USA > Illinois > Shelby County > Combined history of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of their scenery and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 42
USA > Illinois > Moultrie County > Combined history of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of their scenery and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 42
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HISTORY OF SHELBY AND MOULTRIE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
not mueli over one hundred members ; some have died, and many have moved away, and a few have been discontinued for various reasons. Quite a number are scattered around too far to attend church serviees, but still hold their membership. There are about thirty of this class, making the total membership one hundred and thirty members. Since its organization there have been fifty-six adult baptisms, and thirty-eight infant baptisms.
Several years after its organization, they were very liberal, and paid more for the enterprises of the general Chinrch than any other congregation of its financial strength in the Presbytery. But by emigration, death, etc., they have become weak financially, and discouraged ; and the financial pressure set in, and there has been a manifest decline in this particular with many of the members, but not so with others. No trial, be it ever so hard, eaused the faithful to relax their efforts in the least financially. There is in the Church an element of strength that will stand the storm. May we fondly hope that when the Son of Man cometh, He will find a faithful few worshiping at old New Hopc.
The congregation needs a larger and better house of worship than the present one. This house was an old dwelling, moved out and enlarged, which was given to the congregation by Bro. S. D. Freeland. It is now too small for the neighborhood ; the people are able to build a better, and ought to do so. To do this, and support a good pastor, would insure success for the Lord.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Church at Dulton City. - This society was organized May 25, 1872, by the Revs. C. Louden and Nathaniel Williams, who were appointed for this purpose by the Presbytery of Mattoon. They have a very neat and commodious house, erected in 1873, at a cost of $3,200. The present Elders are, J. A. Roney and C. W. Freeland, and the present membership is thirty. This is the only church of this denomination in Moultrie county.
ST. ISADORE'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. BY REV. EDWARD M'GOWAN.
A traveler once entered Moultrie county by the lower road, one mile south of Dalton eity. As he wended his way east from that point where the roads, east and west, north and south, intersect one another, which is also the dividing line between Macon and Moul- trie connties, he could notice at once a difference in the color of their soil; that Moultrie county looked blacker in its earth and rieher than Macon county. Journeying on lie was struck with the bcanty of tlic hedgerows, green waving fields of corn, herds of cattle, bound- less prairie far as the eye could reach. Thus absorbed, thus de- lighted in eyes and mind and heart at the goodness of God to His creatures, as seen in the book of nature around him, he plodded on his way till four miles from the county line. The Catholic church loomed np before him. He approached, and as he saw everything in good order and cleanly about the church, and a parochial house in process of erection, uncovering his head he said, " Thanks be to God."
"Thanks," he said, "for herc I have a key to the prosperity of Cath- olicity in Monltrie county, for wherever all over the States I have found good churches, well equipped for divine worship, there I have invariably found a prosperons Catholic people; but wherever I have found a miserable structure, black and dirty, unworthy of the God of glory who is worshiped, there too I have found a drunken, a degraded people. Here, removed from the din of the city and the panting of the engines, and the ceaseless roll of machinery, where all is peace, man can compose himself for prayer, and pray without distraction, to the God of peace." The good-morning of a sturdy
farmer started him from his reverie. His brilliant cye, elastic step and sprightly manner, told him plainer than words that he was one of Ireland's sons. To the stranger's inquiries low they came to have a church on the prairie, he said, Father A. Voghl, God bless him, was our first priest. He celebrated the first mass on this then nn- fenced prairie, at the house of Mr. Edward Bresnan, on the 14th of August, 1863. During that year, he, in his great wisdom, took up a subscription and bought and paid for forty acres of land from The Illinois Central Railroad Company, at $5 per acre. That yon will readily see was a good investment-the same land is worth now $40 per acre. We had then only sixteen families, not one hundred persons in all, plenty of ground to build upon, but yet had no church structure One morning, after celebrating mass and breakfasting at a farm-house, the good priest took his office book and went to recite the divine office. At his return he was greatly surprised to find that liis little flock had voluntarily raised the means wherewith to build a little church. The first Catholic church edifice in Monl- tric county, was erected then in the fall of 1864, in Dora township, at a cost of $200. It was a frame building 20x40 feet. The names of those subscribers, our forefathers in the faith, deserve to be em- blazoned in letters of gold on the temple of fame, that posterity may learn what their ancestors did for the holy faith, and learn to follow in their footsteps. These are their honored names: Edward Bresnan, Patrick Smith, Timothy Sammon, MI. Cronin, Patrick Burns, sen., Daniel Tueth, Wm. Fogarty, Patrick Neilan, John Kinney, Jas. Nolan, Francis Ryan, Richard Delahaunty, Patrick Griffin, John Dunne, John Hickey, Nich. Bahan. Number of members at present, 500. Strange, too, that one-fourth of the names I have mentioned to you were Patrick. Rev. M. Kane succeeded Father Voghil, in 1873, and enlarged and beautified the church, to meet the growth of the congregation. It is now a cru- ciform, 60x60 feet, worth abont $2,000. Rev. Edward M'Gowan succceded Father Kane, October, 1875, and ministers to our spi- ritual wants ever since. He was born at Draperstown, county Derry, Ireland, on the 9th of March, 1842. He received a thorough Eng- lish education at the old homestead, and no less thorough classical education at Cumber Claudy, in the same county. Entering All- Hallow's College, Dublin, Ireland, by competitive examination, on the 3d of September, 1867, he passed through his classes with dis- tinction to himself and satisfaction to his professors. He had the consolation, during his college course, to be called to all the orders regularly every year, and was crowned with the crowning glory of the priesthood on the 24th of June, 1872. In August of that year le bid a tearful farewell to home and friends, and native land, and sailed for the diocese of Alton, where, after a happy voyage, he ar- rived on the 26th of the same month. Speaking of his arrival at New York on the 20th of that month, The Irish World newspaper said of him: "The Bishop of Alton is happy in acquiring a man possessed of Father M'Gowan's energy, and Father M'Gowan is happy in having in Bishop Baltes a kind and gentle father." The bishop assigned him on his arrival to the pastoral charge of St. Pat- rick's ehnrchi, Grafton, Jersey connty, Ills., where, during his stay of three years, he built a beautiful parochial honse, redeemed the fallen eredit of that church, and endeared himself in many ways to the liearts of his people Thence he was transferred, with his own consent, to Macon, a larger field of labor, which he has attended alternately with Dora township, for five years. He is now engaged in building, and has just got roofed in yonder beantiful parochial louse beside the church. Its estimated cost is $2,000. He has made it his cardinal point to make every one bear the burden in this, and every contribution, according to his means.
For, while onr people are, in the main, very liberal, some drones
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HISTORY OF SHELBY AND MOULTRIE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
there are who hold back from doing their duty, and nevertheless arrogate to themselves the right to complain of the work that is done and the manner in which it is donc. The priest instructs the children in the principles of faith, sces to it that they are prepared for first confession and first communion; for children brought up without religion are a curse to their parents and to society. He knows that one of the most powerful means of preserving the faith and of leading a virtuous life is to receive the sacraments of the church often and worthily-knows, too, that if they don't receive them when they are young they will scarcely ever receive them,- that if you would bend the tree you must bend the twig; hence he gives so much attention to the children. He has, too, a reward even in this world; his people grow .up religious, honest, industrious, sober, and gain for themselves the respect of all their neighbours, without regard to creed or nationality. It must, too, be consoling to him to see non-Catholic masters and mistresses come to Dora township for Catholic servants, and who will have no others but Catholics, and who comply with the duties of their religion. For well they know that while stealing is fashionable, from the highest to the lowest in the land steal, practical Catholics cannot steal and keep, they must restore. We have no parochial schools; we have our fair quota of school directors and school teachers. Catholics and the public schools work here very well. But, excuse me, said the speaker, it is noontime, come and have some dinner, and they picked themselves up and went off together.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
Ouk Grove .*- This church was organized in 1868, by Rev. Joseph Perryman, now deceased, at the town of Dunn. It had a membership of about forty members, among whom were Joseph Perryman and wife, James Baggett and wife, Geo. Hoggett and wife, L. T. Daizy and wife, Gco. Lee and wife, with others of their family, March Rhodes and wife, and many others. The church has prospered from its organization, and at this writing has over a hundred members. Rev. Joseph Perryman was pastor until a short time before liis death, which occurred in 1878, since which time, Rev. Nathan Corley of Shelby county, and S. B. N. Vaughan of Macon have presided. In 1870, the church with the assistance of the citizens of Dann and vicinity, built a very substantial brick house, near the village of Dunn; the site of which was deeded to the Baptist church by Samuel Brook. The members are very liberal in their views, and extend the use of their house to all other Chris- tian denominations, when not used by them for public service.
The Old School Baptist Church of Whitley was organized about fifty years ago, and was the first established in this part of the county. The first pastor was William H. Martin. The follow- ing were the first members : Isaac Waggoner and wife, Caleb Shaw and wife, Rachel Smith, William Walker, and John Edwards and wife. The only early members now living are Margaretta (Peggy) Shaw, and Narcissa Waggoner.
The Freewill Baptist Church of Whitley township, was organized in 1843 by elder John Webb. It had a small membership, and only existed a few years. A small log house was built to hold church service in, but has long since gone with the things that were. Elder James Vaughan often preached to this congregation.
The Missionary Baptists organized a society about fifteen years ago. Elder Willis Whitfield was their early pastor. They now have a frame structure, 26 by 36 feet, a very neat and well-finished house, which is familiarly known as the " Whitfield Church."
The Linn Creck Church is among one of the oldest of Whitley township, it having its origin nearly fifty years ago. A log struc- ture first served for a place of worship. This was replaced in time, and is now standing, by a frame building, which is commodious and convenient for its congregation.
The Arnish Church was organized in 1866, at Moses Yoder's house, in Douglas county ; since which time it has spread over con- siderable territory ; a portion of the members being in Moultrie county. Their first minister was Joseph Keim, now deceased. Prominent among the first members, were D. P. Miller, D. D. Otto and others. The first members in Moultrie county were I. S. Miller and Samuel Miller, with some others; it has increased now to about twenty-five. The society has no church-house, but hold their meetings at the private houses of their members. Daniel Shrock, T. Yoder, I. Miller, and C. Hershberger, arc their present preachers.
There is also a congregation of Baptists at Lake City, and in Lowe township, but as no data have been given of these churches, · we are unable to give their condition in detail.
The Seventh Day Advent Church .- There is but one congregation of this denomination in the county, which is located in the town of Lovington. They erected a building in 1873, at a cost of about $700, including the grounds upon which it is situated, and it was dedicated the same year, by the renowned Rev. C. H. Bliss, who stands as one of the leaders of the denomination in the West. It started with a membership of seventeen, and has made some acces- sions since. The building is situated in the south-eastern part of the village, and is a neat, comfortable house.
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN MOULTRIE COUNTY. BY REV. CHRIS. GALEENER.
Methodism is one of those peculiar institutions which from their very constitutions, are cnabled to live, flourish, and increase in all climes, among all nations and with all classes of people. Having within itself the means of propagation so thoroughly distributed that whenever one member becomes isolated from the great body, howsoever far, he does not have to await directions from the head, but with the commission of the great Master, "Go, preach the gospel unto every creature," he at once enters upon the work, col- lecting together as many as may desire to join in some kind of public worship, and either expounds to them the Word of God, or leads them in a service of prayer.
Thus, in the vast majority of instances, have the seeds of Methodism been sown in the newly settled parts of these western states. Small groups of these people meeting together at stated periods in private dwellings or school-houses, where there were any, formed the nucleus, around which, in after years, gathered large, and often wealthy congregations. These small bands of worshipers at this early day seldom saw a minister save the local preacher, who, borne westward by the tide of emigration, came with his Bible and hymn- book, preaching and singing the gospel of Christ free to all ; lit- erally without moncy and without price. These local preachers often formed these scattered bodies into what they then called small circuits, but which in reality were much larger than our largest ones at the present day. These they supplied so far as they were able with regular services at stated times, until they could be reached by the regular itinerant, when they were regularly organ- ized into Classes and Quarterly Conferences.
Methodism in Moultrie county was no exception to the rule. Long before it was separated from Shelby county and dignified by the title it now bears, there came among the emigrants, a "goodly sprinkling" of Methodists, who settled in various parts of what is
* For data pertaining to this church, we are indebted to G, W. Vaughan.
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HISTORY OF SHELBY AND MOULTRIE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
now called Moultrie county, and around them soon gathered others of the same persuasion, for they were then a social people and . longed for the society of each other. As soon as they could they usually formed a society, and prosecuted the work so diligently that they often grew with great rapidity. Almost the first Metho- dist preaching must have been by local preachers, among whom we find the following. Rev. H. M. Tremble, who resides at present (1880) near Paradise, Coles county ; Rev. R. B. Ewing, George M. Henson, of Whitley Point, and Rev. Prentice, who was a partner of Ewing's in business at one time at East Nelson. As early as 1835 all the societies in Shelby county had been organized into one grand eireuit, extending from Vandalia to a point somewhere in what is now called Douglas county. This vast district was tra- veled around once each month, and the preacher usually preached every day in the week except Monday. He was compelled, of course, to travel in all kinds of weather, and often foreed to swim his horse through swollen streams amid great danger. Sometimes leaving his horse tied in the woods on the bank of some mad tor- rent, he commended his life and soul into the hand of his Creator, after which he plunged boldly into the boiling waters with full determination to meet his next engagement or die in the attempt. Gradually, however, this huge circuit was diminished until it eon- tained in 1837 about what now lies in the bounds of Shelby and Moultrie counties, and this year we find that it was to be traveled by Moses Roberts, but he had not been long on the work when death interposed, and he breathed his last at the house of Charles Sawyers, at Wabash Point, Coles county. Barton W. Randle was then Pre- siding Elder of the distriet which contained the circuit. From 1839 to 1845, our information seems unreliable, as there are too many conflicting statements, but during this interval the probabil- ity is that Wm. C. Brundle, Joseph H. Hopkins, and H. Buek, cachi traveled the circuit one year. In 1846 Sullivan circuit was formed from Shelbyville cireuit, and Rev. C. W. C. Munsell was appointed preacher in charge, this being his first work. N. S. Bas- tion was at this time Presiding Elder. The circuit then contained the following preaching places, all of which were in this county, viz ; East Jonathan, E. Grahanis, East Nelson, Julia Ann, Richard Naz- worthy's, Jacob MeCuin's, Hewitt's Grove, Ewing's Grove, and James Camfield's. Nazworthy's was probably the oldest society in the county, and had been formed years before by Rev. R. B. Ewing, who was a local elder and preached extensively in those days in various parts of the county. Beside the appointments named in Moultrie county, there were some in Shelby, and one or two in Coles county ; but at this time there was not a church edifiee belonging to the Methodists in all this county. There was one, however, in the bounds of Sullivan circuit, but it was situated at Sand Creek in Shelby county, and was built of round logs with the cracks daubed withi mud. There were eighteen appointments and two hundred and fifty-two members in the entire eircuit. Mr. Munsell's salary was fixed at two hundred and forty-five dollars ; of this he realized about fifty dollars. .
1847, Rev. J. H. Hopkins became pastor, N. S. Bastion, P. E. There were 334 members this year.
About this time Ewing and Prentice, who were in business at East Nelson, invoiced their goods and sold out to Thornton and Elder ; their store house thus becoming vacant was bought by the society at this place as a house of worship. This was perhaps the first house of worship ever owned by the Methodists in the county, though not originally designed for that purpose. Nelson society was the most flourishing in the circuit and continued so for many years ; it became the home of the preachers, and we have been informed that at one time there was a parsonage there.
1848, C. Arnold was appointed pastor and G. W. Fairbank, P. E. who remained upon the district four years. At this date it is perhaps impossible for us to conceive the hardships through which these pioneers of Methodism were called to pass. Mr. Fairbank's distriet extended from Danville to Hillsboro, and he was compelled to travel over this scope of country, upon horseback, destitute as it was in many places of roads and bridges, and it is related of him that on one occasion he made the complete round of his district and returned home, having received the sum total in cash of seventy-five cents. His good wife remained at home during these long journeys, and at one time Dr. H. Buek, then a young man stationed in Dan- vil'e, visited her in the absence of Elder F - and being desirous of learning how she fared, asked permission to look into ler larder, where he found only a few bones from which almost the last vestige of meat liad disappeared. " Why Mother Fairbank !" said he, " This seems to be the valley of dry bones !" "Oh !" said she, " There's some meat on those bones."
But Dr. Buek's sympathies were aroused, and departing from the house he soon returned with something, if not more substantial, at least more palatable than " dry bones."
1849, C. J. Tolle was appointed pastor. This year the Metho- dists constructed the first church they had ever built in the county. It was at Hewitt's grove about two miles north-east of Lovington, built of logs neatly hewed, and the congregation was so aristocratic that they had the cracks daubed with lime and sand and the walls whitewashed. By some this was no doubt considered a useless ex- pense, but we see that the tastes of the people were ehanging. In Sullivan also this year, a new frame church was completed and de- dicated; it had been commeneed in 1847, during the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Hopkins, but from some cause was not completed for two years. The cost of this edifice was about one thousand dollars, and it was constructed by R. B. Wheeler. The first board of trustees consisted of Wm. Purvis, James Elder, R. B. Ewing, James Cam- field and Elijah Bridwell. The deed to the lot upon which it stands bears date June 13th, 1850, and was signed by James A. Free- land. This was the first church cver built in Sullivau It is now occupied by Pifer's carriage shop. In 1850, Rev. G. W. Bennett became pastor, and was succeeded in 1851 by Lewis Anderson, and he in 1852 gave place to Rev. J. H. Dolson, who only made one round of the circuit when he died ; and R. B. Ewing who has been mentioned before supplied the work uutil the conference · met ill 1853, when A. Don Carles became pastor and A. Bradshaw Presid- ing Elder.
1854, J. W. R. Morgan was pastor, R. C. Norton P. E.
1855, J. W. Aneals was pastor. 1856, A. Buckner was pastor, and continued two years. J. S. Crane was P. E.
1858, W. H. MeVey became pastor. During the decade from 1849 to 1859, but little progress was made. A gain of sixty mem- bers had been made in the whole circuit. No property had been acquired, and so far, we know none lost; affairs were in an easy condition, and the church seemed to make no special efforts.
1859, I. Groves beeame pastor and remained two years, during which time there was a slight loss in the membership, but two new churches were projected, one at Lovington completed this year and one at Sullivan, but not completed until 1862.
In 1861, C. Y. Hecox became pastor and W. D. P. Trotter, P. E. who remained on the district four years. 1862, David Gay was ap- pointed pastor ; on coming to the work he found an unfinished church at Sullivan, which he finished the same year ; it is the one occupied at present by the society as a place of worship. It cost about $2,000, and was dedicated by President Cobleigh of MeKendree College. The first board of trustees consisted of James Elder, S. H. Morrell,
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HISTORY OF SHELBY AND MOULTRIE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
J. R. Duncan, E. H. Hunt, A. B. Shortcss, John Millizen, and William Elder. 1863, J. C. Baker was pastor; 1864, Thomas Ri- lcy, who left the work after about six months ; 1865 M. W. Everhart was appointed pastor and R. W. Travis Presiding Elder, who con- tinued until 1867. When Mr. Everhart reached the work, he be- came so discouraged that after preaching once, he mounted his horse and, without informing any one of his intentions, he rode away fully resolving never to return. He went to Ohio, where he remained about four months, or until February 1866, when he returned and remained until the ensuing conference appointed his successor, who was Rev. T. C. Lapham, now in business in Shelbyville, Ill. His administration was a prosperous one.
In 1867 T. C. Lapham was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Wolfe, who managed to enlist his people in the work so much that the mem- bership increased this year from 214 to 399. This was, perhaps, the most prosperous year, spiritually, in the annals of Sullivan circuit. At the end of the year, Sullivan and Lovington, so long united together in the same circuit, were divided, each becoming the head of a circuit. Mr. Wolfe returned to Sullivan, and did efficient work, being succeeded in 1809 by Rev. A. Waggoner, who seems to have lost some ground ; for he reported nearly one hun- dred less members than his predecessor left at the close of his last year. He was followed in 1870 by Rev. Arthur Bradshaw, who reported fifty members less than his predecessor. Rev. A. M. Pil- cher became pastor in 1871, and this year there was a decrcase of thirty members. During the year a neat chapel was dedicated a few miles south-east of Sullivan, known as Graham's chapel. For the years 1872 and 1873, Rev. R. L. Robinson was pastor, and reported a slight increase in membership. 1874, Rev. I. H. Al- drich was appointed pastor, but on account of his age was forced to retire, and Rev. E. A. Hamilton completed the year. 1875, Rev. B. F. Rhodes became pastor, but left the work in about six months, and Rcv. A. H. Rusk completed the year. 1876 and 1877, Rev. M. B. McFadden was pastor. During this time there was a revival, and several conversions were reported. 1878, Sullivan became detached from all other appointments, and Rev. E. S. Wamsley was made pastor, in which capacity he served the charge two years, during which time no material progress was made, nei- ther any essential loss, save the removal of a few families of influ- cnce. Altogether the church remained about as when he found it. In 1880 C. Galeener became pastor, the history of whose pastorate remains to be written by another historian.
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