Redmon, situated in the eastern part of the township, was laid out for J.B. WARNICK and Joseph REDMON, after the latter of whom it was named, by George W. FOREMAN, County Surveyor, January 9, 1872. The first buildings were erected, as nearly as can now be remembered, in the order in which they are mentioned. J.S. GORDON erected the store-building now occupied by him, and opened the first stock of goods, though, in reality, one house now occupied by D. B. FITTS, had been built a number of years before the town was thought of.
Very soon after the improvement was made by GORDON, E.B. THOMPSON and David McCALL came and put up a blacksmith-shop, the latter also erecting a dwelling-house.
William (H.) ROTH, now of Chrisman, Philip RAY, John STEELE, James CRAFTON, now of Paris, and William DEEM were among the first to erect dwellings. John MASON, also, about the same time, built his storehouse. The store now occupied by Stanley CASTEEL was erected in 1876 by Thomas B. (Bradley) ROTH.
James S. GORDON was appointed first Postmaster, and, notwithstanding his political views, they being somewhat in opposition to the party in power, has continued to hold the same under two administrations. The only explanation that any one could give us of this unusual state of affairs was that Mr. GORDON not only gave the Government good satisfaction, but that the inhabitants of the vicinity were also pleased with his administration of postal matters.
The school in this place is held in a hall at present, but a building for educational purposes is contemplated in the near future.
W. H. ROTH, County Superintendent of Schools, Chrisman; born in Pickaway Co. Ohio, where he engaged in farming during the summer and attending school during the winter until 1875, during which time he attended school two and one-half years constantly; he removed to Douglass Co. IL. in 1857, living there one year; from there to Embarrass Twp. Edgar Co. IL. in 1858 living there and engaged with his father (Thomas Bradley ROTH) farming until 23 years of age; from there to Henry Co. Iowa, and engaged in farming during the summer and teaching during the winter for a period of five years; he removed back to Edgar Co. IL. in 1868; he located at Redmon, where he remained until 1876, when he located in Chrisman and engaged in teaching school one year, when he was elected County Superintendent of Schools, which office he now holds; he owns his residence in Chrisman and 100 acres of land in Iowa. He married Jan. 10, 1865, Leonora M. PRITCHETT; she was born in Pickaway Co. Ohio, Nov. 30, 1840; two children were the fruit of this union, both deceased. [ Laurence ROTH b. Jun. 1879 - d. Dec. 1880 (1 yr, 6 mos) and Clarence ROTH b. Aug. 1883 - d. Aug. 1884 (1 yr). ]