Source:
Piatt County History
together with a
Brief History of Illinois
from the
Discovery of the Upper Mississippi to the Present Time
by Emma C. Piatt
With Map and Illustrations.
1883
Transcribed by Sharon Wick

PIATT COUNTY, ILLINOIS

CHAPTER XXV.
BLUE RIDGE TOWNSHIP
pp. 595

     THIS township lies in the extreme northern part of the county, and though not containing the amount of timber some of the other townships have, it has a fine location and contains a large amount of rich tillable land.  It received its name probably from the fact that a ridge, which in the distance looks blue, extends in the northern and northeastern part of the township.  The land in the eastern part drains into Madden's Run, that of the southern part into Goose creek, while Salt creek receives the drainage of the northwestern part of the township.
     Two railroads pass through this township.  The Chicago division of the Wabash enters the township about four miles west of the southwest corner of the township, passes toward the northwest and leaves the township about one mile west of its northwest corner. The Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western road crosses the eastern boundary line about two miles north of the southeastern corner of the township, extends northwest and leaves the township a little above the middle of its western boundary line.  These roads intersect at the town of Mansfield.

     Early settlement. - We could not obtain a great deal of information in regard to the first settlement of the township.  First settlements,

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however, were made long after those in Monticello township.  Among the names of the early settlers, we can mention Wm. Pierce, Richard Webb, Jacob Denning, Joseph Aikens, Noah Coffman, Squire Gillespie, LaFayette Cox, James Watson, Mr. Keenan, the Thomas brothers and Mr. Littleton, besides several others.  It is reported to us that Mr. Wm. Pierce began the improvements near Gardner Switch, and that the farm-house near said station is the first house of the township.  Isaac Thomas reported that Dulsina Webb, who died about 1850, was the first one who died in the neighborhood of Gardner Switch.  The first birth was probably Mary Wilson.  The first election was held at Stringtown school-house, the first one of the township, and as late as 1858, when the men went to vote they carried stakes to fasten their horses to.  The first election after the township organization was held on the Littleton place.  The first preaching at the Stringtown school-house was by Minor Chew, while Messrs. Crandall and Stoddard were latter ministers.

     Mansfield. - Gen. J. L. Mansfield moved in 1870, to his farm upon which he laid out the town, which was named in his honor.  This gentleman did a very great deal in the way of donations and in using his influence for the advancement of the town.  His death was much lamented, and the growth of the town was thereby retarded.
     The first birth in the place was that of Josephine Ruch, a daughter of Uriah Ruch.  Dr. J. J. Tremble was the first physician, and Dr. Scott came not long after him.  The first Sunday school was held Oct. 16, 1870, in Gen. Mansfield's dining-room.  After this the Sunday school was held in the depot.  In 1871 Mr. Bailey built and opened the first store of the town.  Sam'l Alexander opened the second store in 1873.  This store was owned by Alexander, Taylor & Co.

     Churches. - It was probably through the influence of Mrs. Mansfield more than that of any one else that the Episcopal church was erected about 1873 or 1874.  Tis a neat little chapel, and a credit to the town.  In 1870 a minister was obtained from Champaign, and since that time missionary ministers have been employed.  Albert E. Wells was the first minister.
     The Methodist church was the next one erected, and Horatio S. Beavis was reported as the first Methodist minister of the town.
     The United Brethren next began a church building, but about 1879 the Presbyterians bought them out and finished the building in 1880.
     The I. O. O. F. lodge was organized in September, 1875 and the

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first meeting was held in the George Harver building.  Jno. Burford, T. C. Wrench, Jas. H. Frieze, W. H. French, James Wolf, Levi Wolf and L. Clouser were charter members.  The recent place of meeting has been over F. H. Ross' store; there are fifty-eight members, and the society is doing good in helping the poor.
     Mansfield to-day is a growing town of over 400 inhabitants has a good location, and is destined to become quite a town.  It contains over a dozen business firms, and several new business houses have been recently erected.  Mansfield has the neatest post-office in the county.     Lindsay chapel, in the northern part of Blue Ridge township, was built about 1877.  Mr. Wm. Lindsey donated the land and some money for the building.

     Stations. - Blue Ridge and Van Meter stations are situated above Mansfield, on the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific railroad.  Both are shipping points for grain.  The former station was established in 1877 and the post-office soon after.  About 500,000 bushels of grain were shipped from Blue Ridge last year.  Van Meter station was named for the Van Meter family.
     Gardner station is on the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railroad, and is another good shipping point.

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