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Numerous petitions, signed by thousands of agriculturists and other industrial classes, ' flooded the Legislature at every session, and
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
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public sentiment generally was sought to be aroused in favor of the favorite theme by lect- urers sent out, and by chance addresses as opportunities offered.(1) Among those most prominent in the movement, and one who may well be regarded as the father of the idea of industrial education in this State, was Prof. Jonathan Baldwin Turner, of Jacksonville, whose frequent addresses and weighty argu- ments, based upon what he regarded as the needs of the industrial classes, finally moved the masses to action. His were no appeals to classes, nor did they convey the least sound of socialism. The needs he urged were the needs of men of the State as affected by its coming generations.
At length the General Assembly, at its ses- sion held in 1855, adopted a joint resolution asking Congress to make grants of public lands for the establishment and endowment of colleges for industrial education. The great prevalence of sectional discussion during the years immediately succeeding this date left little time for the discussion of questions of this character, although the Senators from Illi- nois were not wanting in zeal for the new movement. After long discussion Congress passed the necessary act in July, 1862, giving to each State and Territory an amount of public land-scrip equal to thirty thousand acres for each Senator and Representative to which it was then entitled in that body. At that time Illinois was, besides' its two Senators, entitled to fourteen Repre- sentatives, or sixteen in all. This ratio gave to Illinois scrip amounting to four hundred and eighty thousand acres. True to the ideas
(1)"Lecture of Dr. Rutherford .- This gentleman delivered a lecture last evening upon the sub- ject of an Industrial University, and education generally, which was attended by an audience of good size, considering the short notice, and the lecture was listened to with much interest; indeed, the forcible manner in which the sub- ject was treated by Dr. R., could scarcely fail in the object; namely, to awaken in the public mind a general interest and a co-operation in the great cause of Agricultural and Mechanical education, in which is included a plan for the education of teachers for our common schools.
. "No one at all familiar with the practical working of our present system of school-or rather want of system-the utter lack of ca- pacity of nine-tenths of the ephemeral fratern- ity of professed teachers. with an absence of all sympathetic co-operation on the part of parents and guardians, can fail to highly ap- preciate the force of the doctor's arguments and the necessity existing for the establishment. in some eligible part of the State, of a well endowed and a well patronized Normal School." -Urbana Union, Nov. 9, 1854.
involved in the early and late agitation of the movement, the congressional act provided that the magnificent grants to the States should chiefly foster industrial education, by the use of this language: "Its leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in such manner as the Legislatures of the States may respectively prescribe, in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life."
As Illinois was the first to ask this aid in behalf of the youth of the nation, so it was among the first to signify its acceptance of the grant, with the reciprocal obligation implied, which it did early in the legislative session of 1863.
The condition of things which made it pos- sible that Champaign County, out of the one hundred and two counties of Illinois, should become the home of the institution for this State whose existence had been provided for, and whose field of usefulness had been thus indicated by federal enactment, or which to a great extent influenced its location here, is yet to be told and is an important item in local history.
Early in the year 1859, and soon after the passing away of the Urbana Male and Female Seminary, as told in the early part of this chapter, Rev. Jonathan C. Stoughton, a promi- nent clergyman from the north part of this State, and his associates, Messrs. Babcock and Harvey, capitalists from some Eastern State, who had successfully prosecuted a like enter- prise at Aurora near Chicago, came to the two towns, Urbana and West Urbana, and pro- posed to the citizens the erection near by of a Seminary, which, when paid for in the man- ner indicated, should be conveyed by them to'a corporation to be created for educational purposes. Their plan was to purchase a near-by tract of land, plat the same into town- lots as an addition to one of the towns, leav- ing at some suitable place upon the plat, grounds whereon to build a seminary building, and to realize from the sale of the lots in the addition enough to defray all the expense of the purchase of ground and erection of building;
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
and yield a profit to the promoters.(1) When lots sufficient to meet these demands were sold and the money paid, the seminary prop- erty, finished and ready for occupancy, should be conveyed, free of incumbrance, to the church or corporation designated as best cal- culated to carry out the purpose of conduct- ing an educational institution of a high grade.
The proposition looked to be feasible, and the project was favorably considered by all the people. No great length of time would have been occupied in the consideration and accep- tance of the proposition of Messrs. Stoughton, Babcock & Harvey, had our people been gen- erally easy in financial circumstances; but the reverse was true; the farms of the county were unimproved and, in many cases, unpaid for. The finances of the country were totter- ing upon the base of an irresponsible cur- rency, and panic was in the air.
However, all set at work to meet the propo- sition. Public meetings were held and com- mittees were appointed to work up the grow- ing enthusiasm.(2) Money was not asked of
(1)"The New Educational Project .- We under- stand that a company of individuals are pro- posing to erect a large Seminary building near this place, if proper inducements are held out to them. The plan of the project, as we under- stand, is about this: They desire to purchase 200 acres of ground between here and West
Urbana; and upon this they propose to erect their Seminary at a cost of $60,000 to $80,000. The only condition that they make is, that the land shall be sold to them, not at a low, but at a reasonable price. They ask no special favors, nor any particular display of liberality; they propose to carry out the project with their own means if the above condition shall be complied with. This project deserves encouragement. The Company will expend not less than $100,000 in our midst, and leave us an educational establishment of the first class. Of course, those who have it in hand expect to find their profit in it. They expect to be able to sell a sufficient number of lots, at a reasonable price, to repay themselves amply for the outlay. We hope they may go on with it and "make a million" out of it. Mr. Stoughton, of Aurora, one of the gentlemen re- ferred to, was in our place last week looking around and making inquiries, and, we under- stand, left with favorable impressions. A meet- ing of citizens of this place is called for Satur- day evening, and at West Urbana for Monday evening, to consider the project."-Urbana Con- stitution, Jan. 29, 1859.
(2)"Seminary Meeting-Pursuant to notice the citizens of Urbana met at the court house on the evening of Jan. 29, Dr. C. A. Hunt was called to the chair and A. O. Woodworth ap- pointed secretary. On call of the meeting, Drs. Scroggs and Cutcheon and Messrs. J. W. Jaquith, J. S. Wright,
J. P. White and A. M. Ayers addressed the meeting in favor of the project, and urging that what could be done be done at once. On motion of A. M. Ayers, Esq., a committee of three was appointed to confer with a like committee from West Ur- bana in reference to proposals of land holders, etc. A. M. Ayers, John Gere and William Park
the citizens except as the consideration and payment for town lots in the proposed new addition, the lots being graded in price from $300, in the most favorable locations, down to as low as $50 in the remote parts of the plat.
At that time (1859) all the territory east of Wright Street to Lincoln, around and north of the Springfield road in places as far north as Grove Street and as far west as Fourth Street, was either used as farm land or laid uninclosed in open commons, none of it ever having been platted in lots, and no buildings being upon it other than one farm house, the home of William H. Romine. This ground was exceedingly well situated, both locally and topographically for additions to either town, and was bisected by the line which divided the two corporations. All agreed that it should be utilized as the proposed "Seminary Addi- tion," and discussion as to location and proba- ble effect upon the rival towns rested with that.
For months the matter rested with the pro- moters and committees of citizens, pending the procurement of subscriptions for the lots. Meantime discussions and newspaper com- ments sought to awaken interest. (1) Happily
were chosen such committee."-Urbana Consti- tution, Feb. 5, 1859.
"Pursuant to call the citizens of West Urbana assembled at the Congregational church on Monday evening, January 31, to discuss certain propositions for the erection of a first-class seminary in this vicinity. The meeting was organized by electing Dr. S. L. Bierce, chair- man, and J. N. Boutwell, secretary.
"The object of the meeting being explained by Dr. J. W. Scroggs; A. M. Ayers, Esq., was called, who, in a very vigorous and lucid man- ner, portrayed the advantages that would inev- itably accrue from such an enterprise, and if a shadow of doubt had existed in the mind of any of the feasibility of the proposed plan, that doubt must very soon have been exchanged for unlimited confidence.
"It was moved that a committee of three be appointed by the meeting to act in conjunction with a like committee from Urbana (who were present), whose duty it should be to receive proposals from land-owners, and to aid the col- lege company in securing a desirable location. The motion was carried, and Messrs. W. C. Barrett, Alonzo Campbell and C. M. Sherfy were appointed said committee.
"On motion a collection was taken up, and the funds placed in the hands of J. S. Wright, to defray the contingent expenses of meetings connected with the enterprise."-Urbana Con- stitution, Feb. 5, 1859.
(1)"Educational .- A project for the building of an educational institution in the neighbor- hood of Urbana, on foot for several months, seems now about to be brought to a successful termination. Three gentlemen among whom is Rev. Mr. Stoughton of Freeport, have made a proposition to our citizens to purchase a quantity of land just west of town, and partly within the city limits, upon which they will erect a building worth $80,000 and donate it to an educational board who shall hold it in
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
no contention whatever arose in the commun- ity of a sectarian character, as might perhaps be supposed, touching the future church rela- tions of the proposed seminary, all working to the common end and securing first the building for the occupancy of a school. No better or more earnest effort was ever put forth by a people than in this enterprise, which only succeeded more than a year after the initiation of the movement. At last the word went forth that $40,000 in subscriptions for lots had been secured, and shouts went up at the glad consummation.(1) When the com- munity had settled down into the belief and assurance that a seminary building would be had in the near future, more or less discussion followed as to the character of the school which should be sought, and as to the en-
trust for school and college purposes. The build- ing is to be built upon this condition: that our people agree to take $40,000 worth of their lots, to be laid off upon this tract of land, at an average valuation of $200 each, to be paid for as follows: Fifteen per cent when the founda- tion of the building is laid, the balance in two and three years, the building to be completed in three years. The land we learn has already been secured to them and all that is wanting is the pledging of the money to be paid upon the conditions and considerations above stated. The great motive for all human actions is gain, and unless the citizens of our county can see some prospect of this ultimately, to themselves or to their children, they will not and ought not to accept the proposition of Mr. Stoughton and his associates. Unless upon a survey of the whole ground, they can see that the presence in their midst of an institution of learning of a high grade, would, by giving them an oppor- tunity of educating their children at home, at less expense than abroad, where they themselves could superintend their training, would benefit them and advance the value of their property. they should not accept the proposition. But surely they will so see their interests. They will see that the erection of a college in our midst will call about us a class of population desirable to any community or any state, and with such a people will come wealthy enter- prises and manufacturing interests, the very elements necessary to the building up of any country."-Urbana Clarion, June 16, 1860.
(1)"The Seminary .- We are happy to be able to announce to our friends that the construc- tion of an educational building one hundred and eighty feet front by eighty feet deep, five stor- ies high above the basement, between Urbana and the Depot, is now a fixed fact. The con- tracts, bonds, covenants, etc., pertaining to the preliminary arrangements, are all drawn and signed, and all that remains is to commence and push forward the work.
'The building is to be located on the open space between the towns, twenty or thirty rods from the Urbana Railroad, which will render it easy of access to students in either place; and if but one-half the benefits anticipated are realized, it will do very much to render our town and county a desirable place of residence. A school of a high order is very much needed in this part of the State, it being almost en- tirely destitute of any but common school facil- ities."-Urbana Clarion, July 7, 1860.
dowment through which efficiency should be given to it. Various and, in many cases, very wild were the suggestions offered.
Early in 1862, and after the walls began to rise upon the plat of ground near the junction of what is now known as University Avenue and Wright Street-which is now part of the athletic grounds of the University of Illinois -the Federal Congress, even with the dark cloud of Civil War hovering over it, had before it for consideration what has since come to be known as the "Morrill Bill," for the appro- priation of a portion of the public lands for the establishment of agricultural colleges in the several States, and was causing much in- terest in Illinois, where the idea had originated and had been fostered.
At that time there lived in Urbana a retired physician, Dr. C. A. Hunt, who had taken great interest in the seminary project, and felt much solicitude for its future. To him came the idea, about July, 1862, of offering to the State of Illinois, as a home for its future Agricultural College under the Morrill bill, the Seminary whose walls were then rising a few blocks away. He suggested the idea in the hearing of the writer, and, so far as he knows or believes, Dr. Hunt was the author of the movement which has since borne such abun- dant fruit for Champaign County.
The suggestion found its way into the news- papers of the county, and was taken up by the people who never let go the idea until they fully realized the hope.(2)
At the period referred to the cloud of war hung heavily over everything, and many of our citizens who were usually most active in pub- lic matters, and who afterwards took a lead- ing part in securing the location of the Uni- versity, were absent in the army, but those at home were faithful in agitating the measure and in maturing plans of action. The local newspapers kept the matter before the peo- ple of the county, who at the proper time, were ready as one man for action.
(1)"The Seminary Project .- The necessary stock demanded by Mr. Stoughton and his associates has been subscribed by the people of our coun- ty, and all that remains now is to close up the bargain and proceed with the work.
"A project is on foot to try and induce the location of the State Agricultural College at this place, to take possession of the new edifice when built. If this is successful, a brilliant fu- ·ture awaits our towns and county, and the bal- ance of mankind who are not already here had better lose no time in speaking for a location." -Urbana Clarion. June 30. 1860.
778
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
At the general election of 1864, besides choosing a President for the country, a Gen- eral Assembly was to be chosen, before which the matter of giving force to the matured Fed- eral plan of instituting the new educational movement would come. The war spirit occu- . pied the public mind to the exclusion of all minor questions, and men were chosen to the legislative body more with reference to that absorbing topic than any other. No member was chosen from this county, and reliance alone could be had upon gentlemen from other counties. With this condition in view, our people took measures to carry on the cam- paign through a lobby organized for work at the State capital.(1) Between the date of the election and the time for the meeting of the Legislature in January, 1865, a thorough organ- ization was effected. The Board of Super- visors of this county held a special meeting on December 19, 1864, before which the proj- ect was formally laid, and, without any con- siderable opposition, the Board determined to use every means for carrying out the project for securing the location.
Meanwhile other localities in the State were not sleeping upon their local claims, and de- mands for the new institution were put forth. The claims of these places, some of which had, in years gone by, captured with little effort other State institutions, it was observed by our people, were unaccompanied with proposi- tions of material aid or of buildings within which to house the school. The committee of those who had agitated the movement, held a meeting at Springfield after the election in 1864, to lay out their program for the work of chartering and locating the proposed school, which, in common parlance, was spoken of as the "Agricultural College"-reference being had to one of the leading objects of the school named in the Federal act. This committee agreed upon the form of an organic act to be submitted to the Legislature-and, in fact upon a location-and published a report of their action, or gave it out for publication. Of this action our people took notice and were
prepared to meet it with their own proposi- tion. (1)
One difficulty of a serious character inter- posed here at home in the way of the free offer to the State of the seminary property, and that at first was considered almost insurmount- able. It will be remembered that the proposi- tion of the Messrs. Stoughton, Babcock and Har- vey, made to the citizens at the first, was the subscription of $40,000 for the lots in the Semi- nary addition, and that this requirement was met to their satisfaction in 1860. Now, when public sentiment was at fever-heat upon the question of the use of the building by the State, these gentlemen put in an additional claim for a large amount of money which they insisted must be paid to them before the com- pleted building could be turned over for pub- lic use. This was on account of the insol- vency of many of the original subscribers who had failed in the general financial crash at the coming on of the War of the Rebellion. It was made a condition by them that, not only the places of these defaulting subscribers for lots be filled by respectable men, but that a considerable additional sum be furnished to meet other liabilities. At the first this un- looked for demand formed an obstacle which staggered the friends of the movement, and invited severe criticisms of the gentleman mak- ing the demand. (2)
(1)"The recent showing of hands made at the meeting of the committee at Springfield, ren- ders the probability very strong that, if an offer is made by those holding the title to the new Seminary, to convey it, free of incum- brance, to the State, that the great boon will be secured. The advantage gained to this county in every respect, would, as we see it, be almost incalculable. Every acre of land in Champaign County would become enhanced in value by bringing such educational advantages home to the people living here. The Agricul- tural College, wherever located, will make the fortunate town or county at once the headquar- ters for science and scientific men of the State, and bring about its site an intelligent, educa- tion-loving people. That its advantages would be great, no one can for a moment deny. The means for securing it most concerns us now." -Gazette, Dec. 16, 1864.
(2)"In a meeting at the Seminary in this place on Monday evening, in the course of a few remarks touching the question of donating the building to the State. Mr. Stoughton, one of the proprietors and builders, gave the people to understand that, before any such donation could be effected, the people here, or somebody else, must come forward and take the remain- ing outstanding stock in the institution, amounting to $35,000 or $40,000, so that the projectors may be wholly reimbursed for all money and time expended bv them in its con- struction. It is well enough for Messrs. Stough- ton and Babcock to insist upon this and to se- cure, if possible, a repayment of the money
(1)"At a meeting of the citizens of Urbana on Monday evening, J. W. Sim, C. R. Griggs and R. T. Miller were appointed to secure, if possible, the location of the Agricultural Col- lege. Since then the citizens of Champaign have appointed a committee consisting of Mark Car- ley, M. L. Dunlap and J. W. Scroggs, to co-op- erate in the work. The citizens of Champaign County will be ably represented in the matter by these gentlemen."-Gazette, Dec. 16, 1864.
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
Resort was at once had to a friendly Board of Supervisors to tide the community over this difficulty. A special meeting of the Board was at once summoned and the whole matter laid before it. Public sentiment throughout the county had already been pretty thoroughly aroused by the discussion which had been going on for a year, both in the newspapers of the county and otherwise. The local commit- tees in charge of the project appeared before the Board and, with strong influences to help from all over the county, secured the favor- able action of the county authorities. (1) Of
invested by them; but suppose the people here, from being too poor or any other cause, fail to come to time upon this money question within the next twenty days, what will be the effect? Will Messrs. Stoughton & Babcock still insist upon the pound of flesh and refuse to convey, and thus lose forever, perhaps, the opportunity of making their enterprise subserve the uses of the public or their own use? Without a school of a high order permanently established in the building, it is worth to them less than the brick of which it is built before they were removed from the kiln where they were burned, and to successfully establish such a school, without an endowment, requires years of energy and toil. What is the building or the adjoining lots worth to them, if it possesses, no charm to draw the people thitherward? These are questions that it behooves the proprietors of the brick building on the prairie between the towns, well and quickly to consider. If we are rightly im- pressed, they have a greater interest in secur- ing the location of the Agricultural College of the State here than any other property owners in the county, and that their financial salvation depends upon it. If they can afford to have the immense pile of brick stand there with no soul to animate it, property owners a little farther off, who live upon and till their ground, can afford it.
"We do not make these remarks to discourage any efforts that may be made by Messrs. Stoughton & Babcock to extricate their enter- prise from embarrassment, but trust they may succeed. It is right and proper that the people come forward and show their appreciation of the enterprise by bearing part of the burden; but when they make the payment of the last dollar a sine qua non to the conveyance, we can assure them that there may be such a thing as a refusal on the part of the people to ask for the endowment now held in abeyance, and if they should conclude not to ask it, the chances of getting it here would be very slin.
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