USA > Illinois > Madison County > Alton > Gazetteer of Madison County : containing historical and descriptive sketches of Alton City, Upper Alton, Edwardsvile, Collinsville, Highland, Troy, Monticello, Mairne, Bethalto, and other towns, including some account of the resources of the various townships, to which is added a directory of the Altons,. > Part 15
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THE ALTON NATIONAL DEMOCRAT was established in 1854, as the Demo- cratic organ of this City and of Madison County. The Alton Courier, up to that period, had been so considered, but the test of the "Nebraska Bill" now arose in the Democratic party, and the Courier went "Anti-Nebraska." The Democrat was started by Geo. M. Thompson, Esq., as publisher and proprietor, and John Fitch, Esq., as edito :. It was a small sheet, pub- lished weekly, and its sole purpose was to sustain the Democratie party, during that important political crisis. Mr. Thompson withdrew from the paper, after a few months operations, to return to his home in the State of New York, where his presence, ns an only son, was demanded by his father's old age-who was a wealthy farmer. The paper now fell into the hands of its editor, then a successful practising Attorney-at-Law. He 1 carried on its publication as a weekly for some time, when increase of
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Alton.]
business demanded changes, and a daily issue was commenced, and the weekly issue was enlarged to a "double medinm," its present size. New presses and steam power were purchased, and the establishment became one of the notable institutions of the city, under the charge of Messrs. John and T. S. Fitch. In 1859 the latter retired and entered upon business in Chicago, the former continuing sole editor and proprietor, gave his undivided time and attention to the business. A new building had been erected by Mr. Fitch, for the printing business, and the estab- lishment had been removed into it precisely one week, when the whole concern, of building, presses, types, etc., was demolished by the terrible tornado of the 6th of June, 18;0. Mr. Fitch announced his final retirement as an editor and publisher, and there was a lapse in the publication of the paper for a few weeks, when it was revived by Robert P. Tansey, with a rine outfit of new presses and types. Mr. R. P. Tansey continued to pub- lish the paper for a short time, when it passed into the hands of Mr. Wm. T. Brock. From him it passed under the management of Wm. T. Dow- dall, who sold it on the 1st of December, 1864, to its present proprietor John C. Dobelbower. Under his management it had proved a success, until, on the night of the 8th and 9th of February last it was totally des- troyed by fire. After much labor the office of the Alton Democrat was again organized. Upon the 17th of March, 1866, its Daily and Weekly issue was resumed in an enlarged form with many improvements, and it now bids fair to be a successful and remunerative undertaking. The political status of the paper is Democratic, giving, at the same time, a hearty support to the efforts of President Johnson to effect a speedy resto- ration of the Union with all the rights and equality of the States unim- paired.
The ILLINOIS TEMPERANCE HERALD, monthly, by A. W. Corey, was com- menced at Alton in 1836 and continued about six years. It had a circula- tod of from six to eight thousand.
The ALTON OBSERVER, by Rev. E. P. Lovejoy, was published in 1836 and 1837.
The ALTON COMMERCIAL GAZETTE, Samuel S. Brooks and John H. Pet- tit, editors, appeared in 1839. This was au ably conducted paper and exerted a wide influence in the interest of the Democratic party.
THE SUCKER, printed by Parks & Beaty, and edited by "Ourselves," was published in 1840. This was a Harrison Campaign paper, and had a large circulation. "Ourselves" were William S. Lincoln, John Lincoln and Junius Hall.
THE PRESBYTERY REPORTER, a religious magazine, was commenced in May, 1815. The first year only two numbers were issued; one of eight. the othor of sixteen pages, distributed gratuitously. From May, 1847, to May,
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1850, it was published quarterly, sixteen pages in each number, and at 25 cents per annum. From May, 1850, until November, 1854, it was pub- lished bi-monthly at 50 cents per annum. The subscription list then was transferred to the Chicago Evangelist. Its publication was resumed at Alton in May, 1855. In 1850 it was enlarged to its present size. Since July, 1856, it has been issued monthly, and as the organ of the Presbyteries of the Illinois and Peoria Synods (N. S.) Edited by Rev. A. T. Norton; printed by L. A. Parks.
WESTERN CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN .- This paper was first issued in June, 1862. It was intended to supply a demand occasioned by the sale and removal of the St. Louis Observer to the East, leaving all the north- west part of the Church without a medium of communication at home. It is printed weekly at $2.50 per annum in advance, on a double medium sheet with new type and in handsome style. It is devoted to religion, morality, Church enterprise and general information. This paper was founded and has been ever edited and published by its present proprie- tor, J. B. Logan, a minister of the Gospel of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. It has lately been furnished with a new dress, and is rapidly increasing in circulation throughout the entire West.
The VARWARTS (Progress) was established in 1852 by P. Stibolt and V. Walter. In 1854 Mr. Stibolt removed with the paper, press, &c., to Galena, Ill. It was published in the interest of the Democratic party.
THE ILLINOIS BEOBACHTER, a weekly German paper, devoted to politics, literature and agriculture, published in Alton, was started in 1856 by John Reis. It was strictly Democratic, of the Douglas School. After the death of the proprietor, John Reis, in March, 1863, V. Walter became owner, who changed the politics of the paper into Republican, defending the administration in its endeavor to restore the then endangered Union by force of arms, and urged the emancipation of the negroes, claiming that the Union can only be established and successfully maintained on the basis of equality. In the Presidential campaign of 1864, it was a strong sup- porter of John C. Fremont. One month before the election V. Walter sold out his interest to G. H. Weigler, who continued the paper without change until February 8th, 1866, when the office with its contents was destroyed by fire. Since then it has not been revived.
The FREE PRESS, a German Campaign paper, was established by Dr. Canesius and transferred to Christian Schneider in the summer of 1858, and continued about one year.
PRINTING ESTABLISHMENTS .- The "Telegraph" and "Democrat" each have a good outfit of type, and two power presses, for general book and job work.
The "W. C. Presbyterian" has a supply of type used in the composition of its own columns.
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Alton.]
There is also the Book and Job Printing Establishment of S. V. CROSS- MAN & Co., over Lee & Chouteau's Book Store, on Third street, with a full supply of material for Book, Pamphlet, Bill-Head, Card and, in fact, all kinds of printing. We can here mention their facilities for doing first class work, but the evidence is best obtained from their wide circle of friends and patrons. The principal, Mr. S. V. CROSSMAN, a practical printer of twenty-three years experience is well and favorably known among the professional and business men of this vicinity. The typogra- phy and presswork of this Gazetteer was executed by Messrs. S. V. C. & Co.
SOCIETIES.
A. F. AND A. MASONS .- The history of Free Masonry in Madison county seems to have commenced in Alton, by the organization of Franklin Lodge No. 25% in 1837, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Mis- souri-there being at that time no Grand Lodge in the State of Illinois. The Franklin Lodge continued under this jurisdiction until 1844, when it was received under the care of the newly formed Grand Lodge of Illinois. It was, however, moved from Alton City to Upper Alton in 1843, where, from that time to the present, it has continued to flourish under the care and watchfulness of true-hearted Masons. Its numbers have at all times been respectably large, and composed of the best citizens of that part of the county. This Lodge has established and maintained a school for the education of needy children of the Order, and it may be safely said that no Masonic institution has ever been more faithful in the fulfillment of all its obligations to the destitute members, widows and orphans among them than Franklin Lodge of Upper Alton.
A chapter of Royal Arch Masons was chartered in Upper Alton under the name of Howard Chapter No. 8, which was, by mutual agreement, re- moved to Alton City, November, 1851.
For about one year from the removal of Franklin Lodge to Upper Alton in 1843, there was no Lodge in the city; but in the spring of 1844 a number of devoted Masons, among whom were Hon. John Bailhache, an old and highly respected citizen; Samuel G. Bailey, Esq., one of the first settlers of the city; David Allen,t a gentleman who had then just removed to this city, engaged in the mercantile trade, and who was named as first mas- ter, together with a number of other Masons, petitioned to the Grand Lodge for the charter of Piasa Lodge No. 27, which was granted October 9, 1844. This Lodge has continued from that time to increase in numbers, in friends, and in usefulness, exemplifying, in its membership, the tenets
*The Charter member of Franklin Lodge were Jacob C. Bruner, Samuel C. Price, Jabez Carter, J. A. Langdon, John A. Maxey, H. S. Summers, J. D. Combs, A. Hart Charles Howard and R. McFarland. Charles Howard was the first master.
¡These three have sinee died respected and lamented by all who knew them. 17-
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of the Order-"Brotherly Love Relief and Truth." So great was the in- crease in numbers that the friends of the craft judged it best, for the in- terest of the Order, that another Lodge should be formed, and the result has since proved the wisdom of the enterprise. Hence, a new Lodge was chartered, under the name of Alton Lodge No. 281, October 6, 1858, and from that time it has continued under the watchful care of faithful officers, who have so wisely managed its affairs, and performed its work so skillfully that its usefulness is equal to any Lodge under this jurisdic- tion.
By the influence of these two Lodges, a sentiment so favorable to Free Masons pervaded the community, that it became manifest another Lodge was needed. Consequently, in October, 1859, one year from the date of the charter of Alton Lodge, Erwin No. 315 was chartered, under the care of brethren of German nationality, and has been managed with that skill and judgment which commends it to the approbation of the craft. Its numbers and influence are respectably large.
These three Lodges are all working together in harmony for the spread of Masonic principles, and for the diffusion of Masonic benevolence; among them there is no contention, except that noble contention, or rather emulation, which can best work or best agree, "thereby showing to the community how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
The higher orders of the craft are well represented here. Howard Chapter of Royal Arch Masons No. 8, as has been stated, was removed to this city November 28, 1851 .* Its name was changed in April, 1852, to Alton Chapter. It has been in charge of zealous and skillful officers, who are unsurpassed in the correctness of their work and care for the honor of the institution. Its membership is large.
There was established Feb. 24th, 1853, a Council of Royal and Select Masters, Alton No. 3, by charter from the Grand Council of Kentucky.t
There is also a Commandery of Knight Templers here, charter dated September 19, 1853, under the name of Belvidere Commandery No. 2.
*The names of those who have officiated as High Priests in the Alton R. A. C. since its removal to Alton, are Geo. T. Brown, J. W. Schweppe, M. M. Dutro, W. H. Turner, (two terms,) J. H. Hibbard, J. M. Pearson, (four years,) C. W. Dimmock. (two years,) A. Milne and B. H. Croft.
James W. Stewart has been Secretary since December, 1863.
tThe following named members have officiated as T. I. G. Masters; George T. Brown, J. H. Hibbard (two terms,) W. H. Turner, John Trible and John M. Pear- sou.
#The following named gentlemen were the Charter Members of Belvidere Com- mandery, viz: Josiah Hunt, (G. C.,) J. B. J. Kirkham, (G.,) J. W. Schweppe, (Prel.) Wm. H. Turner. (J. W.,) assisted by Sir Knights J. T. Jones, D. C. Tuttle, C. Levy, M. J. Noyes and W. R. Warren from other commanderies.
The Eminent Commanders since the date of the charter to the present have been Josiah Hunt, (two years,) J. W. Schweppe, B. F. Barry, D. C. Martin, James
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This institution is now, and has been from the first, also under the man- agement of skilful and zealous officers. Its membership is respectable in numbers and high in moral and social standing, and, as a consequence, it has been steadily growing in favor with the craft.
From the first establishinent of any Masonic organization in this city, they have held a high rank in the favor of the whole community. This has arisen from the watchful and zealous care by which the portals of each one has been guarded, and by the liberal and judicious manner in which Masonic benevolence has been distributed. The funds of all these bodies, have from the first been ample, and have been disposed of in a manner that has been approved by all. It has never been a prime object with the members of the craft to increase in numbers merely, but only so fast as they could add to the moral worth and social character of the institution. It has ever been a cardinal principle with the craft in this vicinity to adhere strictly to the "ancient land marks of the Order." The work has been performed entirely in accordance with the ancient usages of the Order, and in strict conformity to the instructions of the Grand Lodge; while every thing appearing like inovation has been most rigidly avoided. T. S.
THE INDEPEDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, was first introduced into the State of Illinois by the organization of Western Star Lodge No. 1, at Alton in Madison County,-the precise date we are unable to give, but be- lieve it was during the year 1837. This Lodge was shortly followed by Alton Lodge No. 2, and Clark Lodge No. 3, in the adjoining county of Bond, at Greenville, and by others at Jacksonville and Galena. A Grand Lodge for the State, was instituted at Alton, in August 1838. Keeping pace with the fast times 'prevailing in this section at that period, we find that the order in Alton, owing to extravagance in expense, and other causes, not necessary to mention, was unable to maintain itself, and ceased to work in October, 1839. To Past Grand Sire Wildey, (now deceas- ed) the venerable founder of the order in the United States, were the Order indebted for its introduction in this State. His visit to Alton and other points; his labors in the cause to which he devoted his life is well remembered by some of the older citizens of Madison County. The only members of the order now living, who took part in this early introduc- tion of the order in Madison County, are John R. Woods, now a resident of Winchester, James E. Starr, John R. Batterton and John P. Ash, now residing in Alton and its vicinity. Of the Charter members, of No. 2, the only ones living, to the knowledge of the writer, are Hon. John M. Krum, now a citizen of St. Louis, and James E. Starr.
Newman, James H. Hibbard, (two years,) D. C. Martin, Lorenzo D. Cleveland, Charles Wellington Dimmock and John Miles Pearson, the present incumbent. Henry N. Pierson has served as Recorder since September 24, 1860.
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The good seed however, sown here, scattered and took a deep hold in good ground, so that the order has maintained itself ever since; Clark Lodge No. 3, at Greenville having continued to work from its organization to the present time. With the suspension of the Lodges at Alton the Grand Lodge of the State also ceased work, and it was not until March 16th, 1842, that it was re-organized; and from that period it has continued to flourish, and has realized the sanguine expectation of its friends.
Western Star Lodge, owing to financial difficulties was never re-open- ed, and never can be, for its original members if not departed this life are scattered.
The encampment branch of the order wasalso instituted at Alton, about July 11th, 1838, and of its originial members, the only one living is James E. Starr.#
With the downfall of the Lodges in Alton, the encampment had to fol- low, and it was not until June 28, 1830, that it was re-opened by the pres- ent Grand Sire Isaac M. Veitch, of St. Louis, and from that date it has done a good work.
At the present writing (August, 1866,) the Lodges existing in the County are Alton No, 2, of Alton. Neilson No. 25 at Troy. Madison No. 43, at Collinsville. Edwardsville No. 46, at Edwardsville. Six Mile No. 87, at Venice, and Germania No. 299, at Alton; the latter being instituted Decem- ber 31st, 1861.
Of Encampments. Wildey, No. 1, at Alton, and Barry, No. 31, at Vinice.
Were we to write of the Order, in the State, with its some two hundred and fifty working Lodges, with its membership of some nine thousand, whose contributions for the releif of its members has distributed some $13,000, and whose revenue foots up nearly $70,000, the task although no pleasanter, would show more favorably.
Odd Fellowship points proudly to its record of the past, all over our country. Would you know it, seek it, from its membership; ask it from its thousands of members, who were with our Army of the "Union." Would you know the good it has done and is still accomplishing, ask the widow and the orphan, enfolded by its protecting arm. Well may "old Madison" be proud, that within its borders, the grain was planted, which has increased more than a hundred fold. May the future Historian for the County be able to recite, that every village sustains its Lodge of Odd Fellows, and every hamlet contains within its walls the votaries of the Order. B.
*Mr. Starr is the oldest living member of this branch of the Order in the State; still holding his interest in the Order and having filled all the high offices, both in the Grand Lodge and the Encampment of the State, and is at present the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Encampent. His present residence is in Jersey County.
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MISCELLANEOUS.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT consists of one Hook and Ladder and two Engine Companies. John Seaton, Chief Engineer.
Engine Company No. 1 was originally organized February 12th, 1835. Re-organized 1857. This is a chartered company, and have an Engine "Altona"-also a Hose Cart and Tender. The Engine House is substan- tially built of brick, two stories high. The second floor is occupied by a hall and reading room, handsomely fitted up. The reading room, open each evening, is supplied with several newspapers and the leading period- icals of the country. It is a note-worthy fact that the first Government Bonds sold in Alton were purchased by this Company.
Washington, No. 2, was organized in 1858, and has also a Hose Cart and Tender, with a two story Engine House and Hall.
Lafayette Hook and Ladder Company, was organized about eight years since, and has a complete outfit. There are about one hundred and twenty-five members of the department. The "Pioneer" Engine was made for the City in 1833, and is still in possession of the Department. It is the oldest fire engine in the State.
ALTON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION was organized in 1852, and recently re- organized. The Library contains many valuable works on History and Biography, Modern and Ancient; Travels, Voyages, Natural History, Poetry, Arts, Sciences, Religion and Politics.
It is located in the City Building. John W. Ash, Libarian.
ALTON SILVER CORNET BAND .- This Band was organized in connection with Alton Jaeger Military Company in 1853. In 1859 the Band was re- organized, and in the spring of 1861, purchased a set of nine silver instru- ments. In 1865 this set of instruments was sold and a new outfit purchas- ed. The Band at present consists of nine members, three of whom be- longed at the time of the first organization.
THE BLUFF CITY BAND was organized in August, 1865, by the follow- ing persons: Samuel H. Malcom, Thomas H. Perrin, Uel S. Murphy, Isaac C. Price, Edward P. Greenwood, Chas. Rader, John M. Logan, and Wm. A. Murphy. The following have since joined, viz. : Wm. Smith, Robert B. Smith, Geo. E. Johnson, and Wm. Boswell.
THE ACTIVE BASE BALL CLUB was organized in the latter part of July of the current year. Wm. D. Perrin, President, and E. B. Parke, Secre- tary.
GERMAN TURNVEREIN, a gymnastic organization, was established in 1855. Its social entertainments and Saengerkoor were very popular under the leadership of B. Walter. The outbreak of the war in 1861 broke the company up, most of the members joining the army. In 1864 it was or- ganized anew, and is at present in a prosperous condition; has about sixty members and a school of instruction.
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KRANKEN UNTERSTUETZUNG VEREIN, a German organization for mutual aid and care for the sick, began in 1854. This society consists of about sixty members, and pays $3.00 weekly to each member when sick, or unable to work. When desired, two members are detailed each day to wait on the sick. In cases of death $15.00 are paid by the society toward the funeral expenses. The contributions of each member are 25 cents per month. This society has already proven its benevolence to many. By a true system of economy in their management, they have several hundred dollars in the treasury.
ALTON SCHUETZEN VEREIN-a company of riflemen for the practice of target shooting, numbers some forty members. It has just been organ- ized.
CEMETERIES .- The ALTON CEMETERY was incorporated March 1st, 1845. The grounds were formerly the property of Major Hunter, and a portion of them had been used for burial purposes during many previous years. The Cemetery is located in the Eastern portion of the City and tastefully arranged and adorned with trees, evergreens etc., with many fine monu- ments, tablets and tombstones, includes three blocks. Three additional blocks are about being added. Mr. William Brudon, the Superintendent, has kept a record of burials since 1851, which up to July, 1866, contains two thousand eight hundred and two names .*
The CATHOLIC CEMETERY located some distance north of the City limits, occupies commodious grounds, handsomely arranged. There are nearly or quite as many buried here as in the City Cemetery since its location. Many of the graves are adorned with fine and tastefully finished monuments.
*Among the dwellers in this "buried city of the dead," who had lived beyond the three score years and ten allotted to man, we find the names of Mr. James Buckley, aged eighty-four years, buried March, 1860; Mrs. Sarah Heskell, aged 73, January, 1833; Mrs. Ann Parks, aged 81, buried 1862; Mr. V. Seely, 72; Mr. Robert Nixon, 84, and Col. S. H. Long, 79, buried 1864; Mr. Ell Hawley, 92, buried 1850; Mr. Wm. G. Pinckhard, 73; Andrew Leibert, 80, and Mrs. Margaret Brown, 88, buried March, 1866. The remains of Rev. E. P. Lovejoy lie entombed within this Ceme- tery. An association has been formed for the purpose of erecting a monument to his memory.
UPPER ALTON.
Upper Alton is located on the high rolling timber land in the rear of the city of Alton, two miles from the Mississippi river. The situation is a dry, healthy, pleasant and desirable one, especially for family residence. The town was laid out by Joseph Meacham, an emigrant from the State of Vermont, in the year 1817. Several additions have since been made to the original town plat, so that the present limits embrace the south-west quarter of section six and the whole of section seven, town five, range nine.
Shurtleff College (named after one of its early friends and munificent donors, Dr. Benjamin Shurtleff, of Boston,) is located within the limits of the town. It is a popular and flourishing Institution under the charge of the Baptist denomination. Dr. D. Read, a talented and popular divine, stands at the head of an equally able and popular faculty .*
*In June, 1831, Rev. Jonathan Going, of Worcester, Mass. was sent by Baptists in the East to look after the interests of education connected with that denomi- nation in the West.
He visited Illinois with a view to aid in the origin and permanent establish- ment of an Institution of Learning, whose primary design should be the educa- tion of the rising ministry in this great Western Valley.
In company with Benjamin F. Edwards, M. D., of Edwardsville, and Rev. J. M. Peck, of Rock Spring, Illinois, he visited the Edwardsville Association, which held its session in 1831, in Upper Alton.
Rev. J. M. Peck, for some years previous, had conducted, with varied success, a Seminary of learning, at Rock Spring, looking directly to the Theological train- ing of the Ministry, and he contended, that Rock Spring Seminary, should receive the co-operation and material aid of the friends in the East, and thus be made to meet the increasing demands of the West for Ministerial Education. Dr. Ed- wards, on the other hand, who was a Trustee, and an carnest friend of Rock Spring Seminary, had become perfectly satisfied, before the visit of Dr. Going in 1831, that Rock Spring did not possess the advantages requisite to make it the site for such an Institution of Learning. He had already expressed his preference for and had used his influence in favor of its location in what is now called "Middle Alton." At this time, there resided in Alton and its immediate vicinity, a num- ber of liberal minded and large hearted gentlemen, whose attention had been directed to the importance and necessity of such on enterprise, and who had taken incipient measures to found an Institution of Learning, which they hoped would finally develop into a college. These measures assumed no very definite form, until the visit of Dr. Going, in 1831, who became satisfied that Alton had advantages possessed by no other point in the West, located , on "Free Soil.
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