Charles Lewman or anyone else, Can you tell me about the Meeks in Illinois? Do you have any records of Meeks in Danville, Illinois, or thereabouts, who were in the mill machinery business? I am searching for my forebear, a William Meek, who settled in Chapel Hill, Tennessee, in 1808, on or near land grants given to Adam and Moses Meek. Anne Meek Kraine Norfolk, VA

Hi, Anne! My Samuel Meek was born in Pennsylvania. He was in Belmont Co., OH by 1812. He moved his family to Lee Co., IL by 1840. He was a justice of the peace and owned many flour mills. Here is a one generation genealogy: Descendants of Samuel Meek, Sr. Generation No. 1 1. SAMUEL1 MEEK, SR. was born September 27, 1781 in Washington Co., Pennsylvania, and died August 17, 1865 in Hamilton Twp, Lee, Illinois. He married SARAH MEEK Abt. 1814. She was born 1796 in Maryland, and died Aft. 1865 in Lee Co., Illinois. Notes for SAMUEL MEEK, SR.: 1. Owned many flour mills and was a Justice of the Peace. One such mill was mentioned in "Recollections of the Pioneers of Lee Co." It says Meek's mill "was near the road from Princeton to Dixon that passed by the tollgate." It states that it was a "log building two stories high." 2. Enlisted in the War 1812 on Aug. 22, 1812 at St. Clairsville, Belmont Co., Ohio as a private, 3rd Reg., Ohio Militia, 1st Brig of Ohio commanded by Col. Charles Miller. Served in Capt. Joseph Kirkwood's Company from October 22, 1812 and discharged Feb. 22, 1813. (Source; Roster of Ohio Soldiers in War of 1812, Vol. 1, pg.23. 3. Arrived in Lee County, Illinois in 1840. Source; Jean L. Hughes groupsheet, 1985, of Geneva, Nebraska. 4. According to Hazel Reuter of Amboy, IL, in a letter dated October 21, 1979, the will of Samuel Meek, Sr, listed the heirs as Nathan Meek, Nancy Mellick, Richard Meek, Samuel Meek, Polly Meek Burge, Harriet Meek Johnson, children of George Meek, deceased. More About SAMUEL MEEK, SR.: Fact # 1: Buried - Stevens Cemetery, May Twp, Lee, Illinois Notes for SARAH MEEK: 1. According to the Jean Hughes groupsheet, Sarah survived Samuel. More About SARAH MEEK: Fact 2: No maiden name given. Children of SAMUEL MEEK and SARAH MEEK are: i. NATHAN B.2 MEEK, b. 1815, Belmont Co., Ohio; d. October 18, 1872, San Bernardino Co., California; m. (1) NANCY HOLT, Abt. 1837; b. 1819; d. Aft. 1867; m. (2) MARTHA A. MEEK, Aft. 1842; b. Abt. 1820; m. (3) MARGARET SULLIVAN, Aft. 1855, California; b. Abt. 1830. Notes for NATHAN B. MEEK: 1. Nathan was in Lee County, Illinois by 1837 and in Rock Port, Missouri by 1843. More About MARTHA A. MEEK: Fact 2: No maiden name given ii. RICHARD MEEK, b. May 08, 1816, Belmont Co., Ohio; d. December 18, 1885, Walnut, Bureau, Illinois; m. HANNAH HOLT, June 02, 1835, Sandusky, Erie, Ohio; b. March 28, 1812, Maryland; d. November 07, 1897, Walnut, Bureau, Illinois. Notes for RICHARD MEEK: 1. Could be buried in the East Grove Cemetery, Stevens, Lee Co., Illinois. More About RICHARD MEEK: Fact # 1: Buried - Walnut Public Cemetery Fact #5: Occupation - farmer More About HANNAH HOLT: Fact # 1: Buried - Walnut Public Cemetery iii. SAMUEL MEEK, JR., b. November 03, 1817, Belmont Co., Ohio; d. February 22, 1889, Junction City, Lane, Oregon; m. SARAH M. JOHNSON, December 06, 1868, Lane Co., Oregon; b. April 06, 1836, Canada. Notes for SAMUEL MEEK, JR.: 1. Per Walling's History of Oregon, 1884: Samuel Meek resides six miles south of Junction City, bn. Belmont Co., Ohio, farmer and fruit raiser. Arrived Oregon and Lane County, July 14, 1853. Owns 4000 acres in Lane County and 4700 acres in Linn County. 2. Oregon Donation Land Claims #3946, Lane County, Oregon; claimed 160 A in T16S R4W, sect. 17, 20. Application states; born Belmont Co., OH, arrived Oregon 17 July 1853, settled claim 29 Nov 1853. Stated that he was not a married man,, had a father, Samuel Meek living in Lee Co., IL; 3 brothers Nathan, Richard, and George. 2 sisters, Nancy Maharty, and Mary Birge. On the 9th of Feb 1854, settled claim, affidavits by William H. Brice, John Rains. On the 19th of Sept 1859 Ebenezer Blackley, Lane County signed an affidavit. Samuel Meek gave quit claim deed to Aaron Blackley in the N1/2 of the NE 1/4 of Section 20, T1S R4W 3.The Will of Samuel Meek: For the County Court of the State of Oregon for Lane County In the matter of the Estate of Samuel Meek, deceased. To the Honorable Rodney Scott Judge of said Court. Your petitioner A. A. Meek respectfully represents and shows to the Court that Samuel Meek died in Lane County, Oregon on the 22nd day of February 1889. That at the time of his death such Samuel meek was a resident and inhabitant of Lane County, Oegon and was the owner and possessed of real and personal property in Lane County, Oregon and elsewhere of the probable worth and value of $150,000.00. That deceased did not make or leave any will or testament, but died intestate. That your petitioner, A. A. Meek os a resident and inhabitant of Lane County, Oregon, is aged 38 years and is one of the next of kin of Samuel Meek deceased. That your petitioner's father whose name was George Meek died in what is now known as Crook County, Oregon in the year1863 and that said George Meek was a full brother of said Samuel Meek. That your petitioner is thoroughly acquainted with the property belonging to said estate both real and personal, and has a good knowledge of the said estate in general and is competent and willing to accept the trust of administrator of said estate. That Sarah Meek has renounced her right to administer on said estate and it is her desire that your petitioner administers thereon as will more fully appear by her verified petition in this court. Which said petition is hereunto annexed and marked exhibit A and filed herewith as a part of this petition. That there are large claims against said estate. The amount of which is not known. Wherefore your petitioner prays that he be appointed as administrator of said estate. A. A. Meek More About SAMUEL MEEK, JR.: Fact # 1: Buried - Rest Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Junction City, Oregon Fact #5: Occupation - farmer Notes for SARAH M. JOHNSON: 1. Sarah Hicks is Lydia Johnson's sister. Her twin was Ruth and they were born about 1836. Marriage Notes for SAMUEL MEEK and SARAH JOHNSON: 1. Married house of Samuel Meek, Witnessed by E.C.Goodwin, Lydia Meek, Marriage Book 19, page 85. iv. MARY MEEK, b. Abt. 1820, Belmont Co., Ohio; m. JOHN BIRGE, 1842, Delaware Co., Ohio; b. Abt. 1820. Notes for MARY MEEK: 1. A marriage date of 1849 was supplied by Roberta Uetz. She also stated that Mary was living in Canyon City, Oregon in 1864. This was the same place that her brother, George W. Meek, sold his livestock and on the return trip to Lane County was murdered. This was in September of 1864. More About MARY MEEK: Fact 4: Aka - Polly v. NANCY MEEK, b. Abt. 1823; m. UNKNOWN MAHARTY, May 23, 1844; b. Abt. 1820. vi. GEORGE WASHINGTON MEEK, SR., b. 1825, Belmont Co., Ohio; d. September 01, 1864, Willow Springs, Wasco, Oregon; m. (1) EMILY LOUISA BRIDGMAN, 1847, Lee Co., Illinois; b. September 19, 1828, Bainbridge, New York; d. October 1873, Amboy, Lee, Illinois; m. (2) LYDIA E. JOHNSON, 1850, Lee Co., Illinois; b. September 13, 1831, Canada; d. September 19, 1900, Lane Co., Oregon; m. (3) MARGARET RENNER, February 20, 1851, Bureau Co., Illinois; b. 1834, Greene Co., Pennsylvania; d. Bef. 1900, Oregon. Notes for GEORGE WASHINGTON MEEK, SR.: 1. GEORGE MEEK, SR [1825 - SEPTEMBER 9, 1864] George Washington Meek is a figure of much conjecture and speculation. He came from a midwest farm background, but was he a bigamist or polygamist, depending on whether or not he was a Mormon? If he was a Mormon, how did he evade Oregon's Mormon exclusion laws and become a respected member of the community? Which children were wife Margaret's and which were Lydia E. Johnson's? Did Lydia turn to George's brother, Samuel? According to Arlington Meek, George's oldest child and administrator of Samuel's estate, Samuel had no direct lineal descendants. Was it coincidence that the murderer came from the same community as George or was it Henry Deadmon's knowledge of George's movements that provided the means and opportunity? George Meek was born in Belmont County, Ohio in 1825. The 1850 U.S. Census Hamilton Township, Lee County, Illinois shows George living at home with parents, Samuel and Sally, and sister, Harriet. In the same census, Lydia, born in Canada in 1834, lives down the road with her family, the James Johnsons. Margaret Renner, born in Pennsylvania in 1829, lives in neighboring Bureau County. On February 20, 1851, George and Margaret are married in Bureau County. Arlington is born about a year later and two years later Lydia has a daughter, Henrietta Johnson. In the spring of 1854, the Meeks and Lydia Johnson and daughter head for Oregon, arriving in September. March, 1855, the Meek's settled on a donation land claim near Eugene in Lane County, Oregon. Margaret and Lydia had adjoining houses on the same property. Over the next few years, more children were born, seven, possibly eight for Margaret and six, possibly seven, for Lydia. The reason for the indecision is that Arlington, age 9, is listed in the 1860 census living in the household of George and Margaret, but in 1870, he is living with Lydia and her family. It could be that he didn't want to leave his friends and at age 19, he was an adult. The court ordered appraisal of George's estate states that there are seven children, but lists six, omitting Arlington and Amanda. Amanda was definitely Margaret's child. She stayed with Margaret when she remarried. A list made by Lydia's great granddaughter has Arlington as Lydia's child, but she could have gotten her information from the 1870 census. George had a farm near present day Junction City and his brother, Samuel, had a farm near present day Harrisburg. Both worked hard and prospered as their estate appraisals attest. It was this prosperity that led to George's death. 2. 2. The following information was taken from the Oregon State Journal, Eugene. Larry McLane of Sunny Valley, Oregon gave the author the information that led to the Knight collection at the University of Oregon. Copies of the microfilm were found at the University of Oregon Library at Eugene on August 24, 1990 by Larry McLane. September 17, 1864, pg.2 Supposed Murder - Some excitement was created last week by the report that George Meek, of Lane County, has lately been killed, on the Eugene and Canyon City trail, at Willow creek, in the western spur of the Blue Mountains. A party of eight or ten persons, who came in last week, brought his horses and dog, which they found on Willow Creek. It is supposed that he was murdered for his money, and suspicions are rife as to who perpetrated the deed. A company left here last Wednesday, to search for the body, and further investigate the subject. September 24, 1864, pg.3 The Murdered Men Found - last week we stated that it was rumored that George Meeks, of Lane county, and a Californian, had been murdered in the Blue Mountains on the Eugene and Canyon City trail, about 160 miles east of here, and that a party had gone out to search for the bodies. Henry Deadmond came in a few days before, and stated that while he, Meeks and the Californian, were camped on Willow creek, on their way in here, they were attacked by robbers. He said that while he was out getting the horses he heard firing at camp. On going towards camp he saw some men on horseback -- they shot at him -- he mounted a horse and made his escape. He said that the Californian was at camp, and was probably killed, as he thought he heard him calling for help. He didn't know what had become of Meeks, as he was out hunting at the time. Other parties came in a few days after that, and brought with them Meek's horse, which they found on Willow creek. On the strength of this, and story of Deadmond, a company, consisting of the brother of Meeks and several of our citizens started out to investigate the matter. On arriving at the place indicated, they found the body of the Californian, a Mr. Isbell of Yreka, shot through the breast. He had a loaded revolver belted round him, and his gun was lying near his side. Neither his gun nor revolver had been discharged, and it was evident the murdered man had been shot dead when not expecting any danger. They found about $1,100 in gold on his person. Meeks was found some distance from camp, shot through the head. A little money was found on his person. None of the guns or pistols had been fired off, and both the men had evidently been killed when expecting no danger, and without having an opportunity to offer any resistance. The fact that neither of the bodies had been disturbed or searched, the first thing usually done by robbers, and that the cantenas at camp, which was probably supposed to contain all the money of both men, was robbed of its contents, believed to have been quite a large sum of money, raises suspicion in the minds of many against the fellow traveler of the unfortunate men. October 3, 1864, The Oregon Statesman, Salem, Oregon, plc6 MURDERED - We learn from the State Journal that two men, George Meeks of Lane County, and a man named Isbell from Yreka, were murdered recently in the Blue Mountains on the Eugene and Canyon City trail. A man named Deadman was with the party at the time, but made his escape. The bodies of the murdered men have been found by a party going out for that purpose. The arms and other property of Meeks and his companion were still on their person, and they had evidently both been shot when they were not expecting it, The Journal states that many persons suspect the traveling companion of the murdered men, but there is no evidence of his guilt. October 8, 1864, page 3 Released - From The Mountaineer we learn that Henry A. Deadmond, who is charged with the murder of Meeks and Isbell, has arrived at the Dalles in the custody of the Sheriff. William Biddings, who was arrested as an accessory has been released, and will appear as a witness in the case. The Mountaineer says that since the arrest of Deadmond he has told different and conflicting stories, and in accounting for the possession of so much money he has involved himself in a perfect labyrinth of confusion. October 10, 1864, Monday, THE OREGON STATESMAN, p4cl Henry A. Deadmond and William Eddings were arrested at the Bridge Creek House, Wasco County, September 18th, on suspicion of being the murderers of George W. Meeks and Crawford Isbell, who were murdered and robbed in the early part of September. The proof against them is circumstantial, but pretty strong. December 31, 1864, page 3 Found Fuilty - News came by the boat last night to the effect that the trial of Deadmond for the killing of Meeks had resulted in a verdict of "guilty of murder in the first degree," and that the prisoner had been sentenced to receive the extreme penalty of the law. OREGON STATE JOURNAL, 25 FEBRUARY 1865, 2:4 THE MOUNTAINEER gives the following account of the execution of Henry Deadmond at the Dalles on the 17th inst.: Henry Deadmond yesterday suffered the extreme penalty of the law for the murder of two men, named Meeks and Isbell, on the Eugene trail last summer. The circumstances attending the murder, his trial and conviction, are yet fresh in the memory of the people, About 7 o'clock on yesterday morning, Father Vermass read mass in his cell, after which he ate a very hearty breakfast and did not appear at all affected at his approaching doom. Sheriff White having previously purchased him such clothing as he desired, he dressed himself in a black coat and trousers and white gloves. He remained unusually quiet during the forenoon and showed no signs of uneasiness. Rev. Father Vermass remained with him during the whole time and no doubt greatly assisted him by his advice and prayers. The hour of 12 o'clock having arrived, a large crowd assembled around the jail, notwithstanding the mud in the street was about ankle deep. Shortly after twelve, Lieutenants Halloran and Hill arrived from the garrison with about ninety soldiers, and after the necessary disposition of the troops was made, Deadmond, accompanied by the priest, Sheriff White and deputies marched from the jail and took seats in a wagon which was in waiting. The soldiers having formed a hollow square around the wagon the procession moved off to the place of execution, followed by about three or four hundred persons. The place selected for the erection of the scaffold, on the road leading to the the garrison, was a good one, and its selection was made in order to exclude the view of the execution from families who reside in the suburbs of the town. The prisoner and guard having arrived at the place of execution, the wagon was halted and the guard was formed around the scaffold; the prisoner, accompanied by the priest, Sheriff, and deputies, alighted from the wagon, passed through the files of soldiers, and the prisoner and clergyman knelt at the foot of the stairs leading to the gallows. Here the prisoner became nervous and for a time shed tears. After a short time spent in prayer, the prisoner ascended the scaffold with a firm step and seated himself beside the priest on a bench which was erected thereon. For a long time he conversed with the priest and it was generally supposed that he would make a confession of his guilt. He now asked for a glass of water, which was given him, and after drinking he advanced to the front of the platform and spoke as follows: "Gentlemen, I am now on the scaffold, and am about to die. Let my fate be a warning to you all. I expect to go to heaven and will pray for you all. I forgive all and ask to be forgiven by all." Having concluded his remarks he retired with the priest and knelt on the platform, where he remained for some time. He now took leave of Father Vermass and the Reverend gentleman retired from the scaffold. His hands and feet were then tied by the Sheriff, and in answer to a question from Sheriff White, if he was ready, he replied that he had faced death before in many shapes. He stood perfectly erect and immovable while the rope was being adjusted around his neck, and again asked permission of the Sheriff to speak to the assembled multitude, which of course was granted. He said, "I want to say good-bye to all. I hope to meet you all in Heaven. I expect to go to Heaven--if there is such a place in this world." He then asked the Sheriff how far he had to fall, and being answered inquired if his feet would touch the ground which was answered in the negative. The cap was then drawn down over his face, and at 1:20 o'clock p.m. the trap fell, and Henry Deadmond was launched into eternity. He lived eighteen minutes, during which time he apparently suffered much agony. After hanging thirty minutes the body was lowered into a coffin and all that remained of Henry Deadmond was conveyed to the Cathlolic burial ground and deposited in its last resting place. Throughout the whole affair Deadmond retained his equilibrium and not even for a moment did he seem in the least manner agitated or nervous. Great credit is due Sheriff White for the manner in which the execution was conducted, also for the kind attention paid the prisoner during his confinement, in supplying all his necessary wants. The execution was witnessed by about 1,000 persons, among whom were at least one hundred and fifty women and children, who we think would have acted more becoming the sex if they had remained at home and attended to some domestic work, We do not think it is at all becoming in parents to bring their children -- male and female to witness such a scene as was enacted yesterday; we are of the opinion that it does not redound either the benefit of the parents or children. Thus ended the chapter in the life of Henry Deadmond. 3. The 1860 Lane County census has Lydia Johnson and her children as Johnsons. In 1870, she is Lydia Meek and her children are Meeks including two, Clarissa and Eveline, who are born after George's death. Margaret was pregnant with George Washington Meek, Jr. when George, Sr. was killed. In an interview for the book, The History of Lane County, Schuyler tells how he, George and his mother, Lydia, came to Oregon (legally married and even gives dates) and took up their land claim and does not acknowledge any other wife or children. Schuyler at the time of the publication of the history was living on the original farm which Lydia took over after the marriage of Margaret to William Farris. More About GEORGE WASHINGTON MEEK, SR.: Cause of Death: Murdered Notes for EMILY LOUISA BRIDGMAN: 1. The information on Emily was given in July, 1998 by Roberta Cookson Uetz of Tehachapi, California. She is descended through Emily's daughter, Mary Emily. More About EMILY LOUISA BRIDGMAN: Fact # 1: Buried - Binghampton Cemetery, Lee Co., Illinois Notes for LYDIA E. JOHNSON: 1. 1870 Lane Co. census shows Arlington Meek in household. 2. Headstone has her death date as 1903. More About LYDIA E. JOHNSON: Fact # 1: Buried - Rest Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Junction City, Oregon Notes for MARGARET RENNER: 1. Oregon Donation Land Claim - #2920 Meek, (X) Margaret, widow, Lane Co. Arrived Oregon Sept, 1854. SC March 14, 1855. Married George W. Meek February 20, 1851 in Illinois. He was born 1827 in Ohio and died Sept. 1, 1864. March 15, 1855, Wm. D. Mount for $600, relinquished his claim to Meek. Wit: Lydia Johnson. James Howard was admin. of estate. Boundary adjusted with S. Bridges. Affirmed: Benjamin F. (X) Mount, Samuel Meek, Paul Summers, P. W. Johnson. 2. #2921 George Meek in boundary dispute with Samuel Bridges. Sold to Bridges for $800 Claim bounded by Mounts and Brice. Swore Oath of Allegiance July 21, 1862. 3. The 1900 census shows William Farris as a widower. More About MARGARET RENNER: Fact # 1: Buried Missouri Flat Cemetery, Jackson Co, Oregon Marriage Notes for GEORGE MEEK and MARGARET RENNER: 1. A date of 19 Nov., 1851 forwarded by Howard Hickman researching the Renner family. vii. HARRIET MEEK, b. January 1834, Muskingum Co., Ohio; d. October 12, 1915, Amboy, Lee, Illinois; m. CALVIN JOHNSON, December 27, 1852, Lee Co., Illinois; b. October 21, 1829, New York. Notes for HARRIET MEEK: 1. Amboy News sated Oct. 22, 1915 - "Mrs. Harriet Johnson passed away at the home of her son Samuel Johnson on Morris Street, Tuesday afternoon October 12, 1915 at 4 o'clock. The deceased was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio in 1833. She came to this state when a child of 8 years, and she remained in this vicinity for nearly 75 years. She was united in marriage to Calvin Johnson in 1855. Three children were born to this union, two daughters and one son. The two daughters, Josephine and Sadie preceded her in death, also her husband, Calvin Johnson, who died 21 years ago in 1895. She leaves to mourn her loss one son, Samuel, two grandchildren, Mrs. Nora Groth of Durand and Miss Hazel Johnson of this city; also several great grandchildren....." More About HARRIET MEEK: Fact # 1: Buried - Prairie Repose Cemetery Notes for CALVIN JOHNSON: 1. Twin to Murray Johnson 2. Amboy News, April 26, 1895 - "Calvin Johnson living in the grove west of this city died Monday night, Apr. 22, 1895, after a short illness. He was a G.A.R. man and served in the late war. The funeral was Wednesday at the Union Church in East Grove, and interment was in the cemetery near the old Ira Stephens' place, Rev. Mason officiated." More About CALVIN JOHNSON: Fact 4: Occupation-farmer. ----- Original Message ----- From: <Annemeek@aol.com> To: <MEEK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, November 27, 2000 8:07 AM Subject: Re: [MEEK] Samuel Meek > Charles Lewman or anyone else, > Can you tell me about the Meeks in Illinois? Do you have any records of Meeks > in Danville, Illinois, or thereabouts, who were in the mill machinery > business? > > I am searching for my forebear, a William Meek, who settled in Chapel Hill, > Tennessee, in 1808, on or near land grants given to Adam and Moses Meek. > > Anne Meek Kraine > Norfolk, VA > > > ============================== > The easiest way to stay in touch with your family and friends! > http://www.myfamily.com/banner.asp?ID=RWLIST1 > >