Knox County, Illinois
Genealogy & History

(See also Altona.)

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

"Messrs. Jones and Dehart settled on Section 21 before the Black Hawk War, but during the war, were obliged to leave on account of the Indians.  Jno. Thompson settled in July 1836, Amos Ward in 1838.  Jno. Thompson, Jr., was the first boy born, Hellen Ward, the first girl.  Austin Fredrick and Elizabeth Finney, were the first couple married.  The first death was Mrs. Insdale, sister of Mrs. Ward, on Section 16, at the residence of Abram Piatt, August 1838.  Walnut Grove Township is one of the finest in the State, it is nearly all high, rolling prairie, well watered, rich and productive, beautiful groves greet the eye in every direction, while scarcely a farm is without a fine orchard.  Its inhabitants are of the progressive and energetic class, as their uniform farm improvements clearly testify."

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

"John Thompson was the first permanent settler.  He was originally from Pennsylvania, but removed from Ohio to Illinois in July, 1836, and settled in Knox county, on section 16, the present site of the village of Altona.  Previous to this Jones and DeHart settled on section 21, but were scared away by the Black Hawk war in 1832.  Mr. Thompson's nearest neighbor lived at Fraker's Grove, eleven miles distant.

During the years 1836-7 a band of Indians, about 30 in number, camped for a short time just west of Mr. John Thompson's residence, and near the present high-school building in Altona.  An old Indian and his squaw remained long after the body of Indians left, and most excellent neighbors they were.

John Thompson, Jr., was the first male child born in this township.  The second child was Helen Maria Ward, now Mrs. A. P. Stephens, of Creston, Iowa.  In 1838, Mr. Ward made the first wagon tracks ever between Walnut Grove and Victoria.

At one time Walnut Grove township was the home of a large number of Mormons.  It was revealed to Joe Smith, the prophet, that a branch church should be established, and all the inhabitants of the beautiful land should yield up a portion of their increase to the building of a temple, sacred to the Mormon religion.  While the great head of the church was at Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois, it was intended that a branch church should be established here, and a society of about 100 members was organized.  The citizens generally were very much opposed to this plan, and a very strong intimidation, backed up by the most resolute and hardy land proprietors, to the effect that the property of the Mormons and the temple of the prophet would not in an emergency be protected by them, resulted in a new "revelation," commanding them all to leave their homes and go to Hancock county where the main body of Mormons had settled.  This they all strictly obeyed, many making great sacrifices in so doing.

Amos Ward was the first Postmaster in the township.  He held the office for a long term of years, when it was much more troublesome than remunerative.  A little drawer in a book-case served as a deposit for all the mail, for ten years.

The first school-house was built about the year 1841.  It was constructed of logs, and was 16x16 feet.  Mary Frail, now Mrs. Tupper, of Altona, was the first female teacher, and Eugene Gross, who subsequently has figured quite prominently in the Legislature of this State, the first male teacher.  The character of the school was good.

Prominent among the early settlers was Simeon L. Collison, who resides in the southern part of the township.  He came from England to the United States in 1830, and to Knox county in 1838.  About the first lawsuit in the neighborhood was for ownership of a tree.  The contestants were so fierce as to come to blows.  The case was tried before a jury, in a log cabin.  After all the evidence were taken, the jury retired to a small rail pen, to decide upon the merits of the question."

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

An attempt was made toward the settlement of this township as early as the spring of 1832, by Messrs. Jones and De Hart, who made claims on section 21.  The Black Hawk War frightened and drove them away and they never returned.  It was unoccupied then until 1836 when John Thompson, from Pennsylvania, came in and made a claim on section 16, the present site of the village of Altona.  His nearest neighbor then was at Fraker's Grove, some 11 miles distant.  The only near neighbors the Thompsons had were a band of Indians; two of this band, an Indian and his squaw, remaining for a long time.  Thompson was wont to speak of this couple in high praise, and regretted much to have them move away.  Amos Ward and Stephen Eames moved into the township soon after Mr. Thompson, also Simeon L. Collinson, from England.  From 1838 the settlement increased quite rapidly, and among those who came in were many of the Mormon faith, the leader of whom, Joseph Smith, proposed to establish a branch church here, and to erect a temple for worship.  At this time, the head of this so-called religious society was at Nauvoo, Hancock County, Ill.  They organized a society here of about a 100 members.  The fanatics were not very cordially received by the other settlers, and it was intimated to them that they would not be protected here either in person or property, and that they had better seek some other land in which to propagate their peculiar ideas.  Accordingly it became convenient for Joe to have a new revelation, and they were ordered to leave Walnut Grove and go to Hancock County, which order they promptly obeyed.

John Thompson, Jr., was the first male child born in the township and Helen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Ward, was the first female child born. Helen was married to A. P. Stephens and went to Iowa.

The first marriage was between Austin Frederick and Elizabeth Finney.

Amos Ward was the unlucky man to receive the first commission as Postmaster.  He held this office for many years, receiving but little else than honor and trouble.  The first school taught here was by Eugene Gross, who afterward distinguished himself in the legislative halls of the state.  His school was taught in a small log building which was put up in 1841.

A meeting was held for the purpose of township organization, April 5, 1853.  Amos Ward was chosen Chairman pro tem., and L. B. Farris, Clerk pro tem., when the polls were declared open.  H. L. Sage was elected Moderator, and an adjournment for one hour was had.  Thirty-one votes were cast, electing the following-named officers; Amos Ward, Supervisor; A. F. Ward, Clerk; David Livingston and Amos Ward, Justices of the Peace; H. L. Sage, Assessor; James Pratt, Collector; H. L. Collinson, Daniel Allen and C. Capps, Highway Commissioners; Reuben Cochran, Overseer of the Poor; John Livingston and James Pratt, Constables.

The land of this township is nearly all high, rolling prairie, having a rich soil, easy of cultivation.  It is well watered by Walnut and Prairie Creeks, with their tributaries.  Beautiful groves are in every part of the township, lending to it an additional feature of attraction.  The C., B. &Q. R.R. which was completed through in the fall of 1854, runs nearly diagonally across from northeast to southwest, affording the people ample means of transportation.  It has one good town, which is located near its center, and where the people do most of their trading. Some from the southwest part go to Oneida.

There are many beautiful farms and fine farm buildings in this township.  They great the eye of the traveler from almost every point, and cause him to wish he was one of the fortunate owners.  Considerable attention has been given, of late years, to stock-raising, which has met with success.

The population, in 1880, was 1,781; since this time there has been a slight increase.  There are 11 school districts, one graded and 10 ungraded schools and 12 frame school-houses.

Supervisors.

Amos Ward 1853-54
R. S. Stuckey 1854-59
W. A. Jones 1860
A. C. Buffum 1861-62
S. S. Stuckey 1863-66
J. S. Chambers 1867-72
James Johnson 1873-74
S. S. Stuckey 1875-76
Nelson Multer 1877-78
J. W. Andrews 1879-80
John A. Frederick 1881-83
J. W. Andrews 1883-85

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

"Altona was laid out in 1854, by heirs of John Thompson, and called La Pier.  In the same year, an addition was laid out by Daniel Allen, and E. B. Main.  In 1863, the name was changed to Altona.  This Town is situated on a beautiful, high prairie, with a very rich Agricultural country surrounding it.

It has many fine improvements both public and private.  Its trade is good, and every years adds to its growth and wealth."

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

This thriving little town is situated in about the center of Walnut Grove Township, on sections 15 and 16.  It was laid out by John Platt for the heirs of John Thompson, in 1854, and was then called La Pier, the plat containing 80 acres.  Daniel Allen and E. B. Main made an addition the same year of 28 acres, which lay north of the first plat. I n 1863, the name was changed to Altona.  The advent of the C., B. & Q. R.R., which was completed through here in November, 1854, was the cause of the town being started.  The site is a very pretty one, and is in the midst of a rich agricultural country.  Silas Willard was the pioneer merchant, and he was soon followed by S. P. Whiting.  Mr. Willard opened his store in 1852, on the corner of Main and Depot streets.  Mr. Whiting opened in 1853 on the opposite corner.  A district school was established here before the town was laid out.  The first church organized was the Methodist Episcopal, the second Sabbath in August, 1853, by Rev. James Quimby. T he first train came in in November, 1854.  Dr. Herman Hall was the first physician to locate in town, in 1856.  The first postmaster was Amos Ward, and the office was called Walnut Grove, and located near the grove about a mile south of the present site.  It was moved up after the town was laid out.

Altona was incorporated under special act of the Legislature in 1856.  This charter was subsequently thrown out and the town was re-incorporated under the general law in 1862, and re-incorporated again under the village law in 1874.  Some of the records have been lost and the history is incomplete.  This is the home of Dr. R. C. Edgerton, who was quite prominent in the old slavery days as one of the operators of the Underground Railroad.  The Doctor relates that while living at Galesburg in the summer of 1844, the slaves who made their escape from Mississippi came to his house and asked for food.  He gave them all a good meal and then took them out in a grove and gave them directions north.  They had been gone but a few minutes when their owners, with a posse and bloodhounds, came on in hot pursuit.  They threatened the Doctor, and finally ordered him out in the chase for the fugitives.  This he refused to do.  He went into town, rallied around him a lot of young men, and returned to the slave hunters and told them if they did not leave town forthwith they would make them wish they had never seen a slave.  This order they obeyed forthwith.

An election was held to elect officers for village organization in March 1873.  The Trustees elected met at John W. Cline's office and completed organization by electing John W. Cline, President; A. C. Scott, Clerk; E. P. Lindwell, Treasurer.  Jacob Terwillinger was appointed Police Constable.  The records of the organization and elections prior to this time have been lost.

Amos Ward held the office of Postmaster until 1856, and was succeeded by J. N. Rush, and Rush by Wm. Burneson, who held it until 1861.  John Fowler was the incumbent during Lincoln's administration.  He was followed by W. E. Ward, E. C. Russell, W. M. Whiting, W. E. Ward again, W. M. Whiting again, A.G. Love and L. K. Byers, the present Postmaster. Altona is a prosperous town, with substantial business houses and many fine dwellings.  It has a commanding view of the country surrounding it; its streets are well laid off and ornamented with beautiful shade trees.  The population is estimated now to be about 850.  The present officers are L. D. Vansogk, J. C. Collinson, P. M. Cronland, Nelson Multer and A. G. Love, Trustees; with C. A. Hopkins, President of the Board; S. M. Whiting, Clerk, and P. M. Cromland, Treasurer.

Altona has a good graded school.  A full English course is taught here, and the elements of science.  They have a high school course, with a term of two years.  A very fair school building was erected some years ago.  This graded school was organized as early as October 1858.  S.R. Lemon is Principal, and Mrs. Lemon has charge of the Grammar Department; Mrs. Casey Howland, the Intermediate, and Mrs. Etta Tamblyn, the Primary.  The enrollment shows the names of 200; the average attendance about 180.

Press.

The Journal was established July 1, 1877, by E. H. Waldo, who brought the press from Michigan, where he had published a paper.  Nov. 1, 1877, S. P. Whiting purchased the paper, and has since that time been the editor and proprietor.  It is a six column quarto, issued every Friday, independent in politics and religion; circulation about 300.

Mr. Whiting came with the family to the county in 1850 , and embarked in the mercantile business at Victoria.  In 1853, a move was made to Altona, where the mercantile business, in connection with shipping stock and produce, and carrying a farming business, was prosecuted until 1875.  He has since 1877 continued as proprietor of the Journal, giving the news of the county to its patrons through its columns. 

Societies.

Masonic Lodge, No. 330, A. F.&A. M., was chartered Oct. 3, 1860, with nine charter members.  First officers were Hiram Hall, W. M.; A. P. Stephens, S. W.; G. D. Slanker, J. W.  It was organized under dispensation March 20, 1860, with J. J. Friend, W. M.; Chas. Trobridge, S. W.; G. D. Slanker, J. .; J. S. Chambers, Treas.; J. B. McCalmont, Secy.; Hiram Hall, S. D.; Geo. McKowna, J. D.; H. Newman, Tiler.  Present officers: H. L. Weaver, W. M.; E. D. Keyes, S. W.; Wm. Hall, J. W.; T. F. Templeton, Treas.; L. B. Young, Secy.; G. V. Sydan, S. D.; C. A. Hopkins, J. D.; Wm. Moore, Tiler.  Present membership about 40.  The Lodge owns the building, have a neat little hall, are in good working order and prosperous.

Altona Lodge, No. 511, I. O. O. F., was chartered Oct. 14, 1873, with seven charter members.  First officers, Mathew Wiley, N. G.; R .J. Burnerson, B. G; G. U. Hall, Rec. Secy.; John A. Stuckey, Treas.; J. H. Griffith, P. G. Present officers: O. M. Tiffany, N. G.; N. P. Akeyson, V. G.; G. S. Chalmers, Secy.; J. W. Andrews, Treas.; A. G. Little, W.; D. M. Simpson, C. Present membership 30.  The Lodge is in good condition and has money loaned out. It has a nice little hall rented .

Churches.

The Congregational Church of Altona was organized Feb. 21, 1857 by Rev. A. Root. Members, M. B. Waldo and wife, Truman Eels and wife, Mrs. Caroline Jones, Stephen Eames and W. A. Jones.  They held meetings in a school-house and the Methodist Episcopal church at first.  They erected a church in the year 1866, which was dedicated November 9 of that year, and cost about $4,000.  Rev A. Root was the first established pastor, remaining only a few months.  Rev. A. R. Mitchell followed, serving till 1859, when he was succeeded by Rev. H. C. Abernathy as a supply.  Then came Rev. L. H. Parker, who was supply for awhile in 1866.  Then Rev. Harris was supply for a few months.  He was succeeded by Rev. J. D. Wyckoff, in 1867, who remained until 1869.  J. L. Granger served the church as a supply until 1871.  Reverend H. C. Abernathy then served about six years, leaving in 1878.  Rev. E. H. Baker came in 1879, serving as supply for two years.  Since that time they have only occasional services, and this in union with the Presbyterians.  Present membership is about 25.  They have a Sunday School with good attendance.

The Methodist Episcopal Church.  This society was organized here in August, 1853, by Rev. James Quimby, with 13 members.  In 1857, they erected their building at a cost of $3,000.  It is a substantial frame building.  From 1867 to the present time this church has been served by the following-named pastors: Revs. E. Ranson, B. Applebee, A. Bower, G. W. Martin, A. K. Tullis, W. Watson, J. Ferguson, M. V. B. White, J. E. Taylor, R. Barton, D. T. Wilson, and J. A. Riason, the present pastor in charge. T hey have a membership now of about 100, with a flourishing Sunday-school.

Bands.

Altona has a taste for music, which is evidenced by her having two local bands.  Altona Cornet Band was organized Oct. 6, 1883, with15 members, and P. T. Anderson, leader.  The present members are P. T. Anderson, Leader; John Taylor, Secy.; W. B. Tiffany; Treas.; Latimer Linderholm, John Ekstedt, E. Swanson, A. Scott, A. W. Anderson, W. H. Vanconk, O. Collinson, G. Perfect and G. Johnson.  They practice regularly and play very well.

The ladies have also interested themselves in this department of music and have also organized a band.  The Ladies' Cornet Band of Altona was organized Aug. 20, 1884. J ohn Ekstadt is the leader.  The members are Addie Shade, Ella Durand, Lydia Tapper, Etta Collinson, Nellie Edwards, Maude Templeton, Mettie Hopkins and Maude Bane.