• General Notes

  In 1797 Abraham Teter and wife moved from Randolph County, VA to New Design, Monroe County, IL. In 1803 in company with Hanna Teter and her husband Peter Mitchell, Barbara Teter and husband Daniel Shook and Issac Griffen followed up Silver Creek to where they settled on farms south of Freeburg, Ill., near the creek, were successful farmers, raised large families and became prominent citizens and were members of the Baptist faith.
  
  "The colony which came to Illinois at that time included a large number of families, among whom were the Teters, Carrs, Millers, Strouds, and Eymans. They floated down the Ohio River from Brownsville, Pennsylvania, to Shawneetown, and thence made their way across the country to Kaskaskia, where they arrived on July 4, 1797. Their journey across Southern Illinois was full of difficulties. Nothing but an Indian trail at that time led from Shawneetown to Kaskaskia. They were compelled to swim streams swollen with recent rains. Their household goods, with the women and children, were ferried over on temporary rafts. No trace of a white man was seen till they reached Kaskaskia."
  "A Brief History of St. Clair County, Illinois" by W.C. Walton
  --------------
  Biography by Professor Joseph M. Kellogg
  
  Abraham Teter was born in 1770, (since in the Personal Tax lists it is seen that he was not over 16 years old in 1786, but was over 16, but under 21, in 1787). He first appears for himself separately in these lists in 1790 and continues so there in Pendleton County through 1796.
  
  On December 23, 1788, Abraham Teter located 66 acres on both sides of Seneca Creek and the North Fork, between two tracts of his own land. (Pendleton County Location book No. 1, page 2). "His own land" in this case was that he inherited from his father Paul Teter.
  
  On February 10, 1791, he had surveyed 130 acres, "on both sides of Seneca creek and on both sides of the North Fork between and adjoining his former land at the mouth of Seneca." (Pendleton Survey book A, page 31). No doubt this tract included that located as mentioned above. A patent for this ___ tract was granted him on July 22, 1794 (Virginia Land book No. 30, page 610).
  
  An interesting letter from Moses Henkel, surveyor of Pendleton County, mentioning Abraham and other Teters is preserved in the records of the Augusta County Court and is published in the Chalkley records, vol. 1, page 483. It runs as follows:
  
  Sir:
  I understand that you are much dissatisfied about the land I surveyed for Abraham Teter, on the North side of Seneca joining his own land, saying I promised to send you word before I surveyed it. I remember of promising not to survey it before Andrew Johnson would return from Rockingham, who was to bring your entry, and Andrew returned and brought no entry, and moreover old George Teter searched Lewis' records and found no such entry as you spoke of, and the widow Teter demanded the surveying of the same, and as Abraham had the oldest entry by warrant, I thought myself in duty bound to survey it, neither saw I any occasion to send for you when I knew you had no entry for the land. ******I am ready, at your demand, to survey 100 acres for you on Seneca, above Abraham Teter's land, for your entry is now made by warrant, for I have lately obtained a warrant for you from Colonel Hamilton. I desire that you be moderate in your censures, and whether or not, I am your hearty well wisher and obsequious,
  
  M. Henkle
  
  Addressed to Mr. William Gragg, Sr. on Seneca.
  
  That there was further dispute about this property is shown by the record of the Circuit Court Docket Book (Pendleton County), where on September 6, 1799, the suit of Abraham Teter vs. William Gragg, administrator was tried and decided. The Sheriff's return is "satisfied". Costs were $2.90.
  
  On September 6, 1794, Abraham Teter appears on a roll of militia for Pendleton County in Captain William Gragg's Company. (Morton's History of Pendleton County, page 400); and his name also is on the list of those who voted a the elections in Pendleton County, in 1789, 1791 and 1792 - for Congressman, senator, assemblyman, etc.
  
  In the year 1797, Abraham Teter removed from Pendleton County, and went west to Illinois. He was accompanied by his mother, his sisters, and possibly others of the family. Before leaving it was necessary, of course, to dispose of his property in Pendleton County and on March 6, 1797, Abraham Teter and wife Mary, and his mother Rebecca Teter the widow of Paul, made a deed to Isaac Henkle, for 400 pounds, of a number of tracts of land around the Mouth of Seneca, etc. including various patents to Paul Teter and also the 130 acre tract patented to Abraham himself in 1794. (See notes under Paul and Rebecca Teter, his parents). (Pendleton County Deed book #2, page 319).
  
  It is said that on arriving in Illinois he settled first in what is now Monroe County, and then later went to St. Clair County, where he lived in Fayette precinct (not far from the present East St. Louis). In the History of St. Clair County Ill. pub. by Brink, McDonough and County, 1881, it is said that Abraham Teter came to New Design in Monroe County in 1797 and then to Fayette township in St. Clair County in 1803 or 1804, together with Peter Mitchell, Barbara Shook, and others, settling in Section 33 on Silver Creek. (pages 269-270). Also, on page 53 it is stated that a few miles south of Silver Creek, Abraham Teter, his sister Mrs. Shook and Peter Mitchell began making improvements. On the organization of the old Silver Creek Baptist church in 1811, among the constituent members were Abraham Teter, his wife Mary, Hannah Mitchell, Peter Mitchell, Rebecca Griffen, Mary Radcliff and Barbara Shook. (same, page 166). On page 70 of the same book is given an election poll at Cahokia, Ill. in January, 1799 and among the names appearing are those of Abraham Teter, John Teter, and Peter Mitchell. Abraham Teter is said to have had 11 children, and his daughter Rebecca was the first child of white parents born in Fayette precinct. Of these 11 children, 1 died young: of the others, 5 were boys and 5 girls.
  
  The Badgley Colony
  
  From: Reynold's Pioneer History of Illinois (pages 235-238).
  
  "An efficient and enterprising colony of Americans immigrated from Hardy county, Virginia, and settled at New Design, Illinois, in 1797. This was the largest and most flourishing company of farmers, mechanics and laborers that ever came to Illinois at or before that day.
  "A year or so before 1797, David Badgley and Leonard Carr came out to explore the country. Daniel Stookey, Abraham Eyeman, Mr. Whetstone and Abraham Stookey also explored the country before the colony settled in Illinois. These explorers came from the south branch of Potomac, Hardy County, Virginia, on horseback and examined the country thoroughly. They remained in the country most of the summer and Rev. David Badgley frequently preached. Mr. Stookey and others crossed the Mississippi at St. Louis in 1796, and gave that French village, the country around it and commandant a passing notice.
  
  "This exploring party decided on making Illinois their homes for life. They returned to Virginia and reported the facts of their discoveries to their neighbors and friends. This whole colony mustered up and commenced a long and arduous journey, at that day, for the Far West.
  
  "It is said that Solomon Shook and Mr. Borer came to Illinois the year before. This colony, all numbered and all told, amounted to about one hundred and fifty-four souls. They crossed the mountains on wagons, pack-horses and on foot to Morgantown on the Monongahela River. Here they waited some time for their boats to be finished. At last, in May, they set sail down the rivers to the land of promise - Illinois. After a long, tiresome and exposed voyage down the rivers they landed at Ft. Massac, on the Ohio river. The flat-boats, or brood horses, as they were sometimes called in derision, were not covered and the families in them were exposed to the inclemency of the weather and the heat of a summer sun.
  
  "This year, 1797, was uncommonly wet and the streams between the Ohio and Kaskaskia were all out of the banks and swimming. It rained almost every day, and the roads between Kaskaskia and Massac were literally covered with water and the mud almost impassable. This colony fixed up their wagons, horses and all things for the New Design, Illinois, and left Massac. They were detained in this wilderness of mud and water for about a month - exposed to almost a vertical sun over their heads and positive mud and water under their feet.
  
  "It must be recollected that at this time not a house stood between Kaskaskia and Massac. They rafted the creeks and at last reached civilization and contemplated relief; but woefully were they disappointed. They were hailed at Kaskaskia and New Design with all the good feelings peculiarly incident to the pioneers; but a tempest of the most direful calamity was gathering to burst upon their devoted heads. Almost one-half of this cheerful and flourishing colony died during the first summer and fall of their arrival.
  
  "This mortality is almost unprecedented in any country or under any circumstances. A most malignant fever prevailed, which was supposed to be contagious. This prevented the people from paying that kind attention to the sick which they needed. Scarcely a physician could be procured.
  
  "When they reached the New Design they could not procure houses to receive them and they were huddled together to the great injury of their health. If fact, provisions were not plenty. The Indian War had only ceased a year or two before and the inhabitants had not raised much support for themselves or the immigrants. At any rate such was the mortality that even the burying of the dead was scarcely attended to.
  
  "The graveyard of 1797 may yet be seen at the New Design, which will cause the observer to shudder at the mortality and distress of that day. Scarcely a family of all these immigrants but had to mourn the loss of one or more of its number, and many of the families were almost extinct; leaving, perhaps, a few helpless children to grieve over the loss of their parents, bothers and sisters. At this time there were no means of relief for this distress in the country, except kind and benevolent hearts. The country was healthy after this year and immigrants who were not swept off soon did well.
  
  "Scarcely at any time of in any country will be found so many moral, honest and laborious citizens, to the number of this colony, as the immigration from Hardy County to the New Design. The names of Carr, Stookey, Eyeman, Shook, Mitchell, Clark, Badgley, Teter, Miller and others will be recognized as the heads of families of this colony whose descendants at this day are numerous and respectable.
  
  "This colony introduced into the country an orderly and moral influence which did great service to the present inhabitants. The emigrants from Virginia attended strictly and honestly to business and not only improved the country but their example also impressed the people. They were the first to raise Sheep to any number and manufactured the wool into clothes. They turned their attention to the culture of wheat and raised a surplus for market. They also encouraged the breed of horses and cattle and raised a great number themselves.
  
  "The beneficial influence of this colony to improve the country was in a short time perceived by everyone. The people composing it were not proud or overbearing, but on the contrary they were remarkable for their modest and amiable deportment, so that they taught by example the people, who esteemed and admired them. The colony was extremely moral and correct and their descendants to this day are notorious for their sober and orderly conduct." - Pioneer History of Illinois by John Reynolds.
  
  Notes from:
  History of St. Clair County, Illinois
  published by Brink, McDonough and County (1881)
  
  p. 48.The Shook family was from Virginia. They settled southeast of Turkey Hill. Samuel Shook said to have come there in 1798. He died in 1827.
  
  p. 49.In the district west and southwest of Belleville, in the years 1801 and 1802, settlements were made by John Teter, Abraham Eyeman, William Miller, Martin Randleman and Daniel Stookey. They were of Pennsylvania Dutch descent.
  John Teter came in 1801 and he had a house by 1802. He served as County Commissioner.
  William Miller was brother-in-law of Teter. He settled about 3 miles southwest of Belleville.
  
  p. 50.The Badgleys were descendants of Anthony Badgley of New Jersey who settled in Virginia and died about 1800. Rev. David Badgley, Baptist minister, visited Illinois in 1796, preached in the New Design settlement, and founded there the first Baptist church in Illinois. He also visited Missouri. Returning to Virginia he gave a favorable account of the country, so that his sons and a number of other persons determined to emigrate to Illinois. The colony consisted of a large number of families among which were the Teters, Carrs, Millers, Strouds and Eyemans. They floated down the Ohio in flatboats from Brownsville to Shawneetown, and then went overland to Kaskaskia, which place was reached on July 4th, 1797.
  
  Rev. David Badgley settled in American Bottom, west of Moredock lake in the present Monroe county in 1797 or 98, and then moved to a place west of Belleville in 1804. He died on Dec. 16, 1824, aged 76.
  
  Anthony Badgley, a brother of David, who came with him, first settled at New Design and then also came to near Belleville in 1804. He died in 1837, aged 77. He had sons Hiram and Simeon, etc.
  
  Aaron Badgley was a son of David. He died in 1858, aged 85. Other sons of Rev. David Badgley, were: Ichabod, David Jr., Job, and Abraham.
  
  p. 53.A few miles from the mouth of Silver Creek, in Fayetteville precinct, Abraham Teter, his sister Mrs. Shook, and Peter Mitchell began making improvements in 1804. Peter Mitchell served as Justice of the Peace, County commissioner, etc.
  
  p. 55.The summer preceding the arrival of the Mitchell and other families from Virginia was a period of universal sickness. To the Virginians the change of water and climate was not healthful.
  
  p. 70.Among the voters at an election at Cahokia in January, 1799, were:
  Daniel McCannJohn Teter
  Samuel JudyPeter Mitchell
  John ScottDaniel Shook
  Wm. Scott Sr.David Badgley
  Abraham TeterAnthony Badgley
  
  p. 166.At the organization of the old Silver Creek Baptist church on March 21, 1811, the constituent members were: Abraham Teter, Mary Teter, Peter Mitchell, Hannah Mitchell, Rebecca Griffin, Mary Radcliff and Barbara Shook. Peter Mitchell was first clerk.
  
  p. 269.In 1797, Abraham Teter moved from Randolph County, Virginia, to New Design in Monroe County In 1803-04, in company of Peter Mitchell, Barbara Shook, Isaac Griffen and families he came to Fayetteville township.
  
  p. 270.Isaac Mitchell, born in fall of 1805, was the first male child born there. Solomon Teter, born Feb. 19, 1809, was one of a family of 11 children. His sister Rebecca born 1805 was the first female child born there. A child of Peter Mitchell was the first death in 1806.
  
  Abraham Teter married, in 1793-94, Mary Kittle, daughter of Abraham Kittle Sr. of Randolph County Abraham Teter died some time before 1820, when, on April 25, 1820 his widow Mary Teter married (2nd) Peter Mitchell. She died before 1834, when the settlement of Abraham Teter's estate was recorded.
  
  
  2. Notes from Catherine Hill, spntotnr@shawneelink.net, 26 July 2003
  
  Paul did not accompany Rebecca, and their children, when they removed to the Northwest Territory in 1797. He had died in 1784. Captain Paul Teter was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
  
  All birth records of Abraham Teter and Maria "Mary" Kittle, and family, and the marriages of Abraham and Mary Kittle Teter, and Philip and Margaret Thompson Teter, we have found in the "Teter-Mitchell-Hill" Family Bible of (Hannah) Emaline Mitchell Hill, nee Mitchell. Emaline was the daughter of Rebecca Teter and William W. Mitchell; she was the 3rd wife of William. Rebecca Teter was the daughter of Abraham Teter and Mary Kittle, and the sister of Levi Teter. I am descended from Rebecca Teter and William W. Mitchell. William W. Mitchell was the son of Peter Mitchell/Mischler, Jr. and Hannah Teter; the date of Peter and Hannah's marriage bond was 27 August 1791, Pendleton County, (W.) Virginia. Hannah Teter was the sister of Abraham Teter. Abraham died 3 May 1815 in Illinois Territory, now St. Clair County, IL. Hannah died between 1810-25 April 1820.
  
  After the death of Hannah and Abraham, Mary Kittle Teter married Peter Mitchell/Mischler, 25 April 1820 in St. Clair County, IL.
  
  Peter Mitchell/Mischler was born about 1760-1770, and died about the 21st August 1834 in St. Clair County Peter was the son of Reverand Peter Mischler, Sr. a Lutheran Minister.
  
  Hannah Teter was born about 1773 in Augusta County, Virginia, now Pendleton County, West Virginia; she died between 1810-25 April 1820 probably in Randolph County, IL (or St. Clair County)
  
  Peter Mitchell was born between 1760-1770; he died about 21 August 1834 in St. Clair County, IL. His father, Rev. Peter Mischler, Sr., born about 1732 in Gersweiler, in Saarbruck, Germany. He was an immigrant Lutheran Minister We do not have the name of his wife; he did have at least one other child that we know about, George Mitchell or Mischler. We do not know the names of his mother and father, but we do have a little information about them. The Rev. Peter Mischler's father was Roman Catholic and his mother was Lutheran. It was in the latter faith that Peter Mischler was confirmed by a certain Reverend Rust in Mohlstadt. He studied to be a tailor, and at the age of twenty-nine years he came to America, landed in Philadelphia on the ship Squirrel on October 21, 1761. It was with his own hand that he signed the immigrant list as Peter Mischler. Rev. Peter Mischler owned considerable land in the area of the Propst Lutheran Church. His wife is not known. Rev. Mischler was still alive on September 5, 1809 when he sold two tracts of land to his son, George. Rev. Peter Mischler, Sr. was the first resident Lutheran Minister to the Propst Lutheran Church, 1772-1812.
  
  
  3. St. Clair County History, Pages 269-271, Philadelphia: Brink, McDonough, and Company, 1881
  
  In 1797 Abraham Teter moved from Randolph county, Virginia, to New Design, Monroe County, this state. In 1803 or 1804, in company with Peter Mitchell, Barbara Shook, Isaac Griffen and families he came to this township, followed up the meanderings of Silver creek to section 33, T. 1 So, R. 7 W., where he found a double log cabin occupied by a Mr. Cook. He bought Cook's claim, agreeing to occupy one end of the cabin, and Cook the other, the first winter. Mitchell and Griffin located near by. Across the creek lived a family named Radcliffe. So that Cook and Radcliffe are believed to have been the first settlers. Among the early settlers was a rumor to the effect that a family of three--husband, wife and child had, prior to this, attempted to erect a cabin near the mouth of Silver creek, but, before its completion, had met their deaths. Their decomposed bodies were found by hunters from New Design, and buried underneath a large hickory tree which was often pointed out. This was about 1797, when militia claims were being selected. The names of the parties and all facts are matters of oblivion.
  
  Mrs. Cook enjoyed the reputation of being bewitched. Neighbors in the vicinity of Turkey Hill (in those days ten, or even fifteen miles was looked upon as being in the neighborhood) verily believed her a witch. Mr. Radcliffe, living on the other side of Silver creek, some two or three miles distant, laid claims to being a witch-master, and by a singular coincidence established his claim firmly in the minds of the people. Once Messrs. Teter and Mitchell had occasion to remain over night with him. At midnight they were aroused by loud laughter, and waking, saw Radcliffe sitting bolt upright in a bed on the floor laughing heartily. Said he, "Mrs. Cook just came down the chimney, and I have kicked her into the fire. Imagine Teter's surprise on the following morning at hearing his wife's greeting him with a statement that Mrs. Cook had "just been in and said she came near burning up last night. Some coals had rolled out of the fireplace and burned her bed partially and awakened her by burning her feet." Therefore Radcliffe was authority in matters of witchery, and Mrs. Cook was more a witch than ever. The following spring they left the settlement. Isaac Mitchell was born in the fall of 1805, being the first male child born there.
  
  Solomon Teter was born Feb. 19, 1809, and is the oldest native born person now living in the precinct. He was one of a family of eleven children, ten of whom, five boys and five girls grew to years of maturity. His sister Rebecca was the first female child born. She was born in 1805.

Details of Abraham's family with Maria "Mary" Kittle