USA > Illinois > Morgan County > Jacksonville > Historic Morgan and classic Jacksonville > Part 46
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The subject of this sketch is an active member of Grace M. E. Church, of our city, a pronounced and consistent temper- ance man, a worthy and useful citizen. He was married in the city of Philadel- phia, in the year 1852, to Miss Eliza Jane Apple, of said city, and by their marriage there have been three sons and one daughter, all of them living and numbered among our highly respected young people. The daughter is the wife of Dr. T. Van Welsh, a prominent druggist of our city. Mr. Tomlinson has our best wishes for his future welfare and success. See also pages 202, 209.
ENSLEY MOORE is to-day one of the most prominent of the young men of our city, and identified with its best religious, literary and political interests. He was born in Springfield, Ill., April 16, 1846, but taken to Perry, Pike county, a year or two later, whence he removed to Jackson- ville in July, 1857. His early education was in the West District School (now Second Ward, for which ward he is the school board member) under Principals Bateman, Tunnel and Kirby, having the personal instruction of the two latter From Illinois College, where he was one
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
of the most active members of "Sigma Pi." he graduated in June, 1868. For several months after his graduation he was travelling and visiting in the East. In April, 1869, he accepted the place of local editor for the Daily Journal then in its infancy, (Chapin & Glover, proprietors.) This arrangement was but temporary, however, yet Mr. Moore's journalistic pro- pensities and abilities soon found him em- ployment on The Independent, the new weekly of Messrs. Ironmonger and Funk, during the years 1869 '70. A part of the time he was associate editor. A year later he was the monied partner in the book- binding business of Moeller & Moore. In October, 1873, he was married to Miss Clara, daughter of the late Rev. George I. King, D. D., of Jerseyville. By this mar riage there have been four children, three of whom, William, Walter, Maggie K., and an infant, are living in their happy West State street home.
Mr. Moore has always been a zealous Republican and active in city and county politics. He was elected an alderman for the Second Ward in 1874, and returned as elected in 1882, but "counted out." In 1881, was chosen by the city council as water commissioner, and in 1883 elected Member of the Board of Education from the Second Ward.
He has long been a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, and has served as trustee of the same since 1870, being treasurer of the board about one-half this time. The Sabbath School of the church was under his superinten- dency during the years 1881 to 1884. See pages 85, 108. 125, 151, 156, 174, 201, 202. 209, 262, 267, of this book.
REV. FRANKLIN W. PHILLIPS, M. D., Superintendent of the Institution for the Blind, was born November 5, 1827, on Lulbegrud creek, Montgomery county, Kentucky, and is the son of the late Rev. Wm. Phillips, and grandson of John Phil- lips, formerly of Dorchester county, Mary- land. His parents both died in Cincin- nati, Ohio, and he then became an inmate of the household of an uncle, living in Paris, Indiana, where he remained about
three and one-half years. He returned to Cincinnati in 1840, and was an interested looker-on during the " log cabin and hard cider campaign" of that year.
In the fall of 1840 he entered Wood- ward College, now Woodward High School. of which Dr. B. P. Aydelotte was Presi- dent, and Dr. Joseph Ray, Professor of Mathematics. He left college without graduating; and, to prepare himself for active life, served an apprenticeship of four years with G. W. Townley & Bro., house- carpenters. But having made a profes- sion of religion, in February, 1845, his mind was directed to the ministry, and he immediately set about a preparation for that work. In September, 1848, he was received into the Kentucky Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
After eight years of active labor in the ministry, he was compelled to desist and located in 1856. Having studied medi- cine, he attended lectures in the Kentucky School of Medicine," at Louisville, and engaged in the practice thereof, first at Livermore, on Green River, and afterwards in Todd county, not far from the Tennes- see line, where he established a good business Here he remained until near the close of the war, when he yielded to the pressure of circumstances and sought peace and quiet by removing to Illinois, arriving at Carlinville in December, 1864.
His original intention was to establish himself as a physician, but the way seemed hedged up, and finding his health improved, he re-entered the ministry in connection with the Illinois Annual Con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In this work he has spent two years in Mattoon, four in Jacksonville, three in Springfield, and one year on the Danville District.
In June, 1874, he was elected Superin- tendent of the Illinois Institution for the education of the Blind, which position he still retains.
He was married in October, 1853, to Miss Lucy J., daughter of Rev. Richard I. Dungan, of Maxville, Kentucky, and has a family of three sons, two of whom reside in Kansas, and one in Illinois.
For further reference to Dr. Phillips' life here see pages 111, 171. 113, 175, 194. 208, 223, 230 of this volume. See page 201.
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PORTRAIT OF DR. PHILLIPS.
......
REV. FRANKLIN W. PHILLIPS, M. D.,
SUPERINTENDENT OF ILLINOIS INSTITUTION FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE BLIND, JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS.
295
Woon ENGRAVING OF CARTOON, CAMPAIGN OF 1840.
OLD TIME ENGRAVING -- CAMPAIGN CARTOON OF 1840. The above cut made by Mr. J. O. King, of this city and still preserved at the JOURNAL OFFICE, was an imitation of a similar one published in the democratic paper to represent the trap by which the whig party was to be caught. This cut was published in the Illinoisan with a mate showing the dead-fall sprung and Martin Van Buren caught in it.
296
POEM BY AN OLD SETTLER.
THE PIONEER'S LOG CABIN,
The following poem was written by one of the modest old settlers of Sangamon and read at the annual reunion in 1884 held on the spot where the first cabin in that county was built. "President Matheny-The first move toward civilization was the log cabin which"
Was a house of logs unhewed,
That bore the marks of workmen rude. The logs were "notched" and "saddled" down. By "corner men" "round after round, " On the first "round" the joists were laid And "flattened" as the floor was made,
When up about six feet or more,
The logs were cut out for the "door"
With the "falling axe" the work was done,
Few other tools were used or known.
A smooth split piece then "fac'd" the "eends"
Secured by season'd hickory pins. Then above this a "round" or two
Built on, a "loft" tho' somewhat low.
Next came "eend" plates extending out
Beyond each corner about one foot, And next the "rih:" a pole full length
Straight, and just large enough for strengtli,
Now "gable logs" slop'd at each end
Were built till the "'ridge pole" was gain'd
And then around all take a sight
To see how near the "pitch" is right.
And if the "ribs" are straight and true,
The next thing is the "roof" you know-
Clap-boards "broke joint" are laid along
And then a "weight pole" straight and strong,
Rests on a "bearer" made to "scotch"
Each end by resting in a "notch"
Cnt near the end of the "eend plate, "
'Gainst which rests all the coming weight.
Another course "broke joint" comes next.
The end butt to the weight pole fixed. Course after course thus neatly fitted
With "weight poles" on, the root completed.
And next the "fire-place" is made,
Full four feet high and eight feet wide,
The logs cut out, then split and framed
Just like a cabin. At the end A wall within this wooden square,
Of stone and clay, layer after layer,
Some two feet thick the "back walls" stood, The "jams" were less, but strong and good.
On this the chimney, wide below. But narrowing as it upward grew. It was not made of stone or bricks,
But built in layers of mud and sticks, U'ntil it reach'd the topmost roof, And more of it was "plumb" enough. We should have mentioned, but forgot, That it was plaster'd in and out. A clapboard paddle was the tool Then used for plastering, as a rule.
-
297
THE PIONEER'- LOG CABIN.
The hearth was made of native soil And pounded with an "injun maul" Then by the hearth-under the floor With a loose "puncheon" for a door. A hold was dug in which a "bin" Was made to keep the "taters" in, The next work was to lay the floor And make a "shutter" for the door, The puncheons, mostly made of lind. Some edges thick some edges thin. This came, of course, as they were riven And made the floor somewhat uneven. By hewing off the rough edge bevel
Down to the thin, the floor was level. Next came a floor up overhead On which to have an extra bed. The joists were poles, the bark peeled off, The floor of clapboards like the roof A ladder rear'd up for the guest Would bring him to his cozy nest.
But to remain abore while there Required his utmost skill and care. (A visitor once rose to dress And mix'd the breakfast in a mess The clapboard slipp'd and he fell through, Clapboards and all were brought to view Table and tea and meat and bread
Were substituted for a bed. Frightened and fill'd with grief and pain He hied him to his bed again.)
And make to suit the maker's will.
The door was framed with wondrous skill
Of clapboards shav'd and jointed too. Sav'd from the pile the straight and true : Tho' rongh'and strong, open or shut. You ever found the latch string out. A box behind this door was made, In which to keep the corn for bread : Now comes the "chinking" of the cracks,
With pieces driven with an ax, At angle plac'd, leaning one way,
And wedged and pounded in to stay.
Then came the "daubing," well mixed mud With the same paddle made of wood. Inside and out the work goes on, The cracks all filled, the cabin's done.
The last man in the settlement Is fixed to leave his wayon tent, At the back end he bores some holes In which to "fix" some hickory poles. The other ends he rests secure l'pon a pole braced from the floor. The first named in this bedroom set "Tumbles to the racket" well, you bet. And now to rest his weary head. Washes his feet and goes to bed. Aug. 5th, 1584. 1817 -O. S.
298
PORTRAIT OF DR. GILLETT.
PHILIP GOODE GILLETT, A. M., LL. D.,
SUPERINTENDENT OF ILLINOIS INSTITUTION FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE DEAF & DUMB. JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS.
299
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
PHILIP GOODE GILLETT, A. M., LL. D., Superintendent of the Illinois Institution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb, was born in Madison, Indiana, March 24, 1833, his father being Samuel Trumbull Gillett, a descendent of Jona- than Gillett, who emigrated from England and settled at Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1630. Ilis mother's family (the Goodes) were among the founders of the first set- tlements on the James river, Virginia.
His father was early connected with the I'nited States Navy, and during his at- tachment to the Mediterranean squadron visited the Holy Land, where he received religious impressions which changed the tenor of his life lle resigned from the service and enrolled himself as an itiner- ant of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for forty-five years, up to the present time, has faithfully pursued this higher calling.
His son Philip was educated at Indiana Asbury University, Greencastle, Indiana, where he graduated in 1852. He accepted the offer of a position in the Indiana In- stitution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb, and entered upon its duties in October, 1852. In April, 1856, he was se- lected as Principal of the Illinois Institu- tion for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb, located at Jacksonville, and upon lis arrival he found it disorganized, its Faculty broken, and the entire fabric un- der a cloud of embarrassments. Out of this general wreck, by ski!l' and undaunt- od labor, he re-erected the institution upon a sounder basis, secured new and better buildings, established a wholesome discipline, and adopted a course of study which was most adapted to the pe- culiar needs of the unfortunates for whose benefit the institution was intend- ed. It has, under Dr. Gillett's manage- ment, become the largest and one of the completest of its kind in the world. The State annually grants it a liberal support, and the last report of an examining com- mittee of the Legislature was of the most favorable character, and flattering in its tribute to the talent and energy of its Su- perintendent, whose efforts of pen and voice have been directed towards arousing popular sympathy for the inmates of the institution.
Ile was President of the International Sabbath-School Convention, which, in 1872, held its triennial meeting at Indianapolis, and was twice selected as a member of the International Committee, whose duty it is to designate a seven years' course of study in the Sacred Scriptures.
In 1865 he succeeded in establishing, by legislative aid, an experimental school for the education of feeble-minded chil - dren, and became its Superintendent, serv- ing without compensation.
He has been an active Sabbath-School worker, and was one of a few gentlemen who secured the adoption of a general system of county associations of Sabbath- Schools. In 1871 his alma mater, In- diana Asbury University, conferred on him the honorary degree of LL. D.
lle was married, May 2. 1854, to Ellen M. Phipps, daughter of the late Isaac N. Phipps, a prominent citizen of Indianap- olis. He is the father of four children, one of whom, Mrs. Chas. K. Cole, resides in Helena, Montana: another, Charles P Gillett, is Dr. Gillett's assistant, while the third, Miss Alma, is a member of the fat. ulty of the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, and the fourth, Frederick P., is a student of Illinois College.
For reference to Dr. Gillett's work here, in connection with the institution for Deaf Mutes, see pages 129, 131, 151, 194, 208, 223 and 229 of " Historie Mor- gan." See also full-page eut on page 298.
JOSHUA RHOADS, M. D. Dr Joshua Rhoads was descended from an old Quaker family of Pennsylvania whose founder Adam Rhoads, came from England about 1682 Joshua Rhoads was the son of Joseph and Naomi Rhoads and was born at Philadelphia. September 14th, 1806. In his early years he attended Westown Boarding School, and the boarding school of the well known educator, Jolin Gum- mere, at Burlington, N. J., studied medi- cine with Dr. Joseph Parrish, of Philadel- phia,and afterwards graduated with honor at the University of Pennsylvania obtain- ing the degree of M. D. Princeton Col- lege also conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
He was married in 1833 to Rosanna, daughter of Barclay and Mary Ivins, of Penn's Manor, Bucks county, Pennsyl- vania. Their family consisted of eight children, but three daughters alone survive.
For ten years he devoted himself to the practice of his profession as a physician, but from his peculiar organization, the anxiety and responsibility incident to his calling, so undermined his health, that he was obliged to abandon it. He then turn. ed his attention to teaching and after several years experience as principal of some of the prominent schools of Phila- delphia, in 1839, he was elected principal of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind, thus entering upon the work to which he gave the best years of his life- the instruction of those deprived of sight.
This position he filled for some years to the satisfaction of the trustees. In 1850, a committee of the trustees of the Illinois Institution for the Blind, then in its infancy, visited the East in search of a superintendent with experience and ability to whom they would be willing to entrust its interests. As he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of some of the most eminent teachers of the blind in the Unit- ed States, they invited him to preside over the institution which has since become one of our noblest state charities. At that time the institution had only been found- ed two years, numbered twenty-three pu- pils, and occupied a rented building wholly inadequate to the necessities of the school. Owing to the liberality of the state, however, a suitable building was in process of erection, which in due time afforded the much needed facilities for the education of the blind. The curricu- lum of the school was extended, the de- partment of music advanced to a higher standard, the library enlarged, new trades and modes of handicraft introduced.
Of an eminently practical turn of mind. and inclined to be conservative in his views, Dr. Rhoads was always glad to avail himself of anything that promised to be a real improvement in the methods of instruction, and at the time he was con- nected with the Pennsylvania Institution invented a system of raising maps for the blind, that was far superior to any then in
use. He also visited other institutions in this country, examined the workings of the institutions of France and England as far as practicable from published records, translating from French authors such hints as he thought would aid him in advancing the cause. The institution grew and pros- pered until the new building was crowded with eighty-eight pupils, when in April, 1869, it was destroyed by fire originating in a defective flue. Owing to the kind- ness of citizens of Jacksonville, combined with the energy and promptness of Dr. Rhoads and the trustees, the school was not disbanded until the summer vacation, and by the next January a wing was erected in which seventy pupils could be accommodated.
One of the kindliest, and most benevo- lent of men, he desired that the institution should be a home to the pupils during the time of their stay, as well as a school, and his government of them was truly paternal -his generous sympathy being always freely given to those so much in need of it. In all the care and anxiety that de- volved upon him while holding this im- portant trust, he was aided and sustained by his wife, who brought her heart, her energy, rare judgment and fine executive abilities to the work. He was a member of the "Religious Society of Friends," to whose early training he may have owed in part, some of the conscientiousness, the love for humanity, and sympathy for the poor and oppressed that distinguished him through life. His consideration for others was unbounded, and it could be said of him with truth
"To do him any wrong, was to beget
A kindness from him, for his heart was rich, Of such fine mould, that if you sowed therein The seed of Hate, it blossom'd Charity."
For almost a quarter of a century, his life, his hopes and aims were identified with the history of this institution and in all that time through various changes in the Board of Trustees composed of men of different political opinions, he had the confidence and undivided support of every Board under whom he served. In 1874, the retiring Board of Trustees consisting of Matthew Stacy, E. B. Hawley and W. H. Grimshaw, who had been in the most intimate relations to the institution for
301
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
many years and were familiar with every- thing connected with its management, . passed resolutions expressing their satis- faction with the condition of the institu- tion and their confidence in the "zeal, in- tegrity and devotion to duty" of its officers. He had the happiness to live to see the in- stitution occupying the position of one of the best in the country, the buildings ready to receive more pupils, and retired to private life in 1874. In the spring of that year he was taken with a violent at- tack of illness, from which he rallied, but never entirely recovered, and passed away in the utmost peace February 1st, 1876. In the community that had so long been his home, and where he had labored so efficiently to ameliorate the condition of the unfortunate, he was respected by high and low, rich and poor. After his death the leading citizens testified in a public meeting to his worth as a private citizen and as chief executive of the institution over which he had so long presided, and in one of the resolutions adopted, stated that "the fidelity and economy with which during his administration the state bene- factions had been applied, furnished an example unsurpassed by any similar insti- tution in the country. See pages 111, 123, 126, 208.
JOHN P. WILKINSON was born De- cember 14th, 1790, in New Kent county, Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky, in Tegg county, of that state. He married Mary Harlan in 1827, and in 1828 removed to this place which he had selected as a permanent home. Mr. Wilkinson was a merchant, and as such, was long and favor- ably known in Morgan county. Prompt, honest and liberal in his dealings he en- joyed in a high degree, the confidence of those with whom he transacted business and his example salutary anywhere and at any time, was particularly so in the early period of our local history. It is, however, in social life that we especially love to contemplate the character of Mr. Wilkinson. In the early days of our town and county, no man paid more (nor as much) attention to strangers, who thought of settling amongst us, as he. He gave them information as to property and loca. tion, furnished them facilities for examin-
ing the country, tendered them the hospi- talities of his house, and thus, and other. wise, induced many valuable persons to settle in this community. Kind in his feelings, pleasant in his manners, courteous in his deportment, those who visited Jacksonville in primitive times remember Mr. Wilkinson with pleasure.
He was a man of great public spirit. No one had a truer conception than he, of the superiority of his obligation to society or those due to his individual interests. With him the controlling idea was not, will this contribute to my ease, and ad- vance my fortune ? But will it promote the greater, wider, higher object of social life. Of comprehensive views, he was the fast friend of our literary institutions. Liberal in his public benefactions, he was especially so to Illinois College, and the Jacksonville Female Academy, of each of these institutions he was a trustee from their origin, to his death, and the office of trustee with him was no sinecure. He did what so few men are willing to do, he gave them his time, his thought, his watch- ful care and insight. For a long time he also gratuitously served the college as treasurer, and in many ways endeared his name and memory to those who were con- nected with the valuable institution in its early struggles, and those who now pre- side over it would doubtless recognize its present peace and prosperity, as, in some measure, the results of his benefactions, and self-sacrificing labors. Mr. Wilkinson made profession of religion in 1830, and was received into the Presbyterian Church by President Sturtevant. His walk and conversation thereafter, was such as be- came a follower of Jesus Christ. Mr. Wil- kinson was one of the building committee of the church this same year. Equally re- moved from as much criticism on the one hand, and levity on the other, he was a fine specimen of an unaffected, genial, hopeful, Christian gentleman. In Decem- ber, 1841, Mr. Wilkinson was taken ill while in St. Louis on business, and died at the Planters' House. He left no children, but his adopted son Rev. George Harlan, whom he educated, survived him until November 21st, 1858. Mrs. Wilkinson was a woman of stirring worth, she was a
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
sister of Mr. Levi Harlan, of Winchester; they were deprived of their parents early in life by accident, both being drown- ed with their three youngest children while crossing James River, Virginia, in a skiff. No one knew how it happened, but supposed her father must have drop- ped one of his oars, and thus was swept over a mill dam near by. Mrs. Wilkinson left alone in the world became a very self- reliant woman, and took a very serious view of life, which at times made her seem almost severe, but this was not true of her. She was particular and exact, but gentle and thoughtful, full of good deeds to the sick and unfortunate. Let not her memory perish from our midst, but be ever cherished as a noble example of a self-denying christian. Also see pages 45, 51, 57, 241, 244, 245.
ERASTUS FRANKLIN BULLARD, A. M., Principal of the Jacksonville Fe- male Academy, Jacksonville, Ill., is a na- tive of Jay, Essex county, New York. In early boyhood he was subjected to all the privations and hardships incident to a rugged country life and indigent circum- stances. When he was but six years old his father died, leaving a widowed mother and a large family of children to fight the
battle of life as best they could. From the age of fourteen, he was left dependent upon his own resources. His opportuni ties for early education were limited, and it was not until he had made a trial of several years of farm life that he began to realize the need and appreciate the bene- fits of something better in education In view of fitting for college, he began teach- ing in the country schools during the win- ter and prosecuting his studies during the spring and autumn. In September, 1860, he entered the Freshman class in the University of Vermont, and although fre- quently interrupted by ill health and pe- cuniary embarrassments, he was gradu- ated with honors in the regular course, four years after.
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