Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Morgan County, Part 143

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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"The Jacksonville Enterprise" was established in 1874 as a weekly paper by Mr. James S. Ham- baugh. In 1875 he started the publication of the "Daily Enterprise." The Enterprise office was sold in May, 1876, to T. D. Price & Co., who also

JosephAt Ferman

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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

had bought at the same time the "Jacksonville Sentinel" establishment, and in May, 1876, the two offices were united under the name of the "Illinois Courier."

"The Daily Advertiser" was published a short time in 1866, by Mr. Frank Martin, with a weekly edition. Both were short lived.

"The Western Observer" was published, proba- bly in 1830, by Mr. James G. Edwards, who came to Illinois in 1829 for the purpose of publishing a newspaper. The subscription terms were $2.50 a year, if paid in advance. Near the end of 1831 Mr. Edwards began the publication of the "Illi- nois Patriot," one of the several early papers that from time to time finally took permanent form in the present "Jacksonville Journal."

"The Constitutionalist."- In 1852 "The Consti- tutionalist" was founded by Dr. Edward R. Roe. Before coming to Jacksonville he had been a professor in Shurtleff College at Alton. He was succeeded in the management of the paper by Mr. T. H. Cavanaugh, and Cavanaugh still later by Mr. John M. Taggart. The dates of these changes are not preserved in any available rec- ord. Under the last named proprietor the first experiment in the publication of a daily paper in Jacksonville was made. An edition of 250 copies was printed off for six months from a hand press, but it was found to be too unprofit- able to be continued longer. "The Constitution- alist" was established as a Whig paper, and was announced as "a weekly paper for the people, devoted to the best interests of Illinois." It was still published In 1856, when it supported Mil- lard Fillmore for President, but soon after was discontinued. Under date of May 25, 1855, the editor announced that "We have authorized Mr. William M. Springer (later Congressman and Judge Springer) to receive subscriptions, and receipt for same." Thus began an honorable and useful career that attained national fame and usefulness.

"The Farm," an agricultural paper, was found- ed by Mr. I. N. Bunce, March 1, 1899. It was started as a seven-column follo, and issued monthly. After four months the size was doubled, making it an eight-page paper. After six months from the last change in form it was issued semi-monthly, and the size and Issue have continued the same. It is now published by I. N. Bunce & Co. Mr. J. H. Hackett, a practical and successful farmer for many years, has had the editorial direction of the paper since 1900.

Mr. I. N. Bunce was with the Jacksonville Jour- nal Company for twelve years, and resigned hls position In order to start "The Farm." It has had a very satisfactory history financially and in other respects. Although intended to be a local agricultural paper, yet it is well adapted to the needs of that pursuit in Central Illinois and adjacent territory.

"The Jacksonville Hatchet" began its brief newspaper career in November, 1855, being pub- lished by Mr. William T. Davis. The paper was devoted to wit, humor, fancy, news, etc. It contained four pages of four columns each, and had no advertisements. It is said that the paper published some standard jokes that are still cur- rent in the city. Its early decease may have been due to youthful precocity.

"The Buchanan Banner" came into existence during the Presidential campaign of 1856. was published by Mr. William T. Davis, who had shortly before published the "Jacksonville Hatchet." When it furled its banner and retired to its long rest is not recorded.

"The Argus" was published in 1859, by Mr. N. B. Walker. Its newspaper voyage was soon finished.

"The Campaign Argument" had its origin dur- ing the Presidential campaign of 1860. It was edited by Mr. C. J. Sellon. When its "argument" was finished is not stated, but it is presumed to have closed its career with the end of the cam- paign, which resulted in the election of Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency for the first time. Mr. Sellon was afterwards connected with the edito- rial department of the "Illinois State Journal." at Springfield, until after the beginning of the war, when he entered the service as a soldier.

"The Dispatch" was published as a weekly pa- per in the years of 1861 and 1862, by Mr. Edward Trover. Its mission was prosecuted with such "dispatch" that its career was soon ended.

"The Daily Union" was launched in the fall of 1868. It was published by Messrs. William T. Davis, I. J. Ketcham and Hon. H. J. Atkins, Mr. Davis belng editor, formerly publisher of the "Jacksonville Hatchet," and the "Buchanan Banner." Like many other unlons the "Daily Union" had a brief existence.

"The Central Illinois Democrat," published by Messrs. Warren Case and J. H. Ritchle, was started early In the year 1899, as a weekly pa- per. It had a good circulation and was finan-

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cially successful. On November 21, 1899, "The Morning Democrat" was launched by Warren Case, J. H. Ritchie and J. I. McGready. It was continued as a morning paper for two months, when it was changed to "The Evening Demo- crat." It continued six weeks when the estab- lishment was sold. The weekly issue was pub- lished till the sale of the property. Mr. George W. Davis was the city editor, and Mr. A. A. Mc- Donald and Mr. A. F. Ayers were reporters of the papers during their continuance.

J' Other secular papers published in Jackson- ville have included the "Mutual Aid Herald," published by the George E. Doying Sons; the "Illinois. Legal Index" (discontinued), and the "Morgan County Medical Journal" (also discon- tinued).

· "The Banner of Holiness," an eight-page weekly religious paper, was for eleven years, beginning October 1, 1872, published at Bloomington, Ill., by Brooks & Reynolds, for the Western Holiness Association, and later by the Association, Rev. J. P. Brooks being the editor during the full time of its issuance from Bloomington. At the Association's annual meeting in August, 1883, Rev. L. B. Kent was elected editor and publish- ing agent, and late in October the office was moved to Jacksonville, where the paper was issued till January, 1890, when it was consoli- dated with "The Highway," published at Nevada, Iowa-the consolidated paper being named "The Highway and Banner of Holiness." In a short time it was moved to Des Moines, Iowa, Revs. Isaiah Reid being editor, and L. B. Kent asso- ciate editor, by election of the new publishing company. Two years later The Christian Wit- ness Company fell heir to the paper and moved its own principal publishing office from Boston to Chicago, where its greater paper, "The Christ- ian Witness," is now published.

"Work." -- Beginning in August, 1875, the Young Men's Christian Association began the publication of a monthly paper named "Work," which was issued for two years. It was a valu- able help in informing the people of the plans and purposes of the association, and acquainting them, from month to month, of its needs and work.

"The College Rambler," published by the stu- dents of Illinois College, is issued semi-monthly during the college year, having been established in 1878. As a college publication, it has had a high rank for ability and mechanical excellence,

and has been of much service to the institution.

"The Jubilee and College Greetings." -- The sug- gestion of a college paper had its origin in the wish of the management and friends of the Illi- nois Female College properly to observe the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the insti- tution, and in connection with the' Commence- ment exercises in June, 1897. The first number of the "Jubilee Greetings" was published Janu- ary, 1897, in behalf of the Illinois Female Col- lege, with President Joseph R. Harker as gen- eral manager, Mrs. Martha Capps Oliver (Class of 1862), editor-in-chief; and Miss Mary Loar (Class of 1866), and Mrs. Margaret DeMotte Potts (Class of 1877), assistant editors. The purpose of the paper is stated in the first num- ber: "The object of the Jubilee Greetings is to bring the pupils and friends of the Illinois Fe- male College into closer sympathy with the spirit and methods of work in the College at present, and to show something of what, in the fifty years of its existence, it has accomplished for womanhood." The name of the paper was changed to "The College Greetings" in the issue of July, 1897. The paper, from its beginning, has been published monthly during the college year. The editorial management has been con- ducted from its origin by alumnæ and teachers duly appointed to that office. Miss Della Dim- mitt, of the Class of 1886, was editor-in-chief during seven years. With the college year, be- ginning September, 1904, the editorial and finan- cial management was entirely assumed by the students of the Woman's College.

The "Deaf-Mute Advance" was founded in Jan- uary, 1870, with Frank Read, Sr., as editor and proprietor, and on January 2, 1892, Frank Read, Jr., became associate editor. January 1, 1898, after an existence of twenty-eight years, the pa- per was re-christened and called "The New Era." The form of the paper was also changed, the same editors continuing in charge. July 7, 1900, "The New Era" was turned over to the Institution for the Deaf and became the Inst- tution organ. September, 1903, the name of the paper was changed to "The Illinois Advance."

"Jacksonville Labor News."-The first number of the "Jacksonville Labor News" was issued August 17, 1905, under the suggestive motto: "Education, not Agitation-Official Organ Jack- sonville Trades and Labor Assembly. Devoted to the Interests of Organized Labor." It is a four-page paper showing much excellence in its

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material and execution. The entire issue is de- voted to favorable notices of a large number of business and professional gentlemen, and busi- ness firms that are commended to the favorable consideration and patronage of the public.

About the year 1837, Mr. Joseph E. Ware pub- llshed a paper named "Mines, Metals and Arts." It was very short-lived according to the limited information concerning it now available.

CHAPTER XVI.

JACKSONVILLE CHURCHES.

EARLY CIIURCHIES AND THEIR FOUNDERS-PRESENT CHIURCII ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR HISTORY- METHODIST, PRESBYTERIAN, BAPTIST, CONGREGA- TIONAL, PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL AND CHRISTIAN SCIENCE ORGANIZATIONS-CATHOLIC CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR-COLORED METIIODIST, BAPTIST AND CHRISTIAN CHURCHES-YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

It is now impossible to furnish a full and reli- able history of the early church organizations of Morgan County, owing to the very meager, and, in some instances, conflicting records of their origin. All who participated in those first or- ganizations, as well as their immedlate succes- sors, have been long since deceased, rendering the available sources of information very scanty and uncertain. All that Is here attempted Is a statement of such written and traditional facts as could be obtained regarding the organization of the several churches, and the matters relat- ing to their early history. A complete narration of all the matters of the churches of the county would expand the history into a large voluine, and exceed the limited purpose of the present undertaking. A few church organizations were formed within the territory of Morgan County before the county was created under its present name in 1823. Fragmentary accounts concur in the vlew that the first preachers In Morgan County were of the Methodist persuasion, but do not agree as to the time or order of their resi- dence and ministerial work. Rev. Joseph I. Basey, a local Methodist preacher, was probably the first. and preached the first sermon ever de- livered In the county. (Churches other than those in Jacksonville, where reliable Informa- tion can be obtained, will be. treated of under

the names of the towns where they are located, or under their local names if not in any town.) Morgan County and Jacksonville were fortunate in that so large a proportion of the first settlers were members of churches, which circumstance gave character at an early day to the several conimunities.1

METHODIST EPISCOPAL ORGANIZATIONS.

The credit of introducing Methodism into Morgan County belongs to Rev. Joseph I. Basey, a local preacher, who had settled southwest of Jerseyville, but afterwards removed to Morgan County. In 1821 he preached the first sermon in the county, and continued his pioneer minis- terial labors among the people until the mem- bers of that church were organized into classes, and then into a pastorial charge called a cir- cuit. At the session of the Missouri Annual Conference, which at that time included Illi- nois, beginning October 17, 1821, and held at McKendree Chapel, in Cape Girardeau County, (the first Methodist church west of the Mis- sissippi River, still standing, in which the writer frequently preached in the years of 1854 and 1855, while in charge of the Missouri Con- ference Seminary), Rev. John Granville, was ap- pointed to the Sangamon circuit, which em- braced Sangamon and part of Morgan Coun- ties, and all the territory as far north as the white settiements then extended. During . that conference year, and in the year 1822, Mr. Granville formed the first society, usually called a "class" in Methodist nomenclature, in the house of Mr. James Deaton, Sr., located three and one-half miles northwest of the present site of Jacksonville. The class consisted of four members: James Deaton, Sr., and his wife, and Abraham Johnson and his wife. That was the first religious society of any kind organized In Morgan County, eighty-two years ago. Mr. Dea- ton's house continued to be the preaching place for the society and community for eighteen years. Mrs. Eleanor James, wife of Robert James, united with that class in 1823, and, in 1829, Mr. Newman and wife, parents of the later well known and prominent citlzens of that name

(1.The churches of Morgan County have been prompt iu adopting all auxiliary methods and organizations That would increase their efficiency and usefulness, such as Sunday Schools and Young People's Societies, such as the Epworth League, Christian Endeavor and Baptist Union, Pastor's Aid Societies, and Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies. All those agencies have been sup- ported with great liberality and excellent moral results.

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in Morgan County. That class became the nu- cleus of the present Mt. Zion Methodist Church in that neighborhood, which has existed con- tinuously to the present time. During the same conference year (in 1822) Mr. Granville formed the first Methodist society within the present limits of Jacksonville. The organization took place in the log cabin of "Father" John Jordan, which stood on the ground now occupied by the Passavant Memorial Hospital. That log cabin continued to be the only place of public wor- ship for the people until the log school house was built in Jacksonville, located a short dis- tance southeast of the Central Park, which was used thereafter as the place of worship for all religious societies until 1833, when the Metho- dists built a small brick church, about 1830, which stood on East Morgan Street, near East Street, which was the first brick church erected in Morgan County. They worshiped in that building till 1838 or 1839, when they sold it and erected a more commodious church on the, south side of East State Street, near where the marble-front store building now stands. That church was dedicated by Rev. Peter Akers, D. D., who preached the dedication sermon from the words, "This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." That house was also a brick building, with a basement room which was used for the social and other ser- vices of the congregation. In that church the work of the Illinois Woman's College was car- ried on till its building was erected and ready for that purpose. When what is now Grace Methodist Church was organized in 1850, being located in the west part of the city, it was named "West Charge;" and the church on East Street was named "East Charge." The East Charge Church occupied that house until the centennial year of Methodism in America, 1866, when they erected their present house of wor- ship, at which time the society adopted the name of The Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church of Jacksonville, Ill.

From 1821 to 1823, inclusive, the Methodist societies in Morgan County were under the Pre- siding Elder supervision of the Illinois District of the Missouri Conference. In the years 1824-31, they were in the Sangamon District of the Illinois Conference. They were a part of the Sangamon circuit from 1821, until the confer- ence which was held September 20, 1827, when the Apple Creek circuit was formed, which in-

cluded all the societies in Morgan County until the conference was held September 30, 1830, at which time the Jacksonville circuit was formed.

During the years 1821-31, the Methodist socie- ties of Morgan County were served by a distin- guished galaxy of ministers, several of whom at- tained a permanent local distinction, and some, also, a wide connectional reputation for their abilities and the work which they accomplished. That list includes the following Presiding El- ders: Illinois District, 1821-David Sharp; 1822-25-Samuel H. Thompson; 1826-28-Peter Cartwright; Sangamon District, 1829-31-same. The following is the list of circuit preachers during that time: Sangamon, 1821-John Gran- ville; 1822-Thomas Rice; 1823-John Miller; 1824-25-Peter Cartwright; 1826-Richard Har- grave and Joseph Tarkington. Apple Creek Circuit, 1827-Isaac Scarritt and John T. John- son; 1828-Samuel Bogart and J. French; 1829- James Bankson; 1830-W. D. R. Trotter and William H. Askins; 1831-John VanCleave and Levi Springer. Jacksonville Circuit, 1830-John Sinclair; 1831-William H. Askins. (Mr. Askins died in Jacksonville, August 6, 1832, and was buried in the abandoned cemetery on the Mound Road, only a little west of the city limits.)

Centenary Church has held a prominent place among the churches of Jacksonville by reason of its long list of able and distinguished pastors, its large membership, including many of the foremost citizens of Jacksonville, and its effi- cient auxiliary organizations. It was the first Methodist society in Illinois that became a sta- tion charge-that is, one society alone support- ing a pastor, as distinguished from circuit charges, which have two or more societies united in one pastoral charge. That was done in the year 1833, when Rev. Thomas Starr was appointed pastor at the conference held at Union Grove, in St. Clair County September 25, 1833.

Grace Methodist Church, at the southwest cor- ner of West State and Church Streets, was or- ganized in the fall of 1850, by persons who were members of the Methodist Church in Jackson- ville, and of those mostly residing in the west part of the city. It was first called The Meth- odist Episcopal Church of West Jacksonville. By reason of its location it came to be called West Charge; and for the same reason the old church was called East Charge. Rev. James L. Crane was the first pastor of the church. The society first rented the old frame church built

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY. 719

by the Presbyterians, on the northwest corner of West State and Church Streets. The building afterwards was owned by the Universalist so- ciety. The First Baptist church now stands on the site, having bought the property from the Central Presbyterian Church. The Methodist so- ciety built a very substantial brick church front- ing on Churen Street, with basement rooms for their social services, which they occupied on the completion of the building. The church soon enrolled a large membership, including a num- ber of the prominent and influential citizens of the city. During the pastorate of Rev. Earl Cranston, D. D. (now a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church), in the years 1871-74, an addition was made to the north side of the church building, making it cruciform in its architecture, with beautiful stained glass win- dows, and frescoed interior, making it one of the most beautiful church edifices in the city. These improvements cost $28,000. It was re- dedicated January 4, 1874. On the completion of the improvements described the church adopted the name of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. From its beginning this church has been noted for the ability of its pastors, and the liberality of its pastoral support, and of all the benevolent enterprises of the church.

Brooklyn Methodist Episcopal Church was or- ganized in the fall of 1867, with about seventy members. It is located on South East Street, in the southeast part of the city. Its membership was composed largely of members of the Metho- dist Church living in that part of the city. The first pastor of the church was Rev. John M. Lane. At first the society worshiped in a pri- vate house; then in a school house, until the brick building now occupied was completed in 1868. Subsequently the building was remodeled, which added greatly to the attractiveness and convenience of the structure.

The German Methodist Episcopal Church was or- ganized in 1856, with thirty-two members. They held their religious services in Grace Church about six months, when they purchased a church building of the Baptists, located on West State Street, nearly opposite the present court-house. In 1890 the society erected their present church building on South Church Strect.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES OF MORGAN COUNTY.

Introductory Statement .- The lack of available definite information as to some particulars, and

the discrepancies in published records and dates as to others, render any historical account of the early Presbyterian Church in Morgan County semewhat incomplete and unsatisfactory. Some definite knowledge of the growth and promi- nence of the church may be gained from the facts brought out at the semi-centennial of the first church in the county, held on Saturday, June 30, 1877. The twelve members of 1827 had grown to fourteen churches in the half century, namely: Manchester, Winchester, Murrayville, Unity, Pisgah, Providence, Zion and Virginia; in Jacksonville, three Portuguese churches-the First, Second and Independent; and three Eng- lish-speaking-the First, the Central and the Westminster; and in Beardstown, the German Church. Altogether they had a membership of 1,600, with 1,500 children in the Sabbath schools. These churches have enjoyed the min- istrations of many of the most prominent citi- zens of the county.

The First Church, Jacksonville .- The Rev. John Brich, a devoted Christian minister, was the first Presbyterian preacher in Morgan County. He came in 1824. He was an educated Scotch- man, but, like many others, was never able to make his learning avail much as a public speaker. Though a bachelor, he was familiarly called "Father Brich." The circuit covered by his ministerial labors extended from Edwards- ville to Galena. He organized the first Presby- terian Church in the county, June 30, 1827, in the barn of Judge John Leeper, which stood about one inile east of the present Illinois Cen- tral Hospital for the Insane. Rev. John M. Ellis presided as Moderator in the organization. Seven men and five women constituted the church at its founding. From that small begin- ning have grown the large and prosperous Pres- byterian churches of Jacksonville and in the territory then included in Morgan County. At the founding of this church, officially known as "The Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville," the following persons presented their certificates: John Leeper and Fidelia, his wife; Edwin A. Mears and Sarah, his wife; James Mears, and Polly, his wife; James Kerr and Janct, his wife; William C. Posey and Sarah, his wife; Hervey McClung and Hector C. Taylor. The church worshiped in private houses and in the Jack- sonville log school liouse until 1831. The death of Mr. Brich, when well-stricken in years, was deeply pathetic. While pursuing his missionary labors he perished in a winter storm in the

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wilds of one of the northern counties of the State. Finding himself overcome by the cold, he took his will from the saddle-bags, signed it, and hung the saddle-bags on a bush. He was found afterward dead near the bush, the saddle- bags leading to the discovery.

It seems probable that Rev. Mr. Ellis, who was present at the organization of the church in 1827, served the congregation as pastor as often as his other missionary work allowed. Under date of September 25, 1828, he wrote: "The church here are engaged in building a parson- age. They have engaged for my support $150 or ' more, principally in produce. Building the house is a very heavy burden." In 1829, under his efficient leadership, the first Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville began the work of erect- ing the first meeting house or church building in Jacksonville, on the corner of West State and Church streets. A notice having been given by Mr. Ellis, the Jacksonville Sewing Society was organized August 10, 1830, in the log school- house in the southeast quarter of town, the only meeting house in the place, "to assist in the building of a Presbyterian church." (That so- ciety is thought to be the pioneer of the sewing school that has been so efficiently conducted for many years for the educational and domestic benefit of the children of the poor of the city.) The building of the church being completed, it was dedicated June 19, 1831. Its size was thirty by forty feet. It was the first Protestant church in the State furnished with pews. More than one-third of the means for its erection was con- tributed by friends in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. On the 15th day of March, 1830, the church extended a call to the Rev. John M. Ellis to become its pastor.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Morgan County, Part 143

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