PORT BYRON TOWNSHIP
In the spring of 1828. Robert and Thomas Syms came from. Sangamon county, and were the first permanent settlers of what afterwards became Port Byron township, Rock Island county. They cut and delivered wood at Syms wood yard, where they sold it to the steamboats that passed up and down the Mississippi river, from St. Louis and below, to the mines at Galena. At this time. Joe Daviess county was included with Rock Island county, and was occupied by the Sac and Fox Indians. Disagreements and attendant difficulties frequently arose between the settlers for various causes, and the knife and rifle were the common weapons in settling the disputes. The nearest jails were at Galena and Alton.
Archibald Allen came from New York to St. Clair county: thence to Fort Clark, and then settled at the head of the upper rapids and built a cabin, the first frame building between Quiucy and Galena, on section 24. he traded with the Indians, buying skins and furs from them. In time, he was appointed supervisor of roads and constable. In 18:53. he was appointed carrier of the Tnited States mail, from Fort Armstrong on Rock Island, to Galena. He made the trip once a week, on foot, fording the streams and undergoing many privations,hie was appointed postmaster and the post office. which was at his house, was called Canaan postoffice. Mr. Allen delivered mail to Stevenson, Canaan, Savannah and Galena. At this time there was but one house, that at Apple river, between Galena and Savannah, and none until he reached Canan.
Mr. Allen belonged to the military organization, called The Rangers.
Conrad Leek came here and his son was the first white child born in Port Byron township.
In 1831 and l832 the people of this section had to flee to Fort Armstrong for protection from the Indians, and remained there during the Black Hawk war. Afterwards, the Indians continued to roam over the county, with their dogs, for several years, but gradually were removed.
In 1831 a son of George W. Harlen died, and that was the first death of the township.
In 1832. Edmund A. Philleo from Galena, was shot and killed by McKinney, who was condemned to be hung, but was pardoned by the governor.
The first sermon was preached in 1833, at the house of Mr. Allen, by the Rev. Asa McMurtry of the M. E. church, a minister on what was called Rock Island Mission. Mr. McMurtry soon afterwards formed the first class or society, and E. Corbin, living above the Mar-aias d'Ogee was the leader. Mrs. Archibald Allen was a member of this class, and was the first white adult person who died in this township. Preaching was continued at irregular intervals. This same year. 1833, the first school was organized and taught by a man by the name of Banker.
The year, 1834, brought Walter Phillips, Geo.R.Allen, Harry M. Smith, Presley Quick and others. George R. Allen established a brick yard, and manufactured brick. Smith and Quick opened up farms. A shiftless man who refused to work and support his family, was held under the vagrant act. and was sold at auction for 12 1/2 cents.
In 1833, Samuel Allen, William McKinney and Mr. Hathaway came. Samuel Allen kept Iwarders and travelers. Mrs. Allen (Aunt Candace) was a good cook, and widely famed for her meals. Samuel Allen kept the first grocery and many of his customers came from a distance to trade with him.
The government lands were surveyed and divided into sections and platted in 1835, and in 1836. Moses Bailey. Nathaniel Belcher, Rufus B. Chase, Jeremiah H. Lyford, A.N . Philleo and Miss Lucretia Philleo arrived in this town ship. Mr. Bailey built a shop and was the first blacksmith.
R. B. Chase was the first stone mason, and plasterer. He began the manufacture of the celebrated Port Byron white lime from Niagara limestone, and continued in this business for many years. Nathaniel Belcher built the first frame building for store purposes, and also a tavern, known as the Port Byron House
Historic Rock Island
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