EARLY SETTLERS

The first settlers of Rural, which formerly formed a part of Coal Valley Township , were Thomas and Davis Goodlow, brothers who built the first home on Section 29. John Farlow being the second,who came from Preemption Township at which place he was the first settler. He built the small house on section 30 of this township.

Soon thereafter, John Farlow came here from Preemption township, Mercer county, where he had been its first settler.

Those who came prior to 1840 were: A. L. and A. N. Sayre, J. M. Wilson, J. A. Jordan and Daniel Valentine. Another early settler was a man known as "Wild Cat" Moore . This name was given him in 1842, when he killed a wild cat with his bare hands, without a weapon, holding a buffalo robe before him, and came out of the conflict without a scratch.

Alexander Bailey who won the name of “Old Satan” among his neighbors, was also among the early Rural settlers. He squatted on and held the southwest corner of Section 1. His place was soon known as “Satan’s Kingdom” and for many years it was still referred to as “The Kingdom”.

The first marriage recorded in Rural township, was that consumated between David Goodlow and Nancy Farlow. The first child born here was a son, born to John Farlow, in 1839.

The first school in Rural township was taught in a private house by Seth Trego. The various farmers realizing the needs of their children, exerted themselves, and the first school edifice was put up in 1846.

Those to wborn the credit for this is due were: Captain J. A. Jordan, Albert N., Alonzo S. and M. Sayre, J. M. Wilson, Daniel Valentine and William Grist. A Mr. Chedd was placed in charge of the first school held in this building.

 

Historic Rock Island

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