The story begins in 1840, with a young family in Plattsburg, New York. They are Joseph Counterman and Sophia Becker counterman. They have had seven children, but now only six live. This marriage was not without trouble. Joseph was very fond of drink. He was a good provider for his family, but he also was sure to be in the local saloon. The story has been told as follows, and remember, it has been through many generations, and many variations. Several family memebers were going to make the journey west to Illinois. Sophia’s sister had offered her 3 acres if she would come to Lockport Illinois. Sophia’s sister already lived in Lockport and was eager for them to come west. Joseph just could not find a way to stay out of the local saloon, and with six children to take care of; he had taxed Sophia’s patience. She gave Joseph an ultimatum, either he stopped the drink or she is leaving and going to Illinois. Joseph did not believe she would do this. She would be alone on a boat with six children, and a long journey. She could not make it. Little did he know about the woman he had married? She was strong enough, and would follow through with her promise. In 1841, with a brand new baby under her arm, she told Joseph one last time, that she meant what she said. Once again, he went to the local saloon. He bellied himself up to the bar, and began his afternoon of drink. He was having a good time with his friends, without a care in the world. Little did he know this woman he married was about to follow through with everything she had said? A man came running into the bar yelling “ Joe, Joe, Joe, your family is getting on a boat and leaving you”. Joseph realized for the first time, she meant what she said and she was strong enough to follow through. He ran from the saloon, to the dock just in time to jump on the boat. He made the journey west with his family. They arrived in Lockport Illinois at the home of Sophia’s sister. The sister had promised her 3 acres if she would come to Illinois, but did not make it clear that she meant without Joseph. Sophia’s sister did not keep her promise of land. The family then moved on to Plainfield, Illinois. It was a leap of faith on Sophia’s part, and a very scared Joseph leaping on to a boat that placed this family in Plainfield. This is where they are still very well rooted today. The lesson that Joseph learned that day from his young strong wife remained with him till the day he died. He lived out his life in Plainfield, Illinois with his head held high, and with respect from those around him. He and Sophia had seven more children, and farmed in the Plainfield area. The day that Joseph past away, he was remembered in the town of Plainfield by all who knew him as “ the Old Gent”. What a far cry from the man in New York who did not believe his life would ever change, or ever had to. This is a lesson he learned well, and changed his life and all of our lives after him. Joseph and Sophia were farmers in the area. They never owned a business, nor did they ever run for any office, but they made a difference in everyones life. There children and grandchilren and all other generations to follow, made a difference. They contributed all they had to help make the village of Plainfield a community to live in, and prosper.
