Knox County, Illinois
Genealogy & History

(See also Oneida.)

From the 1870 Atlas Map of Knox County, Illinois, Andreas, Lyter & Co., Davenport, Iowa, 91 pages.  [Submitted by Bob Miller.]

"The first improvements in Ontario Township, were made by Alexander Williams on Section 30, which were purchased in 1836 by I. M. Wetmore.  Geo. W. Melton settled on Section 31 in the same year.  Both these Gentlemen still reside on the same farms, and their fine improvements show, that they have not been idlers.  The first school house was built on Section 32 in 1839.  Outside of Oneida it has 3 churches and 8 school houses.  Ontario Township is undoubtedly the finest Agricultural Township in the State, if not in the west.  It is rich, rolling prairie, with not a foot of untillable land.  Almost every farm has an artificial grove, with fine orchards and more than average improvements.  Its citizens are mostly of the moral order, and have been unusually prosperous.  Its farm improvements are unusually good.  And our many fine lithographic views, amply testify to some being very fine.  The Residence of James Hammond, Esq., in particular, is one of the finest in the state."

From the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois published by Charles C. Chapman.  [Submitted by Bob Miller.]

"This township was named Ontario at a meeting of its citizens in 1850, being assembled for that purpose, by order of the Commissioners appointed by the County Court.  Many of them were formerly from the State of New York, and they named the township after the beautiful lake which forms a part of the northern boundary of that State.  The first improvements in this township were made by Alexander Williams, in 1833, on the northwest quarter of section 30; which consisted in breaking and fencing 20acres.  This property was purchased by Isaac Wetmore, in 1836, who lived at that time on section 36, Rio township.  G. W. Melton settled on section 31, that same year.  A cabin previously erected on this quarter section, was the first building in the township.  Both of these gentlemen are still living on the same farms, and have proven themselves first-class farmers, as well as good citizens, as have many others in that vicinity.

As an agricultural township, Ontario is one of the very finest in the State.  Its groves and orchards, its dwellings, barns and out-buildings are among the very best; and its fine stone bridges are unsurpassed.  This township is without a parallel, in the regularity of its roads, although its highways are all parallel, or cross each other at right angles, and its roads are all on section lines, except one, a half mile in length, crossing the center of section 13.  The first settlers were largely from Oneida county, New York, among whom were the Wetmores, Chapmans, Cranes, Camps, Mosher, Hollister, Savage, Powell, and others.  Among the early officers of the township were Wikoffs, Hammonds, Brott, Butler, Haskins and others.  Before it was organized, April 3, 1853, Rio township was united with it, as a voting precinct.  The first Justice of the Peace in the precinct was Royal Hammond.  The election was held in what is now Rio township.  A warm time was had, and the merits of the Abolition candidate hotly discussed.  However, he was elected, and after the first case, which proved to be a dog case, - Thomas v. Maxwell, - in which the plaintiff was awarded the verdict, the Justice was declared "white" by his opponents.  The first child born in this township was Sarah Elizabeth Melton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Melton; and is now Mrs. Ralph Voris, of Oneida.  The first school-house was built on the northwest quarter of section 32, in 1839.  Ontario township was organized, and the first annual meeting was held in the school-house on section 32, April 5, 1853.  I. M. Wetmore was moderator and W. J. Savage clerk.  After adopting the order of business for annual meetings and the usual preliminary work was disposed of, the following gentlemen were elected as the first officers of the township: Supervisor, Edward Crane; Town Clerk, Wm J. Savage; Assessor, John Burt; Collector, E. C. Brott; Overseer of the Poor, T. F. P. Wetmore; Commissioners of Highways, G. W. Melton, James Hammond and John Powell; Constables, E. C. Brott and J. W. Crane; Justices of the Peace, Ezra Chapman and S. E. Mosher.  The following gentlemen have served as Supervisors of Ontario township, since 1853: Ed. Crane, the year 1853; James Hammond, 1854-5-6-7; W. B. LeBaron, 1858; James Hammond, 1859; W. B. LeBaron, 1860-1-2-3-4; A. S. Curtis, 1865; Orin Beadle, 1866-7-8-9-70-1; A. S. Curtis, 1872; O. B. Beadle, 1873; Ed. Crane, 1874; A. S. Curtis, 1875-6; Geo. L. Stephenson, 1877-8.  The present officers of the township are: Supervisor, G. L. Stephenson; Town Clerk, O. P. Cooley; Assessor, B. S. West; Collector, L. Burt; Commissioners of Highways, J. C. Burt, N. Fay and Wm. Smith; Constables, F. M. Doolittle and O. Powell; Justices of the Peace, E. Shedd and D. R. Drenkel.

Religious services of some kind were maintained by the early settlers in this neighborhood from the very first.  After the school-house on section 32 was built, preaching was kept up by ministers of different denominations, with considerable regularity.  Revs. Waters, Bartlett, Bremer, Moore and Gales were among the ministers who preached the gospel here then.  The first church organization was effected by the Presbyterians, in 1840, Rev. J. G. White officiating, at Henderson.  The services alternated between Henderson village and the school-house, in Ontario, then called the Camp school-house.  This church is now extinct.  There are now three church edifices in Ontario township outside of Oneida.

Several immigrants hailing from New York State about 1837 camped near the southwest corner of Ontario township, by a creek, during winter.  They split some rails, and in the spring launched out to the eastward on the prairie, put up a rail pen and moved in, and lived there during that summer, but erected a log cabin into which they removed before winter set in."

From the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago.  [Submitted by Fay Kummer.]

Ontario Township, at first, had the advantage in its topography over any other township in the county. Nature had done a good deal for it, and the early settlers, in making their improvements and laying out the roads, had the good sense to follow the suggestions of Nature. The result is that Ontario is one of the best improved and most attractively laid out townships in the State. Its public thoroughfares all run parallel, crossing each other at right angles, and following section lines, with one exception, which is in section 13.

The early settlers were from the State of New York, and the township was named after Lake Ontario, which forms a part of the northern boundary of the Empire State. Alexander Williams was the first settler and came in in 1833, locating a claim on the northwest quarter of section 30, where he commenced his improvements by breaking and fencing in a part of his claim. This claim was purchased in 1836 by Isaac Wetmore, of Rio Township. During that year another pioneer was added in the person of G. W. Melton, who located a home for himself on section 31, where the first cabin in the township was erected. These men were first-class farmers, industrious and thrifty, and soon had established comfortable homes for their families.

These pioneers were soon joined by the Moshers, Hollisters, Cranes, Camps, Chapmans, Powells, Savages, Hammonds, Haskinses, Wikoffs, Maxwells and many others. Of the first settlers, G. W. Melton and Ezra Chapman are still living on the old homestead. Royal Hammond, Isaac Wetmore and Alex. Williamson are dead. The Camps and Savages moved away.

The first child born in the township was Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Melton. This native young miss of Ontario afterward was married to Mr. Ralph Voris, of the same township. Ontario and Rio formed one voting precinct, and the first election was held in the latter town. Royal Hammond was the first Justice of the Peace elected. The first school-house was put up on the northwest quarter of section 32, in 1839, which was called the Camp School. At this institution of learning the Gospel was expounded by Rev. Messrs. Gale, Waters, Bartlett, Moore, Bruner and others. The Presbyterians were ahead in the formation of a church organization, which was in 1840, Rev. J. G. Wright officiating.

A Congregational Church was organized near this first settlement in August, 1848. It was located on section 31, and was called the Ontario Church. A good church building was erected, which was dedicated Nov. 4, 1851, and subsequently a parsonage. This society is still kept up and is a strong one, though at present they have no pastor, but expect one soon. Membership, 58. A Baptist Church was organized, in April, 1854, and a building was erected near the Congregational Church, on section 32, at a cost of about $3,000. Subsequently a parsonage was built, costing $1,500. This society has been generally prosperous since its organization. It has a good congregation, which is presided over by Rev. J. V. Cody. In 1853, the members of the Christian Church organized a congregation and erected a house of worship, on section 2, in 1866, at a cost of $2,000. Prior to this, they held their services in private houses and in school buildings. It became a thriving church, having a membership, at one time, as high as 70.

Ontario was organized into a township April 5, 1853. At the election J. M. Wetmore was chosen Moderator, and William J. Savage, Clerk. The following-named citizens were elected to fill the township offices: Edward Crane, Supervisor: W. J. Savage, Clerk; John Burt, Assessor; E. C. Brott, Collector; James Hammond, George W. Melton and John Powell, Highway Commissioners; Ezra Chapman and S.E. Mosher, Justices of the Peace; E. C. Brott, and J. W. Crane, Constables; T. T. Wetmore, Overseer of the Poor.

Ontario is fairly watered by Pope and Walnut Creeks and their little tributaries. Gently rolling prairies cover the township, relieved occasionally with beautiful groves. The soil is rich and very productive, and the assessed value of its lands is higher than that of any other township in the county, and in connection with agriculture it is considered the banner township of the State. The people do most of their trading and marketing at Oneida, located in the southeast corner, on section 36. This town is on the C. B. & Q. R.R., which was completed through here in December, 1854, and which passes across the southeast corner. Ontario had a population, in 1880, according to the United States census, of 1,657. Since that time, it is estimated, there has been a gain.

The County Superintendent, in his report for the year 1885, furnishes the following school items:

There are nine school districts, one graded and eight ungraded schools, with one brick and eight frame school-houses. There are four libraries, with 400 volumes; value of school property, $22,900. Of person under 21 years of age there were 719, of whom 525 were of school age, 431 being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were $100 per month; the lowest $35; the highest wages paid female teachers were $40; the lowest $25. The tax levy was $3,625.

SUPERVISORS.

From the 1870 Atlas Map of Knox County, Illinois, Andreas, Lyter & Co., Davenport, Iowa, 91 pages.  [Submitted by Bob Miller.]

"Oneida was laid out Sept. 1st, 1854, by Charles F. Camp, B. S. West and S. V. R. Holmes.  The first building erected was the Oneida House.  Jackson Rogers, built the first private residence.  Oneida has about 1000 inhabitants, has 4 Dry Goods stores, 4 Grocery Stores, 2 Drug Stores, a Hotel, Steam Flouring Mill, a Plaining Mill, a Sash Factory, a Pump Factory, 3 Wagon and Carriage Shops, 3 Blacksmith Shops, a News Depot, Jeweler, Cooper Shop, Harness Shop, Neck Yoke Factory, 2 Agricultural and Hardware Stores, 2 Tinware Establishments, 2 Milliners, 3 Butcher Shops, 3 Cattle Brokers' Offices, 3 Grain Warehouses and 6 Churches, with not an open Saloon.  It is situated in the midst of the finest country in the State, and promises to be a large and important place."

From the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago.  [Submitted by Vicki Burton.]

Oneida City is situated in the southeast corner of Ontario Township, and was founded in 1854, by Charles F. Camp, B. S. West and S. V. R. Holmes. It was platted September 1, same year, the plat embracing the northwest corner of section 36. Additions were made afterward, extending into section 35, and south in section 36. The town was started in anticipation of the completion of the C., B. & Q. R. R., the line of which ran diagonally through the plat, and which was completed in December. The location is exceedingly attractive, and through the enterprise and good taste of its citizens Oneida has been made one of the pleasant towns of the county. A meeting was called on Dec. 3, 1858, for the purpose of taking into consideration the matter of village incorporation. It was decided at this meeting to put the question to a vote of the people, and that the election be held on the 14th of December, to vote for or against incorporation. The election was held at the old schoolhouse, which resulted in favor of incorporation. There were 47 votes cast for incorporation and 18 against. Of these voters only 12 are now living. A meeting was held on the 7th of January, 1859, to elect Trustees, resulting in the election of Charles F. Camp, H. L. Sage, J. M. Brown, J. M. Fleming and William B. LeBaron. At a meeting of the Trustees held at C. H. Conger's office, Wm. B. LeBaron was chosen President.

In 1869 the town of Oneida was incorporated as a city by the General Assembly, the act being approved March 4, 1869. The first election for city officers was held April 5, 1869. B. S. West was chosen Clerk and Alvah Wheeler and A. P. Child Judges of Election. This resulted in electing F. G. Jelliff and George H. Varce, Police Magistrates; J. A. Pratt and George Stephenson, Marshals; D. D. Martin, R. Bristol, E. J. Peterson and E. Bennett, Aldermen.

The first store opened in Oneida was by Miles & St. John, on the east side of the Square, in the fall of 1854. Soon after this a building for a hotel was commenced, and was completed and opened to the public about Christmas. On the 20th of November of the same year, according to Isaac Hurr, the construction train came into the new village, and by the 4th of July, the following year, several families had settled, among whom were those of C. F. Camp, J. J. Rodgers, C. W. Robertson, J. Kinney, S. Cooley, J. Eckley, M. Osgood and E. Child.

The present post-office was opened in the winter of 1854-55, with C. F. Camp as Postmaster. A schoolhouse was completed in June, 1855, and soon after Miss Mary Allen West was duly installed as teacher. Miss West is now on the editorial staff of one of the Chicago papers.

They were a patriotic people about this country, and, actuated by their love of country and the inviting prospects before them, they concluded to have a grand Fourth-of-July celebration in the year of our Lord 1855. This was done in the old pioneer style. There were some 8,000 people gathered in here from the broad prairies, and a grand old time was had. There was a free dinner, speeches, martial music, and all the etceteras accompanying the celebration of our national birthday.

From its first settlement Oneida has had a healthy and a steady growth. It has suffered severely from fires, but the destruction of her business houses did not discourage her enterprising citizens, and these buildings were soon restored. Oneida has now several fine business houses, two grain elevators and a bank. This bank was started in 1868, by W. L. Hubbard & Co. This firm sold out to Conger & Allen, and then Allen sold out to Conger. In the spring of 1877 the business was purchased by Anderson & Murdock, who are the present reliable, genial and popular proprietors, and who are doing a large banking business. The people of Oneida are noted for their intelligence, neighborly regard for each other, and for their hospitality. It is estimated now to contain about 1,000.

The citizens have prepared a fine cemetery for the repose of their dead. There are many good monuments in it, some displaying artistic taste, and the lots and grounds are well taken care of. The following-named citizens have served the city as Mayors; F. G. Jelliff, 1869-70; W. B. Le Baron, 1871; A. B. Anderson, 1872. Mr. Anderson was found not to be eligible, and a special election was had, and A. S. Curtis elected and served until 1878.

The Post-Office was first filled by C. F. Camp, who was succeeded by E. Collamer and then by N. H. Walworth, J. A. Pratt, C. B. Wetmore, J. McQuade, R. Voris, J. B. Shaw, W. B. Le Baron, and Jeptha Brainard, the present incumbent.

SCHOOL.

Oneida has a thoroughly graded school and it is well conducted. J. H. Graham, Principal; James Grant, Assistant; Miss Mary E. Shedd, Intermediate; Miss A. E. Graham, First Primary; Jennie Voris, Second Primary; enrollment, 218; average attendance, 192. A well-selected library of 300 volumes is connected with the school. The sciences, with Latin, are taught. A local teachers' institute is organized and meets every two weeks. From scholars who have attended this school there are 18 who are now teaching in the county. The building is a large, fine two-story brick structure with five departments, and has a commodious chapel, with capacity of seating 300 persons. It was erected in 1870 at a cost of $1400. Mr. Graham is an old teacher and has a very peculiar, though effective, method of teaching. Scholars passing out of this school will generally understand what they have learned. This may seem a strange axiom, but there are many pupils graduating from schools at the present day who have a very limited knowledge of what they have been studying.

THE ONEIDA NEWS

was established in 1882, the first issue going out to the Oneida public June 28. It was a two-column folio, and edited by J. C. Montgomery, who is the present editor and proprietor. The news has been enlarged to a three-column paper and has a circulation of 300. It is independent in politics, is a spicy little sheet, all original and devoted to the interests of its patrons and the city of Oneida.

BAND.

The Oneida Band was organized in August, 1885, with F. W. Dimmitt as Leader and Secretary, and J. Barnes, Treasurer. This band is in regular practice and improving rapidly.

CHURCHES.

The Congregational Church was organized Dec. 22, 1855, by Rev. Jonathan Blanchard, with 21 members. The first pastor, H. C. Abernethy, remained ten years and was succeeded by Rev. R. C. Dunn, in 1867, who died the same year. A call was made for and accepted by L. F. Waldo, in August, 1868. He was succeeded by J. L. Granger in April, 1871, who remained until 1873 and was succeeded by W. A. Chamberlain, Jan. 10, 1874, serving until March, 1878. H. M. Case followed in May, same year, remaining until Sept. 1, 1882. May 1, 1883, William J. Clark took charge, remaining one year. Nov. 23, 1884, Rev. E. L. Sherman took charge and is the present pastor. Present membership, 105; Sabbath school, 167; parsonage connected with church. The church was dedicated Feb. 4, 1858, J. Blanchard preaching the sermon. Rev. L. Parker was a supply for the organization of the Church to the installation of their first regular pastor.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in November, 1883. Rev. L. G. Abrahamson was the first pastor, and served the Church until the winter of 1885. The society have used the old Advent building. As yet they have not secured a successor to Mr. Abrahamson, but they have services on Sunday afternoons. Membership 25.

The Oneida Methodist Episcopal Church was organized about 1855 or 56, probably by Rev. L. P. Crouch. We can find no definite history of the Church, however, until the year 1857, except that Robert Talbot, now deceased, and Thomas Talbot were among the first members. The following are the pastors who have labored here from 1857 until date, and the term of service of each: In 1857, W. M. Clark; 1858-9, G. W. Brown ; 1860-61, William Watson ; 1862-3, W. J. Smith ; 1864, N. C. Lewis ; 1865, S. L. Hamilton ; 1866-7, William Watson ; 1868, Mr. Spurlock ; 1869-70, C. B. Couch ; 1871, H. I. Brown ; 1872, H. C. Foote ; 1873-75, C. H. Brace ; 1876, L. B. Dennis ; 1877-79, C. B. Couch ; 1880, T. L. Falkner ; 1881, J. W. Otterman ; 1882, D. Ayers ; 1883, W. A. Pratt ; 1884-85, N. T. Allen, the present pastor. The present membership is 75. Mrs. S. B. Glenn is the present Superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which has a membership of about 60. M. G. Waldron is Assistant Superintendent. Services are held every Sabbath and prayer meetings every Wednesday night.

The First Presbyterian Church was organized May 4, 1863, at the school-house in District No. 3, by Rev. C. B. Bristol. Joseph Findley and James B. Ralston were chosen and ordained as Elders. By order of the Presbytery the name was changed from the First Presbyterian Church of Ontario to the present name. They have a good church building, a parsonage and a fair membership. Rev. Edmond H. Post is the present pastor.

Methodist Episcopal Church. This society was organized as early as 1845, by Rev. R. N. Morse. It was subsequently located at Oneida and had a membership at one time of 125. A church building was erected at a cost of $2,500, and a parsonage at a cost of $1,200.

SOCIETIES

Oneida Lodge, No. 337, A., F. & A. M. Dispensation was granted for the organization of this lodge, March 26, 1860. First officers: E. W. Roberts, W. M. ; W. L. Hubbard, S. W. ; James Suncox, J. W. ; N. Maul, Tiler. It was chartered Oct 3, 1860. Present officers : S. C. Whitcomb, W. M. ; C. G. Graves, S. W. ; David Hamilton, J. W. ; A. B. Anderson, Treas. ; E. Marsh, Secy. ; Frank Prouty, S. D. ; John Talbot, J. D. ; William H. Moore, Tiler. Present membership, 60. Good working condition ; money at interest. At present they have a rented hall, but they propose to build one soon.

Oneida Chapter, No. 173, was chartered Oct. 26, 1876, with 23 members. Previous to this the Chapter worked under dispensation for about one year. The officers under dispensation were : G. L. Stephenson, H. P. ; F. Murdock, K. ; T. A . Wetmore, Scribe ; A. B. Anderson, C. H. ; B. F. Brown, P. S. Present officers : G. L. Stephenson, H. P. ; O. P. Cooley, K. ; D. Hamilton, Scribe ; C. G. Graves, C. H. ; E. Marsh, P. S. ; A. B. Anderson, Treas. ; T. A. Wetmore, Secy. ; S. C. Whitcomb, R. A. C. ; F. Murdock, G. M. 3d V. ; Thomas Hosler, G. M. 2d V. ; S. S. Russell, G. M. 1st V. ; W. H. Moore, Tiler. Present membership, 25.

I. O. O. F., NO. 228, was chartered Oct. 15, 1857. This charter was surrendered in 1861. June 3, 1874, the Lodge was reinstituted, preserving the same number. The Lodge was burned out in 1857. First officers: R. Voris, N. G. ; J. W. Tate, V. G. ; C. C. Scudder, Secy. ; A. B. Anderson, Treas. Present officers: F. Murdock, N. G. ; M. G. Waldron, V. G. ; E. C. Hammond, P. G. ; F. Beals, L. D. ; A. B. Anderson, Treas. It has a membership of 21, is in good working order and financially good. It meets in the Masonic hall.