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Hedding Collegiate Seminary was opened in the Methodist Church, November 19, 1855, with Rev. N. C. Lewis, A. M., as Principal.
The first building was erected in 1856-7, at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, and occupied December 16, 1857. In February, 1857, a charter was obtained incorporating the institution under the name of Hedding Seminary and Central Illinois Female College. Professor Lewis, who resigned at the close of his third year, was a man of fine ability, broad culture, large expe- rience and good practical sense. He laid well the foundations upon which others were to build.
Jobn T. Dickinson, A. M., was elected to fill the vacancy, and was in charge of the seminary for nine years, including the four years of civil war, so trying to institutions of learn- ing. Professor Dickinson, with the aid of some generous friends, succeeded in keeping the
school alive until the war closed and young men and prosperity returned.
In 1866, Rev. F. M. Chaffee secured subscrip- tlons for an endowment fund amounting to eleven thousand dollars. The first moneys re- ceived were diverted, with the consent of the donors, to be used in building. The balance was never paid, and the seminary was left with- out any endowment. Professor Dickinson was a good teacher, excellent scholar and a Christ- ian gentleman. He was succeeded by Rev. M. C. Springer, who was President five years. Un- der bis administration a new building enter- prise was inaugurated.
Rev. C. Springer, financial agent, called a public meeting in Abingdon, at which Rev. J. G. Evans, who was in charge of the special effort, secured subscriptions amounting to twelve thousand dollars. A building, to cost sixty thousand dollars, was planned and the foundations laid. Unexpected difficulties were encountered, discouragements multiplied, sub- scribers withheld payments because they doubt- ed the ability of the trustees to go forward, and the work ceased.
Professor Springer had a fine personal appear- ance and, being dignified in manners, courtly in bearing and gentlemanly in conversation, was well qualified to direct the education of young people. But he was conscious of the impossibil- ity of realizing his ideal while embarrassed by the limited room in the old building. Disap- pointed in his expectations, he resigned in 1872, leaving an honorable record behind him. Rev. J. G. Evans, A. M., was chosen as his successor.
A very serious difficulty in the way of resum- ing the building enterprise was found to exist in the discouragement arising from the want of confidence. Subscribers refused to pay until they could see the work going forward, and that could not be without means. A. J. Jones, financial agent, P. M. Shoop, Superintendent of Work, and the President advanced the money to begin work, and as the walls went up confidence was restored, subscriptions were paid and suc- cess assured. The new building was occupied in 1874, but not completed until 1876. The cost was thirty-five thousand dollars.
In August, 1875, articles of incorporation were granted to the institution by the Secretary of State, under the name of Hedding College, and full and thorough college courses were adopted. The first administration of President Evans closed in 1878, at the end of six years of hard and successful work. No indebtedness for cur-
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rent expenses had been incurred, subscriptions on hand were ample to cover all indebtedness upon the new building, the attendance had near- ly doubled, the graduating class of that year numbered fourteen, and eighty undergraduates remained.
In 1878, Rev. G. W. Peck was elected to the presidency, and held the position four years. He was a good teacher, but lacked the expe- rience and knowledge of Western life and cus- toms necessary to success. Seeing a rapid de- cline in attendance and a growing annual de- ficit, he became discouraged and resigned, leav- ing an accumulated deficit for current expenses of over ten thousand dollars.
Rev. J. S. Cumming, A. M., succeeded him. He entered upon the duties of his office with enthusiasm, and prosecuted the work with un- tiring energy. The difficulties were almost in- superable, but with a faith that gave birth to hope he toiled, with a heroism worthy of the noble cause he so faithfully served. His suc- cess in raising money saved the institution, and it was through no fault of his that the school still declined in numbers. After four years of anxiety and hard work, Dr. Cummings resigned and Rev. J. R. Jaques, D. D., Ph. D., was elected as his successor. Dr. Jaques was well known as an educator, was able in the pulpit and on the platform, and his election gave universal satis- faction; but he was unable to do outside work, the finances did not improve, nor did the at- tendance increase, and at the close of the third year he resigned, but retained his chair and took the vice-presidency.
Rev. J. G. Evans, D. D., LL. D., was again called to the presidency. The property had been sold under mortgage, and the privilege of redemption had expired. The attendance the previous year was only one hundred and six. The property has been restored; seven thou- sand dollars raised and expended in repairs; the Abingdon College property, which originally cost sixty thousand dollars, has been purchased; the attendance has increased every year, reaching four hundred and three last year; and fifty-five thousand dollars have been secured in endowment notes.
The moral tone and religious sentiment in Hedding have always been of a high order. A daily prayer meeting has been well maintained for thirty years, and from eighty to ninety per cent of the students are Christians.
The government of Hedding is administered upon the theory that such restrictions ought to
be enforced as are found necessary to secure the best attainments in the legitimate work of the college, and protect students from being injured by objectionable environments and vicious in- fluences. Secret fraternities, match games with other colleges, football, profanity, attending dances or theaters, drinking intoxicants and the use of tobacco are prohibited, because con- sidered detrimental to good government and in- jurious to student life. Gymnasium work and all proper athletics are sanctioned and encour- aged.
Rev. J. G. Evans resigned, and in June, 1898, Hyre D. Clark, D. D., Ph. D., became Presi- dent.
FREDERICK P. FOLTZ.
Frederick P. Foltz is the son of Christian and Hannah (Kieffer) Foltz, and was born Novem- ber 15, 1830, near Strathhurg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
The family is of German and French-Hugue- not ancestry. His paternal great-grandfather was Frederick Foltz, who emigrated from Rot- terdam on the ship Tyger, George Johnson, master, November 19, 1771, and settled near Myerstown, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. His grandfather, also named Frederick, moved to Letterkenny Township, Franklin County, Penn- sylvania, in 1798. He had nine children, seven sons and two daughters, of whom Christian, the father of Frederick P., was the sixth. His great-great-grandfather, on the maternal side, was Abraham Kieffer, a French-Huguenot, who came to America in 1750. He had three sons and two daughters. His son, Dewalt, had seven sons and two daughters, the youngest son, Christian, being F. P. Foltz's grandfather.
The Foltz and Kieffer families come of ex- cellent stock, and in France, Germany, and America, have been noted for their intelligence, enterprise, thrift, and usefulness. Many of the Kieffers were, and still are, prominent in church and State as teachers and ministers. Ex-Governor Beaver, a distinguished officer in the Civil War, and at present a member of the Superior Court, is a grandson of Catherine Kieffer. Ex-Speaker and General Kieffer, of Ohio, came from the Maryland branch of this family. Some of the most eminent divines In Maryland and Pennsylvania are named Kieffer, and include Dr. J. Spangler Kieffer, of Hagers- town, Maryland; Dr. Harry Kieffer, of Easton, Pennsylvania; and Professor J. B. Kieffer, of Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Foltz's brothers, Daniel, Cyrus, and Mar- tin L., served in the Civil War, southwestern army, and Christian C. was Captain of an emergency company. His brother, George, was a successful contractor and huilder. Another brother, Moses A., of Chambersburg, Pennsyl- vania, has been, for many years, editor and proprietor of "Public Opinion." He is an in- fluential republican, has been a member of the
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legislature, and was appointed hy President Mc- Kinley Postmaster of Chambersburg.
Mr. Foltz was educated, and learned the car- penter's trade in Pennsylvania, which occupa- tion he engaged in until his removal West. He was married in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Oc- tober 8, 1855, to Melinda C., daughter of George and Susan Jacobs. She was born in Waynes- boro, December 7, 1833. In 1857, Mr. Foltz moved with his family to a farm in Kansas, but, owing to the disturbed condition of that part of the country, he returned to Pennsylvania, and worked at his trade until the close of the war. He then made a second trip to Kansas, which, like the first, proved disappointing, and he located at Abingdon, Illinois, where he has for many years been a leading citizen of the town and county. He has taken a conspicuous part in all matters pertaining to the advance- ment of Abingdon, and was prominently con- cerned in securing the construction of what is now the Iowa Central Railroad, of which he was a director; he also acted as collector for the company for some time, in which capacity he was very successful. He was among the first to erect modern brick business blocks in the city of Ahingdon, and built and owned the Foltz Opera House. He is the owner of much valua- ble property in the city. He was a pioneer in the introducing and manufacture of tile for drainage purposes, and was a member of the first manufacturing company formed for that purpose. He is now a stock holder in the Abingdon Paving Brick and Tile Company. Mr. Foltz is a druggist, and has been in the busi- ness since 1865. He is the discoverer and man- ufacturer of a valuable antiseptic germ-de- stroyer and pain alleviator called "Presto," which has proved a boon to suffering humanity.
Mr. and Mrs. Foltz are the parents of seven children: Louise Belle, born at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Jennie Augusta, born in Shaw- nee County, Kansas; Frederick Luther, born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and died in Kansas, April 18, 1864; Linnie M., born in Abingdon; and Lillie M. and Helen D. (twins), born in Abingdon. Lillie M. died September 15, 1870. The family are connected with the Congrega- tional church.
In politics, Mr. Folz is a republican; he has been Alderman of the city of Abingdon several terms. He is highly esteemed by his fellow townsmen.
JOHN WEBB NANCE.
John Webb Nance, son of William and Nancy (Lowe) Nance, was born in Rockingham County, North Carolina, May 15, 1814. His father was a native of North Carolina, as were his grandfathers, John Nance and Thomas Lowe. The name is French, and the family is of Huguenot descent.
Mr. J. W. Nance's boyhood was passed in Ten- nessee. For a while he worked at farming in Henry County of that State, and at odd times found employment as a carpenter. In the Spring of 1845, John Nance came to Warren County, Illinois, and purchased one hundred acres of
land, which he cultivated till 1878. The follow- ing year he removed to Abingdon, where he now resides.
Mr. Nance is a member of the religious body known as Missionary Baptists. He is well thought of in the community, and is honest and upright in his dealings with his fellow men. In politics, he was originally a whig, and since 1856, has been a democrat. He became a Mason in 1850, and was admitted to membership in the Monmouth Lodge, Number 37.
Mr. Nance was married May 24, 1836, to Nancy Simmons, in Calaway County, Kentucky. There were ten children: Rufus D .; Francis M .; Susan A .; Mary J .; Sarah E .; Charles W., deceased; Nancy C .; Martha W .; John A .; and Robert H. His second marriage was with Mrs. Harriet E. Brooks, January 11, 1874. His pres- ent wife was Mrs. Mary (Lucas) Crawford to whom Mr. Nance was married April 20, 1879. She is the daughter of Daniel and Jane (Mc- Kenzie) Lucas, and was born March 18, 1822, in Ross County, Ohio.
THOMAS NEWELL.
Thomas Newell was born in Brown County, Ohio, September 19, 1821. His parents, Thomas and Margaret (Taylor) Newell, were natives of Ohio, the former of Brown County; he was a soldier in the War of 1812; they died in Park County, Indiana. His paternal grandfather was a native of Ireland.
Mr. Newell was reared a practical farmer on the homestead in Indiana. He was married in Park County to Louise M. Smith, September 14, 1843. They have six children, all of whom are married: Mrs. Sarah A. Burnside; John W .; William H .; Mrs. Julia M. McFarland; Mrs. Emma Leigh; and Kate E., the wife of Samuel T. Mosser. Mr. Newell came to Knox County in 1847, and purchased eighty acres of land near Herman. He afterwards purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres, making two hundred and forty acres in Chestnut Township, which he eventually sold and bought two hundred acres in Indian Point Township. He came to Abing- don in 1877, still attending to his farming in- terests. The money received from the sale of his land he invested in the Union Bank, and later in the People's Bank, which in 1885 was changed to the First National Bank of Abing- don, of which he is President.
Mr. Newell has been a conservative business man, and has always avoided speculation. He is a substantial and representative citizen; tem- perate in all his habits; has always taken an active part in educational affairs, and has lab- ored for the best interests of the community. . When, in 1889, Hedding College became in- volved financially, he bid in the property at sheriff's sale and paid the debts; and when, two years later, there was a failure in redeeming the obligation, he received the deed of the prop- erty, but deeded it back to the college, with the provision that it should never be burdened again nor sold on account of debt, thus enab- ling the institution to continue its good work.
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He also induced friends of the college to raise an endowment fund of $50,000.
Mr. Newell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of its official board. He has been Supervisor of Chestnut Township for eight years, and has held other local offices. In politics, he is a republican.
BARROWS, ROBERT P .; Farmer; born in New Hampshire, in February, 1833; educated in the common schools. His father, Asa Barrows, was born in Oxford County, Maine, and served through the War of 1812. His mother, Anna (Pike), was born in Granby, Vermont. His pa- ternal grandfather, also Asa Barrows, was a native of Maine and a Revolutionary soldier. His forefathers came from Scotland and Wales. Mr. Barrows came to Illinois in 1858, and set- tled in Cooke County. In 1862, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Thirteenth Illi- nois Volunteers, and served till 1865, when he returned to Cooke County, and in 1868, moved to Iowa, where he married and settled in Buena Vista County. In 1883, he moved to Ne- braska, and in 1888, to Abingdon, where he has since lived as a retired farmer, real estate dealer and speculator. He was first married May 1, 1869, at Independence, Iowa. There were two children: Grace, now Mrs. William Edmonson; and Josephine. Mr. Barrows' first wife died March 2, 1897, and he was afterwards married to Mrs. Anna Grimm. In religion, Mr. Barrows is a Congregationalist. In politics, he is a republican.
BURNSIDE, ISAAC; Farmer; Ahingdon; born August 26, 1826, in Pocahontas County, Virginia; educated in the common schools of Indiana. In 1852, he came with his father to Knox County, Illinois, after living in Ohio and Indiana, in which latter State he was reared on a farm. In 1857, he was married, near Hermon, to Lihbie Price, and settled in Chestnut Town- ship, where he was for many years a promi- nent and prosperous farmer. In 1883, he re- moved to Abingdon, where he has since resided. Mr. Burnside's second wife was Mrs. Susie Ruth, daughter of Samuel Soliday, who came from Ohio to Tazewell County in 1853, and in 1860 settled on a farm in Salem Township. For some years before her marriage, Mrs. Burnside was a school teacher. Mr. Burnside takes a keen hut quiet interest in the public affairs of his town, and is known as an upright citizen and a successful business man. In politics, he is a republican. He is a member of the Chris- tian church.
DAWDY, JEFFERSON M .; Farmer; Ahing- don; born in Kentucky, January 24, 1812; edu- cated in the common schools. His father, James Dawdy, came to Indian Point Township, Knox County, in 1846. Jefferson M. followed in 1847, and settled on Section 17, where he farmed until 1897, when he retired and moved to Abingdon. In 1834, he married Elizabeth Amos; eight children were born to them: James, John, Marshall, Cassie, Mary, Sarah E., Hattie E., and Bell. Mrs. Dawdy died in 1894, and since her death Mr. Dawdy has lived with his daughter, Bell (Mrs. J. W. Brown). In the
early days, Mr. Dawdy was associated with Mr. Givens in the banking business. In 1865, he built a grist mill, which he conducted for some time. Mr. Dawdy is a member of the Christian Church, and was for some years a Trustee of the old South College. In politics, he is a dem- ocrat. He is one of the substantial men of Abingdon.
DECHANT, PETER; Mason; Ahingdon; born November 17, 1820, in Germantown, Ohio; re- ceived a limited education in the common schools. His father, Peter Dechant, came from Germany, and was killed at the age of forty-six. At the early age of seven, young Peter Dechant began to work out, and when fifteen years of age had learned the mason's trade. He also worked in a brick-yard. In 1864, he came to Knox County and settled near Abingdon. For some years previous to his arrival in Knox County, he had been a contracting mason, which business he followed until 1889, when he re- tired. October 12, 1843, Mr. Dechant was mar- ried, to Nancy J. Hall, in Montgomery County, Ohio. They had six sons: Jeremiah, Peter H., Chase, William P., John S., and Grant. Mrs. Dechant died in 1891; the sons are scattered and Mr. Dechant lives with a daughter. He has been successful, and was the originator of the hollow brick wall theory for prevention of dampness. Mr. Dechant owned a farm four miles from Abingdon, and at all times combined his trade work with that of farming. In religion, Mr. Dechant is a free thinker. In politics, he is in- dependent, and for some years was Highway Commissioner; has always taken a keen but quiet interest in town affairs. For fifty years he has been a member of the Odd Fellows.
DICKINSON, FRANK C .; Physician; Abing- don, where he was born April 20, 1868. His parents were John T. and Elvira (Bates) Dick- inson. Professor John T. Dickinson was a na- tive of New York, and was educated at the Wes- leyan University at Middletown. He was an educator of high character, and was President of several colleges. As President of Hedding College, Abingdon, he was largely instrumental in building the north wing of the college; he died in 1885. Mrs. Dickinson, who survives him, was born in Pike County, Illinois, and educated at Mt. Holyoke, Massachusetts. Frank C. Dickinson is one of five children, and was educated at Hedding College and Iowa Wes- leyan University. He is a graduate of the Chi- cago Homeopathic Medical College, class of 1893. He settled in Abingdon, where he has built up a good practice.
GIVENS, STRAWTHER; Real Estate Dealer; Abingdon, Cedar Township; born May 23, 1843, in Bloomington, Indiana; educated in the com- mon schools. His parents were Thales H. Giv- ens, of Madison County, Kentucky, and Julia (Carter) Givens. He was married to Mary Huston, December 25, 1862, at Blandinsville, Illinois. They have four children: Anna R., Thomas, Lucy G. (Foltz), Laura G. (Ryden), and Thales H. Mr. Givens is a member of the Christian church. In politics he is a democrat.
Thos Mewell
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HARRIS, ISRAEL JOHN; Teacher; Abing- don; born October 24, 1857, in Elba Township, Illinois; educated at Abingdon College. His parents, Joseph and Mathilda C. (Hart) Harris, were born in Ohio; his paternal grandparents were James and Rebecca Craig Jennings Harris; nis maternal grandparents were Finney and Jane (Quinn) Hart, of Geor- gia; his paternal great-grandfather was Israel Harris, and his maternal great-grandparents were Robert Quinn and Elizabeth Lacey Hart. His father, Joseph Harris, came to Knox County in 1853, and was one of the first settlers in Elba Township. He died in Abingdon April 20, 1883; his wife is still living. After his father's death, I. J. Harris, who had been teach- ing and studying in Abingdon, assumed charge of the estate, and turned his attention to farm- ing and stock raising. In 1889, he resumed his former occupation of teaching, which he was obliged to abandon at the end of seven years, owing to ill health. Mr. Harris is still an in- valid. He was married September 1, 1887, at Abingdon, to Emma Nelson. They have four children: Joseph Victor, born May 1, 1889; Verna Pernella, born July 27, 1892; Olive Caro- line, born February 27, 1894; Yerda, born June 20, 1897. Mr. Harris is a member of the Con- gregational church, and for the past year has been President of the Knox County Sunday School Association. In politics, he is a repub- lican, and was Alderman of the City of Abing- don during 1887-8.
HELLER, WILLIAM H .; Physician; Abing- don; born May 11, 1823, in Ashland, Ohio; edu- cated in the common schools. His father, John Heller, was born in Pennsylvania, came to Illi- nois in 1835, and settled in Cuba. Dr. Heller's mother was a native of New Jersey. His grand- father, John Heller, was a Revolutionary sol- dier, and settled in Pennsylvania at an early date. Dr. Heller attended schools at Cuba, and studied medicine under Dr. Raymond at a medi- cal college in Chicago. After graduating he began practice in Cuba, Illinois, and afterwards located at Abingdon, where he has practiced medicine for many years. In 1846, he mar- ried Mary D. Mosher, in Fulton County, Illi- nois; five children were born to them: Robley E .; Joseph M .; John L .; Frank L .; and Willie, who died in infancy. Joseph and John are phy- sicians in Kansas. In politics, Dr. Heller is a prohibitionist.
HOUSH, ALONZO MARION; Farmer and Dairyman; Abingdon; born September 29, 1856, in Haw Creek Township; educated in Maquon; his parents were: James O., and Eliza (Strong) Housh; his grandfather was David Housh. He was married February 6, 1879, at Prairie City, Illinois, to Ella Barlow, daughter of Samuel Barlow, of Warren County; they have one son, Glenn Yguerra. Mr. Housh was brought up on a farm, and after his mar- riage lived in Haw Creek Township, where he had one hundred and eighty-five acres of excel- lent land. In 1893, he went to Abingdon, and engaged in the insurance and real estate busi- ness; since February, 1898, he has been a dairy-
man. Mr. Housh has been a breeder of fine horses, and owued, in 1856, Byerly Abdallah; he now owns Zuleka Patchen. He is a success- ful business man. Mr. Housh is a democrat. He is a believer in Christian Science.
HUNTER, JAMES W .; Retired farmer; Cedar Township; born August 23, 1851, in Clin- ton County, Ohio; educated in the normal schools of Martinsville and Lebanon, Ohio. His parents were Charles N. and Mary C. (Bond) Hunter, born and reared in Clinton County, Ohio; his paternal grandfather, James Hunter, was a native of the same state, while his pater- nal grandmother, Harriet (Neal), was born in Hagerstown, Maryland. His grandfather, James Hunter, was a native of Ireland, where he was a teacher. Charles N. Hunter was a merchant and stockraiser in Ohio, where he at one time was considered one of the wealthy men. He died in 1876, aged forty-six years. Politically, he was a democrat. He was a member of the Christian church. November 16, 1876, at Hermon, Illinois, J. W. Hunter mar- ried Sarah A. Smith, a daughter of Charles Smith, a well-to-do farmer. They had two chil- dren: Charles M. and Isadora. The latter died in infancy. Mr. Hunter was reared on a farm in Ohio. He began teaching school when a young man; he taught in Ohio and Indiana, and at Olney and in Knox County, Illinois. In 1873, he was admitted to the Bar in Indiana, and af- terwards continued his studies with ex-State Treasurer Wilson. In 1874 he came to Knox County and settled at Hermon, where he taught school for two years, when he married and began farming near Hermon. He became prominent in the democratic party of the town- ship, and was elected Justice of the Peace. In 1887, he was elected Supervisor from Indian Point Township. In 1888, he was elected to the Legislature, and re-elected in 1890. In 1892, was nominated for memher of Congress from the Tenth District and fell but a little short of elec- tion. February 20, 1894, he was appointed Dep- uty Collector of internal Revenues for the Fifth District of Illinois, and held the office until 1898, when he moved to Abingdon. During 1889-90, Mr. Hunter was engaged in the mer- cantile business at Hermon, Illinois. His wife died July 15, 1899. In religion, Mr. Hunter is a Christian.
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