My Flanders, Hargrave & McClain Families of Illinois

~The Hargrave & Flanders Connection~

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~The Hargrave & Flanders Connection~
Descendants of Sarah Hargrave & Charles G. Flanders
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My Hargrave Ancestors
Descendants of Nicholas Purcell
Bill of the Personal Property & Probate Files of the Estate of Geo B. Hargrave
Revolutionary War Pension Application ~ Abner Flanders
"The Old Slave House" Hickory Hill, Illinois
Slavery in Illinois
Music in Equality
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Family Photos ~ Page 2
~I Remember Mama~
This Page is Dedicated to Our Daughter Shelly Lee Gillihan
Family Profiles
Flanders Obituary Page
Equality Village Cemetery ~Family Tombstone Photos~
~Mama's Obituary~
Family Burials In Illinois
My McClain Family
Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957) Author
Family Documents Page 1
~Family Documents Page 2~
~Honoring Our Flanders Who Served ~
Honoring Our Hargraves Who Served
McClain Civil War Veterans From Illinois
Family & Friends That I Have Found
The Later Generations

SOURCE NOTES: The following family information is based on the sources cited below and although most of the dates are within the correct range, it is not within the scope of this project to verify against county records their accurateness.Hargrave Family File, n.d. Hargrave Family File. Ms. on file at White County Historical Society, Carmi, Illinois.  Furnished by Cally Lence.

Head, B. 1985 Gallatin County, Illinois, Marriages, 1830-1850. Published by John V. Murphy, Carrier Mills, Illinois.

Illinois State Archives 2001 Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900. Compiled by the Illinois State Archives and the Illinois State Genealogical Society. URL http//www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/marriage.html

Miner, G. 1973 Gallatin County, Illinois, Cemeteries. Compiled by Glen Miner. Heritage House, Thomson, Illinois.

Willis Hargrave

Willis Hargrave, the Son of William  Hargrave 1. & Unknown Bishop was born about 1770 in South Carolina, and he and wife Jane Brown relocated to Logan County, Kentucky, in 1790. Here they had nine children, Samuel, Margaret, Seth, Nancy, George, Rachel, Lee, Light, and Jane. The latter two died in infancy. Willis moved his family to Gallatin County in 1808 where, along with daughter Margaret and her husband James Ratcliff, they settled near the U.S. Salines at Equality. Willis, who had been active in the Kentucky Militia and was a lieutenant in 1797 and a captain by 1803, engaged his service in the War of 1812 mostly guarding settlements against native attack. He served in the 3rd Regiment, Captain Hargraves Company. Willis Hargrave was an important figure in early southeastern Illinois history. By 1812,  four years after moving to Gallatin County, Willis Hargrave was made a member of a three-man commission, which included Leonard White and Phillip Trammel, to set legal boundaries for the U.S. Salines at Equality.

The formation of statehood in Illinois in 1818 was decided against a backdrop of the heated slavery issue. Willis Hargrave was a member of the committee to draft the Illinois Constitution. This constitution was modeled after those of Ohio and Indiana, although, unlike those states it protected the indenture system which was already in place, thanks to the efforts of the Saline lessees Hargrave, Leonard White, and those who were proslavery. As delegates from White County, Hargrave and William McHenry signed the Illinois Constitution on August 26, 1818 (Inter-State Publishing Company1883330; Metzger 1971101-104). After the gubernatorial election of 1822, where 75 percent of Gallatin County citizens voted in favor of the proslavery candidate Judge Thomas C. Browne, Willis Hargrave asserted his wishes to legalize slavery in the state. Hargrave was accused of establishing a proslavery organization and conspiring to bring slaves into the state. In December of 1823, Hargrave held a meeting of the "Friends of a Convention" aimed at amending the constitution to allow slavery. The slavery question was a statewide concern for many citizens and it appears that Hargrave was very much involved in the heated debate. No changes were made, however, and Illinois remained a free state. Note:  Most of the lessees at the Saline Reservation used slave or indentured labor to produce salt. In fact, Gallatin County held 28 percent of the slaves in Illinois in 1820, second only to Randolph County. Based on census information, Willis Hargrave in 1818, 1820, and 1830 held 14, 10, and 13 slaves, respectively (Appendix G). It is probable that he had held more because in 1815 he indentured eight at one time and at least nine in 1818 in White County (Metzger 1971:49–51, 80, 83). One of these indentures, Barney Hargrave, later became involved in a court battle with John Chossier, in which the former won.

~Follow the links below for more information on slavery in Illinois~

Willis Hargrave was most important locally for services he provided for the town of Equality. He opened a hotel just west of the public square sometime after workers at the U.S. Saline began building at the new town site on higher ground, just north of the Salines. Hargrave was elected a trustee on March 9, 1833, and was president of the board of trustees in 1835. Willis died in 1846 at the age of 76 .

George B. Hargrave

George B. Hargrave was born in 1797 in Logan County, Kentucky. At that time his father was a Lieutenant in the 23rd Regiment of the Kentucky Militia. When he was 11, his family moved to Gallatin County, Illinois. George grew up in the shadow of war with the British, threat of Native American attacks, and the slavery issue. Little is known of George's early life. The first account of him is on February 16, 1816, when a group of eight men including George rode out from Equality and established Carmi as the county seat of the newly established White County. At this time the whole family moved to White County. By the time George was at least 22 years old, he was keeping the first store in Carmi. Five years later in 1824 he became the sheriff of White County. He kept this office until 1830 when he moved to Gallatin County to settle at the farmstead, where he died in December of 1841.

As early as 1817, George began buying land. George purchased the SE¼ of Section 19, Township 5 South, Range 9 East, in White County, on January 9 of that year, and at the time of that purchase, his residence was listed as White County (Figure 3-1). He was most likely still living with his parents at this point, just west of Carmi. He would have been 20 years old and unmarried.

George B. Hargrave was elected sheriff of White County in 1824, when he was 27 years old. During the trial of murderers Frederick Cotner and Hugh Shipley in the summer of 1824, Hargrave was paid $200.80 for expenses incurred while detaining the prisoners (Land 1965). Unfortunately, no other information could be obtained about George B. Hargrave in this occupation. In October of 1829, George purchased 160 ac. of land in Gallatin County just north of the town of Equality (Illinois State Archives n.d.) (Figure 3-2). Full payment for the land was made by February 2, 1833 (Gallatin County Courthouse, Shawneetown, Illinois [GCC] Deed Book D:8). He continued to serve as sheriff until 1830, when he moved to Gallatin County because “he preferred the privacy of farming”(Goodspeed Publishing Company 1887:544). The family was still living in White County at the time of the 1830 census (Appendix G). It is probable that George erected a home in 1829–1830 on this 160 ac. tract.

George and Lucinda  McHenry had at least nine children from 1820 to 1835. Lucinda died in 1836 "near Equality" (Goodspeed Publishing Company 1887544). It is probable, then, that she died at the farmstead. According to family bible records, a son, George Turner Cook Hargrave, was born on December 27, 1835, and Lucinda died 13 days later. Complications of childbirth may have contributed to her demise. George then remarried Mahulda Bourland Clark who bore him at least three children. George B. Hargrave died on or before December 17, 1841.

1841 (Hargrave Family File n.d.). On January 1, 1842, this announcement appeared in the Illinois Republican.                             NOTICE

The undersigned having taken out letters of administration on the estate of George B. Hargraves, dec’d; late of Gallatin County, notifies all persons having claims against said estate, to present them to him or to the Judge of Probate for settlements, within nine months from date.

JOHN FLANDERS, adm’r of George B. Hargrave, dec’d

Equality, Jan 1., 1842

Because little is known of the Hargrave family during this period, from 1830 to 1841, probate records from the estate of George B. Hargrave were consulted to determine the contents of the estate and the debts owed to or owed by George B. Hargrave

(GCC 1841: Probate Case File 42).

From the probate records, it can be established that George B. Hargrave was engaged principally in farming. Other activities may include brickmaking, the sale of lumber from his property, and contract mail delivery.

An analysis of the probate file for George B. Hargrave indicates the extent of livestock and agricultural activities at the farmstead. The property was appraised of value on January 24, 1842, by Abner Flanders (Table 3-2). Livestock included six horses, 20 sheep, 22 hogs, 35pigs,six oxen, seven steers, two cows, three heifers, two calves, and one bull calf. Evidently, Hargrave farmed much of his 400 ac. land in Gallatin County, as shown by the number of work animals present in the inventory: six oxen (three teams) and two work steers. Unfortunately, Hargrave died in December, when only 10 ac. of wheat and 2 ½ ac. of rye were on the ground. Therefore, it is unknown the extent of summer crops grown on the land. There was, however, one pen of corn, four stacks of fodder, and two stacks of hay on the farmstead at the time of appraisal (Table 3-2) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42).

At the time of his death, Hargrave was paying taxes on 520 ac. of land. Of this number, it is unknown how many acres were actually improved and to what extent. Tax records show that, in 1838, 80 of these were for George F. Clark’s land (Mahulda’s deceased first husband) in Saline County and were probably not farmed by George (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42) (Appendix F:15). Another 80 ac. was owned by George in 1838 and 1841 in Saline County, and by 1842, only land in Gallatin County shows on the tax record (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42) (Appendix F:15, 18, 31).

 According to the probate, at his death, Hargrave owned 20 sheep. Much of his account with Abner Flanders was a debt to Flanders for the carding of wool and finding grease (Appendix F:7) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42). This was done, at most, three times a year, from the first date of July 2, 1836, to November 13, 1841. On average, 28 pounds of wool was carded a year for the five years listed in the probate. It is probable that this wool was spun at the farmstead for the family’s

Table 3-2.

personal use, not sold at market. A loom was listed as estate property on the bill of appraisal (Table 3-2) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42).

 Since George B. Hargrave was the initial purchaser of his land from the government, it is likely that it was unimproved. Therefore, Hargrave would have had to clear the land in order to farm there. The presence of three teams of oxen and one team of work steers in the inventory supports this suggestion. However, the oxen may have been used in other enterprises, such as hauling brick and wood. The supposition that Hargrave was involved in brickmaking is supported by several entries in the probate record. First, Hargrave’s account with Abner Flanders lists as debt owed to Flanders “9½ days labor of Charles in Brickyard” (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42) (Appendix F:7). It can be assumed that Charles was either a son or hired hand of Abner Flanders whom George B. Hargrave employed in the “Brickyard.” Second, a letter from Dr. T. Dunn to Leonard White to settle accounts with Hargrave reads, in part “I got of Mr. Hargrave the use of Tin [sic] Thousand Brick at $5. Per thousand” (Appendix F:10) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42). No other mention of activities related to brickmaking could be located.

Hargrave was also involved in the sale of wood from his property. The above mentioned letter by T. Dunn states “Mr. Hargrave & myself settled our the 1st day of January 1835 his accounts was thin [sic] $9.95 which he settled in wood.” (Appendix F:10) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42). Also, an account due to Hargrave from Joseph Hayes details the purchase of wood from August 5, 1840 to September 20, 1841 totaling nearly $100 (Appendix F:25) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42). Finally, a small note lists a credit of $1.00 with John Howard for “one load of wood” (Appendix F:32) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42). A good deal of plank was on hand at the farmstead at the time of Hargrave’s death; 1,000 ft. of flooring plank and 180 ft. of weather boarding plank were on the property at the time of appraisal (Table 3-2) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42).This lumber may have been intended for improvements to the farmstead.

Entries within the probate record point also to Hargrave’s involvement with the mail service. Daniel Hay was the first and only mail contractor in the area in 1825, and his contract lasted until 1842 (Inter-State Publishing Company 1883:510). A schedule of debts drawn up by John Flanders lists “A Note against Daniel Hay for 39.93 for Transport the Mail from Equality to Mount Vernon.” Flanders collected, on January 23 and Feb 5, 1842, $52.42 and $22.58, respectively, from Daniel Hay for the mail contract (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42) (Appendix F:36, 38). It can be assumed from this record that Daniel Hay contracted Hargrave or one of his sons to deliver the mail. A letter in the probate indicates one of Hargrave’s sons actually carried the mail on a weekly basis for at least two years. The letter reads, in part, “The estate of George B. Hargrave to Daniel McHenry. To keeping his Boy two nights in each week two years & 2 months when carring [sic] the Mail at 75 cts per week.” (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42) (Appendix F:17). Daniel McHenry, probably a brother or uncle of Lucinda McHenry Hargrave, owned much land in White County. One of the earliest land purchases made by McHenry was in Section 8, just east of Carmi, in 1814. This tract of land, some 30 mi. from the Hargrave farmstead may have been where Hargrave’s “Boy” stopped while carrying the mail (Figure 3-1). As shown on the 1876 Atlas of Illinois, the McHenry family still owned this section of land, and two structures were present there in 1876 (Union Atlas Company 1876). Based on available information, it is most likely that William M. Hargrave, eldest son of George, was carrying the mail, as at the time of George’s death, he would have been 18 years old and Willis B., his second son, would have been 16 years old.

Based on the earliest land purchases made by Flanders, in January of 1830, Flanders most likely lived about a mile north or just southeast of Hargrave (Figure 3-2). They were enumerated on the 1840 census of Gallatin County next to each other. In 1903, Flanders relatives still owned the north tract of land and a structure (schoolhouse?) is present there and on an 1876 atlas of Illinois (Standard Map Company 1903?; Union Atlas Company 1876). Regardless, Flanders was most likely one of the closest neighbors of Hargrave. Flanders bred his mares with Hargrave’s horses, bought coffee, and took cash on two separate occasions (Appendix F:7) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42). As noted above, Hargrave employed Flanders to card his wool and miscellaneous items. According to the probate record, the two shared ownership of a fan mill. Hargrave’s account with Flanders lists $12.50 for “Credit by the half of Fan Mill” (Appendix F:7) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42). It is unknown where the mill was located, although it was likely in Hargrave’s possession because the property appraisal listed “The half of a Fan mill” (Table 3-2). Fan mills, or fanning mills, were used to remove chaff, husks, and dirt from grain (Figure 3-3). The presence of a water-powered mill (perhaps a flour or sawmill) is suggested by an 1856 copy of the ca.1814 GLO map indicating the presence of a mill seat just east of the Hargrave farmstead, near the river. There is no such marking on the original 1814 plat, nor is it mentioned on the original 1807 field survey (Illinois Land Records 1807; GLO 1814?; Surveyor General’s Office 1856).

Historically, sons and daughters of close neighbors have often intermarried and this, along with census and land records, can indicate the geographic location of these families. Such is the case with Hargrave and Flanders. Maletna Hargrave, eldest daughter of George B. Hargrave married John Flanders, son of Abner. William M. Hargrave, George’s son married Cynthia Flanders, daughter of Abner. According to the

1860 census of Gallatin Co. Abner Flanders at age 70 was at that time living in Equality near William M. and Willis B. Hargrave.

 

After the estate was settled, Hargrave’s land became the property of his seven heirs: Mahulda, William M., Willis B., Maletna, Mary, John, and Ebeneezer (Table 3-5). The exact division of land is unknown, although by 1879 William M. Hargrave and his wife Martha had ownership of the S½ of the SW¼ of Section 4, the location of the farmstead. Taxes were paid by the estate until the year 1845 (Appendix F:27, 29, 31, 35) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42). That year, both Muhulda and William M. Hargrave married. Muhulda married William Roark on January 19, 1845 (Hargrave Family File n.d.). At this point, it can be assumed that she moved into his house in Cottage Grove Township in Saline County; they are listed there on the 1850 census of Saline County (Hargrave Family File n.d.). Muhulda, then, may have lived at the Hargrave Farmstead for just over three years after the death of George.

William M. Hargrave sold his 185 ac. which included the Hargrave Farmstead to his brother, Willis B. Hargrave on July 24, 1879 (GCC Deed Book 5:119). William M. Hargrave died on August 27, 1899. William had married a fourth time, to Martha Kitchener in 1876, after the death of Sarah. His heirs were widow Martha Hargrave and son Frederick K. Hargrave of Equality. He owned land in Section 23 at that time (GCC 1893:Probate Case File No. 47). Willis B. Hargrave died at Equality on June 29, 1893 and was buried in the Equality Village Cemetery. His widow was Anne, and they had no living children. His personal estate included a horse, buggy, cow, household and kitchen furnishings. On the 1850 census of Gallatin County, Willis B. Hargrave was listed as being a saddler, and in 1860 he was a merchant with real estate valued at $2,000 and personal property valued at $3,000 (GCC 1893:Probate Case File No. 47).

 

According to a 1912 quiet title to the property filed in chancery court by Broughton Temple, owner of the property at that time, all property in Sections 4 and 9 was divided in 1846 between the heirs of George B. Hargrave. No indication of exact division was given, although an indication that an error was made in the partition proceedings enacted by the commissioners, called “defective descriptions,” in which lands in Section 4 which were sold to William Blades by Mary Hargrave in 1853 are unknown (GCC 1912:CR 13:166–179). Unfortunately, the partition proceedings, which were to be found in Order Book M at the Gallatin County courthouse are now missing. Interestingly, William M. Hargrave deeded the mineral rights to the south 105 ac. of Section 4, which included the Hargrave Farmstead in 1869 to Joseph J. Castles (GCC Deed Book Z:499; GCC 1912:CR 13:166–179). Castles in 1871 conveyed the mineral rights to the Equality Coal Company. In 1879, the Equality Coal Company transferred all of its holdings and stock to Broughton Temple and Joseph Castles. (GCC 1912:CR 13:166–179). The only indication of geographic layout of the area of the Hargrave Farmstead is found in the 1869 deed to the mineral rights. The deed notes that “said grantee shall not molest interfear [sic] with or in any way damage or obstruct the buildings fences or orchards on said land or Interfear [sic] with the use and occupation of the surface of said land otherwise than herein granted” (GCC Deed Book Z:499).

 

Although it is uncertain whether the farmstead was occupied at the time of land transfer from William M. to Willis B. in 1879, it is known that by 1860 both William M. and Willis B. Hargrave resided in Equality and in 1887 Willis owned 325 ac. near there (Goodspeed Publishing Company 1887:544). The Hargrave Farmstead was located on this 325 ac., which he sold on March 23, 1891 to Broughton Temple (Table 3-5) (GCC Deed Book 18:109). Willis B. Hargrave was involved with the firm Hargrave and Dupree which sold produce in Equality (Goodspeed Publishing Company 1887:544). It is possible that the landholdings of Willis contributed to the production of said produce and that the “orchards” mentioned on the deed to mineral rights were a part of this enterprise. However, no mention of any commercial agricultural activity is mentioned in the quiet title proceedings, although all of the lands acquired by Broughton Temple, including those in Sections 4 and 9, in 1912 “except a few small tracts of wood land and pasture, is cleared and in a high state of cultivation and has valuable improvements thereon, and has been in such state for twenty years last past.” (GCC 1912:CR 13:166–179).

 

Conclusion

 After the death of Broughton Temple, only one owner of the property containing the Hargrave Farmstead had a listed residence of Gallatin County. This was Cecil Wathen, who owned the property from January 19, 1919, to October 20, 1933 (Table 3-5) (GCC Deed Book 49:260; Deed Book 61:414). Archaeological evidence supports the fact that the major occupation of the property was from the years 1830 to the mid-1850s. This is consistent with occupation by the families of George B. Hargrave and William M. Hargrave. It is likely that the most intense occupation of the site was from 1830 to 1841, those years which George B. Hargrave was head of household. In 1840 there were nine residents of the household. By 1845, George had died and Mahulda married William Roark, taking the young Hargrave children with her. By 1850, the William M. Hargrave family, which included seven individuals, likely resided at the site. In 1857 and 1858, William M. Hargrave buried two wives in the family cemetery. He remarried in 1858 and by 1860 was living in Equality. William’s occupation was listed as farmer, owning $2,300 in real estate and $500 in personal property. William was likely farming the property which included the site; but it does not appear as if any of the Hargrave family was living at the site after 1860.

 

                            HARGRAVE FAMILY  ~ THREE GENERATIONS

1. Willis HARGRAVE b. 1770s in South Carolina. d. 1846 , buried in Hargrave family  cemetery + Jane Brown m.1789 dpost-1846

*2e. George Hargrave b. 1797 + Lucinda McHenry + Muhulda Bourland Clark/Clarke

1. George B. HARGRAVE  b. Oct. 30, 1797 in Butler Co., Ky; d.  Dec.17, 1841 in Gallatin Co., Ill.+ Lucinda McHenry b.  Sept.25, 1801 daughter of William & Hannah McHenry; mDec.20, 1819; d.  January 8, 1836

2a. Madeline (Maletna) Hargrave b.  Oct. 7, 1820 + John Flanders , m. Dec. 20, 1838; d. 1842 + William Blades, m. Aug. 7, 1845

2b. William McHenry Hargrave b. March 23, 1823; d. Aug. 27, 1899 + Cynthia Ann Flanders m. Feb. 6, 1845; d 1855; buried Hargrave family cemetery+ Elizabeth (Mary) Gullick m. Jan. 8, 1857; d1857 buried Hargrave family cemetery + Sarah Jane Watkins m. Dec. 29, 1858  + Martha Kitchener m April 4, 1876

2c. Willis Brown Hargrave b. Aug. 03, 1825; d. June 29, 1893; buried Equality Cemetery + Sarah A. Craw b. Jan. 6, 1831 to Richard Craw; m. June 15, 1848; d. 1888; buried Equality Cemetery

3a. Alma L. Hargrave

3b. George R. Hargrave

+ Annie Dively; m. March 2, 1889

2d. Thomas Shannon Hargrave b. Nov. 09, 1827; d. Nov. 11, 1827

2e. Margaret Jane Hargrave b. Nov 11, 1828; d. Dec. 07, 1832

2f. Mary Robinson Hargrave b. Aug. 03, 1830 + Hubbard Shane m. May 12, 1853

2g. A son b. Oct. 10, 1832; d. Oct. 10, 1832

2h. Lee Hargrave b. Dec. 12, 1833; d. Sept. 27, 1834

2i. George Turner Cook Hargrave b. Dec. 27, 1835; d. Dec. 5, 1836

William McHenry HARGRAVE married Cynthia Ann FLANDERS and according to census records had four children.

1850 U.S. Census • Illinois • Gallatin • Equalit y
Roll:    M432_107  Image:    664 Page:    402B

William HARGRAVE 27 farmer, all b IL
Cynthia A 24, George 4, John 3, Willie 1, Mary E 1/12
*none of these children appear on Gallatin 1880 census

HARGRAVES Family Cemetery located 1/2 mile E of Pool home on road going N. out of Equality. Only 2 markers found and there should have been several from reports. Equality Twp. Section 4, T9S R8E.

HARGRAVES, Cynthia Ann (Flanders)  d. 1855 age 28 yrs.

Mary E. 1839-1857, both were wives of Wm. M. HARGRAVE

NOTE Per informant John Musgrave 6 Feb 2004, electronic, ancestry.com Hargrave surname message board: "William M. Hargrave of Equality purchased the Old Slave House (Hickory Hill) in 1880.

FROM THE ILLINOIS STATEWIDE MARRIAGE INDEX

William M. Hargrave & Cynthia Ann Flanders - Feb. 6, 1845

William M. Hargrave & Sarah E. Christian- March 20, 1853 (Unproven)

William Hargrave & Elizabeth Gullick - Jan. 8, 1857

William Hargrave & Sarah Jane Watkins - Dec, 29, 1858

William M. Hargrave & Martha Kitchener- April 4, 1876

~ FLANDERS~

Abner Flanders 6,  (Abner 5, Richard 4, Philip 3, Steven 2, Steven 1)

b. 1790 in Concord, NH,

 served in the War of 1812 from February 28, 1813 thru February 20, 1816-----he served as a musician  in Captain Joseph Flanders' Company of Volunteers. (His father, Abner, was a veteran of the Revolutionary War.)

From:  Gallatin Co., IL Newspapers--Hickory Ridge items: 1877---"We can boast of the oldest man in the county.  It is old Uncle Abner
Flanders, a hero of 1812, who is now 88 years old, and is in apparent good health, and stands a good chance to outlive most of his children."

From:  Gallatin Co., IL Newspapers--July, 1878:--
"Obituary:  On the 21st ult. at the residence of Lewis Purcil, near Equality, Abner Flanders died, aged 88 years and 1 month.  He was born in the State of New Hampshire, May 22, 1790.  He was in the War of 1812 and received wounds that disabled him for life.  At the close of the war he moved to N.Y. where he married Miss Deborah Hill.  After spending a portion of his life in N.Y. he emigrated to White County, Ill., where he resided for a short time, thence he removed to Gallatin County to spend the remainder of his days.  Elected to the State Legislature in 1842, he was an active member of the C.P. Church. He was the oldest man in the county."

Abner married Deborah Hill, abt 1820, Tioga New York.

Children:

John Flanders b. 1820, d. May 3, 1842 + Madeline (Malenta) Hargrave, daughter of George B., m. Dec. 20, 1838

Cynthia Ann Flanders, b. abt. 1826,  d. 1855, Buried Hargrave Family Cemetery + William McHenry Hargrave, Son of George B.

Sarah Flanders, b. 1820, d. 1877, + Randall W. Davenport

George W. Flanders, b. 1821, d. 1861 + Lucy Towle, 1833-1855 + Elizabeth Proctor, 1832-1851 + Martha Purcell

Nancy Jane Flanders, b. 1824 + Simeon K. Gibson

Charles G. Flanders, b. 1828, d. 1879, buried Equality Village Cemetery + Sarah Hargrave, Daughter of  Hezekiah Hargrave & Caroline Findley, b. 1834

Abner Flanders, b. 1830

Mary Elizabeth Flanders, b. Sept 10, 1833, d. Aug. 1921 + Lewis Purcell, Son of Nicholas Purcell & Eleanor Decker

NOTE: Nicholas and Eleanor Decker Purcell were also the parents of My G-G-Grandmother, Nancy E. Purcell who married Frank McLain and had a daughter Lucy who married Oscar Peabody Flanders, Charles & Sarah's Son.

Abiel Flanders, b. and d. 1834

Chandler Flanders, b. 1836 + Louisa Holeman, b. abt. 1834

Slavery In Illinois

Jon Musgrave's Illinois History

The Death Of George Hargrave
 

George Hargrave died intestate on or before December 17, 1841, of an unknown affliction. Mortality rates were high for the young and old alike during this period. John Flanders, who was his son-in-law and the administrator of his estate, died a few months after him. It is possible that the two contracted the same illness. In 1841, yellow fever was especially severe in the southern states. Ague (malarial or intermittent fever) was prevalent also during this time. Unless Hargrave died of an accident, it is probable that he died of some form of ague or infectious disease. On September 9, 1841, Hargrave purchased from Chalon Guard one box of Sappington Pills (Appendix F:16) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42). Dr. Sappington’s Anti-Fever Pills were developed by Dr. John Sappington, a pioneer doctor and one of the first to use quinine to treat malaria and fevers. This confirms that either George or a member of his household suffered from fever within three months before his death. A study of the probate also relates the purchase of several other medicines. From 1840 until his death, Hargrave purchased Gardners Liniment, Lees Pills, Nerve and Bone Liniment, and Calomel (a purgative). Other every day treatments are interesting to note, such as castor oil, camphor, turpentine, and opedeldoe (for sprains, rheumatism, stiff joints, etc.). Some of these were purchased at Joseph Hayes’ store in Equality (Table 3-3) (Appendix F:3–6, 12, 16) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42).

 

            On December 18, 1841, the day after George’s death, an entry in the account of James Hamilton with Hargrave reads “To Coffin for Self - 6 feet long covered lined Dresed open Brest Raised lid at $250 cts per foot 15.00” (Table 3-4) (Appendix F:20) (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42). This indicates Hargrave was at most 6 ft. tall. The cost of the coffin at $15.00 is higher than two other coffins listed on the bill. The first coffin has no date of purchase, but is listed before 1837 and its value was $10.00. Lucinda Hargrave died January 8, 1836, and it is likely that this was her coffin as hers was the only adult death in the immediate family at that time. A child, George Turner Cook Hargrave died late in December of that year. The other coffin was purchased on February 11, 1840 and was likely made for Martha E. Clark, George’s stepdaughter. She would have been 6 years old at her death. Her coffin was sold to Hargrave for $8.50 (GCC 1841:Probate Case File 42) (Appendix F:20). No indication of a grave marker for George was found in the probate and was most likely erected at a later time. A small family cemetery was once located just east of the farmstead. A full discussion of the cemetery can be found in Chapter V.

 

            Following the death of George B. Hargrave, John Flanders, husband of George’s eldest daughter, Maletna, was named as administrator. Shortly after John Flanders began his duties as administrator, he died. His father, Abner Flanders took over as administrator. According to original land purchase information, Abner Flanders owned land adjacent to Hargrave’s (Figure 3-2) (Illinois State Archives n.d.). During the nineteenth century, settlers depended on sons, family members, and

neighbors for various aspects of successfully building and running a farm. Sons William M. and Willis B. were too young in 1830 when the family moved to the farmstead to be of much help. George may have hired hands to help initially clear the land and raise the house, and/or used the help.

Children of Willis & Jane Hargrave:
 
Samuel Hargrave b: 27 MAR 1790 in Logan Co., Kentucky,
Death: 1838 in Illinois
Marriage 1 Lucy Sally Berry b: ABT. 1790
Married: 18 NOV 1823 in , White Co., Illinois
 
Margaret Hargrave b: 2 DEC 1791 in Logan Co., Kentucky
Marriage 1 James Ratcliff b: ABT. 1791
Married: 24 APR 1808 in , Logan Co., Kentucky

Seth Hargrave b: 25 JAN 1794 in Logan Co., Kentucky
Death: 17 JUN 1861 in , White Co., Illinois
Marriage; Polly Pomeroy b: ABT. 1794
Married: 23 APR 1818 in , White Co., Illinois
 
Nancy Hargrave b: 2 OCT 1796 in Logan Co., Kentucky
Marriage 1 Benjamin White b: ABT. 1796
Married: 25 SEP 1815

George Hargrave (Above)

Rachel Hargrave b: 23 OCT 1799 in , Logan Co., Kentucky
Marriage 1 John Allen Richardson b: 1 JAN 1792 in Kentucky
Married: AFT. 1816 in Illinois

Lee E. Hargrave b: 16 FEB 1802 in , Logan Co., Kentucky
Marriage 1 Elizabeth Unknown b: ABT. 1802
Married: ABT. 1822

Light Hargrave b: 6 APR 1803 in , Logan Co., Kentucky
Death: 9 APR 1803 in , Logan Co., Kentucky

Jane Hargrave b: 22 OCT 1806 in , Logan Co., Kentucky
Death: 22 OCT 1806 in , Logan Co., Kentucky

 

 


List of Surnames:
Flanders, Hargrave, Lien, Hill, McClain & Purcell

Additional Source Material

TRUSTEES MINUTE OR RECORD BOOK, OF THE VILLAGE OF EQUALITY, FROM
ORGANIZATION IN APR. 1831 TO 1853.

Produced the Certificate that at the Town meeting held at the Courthouse on 4th day of April 1831 there was given 31 votes in favor of incorporating said town and no vote given in opposition thereto. All which we do certify, under our hands this 4th day of April 1831 - And also reported that at an election held at the Court house in town of Equality on Saturday April 9, ­1831 held in conformity with the act aforesaid the following named persons were duly elected Trustees of said Town viz. Willis HARGRAVE, John Siddall, James Caldwell, Joseph L. Reynolds & Leonard White, the four former being sworn by Leonard White and he by James Caldwell, well and truly to discharge their duty as Trustees of Said Town according to their best abilities - Whereupon Willis HARGRAVE was elected President of the board and Allen Redman clerk and John Wood was appointed constable and Allen Redman was appointed Treasurer.

Ordered that Leonard White, James Caldwell & John Siddall be appointed a
committee to draft an ordinance to suppress retailing spirituous liquors on the Sabbath day also to prevent shooting, and running horses in the streets within the bounds of Said Town and to prevent indecent exhibitions of horses within the bounds of Such Town. Ordered meeting adjourned until Friday 15th inst. A. Redman, clerk, Willis HARGRAVE, President.

At a meeting of the President and Trustees of the Town of Equality on Friday the 15th Inst. at the house of Gen. Willis HARGRAVE, Present Willis
HARGRAVE, President, Joseph L. Reynolds, John Siddall, adj. until next day.

Ordered that Giles Taylor work on Jackson St. one mile from Gen.Hargrave's
corner on the Carmi Road and continue the street until it comes in to the
Kaskaskia Road; and he have the following hands to work said road, George W. L. White, John Grant, Joseph E. Watkins, Thomas Smothers, Francis McCardle, John London, Loring Whiting, John J. Porter, Edmund Baker, William Siddall, John Wood, Samuel HARGRAVE, M. C. Willis, Edward Jones, Tyler D. Hewitt, Bennet Jones, James Jones, William J. Gatewood, Gen. HARGRAVE's Bob and Ranzo Tate.

Willis HARGRAVE appointed Supervisor to work Jackson St one mile on Carmi
Road and Jackson St to its intersection with St. Louis road with all hands
on both sides of said street.

At a meeting Sunday May 27, 1832 at James Caldwell's office, Leonard White
was appointed President Pro-Tem. George G. Aydelott was appointed constable.
(Authors note suggests that General HARGRAVE was absent because he had gone to the Blackhawk war as had the former constable John Wood)

April 1, 1833: At this meeting Leonard White was appointed Supervisor to
work Clinton St. one mile from court house on St. Louis Road and he was
allotted the following hands to work with him on road to wit; Israel D.
Towle, John Siddall, Lee HARGRAVE.....

Giles Y. Taylor was appointed supervisor to work Jackson St. one mile on the Carmi road until it intersects the St. Louis Road. The following hands are allotted him to work said road; Willis HARGRAVE, Francis McCardle, William Robinson, Edward Jones, Samuel, (Bob & Carter HARGRAVE......)

April 20, 1835: Trustee election held, elected were Willis
HARGRAVE............

July 11, 1835: At meeting at the house of A. Redman, the clerk presented the resignation of Willis HARGRAVE.

At meeting on July 2, 1838 street and road supervisors were again named
along with hands to work said roads. On road leading from courthouse square (intersection of Jackson & Calhoun Sts.) to bridge on North Fork. R. T. Hopper named sup. with hands Viz. (L. W. HARGRAVE)..........

In getting back to the time of the War of 1812, there were two militia com­panies organized in this area as protection against threatened Indian attacks. They were commanded by Captains Willis HARGRAVE and Thomas E. Craig and each consisted of about 70 men. The fact that so many of their names are unfamiliar is further proof that many young men considered Gallatin County an observation post as well as the gateway to the interior.

THE WAR OF 1812 IN THE ILLINOIS TERRITORY
THIRD REGIMENT (Consisting of two battalions)
Captain, Willis HARGRAVES
Capt. Willis HARGRAVE's Company
We, the undersigned, being formed into a company of mounted volunteers, under the command of Willis HARGRAVE, as Captain, tender to your Excellency our services, to perform a tour of duty against the Indians on the frontiers of Illinois Territory, and hold ourselves in readiness to march at a minute's warning to any point you may direct

Captain, Willis HARGRAVE
First Lieutenant, Wm. MCHENRY
Second Lieutenant, John GRAVES
Ensign, Thomas BERRY

In another "morning report" dated Oct. 10th 1812, we find "troops under the command of Lieut. Col. WHITESIDE" to have been the companies of Captains N. RAMSEY, Thos. E. CRAIG, Willis HARGRAVE, Absalom COX and James TROUSDALE, with a combined force of 316 men; the staff return on the back of which included, present: one surgeon, on surgeon's mate, one adjutant, one sergeant major, and one judge advocate.

  

Dedicated to the decsendants of Steven Flanders