USA > Illinois > Morgan County > Jacksonville > Historic Morgan and classic Jacksonville > Part 37
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The Jacksonville Historical Society was formed Tuesday, August 5th, 1884, and the following officers were elected: Dr. Hiram K. Jones, president ; Dr. H. W. Milligan, secretary ; Samuel W. Nichols, historian; and the following managers, Messrs. M. P. Ayers, W. F. Short, Henry H. Hall, Mesdames Edward Scott and Edward P. Kirby, and the president and secretary. The society meets monthly and has already had interest. ing papers read before it by Prof. Turner, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bancroft and Dr. Milligan.
January 5th, 1884, is said to have been the coldest day for fifteen years in this local- ity, Mercury ranged from 30 to 35 degrees below zero in Jacksonville.
On pages 185 and 195 we gave a few figures as to the city's schools. We can now present later ones: For the year ending June 30th, 1883, the average attendance of pupils was 1,288; the number enrolled 1,750. The average number attending was prob- ably not less then 1,400. There were 35 teachers employed, including the principal, giving an average of 40 pupils to each teacher. The salaries were : 28 at $45 per month.
227
SCHOOL REVENUES AND EXPENSES.
$405 per year ; 2 at $50 per month, $450 per year ; 1 at $60 per month, $540 per year : 4 at $70 per month, $630 per year ; 1 at $1,200 per year.
Certainly no less than thirty-five teachers were necessary to teach 1,400 children, and when 1,500 were present the hands of the teachers were full. The salaries of the teaching force amounted to $17,168.
Janitors (four main buildings and four branches)
.$ 1,215.00
Fuel.
1,000,00
Insurance (premium on $20,000 three years).
200.00
Salaries of members of board. 200.00
Interest.
2,500 00
Repairs
1,000.00
Stationery
300.00
Contingent
200.00
For the year ending June 30, 1883, the entiree xpenses of the schools amounted to .. .$23,495.59
For the school year ending June 30, 1884, $2,864 was expended under the head of building, including putting in of steam into the first ward, $2,077.79 under the head of repairs $317.03 for furniture, $1,178 for fuel, and $2,549.15 for interest, the first two items being unusually large, yet the tuitien in our public schools amounts to an outlay of $20 per pupil, or exactly one half that charged by private institutions of high grade.
The amount of annual revenue is about as follows :
.$20,000.00
Shrinkage as follows :- Cost of collecting two per cent
$400
Uncollectable taxes, not less than.
400
800.00
County superintendent ..
3,300.00
Interest on township fund.
Total .. $22,900.00
That is to say the expenses inevitable without reducing schools exceeds the revenue about .. $913.00 . .
A comparative exhibit of attendance and expenses for the years 1874, 1879 and 1884, a period of ten years, is appended. The figures are taken from the records of each school year, closing in August :
Pupils Enrolled.
1874
1879
1884
High School
87
126
134
Seventh Grade
39
76
89
First Ward.
340
405
363
Second Ward
373
451
421
Third Ward.
346
507
521
Fourth Ward .
327
303
283
Colored School
152
discontinued.
Total
1664
1868
1811
Total expense account for 1874, $34,957.21 ; for 1879, $34 508.20; for 1884, $29,426.13. In the comparison of expenditures, the items of building, repairs, furniture, &c .. are all included.
Eighteen-Eighty-Four was a prosperous year to the Art Association, which now numbers over fifty members. The meetings have been well attended and interesting. The subjects considered have been : The History of Architecture, What an Art Asso- ciation may do, Japanese Art, Modeling in Clay (a lecture by Prof. E. A. Spring,) A Utilitarian View of Art, American Wood Engraving, The Old and New in Art, The French Artist, French Sculpture.
There was a larger attendance at the art exhibition than ever before with one ex- ception, and the association had reason to be proud of what they had to exhibit. The net proceeds were $80 and the sale of pictures amounted to over $300. The society has made important additions to their library and have purchased two valuable pictures one by Wm. Sartain and the other by Kiefer. Dr. Prince has presented them with a valuable collection of autotypes. They have also received a charcoal study from Prof. Van Laer.
The present officers are : Prof. J. H. Woods, president; Mrs. M. J. Dewees, Miss M. E. Morse, vice presidents ; Mr. H. H. Hall, treasurer ; Miss L. E. Sturtevant, secre.
Tax gross levy ..
$19,200.00
400.00
228
ART-HORTICULTURE-CATHOLIC-TURNVEREIN.
tary ; Mrs. M. D. Wolcott, Mrs. M. L. D. Keiser, Mrs. David Prince, Dr. T. J. Pitner, additional trustees.
The painting and charcoal club is a sturdy infant which has recently come into ex- istence, but is likely to be heard from in a most artistic manner in the future. Like all model children it will be seen rather than heard.
The meetings of the Microscopical Society are held on the first Saturday of each month, and continue throughout the year. Dr. Black has been president this year-1884.
The subjects studied and illustrated by home-made specimens are "Badena Musca Comestica," "The Nose," "The Tongue," "Phylloxera," "A grain of corn," "The Heart," "Texture and Color of Corollas," "Plant Hairs," "Stomoxys Calatrans." The society met with the Horticultural Society Nov. 1st, 1884, and exhibited specimens in the in- terest of horticulture. Probably the best work done this year is that in illustration of the sprouting of a grain of corn from the first to the seventeenth day after planting, by Dr. Black.
The Horticultural Society was formed in 1868 and has met regularly once per month. The greatly distinguishing feature of the year has been the increased interest taken in the meetings both by members and outsiders who attend, and this interest has manifested itself in the greater display of fruits, flowers and plants at each meeting, which proves that more attention is being devoted to the cultivation and care of all hor- ticultural products, and more especially house plants. A union meeting of this society n connection with the Microscopical Society in November was one of the most inter- esting and instructive meetings of the year. The present officers are Hon. Edward Scott, president; A. L. Hay, secretary : Miss M. E. Catlin, treasurer.
The Young Men's Catholic Benevolent Association was organized in November, 1878, with twenty-three members, and has now sixty-five. Its officers are: President. M. H. Murray ; vice-president, Geo. Buhre ; secretary, O. Weisenburg ; financial secretary, Ed. Keating; treasurer, M. S. Harmon.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians was organized September 18, 1883, which have increased to ninety-five. Its officers are :
John Boylan, president; Chas. Develin, vice-president; E. A. Cosgriff, recording secretary ; W. A. Carroll, financial secretary : M. McGinnis, treasurer ; Den. J. McCarty, door-keeper; M. S. Harmon, grand marshal ; John Develin, sergeant-at-arms.
Both the above societies are for benevolent purposes, paying weekly benefits to sick and needy members. They report an usually prosperous year.
The Turnverein was organized February 3d, 1858, with seren members, Ph. Braun, H. Lomb, L. Weil, Nat. Neuman, Fred. Fries, M. Rosenbach and H: Fitzenberger. They first met in a barber shop under the Park House, afterward in a hall on a lot now owned by Mrs. Fay. The membership increased until the war, when by volunteering it was reduced to six. After the war it grew again and in time removed to its present quarters on North Main street, which it bought for $6,500, and improved at a cost of $3,000. The present membership is thirty. Meetings occur the first Sunday of each month. Officers are elected in June and December. This society belongs to the National "Bund" and has for its object the relief of needy and distressed members as well as the practice of gymnastics. Its present officers are: President, A. Miller; vice president, L. Leurig; treasurer, H. Engel; treasurer of sick fund, John Schafer; sec- retary, Ph. Schultz; teacher of gymnastics, Wm. Kempf; warden, H. Brune.
Our colored citizens have their fraternal lodges in our city. Among them are the Knights of Tabor and Daughters of the Tabernacle which have kept on in the even tenor of their way, trying to render assistance to the needy and elevate the race with which they are identified, and to exalt the principle of the great brotherhood of man, thus becoming a power for good. This is an auxiliary branch of the grand body, and will no doubt be well represented in the grand session, to be held in the city of Louis- ville, Ky., this year.
Also Fame Lodge, No. 2206, G. U. O. O. F., which was organized August 25th, 1881,
229
A. O. U. W .- A. F. AND A. M .- I. O. O. F .- INSTITUTIONS.
by HI. Gorum, D. Hudson and Isham Hicks, in Hatfield's Hall, on the northwest corner of the square. Also the Household of Ruth, No. 291, G. U. O. O. F., which was organ. ized April 28th, 1883, by R. S. Donalson and C. L. Wilson, of Quincy.
During the year 1884, the Ancient Order of United Workmen leased the room over Jebb Bros', jewelry store, known as Music Hall, and remodelled the same, taking out the old stage, &c., and now have one of the most comfortable secret society halls in the city. There were twelve assessments during the year. The increase in membership has been limited for this year owing to the political campaign.
The Royal Templars paid fifteen assessments and gained one member.
The year 1884 for the Knights of Honor, was uneventful. They continued to do and receive good according to the principles of the order. W. A. Oliver is now dictator.
The various Masonic lodges have met and labored for the benefit of their members and their dependent ones, doing good in truly scriptural way. The various bodies are Hospitaler Commandery, No. 31, Knights Templar, Jacksonville Chapter, No. 3, Royal Arch Masons, Harmony Lodge, No. 3, A. F. and A. Masons, Jacksonville Lodge, No. 690, A. F. and A. Masons, the Order of the Eastern Star and a lodge of Ancient York Masons.
The noble order of Odd Fellows had a prosperous year as its merits well deserve. We are enabled to present the following statistics :
Illini-Members 243, accessions during the year 11, sick benefits paid $527, paid widows and orphans $464, donations $42. Sick benefits are $5 per week. The lodge pays to widows of deceased members an assessment of $2 per member at the time of death and a quarterly allowance for five years afterward.
Ridgely Encampment, No. 9, I. O. O. F., paid for the relief of sick brothers in 1884, $160. Increase in membership very light, owing to a political campaign ; membership 156.
Urania Lodge, No. 243, I. O. O. F., paid for relief of sick brothers $610; paid for relief of widows of deceased brothers $160; paid for education of orphans of deceased brothers $105; donated to needy brothers $40; paid funeral benefits $480; total relief for the year $1,395. The receipts for the year to December 1st, were $2,038.90. The lodge has a capital of about $6,000. The membership is 220.
The Illinois Institution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb is increasing in usefulness under the able management of Dr. P. G. Gillett, who has been at its head so long. It has at present 503 pupils, one superintendent, twenty-eight teachers, three matrons, three clerks, one physician, four supervisors, two attendants, two engineers, two firemen, one baker, four cooks and thirty-six other employes. All the improved methods of teaching are employed, including the wonderful art of articulation, in addi- tion to which the pupils are instructed in gardening, cabinet making, printing and many other useful and beautiful arts.
During the past year the Central Hospital for the Insane has gone on increasing its facilities for usefulness. Numerous auditions have been made to the shops, stables and other out houses, while the great work has been the.new and commodious detached building, especially designed for the treatment of incurables. This is to cost, when completed, $135,000 and will be a model structure of its kind when ready for occupa- tion, which will probably be sometime during the coming year There were in the in- stitution, December 30th, a total of 633 patients, 315 males and 318 females, with a daily average of 629 for the preceding two years. There have been admitted during the past two years 480 patients and 486 discharged. Of these the gratifying number of 326 went away recovered and improved. Since the organization of the hospital 7,630 pa- tients have been treated. Great credit is due the present superintendent for his re- markably efficient management of this vast concern.
The Institution for the Education of the Blind has just passed through an unusually prosperous year. The work which was done in its various departments was thorough, and accomplished good results. The school has been better attended this year than ever before, the roll showing an attendance of 168, 106 male and 62 female pupils.
230
THE BLIND-OAK LAWN-CITY HOSPITAL-LYCEUM.
These pupils represent seventy-five counties of the state. The graduating class num- bered three young ladies and was composed of Joanna Gibbons and Alice Roberts of Madison county and Minnie McCrea of Will county. Certificates of proficiency from the mechanical department were given to William Appel, and James Hennessey of Cook county, John Jennings of Logan county, John D. Marvin of DuPage county, Fritz Schrage of Adams, and George D. Williams of McHenry county. These young men have mastered the trades taught in the workshops of the institution, and are now trying to support themselves. The health of the inmates has been good. The corps of instruc- tors in the literary department consists of Misses Harriet Reed, Frances McGinnis, Lizzie B. Simpson, Annie H. Martin, Lulu Nichols and Mrs. Mary H. Burr; in the musical department Miss Susie A. Draper, Prof. T. D. Nutting, Mrs. Katie Smith Dum- mer and Mrs. Annie Smith ; in the mechanical department Byron B. Gray and William H. Smith ; in the domestic department Mrs. L. J. Phillips; and in the organizing and financial department Julian P. Lippincott treasurer, and F. W. Phillips superintendent. And at this time the institution is better prepared to do its work than ever before.
The Oak Lawn Retreat for the Insane, founded in 1872 by Dr. Andrew McFarland, for the past few years has been a success, for three hundred patients have been admitted. The grounds consist of sixty acres of land in the southeastern part of the city, laid out as only can be done by taste and money. The building has all the modern improve- ments. The great success this institution has had in the past few years is a pride to Jacksonville people. At present thirty patients are at this institution, and applications are often refused for want of room
The City Hospital continues its beneficent labors, the faithful, self-denying sisters remaining at their posts without any remitting of their work. About fifty-five unfortu- nates were received and cared for during the year 1884, most of whom have been sent away cured or much improved. The entertainment for the benefit of the institution given in February, 1884, when nearly a thousand dollars was realized, furnished most acceptable help at a time when it was much needed. To Drs. Passavant and W. H. H. King the beneficiaries of the hospital are under a lasting debt of gratitude for their cheerful, self-denying labors.
The Jacksonville Lyceum was organized October 25th, under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association. The object of the organization is for the social intercourse and intellectual development of the young men who may become its members.
The Anti-Horse Stealing Society under the able management of Alderman W. C. Carter, continues to be a terror to all evil-doers who would get a ride at the expense of honest men. The assessments have been small the past year, but the members have had the satisfaction of feeling that their valuable animals were in a measure protected.
Among the literary societies of Jacksonville is one, composed of the younger pro- fessional men, literati and merchants, called "The Round Table." During 1884 it held twenty-four meetings and discussed all conceivable subjects. The membership of the club is limited to twenty, the present number being sixteen During the year the club has lost one member, Frank I. McDonald, by death, and two, R. D. Russell and John G. Morrison, by reason of their removal from town; and within the same period, W. J. Bryan, J. R. Harker and Richard Yates have become members.
The Benefit Building Association, established in 1872, and its newer rival the Building and Loan Association, continue on in their good work.
The Young Men's Christian Association received and expended about $2,500 in 1884. It has maintained its regular weekly prayer meetings, lyceum and reading room, besides doing a great deal of missionary work. Its visitors have been many hundreds, and the books, papers and periodicals always to be found there, have been read by a large number of persons. Their building and its furnishing cost $14,000,
The most important event in the history of the Congregational church during the past twelve months was the celebration of its fiftieth birthday during the month of
231
CITY PASTORS-CATHOLIC SOCIETIES-THE JOURNAL.
December, 1883. An historical discourse was delivered by Dr. Sturtevant and the next day Rev. T. M. Post, D. D., a former pastor, preached to the people with whom he had once labored. Two evening services were held, in one of which the pastors of the other churches participated, and in the other special mention was made of some of the early members. The anniversary of the Sunday-school was also observed. The church and Sunday-school have sustained the loss of Mr. R. D. Russell, whose absence causes a vacancy not easily filled. Mr. Durfee and family have also removed to California. There have been fifteen accessions during the year and nine admissions by letter.
During the past year the Brooklyn M. E. church has parted with its former diligent pastor, Rev. David Gay, and has been exceptionally favored by receiving in his stead Rev. James Leaton, D. D. The present membership is 125, with the same number in the Sunday-school. There have been twenty accessions, two deaths and six baptisms of children. Improvements on the building, including a $300 bell, have been made at an expense of $1,200. For some time there has been a small debt owed by the church but it was recently discharged.
At the Christian church, on East State street, a most successful meeting was held in the month of March, 1884, by Prof. W. F. Black, of Tuscola, Ill., resulting in 140 additions. The present membership of the church is about 450. During the summer the church was without a settled pastor for some months. Elder A. N. Gilbert, of Mays- ville, Ky., accepted a call from the church and entered upon his duties the 1st of Octo. ber. Elder Gilbert's popularity as a preacher is becoming known in the community and his audiences are increasing every week.
At the Church of Our Savior, Roman Catholic, from January 1st, 1884 to December, 1884, there were 58 baptisms, 34 funerals and 21 marriages. May 25, 1884, 114 persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the hands of Right Rev. P. J. Baltes, bishop of the diocese of Alton. There are 298 children enrolled at the Catholic school who are instructed by the Sisters of St. Dominic. Mother Josephine is superioress of the Dominican Sisters here and this is the mother house for the diocese of Alton. There are now branches from the mother house Jerseyville, Carrollton, Mt. Sterling and Beardstown. The school here is in a large three story brick building, containing four spacious rooms and two smaller class rooms. A fine hall occupies the top story, in which the society attached to the church meets and exhibitions are held.
The church has a seating accommodation for 800 persons. There is also standing room on the floor of the church and a large gallery. Two masses are celebrated every Sunday. The first at 8 and the second 10 o'clock a. m. At one of the masses all the seating space is occupied, and some persons are standing and many in the gallery. At the other mass the church is more than three-fourths full. Catechism at 2 and vespers at 3 o'clock p. m. The congregation owes only a little over $3,000.
There are two societies of ladies attached to the church. One the Altar Society, the other the Young Ladies' Sodality of the Blessed Virgin. Their object is to help one another by mutual prayer, and to supply the sacred vestments used at divine service. Besides the Young Men's Catholic Benevolent Society, and the Ancient Order of Hi- bernians, there is also attached to the church an Orphan Society, whose holy object is to provide for the orphans of the parish and get them good homes.
In a paragraph relating to the Daily Journal, on page 174 of this book, we discover, after that form has gone to press, that through carelessness we have not done full justice to the shrewd business management and editorial abilities of our old playmate, L. B. Glover, now of Chicago. The advertising, the business and the editorial departments of this office, and not the job-office only, were built up under his control. Perhaps there has been no equal period in the history of this paper, when it was developed more in every direction than from 1869 to 1874. He was young and inexperienced and of course made mistakes, but the business was built up in every department, the office was well equipped and the paper made itself felt in a number of important interests. One was the establishment of the city water works, another a high license campaign
232
MANUFACTURES .- NECROLOGY .- STREET PAVING.
that reduced the number of saloons from 55 to 26. The advertising patronage more than doubled during his part-ownership.
Of all the business enterprises of our city, there are none more worthy of mention, than are the manufacturing interests, and we are only sorry that we have not more of them in our community. One of the most thriving of these is the Star Planing Mills, located on the northeast corner of West and Court streets. This institution was started two years ago by Messrs. Mathers, Buckingham & Ziegler, and ever since steam was first started in their engine, business has been booming with them. Their machinery is all of the most modern make-the very best that is now in use, and with the large force of skilled workmen they are enabled to turn out an immense amount of work in a day, and that too of a superior quality. The principal work turned out by these gen- tle man consists of sash, doors, blinds, frames, mouldings, stairs, railing, posts, balusters, scroll sawing, wood-turning, etc. While the work is turned out rapidly, all is first-class.
A similar establishment of long-standing and large business is that of Hugh Wilson, Esq., one of our most enterprising citizens and a leading contractor for the erection of buildings. His Steam Planing Mills, on North Main street, is a large brick building and one of the valuable institutions of the city.
In 1884, as in all other years, the angel of death was reaping among the sheaves of this field. Among those who have left us we note the names of Mrs. Jonas Scott, J. H. Self, Mrs. Hannah Fairbank. Mrs. Mary Henderson, John Goltra, Stephen Sutton, Wm. Wright. Sr., Joseph W. King, J. Neely, Judge James Berdan, Mrs. Ann Alexander, John S. Russel, Dr. Grant and of those formerly identified with this community, J. A. Willard, Mrs. Naomi Pierson, John Flack, Rev. C. G. Selleck and others; nor has the dark angel been content with calling away the aged, but many in the prime of life have been summoned as well. Loving hearts have been called on to part with John W. King, Frank I. McDonald, Miss Mary F. Allen, Hon. Richardson Vasey. Mrs. John N. Marsh and many beside.
The principal work of our city fathers in addition to their routine duties the past year has been the paving of a part of the square and short distances on East and West State streets and West Court street. It is to be regretted that the tax voted to pave the remainder of the square could not be legally levied, but we must endeavor to be grate- ful for the crust in the absence of the whole loaf.
Nearly 100.000,000 gallons of water have been raised for thirsty consumers, an amount which is liable to be increased in future years.
SE
CENTENARY M. E. CHURCH ERECTED ING.
TAKENCASCO CHICKPE
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION BUILDING.
Dedicated October 13th, 1881. Dimensions 60 by 60 feet. Cost $14,000.
CHAPTER XIII.
Composed of a Series of Appendices-The Kelloggs and their Cabin-Postal Facilities in the Thirties-David Manchester's Life- Death of Dr. Willard with a Sketch of his Life-Reminiscences of 1837 by Miss Fayerweather-First things by Anderson Fore- man-History of the Baptist Church-Roll of Honor of Old Settlers-The Pioneer Sewing Society-Its Benevolent Work-The Jacksonville Library-Mere Mention- Graphic Sketch of Judge John Leeper-Coming West Fifty Years Ago-A few Manufacturing Interests-School Matters in 1833-Correction of Errors, by Dr. Sturtevant and the Compiler.
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