Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Morgan County, Part 134

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Short, William F., 1829- 4n
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286

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CHAPTER IX.

RURAL CHURCHES.

EARLY CHURCH ORGANIZATION IN COUNTRY DIS- TRICTS-METHODIST. BAPTIST, CONGREGATIONAL AND CHRISTIAN SOCIETIES-SOME DISBANDED CHURCHES-CHANGES DUE TO DEATH OF EARLY MEMBERS. REMOVALS AND THE CREATION OF NEW CENTERS OF POPULATION.

Some of the following country churches were organized fully seventy years ago, and some at a later period, but it has been impossible to obtain reliable information as to the date of their organization, or who were prominent in their formation. They all have had a contin- uous and useful existence to the present time.

Mount Zion Church (Methodist Episcopal) is located five miles northwest of Jacksonville. It is the outgrowth of the first religious organi- zation formed in Morgan County. This was done in 1822, in the house of James Deaton, Sr .. by Rev. John Glanville, in the neighborhood of

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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

the site of the present church building. It has had a continuous existence to the present time.

McKendree Chapel (Methodist Episcopal) is lccated about eight miles northwest of Concord. It has been a strong and influential church in that community from the time of its organiza- tion. It was noted as the home church of the distinguished Newman family. Mrs. Newman, the mother, was widely known by reason of her great and varied gifts. No one of that day im- pressed the community more deeply and perma- nently than did she. Several of her sons became well known ministers, and other sons were equally distinguished in the various lines of their chosen callings.

Ebenezer Church (Methodist Episcopal), four miles northwest of Jacksonville, was among the earliest of Methodist churches in the county. It became distinguished by the residence there of that prince of the pulpit, Rev. Peter Akers, D. D., and the saintly Rev. John McElfresh, who gave three sons to the ministry of the church, who lived and labored long and useful- ly in Central Illinois. It was also the location of the Ebenezer Manual Labor School, else- where described in this history. The church has continuously maintained a large, active and influential membership.

Salem Church (Methodist Episcopal), three miles east of Jacksonville, was among the ear- liest religious societies formed in the county. It was noted for the residence of a remarkably. gifted and singular minister, Rev. William Stribling. The church has had a useful exist- ence to the present time.

Asbury Church (Methodist Episcopal), now lo- cated seven miles southeast of Jacksonville, was formerly located on the Vandalia public road about two miles north of its present site. In order to secure a more central location for the accommodation of the congregation, the change was made, and a more modern church build- ing was erected and dedicated January 1, 1875. After several years the building was destroyed by fire. The society immediately rebuilt, and have continued their successful work to the present time.

Hebron Church (Methodist Episcopal), nine miles northeast of Jacksonville, was among the first religious societies formed in the county. It is located on the site of the famous Robin- son camp-ground, of pioneer times, where many thousands congregated and where many were

converted and recruited the membership of the church during those annual Feasts of the For- est. The Sinclair Railroad station is now located there.

Shiloh Church (Methodist Episcopal), seven miles north of Jacksonville, had a very early origin and has had a continuous and useful life to the present time.

Providence Church (Methodist Episcopal), four miles west of Franklin, was among the earliest Methodist churches of the county, and still has a strong and influential membership.

Durbin Church (Methodist Episcopal), six miles west of Franklin, from the time of its early organization has filled a large and useful place in that community.

Little York Church (Methodist Episcopal) four miles northwest of Waverly, was formed at an early day and still is active in its work.

Wesley Chapel (Methodist Episcopal), five miles west of Jacksonville, has had a strong and progressive membership from the time of its organization to the present time.

Mount Zion Church (Methodist Episcopal), four miles southeast of Murrayville, was among the early religious organizations of the county. It has had an excellent and influential class of citizens in its membership.

Liberty Church (Methodist Protestant ) is located five miles west of Jacksonville, near Markham, a station on the Wabash Railroad. It has had a worthy record of usefulness in that community.

Union Church (Baptist) is located near Pis- gah station, on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, seven miles southeast of Jack- sonville. It is one of the early Baptist churches in the county and has included in its member- ship some of the county's distinguished citi- zens, among whom was the late Hon. Samuel Woods.

Antioch Church (Christian), eight miles east of Jacksonville, has had a long and useful his- tory. Its membership has included many of the foremost citizens of that community.

Appalona Church (Methodist Episcopal) is lo- cated at the site of the abandoned town of that name, two miles west of Waverly. It was the home church of Hon. Newton Cloud, one of the worthiest and most prominent citizens of the State, both in civil and religious affairs. He died and was buried a little distance from the church.

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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

Hart's Prairie Baptist Church is located a few miles south of Franklin. In 1836 the Disciples entered Hart's Prairie and organized a church in the house of Mr. Solomon Hart. They con- tinued to hold services there until about 1845, when the place of meeting was transferred to a new school house that had been built by sub- scription, with a provision that it could be used for religious purposes. About 1850 the Disci- ples joined with two other congregations of that faith and united in the erection of a church building in Scottville. In about 1867 a union meeting was held by Methodists and Baptists under the preaching of Elder William P. Hart, a minister of the Baptist Church. As the re- sult of that meeting the Baptist Church of Hart's Prairie was organized by Revs. J. A. Moreland, George Hart and William P. Hart, the latter being the chief actor in the move- ment, which was accomplished October 19, 1867. The church has had a large membership. It is still the home church of its chief founder, Rev. W. P. Hart, who has long been one of the best known and most esteemed ministers of Morgan County. A beautiful and commodious house of worship was erected by the church several years ago.

Joy Prairie Congregational Church .- Rev. Wil- liam H. Williams, Principal of Jacksonville Fe- male Academy, became the owner of a farm near the site of Concord, which required frequent. visits to that neigliborhood. He became strongly impressed that the conl- munity greatly needed better religious opportunities. About the same time Rev. Bilious Pond, who was in the employ of the American Home Missionary Society, visited relatives residing in that settlement. Those two men, Williams and Pond, immediate- ly began the work of organizing a church. Eighteen persons were found who were dis- posed to unite in that effort, and offered them- selves for membership. A meeting of those persons was called at the residence of Mr. A. K. Barber on February 2, 1845, for the purpose of forming the new church. A sermon was preached by Rev. William H. Williams, after which Mr. C. F. Fry was called to the chair, and Mr. Bowman was appointed secretary.

The question as to whether the church should be Congregational or Presbyterian was settled by balloting, in which those who had first ex-

pressed their willingness to abide by the deci- sion of the majority took part. The result of the ballot showed a majority in favor of the Presbyterian form of government. But the de- cision seems to have been regarded as tenta- tive, for it was immediately "Resolved, That a majority of two thirds of the members present at any meeting, two weeks' notice having been given, may change the church government to the Congregational form." Concord was adopt- ed as the name of the church, which was also given to the town when it was laid out later.

Rev. Mr. Williams was engaged to supply the pulpit on alternate Sabbaths, which he did, for the most part gratuitously, during the first year. Early in the year 1846 the church en- tered upon the undertaking of erecting a house of worship, which now seemed indispensable. It was dedicated on the second Sabbath of the following November, President J. M. Sturtevant preaching the dedicatory sermon. In the sum- mer of 1847 Rev. Alanson Alvord was engaged to fill the pulpit, his pastorate continuing fif- teen months. Mrs. Alvord opened a private school, the use of the church building being given her for that purpose. She was an acconi- plished teacher, and her work contributed large- ly to the increase of the membership of the church.

In the course of time the location of the church in the town of Concord was no longer central for the membership, and at a meeting of the church heid January 4, 1864, action was taken looking to a change of location. On March 7, following, it was voted to accept the offer of Mr. Alfred Williams of ground on which to build the new church, being two and one- half miles south of the town of Concord. The church was dedicated January 3, 1865, Rev. W. A. Chamberlin preaching the dedicatory ser- mon. The parsonage, commodious and conve- nient, was completed by the first of September following. The Concord Congregational Churchi has been, from its organization, one of the most useful churches in the county, by reason of the worthy and high character of its membership.

Rohrer Chapel (Methodist Episcopal). four miles south of Waverly, was among the earliest church organizations in Morgan County. Its first name was Brush College. When the pres- ent church was built, several years ago, the name was changed to Rolirer Chapel. For a

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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

country church, it had a large and influential membership, including a number of the most prominent citizens of the county.

A Baptist church in the same community had an early origin and a useful history.

Union Primitive Baptist Church .-- The Union Primitive Baptist Church, located at what is now the village of Yatesville, was organized in 1825 by Rev. William Crow, who was the pas- tor of the church until 1860. Rev. I. N. Van Meter was pastor for twenty-four years. Rev. John L. Scott is the present pastor, Samuel Koontz, the church clerk, and Charles Buraker and Charles Nall the present deacons. From its organization the church has included in its membership many excellent and prominent citi- zens of Morgan County. Mr. William J. La- tham has been an attendant and active mem- ber during the past fifty-five years. Among the distinguished ministers of the county none surpassed Rev. William Crow in natural ability and uprightness of character and life.

Clark's Chapel .- Clark's Chapel, a Baptist church, is located about four miles northeast of Jacksonville. It was formerly known as the Hickory Grove Baptist Church. It was organ- ized about 1857. The reorganization occurred about 1885. The present membership numbers about thirty-five and includes some of the best citizens of the county. Rev. T. J. Brown is the pastor.

Diamond Grove Baptist Church .- The Diamond Grove Baptist Church is one of the oldest Bap- tist societies in Illinois, having been constituted April 26, 1823, with twelve members. It is the oldest church connected with the Springfield Baptist Association, and was one of the con- stituent churches of that organization. Among its earliest pastors were Rev. Jonathan Sweet and Rev. Joel Sweet. The former was the first moderator of the Association, and the latter one of its earliest missionaries, being thus employed as early as 1839. In 1856 the church completed the erection of a house of worship, located about seven miles southeast of Jacksonville. In 1862 Daniel D. Holmes was licensed to preach, and soon afterward was ordained for the work of the ministry. He has served the church as pastor with great acceptability, without inter- ruption from 1865 to the present time.

Berea Christian Church .-- The Berea Christian Church is located three miles south of Prentice. It was organized by Rev. Charles F. Roe in

1854. During the pastorate of Rev. Marshall Goode the membership exceeded one hundred. Rev. Charles E. French is the present pastor. Under his labors recently twenty members were added and a reorganization was effected. Among its chief members may be named Mr. George E. Deweese, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Deweese, Miss Lizzie Deweese, Mrs. Lydia Hymes, Miss Mina Hymes, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Robertson, Mrs. Catherine Strawn, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Bingham, Mrs. Charles Swain and Mr. D. D. Robinson.

Disbanded Churches .- In the early settlement of the county a number of churches were estab- lished, having for a time a numerous member- ship, and some of them for a number of years a useful and prosperous existence. But when the county came to be completely settled the centers of population were changed, and the location of a number of churches ceased to be central for the communities. Frequent changes in the selection of homes brought in new residents, often with different religious af- filiations or having no churchly connection. Towns were laid out, forming new centers of population and new religious organizations. Those causes naturally worked the disbandment of many churches, and the formation of others. A complete list of such instances of extinction is not here attempted.

Cumberland Presbyterian .- The Cumberland Presbyterians were pioneers in religious organ- izations in the county. They had a camp ground and a log church eight miles northeast of Jack- sonville, near the home of Col. Samuel T. Mat- thews, as early as 1824. The church was or- ganized by Rev. John Berry, probably in 1823. He became widely known as one of the greatest preachers of his time. He was the author of an able and scholarly work on Baptism. That church seems to have existed only a few years.

Pisgah Presbyterian Church .- As early as 1832 services were held six miles southeast of Jack- sonville, probably conducted by Rev. John Brich, a missionary of the Presbyterian Church. A log church building was erected to which the name of Pisgah was given. Occas- ional services were held until 1833, when Rev. William Gallagher became the pastor. Dr. Ed- ward Beecher acted as moderator in the organ- ization of the church, which was effected in the house of Mr. William C. Stevenson. Rev. Mr. Gallagher continued his pastorate for thir-

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY. 669

ty-three years, when he was succeeded by his nephew, Rev. Thomas Gallagher. He was suc- ceeded in turn by Rev. William D. Sanders, D. D., for several years. In 1839 a new frame building was erected. About 1870 the location of the church was no longer central for the congregation, and it was mutually arranged to divide the membership and form two churches. The membership residing south of the old church formed the Unity Presbyterian Church, located about eight miles southeast of Jackson- ville. A few years ago that church building was removed to the village of Woodson, the people transferring their membership to that place. The members of the Pisgah Church liv- ing north of the old church united in forming the new Pisgah Church, located near the vil- lage of Orleans. Pisgah Station on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad took its name from the old Pisgah Church that was near by the site of the station.

Wesley Chapel .- At a very early period in the settlement of Morgan County a society of the Methodist Episcopal Church was formed at the town of Bethel. A brick church building was erected about one mile west of Bethel, to which the name of Wesley Chapel was given. It had a large membership, and was very prosperous for many years. With the formation of Meth- odist societies at Concord and Chapin, the mem- bership declined in numbers, being finally trans- ferred to those churches, and the old Wesley Chapel ceased to exist.

Morris Chapel .- A society of the Methodist Episcopal Church was formed between Concord and Arcadia. They had a small frame church building. After several years the membership had so declined in numbers that they were transferred to other places and the church was thus disbanded.

Bethel Methodist Protestant Church .- The Meth- odist Protestant Church had a society in Bethel very early in the existence of the county. After the organization of churches of that denomina- tion in Concord and Chapin, and other con- tiguous communities, the Bethel Church was disbanded, and the remaining members were transferred to other places.

Chapin Congregational Church .- About the year 1872 a Congregational Church was organized in Chapin, and a church building was erected. Aft- er an existence of a few years the church build- ing was sold to the Christian Church congrega- tion.

Hopewell Union Church .- A Union church was erected a few miles west of Concord jointly by the Methodist Episcopal and Cumberland Presbyterian Churches. It ceased to be used for religious services several years ago.

Centerville Baptist Church .- A Baptist church was organized at a place known as Centerville, about three miles east of Chapin, about 1850. The organization was discontinued about 1870. A small church building was erected. The pas- tor, Rev. A. B. Harris, was buried at that place.

Christian Churches .- An organization of the Christian Church was formed and a church building erected on the Meredosia public road. a few miles east of Chapin. After the organ- ization of the Christian Church at Chapin the membership of the former church was trans- ferred to Chapin and their church building was sold.

A Christian church was organized about nine miles southeast of Jacksonville a number of years ago. It had considerable prosperity for some years. After the organization of the Christian Church in Woodson the membership of the former was transferred to that place.

Hart's Prairie Methodist Episcopal Church .- Within the years of 1840 and 1843 Mr. Eli Aus- tin came from North Carolina and located in Hart's Prairie. Soon after a Methodist society was formed in his house. Rev. John Mathers, late of Jacksonville, was their first preacher. About 1845 a school house was built in the neighborhood and the religious services were transferred to that place. About the year 1854 they built a good frame church. The society was reorganized and continued to hold services there until about 1865, when the membership having become so greatly reduced by death and removals, services were finally discontinued and the society was disbanded.

Jersey Prairie Church (Presbyterian ) was or- ganized the last Sabbath of April, 1830, with fourteen members. It was short-lived.

The Soule Methodist Episcopal Church (South) was organized about 1865. It erected a good church building on South Mauvaisterre and East College Streets, Jacksonville, at a cost of about $5,000. After several years of success- ful work the society was disbanded and the members united with other churches in the city. The members of the church included a number of excellent citizens. The church building was purchased by the Salvation Army and has since been used for the barracks of the Army.

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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

The Free Methodist Church organized a society and erected a church building on South Main Street in the city of Jacksonville. After a few years' existence services were discontinued and the church building was offered for sale.

Second Christian Church .- The Second Chris- tian Church in Jacksonville was organized in the old Court House in 1866, by twelve persons, among whom were Workman Cully, L. B. Ross, Charles E. Russell and Hiram Smedley and their families. They used the court house as their place of worship until the completion of their church building on South Main Street in 1868. At one time their membership num- bered seventy. Rev. J. E. Wright was the pas- tor till 1870. He was succeeded in the pas- torate of the church by Revs. J. J. Summerbell, C. W. Garroutte and P. W. Sinks, each serving only a short time. The society was disbanded in the fall of 1877 and the church building was sold. After a few years the property was pur- chased by Mr. Francis Niessen and converted into his present beautiful residence.

German Lutheran Church .- About the year 1870 German Lutheran Church was organized

a which erected a small church building on North Church Street, Jacksonville, between West State . and West North Streets. The organization was

continued only a few years when it was dis- banded.

CHAPTER X. MISCELLANEOUS.

THE REGULATORS AND THEIR WAR AGAINST CRIME- PUBLIC FLOGGING-SALE OF PAUPERS-STORY OF A COUNTERFEITER-DANIEL WEBSTER AND MARTIN VAN BUREN VISIT JACKSONVILLE-GEN. GRANT'S MEMORABLE VISITS-COTTON GROWING-BRINGING OF THE FIRST SLAVES TO ILLINOIS-ATTEMPT TO OVERRIDE THE ORDINANCE OF 1787-THE SLAVE- RY CONTEST OF 1824-MORGAN COUNTY OPPO- NENTS OF THE INSTITUTION-ORGANIZATION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY-THE PORTUGUESE COL- ONY-JACKSONVILLE IN 1834.

The early settlers of Morgan County were usually an upright and honorable class of citi- zens. On their arrival in the new country they made immediate provision for the establish- ment of schools and churches. But not all of

the first pioneers were of that character. The country became infested by a band of unprin- cipled renegades and desperadoes at a very early period of its existence. Horse-stealing, house-breaking, store-robbing and other depre- dations were common. A gang of such outlaws was known under the names of Abraham Wil- liams, Keller, John Cotrill and two brothers, Henry and Jerry Percifield. For some myste- rious reason Keller dropped his surname and was known here as Abe Williams. Their op- erations finally became so daring and atrocious that the citizens became alarmed and aroused. A public meeting was held, and, among other things, a company was formed, consisting of ten law-abiding men of well known courage, who bound themselves together under the name of the Regulators of the Valley, to rid the coun- try of horsethieves and robbers, and not to cease their efforts until they had accomplished that object. A regular constitution was drawn up and subscribed to, which paper, it is said, is still in existence. In the meantime the out- laws removed to the west side of the Illinois River. The band of regulators followed on, crossing the river near the mouth of the Mau- vaisterre, and, arriving near the house of Wil- liams, halted to make further arrangements. Before the encircling lines could be formed and the outposts stationed, the family became alarmed by the noise and the fierce barking of the dogs. One of the household cautiously opened the door and by means of the light pro- ceeding from the room, discovered the attack- ing party. The immediate cry was "Indians! Indians!" supposing that the house was sur- rounded by the savages. Williams, seizing his rifle, rushed out of the house. Presently from all sides came shouts "fire! fire!" and Williams fell, exclaiming "I am a dead man." It is be- lieved that he was buried on the left bank of Magee's Creek, in Pike County. Morgan County has never been troubled with such desperadoes since.

Public Flogging .- In an old book in the Mor- gan County court house (A., page 243, Law Rec- ord) can still be found the following recorded as a proceeding of the September term of court, 1831, Samuel D. Lockwood being Judge and Samuel T. Matthews Sheriff:

"The people of Illinois vs. Charles King, upon indictment for forgery. The said Charles King being brought to the bar in custody of the

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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

Sheriff, and being inquired of whether he had anything to say why the court should not now proceed to pronounce sentence of the law against him, replied that he had not; where- upon, it is ordered by the court that defendant be fined in the sum of fifty dollars, that he be imprisoned for the term of four months in the jail of the County of Morgan, that he receive on his bare back twenty-five lashes for the of- fense of forgery, whereof he stands convicted by the verdict of the jury. And it is ordered that the Sheriff inflict the punishment of stripes on the defendant on the first day of December, next, between the hours of ten o'clock and two o'clock of that day, on the public square of Jacksonville. It is further ordered that the de- fendant pay the costs of this prosecution and be imprisoned until the fine and costs be paid, and the costs of imprisonment." The whipping was administered in the mildest degree con- sistent with the carrying out of the sentence, and, it is related by witnesses, that the kind- hearted Sheriff was moved to tears when he was ordered to administer the punishment. There are other instances of flogging recorded; one of Benjamin Crisp, for larceny, and others.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Morgan County, Part 134

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Short, William F., 1829- 4n Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1286

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Short, William F., 1829- 4n
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286