"Resolved, That the committee on Finance be instructed to inquire into the expediency of taxing all bachelors over the age of 24 years, and that they have leave to report by bill or otherwise." By way of retaliation, Senator Thomas of Morgan moved that the resolution "be laid on the table until the next Fourth of July," and his motion was carried. The specific act of Mr. Will's that instigated this retaliation occurred on January 10, 1827, in the fifth Assembly, when Mr. Blackwell moved, "That a select committee be appointed to inquire into the expediency of imposing a capitation tax upon all unmarried male persons over twenty-five years of age, to report by bill or otherwise," which was fully discussed in committee of the whole without definite conclusion. Whereupon Mr. Will moved that further consideration of the matter be postponed until next Fourth of July a witticism he originated early in his public service to dispose of delicate or troublesome questions-and his motion was adopted. The Ninth General Assembly adjourned, the Senate journal states, "after an impressive prayer by Rev. Mr. Hunter," on February 13, 1835. Vandalia at that era had gained considerable celebrity. It was the focus from which radiated all political influence throughout the State, and the Mecca to which all State politicians made periodical pilgrimages, and was visited by all noted strangers traveling in the West. It was the meeting place of the best scholars and finest minds of the State, to whom Illinois is indebted for the first impulses of its literary and intellectual progress. When the legislature was in session, and prominent men of every county of the State, many of them accompanied by their wives and daughters, had collected there, the grave problems of statesmanship or intricate party schemes, were lightened and enlivened by all the charms and enjoyments of social life. After close of the day's business some joined in the dance, or elegant card parties with the ladies; and others congregating together, here and there, passed the long evenings in social or political talk and discussions, while still others sought more convivial pastime, for few men in those days were total abstainers from the cup that cheers-and sometimes inebriates. Mr. Will was neither a dancer nor a drinker, but fond of society, particularly that of young people, to whose entertainment he always added largely by his exuberant spirits and ready wit. He felt quite an attachment for Vandalia because of his many protracted visits and pleasant associations there, but was always glad when the time came for his return to the Big Muddy. To Mr. Will-as is the case with all old office holders-public life had become very fascinating. He was proud of the conspicuous station he occupied in the State's affairs, fully appreciating its duties and responsibilities, and, no doubt, aspired to something higher than that he had attained. For the large constituency, whose confidence he retained implicitly, he was an industrious and faithful representative; but his inordinate propensity for levity and jesting, tended to impair the dignity and efficiency of his official labors. In his usual robust health, Mr. Will returned to his home after the adjournment of the ninth legislature, and was soon immersed in his multifarious business pursuits. The spring was "backward" with much cold rain and disagreeable weather; but to that he paid little attention, and continued his professional and other work with unabated energy through the months of March, April and May. Early in June he was suddenly prostrated with sickness, the precise nature of which cannot now be ascertained. At first no danger was apprehended, as his strong constitution was relied on to quickly overcome the inroads of any ordinary malady; but with the assiduous attention of his physicians and unremitting care of his family, his condition grew worse, and declining steadily, he died on the 11th of June, 1835, when in the very prime of life, at the age of 56 years and 8 days. He was buried in the graveyard near Brownsville. His many enterprises and benefactions and public services had earned for him the title of "Father of Jackson County," and all Jackson county united in mourning his death. He was also regarded as the patriarch of the General Assembly, having for eighteen years served as a member in every session after assisting in framing the first State Constitution. During his legislative career the State's population increased from 34,620 in 1818 to 270,000 in 1835, and the fifteen counties into which Illinois was divided when admitted into the Union had grown in number to seventy-three in 1835-the additional forty-eight he had been largely instrumental in forming. At the time of his death he was personally acquainted with every public man of any note in the State; and though political antagonisms had engendered some mutual animosities, he had nowhere a personal enemy. With time and observation some of his views were very materially changed. At the time he withdrew his allegiance from Jackson he also renounced the principles that actuated him in voting to oust Hansen, and in scheming to subvert the Constitution he had helped to make; and thence on to his death, was firmly opposed to slavery. Mr. Will's wife and three daughters, all born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, comprised all of his immediate family, and all four survived him. Elizabeth became the wife of Bennington Boon, who enjoyed the distinction of being the first white child born within the territory later organized into Jackson county. Julia was united in marriage to John Bowers, and Mary married William Worthen. Bowers was a farmer; Worthen learned the tanning trade in the Will tannery, and afterwards devoted his life to farming, and Boon studied medicine with Dr. Will, with whom he was associated as partner for several years in the practice of medicine. All three of the daughters are buried within a few miles of the site of Brownsville. Mrs. Will lived until 1857, and is buried on the Dan. Worthen farm, two miles east of the village of Sand Ridge, in Jackson county. On the 7th of December, 1835, the ninth General Assembly met in special session to re-apportion the State in accordance with the census taken that year, and for other legislation. On the first day of the session Senator Snyder, of St. Clair county, offered the following preamble and resolution: "It having been announced to the Senate that since its last adjournment Hon. Conrad Will, Senator from the counties of Jackson, Franklin and Washington, has departed this life, therefore, be it "Resolved, That the members of the Senate, in testimony of the respect which they entertain for his memory, will wear crape on the left arm for thirty days," which was unanimously adopted. Another and more enduring testimonial of the respect entertained by the people of Illinois for the memory of Conrad Will and their appreciation of his long and valuable services to the State was enacted at the same session of the Legislature, on the 12th of January, 1836, establishing, from the lower part of Cook county, a new county. to which was given the name, Will, in his honor. |