USA > Illinois > Morgan County > Jacksonville > Historic Morgan and classic Jacksonville > Part 29
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177
THE STATE INSTITUTIONS IN 1868-'70.
of the female wards, and Dr. J. D. Waller, recently from the Cook county Hospital, who has charge of the male department.
Dr. Carriel's experience in the East stood him in good stead. The institution re- quired a course of renovation and remodeling, and the doctor, who is also an expert civil engineer with the instincts and education of a first class builder, was the very man for the work. He entered at once upon a series of changes which were judiciously planned and have since been carried out both economically and well.
Although the institution to-day retains its venerable aspect throughout, the improve- ments are all in accordance with the more modern idea which have been utilized at Kan- kakee and Elgin, and an air of comfort permeates the place. The institution grounds comprise 160 acres in one tract, including 40 acres in ornamental grounds, and a de- tached tract of 40 acres half a mile east. The farm produces corn, potatoes and vege- tables, hay from the meadow lands, and pasturage for the cows. The pasture land is insufficient, however, to feed the number of cattle requisite to supply the institution with all the milk it needs, and a considerable quantity of that article is necessarily bought outside.
The general plan of the hospital comprises a centre building and two irregular shaped wings-one on the east for the male inmates, and one on the west for the females and each containing twelve wards. Between the main and rear buildings, which are connected by a corridor, is a large open court, curving around to the roadway which separates the hospital and the outside buildings. In the rear of the extreme wards at the ends of either wing is an inclosed court in which even the more violent patients take their occasional airing.
The method of treatment at the Jacksonville asylum is the same in all respects as that at Elgin and Kankakee, save that, having no detached wards, or cottages, the patients are not accorded the same degree of freedom to roam at will which prevails at those institutions. They have their periods for exercise in the courts and on the lawn, however, and the convalescents and the better class of patients generally, enjoy fully as many privileges as those at the average hospital. Their health and general appear- ance compare very favorably with those of the inmates at Elgin and Kankakee.
In April, 1869, the main building of the Blind Asylum was destroyed by fire. The pupils and teachers were immediately removed to the Berean College building, situated two squares west. Through the kindness of Mrs. E. Ayers, who owned the building, school was again resumed, and continued until the institution could be rebuilt. The new building was completed and opened January 26, 1870. The school has progressed most favorably ever since.
During the fall term of 1868, two experimental classes in articulation were formed at the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, and after a fair trial, it was found to be of such great value to those for whom it was intended, that it was continued, and there are now three teachers devoting their time exclusively to that department. The General Assembly of 1869-'70, appropriated $4,000 for procuring printing presses, and the necessary equip. ments; since that time quite a number of the pupils have learned the trade, and after quitting school have found themselves able to be self-supporting. An art department has been added, and those of the pupils who evince talents in that direction, have the benefit of instruction from a competent teacher. Drawing, painting, wood carving, and scroll work, are taught in this department. A fine library-provided by the Legisla- ture-is an attractive feature of the institution.
The institution was for years unable to secure a sufficient supply of water, but this difficulty was overcome in 1870, by building a reservoir on the grounds of the institu- tion, capable of holding three and a half million gallons of water, and here the ice for the use of the household is procured in winter.
The buildings of this institution are all of brick, and are built in the most substan- tial manner. The number of pupils increased so rapidly that greater accommodations were needed, and the General Assembly in 1873, made an appropriation for the erection
178
NATURAL HISTORY -- OAK LAWN-PROF. TURNER.
of a dining-room sufficiently large to seat five hundred pupils all at one time ; this build. ing was soon after finished and is found to be all that could be desired. It is one of the largest rooms used for this purpose in the State, being sixty-seven feet wide and ninety feet long. An appropriation was made at the same time for the erection of a school building, one of the largest detached buildings in the State used for school pur- poses. It contains besides the twenty-eight school rooms, a chapel, capable of holding one thousand people. The garden is under the supervision of a competent gardener, who instructs those of the pupils who may be placed under his charge in this useful employment.
Jacksonville Natural History Society was organized 1870 for the study of natural sciences. Among the earliest members were Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Hall, Prof. and Mrs. Storrs, Prof. and Mrs. Bailey, Dr. Samuel Adams, Mr. Howard Turner, Miss Mary Turner, (Mrs. Dr. Carriel) Miss S. F. Ellis, Miss Mary Selby, Prof. and Mrs. Harris and Dr. and Mrs. Milligan. The society studies subjects rather than books, drawing its knowledge from different text-books, from cyclopedias, from general literature, from newspapers and from personal experience.
Dr. Andrew McFarland having resigned the superintendency of the State Hospital for the Insane, founded a private institution for the treatment of the mentally disor- dered, calling it Oak Lawn Retreat. It was incorporated by charter in 1872, and is de- signed for the treatment of such cases of insanity as require more especial treatment than can be offered in most state institutions. It occupies a site of sixty acres fronting on Morton avenue, about one and a fourth miles from the public square, in the city of Jacksonville. The location, as regards picturesqueness, salubrity, water-supply, drain- age, etc., is everything that could be desired. It has accommodations for about twenty patients, and is occupied to its full capacity, though early additions to its buildings are contemplated. It has been successfully conducted ever since its establishment. Dr. McFarland's sons, Dr's. George and Fletcher, being associated with him in the manage- ment.
Passing from private to public institutions we note, during this period, the founding of the Illinois Asylum for Feeble Minded Children. The growth of this charitable and humane enterprise was remarkable. It was not custodial as its name im- plies, but was designed as a school for the education and training of idiots and feeble minded children. Great good has already been accomplished by the asylum, many of its pupils having been taught to read, write and comprehend the first principles of arithmetic and geography. We were sorry to lose this charitable enterprise from our midst, but our State legislature in 1875, saw fit to locate the asylum at Lincoln, Logan county, making an appropriation of $185,000 for the construction of buildings at that place. To the late Hon. Murray McConnel, of Jacksonville, State Sena- tor, is due the credit of introducing and carrying through the legislature in 1865, a bill ap- propriating $5,000 per annum for two years to make an experiment in the interest of this most unfortunate class for whose benefit nothing had as yet been done by the State. Mrs. L. P. Ross and Miss Walton were appointed matron and teacher, and on the 1st of June, 1865, the Institution for "Feeble Minded Children" was opened with four pupils. The number had increased to twelve on the 31st of December following. Dr. Chas. T. Wil- bur was the superintendent.
In 1870 according to the census, Morgan county had 26,202 people. Of this num- ber, 13,235 were males, and 12,576 females.
In 1868, Prof. J. B. Turner, of our city, was selected by the Republicans as their candidate for Congress from this district. Possessing abilities which his most bitter opponents have been compelled to concede, though by no means a politician in the ordinary acceptation of the term, he has ever been found in the front rank in all move- ments for political and educational reform. A Birney and Garrison abolitionist, a free-soiler and Wilmot proviso man in 1848 and 1852, a Republican in 1856, and an
179
MCCONNEL MURDER TRIAL-CITY WATER WORKS.
earnest supporter of the war for the Union, he has never taken any step backward, but has always been abreast of the most advanced in all the important movements of the day. To his individual and persevering efforts, more than to those of any other ten men in the nation, is the country indebted to-day, for that broad and beneficent scheme of industrial education which, by the aid of munificent grants of land by congress, has now been adopted in most of the states of the Union, and is yet destined to become gen. eral. It is to the eternal disgrace of Illinois that a man to whom, more than to any other, the state owes this grant, should not have been recognized in carrying the plan, which he was so largely instrumental in devising, into practical execution.
The famous trial of Win. A. Robinson for the killing of Hon. Murray McConnel on the 9th of February. 1869, took place in the Opera House, at a special term of the court, held for that purpose, Judge Charles D. Hodges presiding, commencing on the 25th of May, 1869. and ending June 8th, the house being crowded during the entire time. One hundred and thirty-two jurors were examined. This was the most noted trial, and created more excitement than any that ever took place in the county. Feeling ran very high at the time against the prisoner.
William Brown, State's attorney, was assisted by I. J Ketcham and Il. J. Atkins, and Hon. James Robinson, Judge Shaw, Judge Woodson and W. H. Barnes appeared for the defendant. The jury consisted of Robert Jones, John Bracewell, William T. Spires, David Saunderson, William S. Lurton, William R. Dyer, Joseph Dyer, C. P. Johnson, William Bacon, Albert Rouse, William A. Allcott and Henry Standley, and found the defendant not guilty.
The agitation of the Water Works question and discussion of various plans for the same, covered many years. Actual labor on the works began in October, 1872, but lit- tle was accomplished that season. The distributing reservoir was finished August, 1873, at a cost for excavation and embankment of $3,125, for paving, $2,175; total cost, $6,308.
The impounding reservoir was completed December 2d, 1873. Cubic yards of earth to the number of 83,850 having been excavated at a cost of $16,586. The iron pipe cost- ing $52,000, furnished by Schickle, Harrison & Co., of St. Louis, was laid in August and September by the contractor, M. W. Quan, at an expense of $6,089. Cost of waste weir and sluice way, $2,000; cost of land for the impounding reservoir, 25 acres, $3,100; stoneware conduit pipe, 4,650 feet long, laid during November and December, cost $2,800; building pumping works, $5,000; pumping engine, $3,000, from the Niagara steam pump works, Brooklyn, N. Y. The capacity of this pump is about 700 gallons per minute. Boiler made by J. M. Wilson, $2,000; 34 fire plugs, $1,000. Total ex- penditures for the construction of the water works $118,000.
The storage capacity of the two reservoirs is 62,500,000 gallons. And at thé pres- ent time there are 5 feet 3 inches of water in the impounding reservoir, and several feet in the distributing reservoir. Of the importance of this system, it would, of course, be superfluous to speak. All the public buildings of the city and most of the private resi- dences, are protected by the water mains. The supply of water is assured unless the ocean of lakes go dry, and the rain no longer falls.
At an election held on June 15, 1869, in pursuance of a city ordinance, the legal voters by a majority vote empowered and authorized the city council to issue bonds not exceeding $150,000, said bonds having twenty years to run and drawing ten per cent in- terest. The funds arising from the negotiation to be expended by the council or their agents in building the Water Works and procuring a supply of water
As to the fraternities 1866.'73 they were all flourishing like bay trees. As our city grew in size, it became evident that there was room and a necessity for two Masonic lodges here. The second one, called Jacksonville Lodge, No. 570, was organized June 12th, 1867. As charter members there were J. H. Hackett, D. W. Rawlings, J. C. Py- att, Thomas Scott, S. M. Palmer, Thomas Turley, E. S. Gordon, J. R. Foley, J. H.
180
KNIGHTS TEMPLARS - REBEKAHS-SOROSISTERS-TRUSTEES.
McConnell, J. C. Smith, Wm. Johnson, C. H. Howard, L. Weil, Ed. Lambert and W. S. Hurst. The officers first elected were Ed. Scott, Master; T. J. Bronson, Sen. Warden, and Ben. Pyatt, Jun. Warden. From the very first this lodge has succeeded beyond ex- pectation.
The subordinate Masonic bodies here prospering and growing, a want was felt for a higher degree in Masonry. A Knights Templar body became a necessity. On De- cember 30, 1868, a charter was applied for, and on November 9, 1869, one was granted, establishing Hospitaler Commandery No. 31. The charter members were P. G. Gillett, William S. Hurst, Thomas Hine, S. M. Palmer, C. M. Morse, G. W. Fanning, Charles H. Howard, L. C. Barrett, H. W. Milligan, C. W. McLain, J. M. Dunlap, C. E. Broad- well and L. W. Chambers. The Past Commanders in the order of attaining this rank in this Commandery are as follows: Philip G. Gillett, Charles M. Morse, Calvin W. McLain, Leonard W. Chambers, Samuel M. Martin, Stephen H. Thompson, Edward C. Kreider, Thomas J. Bronson, William H. Worrell, William H. Smith and W. C. Green. This Commandery ranks as one of the best in the state. Most of its members are shin- ing lights in the order, and many of them have been chosen to positions of honor and trust in both the state and national bodies.
In 1870 the Odd Fellows thinking there should be some branch of the order where the wives and daughters of members could come together and enjoy pleasures and so- cial evenings, organized, some fifteen years ago, what they term a Rebekah lodge. In these lodges all third degree Odd Fellows and their wives, daughters and sisters are entitled to membership. Jacksonville Rebekah Lodge, No. 13, was organized in this city October 11, 1870. As charter members we find John Rottger, J. C. Cox, J. C. McBride, Amos Henderson, J. H. Gruber, Mary E. Gruber, Mary M. Lord, Mary E. Keemer, Emma L. Rottger and Sophia Benson. This lodge meets twice a month. Has a membership of 125, and its meetings are made enjoyable social gatherings. The suc- cess of this lodge was greatly due to the exertions of the late Bro. W. D. R. Trotter, in whose death the lodge lost a valued and greatly missed member.
The Jacksonville Sorosis was organized November 30, 1868. At that date there was no literary society for women in Jacksonville. The call to organize such a society was responded to with eagerness and enthusiasm.
The membership at first was limited to twelve, but the candidates for admission were numerous and the number was soon changed to eighteen, finally to twenty-five, at which it now stands. Sorosis is governed by a constitution and by-laws similar to those used by other societies of like interests.
The literary exercises consist of essays, conversations, debates, readings and bio- graphical and critical reviews of authors and their writings. One of these exercises is presented at each meeting.
An alphabetical list of the members is kept by the secretary who makes the ap- pointment from this list in the order of their names. Those appointed are notified four weeks in advance. The subjects considered are of the widest range, including every- thing that tends to the development-mental, moral or physical-of human beings. The papers are of such length as to allow of sufficient time for a thorough discussion of the subjects presented. The meetings are held weekly-Friday afternoons from half-past two to half-past four o'clock at the houses of the different members, taken in alphabetical order. Anniversaries are held to which each member has the privilege of inviting one guest. It has been the custom at these social meetings to present annual reports, short literary exercises, music and the most esthetic viands the members are able to prepare. Sixteen fruitful years bear witness to the interests and vitality of this society. May it long live to be an honor and benefit to Jacksonville.
As a matter of record we append the names of the officials of Jacksonville, 1866-'73. In 1866, the town trustees were Ralph Reynolds, Chas. H. Howard, Elizur Wolcott, James H. Lurton, Isaac J. Ketcham.
In 1867, city airs and titles were assumed under the incorporation act.
181
CITY AND COUNTY OFFICIALS-J. S. E. R. R.
1867 .- John Mathers, mayor : Robert T. Osborne, Charles H. Howard, David M. Simmons, Alexander Edgmon, aldermen; Harrison O. Cassell, city clerk ; Ellis M. Al- len, marshal; Wm. L. English, attorney : Andrew N. McDonald, collector and assessor. 1868 .- William P. Barr, mayor ; James Redmond, Edward Lambert, David M. Simmons, William Branson, aldermen; John C. Pyatt, city clerk ; George W. Smith, marshal; Wm. G. Gallaher, Jr., attorney ; William W. Happy, collector and assessor.
James J. Rowen was appointed city clerk vice John C. Pyatt, resigned.
1869 .- John Mathers, mayor; Irvin Dunlap, Leopold Weigand, George M. McCon. nel, William Knox, Ebenezer T. Miller, William Hamilton, Jr., Alexander Edgmon, Robert C. Bruce. aldermen; James H. Kellogg, city clerk ; James McKay, marshal : Ed ward Dunn, attorney ; William W. Happy, collector and assessor.
1870. William Branson, mayor; Irvin Dunlap, Daniel Redmond, Jonathan Neely, Joseph Capps, John H. Fink, William Hamilton, Jr., John W. Hall, Joseph H. Ban- croft, aldermen : Andrew N. McDonald, city clerk ; James M. Swales, marshal : James H. Kellogg, attorney; William G. Johnson collector and assessor.
1871 .- William Ratekin, mayor; Richard M. Gregory, Ferdinand Schmalz, Jona- than Neely, Joseph Capps, James L. Montgomery, James M. Mitchell Josiah Gorham, Charles K. Sawyer, aldermen ; Andrew N. McDonald, city clerk; William Needham. marshal; Oscar A. DeLeuw, attorney; William G. Johnson, collector and assessor.
1872 .- George M. McConnel, mayor ; Michael H. Walsh, Leopold Weigand, Charles E. Ross, Henry R. Johnson, John M. Ewing, Michael Rapp, D. W. Fairbank, Dr. Clin- ton Fisher, aldermen; John N. Marsh, city clerk; William Needham, marshal : Ed- ward Dunn, attorney ; Bazzill Davenport, collector and assessor.
1873 .- Matthew Stacy, mayor; Benjamin F. Gass, William S. Hurst, Charles E. Ross, John I. Chambers, Barton W. Simmons, William S. Richards Dr. Clinton Fisher, Andrew Jackson, aldermen; Benjamin R. Upham, city clerk ; Francis M. Springer. marshal; George J. Dod, attorney; Bazzill Davenport, collector and assessor.
The county contests at the November hustings resulted in the election of the fol- lowing :
1866-Sheriff, S. S. Moore, declared elected, but the office given Milton Mayfield after a contest ; Coroner, Field Sample ; Representative, Felix G. Farrell.
1867-Treasurer, George W. Fanning; Surveyor, W. S. McPherson.
1868-States Attorney, Wm. Brown; Senator, James M. Epler ; Representatives, S. M. Palmer, Jno. Gordon ; Circuit Clerk, George W. Clark ; Sheriff, Isaac S. Sierer : Coroner, John H. Gruber.
1869-County Judge, Edward Scott: County Clerk, John Trabue ; Treasurer, G. W. Fanning; School Superintendent, S. M. Martin ; Surveyor, W. S. McPherson.
1870-Representatives, Newton Cloud, Wm. H. Barnes; Sheriff, Benjamin Pyatt; Coroner, Henry Lawler ; Surveyor, C. C. Robbins.
1871-Treasurer, Wm. H. Wright; Surveyor, Charles B. Lewis.
1872-Senator, Wm. Brown; Representatives, J. W. Meacham, J. B. Nulton, John Gordon; Circuit Clerk, Joseph W. Caldwell; Sheriff. W. H. Broadwell; States Attor- ney, H. O. Cassell ; Coroner, Michael Carney.
1873-County Judge, E. P. Kirby ; County Clerk, Samuel M. Martin : Treasurer, W. H. Wright; School Superintendent, Henry Higgins ; County Commissioners, Daniel Dietrick, John Virgin, J. H. Devore.
In 1869 the Jacksonville Southeastern Railway, then called the "Farmers' Road." was built from this city to the city of Waverly, eighteen miles, and in 1870 twelve miles more were built giving us direct and profitable rail connection with Virden and inter- mediate points. For a short line it was then one of the best, traversing some of the best farming sections in the state. and affording an outlet for the vast amount of grain and produce, as well as coal, for which this region is noted.
"Jacksonville's most illustrious citizen, ex-governor, ex-senator Richard Yates died in St. Louis, on November 28, 1873, at the age of fifty five years. He had been viewing
182
CAREER OF HON. RICHARD YATES,
the Cairo & Fulton railroad, as one of its commissioners, having been appointed to that important position by the government. He had been to Little Rock, Arkansas, and was on his way home, when, becoming too weak to travel, he stopped to rest in St. Louis, where, in the midst of his many friends, he quietly passed away. His remains were brought home the next evening, and, after being viewed in the parlor of his own house by thousands, were carried to the grave, followed by an immense assembly.
Governor Yates' public career briefly resumed, shows: "Six years in the Legisla- ture of Illinois, four years in the Congress of the United States, four years governor of Illinois, and six years senator of the United States; twenty years in political public life, with few men his superior, in any field of duty." He was born January 18, 1818, on the banks of the Ohio River, at Warsaw, Gallatin county, Kentucky. In 1831, his father removed to Illinois, and, after stopping at Springfield, settled at Island Grove, Sangamon county. After attending school awhile, Richard joined the family here. Subsequently, he entered Illinois College, at Jacksonville, where, in 1835, he graduated with first honors. He chose for his profession the law, and began at once its study with General John J. Hardin as instructor. Gifted with a fluent and ready oratory, he soon entered the arena of political life, and being an ardent admirer of Henry Clay, he joined the political party of his leader. In 1840, he engaged with great ardor in the "hard-cider campaign," for General Harrison. Two years after, he was elected to the legislature from this county, then a Democratic stronghold. He served four years here, and in 1850 was elected, after an exciting contest with Major Thomas L. Harris, to Con- gress. At the expiration of his term, he was re-elected, and coming into the political field the third time, was defeated by a small majority, owing to his decided stand against the repeal of the Missouri Compromise act, and his strong anti-slavery views, which, in a speech of great power and brilliant oratory, he advanced, and which gained for him a national reputation. Six years afterward, he was elected to the chair of State, and during the most critical period of the nation's history, held that important place. Here his true patriotism shone with a brilliancy and strength of will, and saved the State in the threatened crisis. He, like Governor Morton, of Indiana, earned the title of the "War Governor." The fate of the nation was involved in the destiny of the State. Governor Yates was equal to all emergencies ; and when a Democratic House attempted to thwart his purposes and place the State where many of its members wanted it, he promptly squelched that body by his famous act of prorogation. His loyalty was as undoubted as true, and through all the long and bitter contest he was a close and inti- mate friend of President Lincoln, and one of his most earnest supporters.
Of the city's condition and prospects the Journal commented in April, 1867 :
The characteristic feature of Jacksonville has ever been the universal interest which her citizens have felt in establishing and maintaining schools of learning of every grade. Besides the numerous private schools, the city can boast of three flourishing free schools, with the building for the fourth almost completed, three young ladies' seminaries, two commercial colleges, and the well-known Illinois College. Of the lat- ter, as the oldest, we will speak first. It was the good fortune of the city to number among its earliest inhabitants men of intelligence and education, who, while they were rearing houses for their protection, were building school houses in which their child- ren might be taught. The city was but three years old when the site for Illinois Col- lege was selected. * *
The city has been known throughout the United States, and envied by the other places of our state, as the location of the benevolent institutions of Illinois. Upon three of the extreme limits of the corporation stand the immense buildings devoted to the noble work of healing, teaching, training and caring for the afflicted ones of the broad commonwealth of Illinois. In some respects they have been a real help to the place, bringing custom to the dealers and visitors to the city, while the officers of the vari- ous institutions have been a great addition to the literati of the community. * * *
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