Chapter 6 Dr. Joel Grammer - Faculty and TA Directory

John I?...Reverend John...Jacob...Dr. Joel
canvasses and controversies; and above all, if you are an old man, never marry a young, handsome
wife.” Note that Dr. Joel did not follow this advice in later life. 60
In May of 1851, Jackson County indicted Dr. Joel (“late of the county”) for keeping a
“tippling house” open on the Sabbath on January 5 of the same year 61 The charge stated that he “did
then and there unlawfully keep open a certain tippling house Then and there occupied by him and vissorus [visceral?]
spirituous and mixed liquors did then and there sell and give away….” On May 12, Dr. Joel swore that he
would be able to procure a deposition from Dr. Caleb Jones (married to the sister of Dr. Joel’s first
wife), of Calloway County, Kentucky. Dr. Joel expected the deposition to state that Dr. Joel was
using the spirits “for the cure of the disease of his patient and no other use.” 62 No papers have been
found detailing the outcome of this case.
On August 28, 1851, Dr. Joel was arrested upon a “writ of corfios?___ Respondenarium?.” He and
his son John Wesley posted a $100 recognizance bond guaranteeing that Joel would appear in court
in September to answer charges. At the time the bond was posted, Joel was in custody. The charges
are not detailed, but it seems likely that they are related to the “tippling house” incident or the
bastardy case which follows here.
On November 22, 1851, a grand jury in Jackson County indicted Joel on the charge of
fathering a bastard child upon Sarah M. Gregory: 63
“On the oath of Sarah M. Gregory an unmarried woman resident of the County of Jackson setting forth
that she has been delivered of a bastard child and that Joel Grammer is the father of said child.”
Dr. Joel was not ready for trial, so he was required to give bail of $500 and was ordered to appear in
court on November 29. Subpoenas were issued to Phebe Nelson (for Sarah Gregory) and to John
Russell___, Aaron Russell, and John W. Grammer (for Dr. Joel). On November 29, Dr. Joel made
bail, with the help of William Hagler, William Spences, and J.W. Grammer. 64 Final disposition of the
case has not been found.
In April, 1854, Dr. Joel resigned as guardian for his grandchild Emma Penrod and the court
appointed James Corgan, Louisa’s second husband, to take his place.
Dr. Joel had at least fourteen land transactions in Jackson County, Illinois. 65 See Rearch
Notes on Joel for futher details.
60 During a phone conversation with Mrs. Lucier on October 25, 1992, she said that she planned to give the book to the
Jackson County Historical Society. Mrs. Lucier also had two pictures of Emery Hezekiah Grammer and his family.
61 Criminal Records, Division F, Box 6, File 626-628. Transcription courtesy of Yvonne F. Jones.
62 Division F, Box 6. YFJ.
63 Jackson County Circuit Court files, Div. F, Box 6, File #626 and 628. Dr. Joel’s signature is on several of these
papers.
64 Division F, box 6, File #626 628. YFJ.
65 I have not yet checked originals of all transactions. Check to see if any of this land was owned by William or
Senator John. Have already checked that there is no land in common with Jacob. Also check Union County
land transactions.
Prepared by Penny McIntire (815)652-4237 5-14
7312 South Lowden Road penny@pennymcintire.com last updated January 1, 2004
Oregon, Illinois 61061-9737 www.pennymcintire.com