USA > Illinois > Fayette County > History of Fayette County, Illinois > Part 15
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We give the following classification of birds into three divisions, as found in the " Transactions of the Illinois State Horticultural Society " of 1876.
let. Those of the greatest value to the fruit growers, in destroying nox- ious insects, and which should be encouraged and fostered in every way.
Blue Birds, Tit-mice or Chicaders, Warblers, (small summer birds with pleasant notes, seen in trees and gardens), Swallows, Vuros (small birds call- ed green necks) All Birds known as woodpeckers except sap-suckers (Pic- us varius.) This bird is entirely injurious, as it is not insectivorous, but feeds on the inner bark, cambium (and the elaborated sap) of many species of trees, and may be known from other Woodpeckers, by its belly being yellow- ish, a large black patch on its breast, and the top of its head a dark bright red. The males have also a patch of the same on their throats and with the minor margins of the two central tail feathers white. This bird should not be mistaken for the two other most valuable birds which it nearly resembles, to wit : The Hairy Woodpecker, (Picus villiosii et vars) ; and the Downy Woodpecker, (Picus pubescens et vars). These two species have the outer tail feathers white (or barred with black), and have only a small patch of red on the back of the head of the males. The Yellow-Hammer or Flecker, (Colaptus auratus) is somewhat colored with yellow, and should not be mistaken for the sap-sucker. It is a much larger bird. The Red-headed Woodpecker, (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), sometimes pecks into apples and devours cherries, and should be placed in the next division, (2d). The Wren, Ground Robin, (known as Cherwick), Meadow Lark, all the fly-catchers, the King Bird or bee-catcher, Whip-poor-will, Night Hawk or Goat Sucker, Nut-hatcher, Pewee or Pewit. All the Blackbirds, Botolinks, Finches, (Fringillids, Quails, Song Sparrows, Scarlet Tanager, Black, White and Brown Creepers, Maryland Warblers, Indigo Birds, Chirping Sparrow, Black-throated Bunting, Thrushes, except those named in the next class, and all domestic fowls except geese
2D .- BIRDS OF DOUBTFUL UTILITY.
Which include those which have beneficial qualities, but which have also noxious or destructive qualities in the way of destroying fruits, and whose habits are not fully determined. (Thus the Robin, Brown Thrush and Cat Bird are very valuable as cut-worm eaters, but also very obnoxious to the small fruit growers. The Jay (Blue Jay) not only destructive to grain and fruits, but very noxious in the way of destroying the nest egg and young of smaller and better birds, Robin, Brown Thrush and Cat Bird, Shrike or Butcher Bird, Red-headed Woodpecker, Jay Bird or Blue Jay, Crow and the small Owls (screech owls), Pigeons and Mocking Bird.)
3D .- BIRDS THAT SHOULD BE EXTERMINATED.
Sap-sucker, or Yellow-bellied Woodpecker, (see above), Baltimore Oriole, or Hanging Bird, Cedar Bird, or Wax-wings (Ampelis cedrorum), Hawks and the larger Owls.
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SKETCH OF THE TOWN AND TOWNSHIP OF VANDALIA.
HIS township is bounded on the north by Sharon and Sefton town- ships, east by Otego, south by Kaskaskia and Seminary, west by Bear Grove; the Kaskaskia river traverses the township from north to south almost through the centre. Several creeks also meander through the township; the principal ones are Hickory and Camp Creek.
This township is crossed by the Ill. Central R. R. from north to south and by the St. Louis V. & Terre Haute R. R. from east to west, furnishing excellent shipping facilities for farmers and business men.
CITY OF VANDALIA.
This town was surveyed an i laid out in July, 1819, by Wm. C. Greenup, Beal Greenup, and John McCullom, and was for about twenty years the seat of Government for the state. In the year 1820 the state capital re- moved here from Kaskaskia, and the village at once became a place of im- portance, and boasted a population of 2,000 people. In 1839 the capital was removed to Springfield, and Vandalia rapidly declined until its popula- tion numbered less than 500, at which figure it remained for many years .- However, on the building of the Ill. Central R. R. it began to grow in com- mercial and manufacturing importance, and bids fair to become an important and thriving city.
The location of the town is very beautiful, being upon rising ground surrounded by wooded hills. The court-house, formerly the state capital, is a fine structure of brick, 60x100 feet, and stands in the centre of a hand- some square. The Kaskaskia river flows along the east side of the town, and the main wagon road is spanned by a substantial iron bridge. The great National road from Washington has its western terminus here; the city now contains a population of upwards of 2,000, has several churches, an excellent graded school, three weekly newspapers and several well kept hotels, a number of manufacturing establishments, two banks and several fine stores. The town is adorned by a number of beautiful residences and substantial business houses.
PIONEER STORES.
The first store was owned by Wm. Kinney and carried on by Col. Charles Prentice in 1819. Soon after, Frederick Holman and Ferdinand Ernst opened a store, and Robert K. Mclaughlin began merchandising here in 1820, in a frame house, which is said to have been the first frame house built in the county. Other early merchants were Clement Fletcher and Col. Black.
PIONEER TAVERNS.
The first tavern was built and kept by John F. McCullom in the year 1819. J. F. Eckman kept the first Licensed Hotel in 1821.
George Rosemayer was the first blacksmith in Vandalia, and John Foley the first tailor.
FIRST CHURCH BUILT
In Vandalia, was termed in those days, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, managed and built by Wm. H. Brown, by subscription, about the year 1832. The building is now occupied and used by the Christian denomination.
First improved stock brought to the township was English Bred imported by Ferdinand Ernst, in 1822 or 23.
PIONEER MILL.
The first mill (saw and flouring mill), built by Lemuel Lee, on the Kas- kaskia, in 1820.
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FIRST PREACHER.
The first sermon preached in the township was by Hiram Boaz, a Baptist clergyman.
First lands entered in this township, were by
Stephen Eaton, . . of 160 acres in section 20, January 15th, 1821.
Abraham Starnes, . of 160 acres in section 20, January 15th, 1×21.
R. K. Mclaughlin, . of 220 acres in section 21, January 15th, 1821.
Wm. L. Hickerson, . of 80 acres in section 29, January 15th. 1821.
Of course there were other lands settled several years prior to the enter- ing of the above.
C. C. Wagner was the first Mayor, George Leidig the second-served three terms, James Whiteman the third Mayor, and Wm. Sonnemann the present Mayor.
VANDALIA WOOLEN MILL,
Owned and operated by A. B. West, is a large brick building, four stories in height, situated on Fifth Street, an illustration of which is given in an- other part of this work. This mill is arranged for the manufacture of jeans, flannels, blankets, and stocking yarn, the latter being a specialty at the pre- sent time. The mill is run by steam-power, and employs from ten to twelve hands. The custom work amounts to 50,000 lbs., and for export 20,000 lbs. annually. This is the only mill of the kind in operation in the city. In connection with it is a flouring mill, with two run of burrs, used for the man- ufacture of flour and meal. The building was erected in 1866 and '67, and active operations commenced therein in 1868. Previous to this time A. B. West run a mill near the depot for seventeen years-a good market for the farmers to dispose of their wool.
JERRAULD & STOLLE'S
Excelsior Plow Works. These works are situated on Fifth Street, where about 600 plows are manufactured annually. Attached is the machine- shop, where all kinds of farming implements are repaired. Adjoining is the foundry owned by H. F. Jerrauld. Steam is the motive power, and from ten to twelve hands are constantly employed.
JACOB STUTZ'
Carriage and Wugon Factory, situated north of the Depot, near the Catholic Church, has been in operation about nine years.
VANDALIA WAGON FACTORY,
C. Glosdie, owner, manufactures spring and farm wagons, situated south of the Depot on Sixth Street. Established about thirty years, formerly owned by M. Steinhaur.
GEORGE D. STEINHAUR,
Manufacturer of the Steinhaur wagon, builder of carriages, etc. Manufactory on Gallatin Street, towards the river. Established on the present premises about one year.
EGYPTIAN CHAIR WORKS.
Incorporated 1876; authorized capital, $25,000. With manufacturing facilities 850,000 a year. Chairs of all descriptions are made. Col. Sturgiss, Manager.
BREWERY BUILDING.
No longer in operation as a brewery, but being repaired by its owners, Humpler & Himmel, for distilling purposes. Will shortly be completed on Fourth Street.
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
.FRUIT DISTILLERY.
Situated on Third Street; proprietor, Chas. Humphrey. Peach, apple, and grape brandies manufactured; also apple cider. An excellent cider- press on the premises, which took the first prize at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.
FAYETTE MILL.
This is a brick building, situated on Fourth, about two blocks north of Court House Square, owned by Geo. G. Day. Has been in operation for nearly two years. This mill has two run of burrs, and is worked by steam- power. Is a custom mill, grinding wheat and corn.
JOHNSON FLOURING MILL
B. W. Henry & Bro., proprietors. This mill does an extensive trade ; is purely a merchant mill with four run of burrs. It is situated near the De- pot of the Central R. R Steam-power.
VANDALIA HIGH SCHOOL.
The following is a statement of the course of study, number of teachers and pupils, the different departments, the names of teachers and number of pupils in each department of the Vandalia Public Schools for the term ending December 21, 1877. Principal-J. D. COLLINS .*
First year; number of pupils, 40. English Grammar and Analytical Arithmetic, Algebra, Physiology, Zoology, Constitution of the United States.
Second year ; number of pupils, 9. Rhetoric, History, Latin Grammar and Reader, Geometry and Natural Philosophy.
Third year; number of pupils, 1. History. Caesar and Virgil, Book-keep- ing, Trigonometry, Botany, Astronomy, and Chemistry. Spelling is also taught in all the above classes.
Second Ward School, " A," Grammar department, J. J. Brown, teacher ; number of pupils, 35. Fourth Reader, Spelling, History of the United States, Descriptive Geography, Analytical Grammar, Algebra.
"B," Grammar department, Hugh Carroll, teacher; number of pupils "C" grade, 29. Third Reader, Spelling, Writing, Intermediate Arithmetic, Elementary Geography, Primary Grammar. Number of pupils " B" grade, 24. Same studies as "C," excepting in Reader and Geography, this grade using Fourth Reader and Descriptive Geography. Total "B" and "C" grades, 53.
Intermediate department, Eugene Conner, teacher ; number of pupils " B" grade, 27. Second Reader, Spelling, Arithmetic, Writing, Drawing. Num- ber of pupils " A" grade, 25. Studies same as " B" grade, but farther ad- vancement required in these studies.
Primary departments, Miss Nellie McCord, teacher; number of pupils "A" grade, 57. Firat Reader, Second Reader, Spelling, Number, Writing, and Drawing.
Miss Lulu Marcy, teacher; number of pupils "B" grade, 70. Same studies as in " A," except Second Reader.
Third Ward School. This school is divided into two departments, to wit, "A" and " B." Grammar and Primary, Ezra Jenkins, teacher ; number of pupils "A" and "B" grades, 51. Same studies as in "A" and " B" Gram- mar departments, Second Ward.
Primary department, Miss - Nesbit, teacher ; number of pupils "A" and "B" grade, -. Studies same as in the other Primary departments.
Declamation and Composition are required in High School and Grammar departmenta.
In the Intermediate and Primary departments Select Reading and Declamations.
The school year comprises eight months, and is divided into two terms. Examinations are held at the conclusion of each term.
TEMPERANCE LODGE NO. 16, A. F. AND A. M., VANDALIA, FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
This Lodge was chartered December 10th, A. D. 1842, A. L. 5842, and constituted on the following-named charter members: D. B Hodge, H. C. Remann, W. S. Hopkins, J. D. Gorin, Q. C. Alexander, N. M. McCurdy, and several other brethren.
The record of the first regular communication shows the following breth- ren in attendance :
* From data furnished by Prof. Carroll.
D. B. Hodge, W. M. Q. C. Alexander, Sec.
H. C. Remano, S. W. N. M. McCurdy, S. D. John R. Hall, J. W., pro tem. Wm. Hodge, J. D. J. D. Gorin, Treas. Moses Phillips, Tyler.
These faithful brethren proceeded to work under their charter. The Lodge has gradually increased up to the present date. During the working of the Lodge one hundred and eighty-two different individuals have been members thereof. The Lodge now numbers sixty-nine M. Masons and one Fellow Craft. It has for its present principal officers, Francis B. Haller, W. M .; Charles W. Higinbotom, S. W., and Elwin M. Ashcroft, J. W.
The Lodge has never been more prosperous during any year of its exist- ence than it has been the last.
VANDALIA LODGE NO. 66, A. O. U. W.
Meetings every Thursday evening at their hall in Fehren Building. S. M. Lever, Recorder. R. W. Ross, M. W.
FRIENDS' LODGE, NO. 122, I. O. O. F.
Was instituted June 1, 1853. James M. Darr, A. D. Stearns, John Hop- ton, John Waite and John M. Maloon were the charter members.
H. W. Good, County Clerk ; H. P. H. Bromwell, County Judge, and O. Hewett and G. H. Crocker, civil engineers on the I. C. R. R., were the first Initiates. H. W. Good was the first N. G., H. P. H. Bromwell, V. S., G. F. Crocker, Secretary, and O. Hewett, Treasurer. Immediately after R. F. White was elected member by card; H. F. Jerauld, T. Platt Williams, F. S. Crump, M. C. Conrony, Wm. Pearce, S. E. Goodrich, Wm. Powell, J. H. Ross, John D. Fletcher, James Cooper, John F. Mitchell, John Cooper, Jacob Burnes, by initiation. The first appointed officers were Wm. Powell, Warden; A. D. Stearns, Outside Guardian ; H. F. Jerauld, Conductor ; P. Platt Williams, Inside Guardian ; F. S. Crump, Right Supporter, and John F. Mitchell, Left Supporter to N. S .; G. E. Goodrich, R. S. S., and John Cooper, L. S. S .; J. W. Ross, Right Supporter to V. G., and Wm. Pierce, Left.
Twenty-two of its members were in the army; four were killed-E. G. Rose, at Fort Donaldson; John Johnson and F. P. Kendell, at Chicka- mauga, and D. Kendell died in the hospital.
The Lodge leases the Hall on the corner of Fifth and Gallatin streets ; have a lot in the South Hill Cemetery for burial of strangers; has now about forty active members, and its financial condition is flourishing.
VANDALIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
Report of Secretary for the first year of the Association, ending March 13, 1877.
During the month of February, 1876, a subscription list was circulated among the citizens of Vandalia, and the amount of $818 was subscribed for the purpose of instituting and maintaining a Public Library in our city.
A meeting of the subscribers was held March 10th, and adopted articles of association, and authorized application to be made to the Secretary of State for certificate of organization. Afterwards the following officers were elected for the first year : D. Palmer, President: C. G. Smith, Vice- President; T. N. Pitkin, Secretary ; E. M. Ashcraft, Corresponding Secre- tary ;, F. Remann, Treasurer, and D. M. Clark, C. R. Bassett, J. Lazarus, C. E. Clapp and R. T. Higgins, Directors; the whole constituting an Executive Committee, invested with sole care and management of the As- sociation.
The Association held another meeting April 3d, and adopted a constitu- tion under which to work, and left the adoption of by-laws and the further control of the Association in the hands of the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee held meetings from time to time, and adopted such rules and measures as would accomplish the ends of the organization.
They appointed three standing committees on library, finance and lec- tures, with authority to act as delegated by the Executive Committee.
Owing to the scarcity of money, the Treasurer was unable to make prompt collections of subscriptions, and during the excitement of the Presidential campaign little could be done. During the months of August and Sep- tember, the library committee accomplished considerable towards engaging and fitting up a room for the use of the Association as a library and reading- room, and by order of the Executive Committee leased a room on the second floor of the Fehren Block, and during the months of September and Novem- ber made selections, and, from time to time, purchases of books, which were labelled, numbered and catalogued; and on Tuesday, December 12th, the
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Library and Reading-room was opened for the use of the public, under the rules and restrictions as adopted by the Executive Committee; and at the end of the first year of organization, the Association found itself in pos- session of a well situated, comfortable room, well provided with carpet, chairs, tables, stove, reading-rack and files, and two large book-cases, with a catalogue of books as follows :- History 58 vols; Biography 16 vols; Poetry 14; Travels 14; Fiction 236; Miscellany 18; total 339 vols. There has also been furnished by the Government, Surveys, Reports, Statutes, etc., 17 vols ; also has been contributed 16 weekly papers and 3 daily papers.
There has been collected on the subscription list $755.15; amount still due, $68.50. There has been paid out by the treasurer for book-cases, reading- racks, carpeting, chairs, stands, etc, $152.30; for charter fee, printing ex- press labels, binding, expense, $70.65 ; for books and magazines, $410.97. Respectfully submitted.
T. N. PITKIN, SEC'Y.
Since making the last report the library receipts have been sufficient to pay off our indebtedness. There is also a fund of about $50 00 in the hands of the Lecture Committee, to be used for their own purposes. The date of incorporation was March 15, 1876. The total number of volumes now will go over 500.
OFFICERS FOR 1877-78.
R. T. Higgins, President; Mies Sarah Gregory, Vice-President ; T. N. Pitkin, Secretary ; Miss Lulu Marcy, Corresponding Secretary; J. A. Gor- dos, Treasurer.
Directors .- D. Palmer, F. M. Eckard, C. R Bassett, J. Fouke. Library Committee .- D. Palmer, Chairman ; T. N. Pitkin, F. Remann. Finance Committee .- J. Fouke, F. M Eckard. Lecture Committee .- D. M. Clark, C R. Bassett.
Vandalia Literary Society was organized Dec. 1st, 1876, by G. B. Chapin, W. M. Farmer, W. M. Critchton, J. P. Van Dorstan, B. H. Chapman, B. F. Shipley, J. J. Brown, Ralph Palmer, B. W. Henry, Chas. H. Smith.
First Officers, Dec. 1st, '76-President, G. B. Chapin; Vice-President, C. H. Smith; Secretary, Mrs. S. A. Taylor; Treasurer, R. Palmer; Chaplain, J. J. Brown.
Present Oficers, Jan. 18th, 1878 .- President, J. J. Brown; Vice-President H. Carroll ; Secretary, C. L. Johnson ; Treasurer, W. H. Gardenhire; Chaplain, B. H. Chapman.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
J. Boukefor
JACOB FOUKE, JR. is the fourth child of Jacob and Catherine (McNall) Fouke, and was born December 25th, 1836, at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. His father was a Virginian, and was married in Washington City, in 1830. In 1840, he removed with his family to Bond County, where they remained but a short time; removing thence to Madison County, subsequently to Bellville, St. Clair County, and finally to Philadelphia, where some
members of the family still reside. Young Fouke left home in 1850 in quest of a fortune. His first effort in that direction, was in railroading, which he followed but a short time. In 1852 he went to Greenville, where for a time he was employed in . store operated by Thomas W. Smith & Co. The winter of 1853 and '54 he spent at home, returning to Greenville in the spring of the latter year, when he commenced reading law, under instruction of Tevis Greathouse. In 1855 he was ad- mitted to practice. The same year he went to Shelby County and engaged in teaching school. Febuary 15th, 1856, he landed in Vandalia, which place he had selectel for his future home. The year following he was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he continued holding until 1861, when he received the nomination by the Democracy, for County Judge. He was elected and filled the position four years, at the expiration of which he commenced the practice of his profession, in partnership with the Hon. B. W. Henry. In 1868 was the democratic candidate for the state senate, in the district composed of the counties of Fayette, Bond, Marion, Clinton, Perry and Washington, and was defeated. In 1870 he was elected a member of the legislature, applying himself assiduously to the twofold duties of ex- pounder and maker of the law. After his return from Springfield, he devoted his entire time to his practice, until 1877, when he was again nominated for County Judge, and was elected without opposition. On June 14th, 1859, Judge Fouke was married to Miss Mary C. Prentice, a true Christian lady, and the daughter of Col. Prentice, of Vandalia. She died March 18th, 1865, after a brief illness, at her residence in Vandalia. The career of Judge Fouke needs no commendation; it is only necessary to peruse the foregoing facts, to arrive at an accurate and commendable opinion of his character and ability.
COL. FREDERICK REMANN (DECEASED),
WAS a Estive of Rieden, a city of Hanover, Germany. He was born April 10, 1807. His parents emigrated to America, arriving at Vandalia in 1820. They were members of the " Ernst Colony." About two years after their arrival the father of Col. Remann died. His widow survived him many years. The early advantages of Mr. R. when a boy were extremely limited; but by his own indefatigable industry he succeeded in acquiring a good practical education, which served him in all the varied details of life. His was a busy life; active, energetic, and industrious, united with a sound
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. ILLINOIS
judgment. These traits of character are ever the sure precursor of success. On reaching the years of manhood, he had accumulated some real estate. During the Black-Hawk war, in the year 1832, he enlisted and served during the campaign. He was appointed Division Quartermaster, and commissioned with the rank of Colonel. He served with credit. Being of very frugal habits, at the expiration of the war he found himself in the possession of about five hundred dollars in gold, which he invested in land. purchasing a farm, where the village of Hagerstown is now located. In 1833 he opened a grocery store in Vandalia, which he carried on some five or six years. He moved to Hagerstown about the year 1843, where he resided until about 1855, when he returned to Vandalia, and engaged in general merchandising.
Col. Remann married Mies Julia A., the daughter of the late Col. Wm. C. Greenup, of Vandalia, who was a native of Kentucky ; his wife of Connecti- cut. Col. Greenup was for many years a prominent man in the county and State. He was a gentleman noted for his generous and social qualities. The Colonel and family were among the earliest settlers at Kaskaskis, Ill., and came to Vandalia on the removal of the State capital. By the above union Mr. and Mrs. Remann had born to them seven children, five of whom died in infancy. Their daughter Julia died in 1863 when fourteen years of age. The only child of that marriage now surviving is the Hon. Fred. Remanu.
The business of Col. Remaun, during his long and eventful life, was varied in its character, yet marked by that rectitude and honesty which characterized his whole life. He was for many years a devout and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. He was the friend of the poor and needy, and was charitable to those he believed to be deserving. He had, however, little sympathy for the sluggard or the drunkard, or those unwill- ing to do for themselves. In politics he was in early life a Whig, and an ardent admirer of Henry Clay, its illustrious champion. He was elected as the candidate of that party to a seat in the legislature of Illinois, filling the position with distinction and honor to himself. After the dissolution of the Whig party, he readily and heartily identified himself with the Republican party. Col. Remann was one of the sixty-six men in Fayette County who in 1856 cast their ballots for John C. Fremont. He was always an active and prominent member of his party, and was frequently selected by his poli- tical friends as their standard-bearer.
During the late Rebellion he was a staunch and out-spoken Union man, and did everything in his power to aid the authorities in suppressing the rebellion. At that period in the history of his county it cost something to be a Union man ; but he never lacked the moral or physical courage to stand up and defend the principles he loved so well; and in the time of her peril the country of his adoption had in him a staunch friend. He did much by his advice and sound judgment to allay the prejudice existing in Fayette County as to the measures employed by the general Government in putting down the rebellion.
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