USA > Illinois > McDonough County > Bardolph > History of Bardolph, Illinois > Part 6
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12
Rev. Enos Thompson
1837
Rev. B. E. Kaufman 1867-1868
Rev. Ezekiel Mobley
1838
Rev. D. S. Main.
1869
Rev. C. Hobart
1839-1840
Rev. A. P. Hull. 1870
Rev. Pitner
1841
Rev. James Ferguson
.1871
Rev. Troy
1842
Rev. Jacob Mathews
1872-1874
Rev. J. Walters
1843
Rev. J. Taylor
1875-1877
Rev. C. J. Houts.
1844
Rev. John Rugh 1875-1877
Rev. T. J. Oliver
1845
Rev. P. S. Garretson. 1878-1879
Rev. B. F. Applebee.
1846
Rev. J. W. Frizzelle. 1878-1879
Rev. Hindle
.1849
Rev. H. K. Metcalf.
.1882
Rev. Freeborn Haney
1849
Rev. J. A. Souders.
1883
Rev. W. J. Beck.
1850
Rev. B. C. Dennis 1884
Rev. B. F. Swarts.
1851
Rev. T. P. Henry. 1885-1886
1887
Rev. J. B. Quimby
1852-1854
Rev. A. Mead 1 mo.
Rev. John Morey
1855
Rev. W. H. Cooper.
1888-1890
Rev. Milton Brown
1856
Rev. W. H. Witter.
1891-1892
Rev. James Taylor
1857
Rev. T. J. Woods
1893
Rev. John P. Brooks.
1857
Rev. W. H. Cooper 1894-1895
.Rev. W. H. Jackson.
1858
Rev. A. L. Lumpkin
1896
Rev. Sharrod Robinson
1858
Rev. N. J. Brown
1897
Rev. Hadley
1859
Rev. D. T. Wilson. 1898-1899
Rev. W. J. Beck.
1860
Rev. W. R. Warner.
1900-1901
Rev. McCool
1861
Rev. C. A. Wright.
1902-1903
Rev. B. F. Applebee.
1862
Rev. J. C. Craine.
1904-1905
Rev. W. F. Steward.
1863
Rev. D. G. DuBois.
1906-1907
Rev. John Windsor
1864
Rev. Stanley Ward
1908-1909
Rev. Creighton Springer
1865
Rev. C. E. Rosenkrans . 1910
Rev. Brown
1866
Rev. Milton S. Swisher. 1911-1912
The local preachers of the charge are as follows :
W. H. Jackson
Rev. Hawthorne
Stephen Greenup
D. B. Lindsay
Barton Greenup
Dr. J. B. Knapp
J. Strokes
B. F. Eckley
Isaac Gallagher
John Lucas
Elijah Matheny
Frank Winter
Dr. J. J. Rowe
Ellsworth Heck
N. G. Cowgill
Jesse Barger
X
Rev. U. G. Geddings
1847-1848
Rev. J. T. Pearson. 1880-1881
Rev. Barton Cartwright.
1852-1854
Rev. W. H. Hitchcock.
64
HISTORY OF BARDOLPH, ILLINOIS
REV. MILTON SCOTT SWISHER
Was born on a farm near Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio, February 7th, 1879. His father, John H. Swisher, was of Dutch descent, and his mother, Alma T. Swisher, nee Dunlap, of Scotch-Irish parentage. During his boy- hood he helped his father on the farm and attended the public schools and high school at King's Creek. Having grown to young manhood, he worked two summers by the month on a farm, and several months as an employe of the Chicago & Erie R. R. However, feeling the need of higher education he spent a year in the Elkhart Institute, now known as Goshen College, at Elkhart, Ind., and a year in Western College, at Toledo, Iowa, and a term in Otterbeen University at Westerville, Ohio. He then engaged in the profession of teaching and taught for three years, but feeling the call to preach he entered the Upper Iowa Conference and served as pastor at Melbourne, Iowa, for two years, 1903 and 1904. In 1904 he was united in marriage to Miss Ferne Purdie Hunter of Urbana, Ohio, which union was of short duration, for the following year death invaded the home and left its desolation. In 1907, he was again united in marriage to Cora B. Savage, at Coggon, Iowa. In 1907 he was transferred from the Upper Iowa to the Central Illinois Conference, having served as pastor of the Melbourne, Coggon and Fairfax M. E. Church in Iowa and three years at Pennington Point, Ill. He is now in his second year's work at Bardolph, where he has had great success from the beginning. His love for the work and his impetuous zeal has been contagious and work has already been accomplished through his guidance that before was thought by some as next to impossible. His broad-mindedness and love for the "other fellow" makes him an enthusiastic worker in other ways, as well as in the church, or any- thing for the good of the town which receives his hearty support.
REV. WILLIAM HOWARD JACKSON
Pioneer preacher and starter of the Jackson name in Bardolph and vicinity, was a native of Fauquier County, Virginia, and was born on the 1st of March, 1804. His father, Jacob Jackson, removed to Orange County, Virginia, while William H. was yet a boy. Here he grew to manhood and here, too, was moulded that noble, whole-souled character that so distin- guished him all through his later life. A desire of the right and a deter- mination to do the right as he saw it was ever his aim. In 1824, Dec. 24, he was united in marriage with Miss Ann Miller, whom he had met the year before while she was visiting old friends near his home. She had lived in Virginia years before, and in fact was born in Rockingham County, that state, though about 1805 she had removed with her parents to Ken- tucky, where her home was at the time of her marriage. It was in 1828, while still living in Orange County that he first decided for the Christian
65
HISTORY OF BARDOLPH, ILLINOIS
service by joining the M. E. church of that place. Feeling there was still a greater step to be taken, and that the need of the church was great, three years later he was licensed to preach by John Hersey, which work he followed until his death in 1866. Sept. 2nd, 1834, he moved to Fauquier County, Virginia, the place of his birth, but after two years of life here, he and his family re- moved to McDonough County, Illinois, landing here the 11th day of November, 1836. The first year he farmed the land of a George Miller in Macomb township, on Section 19, but the next year he re- moved to his own farm in Mound town- ship, where he made his own improve- ments, erecting his own log hut, etc. REV. WM. H. JACKSON Founder of Bardolph Methodism These were the days when Bardolph had no existence, when neighbors were few and far between, the country an open prairie, all markets miles away on the river, and facilities for travel or transportation being poor in the extreme. Because of these and other difficulties, the men of the day were exceptionally strong and rugged and when their interests were centered on Christian service this same force was seen. W. H. was no exception to the rule, and he, with his good wife, did lots towards brightening and bettering the lives of early pioneers, bringing and shedding joy wherever they went. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were the parents of ten children, John M., William J., Mary Francis, James W., Albert L., Nathaniel H., Hester A., Margaret E., Joseph, George and Thomas A.
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
MRS. BEN ELEE, Bardolph
"No life can be pure in its purpose and strong in its strife, And all life not be purer and stronger thereby."
BIRD GREGORY, Bardolph
66
HISTORY OF BARDOLPH, ILLINOIS
SUNDAY SCHOOL M. E. CHURCH
ROM the organization of the church in 1837 to 1850, the church took part in a union Sun- day School, but in 1850, the first M. E. Sunday School was organized, with John M. Jackson as superintendent. The Sunday School has always been success- fully carried on, proving a great blessing to the church and community. It has been very fortunate from the first in the selection of its superintendents, promi- nent among which was John M. Jack- son, the first superintendent. He was very successful in his work and spared no pains in making it count in Christian service. His worth was recognized in the fact that at several different times he JOHN M. JACKSON First S. S. Supt. held that office. After Mr. Jackson left, several persons held this place at differ- ent times, chief among whom was J. E. Hendrickson. Some others were: H. A. Maxwell, Frank Jackson and G. V. Booth. After Mr. Booth, another man came to the head of affairs. This was Geo. Switzer, who was superin- tendent for the next 18 years. George was elected in 1891, and began his work Jan. 1, 1892. During his long term his Sunday school work was al- ways first in his mind. The labor and devotion of this man to his task made it singularly successful. At times when the church itself was very weak the Sunday school proved the stay which held all together. While we do not wish to eulogize or laud any to the skies, yet we deem it neces- sary where praise is deserved to bestow it. If any merit such praise, this man does. His work and loyalty have been unswerving. The best was never too good for his school. During his time, in order to further the efficiency of the Sabbath school work, the Home Department, Cradle Roll and Birthday collections were started. The school always was strong during his time in rendering programs. The Christmas, Easter and Children's Day services being almost without exception especially fine. These were often the means of holding older boys and girls in the school. The present incumbent is Archie O. Heck, whose love and devotion for the work has greatly increased the enrollment and put renewed spirit and enthusiasm
67
HISTORY BARDOLPH, ILLINOIS
in all departments of the work. The enrollment is 174, with an average at- tendance of 95. There are two organized classes in the school, the young ladies, or C. I. C. class, whose motto is "Yet there is room," with a mem- bership of about 20, and the "Loyal Daughters," consisting of a class of the middle aged ladies of the school. On the whole the school is in a very pros- perous and encouraging condition. This has been shown by the interest manifested by its members in the school's welfare. So interested were a goodly number that they made it possible for themselves to attend our State S. S. Convention at Quincy this year. Among the number were Rev. Swisher, pastor; Howard Chidester, assistant superintendent; Mrs. Chi- dester, elementary superintendent ; Mrs. Hendricks, teacher of Junior girls ; Mrs. H. A. Maxwell, Miss Lena Fullmer, teacher of the Beginners' class, and Archie O. Heck, superintendent of the school, who also had attended the World Wide S. S. Convention held at Washington, D. C., the spring before, where he had caught the broader vision of S. S. work. The present officers are: Archie O. Heck, Supt. ; Howard Chidester, Asst. Supt. ; Elmer Jackson, Secretary; Alice Smick, Asst. Secretary ; Harvey Brewbaker, Li- brarian ; Thressie Radenbaugh, Asst. Librarian; Genie Hendricks, Organist. The present teachers are :
Miss Lena Fullmer, Beginners.
Mrs. D. S. Heck, Primary. Mrs. E. H. Hendricks, Junior Girls. Miss Elsie Brewbaker, Junior Boys. Miss Zoe Smick, Intermediate Girls.
Mrs. Gertie Jackson, Intermediate Boys. Rev. M. S. Swisher, Young Ladies, or C. I. C. Class. Mrs. Emma Jackson, Young Men.
H. A. Maxwell, Men's Class. Mrs. Maria Winter, Women's Class, or Loyal Daughters.
Heads of the Departments: Mrs. Cowperthwaite, Cradle Rol .; Mrs. Chidester, Elementary Dept. ; Mrs. Ed. Beal, Home Dept. ; Miss Zoe Smick, Missionary Dept .; Ellsworth Heck, Temperance Dept .; G. C. Pratt, Birth- day Collections. At the beginning of this year of 1911, the school was graded as nearly as possible and the graded lesson adopted. This has been a wonderful improvement and increased interest has been shown. Cur- tained rooms have also been made in the school room; one for the Elemen- tary Dept., and one for the Intermediate girls. These improvements have meant additional cost and hard work, but they pay.
GEORGE A. SWITZER
One of our S. S. Superintendents, and one who has probably held that position longer than any other one man, first saw the light of day in Fulton County, near Astoria, Ill., on the 8th day of November, 1854. His parents, Abraham and Matilda (Bryan) Switzer, were both of Virginia. The year after George's birth they removed to McDonough County, near Industry, where they resided until March, 1857, when they came to New Philadelphia. They remained here during the Civil War, but at its close
68
HISTORY OF BARDOLPH, ILLINOIS
in '65, they settled on the old home place northwest of Bardolph. Here George grew to manhood and here, too, was instilled into him those sterling qualities which have made him the loyal Christian worker he has proven himself to be during the past and present years of service. After finishing the country school, he entered the Normal Scientific College in Macomb, under Prof. and Mrs. Branch. In November, 1874, he graduated from here, after three years' hard work. The following winter he began teaching and for eight years taught in the country school, the last five being at Mt. Solon. On the 22d day of April, 1882, he was united in marriage with Miss Nettie Booth, by whom he had three children. For the following eight years he farmed, seven of which was on his farm, west of town. In the winter of 1889, his wife being in exceedingly poor health, they went to California, but returned home in the Spring of 1890, where she died shortly after. The two following years saw him as teacher of his old school at Mt. Solon again, but upon uniting in marriage with Miss Clara Belle Eastin of Bardolph, he returned to the farm, where he lived until the Fall of 1909, when he moved to Macomb. His life by service and sacrifice has been very closely interwoven with that of the M. E. church. For years he was class leader and steward, holding the latter office some twenty-five years. He was aways faithful in his duty to church and S. S., being superintendent of the latter for 18 years, carrying on his work ever patiently and diligently. Fraternally he was a member of the M. W. A., which he joined in 1889, and of which he was manager and venerable consul, being the latter for ten years.
G. A. SWITZER AND SON, LEWIS
69
HISTORY OF BARDOLPH, ILLINOIS
OOK
.
HISTORY OF THE EPWORTH LEAGUE
HE Epworth League of Bardolph was organized in 1890, during Reverend Witter's first pastoral year. There were 20 charter members, among whom were: Inez Maxwell Kite, Gertrude Maxwell Gregory, Hattie An- derson, Lillie Anderson, Myra Jackson, G. V. Booth, Jennie Coulter, Ida Coul- ter, Harry Wilson, Mazie Pugh and George Switzer. G. V. Booth was elect- ed president and Gertrude Maxwell sec- retary. The meetings were of a literary order. Occasionally entertainments were given. These meetings at first were held on Tuesday evening. Later they were changed until Sunday evening, soon af- ter which they became devotional. A .REV. WITTER The Organizer of League Junior League was also organized in connection with the Epworth League, with Gertrude Maxwell Superintendent. The spiritual and mental develop- ment was the aim more than the money. The Junior League studied the Bible and took a very active part in these meetings. At one time they had a graduation, graduating the Juniors into the Epworth League. Examina- tions were held. The grades made on Bible work and the age of the Junior were the requirements for joining the Epworth League. One year the Jun- iors held a fair, at another time they pieced a quilt, gave talented entertain- ments, and other things of various character. About 1901, a debating so- ciety was organized and during the entire winter the young boys and girls met at the different homes in the community, giving pleasure to their hos- tesses, as well as profit to themselves. The Epworth League has had its prosperous years along with its less active. During Rev. Cooper's pastorate in 1894, the League was very prosperous. Then followed a depression. In 1897, with Rev. Wilson, the League was reorganized, Nellie Wilson be- ing elected president. The spiritual development has been its greatest stronghold. The socials have been held regularly. Conversation socials, which gave every one a chance to get acquainted. Observation socials in which every one observed with their eyes, ears, nose and mouth; Japanese
70
HISTORY OF BARDOLPH, ILLINOIS
socials, Height socials, Age and Weight socials were held. In fact, almost all of the social work of the church has clustered about our League. It was thus in a position where it could attract young people and get them started in Christian service, when the other departments of the church failed to reach them at all. In 1908, a red and blue contest was held. Sides were chosen with Bess Maxwell, leader of the blues, and Wm. Harris, leader of the reds. Slips holding 16 pennies were passed out and the side having the most money at the end of the contest were banqueted by the losing side. Colors were worn by everyone. Each side worked all kinds of ways to get money. Great but good-natured excitement followed, resulting in the Reds gaining the day. Almost $100 was netted from this. Under the pastorate of C. E. Rosenkrans the League was very active. One hun- dred members were added during the winter, while the following summer socials of all kinds were held. A "Wedding Tour" was also carefully planned and as carefully carried out, giving the greatest of pleasure to all who participated in it. This same activity was carried over into M. S. Swisher's pastorate. During last winter the League organized a literary society which gave its debates, readings, music, etc., every other week at the M. E. church. The interest in these increased as they continued, until the church would be filled every meeting night. Along this last spring a play was prepared and given by these energetic young people which proved a success beyond their expectations. So much so that it was repeated in Bardolph and then given in Adair. This past summer they made plans early for publishing a "History of Bardolph." The undertaking was a tre- mendous one for raw recruits, but with determination they set their shoul- ders to the wheel and have carried that to completion. Whether successful or not, is left to our readers to judge. The present officers are as follows : Miss Lena Fullmer, President ; Miss Elsie Brewbaker, 1st Vice President ; Miss Zoe Smick, 2d Vice President; Mrs. E. H. Hendricks, 3d Vice Presi- dent ; Miss Jessie Elliott, 4th Vice President; Miss Tressie Radenbaugh, Secretary ; Mr. Ellsworth Heck, Treasurer ; and Miss Katie Smick, Organ- ist. The League is alive and not afraid of assuming its share in making improvements. During the past year, $175 has been given in this way.
We grow like what we think of, so let us think of the good, true and beautiful. LOUISE SWITZER, Macomb
"We must be purposely kind and generous, or miss the best part of our existence."
MRS. FULLMER, Macomb, R. F. D.
71
HISTORY OF BARDOLPH, ILLINOIS
Photos by A. M. Beal
NEW M. E. PARSONAGE
FIRST M. E. PARSONAGE Now home of Wilson Winter
M. E. CHURCH PARSONAGES
A BOUT the time the church was built in 1867, the people felt the need of a parsonage for the housing of their pastor and family. Na- thaniel H. Jackson therefore donated lots 1 and 2 in block 18, just southeast of the church, for this purpose and a house was erected on it at a cost of about $1,500 or $1,600. It was a good, substantial one-story build- ing with an ell on the southeast side, back from the street. After a few years the second story was added to this, making it a comfortable, roomy house, large enough for almost any sized family. This house served as the parsonage until during the pastorate of Rev. Stanley Ward in 1908, the trus- tees of the church, with the sanction of the pastor, sold the parsonage prop- erty to Mrs. Maria Winter, who now occupies it, for $1,200 and purchased the three lots, 8, 9 and 10, together with the little cottage, just southwest of the church, which property served as the parsonage until 1911, during the pastorate of Rev. M. S. Swisher, when the cottage and lot 8 was sold for $950 and a splendid new parsonage was built at a cost of about $2,500. on lots 9 and 10. The contract was let to James Landis, Bardolph's con- tractor and builder. It is a two-story structure with a basement underneath the whole house. . The material and workmanship is fine throughout, mak- ing it a credit to the builder and to those who had it built.
72
HISTORY OF BARDOLPH, ILLINOIS
Photo by A. M. Beal
BARDOLPH HIGH SCHOOL
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
J N the winter of 1836, a three months' school was taught on the section on which now stands the village of Bardolph. It was taught in a building that had been used for a dwelling house, but which was un- occupied at that time. This house was soon afterwards torn down. The next winter, 1837, the school was taught in a log cabin in the edge of Mound Township. The land on which this cabin was erected, was the property of Joseph Smith. The following winter, 1838, Mr. Bigger Head taught the school which was located that winter in a house near the graveyard. In 1839, a log schoolhouse was erected on the edge of Mound Township, Mr. Merril being the teacher that winter. But one term of school was taught there and then the building was used as a dwelling house.
The next school, 1840, was taught in a cabin belonging to James Creel. This was located on the west side of the section on which Bardolph now stands. After one term in this building, it was moved and the school was forced to seek a new location in a log cabin near the old Hartsook place.
This cabin contained a huge fireplace made of mud and sticks, and when the enormous back-log was rolled into place and the fire started for the day, the scholar's faces would burn, while their feet would freeze. The fire was started by bringing a shovelfull of fire from the nearest house. There were slab seats for the scholars; a three-legged stool and a hickory rod for the teacher. The seats of the older scholars were arranged around
73
HISTORY OF BARDOLPH, ILLINOIS
the sides of the room. Their desks were large planks held in place by pegs in the logs. The windows were the spaces between the logs, and oiled paper was used in place of window glass.
In the winter of 1842-1843, Mr. McBride taught the school. The next two years Mr. McCandless was employed as teacher. In the summer of 1846 Miss Reed taught school in a building on the old Parvin place. The next year, 1847-48, Dr. Westfall taught the school.
Some of the teachers opened the work of the day with Bible reading and prayer. They always had their songs. It was the custom for the teacher to start some song whenever the scholars became restless. At dif- ferent times the teacher would have speaking days, and the speaking was such as would do credit to any school of to-day. The recesses were spent in playing games, such as blackman and ball. Every scholar took his dinner. Sometimes they would eat all together in picnic style. In the lower grades Pike's arithmetic was used, but in the higher grades Ray's arithmetic and Frost's history was also used. The spelling class was the good old-fash- ioned head mark spelling and the scholar who won the most head-marks carried a prize home on the last day of school. Dr. Westfall taught Rhet- oric and Philosophy. Mr. T. J. and Mrs. Belle Creel were the only scholars in these classes. The winter evenings were spent at the spelling matches and singing schools. The height of every boy's ambition was to be the best speller in the community. For a long time this honor was held by Mr. J. F. Creel.
The scholars always expected a treat at Christmas time and sometimes they would use every forcible means to get it. One Christmas when Mr. McCandless was the teacher, the scholars hurried to the school house in order to get there before he came. When Mr. McCandless was seen com- ing, the door was locked and he was forced to remain outside. As the weather was very cold he soon agreed to treat the scholars. One of the things the scholars wrote on a piece of paper that they wanted was raisins, but it was misspelled, the scholar spelling it "reason." Mr. McCandless replied that he would give all but the "reason." For the Lord only could give them that, and it seemed in this case that he had failed to do so. But they got their treat all right. The same trick was tried on Mr. Wykoff, but when he could not get in the schoolhouse, he threw his shovel full of fire on the snow, went back to his boarding place and was seen no more that day. On the morning that he re-opened school, one of the younger boys heard a commotion in the schoolroom, and when he opened the door he saw Mr. Wykoff treating some of the older boys to a good birchwood flogging. While this was not the treat they wanted, yet it served the purpose.
The school was next located in a building across the road from the old Smith place. Mrs. Belle Creel taught two terms here in 1852-53. In those days the boys and girls walked three and four miles in order to get a little learning. Usually the older boys came only when there was no work to
74
HISTORY OF BARDOLPH, ILLINOIS
do at home, this being only a few weeks in the winter time. Those were also the days when the scholars could look out of the windows and see fawns playing in the edge of the woods.
In 1854, the school was moved to a building near what is now the Cowperthwaite place and it remained in that place until the schoolhouse was built in 1860. In this building the seats were still slab seats, and they were so high that the younger scholars could not touch the floor with their feet. One little girl wanted to recite all the time, and when the teacher wanted to know why, replied that the seat was so hard that she could not sit on it. One little boy, becoming very tired, laid down on his slab seat and went to sleep. Much to the amusement of the older scholars he was rudely awakened by rolling off of his seat to the floor. Miss Eliza Westfall taught in the building in 1854.
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.