Salem Township

(See also Yates City, Summit and Uniontown.)

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

"The first settler in Salem Township was Alexander Taylor, who settled on Sec. 5, in 1833. Benona Haskins and his sons Amson and James settled on Sections 33 and 34. Wm. Kent, John Thurman, and Henry Dalton were also early settlers. First marriage as near as we can learn, was Absolem Kent to Julia Sains, by Rev. Henry Summers, on Sec. 13, Nov. 4th, 1836. First birth was Laura, daughter of Jno. Haskins, 1835. First death was Mary Kent, 1839. A Post Office was established and called Middle Grove, in Southwest corner of the Township, in 1832. First Sermon was preached in 1835, by Henry Summers, at the house of Wm. Kent, on Sec. 13. First school was taught by Abid Drew, in 1838, on Sec. 13. First Justice of the Peace was Wm. Davis, in 1836. Salem is one of the finest tracts of country in the west, its inhabitants are of the very best class, and its improvements unusually fine."

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

"Among the first settlers of this excellent township were Solomon Sherwood, Henry Dalton, Alexander Taylor, Felix Thurman, Avery Dalton, Benona Hawkins, John Darnell, Sala Blakeslee, William Kent, John Thurman, and John Haskins. Taylor arrived first, and settled on section 5. The first birth was Laura, daughter of John Haskins, in 1835. The first marriage was that of Avery Dalton, to Delilah Dalton. The first death was Anderson Corbine, in the summer of 1835. The first sermon was preached by Rev. Henry Summers, on section 13, on the 4th of November, 1836. Emeline Shinn was the first to die in the township, on the 9th of August, 1839. The first postoffice was established at a place in the southwest corner of the township, called Middle Grove. The first school was taught by Abid Drew, on section 13, in 1838. The first Justice of the Peace was William Davis. There are three towns in this township, and more miles of railroad than in any other township in the county except Galesburg. The first frame building in Salem township was erected by Sala Blakeslee, in 1837. It was a barn, 30 by 40 feet in size; and burned down the same year. Mr. Blakeslee also brought the first timothy seed into the township, in 1834. On his farm are ten chestnut trees, growing from seeds planted by him, in 1846. They will now measure two feet in diameter. He also has a rail fence, which is remarkable for its perfect state of preservation. In 32 rods, which was built in 1844, there are not more than five rails but what are sound and good yet. It has never been re-set. He claims that the rails do not rot, for the reason that they were cut in August, and the fence laid while the moon was in its last quarter. He has logs in a corn-crib that were cut in 1829, and gate posts that were cut in 1832.

This is one of the corner townships of the county, and joins Fulton county on the south and Peoria on the east. The soil is fertile and the landscape beautiful. Indeed, one of the finest views in Knox county is obtainable from Summit in this township."

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

Meeting was held for the organization of Salem Township, April 5, 1853, at a school-house near Michael Eagan's, which resulted in the election of S. S. Buffum for Supervisor; Wm. Gray, Clerk; J. R. Knable, Assessor; D. Waldo, Collector; T. A. Croy, G. W. Enke and J. Jordan, Justices of the Peace; M. B. Mason, A. Kent, J. E. Duel, Highway Commissioners; J. Taylor and D. Waldo, Constables, and G. Chrisman, Overseer of the Poor.

Alexander Taylor and family are credited with being the first settlers in the township, making a claim on section 5, in 1834, where he put up the first log cabin ever built here. Soon after Mr. Taylor came Felix and John Thurman, Henry and Avery Dalton, Solomon Sherwood, Benona Hawkins, Wm. Kent, John Darnell, John Haskins and Sala Blakeslee, most of whom came in with families.

In 1835, the population of this township was in creased by the advent of little Laura, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Haskins. The first persons to be joined in wedlock were Avery Dalton and Delilah Dalton in 1935. Andrew Corbine died the same year, which was the first death. These pioneers were quite religious and held their prayer-meeting soon after the first settlement. This attracted the attention of Rev. Henry Summers, who came and preached for them, delivering the first sermon in the township on section 13, November, 1836.

In 1837 the settlement became of sufficient importance to have a post-office, which was established at Middle Grove. Abiel Drew taught the first school in a log house on section 13, in 1838. The enterprising and progressive Sala Blakeslee erected the first frame building in the township in 1837, for a barn. It was quite a large barn, but it did not stand long, for it was burned the same year - a reproof, some of the neighbors said, for his extravagance.

William Davis was the first man to hold the scales of justice, and it is said of him that he did it with a fair but strong hand. On the farm located by Sala Blakeslee may be seen some fine old chestnut trees, grown from seed planted by him in 1846.

Salem was settled up by a good class of people, and after a beginning was made it population increased quite rapidly. Its lands lie fair and are rich and very productive, and easily drained by the little watercourses that meander through. A great portion of the township is beautiful rolling prairies, the southeastern and southwestern portions being somewhat broken. These sections at one time were liberally timbered. It is regarded as one of the best townships in the county; it ranks second in raising cattle and horses, and first in hogs. It has more miles of railroad than any other township, except Galesburg, and is third in population.

The Peoria Branch of the C., B. & Q. R. R., which was completed in December, 1856, passes through the northern part of the township, running nearly east and west; the Rushville & Buda Branch enters the township, forming a connection at Yates City, where the people of the township do most of their marketing and trading. summit, another town on the railroad, claims and gets some of the trade. This town was platted Oct. 17, 1856, by W. K. Ware, on the northeast corner of section 7 and the sough east corner of section 6. It is located on a high rolling prairie.

Uniontown, on section 19, was one of the earliest settled towns in this part of the county, and before the advent of railroads there was quite a trade done here. The railroad towns have taken the trade away, and there is nothing here now but a blacksmith-shop.

Salem is a great farming township, and is dotted over with fine dwellings. Its population, in 1880, was 1,794, and it is claimed that these figures have since been enlarged. From the School Superintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1885, the following items were obtained:

There are ten school districts in this township, one graded school and nine ungraded. The school property was valued at $14,650. In the ten districts there are two brick and eight frame school-houses. Of the persons under 21 years of age there were 767 of whom 554 were of school age, 473 being enrolled. The highest wages paid male teachers were $100 per month; the lowest $33.33; the highest wages paid female teachers were $40, and the lowest $22.

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

"Yates City was laid out Oct. 21, 1857, by William Bulcok Thompson, Maple Rufus, H. Bishop, Bostwick Kent, James Bursen and Henry Bursen. It has a Steam Flouring Mill, several Stores and does a good local trade. The C. B. & Q. R. R. has a branch running south from Yates City, and only 3 miles east a road running north. With its Rail Road facilities, and fine location, it is destined to be a place of some importance."

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

YATES CITY is very pleasantly located on the Peoria Branch of the C., B.& Q. R. R., in the northeast portion of Salem Township. It was platted in October, 1857, by Amos C. and William Babcock, James Burson and Bostwick Kent, and was surveyed by Elias T. Byram, October, 1857. It embraced the whole of section 11. The land was purchased from R. H. Bishop, Mrs. Gray and W. D. Dixon. It was named after Yates County, N. Y., where the Babcocks were born and raised. The first building erected in this town was in 1857, by James Burson, which was located on the corner of Union and Main Streets, and was used for a store. In 1858 another store was built by W. D. Dixon and D. B. Coykendall; Mr. Stimalt, John Sonnemaker and A. Kerns erected dwellings. When the depot was located here an impetus was given to the growth of the town, and it has been increasing in population from that time on. It was incorporated as a village by a special act of the Legislature in 1864. An election was had in April for organization. D. Touslee, W. H. Kestman, G. N. Pierce, J. D. Roberts and F. Madder were elected Trustees. At a subsequent meeting of the Board, D. Touslee was chosen President; E. B. Rhea, Clerk Benj. Kersey, Treasurer; W. L. Adams, Marshal; and David Wilkes, Police Magistrate.

Yates City is one of the most thrifty towns in the county, full of life and vigor. It is surrounded by as fine a farming country as there is in the State. It has a large flouring mill, a good brick and tile factory, a first class wagon-shop and a sorghum mill. The wagon factory is owned by W. D. Alley, and was established some 18 years ago. Mr. Alley's wagons have a wide reputation, and he has a ready sale for all that he can make. Sleighs and cutters are also made at this factory. In addition to this, Yates City has a good banking institution, known as the Farmers' Bank, which is ably presided over by L. F. Wortman. Several large business houses, lumber-yards and elevator, and many other business establishments are located here. There is here a co-operative store, which was organized in the spring of 1875. Its capital stock now is $20,000, and the business is carried on in a two-story brick building, which was erected by this company at a cost of $3,000. They are now out of debt and have a fund large enough to meet purchasing demands, and hereafter it is proposed to pay dividends.

Three churches have been established here, and also an excellent graded school and a newspaper. It is the headquarters of the construction train for this division, and the Junction of the Buda Branch. the people are enterprising, hospitable, social and moral. The present population is about 1,000. the present officials are : C. S. Roberts, Wm. Burson, Wm. Nash, H. J. Truitt and F. T. Westfall, Trustees: with C. S. Roberts, President; R. A. Fulton, Clerk and Lewis Serles, Marshal. Postmaster, Smith Rhea.

Yates City has one of the best public graded schools in the county. A full English course is taught, with the sciences and Latin. S. C. Ransom is the Principal, and E. F. Cunningham, Assistant. Miss Lizzie Furniss has charge of the Grammar Department; the Intermediate is under the charge of Miss Ella E. Williams, and the Primary is presided over by Miss M. E. Clancey. The enrollment is 225 with an average attendance of 200. Connected with the school department is the Salem Teachers' Association, which has a membership of 25. Meetings are held monthly during the school season. It has been organized about one year. A well-selected library is one of the features of this school, containing 1,480 volumes. This school has a good corps of teachers, who are interested in their work and thorough in their system.

PRESS.

Industrial Banner. The first issue of this paper was out before the reading world on Christmas Day, 1879. It was published by A. H. McKeighan, who is printer, editor and publisher, and advocated the Greenback Policy. It is a seven-column folio, issued every Friday, is neatly printed, well edited and devoted to the advancement of the interests of Yates City. In politics it is now Independent, its editor holding himself free to advocate the claims of that party which in his judgment, will serve the interests of the people. It is quite liberally patronized for a territory so limited in population, having a circulation of about 600.

The Maquon Sunbeam is published by Mr. McKeighan, and is printed at the Banner office, with a circulation of about 100. Before coming to Yates City, Mr. McKeigham published the Stream of Light at Ipava, in Fulton County.

RELIGIOUS.

The Presbyterian Church. A committee appointed by the Presbytery of Peoria to organize a church in Yates City met at the school house Nov. 1, 1866. After a sermon by Rev. Thomas Stevenson, the meeting was opened for the admission of members and election of officers. The enrollment was made and Joseph Cunningham and William B. Mathews were elected as Elders, after which they wore declared to be duly organized as the First Presbyterian Church of Yates City. There were 18 members who were admitted mostly by letter, having belonged to other organizations. when the organization was completed the congregation proceeded to the election of Trustees, which resulted in the choice of the following: John C. Bryson, John D. Henry, William B. Mathews. The committee of the Presbytery were Thomas Stevenson J. H. Smith and John Marshall. John H. Smith was the first pastor, and was followed respectively by Revs. J. E. Caruthers, L. D. Wells, L. C. Littell, C. F. Carson and J. L. Henning, the present pastor. Some of the above-named gentlemen were supplies. The church building was erected in the summer of 1867, at a cost of $3,700. The Ruling Elders at the present time are W. B. Mathews, R. J. McKeigham and J. J. Mathews. Present membership, 105. A Sunday-school was organized in November, 1867, by G. N. Peirce. It has been prosperous and has a membership of 100. It is presided over by W. B. Mathews.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized here soon after the town was started. In 1867, a very neat and substantial church building was completed. This society has no local pastor, but regular services are held by the pastor of the Elmwood Church, who has charge here. The persons to whom we have to look for church history failed us in regard to this society; hence our history is rather limited.

SOCIETIES

Yates City Lodge, No. 448, A., F. & A. M., was chartered Oct. 4, 1865, with 18 members. The first officers were: S. S. Buffum, W. M.; John E. Knable, S. W.; M. B. Mason, J. W. Present officers: Henry Soldwell, W. M.; W. H. Houser, S. W.; M. W. Thomson, J. W.; Henry Hare, Treas.; J. D. C. Hoit, Secy.; W. H. Langdon, S. D.; Smith Rhea, J. D.; John Hensler, Tiler. Present membership, 45. This Lodge occupies a hall with the Odd Fellows. It is well furnished and equipped.

Eureka Chapter, No 98, R. A. M., was chartered Oct. 5, 1866, with 25 charter members. Officers under charter were Benj. Kersey, H. P.; M. B. Mason, K; J. C. Riner, Scribe. This is a flourishing Chapter as has been quite prosperous, having a present membership of 60. Present officers are: J. M. Corey, H. P.; Henry Hase, K.; W. H. Lott, Scribe; J. W. Hensley, C. H.; Henry H Potts, Treas.; J. D. C. Hoit, Secy.; J. H. Spring, R. A. C.; John Hensler, Tiler.

Yates City Lodge, No 207, I. O. O. F., was chartered Oct. 13, 1868, with Ira Dunn, Benjamin Hayes, B. Bevin, A. S. Murphy and Henry Soldwell as charter members. First officers were: H. Soldwell, N. G.; B. S. Briggs, V. G.; B. Hays, Secy.; B. Bevins, Treas. There are at present 32 members connected with the Lodge. Present officers: John Birs, N. G.; William Clark, V. G.; J. B. Coykendall, Secy.; T. J. Knightlinger, Permanent Secy.; Henry Soldwell, Treas; B. Bevias, O. G. The Lodge is prosperous and in good working condition. They have a good hall, which is jointly owned with the Masonic fraternity. there was a Rebecca Degree Lodge organized some years ago, but it has not been kept up. It was chartered Oct. 11, 1870.

[Contributed by Todd Walter.]

(Knox County Deed Book 5, pg 375)
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Union Town is laid out on the West half of the South West Quarter of Sec. No. Nineteen in Township No. Nine North of Range No. Four East of the fourth principal meridian. The survey of which was commenced on the 3rd of June, and completed on the 4th of June, 1839. Commencing at the North W. Corner of the quarter at which a Rock was permanently set in the ground. The West side of West Street being bounded by the division line of the Quarter. The lots are 132 feet by 46, Except the East tier of lots in blocks No. 1, 8, 9, 16, 17, 24, and 25. And the West tie of lots in Blocks No. 4, 5, 12, 13, 20, 21, and 28, which are 115 1/2 feet by 49 feet. The Streets are 66 feet wide except 1st Street which is 50 links wide at the West end and 46 links wide at the East end, and East Street is 50 links wide at the South end, and 47 links at the North end. 8th Street and West Street are 33 feet wide.

State of Illinois, Knox County }
I, George A. Clark, County Surveyor of said County, do hereby certify that the within Plat and Field Noats are a correct copy and representation of the Survey of the above named Town. Given under my hand, this the 6th day of June, 1839.

George A. Charles, Co. Surveyor of Knox Co., Ills.

Know all men by these presents that I, Moses Shinn, of Knox County, and State of Illinois, and owner and proprietor of the Town of Union Town, do grant, give, and quit claim, and by these presents do fully, Freely, and Absolutely grant, give, and quit claim, all my right title and interest, to all the Streets, public square, and public grounds that are in, described and belong to the said Town of Union Town, it being laid out on the West half of the South West quarter of Section No. Nineteen, in Township Nine North of Range No. Four East of the Fourth principal meridian, for the use and benefit of said Town and the Public. In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this the 23rd day of June A. D. 1840.

Moses Shinn {Seal}

State of Illinois, Knox County }
Personally came before me the above named Moses Shinn to me personally known, and acknowledged that the within Plat and Survey is correct and that he signed and sealed the above is his Act and Deed for the uses and purposes therein Expressed.

Wm. King, P. J. P.

(Plat ordered vacated by the State of Illinois, December 14, 1881. Vol. 1125, pg 176)

[Contributed by Bob Miller.]

From the 1870 Atlas Map of Knox County, Illinois, Andreas, Lyter & Co., Davenport, Iowa, 91 pages.

"Uniontown is one of the oldest towns in the southwest corner of Knox County, but Rail Roads have drawn its trade to other points, and Uniontown now has only a blacksmith shop and a few small houses."

Knox County, Illinois Genealogy & History

Knox County, Illinois
Genealogy & History