JASPER TOWNSHIP---TOPOGRAPHY, DRAIN-AGE, SOIL AND BEAUTIES---ITS
STREAMS, LAKES, TIMBERS And WILD FRUITS---BEES, HONEY, FLORA AND FAUNA
---JOSHUA GRAHAM, The FIRST SETTLER---THEN CAME JAMES DICKINSON, The CANNONS,
WILLIAM HUSK, GEORGE FRAZER, JOHN PATCH
"Tread lightly! This is hallowed ground, tread reverently here!
Beneath this sod, in silence, sleeps the brave
old
Pioneer:
Who never qualied in darkest hour; whose heart
ne'er felt a fear.
Tread lightly, then and now bestow the tribute
of a tear."
WILLIAM HUBBARD
With the best written description of a township before us, without beholding for ourselves, one must draw largely upon the imagination, and then only secure twilight glimpses, while many readers are left in uncertainty, however plain the portrayal may be, and are possessed of no adequate conception of the realities described, though the work be done with consummate skill. In attempting a physical description of Jasper Township, we shall only write a brief, plain account, that can be understood by all, and we trust, to some extent appreciated by the patrons of this work.
To the inquisitive, who are curious to know the origin of the name of this truly beautiful township, we would answer that it was named in honor of the indomitable Sergt. Jasper, of the Revolutionary war, and had been so called long prior to the adoption of the present system of township organization in the county. Jasper is the corporate name of the Congressional Township 1 south, Range 8 east, of the Third Principal Meridian; and though short from east to west, and shorter still from north to south, it has not been short in public spirit, noble men and women, patriotic deeds and good morals.
The soil is very productive and well cultivated; there is timber enough
for domestic purposes, and some for exportation, and stone easy of access,
in quantity sufficient for all practical purposes. Almost the entire surface
of the township is gently undulating, with no abrupt hills or precipices,
the slopes ranging from a quarter to a half mile in extent. The valleys
intervening between the higher lands are so inclined as to need but little
drainage, and in fact almost every foot of land within the bounds of the
township is susceptible of easy cultivation. Few purely agricultural regions
present a more fascinating appearance as you stand upon some one of her
elevations, and view the surrounding rural scenery, decked with farm houses
and barns, orchards and meadows, fields of waving grain and herds and flocks.
Jasper Township is well drained by a number of small streams, amply
sufficient to carry off the surplus rainfall, within a few hours. Elm River,
bearing in a southeasterly direction, runs through the northeast corner,
and after leaving the east line, empties into the Little Wabash. Borah
Creek, from near the center of Section 28, flows easterly into Elm River.
The southeast is drained by Owen's Creek and the northwest by Martin's
Creek and its tributaries.
Between Martin's Creek and Pilcher's branch, at the intersection of Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, exists one of those low depressions, frequently found in the central and the southern part of Illinois, but not so often in this portion of the State; not very deep, but with insufficient outlet, forming a basin of several acres in extent, that retains water during the greater portion of the year, and is called by the unpoetical name of "the goose pond," on account of the large number of wild geese that congregated and rested on its surface, when on their migratory flights in the spring of the year.
Commencing in the southwest corner of Section 2, and bearing southeast across Section 11, is a body of water somewhat noted in the surrounding country, and known by the name of "Grinnell Pond," in honor of that most active, energetic and "hard-to-catch" member of the finny tribe, the grinnell, which is unquestionably the dominant race in its placid waters. This pond is about one and one-fourth miles long, averaging one furlong in width, with a depth of fifteen feet in places, and is supposed to be fed by living springs in the bottom. For an outlet, it has a shallow, sluggish channel, leading into Elm River, when the flats are overflowed. The banks are low, being composed of the river bottoms surrounding it, and along its shallow borders the button willows grow in thickets, while bullrushes and water lilies flourish in abundance in the borders of the water. Tall trees stand at the brink, and appearances would indicate that at some remote period in antiquity there had occurred a down-sinking of its surface, by which means the basin had been formed. Considerable numbers of fish are caught with the seine when the waters are low, and, upon the whole it affords rather a pleasant place to camp and angle with hook and line.
In the southeastern portion of Jasper Township, occupying about three square miles in extent, is a beautiful, undulating region, called "Tom's Prairie." Why it was so named is not certainly known, but is supposed to be in honor of Capt. Thomas, a ranger in the war of 1812.
Near this prairie were formed the earliest settlements in the township and around its border cluster the memories of many of the earlier pioneer scenes and incidents. Its fine farms are generally owned and occupied by the descendants of the first settlers.
Hargrave Prairie covers about eight sections of land in the western part of Jasper Township, and was named in honor of Capt. Willis Hargrave, who, with his company of stalwart rangers in 1814, traversed this section for some time, guarding the lower settlements, and having his headquarters at a spring, northwest of the present town of Fairfield.
Jasper is joined on the north at the base line by Elm River Township, on the east by Massillon, on the south by Barnhill, and on the west by Lamard. There has not at any time been a village or post office within her bounds, but her citizens have procured their mail and merchandise at Fairfield.
The population has steadily increased from the commencement of the first settlement, until the present time, the United States census of 1880 showing a population for that year of 1,143.
Running northwest through Jasper Township is a famous old buffalo trace, visible in many places at the present day, along which lay many bones, scattered and bleaching, when the white man came to possess this goodly land.
The timber growth consisted principally of the different varieties of oak, elm, hickory, walnut, cherry, ash, pecan, sassafras, locust, gum, box-elder, persimmon, linn, hackberry, sycamore, mulberry, maple, catalpa and others, some of which are nut-bearing. The wild fruits indigenons to the soil were blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes, plums, haws, cherries, crab-apples, persimmons, papaws and others, greatly in excess of the demand, and some of which is surpassed in flavor the "improved" varieties to which the skilled arts of culture have been applied.
After the departure of the Indian, the pioneer hunter was attracted to this section by large numbers of deer, bear, an occasional elk, wolves, foxes, panthers, wild cats, cat amounts, raccoons, opossums, beavers, otters, mink and some smaller "varmints." Of the feathered tribes, wild turkeys, prairie hens, quail, ducks, eagles, hawks, cranes, swan, wild geese, brants, owls, pelican, thrush, mocking birds, with many others, like Col. Seller's imaginary profits, were by the "million." In addition to those above mentioned, were flocks of paroquets, a beautiful bird of the parrot family, possessing great wealth of green plumage, hard to catch, but easily domesticated, and vicious when provoked.
Domestic bees, having run wild, had traveled so far in advance of civilization, that bee-trees, laden with large quantities of honey, were found in considerable numbers awaiting the huntsman's ax. It was not uncommon to secure a barrel of wild honey for a family supply during the year. Troughs were sometimes dug out, and filled with honey, where barrels could not be obtained. The "bee-moth" was unknown, and the bees' only enemies were men and bears.
If a strictly accurate account of all the early incidents and first white settlers in Jasper Township were imperatively demanded at our hands, it is improbable that, at this late date, we could give entire satisfaction, for the very simple reason that the sources of information within reach, though strictly reliable as to integrity, differ so widely as to unimportant matters, that it has been difficult to determine with certainty in many instances. But in all cases we have done the very best we could, having no interest whatever in overdrawing or lessening the proportions of any incident in these pages; and after the most diligent research, things not thought of before for years will be called to mind. It must be remembered that it is hard, after sixty-six years have borne their burdens into eternity, to gather unwritten history with certainty. The earliest pioneers of Jasper Township have all passed to the shades, many of them, doubtless, to grand and glorious rewards, having lived lives of virtue and honor amid their privations and hardships here.
We are indebted to Mr. Jacob Hall, Messrs. William and J. Bailey Borah, Judge Samuel Wilson and others for the chief information contained in this account.
The first white settler in Jasper Township, was probably Joshua Graham, a bachelor, who came in 1817 from Indiana, being attracted by the abundance of wild game in the country after the Indians were driven out. He built a pole cabin on the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 13 (the place now occupied by E. B. Pilcher), in which for many years he lived a bachelor's life, following the chase as a means of support. It is said that he carried corn meal on his shoulder from Carmi to make his bread. He is remembered as having a very small face, as tall as Dave Barkley, and casting even a thinner shadow, very close in his dealings, saving his money and bartering for his necessary supplies. He died about 1840, leaving two sons, John and Joshua, residents in the township.
Shortly after his coming, and through his influence, came James Dickinson and the Cannons, from Kentucky, when Dickinson and Jesse Cannon, two bachelors, built a log cabin on the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 23, where they kept bachelor's hall, and enjoyed, according to tradition, "a high old time." Dickinson was emphatically a woodsman, one of the "hunters of Kentucky," pre-eminent as a bee hunter; could not be lost in the woods on the darkest night or be bewildered in the day. He blazed the first road from Elm River crossing to Fairfield, traces of which are yet visible at Ansley Johnson's farm and some other places. Consumption claimed him for its victim, carrying him off in a few years.
Jesse Cannon was keen and sharp; cultivated his wits much more than the soil; a horse jockey in the fullest sense of that term; wild, hilarious, and full of mischief; the father of whisky-drinking and card-playing in the community; cunning and clever, he kept in the back-ground, while others went forward; hence the uncertainty of melon harvest, and he is said to have trained several young men from good families in immoral ways. He died on his way to California in 1849.
William Husk and family kept house for Dickinson and Cannon in 1821. But little is known of him, except that he soon moved to White County, in this State, where he reared a family, some of whom were living a few years since.
Dick Cannon moved to Northern Illinois in 1833, and died there. William Cannon, for some years a bachelor, lived and died on the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 13, in Jasper Township. Some of the descendants of the Cannons are still respectable residents of the county.
George Frazier came from South Carolina with Russell, to whom he was related, in 1817 or 1818. He was the fourth of the quartette of early bachelors, whose nick-names terminated in "ell," viz.: "Moz-ell," "Mik-ell," "Zeek-ell" and "Sam-ell." Frazier is remembered as a miser, very industrious, a quiet citizen, attending strictly to his own business. On one occasion, when he was inviting his neighbors to a corn-husking, Mrs. Borah, solicitous for the comfort of his guests, inquired if any addition was needed to his larder, to which he replied that he had plenty of "buck and bacon." The venison was boiled with green cabbage leaves, in true bachelor style, but the bacon, which cost money, was not discovered at the repast, while the pot-liquor was of lean quality, and none of the guests were accredited with ravenous appetites. He afterward so far reformed as to take to himself an additional "rib," and lived until about 1830.
John Pritchet came from South Carolina in 1817, with Enoch Beach, his brother in law, in his (B's) big schooner wagon, and settled on Section 35, a part of what is now the John M. Creighton estate. A man of more than ordinary intelligence, with a good education for the times, he was well read, and a good man generally. He was an unfortunate man; his horses would die early, and blight, with a deathly grasp, seemed to lay hold on most of his undertakings. His neighbors would plow his ground in the spring, and he would cultivate his crops with the hoe. A large family of girls greatly increased his burdens, without diminishing his embarrassments or aiding in the increase of his exchequer. As an instance of pioneer female courage, an incident in connection with Mrs. P., the sister of Beach, the great bear hunter of this region, will not be out of place. On one occasion the dogs had treed a large bear near their house, when the Madame seized the rifle, and, with the coolness of an old hunter, brought bruin tumbling to the ground, thereby adding to the larder, so accustomed to chronic depletion, a bountiful supply of bear meat. At a later period, on another place, their dogs treed a cub bear, when Mrs. P. galloped in haste to John Borah's in the true trooper style of riding, and procured Mr. B. to shoot the bear. It was the last one killed, so far as is now known, in Jasper Township. Mr. Pritchet, after the death of his wife, married a Widow Caudle, and, like Wilkins Micawber, when life's sun had began to descend its western slope, he became comfortably situated, and died greatly respected about 1852.
Joseph Martin came from Kentucky to Bear Prairie in 1818, purchased the southwest quarter of Section 7, in Jasper Township, of Clarinder Hooper, where he settled in 1819, and, entering other lands, immediately improved a large farm. He was reputed the richest man that had ever moved to Wayne County, having, brought it was said, a half bushel of silver money with him. His energy, enterprise and wealth rendered him an important factor in the county. He built on his place, in 1819, the first horse mill in Wayne County; and a mulberry post of this mill, after sixty-four years of exposure, is still standing. Mr. Martin burnt the first brick-kiln, built the first brick chimney, dug the first well and established the first blacksmith shop in Jasper Township. He employed men to work, created a demand for many things, disseminated money through the country where it was greatly needed, and was a benefactor to the community; but his career of great usefulness to the material prosperity of the country was cut short by his death, which occurred in 1821. He was buried on his own premises on the banks of Martin's Creek, a place now known as Buckeye Cemetery. The loss of such a man in that day was irreparable, as there were none to take his place, for a rich man, with generous impulses, and enterprise, can greatly benefit a community.
After Mr. Martin's death, his fine estate was soon scattered.
James B. Martin came to Illinois about the same time that Joseph did, but moved to Arkansas some years later and died. There were some others of the Martin family who have left descendants in the county.
Thomas Bradshaw left Kentucky on account of slavery, and came to Jasper Township in 1819, and improved a farm, entering the southwest quarter of Section 10, where he died in 1822, and was buried the first in the cemetery at that place. He left a large family to the care of one of the most excellent mothers of the pioner times, and she is said to have fully discharged her onerous duties to her children, and to the community, in a manner that cast a halo of glory around her memory, that is not easily forgotten. A friend to the needy, a wise counselor to those in distress, she gave comfort and relief to the afflicted within her reach. A smile of pleasure and approbation is seen to play over the countenances of men whose heads are silvered with age at the mention of her name, after the lapse of more than half a century. Truly, it may be said, "her works do follow her."
Walter and Richard Owen came with the Martins from Kentucky, being kinsmen of theirs. They were good, honest men, well spoken of and held in general esteem. Their influence was cast on the side of the right, and their lives were living examples of what they professed. Their good works still live, though they themselves have long since passed away.
At a later period came Jonathan Douglas, from Kentucky, and settled on the place known as the "Pigeon Roost," on Section 10. A man of good parts, of unflinching integrity, his influence was felt for many miles around, and his memory is held in great veneration at the present time. In youth, he had not learned to look upon intemperance as an unmixed evil; but when he beheld the hydraheaded monster in all its deformity he cast his influence in favor of right, making the first temperance speech in the county. He came to Wayne County in a very large pirogue, ascended Elm River, and landed near Mr. Richard Hall's.
George, John, Jacob and Samuel Borah, brothers, came to Wayne County from Kentucky in a very early day, and John settled in Jasper Township in 1821, his brother Samuel somewhat later. No family has exerted a greater influence for good, or contributed more to the Christian and moral stamina of the community than these noble men and their worthy descendants. Through their means were largely counteracted those baneful influences at work at the time of their arrival. They gave tone to the healthy sentiment that has so long prevailed in the community. A numerous offspring perpetuate their example by worthy lives and worthy deeds. William N., Jacob B. (John, deceased) and Voluntine are prominent citizens in Jasper Township to-day. They are among the most intelligent and influential men in the county, and, with their worthy wives, their hospitalities are of that character that will make a very stranger feel at home while partaking of their welcome cheer.
Thomas Wilson came from the Green River region in Kentucky in 1823, and settled on the southwest of northeast Section 22. A worthy man, of good sense, a fair education, very social, a warm-hearted friend and fond of a joke. He left a large family, among whom is Judge S.J.R. Wilson. George Wilson, a brother of Thomas, was a pioneer school teacher in Jasper Township. He was a man of integrity and push, served many years as Sheriff of Wayne County, and was accounted a good citizen. His descendants are numerous in the county at the present time.
Among the prominent early and later settlers may be mentioned the Monroes, James Hearn, Farris, McMackins, Rankins, Green, Bergs, Joseph Wilson (a very prince among good men), Prices, Bowles, Hoskins, Russell, Murfet, Gregorys, Owens, Whites, Thatchers, Fitzgeralds, Shaws, Ellis, Kelley, Messersmith, Browns, Schenks, Creightons, Heidingers, Groves, Georges, Grice, Robinson, Moss, Lacy, Bings, Darrs, Bobbetts, Stanners, Darrows, Thomas, Organs, Travers, Witters, Files, and other worthy families, but the want of space admonishes us to bring this class of sketches to a close, and while their history may remain unwritten, their good works will live, for it is beyond the power of the human ken to estimate the influence of good deeds on the generations following.
Dr. Gerren, from Huntsville, Ala., was probably the first physician to practice medicine in Jasper Township. He came in 1829 and settled southwest of northwest Section 21, the place now owned by James Hearn.
It is a matter of some doubt as to who preached the first sermon in the township, but it is thought to have been Archy Roberts, a Methodist local preacher.
David McLin, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister of great ability and usefulness, was early in this field, and organized a society which has continued in a flourishing condition to the present time. A Methodist society was early organized, and has also exerted great influence for good. A full account of these societies will be given in county church histories.
The lands in Jasper Township were surveyed in 1809, by Arthur Henry, and the certificate and plat were filed December 4, the same year.
On July 30, 1818, according to the records, the first land entry was made by James Sneadaking northwest and northeast of Section 30, a large portion of which remains in his name at the present time. On the following day, July 31, 1818, Ormsby & Hite entered southeast of Section 19, and southwest of Section 20. August 17, 1818, Enoch Beach entered northeast of Section 35. Other entries rapidly followed by which many settlers secured homes and land speculators secured large tracts.
The first birth in Jasper Township is at present unknown, but is thought to have been a child of one of the Frazers.
The first death, as near as can be ascertained at this remote period, was the wife of Owen Martin, and the second was that of Joseph Martin, and letters of administration were issued to his sons, Owen, Henry and Joseph, December 18, 1821.
On December 20, 1822, letters of administration were issued upon the estate of Thomas Bradshaw, to Ann, his wife.
"Marrying and giving in marriage" was as prevalent in proportion to population, in pioneer days, as among their more refined and educated offspring. On August 22, 1820, David Monroe led Nancy Crews to the hymeneal altar, and on February 1, 1821, James Clark and Sally Bradshaw were made one.
The first school in Jasper Township was taught by George W. Wilson in 1823, in a house built for the purpose, on land now included in William N. Borah's farm. This house had a dirt floor, but was without chimney, windows or door shutter, having a log cut out of the side to let in light. Mr. Wilson taught two schools here.
The first Sabbath school in Wayne County was also organized in this same house, in 1824, and John Borah, Richard Hall, Thomas Wilson, George Wilson, and James Crews taught classes. The sessions lasted much longer than they do at the present time.
The second school in the township was also taught by George Wilson, near the "Pigeon Roost," on the Jonathan Douglas place in 1825. Among the pupils at this school were S.J.R. Wilson, Jacob Hall, William Borah, Bailey Borah, Finley Shaw, Clinton, Jackson and Warren E. McMackin, the Bradshaws, Pritchets and others.
These early educational instructions were erected conveniently near to hazel thickets. Upon the approach of Christmas, the patrons of the school came early in the morning to witness the exploit of the boys "turning the teacher out," a custom prevalent in those days, and found the shutterless door blocked with benches. By some means, the teacher found access to the inside, and the struggle commenced in good earnest. Some of the boys made their escape, but the more courageous, laid hold with a hearty good-will, and soon had the teacher at a disadvantage, wallowing him on the dirt floor and pouring water over him, from the drinking gourd. At a signal from the teacher, one of the Pritchet girls snatched the gourd and broke it, so as to stop that part of their fun. These scenes were greatly enjoyed in early times by teacher and pupils, and on this occasion, the citizens resolved to put a floor in the schoolhouse, and one was accordingly made of puncheons, so that the boys in future could not dirty the teachers clothes so outrageously. William Metcalf, William Gash, Jacob Love, Minsey James, Thurmutis Crews, Gibson Davis, Samuel Edmunson, Matthew Blakely, David Reece, and Mr. French, a Baptist preacher, were among the teachers who taught many years since in Jasper Township.
Twenty-eight years ago, the present school system was inaugurated. Prior to that time, the schoolhouses were generally built by the contributions or labor of the patrons, and the teachers were paid by subscription, by the parent, at a stipulated sum per scholar. The furniture, if such it might be called, was of the rudest kind and, as to books, one or two were deemed sufficient for a large family. The rod was considered an indispensable requisite in shedding light upon the pupil's mind. "Loud schools" were the order of the day, in which all were expected to study out loud, so that the teacher could detect any want of application or dereliction of duty.
The ability to teach "reading, writing and spelling" were the common qualifications of the teacher, and at a later date, he was expected to be able "to cipher to the rule of three." The pens were all made by the teacher, from goose quills, and many a bold, round hand-write, executed with a quill pen, might have been seen. But these things are changed now, and Jasper Township has seven neat frame schoolhouses, worth with their furniture and grounds $3,100; 580 children of school age, upon whom were, last year, expended $1,995, while the schools averaged more than six months each.
James Miller, the father of Rev. Miledge Miller, taught the first singing school in Jasper Township, at William Frazier's, in 1834. Jacob Hall, Douglases, Fraziers, Kings, Beaches, McLins, McMackins and others attended. Old style patent notes were used.
John Gash, Sr., established a distillery on Martin's Creek in an early day, which was run for a few years, greatly to the injury of some young men in the neighborhood.
Hunting parties of Indians continued to make their winter camps on the Wabash and Elm Rivers until 1826. A favorite camping ground with them was on land now owned by Dr. C.W. Sibley. They were quiet; but pioneer mothers took advantage of their presence to improve the morals of their own children.
As Polly Crews was passing through the tall prairie grass, in the dusk of evening, near Mr. Pritchet's, answering what she mistook for the repeated calls of a woman in distress, she came upon an enormous panther, and was so paralyzed by fear that she could not run, on which account she probably escaped a horrible death. The beast seemed also bewildered, from some cause, and would rear upon its feet, placing its paws upon her shoulders, and glare in her face with its wild and piercing eyes. Her screams brought men to her rescue, and the panther escaped.
A destructive tornado passed through the country from southwest to northeast in March 1823, creating sad havoc and causing destruction, leveling trees and almost everything else in its pathway. Its track was about one hundred rods in width, and while a few houses were blown down, much greater damage would have occurred had the country been as thickly settled as at present.
While Jasper Township has entirely escaped murders, accidents with a fatal termination have occurred in considerable numbers within the last sixty years. William Mitcalf was drowned in the Little Wabash River in 1839. Thomas Wood was drowned at a later period, and a man by the name of Nickson was drowned at Leech's Mill. Adam Simonson's son was thrown from a horse and killed in 1846. Samuel Frazier, while drunk, was chilled to death as he lay out all night. While he was in the saloon in Fairfield, the men around the place would light sulphur matches and hold them under his nose to see him jerk his head. He was then left out alone with the above result.
Stewart, a son of Rev. Henry Phelps, was accidentally shot with fatal affect while hunting a few years since. Burrel Cook was drowned in Elm River in 1850, while generously assisting other parties to cross. A young man by the name of Stinett while running a blind horse was thrown and killed in 1847. George Posey was killed while felling a tree a few years ago. A five year-old son of Samuel Farris was drowned in Martin's Creek in 1879.
The early blacksmiths in Jasper Township were Joseph Martin, William Posey and Charles Dalton.
Guns were made and repaired by Alexander Clark, of Big Mound.
Abram Beach made the chairs; John McMackin was the first cabinet maker; David P. McLin, the wheelwright and wagon-maker; and James Bradshaw was the shoe-maker.
Jonathan Douglas built the first frame house, and Jacob Hall burnt the first lime-kiln on the southeast quarter of Section 29. Mr. Hall also ran the first flat boat out of Elm River, and established the first general store on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 25, the place now owned by William Murfit. He sold good brown sheeting at 75 cents per yard; good calico at 50 cents (six to eight yards making an ample dress pattern); nails, 12 1/2 cents per pound; powder, 75 cents, and lead at 20 cents; eggs were worth 3 cents per dozen; butter, 6 1/4 cents per pound; and pork brought $1.25 per 100 pounds.
Jonathan Douglas also kept a small store on his place.
Salt was brought from the saline works, near Equality on horseback, for which the pioneer bartered venison hams, peltries, tallow, beeswax and honey, the latter selling at 50 cents per gallon. Wells were not common, and those who were not fortunate in owning springs, hauled their supply on sleds from the river.
Matches were unknown, and fire was either produced by flint and steel, or borrowed from the neighbors. Percussion caps made their appearance some time after 1830, previous to which, and even much later, flint locks were used on guns. Before mills were built, different plans were adopted to manufacture corn into meal for bread while the corn was yet soft. It was grated into corn meal by rubbing over a piece of tin, punched full of holes to make it rough.
Mortars were made by cutting off a tree about three feet from the ground, and burning a hole a foot in depth and diamater, in the top of the stump. Into this the corn was placed, and a hard hickory pestle, or an iron wedge attached to a spring pole, was used to pound it fine. It was then shaken through a domestic sieve, constructed by weaving long horse hairs over a wooden hoop. The finer portions were used for bread or mush, and the coarser for hominy. Bread was often made by mixing the meal with water and salt, placing the dough in wet corn shucks, or green cabbage leaves, and roasting in hot embers. The more common method was to place the dough in a skilet, in three oblong lumps, called "dodgers," covering with a lid and putting hot coals above and beneath.
When the lid was turned upside down, coals of fire underneath, and bread baked on top, it was called "hoe cake," and was considered an antidote for dyspepsia. The "johnny cake," was made by making the dough very rich with lard, and placing it on a board to roast before the fire. The best constructed cook stoves, with all modern appliances, have failed to make corn-bread as palatable as the meanest of these methods.
Granulated honey, well drained and dried, was used for sugar. For tea sassafras root, sage, spicewood and sycamore bark were used. Coffee cost money, and was but little used except on rare occasions. String of red pepper and various medicinal herbs were hung upon the wall, in readiness for any emergency, or demand that might be made upon them.
Pumpkins were cut into rings and hung upon sticks over-head to dry for spring and summer use. Very few Irish potatoes were used, but yams being a Southern growth, were more generally cultivated. Peaches were plentiful, after a few years, with those who were not too indifferent to plant them.
It is thought that John Borah raised the first apples and the first wheat in Jasper Township, but the latter was little used on account of the difficulty of manufacturing it into flour. Metheglin and persimmon beer were often used as a domestic drink.
After the days of buckskin, the pioneer clothing was carded, spun and woven by hand, the thread, buttons etc., being of home manufacture.
Cotton was grown to a considerable extent, and after the seeds were picked out by hand, was colored by native barks, and made into cloth. A cross-checked, homespun, cotton dress, woven in checks of "copperas and white," made a wedding outfit of which the Queen Dowager might have been proud.
Flax entered largely into the supply of apparel. The seeds were thickly sown that it might grow tall and slender, after which it was pulled up by the roots, rotted, broken, swingled, hatcheled and spun on a small flax wheel for use.
Men, women and children were compelled to work hard in those days for the necessaries to say nothing of the comforts of life. Persons reared under the influence and inspiration of modern progress, can form no just conception of the hardships endured, or the shifts to which the toiling pioneer was often compelled to resort.
Winter caps were made of the skins of wolves, foxes and raccoons, and summer hats were made of plaited straw. Grain was cut with the sickle, and when the cradle was introduced, about 1830, it was almost as great an innovation as the reaper and binder of the present day. The grain was threshed by the hand flail, or tramped out by horses, and "winnowed" in any manner by which could be applied the most wind. After being ground into flour, it was bolted by hand, and a dark, inferior article it made indeed.
The plows were decidedly primitve in their construction; first the bull-tongue, then the barshare and the Cary, with wooden mold-boards, from which the dirt had frequently to be scraped with a paddle. Work oxen were in general use, but a mule had not been seen in Jasper Township until Peter Cartwright passed through, riding one, which caused no little stir among the people. The men were attracted by the sight of the great pioneer preacher, and the boys by the mule.
That terrible scourge, so common at an early day, and even at a much later period, known as the "milk sickness," was held in dread by the inhabitants of Jasper Township, and so general was it that the people did not deny its presence. What is it? I don’t know! though my limbs for more than thirty years have quivered under its baneful influence. What is your opinion? It would settle no question if I were to answer you. Thirty-five years ago, Sailor's Springs and some springs in Crawford County were securely fenced, to preserve cattle from the clutches of this fell destroyer. Finley Paul and Martin Woodworth, of Palestine, Ill., claim that it is caused by an herb, and that its use by stock under certain conditions is sure to produce the malady. If the scattered blades of fodder were left over night in Henry Gardner's dooryard, northwest part of Fayette County, Ill., and his calves were permitted to eat it in the morning with the dew on, they soon grew shakey and died, and this was repeated. A few miles northwest of Altamont, some years since, was a well from which several people contracted this disease and died. Its victims become dizzy and nervous, while an intense, burning fever torments the whole system. Congestion and excruciating pains in the stomach rack the very life from the sufferer. A peculiar odor is emitted that need not be mistaken. Happily, the cause, whatever it may be, passes away when the ground is cultivated, tramped or the original wild growth is eaten out.
From Mr. E.B. Hearn, Township Clerk, we have secured the names of the following officers who have served in Jasper Township since the adoption of township organization in 1859. In 1860, J. Bailey Borah was elected Supervisor; Robert Black, Clerk; John A. Russell, John M. Creighton and John C. Borah, Highway Commissioners; J. Morland and Amos Phelps, Justices of the Peace.
1861---Samuel Stewart, Supervisor; Robert Black, Clerk; J. C. Borah, Commissioner, and Z. C. Roberts, Justice of the Peace.
1862---James A. McLin, Supervisor; Robert Black, Clerk; Amos Phelps, H.C. Phelps, E.P. Grove, Commissioners.
1863---James Hearn, Supervisor; Alex Crews, Clerk; William Crews, Justice of the Peace; and J. C. Borah, Commissioner.
1864---James Hearn, Supervisor; Joseph Wilson, Clerk; Henry Darr, Commissioner; and B. S. Brown, Justice of the Peace.
1865---William N. Borah, Supervisor; E. B. Roberts, Clerk; John M. Creighton and Henry Rankin, Commissioners.
1866---William N. Borah, Supervisor; E. B. Roberts, Clerk; John M. Creighton, Commissioner; and James A. McLin, Justice of the Peace.
1867---James A. McLin, Supervisor; Benjamin H. Hearn, Clerk; William E. Pilcher, Commissioner.
1868---L. P. Hay, Supervisor; Robert Black, Clerk; Robert Schell and James A. McLin, Commissioners; L. P. Hay and E. B. Pilcher, Justices of the Peace.
1869---L. P. Hay, Supervisor; John W. Borah, Clerk; Robert Schell, Commissioner.
1870---E. B. Pilcher, Supervisor; A. M. Cable, Clerk; J. H.Thomas, Commissioner.
1871---William N. Borah, Supervisor and Justice;---Limpert, Clerk; T. H. Darr, Commissioner.
1872---William N. Borah, Supervisor; Gillison George, Clerk; B. E. Johnson, Commissioner; William Crews and E. B. Pilcher, Justices of the Peace.
1873---William N. Borah, Supervisor; E. Berg, Clerk; J. B. Borah, Commissioner; Emanuel Berg, Justice of the Peace.
1874---James A. McLin, Supervisor; E. Berg, Clerk; Caleb Crews, Commissioner.
1875---William N. Borah, Supervisor; E. Berg, Clerk; P. B. Grice, Commissioner.
1876---D. C. Monroe, Supervisor; S. H. Rea, Clerk; Z. C. Roberts, Commissioner; Caleb W. Crews, Justice of the Peace.
1877---Voluntine C. Borah, Supervisor; E. B. Pilcher, Clerk; B. E. Johnson, Commissioner; James A. McLin and Caleb W. Crews, Justices of the Peace.
1878---M. H. Crews, Supervisor; E. B. Pilcher, Clerk; B. E. Johnson, Commissioner.
1879---Samuel H. Rea, Supervisor; E. R. Hearn, Clerk; Thomas M. Young, Commissioner.
1880---V.C. Borah, Supervisor; E. R. Hearn, Clerk; O. Beard, Commissioner.
1881---V.C. Borah, Supervisor; E. R. Hearn, Clerk; T. E. Darr, Commissioner; Charles E. Creighton, J.A. McLin and Samuel S. Farris, Justice of the Peace.
1882---S. H. Rea, Supervisor; E. R. Hearn, Clerk, George M. Owen, Commissioner.
1883---David H. Holman, Supervisor; E. R. Hearn, Clerk; John H. Bradbury, Commissioner.
William A. Frazier came from South Carolina with the other Fraziers in 1818, and settled on the northwest quarter of Section 13. He was an illiterate man, but aspired to better things than he had been accustomed to, desiring to associate with those who tread the higher walks of life. Being an aspirant for honors, he sought the company of educated people, and wishing to appear to advantage in their presence, he, indiscriminately used big sounding words without regard to their meaning. His ambition was chiefly to be well thought of, and such a man cannot be mean. He was elected Major of the militia. He was a hatter by profession, and as his finances improved, he improved his premises. His wool hats sold at $1.25, and were so stiff that they could be used as a stool. His fur hats were made on the shares, or, for sixteen coon skins he would make a hat that would last ten years. He was a good man, and died in 1835. His son John died in the Mexican war. Other sons moved to Arkansas many years ago.
John Borah, Sr., was born in Lancaster County, Penn., about 1777, and removed to Butler County, Ky., in an early day, and came to Wayne County, Ill., and settled on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 23, in Jasper Township, in 1821. He was a man of sterling integrity, of good common sense and fixed principles. He was long an Elder of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and died in 1842. His father, Jacob, was a Revolutionary soldier.
William N. Borah, the first son of John, is one of the most substantial citizens of the county. Few among us are more extensively read in general literature than he. He has five times filled the position of Supervisor, and has paid especial attention to the interests of education. He is a pleasant, hale gentleman of the old style, and it is a treat to spend an evening with him, when the conversation will not be allowed to falter.
John McMackin came from Kentucky about 1822, and first settled near Fairfield, where the great tornado blew down his house without injuring his family, and he afterward moved to the northwest quarter of Section 21, where he died. He was an early cabinet-maker and carpenter. His sons were Clinton, a great singer, John and Warren E. The latter became a Cumberland Presbyterian minister of considerable note; but it is not especially in his capacity that he has most brilliantly shone. At the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, he was appointed Chaplain of the Twenty-first Illinois Infantry, by U.S. Grant, the Colonel. Upon the promotion of the latter, he was appointed Colonel of the regiment, and won many laurels during the war. When Gen. Grant became President, with his usual custom of remembering true and tried friends, he did not forget Col. McMackin, but appointed him to different positions, among which was Pension Agent in this district. He is now enjoying an honored old age in Salem, Ill., though his health is impaired by his army life.
Jacob B. Borah, another son of John, the pioneer, was born in Wayne County, Ill., in 1820. He is mentally well preserved, bright, quick and well read. He has certainly been of great value in compiling this history, by the accurate fund of information from which copious notes have been frequently drawn. He was a Captain in the late war, and is highly esteemed as a private citizen. It is by such men that the world is made better.
James Hearn came from Tennessee and settled on the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 21, about 1842. He served as a soldier in the Seminole war, and also on the Union side in the war of the great rebellion. As a man he is positive in his convictions, gentle in his temperament, a very active member of the Missionary Baptist Church, but catholic in his sentiments, and no man among his numerous acquaintances possesses, in a higher degree, the confidence and friendship of all than "Uncle Jimmy Hearn."
John M. Creighton came from White County, and settled on the norhwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 35, in Jasper Township, where he improved one of the finest estates in Wayne County. He was a thorough Methodist, a thorough going business man, and one of the grandest accessions that the county has ever received. Possessed of a well-balanced mind, he managed his own affairs with prudence and was a wise counselor and true friend to those in need. His death, which occurred in the fall of 1869, was a heavy loss to the community at large. His sons, James A., of Springfield, Joseph of Taylorville, and Jacob R., of Fairfield, are attorneys. Charles E. is a minister, and Mattie is the wife of Dr. Borah, of Louisiana. His younger sons are cultivating the estate upon which his worthy widow, the daughter of Rev. James Crews, resides.
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*By Frank M. Woolard
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