From 1882 History, De Witt Co. (Clintonia Twp):
The first to settle within the limits of this township, were two brothers, Benjamin and Landers Slatten, natives of Kentucky. Their father, Joseph Slatten, came to Illinois in a very early day and settled in Sangamon county. In the winter of 1828-9), Benjamin and Landers left the parental roof, (then single men), and squatted in section 34, Clintonia township. They built a small cabin where they remained until the summer of 1830, cultivating a small patch of ground in corn and garden vegetables. In the above year Josiah Clifton bought out their little improvement right, and proceeded to break the prairie and improve quite an extensive farm for those days. Thomas Davenport, now residing in Texas township, drove the cattle to break the first prairie on this farm. This was the first farm improved in the township, and is now owned by Hickman Mills, and is situated a little west of Clinton. Benjamin and Landers afterwards married in the county and brought up families. The former married Miss Henrietta Lane of Waynesville, in 1832. But one child was born of this union, Eliza, now deceased. Mrs. Slatten lived but a few years after the birth of their child. Benjamin afterwards married again, and moved to McLean county. A few years ago he moved to Missouri, where he died. Landers lived some years in the county, and subsequently moved to Kansas, where he yet resides. None of the family are now living in De Witt county. |
