Haw Creek Township Spoon River enters the township at Sect. 1, flowing south makes its exit at Sect. 25. The C. B. & Q. RR makes its entrance at section 7, running southeast, converges with the river. The town of Gilson is in the twp. This is the 2nd township settled, Henderson being the first. In 1829, Parnach OWEN then a young man living with his widowed mother in Ohio, had a strong desire to go west. Mis mother, seeing his determination to emigrate to a new country accompanied him. Accordingly, with three daughtersl, she prepared for the journey. Knox bounty was their destination and in Sept. of that year they arrived in this twp. On Sect. 18 they erected a log cabin. When we reflect that the first white persons inhabiting this vast region were a widow lady and her children, it would seem that she possessed bravery unequaled, and a devotion and love for her son tht would permit no separation other than death. Mrs. Owen and family moved to Knoxville soon after that city was laid off, Parnach OWEN being the surveyor. He was a land dealer and speculator and we are told that he owned more land in Knox Co. than any other man. He died in Iowa, Mrs. OWEN in Knoxville, and the two daughters are still living. One is the wife of Dr. RICE, and the other, the widow of John G. SANBURN, and resides in Knoxville. James NEVITT came in the early part of 1832. The 1st child born was his son Charles NEVITT in 1832. The first death was that of Eleanor JARNAGAN, in the winter of 1834. The first schoolhouse was built on Sect. 8, in 1836, and the first school was taught by James or Susan DEMPSEY. Peter CARTWRIGHT preached the first sermon in about 1831. Linneus RICHMOND and W. W. DICKERSON came at an early day, Mr. DICKERSON coming in 1827. He remembers having to go for salt to Chicago one winter; to Peoria to mill, and many other inconveniences. Walter BELL, an aged resident of the twp. came into the county 25 years ago. He was 85 on Aug. 2, 1878. He is one of the few surviving veterans of the war of 1812. He also served in the regular army. He rode on the first horse car and the first steam car ever run in the U.S., and saw the first steamboat run on Chesapeake Bay. He enjoys good mealth and will probably live several years longer. Joan