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EARLIEST SETTLERS

John Walker was the first settler, arriving here in 1835, settling on section 36, where he spent the remainder of his life.

John Butcher arrived soon afterwards, chosing a farm on section 5. This continued to be his home until 1851, when, seized with the "gold fever," he started for California, and died on the way. He was unmarried.

Burrall Butcher, a brother of John Butcher, brought his family here in 1836, locating on the same sec tion as his brother, and there he died in 1846.

Samuel Allen, not being satisfied with his location on the present site of Port Byron, moved, to Coe township, with his family, in 1837, but lived only a few months. Without doubt his death was the first one in the new territory.

Samuel Ennis arrived in Coe township about six weeks after Mr. Allen, coming here from Indiana, although he was a native of Ohio. His death occurred in I860.

Henry Smith was doubtless the next settler, arriving here in 1837, and spending the remainder of his life on the homestead he secured two and one-half miles east of Port Byron.

The year 1837 brought several other settlers, among them being Henry M. Stockton of section 9, who later went to Iowa, where he died; and Isaac Hollister of section 20, who later moved to the vicinity of Port Byron.

In 1838, Addison Philleo came to section 18, and died there many years ago.

The men were not the only ones who braved the dangers and privations of the wilderness, for Mrs. Cbarity Marshall, a widow, brought her nine children to the township, hoping to make a home for them. This brave lady made the trip from New Jersey, arriving here in 1838, and located on section 3. It is interesting to note that she continued to reside on this home until her death, and that all of her children grew to maturity, settling in the neighborhood, and that one of them gave up his life in defense of the country his mother had taught him to love.

As far as known, the child boru to Mr. and Mrs. Burrall Butcher, soon after their arrival here, was the first white child to be born within the confines of Coe township.

Hiram Walker and Mary Ennis and David Allen and a Miss Remson were the first couples to be wed in this township.

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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Illinois Ancestors

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