Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 1, Part 74

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 864

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 1 > Part 74

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

the life of both city and state. The names of F. W. Tracy, Dr. C. S. Shelton, Lucius Kingshury, C. R. Post, Herbert Post, H. S. Dickerman, C. M. Stanton, Dr. Richard Edwards, George A. Sanders, E. N. Bates, J. N. Reece, J. H. Math- eny and H. W. Clendenin, are those of men whose influence was well known and widely honored throughout central Illinois in banking, legal, commercial, political, medical, educational, and editorial circles. The wives of most of the gentlemen were also active in henevolent and Sunday School work.

The Church has been served by thirteen pas- tors. Its first pastor, John Knox McLean, is still in active service as President of Pa- cific Theological Seminary at Berkeley, Cal. Its second pastor, John H. Barrows, had an international reputation as the organizer of the World's Congress of Religions held in Chi- cago during the World's Fair of 1893. Robert Morse, another pastor, left the pulpit for the lecture platform and was widely known as a popular lecturer on institutional Chautanqua and church platforms. Of the thirteen pastors eiglit are still alive. The present pastor is W. J. Johnson, who is now in the seventh year of his leadership.

PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH .- In the year 1887 a series of nndenominational evangel- istic services was held in the southeast section of the city. as the result of which a large number of people professed an interest in religion and ex- pressed a desire to he enrolled as members of some church. After a refusal by the Preshy- terian and Methodist Churches of the city to undertake the work of fostering the new organi- zation, the Rev. R. O. Post, then pastor of the First Congregational Church, was petitioned by those interested, to take the waiting people into the fellowship of Congregationalism. As a re- sult, Mr. Post enlisted the sympathy and help of his local church, and also the presence of officials of the Illinois Congregational Home Missionary Society, and on Sunday, October 23rd, under the presidency of Rev. James Thompkins, of Chicago, the Second Congrega- tional Church was organized, with a charter membership of 44.

The first church building, located at Soutli Grand Avenue and Sixteenth Street, was form- ally dedicated on Sunday, March 4, 1SSS. the Rev. Dr. Thompkins preaching the dedication sermon, but this building was destroyed by fire

SAMUEL A. TOBIN

893

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

on Sunday morning, December 1, 1SS9. On April 13th of the following year, however, a new hullding was ready for purposes of Divine wor- ship and Dr. Thompkius preached the dedication sermon in this building also. It is a frame structure of tasty appearance, and is heated hy furnace, lighted hy electricity, aud has rooms for social purposes as well as the large room for worship. In 1894 it was deeided hy vote of the church that Its eeclesiastical title should be changed from "Second" to "Plymouth," so that the church is now known as the "Plymouth Con- gregational Church." It has heen served by eleven pastors, has a membership of 170, and a property in church, parsonage and lots, worth $14,000. The present pastor is Rev. E. E. Frame.

HOPE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH .- Iu addition. to these interests, there Is a small building used for a Sunday School and casual rellglous serv- ices, located at the corner of Carpenter and Sixteenth Streets. This interprise was started some years ago hy MIr. W. M. Brewer, an earnest spirited layman, who donated the iots and erected the building. He was aided in his work hy a hand of young people from the First Chureh, who taught classes under his supervision. Of late years Mr. C. F. Koehn has given the work a loving oversight. There is a Sunday School with an enrollment of about 75. The property Is worth ahout $3,500.

UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. (By Manrice B. Spayd.)

The Church of the United Brethren in Christ of Springfield, was organized (as near as can he aseertained In the ahseuce of the official records) iu the year 1893. A chureh huildiug was purchased from the "Church of God," situ- ated near the corner of North Third and Pine Streets. Rev. H. S. Shaeffer was the first pastor and was followed hy Rev. J. A. Weller, D. D .; Rev. H. T. Athey, Rev. J. G. Hofacre, Rev. E. H. Shuey, Rev. O. O. Inman and Rev. Maurice B. Spayd, the present pastor.

Under the pastorate of Rev. E. II. Shuey the ebureh was relocated. A lot was secured ou the corner of North Third Street and North Grand Avenue, and a neat frame church erected in 1902. In the new location the churchi has had au increase in membership until the congregation

now numbers 275. A growing Sunday School, a Christlan Endeavor Soclety, Pastor's Aid So- ciety, a Ladies' Unlon and a Woman's Missionary Local, constitute the auxiliary organizations. The church is orthodox in Its creed, thoroughly evangelistle in its practlees, and Its polley is a modified form of episcopacy. Its form of gov- ernment is thoroughly Ameriean, the final an- thority heing vested In the membership of the various congregations.

The Springfield Church forms a part of the Springfield District, Northern Illinois Confer- ence. There are two other United Brethren Churches in Sangamon Couuty, one abont three miles sonth and east of Mechanicshurg, knowu as Mt. Pleasant Church, and the other one-half mile north of Riddle Hill, known as Old Saleru.

CHAPTER XLI.

OLD SETTLERS' SOCIETY.

OLD SETTLERS' SOCIETY OF SANGAMON COUNTY- ITS ORGANIZATION IN 1859-PROMOTERS OF TIIE ORGANIZATION AND FIRST OFFICERS-CONSTITU- TION AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP- THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS KNOWN AS "SNOW BIRDS" FROM THE PERIOD OF THE "DEEP SNOW"- FIRST MEETING HIELD AT SITE OF FIRST CABIN BUILT IN SANGAMON COUNTY BY ROBERT PULLIAM IN 1817-REORGANIZATION AND REOULAR ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN 1868-REPORTS OF SUBSE- QUENT REUNIONS-CELEBRATION OF FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF SETTLEMENT IN 1909-OFFICERS AND PRINCIPAL SPEAKERS UP TO 1911.

(By Isaae R. Diller.)

In the spring of 1859 the first step was taken in the effort to organize what is now the "Old Settlers' Society of Sangamon County." This was iu the form of a eall hearing the signatures Pascal P. Enos, J. G. Bergen. Elijah Iles and Noah W. Matheny-all pioneer citizens of the county-suggesting a meeting to be held on the first day of June of that year, consisting "of all the settlers of the county previous to 'the winter of the deep snow' (1830-31), for the pur-

894

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

pose of organizing a society" having as its object the preservation of matter connected with the "early history of the city of Springfield and of Sangamon County." The first meeting was held on the date mentioned and, after a tempo- rary organization, an adjournment was taken to June 15, when a constitution was reported and adopted.

This constitution provided that the Society shall be called the "Old Settlers Society of Sangamon County," and that it "shail have for its object the collection and preservation of the early history of Sangamon County and the city of Springfield." It also provided for the elec- tion of a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Cor- responding Secretary, a Recording Secretary and a Treasurer, and prescribed the duties of the same, and also provided in Article 3- ·

"All persons residents of Sangamon County previous to 'the winter of the deep snow' (viz. 1830-31) are qualified for membership in this Society aud after the first day of January, 1860, applicants for membership must show a residence of twenty-five years previous to the time of application."

The officers elected at that meetiug who were to hold office until the first Monday in June following, were: Thomas Moffett, President ; Elijah Iles and A. G. Herndon, Vice Presidents ; Pascal P. Enos, Recording Secretary; N. W. Matheny, Corresponding Secretary, and E. B. Hawley, Treasurer.

It was also provided that the first annual meeting of the Society should be held at the site of the cabin of Robert Pulliam, the first settler in what is now Sangamon County, and on the anniversary of its erection (viz. October 20, 1816)-the location being In what is now Ball Township about four miles southeast of Chatham and ten miles south of Springfield.

The meeting was held at the place and date (Oct. 20, 1859) mentioned, the principai address being delivered by the late Judge James H. Matheny, followed by brief remarks from Eras- tus Wright, Judge Moffett, Martin G. Puliiam (son of the original settler), Coi. E. D. Taylor of Chicago, Munson Carter, Dr. Shields, Elder Prentice and Pascal P. Enos.

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING .- Owing to the pollt- ical excitemeut of 1860 and the Civil War (1861- 65) no further meetings were held until 1868, when under a call issued by some thirty prom- inent citizens, a meeting was held at Clear

Lake on August 20th of that year. This proved a happy occasion, the meeting being largely at- tended, and at this time the Society being re- organized-in consequence of the suspension of seven years, this taking the name of the first annual meeting of the Society as It now exists. On this occasion Strother Jones of Dawson pre- sided, Rev. Mr. Stafford pronounced the invoca- tlon and addresses were delivered by Munson Carter, David England, George Anderson, Sam- uel Williams, Preston Breckenridge and James H. Matheny.

At the close of the meeting Strother G. Jones was elected President for the next year.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING .- The second regu- lar annual meeting was held at Clear Lake, August 20, 1869, Strother G. Jones presiding and Rev. Mr. Holton offering the opening prayer. The principal speakers were Revs. J. G. Bergen and C. B. Stafford. David England, Rev. J. W. Taylor, Preston Breckenridge and Judge James H. Matheny also delivered brief addresses. The officers chosen at this meeting for the next year were: Preston Breckenridge, President ; Samuel Preston and S. G. Jones, Vice Pres- idents; and John F. King, Secretary. Over elghty members enrolled on this occasion.

THIRD MEETING .- The third annual meeting (1870) was held August 31st, Clear Lake agaln being the place of meeting. Addresses were made by Rev. Francis Springer, Gen. Moses K. Anderson (from 1839 to 1861 Adjutant General- of the State of Illinois), and Samuel Williams, who related some interesting reminiscences of his coming to Sangamon County in 1821 with later incidents of western life. Brief remarks were also made by Elijah Price of Menard County, David England, Samuel A. Grubb, Thomas Bond of Taylorville, Joab Wilkinson and Job Fletcher.

FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING .- Cherry Grove-a beautiful and romantic spot In the vicinity of Auburn, was the place selected for the holding of the fourth annual meeting (1871), Preston Breckenridge again presiding. Gov. John M. Palmer was the principal speaker, other speak- ers being Samuel Williams, James H. Matheny and John T. Stuart. Preston Breckenridge was again chosen President with Noah Mason Vice President, and Thomas Parks Secretary.

FIFTII ANNUAL GATHERING .- At the fifth an- nual meeting, held August 30, 1872, the proceed- Ings opened with the election of Job Fletcher.

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

895

President, with seventy Vice Presidents and Noah W. Matheny, Secretary. The speakers were Gen. John A. McClernand, Rev. William Rutledge (one of the founders of the Grand Army of the Republic), Major Elijah Iles, Rev. J. D. Randali of Edwardsville, Wm. S. Prentice, Rev. F. H. Wines and George R. Weber.

SIXTII ANNUAL SESSION .- The sixth annual meeting took place at Irwin's Grove near Pleas- ant Plains, August 29, 1873, Job Fletcher pre- siding. An address of welcome was delivered by John Slater of Pleasant Plains, followed by Gen. John M. Palmer as principal speaker. The principal after-dinner speaker was David L. Phillips, other speakers being Russel Godfrey of Menard County, John Thompson of Cass, R. W. Diller of Springfield, Isaac Cogdall of Me- nard, M. K. Anderson and George R. Weber.

The officers clected at this meeting were: S. M. Wilson, of Pleasant Plains, President ; James Parkinson, of Curran, Vice President ; and Noah W. Matheny, Secretary.

SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING .- Crow's Mill, a historic point about eight miles southeast of Springfield, was the place selected for the hold- ing of the seventh annual meeting on September 10, 1874. The day was excessively warm but the "Snow Birds" enjoyed themselves in a beau- tlful grove. Among those seated upon the stand were R. W. Dlller, A. B. Irwin, S. G. Jones, J. W. Keyes, Dr. Shields, S. G. Nesbitt, Philemon Stout, Preston Breckenridge, Job Fletcher and Jacob N. Fullenwider. Judge James H. Math- eny was the principal speaker, others following belng Gen. John M. Palmer, Andrew Simpson, William M. Springer, Davis Meredith and Mr. Slater.

William Burtle was elected President for the ensulng year ; A. B. Irwin and Davls Meredith, Vice Presidents, and Noah M. Matheny, Secre- tary.

EIGIITH ANNUAL MEETING .- Cantrall's Grove, In the north part of Sangamon County, was the place for the eighth annual meeting of the Society (1875), the old settlers of Menard County being invited to participate. Rev. Mr. Vawter, of Cantrall, delivered an address of welcome, belng followed by Gen. Paimer as first and principal speaker. The speakers who fol- lowed were: Isaac Cogdeli of Menard County ; David L. Phillips of Springfield; Elder John England of Ogle County, and Hon. James C. Conkling of Springfield.

Alexander B. Irwin was chosen President and E. C. Matheny Secretary.

NINTH ANNUAL MEETING .- One of the most noted meetings in the history of the Society was that held ou the Fair Ground at Springfield, August 31, 1876, as it called out an audience rising into thousands, besides an unusual num- ber of the pioneer class. Gen. Moses K. Ander- son presided and the speeches were of unusual interest. The principal speakers were Judge James HI. Matheny, Alfred Orendorff and Will- iam H. Herndon, who were followed with brief remarks by George R. Weber, D. W. Clark, M. K. Anderson and others. Alex. B. Irwin was re-elected President; M. K. Anderson, Vlce President, and E. C. Matheny, Secretary.

TENTH REUNION .- The tenth annual meeting was held at Loaml, September 4, 1877, the at- tendance being estimated at several thousand. After an address of welcome delivered by Mr. James M. Turpin, Maj. John T. Stuart delivered an address describing the county as he saw it on coming to Springfield in 1828, and as com- pared with later conditions. This address was one of the most interesting ever dellvered before the Society, and evidently produced a deep im- pression upon its members and the general audience. Other speakers were John Carroll Power, who had recently issued his "History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County," and Rev. J. G. White and J. L. Crane, and some reminiscences were related of Mrs. Elizabeth Harbour's recollections of the attack made by the Indians on Hill's Fort, near what is now Greenville, Bond County, on August 27, 1814.

At the close of this meeting Davis Meredith was re-elected President and E. C. Matheny Secretary.

ELEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING .- This was held at Pleasant Plains, August 22, 1878, and Rev. John Siater and Judge Matheny were the prin- cipal orators. Rev. Willlam H. Millburn, the noted blind orator, who was a resident of Jack- sonville in his youth, and Rev. William Short, also of Jacksonville, were also speakers on this occasion, and the attendance of old settlers from different parts of the county was especially large.

Maxwell Campbell was chosen President for the ensuing year, and James H. Matheny Sec- retary.

TWELFTHI REUNION .- The twelfth annual re- union of the Old Settlers' of Sangamon County

896

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

was heid in Abie's Grove, in the vicinity of Rochester, August 20, 1879, Vice President Aiex. B. Irwin presiding and Dr. E. R. Babcock de- iivering the address of welcome. Hon. Milton Hay acted as principal orator of the occasion, delivering a masteriy and impressive address.

At this mecting Roiand W. Dilier was chosen President.

THIRTEENTII ANNUAL REUNION .. The thir- teenth aunuai reunion (1880) of the Oid Settlers of Sangamon County-for as such, by this time, these annual meetings had come to be regarded -was held in a grove in the rear of the resi- dence of Mr. Daniei Jones in Cotton Hill Town- ship, five miles south of Crow's Mill. Not- withstanding a high temperature in the state of weather, the attendance was large with a fair proportion of the pioneer class. The exercise of the day opened with music, and after an address of welcome by John B. Weber of Pawnee, Mr. Dilier delivered the President's address. This was followed by a brief address by Mr. John Harrison, one of the oldest resi- dents in the vicinity of Pleasant Plains, Judge H. M. Vandeveer, of Christian County, being then the principal speaker. Later speakers were the Hon. James C. Robinson of Spring- field, Mr. Van Deren of Chatham and Mr. Baker of Christian County.

R. W. Diller and James H. Matheny were re- elected President and Secretary, respectively.

FOURTEENTH REUNION .- The fourteenth an- nual rennion was heid at Salisbury near the Sangamon River in the northwest part of Sanga- mon County, the session occupying two days, Angust 24 and 25, 1881. Tents were furnished for the accommodation of those who remained on the ground over night. A stand ornamented with coiored paper in large patterns, in front bore the inscription, "Welcome to the Oid Settiers." The first meeting was held at eight o'clock on the evening of the first day, the exer- cises consisting of music and the telling of stories of early days, closing with the singing of the Doxology. By appointment of President Dilier a prayer meeting was held at 7 o'clock next morning.

On the morning of the second day there was a iarge accession in attendance, the meeting then being calied to order by John H. Harrison of Pleasant Piains, followed by an invocation by Elder Steveus and an address of welcome by Mr. John B. Miller and a response from Presi-

dent R. W. Diiler. Then, after hearing some reminiscences from old settlers, Gov. Shelby M. Cuiiom delivered the principal address. After dinner a business meeting was held at which R. W. Diller and James H. Matheny were elected President and Secretary with a Vice President for each township. Later speakers were Mr. Kennedy, of Springfield ; M. A. Stevens, of Salisbury, Judge James H. Matheny and Gen. M. K. Anderson.

The attempted assassination of President Gar- field having occurred a few weeks previous, Judge Matheny introduced the following resolu- tions which were unanimously adopted :

"Whereas, The President of the United States has been shot down by the hand of a cowardiy assassin, and now iies in a critical condition at the Executive Mansion ;

"Resolved, That the old settlers and friends assembled, deeply deplore the calamity which seems about to befall the country-a calamity which would be none the iess deplorable than the assassination of our old friend and pionecr settler, Abraham Lincoln.

"Resolved, That our prayer will ascend to the Throue of Grace for his speedy recovery, and that our deepest sympathy be extended to his family and to the Nation, in this, their great affliction."

FIFTEENTII ANNUAL MEETING .- A two days' meeting was held on the Mechanicsburg Camp Grounds Angust 16 and 17, 1882. The exer- cises began with a program consisting of music and speaking on Wednesday evening. The pro- gram for the second day consisted of music by the Mechanicsburg Band, and singing by the Old Settiers Choir under the leadership of Prof. Griffin of Pleasant Plains. Addresses were de- livered by Gen. John A. McClernand, W. A. Vin- cent, Capt. Isaac R. Dilier of Chicago, ex-Gov. Johu M. Paimer and others.

Since the date of the previous mecting the following carly settlers had died: Mrs. Jona- than R. Saunders, who came to Sangamon County in 1824, Gen. Moses K. Andersou, who came in 1829, Thomas Snddith in 1834 and Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln in 1839.

R. W. Diller was President and James H. Matheny, Secretary.

SIXTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING .- A two days' meeting was held at Loamui August 29 aud 30, 1883. The proceedings were opened with prayer by Rev. Francis Springer, followed by a welcom- ing address delivered by Cyrus Van Deren. Ex- Governor John M. Palmer and Henry B. Kane were the principai speakers on the first day. A

LYDIA J. TRIMBLE CEDRIC L. HASHMAN

MARY C. TRIMBLE

MRS. NINNIE HASHMAN

EUGENE S. TRIMBLE

897

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

copy of "The Early Life of Major Elijah Iles" was presented to the three Earliest Settlers in the County present at the meeting, viz. : Mary Coleman, Albion Knotts and Jacob Henkle, all of 1818.

The principal speaker on the second day was Judge James A. Crelghton. The officers elected were: James H. Matheny, President, and Roland W. Diller, Secretary.

At this meeting a new Constitution was adopted.

SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING .- A two days' meeting was held August 20 and 21, 1884, at Puiliam's Grove In Ball Township, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Organization of the Society, and of their first meeting on the spot where the first log cabin was bulit in Sangamon County in 1816, making Sangamon County the father of all Old Settlers Societies in the country. A large number of "Snow Birds"-men and women who lived in the county during the winter of the deep snow of 1830-31-occupied the large platform. Martial music was furnished by a band composed of fifers and drummers from sixty to seventy-four years of age, while vocal music was furnished by a choir of 60 voices. After devotional exer- cles conducted by Rev. Josiah Porter, the ad- dress of welcome was given by Charies I. Pul- liam, a grandson of the first settier. As at the preceding two days' meeting, about two hundred of the Old Settlers tented on the grounds and enjoyed the experience. The prin- cipal speakers of the second day's meeting were Hon. James C. Conkling, Wm. M. Springer, Capt. Isaac R. Diiler of Chicago, and E. L. Chapin and Wiley Jones, the last two being representa- tlves of the "Young Settlers."

A subscription paper was signed by one hun- dred men with the view of purchasing ten or fifteen acres, Inciuding the site of the first cabin for a permanent location, if thought advisable, but the project was never carried out.

James H. Matheny was President, and R. W. DIller, Secretary.

EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING .- A two days' meeting was held at Pleasant Plalns, August 26 and 27, 1885. In addition to a drum corps aud a choir of young people, an old folks' cholr sang from the "Old Missourl Harmony," which greatiy dellghted the audience. Col. Dick Taylor of Chicago addressed the andience, it being his first visit among his old friends for twenty-five years.

Hle referred to his part in urging Abraham Lin- coln to issne greenbacks and make them legal tender. Other speakers were Thomas Rees, Robert H. Patton representing the Young Settlers, and others. The principal speaker on the second day was William H. Herndon, Lin- coln's law partner, on "Pioneer Women," which was a high tribute to those worthy wIves and mother's who had made the wilderness blossom as the rose. There were reported to be 266 "Snow Birds" living in seventeen Townships, no reports having been received from the others.

James H. Matheny officiated as President, and Roland W. Diller as Secretary.

NINETEENTH ANNUAL MEETING .- A two days' meeting was held at Irwin's Grove August 17 and 18, 1886. Rev. Joslah Porter, 86 years of age, offered an appropriate prayer. Judge Wm. L. Gross gave an interesting resume of the history of Sangamon since its organization In 1821, out of which the whole or a part of eleven other counties have been carved and yet it still contains 875 square miles of territory. This meeting was marked by the old time relles on exhibition, consisting of spinning wheels, cards for wool, sickles, hackles, etc., and spinning. carding and hackling were exhibited. Ten ladies from sixty to seventy-seven years wore dresses and bonnets of olden times. MIr. George Gregory, the engineer, who operated the first iocomotive in the State of Illinois, was pre- sented with a cane made from one of the rail- road ties of the first rallroad, and while taken by surprise, gave some interesting reminiscences of early railroad history. A special train in the evening brought from Springfield the Apollo Glee Club, the Juvenile Band and the Gover- nor's Gnard, entertalning the crowd with music and a military drill.

The principal address of the second day in- cluded a historical sketch of the geological for- mation and first discovery of Illinols, especially the valley of the Sangamon, by W. W. Lunger, and short speeches by Wm. M. Springer, David T. Littler, Senator Shelby, M. Cullom, Capt. T. W. S. Kidd, Rev. U. M. Brander, Dr. A. L. Con- verse and F. L. Chapin. James R. Matheny officiated as President, Roland W. Diller as Secretary.

THIE TWENTIETH ANNUAL MEETING .- Was held In Cass' Grove, Buffalo Hart, August 3 and 4. 1887. At this meeting 266 persons signed a roll who had lived in Sangamon County over forty

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 1, Part 74

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 864

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 864