USA > Illinois > Williamson County > Historical souvenir of Williamson County, Illinois : being a brief review of the county from date of founding to the present > Part 9
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From the date of his induction in- to the pastorate the church has been undergoing a sure, gradual and healthy evolution. The numerical and financial strength of the congre- gation has rapidly grown. The spir- itual side of the church has steadily advanced in appreciation of the pas- tor's precept and practice before them. In fact, Elder Tatum has suc- ceeded in placing his congregation in the forefront of Marion's church- es in the exemplification of the "works of love." An elegant little chapel has also been built and dedi- cated at a nearby mining mission point, due in a great measure to his energy and consecration. On July 10th, 1902, he served as the official "spiritual adviser" to Cal Price and Jerry Graves, executed that day for murder, and his faithful, judicious service for weeks previous prepared the young men for the trying ordeal.
REV. B. F. BAKER.
Mr. B. F. Baker was born Sep- tember 5, 1857, in Grassy Precinct in the southwestern part of the county, where he was reared and attended the District School until he began teaching in 1875. In the spring of 1877 he took a term in the Southern Illinois Normal Uni- versity at Carbondale, and on the 12th of the following July was mar- ried to Sarah D. Fly, daughter of the Rev. M. L. Fly. He soon after bought a farm and for ten years
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
HOME OF W. J. AIKMAN.
Where he was born and has lived to the present time. It is within the corporate limits of Marion, on the old farm property now on the north- east corner of West Main Street and North Russell.
farmed in the summer and taught school in the winter. In 1887 he dropped teaching but continued to run his farm until August, 1897, when he moved into Marion. In October, 1896, he had been or- dained a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church and when he came to town had the pastorate of four churches which he continued to serve. January, 1898, he accepted from Sheriff Parks the appointment as deputy collector of taxes, and the following year was re-appointed by Sheriff Gray. Before coming to Marion, he served his township for eight years as treasurer and four years as Justice of Peace, and then moved to Marion. He is at present an elder and active member of the First Baptist Church. In 1903 he entered into partnership with James A. Felts in the book and stationery business, which they are still suc- cessfully carrying on.
REV. J. W. MCKINNEY.
Rev. J. W. Mckinney was born in a humble home on a farm near Car- terville, Illinois. He is a son of Mr. James H. and Mrs. Minerva J. Mc- Kinney. Having had the advice and teaching of christian parents, he early had an ambition to make his mark in the world. At the age of eighteen he was licensed to preach the gospel by the Free Baptist O :- der of Christians, and nine months later ordained to the ministry. At the age of twenty, he held a certifi- cate under Supenintendent T. J. Youngblood, but was too short to secure a school. This being the second time he was accused of being too short. When only twelve years of age a self-important pastor was
calling for seekers, and when Mc- Kinney went forward the preacher shook his hand and told him that he was a little too short to come to the altar, please take the second seat back. Since the public has given him a trial he has never more been accused of being too short, but has been actively engaged in both the ministerial and teaching professions.
He is willing to wear the name given him "Jack of all trades." For the past three years Mr. Mckinney has been principal of the Crainville public schools and has been em- ployed as superintendent of the Johnson City schools for the com- ing year. His most noted revival meeting was held at Crainville in the spring of 1903. Assisted by Rev. J. F. Kirk, the meeting was
hell during the last two weeks of school, which resulted in 55 con- versions in the two weeks. All the pupils but three in the principal's room were convertel and the teach- er and about half the pupils in the second room.
His pastoral work at Crainville within the past three years, though done in connection with school work, has resulted in 170 conversions and as many additions to the church. His present pastoral work is at Crainville, Lauder and Creal Springs. Mr. Mckinney has attend- ed school at Marion, Carbondale and Valparaiso. He has done a great deal of traveling, but it has been mostly about home. He was mar- ried March 21, 1895, to Miss Agnes Neilson.
ELDER A. M. KIRKLAND.
Elder A. M. Kirkland was born in Tennessee January 6, 1860. Re- moved with his parents to Western Kentucky in 1874. Graduated at Farmington Institute, then a lead- ing school of Western Kentucky, in 1884. Entered the profession of
teaching; taught at Farmington, Wingo, Mayfield and Fulton, Ken- tucky. Studied law and was ad- mitted to the bar at Mayfield, Ky., in 1889. Soon abandoned the law and returned to his old profession, teaching. Was president of Fulton Normal and Business College from 1892 to 1895 inclusive. Was presi- dent of the West Kentucky Educa- tional Association 1893-94. Joined the Primitive Baptist Church in 1891, and was ordained an elder in 1896. He did an active ministerial work in Kentucky and Tennessee. He was called to the care of the church in Marion in May, 1904, ac- cepting the call in July and entered on the work in August. He now re-
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RESIDENCE OF JAMES FELTS.
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
sides with bis family at 205 Hanecey street, where he will re- main till the church can erect a suitable residence in their beauti- ful church lot, which they will do right away.
His courage, zeal and eloquence are well known and need no special mention here.
REV. J. S. EDMONDS.
Elder J. S. Edmonds, late pastor of the Marion Missionary Baptist church, was ordained to the gospel work of the ministry February 26, ISSS, by a presbytery call by Mil- burn Baptist Church, at Milburn, Carlisle County, Kentucky.
His first pastorate was at Murry, the county seat of Caloway County, Kentucky. Following his pastorate there, he was called to the care of the Baptist Church at Paragould, Arkansas, which was then in its in- fancy, the Associational and State mission boards contributing five hundred dollars toward his salary, In six months he succeeded in com- pleting the church house and had it dedicated. During his pastorate there the church became self-sns- taining and is now one of the lead- ing churches in the state.
While in Arkansas he was called to the care of the First Baptist Church at Benton, Illinois, He en- tered upon the work there the first Sunday in January, 1891. While pastor at Benton he accepted a call of the Harrisburg Baptist Church, Saline County, Illinois. During his pastorates with these churches he assisted neighhor pastors in several special meetings, in which many souls were savel. In fact, from 1891 to 1900 in his own meetings
"TAKING IT COOL." Near the C. & B. M., C. & C. Co.
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RESIDENCE OF G. W. PILLOW, Attorney at Law.
and in meetings in which he assist- ed, about nine hundred people made a profession of a personal faith in Christ. In 1900 he was called to the pastorate of the First Baptist Church, Monroe, Louisiana, where he remained until October first, 1903. His work in Louisiana was very successful. The membership at Monroe was doubled.
He was elected vice president of the State Convention, and a member of the State Board. He was also
elected editor of the Baptist Chron- icle, the Baptist paper of the state.
Elder J. S. Edmonds is now in the prime of life. He is fearless and aggressive in his methods of work. He is a student, thinks for himself
and has the conrage of his convic- tions. Marion Church thinks her- self fortunate in securing his ser- vices, for his brethern, who know him best, now recognize him as a leader. With the present opportuni- ties in Marion, and with him to lead the church, the brethern throughout Southern Illinois are expecting great things of Marion Church.
Addenda.
On account of the precarious state of the health of his daughter Mr. Edmonds accepted a call from the church of his choice at Black- well, Oklahoma, in September of last year, and has removed his fam- ily to a more congenial climate, the Rev. Dr. Throgmorton taking
his place.
REV. C. E. MICHE.
Pastor of the German Evangelical Zions Church of Marion.
The subject of this sketch was born in Gasconade County, Mis- souri, May 7, 1862. He was reared in St. Lonis and received the ru li- ments of his education in the pub- lic schools of that city. His parents designating him for the church, he very soon entered the parish school, from which he graduated when fif- teen years old. He then entered Elmhurst Collge, which is located at the village of Elmhurst, on the C. & N. W. Ry., twelve miles out of Chicago, from which he graduated in 1881. After teaching school some years he took up the sys- tematic study of theology at Eden College, St. Louis, Mo., under the auspices of the German Evangelical Synod of North America.
He received his examination cer- tificate and entered the ministry of
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
RESIDENCE OF OTIS W. WILLIAMS.
Alderman Williams is one of the most successful builders in Marion, and last year sold his cottage home on East College street to Mr. Gent and bought a large, roomy, two-story old home of 9 rooms, located at 804 Buchanan Street and remodeled it. It stands in a beautiful location, on large grounds, 85x142, and the skill of the builder has turned it into a very desirable residence, as is proven by the handsome half-tone shown in this book. The property is well worth $3000, but Mr. and Mrs. Williams don't care to sell.
his church in August, 1900, where he still remains.
He was married June 26, 1884, to Wilhelmine Michelmann, at Quincy, Illinois, the Rev. Lu Rague officiating. Four children have blessed this union, Frieda, . Carl, Edgar and Minna. All are living but Carl.
REV. WM. T. MATHIS. Pastor of the M. E. Church South.
Rev. William T. Mathis, Pastor of the M. E. Church, Sonth, was born near Woodlawn, in Jefferson Coun- ty, Illinois, January 2d, 1866. His boyhood was spent on a farm, but at the age of 14 his parents moved to Centralia, where they still live. He was educated in the public schools of the state, converted in 1886, joined the Conference at Ma- rion and entered the ministry in the fall of 1894, but was not ordained until September 27, 1896.
His first charge was at Dennison, where he remained two years. Two years at Tower Hill and three at Casey brings him to Marion, where he is now serving his third year. He has been an efficient and tireless worker in Conference affairs, serving repeatedly on all important commit- tees and for the last three years has been its Statistical Secretary and Secretary and Treasurer of its board of education.
He has been an Odd Fellow for many years and filled all important offices in that order: is now a mem-
ber of Casey Lodge, 747, and be- longs to the Rebekah's here.
He was married November 18, 1886, at the age of 20, to Miss Mary J. Finn, by whom he has had three children, two of whom are liv- ing.
REV. FRED L. THOMSON.
Rev. Fred L. Thomson was the eldest son of Dr. William Thomson,
who was born in East Tennessee in May, 18IS. He was a physician and a local preacher in the Methodist Church for twenty years or more. His mother was a Holland lady and a slave-owner in the early days. The elder Thomson was a staunch Union man, notwithstanding, and after laboring for years in Mont- gomery County, Tenn., as a loctor and a preacher, his Union senti- ments compelled him to move on and he came with his family to Johnson County, Illinois, where he died at Bloomfield in February, 1894, at the age of 76.
The subject of this sketch was born on the old Thomson homestead in Tennessee, June 23rd, 1841, and came to Illinois with his parents in 1863. He received his early educa- tion by private tutors at Chapel Hill and Salem Acadamies in Ten- nessee, before the days of the free school system. He then took a Col- legiate course under Professors Richardson, Odoorn and Daniels un- til 1860, when all the schools were closed by the war. His education had been directed with a view to the ministry, and while still in school he began to preach.
He was converted when but 12 years old, brought up and licensed to preach in the M. E. Church South, and joined that Conference in 1860. His first station was at Watkin's Grove, Nashville, when everything was in uproar and confusion on ac- count of the war, and he was fre- quently arrested by one side or the othen even when attending funerals. He, too, was a Union man, and soon found it necessary to follow his pa- rents into Illinois, and in 1863 he joined the Conference of the M. E. Church and was stationed at Me-
GRADUATING CLASS OF MARION IHIGH SCHOOL.
On an onting at Electric Park. Prof. C. C. Denny at the left.
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS
HOME OF ED. E. GILL, Contractor and Builder.
tropolis, where he remained for three years.
While pastor at Metropolis, on August 7, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary L. Bruner, of whom three boys were born, William Samuel and Fred, of whom William alone survives.
Doctor Thomson was
married twice. His first wife died while he was Chaplain of the Penitentiary at Chester, and he was united to Miss Emilie Coigny, at Greenville, Ill.
Dr. Thomson has for a period of 43 years been a very laborious, earnest and successful man, and like all the itinerant family of the M. E. Church, has had many sta- tions and served many churches. The following are the principal charges he has served: Metropolis, Mound City, Anna, Shawnee Town, Cairo, Jerseyville, Alton, Salem, Chaplain of the Penitentiary at Chester for three years, Greenville, Nashville, Litchfield, Alton the sec- ond time, Flora, Carbondale and Marion, October 1st, 1903,
Always ready to carry his end of the load he has been loaded down with committee and secretary work to the easing of others, , more ro- bust than he. He was President of the Conference Missionary Society for 20 years and treasurer of the Board of Stewards for 15 years; President of the Executive Commit- tee for one year and member of the Board of Examiners for thirty years. He organized the Epworth League of the Alton District and was its president from 1887 to 1895-eight years. He was one. of the delegates to the International S. S. Association at Baltimore, At- lanta and St. Louis, and after- wards to the World's S. S. Conven- tion at St. Louis.
He belongs to the St. Omar Com-
mandary, No. 41, of Knights Tem- plar at Litchfield, Ill., an! is its Past Eminent Commander.
ELDER JOSEPH J. HARRIS
Elder Joseph J. Harris is the son of V. G. and Martha Harris, whose maiden name was Long. They were both natives of Summit County, Ohio, where they still live. The
subject of the sketch was also born there, February 18th, 1853, an 1 lived with his parents, following the plow until 23 years old. February 24, 1876, he married Miss Augusta Van Voorhes, of Wood County, Ohio, and rented a farm of his father, in- tending to follow the business as his father had done before him. But
Providence had said out a very dif- ferent career for him, and he was not long in finding his proper niche.
He had fortunately marrie . a faithful Christian woman, who would not put up with dancing or the desecration of the Sabbath, to which he was inclined. He had im- bibed infidel principles from his father and his associates in the neighborhood and, like Gallio, "cared for none of these things." His wife did, though, and it very soon became a question of Bible or no Bible, an infidel or a Christian home. So the venerable book once more took a sifting- and conquere 1. A couple of sermons by the then aged A. B. Green, of the Christian Church at Akron, Ohio, completed the work, and he was quickly im- mersed into the name of Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God. His wife was already a member of that church, having been baptized by Wm. Dawling at Freeport, Ohio, and the now harmonious and happy household began life anew. The
son's conversion. however, angered the infidel father, who felt dis- grace 1, and severed all relations with his "misguided" boy and his wife. But the inspiration and zeal of a new convert was on the young man, and he at once began to pre- pare for the ministry.
After a little preliminary school- ing he entered Bethany College. He would have completed his course in 1882 but his funds gave out, and he had a wife to look after, and left school to enter upon his life's work.
His first pastorate was with the church at Milton, Ohio, where he remained a year only and moved to Petersburg, Michigan. The people there were having a hard struggle for a living, but the brave and de-
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COLORED BAPTIST CHURCH.
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
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RESIDENCE OF J. M. DODD, County Clerk. Corner of North Market Street and Boulevard.
voted young minister staid by them for five years, although he received less than $100 for his services dur- ing the whole time.
He then moved to North Royal- ton, Ohio, and served the church there for two years, and came West and settled in Southern Illinois. He spent his first year evangelizing and then took the church at DuQuoin. Here he remained till 1896, and had the satisfaction of seeing the church grow into a strong and pros- perous organization with a new church house and a prosperous Sun- day School and Christian Endeavor. After an experimental pastorate at Bowlingreen. Ohio, of one year, he took charge of the church at Marion, Illinois, in March, 1898, and served successfully for two years.
He then took up missionary work as District Evangelist for the South- ern Illinois Missionary District of his church, and labored successfully for three years. Very early in his career he became an active and zeal- ons Prohibitionist on Christian prin- ciples, and permeated his politics with them so thoroughly that he soon became widely known in that field. He attended conventions and exercised all his rights of citizen- ship, and exerted a wide and pow- erful influence in practical politics.
In 1902 he entered into the em- ploy of the State Prohibition Com- mittee as organizer, and has been busily engaged in the practical work all over the State ever since. His only daughter, Hattie L., was the wife of John S. Applegate, who had formed a co-partnership with her
father in the dry goods business in Marion, and under the firm name of Harris & Applegate did a good busi- ness in their line. Mother and daughter rendered good service as clerks and the father was left to pursue his work in the Christian and Prohibition field.
However, on October 18th, of the present year, an uninvited guest en- tered their home, and with but a few days' warning, removed John and disturbed all their plans. This called Mr. Harris home at once, and he is now husy closing up the busi- cess of Harris & Applegate.
W. W. WEEDON.
Pastor of the Christian Church at Marion, Ilmois.
W. W. Weedon, pastor of the Christian Church at Marion, was born in Columbia County, Ohio, December 23. 1846. He acquired his early education in the public school of Ohio, afterward attended school in Wayne County, Ilinois, and completed his education in the High School at Fairfield, 111. His parents were Samuel and Letitia ( Farr) Weedon, who also were na- tives of Ohio, and came to Wayne County in 1860. William is the sec- ond child of the family, and lived at home in Wayne County until the breaking ont of the war, when he entered the service as a member of Co. G., 8th Illinois Infantry. He served one year, taking part in the battles of Spanish Fort, Fort Blak- ley anl the engagements of the Mo- bile Campaign. His wife was Miss Carrie Van Fossen, daughter of Dr. T. and Christina Van Fossen. To this union were born four children, two sons and two daughters, Fred O., Lulu Mable, Frank L. and Sarah Edna.
In 1878 Mr. Weedon was or- dained and entered the ministry of the Christian Church. accepting as his first pastorate the church at Brownstown, Fayette County. Since then he has served the churches in Edenburg, South Fork, Assumption, Blue Mount. Barnett, Taylorville, Williamsville and Marion. He was located at Taylorville 12 years: 4 years at Williamsville and has now been at Marion two years. The church at Taylorville was a very weak one when he began his work there, but he built it up to a men- ebrship of 400 and erected the Da-
T. J. BINKLEY'S RESIDENCE.
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
THE FAMILY GROUP OF JUDGE GEO. W. YOUNG. Names reading from left to right. Top row-Mrs. Rochester and Mrs. Trevor. 2nd row-Miss Eva Young; Judge and Mrs. Young.
vis Memorial Church at a cost of $ 15,000.
He is a member of the l. O. O. F., and has served three terms as Grand Chaplain: was Noble Grand for three terms and representative of the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of the K. P's., and Past Chancellor of Monitor Lodge, No. 236, Marion; is also Senior Deacon of the G. A. R. at Marion. He is a member of A. F. and A. M., Friendship Lodge, No. 89.
As minority candidate of the Re- publican party he was honored with election to the 37th Illinois General Assembly. He held a position on five important committees: Insur- ance, Library, Sanitary, Soldiers and Orphans' Home and Military, and made one of the nominating speeches in favor of Richard J. Oglesby.
He is in the prime of life, full of vigor and enthusiasm, is an enter- taining speaker and lecturer and an excellent preacher. He is held in high regard in the community where he lives, both in the church and out of it.
Varions Societies Connected with the Missionary Baptist Church.
The Ladies' Aid Society-Mrs. T. J. Youngblood, president; Mrs. An- na Williams, vice-president; Mrs. N. W. Martin, secretary ; Mrs. J. A. Heck, treasurer. Meet Thursday evening, March 17th.
Woman's Missionary Circle-Mrs. Clara Brown, president: Mrs, Anna Williams, vice-president : Mrs. N. W. Martin, secretary : Mrs. Dr.
Brown, treasurer. Meet first Thurs- day after first Sunday, in afternoon.
Baptist Young People's Union- Mrs. N. W. Martin, president: Mr.
Robert Sparks, vice-president; Miss Bessie Adkins, secretary and treas- urer; Miss Verna Lee, organist.
The Ladies's Aid Society.
The Ladies' Aid Society of the Marion Baptist Church was organ- ized November 9, 1898. Its object is to form a closer or more sym- pathetic union of the members of the church, thus enabling them to better understand each other's needs, also the needs of others by whom they are surrounded.
Furthermore, to assist the church financially. During its existence much has been accomplished along these lines. Frequently the society contributes to the treasury of the church to assist in repairing the house or meeting other obligations.
The Woman's Mission Circle.
The Woman's Mission Circle of Marion Church was organized Nov- ember 9, 1898. It is a union So- ciety, being auxiliary to both The Women's Baptist Home Mission So- ciety and the Woman's Baptist For- eign Mission Society of the West, the former having for its object the enlightenment and christianiza- tion of the unenlightened portions of the inhabitants of North America, whether native horn or emigrants. The field of operations is chiefly in the homes among women and chil- dren, a work which women only can so successfully accomplish.
The latter does similar work in foreign lands through the instru- mentality of lady missionaries.
Marion Circle remits quarterly to the two parent societies, dividing the amount equally between the two.
Lodges, Societies and Organizations
Grand Army of the Republic. By Judge Geo. W. Young.
The history of the organization and early growth of the Depart- ment of Illinois Grand Army of the Republic is the early history of the Order itself. To this Department, Illinois, belongs the distinguished honor of having upon its roll the fi,rst comra. e ever mustered into the Order, and within its limits was organized the first Post, and here was held the first Department En- campment.
The idea of organizing the ex- soldiers and sailors into a National Organization was first formulated by Major B. F. Stephenson, of the 14th 111. Inf. Vol. He seemed to foresee the immense proportions for good to which the Organization might be expanded, and gave much thought to the working out of the details.
In March, 1866, by arrangement, Rev. W. J. Rutledge, of the 14th Il. Inf., met Major Stephenson in Springfield, Illinois, and spent some days in formulating a ritual for the proposed Order. The basic princi- ples were Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty. Conferences were had with other comrades in Springfield, among whom were men who had won honors in the field and whose names became eminent in civil life. The following are known to have participated in those conferences, which resulted in the founding of the Order and were the first to he obligated in the Grand Army work:
Major R. F. Stephenson, Chaplain William J. Rutledge, Col. John M. Snyder, Dr. James Hamliton, Major Robert M. Woods, Major Robert Al- len, Col. Martin Flood, Col. Daniel Grass, Col. Edward Prince, Capt. John S. Phelps, Capt. John A. Light- foot, Col. B. F. Smith, Major A. A. North, Capt. Henry E. Howe and Col. B. F. Hawkes.
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