USA > Illinois > Monroe County > Columbia > History of Columbia and Columbia precinct, Monroe County, Illinois, 1859-1959 and centennial celebration, Columbia, Illinois, July 3-4-5, 1959 > Part 8
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In 1940 the Laymen's Retreat League was established through the efforts of C. W. Gruninger, Alfred Descher, Julius Kuehner and John Janson, Jr. During the Centen- nial year of the parish in 1946 the officeis were: Alfred Descher, President; C. W. Gruninger, Vice President and Julius Kuehner, Secretary.
St. Vincent De Paul Society was founded in 1933 by Father Wiemer.
The Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality was in existence in the year 1946 with Miss Mary Reis, President; Miss Alma Faust, Treasurer and Miss Mae Juengling, Secretary.
In 1946 the officers of a Young Men's Sodality were John McDiermon, President and Frank Leingang, Secre- tary-Treasurer.
During this, the Centennial year of our City, the fol- lowing societies are active in the parish with the officers as listed: Altar Society: Mrs. Frank Haberl, President; Mrs. Charles Menner, Vice President; Mrs. Leo Herrmann, Secretary; Mrs. Clarence Janson, Treasurer.
Mothers and Friends Club: Mrs. Norman Mueller, President; Mrs. Anthony Range, Secretary.
Catholic Knights and Ladies of Illinois: Frank Knip- pler, President; William Faust, Secretary.
St. Vincent De Paul Society: Elmer Janson, President; Paul Reyling, Secretary-Treasurer.
Catholic Youth Organization: William Janson, Presi- dent; Mary Kathryn Conrad, Secretary.
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine: Rev. Vito Lopar- do, Director; Chas. W. Gruninger, President; Calvin Fries, Vice President; Rita Leingang, Secretary; Arlou Koch, Treasurer.
The men of the parish are affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, Waterloo Council 1334; and a number of the ladies are affiliated with the Daughters of Isabella.
A Retreat movement for men in the parish, is under the leadership of Leo Weilbacher, Sr .; the ladies under the leadership of Mrs. Charles W. Gruninger.
Rev. Elmer Holtgrave has been working untiringly, developing a long range program of improvements for the parish to meet the tremendous growth which seems to be in sight. The immediate large scale project that is at hand is the construction of a new rectory, the plans for which have been completed. This project should get un- der way in the spring of this year 1959. Father Holt- grave is always interested and concerned in seeing that the parish will meet the problems that come with an ever-growing community. At this time there are approxi- mately 450 families in the parish.
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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS
In January of 1957, the First Baptist Church of Dupo elected a Missions Committee composed of three mem- bers. They were Russell Barnett, Calvin Pickering and Fred Schumaker. Their purpose was to establish a new church in Columbia.
A visitation program was set up to visit and enlist the known prospects at that time. An effort was also put forth to find others who would be interested in this great work.
In spite of the fact that there were few interested persons, the Baptist Mission was established under the supervision of the Mother Church of Dupo, Illinois. The work was begun In co-operation with the Superintendent of Missions of the E. St. Louis Baptist Association, Rev. Fred Propst.
On February 24, 1957 the first service was held In the Louis Ritter building at 121 South Main Street (formerly Daab Confectionery). This was the first home of the Bap- tist Mission and later the First Baptist Church. The work continued here for two years.
Rev. W. W. Dishongh, pastor of the Mother Church, conducted the first service. Those present were Mrs. Paul Koblitz and daughter, Mrs. Chas. Fitts, Mrs. Vernie Hal- leran and son, Mrs. Ann Volk and two daughters and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Clark and daughter, Jewell.
Rev. Propst, Superintendent of Missions, conducted the services through April, during which time the first two-week revival was held. Members for a new church were enlisted.
On Sunday before Easter Sunday, 1957, Rev. Doyle
" 'Bilder Joe' sold rosaries and holy pictures and herbs."
Keller of Dupo, Illinois came to conduct the services at the Mission. At the request of the Mission congregation, the Mother Church called Rev. Keller to be Mission Pastor.
After sufficient growth, on July 20, 1958, Constitu- tion services were held. The mission became the First Baptist Church of Columbia with forty charter members.
In January 1959 the First Baptist Church purchased the Dr. Dundon property at 626 West Bottom Avenue and moved to the new church home February 18, 1950. The pastor also moved upon the field.
The present church officers are Rev. Doyle Keller, Pastor; Shirley Morrow, Clerk; Wm. C. Stonecipher, Treas- urer; Milo Newton, Wm. C. Stonecipher and George Womble, Trustees; Ernest Clark, Sunday School Superin- tendent; Wm. C. Stonecipher, Training Unlon Director; and Betty Cook, president of the Women's Missionary Union.
A brief doctrinal statement of the Church is as fol- lows: 1. Jesus Christ established her. 2. She Is made up of baptized believers. 3. Her purpose Is to take the gospel into all the world. 4. Her government is democratic. 5. She is located locally with no authority outside the local church. 6. Her finance is wholly of the tithe and offerings. 7. She accepts the Bible as the whole inspired word of God. 8. She has always strived for separation of church and state. St. John 7:16 Jesus said, "My doctrine Is not mine, but his that sent me."
The First Baptist Church of Columbia Is one of 30,000 other Baptist Churches of like faith and order affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.
Rev. Doyle Keller is the pastor of the church.
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Mrs. Theodore Stritter, nee Breidecker, wife af a Columbia baker.
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF OLD COLUMBIA
Grocery Stores: J. B. Smith and Stewart; Martin Schuler; Reid and Schuler; John A. Reid; Reid and Arnin; Joseph Arnin, Charles Breidecker, Scipio Beaird, Hy. Voges, Jacob Weinel and John H. Wilson, Eichmuellers, Edward Victor Heiligstedt, Wm. Allen, Henry Schaiper, Fred Meyer, Meyer Bros., Wm. Vogt, John Pfeffer, Co- lumbia Mercantile Co., Weilbacher's, John Weissler, J. P. Ebel, Joseph Schuler, Theodore Stritter, Henry Siemens, William Dieterle and Chas. Breidecker.
Boarding Houses and Hotels: David Robinson 1825, Franklin Inn 1828, Albert Lepp, Jacob Boehne, John Eich- mueller, Buck Tavern, Robert Coleman, Ernst Grosse, Charles Juengling, A. F. Weinel, Fred Juengling, Jr. and Sr., Angerer Hotel, Breidecker Hotel, Arlington Hotel Henckler's Hotel, Jacob Weinel.
Blacksmith Shops: Joshua Parker, first one; Edward Heiligstedt, Jos. Rauch, Sr., Jos. Wuest, Frank Riebeling, Daniel Krauss, Jacob Lotz, Theodore and John Schaefer, Christian Dahmer, Schmidt and Rauch, Peter Miller, Jacoh Schmidt.
Wagon Makers: Fred Knieste, Frank Riebeling, John C. Schmidt, H. W. Schmidt, Henry Riebeling, George Schmidt, Jacob Schaffenberger.
Insurance: Fred G. Rapp, E. T. Weible, John A. Pfef- fer, Jas. Warnock.
Carpenters: Fred Koch, Jos. Brand, Hy. Beckmann, Charles Landgraf.
Lumber Yards: Ernst Grosse and A. F. Weinel.
Harness Makers: Frank Fahney, John Kolb, William Kremmel.
Brick Yards: William Dankenbring, Henry Heulling- horst, George Hengle, Henckler's.
Druggists: Louis Seyffardt, A. Bietlingmeier, Herman Rose, Wm. Rose, Sr., Schauffert.
Doctors: Wm. Goforth (Old Pills), Wm. Grippenberg, James Nowlin, M. G. Nixon, William Rose, Sr. and Junior, S. Kohlenbach, Dr. Gillen, Dr. Hansing, T. Hall, Zoda Lumley, Louis Sondel, Hammond Shoemaker, John Pflue- ger, Umlauf.
Veterinarians: John McKee, W. Wooters, Richard Grossman.
Tailors: Christian Beck, Henry Beck, and Ferdinand and William Haberlah.
Carpet Weavers: Eliza Wall and Anna Haller
Hardware: Christian Breidecker, Louis Kuehner, Philip Wilde, Ernst Weinel, Wm. Vogt.
Dressmakers and Milliners: Mrs. Sophia Schneider, Mrs. Ellen Smith, Miss Mary Oerter, Miss Minnie Timmer- man, Miss Mattie Lane, Mrs. Dora Colburn, Mrs. E. L. Bersche, Mrs. Bertha Gordon, Mrs. Roever, Mrs. Gebhardt, men's shirts and pants.
Cigarmakers: Gus Pentzler, Henry Kunz, Sr., Henry Rueck, William Henfling, Wm. Schaefer, Herman Miller, Wm. Williams.
Livery Stables: Aug. F. Weinel and James Warnock.
Furniture and Coffins: Fred Litzenberger, Chas. Schneider, E. J. Schneider, George and Gus Grob.
Saloons: Franklin Inn, Buck Tavern, Ernst Grosse, Aug. F. Weinel, Chas. Juengling, Jos. Brand, Conrad Wolf, Albert Lepp, Kastner, John B. Schmidt, Henry Reichenbach, Sr. and Jr., Wm. Goeckeler, Hy. Scheuer- mann, Jos. Rauch, Gus Tunze, Herman Meyer, Louis Tunze, Jacob Weinel, Fred Henckler, John Petri, Elmer Oerter, Henry Siemens, Jacob Vahle, P. C. Schneider, and Emil Fleig.
Breweries: John Gundlach, Edward Gundlach, John Schmidt.
Bakeries: Kupferschmidt, Stamm, Brucker and G. C. Goeckeler.
Cooper shops: Columbia Star Mill, Gardner Mills af- terwards Koenigsmark and Afflick and Phelps also E. F. Schoening; Christian Volkert.
Butcher Shops: Fred Illgner, Joe Vahle, Gustav Rohm and Son, Jacob and Louis Habermehl, Wm. Gruninger, Pretzlic Bros. Joseph Volkert, Sr., James Stephan, Jacob Ferkel, W. H. Schumacher, Jacob Stock.
Traders: Peter Reis, Gus Gnau, James Warnock, Jacob Ferkel, Franks Samenfink, Christian Niemeier, Gov't. Horse and Mule Buyer during Civil War.
Candy store and Confectionery and Ice Cream Stores: Wm. Allen, Mrs. Sophie Schneider, she also served a piece of delicious cake with the ice cream free; Mrs. Emma Fiege, Weilbacher's, Stark's.
Plasterers: Fred Keil.
Painters: Gus and Andy Frierdich, Ebel and Schmidt, Stonewall Jackson.
Shoemakers: Frederick Herold, Edward Fiege, Adolph Drachenberg, Joe Huber, Heinrig Reichenbach.
Barbers: George and Ferd Fiege, Wm. Roessler, Julius Lotz (all babies got their first haircut free, and every child loved Barber Lotz), Louis Ritter Senior and Junior, Charles Reis.
Farm Machinery: Peter Miller, Ernst Weinel, Wm. Vogt, Chris Breidecker.
Jewelry: Seibeck and E. L. Bersche.
Mills: Flour: Columbia Star and Gardner and Grist Mill Robert Coleman.
Saw Mill-J. Weisenborn, run with two white oxen for power.
Well Digger: Mr. Riebeling.
Job Printing Office: Charles Breidecker.
Photographers: E. T. Weible and Wm. A. Hills.
Herb and Seed Store: Joe Wise, sold Herbs to make "Hamburger Brust Tea" which was a cure-all especially good for colds; also sold holy pictures, rosaries, cruci- fixes, books. Wore his hair long. He had a saintly face.
Towncrier: Fred Henckler.
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DIVISIONS OF COLUMBIA IN USE BY OLD-TIME COLUMBIANS
Columbia, like Gaul of the Latin text books, was divided (not In three, however) but in five parts: Down- town, the north part of town near Gundlach's was St. Paul; Gaenze Fertel, or Goose Quarter, was in the neigh- borhood of Riebeling street to the old Wardeman ceme- tery; so named because many families kept geese; Rosen- thal, or the Valley of the Roses, which extended from the Julian Burks home on route 3 down into the valley; the name being self-explanatory; and Shake-rack (pro- nounced Sheckereck) which is the part of Columbia In the neighborhood of Ben Sunderman's garage and there- abouts. In the minutes of the village council it is spelled "Shake Rag". This district was probably so named from a poem written by George Fiege and his "Shake-rack" boys, set to music and played by the Shake-Rack band. It was written because a couple in this neighborhood refused to open the door for the serenaders when they came to charivari (shivari) the couple. The poem follows:
The Green-born's Party
Tune - Ha, ha, ha I tell you The Shake-rack boys are full of fun And love to dance and sing They also organized a band Some good serenades to bring. Chorus Ha, ha, ha, I tell you ho ho ho I say, Keep your eyes on the Shake-rack band When they commence to play.
A green-horn's daughter had found out
Our little band could play And asked their ma and pa about To invite us ail some day The green-horns gave a party I tell you it was grand We never met such people yet With our little Shake-rack band,
Chorus
Inside were Mike and Lizzie Little Mag and Leopold They were having a jolly time While we were in the cold. We then played Annie Rooney To give a nice serenade But they closed the doors and windows And left us in the shade.
Chorus
Censored the next verse We left the place right quietly You ought to see them glance We went in front of a nelghbor's house, And there we had a dance We boys all Ilke a party But I'll tell you very plain That you must be a dandy If you see us there again.
Chorus
Uptown Main street was called by the downtowners "Schlechte Fertel" or wicked quarter, and Uptown re- tallated by saying Downtowners were rascals and Up- towners angels.
These statements will not be found in any history, only from the tales of the old timers and the secret of who said what will never be divulged by the writer.
TOWN TRUSTEES 1859-1903
Trustees of the Town of Columbia from 1859 until It became a Village by election, October 3, 1903-44 years a town.
Lafayette Warnock: 1859-61 and 1866-67; John Gund- lach, 1859-61 and 1863-67; John Ferkel, 1859-60 and 1861- 62; John Jost, 1859-61; Jacob Beck, 1860-66 and 1868-69; Ernst Grosse, 1861-62 and 1869-70; Leonard Bietlingmeier, 1861-62; Christian Nlemeier, 1862-6-1 and 1869-70; Jacob Lotz, 1862-63 and 1870-76 and 1882-85; John Weisenborn, 1862-64; Christian Breidecker, 1863-71; Peter Miller, 1864-65. 1895-97; John Pfeffer, 1865-66 and 1875-77 and 187S-79 and 1880-81 and 1886-87 and 1895-96; George Hengle, 1865-66; Thomas Koenigsmark, 1866-69 and 1871-72 and 1873-75; Hy. Voges, 1867-71 and 1876-80; Henry Riebeling, 1867-68; Theodore Repp, 1869-70; H. F. Henckler, 1869-70; Henry Rueck, 1870-71 and 1894-96; John Kastner, 1870-71; Fred- erick Koch, 1871-73; William Schaefer, 1872-73; Henry Huch, 1872-73; John McKee, 1873-74; John Beck, 1876-77; John Angerer, 1875-76; Peter Reis, 1879-80; George Dlvers, 1871-72 and 1873-74 and 1880-82; Joseph Rauch, 1879-80 and 1881-85 and 1888-90 and 1891-94; Joseph Schuler, 1880-85; Joseph Stephan, 1882-85 and 1888-91; Edward Heiligstedt, 1881-82; Anton Vogt, 1SSS-90; Henry Reichen- bach, 1874-79 and 1885-86; Chas. Riebeling, 1877-81; John B. Schmidt, 1885-86 and 1887-89; Jacob Habermehl, 1885- 88 and 1889-91 and 1892-93; Stephen Frickman, 1885-88; Gustav Rohm, 1899-1901 and 1903-04; Julius Breidecker, 1886-92; Charles Lotz, 1892-94 and 1896-1904; John C. Schmidt, 1897-1904; Albert Lepp, 1895-1901 and 1901-1904; Jacob Harmacek, 1890-91 and 1894-95; Henry C. Schneider, 1890-92; Henry J. Kunz, Sr., 1891-92 and 1896-97; Charles Pepperni, 1891-93; Gustav Tunze, 1903-04; E. L. Rauch, 1903-1904; Joseph M. Arnin, 1892-94 and 1895-9S; Joseph Brand, 1893-95; Charles Reis, 1897-99; Edward L. Bersche, 1898-99; Philip Wilde, 1899-1903 and Theodore L. Schaefer, 1901-03.
At a General Election held October 3, 1903, the Mun- icipal Government was changed from Town to Village, un- der the General Laws of the State of Illinois, the first Officers for the Village of Columbia, elected April 19, 1904, were: President, Henry N. Kunz, Trustees, Albert Lepp, Gustav Tunze, Edmund L. Rauch, George Roessler, William Haberlah; Clerk, Rudolph P. Bricgei, Treasurer, George B. Schoening, Constable. John B. Schmidt.
Village Trustees: William Haberlah, 1904-16; Albert Lepp, 1904-10; Charles Lotz, 1904-15; E. L. Rauch, 1904-27; George Roessler, 1904-07 and 1913-15 and 1917-21; Gustav Tunze, 1904-15 and 1921-24; Louis Tunze, 1907-13; Jacob Brand, 1910-16; E. H. Gundlach, 1915-17; Ilenry Kraus, 1915-17; Otto H. Vogt, 1915-17; J. C. Frierdich, 1916-18; George Grob, 1916-18; Fred Juengling, 1917-19; Andrew Plutowsky, 1917-20; Daniel Daab, 1918-27; Theodore Lud- wig, 1918-20; Herman Haller, 1919-25; E. S. Rose, 1919-21; Joseph J. Volkert, 1920-27; J. L. Schmidt, 1921-25; Louis Landgraf, 1925-27; W'm. Roessler, 1925-27; W'm. Wilde, 1925-27; Gus Schueler, 1924-25.
On March 22, 1927 by a vote of 159 for and 50 against the municipal government was changed from Village to City, and the following elected first officers of the City of Columbia: Mayor, Fred G. Rapp; Clerk, Arthur A Lepp, Treasurer, Julius F. Lotz; Police Magistrate, Edwin C. Kueffner; Attorney, A. C. Bollinger; Marshal, C L. Kern; Fire Chlef, Gus C. Goeckeler, Jr. 24 years a village.
Following are the Aldermen who served from 1927 to 1959: Daniel Daab, 1927-28; Thomas C. Schmidt, 1927-31; Joseph J. Volkert, Sr., 1927-30; Herman Ilaller, 1927-31; E. L. Rauch, 1927-33; Arthur Rueck, 1927-29; Fred B. Mueller, 1928-31; Waiter F. Glffhorn, 1929-36; Albert C. Metter,
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1930-33; Fred Heise, 1931-34; Albert Haller, 1931-34; Carl Reis, 1932-36; Gus. D. Schroeder, 1932-37; Walter F. Koch, 1933-34; Michael Steffenauer, 1934-59; Philip Ludwig, 1933- 59; Herman J. Frierdich, 1934-38; Wm. Juengling, 1937-42; Raymond Frierdich, 1937-41; Anton Wierschem, 1937-44; Ferdinand Rohm, 1939-41; William Landgraf, 1941-47 and 1957-59, re-elected 1959; Elmer Janson, 1941-54; George Van Luik, 1943-59; relected 1959; Wm. Schueler, 1945- 53; Wilbert Kremmel, 1949-59; Arthur Beckmann, 1953-59; Alfred Descher, 1955-56. Warren Bergmann was elected as alderman in the 3d ward, replacing Philip J. Ludwig who did not run for office this year. 32 years a City.
DATA FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES
The U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Washington, D. C. gives the following information on the census: "We find Columbia first in the 1850 Census." Here are the figures for each census from 1850 through 1950: 1850, Columbia, Illinois population, 378; 1860, 1,080; 1870, 1,246; 1880, 1,308; 1890, 1,267; 1900, 1,197; 1910, 2,076; 1920, 1,592; 1930, 1,791; 1940, 1,871; 1950, 2,179.
Unofficial 1959 census of Columbia School Unit No. 4, approximately 4,000, of which 2600 reside within the city limits of Columbia.
POST OFFICES
Records of the Post Office Department in Washington, D. C. show that a post office was established at Columbia, Illinois on August 10, 1822. Names of postmasters and dates of their appointment were: William G. Goforth, De- cember 10, 1822; Thomas H. Finley (declined) August 9, 1828; Robert Coleman, November 21, 1828; Stephen Gard- ner, February 6, 1836; Charles Henckler, August 23, 1845; Jacob Stoutzenberg, August 16, 1851; Christian Breidecker, June 17, 1854; Louis E. Seyffardt, July 8, 1884; Lafayette Warnock, July 22, 1885; George W. Johnson, April 8, 1889; Heinrig Reichenbach, Dec. 14, 1892; Madison G. Nixon June 23, 1893; Joseph M. Arnin, June 28, 1897; Fred H. Henckler, March 10, 1914; Arthur G. Arnin, February 24, 1923; Otto H. Vogt, January 24, 1933; Charles J. Schneider, May 31, 1933; Gustav H. Boemer, January 31, 1942; Robert P. Cash, September 15, 1951 (still serving in 1959).
RURAL CARRIERS
Two rural carriers service the rural community from the Columbia Post Office. Following are the records ob- tained from the Post Office Department Chicago Regional Office, Main Post Office Building: Route 1, established 2- 2-03 to 12-31-17 William Gilmore regular rural carrier; 1- 2-18 to 4-30-18 Adolph Grosse temporary; 5-1-18 to 2-23- 19, Oliver Leister, temporary; 2-24-19 to 12-31-19, George Schlemmer; regular; 1-1-20 to 5-9-20 Philip Stumpf, tem- porary; 5-10-20 to 12-31-52, Otto D. Schneider, regular; 1- 1-53 to 3-29-53, Edward J. Wilde temporary; 3-30-53 to date, George A. Wilde regular.
Route 2, established 4-1-04 to 12-15-04, Louis Joseph Reis, temporary; 12-16-04 to 11-30-06, Julius Schneider, regular; 12-1-06 to 3-31-18 Chas. Lieser, regular; 4-1-18 to 2-23-19 Richard Harris, temporary; 2-24-19 to 3-20-20, Richard Harris, regular; 3-21-20 to 5-9-20, Herman F. Zoel- ler, temporary; 5-10-20 to date Herman F. Zoeller, regular.
Advanced to third class January 1, 1910; advanced to second class, July 1, 1943. Village delivery service started 11-1-28; City delivery service started 7-17-50; Star route truck service started 5-1-52; Highway Post Office bus ser- vice started 1-5-53; Last service from trains, 5-31-56.
THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME COLUMBIA
The origin of the name "Columbia" has been the sub- ject of much discussion and conjecture among Colum- bian's wondering why it was so named. To clarify the dis- cussion the historian wrote to Columbia University in the city of New York, asking the president of the University why the University was so named. The president referred the request to M. Halsey Thomas, curator of Columbiana, of Low Memorial Library, and he forwarded the following explanation:
"The name Columbia came into popularity at the close of the American Revolution. There seemed to be a feeling that Columbus, the discoverer of America, should he memorialized instead of Amerigo Vespucci, who had less reason to have his name attached to this hemisphere."
The name, however, was used as early as i697 by Chief Justice Samuel Sewall of Massachusetts in a book he published that year. He spelled it Columbina, but the idea was the same.
The first time the name appeared in legislation was the legislative act of the State of New York giving the name of Columbia to this institution, 1 May 1784. Two years later (4 April 1786) a new county was set off from Albany county and established with the name of Colum- bia county."
Pursuing the subject further, the curator of Columbi- ana enclosed a copy of a clipping from Columbia Univer- sity's undergraduate daily paper the "Columbia Spectator" of April 30, 1946.
"Columbia's Name Derived from Revolution War Song in 1784."
"While delving through the archives of the Columbi- ana collection in the basement of Low, we found a Co- lumbia University Bulletin dated December 1896 in which an article "The Origin of Columbia", appeared.
During the Revolution, Rev. Timothy Dwight, a chap- lain in the American Army, composed a song entitled "Columbia, Columbia to Glory Arise."
A few years after the revolution, in 1784, the legisla- ture of the University was looking for a new name for the college that would present a striking contrast to the orig- inal name "King's College." In the use of "Columbia" Dr. Dwight had idealized the new republic. The word had become significant of liberty and patriotism-representing the new born hopes and aspirations of the American peo- ple and nation. A verse in the song which perhaps prompted the decision is the following:
"Columbia, Columbia to glory arise,
The Queen of the world and child of the skies."
Columbia, then, became a popular name. By a Con- gressional Act in 1790, in 1791 the District of Columbia was established. The Columbia River discovered in 1792 by Captain Robert Gray was so named for his ship. That river became the focus of American settlement that cre- ated Oregon.
Since the early settlers of Columbia had fought in the Revolution, it is possible they had heard the song, sung it and decided it was a patriotic and appropriate name for the town they founded, our own fair Columbia.
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-AMERICANTECION
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AMERICAN LEGION MEMORIAL HOME
HISTORY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 581
The following history of Columbia Post No. 581 was written by C. F. Weilbacher, then Post Historian, for a booklet entitled "A Brief History of Monroe County in the Great World War", and distributed with the compli- ments of the American Legion Post No. 581, Columbia.
The history follows: "Columbia Post No. 581, Ameri- can Legion was organized on March 23d, 1920. The or- ganization work was conducted by Joseph McGlynn of E. St. Louis, district organizer. The first meeting, held at Post Headquarters, Turner Hall, was a decided success, twenty-four charter members being enrolled.
The following officers were elected at the first meet- Ing: Commander, R. C. Kunz; Vice Commander, Ira J. Mund; Adjutant, W. F. Schuck; Finance Officer, C. W. Breidecker; Chaplain, Henry Haberlah; Historian, C. F. Weilbacher; Service Officer, A. G. Klein; Employment Officer, C. L. Volkert; Athletic Officer, E. Parrott; Bugler, A. C. Metter and Sergeant-at-arms, G. Stemler. In 1921 the same officers were re-elected.
During the first year there were 56 members en- rolled, bringing the total membership to 80.
The Charter members of the American Legion were: R. C. Kunz, Henry Haberlah, A. G. Klein, Albert Hof- stetter, Alpha C. Smith, Walter F. Schuck, Henry Thiele, Ira F. Mund, Mike Klohr, C. W. Breidecker, George Kut- terer, John W. Thomas, Henry D. Mehrtens, Earl G. Par- rott, Charles Stelnsteck, Frank D. Buncher, August Welsch, Leo F. Kipping, Hlerman F. Taake and Louls Habermehl."
Mr. Weilbacher, in commenting on the war efforts of Columbians says: "Columbla's success In every war activity was due to her splendid community spirit, the spirit that Is the pride and design of Southern Illinois.
Both individually and as a whole Columbia strove to "carry on" and succeeded as she always does when she so desires. Liberty Loans were all over-subscribed
as were all the drives, and Columbia was generally the first precinct to go "Over the Top".
Monroe County's Red Cross had its inception in Co- lumbia immediately after the declaration of war, en- rolling members and contributions months before Illinois was districted.
Lodges, clubs, churches and individuals worked as a harmonious whole for humanity's sake that Columbia's sons and daughters who served the colors and who were absent in the flesh, but present in the spirit, would re- main away for as brief a time as possible.
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