Cameron, Cold Brook Township,

 Warren County IL

          CAMERON IS LOCATED ON THE LINE OF THE Chicago, Burlington , & Quincy Railroad and principally in Floyd Township.  After the route of this road was determined, Robert Cameron concluded that this would be a good locality to lay out a town.  It was first platted February 22, 1854, and was called Camronville, and laws located south of the track.  A few people at least here must have had great expectations regarding this town.  Why they did so remains a mystery.  We find it was platted again at two different times, once by Ivory Quinby and John H. Warren.  This plat was filed December 21, 1854, and was located on sections 32 and 33 in township 11 north of range 1 west, containing 79 acres.  J.W. Adcock surveyed it.  Cameronville south of the railroad track was platted by Robert and Sarah Cameron, March 6, 1854, and was located on sections 5 and 6, township 10 north of range 1 west, and was surveyed by J.W. Adcock.  Waste’s Addition to Cameron was platted July 13, 1855, and was located on section 4, township 10 north of range 1 west, and was surveyed by S. M. Moore.

            Robert Cameron made another addition to Cameronville, August 2, 1856.  Waste’s addition lay east of the first plat and also extended across the railroad track into Cold Brook Township, and was called Cameron.  This place, or noted village, is known in the sad years gone by, by travelers as a sort of a cross between a watering place and a harbor of refuge.  It is not remembered, that anybody ever had the courage or audacity to accuse a traveler of voluntarily stopping, but he has been quietly or unceremoniously “dropped,” by the conductors, to foot it back to Galesburg, and there wait for the next train to carry him on to his destination, giving him in the meantime ample opportunity to stretch his limbs, for which he left his car, and was left by it.  The railroad officials corrected their management at Galesburg some years ago, and hence Cameron has gone down, not having any more unfortunate travelers to supply with cigars, cookies, crackers and cheese.

            The first man to open a store here was A. B. Hawkins, who moved over from the old town of Cold Brook.  The post office was established here after the railroad was completed, in February, 1855, and Mr. Hawkins was appointed postmaster.  After this, the name of Cameron was united upon, and it has been known as such since that time.  Edward Hunt followed Hawkins as postmaster, and served during President Buchanan’s administration.  Harrison Waste came in during the Republican administration of President Lincoln.  H. C. Higgin, H. H. Kelly and E. Hart, who is the present postmaster, followed him.  After the advent of the railroad, some houses from Galesburg opened business here.  At one time it was quite a shipping point for grain, and it still receives most of the products from the western portions of Cold Brook and Floyd Townships, and some from the eastern parts of Lenox and Monmouth.  The population, as estimated by S. T. Shelton last spring, is 306.

            There is a general store carried on here by E. Hart, and one by L.T. Kelly.  Robert Atkinson keeps harness and saddlery; Temple & Son carry on the drug business; E.W. Rowe has also a general Store.

CHURCHES      

            The Christian Church is the same society that was organized at Peter Peckenpaugh’s on section 30, April 30, 1831, and is one of the first church organizations in the county.  The first members were among the first settlers of county.  As they were somewhat historical, their names are given below:

William Whitman, Sarah Whitman, Julia A. Whitman, Henry C. Haley, Elizabeth Haley, John C. and Francis Murphy, John G. Haley, Richard H. Ragland, Nancy Ragland, William M. and Elizabeth Davidson, Josiah Whitman, Elijah Davidson, Sr., Margaret Davidson, Sr., and Margaret Davidson, Jr., Elijah Davidson, Jr.  Six of the above members are still living:

Julia A. Whitman, now Mrs. Davidson; Elizabeth Haley, now Mrs. Jones; Francis Murphy, now living in Oregon; Margaret Davidson, Jr., also in Oregon; Elijah Davidson, Jr., in Oregon; and Elizabeth Davidson, now Mrs. Lucas, and living at Abington.

            This church was constituted upon the belief that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice, and sufficient for the government of the Church.  They erected their first church building at Savanna, afterward called Cold Brook, which was completed in 1839.  Rev. William Whitman was their first pastor.  Before their church building was constructed, meetings were held in school-houses and in private families.  This society at one time numbered over 200 members.  In 1851 many of its members went to Oregon, enough to form quite a congregation there.  The place where settled was called Monmouth, after the town in Warren County.  In 1860, Cameron having become a thriving railroad town, and the business of Cold Brook having been transferred to that place, it was decided to move the church also.  Accordingly and edifice was put up at Cameron, at a cost of $2,300.  In an early day the people attended this church from far and near;  from Abington, Monmouth, Ellison, Gerlaw, etc. 

            Among the preachers that have served this church are:

Revs. William Whitman, Alexander Reynolds, James R. Ross, Livy Hatchett, John Rigdon, Cousin of Sidney Rigdon of Mormon fame, William Davenport, A. J. Kane, Isaac Murphy, John G. Haley, Josiah Whitman, Alex Johnson, L.S. Wallace, J. S. Edwards, John E. Murphy, and T. H. Goodnight, now in Kansas.

          Some of these early preachers are still living.  When the church had no regular pastors, Elder S. T. Shelton, one of Cold Brook’s most prominent and favored citizens, would preach to the congregation.  Recently they have secured the services of Rev. Charles Laycock, a talented young preacher.  They  have now about 125 members with a large and interesting Sabbath-school.  This society is prosperous and is doing good work in the Christian field of labor.

 The Methodist Episcopal Church

            The Methodist Church was organized in 1856; M. B. Morey and wife, J. B. Porterfield and wife, Benjamin Tinkham and wife, and William P. Crosby and wife, constituted the first members.  Their building was erected in 1857, at a cost of $1,300.  This building was burned in September 1877.  A new edifice was erected in 1887, and was dedicated July 1^st, the same year.  Revs preached the dedicatory sermon. George W. Palmer, pastor and Thomas H. Pryon.  It is a neat frame structure, costing about $3,000.  They have good parsonage, which cost $1,000.  Rev. J. B. Snedaker is the present pastor who presides over about 60 members.  In connection with the society is an interesting Sabbath-school with about 45 members.

The First Baptist Church   

            A number of members of this church assembled June 30, 1866, for perfecting an organization.  Rev. J. N. Talman of Monmouth preached the sermon, when Rev. H. H. Parks was called to the chair.  J. N. Talman was chosen clerk pro tem.  D. F. Smith, C. C. Manford and F. G. Manford presented letters.  Several others gave their names and declared themselves in favor of uniting as soon as they could receive letters from their former churches.  After this, articles of faith were adopted.  Rev. John Balton was the first pastor.  The church was completed and dedicated in August, 1869.  Rev. Balton terminated his labors with the church, March 4, 1871.  J. K. Pennington, who remained until 1878, when Rev. C. G. Kent, who served until 1880, succeeded him, followed him.  Rev T. W. Jones then took charge and remained for awhile, when Rev. Mr. Depperman succeeded him.  At present the society is without a pastor, but occasionally they have services at the church.

SCHOOLS

            Cameron has a fair graded school.  It is a union district from Floyd and Cold Brook.  Before the consolidation in 1871, they had separate schools and school buildings.  After the districts were untied, a good two-story building was erected for school purposes.  Miss Libbie Regneir is the present principal, and Miss Kate Boggles, assistant, with an average attendance of 75 pupils.

Kirkwood, Tompkins Twp, Warren Co., IL

     Is pleasantly located on the C. B. & Q. R. R., twenty-one miles east from Burlington, Ia. In the year 1836 five families had located in this township, as follows; Samuel Hanna, Z. M. Davis, James Gibson, R. Tinkham, Benjamin Tompkins, after whom the township was named. Prior to the building of the railroad through this county, settlement was slowly made in this region, but on the completion of the road, in 1855, new life was infused and business sprang up as if by magic. In the year 1854 David Irvine laid out the original village of Kirkwood to which two additions have been made, called Quinby's additions.

     For many years a brisk trade has been carried on here, especially in grain, which has hardly been surpassed by any town on any railroad leading to Chicago. The village was incorporated in 1865, and the following were the first Trustees: O. Lanphere, J. L. Bachelor, J. K. Cummings, A. Carmichael and J. B. Sofield. The present board is T. F. Lowther, George Kellogg, A. C. Van Riper, L. Rapalee, Wm. McCoy, W. K. and J. H. Gilmore, Clerk.

Business Interests

     The first store here was opened by Knowles, Ray & Chapin in 1855. The First National Bank is one of the solid institutions of this county, and is ably managed by Dr. Henry Tubbs, President, and Willard C. Tubbs, Cashier. Chapin, Houlton, & Davis have a large private banking business; also an extensive mercantile trade. There are at the present time five general stores, four grocery houses, four drug stores, two hardware stores and agricultural implements, tow boot and shoe stores, two bakeries, one book store and news room one jeweler, two blacksmith shops, two shoe shops, two wagon shops, one lumber yard and two elevators. Foxie's note: you couldn't tell that now......

Schools

     The graded schools of this village are the just pride of all her people. There are two neat and commodious school houses--six rooms--in which schools are maintained nine month so the year. The number of children enumerated by the census of 1876 is 482 in the village and in the township 975.

Churches

     The Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood was organized in 1856, and was first called South Henderson Church. Meetings were first held in the school house about two miles southwest of town. A committee had been appointed by Schuyler Presbytery to assist in the formation of the church. This committee was Rev. J. H. Nevins, R. C. Matthews, D. D., and Elders Hiram Norcross and James Boggs. At the organization there were twenty-six members, "of whom many have fallen to sleep, but a few remain until this day." The first elders were Jacob Ackerman, Alex. M. Harvey and Nathan Carr. Of these, Fathers Carr and Ackerman yet live, having more than fulfilled their four score years. The first stated preaching was by Rev. J. H. Nevins for one year. Then Re. W. L. Lyons for three and a half years. From July, 1863, to April, 1865, was a vacancy, with occasional preaching by Dr. J. M. Jamison and others. At this latter date Rev. J. W. Ash began his labors here, and was the regular supply for two years. Then Rev. J. W. Allen was here for two years, and during his administration a new and commodious church was built, 40 by 65 feet, and cost $11,000./ In 1870 Rev. G. N. Johnson supplied for six months. Then Rev. J. H. Marshall was stated supply for two and a half years. the present minister, Rev. E. W. Thompson, is the only installed pastor the church has ever had. He began his labors here in 1874. The first house of worship built by this Church was a small frame structure, 20 by 30 feet, in the south part of town, in 1858. For two or three years it was occupied by the M. E. congregation on alternate Sabbaths. This was afterwards sold to the Roman Catholics and moved off the lot. In 1868, the present church was erected, and is an elegant gothic structure. It was thoroughly refitted in 1875. The present membership is 125. An interesting Sabbath's school is maintained throughout the year, with an attendance of 125. E. P. Clauson is superintendent. The church is in a prosperous condition. 

     The United Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, Ill., was organized in 1858 at Center Grove school house with about eighteen members, among whom were David Irvine and wife, Dr. J. Biddle and wife, John Woods and wife, and I. H. Martin and wife. The meetings were first held at the above named school house, also at Mr. Edward Wray's hall. Their church was built in 1863 at a cost of $2,800. The pastors who have served at this church are Rev. I. B. Foster three years, Rev. W. J. McSurely two years, Rev. I. B. Waddle seven years. The present membership is one hundred and fifty-seven. Average Sabbath school attendance is eighty.

     The Young America Church was organized August 12th, 1855, with ten members. their present house of worship was built in 1858 at a cost of $877.50. Rev. I. B. Fuller presides. There are at present seventy members and forty Sabbath school scholars.

     The Universalist Church was organized in 1860 at Rap's Hall. Thirteen members were received, among whom were N. A. Chapin and George. Williams. For some time services were held at Rap's Hall, where they remained until the completion of their church, which was dedicated in 1866, its cost being $4,00. The Church was rebuilt in 1869 at an additional cost of $3,000. Rev. C. L. Walsh preached two years, Rev. A. Clayton one year, Rev. A. Tidbits two years, Rev. Hibbard eighteen months, L. H. Tabor three-year. The present number of members thirty, with the same number of Sabbath school scholars.

     The M. E. church was organized in 1856 at Young America Hotel. The first sermon was preached by Rev. O. Swartz January 5th, 1856, in hotel. Afterward meetings were held at the Presbyterian church on alternate Sabbaths. The members of the first class were John Ramsdell, leader, Elizabeth Ramsdell, Mary E. Youmans, Daniel and Matilda Tinker, Oliver and Rachel Hall, William L. and Margaret Roberts. The pastors in charge have been as follows:

Rev. James Tubbs, three years;

Rev. C. Springer, Two years

Rev. B. C. Couch, two years

Rev. M. Spurlock one year

Rev Jesse Smith, two years

and the present pastor Rev. C. H. Brace, who began his work in September, 1876.

     The first trustee election was held in the old Presbyterian house, March 20th, 1865 and the following were elected: Henry Tubbs, Alex Youmans, B. Logan, E. H. Randall and T. W. Beers. The house of worship was built in 1865 at a cost including grounds and parsonage, of $8,300. Dedication services were conducted by Dr,. Eddy, from Chicago. Preacher in charge, Rev. James Tubbs, to whose labors may be largely attributes the origin and completion of the work free of debt.

     The present pastor is Rev. Charles H Brace. The present membership about 250. The Sabbath school numbers 225. Superintendent, Rev. C. H. Brace. This charge is in a prosperous condition.

Village Board of Trustees:

A. C. Van Riper, W. K. Gamble, L. Rapalee, J. B. Gregory, H. W. Allen, R. R. Davison. J. H. Gilmore, Clerk

A. Lincoln Lodge No #518--Geo N. Carr, W. M.; Frank Farrel, S. W. Geo. Carlin, J. W.; W. J. Scofield, Sec'y; C. K. Brown, Tres. Meets second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

Kirkwood, Tompkins Twp., Warren Co., IL  from another history source.

This charmingly located town was started a short period before the advent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and was first called Lyndon. It was however, incorporated August 5, 1865, under the act of the Legislature as Young America. At the election, J. K. Cummings, J. B. Sofield, A. Carmichael, O. Lamphere, J. L. Bachelor, were chosen Trustees. At a meeting of the trustees, August 15, for the purpose of completing their corporate government, J. K. Cummings was chosen President of the Board; J. B. Sofield, Secretary; and J. L. Bachelor, Clerk. At a meeting held August 51st, the boundary lines were determined, as Follows commencing 80 rods  north of the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 9, 10 north 3 west; thence west one mile, to the northeast quarter of section 8; thence south one mile, to the center of the west line of the northeast quarter of section 17, thence east, to the center of the east line of the northwest quarter of section 16; thence north, one mile to the place of beginning., and you lost me altogether.

     A petition was presented to the Board by a majority of the legal voters, requesting that the name be changed from Young America to that of Kirkwood, which petition was granted, May 14, 1874, with but one dissenting vote.

     It was first platted by David Irvine and A. G. Kirkpatrick, the plat containing 80 acres on the east side of the southeast quarter of section 8, and was filed for record Oct. 20, 1854. There were 12 subsequent additions to the town.

     Carr and Rankin had the enterprise to start the first store in the town, which was located on the corner of Kirk and Cherry Streets. Knowles, Ray, & Chapin opened the next store, on the north side of the railroad track. The first building erected here was for a hotel, by the railroad company., This way also located on the north side of the track and was used for a restaurant. W. W. Gilmore was the first Post-master, receiving his commission soon after the railroad station was established. S. C. Smith erected the first dwelling house. it was located in the northwest part of the town.

     The first school was taught in the town, then called Lyndon, was by David Abby, over a warehouse. Soon after this school was opened, a school-house was erected, which was located on the north side of the railroad. Its completion was made the occasion of a celebration.

     Having thus secured so favorable a start, the future growth of the town was assured. Messrs. Chapin, Houlton & Davis established a private banking institution at an early day and are now doing a large business. This is one of the reliable banking houses in the he county. After the inauguration of the National "Banking system the First National Bank of Kirkwood was established, which is doing an extensive business. The mercantile line is well represented, here, and there are any very fine stores, some of which would be very creditable to any city.

     The Kirkwood Roller Mills, by Davidson & Sons, is one of the manufacturing industries which give credit to a town and materially aid in its development. I It Has been running now about 22 years, and under the roller system about four years, retaining one burr for grinding middlings. The capacity of this mill is about 40 barrels every 24 hours This firm is constructing a large brick building near the track of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, into which they intend to put new and improved machinery, which will give them a capacity of 100 barrels per day. They expect to be able to start this mill by the first of June, 1886.

     In natural advantages of location, Kirkwood has no superior in the county. In walking about the town, one is impressed with the fact that the art of man couldn't construct more beautiful or desirable sites for dwellings. The citizens, with commendable skill and taste, have enhanced the natural attractiveness of these grounds by setting out shade-trees, which have grown into grandeur, laying out broad streets, and erecting elegant and imposing residences. Much of this, however, if not all, is lost to the traveler who only passes through, stopping, it may be for a night at the hotel and in consequence of which Kirkwood has obtained rather an unenviable reputation. If the people would fence in, or fence out, the depot, with its immediate surroundings, it would give the traveler at least the luxury of imagining that over or beyond this fence there might rest one of the most attractive towns within the Military Tract.

     The present officers of the village are: F. M. Davidson, President of the Board of Trustees; J. C. Betzinger, C. H. Mundorff, J. C. McLinn, and C. A. Carmichael, Trustees; E. Schenbarger, Clerk; W. K. Gamble, Treasurer,; John Effort, Marshall. The population of the town is about 1,100.

Mineral Springs

Denny, Sumner Township, Warren Co., Illinois

     This is one of the earliest settled locations in this county. L. P. Rockwell and Jonathan Buffun came here on a prospecting tour in 1830 from Ashtabula county, Ohio, and found Adam Ritchie located in a small block house on the hill. It had been built by Ritchie in the previous year.

     Rockwell and Buffun bought his claim of 160 acres, having upon it a mill site on Cedar Creek. They remained here during the winter of 1830 and 1831, and engaged in building a saw-mill, the first in the county.

     They returned in the fall to Ohio, and in April, 1832, they set sail with their families and some others on a raft down the Ohio river. They started from Warren County, Pa., and were four weeks on the raft in reaching Cincinnati. Here, after much delay, they took passage on a steamboat for St. Louis, and on arriving there found the same boat was going to Beardstown, and so continued their journey to this point. From this latter place they went by ox teams to Canton, and then to their new homes on Cedar Creek. They added another block house near the first and built a stockade for a fort. The nearest mill or post-office was about seventy miles distant. Soon however, the post-office was established at this point was first called Cedar Creek Post-office, and in 1851 the name was changed to Denny at Washington. In the spring of 1832 Rockwell and Buffun rented their saw-mill to Chester Potter, who was also from Ashtabula county, Ohio. He added a small pair of burrs for grinding wheat and corn. These millstones were only twelve and half inches in diameter, but did the grinding for a large scope of the country. They were made by Potter from a Granite Boulder or "Nigger-head" found on the prairie in this county. Potter, however, continued here only one year, when he moved to Kelly twp. and set up a mil for himself on Henderson Creek. Buffun sold out his interest to Rockwell September 21st, 1832, and went to Fulton Co, afterwards to Rock Island. On the 8th of August, 1835, L. P. Rockwell and D. G. Baldwin entered into agreement to build a large flouring mill, which resulted in the erection of the present Rockwell Mills. The first P. M. here was J. P. Buffun, on year; then L. P. Rockwell for about twenty years. He died in 1860. The first school was in 1834-- teacher, Miss Betsy Hopper. There is not more pleasant location in this county than Denny.