USA > Illinois > Madison County > Centennial history of Madison County, Illinois, and its people, 1812 to 1912, Volume I > Part 21
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UPPER ALTON CARNEGIE LIBRARY, SHURTLEFF COLLEGE
Dr. Riggs resigned in the spring of 1910 and Professors D. G. Ray and H. C. Tilton were appointed as regents to have charge of the ad- ministration of the college. The latter re- signed at the close of the school year 1911 and Prof. L. M. Castle was elected to serve in his place.
Shurtleff college has been of incalculable benefit to the Baptist denomination in the state of Illinois, and its graduates are occupying po- sitions of influence and responsibility in all parts of the Union. They have distinguished themselves not only by their patriotism and bravery in times of war, but as editors and educators, jurists and statesmen, preachers and men of business.
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MONTICELLO SEMINARY
"He builded better than he knew" can be said of Captain Benjamin Godfrey, the founder of Monticello. A man of wide vision who had seen and known the world, who had sailed the seas for years, who had made and lost fortunes, who had headed great com- mercial enterprises and who was the promoter and pioneer of the iron bands which now link the great city of the Mississippi with the greater city of the lakes; best of all his en- terprises and investments none have paid such dividends to humanity, to Christianity and the uplift of social life, none have given such re- turns to the world as Monticello. After a life of adventure on sea and shore, wooing and winning fortune in his own and foreign lands, Captain Godfrey, in 1826, engaged in mer- cantile business in Matamoras, Mexico. He accumulated the handsome fortune of $200,- 000 which he was transporting in silver on the backs of mules across the country, when he was attacked by guerrillas and robbed of the whole amount. He next engaged in business in New Orleans but in 1832 came north and located in Alton, founding, in connection with W. S. Gilman, the great commercial house of Godfrey, Gilman & Company. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church of Alton, and interested in the cause of Christian education. Noting the predominating, ineffaceable influ- ence of the mother on the child, he saw clearly that the higher education of women more fully fitting them to become the trainers and teach- ers of their children, was the first step in the advancement of society-more important, even, than the higher education of men. With this thought as the keynote of his reflections he determined to erect a· seminary to be de- voted, as he phrased it, "to the moral, intellect- ual and domestic improvement of females." This was the incentive to the founding of the seminary. He thereupon erected, at a cost of
$53,000, a spacious edifice in a beautiful grove on his lands at Godfrey, which he placed in charge of a self-perpetuating board of trustees. The original building was commenced Febru- ary 20, 1835. The seminary was opened and classes organized April 14, 1838. A char- ter was granted by the state of Illinois to Monticello Female Seminary in 1840. The first class was graduated in June, 1841. The original buildings were destroyed by fire No- vember 4, 1888. A temporary building was promptly erected and occupied from January, 1889, to June, 1890. The corner stone of the new building was laid June 11, 1889, and building dedicated June 10, 1890.
No seminary in the west has a nobler rec- ord of long continued educational achievement. Its work has been wide-spread and beneficent, blessing the homes of not only the Prairie state, but of states from the Atlantic to the Pacific, with its learning and culture. Its graduates and students have made their mark in literature, art, music and all the refinements of social and domestic life throughout the land. "Monticello girls" have become the wives of statesmen, soldiers, diplomats and divines, and have graced every station in which they were placed at home or abroad. And wherever they have gone they have spread the fame of Monticello. Nothing speaks louder for Monticello than the love that is borne for it by those who have been so fortunate as to have found homes in its halls during the for- mative period of their lives. To confer the learning of books has been not alone the aim of its trustees and instructors, but character building has been deemed even more essential, and success in that work has been the great triumph of the institution.
Monticello has been ever fortunate in its boards of trustees. They have been able men in full sympathy with the aims and aspirations of its great founder. And nobly and conscien- tiously, through the nearly three-fourths of
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I
MONTICELLO SEMINARY AT GODFREY [Founded in 1835, the oldest female seminary in the west]
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a century of the institution's existence, have they fulfilled the sacred trust placed in their keeping.
Monticello has been equally fortunate in faculty of instruction. The instructors have been gifted in their calling, dedicated to it, not as a transient makeshift, but as a life work, than which, they believed, none was higher.
It has been specially fortunate in its princi- pals. The first head of the institution was Rev. Dr. Theron Baldwin, a native of Con- necticut, a graduate of Yale, a man of broad educational views and of remarkable talent. His principalship at once gave the institution standing at home and abroad.
After five years of service, from 1838 to 1843, he was succeeded by Miss Philna Fobes, a lady of rare gifts as an instructor and of equally rare graces of mind and character. Her administration was successful and praise- worthy throughout and when she retired in 1865 after a service of twenty-two years, she carried with her the love and esteem of a host of students whose gratitude followed her throughout her after life.
She was succeeded in 1867 by Miss Harriet Newell Haskell, a member of a distinguished New England family, and one of the remark- able women of her generation. As an educator she had no superior among ladies in similar positions throughout the land. She was not only an educator, but a vitaling, uplifting force to the students, and also their tender, sympa- thetic friend. At once an inspiration and a ben- ediction. Her administrative and executive abilities were phenomenal, and when the old buildings went up in flame and smoke this busi- ness ability shone forth resplendent in the re- storation. Her talent and energy seconded every movement of the trustees in the plan- ning, erection and perfecting of the new build- ings, and their architectural beauty, modern equipment and adaption to educational de- mands owe much of their completeness to her foresight and sagacity. And perhaps as much
credit is due, for the renaissance of Monti- cello, to her financial acumen as to her other talents. Certain it is that her appeals for dona- tions to enlarge the work of Monticello seldom went unheeded, and it was probably his con- fidence in her ability, for example, and in that of the trustees, that induced Henry W. Reid, a Chicago financier to contribute $90,000 to the institution's upbuilding. This munificent donation placed Mr. Reid in the same relation to the New Monticello, as its leading benefac- tor, that Capt. Godfrey bore to the old. Mon- ticello had been honored prior to Miss Has- kell's administration; she made it famous, as well as honored.
And when after a reign of forty years the silver cord was loosened and folded hands over a still form told that her work was done- there was a sound of lamentation far and wide, for "the Haskell girls," as they called them- selves, were mourning throughout the land. Then there were sermons and addresses, eulo- gies and appreciations, tears and immortelles. Then they bore her away from the scene of a . great life work to the quiet cemetery beneath the pines to rest with her kindred in her na- tive state.
Miss Catherine Burrowes, of the faculty, succeeded Miss Haskell for the next two years as acting principal, declining permanent ap- pointment. Under her admirable administra- tion the seminary maintained and advanced the high rank it had previously attained.
Miss Martina C. Erickson, having been elected permanent principal, assumed her new duties in September, 1910, and has just com- pleted a remarkably successful school year. She was formerly dean of the ladies' depart- ment of the Indiana State Normal School, has had wide experience and is symmetrically equipped in knowledge of modern systems of education. With her advent Monticello makes some changes in its curriculum, putting it in closer alliance with the usual college entrance subjects.
WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY
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A new department of domestic science and art opened at the beginning of the school year. The aim of the work is to fit those who may elect it, for more effective administration of the home, and courses were organized in cook- ing, study of foods, household management, in- cluding division of income, marketing, house- hold values, sewing, etc.
The original building at Monticello was of stone, one hundred and ten by forty-four feet, with four stories including basement. A fifth story was added in 1854 and a south wing forty-five by seventy. When the buildings and equipment were destroped by fire the property loss was $350,000. The new buildings, far more spacious than the old, are constructed of Corydon, Bedford and Alton stone, and in their castellated beauty are a triumph of architect- ure. The plan and arrangement, the result of fifty years experience in educational and sani- tary arrangements and homelike comforts, are unsurpassed. The building is heated by hot water, lighted by gas, wired for electricity, and provided with elevator service from basement to upper floor. The buildings are fire proof. The groves, lawns and spacious campus of Monticello are of unrivaled attractiveness. The "Haskell Memorial Entrance," erected by former students in honor of the late principal, is an imposing and artistic portal and is flanked by a handsome wall extending across the front of the grounds and seven hundred feet in length.
Monticello has always been a success finan- cially, although practically without endow- ment. This has been brought about by the wise management of the trustees. Not a dol- lar of the income goes for the benefit of any individual or company. It all returns to the school.
The trustees of Monticello are:
Rev. W. A. Colledge, D. D., F. R. G. S., president.
Edward P. Wade, treasurer.
Charles A. Caldwell, secretary.
Col. A. M. Jackson.
Martina C. Erickson.
In its history, its success and its well earned renown, Monticello stands a model, holding its own against all rivals in its aim to give the highest Christian education in an ideal atmos- phere of culture and refinement, supplemented by every material comfort and attraction.
WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY
Western Military Academy was founded in 1879 by Edward Wyman, LL. D. He came from St. Louis and conducted the institution with success until his death which occurred in 1888. Thereupon Col. Albert M. Jack- son, who had been one of Dr. Wyman's as- sistants for several years, became principal. In 1892 a change in ownership occurred and the institution was given a distinctively mili- tary character both state and national recog- nition being secured. In 1896 the ownership of the property passed to Colonel Jackson and Major George D. Eaton.
In February, 1903, the principal buildings were destroyed by fire and in the following September, with three buildings complete, the academy began its twenty-fifth session with 115 students' places filled. At the opening the following year, three additional buildings had been completed and ample accommoda- tions provided for 175 students. During the past seven years the academy has been filled to its capacity and it is not the purpose of the management to enlarge the school beyond its present limits, but rather to improve the per- sonnel of its membership.
The academy, being regularly incorporated under the laws of the state of Illinois and by its charter authorized to confer upon its graduates diplomas and commissions corre- sponding to its established courses of study, is conducted with three objects prominently in view :
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I. To provide a training broad enough to prepare cadets for any American scientific school, college, or university.
2. To secure for each cadet a generous and well-balanced development, whatever his ultimate course may be.
3. To give to its graduates sufficient mili- tary instruction to prepare them to become officers of the militia in time of peace, and to organize and discipline volunteers in case of war.
As the personal freedom of the cadets does not ordinarily extend beyond the limits of the place, it has been thought important that these limits should not be so contracted as to in- duce a sense of irksome confinement and un- reasonable restraint. Hence the school pre- mises have been made to include an area of fifty acres, outside of which the cadets are not allowed to go without permission.
The grounds of the academy, always ad- mired for their great natural beauty, have been made more beautiful by artistic improve- ment. The landscape presents many pic- turesque views of every desirable feature- the lawn, the lake, the grove with walks and drives between. It is further diversified by the finest of shade trees-stately old elms, oaks and maples, with groupings of well- grown evergreens and ornamental shrubs in abundance. Indeed, so complete and admir- able are these premises for the uses to which they are now devoted, that they constitute a model establishment-not excelled by any similar institution in the country.
The consensus of opinion in this country unquestionably is that, for public institutions, the plan of detached buildings is preferable to that of one large structure. Considera- tions of health, safety and discipline have led to this conclusion. In accordance with this idea, six buildings have been erected to pro- vide for the needs of the institution.
They are of the English style of architect- ure with battlemented parapets, and have a
distinctly military character. They are con- structed of broken ashlar stone work up to the first story window sill, and above of pav- ing brick trimmed with Bedford stone.
The buildings were planned and designed in accordance with suggestions resulting from long experience in boarding school work. They are heated throughout with hot water supplied by a battery of boilers located in a separate and detached boiler house. They are lighted with electricity and abundantly supplied with excellent water. The plumbing is entirely modern in every respect. Both tub and shower baths are provided in each build- ing, and there are fully equipped toilet rooms and lavatories, supplied with hot and cold water, on each floor. The sewerage system has been thoroughly overhauled and extended, and excellent provisions for ventilation made, so that conditions as far as they pertain to physical health, are admirable.
The Administration building 50 x 136 feet, is three stories in height, the ground floor providing a large mess hall, kitchen, pantries, serving room, scullery and store rooms. The first story contains the parlors, superintendent's office, matron's room and a large study hall. The second story con- tains the private apartments of the superin- tendent's family, while the remainder is divided into large, well-lighted recitation rooms. The third story provides several ex- cellent hospital wards and the matron's room. The interior finish and furnishings of the different rooms have received careful atten- tion, in order to make them as pleasing and a homelike as possible.
Barracks "A," "B," and "C" are absolutely fireproof, being constructed throughout of stone, brick, steel and concrete. They are thoroughly modern and convenient in every respect, and furnish delightful quarters for one hundred and fifty cadets, as well as for several teachers.
· The drill hall and gymnasium in its princi-
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pal features harmonizes with the other build- ings of the group. It is constructed of paving brick in the English style of architecture with Bedford stone trimmings. It has an unob- structed floor space of fifty by one hundred and fifty feet, and affords an opportunity not only for regularity in military work but also for all kinds of indoor athletics, such as bas- ket ball, hand ball and indoor base ball. It is equipped with suitable gymnasium apparatus, two Brunswick-Balke-Collender regulation bowling alleys, regulation billiard and pool tables and shuffle boards, all of which are used under the supervision and instruction of the athletic director. It also contains the shooting gallery.
The Science Building contains a large lab- oratory, excellently equipped for chemistry, physics, zoology, botany, physical geography and physiology, and supplied with a consider- able and growing collection of scientific ma- terial. This building also provides a com- mercial room, which is furnished with in- dividual commercial desks and typewriters. The general appearance of this building is similar to that of the others of the group.
The cadet rooms are exceptionally well ventilated and lighted. They are all outside rooms and all are so situated as to receive morning or afternoon sunlight, or both, none having a north exposure. These rooms are twelve by fifteen feet and all open into halls that have light and ventilation at both ends. They are heated by hot water and lighted by electricity.
The academy is one of only seventeen in the United States which is given a place in Class A, the highest grade. Not only that, but the United States army officials all agree that it is one of the finest military schools of even the first class.
Colonel Jackson and Major Eaton are two high-class business men, take a keen interest in the civic affairs of Alton and are financially interested in the Illini Hotel and other con-
cerns which are making a bigger and better Alton. They are doing their part to make a success of their own chosen calling and in that way are doing the best truly to build up their own city.
URSULINE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY FAMILY
The first institution of higher education es- tablished by members of the Catholic faith in Madison county bears the above name. It has behind it a record of over fifty years of usefulness and successful endeavor. The Ursuline order, founded by Saint Angela of Merici for the purpose of educating young girls, has for nearly four hundred years de- voted itself exclusively to this noble work. Spread throughout all Christendom as we find it today, it everywhere adapts itself to the needs of the community. The missionary zeal of their sainted mother is their most precious inheritance, and thus no sooner did the Alton Community number sufficient members to en- able it to extend its field of labor, than, in response to urgent appeals, new foundations were made. Those located in this county are at Collinsville and Venice. These missions, together with the Cathedral and St. Patrick's schools of Alton, place the Sisters in charge of nearly two thousand children.
The following historical sketch of the Ursu- line Academy of Alton is kindly furnished the editor: During the year 1858, Rt. Rev. Bishop Juncker applied at the Ursuline con- vent of St. Louis, Missouri, for Sisters of the order to take charge of the schools in his episcopal city. In response to this invitation, Mother Josephine Bruiding, accompanied by Sisters Seraphine Pauer, Ursula Gruenwald, Mary Weiman, Martha Dauam, Antonia Stahl and Cresentia Jobst, arrived in Alton, March 21, 1859.
A house on State street, nearly opposite to the present site of the Hayner Library, had been rented for their use. Upon their arrival generous friends furnished all necessaries so
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that on the feast of the Annunciation, the holy sacrifice of the mass was offered in a small room which had been set apart for a chapel. By the activity of those energetic pioneers, the schools were opened on the first of April.
Accustomed as we are at the present day to all modern conveniences, it is difficult to realize the heroic sacrifices made in these early days.
The site of the present convent on Fourth street was purchased in 1860, and a new build- ing was commenced during the year. Mother Josephine Bruiding and Mother Mary Wei- man visited Europe in order to solicit the necessary funds for carrying on the work. They were generously aided by the clergy and by the religious of the ancient monasteries of Europe. King Louis, of Bavaria, Fran- cis Joseph, the present emperor of Austria, and other members of the royal house of Hapsburg were liberal in their donations. The Royal Art and Altar societies of Munich do- nated an altar and several valuable paintings. Aided by the liberality of these foreign friends, as well as by the generosity of the citizens of Alton, work on the new building progressed rapidly, so that on December 28, 1863, it was solemnly blessed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Juncker and dedicated to the Holy Family.
It would be impossible to adequately re- count the kindness with which the Sisters were received both by the Catholics and non-Catho- lics of the Bluff City.
The debt of gratitude due to the Rt. Rev. H. D. Juncker and Rt. Rev. P. J. Baltes, of happy memory, can be discharged only by the Giver of every best and perfect gift to whom grateful prayers are daily offered. The pa- ternal interest ever shown by Rt. Rev. Bishop Ryan is deeply appreciated by the Community. Rt. Rev. Bishop Janssen, of Belleville, for many years director and chaplain of the con- vent, is one whose kindness will never be
forgotten. The reverend clergy of the dio- cese, and especially of the city, have ever by their cooperation and support proved them- selves true and generous friends of the in- stitution.
March 25, 1909, marked a day most sacred to the Ursuline Community of Alton, for on that day, fifty years before, the first mass was celebrated in their little chapel; and ever since it has been their most precious privilege to offer a home to their Eucharistic King. A thousand tender memories were recalled by the Community on this thrice blessed anni- versary. Mother Ursula, the only member of the pioneer band still living, told the in- teresting details of their first coming to the Bluff City.
Noted as Alton is for its picturesque views, no other point presents more enchanting vistas than those which the academy affords. The location is ideal, the surroundings elevating, while the buildings have been constructed for comfort and convenience. Every apartment has been arranged according to the most ap- proved hygienic laws; the class-rooms are located in such a way as to secure the proper light; the sleeping apartments are large, well- lighted, and thoroughly ventilated; adjoining the dormitories are bath-rooms with hot and cold water. A pleasant refectory artistically decorated with natural ferns and palms, a well equipped gymnasium, and pleasant rec- reation and reading rooms-in fact, every- thing that can conduce to the well-being and happiness of the student.
The education is practical and comprehen- sive. The course of study embraces primary, preparatory, academic and commercial de- partments. The curriculum comprises all the studies usually taught in graded and high schools, together with special facilities for the study of French and German under native teachers. The accomplished educators who have severally been at the head of the
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academy since its establishment, and to whom so much is due for their self-sacrificing lives of labor, are Mother Josephine Bruiding, Mother Mary Weiman, Mother Theresa
Gillespie, Mother Lucy Maney, Mother Ber- nard Walter and the present honored incum- bent, Mother Angela Schwartz. .
Vol. I-9
CHAPTER XV
EARLY DAYS IN MADISON COUNTY*
REV. THOMAS LIPPINCOTT-HIS "EARLY DAYS IN MADISON COUNTY"-ALTON AND UPPER ALTON-MILTON-THOMAS CARLIN-OLD-TIME EDWARDSVILLE-POLITICS IN THE EARLY NINETEENTH CENTURY.
One of the most interesting characters in the early history of the state was Rev. Thomas Lippincott. He was an associate and co- worker of Governor Coles, Daniel P. Cook, Hooper Warren, George Churchill, George Forquer, Thomas Mather, Morris Birbeck, Rev. John M. Peck and other apostles of free- dom in resisting the attempt to make Illinois a slave state, as related in Chapter VII of this volume. He was secretary of the state sen- ate of the Third general assembly which passed the convention resolution, and was ac- quainted with all the leading public men of the day. He subsequently became a minister of the Presbyterian denomination and labored as such during the remainder of his life. He was born in Salem, New Jersey, February 6, 1791, of Quaker parentage. His mother died when he was eight years old and the family was scattered. In 1802 he went to Philadel- phia to reside with his uncle, Charles Ellet, and remained there until 1814, meantime serv- ing in the War of 1812. In 1814 he removed to Lumberland, New York, where he was mar - ried in 1816 to Miss Patty Swift and in 1817, with his wife and infant daughter, he removed
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