History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part 48

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 948

USA > Illinois > Union County > History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois > Part 48
USA > Illinois > Pulaski County > History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois > Part 48
USA > Illinois > Alexander County > History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois > Part 48

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Societies .- The secret societies which hold their meetings in Anna are well established, and include in membership a large proportion of the intelligent population. Egyptian Chapter, No. 45, of Royal Arch Masons was instituted October 5, 1858. The charter members were M. M. Inman, J. H. Samson, L. W. Ashley, H. O. Gray, A. F. W. Bur- master, T. J. Chapman, H. C. Hacker, L. W. Hogg, T. Q. Searle, J. F Smith, H. A. Sykes, W. C. Gleason. W. H. Willard, J. V. Brooks, Adam Harvie, W. M. Hamilton, Samuel Hess, Silas C. Toler. Anna Lodge of A., F. & A. Masons, No. 520, was instituted October 1, 1867, with the following charter members: N. Dresser, M. V. B. Harwood, F. S. Dodds, J. D. Smith, J. A. McKinney, Ç. Kirkpat- rick. J. I. Toler, P. H. Kroh, Jesse Roberts, A. W. Robinson, W. H. Willard, E. A. Free- man, John Harwood, C. M. Willard, Jr., C. Shick, E. H. Finch, J. P. Bohannon, M. M. Inman and F. E. Scarsdale. The first officers were N. Dresser, W. M .: C. Kirkpatrick, S. W .; W. H. Willard, J. W. The officers of the Grand Lodge conferring the charter were W. Jerome, G. M .; N. W. Huntley, Deputy G. M .; Charles A. Fisher, S. G. W., and John W. Clyde, J. G. W., pro tem.

Hiawatha Lodge, No. 291, I. O. O. F., was established by the Grand Lodge of Illinois, on October 11, 1860. B. J. F. Hanna, G. M., Samuel Willard, G. Secretary. The original members were C. Kirkpatrick, Jacob M. Bris- bin. George W. Mumaugh, T. M. Perrine, and J. E. Terpinitz. Anna Encampment,

No. 69, I. O. O. F., was established October 10, 1876. Jacob Krohn, G. Patriarch, J. C. Smith, G. Scribe. The original members were C. Kirkpatrick, E A. Finch, J. E. Ter- pinitz, T. M. Perrine, W. Kirkpatrick, A. J. Smith and B. F. Mangold.

The "Supreme Lodge of Protection," of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, granted a charter to Ionett Lodge, No. 315, at Anna, on October 1, 1881. H. A. Gage, Supreme Protector, Freeman Wright, Supreme Secre- tary. The lodge was instituted May 20, 1880, with the following charter members: H. C. Bouton, Mrs. A. D. Bouton, F. L. Harris, Mrs. I. Harris, C. F. McNamee, Mrs. L. E. McNamee, E. A. Finch, Mrs. A. D. Finch, J. M. Shipley, G. H. Galvin, S. J. Owen, Mrs. M. Ottmar, J. W. Dandridge, Mrs. E. F. Dandridge, A. W. Sims, W. S. Meisenheimer, Mrs. M. S. Meisenheimer, C. W. Hunsaker, Mrs. E. S. Hunsaker, H. M. Dietrich. Anna Lodge, No. 1892, of the Knights of Honor was instituted Nov. 20, 1879, and a charter was granted by the Supreme Lodge on August 25, 1880. W. B. Hoke, S. D., J. C. Plum- mer, S. R., to the following charter members: J. E. Lufkin, J. D. Lynch, E. T. Lewis, N. Meisenheimer, B. W. Manees, W. S. Meisen- heimer, David McNamee, Daniel Northern, T. H. Phillips, W. H. Smart, J. M. Shipley, C. H. Shafer, A. W. Sims, H. P. Tuthill, C. M. Willard, Jr., P. C. Willoughby, H. F. War- ren, A. G. Britton, George Kranz, J. W. Lowery, W. Kratzinger, J. I. Hale, C. H. Hughes, G. W. Hunsaker, W. M. Green, A. D. Finch, E. A. Finch, H. M. Dietrich, F. S. Dodds, J. W. Dandridge, W. H. Clark, E. W. Cover, A. Beecher, A. D. Bush, D. W. Brown, F. P. Anderson.

Of the non-secret societies, the " People's Library Society" was organized in 1879, and has at the present time 160 volumes in its library. Rev. C. W. Sifferd is President and

379

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

Walter Grear, Secretary. A series of meet- ings in the interest of temperance was opened in this city on Tuesday, November 20. 1877, by Dr. Henry A. Reynolds, of Maine. On the 22d, an organization of a " Reform Club" was effected, which soon numbered 150 members. Upon the eradica- tion of saloons from the city, the work of the Reform Club was gradually thrown upon the " Women's Christian Temperance Union," and the club ceased existence. The Wom- en's Christian Temperance Union, which was organized in 1878, has been active in its labors, and it is almost entirely through the untiring exertions and watchfulness of the ladies composing this society that this city maintains its standing as a temperance com- munity. Its present officers are Mrs. J. R. Thompson, President; Mrs. S. A. Fletcher, Secretary; Mrs. A. Davie, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. A. W. Sims, Treasurer. The society now numbers over fifty members.

The Anna Literary Society and Lyceum has held meetings and debates weekly dur- ing cool weather every year since 1860, changing its officers semi annually. The " Nineteenth Century Club " was organized in the fall of 1882, and holds meetings every Sunday afternoon for conversation on relig- ions topics and the free interchange of opin- ion. Oliver Alden is President. The "Anna Driving Club" was organized in 1881, and holds annual races on the 4th of July. Its officers are E. H. Finch, President; J. E. Lentz, Treasurer; M. V. Eaves, Secretary; G. W. Norris, Master of Arena. This club is auxiliary to the Southern Illinois Fair As- sociation.

On the completion of the brick schoolhouse in 1869, classes in music were formed and instruction in reading by note and solfeggio practice given. A glee club was organized, concerts were given by the pupils, and an

organ purchased with the proceeds and placed in the high school room. A taste for music rapidly developed. Musical in- struments multiplied in all parts of the city. The church choirs were well filled with young singers having musical voices. From that time on, the young people gave much atten- tion to music. Under the leadership of J. E. Terpinitz, a fine brass band was formed, which for years furnished music at all cele- brations and on public occasions. Mr. Ter- pinitz was devoted to music, and infused into others bis enthusiasm for the art.

From the year 1870 to the present time. the young people of Anna have been noted, at home and abroad, as possessing a remark- able degree of dramatic and musical talent. The Anna Dramatic Society, formed in 1870, brought upon the stage many difficult dramas, which were performed in a manner ex- ceedingly creditable to the youth of this city. The drama gradually gave place to the con- cert, the cantata, the operetta and the opera. In 1882, the Anna Choral Society was started, with the following charter members: Charles H. Ward, Daniel W. Perrine, Charles L. Otrich, Winifred Sanborn, and Winsted D. Walton. The society has produced the operas Patience and Iolanthe, besides concerts, etc., in a highly artistic and credit- able manner. The first reed instrument used in town was the melodeon, belonging to Lewis W. Ashley, in 1855. The first piano was used by Mrs. Daniel Davie, in 1859. In 1860, C. M. Willard brought the second piano to town. On January 1, 1870, there were four pianos and three organs in the city.

The latest musical organization is the Union County Philharmonic Society, formed in Anna in April, 1883. This society com- prises the best musical talent in the county, and was organized for self-culture rather

380

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

than money profit. Its present officers are F. P. Grear, President; Will C. Ussery, Sec- retary; George Spire, Treasurer, and J. E. Terpinitz, Musical Conductor. The enthusi- asm for music among the people may be judged from the fact that in 1880 there were five brass bands in the county, namely: One in Jonesboro, Anna, Cobden, Dongola, and at the hospital for the insane.

Public Schools .- The city of Anna has ever been justly proud of her public schools. The first schoolhouse, built in 1854, on the corner of Franklin and Monroe streets, was destroyed by fire. The city then built the frame schoolhouse on Lot 28, donated by W. Davie, and adjoining the fair grounds, about 1860. In this building, the youth of the city were educated, from 1860 to 1870, under Mr. Young, Mr. Congor, William Cochran, E. Babcock, J. M. Brisbin, John Green, C. L. Brooks, H. Andrews, A. Inman, W. H. Hubbell and J. H. Sanborn. In 1869, the city felt the need of a new building and Jarger accommodations. The district direct- ors, Messrs. C. M. Willard, Cyrus Shick and L. P. Wilcox, issued bonds as needed, and erected under contract the present large and elegant three-story brick edifice on Lot 23, in the northwestern part of the town, at a total cost, including furniture, of about $22,500. The bonds, which originally bore ten per cent interest, have been reduced in amount to $10,000, bearing six per cent interest.

On Wednesday, January 5, 1870. the chil- dren were moved from the small frame build- ing before mentioned, where the total enroll- ment was 126 pupils, to the new house, where the number was increased to 237 pupils, with J. H. Sanborn as Principal in charge. The school was thoroughly graded, and remained in a highly prosperous con- dition for three years under the charge of the same Principal. Since then, the following

gentlemen have acted as Principals, assum- ing control in the fall of the year named in connection with each name: In 1872, W. H. Hubbell; in 1873, W. C. Smith; in 1875, A. B. Strowger; in 1876, F. S. Wood, who resigned in January, 1877, the remainder of the term being completed with H. C. Forbes as Principal; in 1877, James England; in 1879, J. H. Sanborn. On January 5, 1880, just ten years from the opening of the new building, and with the same Principal again in charge of the school, the total enrollment had increased to 353 pupils, requiring six teachers. In the fall of 1880, S. P. Myers took charge of the school, which position he resigned after about two months, and was succeeded by W. C. Rich, Jr. In 1881, J. R. Deans was Principal, and was succeeded in 1883 by James England.

At the present time, there is urgent need of additional school facilities, the lower grades being exceedingly cramped for room. This pressure is about to be relieved by the open- ing of an academical school in the frame schoolhouse, under the charge of W. W. Faris and C. W. Sifferd. Quite a number of the Catholic children receive instruction from the priest, and some of the older youth attend schools elsewhere. The census of 1880 showed this school district to number 341 males and 381 females under twenty- one years of age; total, 722, of whom there were 218 males and 249 females between the ages of six and twenty-one, or 467 schoolable children.

Churches .- The people of Union County have always been largely influenced by re- ligious sentiment, and the church has been an object of solicitude and care from the earliest settlement to the present time. The earlier settlers were from North Carolina mostly, and were mostly Lutherans. In the year 181'7, a company of immigrants composed

381

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

of John Yost, John Miller, Jacob Rendle- man and a few others from Rowan County, N. C .. arrived and settled in Union County. The county had already been settled to a limited extent, but the great earthquake in 1811 dispersed the people, some returning to their old homes and others penetrating fur- ther into the great wild West. Thus these pioneer homes were vacant from 1811 till 1817, on the arrival of the first immigrants froin North Carolina. In the following year, others arrived, among whom was Adam Cruse, and in 1819 another party came, of which Jacob Hileman was one. The fourth arrival was in 1820, and included John Fink and others. These families chiefly settled south of what is now the town of Jonesboro, but a few settled north of and around that point.

These immigrants were brethren from the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. During the first two years after their arrival, there was no church organization, but in 1819 a congregation known as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John was organized, and in the year 1822 a log church was built by the Reformed and Lutherans, near the line which divides the old cemetery from the new addition made by Wiley Barnbert. During these years, there was no regular pastor. Religious serv- ices were held usually in the house of John Miller, grandfather of Adam M. Miller, who now occupies the old homestead. Rev. J. H. C. Shoenberg, of the North Carolina Synod, was the first pastor, though Rev. Murrets preached and taught school during 1823-24. Mr. Shoenberg was the first Lutheran mis- sionary sent to the State of Illinois. His health failing, he resigned in 1829. Daniel Scherer. of the North Carolina Synod, ar- rived in Illinois in 1831. He lived in Hills- boro and visited this congregation and Cas- per Church once every three months during

the three years of his ministration. Rev. Pasthour, his successor, remained only a short time. Edward Armstead came in 1837, and remained as pastor seven or eight years. The charge, composed of St. John and Union, or Casper Churches, then remained vacant until the arrival of John Krack of Louis- ville, Ky., who served as pastor until 1854. Meanwhile, the Mount Pisgah Church was erected in 1853, and the parsonage in Jones- boro in 1850, on the lot donated by Willis Willard.

October 1, 1854, Daniel Jenkins became the pastor. Under the labors of this able and zealous man, the church prospered greatly. The log honse was sold, and in 1855 a new church building was erected on the same ground by Jacob Barnbert, contractor. In November, 1856, S. W. Harkey, D. D., and other clergymen, organized the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the Southwest, the officers at that time being Daniel Jenkins, Pastor; Jacob Dillow and Jacob Barnbert, Elders; Jacob Miller and Samuel Hileman, Deacons. Rev. D. Jenkins died on June 21, 1861; H. M. Brewer, of Pennsylvania, succeeded him as pastor, and remained until March, 1863. Isaac Albright was his successor during 1864 and 1865, Rev. I. Short, meantime, serving the Mount Pisgah congregation.

In 1865, D. Sprecher, of Iowa, was called to serve Union, St. John's, Mount Pisgah, Jonesboro, Meisenheimer Schoolhouse, and one or two other places. In 1866, the charge was divided into the Dongola and Jonesboro pastorates. In 1866, Rev. H. M. Brewer or- ganized a congregation in Dongola, and soon afterward began the erection of a church, the parsonage being completed in 1867. In March. 1868, J. R. Shoffner, of Tennessee, was called to the charge, which had by this time become entirely English, and on June 10. 1869, an English constitution for St.

382

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

John's Church was adopted. Rev .. Shoffner remained three years and two months, during which time fifty members were added to the charge, and the Anna Church was organized. L. C. Groseclose, of North Carolina, became pastor April 1, 1873, and resigned the charge on July 1, 1874, from which time to May, 1875, the charge was again without a pas- tor.

April 1, 1885, at a council meeting of the charge, J. Treese, A. N. Eddleman and M. N. Heilig only were present out of sixteen members. These three determined to call a pastor at their own expense, if need be, and addressed C. W. Sifferd, then a student at the Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He accepted the call, arrived in Anna on May 7. and preached at St. John's on Sunday, May 9. After five months' service, he was elected pastor by the three congregations of Anna, Union and St. John's without a dis- senting vote. On January 30, 1876, the council bought the Lots 29 and 30, in W. Davie's Third Addition to the town of Anna, and the house thereon, at a cost of $600, for the use of the pastor, and on February 1, 1876, the pastor and family took possession. In January, 1878, the Anna congregation purchased Lot 33, and on May 1 the corner- stone of the new church was laid, an appro- priate address being made by Rev. A. L. Yount. On August 11, the building was dedicated, free of debt, and soon afterward the organ and bell were purchased.

About the year 1850. some German Luther- ans from Austria settled two miles south of Jonesboro, on Dutch Creek. In 1854, they began the erection of the St. Paul's Evan- gelical Lutheran Church. Among the prom- inent men connected with the church were Joseph Myer, Sr., and Joseph Kollenner. The Lutheran Church in the county, German and English, numbers about 600 communi-

cants, and for convenience has been written to- gether in this chapter. The German con- gregation belongs to the Iowa Syncd; the English congregations belong to the Synod of Southern Illinois.

The Roman Catholic Church was early represented in the city by zealous workers, four of whom, viz., L. W. Ashley, John Hal- pin, Michael Brady and Jeremiah O'Connor were mainly instrumental in bringing about the erection of the present church editice. which was built in 1855. Service was held at irregular times until the arrival of Rev. Father Theodore Elshoff in 1860. Then in succession came Fathers L. E. Lambert, Edward Fokel, Henry Helhake. John Herlitz and Peter Sylvester, the latter of whom is the present officiating priest. In 1866, a comfortable dwelling, since enlarged, was erected adjoining the church. The total value of the buildings is in the neighborhood of $2,500. A Sunday school is regularly held with an attendance of about fifty, old and young. A day school is also maintained during the most of the year.

On January 15, 1859, Elder J. H. Settle- moir formed the Anna Presbytery of the Bap- tist Church, with twenty-seven members, of whom only oue member, J. M. Hunsaker, now remains connected with the church then formed. H. H. Richardson was the first pas- tor. F. W. Carothers became pastor in 1865; S. L Wisner in 1866; H. H. Richard- son again in 1868; J. M. Hunsaker in 1872; J. A. Rodman in 1874; J. M. Bennett in 1878; and D. R. Sanders in 1879. Dr. Sanders is still the pastor in charge. The membership now numbers 120. Until 1865, services were held in the public schoolhouse. In 1865, the present frame church was rected, but was found to be too small, and in 1876 was considerably enlarged. Services are now held every two weeks in Anna. The

383

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

Sunday school has, at times, been quite large and prosperous.

There was a Reformed congregation organ- ized in Anna in the year 1859, by Rev. John McConnell. Among the original members were Henry Miller and Jacob Hileman. From 1859 to 1863, Rev. P. H. Kroh was pastor in charge. He was succeeded by Rev. Thorn- ton Butler. This newly organized congrega- tion not having a suitable house of worship, could not have regular services, and there- fore, instead of increasing in numbers, suf- fered a falling off in membership until the year 1872, when J. A. Smith became pastor, and the congregation was re-organized. In the following year, the brick building, since occupied as a place for worship, was erected. After four years' labur, Mr Smith resigned his charge, and during the following year the church had no settled pastor. S. P. Myers then became pastor, and for five and a half years served very acceptably.

After Mr. Myers' resignation, the congre- gation was again for awhile withont a pas- tor. In June, 1881, J. H. Lippard was called to the pastorate of this church, and has since remained in charge. The membership was never large, and has at no time increased very rapidly, numbering about forty at this date, June, 1883. The church edifice is an orna- ment to the city, and is well located on one of the most eligible sites obtainable. The total cost aggregated about $3,500.

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Anna was organized in the fall of 1856, by Rev. Willoughby, and held services in the public schoolhouse till 1857, when the present frame church was built. Daniel Spence and wife, Mr. Hannah and family, Nancy and Ellen Manees and Martha A. Wood were among the first members. G. W. Jenks, L. C. Eng- lish, J. W. Phillips, M. N. Powers, M House, F. L. Thompson, D. B. Van Winkle.

J. C. Green, A. Campbell, N. H. Nichols, C. J. Houts, J. W. Van Cleve, E. Lathrop, M. House and G. W. Waggoner have, in the foregoing order, served as pastors of the con- gregation in this charge, G. W. Waggoner being now near the close of the third year in his pastorship. In the early existence of the church in this city, it formed a part of a large four weeks' circuit, and the records of that time have come down very imperfect, so that a full history is impossible. The church building has been enlarged to accommodate the increasing membership, which now num- bers 110. A flourishing Sunday school is connected with this church.

The first Presbyterian Church of Anna was organized by A. T. Norton, D. D., of Alton, on April 29, 1866. with seventeen members, viz. : Mrs. Ellen D. Willard, Dr. F. S. Dodds and wife, S. B. Marks and wife, Dr. J. G. Un- derwood and wife, Mrs. Jennie S. Shick, Mrs. R. J. Phillips, Mrs. M. Reardon, C. W. Col- lins, Virgil Beale, Mrs. Kate Beale, Mrs. H L. Foster, Mrs. Mary Slater, Mrs. S. A. Finch, Mrs. M. J. Short and Mrs. A. David- son. The organization took place in the Methodist Church in Anna, with Elders V. Beale and C. W. Collins. Since then the following persons have been chosen Elders: John D. Newbegin, James I. Hale, L. E. Stocking, J. Ryder, H. P. Tuthill and E. R. Jinnette. David Dimond, D. D., was pas- tor from 1867 to 1870; E. L. Davies was pastor from January 7, 1872, to June, 1874, W. B. Minton from Januarv, 1875, to Novem- ber, 1877; E. L. Davies again from Decem- ber, 1877, to May, 1879; J. W. Knott from January, 1880, to July, 1882; J. M. Faris from October, 1882, to May, 1883, and W. W. Faris from May, 1883, to the present time. The church now numbers sixty mem- bers. The congregation at first held services in the Methodist Church, then in a store

384

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

room fitted up as a chapel, and lastly in the present edifice, on Lot 11 of W. Davie's Sec- ond Addition to the town of Anna. This edifice was dedicated June 28, 1868, and cost $3,560. It is a substantial, convenient house, 40x60 feet, and occupies an excellent site. A very neat and comfortable parsonage be- longing to the church is situated on the block adjoining.

On the 3d day of March, 1867, a Sunday school was organized by the pastor, David Dimond, in the Presbyterian chapel on Main street, with twenty-five scholars, among whom were Hanson, Samuel and James Marks, Frank and Ford Dodds, Calvin and Frank Miller, Annie, Josie and Jessie Phillis, Mel- lie Dodds, Helen and Avis Underwood. The teachers were the pastor, D. Dimond, Col. Marks, J. D. Newbegin and Mrs. Underwood. There have been five Superintendents since then. E. R. Jinnette holding the office at present. There have been enrolled 847 schol- ars, 57 of whom are known to have become members of the Presbyterian and other churches. Fifty eight persons have labored as teachers. The whole number of officers, teachers and scholars now enrolled numbers 143. with an average attendance of 70. The library has contained 1,146 volumes, of which at present over 320 volumes remain in use. For many years, Cyrus Shick was chor- ister in this church, and the excellence of the singing did much toward maintaining the interest in the church service, and sustaining the membership in church and Sunday school.

Episcopal services were held in the Re- formed Church during 1880, and in the Lutheran Church during 1882. In the spring of 1883, arrangements were made with Rev. J. B. Harrison, of Carbondale, to hold regu- lar services semi-monthly in the Temperance Hall, so called, on Main street. The inter-

est in this form of worship is increasing, and there is now a likelihood of a permanent organization.

Universalists are numerous in this city, and occasional services have been held by them in past years, but no society or church of this denomination has yet been organized.

In 1869, the Campbellites or Christians were quite numerous, and held regular serv- ices. During the past ten years, these serv- ices have been discontinued, no permanent organization having been effected.

Manufacturers .- Anna is not, strictly speaking, a manufacturing city, not possess- ing any special great advantages for this pur- pose. Milling was the earliest manufactur- ing done on any considerable scale. As late as the year 1860, horse mills were in use by some distant neighborhoods, and hand mills were not entirely discarded. In 1856, the Flora Temple brick mills were built and put in operation by Daniel Davie and Daniel Goodman. They were then the largest and most extensive mills in this part of the State, and were located a little south of the depot in Anna. D Goodman sold out his interest to W. Davie, who, with D. Davie, put the mill in fine order and made their flour cele- brated for its excellence. W. Davie then be- came sole proprietor, and transferred his title to D. W. Brown. The mill now had six run of stone, was four stories high, with elevators and the best machinery of the times, and a capacity for turning out 100 barrels of flour per day, besides grinding 200 bushels of corn. In 1869, while owned by D. W. Brown, the mill was consumed by fire, but was re- built in 1871 by Daniel Davie and Caleb Miller. Mr. Miller then became sole owner, and transferred his title to A. J. Davis and W. S. Meisenheimer. On the death of Mr. Davis, Mr. Meisenheimer continued operating and improving the mill until April 1, 1883,

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part 48

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; O.L. Baskin & Co. Number of Pages: 948

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 948