Individual Details
John MYERS
(Bet 1780 and 1790 - 20 Feb 1845)
The Ottawa Free Trader, 17 Sep 1841
State of Illinois }
"County of LaSalle }
Lasalle Circuit Court to November term, 1841
John Myers and Ellen Myers }
vs
Nathaniel W. Manville, Hannah }
Manville, Leman R. Woodruff, } In Chancery
William W. Dresser, J. Mark Lisle, }
Morgan Opp, & Frederick L. Kline }
It appearing, by satisfactory affidavit, filed in the clerk's office of the Circuit court of Lasalle county, that one of the above named defendants, J. Mark Lisle, resides without the limits of the state of Illinois, and that Nathaniel W. Manville and Hannah Manville, two other defendants, on due inquiry, cannot be found: Notice is, therefore, hereby given to the said J. Mark Lisle, Nathaniel W. Manville, and Hannah Manville, that the complainants, John Myers and Ellen Myers, have filed in the clerk's office of the circuit court of said county, their bill in chancery against the said Nathaniel W. Manville, Hannah Manville, Leman R. Woodruff, William W. Dresser, J. Mark Lisle, Morgan Opp, and Frederick L. Kline, and that a summons in chancery has been issued against them, returnable before the said circuit court of Lasalle county and that said suit is now pending before said circuit court. Now, unless you, the said J. Mark Lisle, Nathaniel W. Manville, and Hannah Manville shall appear before the said circuit court on the first day of the next term thereof, to be holden at the courthouse in Ottawa, on the first Monday of November next and answer the said complainants' said bill, the same will be taken as confessed against you, and a decree entered accordingly.
J CLOUD, Clerk
Ottawa, Ill. Sept. 2d, 1841 15-4t
Geo. H. Norris, sol'tor for compl'nts."
Same notice repeated on Sept. 10, 17 and 24
"Indiana Land Entries, Vol. 1, Cincinnati District, 1801-1840" by Margaret R. Waters, 1948; Indianapolis. Pg. 67 lists Edward J. Swanson and Michael Culver acquiring title to the NE 1/4 of S35 T12 N R2W of1st PM, in Union Co. IN, on 28 Dec 1813. The book also shows John Myers acquiring title to the NW 1/4 of S24 same township and range, as of 13 Jan 1808; SW 1/4 S23 same township and range as of 9 May 1809; NE 1/4 S7 same township and range, as of 25 Oct 1811 and NE 1/4 of S32 same township and range also as of 25 Oct 1811. It is not proven that any or all of those are Mary Myers Swanson's brother. There are other entries for a John Myers in Switzerland County as well.
"Marriage Records Wayne County, Indiana, March 11, 1811 to March 23,1860" Compiled by Beverly Yount, 1974. Shows a marriage of John Mires to Sally Plummer on 15 Feb 1816, 1st Book page 41. This is possibly for this John Myers.
"Indiana War of 1812 Soldiers Militia" by Charles M. Franklin, lists a John Myers in Capt. William Whitehead's Co. of militia in Wayne Co., IN and an Abraham Myers in Capt. John Brison's Co.in 7th Reg't Indiana Militia in Franklin Co.. Not proven if connected.
A possible first marriage for John Myers is:
PLUMMER, SALLY MIRES, JOHN Wayne 2-15-1816
There were several Plummer families in the area, including in Rush County in 1830.
1 Jan 1818, patent to John Myers, late a private in Ingersolls Company of the 4th Reg. of Infantry, containing 160 acres, being the NE qtr of S18 T12N R8E, Marshall Co., IL. Marshall was part of Putnam Co. at one time. Probably not this John Myers.
1820 Fayette Co., IN, Brownsville Township, pg. 34, John Mires.
1 m 26 - 45 (1775-1794)
1 f 16 - 26 (1794 - 1804)
2 m under 10 (1810 - 1820)
2 f under 10
1830 Vermillion Co., IL, printed pg 114 (Mary Swanson is on pg 115)
1 f 60 - 70 (1760-1770)
1 m 40 - 50 (1780-1790) - [John]
1 f 30 - 40 (1790-1800) - [Eleanor]
1 f 20 - 30 (1800-1810)
1 m 15 - 20 (1810-1815)
1 m 10 - 15 (1815-1820)
1 f 10 - 15 (1815 - 1820)
3 m 5 - 10 (1820-1825)
2 f 5 - 10 (1820-1825)
2 f under 5 (1825-1830)
It appears that an elderly mother was living with them at this time. Also, this is a much larger family than I was aware of. Possibly a daughter and her children were also living with them. Since John didn't marry Eleanor Hayes until 1826, some children may be from a previous marriage for him.
"History of Vermilion County Illinois" by Lottie E. Jones, Vol. 1,1911, Chicago by Pioneer Publishing Company, has the following on pages 104-106.
"JOHN MYERS.
John Myers came to the Little Vermilion as early as 1820 and settled on the land afterward the farm of the well known R. E. Barnett. While living in this place this man was much better known as "Injun John."He was a man whose nickname fit him more in its implication, and suggestion than in any other way although he earned it by his open hatred of the Redman.
He was a character noticeable in even those days when all individualities were prominent. In the free life of the pioneer, there was little polish and every man was himself, to be liked or despised as the case might be, but even then, some were more prominent than others because of unusual traits of character. "Injun John" was one of these. He was free with what he had, and expected everyone to be equally so. He had little love for property which was his own, and no consideration for the rights of others. He was brave, self-willed and on the water would have been a gay buccaneer.
John Myers had an eighty acre farm in Ohio, but the freedom of the new country in Illinois, which was as yet unorganized into counties, but was attached to Edgar County, appealed to him. So it was Mr. Starr, the uncle of Absalom and Barnett Starr, who had bought eight hundred and eighty acres on the Little Vermilion river at a land sale, found an eager trader in this man from Ohio. He traded his farm of 8 acres for this unseen 88 acres, and started to take possession thereof.
On his way he passed his brother-in-law, Joseph Frazier, in Indiana, and told him he would give him a quarter section of this land if he (Frazier) would go on with him. This gift was not to be refused and they came on and settled in this section in 1821. The particular tract which Myers gave away that he might have company in his new home, afterward became a portion of the Sconce farm. The land was first bought by the Sullivants from Frazier in 1853, when they were the great land kings of Champaign County and were carrying out plans to develop a large estate in Vermilion County. The Sullivants cut the fine growth of walnut timber from the Frazier farm to fence in "broadlands." Myers was a fearless and untiring hunter. At one time just before he came to this section of country, while yet he lived in Ohio, a neighbor of his with his two sons were out in a sugar bush at work in the spring of the year, when some Indians surprised them and killed them.
Myers gathered together a company and went in pursuit of the Indians.They struck the trail in the new snow and followed it until all but three of the pursuers gave out from exhaustion, one of whom was Myers himself. With his force so depleted, Myers told the other two that he would shoot the next one who refused to go on. This increased the courage of his companions and Myers' physical endurance, pluck and determination to avenge his friends was catching and "carried the day," and the three overtook the Indians and had their revenge. This was the material of which Myers was made. A man of powerful strength,he would crack a black walnut with his teath (sic) and many a man found to his sorrow that it was not wise to provoke him to a fight.
He hated an Indian and was the first to be ready to go to the BlackHawk war and was one of those who made that war a disgrace to the white man. He knew no such thing as discipline; abhorred tactics and did not believe in waiting for orders or supplies. He made a great deal of trouble by his insubordination. Habits of intemperance had grown on him, and he would get very drunk and become abusive to the officers and everybody else. He wanted to go into the fight at once; he had gone into that affair to kill Indians and he was impatient to begin. He came to "fight Injuns" and fight he was going to do, if no one else, then he would try his strength on the officers. He told these new fledged officers that they "knew no more about fightin' Injuns than a bear did about a camp meetin"' and he was put under arrest, to his surprise.
While brave and generous, he had no judgment about affairs and used up all his property before he died. He took an interest in every enterprise that was proposed. He lost much money in helping Simon Coxtry to build a mill which never did get to be a success.
Jack McDowell was a handsome and lively young man who was struggling to get on in the world, and "Injun John" took a notion to him and made him an offer of a half-section of land, but, much as the young man wanted the land there was a provision that he should marry Myers' daughter, and that decided the acceptance of the gift. "Injun John" kept his land. He gave away or lost all his land and went out to the Illinois River where he afterward died in poverty. Thus passed one of the most picturesque characters of eastern Illinois."
"Tax and Land Records, Vermilion County, State of Illinois", compiled by Charlotte A. Volkel, Lowell M. Volkel and James V. Gill., has the 1833 list, showing the date, original patentee, current owner and legal description. John Myers is not listed there. However, Joseph Frazier is, and a Joseph Davis is. See Frazier for comments on the entry.
"History of La Salle County Illinois" Elmer Baldwin, Chicago, 1877,Rand, McNally & Co. has the following:
Pg. 87
Speaking of the first settlements: "Myers, Letts, and Richey, on the bluff south of Peru - all in 1830."
Pg. 348/349
Refers to Dr. David Richey, David Letts and John Myers, so the reference on Pg. 87 is probably this John Myers. There were other Myers in the area, however. It says: "John Myers came from Tennessee, in 1840. He married a daughter of John Hays, of Peru, and settled on Cedar Creek timber; he bought the mill that Simon Crosiar built, on Cedar creek, and run (sic) it some years; an eccentric character, such as is often seen on the frontier. Kind and generous at home, he was wild and loquacious when he visited the town, calling himself the stallion panther. He became restive when surrounded by civilization, said the Yankees had overrun the country, and he left for Missouri, and freedom, but came back, and died here, in 1846, or 1847."
Pg. 367
"James Myers, from Pennsylvania, brother of Mrs. William Richardson, here several years; went to Corpus Christi, Texas; died on a sea voyage, and was buried in the Atlantic ocean." Probably not related to John and Mary, as it seems probably this would have mentioned at least one of them.
Pg. 373
"Mrs. Swanson, a widow, with a family - and a sister of John Myers, from Ohio, settled near the mouth of the Little Vermillion, in 1831. She moved near the Hardy farm, and in 1840 removed to Pecatonica, then came back to La Salle, and finally moved to California, where she died. She had two sons, John and Edward, and two daughters.
"The Past and Present of La Salle County, Illinois", no author,Chicago, 1877, H.F. Kett & Co.
Pg. 187
Lists early settlers. "At the beginning of the year 1832, the settlements were nearly as follows: .... Along the south bank of the Illinois lived George Ish and Henry Delong; .... on the bluff, near the old fort, John Myers, ....."
30 May 1833, patent to John Myers of Putnam Co., IL, for NW qrt of S15 T30N R1W, also 160 acres. This property is in Marshall County. Copy of deed in file. Probably not this John Myers.
1 Aug 1838, there were 3 patents to John Myers of LaSalle Co., IL, for the E half of NE qtr of S 29 T33N R1E; the E half of SE qtr of S29 T33N R1E and the West half of the NE qtr of S28 T33N R1E. The last are near land owned by Mary Swanson and her son John. These 3 and Mary's are all in Peru Township.
1840 Lyons Precinct, Marshall Co., IL, printed page 196, line 9. John Myers head of household.
1 m 50-60 (1780-1790)
1 f 40 - 50 (1790-1800)
1 m 20 - 30 (1810-1820)
1 m 15 - 20 (1820-1825)
1 f 15 - 20 (1820-1825)
2 m 10 - 15 (1825-1830)
1 f 5 - 10 (1830-1835)
1 f under 5 (1835-1840)
Not known that this is definitely the right family. There is a David Myers on line 6 of the same page, age 40-50, and James Hoyt is on line 5. Comparing the 1830 with the 1840, it is more likely that this is the John Myers known to be in Roberts Twp., Marshall Co.
"Early Marriages in Putnam County" compiled by Mrs. George Spangler, DAR, Oct. 1922, located in the Putnam Co. Library in Hennepin, says that there are two marriages for a John Myers. One, #291, on 3 Dec 1840 to Elizabeth J. Grutes, by Asahel Hannum, J.P. A second, #299, to Mary Livermon, 18 May 1841 by John Hayes, J.P. (John Hayes was Ellen Hayes Myers' father) If these aren't for this John Myers, there is another who was in the area. Possibly a son?
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
GUINNPg. 1009/1010
ANDREW JACKSON MYERS. During the progress of the second war with England John Myers, a young Virginian, served in defense of his native land and participated in the memorable engagement at New Orleans. Years later, when a son was born of his marriage to Ellen Hayes, he gave the child the name of the sturdy and illustrious general under whom he had fought the British troops. While the Mississippi valley was still an unsettled wilderness he became a pioneer and frontiersman of Illinois and aided in subduing the Indians at the time of the Blackhawk war. The savages were hostile throughout the early period of his residence in Illinois and on one occasion, while pursuing some of them, he was attacked and almost killed by a fierce panther. In memory of the narrow escape from death which he experienced he was thereafter known as "Panther" Myers. His father-in-law, Jonathan Hayes, also endured all the hardships incident to life on the frontier and at one time built a fort at Peru, Ill., in order to protect his family and neighbors from the Indians. Notwithstanding all of his precautions, one of his daughters with her husband and son and several neighbors were killed by the savages. *** Mrs. Ellen Myers was born in Illinois, while John Myers was a native of Virginia of German ancestry. Both died in LaSalle county, Ill., and were buried in the Cedar Point Cemetery, four miles from the town of LaSalle.
*** A handwritten note in the column here says "William Davis marr. Nancy Hays Aug 23, 1827 (killed in BH war) Vermillion Co. Ill marriage records John Myers & Eleanor Hayes 13 Apr 1827"
Bio of John H. Myers in "An Illustrated History of Southern California", no author on title page, Chicago, 1890, by The Lewis Publishing Company. States that son John H. was born 31 Dec 1834, and when he was only four the family removed to Missouri and remained there six years, when they returned to Illinois. It also states that John H. was the fifth in a family of ten children. (Note that the 1860 census had John H. as 22 (1838). The bio also says that his father was a mill owner, both saw and flouring mills and his mother was Ellen Hayes Myers.
Death date in History of La Salle County , Elmer Baldwin, 1877, Chicago by Rand, McNally & Co., page 349 is confirmed by the Probate Court Minutes.
La Salle Co., IL, Probate Court Minutes dated 2 Apr 1845, page 141: In the Matter of John Myers, Deceased
This day come Hiram D. Bruster and made application for Letters of Administration of the Estate of John Myers deceased, it appearing that the same John Myers is dead, that he died on or about the 20th day of February A.D. 1845, intestate.
Hiram D. Bruster and Churchill Coffing of the County of LaSalle and State of Illinois posted a bond of $600 and filed for Letters on 2 Apr 1845. Letters were issued the same day. On 30 June 1845, a bill for sale of personal property for $71.00 was presented. 22 July 1845, a Bill of Appraisement of the personal Estate was filed for $135. Dec 1845, Settlement of Estate. Copy of the court minutes is in file.
NOTE: If John H. was 5th of 10 and born in 1834, earliest children were probably from another wife. If he was born in 1838, the last five were either multiples or came more often than every other year, as John Sr. died 20 Feb 1845.
Articles in history books make it sound like John moved directly from Ohio to Illinois. If so, the John Myers I have entered in 1820 in Fayette Co., IN, could be a different man.
1880 Census for son Andrew Jackson Myers said father was born in Virginia.
State of Illinois }
"County of LaSalle }
Lasalle Circuit Court to November term, 1841
John Myers and Ellen Myers }
vs
Nathaniel W. Manville, Hannah }
Manville, Leman R. Woodruff, } In Chancery
William W. Dresser, J. Mark Lisle, }
Morgan Opp, & Frederick L. Kline }
It appearing, by satisfactory affidavit, filed in the clerk's office of the Circuit court of Lasalle county, that one of the above named defendants, J. Mark Lisle, resides without the limits of the state of Illinois, and that Nathaniel W. Manville and Hannah Manville, two other defendants, on due inquiry, cannot be found: Notice is, therefore, hereby given to the said J. Mark Lisle, Nathaniel W. Manville, and Hannah Manville, that the complainants, John Myers and Ellen Myers, have filed in the clerk's office of the circuit court of said county, their bill in chancery against the said Nathaniel W. Manville, Hannah Manville, Leman R. Woodruff, William W. Dresser, J. Mark Lisle, Morgan Opp, and Frederick L. Kline, and that a summons in chancery has been issued against them, returnable before the said circuit court of Lasalle county and that said suit is now pending before said circuit court. Now, unless you, the said J. Mark Lisle, Nathaniel W. Manville, and Hannah Manville shall appear before the said circuit court on the first day of the next term thereof, to be holden at the courthouse in Ottawa, on the first Monday of November next and answer the said complainants' said bill, the same will be taken as confessed against you, and a decree entered accordingly.
J CLOUD, Clerk
Ottawa, Ill. Sept. 2d, 1841 15-4t
Geo. H. Norris, sol'tor for compl'nts."
Same notice repeated on Sept. 10, 17 and 24
"Indiana Land Entries, Vol. 1, Cincinnati District, 1801-1840" by Margaret R. Waters, 1948; Indianapolis. Pg. 67 lists Edward J. Swanson and Michael Culver acquiring title to the NE 1/4 of S35 T12 N R2W of1st PM, in Union Co. IN, on 28 Dec 1813. The book also shows John Myers acquiring title to the NW 1/4 of S24 same township and range, as of 13 Jan 1808; SW 1/4 S23 same township and range as of 9 May 1809; NE 1/4 S7 same township and range, as of 25 Oct 1811 and NE 1/4 of S32 same township and range also as of 25 Oct 1811. It is not proven that any or all of those are Mary Myers Swanson's brother. There are other entries for a John Myers in Switzerland County as well.
"Marriage Records Wayne County, Indiana, March 11, 1811 to March 23,1860" Compiled by Beverly Yount, 1974. Shows a marriage of John Mires to Sally Plummer on 15 Feb 1816, 1st Book page 41. This is possibly for this John Myers.
"Indiana War of 1812 Soldiers Militia" by Charles M. Franklin, lists a John Myers in Capt. William Whitehead's Co. of militia in Wayne Co., IN and an Abraham Myers in Capt. John Brison's Co.in 7th Reg't Indiana Militia in Franklin Co.. Not proven if connected.
A possible first marriage for John Myers is:
PLUMMER, SALLY MIRES, JOHN Wayne 2-15-1816
There were several Plummer families in the area, including in Rush County in 1830.
1 Jan 1818, patent to John Myers, late a private in Ingersolls Company of the 4th Reg. of Infantry, containing 160 acres, being the NE qtr of S18 T12N R8E, Marshall Co., IL. Marshall was part of Putnam Co. at one time. Probably not this John Myers.
1820 Fayette Co., IN, Brownsville Township, pg. 34, John Mires.
1 m 26 - 45 (1775-1794)
1 f 16 - 26 (1794 - 1804)
2 m under 10 (1810 - 1820)
2 f under 10
1830 Vermillion Co., IL, printed pg 114 (Mary Swanson is on pg 115)
1 f 60 - 70 (1760-1770)
1 m 40 - 50 (1780-1790) - [John]
1 f 30 - 40 (1790-1800) - [Eleanor]
1 f 20 - 30 (1800-1810)
1 m 15 - 20 (1810-1815)
1 m 10 - 15 (1815-1820)
1 f 10 - 15 (1815 - 1820)
3 m 5 - 10 (1820-1825)
2 f 5 - 10 (1820-1825)
2 f under 5 (1825-1830)
It appears that an elderly mother was living with them at this time. Also, this is a much larger family than I was aware of. Possibly a daughter and her children were also living with them. Since John didn't marry Eleanor Hayes until 1826, some children may be from a previous marriage for him.
"History of Vermilion County Illinois" by Lottie E. Jones, Vol. 1,1911, Chicago by Pioneer Publishing Company, has the following on pages 104-106.
"JOHN MYERS.
John Myers came to the Little Vermilion as early as 1820 and settled on the land afterward the farm of the well known R. E. Barnett. While living in this place this man was much better known as "Injun John."He was a man whose nickname fit him more in its implication, and suggestion than in any other way although he earned it by his open hatred of the Redman.
He was a character noticeable in even those days when all individualities were prominent. In the free life of the pioneer, there was little polish and every man was himself, to be liked or despised as the case might be, but even then, some were more prominent than others because of unusual traits of character. "Injun John" was one of these. He was free with what he had, and expected everyone to be equally so. He had little love for property which was his own, and no consideration for the rights of others. He was brave, self-willed and on the water would have been a gay buccaneer.
John Myers had an eighty acre farm in Ohio, but the freedom of the new country in Illinois, which was as yet unorganized into counties, but was attached to Edgar County, appealed to him. So it was Mr. Starr, the uncle of Absalom and Barnett Starr, who had bought eight hundred and eighty acres on the Little Vermilion river at a land sale, found an eager trader in this man from Ohio. He traded his farm of 8 acres for this unseen 88 acres, and started to take possession thereof.
On his way he passed his brother-in-law, Joseph Frazier, in Indiana, and told him he would give him a quarter section of this land if he (Frazier) would go on with him. This gift was not to be refused and they came on and settled in this section in 1821. The particular tract which Myers gave away that he might have company in his new home, afterward became a portion of the Sconce farm. The land was first bought by the Sullivants from Frazier in 1853, when they were the great land kings of Champaign County and were carrying out plans to develop a large estate in Vermilion County. The Sullivants cut the fine growth of walnut timber from the Frazier farm to fence in "broadlands." Myers was a fearless and untiring hunter. At one time just before he came to this section of country, while yet he lived in Ohio, a neighbor of his with his two sons were out in a sugar bush at work in the spring of the year, when some Indians surprised them and killed them.
Myers gathered together a company and went in pursuit of the Indians.They struck the trail in the new snow and followed it until all but three of the pursuers gave out from exhaustion, one of whom was Myers himself. With his force so depleted, Myers told the other two that he would shoot the next one who refused to go on. This increased the courage of his companions and Myers' physical endurance, pluck and determination to avenge his friends was catching and "carried the day," and the three overtook the Indians and had their revenge. This was the material of which Myers was made. A man of powerful strength,he would crack a black walnut with his teath (sic) and many a man found to his sorrow that it was not wise to provoke him to a fight.
He hated an Indian and was the first to be ready to go to the BlackHawk war and was one of those who made that war a disgrace to the white man. He knew no such thing as discipline; abhorred tactics and did not believe in waiting for orders or supplies. He made a great deal of trouble by his insubordination. Habits of intemperance had grown on him, and he would get very drunk and become abusive to the officers and everybody else. He wanted to go into the fight at once; he had gone into that affair to kill Indians and he was impatient to begin. He came to "fight Injuns" and fight he was going to do, if no one else, then he would try his strength on the officers. He told these new fledged officers that they "knew no more about fightin' Injuns than a bear did about a camp meetin"' and he was put under arrest, to his surprise.
While brave and generous, he had no judgment about affairs and used up all his property before he died. He took an interest in every enterprise that was proposed. He lost much money in helping Simon Coxtry to build a mill which never did get to be a success.
Jack McDowell was a handsome and lively young man who was struggling to get on in the world, and "Injun John" took a notion to him and made him an offer of a half-section of land, but, much as the young man wanted the land there was a provision that he should marry Myers' daughter, and that decided the acceptance of the gift. "Injun John" kept his land. He gave away or lost all his land and went out to the Illinois River where he afterward died in poverty. Thus passed one of the most picturesque characters of eastern Illinois."
"Tax and Land Records, Vermilion County, State of Illinois", compiled by Charlotte A. Volkel, Lowell M. Volkel and James V. Gill., has the 1833 list, showing the date, original patentee, current owner and legal description. John Myers is not listed there. However, Joseph Frazier is, and a Joseph Davis is. See Frazier for comments on the entry.
"History of La Salle County Illinois" Elmer Baldwin, Chicago, 1877,Rand, McNally & Co. has the following:
Pg. 87
Speaking of the first settlements: "Myers, Letts, and Richey, on the bluff south of Peru - all in 1830."
Pg. 348/349
Refers to Dr. David Richey, David Letts and John Myers, so the reference on Pg. 87 is probably this John Myers. There were other Myers in the area, however. It says: "John Myers came from Tennessee, in 1840. He married a daughter of John Hays, of Peru, and settled on Cedar Creek timber; he bought the mill that Simon Crosiar built, on Cedar creek, and run (sic) it some years; an eccentric character, such as is often seen on the frontier. Kind and generous at home, he was wild and loquacious when he visited the town, calling himself the stallion panther. He became restive when surrounded by civilization, said the Yankees had overrun the country, and he left for Missouri, and freedom, but came back, and died here, in 1846, or 1847."
Pg. 367
"James Myers, from Pennsylvania, brother of Mrs. William Richardson, here several years; went to Corpus Christi, Texas; died on a sea voyage, and was buried in the Atlantic ocean." Probably not related to John and Mary, as it seems probably this would have mentioned at least one of them.
Pg. 373
"Mrs. Swanson, a widow, with a family - and a sister of John Myers, from Ohio, settled near the mouth of the Little Vermillion, in 1831. She moved near the Hardy farm, and in 1840 removed to Pecatonica, then came back to La Salle, and finally moved to California, where she died. She had two sons, John and Edward, and two daughters.
"The Past and Present of La Salle County, Illinois", no author,Chicago, 1877, H.F. Kett & Co.
Pg. 187
Lists early settlers. "At the beginning of the year 1832, the settlements were nearly as follows: .... Along the south bank of the Illinois lived George Ish and Henry Delong; .... on the bluff, near the old fort, John Myers, ....."
30 May 1833, patent to John Myers of Putnam Co., IL, for NW qrt of S15 T30N R1W, also 160 acres. This property is in Marshall County. Copy of deed in file. Probably not this John Myers.
1 Aug 1838, there were 3 patents to John Myers of LaSalle Co., IL, for the E half of NE qtr of S 29 T33N R1E; the E half of SE qtr of S29 T33N R1E and the West half of the NE qtr of S28 T33N R1E. The last are near land owned by Mary Swanson and her son John. These 3 and Mary's are all in Peru Township.
1840 Lyons Precinct, Marshall Co., IL, printed page 196, line 9. John Myers head of household.
1 m 50-60 (1780-1790)
1 f 40 - 50 (1790-1800)
1 m 20 - 30 (1810-1820)
1 m 15 - 20 (1820-1825)
1 f 15 - 20 (1820-1825)
2 m 10 - 15 (1825-1830)
1 f 5 - 10 (1830-1835)
1 f under 5 (1835-1840)
Not known that this is definitely the right family. There is a David Myers on line 6 of the same page, age 40-50, and James Hoyt is on line 5. Comparing the 1830 with the 1840, it is more likely that this is the John Myers known to be in Roberts Twp., Marshall Co.
"Early Marriages in Putnam County" compiled by Mrs. George Spangler, DAR, Oct. 1922, located in the Putnam Co. Library in Hennepin, says that there are two marriages for a John Myers. One, #291, on 3 Dec 1840 to Elizabeth J. Grutes, by Asahel Hannum, J.P. A second, #299, to Mary Livermon, 18 May 1841 by John Hayes, J.P. (John Hayes was Ellen Hayes Myers' father) If these aren't for this John Myers, there is another who was in the area. Possibly a son?
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
GUINNPg. 1009/1010
ANDREW JACKSON MYERS. During the progress of the second war with England John Myers, a young Virginian, served in defense of his native land and participated in the memorable engagement at New Orleans. Years later, when a son was born of his marriage to Ellen Hayes, he gave the child the name of the sturdy and illustrious general under whom he had fought the British troops. While the Mississippi valley was still an unsettled wilderness he became a pioneer and frontiersman of Illinois and aided in subduing the Indians at the time of the Blackhawk war. The savages were hostile throughout the early period of his residence in Illinois and on one occasion, while pursuing some of them, he was attacked and almost killed by a fierce panther. In memory of the narrow escape from death which he experienced he was thereafter known as "Panther" Myers. His father-in-law, Jonathan Hayes, also endured all the hardships incident to life on the frontier and at one time built a fort at Peru, Ill., in order to protect his family and neighbors from the Indians. Notwithstanding all of his precautions, one of his daughters with her husband and son and several neighbors were killed by the savages. *** Mrs. Ellen Myers was born in Illinois, while John Myers was a native of Virginia of German ancestry. Both died in LaSalle county, Ill., and were buried in the Cedar Point Cemetery, four miles from the town of LaSalle.
*** A handwritten note in the column here says "William Davis marr. Nancy Hays Aug 23, 1827 (killed in BH war) Vermillion Co. Ill marriage records John Myers & Eleanor Hayes 13 Apr 1827"
Bio of John H. Myers in "An Illustrated History of Southern California", no author on title page, Chicago, 1890, by The Lewis Publishing Company. States that son John H. was born 31 Dec 1834, and when he was only four the family removed to Missouri and remained there six years, when they returned to Illinois. It also states that John H. was the fifth in a family of ten children. (Note that the 1860 census had John H. as 22 (1838). The bio also says that his father was a mill owner, both saw and flouring mills and his mother was Ellen Hayes Myers.
Death date in History of La Salle County , Elmer Baldwin, 1877, Chicago by Rand, McNally & Co., page 349 is confirmed by the Probate Court Minutes.
La Salle Co., IL, Probate Court Minutes dated 2 Apr 1845, page 141: In the Matter of John Myers, Deceased
This day come Hiram D. Bruster and made application for Letters of Administration of the Estate of John Myers deceased, it appearing that the same John Myers is dead, that he died on or about the 20th day of February A.D. 1845, intestate.
Hiram D. Bruster and Churchill Coffing of the County of LaSalle and State of Illinois posted a bond of $600 and filed for Letters on 2 Apr 1845. Letters were issued the same day. On 30 June 1845, a bill for sale of personal property for $71.00 was presented. 22 July 1845, a Bill of Appraisement of the personal Estate was filed for $135. Dec 1845, Settlement of Estate. Copy of the court minutes is in file.
NOTE: If John H. was 5th of 10 and born in 1834, earliest children were probably from another wife. If he was born in 1838, the last five were either multiples or came more often than every other year, as John Sr. died 20 Feb 1845.
Articles in history books make it sound like John moved directly from Ohio to Illinois. If so, the John Myers I have entered in 1820 in Fayette Co., IN, could be a different man.
1880 Census for son Andrew Jackson Myers said father was born in Virginia.
Events
| Birth | Bet 1780 and 1790 | Virginia | |||
| Census | 1820 | Fayette Co., IN, Brownsville Township, pg. 34, John Mires. | |||
| Marriage | 30 Apr 1826 | Vermilion Co., Illinois - Eleanor (Ellen) HAYES |  | ||
| Property | 4 Aug 1828 | Vermilion Co., Illinois |  | ||
| Property | 4 Aug 1828 | Vermilion Co., Illinois | | ||
| Census | 1830 | Vermilion Co., Illinois | |||
| Property Sale | 4 Jan 1830 | Vermilion Co., Illinois | | ||
| Property Sale | 8 Apr 1830 | Vermilion Co., Illinois | | ||
| Property Sale | 8 Apr 1830 | Vermilion Co., Illinois | | ||
| Property Sale | 4 Oct 1830 | Vermilion Co., Illinois | | ||
| Property Sale | 3 Jun 1835 | Vermilion Co., Illinois | | ||
| Property Sale | 3 Jun 1835 | Vermilion Co., Illinois | | ||
| Property | 1 Aug 1838 | LaSalle Co., Illinois | | ||
| Property | 1 Aug 1838 | LaSalle Co., Illinois | | ||
| Property | 1 Aug 1838 | LaSalle Co., Illinois | | ||
| Death | 20 Feb 1845 | LaSalle Co., Illinois | | ||
| Burial | Cedar Point Cemetery, LaSalle, LaSalle Co., Illinois | | |||
| Reference No | 1907 |
Families
| Spouse | Eleanor (Ellen) HAYES (1790 - 1847) |
| Child | Joseph William MYERS (1826 - 1910) |
| Child | Nancy Eliza MYERS (1834 - 1860) |
| Child | John Henry MYERS (1837 - 1894) |
| Child | Andrew Jackson MYERS (1839 - 1907) |
| Father | Living |
| Sibling | Mary MYERS (1781 - 1853) |
| Sibling | Sarah MYERS (1793 - 1871) |
Notes
Property
John Myers from John J. Starr, Bk A pg 206, Vermilion Co., IL, E half SE 26-17-13. From Grantee Index.Property
John Myers from John Starr, Bk A pg 188 Vermilion Co., IL, SE & NW 23-17-13 & SW 24-17-13. From Grantee Index.Property Sale
Bk A pg 140, Vermilion Co., IL. John and Elenor Myers to Henry Watkins. W half NW S14 T17 R12. From Grantor Index.Property Sale
Bk A pg 187, Vermilion Co., IL. Eleanor & John Myers sold to Joseph Frashour, SE 23-17-13. From Grantor Index.Property Sale
Bk A pg 237, Vermilion Co., IL. Eleanor & John Myers to George Barnet, NE SE 26-17-13. From Grantor Index.Property Sale
Bk A pg 179, Vermilion Co., IL. John Myers to Joseph Claybon, SE SE 26-17-13. From Grantor Index.Property Sale
Bk C pg 110, Vermilion Co., IL. Eleanor & John Myers to Fielding Scott E half NW & W half NE 23-17-13. Copy of deed in file.Property Sale
Bk C pg 214, Vermilion Co., IL. Eleanor & John Myers to William Spicer S half SW 24-17-13. Copy of deed in file.Property
Patent No. 299 issued to John Myers, 80 acres, the W half of NE qtr S28 T33N R1E.Property
Patent No. 436 issued to John Myers of LaSalle Co., IL, for 74-98/100 acres, E half NE qtr S29 T33N R1EProperty
Patent No. 440 issued to John Myers of LaSalle Co., IL, for 80 acres, the E half SE qtr S29 T23N R1E.Burial
The USGENWEB site for LaSalle County shows an "Old Cedar Point Cemetery" at Tonica, Eden Twp.Endnotes
1. Myers/Hays Marriage Certificate.
2. John Myers Probate Court Minutes, Page 141.