HALE TOWNSHIP
Hale is situated in the western tier of
townships, and is numbered 10 north, of range 3, west. Its northern boundary is Sumner Township, on
the east lies Monmouth, on the south Tompkins Township and on the west Henderson
County. The first election after
township organization had been adopted, was held April 4, 1854, in school house
number 1. Wm. Nast presided as
Moderator, and W. S. Wier, Clerk, peo tem.
Upon a vote being taken for these officers, Wm. Cannon was chosen
Moderator, and S. W. Rodgers, Clerk.
Fifty-nine votes were cast at this election, which resulted in the
choice of Wm.
Fleming for Supervisor, Wm. Clark, Clerk, B. B. Findley, Assessor, J. C. Ward,
Collector, G. H. Smaley and Andrew Jenkins, Highway Commissioners, T. F. Lowther
and W. S.
Wier, Justices of the Peace; Ira a. Palmer and D. Vanfleet Constables.
The first act of the Commissioners of the
Highways was to levy a tax of 20 cents on the $100 for the improvement of
roads.
The territory now occupied by Hale Township as
settled about as early as any part of the county. Adam Ritchey, Sr., with his wife, Elizabeth, were the first
settlers. They located near Sugar Tree
Grove, in 1828. Here he erected a cabin
and began his improvements. This family
was large enough to have within themselves social amusement and companionship,
and to relieve pioneer life from that dreary loneliness, usually one of its
unavoidable and unpleasant features.
There was Adam, Jr. John, Abigail, Martha, Elizabeth, Matthew, Caroline and James, Ritchey. Take them altogether they formed quite a
little colony, and soon made their impression in the township. Adam Ritchey died many years ago, and was
buried in the Ritchey burying ground.
His widow, Elizabeth, moved to Iowa, where she
subsequently died. David Findley and Thomas
Campbell came to this settlement in 1829. In 1830, John Kendall and wife, Elizabeth, William and Samuel
Gibson, with their wives, James Jenkins, wife and children and James Maley
and wife, added their numbers to the settlement. Soon after came John Caldwell, wife and three children, John W.,
Eleanor and Martha, and located on section 11. The Caldwells were from Bedford Co., Pa. John Caldwell was man of great force of
character, and took an active part in the affairs of the county. He was one of the leaders in the
establishment of the Associate Church at Sugar Tree Grove, and was one of the
first Elders. His wife died at an early
day, and he joined her in the other world in December, 1865. Eleanor married John Black. Both she and Martha are dead. John W. Caldwell is living at Monmouth.
(see biography.)
To this settlement was added in October, 1831, William
Paxton, wife and seven children.
They came from Xenia, Ohio, and located on section 2. The names of the children were: W. S., John S., Thomas M., Jane L., Ann, Margaret F., and Mary
E. Mr. Paxton took an active
part in the public affairs of the township, and was an upright and worthy
citizen. He died in March, 1861, at his
home. His wife had preceded him,
departing this life in January, 1845. Thomas M.
is living on the place; John S. is in Iowa; William S. is living at
Monmouth (see biography). The daughters
are all dead but Margaret, who is living in Sumner Township.
The next addition to this township was William
Turnbull, his wife and two sons, Alexander and Gilbert,
and their families, who came in 1832.
They located on sections 19 and 30.
Mr.
Turnbull was a native of Scotland, and had immigrated to this
country soon after the close of the Revolution, settling first in
Tennessee. Unable to reconcile himself
with the institution of slavery, he left Tennessee in 1808, and settled in
Ohio. From Ohio he came to Warren
County. He was a man of marked
character and great religious zeal. He
died at his home in Hale Township in 1835.
Gilbert
moved to Henderson County, where he died in 1851. Alexander died in Hale Township in 1856. David Turnbull followed his father from
Ohio, in 1833, and settled one mile north of Monmouth. He afterward moved into Hale Township, and
located near Sugar Tree Grove. He died
in Monmouth, at the residence of his son, John M., in 1871. (See biography of John M.)
William Turnbull's home in Tennessee was near Nashville, and joined that of Andrew
Jackson. General
Jackson came in after the Turnbulls had settled. He had at that day but little of this
world's effects; a light wardrobe and a few law books embraced all of his
earthly possessions, but he had a strong, bold spirit and an indomitable will,
which was good capital to begin life's struggles with. He had paid out his last copper to procure
his passage to this place, his future home, and had no money to pay for the
hauling of his baggage, small as it was, to his house. This future soldier, statesman and president
was here alone in the world, penniless, friendless, and did not know to whom he
might appeal for aid. He fortunately
met Mr.
Turnbull, made known to him his situation, who readily let him have
the money to relieve him of his embarrassment.
This generous act to a stranger attached young Jackson to his benefactor, Mr. Turnbull,
and they ever afterward were warm friends.
It might be of interest to our readers to mention
at this point in the history of this township an incident connected with the
life of Gen.
Jackson, as related by Wm. Turnbull, in which he to some extent
figures, the full and correct account of which probably has never appeared in
print.
Some years after Gen. Jackson came to Nashville, he being involved in a
quarrel, which finally resulted in a duel.
It grew out of a difficulty, which occurred at a horse-race, between Gen. Jackson and a young lawyer by the name
of Swann, who had recently come
into the State from Virginia. The race
was for $2,000 and Gen. Jackson
had brought forward his favorite steed, Truxton, to win the stakes. Some angry words arose between the General and young Swann, which resulted in the latter sending
a challenge. Gen. Jackson refused to accept the challenge on the ground
that Swann as not a gentleman, but turned and struck him with his cane. Charles
Dickinson, who was also a lawyer, and a man of prominence took up
young Swann's quarrel, challenged Jackson,
and insisted on an immediate fight. William Turnbull hearing of the trouble and
discovering Jackson in the woods
practicing with his pistol, approached him and with all the religious zeal for
which his countrymen were noted, labored long and earnestly with the General, trying to persuade him from
accepting the challenge. Previous to
this affair, Jackson was wont to
practice with his pistols for hours in the woods. Turnbull discovering
this, reprimanded him for his lack of true, Christian principle, telling him
that it was not consistent with his religious views. Jackson would reply,
that it was not, but that he had to be prepared to live under the
"code" or he could not stay in Tennessee. In reply to Mr. Trumbull's
remonstrance Gen. Jackson
said: "That he could not live
there unless he accepted the challenge; that if he refused to accept it he must
leave the country." He told Mr. Turnbull, however, referring to the
duel, that he did not intend to shoot Mr.
Dickinson; that above other considerations, he (Dickinson) had a
wife and child whom he had great regard for.
The challenge sent by Mr. Dickinson was finally
accepted by Gen. Jackson. The duel as
to take place at a day's ride from Nashville, in Kentucky. Jackson left with his friends for the
appointed place. Dickinson arose early
in the morning, and kissing his innocent, sleeping child, and taking leave of
his beautiful young wife, saying, "good-bye, darling, I will be sure to be
at home to-morrow night," started on his fatal journey. After a day's journey, the two parties
arrived near the grounds. They passed
the night at farm houses about two miles from each other. The opponents met at the designated place,
which was in a grove, early Tuesday morning, May 30, 1806. The arrangements were duly made. The duelists were to face each other at 24
feet, with pistols drawn, and at the word "fire" were to discharge
their weapons. Gen. Jackson had
informed his friends of the course he intended to pursue. Dickinson was known as a dead shot, and he
said it was useless for him to contend against him. He would receive the fire of his antagonist and hold his
own. As the sun rose sending its warm
spring rays through the young and tender draperies of the trees, and while the
wild, beautiful birds were offering up their sweet notes of praise, these human
beings faced each other with drawn weapons, one at least intent on murder. The signal was given and the report of the
pistol rang out through the clear morning air.
When the smoke cleared away, Gen. Jackson was still standing apparently
unhurt. He, as he had promised his
friends, held his fire. His antagonist
seeing him stand there raised up his hand and exclaimed, "What, have I not
killed the damn ----------------?" Jackson on hearing this, calmly and
deliberately leveled his weapon and fired.
His antagonist fell with a fatal wound near the heart, from which he
died in a few hours.
The dueling party broke up. Jackson and his friends mounted their horses
and turned their steps homeward, leaving the dying Dickinson with his party on
the field. As Jackson and his party
started homeward he told them that he did not intend to shoot Dickinson , but
when he heard the expression used by him, he considered it a reflection upon
his mother, which he could not in any way overlook, or forgive. Riding by the side of the General, the
surgeon discovered blood running out of his boot. He made him at once dismount, and submit to an examination. On examination, the surgeon discovered that
Gen. Jackson had received a very severe wound in the chest immediately over his
heart. The ball, which his antagonist
had sent with so deadly an aim, had struck one of his ribs, fracturing it and
glancing off, thus saving the General's life.
"General," asked the surgeon, "how could you with such a
wound in your body, stand so calm and firm, and fire such a shot?" His reply was: "I would have killed him had I been shot through the
brain." This was a very strong
illustration of the great nerve of Gen. Jackson, which was so prominently
displayed in after years.
David B. Findley was an early settler, moving in as early as 1832. He died in the summer of 1885. Albert
Rockwell also came in 1832, with his brother, Alfred.
Albert died in the fall of
1884. His brother is living on the old
place. Bedford Ray settled in the township on section 26.
Several families moved in from 1832 to 1836,
among whom were Aleri Rodgers,
wife and ten children, with Hamilton Roney,
wife and children. Aleri Rodgers was originally from
Rockbridge Co., Va., and he came to the township early in the spring of 1836,
having previously lived awhile in Missouri.
The names of the children were, John,
William, Andrew, Alexander, Mary, Joseph, Phebe, Isabelle, Samuel and Caroline. Four of these are living -- Isabelle, Mary, Caroline and Samuel, and
all in this country. Isabelle is residing in Monmouth. Aleri
Rodgers was a prominent citizen of the township, and took a leading
part in all public affairs. He was the
first one to introduce the McCormick
reaper into the county, which he brought with him from
Virginia. He died, respected by all who
knew him, Dec. 20, 1863. His widow
survived him several years, joining him in that brighter world, July 3,
1879. Andrew was killed by the Indians
in Oregon at the time of the Whitman massacre.
Hamilton Roney after residing here 37 years, moved back to Ohio with a part of
his family, and settled near Dayton, where he died March 3, 1881, in his 75th
year.
David B. Findley and Jane Ritchey were
the first to join their hands for life's joys and sorrows, its hopes and
struggles. This event occurred in
1829. This partnership began in the
budding spring-time the most charming season of all the year; a season when the
sweet wild flowers look up to greet you, when all nature puts on its new dress,
the beautiful birds choose their mates, and the world looks bright, fresh and
happy.
David and Jane
did not long for --
"Some bright little isle
of their own,
In a blue summer ocean far off
and alone,
Where a leaf never dies in the
still blooming bowers,
And the bee banquets on through
a whole year of flowers."
But they selected a little cottage in the
township of Hale, and there, with their loving hearts, and surrounded by their
friends, they commenced life's journey.
To this couple alone is given the honor of producing a first native
citizen of the township, in the person of James
Madison, born in 1830.
Martha Jenkins taught the first school in the township, in 1830. It was held in a little log cabin about half
a mile north of the old Henderson
Church. This is also
claimed to be the first school in the county.
Martha subsequently moved
to Oregon, where she died. The first
death in the township was that of William
Turnbull, who died at his home in 1835.
The first religious society was formed in
November 1830. It was the Associate Church, and
as organized by Rev. James McCarroll, of
the Western Mission. It was called the Henderson Church, and
also known as the Sugar
Tree Grove Church. John Caldwell and Adam Ritchey were the first Elders. There were 27 members forming the first
congregation, consisting of the Richeys,
Kendalls, Gibsons, Jenkins, Findleys and Maley families, and John Campbell. The first building put up for worship by
this society was 24 x 30 feet, in 1830, and was constructed with logs. It was the first church building erected in
the county.
In 1832 an addition was made, making the building
36 x 40. In 1837, a fine brick edifice
was erected, 54 x 60, costing about $4,000.
This became one of the noted buildings of the county, and people
attended services here from nearly all the townships. It was known for a generation as the "Old Brick Church",
and is still spoken of with mournful affection. Having been used for nearly 40 years as a place of worship, it
was considered by some of the members that it ought to be torn down and anew
building erected. Consequently it was
razed by rude hands, and a more modern frame building put up in its place,
possibly better adapted and more in consonance with modern religious ideas.
Rev. James Bruce was the first pastor of this Church, taking charge in October,
1830. Members of this Church came from
Little York, Sunbeam, North Henderson, Viola, Spring Grove, Monmouth, Kirkwood,
Smith Creek and Pleasant Grove. Mr. Bruce remained with this congregation
until October, 1847, when he was succeeded by Rev.
John Scott, who regularly took charge in 1849, and served for 19
years, a remarkably long period. At the
expiration of this engagement he moved to Monmouth, and took a Professorship in
the College. Rev. Thos. G. Morrow succeeded Mr. Scott, and remained until 1872, when Rev. David A. Wallace took charge, serving
the congregation until 1876. Rev. David McDill was then called, and remained
until 1884, and then the Rev. R. J. Davidson,
the present pastor, assumed charge.
During Mr. Bruce's term
there were admitted annually, an average of 25 members, and during Mr. Scott's term 15 members.
In 1838, the Synods of the Reformed and Associate Presbyterian
met at Pittsburgh, Pa., and the union between the two branches
was consummated under the name of the United Presbyterians. This action was approved by the Henderson congregation,
and about the year 1860, they adopted the same name. The present membership of this Church is about 70 and in addition
to other services they have a large and interesting Sunday-school.
From 1836, there as a steady influx of settlers,
until the land was all taken up. The
township was regarded as one of the best in the county for agricultural
purposes, and it ranks among the first for stock raising. The land is nearly all rolling prairie, is
rich and easily cultivated. There is not
a poor farm in it, and but few poor dwellings, while there are very many fine
ones. It is watered by Cedar Creek and
its branches and some other little streams.
The St. Louis branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
cuts across the southwest corner, and the Iowa Central comes in at the
northwest corner, running along the Eastern line, and passes out on section
25. The people do their trading mostly
in Monmouth; some, however, go to Kirkwood.
The census of 1880 gives the population at 1,041, and this is about the
number at the present day.
The following information regarding the schools
of the township, is obtained from the County Superintendent's report for the
year ending June 30, 1885: There were eight school districts, with one brick
and seven frame buildings. The school
property was valued at $4,625. Of
persons under 21 years of age, there were 403, of whom 314 were of scholastic
age, 219 being enrolled. The highest
wages paid teachers was $65 per month, and the lowest $25. The tax levy for this township was $2,735.
The Assessor's report for the year 1885,
furnished the following information:
Number of acres of improved land, 23,009; value
of improved lands, $344,450; number of horses, 981; cattle, 2094; mules and
asses, 27; hogs, 3,686; steam engines, 1; carriages and wagons, 357; watches
and clocks, 214; sewing and knitting machines, 102; pianos, 10; melodeons and
organs, 24. Total cash value of
personal property, $80,328.
The township has honored the citizens whose names
appear below, with the office of Supervisor:
Supervisors
Wm. Fleming
..1854 David Turnbull
..1868-70
John R. Graham
..1855 Newton Barr
..1871
David Turnbull
1855 H. G. Lord
..1872
John Brown
.1857 John N. Carson
1873
David Turnbull
1858-60 Newton Barr
1874-5
Edward Burns
..1861 C. M. Rodgers
.1876-80
Newton Barr
.1862 Newton Barr
1881
David Turnbull
.1863-5 C. M.
Rodgers
.1882
Leander Findley
1866 J. N.
McKelvey
1883-4
Hugh Nash
1867 D. A. Turnbull
..1885
Typed and
emailed to me by my assistant Kitty Smith edited and reformatted by Foxie
Thanks!!!
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