USA > Illinois > Morgan County > Jacksonville > Historic Morgan and classic Jacksonville > Part 32
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Washington High School, Lewis J. Block, principal; First Ward School, Miss IIan- nah Tobey, principal; Second Ward School, Miss Mary A. Selby, principal; branch school (Second Ward) Miss Ellen Hammond, principal; Third Ward School, G. H. Lit . tlefield, principal; branch school (Third Ward), Mrs. E. M Caldwell, principal: Fourth Ward school, M. S. Lincoln, principal; colored school, Mrs. F. C McLaughun, principal.
The literary tone given by the numerous institutions of learning extends in a marked degree into the society of the place, and a number of private and social organizations for purposes of culture-including many of our best citizens-are in flourishing existence. Among them we may barely mention The Jacksonville Literary Union, the Jacksonville Club, The Art Society. The flome Musical Club. The Dramatic Club, The Phi Sigma Literary Society, The Plato Club, The Sorosis, The Jacksonville Library Association, The Sigma Pi Society and the Phi Alpha Society at Illinois College; The Belle Lettres and Phi Nu Societies at Illinois Female College.
Amorg miscellaneous organizations may be named an Agricultural Soclety, Horti- cultural Society. a Poultry Association, a Trotting Association, a Turn Verein Society.
The Odd Fellows, the Masonic organization and Good Templars are represented by numerous bodies.
Within a year the Jacksonville Free Library and Reading Room has commenced a successful existence, and is doing much to raise aud maintain the literary tone of the city.
The managers of the organization are Messrs. E. Wolcott, Dr. H. W. Milligan. F. G. Farrell, H. H. Hall. Mrs. Alex. McDonald, Mrs. Morris Collins, Miss Attilla Raw - lings.
The trustees of the Jacksonville Library Association, an entirely distinct organiza tion from the above. and which possesses a choice library of the higher order of works, are Messrs. H. W. Milligan, W. S. Andras, E. P. Kirby, H. E. Dummer, J. H. Woods, T. J. Pitner, M. P. Ayers.
Among the private benevolent socleties are the Industrial School for girls, Miss Mag- gie Catlin, principal; the Women's Benevolent Society; the Women's Educational So ciety, and various church benevolent societies. * * * * * * * * *
Although hitherto chiefly noted as a delightful home and an educational center, Jack-
196
HARD TIMES -- FREIGHT FIGURES -- MURDER TRIALS.
sonville has been steadily growing in business importance, and promises to become ere long a very important business and manufacturing center Situated in the heart of a magnificent region, with railroads running to all points of the compass, coal abundant and close at hand, and a splendid system of water works, affording an unfailing supply of water, and moreover possessing the advantage of the presence of an abundance of capital, it needs only increased energy and enterprise to double the population and busi- ness of our city in a few years. And to this our citizens are awakening A new era, we believe, has dawned upon Jacksonville, and our next annual review, we think, will show a great increase in our prosperity as a city. * * * * *
While the year has not been one of great growth or unusual business, our city can compare favorably, in that respect, with other places in the west, and indeed in passing through the "hard times" has shown itself and its citizens to be established on an excep- tionally safe and solid basis. There are few cities in the west where so much wealth is concentrated in proportion to their size, and very few which contain so many attractions as places of residence and such natural advantages for growth in business and manufac- tures and general prosperity. * * * * *
The amount of business transacted in live stock, particularly in cattle, in Jackson- ville and the surrounding region, is far greater than most persons imagine. The number of cars of stock received and shipped by the railroads during the year is 2,527-repre- senting, probably, over 100,000 animals.
The shipments of stock over the Peoria, Pekin & Jacksonville railroad for the year 1874 were: Cattle, 490 cars, or about 6,850 head; hogs, 358 cars, or about 21,500 head; sheep, horses and mules scattering.
The Chicago & Alton railroad shipments of various classes of freight, and also re- ceipts of stock for the year. Wheat, 1,353 bushels; corn, 29 505 bushels; rye, 5 790 bushels; barley 1,834 bushels; potatoes, 5.534 bushels; iron, 85,616 pounds; hides, 28 .- 020 pounds; merchandise and sundries. 3 890,271 pounds; flour, 3.701 barrels; whisky, 1,829 barrels; lard, 151 barrels; salt, 185 barrels; ice, 3.073 tons. Cars of stock received 1,049; do shipped, 833; cars coal received (12 tons per car), 272; do sand received, 109; do lumber received. 140; do lumber shipped, 130; collected on freight received, $91,200; chargeson freight forwarded, $44 000.
Toledo, Wabash & Western railroad-395 cars of cattle, or 6,320 head, were received on the road at this point during the year; during the same term six hundred cars of grain were forwarded, and 600 cars of coal received; charges for freight received, amount to $120,000; tickets sold $48,000.
The receipts at this point of the Jacksonville Northwestern & Southeastern railroad were: Hogs, 177 cars, or 10,600 head; cattle, 225 cars, or 3,600 head, one thousand cars of coal from Virden, averaging 300 bushels each car, or a total of 300,000 bushels.
Continuing our record of the criminal cases involving human life, which came up in our courts during this period-1874 to 1880, we find that Julius H. Elmore was indicted at the January term, 1875, of the circuit court, for the murder of Claiborn Coker on the 24th of December, 1874, by cutting him in the neck with a knife. He was found not guilty by the jury.
Robert Mayes was indicted at the May term of the circuit court, 1875, for the mur- der of his wife, Mary Mayes, on the 5th of June, 1876, at Meredosia, by hitting her over the head with a brick, and then throwing her into the cellar of his house. The trial took place in August, 1876. This was a bad case, and the jury found the defend- ant guilty of murder, and sentenced him to the penitentiary for a period of 22 years.
Bion Shaw was indicted at the August term, 1876, by the circuit court of Cass county for the killing of John Davis on the 10th of August, 1876, by shooting him with a pistol. A change of venue was taken to this county and a trial had in May, 1877. The defendant was found guilty of manslaughter and sent to the penitentiary for one year.
William T. Hannas, better known as "Tobe" Hannas, was indicted in May, 1878. for the shooting and killing of William Baker and Clarence Hubbard, at the Baptist (colored) church in Jacksonville on April 14th, 1878. This case created much excite- ment in Jacksonville, and public opinion ran high against the defendant. The jury found him guilty and sentenced him to the penitentiary for a period of twenty years. He was afterwards transferred to the Insane Hospital where he died.
Samuel W. Mathews was indicted at May term, 1878, for the murder of his father, Richard Mathews, on May 20th, 1878, by shooting him with a pistol. Trial in May, 1879. The jury found defendant guilty of manslaughter and he was given one year in Joliet.
197
THE Y. M. C. A. FOUNDED -- CITY PASTORS.
John Angelo and Theodore Angelo were indicted in August, 1878, for the murder of Isaac Hammill. A trial was had and John Angelo was deciared to be not guilty, in- sane, and the boy Theodore, sent to the reform school. Theodore's case was reversed by the supreme court, brought back, dismissed and his discharge granted.
Albert DeFrates was indicted in May, 1879, for the killing of Antonio DeFrates on the 25th of February, 1879, by shooting him with a musket. Trial was had and the defendant was found not guilty.
Charles Van Wey was indicted by the grand jury in May, 1880, for the killing of Ira Kimball at the depot in Chapin on the night of the 28th of February, 1880, by shoot- ing him with a revolver. The trial took place May 20th, 1881, the defendant being found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to one year in the penitentiary.
In the spring of 1874, the Christian churches of this city, united in a series of evangelistic meetings under the leadership for two weeks of E. P. Hammond and after- wards continued for several months under the conduct of the pastors. The result of this effort was the most thorough religious awakening the city had experienced for years if not the most thorough ever witnessed. The result was particularly notice- able amongst the young men, many of whom were born into the kingdom for the first time, and many others set to work, who, although connected with the churches, had hitherto been inactive. By this revival the young men were inspired with a strong de- sire for associated work for their fellows. In response to a call on the 12th of June, 1874, at the Illinois Female College, a meeting for re-organizing the city Y. M. C. A. was held. The former organization was ignored and all present, forty-three in number, were considered the founders of the society. The constitution and by-laws of the old association were adopted; and officers to serve until November 1st, were elected. The choice for president fell on Dr. H. A. Gilman, who was successively re elected to the same position until Nov. 1st, 1877.
The first religious work undertaken was the young people's meeting, held in the First Presbyterian and Central Presbyterian churches at different times. The attend- ance at these meetings was very large; sometimes as many as 400 or 500. Tracts and religious papers have been circulated in large quantities. In the winter of 1875-'76, a cheap restaurant, or as it was commonly called a "soup house," was carried on to meet a pressing demand. Beginning in August, 1875, the Association paper Work was pub- lished for two years; this was a strong help in educating the people in the plans and purposes of the society, informing them from month to month of what was being done and making known the wants and desires. Healthful lectures and entertainments have been furnished from time to time. The headquarters of the association for seven years were any place that would temporarily accommodate.
The list of the churches of the city in the year 1874, shows the following denomi- national summary :
Baptist, 2: Congregational, 1; Catholic, 1: Christian, 2; Episcopal, 1; Lutheran, 2; Free Congregational, 1; Methodist, 7; Presbyterian, 5. Total 22.
The pastors of the leading churches were : L. M. Glover, First Presbyterian ; C. W. Garoutte, Christian; L. Washington, Baptist; P. C. Cooper, African Methodist Epis copal; R. Lennington, Portuguese; W. W. Harsha, Central Presbyterian; J. W. Sin- nock, Brooklyn; E. N. Pires, Portuguese ; Earl Cranston, Grace; W. H. Savage, Con- gregational ; A. J. McCoy, Centenary M. E .; Jos. Cross, Trinity Episcopal ; J. A. Beagle, Soule Chapel; Wm. Winter, German M. E .; R. W. Allen, Unity.
The M. E. preachers of these six years were :
Centenary- - Geo. Stevens, 1874-73-76; D. W. English, 1877-'78; Horace Reed, 1879 'S0.
Grace-1. Crook, 1874 75; R. M. Barns, 1877-'79.
Brooklyn-W. H. H. Moore, 1875-77: W. F. T. Spruill, 1878-'80.
Presiding Elder-W. F. Short, 1873-75; W. II. Webster, 1876; W. S. Prentice, 1877-79
199
CHURCHES AND SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
The new church edifi. a. erente l by the Centi. 1 I -byterian congregation on cor- ner of Church an 1 West State street at a cost of $25,000, or with the lot $33,000, was dedicated to Almighty God on Sabbath, April 19th, 1874. The sermon was preached by Rev. N. L. Rice, D. D., from Romans, 3d chapter, 28th verse: "Therefore we con- (lude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
There were present and taking part in the exercises the following clergymen of the city: Rev. R. W. Allen, Rev. Geo. C. Wood, Rev. Wm. D. Sanders, D. D., Rev. H. V. D. Nevius, D. D., and Rev. I. W. Ward, of the Presbyterian, and Rev. Earl Cranston of the Methodist Episcopal and Rev. J. G. White of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
The architects were Messrs. Dennis & Sutton, of Springfield, Ill., whose plans were followed throughout with a few slight variations. Mr. Thomas Waddell, a member of the church. was the efficient superintendent of the whole, and the carpenter in charge of the woodwork. Messrs. Mount & Engles had the contract for the brickwork and plastering. Mr. Peter Compton, also a member of the church, had the painting and glazing. The frescoing was done by Shubert & Koenig, of Chicago. The chairs for the lecture room, and pulpit and platform chairs (gothic) were obtained through Mr. Win. Branson, from Henry Closterman, of Cincinnati. The pulpit and the comforta- ble pews were made by Mr. HIngh Wilson, and the cushions by Mr. Henry Higgins, both of this city. The beautiful communion table was the donation of one of the younger members, Mr. H. P. Huntsinger.
In 1875, Trinity church premises were surrounded by a neat and substantial iron fence, and in 1876 the interior of the church was greatly improved and an elegant pipe organ of twenty-six stops put in. In 1878 the membership was 200.
The following will show the number of scholars in the Protestant Sabbath schools of the city, as prepared and read at the county Sabbath school convention at Murray- ville, in 1875, by Charles M. Eames, county Sabbath-school statistician :
Presbyterian-First.
275
Central . 104
Westminster 117
First Portuguese. 193
Second Portuguese. 160
Methodist-Centenary 411
Grace 300
Brooklyn. 199
..
Soule Chapel 164
66 African. 186
German
Congregational
222
Baptist-First.
140
Christian-Church of Christ 200
South Main street. 148
Episcopal-Trinity 86
35
Zion Lutheran-German.
Total 3,053
Rev. Eli Corwin, D. D., was the pastor of the Congregationalists from 1876 to 1880, succeeding Rev. W. H. Savage.
In June of the year 1880, the Jacksonville Female Academy celebrated its semi- centennial with appropriate and very interesting exercises. From Dr. Glover's histor- ical discourse upon that occasion we have liberally quoted for this book. We extract further, as follows:
The number of graduates of the Academy up to this time is 329, not including many who, previous to the year 1845, went forth from the Institution, well educated but without any official testimonials of that fact. This mother institution is proud of her children, their goodly number, their worthy character, their standing as educated women, their excellent influence over all the wide field of their dispersion, the good they have done, or are doing, as wives, mothers, teachers, members of Christian society,
Mt. Emory 75
199
and helpers in very de -ir We work +pol, we have no mason to be ashamed of the record they have made, or are now macld_ The Academy has a treasure in them of increasing value, a treasure well secured, especially in the case of those who have already exchanged the cross for the crown.
As the mother institution of the great Northwest, Jacksonville Female Academy, on this semi-centennial occasion, Jooks kindly upon the numerous enterprises with sim- ilar object that have sprung up around her, and sends cordial greeting to them all. At the same time. she is free to confess that, as it is her honor to be the first in point of time, so it is her purpose to be the best in point of character and worth. Prima inter pares. Though admitting others to social and official equality, she claims for herself primacy, in the aspects named,
Prof. E. F. Bullard, A. M .. the present incumbent, entered upon his duties as prin- cipal in 1524. He had succeeded Prof. Thayer in an institution at Keesville, N. Y., and was warmly recommended by him as a suitable person to take charge of this Acad- emy. Prof. Bullard was unanimously elected to the position he fill- with such satisfac- tion to the trustee- and patrons of the school.
Upon the retirement of Dr. Sturtevant from the presidency of Illinois College, in 1576, the management of the institution was in the excellent hands of Rufu> C. Cramp- ton, LL. D., senior professor, who was continued as acting president until Prof. Edward A. Tanner was chosen as president, by the unanimous vote of the trustees.
In 1575 the college had not yet completed it- first half century. The best of our American colleges have not been the creation of a day. They have had their origin with the communities in which they were founded. They have often struggled for existence while material prosperity was being developed around them, until accumula- ted wealth should flow into them. This college is no exception to the rule. With the struggles of the past the friends of the college are now concerned no further than to know that they are safely passed, and that future prosperity seems well assured. Aside from grounds, buildings, and other appliances, the invested endowment funds were then about $110,000, with from $10,000 to $15,000 available in the future.
The present faculty consists of ten earnest, faithful men, each of marked ability and experience in his department, fully alive to the increasing demands of the times upon those who would be found worthy to represent the higher culture.
As to the Young Ladies' Athenaeum, "ee cut page 170.) Prof. Sanders continued as superintendent up to the close of the school year. June. 1575, when the alumna numbered 103.
Prof. Rider succeeded a- superintendent in September, 15is, continuing until Feb- ruary, 1879, when he retired, under a cloud, and Prof. Sanders took up the management again, holding it until September, 1550, when Prof. Elmore Chase assumed the super- intendence. By the graduation of the class of 1880. in June of that year, the alumna were increased to 125.
In 1976 the number of students in the Jacksonville Business College had become so great that enlarged facilities became an absolute necessity, since which the college has been conducted upon an enlarged plan, occupying the entire building on Kosciusko street, with its commodious halls, recitation rooms and office.
Prof. G. W. Brown, who has been connected with the college since 1866, first as in- structor, but later as managing principal, purchased the institution, including its build. ing and grounds. The room- were enlarged and improved, new and valuable features added to the course of study, and every effort put forth to make this institution. in the strictest sense, a business college, which shall thoroughly train its students for the practical affairs of life.
No business college in America has a better array of talent in its faculty of instruc- tors and lecturers than this. The departments of the college are: 1, The English training school: 2, the theoretical business department; 3, the actual business depart- ment : 4. the special penmanship department : 5, the telegraphic department. Each de partment is in charge of a specially qualified teacher, by which arrangement the high . est grade of instruction is insured in all parts of the course of study.
200
BUSINESS COLLEGE -- ILLINOIS FEMALE COLLEGE.
The course is short, practical and reasonable. It is just what every man needs and will use, no matter what his calling or professson is to be.
In the number, experience and ability of its teachers, in the excellence of its course of study, in the healthfulness and beauty of its location, and in its moderate ex- penses, this college is equal to any in the land.
The annual catalogue issued in 1878, showed an enrollment of two hundred and fifty students for the year just closed. During the four years, 1875-'78, the institution graduated more than one hundred and fifty students, representing ten different states.
The thirteenth year of the college began September 2, 1878.
The faculty for 1876 and 1877 were R. C. Crampton, A. M., and G. W. Brown, Prin- cipals. I. J. Woodworth, superintendent of theoretical department, teacher of book- keeping, correspondence and business penmanship. C. B. Reynolds superintendent of the English training school, and teacher of the English branches. 1I. B. Chicken, su- perintendent of the special penmanship department, and the teacher of plain and orna- mental penmanship. J. M. Sturtevant, D. D., LL. D., lecturer on political economy. H. K. Jones, A. M., M. D., lecturer on anatomy and physiology. J. M. North, Esq., member of Morgan county bar, lecturer on commercial law.
In July, 1875, Rev. W. F. Short, presiding elder of the Jacksonville district of the Illinois Conference, for a number of years, was appointed to the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Rev. W. H. DeMotte, principal of Illinois Female College, and still tills the office.
There were graduated from the college, up to 1878, about three hundred and twen- ty young ladies. The school continued in a very prosperous condition, a credit to its founders, some of whom are still living, and may well feel proud of this noble institu- tion of learning. The course of study is as extensive and thorough as that usually pur- sued in first-class schools for young women, embracing all the branches of a solid and ornamental education. It is so arranged that the student will have three studies each term, which, with her other college and society duties, is as much literary work as should be attempted. This arrangement will give every one sufficient time to devote to some of the ornamental branches, as instrumental and vocal music, drawing, painting, wax work, or other branches of art. Every young lady should give attention to this part of polite education, both for the pleasure and profit to herself and hier friends.
In order to meet the demands in the department of music, a corporation has been formed, under the statute relating thereto, under the name of The Illinois Academy of Music and Art. A course of musical study has been arranged similar to that of like institutions.
The rooms devoted to this department (fifteen in number), are of good size and convenient location, under the same roof with the literary department ; and the pianos and organs are sufficient in number and quality to meet the demands of a large class. Musical recitals are frequently given in the chapel of the college.
In 1878 the faculty of the college consisted of the following persons: Rev. W. F: Short, A. M., president, professor of mental, moral and political sciences; Miss Mary S. Pegram, preceptress, teacher of mathematics and astronomy ; Miss Mary A. McDonald, teacher of Latin and modern languages ; James B. Smith, professor of natural sciences ; Miss Lottie D. Short, teacher of preparatory department. Department of Music, A. E. Wimmerstedt, director, professor of instrumental and vocal music, and harmony and composition; MIrs. Marion Phillips Wimmerstedt, teacher of instrumental and vocal music ; Mrs. Kate Murdock Smith, teacher of instrumental and vocal music. Art, Mrs. Mary S. Vigus, teacher of painting and drawing. Matron, Mrs. Sarah B. Short.
Our free graded public school system by this time was a success in every particu- lar, and received honorable mention at the Vienna exposition of 1874. During the year 1875, our schools furnished instruction to about 1,700 pupils. Here were found scholars of the higher walks of life, seeking knowledge at the same fount as those of the most humble positions, all sharing the same privileges. The colored pupils have
201
JOURNALISTIC CHANGES FROM 1874 TO 1884.
the same favors extended to them as children of white skins; thus are the foundations laid for permanent intelligence, which must ever be one of the main pillars of this great and glorious republic. The schools are all graded, from the primary to the high school department, as each pupil is examined upon his introduction and assigned to the grade he or she is best fitted for.
Of Journalistic changes from 1874 to 1880 Mr. Ensley Moore writes in 1851 as follows :
Mr. Glover sold his interest to Mr. H. R. Hobart, of Chicago, in April, 1974, Capt. Chapin remaining in the firm. Mr. Wm. L. Fay became foreman of the news room under Chapin & Glover, a place he still fills in a creditable manner. L. B. Glover then went to Chicago, and, in connection with Major George M. McConnel and John M. Dandy, started the Saturday Evening Herald, of which Glover & Dandy are now the proprietors.
Horace R. Hobart was an experienced newspaper man of metropolitan views and independence, As editor and manager, he made the Journal more of a literary sheet, and also took an active part in local politics on some occasions. He improved the ap- pearance of his paper, changing the weekly to an eight page form, and put it on a good business basis. George N. Loomis was his local editor.
Hon. Milton F. Simmons, formerly of Mexico, Mo., bought out Mr. Hobart in April. 1875, and Mr. Simmons became editor, Loomis continuing as local.
H. R. Hobart returned to Chicago, where he found a good thing in the Railway Age of which he is now an editor, and he is also a "city father" of Hyde Park.
As the history of Jacksonville covered by this chapter and since includes several important business, editorial and location changes in the Journal-the only daily paper then published-we may be pardoned if we occupy space enough in these records to refer to them.
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