smith opened the first store proper. He was followed by Daniel McClure, who
established his trade in 1849. The following year William Blish opened a stock
of goods, and was followed by others in quick succession, when the advent of the
railroad and the consequent opening of Kewanee, caused a general removal of all
such commodities to that locality.

    The earliest school was taught by Parmelia Stewart, daughter of R. R.
Stewart, of Geneseo. She is now Mrs. Dr. Hume of that city. She taught in what
is properly known as the "Old Log Church." Afterwards a school-house was built a
little south of this latter building, and school was held there for a Jew years.
The next move in this direction was the purchase of the old Baptist Church,
which is still used. About ten or twelve years ago, a new edifice was
constructed, and is now used in connection with the former, for educational
purposes.

THE CHURCHES.

    The Congregational Church. Although a number of the colonists were members
of this religious faith in their former homes, it was not till October, 19,
1839, that they organized the church here. Previous to this time, however, Rev.
Ithamar Pillsbury, of Andover, was employed to preach to them one fourth of his
time, through a part of 1837, and to about November, 1838. He often walked from
one charge to the other, and when the reader will recollect the entire absence
of bridges, compelling him to wade or swim the streams, he will properly judge
the labors of this man, and of his indefatigable industry. Rev. W. F. Vaill was
sent here by the Connecticut Home Missionary Society, arriving at Wethersfield
November 21, 1838. The following year, at the date mentioned, the church was
organized at the house of Col. John H. Wells, with fifteen members. They were:
Rev. Joseph and Mrs. Goodrich, Rev. William Vaill, Nancy T. Little, Mrs. Rhoda
Blish, John H. Wells, Mrs. Julia Wells, L. C. Sleight, Hosea and Mrs. Buckley,
Deacon Zenas Hotchkiss and wife, Norman Butler and wife, and Francis Loomis.
Rev. Vaill remained pastor some eight years. As has been stated, the meetings
were held for some time in private residences; Col. Blish's being the largest,
was often used for this purpose. Mrs. Blish is now the only one of the original
fifteen who comprised the first members, now living in this vicinity. In the
Summer of 1838, a log church was erected, and used until the year 1849, when a
frame structure was built, which is yet standing. In 1851, a good parsonage was
erected. On the organization of the Congregational Church in Kewanee, many of
the members from Wethersfield united there, it being a more convenient location.
   Gradually almost all went there, until now but a small number remain, and no
regular service is maintained. Following the Rev. Vaill was Rev. Samuel Ordway,
who remained about three years. He was succeeded by Rev. Darius Gore, who was
pastor about the same length of time, when R. S. Thrall came, who preached one
and a half years. Rev. W. T. Bartle was the next pastor, and preached for two
years. After him was Rev. Thomas Snell, who remained one and a half years, and
was succeeded by Rev. Robert Rudd, who filled the pulpit one year. The next was
Rev. B. B. Parsons, who was installed pastor August 17, 1859, and remained in
charge some time. He was followed by Rev. L. D. Pomeroy, whose pastorate
extended over four years, and was succeeded by Rev. Rider, who preached some two
years. Rev. W. T. Bartle was again called, and preached for them one year. From
that time the church began to decline, owing to the members uniting at Kewanee,
and has sustained no regular ministry since.

    The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1841. The meetings were held
for some time in residences, and at other times in the school-house, until the
year 1853. In 1851, a commodious house of worship was commenced, but not
completed and occupied until 1853. The formation of the society in Kewanee, with
which many of this church united, caused a decline in the church here, and it
was finally abandoned.

    The Baptist Church was organized at a council held September 23, 1843, by
eight persons, viz: Elder Edward Otis, Charles B. Miner, Mary G. Miner, Edward
Otis, Merrill Otis, Hileman Otis, and Hannah and Sarah Otis, united. The first
three of these were from Connecticut, the remainder from Ohio. It was not until
two years afterward that preaching was secured. During this time, Elders Otis,
Jonathan Miner and others officiated. During the Summer of 1845, Elder Charles
E. Tinker was secured to preach one Sunday in each month, and so continued for
five years. The meetings were sometimes held on the north side of Barren Grove,
and at other times at the west end, in school-houses, and often in the open air.
For the last two years of this man's labors the meetings were not held at
Wethersfield, and this church ultimately became the Baptist Church at Annawan.
Another church was established at Wethersfield, May 17, 1851, with eleven
members. They were: Ezekiel Cole, Mrs. Maria Cole, John Ewing, Mrs. Keziah
Ewing, Mrs. Jane White, Mrs. Susan Ellenwood, Mrs. Caroline Purviance, Mrs.
Maria F. Miner, Charles B. Miner, Mrs. Mary A. Miner, and Austin Sykes. Of
these, the last three named are members.

    In July, 1852, Elder J. M. Stickney commenced to preach for this charge,
remaining but a short time. He was succeeded by J. S. Mahan, from Galesburg.
They now numbered only nine members, but in 1854 were greatly increased, over
fifty uniting. Elder Mahan resigned in 1855, and was followed by Dr. J. M. Winn,
who was succeeded the same year by Elder S. P. Ives. The following Summer, the
members, by a majority vote, decided to remove their place of worship to
Kewanee, and sold their unfinished brick church to the School Trustees of
Wethersfield. From that time the congregation assumed the name of the First
Baptist Church of Kewanee. Other churches were established in this colony, but
they are now extinct, or the members are so few that no regular organization is
sustained. As the colony is the source from which all the affluence, position
and wealth of Kewanee were obtained, this extended sketch is given it. Many
pages could be filled with incidents connected with the early life of these
people, but space forbids their insertion, save a few, which the reader will
find in a chapter already referred to.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

THE HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ITS TAX-PAYERS AND VOTERS;
CONTAINING, ALSO, A BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY; A CONDENSED HISTORY OF THE STATE;
MAP OF THE COUNTY: A BUSINESS DIRECTORY: AN ABSTRACT OF EVERY-DAY LAWS; WAR
RECORD OF HENRY COUNTY; OFFICERS OF SOCIETIES, LODGES, ETC., ETC.

CHICAGO: H. F. KETT. & CO., 15 LAKESIDE BUILDING.

1877.


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