Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois

Carrigan Township

Marion County, Illinois

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Carrigan Township
Brinkerhoff's History of Marion Counties, Illinois - 1909
by Professor J. H. G. Brinkerhoff
Pages 177-180

        Carrigan Township, named after the pioneer founder of the CARRIGAN FAMILY, is the third township north of the base line in the west tier of townships of the county. The main line of the Illinois Central Railroad traverses the west side of the township north and south. It is drained by the East Fork of the Okaw or Kaskaskia river, which flows in a southwesterly direction across the township, near the middle. East Fork is one of the largest streams in the county and enters the township near the northeast corner and passes out at section 18. Davidson creek, in the southeast part of the township, drains the waters from that part into the East Fork. Along these creeks was originally a heavy growth of fine timber, but it has been largely cleared, although much of the land is covered with a "second growth," which will be of great benefit to the people.

        The first man to locate in the township was a man by the name of JONES, who in 1819 squatted in section 21, but who sold out his partly finished cabin to Frederick PHELPS in 1820, and left the country. Samuel DAVIDSON came to this township with PHELPS. PHELPS was a native of Tennessee, who had moved to St. Clair in 1817. The next year he moved to Clinton county, where he married and moved to Carrigan Township in March, 1820, where, as above stated he bought JONES's claim and settled in section 21. In March, 1822, he entered the first tract entered in this township, viz.: west half of the northwest quarter of section 21, town 3 north, range 1 east. Mr. PHELPS was a very conscientious man, a devout member of the Baptist church and a good manager and very industrious, and amassed considerable property. He reared a family of ten children to manhood and womanhood. He died September 2, 1845, respected by the entire community. His wife survived him several vears. One son. Samuel PHELPS, will be remembered by the older citizens of the county, as the genial host of the PHELPS House in Salem, many years ago.

        Samuel DAVIDSON was a native of Virginia, but his father moved to Lincoln county, Kentucky, when Samuel was a small child, and there he was raised and lived until 1820 when he moved to Clinton county, where he stayed one summer and then moved to Carrigan township and built a cabin on section 36. He broke and planted twenty acres in corn the first year. This was considered a very large crop at that day and as there were no domestic animals within miles of him and fences were no bar to "varmints" which abounded all around him, he raised this crop without fencing it. When he started from his Kentucky home he had a family of ten children. His daughter Betsy was married to Louis WEATHERS; she sickened and died on the road, when her bereaved husband went back to his old home in Kentucky. All the other nine lived to be married and make homes for themselves in this county. The sons were William, John, George and Samuel, Jr., three of whom were grown when the family left Kentucky. William was the eldest and lived on the original farm. He was a prominent man, having been twice elected Sheriff of the county and once a member of the Legislature. He was married three times, but left only two children, a son and a daughter. He died in 1847 from the effects of a fall from a wagon. The daughters of Samuel DAVIDSON, Sr., married as follows: Maria married Charles JENNINGS and was the grandmother of that great American, William Jennings BRYAN; Ann married Israel JENNINGS; Sallie married Robert CARRIGAN and Nancy, James M. CARRIGAN; Susan was the wife of Stewart W. FARIDEE.

        Samuel DAVIDSON, Sr., was a man who ranked high in his old home in Kentucky. He was a major in the regiment of Col. Dick JOHNSON, during the War of 1812, and saw much service on the frontier, with that fearless commander and was doubtless, with JOHNSON's command at the battle of the Thames, where Tecumseh was killed by Colonel JOHNSON. He died on the farm he had improved in 1848, full of years and honors. His wife died about 1838.

        Joel DAVIS, the third man who settled in Carrigan township, was a Tennessean and remained a Tennessean about half the time, as he moved back and forth to Tennessee and Marion county several times. It seems that when he had been in Illinois a year or two he "hankered" after Tennessee and when he had been in Tennessee a while he longed for Carrigan township and would pull up stakes and move, when the desire seized him. He died, however, in Illinois, in what is now known as Fredonia Prairie, leaving a widow and family.

        Zadock PHELPS was another eccentric character and seemed never to be content long in any place. He came with DAVIS, built a cabin, cleared a "truck patch" and again sold, and this he did no less than eight times, starting eight farms in Carrigan Township. Of course with this restless disposition, he did not accumulate much property, but evidently enjoyed moving. He was married twice and had a large family of children with each wife and even in old age his roving disposition did not leave him, so he moved to Washington county, Illinois, where he died and at last remained in one place.

        James CHANCE, supposed to have been an emigrant from St. Clair county, settled in this township about 1822 or 1823 and located near the center of the township, and made improvements. He was a first class citizen and lived in this township until 1866, when he died. He was twice elected Sheriff of the county. He was married to a daughter of Robert NICHOLS, and raised a large family. His widow survived him many years.

        Robert CARRIGAN, a Georgian, settled in 1830, on section 26. The father of Robert CARRIGAN settled in Clinton county in 1817, and Robert was the man who as a lad led the St. Clair Rangers across the country to the home of the older JENNINGS, when they rendezvoused at the JENNINGS homestead to drive out the GOINGS gang. He died in 1834, leaving a widow and three children, John S., Samuel R., and Nancy J. His widow afterward married a Mr. HUFF.

        In December following the death of Robert, his brother, James M. CARRIGAN. settled in this township. James M. raised a family of ten children, but all are now passed away, excepting one, William, who still resides in the township. John M. CARRIGAN married one of the DAVIDSON family and a few years ago his wife and Mr. HUFF were the three last representatives of pioneer days, but they now rest from their labors and their works do follow them, and may be seen in the happy homes of CARRIGAN. Mr. HUFF, who married the widow of Robert CARRIGAN, was an over-religious man and so austere and stern that he was disliked by his step-children, but nevertheless they treated him with due respect and grew to manhood and womanhood with more liberal views than their step-father possessed. One son, Samuel R., was Sheriff of the county at the time of the death of Frank LEONARD, an account of which will be given in the sketch of Salem Township, and made heroic efforts to save the life of the unfortunate man. Samuel R. CARRIGAN is still living in Carrigan Township amidst his broad acres, being the largest land owner in the township, having more than fifteen hundred acres and is still a hale, active business man, taking great interest in all the public affairs of his township, and of the county.

        Zadock PHELPS. Sr., an uncle of Squatter ZADDOCK and father of John, built a cabin near the spring in section 17. He died some years later while on a visit to Lawrence county, leaving a widow and seven children, all of whom are long since dead. Daniel PHELPS also settled in this township in 1824. He was something like his cousin, ZADOCK, Jr., and never seemed satisfied to stay in one place. He died in this township many years ago. A large family, consisting of a father, mother, nine grown daughters and three grown sons, came to the northern part of the township from Clinton county in 1825 and made the second land entry in the township. It was the southwest quarter of section 5. Here he improved a fine farm, and built a horse mill the year he entered his land. One son, Wiley BURTON, and a man by the name of Joe DAVIS, were the first blacksmiths in the township. Gideon BURTON and his wife were both extremely large people, almost giants. They were from Tennessee and were first class people. BURTON died in 1835 on the farm he settled.

        The first preaching in the township was at the cabin of Samuel DAVIDSON, by itinerant ministers of the Methodist church, who made the cabin of Major DAVIDSON a stopping place. The first child born was Lavina PHELPS, July, 1821, and the first death was the wife of William DAVIDSON in 1829.

        The first school-house was built in 1833 on section 26. It was a small log affair, not fitted as a school-house. R. M. CARRIGAN was the first teacher. Three years later a better cabin was built and the first teacher in the new building was J. WILLIAMS. It was fairly comfortable and was used until 1849, when it burned down. In 1850 another school-house was built in the place of the burned one. It was of hewed logs and is still standing or was a few years ago, and is used as a sort of plunder room by William CARRIGAN.

        Fairman is the only railroad station in the township and is a hamlet of a half-dozen houses, a store and school-house. The place was originally called Hogback and "Hogback" John WILSON, one of the best of men, formerly had a saw-mill here. John PULESTON also kept store here and when the post office was established, was the first postmaster. They both moved away and later Leander MATHEWS did a flourishing business here, but later moved to Sandoval, and then to Kinmundy. There is still a store here, but much of the business is diverted to Sandoval, Odin and Patoka. Carrigan township is strictly a rural community made up of the best type of Americans. The farms are large and productive, and where a few years ago stood a cabin in a clearing, now stands comfortable and even luxurious homes amid smiling acres, generously responsive to the husbandman's toil. School houses well appointed, are at convenient distances apart, and everything bespeaks a prosperous community, unfretted by the mercenary strife engendered by city life.

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Cemeteries of Carrigan Township

Burton - Kissner - Wisher Cemetery (Section 5) - The original name of this cemetery was Union Baptist Church of Christ Cemetery. The cemetery is now abandoned, after having been used for 105 years. It is located in a wooded fence row off Wisher Road. It is totally covered by wild day lilies, Virginia creeper, poison ivy and other brush. 51 graves are listed in Find-A-Grave, along with photos of 37 of the graves. We have Jane GERRISH WADDELL to thank for this.

Carrigan Cemetery (Photo by Jane Gerrish Waddell) Carrigan Cemetery (Section 26) - Located off Ticklin Road in Section 26. 144 graves listed on Find-A-Grave.

Harrison Cemetery (Photo by Jane Gerrish Waddell) Harrison Cemetery (Section 15) - Located near Bowen Road, south of Gerrish Road, east of Highway 51. There are 214 graves listed on Find-A-Grave.

Lewis - Frost Cemetery (Photo by Jane Gerrish Waddell) Lewis - Frost Cemetery (Section 9) - Located on Pope Road, East side of road, south of Wisher Road and north of Gerrish Road. 43 graves listed on Find-A-Grave.

Morris - Smith Cemetery (Section 17) - Located east of Pope Road, but unfortunately the grave are no longer found. They were recorded in 1974 by Mrs. Sam AHLF and Mrs. Bud AHLF for the Marion County, Genealogical & Historical Society.

Phelps - Steel - Cemetery (Photo by Jane Gerrish Waddell) Phelps - Steel Cemetery (Section 21) - Located East of Highway 51 and south of Ferrydale Road. 81 graves listed on Find-A-Grave.

Snider Cemetery (Section ?)

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Some Families of Carrigan Township

Adams Family

        Stephen Jefferson "Jeff" ADAMS, born 30 Mar 1850, Jefferson County, Illinois, son of Thornton and Elizabeth H. (CHILTON) ADAMS. Jeff died 3 Nov 1943, Patoka, Marion County, Illinois. Burial in the Patoka Cemetery.
        Jeff married Susan Caroline DAVIS 19 Sep 1874, Marion County, Illinois. She was the widow of Dr. William CHAPMAN of Patoka. She was born 19 Nov 1852, Jefferson County, Illinois, daughter of Elijah and Susan (___?___) DAVIS. Caroline died 25 Jul 1928, Patoka, Marion County, Illinois. Burial in the Patoka Cemetery. (Note: Their marriage record says that he married Mrs. Caroline DAVIS. The 1880 census lists a daughter by the name of CHAPMAN. There was a William (53) and Caroline (16) CHAPMAN living in Patoka, Marion County, Illinois in 1870. He was a doctor and they had just married in May 1870. He was from England. He had 2 sons by a previous marriage and together they had a daughter named Lily CHAPMAN.)
        On 3 Jun 1880, the census shows S. J. (30) and Caroline (27) ADAMS living in Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois. He was said to have been born in Illinois and his parents in Virginia. Caroline was said to have been born in Illinois, father in North Carolina and mother in South Carolina. Samuel was a farmer. With them were their sons: Cephas ADAMS age 2, born IL; and Harden ADAMS age 4 months, born January in IL. There was also listed as daughter, Lily CHAPMAN, age 9, born IL. (Note: They were living next to Stephen's brother and family, Joseph and Mary E. ADAMS.) (Note: Lilly married W. F. ADAMS 6 Feb 1890, Clinton County, Illinois.)

Children of Stephen Jefferson and Susan Caroline (DAVIS) ADAMS:

1. Cephas Albert ADAMS, born 27 Oct 1877, Carrigan Township, Illinois. Cephas died 17 May 1971, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
        Cephas married Anola Eaglin �Nola� WASSEM 25 Jul 1900, Marion County, Illinois. She was born 6 May 1881, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of Jacob E. �Jake� and Wilhelmina Anna (EAGLIN) WASSEM. Nola died 1 Feb 1932, Patoka, Marion County, Illinois.
        Their children: 1. Claude W. ADAMS, born 1902/03, East Fork Township, Clinton County, Illinois. He married Georgena L. �Gena� ___?___ ; 2. Florence E. ADAMS, born 24 Sep 1905, East Fork Township, Clinton County, Illinois. Florence married Mr. CRAWFORD; 3. Maurice Cephas �Mose� ADAMS, born 12 Jun 1913, Hallsville, Boone County, Missouri. Mose married Hilda Margaret McNICOL.

2. Hardin ADAMS, born Jan 1880, Carrigan Township, Illinois.
        Hardin married Freda D. ___?___ 1901/02.
        They had daughters: 1. L. Maud C. ADAMS, born 1903/04, Marion County, Illinois; 2. Mabel I. ADAMS, born 1904/05, Marion County, Illinois; 3. Ada F. ADAMS, born 25 Dec 1907, Marion County, Illinois. Ada died 16 Jun 1995. Her last place of residence was St. Louis, Missouri. Social Security has her name as Ada B. BATES; 4. Thelma ADAMS, born 1910/11, Marion County, Illinois.

Burton Family

        Gideon / Gibeon BURTON, born circa 1768, South Carolina, son of William C., Sr. and Phoebe (DOUGLAS) BURTON. Gideon died circa 1835, Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois.
        Gibeon married Martha Ann ___?___ circa 1789, South Carolina.
        In 1813, Gibeon and his family moved to Rutherford County, Tennessee.
        In 1817, Gibeon moved his family to Clinton County, Illinois.
        On 26 Sep 1825, Gibeon BURTON purchased 160 acres, SW of Section 5, Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois. Cost of $1.25 an acre, total of $200. (Vol. 145, Page 1)

Children of Gibeon and Martha Ann (___?___) BURTON:

1. Wiley BURTON, born 1791, South Carolina.
        Wiley married Sarah ___?___ .

2. Dorothy BURTON, born Sep 1794, South Carolina.
        Dorothy married John CARTER.

3. Phoebe BURTON, born 1804, South Carolina.
        Phoebe married Byrd MILES / MILLS.

5. Allen BURTON, born 1809, South Carolina.
        Allen married Susannah REED.

6. America BURTON, born 1812, South Carolina.

7. Esther BURTON, born 1813, South Carolina.

Carrigan Family

        In 1829, Robert Mabin and Sarah A. "Sallie" (DAVIDSON) CARRIGAN settled in what would become Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois. Robert was born in Georgia, 4th son of William and Elizabeth CARRIGAN, immigrants from County Derry, Ireland. Sallie was the daughter of Maj. Samuel and Sarah (LOGAN) DAVIDSON. They had three children
        Robert Mabin CARRIGAN died in 1834, from the cholera epidemic. Sallie re-married in 1836 to Solomon Allen FULTON and had eight more children. FULTON died in 1857 and Sallie married third to Joshua Pennington HUFF in 1864. HUFF died in 1876.

Children of Robert Mabin and Sarah (DAVIDSON) CARRIGAN:

1. John Sample CARRIGAN, born 1830. John died 1836.

2. Nancy Jane CARRIGAN, born 1831. Nancy died 1920.

3. Samuel Robert CARRIGAN, born 1834. Samuel died 1927.
        Samuel was elected Marion County Sheriff in 1862 and re-elected in 1868.

Chance Family

        "Sheriff" James Wiley CHANCE, born 26 Feb 1802, Montgomery County, North Carolina, son of Alexander and Nancy (BELL) CHANCE. James died 5 Jan 1866, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois. Burial in Fredonia-Marshal Creek Cemetery, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois.
        James married Mary Margaret NICHOLS 21 Nov 1820, Wilson County, Tennessee. She was born 9 Mar 1805, Wilson County, Tennessee, daughter of Robert and Jane Gincy (PURCELL) NICHOLS.
        In 1822-23, James CHANCE arrived in Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois, from St. Clair County, Illinois.
        In 1830, the census shows James CHANCE living in Marion County, Illinois. 1 male age 70-79, 1 female age 60-69, 1 male and 1 female ages 20-29, 1 male and 1 female ages 5-9, and 1 female under the age of 5.
        On 21 Oct 1850, the census shows James (48) and Marg (45) CHANCE living in District 11, Marion County, Illinois. He was said to have been born in North Carolina and Marg in Virginia. James was a Farmer. Their real estate was valued at $150. With them were: Albert CHANCE age 17, born IL; Joseph CHANCE age 15, born IL; William CHANCE age 13, born IL; Hillary CHANCE age 10, born IL; Lucy CHANCE age 8, born IL; James CHANCE age 4, born IL; and Willis CHANCE age 1, born IL.
        James was elected Marion County Sheriff and re-elected to a 2nd term in office.

Children of James Wiley and Mary Margaret (NICHOLS) CHANCE:

1. Elizabeth Ann CHANCE, born 27 Feb 1822, Wilson County, Tennessee.

2. Henry Alexander CHANCE, born 18 Dec 1823, Wilson County, Tennessee. Henry died 1845, Marion County, Illinois.

3. Hannah Margaret CHANCE, born 20 Oct 1825, Wilson County, Tennessee. Hannah died 21 July 1898, Marysville, Cooke County, Texas.
        Hannah married John Silas WRIGHT 11 Feb 1844, Marion County, Illinois.

4. Cerena Lucinda CHANCE, born 1 Dec 1827, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois. Serena died 18 Sep 1852, Marion County, Illinois. Burial in Fredonia Cemetery, Marshall Creek Baptist Church, Tonti Township, Marion
        Cerena married John CARTER. He was born 20 Oct 1820. John died 2 Oct 1883.

5. Malinda J. CHANCE, born 8 Oct 1829, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois. Malinda died 22 Mar 1850, Marion County, Illinois. Burial in Fredonia Cemetery, Marshall Creek Baptist Church, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois.
        Malinda married James H. DORRIS. James died 25 Jun 1868, aged 44 years, 2 months and 8 days. Burial in Fredonia-Marshall Creek Cemetery, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois.

6. Elijah Albert CHANCE, born 3 Dec 1831, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois.
        Albert married 1st Lucy SMITH 13 Aug 1853, Marion County, Illinois (Vol. B, Page 44).
        Albert married 2nd Anne/Anna JONES.

7. Joseph B. CHANCE, born 13 Jan 1834, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois. Joseph died 26 Jun 1854, Marion County, Illinois.

8. Martha C. CHANCE, born 4 Apr 1836, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois.

9. William Morgan CHANCE, born 24 Mar 1837, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois.
        William married Dollie DOOLEN.

10. Hilary D. CHANCE, born 13 Feb 1840, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois. Hilary died 30 July 1901.
        Hilary married Lucinda SMITH 13 Sep 1861, Marion County, Illinois (Vol. D, Page 9, Cert. #310).

11. Lucy CHANCE, born 10 Jun 1842, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois. Lucy died 7 Jun 1925, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois.
        Lucy married George Washington KRETZER.

12. Erasmus CHANCE, born 16 Feb 1845, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois. Rasmus died circa 1845, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois.

13. James Wiley CHANCE, born 16 Feb 1847, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois. James died 18 Aug 1918, Worland, Washakie County, Wyoming.
        James married Mary Jane BATTEN 22 Feb 1866, Marion County, Illinois (Vol. D, Page 33, Cert. #1135).

14. Willis J. CHANCE, born 22 Nov 1848, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois. Willis died 9 Sep 1924, Patoka, Marion County, Illinois.
        Willis married Sarah Matilda J. FOSTER 7 Apr 1871, Marion County, Illinois (Vol. D, Page 73).

15. John Riley CHANCE, born 5 Mar 1851, Tonti Township, Marion County, Illinois.

Cozad Family

        David S. COZAD was born circa 1801, Harrison County, Virginia. In 1826, David married Anna LEE. By 1870, the widowed David arrived in Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois, where he was living with his son, David S. COZAD, Jr. David had 13 children by his 1st wife and 1 by his 2nd, who was also named Annie.

Children of David S. and Anna (LEE) COZAD:

1. Sarah Ann COZAD, (1826-1916)
        Sarah married Charles R. BOOHER.

2. Jane COZAD, born1829.

3. John P. COZAD, born 1832.
        John married Asenath ___?___.

4. Mary COZAD, born 1835.
        Mary married Mr. MORIN.

5. Nancy COZAD, born 1837.

6. Sintha A. COZAD, born 1839.

7. William S. COZAD, born 1841.
        William married Amanda S. ___?___.
8. Leander "Lee" COZAD, born 1842.

9. Naoma COZAD, born 1843.

10. Josiah A. COZAD, (1845-1938).
        Josiah married 1st Rebecca HARRIS.
        Josiah 2nd Josephine (LONNAN) MEYER.

11. Allen COZAD, born 1848.

12. David S. COZAD, Sr., born 1850.
        David married Ann ___?___.

13. Saphronia COZAD,
        Saphronia married Mr. SHEPHERD.

Son of David S. and Annie (___?___) COZAD:

14. James COZAD, born 1875.

Harker Family

        Charles P. HARKER was born 19 Sep 1829, Ocean Grove, Monmouth County, New Jersey. When he was 3 years of age, his family moved by wagon to a farm near Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1885, with wife Laura CHANEY and children, Charles traveled by train to Odin, Marion County, Illinois, having traded his Ohio farm for a larger one north of Odin in Carrigan Township. Odin was at that time a thriving village which was beginning to produce a seven foot vein of coal. Charles was gored in the leg by a bull, a wound that he never totally overcame. Charles died in 1913 and his wife Laura died in 1905. Both were returned to Ohio for burial.

Children of Charles P. and Laura (CHANEY) PARKER:

1. Ida HARKER, born 1860, Clermont County, Ohio.

2. Louis HARKER, born 1863, Clermont County, Ohio.

3. Alice HARKER, born 1866, Clermont County, Ohio.
        Alice married Cyrus W. HATCH 10 Nov 1889, Marion County, Illinois (Vol. E, Page 6).

4. Thomas C. "Tom" HARKER, born 1868, Clermont County, Ohio.
        Tom married Helena "Helen" SEIB 25 Aug 1892, Marion County, Illinois.
        They both taught school. He was a poet.

5. Charles Wade HARKER, born 1870, Clermont County, Ohio.
        Wade married Irene A. BELAMY 28 Sep 1892, Marion County, Illinois.
        He was a carpenter and built a house for Ralph MERTEN. Wade and Irene moved to Akron, Ohio.

6. Blanche HARKER, born Jun 1874, Clermont County, Ohio.

7. Daniel "Dan" HARKER, born 1876, Clermont County, Ohio.
        Dan went to northern Illinois and taught school. He was later a salesman.

8. Frank Harold HARKER, born 21 Nov 1878, Clermont County, Ohio.
        Frank married Edna MERTEN.
        Frank remained on the home place and was a Farmer. He wrote many poems in late life.

Jolliff Family
(1917-2011)
by Elvina (Fiscus)(Wadkins) Foltz

        One of the old and honored citizens of Carrigan Township, Samuel A. JOLIFF was born July 2, 1830 in Central City, Marion County, Illinois. He was the son of James and Elizabeth JACKSON JOLLIFF. They moved in Illinois Oct. 15, 1829. His father was born in Kentucky. His Grandfather served under General WASHINGTON in the Revolutionary War.
        The year 1852 found young Samuel in California searching for gold. He then went to Panama to work on the Panama Canal.
        On 25 Dec 1857, Samuel married 1st Mary L. KINION in Clinton County, Illinois. She was born 29 Jun 1839, New York. Mary died 1863, Illinois.
        On 12 Aug 1862, Samuel enlisted into Company G, 111th Illinois Infantry of the Union Army during the Civil War, under the command of his brother, R. W. JOLLIFF. Samuel was discharged from service 6 Jun 1865, with the rank of Sergeant.
        On 15 Jul 1865, Samuel married 2nd Eliza Jane ALEXANDER in Marion County, Illinois. She was born 8 Mar 1838, Illinois. Eliza died 1866, Illinois.
        On 3 Jan 1867, Samuel married 3rd Rebecca J. WISHER. She was born 12 May 1847.
        On 31 Oct 1870, Samuel A. JOLLIFF purchased 53.61 acres of wild, uncultivated land from the Illinois Central Railroad. Price was $8 an acre, total of $429. This area was rather sparsely settled at that time. The property, N2NWFR of Section 6, in the corner of Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois, with only the road on the west side dividing it from East Fork Township in Clinton County, Illinois. The northwest corner of the property bordered Fayette County, Illinois. Directly across the road was a small creek, which ran from the northeast to the southwest. The old bridge crossing the creek was known as the 4 Wing Bridge.
        On 12 Aug 1885, Samuel A. JOLLIFF purchased 40 acres at $4.50 an acre. Located in NENW, Section 12 of East Fork Township, Clinton County, Illinois. Total cost of $180.
        Samuel died 21 Aug 1902, Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois. His 3rd wife, Rebecca, continued living on the farm and home place until her death on 12 Dec 1936.

Children of Samuel Anderson and Mary L. (KINION) JOLLIFF:

1. Louisa E. JOLLIFF, born 9 Jan 1858, East Fork Township, Clinton County, Illinois.

2. Stella Josephine JOLLIFF, born 26 Feb 1860, East Fork Township, Clinton County, Illinois.

3. John A. JOLLIFF, born 18 Jun 1861, East Fork Township, Clinton County, Illinois.

Daughter of Samuel Anderson and Eliza Jane (ALEXANDER) JOLLIFF:

4. Eliza Jane JOLLIFF,

Children of Samuel Anderson and Rebecca J. (WISHER) JOLLIFF:

5. Minnie Annette JOLLIFF, born 21 Oct 1867, Illinois.
        Minnie married Edwin O'NEAL 22 Dec 1885.

6. Ulysses JOLLIFF, born 6 May 1869, Illinois.
        Ulysses married Etta WARD 1890.

7. Chester G. JOLLIFF, born 9 Oct 1872, Illinois.
        Chester married Mary SMITH 14 Sep 1892.

8. Bertie JOLLIFF, born 5 Jun 1875, Illinois.

9. Winfred JOLLIFF, born 14 Nov 1876, Illinois.

10. Bertha V. JOLLIFF, born 2 Mar 1880, Illinois.

Merten Family
by Stephen P.H. Frakes

        Edward Wilhelm MERTEN, born 10 mar 1854, St. Louis, Missouri, son of Herman Heinrich Abraham and Anna Maria Elisabeth (EILERS) MERTEN. Edward died 24 Feb 1921, Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois. Edward and Wilhamenia are both buried in the Sandoval Cemetery.
        Edward married Wilhamenia C. "Minnie" WEDEL 20 Apr 1881. She was born 22 Jul 1862, Clinton County, Illinois, daughter of Herman Frederick and Wilhamenia (WHERNHART) WEDEL. Minnie died 12 Feb 1949.
        On 1 Jun 1900, the census shows Edward (46) and Minnie C. (38) MERTEN living in Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois. Edward was said to have been born Mar 1854, Missouri and his parents in Germany. Minnie was said to have been born Jul 1861, Illinois and her parents in Germany. Edward was a Merchant in Fairman. They owned their home free of mortgage. They were said to have been married 19 years and that she had given birth to 8 children with 6 living. With them were their children: Edna C. MERTEN age 18, born Feb 1882, IL; Ralph C. MERTEN age 16, born Oct 1883, IL; Cora MERTEN age 12, born Feb 1888, IL; Harry L. MERTEN age 10, born Feb 1890, IL; Carl H. MERTEN age 8, born Sep 1891, IL; and Orin W. MERTEN age 9 months, born Aug 1899, IL.

Children of Edward Wilhelm and Wilhamenia C. (WEDEL) MERTEN:

1. Edna Cordelia MERTEN was born 10 Feb 1882.
        Edna married Frank Harold HARKER.

2. Ralph Cornelius MERTEN was born 19 Oct 1883.
        Ralph married Myrtle Adelia MARCHAM.
3. Lillie Mable MERTEN (1885-1993).

4. Cora MERTEN was born 2 Feb 1888.
        Cora married Ben LAUBMAYER.

5. Harry Lester Merten (1890-1934)
        Harry married 1st Minnie DECHENE.
        Harry married 2nd Agnes M. HARDER.

6. Carl Henry MERTEN (1891-1974)
        Carl married Agnes KARR.

7. Orrin Wendell MERTEN was born 29 Aug 1899.
        Orrin married Edna ROFFMANN.

Phelps Family

        Frederick PHELPS was born 5 Jan 1795, Tennessee and died in Carrigan Township, Marion County, Illinois 3 Sep 1845. Burial in Phelps Cemetery. Frederick married Delila. She was born in 1802 and she died 12 Nov 1875. Burial in Phelps Cemetery, Carrigan Township.

Children of Frederick and Delila (___?___) PHELPS:
1. Lavina PHELPS,

2. Samuel PHELPS,
        Samuel married 1st Eliza EASTON.
        Samuel married 2nd Lavina CRUSE.
        Samuel married 3rd Isbella O'BRIANT.

3. Elizabeth PHELPS,
        Elizabeth married Absalome STEELE.

4. Maria PHELPS, died in infancy.

5. Wright PHELPS,
        Wright married 1st Susan JACKSON.
        Wright married Mary M. ROTH.

6. Melinda PHELPS,
        Melinda married Nathan STEELE.

7. Lydia PHELPS,

8. John PHELPS,
        John married Mary Ann TUCKER.

9. Temperance PHELPS,

10. Delila PHELPS,
        Delila married David KISNER.

Historical Directory - Carrigan Township - 1892

Name Business Date of Birth Place of Birth Moved to Carrigan John BELCHER Farmer & Stock 1848 Tennessee 1850 S. R. CARRIGAN Farmer 1834 Illinois 1834 W. R. CARRIGAN Farmer 1836 Illinois 1836 H. D. CHANCE Farmer & Stock 1840 Illinois 1840 A. W. CAREY Sawmill Owner 1852 Ohio 1883 J. M. DAVIDSON Farmer & Stock 1838 Illinois 1838 William DULL Farmer 1820 Pennsylvania 1853 Valentine FOLTZ Steam Thresher 1838 Indiana 1877 W. A. GROSS Farmer & Stock 1866 Indiana 1889 C. P. HARKER Farmer & Stock 1829 New York 1885 Z. C. JOHNSON Farmer & Stock 1866 Illinois 1872 S. A. JOLIFF Farmer 1830 Illinois 1830 Abraham LEE Farmer & Stock l825 England 1863 W. D. LIBNTON Fruit & Veg. Raiser 1864 Illinois 1864 L. C. MATTHEWS Merchant & Postmaster 1848 Illinois 1848 Wm. McGLUMPHY Farmer & Stock 1827 Pennsylvania 1869 David KISSNER Farmer 1837 Ohio 1853 William MORRIS Farmer & Stock 1847 Illinois 1892 M. J. NEWMAN Farmer & Stock 1835 Illinois 1891 J. L. PARKS Fruit Grower 1855 Illinois 1865 J. L. SHENICK Farmer & Stock 1824 Canada 1864 A. C. SMITH Farmer & Stock 1833 Kentucky 1839 T. B. SWEARINGEN Farmer & Stock 1837 Ohio 1865 John TROUTT Farmer & Stock 1849 Illinois 1879 Israel YARDLEY Farmer 1830 Ohio 1837

Fairman
by James Meredith - 1959

        Fairman, Illinois has been a trading center for the surrounding neighborhoods for nearly a century. It was known as Wilson's Smith until the need of a Post Office was felt. Mr. WILSON had a General Store, sawmill, and grist mill, all doing a good business for several years. He sold his business interests to S. C. MATTHEWS, about 1890. He then built up a very extensive enterprise.
        The store was enlarged in size and by other projects carried on by MATTHEWS. He bought and fed cattle and hogs on a large scale for his day. He rented stalk fields and hire cowboys to heard his cattle. He went into the cord wood business, buying cord wood and ties for the Illinois Central Company of the railroad. The cord wood was racked on the right of way by nearby land owners, the year around, anytime, any amount. A man could rack up any amount, from a cord up to as much as he could. The racks were eight foot high, to some nearly one half quarter of a mile long. Divisions in the rack for customers were made by cross-piling for divisions. The wood was steam-power sawed in the spring to 16 inch lengths and loaded ten cords per boxcar and sold to the I.C. to fire their engines. MATTHEWS paid $1.25 to $1.40 per cord. Loaders were paid 90 cents per car if they could pitch the wood into the car. $1.00 per car if wheeled in with a wheelbarrow, $1.25 to $1.40 if hauled in a wagon. The stacked cord wood could be drawn on as store pay anytime. If a man had only one load it was measured on his wagon and he got his groceries right then.
        Much of the railroad land was bought for $2.50 per acre. $100 for 40 acres, and some paid for it with cord wood. Timber choppers were paid 50 cents per day or per cord. The saw mill worked up some of the virgin timber, as fine logs as ever grew for 25 cents per 100 board feet, for sawing, later the price was 40 cents and then much higher.
        MATTHEWS built a large hay barn intending to put in a beater press, but the portable press came into use and he bought ready-pressed hay on a large scale, often loading out two cars of ten tons each per day, during much of the fall and winter seasons.
        A large warehouse was built east of the switch track. Wheat, oats, corn, and many other things were bought, reclined and shipped as a sale was made. A large warehouse was built west of the track for storing hay until the price was right. He also went into the wagon, buggy, road-cat, implement business, doing a large amount of trading.
        He acquired large real estate holdings. He disposed of his holdings to J. MARCHAM and E. MERTEN in the nineties and moved to Sandoval, and later to Kinmundy, where he died. He is buried in Sandoval Cemetery.
        When a post office was due for the community a wrangle for a suitable name occurred. Names suggested: Matthews, Carrigan, Hogback, Sowbelly, and Fairman. The names in connection with hogs was occasioned by the gathering of hogs wallowing in mud holes with only their heads and backs being visible. This was before the stock laws.
        Fairman was selected and MATTHEWS was the first Postmaster. He carried on this business in connection with his store as all succeeding Postmasters have done. Other postmasters were David KISSNER and E. A. MERTEN. Mr. MERTEN sold his store to J. E. HILL. Other owners were Pearl DAVIDSON, Levi GERRISH, Theodore MERIDITH, Emit WOOD, James TROUTT, Thomas WALKER, and some other owners whose names I do not recall. The store was totally burned while the property of James TROUTT.

Foltzville
by E. Foltz

Foltz was a small settlement, 3 miles South and about 1 mile west of Patoka, consisted of a sawmill, small store and 7 or 8 houses. It was a family settlement so most of the families were named FOLTZ. Two of the families were GERRISHES and they were married into the FOLTZ family. A spur ran from the Illinois Central Railroad to the mill, which provided work from the mid-1890's to the beginning of World War I in 1917. Part of that track used horse-drawn cars. The mill was run by John FOLTZ. Another mill was located west of what is now Route 51, next to the BRISCOE property. Old timers say they can still find traces of the track. (written in 1978)

Marion County, Illinois Home Page

Additions and/or corrections are most welcome.

Any old photos of Carrigan Township
would also be greatly appreciated.
Photos of homes, barns, families, scenes, etc.

Compiled by
Stephen P. H. Frakes
Salem, Illinois 62881-2120

Updated:
13 July 2024