TSEA-KI-KI 'BEAUTIFUL LAND'
QUARTERLY PUBLICATION
Kankakee Valley Genealogical Society
P . O . B o x 4 4 2
Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914
May, 1995 .................................................Vol. 25, No. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Quarterly/Newsletter Extractions ............................... 2-3
Genealogy Seminars/Conferences .................................. 3
New Publications ..............................................3-4
The Oregon Trail Project ....................................... 4
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War ................... 5
1883 Kankakee County Atlas ..................................... 5
Thomas Minor Society ........................................... 5
Great & Great, Greats ........................................ 5-6
1879 Kankakee County Marriages ..................................6
1879 Kankakee County Births ................................... 6-7
1879 Kankakee County Deaths ................................... 7-9
County Court - 1879 ............................................ 10
Waldron - 1879 ............................................. 10-11
Buckingham - 1879 .......................................... 11-12
Essex - 1879 ............................................... 12-13
Rockville - 1879 ........................................... 13-14
1995 Calendar of Family History Workshops at National Archives14-15
Illinois Marks 'Trail of Death' ............................ 16-17
Kankakee Co. Grave Markers - Aroma Cemetery ................ 17-19
History of Kankakee County ................................. 20-23
Ancestor Charts ............................................ 24-28
Surname Index .............................................. 29-30
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 1
QUARTERLY/NEWSLETTER EXTRACTIONS
CIVIL WAR DATA
The Historical Genealogy Dept. of the Allen Co. Public Library, Fort Wayne,
Indiana, has been designated the Eastern Data Center Site for the Civil war
Soldiers System Names Index Project. The Family History Library in Salt Lake
City, Utah, will be the western Data Center Site. The project is a joint venture
with the National Park Service, the National Archives, the Federation of
Genealogical Societies, and the Genealogical Society of Utah.
The Civil war Soldiers System is a project to convert historical data about Civil
war participants to machine-readable form. Volunteers nationwide will input the
data on their home computers. The purpose of the system is to make basic
information available to historians and individuals who want to trace their
ancestors who participated in the war. The sources for the computerized database
are 5.5 million handwritten cards containing the names and basic facts about more
than three million Union and Confederate soldiers. These cards are part of a
file of currently 150 million 3 by 8 inch cards, compiled by War Department
clerks a century ago, drawing the information from the original muster rolls of
Union and Confederate army units. (South Suburban Gen. & Hist. Society, Vol. XXI, #12, Aug, 1994)
DECEASED PHYSICIAN MASTERFILE
Data on more than 350,000 physicians can be obtained by writing to the American
Medical Association Library and Archives, Attn: Grahm Hastings, P.O. Box 10623,
Chicago, IL 60610.
Records from 1878 to 1905 are not complete, but they feel the files are
comprehensive from 1906 to 1969. Data includes date of birth and death, medical
education, place of practice and an obituary There will be copying fees. (Iowa Gen. Society, Vol. 12 #2)
DEATHS ENROUTE TO AMERICA
Deaths of persons traveling to Manhattan via ship, train or the local ferry had
to be registered upon arrival. The New York City Municipal Archives has
microfilmed ten volumes of "Bodies in Transit" for the period of 1859-1894. This
could be a goldmine for researchers of immigrants who died enroute. (IGS
Newsletter, March 1995)
OKLAHOMA 1890 CENSUS
Many genealogists know that most of the 1890 census records were destroyed by a
fire in 1921. There is, however, an 1890 Oklahoma Territorial Census available
which was not destroyed in the fire. This pre-statehood census should be very
helpful. (IGS Newsletter, March 1995)
KENTUCKY DEATH INDEX
The Kentucky Death Index from O1 Jan 1911 to 31 Dec 1992 is now available via
Internet. You can secure copies of death certificates from: Office of Vital
Statistics, Human Resources Building, 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY 40601 (Immigrant Genealogical Society, No. 132, Mar. 1995)
Theakiki V o l . 25 #2 Page 2
ILLINOIS RESOURCE
Illinois State Historical Library is located beneath the Old State Capitol. This
major Illinois repository holds newspapers from all 102 counties, as well as
5,000 manuscripts, many published materials, an extensive Lincoln Collection -
and more.
Mail requests from persons outside Illinois must include $5. Researchers are
welcome there Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5. Newspaper microfilm and second
copies of books may be borrowed on Interlibrary loan. (Bluegrass Roots, Vol. 21,
No. 1, Spring, 1994)
G E N E A LO G Y S E M I N A RS / C O N FE R E NC E S
GENEALOGICAL INSTITUTE OF MID-AMERICA
Sponsored by the Illinois State Genealogical Society and Sangamon State
University on July 10-13, 1995 at Sangamon State University. Beginning,
intermediate and advanced studies will be covered. In addition, afternoon and
evening general sessions will be held. Fee is $290 which includes conference
material, all general sessions, one specialty course, 3 dinners, banquet,
refreshments and parking.
For further information, please write Julie Slack, Continuing Education, Sangamon
State University, Springfield, IL 62794 or call (217) 786-7464.
GENEALOGY PROBLEMS?
Try our one day workshop. We specialize in solving any genealogy problem,
especially those encountered in Europe. Registration is $25. Workshop starts
at 10 a.m. and attendance is limited to 20 participants. For further
information, contact Dolores Ira, Spillville, IA 52168, tel. 319/562-3376.
Spring schedule is for May 11, May 18, June 3 and June 17. All workshops are
held at The Barn conference center, Spillville, Iowa.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
INDEX TO THE MAP OF McLEAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS, 1866
Publication is 300 pages and lists 5538 landowners. The index is in two parts.
Part one is an alphabetically-arranged listing of the names of all landowners.
The entry for each name gives the township name, township and range number,
section and acres owned. Part Two is a listing of the landowners arranged by
township, along with the total acres each owned in the section, if this was
indicated, and a map reproduction of each township.
Contact McLean Co. Historical Society, 200 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL 61701.
FRENCH MIGRATION TO NORTH AMERICA 1600-1900
A history of Louis Houde, a French settler to Quebec in 1647. This book
describes life in France, the long journey by ship to New France, North America
T h e a k i k i V o l . 2 5 #2 Page 3
and day-to-day life in the New World. 368 page hardbound volume containing 60
illustrations and 9 page bibliography.
Price is $20.00. Contact J. L. Houde, Editions Houde, P.O. Box 82, Glencoe, IL
60022
INDEX TO THE MIAMI COUNTY, OHIO, RECORDER'S DEEDS BOOKS 1807-1863
Records from the Miami County, Ohio, Recorder's record books #1 through #39
(1807-1863) have now been abstracted and indexed.
This 575 page book includes land warrants, property deeds, wills, slave freedom
papers, armed forces discharge papers, bonds, patents, leases, affidavits, some
marriage records and graveyard descriptions.
Order from Miami Valley Gen. Society, P.O. Box 1364, Dayton, OH 45401 at the pre-
publication price of $30.00. Add $5.00 add'l for hard bound book.
HISTORY OF WICHITA & SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS
This volume contains 933 pages plus a new added index including historic detail
of the early cities, towns and villages of the county.
Order from Midwest Historical & Gen. Society, Inc., P.O. Box 1121, Wichita, KS
67201. Cost is $67.50 plus $4.00 shipping.
WILLWOOD BURIAL PARK CEMETERY BOOK
Includes 16,000 interments at Willwood Burial Park in Rockford, Illinois, and has
over 340 pages. Order from North Central Illinois Gen. Society, P.O. Box 4635,
Rockford, IL 61110. Cost is $30.00 plus $4.50 P&H.
BLOOD KIN AND 'IN-LAWS'
This book calls out and explains all possible relationships whether based on
blood or marriage. Serves as a how-to book and reference book. Contains 105
pages at a cost of $8.95 plus $1.50 postage. Contact Everton Publishers, P.O.
Box 368, Logan, UT 84323.
THE OREGON TRAIL PROJECT
The Oregon Trail Project is issuing special certificates to anyone who ancestors came west via the Oregon Trail between the years 1811 and 1911. To qualify for
an Oregon Trail certificate, applicants must prove direct descent from a person
who traveled any part of the Oregon Trail between 1811 and 1911. To receive an
application or more information, write to the Oregon Trail Project at 4620
Overland Rd., #206, Boise, Idaho 83705. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped
envelope.
T h e a k i k i V o l . 2 5 #2 P age 4
DAUGHTERS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR
The Dept. of the Illinois Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-
1865, is seeking new members to join any of its seven (7) Tents. All female
direct lineal descendants of honorably discharged soldiers, sailors and marines
who served in the Union Forces during the Civil War are eligible for membership.
Contact Dorothy Tyler, President of IL Dept., 304 Pine, Est. Peoria, IL 61611 or
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 503 S. Walnut, Springfield, IL
62704.
1883 KANKAKEE COUNTY ATLAS
The society is offering a reprint of this vital Kankakee Co. resource at a pre-
publication price of $18.00 if ordered by July 1, 1995. After July 1, cost will
be $22.00. This atlas contains 169 pages of township maps, views and portraits,
biographical sketches, and history on Kankakee County and its earliest residents.
This is one of the best sources for early history from the Indians, early
explorers and first white settlers in the area.
Atlas is 11" x 17" lathered bound with a new surname index by page as well as
column. Don't miss this opportunity to have this atlas in your collection!
THOMAS MINOR SOCIETY
The Thomas Minor Society (TMS) will hold their bi-annual family reunion in
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 15019 August 1955. For information about the reunion
please contact: Phillip & Barbara Thorpe, 2220 Paliswood Place S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2V 3R2 (Ph. 403/281-3023)
For information regarding the TMS, please contact:
W. Avery (Bill) Miner
1084 Speegle Rd., Waco, TX 76712
GREAT & GREAT GREATS
Need information on TIMOTHY HIIRLSY b. 1834 County Cork, Ireland, d. 1909
Danville, IL, buried Kankakee. Moved to Kankakee in 1886 where he was a farmer.
Wife and children unknown; brother Bartholomew (814-1891), William (9143-1910),
sister Mary (Minnie) Hurley Gleason Porter. Children Harry & Ceclia. Contact
Gayle Hurley, 1827 Prairie, Glenview, IL 60025.
JULIAN BOUDREAU d. 19 Jul 1872, owned Lot No. 3 in first range of Charles
Chiniquy's addition to the Village of St. Anne, IL. He died without will. His
son-in-law, Moses Chartier, was appointed Administrator. Moses Didace Chartier
married to Delima Boudreau 20 Mar 1862 Kankakee Co., IL. Would like to
correspond with anyone knowing any information regarding Moses Chartier and/or
Delima Boudreau. Joanne Boudreau, 1001 S. Rock Island, E1 Reno, OK 73036.
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 5
Wanted: Information on JOHN GARDENER DUNCAN and wife ELIZABETH SHAY DUNCAN. Son
Philander, daughter Elvira married Davis. She may have taken care of parents
J.G. and E.D. in old age. Other children were Albert A. Any information
appreciated. Della Burnside, P.O. Box 13, Republic, WA 99166.
1879 KANKAKEE COUNTY MARRIAGES
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette.
Bride Groom Where From Date
Schram, Allie May Davidson, Geo. W. 07 Dec 1879
Fountain, Mary Burton, Paul Kankakee/Bourbonnais 14 Dec 1879
Myron, Bridget Zauker, Frank Chebanse 25 Nov 1879
Provost, Sophia Odett, Marshal Kankakee 18 Nov 1879
Nevieu, Rosie Rauno, Fred Kankakee 24 Nov 1879
Hanbery, Margaret Langdon, Michael Galena/Beardstown 25 Nov 1879
Matzke, Bertha Gobhardt, Chs. Norton 18 Dec 1879
Swan, Melinda E. Lochrey, Amos H. St. Anne 03 Dec 1879
Jensen, Mary Ann Stender, John A. Chebanse 12 Dec 1879
Hansing, Rosana Watrous, William E. Salina/Fauquier Co. VA 29 Nov 1879
Webler, Ella Pretzel, John Kankakee 18 Dec 1879
McKinstry, Martha J. Parmley, Oliver Sumner/Yellowhead 24 Dec 1879
Rich, Sarah L. Younglove, Luther D. Ganeer 17 Dec 1879
Anderson, Sophie Gensen, Niels Kankakee 24 Dec 1879
Logan, Ida E. Hathaway, John H. Ganeer 25 Dec 1879
Allen, Eva Hertzog, Henry A. Rockville 29 Dec 1879
Hawkins, Nettie Belle Jay, David Wright Kankakee 31 Dec 1879
St. Germain, Mary Paine, George M. Kankakee/Rockville 25 Dec 1879
Dittemore, Florence Legg, Albert Spencer/Waldron 28 Dec 1879
Bacana, Matilda Belk, William Ganeer 31 Dec 1879
Stevens, Jennie M. Mann, Warren L. Rockville 30 Dec 1879
Henderson, Bertha T. Hubbard, Edwin G. Pilot 25 Dec 1879
1 8 7 9 K A NK A K E E CO U N T Y B IR T H S
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette.
Son/Dau. Parents Date
Daughter Vital Bonassa, Ganeer 05 Nov 1879
Daughter George Fowler, Ganeer 14 Nov 1879
Son L. D. Gifford, Norton 05 Dec 1879
Son Alex Senesac, Manteno 08 Dec 1879
Daughter Philip Nelson, Manteno 14 Nov 1879
Daughter Charles Ricord, Rockville 10 Nov 1879
Son Ferdinand Naese, Kankakee 04 Nov 1879
Son Karl Kraft, Kankakee 11 Dec 1879
Daughter Thomas Castello, Kankakee 17 Nov 1879
Son S. C. Chamberlain, Momence 30 Nov 1879
Son Wilhelm Ming, Kankakee 26 Dec 1879
Daughter August Krueger, Kankakee 30 Nov 1879
Son N. R. Chadwick, St. Anne 22 Nov 1879
T h e a k i k i V o l . 2 5 #2 Page 6
Daughter James H. Peterson, St. Anne 07 Dec 1879
Son Anthony Paradis, St. Anne 05 Dec 1879
Son Xavier Servois, St. Anne 15 Nov 1879
Daughter J. Varnwinsen, Pembroke 15 Nov 1879
Son Luke Storey, Momence 05 Dec 1879
Daughter Wm. Harris, Yellowhead 26 Nov 1879
Son James J. McMahon, Manteno 18 Dec 1879
Daughter J. W. Shrefffler, Rockville 30 Nov 1879
Daughter H. 0. Miller, Sumner 28 Dec 1879
Son Peter Konning, Sumner 08 Dec 1879
Son John McIntosh, Rockville 03 Dec 1879
Son August Nemitz, Kankakee 08 Dec 1879
Daughter Harvey Kinkaid, Rockville 25 Nov 1879
Daughter Otto Heine, Kankakee 10 Dec 1879
Daughter Leander Lanoux, Manteno 26 Dec 1879
Daughter Walter Smith, Kankakee 29 Nov 1879
Daughter Charles Johnson, Kankakee 30 Nov 1879
Daughter Watson Peck, Kankakee 14 Dec 1879
Son George Caron, Sumner 13 Dec 1879
Daughter O. Steinbarge, Kankakee 12 Nov 1879
1 8 7 9 K A N K A K E E C O U N T Y D E A T H S
Taken frame the Kankakee Gazette (publication date in parentheses).
(18 Dec 1879) At his residence in Grant, Dec. 4, of consumption, Wm. Ward.
(18 Dec 1879) In Manteno, Dec. 13, of pulmonary disease, Mrs. Licina May McCabe,
aged 20 years, 6 mos.
(18 Dec 1879) At his residence in Momence, Saturday, Nov. 29, of old age, Caleb
Wells, aged 85 years and 4 months. Mr. Wells was one of the old settlers. He
came to Momence in 1837 and settled in what was called the Canada settlement, and
has lived there ever since. As a citizen and neighbor, Mr. Wells was very much
respected. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was receiving a pension of
eight dollars per month.
(18 Dec 1879) In Marietta, 0., of consumption, Frank C. Dye, aged 23 years. The
deceased was the youngest brother of Rev. D. W. Dye, of this city, and has spent
more or less of the time during the past few months in this city. Less than a
year ago he was in robust health and one of the last persons who would be
selected as a subject for the fatal disease which so suddenly ended a lift full
of hope and promise.
(18 Dec 1879) One by one the old settlers are passing away from earth in
quickening succession, and during the next ten years the record will be a
formidable one. The last of our venerable citizens to lay down the burden of
life is John Harrison, aged 75 years, who died last Thursday night at the
residence of his daughter, Mrs. S. Enyart, in South Kankakee. He was greatly
esteemed for his moral character and in the Second Methodist church of which he
was a member he was looked upon as an example and a guide. His birthplace was
Bempton, Yorkshire, England. He married Marla Corner n 1830 and came to America
in 1850, locating his home at Wilkesbarre, PA. In 1856 he came to Ganeer,
Kankakee county, and lived in that township on a farm until 1862, three years
Theakiki V o l . 25 #2 page 7
after the death of his wife. He has been a resident of this place ever since.
He leaves four children, viz: Wm. S. Harrison, of Waukeeny, Kan.; Samuel
Harrison, of Morris, I11.; Mrs. James Dennison and Mrs. Silas Enyart, of this
city. The funeral services were conducted in the second M.E. church, Sunday
forenoon, by John Dale, who preached an appropriate discourse.
(18 Dec 1879) The death of Noel LeVasseur is an eventful incident in the
reminiscence it calls up of the early days of Kankakee county when the Indians
were the undisputed occupants of the forests and prairies. The old gentleman has
been failing for several months, and it was predicted during his illness in the
fall that the first frost would mark the date of his departure. Nevertheless, the
first frost found the old gentlemen speeding along the turnpike between this city
and Bourbonnais behind his fast little black, enjoying with his characteristic
love for horses, the rapid motion and the inspiring click of the hoofs. This was
but a brief respite, however, and last Friday night at 10 o'clock he died at his
home in Bourbonnais. The following very interesting biographical sketch is from
the Chicago Tribune's local correspondent:
Mr. LeVasseur was born in Lower Canada in 1798. In 1816 he was sent to establish a
trading post at Mackinac in the interest of the Hudson Bay Fur company. He
remained there during the winter. The company comprised eighty men and, during
the year erected a fort and wintered there. LeVasseur and four men concluded to
push out into the wilderness. They equipped a small boat, and followed the lake
into Green Bay, and from there into the wilderness. Following the trail of the
Indians until they struck the headwaters of the Wisconsin river, these young men
built a craft and followed the river to the site of Fond du Lac, which was then
an Indian Village. They wintered there and retraced their steps in the spring.
In the spring of 1818 LeVasseur came around Lake Michigan and landed at "The
Portage" which is near the present city of Waukegan. In company with Gurdon Hubbard he crossed over to the Desplaines river, and navigated the stream until
his confidence with the Kankakee river. They ascended the Kankakee to the mouth
of the Iroquois river and followed the stream to the chief village of the
Iroquois Indians which was located at the place where the Cincinnati, Lafayette &
Chicago railroad crosses the river, and which was afterward called Bunkum. It was
the county seat of Iroquois county when the county was first organized.
Hubbard and LeVasseur established the first trading post in the Northwest south
of Mackinac - trading with all the Indians who made this place their head
village.
In 1825 Hubbard left the Iroquois and traded with the Indians at Chicago creek.
LeVasseur then entered the service of John Jacob Astor, who furnished him a stock
of goods valued at $6,000. He traded with the Indians until the treaty of Camp
Tippecanoe in October, 1832, when they were removed West. During this time,
LeVasseur married a beautiful Indian girl, Watseka. He retained this
relationship until 1836, when she went with her people and died in Council
Bluffs, IA, during the year 1878.
LeVasseur married a niece of W. C. Russell, receiver of the land office in
Danville, I11., in 1838. She died in 1859. Subsequently he married a Miss
Franchere, who survives him. He improved a large farm at Bourbonnais Grove,
where he has resided since 1833. He frequently visited Chicago creek with his
friend Gurdon Hubbard long before it was deemed possible to build a village in
such a quagmire, and the old pioneers of Chicago were all intimate acquaintances
of LeVasseur. Through his favorable reports of the beauty and fertility of the
Kankakee valley he induced a large Canadian emigration to come there, and the
T h e a k i k i V o l . 2 5 # 2 Page 8
flourishing settlements of French Canadians throughout the northwest are the
result of his efforts in this direction.
The latch-string of his door was always out. His hospitality was unbounded, and
the politicians in early days made LeVasseur's home their stamping-ground. He
was educated in the Catholic church, and lived and died in the faith of his
venerable church. St. Viateur's college, at Bourbonnais, was built largely
through his efforts and influence. In politics he was a stalwart republican, and
the influence he had with his countrymen, who had settled largely in Kankakee
county, was a controlling element in making that the banner republican county of
the State in the early days of the republican party.
The funeral services at Bourbonnais Tuesday morning were of an impressive nature.
The burial rites were performed by eight priests in the presence of a
congregation numbering 1000 people.
(25 Dec 1879) In Essex, Nov. 18, of diphtheria, Nathan James Killbride, aged 12
years, 10 months.
(0l Jan 1880) In Momence (no date), of whooping cough, Minnie Mertens, aged 2
years.
(01 Jan 1880) In Momence, Nov. 29, of congestion of the lungs, Caleb Wells, aged
85 years, 4 months.
(01 Jan 1880) In this city, December 18, of typhoid-pneumonia, Mrs. Annie
Krueger, aged 21 years, 4 months.
(01 Jan 1880) Harvey Warner died at his home, near the Switzer church, in Otto
township, on the 24th day of December, 1879, of pneumonia. Mr. Warner was born
on May 9, 1807, and at the time of his death was in his 73d year. His birth-place was Lima, Livingston county, New York. He was one of five sons of Major
Asahel Warner, of that place, who was a stout old patriot and a soldier in the
war of 1812, and who armed and equipped a company at his own expense to assist
the government. Harvey received a better education than in those early days was
common to all, his father's wealth enabling him to have a tutor in the family
during the youth of the sons. In 1849, Mr. Warner came to Illinois, preceded by
Mr. Asahel Warner, of Rockville, his brother, who with two other brothers settled
on the Kankakee river. Harvey is the second of the brothers who has died,
leaving the two eldest, Ashel and George, aged respectively 76 and 79, still
alive. Mr. Warner lived until within the last year in Wesley, Will county, which
is a strong republican township; and although he has always been an
uncompromising democrat from his first vote for Jackson to his death yet he has
eight times served that town as its supervisor. In 1864 he married the only sister of the late Col. Paddock, of this place, Anna Paddock, whom many of our
citizens knew, and who still survives him. Last spring he purchased the Watson
farm in Aroma and was waiting the expiration of the lease of a tenant thereon,
living meantime on the north side of the Iroquois river. Mr. Warner was a man
of the highest moral character, faithful and truly honest toward all and in
everything. He was remarkable for his kindness to everyone with whom he met, and
especially thoughtful of and kind to children. In Wesley he was familiar known
as "Uncle" Harvey by everyone.
(01 Jan 1880) In Grant Park, Dec. 4, of consumption, William Edwin Ward, aged
39 years, 5 months.
Theakiki Vol . 25 #2 Page 9
(01 Jan 1880) In this city, Oct. 26, of typhoid, Mary Friend, aged 20 years.
(08 Jan 1880) In Sumner, Dec. 15, of heart disease, Mrs. Christina Stelling,
aged 57 years.
(08 Jan 1880) In Cabery, Dec. 12, Fanny Bradlaw, aged 4 years.
(15 Jan 1880) In Kankakee, Dec. 12, of gastritis, Albert Ocha, aged 67 years.
(15 Jan 1880) In this city, Dec. 16, of exudative laryngitis, Herbert T., son
of Sanford M. and Ella S. Wright, aged 3 years, 1 month, 16 days.
(29 Jan 1880) In Kankakee, Dec. 19, of abscess, Aaron Greenly, aged 30 years.
(29 Jan 1880) In Kankakee, Dec. 26, of cerebra spinal meningitis, Charles Silk,
aged 15 years.
COUNTY COURT - 1879
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette, December 18, 1879.
Asa W. Preston. Claims allowed; Catharine Wiley, use of Mary Preston, $27.60;
T. P. Eldred, $1.51 Wm. Cobb, $10; H. M. Carle, $8.21. Claims of McKee & Bard
and Jacob Budel continued to next term.
Final certificate of naturalization issued to Patrick Killen.
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette, December 25, 1879.
George Beaubein, Emma Beaubein appointed administratrix in bond of $200.
Mrs. Minnie Berger, of Norton, was adjudged insane.
WALDRON - 1879
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette, December 18, 1879.
Mrs. Julia Rickey has her store building moved on to the foundation, and has it
almost replastered. She hopes to have it ready for use in a few days.
The Waldron Star dancing club gave a party Friday night. There were forty
numbers out. They expect to have one every Friday night. Our grain market is
still on the bomb; corn 35 cents, oats 29 cents. Hay market is god. Timothy-ten
dollars per ton; upland prairie from $5 to $5.50.
Chloe Vanderkarr, a little girl attending school at Mt. Languor district, on
Friday last, fell on the ice and broke her collar bone.
The Chicago scandal which took place in our burg last week was settled
satisfactorily to parties there.
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 10
We understand that there is considerable excitement out on Beaver, seven miles
south of here, over a spiritualistic manifestation. A little girl, twelve years
of age, by the name of Gutherie, is something very mysterious. She claims to be
controlled by the Spirit of Eugene Dewitt, late of your city. The manifestations
are all in the form of independent slate writing.
B U C K I N G H A M - 1 8 7 9
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette, December 18, 1879.
Roads terribly rough since the freeze up. Coal has been a scarce article in
Buckingham for a few days.
The Wabash extension is being pushed rapidly. They have reached a point one mile
north of the centre of this town. Quite a number of the boys are going with
teams to work, hauling ties, etc.
Mr. Queal, of Pensacola, Florida, is visiting his brother, M. Houghton.
Nearly everybody is through corn husking.
Dr. Bateman has sold his farm to W. G. Smith and thinks of going to some station
on the new road.
Mr. Oulmann is "batching" it until after the holidays, Mrs. O. and baby being in
Wisconsin visiting old neighbors and friends.
Mrs. G. M. Kellogg has been quite sick, but is now convalescent, we learn.
No preaching here Sunday. Rev. Mr. Wilson was at Cabery preaching the funeral
services of a child of Mr. Bradbury.
The Christmas tree will be on Christmas night. We expect our girl will give us a
pair of wits.
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette, December 25, 1879.
Miss Anna Truax and Miss Rosie Farley have engaged the best rigs in town, and
will be ready on New Year's day with a fine pair of steppers and top buggy to
make calls, as the occasion requires.
John W. Bartholomew has purchased a lot adjoining H. S. Randall on the south side and expects to build a residence on it at once.
Mrs. Mary a. Yates, widow of Joseph Yates, received her money, $2,198.70, from
the Masonic Benevolent association, of Mattoon, this week.
Joe Moran is behind the counters at Bruce's store ready to wait on customers.
Joe is a good boy and takes to the rode handily.
Mrs. Watson, of Chicago, formerly Miss McNamee, is spending the holidays at home.
The band gave her a serenade in honor of her return.
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 11
We learn that Dr. Bateman will go to the new station of Norton on the Wabash
railroad. Miss Lue Bateman is home from Ottawa, where she is attending school,
to spend the holidays.
R. M. Riggs has rented the W. G. Smith farm for $3, cash, per acre. Mr. Smith
will go to Colorado for his health.
E S S E X – 1 8 7 9
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette, December 18, 1879
An Afflicted Family: Mr. C. E. Alberts, postmaster of Union Hill, informs us
that all the members of the family of John Kilbride, in the town of Essex,
including father, mother and eight children, have been attacked with diphtheria
and two of the children, a girl two years old and a boy six years died. The
other sufferers are slowly recovering. A great many other cases of the disease
have occurred in that town.
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette, January 1, 1880.
Dec. 22 - Plenty of broken wagons scattered along the roads.
"Norton" is the name of the new station in the town of Norton.
A party of coal miners from Braidwood have drawn up a contract with H. Shelly to
sink a coal shaft next April at Norton.
Quite a number of our Essex, and also Norton lads are working on the railroad at
$1.25 and $1.50 per day, $2.50 with teams.
Several Essex boys have been getting free rides on the new railroad. They do
some fast running when they get their "mad up". On the 17th inst. they ran from
Alida to the water tank and back in 38 minutes, stopped 8 minutes for water;
distance 23 miles, Harry Manypeny engineer, engine No. 131.
The depot at Norton is about finished. They will begin at Essex in a few days.
The side track at Essex is 1600 ft. long. Norton has one 1500 ft. long.
M. Rankin's store in Essex is nearly completed; size 20 x 50.
W.. Rich, physician and surgeon, of Braidwood, has moved into the old Dailey
House.
We understand the Buckinghammers are feeling the effects of the new road already.
What will it be when the road is finished! Well, we feel sorry for you, but we
can't cry. About a year ago you sang a different song when Country Cousin said:
"Say 'Buckshot,' don't you wish you had a railroad?"
The engine runs one mile into Essex at present. About two hundred men are
employed here and a much larger force is working from Chicago this way, we are
told.
Ed. Albert, the postmaster, will start store-keeping in Essex. He has the lumber
all on the ground ready for business.
Theakiki Vol . 25 #2 Page 12
Mrs. Mary Krieble met with an accident a few days ago. She was going down the
steps outside the house, when she made a misstep and fell against a tree, and
bruised her eye badly.
Jas. Brophy also met with a sad accident about two weeks ago. Mr. B. and son
lifted a sleigh to get it in position to butcher on. Mr. B. lifted more than he
was able to, for an old man, and was hurt inside some way so that he died about a
week later. He was 62 years of age.
Later - The name of the new station in this town is Jackson.
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette, January 1, 1880.
Dec. 27 - Corn 36 cents at Norton, 36 at Jackson. Business rushing.
Frank Crater intends to start for Colorado in a few days.
G. Boyer, of Norton, went to Chicago to spend Christmas.
Only two days track-laying was done on the Chicago & Strawn this week, owing to
cold weather and the ice on the ties. Nearly three miles of rails are laid in
Essex. They are about nine miles from the river. The names of the stations on
the Chicago & Strawn, up to Essex, are as follows: Strawn, Forrest, Saunemin,
Marvin, Alida, Norton, Jackson.
John Smith got hurt in his back, caused by lifting too heavy on his corn-sheller. He
is unable to work at present.
ROCKVILLE - 1879
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette, December 25, 1879
Mrs. Benj. Goodwin has just returned from Chicago, where she has been for a week
visiting her children.
An epidemic in the form of sore throat is prevailing in our neighborhood just
now.
The R.D.C. will give a grand dance at Seward's hall on Friday night next.
Mrs. Charley Durham will start for Kansas in a few days to visit her parents.
Mr. John Legg, formerly of Kankakee county, started a few weeks ago with his family to Missouri. On the road they lost one child, and since they arrived at
their destination two more of their children have fallen victims to diphtheria.
They have but two left, whereas, only a few weeks since they left Kankakee with
five healthy children.
Young Myron Magruder narrowly escaped the loss of an eye last week. While
approaching the school yard in district No. 10 some little boy darted a week a
him, which struck him squarely in the eye, inflicting an ugly wound. He was confined to the house for several days.
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 13
Taken from the Kankakee Gazette, January 1, 1880.
Dec. 24 - Mr. and Mrs. Tudor are visiting at Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Godwin's.
A youngster is stopping at present in Dr. Magruder's family. Guess they'll try
to raise it for a bottle washer.
Miss Ada McElwain, daughter of Mr. David McElwain, was recently married to Mr.
Royal Bell. Thus a belle of Rockville becomes a Bell of some other town.
When one newspaper makes a misstatement the rest are sure to copy. We have seen
the following in no less than three papers: Hiram Goodwin, of Rockville, has
gone to Leadville, Col.," while the old gentleman is caring for his cattle and
hogs on his farm, happy as a lord.
Dec. 30 - Once again in our lives we have seen Christmas come and go. In our
vicinity it passed in that quiet sort of way which is becoming more and more
popular as the years succeed each other. There was quite a number of social
gatherings where scattered families were called together to feast on roasted
turkey, baked goose and the like, and interchange nominal presents - a sort of
family reunion.
Wm. McIntosh says he "got the nicest Christmas present in his life." It was a
"bran new" boy, large size, ten and a quarter pounds.
Henry Hetzog was bestowed with a partner for life in the person of Miss Eva
Allen, daughter of Mr. Seymour Allen. There was a dance at J. D. Grimes' for the
wedded parties on Christmas night.
Eugene Shreffler dedicated his new store building on Christmas with a "hop".
Mr. David Redman has gone to Missouri to spend a while with his children of whom
quite a number have centered near St. Joseph.
Mr. D. H. Denny has put up a two large double corn cribs on the Markel farm for
storing the rent.
Sam Hammond and Geo. McLafflin recently followed and captured a murderer for whom
$1, 300 reward was offered, but when the parties came from Bloomington to identify
the fellow - it was the wrong man. Unlucky boys!
Mr. Sampsel has been visiting his son George, of Buckley, for a week.
Uncle "Bobby" Durham is visiting his children at Terre Haute, Ind.
Joe Goodwin and lady are visiting their parents in Bourbonnais and Rockville.
1995 CALENDAR OF FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOPS AT NATIONAL ARCHIVES
The following pages lists the workshops offered through the National Archives,
Great Lakes Region, at 7358 So. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, Illinois.
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 14
I L L I N O I S M A R K S ' T R A I L O F D E A T H '
Taken from The Kankakee Daily Journal, February 10, 1995.
The Illinois General Assembly has designated the Potawatomi "Trail of Death" through the central part of the` state as a "regional historic trail."
Illinois joins Indiana and Kansas in so designing the trail that the Potawatomi were forced to follow in 1838 when they were forcibly re-moved from Northern Indiana to Kansas — a distance of 620 miles, which many of the Indians did not live to complete.
Most of them were on foot, walking 15 to 20 miles per day between camps. Nearly every night brought the death of two to six Indians along the way, mostly babies and the elderly.
The march began Sept. 4, 1838 at Twin Lakes south of Plymouth —about 80 miles east of Kankakee. (Most, if not all, Potawatomi who had lived in Illinois were gone by the time of the Trail of Death, having been forced west to Iowa, Missouri and Kansas after the Black Hawk War of 1852. Most were gone by 1836, according to local historian Vic Johnson, who writes the "Up 'til Now" column for The Journal.)
From Twin Lakes, the Indiana Potawatomi were marched south through Rochester, Logansport, Bat-tle Ground, 'Lafayette and Williams- port in Indiana.
They entered Illinois on Sept. 16 1838 Passing through Danville, Monticello, Decatur, Springfield, Jacksonville, Exeter, and Quincy. Finally ferrying across the Mississippi River Oct. 8-10, the long grueling march didn't end until Nov. 4 at Osawatomie, Kansas.
Indians were accompanied by Father Benjamin Petit, who wrote in his diary; "We soon found ourselves on the grand prairies of Illinois, under a burning sun and without shade
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 16
Twin Lakes 0
o Rochester °Lop.nsport
_eattle Qound
_®p` Lafayette
Williamsport
Designates 1838 Potawatomi °Trail of Death" route starting in Indiana, crossing Illinois and Missouri, and ending at present day Osawatomie, Kansas Many walked the 620-mile distance.
O Dots on Trail in Illinois are tha 20 places where the epproximetely 800 Potewstomi camped as they dme thru Illinois.
People dawn herewere all Potawatomi pdreedby
artbt Caeo. WrnOer in 1837... All went t" KeruY h aNher 1837
Or 1838. naoaR.a.inv..a
_ _ _`r
' esan�
Map by Futon County Historical Society Rochester, IN, 1995
Illinois Marks 'Trail of Death' (Continued):
some of whom died. each day from weakness and fatigue... "
Petit wrote of baptizing dying in-fants "who with their first step passed from earthly exile to heavenly sojourn." . Petit also died from the fever, probably typhoid, caused by bad wa- ter. The year was one of terrible drought. Often the scarce water found in shallow puddles and streams was stagnant. The white set-tlers were also dying in the villages they passed.
Petit's body was brought back to Notre Dame, Ind., in 1857, and is now
buried under the Log Chapel there with two other priests who were mis-sionaries to the Potawatomis. The new historic trail in Illinois was created by a resolution introduced by Rep. Duane Noland ofBlue Mound. Similar resolutions passed in Indiana and Kansas in March 1984: Missouri passed a resolution in support in 1993.
Resolutions were introduced at the request of the Indiana Awareness Center — a branch of the Fulton County., Historical Society in Rochester, Ind., near where the Trail of Death began.
Ten markers designating the trail have been erected in the Illinois counties of Vermilion, Champaign, Platt, Macon, Morgan, and Scott. About 10 more are needed, according to the society. Following that, a bro- chure will be made to show the location of each.
A third Trail of Death caravan will be formed in 1998 to travel the 620 route.
A booklet about the 24 existing trail" markers has been printed and sells for $3 plus $1 shipping through the Fulton County Historical Society, Rochester, Ind., 46975.
AROMA CEMETERY
Photographs on the next two pages are from the Aroma Cemetery in Aroma Township
as follows:
Elizabeth, wife of James Fenton, died Dec. 20, 1856, aged 33 y.
William F., son of Saml. & Elizabeth Johnson, died Sept. 29, 1835, age 22 yrs.
Mary J., wife of Stanhope Cooper, died Aug. 26, 1871, aged 22 years & 3 mos.
Freddie, son of M. & M.E. Rice, died July 28, 1873, aged 8 mos.
Isaac Monk, died Nov. 13, 1856, aged 39 years, 6 ms. 13 d.
Ruth Ann, wife of James Scott, died Oct. 18, 1882, aged 61 yrs. 6 mos.
Albert F., son of W. F. & R. Meader, died July 5, 1864, aged 2 yrs. 6 mo & 5 ds.
Hiram A. Scott, died St. Louis, M0, in defense of his country, Jan. 14, 1862, aged 21 yrs. 10 mos. 12 days
Theakiki Vo l . 25 #2 Page 17
HISTORY OF KANKAKEE COUNTY 6 5 4
do itself still further credit by introducing a bill in the house providing for the erection of a hospital on the "cottage" or detached ward plan, which should provide exceptional oppor-tunity for the classification and segregation of patients. This bill, which made possible the Eastern Illinois Hospital for the Insane, was the result of Kankakee county enterprise, and was pushed through the house by Daniel C. Taylor, of Kankakee, and Conrad Secrest, of Iroquois County, and through the senate by Thomas P. Bonfield, of Kankakee. Too much credit can not be given these men for their untiring zeal in this matter.
In 1878 Hon. Azariah Buck, of Kankakee
county, and Conrad Secrest and M. Peters, of
Iroquois county, served in the house, Mr. Peters
being the minority representative.
In 1880 the senator ship was conceded to Iro-quois county, and Conrad Secrest was elected to the senate from this district. The same year James Chatfield, of Momence, and Edward Rum-ley and Mr. Winters, of Iroquois county, were elected to the house, Mr. Winters being the minority representative. William S. Hawker and D. C. Taylor, of Kankakee, and John H. Tones, of Iroquois, served this district as rep-resentatives from 1882 to 1884. The district sent to .the Thirty-fourth general assembly Hamilton K. Wheeler, as senator, and Matthew F. Campbell, of Kankakee county, and Free P. Morris and John L, Hamilton • of Iroquois county, as representatives.
In the Thirty-fifth general assembly Mr. Wheeler holding over, John L. Hamilton, of Iroquois county, Hiram M. Keyser, of Momence, and Truman Holing, of Kankakee, were elected representatives, Mr. Haling being the minority representative.
In 1858, Conrad Secrest of Iroquois county was elected to the senate, to succeed Mr. Wheeler, and his colleagues in the house were William. L. R. Johnson, Daniel H. Paddock and Free P. Morris, Mr. Morris being the minority representative.
In 1890 this district was represented by Mr.
Secrest in the senate and by Daniel H. Pad-
dock and J. W. Allison, of this county, and
John L. Hamilton, of Iroquois county, in the
house.
In 1892 George R. Letourneau was elected to
the senate for a term of Pour years, and A. M.
Jones and Free P. Morris, of Iroquois county and
Daniel H. Paddock, of Kankakee county, were
elected to the house. This was Mr. Paddock.'s
third term.
In the 'Thirty--ninth general assembly, Ed. C. Curtis, of Kankakee county and A. M. Jones and Free P. Morris, of Iroquois county, repre-sented this district. in the house, and Mr. Le-
tourneau, as senator, held his office for four years.
In 1896, Isaac Hamilton, of Iroquois county, was elected senator to succeed Mr. Letourneau, and the representatives in the house were Almet Powell and Free I. Morris, of Iroquois county, and Ed. C. Curtis, of Kankakee county, the latter being honored by election as speaker.
In 1898 the personnel o f the house was
changed by the election of James J. Kirby, of
Momence, and Horace Russell, of Iroquois
county.
In 1900, Len Small was elected senator from this
district, and Mr. Curtis was elected to his fourth
term and Mr. Russell to his second term in
the house, together with William W. Parrish,
of Momence.
In 1902 the new apportionment took effect,
adding Grundy county to the district.
In 1904 Ed. C. Curtis succeeded Mr. Small in
the senate. Mr. Horace Russell was reelected;
Israel Dudgeon of Grundy county was elected to
the house.
STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
The state hoard of equalization was created
by an act of the general assembly, and ap-
proved in March, 1867.
The act provided originally for twenty-five
members, one from each senatorial district,
but in 1872 the membership was reduced to
nineteen, being one member from each congres-
sional district.
The first board was appointed by the gover-nor for a term of two years, but the full term of service is four years.
It is the business of the board to equalize
assessments as between counties, by adding to
or deducting from the rate per cent of the taxes
of the state, and while they are prohibited
from reducing the aggregate per cent, they are
at liberty to increase it not to exceed one per
cent. It is also the duty of the board to assess
the railroad property, and the capital stock
of all incorporated companies. The auditor of
T hea k i k i V o l . 2 5 #2 Page 20
public accounts is ex-officio a member of the board, and is by law the chairman of that body. The board convenes in Springfield, and re-mains in session until the completion of their work.
The first member of the board to be selected from this senatorial district was Hon. Ira C. Mosier, of Essex township, this county. He was appointed by the governor and held the position two years. Mr. Mosier was then elec-ted to the office, and in 1876 Clinton C. Campbell, of Grant Park, succeeded him and served until 1880. Since then the member of the board has been chosen from other counties in this district.
Orville D. Sackett, of Roberts, Ford county,
served from 1881 to his death, December 30,
1887, when John H. Collier, of Gibson City,
Ford county, was appointed as his successor,
serving from 1888 to 1896, inclusive. Frank P.
Martin, of Watseka, Iroquois county, was elec-
ted the next and present member from this dis-
trict.
CHAPTER XIV
Political—Memorable Campaigns, Including
Those of 1860, 1868 and 1880—The Great
Loran Meeting, Greatest Poli tical Demon-
stration Ever Held in County.
Mr. Paddock said: "Politically, the majority of
the voters of Kankakee county are republi-
cans. The democratic party, however, numbers
within its ranks some of the wealthiest and
most intelligent men in the county.
"There have been three notable .presidential
campaigns since the organization of the county,
in which both parties have put forth their
greatest efforts. and made Kankakee famous
for her public demonstrations. In the cam-
paign of 1860, Senator Douglas was the ideal
of the democracy, and the battles of the `Little
Giant' and the 'Rail-Splitter•' were desperately
fought in the valley of the Kankakee.
"The first organized torch-light companies
here made their appearance, a feature in politi-
cal campaigns that has ever since obtained.
"Judge Douglas did not speak at Kankakee
during that campaign, though he did in that of
1855, two years previous. A large number at-
tended the Lincoln ratification meeting at
Springfield, in 1860. In 1860, Owea Lovejoy,
Richard M. Yates and Cassius M. Clay held a
great meeting in the grove on the river.
"During the war, party lines were in a great measure obliterated, the partisans of Douglas acting upon his famous declaration that there were but two parties, Union men and Traitors. The campaign for Lincoln's re-election in 1864, was quite a one-sided affair, but in the Seymour-Bair campaign, of 1868, against Grant and Colfax, great efforts were made by both parties; immense demonstrations were made and hundreds swelled the meeting to thousands. John R. Eden, the democratic candidate for governor, addressed a very large concourse of people, numbering thousands, in the court house square. A counter demonstration by the republicans soon followed, Hon. Washington Bushnell and Gen. L ippincott , being the speakers.
"In 1872 and 1876 neither party seemed to
have the enthusiasm that existed in 1868, or
that developed in 1880. The latter campaign was the most vigorously, contested because of the young blood infused into it. The demo-
cratic party made superhuman efforts td cut clown the majority of the republicans on the
national ticket, and to capture the local offices. The management of their campaign was most admirable. Hon. Lyman Trumbull, just pre-vious to the Indiana election, held his last meet-ing, speaking to many thousands of people in the public square in Kankakee, many hundreds being unable to get within hearing distance. An immense clay procession paraded the streets, and the night was illuminated with the torch lighters. Hon. Carter H. Harrison
addressed the evening meeting. Ten thousand people are said to have been in the city. The
democracy felt satisfied and enthusiastic, as
well it might, for it certainly was the largest democratic demonstration ever held in the
county. The republicans, however, were not idle spectators, and two weeks from the day of the Trumbull meeting there was gathered in
Kankakee the greatest concourse of people ever assembled within the confines of the county, to the extent of fifteen or twenty thousand people.
"General Logan was the speaker of the day
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 21
HISTORY OF KANKAKEE COUNTY 6 5 5
meeting, and I3on. Leonard Sweat of the eve-ning meeting. Soon after business hours in the morning, the streets assumed a holiday ap-pearance, and all kind of decorations adorned the business houses of the city. All people of all parties made it a general holiday. Regularly organized delegations, with decorated wagons and pantomime representations, came from all the towns in the county; company after company of torch-bearers and organized horsem*n in uniform. Six hundred wagons. two hundred horsem*n and three thousand five hun-dred people were in the parade.
"Every conceivable device to represent and characterize political facts were put into execu-tion. The evening parade was beautiful. Cap-tain Ranny, with his company from Waldron, already famous for their splendid drills, pa-raded the streets for hours after the meeting, delighting the crowds gathered to see them. This company was awarded the flag for their superiority in drill. It took the prize for the largest delegation. In October, of this year, Lemuel Milk gave a grand reception to his hosts of friends on his sixtieth birthday, at his farm in Milk's grove. This was a republican party; and a great political demonstration, at which five thousand people gathered.
"A roasted ox, several sheep, and a host of turkeys and other small fowl were given by him to feed his enthusiastic and hungry visi-tors,"
CHAPTER XV
Catholic Churches and Institutions — First
Church, Established at Bourbonnais—Notre
Dame Academy Established in 1862, St. Via-
teur's College in 1865—History of Other
Churches and Parochial Schools.
[By E. L: Rivard, C.S.V., D. D, Bourbonnais.]
BOURBONNAIS.
The Catholic faith came into the territory
now known as Kankakee county with the first
French Canadian settlers, Noel LeVasseur, who
founded the town of Bourbonnais, M. Menard,
who founded Manteno, and M. Granger, who
established St. George. Francois Bourbonnais,
an adventurer, who had preceded them and
had become identified in his mode of life and
dress with the Pottawawattomirs, does not seem
to have figured in the least. as an apostle of the
faith whicb one would naturally link with his
name. Noel LeVasseur, who had been an Indian fur
trader for John Jacob Astor, and afterward
government agent for the Indian reservations
of this part of Illinois, conducted to Council
Bluffs caravans of Indians who had sold their
Illinois lands of which he purchased large
tracts from the government, and finally estab-
lished his home near the site of old Francois
Bourbonnais’ original log cabin in 1836. In a few
years large numbers of Canadian colonists
arr ived and sett led on our vast and r ich
prairies. which soon became dotted with the
prosperous villages of Bourbonnais, St. George,
St. Anne, Manteno, Momence, and Kankakee,
each hearing aloft a cross-tipped spire that
marked the faith of those pioneer builders.
The earliest missionaries who came to minis-ter to the wants of this scattered flock were the priests and the saintly bishop of Vincennes, Ind. Father Crevier was the first priest to visit Bourbonnais which is the oldest of the French Canadian settlements of this county. Bishop St. Palais stopped here several times on his missionary journeys, making the house of Mr. LeVasseur his home and church. Father Pontavisse built the first log church in this county, on the site of the present pastoral residence in Bourbonnais. It was soon found necessary, however, to provide a large and more substantial frame building. This second church falling a prey to the flames under the administration of the Rev. C. Chiniquy, in 1853; was replaced in 1858 by the stone edifice which still attests the firmness of that deep- rooted faith brought hither from New France by the early colonists.
The name of Father Badin, a Famous French
missionary, figures at the head of the oldest
records of the parish of Bourbonnais, but the
date of his ministrations is not given. Imme-
diately after him we find the following list of
the builders of Catholicity in Bourbonnais,
which in these days meant the whole of Kan-
kakee county and a little more. In 1847 Father
Courgeault was the first resident pastor of
what was then called the church of St. Leo, of
Theakiki V o l . 25 #2 Page 22
HISTORY OF KANRAKEE COUNTY 6 5 6
Bourbonnais. On the 17th of October of that year there is recorded the visit of Bishop Quarter, of Chicago, who administered con-firmation. We next note, in 1849, the corner-stone laying of the frame church which pre-ceded the present building.
From 1849 to 1852 the book shows the names of a Father Conolly and Father Wieg, who were apparently missionaries, lending their services temporarily to Father Courgeault. November 4, 1852, Father Charley Chiniquy took charge of the congregation of Bourbon-nais. In 1853 a class of eighty-one was con-firmed by Bishop Van de Velde, of Chicago. That same year fire destroyed the church. Sep-tember 17, 1853, Father J. Maistre succeeded Father Chiniquy who went to establish himself in St. Anne. In 1854 came Father Isidore Lebel who gave plans for a beautiful church to replace the frame edifice lately burned. Owing to the unfortunate conditions then prevailing, neither Father Lebel nor his successors could succeed in their efforts to realize the plan. The most willing among the people took in their own hands the building of the church, which they cut twenty feet shorter than the plan called for, making the walls several feet lower, and omitted all architectural embellishments as being matters of too great expense. The church was building during the successive pas-torates of Father Cortuyvels (1855), Father J. Desaulniers (1856), Father Mailloux (1857), and was completed under the administration of Father Gingras in 1858. This new church was called Maternity church.
Evidently it was felt that much was to be done at the same time. Father Mailloux urged the building of a Catholic college in Bourbon-nais, but, as the proposition to build a private institution did not appeal to a great number a public school was erected at the expense of the
township in spite of Father Mailloux's protest. This school was opened in 1859, during the pastorate of Father Gingras, and was taught by sisters and laymen, among the latter being a young teacher who afterwards became Judge Starr, of Kankakee. Father Gingras, however, built the main part of Notre Dame academy, which he placed in charge of the Sisters of the Congregation in 1862. Bishop Duggan con-firmed a large class here in November, 1860. In 1863 we find Father Gingras temporarily replaced by Father Ducroux, who was succeeded
by Father James Cote in 1864, during which year confirmation was again administered by Bishop Duggan. Father Cote, realizing the necessity of providing larger educational facilities for the growing needs of the congregation of Bourbonnais, and having in mind a Catholic college, generously gave up his parish to the priests and brothers of the community of St. Viateur who came here in 1865 . Father P . Beaudoin, C.S.V., placed Brother J. B. Bernard, C.S.V., and A. Martel, C.S.V., in charge of the village school for boys, which soon grew in importance and attracted a large number of students from outside the limits of the parish. In 1868 Father Beaudoin purchased the school building from the town board, and in 1869 the first half of the main building of what is now St. Viateur 's college was erected. Father Thomas Roy, C.S.V., was placed at the head of the new institution, and courses in business, classics, philosophy and theology were inaugurated. Such had been the success of the college that, in 1874, it was found necessary to build the other half of the main body. That same year the institution received its charter from the Illinois state legislature, and was thereby empowered to grant degrees in arts, sciences and in letters. Upon the death of the devoted Father Roy in July, 1879, St. Viateur's college was fortunate in securing as its second president, Rev. M. J. Marsile, C.S.V., a man of scholarly attainments, broad views and; progressive spirit. Under his administration the faculty of the colleges was strengthened by a number of specialists in English literature, science, theology, and philosophy, and the number of students increased to an average attendance of 250. In 1889 the Roy Memorial chapel was built mainly through contributions furnished by alumni of the college. Recently a magnificent gymnasium has been added to the group of buildings, and a new edifice is in process of erection to supply room for the increasing attendance.
One may gain a fair idea of the nature of the education imparted at St. Viateur's college from a glance at a partial list of the members of the faculty of 1904 and ‘05. Theological de-partment: Rt. Rev. Monsignor G. M. Legris, D.D., professor of moral theology; Rev. J. E. Laberge, D.D., professor of dogmatic theology, scripture, canon law, and sacred eloquence. Philosophy department: Rev. E. L. Rivard,
Theak iki Vo l . 25 #2 Page 23
HISTORY OF KANKAKEE COUNTY 657
PEDIGREE CHART
3 Jul 1992
Number 1 on this chart is the same as no. 15 on chart no. 28 Number 1 on this chart is the same as no. 9 on chart no. 29
Chart No. 46 Chart No. 45
4 --------------------- 4 -----------
BORN: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
MARR: MARR:
PLACE: PLACE:
DIED: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
2 Jean GAUDET-1891------------------------- 2 Jean GAUDET-1891-------------------
BORN: 1575
PLACE: Martaize,Vienne,France This person is the same person
MARR: 1628 --681 as no. 2 on chart no. 45
PLACE:
DIED:
PLACE:
5 ------------------ 5 ----------
BORN: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
DIED: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
1 Marie GAUDET-1878 ------------------------- 1 Francoise GAUDET-1894 --------------
BORN: 1633 BORN: 1623
PLACE: Port Royal,Acadie,Canada PLACE:
MARK: 1650 --674 MARK: 1650 --682
PLACE: Port Royal,Acadia,Canada PLACE: Port Royal,Acadie,Canada
DIED: 1670 DIED:
PLACE: Port Royal,Acadie,Canada PLACE:
Etienne HEBERT-1877 ---------------------- Daniel LEBLANC-1893 ---------------------
Spouse Spouse
6 ----------------------------------- 6 -----------
BORN: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
MARR: MARR:
PLACE: PLACE:
DIED: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
3 Nicole COLESON-1892 -------------------- 3 ------------------------------------
BORN: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
DIED: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
7 --------------------- 7 ------------
BORN: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
Name and address of submitter: DIED: Name and address of submitter: DIED:
Jack Taylor PLACE: Jack Taylor PLACE:
10388 Krista Court 10388 Krista Court
Cupertino, California Cupertino, California
95014 95014
Phone:408 996-0463 Phone:408 996-0463
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 24
PEDIGREE CHART
3 Jul 1992
Number 1 on this chart is the same as no. 10 on chart no. 29 Number 1 on this chart is the same as no. 14 on chart no. 29
Chart No. 47 Chart. No. 48
4 -------------------- 4 ------------
BORN: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
MARR: MARR:
PLACE: PLACE:
DIED: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
2 Jacques HEBERT-1889 -------------------- 2 Guillaume BLANCHARD-1932 -------------
BORN: Abt 1590
This person is the same person PLACE: Martaize „ France
as no. 2 on chart no. 44 MARR: Abt 1610--702
PLACE: „France
DIED:
PLACE:
5 ---------------------- 5 ------------
BORN: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
DIED: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
1 Antoine HEBERT-1895 ------------------- 1 Jean BLANCHARD-1934 -------------------
BORN: 1621 BORN: 1611
PLACE: Balesne,Touraine,France PLACE: „France
MARR: --684 MARR: 1642--703
PLACE: PLACE: ,Acadie,Canada
DIED: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
Genevieve LAFRANC-1896 ---------------- Radegonde LAMBERT-1935 ------------------
Spouse Spouse
6 ---------------------- 6 -------------
BORN: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
MARR: MARR:
PLACE: PLACE:
DIED: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
3 Marie JUNEAU-1890 ---------------------- 3 Huguette POIRIER-1933 -----------------
BORN:
This person is the same person PLACE:
as no. 3 on chart no. 44 DIED:
PLACE:
7 --------------------- 7 -----------
BORN: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
Name and address of submitter: DIED: Name and address of submitter: DIED:
Jack Taylor PLACE: Jack Taylor PLACE:
10388 Krista Court 10388 Krista Court
Cupertino, California Cupertino, California
95014 95014
Phone:408 996-0463 Phone:408 996-0463
Page 25 Theakiki Vol. 25 #2
PEDIGREE CHART
3 Jul 1992 Chart No. 49
Number 1 on this chart is the same as no. 8 on chart no. 32
8 Gallien TREMBLAY-2412-------------------
BORN:
PLACE:
MARR: --880
4 Louis TREMBLAY-2408------------------------ PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
MARR: --879
PLACE: 9 ----------------------------------------
DIED: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
2 Philibert TREMBLAY-1901 --------------------------------------------------------------- DIED:
BORN: PLACE:
PLACE:
MARR: 3 Oct 1623--688 10 ---------------------------------------
PLACE: St Firmin,de Normandel,T,France BORN:
DIED: 17 Nov 1642 PLACE:
PLACE: St. Malo,de Randonna,France MARR:
5 Nicole N.-2409 ----------------------------- PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
DIED:
PLACE: 11 ---------------------------------------
1 Pierre TREMBLAY-1168 ------------------------------------------------------------------ BORN:
BORN: 1626 PLACE:
PLACE: St. Malo,Randonna,France DIED:
MARR: 2 Oct 1657--375 PLACE:
PLACE: Quebec,_Quebec Prov.,Canada
DIED: 1668 12 ---------------------------------------
PLACE: Quebec Prov.,Canada BORN:
Ozanne-Jeanne ACHON-1169-------------------------------------------------------------- PLACE:
Spouse MARR:
6 Jean COIGNET-1903-------------------------- PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
MARR: --689
PLACE: 13 ---------------------------------------
DIED: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
3 Jeanne CONGNET-1902 ------------------------------------------------------------------- DIED:
BORN: PLACE:
PLACE:
DIED: 13 Oct 1652 14 ---------------------------------------
PLACE: St Maurice,les Cherency„ France BORN:
PLACE:
MARR:
7 Barbe N.-2411 ------------------------------ PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
Name and address of submitter: DIED:
Jack Taylor PLACE: 15 ---------------------------------------
10388 Krista Court BORN:
Cupertino, California PLACE:
95014 DIED:
Phone:408 996-0463 PLACE:
T h e a k i k i V o l . 2 5 # 2 P a g e 2 6
PEDIGREE CHART
3 Jul 1992 Chart No. 5
Number 1 on this chart is the same as no. 9 on chart no. 32
8
BORN:
PLACE:
MARR:
4 --------------------------------------------- PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
MARR:
PLACE: 9 --------------------------------------
DIED: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
2 Jean ACHON-1364 ------------------------ DIED:
BORN: Abt 1610 PLACE:
PLACE: „France
MARR: --479 10 -------------------------------------
PLACE: „France BORN:
DIED: PLACE:
PLACE: „France MARR:
5 --------------------------------------------- PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
DIED:
PLACE: 11 -------------------------------------
1 Ozanne-Jeanne ACHON-1169 -------------- BORN:
BORN: 18 Jul 1633 PLACE:
PLACE: Chambon,La Rochelle,France DIED:
MARR: 2 Oct 1657 --375 PLACE:
PLACE: ouebec,Quebec Prov.,Canada
DIED: 24 Dec 1707 12 -------------------------------------
PLACE: l'Ange-Gardien,,Canada BORN:
Pierre TREMBLAY-1168 ------------------ PLACE:
Spouse MARR:
6 --------------------------------------------- PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
MARR:
PLACE: 13 -------------------------------------
DIED: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
3 Helene REGNAUD-1365 ------------------- DIED:
BORN: Abt 1610 PLACE:
PLACE:
DIED: 14 -------------------------------------
PLACE: BORN:
PLACE:
MARR:
7 --------------------------------------------- PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
Name and address of submitter: DIED:
Jack Taylor PLACE: 15 -------------------------------------
10388 Krista Court BORN:
Cupertino, California PLACE:
95014 DIED:
Phone:408 996-0463 PLACE:
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 27
PEDIGREE CHART
3 Jul 1992 Chart No. 51
Number 1 on this chart is the same as no. 10 on chart no. 32
8 Pasquier ROUSSIN-2159-------------------
BORN: 63
PLACE:
MARR: --788
4 Pierre ROUSSIN-2157------------------------ PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE: Trourouvre,france
MARR: --787
PLACE: 9 -----------------------------------------
DIED: BORN:
PLACE: PLACE:
2 Jean ROUSSIN-2153---------------------------------------------------------------------- DIED:
BORN: 3 Oct 1597 PLACE:
PLACE: St Aubin,de Trourowre,France
MARR: 1593 --785 10 Marin NYEULLE-2160 --------------------
PLACE: ,Trourowre,France BORN:
DIED: PLACE:
PLACE: MARR: --789
5 Jeanne NYEULLE-2158------------------------ PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
DIED: 1636
PLACE: „trance 11 Adrienne JACQUET-2161 -----------------
1 Nicolas ROUSSIN-1899 ----------------- BORN:
BORN: 10 Mar 1635 PLACE:
PLACE: St Aubin,de Trourouvre,France DIED:
MARR: 28 Nov 1667 --687 PLACE:
PLACE: VACHON,Quebec Prov.,Canada
DIED: 6 Mar 1697 12 ---------------------------------------
PLACE: l_Ange-Gardien,Q,Canada BORN:
Madeleine PARADIS-1900 ------------------ PLACE:
Spouse MARR:
b Jean GIGUERE-2155 -------------------------- PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
MARR: --786
PLACE: 13 ---------------------------------------
DIED: 15 Oct 1639 BORN:
PLACE: les Boullais,Trourouvre,France PLACE:
3 Madeleine GIGUERE-2154 ---------------- DIED:
BORN: 26 May 1605 PLACE:
PLACE: St Aubin,de Trourouvre,France
DIED: 3 Apr 1650 14 ---------------------------------------
PLACE: ,Trourowre,France BORN:
PLACE:
MARR:
7 Madeleine VIETTE-2156---------------------- PLACE:
BORN: DIED:
PLACE: PLACE:
Name and address of submitter: DIED:
Jack Taylor PLACE: 15 ---------------------------------------
10388 Krista Court BORN:
Cupertino, California PLACE:
95014 DIED:
Phone:408 996-0463 PLACE:
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 28
T H E A K IK I V O L U ME 2 5 #2
Achon - 27 Courgeault - 23 Henderson - 6
Albert - 12 Crater - 13 Hertzog - 6
Alberts - 12 Crevier - 22 Hetzog - 14
Allen - 6, 14 Curtis - 20 Houde - 3, 4
Anderson - 6 Davidson - 6 Houghton - 11
Astor - 8, 22 Dennison - 8 Hubbard - 6, 8
Bacana - 6 Denny - 14 Huling - 20
Badin - 22 Desaulniers - 23 Hurley - 5
Bard - 10 Dittemore - 6 Jay - 6
Bartholomew - 11 Douglas - 21 Jensen - 6
Bateman - 11, 12 Ducroux - 23 Johnson - 7, 17, 18,
Beaubein - 10 Dudgeon - 20 20
Beaudoin - 23 Duggan - 23 Jones - 20
Belk - 6 Duncan - 6 Juneau - 25
Berger - 10 Durham - 13, 14 Kellogg - 11
Bernard - 23 Dye - 7 Keyser - 20
Blanchard - 25 Eldred - 10 Kiby - 20
Bonassa - 6 Enyart - 7, 8 Kilbride - 12
Bonfield - 20 Farley - 11 Killbride - 9
Boudreau - 5 Fenlon - 18 Killen - 10
Bourbonnais - 22 Fenton - 17 Kinkaid - 7
Boyer - 13 Forsythe - 15 Konning - 7
Boyer - 13 Fountain - 6 Kraft - 6 Bradbury - 11 Fowler - 6 Krieble - 13
Bradlaw - 10 Franchere - 8 Krueger - 9
Brophy - 13 Friend - 10 Krueger - 6 Buck - 20 Gaudet - 24 Lambert - 25 Budel - 10 Gensen - 6 Langdon - 6
Burnside - 6 Gifford - 6 Lanoux - 7
Burroughs - 15 Gingras - 23 Lebel - 23
Burton - 6 Gingras - 23 Legg - 13
Bushnell - 21 Gobhardt - 6 Legg - 6
Campbell - 20, 21 Godwin - 14 Legris - 23
Carle - 10 Goodwin - 13, 14 Letourneau - 20
Caron - 7 Granger - 22 LeVasseur - 8, 22
Castello - 6 Greenly - 10 Lippincot - 21
Chadwick - 6 Grimes - 14 Lochrey - 6
Chamberlain - 6 Hamilton 20 Logan - 6 Chartier - 5 Hammond - 14 Longacre - 15
Chatfield - 20 Hanbery - 6 Lovejoy - 21
Chiniquy - 5, 22, 23 Hansing - 6 Magruder - 13, 14
Clay - 21 Harris - 7 Mailloux - 23
Cobb - 10 Harrison - 7, 8 21 Maistre - 23
Coleson - 24 Hastings - 2 Mann - 6
Collier - 21 Hathaway - 6 Marsile - 23
Congnet - 26 Hawker - 20 Martel - 23
Conolly - 23 Hawkins - 6 Martin - 21
Cooper - 17, 18 Hebert - 25 Matzke - 6
Cortuyvels - 23 Heine - 7 McCabe - 7
Cote - 23 Hemzacek - 15 McElvain - 14
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 29
Theakiki Volume 25 #2 Page 2
McIntosh - 7, 14 Ricord - 6 Wiley - 10
McKee - 10 Riggs - 12 Wilson - 11
McKinstry - 6 Rivard - 22, 23 Winers - 20
McLafflin - 14 Roy - 23 Wright - 10
McMahon - 7 Russell - 20 Yates - 11, 21
McNamee - 11 Russell - 8 Younglove - 6
Meader - 17, 19 Sacket - 21 Zauker - 6
Menard - 22 Sampsel - 14 Mertens - 9 Schram - 6 Miller - 7 Scott - 17, 19
Miner - 5 Secrest - 20
Ming - 6 Senesac - 6
Monk - 17, 19 Servois - 7 Ancestor Book:
Moran - 11 Shaw - 6, 15 Morris - 20 Shelly - 12 The society is still
Mosier - 21 Shreffler - 7 working on the
Myron - 6 Shreffler - 14 Ancestor Book and asks
Naese - 6 Silk - 10 any members who have
Nelson - 6 Slack - 3 sent charts in to
Nemitz - 7 Small - 20 please try to submit
Nevieu - 6 Smith - 7, 11, 12 13 at least one family or
Nichols - 15 St. Germain - 6 individual picture to
Noland - 17 Steinbarge - 7 include with the book.
Ocha - 10 Stelling - 10 Cut-off date for
Odett - 6 Stender - 6 submittal of these
Oulmann - 11 Stevens - 6 pictures will be
Paddock - 9, 20, 21 Storey - 7 September 1, 1995. Paine - 6 Swan - 6 Paradis - 7 Sweat - 22
Parmley - 6 Taylor - 20, 24, 25,
Parrish - 20 26, 27
Peck - 7 Thorpe - 5
Peters - 20 Tremblay - 26 Peterson - 7 Truax - 11 Petit - 16 Trumbull - 21
Poirier - 25 Tudor - 14
Porter - 5 Tuohy - 15
Powell - 20 Tyler - 5
Preston - 10 Van de Velde - 23
Pretzel - 6 Vanderkarr - 10
Provost - 6 Vanwinsen - 7
Quarter - 23 Ward - 7, 9 Queal - 11 Warner - 9
Rankin - 12 Watrous - 6
Rauno - 6 Watson - 11
Redman - 14 Webler - 6
Regnaud - 27 Wells - 9
Rice - 17, 19 Wells - 7
Rich - 6, 12 Wheeler - 20
Rickey - 10 Wieg - 23
Theakiki Vol. 25 #2 Page 30