USA > Illinois > Shelby County > Historic sketch and biographical album of Shelby County, Illinois > Part 23
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The financial condition of the society is not such as will warrant any unnecessary expendi-
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HISTORIC SKETCH.
tures, so all baking, washing and ironing is done at the Home, and the whole institution is carried on with no more expense than is really necessary for the absolute needs. The rooms are comfort- ably and tastefully furnished, a number of them being furnished by various churches, societies and other organizations of Shelby county. Some very useful and needed articles have come from Chicago firms, showing a generosity and kindly interest in this great work. A new furnace has been placed in the Home. Apropos of this, we quote from an article by Mrs. Wilcox, in the October number of "The Children's Home Finder :" "One lad is not convinced that he can warm his feet over a lot of little holes strung together in the floor. Another wants to know if we will 'bake bread in it?' Another thinks it a very funny thing to 'dig a hole in the ground to put a big stove in.'" Precious childhood, and its innocency !
We quote another paragraph from the same article-an appeal to men and women to receive and care for the little lads, as readily as they do the girls, who need good homes: "God help us to see that the prosperity of our own loved ones, as they come to the estate of manhood and wom- anhood, hinges close upon what we do now for this multitude of embryo rulers! Oh, for the love which said, 'Suffer the children to come, etc.,' to permeate the lives of those whom God has blessed with homes and plenty! I hear the broken voice of a lad saying to me, 'Mamma Wilcox, why don't folks like us boys?' and I look into eyes full of tears and think, and think, 'what can Ido for the boys!'. A beautiful baby in our infant-room enjoys the constant care of a faithful nurse : but the baby is a girl. Some- body will want her soon, and love will open heart and home for her, and life will be full of beauty and promise, because it is a girl. And
these others will rise up in judgment and say, ·Ye did it not unto me.' Friends of humanity, let us change our tactics and do good unto these lads. 1 should think the men would be more in- terested in them, but, I suppose, these busy old duffers forget that they were boys once, and needed friends. At least they act like it-poor old souls, without any of the 'milk of human kindness flowing in their breasts! Oh, for a prophetic vision to show them how their 'heirs apparent' are longing for their demise that the wealth so hardly acquired shall fall to their casy handling : And then what? Instead of the brave perpetuator of a good man's name, there will be a crumbling of all that he cherished, and the end will be as if he had never lived, and no- body to thank him for anything. 1 would not be such a man if I could, and 1 could not if 1 wouldl, thank heaven !"
In the September number of the Home Finder, Mrs. Wilcox writes: "What is the mat- ter with people? If I wished to rear a lasting. self-perpetuating monument to myself, I woukl have a boy-somebody's boy-to bring through "the ills, trials, temptations and tantrums of boy- hood into a practical, common sense, christian manhood, feeling confident all the time that .he more tantrums he had during the process, the clearer cut would be his aims as a man. His 'heredity' woukl not bother me a minute either -not a minute. The Middlesworth Home wants good homes for boys, then more good homes for boys, then more, and a washing-machine to help keep their clothes clean, and a good wringer as an assistant, and a large lawn swing for the boys, and a tent, and anything else that any man, or men, can remember of liking in boyhood. Oh ! we draw the line at guns, firecrackers and drums -yes, very decidedly at drums !"
Thus, under the capable management of
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this good woman, the work of the Middlesworth Home is being carried on. Indigent children are being received, and then placed in good homes. where they will grow up to pure and lovely womanhood and manhood-"saved from pau- perism. vagabondage and crime." It is a work which should elicit the sympathy and interest of all who have a corner in their heart for the "little ones :" and it is a matter of congratulation that more and more of the good people of this part of the state are rallying to the support of "The Middlesworth Home."
Since the preceding sketch was prepared for this volume quite an important change has been wrought in the management of the Home. Mrs. Annie M. Wilcox, referred to above, who so faithfully and tenderly cared for the little ones committed to her care, resigned her position as matron, and removed to Fresno, California. She did not grow weary of this work, but failing
health here, and the more agreeable climate of California were factors which induced her to make the change. Though the managers of the Home were loth to part with Mrs. Wilcox, they congratulate themselves on being able to secure so worthy a successor in the person of Mrs. Anna R. Simmons.
Mrs. Simmons is an organizer of the National W. C. T. U .. a lady of rare gifts as a platform lecturer, and has a charm of manner and ad- dress which at once endear her to those who make her acquaintance. She has a large heart. in which there is plenty of room for each of the twenty-six unfortunate little inmates of the Home : and they receive from her a mother's love and care.
The swing and the furnace and some other things for which Mrs. Wilcox asked have been added, but still there is great need for hearty support from the friends of the Home, in order for all the wants of the orphaned children to be supplied.
HISTORIC SKETCH.
SHELBYVILLE CHAUTAUQUA AND
SHELBY COUNTY FAIR
ASSOCIATION.
J. C. Westervelt, Pres't.
W. E. Walker, Vice-Pres.
G. A. Roberts, Sec'y. Chas. E. Keller, Treas. T. F. Dove, Cor. Sec'y.
DIRECTORS-
J. D. Miller, T. F. Dove,
J. B. Isenberg, G. A. Roberts,
J. C. Westervelt, W. (). Wallace,
W. E. Walker WV. S. Middlesworth, W. S. Beem.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE-
J. C. Westervelt,
W. E. Walker.
J. B. Isenberg, T. F. Dove.
STOCKHOLDERS-
J. B. Isenberg. John D. Miller,
J. C. Westervelt,
H. J. Hamlin,
Peter Diddea. S. A. Richardson,
C. L. Wagner, W. H. Beem,
T. F. Dove,
E. A. Richardson,
S. W. Conn,
H. M. Martin,
C. E. Keller, W. S.Middlesworth.
E. J. Scarborough, B. S. Yost,
Anthony Thornton. Lee Mook,
Wm. H. Ragan,
G. W. Cook,
W. E. Walker, John A. Tackett,
W. O. Wallace, Henry A. Stewardson,
Max Kleeman, Geo. A. Roberts,
O. W. Walker,
J. W. Igo,
W. B. Sturgis, J. A. Montgomery.
Shelbyville Chautauqua, July 25 to August 4th, II days ; County Fair, September 10-15.
5 days.
The attractions at the "Old Fair Grounds" will, during this current year (1901), be un-
rivaled. The property is now in the hands of thorough business men who will spare neither time nor means in making the revivifying of a nearly defunct fair historic occasions in the an- nals of Shelby County. The grounds will be im- proved and completely renovated, buildings will be erected, etc. Ample arrangements for the comfort of the people will be provided. The announcements concerning the fair cannot now be made, but remember the date! The follow- ing list of noted talent will furnish some idea of the intellectual treat to be furnished by the Chau- tauqua :
Dr. Nacy MeGee Waters, of Binghampton, N. Y., will be platform manager. Dr. Walters lectured in Shelbyville in the last lecture course. Following is an incomplete program of talent now positively secured. This is, of course, subject to change:
July 25-Afternoon not filled; evening-Elias Day. Arion Ladies' Quartet all day.
July 26-Afternoon-Ralph Parlette. Imorist ; evening -Arion Ladies' Quartet.
July 27-Afternoon-Ralph Parlette, Olaf Krarer, the Esquimau: evening-Arion Ladies' Quartet and Stanley Davies, eloentionist.
July 28-Morning-Dr. Walters: afternoon-Rev. Sam P. Jones; evening-sacred concert by Arion Ladies' Quartet.
July 29-Afternoon-Olaf Krarer; evening-Car- ter, the magician, and Arion Quartet.
July 30-Afternoon-Gen. John B. Gordon; even- ing-Dr. Walters, Stanley Davies and Arion Quartet. July 31-Afternoon-Mrs. Maud Booth: evening -Arion Quartet.
August 1-Morning-Dr. M. C. B. Mason; after- noon-Hon. John Barrett: evening-Mendelssohn Male Quartet: Sybil Sammis and Geo. Kurtz.
August 2-Morning-Dr. M. C. B. Mason; after- noon-Gen. Howard; evening-Mendelssohn Quartet. Sybil Sammis and Geo. Kurtz.
August 3-Afternoon-Engene V. Debs: evening- Dr. Walters, Mendelssohn Quartet, Stanley Davies. August 4-Dr. Walters, Mendelssohn Quartet. Season Tickets for only $1.50. General Ad- mission 25 Cents.
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ECCLESIASTICAL WORK IN SHELBY COUNTY.
CHAPTER XIV.
The Ecclesiastical History of Shelby county is one of the most important features of this vol- ume, and it is with profound regret we are un- able to give a more complete resume of that work. But it is exceedingly difficult to compile data from which to write a comprehensive sketch of the ecclesiastical history of a church. While many of those interested in any church society may have considerable general informa- tion in regard to the same, still when it comes to statistical facts and figures they cannot give then. However, with the kindly assistance of pastors and others, we are enabled to give much interesting matter relative to various denomina- tions which exist and are doing noble work within Shelby county. Others promised their assistance, but from some cause failed to render the needed help.
THE PRESBYTERIAN. (By Rev. B. W. Tyler.)
The history of Presbyterianism in Shelby county is like the history of individuals and of families. It chronicles birth, growth, death, new generations, failures and successes, adversi- ties and prosperities. But the influence of Calvinism has touched several important sec- tions of the county and has left its impress of sturdy christian manhood and womanhood, and
an evangelical faith conquering and to conquer. One of the children to die at an early age was the Walnut Grove church. organized in 1839. with Amos P'. Balch and Tobias Rainer, as elders, by Rev. Jno. McDonald. The name was changed to "Mccluskey" by the Presbytery, Sept. 28, 1843. It was situated in T. 11. R. 5 E. Robert Rutherford ministered to this people for a time, but it has long been extinct.
A more hardy child was the Prairie Bird church in T. 12 N., R. 3 E. S. 19. SE quarter, in the little village of that name. The church site. which included a cemetery, contained two acres. The organization had its birth April 8. 1860. There were 26 members at the beginning. drawn largely from Shelbyville church. All three of the first ellers, Daniel Ewing. George B. Hill and George Griggs, were from the parent church. Its history was one of many changes. caused largely by removals and death. The pulpit supply was usually arranged in conjunc- tion with Tower Hill. Those who were left, be- coming discouraged some few years ago, gave up the organization, many of them uniting with the Evangelical Association church in an ad- joining neighborhood.
But there were hardier children and they survive. The eklest of these is the strongest- the First church of Shelbyville.
SHELBYVILLE CHURCH.
There have been two organizations in Shel- byville. Under the Old School Presbytery of Palestine, twelve members organized a church
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HISTORIC SKETCH.
in the Court House, July 31. 1843. The minis- ters in charge of the beginning were Rev. Joseph Platt and Rev. J. S. Reasoner. Two elders were chosen, namely. David Ewing and James Ekler. The only supply was the Rev. Mr. Platt, who during one year visited the church once every six weeks, spending four or five days on each occasion. Only once or twice was it represented in Presbytery, and all of the records were lost. It was dissolved by Presbytery in session at Charleston, AApril 2d. 1852.
The present church was organized under the New School Presbytery, in a barn at Prairie Bird, June 30, 1851, by Rev. Bilious Pond and Rev. Elisha Jenney, with these mem- bers : Robert Burke and Esther Burke, his wife : David Ewing and Evelyn Ewing, his wife : Adam Fulton and Elizabeth Fulton, his wife: George Hill and Elizabeth Hill, his wife: Mrs. Martha Weakly, Mrs. Sarah Campbell, Mrs. Jane Fick- ner, Mrs. Nancy Ogden, Mrs. M. H. Moulton, Miss Mary H. Melver. Miss Sarah Hill, Mrs. Sarah Breckenridge, £
Aliss Mary Ann Burke and Miss Mary Ann Eversole. The official body of the church has always been composed of able men. Those who have served the church as elders are as follows : David Ewing, June 30, 1851-April 7. 1860: Jan. 4. 1872-March 13, 1885. George Hill, Feb. 7. 1852-April 7. 1860; Sept. 10, 1882- July 14, 1895. Jno. D. Amlin, Feb. 27. 1857- Aug., 1858. John Hunter, Nov. 21, 1858- April 2, 1865. George Griggs, Nov. 21, 1858- April 7, 1860. George Hannaman, April 7, 1860 - -. Robt. Carnes, April 7, 1860-March 20, 1869. Ebenezer Cheney, April 10, 1864- Aug. 12, 1871. Lindsay MeMorris, March 11, 1866-Jan, 24. 1891. Thos. H. West, March 11, 1866- -. James D. Hunter, Jan. 4, 1,872 -1897. J. F. Gowdy, Sept. 10, 1882-Jan., 1884. Bradford P. Dearing. Jan. 6, 1884-
Horace L. Martin, Jan. 6, 1884- Hiram M. Scarborough, Jan. 1, 1894- Thos. H. Shivers, Jan. 1, 1894-July 18, 1898. Julius F. Christman, March 28, 1897-Marchi 20, 1900. There were never but two directors chosen, Messrs. James D. Hunter and Geo. G. Dearing having been ordained to that office March 11, 1866.
The history of the church clusters around the following stated supplies and pastors : Rev. J. M. Grant, who took charge at the time of the · organization and continued to labor here until his death from cholera, Aug. 1, 1855; Rev. J. Wilson, 1856-1859: Rev. W. P. Ormsby, 1860 -1861 : Rev. James B. Sheldon, 1861-1862 ; Rev. Timothy Hill, D. D., 1862-1865 ; Rev. David Diamond, D. D., 1865-1866; Rev. R. D. Van Duersen, D. D., 1867-1871 ; Rev. L. I. Root. 1871-1874; Rev. Benjamin Mills, D. D., 1874-1877; Rev. W. C. West. 1878-1882; Rev. H. S. Jordan, 1). D., 1883-1885 ; Rev. Ed. Carleton Bell, D. D., 1885-1886; Rev. W. J. Frazer, 1). D., 1886-1890; Rev. W. H. Lloyd, 1890-1897; Rev. J. N. Beall, 1897-1899 ; Rev. B. W. Tyler, 1900- -.
The first house of worship stood one block west of the present site and on the opposite side of North First street. It was a frame building erected in 1856 or 1857, at a cost of six hundred dollars. The present house was erected in 1864 at a cost of $5,500 and is a substantial brick building with main audience room and gallery upstairs ; lecture room, class room, office and kitchen in the lower story.
This was modernized and entirely renovated in 1892, at a cost of $6,500 ; while an additional expense of about $2,000 was put on it in 1900, the chief addition being a handsome pipe-organ of superior sweetness and power. In 1899 the congregation built a commodious and elegant manse on the rear of the church lot, which has
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HISTORIC SKETCH.
all the modern improvements. This at a cost in building of $3,000.
Shelbyville church has always been a con- servative body, thoroughly loyal to the doctrines and traditions of the denomination. Her mem- bers have been abundant in good works, all of the missionary agencies of the church being liberally sustained. A prosperous Sunday School, a working Christian Endeavor, a very large and enthusiastic Woman's Missionary Society, look after these varied needs and inter- ests : while a hard-working Aid Society has been strumental in bringing about these improve- ments.
As an outside benevolence, is the Middles- worth Orphans' Home, given to the Children's Home Society of Illinois by Mr. Abram Mid- dlesworth, a member of this church.
WEST OKAW CHURCH.
located at Prairie Home. in the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of S. 34. T. 14 N .. R. 3. E. of 3d P. M., sprang into existence October 20, 1860. In the midst of a very rich farming community, and surrounded by wealthy farmers with Presbyterian tendencies and antecedents, it soon rose to a place of promi- nence. Those whose names appear on the roll as charter members, are G. M. Thompson. Eliza Thompson, Margaret Thompson, Harriet N. Thompson, Samuel G. Travis, Anna B. Travis, Alice Lay, Catherine E. Travis. Mary Foster. Harris B. Thompson, Elizabeth Thompson, Robt. Lay, J. J. Freeland, Mary B. Freeland. Catherine Freeland, Sarah G. Freeland. Mary Wingett. Ann Berg, Henry Berg, F. M. Chamberlain, Ann F. Chamberlin, Eleanor Gray, Mercey H. Bacon. Emily J. Richardson, James S. Travis. To these were soon added many others, so that after a few years there was found in this country church a property, consisting of a frame building with
cemetery adjoining, and a two story, frame par- sonage, one half mile south-the whole being worth $5,oco. A salary of $1.000 was paid the minister and the use of the manse. But losses by death and removal to the cities leaving a community of changing renters with varied or no beliefs, has weakened the church until now it is a great struggle to keep it moving. The salary has been cut to $500: the membership is only about 80, but it is the candle still lighted 'n! that community and through its Sunday School, Christian Endeavor and church services is teacl,- ing the strong doctrines of the faith for the max- ing of manhood and womanhood.
The elders in charge since the founding have been Gardner M. Thompson. John J. Free- land, Samuel G. Travis, Henry Berg. F. M. Chamberlain, William Bard. James G. Marshall. James L. Neil. Nelson V. Stine, William McBur- ney, Frederick Orris, S. T. Milliken. J. H. Baird. John Steward-the last three constituting the present session. The ministers laboring here have been H. R. Lewis, two years : Clark London, six years : J. D. Jenkins, two years ; Julius Spencer. 3 years ; William E. Lincoln. J. N. Wright. O. P. Galloway, M. F. Paisley, David McCracken. A debt is owed this church by the stronger churches in this and other states, for the earnest workers it has, and is still. furnishing them by removal of its members.
Two other churches were organized at about the same time-Those at Tower Hill and Mo- weaqua.
TOWER HILL.
The First Presbyterian church of Tower Hill was organized by Rev. A. T. Norton and Rev. William P. Teitsworth, February 17. 1867. with these members: Sylvester L. Van Dyke. Mrs. Lucy A. Van Dyke, Thomas B. Johnson. William McKittrick, Mrs. Margaret McKittrick.
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HISTORIC SKETCH.
Mrs. Susannah B. Baines, Dr. George W. Fringer, Mrs. Martha B. Fringer, Mrs. Caroline Everitt, Perry McDowell, Miss Celestia A. Van Dyke, Francis McKittrick, Samuel MeKittrick, Miss Mary A. Baines, Miss Francis J. Baines, and James M. Cook. The church came under the care of Wabash Presbytery, although tem- porarily received by that of Alton. The elders have been, Sylvester L. Van Dyke, Thomas B. Johnson, Dr. George W. Fringer, James J. Wiley, Frederick Stumpf, H. H. R. Baines, S. P. Powers, Dr. John Morgan, H. F. Faught, Robt. Fleming, Jacob Leighty, Stephen Richards, A. A. Eiler, A. A. Leighty and William McKittrick. The present session is composed of Messrs. Fleming, Eiler and Stumpf.
The following ministers have preached for this people. G. A. Pollock, one year ; Nathaniel Williams, one year : J. D. Jenkins, one year ; Adam Johnston, eleven years ; Leonard Keeler, two years; Thos. S. Park, five years; N. C. Green, two years ; and G. D. Smith, who is now on his second year. The house of worship is a substantial frame building, erected in 1867, at a cost of $1,800. An addition has since been built at an expense of $600. About 1896 a parsonage was built at a cost of $1.500. So that the plant is a good one. The membership is now about 80. The difficulty in the way is the continual removal of members to other points, thus keep- ing the church weak. Its influence in the com- munity is fully equal to any other and its Sunday School, Young People's and Woman's Mission- ary Societies well sustained.
MOWEAQUA.
The Presbyterian church at Moweaqua was organized May 18 and 19, 1867, by a committee consisting of Rev. S. W. Mitchell, Rev. Clark London and Elder S. H. Wilson. There were thirteen members in the organization. The el-
ders chosen were Lewis Long and F. M. Cham- berlain. During the first four years of its exist- ence, it may truthfully be said that the promise was to "the little flock." With no house of wor- ship, with only a small band of workers, yet with the Spirit of God in their midst, they labored to- gether. The only regular service was a weekly prayer-meeting, held in the homes of the faith- ful few. Those who were privileged to be present at the services bear testimony to the presence of the Lord and gracious benedictions which came upon them all. An occasional preaching service was held in the M. E. church. But in 1872, this little band, assisted by the Board of Church Erection, rejoiced in the erec- tion and dedication of a neat and comfortable frame church home, at a cost of $3,500. İm- mediately after this forward step a gracious re- vival was experienced, and the church was very prosperous, being as strong as any in the com- munity. But a period of decline followed. Family after family of the Presbyterian household of faith left the city, and the church has never re- gained its former footing. Still with a mem- bership of about 40, tried and true, there is main- tained a flourishing Sabbath school, prayer- meeting, Christian Endeavor and Woman's Mis- sionary Society. The church is surely of the Lord's own planting, and can know no such thing as death. The present elders are Thomas Hudson and R. B. Wilson.
One other church, that of
BETHANY,
situated near Yantisville, seven miles directly north of Tower Hill, has taught Calvinism in that part of the county. Never a strong organi- zation, during its thirty years of existence, averaging about 30 to 40 members. It too, has sent out to the towns and cities various addi- tions to their working force. An excellent brick
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HISTORIC SKETCH.
building, erected some years ago, affords a eom- fortable church home. and a band of devoted members, mostly women, keep up a steady effort for righteousness. Brighter prospeets, under the Illinois plan of Home Missions, are in view for this faithful little band of loyal workers.
Thus no small part was played by Presbyter- ians in this eounty's history. The names of those associated with the beginnings of the churches and their official bodies
are names of persons prominent in the forces which counted for development along the best lines. The ministers laboring in these fields have been men of God, and. their influence has been almost measureless in these formative days of the past. Building on such a history there surely is a future for Presbyterianism in Shelby county.
ST. PAUL'S REFORMED.
(By Rev. John F. Bair.)
Saint Paul's Reformed church, located five miles northwest of Shelbyville, was organized about 1850, by Rev. John McConnel. Until 1859 the congregation had a struggle for an existence. In 1859. Rev. H. K. Baines was elected pastor. The church has been served by the following pastors : Rev. O. E. Lake. Rev. H. Wilson. Rev. S. P. Myers, Rev. J. F. Butler. Rev. J. Wol- bach, Rev. J. W. Alspach, Rev. L. C. Summer, Rev. R. F. Oplinger and Rev. J. F. Bair.
For many years the congregation faced many discouragements, but like their brave founder, Ulrich Zwingli, they did not give up in despair, but pushed bravely on. Under the leadership of Rev. J. W. Alspaeh from 1892 until
his death in 1897 the congregation prospered perhaps more than at any other period in its his- tory previous.
When the present pastor. Rev. J. F. Bair took charge of the field in the spring of 1898, he found it in good condition. The membership numbered 75, and there was a good Sunday School which was progressing rapidly under the earnest care of Superintendent John F. Runkel.
During the pastorate of Rev. Bair 21 mem- bers have been added to the congregation, and a neat, new church edifice has been erected which was dedicated Dec. 17. 1899. free of debt. The oldest member of the congregation is Mrs. John Runkel, now in her 86th year. Other old members who have made this their church home for many years are: John Runkel. Sr .. Joseph Hish, Sr., Mrs. Joseph Hish, A. J. Tice. Mrs. .A. J. Tice.
The statistics presented at the last regular meeting of Illinois Classes show the following figures : Members. 95 : communed during year. 87 : unconfirmed. 50: infant baptisms. 6: adult baptisms, I: confirmed. 15: contributions for benevolence, $93.47 ; contributed for congrega- tional purposes, $1,330 : church papers taken. 40 ; Sunday school officers and teachers, 16: schol- ars. 75 : total, 91 : average attendance. 61 : num- ber of months school is open, 12 : scholars in full membership of the church, 63 ; baptized scholars. 69 : scholars received into full membership of the church during the year, 14: contributions to all purposes. $54.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
(By Elder William H. Drummet.)
The treasures of every people are traced in its history. There is an instinct if not a tran-
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