COUNCIL FAMILY BIOGRAPHIES & CHRONOLOGIES
Charles Council was born in North Carolina in 1793 or 1794. These years are determined by the ages that appear on his census records. The dates conflict with a date that appears on what may be Charles' headstone (died Dec 18, 1867 ae: 62 which calculates to a birth date of 1805). Any records that may detail the birth or early life of Charles have not been discovered. Documentation may never be found to confirm that he is the son of John Council and Elizabeth Riddick but all indications lead us to that conclusion. Where we track the movement of John and Elizabeth Council we almost always find evidence of Charles and his siblings.
As of this writing, the earliest primary documentation for Charles Council is his name on the November, 1815 petition from inhabitants of Gallatin County, Illinois requesting the formation of a new county. His mother, Elizabeth, is noted in this petition. She is also referenced as "the widow Council" among other 1815 Illinois records. Charles' brothers, Hardy and William, can be found among early White county documents until they move to Sangamon county around 1820. On the 1830 census we find that Charles is living in Sangamon county with his wife and one female under the age of five.
References to Charles are few, but his brothers, Hardy and William Council, can be found in the History of Sangamon County. This compilation states that Hardy was the first Council brother to arrive in Sangamon county in 1819. Some indication of the challenges that faced this family come from the reference that "Mrs. Council carried a sack of wheat on the horse she rode besides many household implements. Mr. Council carried all he could in the way of tools and other articles necessary to farming. He commenced improvements by building a camp or rough cabin. He was unable to obtain a plow, but being anxious to raise some wheat for a beginning, he took a grubbing hoe or old fashioned mattock, and dug up about one acre and a half near the junction between the prairie and timber, and on the ground thus prepared sowed the wheat brought by his wife, and raised a good crop. When the land was surveyed and brought into market there was a line between his cabin and where he raised his crop of wheat. He could only enter one piece, and he chose that with the house on it."
It was a rugged existence for those who chose to settle the land. Battling the elements has always been a part of making a home on the prairie, but during the 1830s Illinois saw more than its share. "The Deep Snow" that fell during the winter of 1830-31 paralyzed most of Illinois with a storm that left a three-foot layer of snow and ice. In 1833 the early morning skies appeared to be lit by a "shower of fire" as residents viewed the "Great Leonid Meteor Storm". Then again on December 20, 1836 Illinois residents experienced a ferocious "Sudden Freeze" that took the lives of residents and livestock alike. The Councils appear to have survived the elements and remained in Illinois through these years.
Election records indicate that Charles was living in Sangamon county in 1822 and 1824. During 1824, he returned to White county long enough to wed Mary Culberson. Charles is residing with his wife and one daughter in Sangamon county on the 1830 census. Land records from the 1830s show Charles as a resident and/or land owner in surrounding Logan, Tazewell, and McLean counties. Later documentation places Charles Council and his family in Dewitt County, Illinois in 1840 and Logan county in 1850. It is important to note that Charles may not have resided in all these locations. Current family research lists the birthplace of his children Willis (1833), Matilda (1836), and Thomas (1838) as Logan county, yet Logan county was not formed until 1839. Further research may indicate that changes in the county lines between adjoining Sangamon, Dewitt, Tazewell, McLean and Logan counties account for some of the apparent movement of this family. The attached range map shows the location of Charles Council land: blue = 1831 deed/patent; green = 1833 land purchase; red = 1835 land purchase. It may also be noted that Charles is living near the same neighbors on the 1840 census (DeWitt county) and 1850 census (Logan county).
Hardy and William Council spent their lives in Illinois, but Charles did not. By 1855 Charles purchased land and moved his family to Warren county, Iowa. In 1856 Charles is residing in Dallas County, Iowa where he can be found on the first state census. He is also found in Dallas county on the 1860 federal census at the age of 66. He filed his Last Will and Testament in Dallas County, Iowa on September 24, 1866. As of this writing no documentation has been found to prove where Charles died or where he is buried but it is assumed that he returned to Logan County, Illinois. According to an entry for his son-in-law, Levi Wilcox, in A Memorial and Biographical Record of Iowa (Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co., 1896, pgs 997-998) Charles "returned to his old home in Logan County, Illinois, where he died at the age of seventy-five years." A Charles Council is buried in Lawndale Union Cemetery, Logan county. The headstone death date is given as 12 December 1867, ae 62. The probate calendar for Dallas County Circuit Court indicates that the will of Charles Council, deceased, was filed on June 6, 1868.
We find his wife, Mary, living with their daughter, Mary Ann, and son-in-law, John Wyatt, on the 1870 Greene County, Iowa census. Mary passed away on December 4, 1872 and is buried in Valley View Cemetery in Dallas County, Iowa.
The children born to Charles and Mary are believed to be Rebecca, Willis, Matilda, Thomas Charles, Mary Ann, John A., and Melvina. Some research includes two additional daughters: Elizabeth (born ca1825) and Tabitha (born ca1827). This would coincide with the unidentified female child who is under five years of age on the 1830 census.
1815 Charles Council signs petition from the inhabitants of Gallatin County, Illinois to form a new county http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilwhite2/wchs7-27-98.html
James Staton, James Hix, John Hutchcralt, Antoney Aldrich?, James Adrich, John Camel, John Rejastis?, John Underwood, Wm. Davis, Wm. Hood, Charles Council, Ja Stewart, Ja Pumroy, J Vineyard, Otho Davenport, Joseph Clark, Joseph Pettigrew, William Thomason, Humphreys Leech, James Cain, Christopher Robetson, B.B. Smith, John Crane, Francis Leech, Thomas Robinson, Geo. Leech, William McGhehee, James Findley, James Dickenson, Michael Dickerson, Jesse Cannon, Ben Cannon, Isaac Morris.
1822 Snow Birds: Poll Books of Sangamo County, 1821-1830 (Springfield, Ill.: Sangamon County Genealogical Society, 1983), 12 [Voting record of Charles Council. Transcription format: column heading = content of the column]
General election, court house, Springfield, 5 August 1822 = Charles Council
Governor = Philips
Lieut. Governor = Lemen
Rep. To Congress = Cook
Senator = Stillman
Represent. To the Assembly = Sims
Sheriff = Taylor
Coroner = [blank]
County Commissioners = Lee, Lindsay, Morgan
1824 Snow Birds: Poll Books of Sangamo County, 1821-1830 (Springfield, Ill.: Sangamon County Genealogical Society, 1983), 27 [Poll list. Transcription format: column heading = content of the column]
Union Precinct, 2 August 1824
A Poll book of an Election held at the house of Thomas Constant in the Union Precinct, in the County of Sangamon and State of Illinois on the 2nd day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four -
Names of Voters = Charles Counsel [sic]
1824 Marriage record of Charles Council and Mary Culberson, 15 September 1824 (Executed 17 September 1824), White County, Illinois, Marriage Records, Book 1, page 33. LDS Family History Library Microfilm #977068.
Date of license = Sept 15, 1824
Parties names = Charles Council with Mary Culberson
Record of marriages = Executed this 17th September 1824 by Saml Slocum[?]
1826 Snow Birds: Poll Books of Sangamo County, 1821-1830 (Springfield, Ill.: Sangamon County Genealogical Society, 1983), 48 [Names of voters. Transcription format: column heading = content of the column]
Court House, Springfield. 7 August 1826
Names of voters = 187. Charles Council
Names of voters = 231. William Council
1826 Snow Birds: Poll Books of Sangamo County, 1821-1830 (Springfield, Ill.: Sangamon County Genealogical Society, 1983), 72 [Polling record. Transcription format: column heading = content of the column]
Union Precinct. 18 November 1826
A pole [sic] of an Election held at the House of John Bransons in the Union Preinct [sic] in the County of Sangamon and State of Illinois on the 18th day of November in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty six -
Voters names = Wm Council [no Charles Council listed]
1837-1828 History of Logan County - p.83 Stringer, Lawrence B. History of Logan County, Illinois: Volume I (Chicago: Pioneer Publishing Co., 1911) 83.
... Charles Council and Abram Vandeventer came in 1827 or 1828...
1830 History of Logan County - p.86 Stringer, Lawrence B. History of Logan County, Illinois: Volume I (Chicago: Pioneer Publishing Co., 1911) 86.
... The first land entries in Prairie Creek were made in 1830, the first patents being taken out by Hiram Watson and J. Williams. About the same time, Andrew Scott, John Slatton and Stephen Jones entered land, in what is now Atlanta township; Gershorn Payne and John Downing, in Chester township; Thomas Stroud, Tavern B. and M. R. Anderson, George W. Miles, Charles Council and Joseph Reece, in Eminence township; ...
1830 United States Census (Free Schedule), Sangamon County, Illinois; p.157, line 8. National Archives Microfilm M19, Roll 24.
Charles Council 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
1831 Deed of Sale from Charles Council to Benjamin Orendorff, [page 2], 5 September 1831 (filed 183?), Tazewell County, Illinois, Deed Record 1-2, pages 108-109. LDS Family History Library Microfilm #1314788.
Charles Council to Benjamin Orendorff} Deed
This Indenture made this fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one Between Charles Council and Mary his wife of Tazewell County and State of Illinois of the one part and Bemjamin Orendorff of the County and State aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that for the Concideration [sic] of the Sum of one Hundred Dollars lawful money of the United States to us in hand paid the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged the said parties of the first part hath bargained sold and conveyed and hereby do bargain sell and convey unto the said party of the second part their heirs and assigns for ever all that tract or parcel of Land lying in the County of Tazewell and contained in the west half of the South west quarter of Section No. Twenty one north Range No. Two west of the Land directed to be sold at Springfield containing Eighty acres to have and to hold the above granted & bargained premises with the appertaments there of, unto the said party of the Second part his heirs and assigns for ever to there own prop[?] use and behoof. Also the said parties of the first part do for themselves their heirs executors administrators do covenant with the said party of the second part their heirs and assigns that at and until the sealing and delivering of this deed they were Seized of the premises above granted as a good and complete estate in fee simple and have good right to bargain and sell the same and that the same is free from all incumberances whatsoever and furthermore they bind themselves and their heirs forever to warrant and defend the above granted and Bargained premises to the Said party of the Second part his heirs and assigns against all Claims and demands whatsoever.
In witness whereof the Said parties of the first part have Signed Sealed and delivered these presents the days and year first above written.
Charles Council
Mary Council
In the presents of
Isom Wright
John W. Beck
State of Illinois Tazewell County} Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid the within named Charles Council, Mary his wife personally known to me to be the persons whose names is subscribed to the within deed as having executed the same who acknowledge that did voluntarily sign and deliver the within deed of conveyance for the purposes therein contained and expressed and also Mary Council wife of the said Charles Council being examined separate and apart from her said husband and acknowledged the within deed of conveyance to be his voluntary act and deed and that she executes the same without the [?] or persuasion of her husband and freely … [missing]
1833 Land Patent Certificate from the United States of America to Charles Council, 13 May 1833, Tazewell County, Illinois. Certificate No. 5470. Available from: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/
{Certificate No. 5470 -- The United States of America -- 349
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas, Charles Council, of Tazewell County, Illinois, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Springfield whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Charles Council according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands," for the West half of the South West quarter of Section Twenty one in Township Twenty one North of Range, Two West of the Third Principal meridian in the District of lands subject to sale at Springfield Illinois containing Eighty Acres according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said Charles Council,
Now know ye, That the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and, by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to Hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof, I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the thirtieth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty three and of the Independence of the United States the fifty seventh.
By the President: Andrew Jackson
By A. F. Donelson, Secy
Elijah Hayward, Commissioner of the General Land Office.
1835 Land Patent Certificate from the United States of America to Charles Council, 8 September 1835, McLean County, Illinois. Certificate No. 8005. Available from: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/
Certificate No. 8005 -- The United States of America -- 761, 259
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas, Charles Council of McLean County, Illinois has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Springfield whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Charles Council according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th April, 1820 entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands, for the north east quarter of the northwest quarter of Section thirty three in township twenty one, North of Range one, west, of the third principal meridian, in the District of lands subject to sale at Springfield, Illinois, containing forty acres according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said Charles Council.
Now know ye, That the United States of America, in consideration of the promises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such cases made and provided, have given and granted, and, by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs, the said tract above described. to Have and to Hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of wahtsoever nature thereunto belonging, unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof, I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand at the City of Washington, the eighth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five and of the Independence of the United States.
By the President: Andrew Jackson, by A J Donelson, Sec'y
Ethora[?] Brown, Commissioner of the General Land Office
1840 United States Census (Free Schedule), De Witt County, Illinois, line 19. National Archives Microfilm Roll 58, Page 18.
Charles Council 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1850 United States Census (free schedule), Logan County, Illinois, p.100, family 679, dwelling 670, lines 5-12, October 22, 1850. National Archives Microfilm Series M432, Roll 116, Page 216.
Charles Council - 57 - M - 0 - Farmer - 1800 - N.C. - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0
Polly Council - 49 - F - 0 - 0 - 0 - Ky - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0
Willis Council - 16 - M - 0 - Farmer - 0 - Ills. 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
Matilda - 13 - F - 0 - 0 - 0 - Ills. - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
Thomas - 10 - M - 0 - 0 - 0 - Ills. -0 - 0 - 0 - 0
Mary A - 8 - F - 0 - 0 - 0 - Ills. - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
John A. - 4 - M - 0 - 0 - 0 - Ills. - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
Meliza Johnson - 43 - F - 0 - 0 - 0 - Ky 0 - 0 - 1 - 0
1854 Land Patent Certificate from the United States of America to Charles Council, 15 Sep 1854, Warren County, Iowa. Certificate No. 978. Available from: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/
{Certificate No. 978 -- The United States of America
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas, Charles Council, of Warren County, Iowa, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Fort Des Moines whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Charles Council according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands," for the South East Quarter of the South West Quarter of Section Three in Township Seventy-six North of Range Twenty five West in the District of Lands subject to sale at Fort Des Moines Iowa containing forty acres according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said Charles Council,
Now know ye, That the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and, by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to Hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof, I, Franklin Pierce, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the fifteenth day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four and of the Independence of the United States the seventy-ninth.
By the President: Franklin Pierce
By H. E. Baldwin, [Asst.]
Jos. S. Wilson, Acting Recorder of the General Land Office adinterim.
1855 Land Patent Certificate from the United States of America to Charles Council, 1 May 1855, Warren County, Iowa. Certificate No. 6305. Available from: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/
{Certificate No. 6305 -- The United States of America -- 127
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas, Charles Council, of Warren County, Iowa, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Fort Des Moines whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Charles Council according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands," for the South half of the South West quarter of Section Two and the North West quarter of the North West quarter of Section Eleven in Township Twenty six, North of Range Twenty five, West in the District of Lands subject to sale at Fort Des Moines Iowa containing one hundred and sixty acres according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said Charles Council,
Now know ye, That the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and, by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to Hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof, I, Franklin Pierce, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the first day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five and of the Independence of the United States the seventy ninth.
By the President: Franklin Pierce
By H. E. Baldwin, [Asst]
J. N. Granger, Recorder of the General Land Office
1855 Land Patent Certificate from the United States of America to Charles Council, 15 May 1855, Warren County, Iowa. Certificate No. 8540. Available from: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/
{Certificate No. 8540 -- The United States of America -- 125
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas, Charles Council, of Warren County, Iowa, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Fort Des Moines whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Charles Council according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands," for the North West quarter of the South East quarter and the South West quarter of the North East quarter and the North East quarter of the South West quarter and the South East quarter of the North West quarter of Section eighteen in Township eighty one North of Range twenty eight West in the District of Lands subject to sale at Fort Des Moines Iowa containing one hundred and sixty acres according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said Charles Council,
Now know ye, That the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and, by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to Hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof, I, Franklin Pierce, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the fifteenth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five and of the Independence of the United States the seventy ninth.
By the President: Franklin Pierce
By H. E. Baldwin, [Asst]
J. N. Granger, Recorder of the General Land Office
1855 Land Patent Certificate from the United States of America to Charles Council, 15 May 1855, Warren County, Iowa. Certificate No. 9167. Available from: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/
{Certificate No. 9167 -- The United States of America -- 199
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas, Charles Council, of Warren County, Iowa, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Fort Des Moines whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Charles Council according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands," for the South half of the South West quarter of Section seventeen and the North half of the North West quarter of Section twenty in Township eighty one North of Range twenty eight West in the District of Lands, subject to sale at Fort Des Moines Iowa containing one hundred and sixty acres according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said Charles Council,
Now know ye, That the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and, by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to Hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof, I, Franklin Pierce, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the fifteenth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five and of the Independence of the United States the seventy ninth.
By the President: Franklin Pierce
By H. E. Baldwin, [Asst]
J. N. Granger, Recorder of the General Land Office
1855 Land Patent Certificate from the United States of America to Charles Council, 15 May 1855, Warren County, Iowa. Certificate No. 9168. Available from: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/
200 -- {Certificate No. 9168 -- The United States of America
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas, Charles Council, of Warren County, Iowa, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Fort Des Moines whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Charles Council according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands," for the South East quarter of the South East quarter of Section twenty eight in Township eighty one North of Range twenty eight West in the District of Lands subject to sale at Fort Des Moines Iowa containing one hundred and sixty acres according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said Charles Council,
Now know ye, That the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and, by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to Hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof, I, Franklin Pierce, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the fifteenth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five and of the Independence of the United States the seventy ninth.
By the President: Franklin Pierce
By H. E. Baldwin, [Asst]
J. N. Granger, Recorder of the General Land Office
1855 Land Patent Certificate from the United States of America to Charles Council, 15 June 1855, Warren County, Iowa. Certificate No. 11.128. Available from: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/
98 -- {Certificate No. 11.128 -- The United States of America
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas, Charles Council, of Warren County, Iowa, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Fort Des Moines whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Charles Council according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands," for the South East quarter of the South East quarter of Section Seven in Township eighty one North, of Range twenty eight West, in the District of Lands subject to sale at Fort Des Moines Iowa containing forty acres according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said Charles Council,
Now know ye, That the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and, by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to Hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof, I, Franklin Pierce, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the fifteenth day of June in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five and of the Independence of the United States the seventy ninth.
By the President: Franklin Pierce
By H. E. Baldwin, [Asst]
J. N. Granger, Recorder of the General Land Office
1855 Land Patent Certificate from the United States of America to Charles Council, 1 October 1855, Warren County, Iowa. Certificate No. 14020. Available from: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/
{Certificate No. 14020 -- The United States of America -- 287
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas, Charles Council, of Warren County, Iowa, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Fort Des Moines whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Charles Council according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands," for the South West quarter of the North West quarter of Section Twenty in Township Eighty one North of Range Twenty eight, West, in the District of Lands subject to sale at Fort Des Moines Iowa containing one hundred and forty acres according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said Charles Council,
Now know ye, That the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and, by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to Hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging unto the said Charles Council and to his heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof, I, Franklin Pierce, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the first day of October in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five and of the Independence of the United States the eightieth.
By the President: Franklin Pierce
By H. E. Baldwin, Asst Secretary
J. N. Granger, Recorder of the General Land Office
1855 Deed of Sale from the Estate of John W. Rush to Charles Council, 6 October 1855, Dallas County, Iowa, Deed Book F, page 101. LDS Family History Library Microfilm #1034121.
Joseph Powers
Adm to Land
Charles Council
To all to whom these presents shall come greeting Whereas of the time of the county court of Polk County, Iowa held on the 16th day of July AD 1855 upon the application of Joseph Powrs [sic] administrator of the estate of John W. Rush deceased late of Polk County aforesaid for an order to sell the Real Estate of the said estate the administrator was ordered to sell the East half of the North West quarter and the West half North East quarter of section Number eight "8" in Township No Eighty-one "81" North of Range No. twenty eight West of the 5th P.M. containing one hundred and sixty acres more or less together or in parcels. Now therefore by virtue of the power in me rested by law, I Joseph Powers as adminstrator of the said John W. Rush, deceased, in consideration of the premises and of the sum of one hundred and twenty dollars in hand paid the receipt of which is hereby acknowleged do by these presents grant bargain sell and convey unto Charles Council of Dallas County Iowa the following described piece and parcel of said land to wit. The South East quarter of the South East quarter of the North West quarter of section No. eight "8" in township No. eighty one "81" in Range No. twenty eight West of the 5 P.M. containing ten acres more or less. To have and to hold the said premises to him the said Charles Council and his heirs and assigns forever.
On testimony whereof I as administrator of the said John W. Rush have here to subscribed my name this sixth day of Oct AD 1855.
Joseph Powers, Admtr of the
Estate of John W. Rush, Dcd
State of Iowa}
County of Polk} Ss
On this 6th day of October AD 1855 is before me Barlow Granger, Mayor of the town of West Des Moines in Polk County aforesaid personally appeared Joseph Powers known to me to be the identical person whose name is subscribed to the within deed as administrator and acknowledged the same to be his voluntary act & deed as such administrator - Witness my hand and official seal the day and year above written.
Barlow Granger
Mayor
1856 Iowa State Census, Dallas Township, Dallas County, Iowa, p. 100, lines 30-37. LDS Family History Library Microfilm #1021295.
Charles Council - 62 - M - color=0 - married=1 - widowed=0 - years resident in state=2 - born=N. Carolina - profession=Farmer - native voter=1 - naturalized=0 - aliens=0 - militia=0 - deaf/dumb=0 - blind=0
Mary Council - 52 - F - 0 - 0 - 0 - w - Kentucky - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
Willis Council - 25 - M - 0 - 0 - 0 - 2 - Illinois - Farmer 1 - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0
Thomas - 17 - M - 0 - 0 - 0 - 2 - Illinois - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
Mary A. Council - 14 - F - 0 - 0 - 0 - 2 - Illinois - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
John Council - 11 - M - 0 - 0 - 0 - 2 - Illinois - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
Melvina - 8 - F - 0 - 0 - 0 - 2 - Illinois - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
David Bovine - 20 - M - 0 - 0 - 0 - 1 - Illinois - Farmer - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
1859 Deed of Sale from Charles and Mary Council to Christopher Roop, 13 August 1859 (filed 22 September 1859), Dallas County, Iowa, Deed Book F, page 407. LDS Family History Library Microfilm #1034121.
Chas. Council }
To } Deed}
Christopher Roop }
This Deed of Bargain and Sale made and executed the Thirteenth day of August A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty nine by and between Charles Council and Mary Council his wife of the County of Dallas in the State of Iowa parties of the first part and Christopher Roop of Dallas County Iowa of the second part witnesseth that the said parties of the first part in consideration of the sum of one thousand dollars the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged have bargained and sold and do by these presents Bargain Sell and convey unto the second part his heirs and assigns for ever the Tract of Real Estate in the County of Dallas State of Iowa to wit SW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 Section 17 Town 81 N of Range 28 West Containing 40 acres To have and to hold the premises above described, with all the appurtenances thereto belonging unto him the said second party and to his heirs and assigns forever. The said Charles Council and Mary Council hereby covenanting for their heirs executors and administrators that the above described premises are free from any incumbrance that they have full right to sell the same and they will warrant and defend the title unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns against the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever. And the said Mary Council wife of the said Charles Council hereby relinquishes all her right of Dower in the foregoing premises. In witness whereof the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands the day and year first herein written.
Charles (his X mark) Council
Mary (her X mark) Council
State of Iowa }
Dallas County } SS
Be it remembered that on this 13th day of August A.D. 1859 before the undersigned Justice of the Peace in and for said County came Charles Council and Mary Council his wife to me personally known to be the identical persons whose names are subscribed to the foregoing Deed as grantor and acknowledged the instrument to be their voluntary act and deed and that they executed the same for the purposes therein mentioned.
Witness my hand the day and year last above written
E. J. Waldron, Just Peace, Dallas County
Filed for Record at 1 Oclock P.M., J. P. Eckles, Recorder
J.W. Martin, Deputy
1860 United States Census (free schedule), Spring Valley Township, Dallas County, Iowa, p.19, family 131, dwelling 128, lines 17-22, June 11, 1860. National Archives Microfilm Series M653, Roll 317, Page 20.
Charles Council - 66 - M - 0 - Farmer - 600 - 163 - N.C. - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0
Mary Council - 50 - F - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - Ky - 0 - 0 - 1 - 0
Mary Ann Council - 18 - F - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - Ills. 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
John Council - 14 - M - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - Ills. - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0
Melvina Council - 12 - F - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - Ills. - 0 - 1 - 0 - 0
Thomas Council - 21 - M - 0 - Farmer - 0 - 0 - Ills. 0 - 0 - 1 - 0
1862 Abstract of Judgment, Vanmeter, James & James v Council, Council, Ewing & Council. Dallas County, Iowa Judgment docket, District No.1, p268. LDS Family History Library Microfilm #1034099.
Names of Parties = JR & H[?] Vanmeter, William James & Daniel James vs. Charles Council, Thomas C. Council, James L. Ewing & Mary Council
Date of Judgment = April 15, 1862
Date of Execution = June 20, 1862
Amt of Judgement = 584.37
Amt of Costs = 6.95
Date of Satisfaction = July 26, 1862 by sale of Real Estate to plff. Cole Noel, Clerk
Abstract of Judgment = Action on Note & Mortgage and Decree of foreclosure and Special Execution to issue against NE 1/4 of SE' of the NW Sec 8 & SE of SE' Sec 9 & N of the SE of the NW & the N of SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 Sec 18 & the N of the NW & the SW of the NW 1/4 Sec 20 & the SE of the SE Sec 28 Township 81 N R 28 W 53 M.M
1866 Will of Charles Council, cont. p.51, 24 December 1866 (Recorded 7 June 1869), Dallas County, Iowa, Will Records Vol.1, pages 50-51. LDS Family History Library Microfilm #1034214
Last Will and Testament of Charles Council
In the name of God, Amen.
I Charles Council of Spring Valley township Dallas County Iowa being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life do therefore make, ordain, publish, declare this to be my last Will and Testament that is to say
First: After all my lawful debts are paid and discharged the residue of my estate Real and Personal I give bequeath and dispose of as follows towit.
Secondly: I bequeath to Thomas C. Council One Dollar also Mary Ann Wyatt one Dollar also John A. Council also Melvina Council each one dollar & all the rest I give bequeath and devise the remainder of my Real and Personal Estate to Rebecca McCarl, Willis Council & Matilda Wilcox to be equally divided between said Rebecca McCarl, Willis Council and Matilda Wilcox to be divided equally between them. Share & share alike.
Likewise I make and appoint Christian Roop to be Executor of this my last Will & Textament.
In witness whereof I have here unto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this twenty fourth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty six.
Charles (his X mark) Council
The above written instrument was subscribed by the said Charles Council in our presents & acknowledged by him to each of us and he at the same time published and declared the above instrument so subscribed to be his last Will and Testament & we at the Testator's request and in his presence have signed our names as witnesses hereto & written opposite our names our respective place of residence.
H. Crowel, Dallas Co. Iowa
Comfort Roop, Dallas Co., Iowa
N. G. Lang, Dallas Co., Iowa
State of Iowa, Dallas County, SS
I N. G. Lang, Clerk of of [sic] the Circuit Court within and for the County of Dallas and State of Iowa do hereby certify that the foregoing last Will and Testament of Charles Council deceased was duly proven, allowed and admitted to probate in the Circuit Court of Said County at the June Term thereof to wit on the 7th day of June 1869 in pursuance of the statute in such cases made and provided.
In witness whereof I have here unto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Adel Iowa on the 7th day of June 1869.
N. G. Lang, Clerk
1867 Deed of Sale from Charles Council to Levi P. Wilcox, cont. p. 278, 24 September 1867 (filed 22 October 1867), Dallas County, Iowa, Deed Book M, pages 277-278. LDS Family History Library Microfilm #1034125.
Charles Council}
To}
Levi P. Wilcox}
This Indenture made this twenty fourth day of September in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-Seven Between Charles Council of Logan County and State of Illinois of the first part and Levi P. Wilcox of the same place of the second part Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in considertion of the sum of one thousand dollars in hand paid by the said party of the second part the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has granted bargained and sold and by these presents do grant bargain and sell unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns all the following described lot piece or parcel of land situated in Spring Valley Township in the County of Dallas and State of Iowa to wit. South half (1/2) of the South West quarter (1/4) of Section Seventeen (17) in town Eighty one (81) Range twenty Eight (28) containing Eighty (80) acres the same more or less together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining and the re? and re" remainder and remainders rents issues and profits thereof and all the estate right to title interest claim and demand whatsoever of the said party of the first part either in law or equity of in and to the above bargained premises with the hereditaments and appurtenances to have and to hold the said premises above bargained and described with the appurtenances unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever and the said Charles Council party of the first part hereby expressly? waives releases and relinquishes unto the said party of the second part his heirs executors administrators and assigns all right to the claim interest and benefit whatever in and to the above described premises and each and every part thereof which is given by or results from all laws of this State pertaining to the exemption of homesteads and the said Charles Council party of the first part for himself and his heirs executors and administrators does covenant grant bargain and agree to and with the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns that at the time of the ensealing and delivery of these presents he was well seized of the premises above conveyed as of a good sure perfect absolute and indefeasible estate of inheritance in law and in fee simple and has good right full power and lawful authority to grant bargain sell and convey the same in manner and form aforesaid and that the same are free and clear from all former and other grants bargains sales heirs taxes asessments and encumbrances of what kind or nature soever and the above bargained premises in the quiet and peaceable possession of the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns against all and every person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim the whole or any part thereof the said party of the first part shall and will warrant and forever defend.
In Testamony Whereof the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written
Signed Sealed and delivered in persence of}
C. F. Stewart} Charles (his X mark) Council {seal}
State of Illinois}
Logan County}
I C. F. Stewart a Justice of the Peace in and for ssid County in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that Charles Council is personally known to me as the same person whose name is subscribed to the amended Deed appeared before me this day in person and acknowledged that he signed sealed and delivered the said instrument in writing as his free and voluntary act for the uses and purposes therein set forth.
Given under my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of September AD 1867
C. F. Stewart
USRS $1.00
CC Sept 24, 1867}
State of Illinois}
County of Logan} SS
I John T. Jenkins Clerk of the County Court in and for said County do hereby certify that C. F. Stewart Esq. whose name is subscribed to the proof or acknowledgement of the amended Instrument in writing was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned sworn and acting as such and authorized to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verify believe that the signature to the said proof or acknowledgement is genuine and further that the ammended Instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of Illinois.
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Lincoln in said County this 27th day of September AD 1867
John T Jenkins, Clerk
USRS 5 [cents]
JTJ Sept 27/67
Filed for Record Oct 22nd AD 1867
at 11 o'clock AM
J Perkins, Recorder
1868-1872 Probate Records of Charles Council, Iowa. District Court (Dallas Co.) 1868-1872. Probate Records Vol. 3, pages 118, 252, 332, 390. LDS Family History Library Microfilm #1034104, item 3.
In the Matter of the}
Last Will & Testament of}
Charles Council, dcd.} Production of Will
July Term, 1868 (p.118) Whereas -- filed in this office an Instrument in writing purporting to be the last will & Testament of Charles Council deceased and Said Instrument having been this day Recd in open court it is ordered that the first Monday in August next befixed for proving Said Will.
March Term, 1869 (p.252) In the matter of the last Will and Testament of Charles Council Decd - No.2 - Ordered that this cause be continued until next term of court for proof of will, and the First day thereof to wit the 7th day of June 1869 is set for the final hearing and proof of the same and that Notice of the same be given to all parties interested by Publication for two consecutive weeks in the Dallas Weekly Gazette a Weekly newspaper published at Adel Iowa.
June Term, 1869 (p.332) In the matter of the last Will of Charles Council Dec'd - No. 1 Probate
Now on this first day of the term the matter of the last will of Charles Council deceased came on for final hearing, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that notice of the time of said final hearing had been given to all parties concerned and the Court having heard the evidence of the subscribing witnesses and being satisfied that said will was duly executed and that said dec'd was of sound mind when the same was executed.
It is therefore ordered that said will be admitted to Probate, That the same be recorded and that Christian Roop be appointed Executor thereof and that his bond be fixed at one thousand dollars and that he give notice of his appointment by publishing notice thereof for one week in the Dallas Weekly Gazette.
(p.390) In the matter of the Estate of Charles Council dec'd. - Inventory.
Comes now Christian Roop Executor of the Estate of Charles Council late of Dallas County, Iowa dec'd. and files Inventory of property of said Estate in word and figures following to wit:
State of Iowa, Dallas, County SS
The following is a full and perfect Inventory of all the Real and Personal Estate of the said deceased so far as the same has come to the possession or knowledge of the undersigned Administrator of Charles Council
(The following material appears in a ledger format)
No. = 1
Chattel/Property = Cash By Recd - Value = $50.00
Chattel/Property = Judgement against Willis Council - Value = $300.00 more or less
I Christian Roop do hereby certify that the above is a correct Inventory of the Real and Personal Estate of Charles Council deceased.
Given under our hand this 29th day of June 1869
Christian Roop
1868-1972 Probate Records of Charles Council, Iowa. District Court (Dallas Co.) 1868-1872. Probate Records Vol. 4, pages 436-437. LDS Family History Library Microfilm #1034105.
(p.436)
In the matter of the Estate}
of Charles Council, Decd} Administration Report
First annual Report of Christian Roop Executor of the Estate of Charles Council decd and states that their was no personal effects goods chattels moneys or effects belonging to said Estate except as herein set forth.
This accountant charges himself as follows by her[?]
Cash received? of JR Reed[?] belonging to decd Estate 50.00
Cash received on Judgment Chas Council vs Willis Council 259.00
Total charges $309.00
(p.437)
This accountant claims ca[?]
Pa voucher No 1 Willis Council $89.00
Pa voucher No 2 Rebecca M. Council 65.00
Pa voucher No 3 L P Wilcox 60.00
Pa voucher No 4 Court costs 25.55
Pa voucher No 5 Commission on $239.35 = 11.96
Total credits $251.31
Total charges Brt[?] up $309.00
Oct 4th 1871 Balance due Estate %57.69
State of Iowa}
Dallas County}
Christian Roop Executor of the Estate of Charles Council decd being sworn says the within and foregoing is a true and correct statement or report of the moneys received and paid out belonging to decd Estate as for vouchers on file since the same came into my hands as I [?] believe.
Christian Roop
Subscribed and sworn to by Christian Roop this 4th day of October 1871
E. C. Elisah[?]
Notary Public
1872 Probate of Charles Council, Iowa. District Court (Dallas Co.) 1872. Probate Records Vol. 5, pages 19, 85-87. LDS Family History Library Microfilm #1034105.
September 10, 1872 (p.19)
In the matter of the Estate of}
Charles Council Decd}
Ordered that this cause be continued.
December Term, 1872 (p.85)
In the matter of the Estate of}
Charles Council Decd} Discharge of Executor
Now on this day this cause comes on to be heard upon the final report and application for discharge of Christian Roop Executor of the last will and testament of Charles Counsel deceased. And Upon examination of said report it apprearing that the above named executor has complied with all the requirements of said last will and testament that said estate is fully settled. That there is now no money in the hands of said executor belonging to said estate.
Wherefore it is ordered.
December Term, 1872 (p.86) - At a regular term of the circuit court of the state of Iowa in and for the county Dallas, begin and publicly held at the court house in Adel on the first Monday in December AD 1872 the following proceedings were had towit!
John Mitchell Judge 1st Circuit 5th District presiding. A. W. Hanes, Sheriff, N. G. Long, Clerk.
In the matter of the Estate of Charles Counsel Decd - Executors final report
Comes now Christian Roop Executor of the last will and testament of Charles Counsel deceased and submits the following final report.
Dr [?] amount in my hands at date of last report filed October 4th 1871 = 57.69
Cr By amounts paid out since my last report, as per vouchers herewith filed towit:
Paid to Willis Counsel (voucher 1) $10.00
Paid to Rebecca McConnell/McCarroll? (voucher 2) $10.00
Paid to J. E. Williams printing notice (voucher 3) $3.00
Paid to Ebersole [?] & Callvert atty fee (voucher 4) $1.00
Paid to S. A. Callvert atty fee (voucher 5) $3.00
Paid to John Counsel (voucher 6) $1.00
Paid to Mary Ann Wyatt (voucher 7) $1.00
Paid to Melvina Thornton (voucher 8) $1.00
Paid to Thos. Counsel $1.00
Paid to G. A. Atwood (voucher 9) $3.00
Paid expenses in obtaining money due estate from Warren [?] $17.50
By commission on $69.65 at 5% $3.48
By extraordinary expenses, 3 trips to Adel $6.00
By Paid Clerks fees this report $3.55
By Paid Callvert & Perkins making this report $3.00
[total] $67.53
Recapitulation.
Total amount received from all sources belonging to said estate $309.00
Total amount paid out $318.84
Leaving a balance due executors amount disbursed in excess of receipts $9.84
December Term, 1872 (p.87)Said executor further shows to the court that by the terms of the will of the said Charles Counsel then was bequeathed to Thomas Counsel and John Counsel, sons of said deceased, the sum of one dollar each, and to Mary Ann Wyatt and Melvina Thornton, daughters of the deceased the sum of one dollar each, and he has paid to each of said legatees their said specific legacies as shown in this report. And that said will further provided that the remainder of said estate after the payment of charges and expenses against said estate should be divided equally between Willis Counsel son of deceased and Rebecca McConnell/McCarroll and Matilda Wilcox daughters of said deceased.
Said executor reports that he has collected all moneys due said estate and has paid all charges and legal demands against said estate so far as the same has come to his knowledge, and that he has paid over to the several legatees the several amounts due them by the terms of the will of the decedent as shown in this report and by the vouchers filed herewith, and having fully administered said estate and discharged the several duties imposed upon him by the will of the deceased, he now asks to be discharged from further services as such executor.
Christian Roop Executor
I Christian Roop do swear that the above is a true full and correct report of all my doings as executor of Charles Counsel deceased and that I have in several reports accounted for all moneys and property that has come into my hands belonging to said estate and for all sums paid out of the funds of said estate.
Christian Roop
Subscribed and sworn to by Christian Roop before me this 2nd day of December 1872. N. G. Long Clerk
Whereupon it is ordered by the court that the above and foregoing reports be approved, and that the executor be discharged and suretites be released from further liability on bond and that said estate be decreed fully settled.
1896 A Memorial and Biographical Record of Iowa (Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1896), 998
Excerpt from the biography for Levi P. Wilcox: ... On the 27th of April, 1856, he [Levi P. Wilcox] was joined in wedlock with Matilda Counsel, a native of Logan county, Illinois, and a daughter of Charles and Mary (Culberson) Counsel. The father was born in North Carolina and became one of the earliest settlers of Illinois. He later became a resident of Iowa, but again returned to his old home in Logan county, Illinois, where he died at the age of seventy-five years. His wife spent her last days in Dallas county, Iowa. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are yet living.
1907 Past and Present of Dallas County (Chicago: The S.J. Clark Publishing Co., 1907), 435
Excerpt from the biography for Levi P. Wilcox -- On the 27th of April, 1856, he [Levi P. Wilcox] wedded Miss Matilda Council, the marriage being celebrated at the home of her parents in what is now Spring Valley but was then Dallas township. She was born in Logan county, Illinois, April 5, 1836, and was a daughter of Charles and Mary (Culberson) Council, the former born in North Carolina and the latter in Illinois. Her father died at the age of seventy-five years, and the mother passed away in Dallas county at the same age. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Council was a democrat in his political views. Of the family of eleven children seven still survive: Willis, Rebecca, Mathilde, Thomas, Mary Ann, John and Melvina
Mrs. Wilcox received from her father one hundred and twenty acres of land and upon this tract the young couple began their domestic life.
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