USA > Illinois > Madison County > Centennial history of Madison County, Illinois, and its people, 1812 to 1912, Volume I > Part 74
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HIGHLAND MILITIA
In 1844, when the question of annexing Texas, which had separated from Mexico, was up, and war with Mexico expected, mili- tia companies were organized in many locali- ties, even before the expected call for such by the state. Highland and vicinity also caught this fever, so that three companies were organized-an artillery company with Jacob Eggen (who had done this service in Switzerland) as captain, an infantry com- pany with Captain John Guggenbuehler, and a cavalry company under Captain Richardson. The members of the first two companies were all Germans or Swiss-Germans, while in the cavalry company only three Swiss were en- listed. Usually the annual muster or encamp- ment took place at Marine, but since the law allowed these occasions to take place in the locality where a battalion was organized, the three Highland companies accordingly formed their battalion and elected Jacob Eggen as their major, holding their annual muster and and encampment at Highland. In 1848 the
population had so increased that this battalion was brought up to 250 men. The state fur- nished a fine cannon for the artillery com- pany, which Major Eggen selected and brought over from Alton, being met by the company at Silver Creek north of Highland, where the men formed in position for parade to Highland, after firing three salutes. This event was witnessed by the entire population. The inspection officers stated that this was the best drilled battalion they had seen. Eighteen hundred and forty-eight was the last year of the existence of this militia. The cannon ever afterwards was used for "thun- der" on the fourth of July and other festivals. It is now nicely mounted in Lindendale park as an ornament.
During the War of the Rebellion, 1861 to 1865, Highland and vicinity furnished more than its quota of men for the preservation of the Union. There could not have been another town in the country where patriotism was more intense and more general than here, there being exceedingly few whose sentiments and sympathies were not of that kind. After the war those who had been spared to return again engaged in the pursuits of civil life in town or on the farms, helping in the then rapid progress of Highland and surrounding country, engaging in business, starting farms, or working at anything they found suitable.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES
The early settlers, as well as those coming later, were ever thoughtful and ready for sac- rifices to provide for the education of their children. There being no school house in the earlier days, teachers were engaged to teach in private houses until in 1840, through the ever energetic and public spirited efforts of Joseph Suppiger, a public school house was built on Methodist Hill at a cost of $300, erected by Joseph Mueller. There being no church, this pioneer building was also held
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open to all creeds, religious services being held occasionally as ministers of any denomi- nation would come along. Joseph Rieger, F. Ciolina, and several other Protestant preach- ers and Catholic priests, among the latter J. H. Fortmann, were the first to come here occasionally. Next to these a shoemaker by the name of Schmidt, a Catholic, but of very tolerant religious mind, would sometimes de- liver sermons to suit all, having them well memorized from books or delivery of others.
Soon, however, this school house proved too small for the school as well as for religious services. Consequently the result of an agi- tation was that at a public meeting of the people of Highland and vicinity on October 27, 1843, it was decided to erect a stone build- ing 40x24 feet on the site of the present Prot- estant church, in which school was to be held on week days and religious services on Sun- day. This building was completed in 1844 and used as stated. In 1850 it was sold to the German Protestant Congregation (Deutsche Protestantische Gemeinde), organized Sep- tember 29, 1850, with Woldemar Fischer, John Leder, Josias Bardill, Peter Grass and Chr. Hirni as board of directors. Joseph Rieger, the first Protestant preacher who officiated here before the congregation was regularly organized, baptized among many others the oldest child, Rosina Catharine Eberle, born April, 1838. The first appointed resident preacher of the congregation was Ernst Kraus, 1850-51, then August Lepique to 1859, and many others in succession. The congregation growing, and the stone church becoming too small, the old building was taken down and the present fine brick church built in place of it in 1878. The present pastor is Rev. Carl Maier. The board of directors are: C. T. Kurz, president ; Adolph Mueller, vice-president; William Schrumpf, trustee ; Ferd. Hitz, treasurer. The parsonage was built in 1860 and remodelled and enlarged
in 1908. Important improvements were also made in and around the church and a fine large organ (presented by Mrs. John Wildi) installed in I9II. The congregation, now under the name of Allgemeine Christliche Kirche (Universal Christian Church) has 152 members.
The German Catholic (St. Paul's) Church .- On December 26, 1843, the now numerous Catholics of Highland and vicinity held a meeting and decided to build a church. Solo- mon Koepfli, John Schwartz, Conrad Bader, William Lang, Dr. Caspar Koepfli, John Frey, Theodore Mueller, Nic. Voegele and Jacob Durer, were appointed a committee to take the necessary steps. The corner stone was laid May I, 1844, by Father J. Catting. In 1846 Father Joseph Kuenster of Teutopolis said the first mass in the completed church. Carl Joseph v. Marogna was the first priest to give regular service up to 1851. P. Li- macher was then appointed resident priest, who remained ten years, during the most critical and trying time of the congregation. Eventually the small frame church was found inadequate, so that in October, 1853, the build- ing of a new brick church, IIOX45 feet, was decided upon, which was completed sufficiently in 1856 for the first mass, and gradually im- proved and finished to the fine edifice it now represents. The first frame church was then used as a parochial school until the present so-called convent building was completed in 1866, at a cost of at least $10,000, conducted the first ten years by the Sisters de Notre Dame as a young ladies' seminary and pri- mary 'school, and afterwards entirely as paro- chial school. The rectory was erected in 1857, mostly at the expense of Father Limacher, and later enlarged and completed by the con- gregation. The large St. Joseph's hospital another part of the Catholic complex, is men- tioned elsewhere.
The German Methodist Church was organ-
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ized in 1846 by six members, Michael Mollet, Phil. Gruen, and Karl Klage. The church was built in 1847 as it stands today. The parsonage was built in 1876 or 1877. The Rev. William Fiegenbaum, father of Dr. E. W. Fiegenbaum of Edwardsville, was the first resident pastor, 1848-50, and again 1882-84. George Koenig, resident pastor 1891-93, now residing at Granite City, is the present pastor. The church now has a membership of about fifty.
The French and English Congregational Church .- The Congregational Church of Highland (services in English) was evolved out of the French Church, which had its be- ginning with the coming of Rev. Francis Vulliet and his family from Switzerland in 1848. He was an ordained minister of the National church of Switzerland for more than twenty-two years, but in 1845 he with 200 other ministers, refused to obey the mandates of the political party in power and with his five children emigrated to America, arriving in Highland in 1848, immediately beginning religious service in his and other homes of French-speaking families until in 1859 a brick church (now occupied as a dwelling) was built on Methodist Hill, named the French Evangelical Church. Rev. Vulliet, after act- ing privately until 1851, was called formally as pastor. Constant Rilliet, J. G. Chipron and Francis Grauze were the first trustees. In 1874 Rev. Francis Vulliet died and his son, Rev. Louis Vulliet, was then elected pastor. The congregation joined the Southern Asso- ciation of Congregational Churches in 1876, with Louis Vulliet as minister until 1886. The present church building was built and dedicated in 1887. Eugene Hollard, William Ramsey and Henry Balsiger were then the trustees. The church has had twelve minis- ters. Rev. J. E. Bodine, the present pastor, is now in this position nearly three years. Mary Vulliet, daughter of Rev. Francis Vul-
liet and sister of Rev. Louis Vulliet, is the oldest living member of the church.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOL
The first little school house on Methodist Hill, previously mentioned, burned down on a night in the spring of 1850. Then Joseph Suppiger asserted himself again by calling a public meeting, in which the citizens decided to raise money by subscription for the erection of a two-story brick building of four rooms upon the public or school square. The records show that $2,213.15 was raised by private subscriptions, of which Joseph and Solomon Koepfli contributed $500, the rest being in smaller amounts, and with the addition of $1,407.87 from taxes, the total sum available was $3,620.92. The building was soon erected, one room being used for the regular English public school, the other three rooms by pri- vate teachers until they also had to give way to the public school, since it was then entirely sustained by taxation and controlled by law. The records show that Miss Emily S. Thorp was the first teacher of this public school, from April, 1848, to October, 1850, followed by J. M. Gates from October, 1850, to March, 1854, and others. Joseph Suppiger, succeeded by J. A. Ramsay, were treasurers of High- land district, but the names of the directors are not found in the old records. Up to 1858 teachers' compensation was from $2 to $2.50 per quarter for each scholar, according to their number, for one teacher. Thereafter regular salaries were fixed; for the principal, $600 per year (C. Baer being the first to re- ceive this), and assistants from $20 to $50 per month. Charles Kinne, Solomon Koepfli and A. E. Bandelier were directors in 1858. The assistant teachers of that year were Mr. Phillips ($50 per month), Miss Emily Rey- nolds ($25 per month), and Miss Todd, ($20 per month). For the next term the assistants were F. Wilson ($30 per month), John Mar-
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coot ($300 per year), and M. Studer ($400 per year). The records show that there was considerable friction at that time regarding teachers, studies, etc., changes occurring occa- sionally during terms. Due to the rapid in- crease of population this school house soon did not afford sufficient room, so that in 1867 the erection of another two-story brick build- ing of four rooms was decided upon. But again, in 1893, the two buildings were found inadequate, so that the people voted for a bond issue of $20,000 to erect in 1894 upon
tendent, Mr. C. L. Dietz. The high school is well accredited at the State University. The present members of the board of education are: Alfred Wildi, president ; John S. Hoer- ner, secretary ; Adolph Koch, Fred. Neubauer, L. O. Kuhnen, Adolph Mueller and Louis Ernst.
PROMINENT MEN
In addition to the original founders, High- land has had perhaps a greater number of prominent or renowned men of classical edu-
PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, HIGHLAND
the center of the block the present imposing modern building of ten spacious rooms, etc., at a total cost of at least $24,000. The two old buildings were then removed, so that this block in the center of the town, with the fine new building and beautiful large shade trees over the entire grounds, is the pride of High- land. Nine teachers are now engaged in the grades, three and the superintendent in the high school, and a special instructor for physi- cal culture. A manual training department is also connected with the school under the very able and successful direction of the superin-
cation, who were forced to immigrate to this country on account of the religious and politi- cal disturbances of Europe than any town of its size. We therefore mention those who have left their impress upon the community.
Of the Koepfli family (see Saline township) Solomon Koepfli was the leading, guiding and energetic head, not only for the affairs of the family, but especially for the Swiss colony and Highland, of which they and Joseph Sup- piger were the founders. His prudent and calculating ever active energy for the advance- ment and prosperity of the settlement was
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
often ascribed to selfish motives (rightfully or not), yet it must be admitted that he lent a helping hand to every public enterprise, for schools, churches, better roads, the railroad, etc., so that he, together with Joseph Suppiger, deserved credit for his part in promoting the rapid growth of the settlement. Though greatly interested in politics, yet he never sought office, consenting only once to become a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of Illinois in 1862. His health having become impaired, he tried to regain it by visiting Switzerland, but died in 1869 soon after his return to Highland.
Joseph Suppiger, who came from Switzer- land with the Koepfli family in 1831 as one of the first Swiss settlers and founders of Highland, was one of the most public spirited and highly honored men Highland ever had, devoting himself to the interests of the town and country and connecting his name honor- ably with every enterprise of this section. He held the office of justice of the peace for twelve years, declining all higher offices. His untimely death on April 24, 1861, was deeply deplored by the entire population.
Dr. F. Ryhiner, of Basel, Switzerland, came to Highland in 1837, and died here July 14, 1879. He was not only a physician of un- usual ability, but also a public spirited man. Further particulars regarding him will be found in the medical chapter.
A. E. Bandelier, from the French part of Canton Berne, Switzerland, came to High- land in 1848, after having visited Brazil the year before in company with his friend, John Balsiger. He had a classical education for the legal profession and held the position of presiding judge of the Superior court when political troubles induced him to leave Switzer- land. Soon after his arrival in Highland the Swiss government appointed him consul for the Mississippi valley, extending to New Or- leans and southeast to the Carolinas. He was
also school director of Highland in 1858-60, and his successful labors for the elevation of the schools are still remembered. After the failure of the bank in 1885 (mentioned else- where) with which he was connected he went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, then return- ing to Switzerland, where he died soon after.
Professor C. Baer, an eminent pedagogue of Zuerich, Switzerland, was principal of the Highland schools up to his death in 1862. He was succeeded by B. E. Hoffmann, another pedagogue of classical education, who, several years later, was elected clerk of Madison county, afterwards engaging in the newspaper business and literary work. Julius Hammer, another classical scholar, forced to the land of liberty by the revolution of 1848 and '49 in Germany, lived here as music teacher and philosopher.
Emil Frey, of a noted Swiss family, came to Highland shortly before the Civil war to see America and to learn conditions of the country and even worked on a farm. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Union army, serving throughout the war as captain, being for a time an inmate of Libby prison. Returning to Switzerland after the war, he became so prominent politically that he was appointed Swiss ambassador to Washington, and later elected president of Switzerland. While ambassador at Washington he paid Highland a visit. The farmer for whom he had worked then took pride in saying: "He was my hired hand."
Heinrich Boernstein, of international fame, resided in Highland 1849-50, during the time of the cholera, being the leading spirit in the social life of the town. Having been a playsi- cian, further particulars regarding him will be found in the medical chapter. About the same time four of the Bernays brothers, his friends, also located in Highland, the doctors George and F. Jacob (see medical chapter), Carl Ludwig Bernays, a journalist of note
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
and connoisseur of fine arts, for a time en- gaged here in the brewing industry and store business, while the fourth brother, F. B. Ber- nays, followed literary pursuits until his death in Highland. These men were all classical scholars of the highest culture, forced to leave Germany during the revolution of 1848.
Adolph F. Bandelier, son of A. E. Bandelier, came to Highland with his parents in 1848, but eight years old. Having received an ex- cellent education and mastered many modern languages, as well as those of various Indian nations in Mexico, he began archaeological explorations for the Smithsonian Institute, and now ranks as one of the most eminent scientists in the country. He still lives in New York.
Dr. Abraham Felder certainly commanded the attention of the public in a greater de- gree than any one else in Highland during his time in public and social affairs, in which he was deeply interested. Of high intellect and a ready and forceful speaker on any sub- ject, he was always the man in front to push things. Though usually aggressive and often acting so impulsively as to offend, yet it must be said that selfishness did not prompt his actions, and that he deserves to be honorably remembered for the many public benefits de- rived through his energetic efforts. (Further particulars are found in the medical chapter.)
John Blattner, during the Civil war United States internal revenue collector, notary pub- lic, civil engineer, expert in probate business, etc., the unselfish confidential and kind adviser of all, deserves to be gratefully remembered. He was also prominently active in politics for the benefit of his party (the Republican) and in public affairs did his full share for the benefit of the community. The establishment of the street grades and cellar drainage of Highland was his lasting meritorious work. He died May 2, 190I.
Selmar Pabst, who came from Saxony,
Germany, to America in 1862, and to High- land in 1863, was another of the men of high intellect who left his impress on the public and social life, being highly esteemed for his noble character. He was a son-in-law of the late venerable Charles Kinne, stockholder in the store of C. Kinne & Co., director of the First National Bank of Highland, and presi- dent of the Board of Education. He died on December 9, 1910.
Heinrich Bosshard, author of the "Sem- pacherlied," the national hymn of Switzer- land, came to Highland in 1851, where he lived until his death in 1877. He lies buried in the shade of a big tree on the little farm he then owned just south of the town. He was born April 8, 1811, at Senn, Canton Zuerich, Switzerland, where he was teacher. A granite monument is erected in his honor at Lindendale park by the patriot Swiss of North America.
Charles H. Seybt, a native of Saxony, Ger- many, is the only one of the men of high class- ical education yet living here. He married a daughter of Joseph Suppiger in 1861. Being himself an artist of more than common ability, he is a connoisseur of fine arts, as well as an excellent pianist. He has been and is yet engaged in the milling industry and a leading member of the National Millers' Association. (See Highland Mills.)
Other departed men not noted elsewhere, who in times past have distinguished them- selves in one way or another are mentioned below.
Adolph Glock was justice of the peace in the early sixties and was a highly respected citizen. Charles Boeschenstein, father of the editor of the Edwardsville Intelligencer, who was elected in 1861 and served as justice of the peace until his death in 1883, was a coun- selor of many and a real peace maker, al- ways using his efforts to induce people to settle their differences without going to trial.
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
MAIN AVENUE TO LINDENDALE PARK
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
Dr. Gallus Rutz, teacher, physician, editor and postmaster, was prominent in affairs for many years. John Balsiger, justice of the peace and one of the founders and secretary of the first agricultural society, was an active man of the community. Timothy Gruaz, notary public and land agent, was a figure in many local matters. George Roth, success- ful business man and mayor of the city, never failed to lend his efforts to the progress of the community.
Citizens who have filled county and other public offices are: E. M. Morgan, associate county judge, 1857-61 ; succeeded by Constant Rilliet, 1861-63; Garrett Crownover, member of legislature, 1860-62; Henry Weinheimer, ditto, 1872-74; George Ruegger, sheriff, 1864- 66; B. E. Hoffman, county clerk, 1869-77; Adolph Ruegger, county treasurer, 1877-82 ; Adolph A. Suppiger, superintendent of schools, 1873-82 and 1886-90; Robert Hag- nauer, circuit clerk, 1884-96; Henry Riniker, county clerk, 1886-90 and 1894-1902; Edward Feutz, county clerk, 1902-10; Charles F. Tuffli, coroner, 1900-04; Joseph P. Streuber, first probate judge, elected in 1910 and pres- .ent incumbent of office.
H. M. Thorp was the first supervisor of Helvetia township. He was succeeded by Louis Latzer, Edward Feutz, Louis Koch, Joseph Buchmann, Rudolph Fricker and F. M. Mueller. Louis E. Kinne was appointed a colonel on the staff of Governor Richard Yates and served with credit in that position as in all others which he had been called to fill. Joseph C. Ammann, present cashier of the First National Bank, served as member of the state board of equalization, 1889-92, and no citizen has ever been held in higher esteem than he.
Jones Tontz, who served in the legislature several terms in the early eighties and was for many years a member of the county board
of supervisors, called this his home. Joseph Bardill, present member of the legislature, is a leading business man of Highland.
SOCIETIES AND LODGES
Highland has had quite a number of socie- ties and lodges that were dissolved. The first of importance was the Literary or Library Association, organized December 9, 1859, with A. E. Bandelier, president, and Dr. Frederick Ryhiner, Joseph Suppiger, Solomon Koepfli and John Suppiger, directors. Lectures were frequently delivered by such eminent scholars as Professor Baer, Dr. Ryhiner, the Bande- liers, Dr. and C. L. Bernays, Julius Hammer, and others. When the society was dissolved in 1869 the very valuable collection of books was given to the Highland Turnverein, and later a large part of the books were donated to the public school library. Other societies and lodges were: A singing society in 1850. A Turnverein in 1854, dissolved at the out- break of the Civil war. Lodges of the Red- men, Druids, Odd Fellows, Knights of Honor, and Gruetli Verein. Also a very good Phil- harmonic Society from 1878-83.
The existing lodges and societies are as follows : The Helvetia Schuetzenverein (Sharpshooters' Society), incorporated 1863, but organized in February, 1860. The beau- tiful Lindendale park was donated to the soci- ety in trust by Joseph and Solomon Koepfli. Its great natural beauty and suitable topog- raphy for holding festivals and fairs are unexcelled, making it a most favorable place of resort. The many festivals held here have been attended by thousands from nearly every state of the country. The first large sharp- shooters' festival was held in 1864, at which the National American Sharpshooters' Society was organized, with the following officers:
-
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
Dr. A. Felder, president ; Ad. Eugene Bande- lier, vice-president ; David Suppiger, treasurer ; Adolph F. Bandelier, secretary ; Tim. Gruaz, vice-secretary. Very successful national fes- tivals, attended from all parts of the country, were held here in 1865 and 1872, then one of the Northwestern Association in 1883, and the many others of a local character. High- land is the cradle of organized sharpshooters in the United States. The society is as strong as ever, and the sons are as enthusiastic and active on the rifle range as their fathers.
The Highland Turnverein (Gymnastic So- ciety) was organized in 1866. It has a large hall, built in 1869, with one of the best equipped stages for theatrical performances not usually found in towns of this size, also bowling alleys, steam heating and other con- veniences. A graduate physical instructor is regularly engaged for the classes.
The Harmonic Singing Society was organ- ized in 1867. It has a large active and passive membership, and has the reputation of being one of the best in the St. Louis district. A large ladies' choir is connected with the society.
Lodges: Highland Lodge, No. 583, A. F. and A. Masons, chartered 1868; Highland Chapter, No. 169, R. A. Masons; Eastern Star; Modern Woodmen of America; Royal Neighbors ; Woodmen of the World; Knights of Pythias; Knights of Columbus; Mutual Protective League. Besides these there are the usual religious societies and social clubs, too numerous to mention.
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